Location: Dance Room

Keito: How incorrigible. Why on earth are you suddenly adding new characters to the story this late in the game? We’ll be performing the musical this weekend.

Leo: I couldn’t help it~ My pen just moved on its own!

But it’s okay! I know you’ll be able to do it, Keito! I’m cheering you on! Ah, I’ll even compose a cheer for you — something that’ll give you tons of energy~♪

Keito: I have no need for such things. I reject this script. We’ll continue to use the version we have been up until now.

Leo:
No, no! I couldn’t stand releasing an incomplete work of art into the world! We’re deeefinitely using this version of the script — no ifs, ands or buts! Grrrr!

Tomoya: Um… In terms of content, I think the script that we just received is better.

Leo: Riiight? You get it, Shiro! Alriiight, I’m gonna give you a buncha pats ♪

Tomoya: Please don’t pat me like a dog…! Uuu, my hair’s a mess now.

We don’t have enough actors for this script, though. And even if I tried to ask around, we don’t really have much time…

Wataru:
In that case, we’ll have Anzu-san fill in the extra role for us.

Tomoya: …Huh?

Keito:
What nonsense do you think you’re spouting? Look, Anzu’s rather perplexed as well.

Wataru: I don’t believe there are any issues with this plan. In terms of her lines and songs, I’ll support her with my vocal mimicry skills should she falter.

All you need to do is move in synchrony with me atop the stage. Will you allow me to request this of you?
I assure you that there is no need to worry. Now, we haven’t much time — allow me, Hibiki Wataru, to meticulously train you.

And so the hunter becomes the hunted. Or, in this case, the observed becomes the observer, I suppose? Fufufu…☆

Scene Change: Theater



(After the musical ends)

Tomoya: Thank you for your hard work. The musical was a huge hit because of you, Anzu-san.

…You think it’s more thanks to Hibiki-senpai than yourself? I thought your acting was really good, though.

But, yeah, you’re right. I have a feeling this performance wouldn’t have been a success without Hibiki-senpai.

Normally, he just bugs me — he’s just the annoying Masked Pervert.

But I really do respect him when it comes to his acting skills, or the part of him that’s an entertainer who can make people happy.

I’m not just gonna admire him, though. One day, I'm gonna catch up to his distant back…

As an actor, I wanna be his equal in the truest sense of the word.

Ah, but keep this all secret, okay? I don’t even wanna think about what Hibiki-senpai would say if he heard me—

Wataru: You called?

Tomoya: Uwaah!? W-When did you get here…? Were you listening to that?

Wataru: To what, pray tell?

Tomoya: N-No, it’s nothing. Good, I guess you really didn’t hear. I’m gonna go see Hokuto-senpai, bye!

Wataru: Oh? It almost appeared as if he were running away from me.

In any case, I truly thank you for obliging my sudden request for you to perform with us, Anzu-san. Please accept this bouquet…☆

Now, why are you thanking me? …You realized which direction you wanted to take the Personalized Outfit due to this performance?

Ah, so you drew up a design right after the show ended. Do allow me to take a look…

Hoho, I see you used clowns as the central motif… It's very eye-catching. Did my form — the vision of me performing as an entertainer atop the stage — leave such a strong impression on you?

Amazing! The ideal I seek is to become an entertainer who brings happiness and laughter to people. Thank you very much for designing an ensemble that aligns with my wishes☆

And I assure you that this isn’t flattery — not in the slightest. I, too, believed that such a design would be perfect for me. As proof of that statement…

Could I have you flip over the message card that came with the bouquet I just gave you?

A picture is drawn on it, correct? The red and green coloring, the three-pronged tailcoats, the frills on the sleeves… Oh my, I have a feeling we’ve seen something like this before ♪

What a truly wonderful coincidence for us to have drawn the same image. Perhaps we have some sort of telepathic connection?

Fufufu. Your eyes have gone wide; you appear to be quite shocked. It looks like my surprise was a great success.

Naturally, I didn’t secretly peek at your design at all. I’m sure you’re aware of the fact that I was almost constantly on stage during the performance.

And I had been sending off the audience members until only just recently; I didn’t have the time to draw something like this.

“In that case, when did you draw it,” you ask? I’m afraid I can’t tell you that. It wouldn’t be very interesting for me to reveal all the secrets behind my tricks so easily, now would it?

There are times when secrets should be left that way, unexposed.

If you simply must know the answer, why don’t you continue to gather material on me? Please observe me closely until my Personalized Outfit is fully completed.

And, thus, let us work together to create the image of myself reflected in your eyes — the image that depicts me exactly as I am…♪

Previous Chapter
Location: Reception Room


Eichi: …And here are the designs for the garments that will be revealed at our next live.

Why are you averting your eyes, Anzu-chan? It’s perfectly alright for you to look at these documents.

You’ve obtained official permission to attend this fine meeting. You’re something like a guest to us; I’d like for you to make yourself at home.

Wataru: …(Makes a ton of flowers appear from his hands)

Eichi: Well, then, I’ll return to discussing the outfits. I was told that there is a possibility we won’t be able to fit into them should our physiques undergo some type of change. Do let me know if you believe such a thing has happened; your measurements will have to be retaken.

Tori: I wonder if I should get mine retaken?

