Written by: Akira
Timeline: Spring
Pride and Prejudice
Chapter 1
> Sports grounds
Makoto: "(pant, pant)…
I-I give! I can’t run anymore! Break time!"
(My stamina has really taken a blow…
Trickstar has been at the top of its popularity lately—I might’ve took it too much for the ride, even more than I realized.
Ah, no. Maybe I was unconsciously putting on brakes… because if we get too popular, things might end up like back when I was a kid model.
If that’s what this is, then I’m hopeless. I haven’t changed, neither have I grown…
I should have been reborn as a new me, thanks to everyone in Trickstar and Transfer student-chan—and yet.
If I come to a standstill here, I’ll just be repeating history.)
"…All right. I’ll give it another shot, with my all.
First, let’s start by building some stamina, like Oogami-kun told me!
A few more laps around the sports grounds, then I’ll move onto muscle training! Until the Spring Music Festival starts, I should at least restore the same amount of strength I’ve lost!
Go for it, Makoto! Don’t lose, Makoto! Hip-hip-hurray! ♪"
Arashi: “Oh? Yuuki-kun, what are you doing over there?”
Makoto: "Wahya!?
Ah—Ooh… It’s you, Narukami-kun. Hello♪"
Arashi: "Hello~♪
Ufufu. You address me like a stranger. Instead of ‘Narukami-kun’, going with ‘Arashi’ is fine, you know? ‘Onee-chan’ or ‘Naruko-chan’ are also welcome♪"
Makoto: "Mm… Things have gotten a little perilous between Trickstar and Knights after DDD a while back, so…
Wouldn’t it be bad for us to call each other by nicknames and act like we’re friends?"
Arashi: "Oh, you speak of the topic like it’s not your problem. But anyway, I’d like to have the sports grounds cleared so I can clean up…
It’s about time for the school to close, too. Can you do some yoga at home instead if you really want to do sports?"
Makoto: "Ah, sorry; it’s already that late…?
Narukami-kun, so you were cleaning after the sports grounds.
Is it an ‘on-campus part time’? I heard Knights has been doing nothing but that recently…"
Arashi: "Nuh-huh. I’m part of the Track Club, you see.
Club activities are mostly on break before the school festival, but I have my reason to be training and getting my body to shape.
So I took the initiative to do some jogging and stuffs. In our Track Club, there’s rule that the person who uses the sports grounds last has to clean up♪
But that aside, you can’t be sprawling at a place like this!
It’s still pretty chilly; you might catch a cold. Not to mention, you’ll dirty your clothes."
Makoto: “Ah, that’s okay! It’s just jersey, anyway! The sort of clothes I don’t mind dirtying♪”
Arashi: "No, no. That doesn’t make it any less of a handful to wash, right?
Jerseys might be long-lasting, but you have to take care of your clothes, or they’ll soon go to waste."
Makoto: “I guess that’s true. Ahaha, Narukami-kun, you say the exact same things as Izumi-san.”
Arashi: "Well, I talk to him the most in the unit. I’ve known him for pretty long too, so it can’t be helped that I took some of his habits.
You, though, aren’t like Izumi-chan at all, are you?"
Makoto: “Nope… He took care of me in the past, but we were separated for longer. Even if he influenced me some, they’re probably erased with time.”
Arashi: "That makes him sound like a contaminant. He’ll be furious to hear that, you know. Heavens forbid that♪
…Please don’t hate Izumi-chan too much, if you can.
I don’t think he’s such a weakling a little mental stress leaves him in disorder, but I still feel sorry, when I see him."
Makoto: "Uh, rather than hating him, I’m scared because I don’t get him… Why is that person so insistent on getting involved with me?
Even though he was cruel enough to lock me up…
He just casually appeared in front of my house in the morning and said, _Yuu-kuuun, let’s go to school together_♪, you know? That’s practically psychopathic!
I don’t get him. Really. I don’t know how you can get along okay with that person, Narukami-kun."
Arashi: "Oh, I’m not okay, believe me. He drives me nuts♪
Wait, now it sounds like we’re talking behind his back.
My, this isn’t good… Recently, I’ve been doing nothing but volunteers to restore Knights’ name; it must be the pent-up stress getting to me.
Well, we’re reaping what we sown. Ah geez, this is bad for my skin…
At least on the day of the Fashion Show, I want to look more beautiful than anyone else."
Makoto: "Aah, I heard Knights is participating on the Fashion Show for the Festival Eve, is that right?
Izumi-san said something like _Yuu-kun, let’s walk on the runway together_♪, so I know."
Arashi: "No; rather than Knights, it’s more that I took the job personally, for myself. I have reasons as to why I can’t refuse.
Is Trickstar going to perform on the Festival Eve?"
Makoto: "Yeah. We’ll perform in this event called the Spring Music Festival. We’re teaming up with UNDEAD to form a jazz band, and we’re going to play some instruments there.
I thought gaining some stamina should be the first step, so I’ve just been thoughtlessly running laps around the sports grounds.
…Oops. Sorry. Maybe I’m holding you up.
All that talking refreshed me, so I can help with cleaning up, if you want?
It must be tough to do it by yourself, Narukami-kun♪"
Arashi: "Oh my, thank you. You’re such a good boy. I can see why the seniors like you.
I was always bad at that… hence people tend to think of me like a cheeky, shitty brat who wouldn’t listen to his seniors."
