From the event 新時代＊月夜に跳ねる懇親会; can be found under the SUB story tab in Ensemble Girls! Memories.
Incomplete. Indeterminate plans to continue.
Prologue
Location: Classroom
Hayate: “Alright everyone, can we have a bit of your attention?
Keep your chatting down, yeah freshmen?
I know you’re excited about your new school and new classmates, but let me do my job, won’t you?
Yep, good kids. Okay then, I’ll start my explanation.”
Yae: “Yogiri-senpai~ Shouldn’t you start with introducing yourself?”
Hayate: “Right. Bet there are some who are curious as to why you’re wearing a costume, too.
…Anyway, this is relatively unimportant, but call me ‘Captain’ instead of ‘Yogiri-senpai’, ‘kay?
I don’t really give a shit, but everyone else won’t shut up about it…
I said I’ll pass because it’s too much trouble, but they end up making me the Softball Club captain and Athletics Committee chairman, y’know?
If that’s how it’s gonna play anyway, I wish I’d become a student council member instead.
I mean, I’m gonna be busy either way… so I want some comfort or like, love, you know?
If I were part of the stuco, I can be with Hiyono anytime.
Hiyono, Hiyono, I wanna see you. Hiyono~ Why have we been placed in different classes~…?”
Yae: “Urgh, you’re unbearable… Please take things more seriously. Look at me, I’m helping you despite the troubles, aren’t I?
Come on! Stop writing ‘Hiyono’ all over the blackboard!
Can you spare us your strange act? You’re grossing out the new kids…
Geez, you’ve completely regressed into a useless human being since becoming a third year, huh?”
Hayate: “(sniff) Oh, shut up. You’re cheeky for a tiny mascot.
You’re so cute, damnit. You’ve become a second year, but you haven’t seemed to grow even an inch taller, huh?”
Yae: “I’ll be entering my growth period from now!
…Well, my parents and older brother are practically dwarves so I guess I shouldn’t be too hopeful.
But I’ll drink lots of milk and become big! Gulp, gulp~”
Hayate: “Still moving to your own tune like ever, huh Nagamachi?
Well, we just welcomed a new school year… I guess human beings can’t change so suddenly.
Whatever. Softball Club aside, as part of the Athletics Committee I should be encountering the studco often.
So I’ll finish up my job as smoothly as always this time.
And so—let’s begin the self-introductions!
I’m the Athletics Committee Chairman, Yogiri Hayate. I’m the Hero of Justice that protects the peace of Kimisaki Academy~”
Yae: “Just ignore the last bit~ And I act as the chairman’s assistant; the name’s Nagamachi Yae!”
Hayate: “Well, I don’t think it’ll be for very long, but let’s get along.
Kids, while you’re listening, take a look at the print we just gave you.
We’re planning for an event called the Freshman Gathering that’ll be held in two weeks.
To cut to the chase, it’s basically a culture festival just for first-years.
And for that Gathering…
The tradition is to choose a few committee chairmen to be placed in each first year class, to support the first years who haven’t gotten used to the Academy yet.
Until last year, we have two or three committee chairmen assigned to each one class…
But since Kimisaki Academy becomes coed this year… Seems we’ve gotten quite a large number of freshmen.
And the number of classes increases, too.
Frankly speaking, just the number of you first years alone is already double the other grades, y’know?
And so, because of the lack of hands, there’s just one committee chairman assigned to each class.
But we’re also given an assistant, and in my case, I have Nagamachi, see?
I wanted to have Hiyono, though~ But Nagamachi said to leave it to her and forced herself on me~”
Yae: “Shut up… That Hiyono person, she’s from a different class and a different club and a different committee from you, right?
Then she’s a complete stranger. And it seems she’s busy, being a student council officer, right?
Just be satisfied with having me, Yogiri-senpai~”
Hayate: “Like I said, call me Captain… I guess that doesn’t matter.
Anyway, basically we’re in charge of this class. Remember our faces, alright~?
Well, there’s another one—Ichigou[1]… I mean Kodama Ichika — who’s supposed to be helping us out. We’ll introduce her later.
(whisper) Oi, Nagamachi. Where’s Ichigou? Is she skipping, that little shit?”
Yae: “Umm~ Ichika, after her sister graduated… she seems to be trying to look away from the loneliness by practicing her sword skills to death.
Just leave her to herself for now, Yogiri-senpai.
I’ll be supporting you with all I have in exchange!”
Hayate: “Really, that’s kinda worrying. She can be so cynical sometimes.
Well, that aside. It already says so in the paper, but the Freshman Gathering is in two weeks. What you’ll be making has been decided in the committee meeting.
I think you first years won’t be having much burden, so just take it easy, yeah?
By the way, in Kimisaki Academy’s Gathering… there’s a tradition of having some animal ears as motif.
To go straight to the point… the theme this year is bunny ears!
The year above me—the third years that have graduated, they had bunny ears as motif too.