Yuzuru: Have you gained weight by any chance, Young Master? Perhaps you’ve been gobbling down sweets behind my back…

Wataru: …(Changes the flowers into little flags)

Tori: Nuh-uh. I’ve just been more conscientious about working out and stuff, so I think I might’ve put on some muscle.

Eichi-sama, could you request a measurement retake for me?

Eichi: But of course. It would be wonderful to see the fruits of your efforts materialize.

Wataru:
…(Spreads a bunch of confetti around)

Tori: Yup ♪ By the way, Long Lo— Hibiki-senpai. What’ve you been doing this whole time?

You’ve been completely silent, but you keep on pulling out flowers and flags or throwing around confetti and stuff — I seriously can’t concentrate on the meeting anymore.

Wataru: Please pay me no mind; this is simply an act of gratitude towards Anzu-san!

Tori: Gratitude~?

Wataru: Indeed, or perhaps this is something akin to a puzzle I am giving her. Around when Anzu-san began the quest to create my Personalized Outfit, I posed her a challenge.

I told her that I wanted her to express the Hibiki Wataru reflected in her eyes through her design…

How do I look to her — do you not consider that to be a fascinating question? Am I an idol, singing and dancing atop a stage? A magician who bewilders his audience?

Or perhaps a Masked Pervert, as Hokuto-kun is wont to call me? A clown that plays the fool and jests?

Eichi: I see, you’ll be able to understand how she views you through the design she comes up with.

How very interesting…♪ I eagerly await its completion, Anzu-chan.

Tori: I heard that Anzu was the one who requested to gather more info on you, but don’t bother her too much. Got that, Hibiki-senpai?

Eichi: And, with that, our meeting has come to an end. I’ll be staying behind to finish off some work, but everyone else is free to do whatever they’d desire.

Wataru: Understood. I am reluctant to part with you, but I have a Dramatica practise session I must attend; I’ll be taking my leave here.

However, should you ever find yourself in a bind, you need do nothing more than whisper my name. I shall appear faster than even the wind itself to save you, Eichi…☆

Eichi:
Thank you, you’re very reliable.

Yuzuru: I shall remain here as well to assist Eichi-sama in his work. What would you like to do, Young Master?

Tori: Um… I’m gonna tag along with Anzu and Hibiki-senpai.

His personal life is still shrouded in way too many mysteries, after all. And I wanna know more about what kinda person he is.

Wataru: Amazing! I’ll have the company of not one, but two wondrous people. To commemorate, allow me to make more flowers appear from thin air…☆ [1]

Tori: Just what are you celebrating for? Actually, don’t even answer that — just stop flooding the room with flowers already~!

Scene Change: Resting Room


Tori: Sniff, sniff… I smell some freshly baked bread.

Now that I think of it, I’m kinda hungry. Maybe I’ll get a little snack to go—

Unyaaa!?

Uuu~ I was just about to slip on a banana peel. Thanks for catching me, Anzu.

Geez. Just who decided to leave a banana peel here~?!

Wataru: If you are inquiring as to who did this, allow me to answer thusly: the culprit is none other than your very own Hibiki Wataru…☆

In order to keep Anzu-san entertained as she continues to gather material on me, I have planted a number of surprises all throughout ES.

It is but a paltry gift, but I do hope you enjoy it to your heart’s content…♪

Tori: You’re such a menace! I wonder if I can even reach the bread unscathed… I’ve gotta keep my guard up as I walk.

I’ll go in front, so you just stay behind me, Anzu.

Wataru:
Amazing! The idea of sacrificing yourself for the sake of that which you hold dear is absolutely wonderful!

Tori: Shut uuup. We wouldn’t even have to do all this if you didn’t set up all these surprises, Long Locks.
I’m gonna move forward little by liittle…

Huh, nothing’s really happening…?

Wataru: Fufufu. This, too, is an aspect of surprises. Did you enjoy the sensation of your heart racing as you wondered whether something would happen or not?

Tori: There’s no way I’d enjoy that. Uuu, that was exhausting…

At least I can finally eat my bread. I wonder which one I should get~

Huh? Are you just gonna have tea and cookies, Hibiki-senpai? Now that I think of it, you never really eat proper food, huh?

Wataru: That isn’t the case at all — please take a look at this.



Tori: Eeeh, what is this!?

Wataru: What, you ask? Why, it is a photo of Eichi and I. We took it just last weekend on Eichi Day.

Tori: Thanks, I can see that! Oi, Long Locks, I can’t believe you shared a private meal with Eichi-sama! That’s way too unfair!

What does this even mean, though? You can only eat proper meals when you’re with Eichi-sama?

Wataru: I wonder? If you’d like to deepen your knowledge about my eating habits, why don’t you stick by my side for the entire day?

Tori: No way! You’re just gonna toy with me, aren’t you?

Anzu, why’re you taking down notes so passionately? There’s nothing you can glean from this conversation that’ll help you with the Personalized Outfit, you know.

Wataru: Not at all! She may be able to gain more from this exchange than you would expect. We idols are beings who turn our very faces into commercial products; perhaps she could design me a coat or such that would have your face printed all over it, Himegimi…☆

Tori: That’s an awful design idea! Anzu, don’t you dare write that down~!

Next Chapter


Translation notes:

1. Wataru uses an idiom that literally means "to hold flowers in both of your hands" so he at least has a good reason to throw out flowers here.

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