Chapter 2
> Rooftop
Izumi: “Nggh… Yuu-kuuun, how could you be talking so friendlily with Naru-kun!? Why!? And yet, you’re always blatantly avoiding me, your Onii-chan!”
(Aargh, geez. Soooo irritating. I came to the rooftop for a change of pace, but instead I got to see something I’d rather not! I feel sick.
While I can just harass Naru-kun tomorrow to vent, how will you pay for this, Yuu-kun?
Should I cross-examine him by asking ‘You were so friendly with Naru-kun, but why wouldn’t you even talk to me’?
But that’s just so pathetic, you think my pride will allow that?)
“Aaaargh geez! I’m so ticked off! This world isn’t kind to me…!”
Madara: “Ohh? I spy with my little eye: Izumi-san! [An unlikely encounter brought by fate]—what a wonderful chance meeting… Hahahaha☆”
Izumi: "Uegh, Mikejima… You’re still hanging around the school? It’s closing time soon, you know?
Well, not that you were ever the type to follow the rules…
It’s because you were such a troublemaker that the school didn’t like you and banished you."
Madara: "Hahaha. If it’s about the exchange program, I asked to be picked for the part, you knooow!
It was quite the wonderful experience, too. Like they say, life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine, right?"
Izumi: “You sure love your aphorisms… sooooo annoying! What, trying to show off how you’re a man of principles?”
Madara: "Hahaha. What’s wrooong? You seem to be ticked off? OK, OK, come at me! You can vent on me all you like!
I’ll receive all of it! Hakkeyoi! Nokotta, nokotta[1]…☆"
Izumi: “What’s with you? So obnoxious. I’m feeling down right now so don’t talk to me! Aah, I’m so ticked off! Shoo-shoo!”
Madara: "You’re as wild as a cat on mating season…
I came up to the rooftop because I was tired too, so I don’t have the stamina to argue with you. I hope you’ll forgive me, Izumi-san.
Everything Izumi-san said and did was right, and I was very wrong. Hence, I’ll reflect on it and apologize. It’s my loss.
And that’s that. The end…♪"
Izumi: “You. You’re always so quick to back down, and unconditionally, too… If you’re a boy like me, you’ve got to fight for things sometimes. Damn defeatist.”
Madara: "Hahaha. Maybe it’s just like boys to be bothered by things like victory and defeat. But I think while getting along can be more difficult than arguing, that’s precisely why it’s worth it!
Don’t you think so, Izumi-saan?"
Izumi: “Urgh, you’re making my head hurt. I don’t know how ‘Leo-kun’ could be friends with someone like you.”
Madara: "Hahaha. Curiously enough, we really hit it off.
Leo-san always sees the good in people.
He’ll confidently say ‘I love you!’ to anyone, so to be friends with him, all one has to do is open up, and accept that.
It’s because that’s what Leo-san is like, that even the twisted Izumi-san could be friends with him, no?"
Izumi: “Hmph… I don’t want you sticking around me any longer than this, so I’ll be going. You should go home soon, too.”
Madara: “That sounds great, but I’ve got a mountain of work waiting, see. I’m planning to ask the teachers for permission so I can work until late tonight.”
Izumi: “Aah… You’re single-handedly producing the Festival Eve, I heard?”
Madara: "Yep. I’m administrating the whole thing, including the school festival itself.
To be more precise though, I’m acting as an assistant to bridge the Producer—Anzu-san—and the teachers and student council.
Anyway, I looove festivals and all that racket, after all! So I practically interfered into something that had nothing to do with me, hahahaha☆
The teachers have left us to ourselves under the claim of treasuring student autonomy…
While the student council recently experienced a painful loss, which dropped their unifying force. They’re not free to make a move.
And what’s left is the lone producer, who’s still just a weak girl.
Someone has to support her from the shadows—and for now, I think that’s my role.
Because I’m not in any unit, I have the freedom to move; I also have the time to.
Even back then, Anzu-san was always the type to keep everything to herself. I’m worried."
Izumi: “…? Mikejima, you knew that ‘amateur’ from before?”
Madara: “Yeah. Though we were kindergarteners back then, and she doesn’t remember me…♪”
Izumi: "Hmm… Well, you’re a perfect superman who can do everything, so I guess things will be fine.
In the past, you were treated as the go-to for every problem, weren’t you?"
Madara: "Hahaha. That’s overestimating me. I just inherited all the tricks Rei-san cultivated, is all.
Of course I’m trying my best to be an ‘omnipotent helper’ like Rei-san is.
Anyone will be relieved to know there’s someone to depend on when they’re in trouble.
Although I couldn’t find a place for me anywhere, at least I want to become… ‘a comfortable place to go’, without turning away anybody.
Like everyone’s Mama, you know? I know I have a long way to go, though."
Izumi: "Hmn~…. Then how about leaving some of your jobs on us Knights? We’ve been pretty much acting like a helper troupe lately.
I’m already set to appear on the Fashion Show Naru-kun selfishly accepted, though.
Kasa-kun is still green, while Kuma-kun is apathetic, so it’s just me and Naru-kun appearing with the two of us.
I think if it’s just one easy job, those two kids on stand-by can settle it for you."
Madara: "Hahaha! Thanks for the kind offer♪
Things are going okay for now, but I’ll be sure to depend on you when I need it!
Let’s help each other in times of needs—then we’ll be a ‘team’ that overwhelms even the strongest ‘individuaal’!
