haranami

Location: RythLink Office

Eichi: Hold on just a moment, I don’t understand this. Kiryuu-kun killed someone? But that’s impossible…

Keito: Kiryuu, you explained that too poorly — now Eichi and Anzu are confused.

The truth is, we both had a hand in the creation of this plan.

Kuro: ‘Course, it ain't like I actually killed someone.

Tenshouin. You know that RhythLink has been funnelin’ their resources into dramas and movies and stuff, don’t cha?

Eichi: Hm? Yes, I’m aware that RhythLink’s idols are more on the traditional side. They’ve promoted those old forms of media for years and years now.

Could this possibly be an attempt at method acting?

Kuro: Haha, I’d expect nothin’ less from you. You sure are quick on the uptake.

You’re right, I’m playin’ the role of a murderer on a late night drama right now.

A youngster who used to be a delinquent gets caught up in an issue from his past… Then he gets his hands dirty, but he needs to hide the truth.

I tried too hard to get into character; apparently, I was glarin’ the whole time. If I kept that up, it’d be too obvious that I was the culprit, right?

I’ve accepted the job already, so I can’t go and ruin the audience’s fun.

That’s why I tried to get used to the feeling of bein’ a criminal by workin’ with you and lyin’ through my teeth all day.

Keito: After all, you think about the most devilish things with a pleasant smile on your face, Eichi. If I made you team up with Kiryuu, I thought he might learn that skill as well.

I’d be able to reprimand you for stealing my doujinshi, and Kiryuu would find the experience useful for his acting. It was two birds with one stone.

Eichi: Hm... Was Mikejima-kun in on this too?

Kuro: Yeah, Mikejima was happy to lend me a hand.

Lies and truths, pretense and presence — you and Mikejima have got all that stuff down pat. I’m a straightforward guy, so I figured there was a lot I could learn from you.

Eichi: I see. He’s awful, too… Thanks to him, I spent the entire day getting toyed around with.

Hmm? Is it that amusing to see me get led around by the nose like this, Anzu-chan?

Oh, that’s true. Now that you mention it, this is similar to the ploy I executed during the filming of Fist of the Shangri-La idol. I suppose I got my comeuppance.

Keito: Did you just realize this?

I erred from the very start. When Kiryuu approached me, I shouldn’t have proposed to use this plan as a way to teach you a lesson.

Eichi: On the contrary, I was only able to realize that I got my just desserts because I was put into this situation.

If we were playing the Werewolf game that's been ever so popular in the dorms, nothing of the sort would have happened. You didn't err in the slightest.

I do have confidence in the sharpness of my instincts, but I certainly can't constantly be suspicious of the people around me — my nerves would get far too frayed.

And, above all, today is Eichi Day. My heart is in a state of tranquility.

As a result, I had this realization rather late. You delivered a splendid performance, Kiryuu-kun.

Kuro: Thanks, Tenshouin. I managed to fool a guy like you, so I feel a lil' more confident now.

Eichi: Fufu, then do give me a demonstration. I’m already in this neck-deep; I'd feel rather lonely if I, an essential part of the plan, were the only one left out of the loop.

Keito: How dare you talk high and mighty about camaraderie after taking my doujinshi! I should have given you more of a scolding—

Eichi: Ahaha. Aren't you aware that both your enemies and allies are co-actors standing on the same stage as you?

Keito: You're absolutely shameless… You really do need to reflect more!

Kuro: Calm down a lil', Hasumi no Danna. I dunno the full story, but it looks like today's an important holiday for Tenshouin — Eichi Day or somethin'.

Let's just call it even.

Keito: Hmph. As per Kiryuu's request, I'll let you off this time… but I won't be so lenient in the future.

More importantly, you must have learnt something from observing Eichi up close. You should try acting like a man with ulterior motives again.

Kuro: You're right; I'll give my lines another shot.

Ah~ Ahem, ahem. (Clears his throat.)

"What didja say!? He got murdered!?”

“You're right, I was close with him — keyword was. That was 5 years ago now.”

“We’ve long since drifted apart. Detective, you said you were here to investigate. Do you really think I'm a suspect?"

Keito: You're still glaring. Are you going to be okay, Kiryuu?

Eichi: …Ahaha. Well, it certainly isn't that easy.

But that's simply another aspect of life. There's no panacea to all our problems; hard work and effort are valuable precisely because we can't achieve great feats without struggle.

I'm cheering you on. Best of luck at the recording.

Kuro: Yeah, I plan on doin' whatever I can.

I dragged a lotta people into my mess. I needa make this into a show so great I can say everythin' that happened today wasn't a waste.

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