And you, the new first years, will be continuing on them.
But we’re coed this year, and some of you are male, so honestly, I’m not sure what to think, yeah?
But, well, Nagamachi and I… when we were first years, we were made to wear cat ears and dog ears.
So to be frank, it’d totally tick me off if you guys alone were to be spared from the embarrassing tradition.
That’s how traditions are passed, first years!
But anyway, for you guys, it’ll be your first school event.
Make lots of friends while you’re at it. Make lots of pleasant memories.
Get along and liven the racket, the Kimisaki way… Just have as much fun as you want, yeah?”
New Era
Part 1
Location: Corridor
Hiyono: “~
Hmm-hmm-hmm~”
Natsumi: “You seem to be in a good mood, Hiyono-chan.”
Hiyono: “Hwee? No, umm, I-I’m sorry. Listening to me humming must’ve been gross, right?
U-Uugh… I have to stop being this self-abasing!”
Natsumi: “Calm down. Isn’t it fine? It’s peaceful…
It’s hard not to feel giddy at the start of a new semester, but I think I’ve gotten used to life as a third year a bit.
And to student council work, too. Now that I look back on it, I realize anew how abnormal the previous year was.
It was so hectic every day, wasn’t it?
But it seems this year, most of our first years are quiet children…
Though of course, since until last year, we’ve been mostly an all-girls school, lots of things feel fresh… and rather strange.”
Hiyono: “Ehehe. Yes, there are boys normally passing by the corridors now.
I’m still not used to the sight, so whenever I pass by them, I tend to stiffen up a bit~”
Natsumi: “We’ll need to get used to it, though. That’s what Transfer student-kun was for in the first place, wasn’t it?
Well, that one is a little unique for a boy, I guess…”
Hiyono: “Yes~ By the way, since the new first years are all wearing the new uniform design—even putting the boys aside, the girls are also a fresh sight.
But that makes it easier to tell them from the rest, I suppose.”
Natsumi: “Yeah. We old students are still wearing the old uniform, after all.
Some fashionable students are happy with the new uniform and wear them, though.”
Hiyono: “There’s also Mizushima-senpai who repeated a grade—she’s wearing the new uniform, right?
With the old uniform, we got different colors based on our year batch, after all.
I assume she feels awkward about wearing a green uniform alone when all her classmates wear blue.”
Natsumi: “In that sense, I guess this decision was timely. Though I think I see that person wear her white school swimsuit more than I see her in uniform.
We have boys now, so I hope she won’t walk around in her swimsuit too much…”
Hiyono: “Fufu. The school rule was lax in the first place, but it’s practically free when it comes to uniform…
The disciplinary committee has quieted down a lot, too.”
Natsumi: “Yeah. I’m starting to think Segawa-senpai was really necessary.
Because she often scolded Momo-chan for scribbling, I didn’t have such a good impression of her… But having too much freedom isn’t so good either, huh?”
Hiyono: “Right~ But still, in the end, this is the Kimisaki uniform for us…
It’s packed full of memories.”
Natsumi: “Ahaha. Last semester, we had a tough time regarding the new uniform…
So it’s kinda anticlimactic that we end up wearing our old uniforms, isn’t it?”
Hiyono: “But the new first years are all pleased with the new uniform, so I’d say it’s a happy ending.”
Natsumi: “Agreed. And it’s Sumire-chan’s design that ended up getting picked, so that goes double.
Sometimes, I consider wearing the new uniform myself,
But we only have one year left of high school. Buying a new set of uniform feels like such a waste.
Then again, I’ve just grown even taller, so I guess I can buy a new set once I outgrow this one…”
Hiyono: “Hau… You’re still growing…? I’m envious, Natsumi-san.
You and Tomoko-san both have such nice bodies; I feel left out being the only tiny one, you know?”
Natsumi: “You have your own type of fans, Hiyono-chan. The first year boys seem to be appreciating your cuteness.
We’re drawing attention and cheering just by walking down the corridor like this, too.”
Hiyono: “Hawawa… It’s like we’ve become idols. Student council officers are amazing…
I guess they’re the ‘well-known people’ of the school. I didn’t even dream of this until last year…”
Natsumi: “True. But well, we chose this for ourselves…
We can’t take it back or escape from it. Let’s support each other and march forward, until our graduation day.
All of us in the student council, together. I’m always on your side, Hiyono-chan.”
Hiyono: “Yes, Natsumi-san… It’s an honor!
I’ll be doing my best too.
First of all, I guess we have the Freshman Gathering coming up soon. Let’s enliven the event and make sure it goes down without a hitch!”
Natsumi: “Well, the Gathering centers on the first years and the committees…
We’re just kinda like their managers. The workload is light on us.
But it’s our first big event since we’ve become coed; let’s not let our guard down.
By the way, student council does get included in ‘committees’ so…
Our leader, Transfer student-kun… well, President-kun, seems to be assigned to a first year class too.”
Hiyono: “Fufu. Honestly, President is always hard at work.