That’s the normal in Yumenosaki Academy now, right? It might take some time for me to get used to it…♪"
Chapter 3
> Corridor
Makoto: "Here I go, Transfer student-chan.
♪♪♪
~…♪
~♪ ~♪ ~♪
W-What do you think? I tried playing one song with the tambourine… H-How was it? Let me hear your objective opinion as a producer!
Ahaha… Transfer student-chan is innocently clapping her hands and praising how good I am.
I’m happy to hear that, but I need you to properly tell me where I’m doing wrong.
Fufu. It seems you’re not too good at that sort of thing, Transfer student-chan.
Everyone in Trickstar is really kind too, despite words. No matter how crappy my performance was, they’d still look for something to praise.
But then Oogami-kun would put me down in the most heartbreaking way possible…
I wish there’s someone who would keep the balance, pointing out my flaws and giving me the correct advice.
Sakuma-senpai fits the bill, but he’s something of a unifying leader for both of us Trickstar and UNDEAD until the Spring Music Festival.
He’s everyone’s Sakuma-senpai. I can’t have him dealing with just me.
Hmm? What is it, Transfer student-chan? I’m sorry, you say?
Now, why are you saying sorry? It’s a wonderful thing, to be able to put yourself in others’ shoes and be kind. In reality, polishing others’ talent by praising what they do is ideal.
But see, if I’m endorsed too much, I think I’ll turn into a hopeless guy…♪
Fufu. Well, anyway. I’ll be going to the Light Music Clubroom to practice for Spring Music Festival. Transfer student-chan, you should drop by to see how we’re doing if you’re free.
I can safely say everyone will be happy to see you. Of course, that includes me.
Umm… Because we were doing other things along the way, I can’t really tell, but… we’re done with all of our class duties, right?
Now we just have to give the class journal to Sagami-sensei.
Yeah, good work to you too~♪
Because there was always everyone else, we don’t have much time to talk with just the two of us like this, so I’m happy I could have you for myself today, Transfer student-chan.
Class duty is a pain, but this one’s lucky~♪"
Madara: “Ooi! Anzu-san! I can hear your voice! Are you over thereee?”
Makoto: “Uhya?! Transfer student-chan, what’s wrong? Why are you hiding behind me?”
Madara: "Excuse meeeeeee☆
Ooh? Huuh? Was it my mistakee? I’m pretty sure I heard Anzu-san’s voice coming from over here. Hmmm?"
Makoto: “Uh… Mikejima-senpai, was it? Do you need something from 2-A?”
Madara: “Ooh? If my memory serves, you’re Makoto-san from the Game Research Club, right?”
Makoto: “Ah, I dropped out of the Game Club. Stuffs happened, and now I’m a member of the Tennis Club~♪”
Madara: "Oh-hoh! I see, I see. It’s nice to remain a wanderer, while you’re still young!
Try your hands on everything until you find something just for you! Hahaha☆
That aside! Makoto-san, have you seen Anzu-san around by chance? I have something I’d like to ask heer♪"
Makoto: "Eh? Anzu… Ah, you mean Transfer student-chan.
(whispers) Umm, hello… He’s calling for you~… Transfer student-chan?
Whoa, whoa! Don’t hide yourself under my blazer! Are you some kind of small animal, Transfer student-chan!?"
(S-Somehow it seems like… Transfer student-chan is afraid of Mikejima-senpai? I took her for a spunky girl who wouldn’t falter at the face of most people, though…
Ahaha. She’s trembling. This side of her might be refreshingly cute, too♪
No, wait, I shouldn’t be watching in comfort! Umm, let’s see, what to do… What should I do at a time like this?
For now, I can try talking our way out of this?)
“E-Excuse me! Mikejima-senpai, what is it do you need from Transfer student-chan?”
Madara: "Transfer student-chan? So that’s what she’s usually called! To be called by a nickname is proof she’s getting along with everybody!
Great, great! Since Anzu-san is such a shy kid, I was worried she wasn’t making any friends! Hahaha☆
That aside! While it doesn’t seem Anzu-san is here, I’ll say this just in case:
If you don’t show yourself soon, I’ll expose your embarrassing secrets from kindergarten, Anzu-san!☆"
Makoto: “Oh. I might want to hear that.”
Madara: "Oh-hoh? So you’ve finally shown yourself, Anzu-san! [How ludicrous]! Were you trying to hide? You can’t trick my eyes, you knoow?
Come here, come over here~ Let’s go with Mama♪
I have things I need your help on. There have been some troubles with the Festival Eve plans, you see…
I was away for some time, so I’m not too familiar with the school’s current institution.
Hence, I’d love to borrow some wisdom from Anzu-san, said to be the up-and-coming produceer!
Let’s go together! Of course, I won’t force you if you have something else to do, though.
Could it be you were in the middle of going on a date with Makoto-san?
Well, you guys looked so friendly with each other, hahaha☆ Are you dating him? Introduce your boyfriend to Mama!
Hmm? You’re not Mama, you say?
[How unfortunate]! You say some very sad things, Anzu-san.
I wonder if you’re having your rebellious phase… but that means you’re starting to bloom into a full person, which is something to celebrate! Hahaha☆"
Makoto: (W-What is this, I wonder? I don’t really get what he’s saying, but it seems Mikejima-senpai… has some sort of complicated connection with Transfer student-chan?)
Chapter 4
Izumi: (Aah… Another lonely runway for me today.
It’s nothing new, so I don’t mind… I know I have the sort of twisted personality that gathers hate from people.
Especially the period from right before I entered high school… I was at the peak of my popularity—but unable to go further, I vented my frustration on my surrounding.
I didn’t have the calm to care for others; even I realize now that I was being a lame brat.
But that’s okay. Shallow people who change their opinions at the flick of a switch can’t be trusted; being hated by them doesn’t hurt me.
If I show results… Once I show them that I’m the top model, I know they’ll change their attitude to me by 180 degree.
You guys just keep rotating like a wind vane.
I’m tired of seeing that. I’ve had plenty. Yet I know I can’t stop or turn back when I’ve come this far.
Life is short. If I shatter halfway, that means the past me who worked so hard for this will never be rewarded.
So I’ll keep walking down this path. It doesn’t matter that no one follows behind me. You’re just going to be in the way, anyway. All of you.
Yuu-kun was the only one. At least, until I entered high school.
Little, clueless, silly Yuu-kun… was the only one who looked at me with eyes that sparkled like jewels.
He praised me. You’re so amazing, he said.
I want to be like you, Izumi-san. So innocently.
I was so happy, Yuu-kun.
But… if you turn into someone like me, you’ll just be repeating the same mistake, Yuu-kun.
I knew that, but his innocent praises got to my head… as a result of that, I only watched as Yuu-kun sunk into the bloody pond until his neck.
So I thought I shouldn’t let that happen the second time, but…
Despite acting like I’m better than him as a senior, I guess in the end I was still a brat.
He told me he wanted to be like me, so in my happiness, I taught him all sort of things.
However. With each new thing I taught him, Yuu-kun matured.
From an innocent child, to a filthy adult covered in mud… I should’ve known that.
But I was so happy I couldn’t hold back… I couldn’t stop myself. I couldn’t do anything.
I only watched as Yuu-kun was soiled.
No—I was the one who soiled him.
I’m sorry.
I want to apologize and make it up all to you… But you wouldn’t even let me near you, Yuu-kun.
……)
Makoto: “Umm~…? Sorry, can I have a minute?”
Izumi: "Hmm? Huh, is this a dream…?
Hey, wait! Naru-kun, get rid of the background music! I can’t hear Yuu-kun’s voice like this! How can you be so dull!?"
Makoto: “Ah, you don’t need to listen to him, Narukami-kun! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt you guys…”
Arashi: “Oookaay, so whose orders should I listen to…?”
Izumi: "Mine, obviously!
More importantly… What’s wrong, Yuu-kuuun?
Aaah, are you finally going to be honest with me?
You’re starting to feel like participating in the Fashion Show with me, right!? I’ll welcome you anytime…☆"
Makoto: “Ugyaa!? Don’t jump at me like that! Pervert…! S-Save me, Narukami-kun!”
Izumi: "Wait up, why are you asking Naru-kun to save you? I don’t get it! When your most dependable Onii-chan in the world is right in front of you!
Tell me, since when were you and Naru-kun friends? I didn’t hear about that!"
Arashi: "Izumi-chaaan. Not like it matters, but can we finish the Fashion Show rehearsal first?
I’m tired of you making me go through this with you so many times."
Izumi: "Haah? Like I can end things in such a half-hearted state!
The gym is ours to use for the whole day, okay? We’re gonna stay behind and practice until we’ve got this down perfectly!"
Makoto: "Umm. You two are participating in the Fashion Show for the Festival Eve, right…?
I heard about it from Mikejima-senpai~ It’s so fitting for you two, huh♪"
Izumi: “Not two, but three, right? Yuu-kun is going to join the Fashion Show with me, after all…♪”
Makoto: “What is this person babbling off about!? His eyes look totally serious—isn’t he completely losing the ability to separate fiction from reality? It’s scary!”
Arashi: “Ahaha… Not that it matters, but Yuuki-kun: you needed something from us, right? What is it? You said something about Mama?”
Makoto: "Mama? Ah, I guess that’s what you call Mikejima-senpai…
Umm, so you see. He asked me to do something for him. How should I put this—I’m here to negotiate."
Izumi: “Negotiate? If it’s Yuu-kun asking, I’m willing to give anything unconditionally, though?”
Makoto: "Like I said! Why do you keep saying crazy things with the most serious look on you, Izumi-san? Were you always this kind of person?
Weren’t you usually a bit colder…?"
Arashi: "Ahaha. Izumi-chan has been practicing for the Fashion Show nonstop, you know.
Maaaybe he’s a little out of it. Not enough calm to gather his thoughts, I guess?
We’re having a harder time than we thought with this Fashion Show…
I thought it was the perfect job for us, but it turns out we need to deal with everything ourselves, starting from the preparation.
I know you guys in Trickstar always do things this way, though. I’m surprised by how well you guys are doing, really."
Chapter 5
Arashi: "That’s how it is. We’re pretty busy, and while Izumi-chan might be saying some dumb things…
We might be in trouble if you ask for something too difficult from us."
Makoto: "Ah, that’s okay. I think this won’t be much of a burden for you two…
Umm, to put it simply: it seems the budget for Festival Eve is looking tight."
Izumi: "Aah… I thought that might be case. It’s nothing but a pre-event for the school festival, yet everyone is putting a lot of power into their show.
Mikejima’s at the head, right? Just how bad is he at accounting?"
Makoto: "It might be partly Mikejima-senpai, but mostly that the whole business itself is messy. It seems the scale for both the Festival Eve and school festival is particularly large this year.
Which means the whole academy is fired up for these events, and that’s a happy thing in itself.
But the budget, arrangement, and preparations simply can’t keep up.
So, umm. It’s hard for me to say this, but… the outfits you guys are presenting for Fashion Show will be shared properties."
Izumi: "…What?
What the heck? Are you stupid? I wear outfits fitted perfectly for me and only for me. I won’t back down on this.
Shared? That’s the number one word I hate in this world."
Makoto: "I know you’ll say that. I’m really, seriously sorry, but we can’t proceed if you don’t cooperate, Izumi-san…
Apparently there’s no other place to cut down the budget on.
The management staffs are troubled too~ Can’t you please be the adult and cooperate?"
Izumi: “Aaaaaaabsolutely not.”
Makoto: "Uuh~… Really? No matter what? Umm… I use the word shared, but I think it’s a little different from what you’re thinking, Izumi-san.
Umm, I don’t know how to explain this, but…"
Izumi: “What is it? I’m getting annoyed! Be more clear, can’t you?”
Arashi: “All right, Izumi-chan. That’s your cue to take a deep breath… Nothing to gain from flaring up at Yuuki-kun. Let’s listen to what he has to say until the end♪”
Izumi: “Ugya!? I told you not to cling to me, you damned okama!”
Makoto: “Ahaha… Well, see. There’s that outfit you’re wearing, right, Izumi-san?”
Izumi: "Ah, this?
It looks pretty good, right? It was quite expensive too; I don’t have money left to spend on the special effects and all that jazz, but… ah well, it was a good purchase.
Heheh. I had my favorite designer, that I’ve paid attention to since my kids’ model days, make it for me♪"
Makoto: “Huh… That means I might know him too?”
Izumi: "Don’t you? You know, the one who often gave out snacks during breaks…
It would’ve made me fat, and I hated being fed like a pet, but he’s good at his job, at least."
Makoto: “Ah, as I thought. I was thinking I’ve seen that style before. That person, huh… how nostalgic; he was always so kind to us.”
Izumi: "Wasn’t it for his own sake?
He must’ve thought he could tame us easily since we’re brats. You know, since if we like him enough, he might be requested for another job, right…?"
Makoto: "Why do you have to be so distrustful…
Though… we ended up talking about something else. I’m sorry.
So about those outfits—after you wear them for the Fashion Show, Izumi-san…
We were thinking if you’ll let us fix them up a little, so we could use them for the Spring Music Festival we’ll appear in."
Izumi: “Ah, that’s what you meant by sharing?”
Makoto: "Yeah. Our Spring Music Festival also use musical instruments, which already cost a lot…
And because our appearance didn’t get decided until the last minute, it seems the budget doesn’t quite fit.
I know that’s because we were too slow on things, so we don’t have the right to complain.
But paying for costumes is really looking hopeless…
UNDEAD, who will appear with us, said they’re willing to shoulder the cost for us, but we’d like to avoid that…
That’ll make us entirely dependent on UNDEAD… We’ve seriously troubled those people to no end, we can’t be adding more to our debts to them.
So please, Izumi-san. Can you guys let us wear your outfits after you’re done?
The Fashion Show might become an advertisement for the Spring Music Festival, which is killing two birds with one stone.
Is it too much to ask…? It’s too convenient for us, huh?"
Izumi: "Yep. Seriously, you Trickstar are always like that…
Instead of prioritizing what you want to do, try thinking about the trouble you’re causing for people.
But maybe you guys are fine as you are—like main characters… Fufufu, that’s so fitting for you, Yuu-kun."
Makoto: “Umm, I wonder about that? I’m just a supporting role to the end; maybe an extra…”
Izumi: “…Okay then. I accept the deal. But I have conditions.”
Makoto: "Ehh? Please don’t interfere while I’m talking; you’re always like that, Izumi-san…
Err wait, really? You’ll allow us to use your outfits?
Thank God♪ Transfer student-chan did say she’d guarantee Izumi-san would say OK if I went to convince him…
But I was still worried whether I could properly negotiate!"
Izumi: "You’ve always been bad at talking, Yuu-kun.
Still, we’re no longer children… I guess I can’t be kind and give you everything unconditionally. I want to gain something from this too.
You understand, right? Bargain."
Makoto: "Y-Yeah… I’m a little scared, but try saying what it is.
I do hope it’s not going to be such a mean condition… but I’ll do anything within my power.
This is an important time for Trickstar. I can’t come to a deadlock here."
Izumi: "Of course you can’t… Hey, what should I do, Naru-kun? I’m such a lucky man☆
Yuu-kun just told me he’ll listen to anything! What should I do with him? Fufufu♪"
Arashi: "You have the face of a villain, Izumi-chan…
Don’t act too much like degenerate, please. We’re in a delicate time too, since we’re in the middle of restoring our name."
Izumi: “I know. It’s my fault Knights is having a hard time now. I feel enough remorse to fill the tip of the nail on my little finger.”
Arashi: “No, seriously, be more sorry about it… Sheesh, what a darling of an Onii-chan we have here…”
Chapter 6
> Hallway 1st Floor
Madara: "Ooi! Anzu-saaaaa…nggh!?
…What’s wrong? I wish you wouldn’t suddenly cover my mouth like that. I thought I was going to die. Since when did you learn such an assassin-like skill?
[How earth-shattering]! Interesting! It seems boys and girls do grow at an unbelievable speed when you’re not paying attention!
Which means they change! They adapt to the surrounding! You, too, are a living being, Anzu-san! Hahaha☆
Whoa, did you just hit me with a paper fan?
That’s another skill I’ve never seen! Bravo, bravo☆
‘Just be quiet please’? OK, OK! I shall comply to your wish, Anzu-san♪
But still, Anzu-san… What are you trying to do, sneakily hiding in the shadows like that?
I won’t tell anyone about it, so you should consult Mama when you’re in trouble.
Actually… today is the Festival Eve, right? It can’t be all right for you to be wasting time at a place like this… What happened to your work, Anzu-san?
Well, you’re mainly producing for the school festival, which is tomorrow, but…
While you might not be that busy today, it doesn’t mean you’re free, right?
It seems you took in some extra work and were absorbed in it, Anzu-san.
I see. So you’re worried for Makoto-san because he’s been acting weird?
He would sneak out of Spring Music Festival practices sometimes and go somewhere?
That’s certainly a cause for curiosity, but Makoto-san is free to do whatever he wants, wherever he wants, right?
It doesn’t appear like you’re Makoto-san’s lover or family, either, so I think there’s limit to being meddlesome, Anzu-san.
Well, I know that Makoto-san is the type of child one can’t help but worry about.
Oh-hoh. So Makoto-san started acting weird after he was sent to negotiate with Izumi-san for the Festival Eve?
The negotiation was a success, but it looks like there was some kind of condition?
Since you were the one who forced Makoto-san to be the negotiator…
You think it’s your responsibility if Izumi-san was doing something bad to him, is that right, Anzu-san?
I don’t think Izumi-san will do anything bad, thooough…
But if you’re curious anyway, rather than taking this kind of detour, you should ask the person himself.
You made Makoto-san and Izumi-san come in contact because you believed it could be a chance to restore their relationship, right?
You should watch how things are going for now, and just take responsibility for whatever results your action fruited.
That’s a Producer’s role, isn’t it? It might be a different problem entirely if they asked for your help; but too much meddling is simply out of line.
Well, that is simply my opinion, and you have the freedom to think differently, Anzu-san.
Hahaha. So you’ll go ask Makoto-san, since you’re worried, after all?
You were such a clumsy kid, but now you’re already capable of acting like a guardian♪
Okaay then! I’ll go with you and deal with trouble if there’s any. I can prove to be pretty useful, y’knoow; you should work me hard as you see convenient… Producer."
Madara: "We’re here~ Let’s see, how are they doing?
Soon, it will be about time for the Fashion Show that Izumi-san and Arashi-san will appear in to commence.
After that, on the special stage set on the campus, the Spring Music Festival will start.
And there are lots other events of various sizes held around the campus, so the whole school’s gonna be a carnival! How fun! How festive! Hahaha♪"
Makoto: “~…♪”
Madara: "Oh, that’s Makoto-san. He’s looking like always; you might have been worrying over nothing, Anzu-saan…
He looks relaxed. That’s a good look on him.
But what is he doing? He’s playing tambourine…?"
Izumi: "Stop right there! Don’t make me repeat this, Yuu-kun!
More stylishly! You were so focused on hitting the tambourine, you ended up bending down! Straighten up that pathetic back!
Once more, from the top!
Today’s the day, so you’ve got to put more spirit into it! It always takes you so long to start up your engine, Yuu-kun! Aargh geez, this is frustrating me!"
Makoto: “Err… Izumi-san, are you done with your own rehearsal? One more hour and it’ll be time for the Fashion Show, you know?”
Izumi: "Haah? You think I don’t keep track of my own schedule? Don’t make a fool out of me! Soooo annoying!
Of course I’m ready. I’ll do it perfectly from start to end… So Yuu-kun, you should only focus on yourself rather than worrying about needless things.
Were you even in the position to worry about other people to start with? Pitiful Yuu-kun, who can’t do anything!
Clumsy, pathetic Yuu-kun—whose pretty face is his only saving grace!
My Yuu-kun!
But, you’ve decided to do your best on many other things, right?
I don’t like it, but this is how our bargain went anyway. I’ll assist you while you’re still hopeless.
Be grateful. Feel indebted to me to death. Say thank you, Yuu-kun."
Makoto: "Right, right. Thank you very much~…
You’re really helping me. Honest."
Chapter 7
Makoto: "But I still don’t get it. Why did you make looking after me the condition of the bargain, Izumi-san?
I was in a stalemate kind of situation, so I’m saved that you’ll give me advice, but… I’m the only one profiting from this bargain, right?"
Madara: “Hahaha. That stalemate is probably a mistaken expression, but I guess what’s important is that it gets through♪”
Makoto: “That surprised me!? Huh, it’s you, Mikejima-senpai… and Transfer student-chan! W-What’s up, you two?”
Izumi: “Heeey you… Don’t just brazenly step in here, outsiders. Right now, this place is a holy sanctuary just for me and Yuu-kun alone.”
Arashi: "No, no. I’ve been here the whole time, okay? Soometimes… or more like whenever Yuuki-kun is around, you’ll just conveniently forget my whole existence, don’t you… Izumi-chan?
Talk about rude. It’s not in my character, but I might be jealous.
Oh my? Transfer student-chan, did you say I’m beautiful? Thank you~♪
Ufufu. Since I’m going to appear in the Fashion Show, I’ve changed into these clothes.
It does irritate me that I end up with the same design as Izumi-chan because of budget, though."
Izumi: "You can do nothing about that, Naru-kun. Stop complaining already…
I’m unhappy with a lot of things too. I was forcing myself to accept it by telling myself it’s just a minor performance before the actual school festival.
Seriously, what’s a Fashion Show when there’s only a single new design? The rest are existing costumes from the warehouse.
They say fashion trends change within the span of a single second. And now I have to be wearing some outdated clothes that are covered in dust…
Noooo way. Don’t wanna."
Arashi: "Don’t say that, now. Your favorite designer said he’ll lightly touch up the old costumes to make them look new.
Let’s just work under those terms.
He’s willing to do extra work for no pay, after all. You have to be thankful, Izumi-chan."
Izumi: "Hmph, he loves to make people owe him, that designer… Well, we gave him trouble, and I do want to keep doing business with him.
He makes some really great outfits, after all.
There’s Kasa-kun who cheekily got worked up saying ‘Why did you not tell me about this!?’ and willingly became our errand boy too.
One way or the other, this Fashion Show will be a success."
Arashi: "Ufufu. He must’ve been lonely to be left out of the loop, that Tsukasa-chan.
Now I wish we could’ve dragged Ritsu-chan into this too, but he’s been high-strung lately."
Izumi: "Hmph. What’s a guy like Kuma-kun doing acting like he has real worries? He wasn’t supposed to be that sort of character. He’s usually so apathetic it ticked me off.
Seriously, I wonder if something happened."
Makoto: "Ah, it seems there was something between him and Isara-kun…
Maybe they couldn’t be straightforward with each other and ended up fighting. It doesn’t feel right when the air around them is tight, so I wish they can make up soon."
Izumi: “Yeah, right? They could take a page from our book!”
Makoto: “Err no, it’s not like we made… up? It was always just you persistently bothering me, even back then…”
Izumi: "Haah? But you were the one who called out to me first.
Stop making everything my fault and acting like the only good kid!"
Arashi: "Right, stop. Don’t start fighting too, you two… that’ll be a pain.
What’s in the past stays in the past and we’re in the present. The Fashion Show is starting soon. Get into work mode, okay? ♪
Izumi: "…I know. I’m a professional; I’ll give the show my all.
It’s a little late, but the designer who made these outfits will arrive at the scene soon, so we’ll have him make the last check.
Then all’s left is to do everything perfectly.
I was doubting how it’ll go at first, but it’s wrapping up pretty nicely. That’s a given though, when it revolves around me."
Arashi: "There you go, even though you’re still a nervous wreck inside. But we can’t relax yet; no one can tell what might happen until the show.
Well, I’m sure it’s nothing you don’t already know, Izumi-chan."
Izumi: “Obviously. …Yuu-kun, you should reunite with your comrades too. If you keep sticking to me, won’t that cheeky orange-haired brat worry?”
Makoto: "Orange-hair… Aah, you mean Akehoshi-kun?
Fufu. If Akehoshi-kun is wary around you, you deserve it, Izumi-san. It means what you did was really that bad~ I hope you’d reflect on it."
Izumi: “Haah? It’s because I am reflecting on it that I helped you with such a cheap bargaining chip, you know? I could’ve made a muuuch nastier demand, do you realize?”
Makoto: "Fufu. But I really don’t understand why you made this the condition:
That I’ll have to do my practice for the Spring Music Festival in front of Izumi-san whenever possible.
Wasn’t it a bother, to have me playing tambourine so close to you? And you poked at my mistakes like there was no tomorrow, Izumi-san…
I was bothering you, right? I was in your way, wasn’t I?
Honestly though, for me, it’s a help that you gave me so many advice.
I got rid of most of the parts I was troubled with; I think I can proudly say I can give the Spring Music Festival my all.
But, still… I can’t imagine what was in it for you, Izumi-san."
Arashi: “Ahaha. That’s a rather cruel question to make, you know… Yuuki-kun?”
Izumi: "You know, Yuu-kun, why don’t you try using your head a bit? Work your brain so it won’t lose out to your pretty outside appearance, yeah…?
Well, they do say the gods don’t bestow two gifts to a single person.
You guys are going to use these outfits we present in the Fashion Show for your Spring Music Festival, right?
If you guys put up a pathetic performance there, all the trouble we went through to express the outfits’ charm will go to waste.
You produce miserable results, and that’ll affect us too.
Basically, don’t drag us down with you.
I don’t want you guys to turn our hard-earned results upside down… That’s all there is to it. So don’t misunderstand, okay?
Once the Fashion Show is over, we should be free, so… I’ll be seeing your stage.
Make sure to stay focused. If your performance is crap, know I’ll be there to throw rocks and empty cans at you guys.
So, well… do your best, Yuu-kun.
I might not be able to stand on the same stage as you. But Onii-chan is always watching over you, Yuu-kun."
Epilogue
> Band stage
Makoto: “♪~ ♪~ ♪”
(All right~! Yes, yes! I’m doing good~♪
I’m managing to perform with my own charm, without being a burden to anyone!
Each time I hit the tambourine, the audience respond by moving their bodies!
They clap their hands to my tambourine’s melody!
This feeling of unity makes me so happy… Aah, live concerts really are fun.
Back when I was still in modeling, I couldn’t quite feel ‘united with everyone’ like this.
All I needed was to show the perfect beauty the cameraman sought from me.
And in that frame of beauty, I didn’t exist. My true self was buried under the vision everyone desired… fading away until there’s nearly nothing left.
Leaving only a beautiful shell with nothing inside.
But now, I know I’m getting slowly fulfilled on the inside too.
When I play the tambourine, everyone reacts. Spreading a ripple that comes back one-two hundred times stronger.
I’m filled with warmth. It lets me know—that I’m not just cutting off and selling pieces of myself and letting what’s inside flow out;
No, we’re bestowing warmth at each other. I can feel it overflowing out of me.
I love this feeling. I’m glad I became an idol.
But my talent or skill just can’t match up to everyone else yet…
They can play the trumpet and contrabass so well even though their time to practice was as short as mine…
They’re different from me. Sometimes, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the members of Trickstar and acting like one of them fill me with apologetic feelings…
But for as long as they allow it, I want to stay here. At least, until I could restore everything of me, that I lost as I bled.
I know I’ve been doing nothing but receiving from you guys.
But someday, once my inside was filled like how it was originally in the past… I’ll definitely start repaying you little by little.
This time, instead of having it forcefully dragged out of me—I want to offer it to you guys myself.
That might be hard to do now, but someday. Surely.
…Oops, I wasn’t concentrating, was I? I need to be on my guard and do this properly until the end. There’s still the last hurdle I mostly failed during practice.
Follow the rhythm… and hit the tambourine!
Stylishly! I might still look pathetic, but this is the best I can do now!
I’ll form a melody and repay what you all have given me!
…♪)
> In front of the school gate
Izumi: “……”
Makoto: “Ooi, Izumi-san! Are you on your way home?”
Izumi: "Hmm? Aah, Yuu-kun… Good work today.
I saw your stage on the Spring Music Festival.
I snuck out of Fashion Show’s cleanup to watch it, you see… Naru-kun really let me have an earful after that.
And by the way, Kuma-kun suddenly made an appearance in the Spring Music Festival like it’s normal? What’s up with that? You’ve got to explain it to me later."
Makoto: "Ahaha. I dunno, either. That took me by surprise too~ It’s apparently part of Sakuma-senpai’s plan though.
Rather than that, I wanted to thank you, Izumi-san."
Izumi: "Haah? I don’t need any thanks… I gave you advice because it was the condition of the bargain, Yuu-kun.
And whatever another person says can’t fix what you can’t do.
So, the fact that you were able to perform somewhat well on the Spring Music Festival… was all due to your own effort, Yuu-kun.
Right, right! I knew you can conquer anything if you try, Yuu-kun…♪"
Makoto: “Ahaha. Thank you. Even in the past, you were the only who would say that to me, Izumi-san.”
Izumi: "Fufu. Personally, I’d love to have you back as a model, Yuu-kun…
But you wouldn’t agree to participate on the Fashion Show to the end, so I guess you’re not up to it?"
Makoto: "Yeah. Not now, at least. It’s still hard for me.
But someday, once my inside is filled… Someday, maybe I can return to modeling like you want me to, Izumi-san.
You really took care of me back when I was small, after all.
I know I need to at least repay that debt. But for now, I have my hands full with just my own problems, so I can’t do that yet.
But surely, someday. Before you, who’s still cutting off pieces of yourself and selling them, disappear…
I want to repay everything you’ve given me, Izumi-san."
Izumi: "Don’t rely on a someday. Pay me back now.
You don’t know what’ll happen in the future. Even if we entwine our little fingers and promise… there’s no telling when even that’ll be treated like something that never happened.
I’ve had enough of that…
Hey, Yuu-kun."
Makoto: “Eek!? W-Why did you walk up to me like a slippery snake and grabbed my hand? A-Are you planning something strange? M-Mister Policemaaan!”
Izumi: "What do you take me for…? Yuu-kun, you’re going home now, right?
Let’s go together. Actually, Naru-kun, that designer… and Kunugi-sensei are going to have a little gathering, see…
We’ll be reviewing the Fashion Show today.
Review, we say, but basically, we’re celebrating for the show’s success. Even if you’ll go home earlier anyway, you should show your face for a bit, Yuu-kun.
As fellow models, there’s a lot we can talk about.
That designer was really worried about you… Tell him how you feel about your current life so he can relax.
I’d love to hear your stories too, Yuu-kun.
Let’s talk a lot. That’ll be enough to repay me—in my eyes, that’s the best reward ever.
Well, because I was on hiatus for a while too, I had some regrets about my performance in today’s Fashion Show…
I’m planning to hear out what they have to say and make the best use of it on my next job.
Though, well… I know Yuu-kun didn’t see my show, anyway."
Makoto: "No, I snuck out to see it on my breaks, you know?
It felt like you’d make me stand on stage if I got too close, so I was watching from afar.
You might be unsatisfied, Izumi-san, but you were perfect as always.
You’re so amazing… I was impressed. I wonder what I can do to be like you, Izumi-san?"
Izumi: "Ahaha… Then I’ll kindly teach you from beginning to end.
So let’s go together, Yuu-kun. Let’s walk while holding hands, like when were both small."
.
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Other notes[2].