He was already really busy last year, but this year, he’ll be even busier, right?
I’m worried for him. I hope he won’t pass out from exhaustion.”
Natsumi: “No, no, it’s fine! No need to worry about him. He has fun doing that.
Just leave him to do what he wants.
Different from your Darling… my Darling is practically helping people for the simple act itself.”
Hiyono: “Hawawa? W-W-Who did you mean by my Darling?
Umm, you see, I haven’t been able to meet Hayate-san since we’ve been placed in different classes…
Things have been a little distant and, well… kind of vague between us, you see?
Of course, she’s always shining passionately in my heart, though~…
Natsumi: “Rather than stick with an imaginary one in your heart, you can just impose on her class. She’s right there at a place where you can meet her whenever you miss her.
I think she’ll welcome you with wide arms if you do, you know?”
Hiyono: “No, but umm, I think I’ll still be a bother, so…?”
Natsumi: “Hmm… Well, most of the student council work often ends up being done by Tomoko-chan.
So whether President-kun is present or not doesn’t make much difference.
I guess this is just how this year’s stuco will be: we have the right people at the right places.
President-kun is helping people left and right, so the student council’s popularity keeps on rising.
It’s good to have a husband that’s often absent from home~[2]”
Hiyono: “Yes. I don’t believe we’ll have anything like the Student Council President Reelection mess breaking out again.
As a member of the Newspaper Club, part of me is a little lonely at the thought, though.”
(You know, Prez… no, Fumi-san. I’m having so much fun every day.
Hmm-hmm-hmm~…)
Part 2
Ruka: “(sigh)…”
(Ngaah… I feel melancholic. Not that I know how to spell ‘melancholic’ with kanji. Umm, where did I put my electronic dictionary, again?
Ah, right. I haven’t been carrying it around lately.
I usually put it in my pocket for songwriting purposes, but I don’t have the need for it anymore.
Suzu-senpai and Seira-senpai graduated…
I was so lonely, so upset at the thought they wouldn’t be there even if I went to the Rock Band Club room… and I never did show up there anymore.
Because of that, things have been a little strained between me and Shizuku-chan…
We’re put in different classes again. I don’t see Shizuku-chan unless I show up for club.
And we’ve been busy since it’s just the start of the new semester.
Ah, no… those are just excuses I made up to run away from her.
She’s messaged me so many times, but…
I don’t know how to reply. It feels like I’ll end up saying something cruel to Shizuku-chan.
We last met during the seniors’ graduation; I cried and cried and sulked, not wanting to let them go…
Even though that was something beyond our power.
Shizuku-chan and I should be continuing on the important thing we’ve received from our seniors. We should be supporting each other…
But all I ever do is depend on her. All I ever do is whine.
Shizuku-chan… I’m sure she’s tired of me too.
Shizuku-chan was there for me.
She was considerate of my feelings; telling me many times that I’m her friend, that I’m her precious comrade in the Rock Band Club…
But I shut my ears from all that and ran away.
After all—I hate this, I hate this, I hate this! I wanna see Suzu-senpai! I wanna hear Seira-senpai’s song!
But they’ve both graduated!
I shouldn’t be averting my eyes away from that.
Suzu-senpai, she tried to forget the pain of losing something precious to her…
…by acting like a chuuni, like she’s broken—but I can’t be like her.
I’m a coward… But… I mean, I don’t have anything.
I have half-baked talents in playing instruments and singing. I have no guts to stand on stage… and even with writing songs or lyrics, I’m…
I heard some of the new kids who joined are experienced with doing music.
Suzu-senpai and Seira-senpai have formed a band together, and they seem to have gotten famous.
Lots of kids who admire them are pushing to enter the Rock Band Club. I get how they feel. That’s just natural.
After all, I was the same. I admired them too.
And it’s precisely because we’re the same, that compared to those new kids who can play instruments, sing, write songs and lyrics…
My uselessness will stand out even more. I’m a good-for-nothing, aren’t I?
I’m supposed to be their senior… If a load is all I can be, that’s just embarrassing.
Why didn’t I try harder? I only ever leaned on their kindness, was only ever treated nicely…
I can’t contribute anything to the club. I’m just a burden.
It’s better if I just give up on the Rock Band Club, isn’t it?
I’m sure Shizuku-chan prefers to be with people who have skills. And I’m sure that’s better for her.
Shizuku-chan… Suzu-senpai, Seira-senpai…
I wonder if I (boku)… if ‘I’ (watashi) am unneeded, after all?[3]
……?
My phone’s buzzing… Maybe it’s Onii-chan.
For someone so gruff, he can be such a worrywart. He gets angry when I don’t go straight home, too.
Huh? No, it’s Shizuku-chan. I wonder what’s up? I’ve been ignoring her texts, so…
She seems to have given up on contacting me lately.
‘I have something to show you, so come to the clubroom’… Hmm? What is it?
I don’t really get it, but I guess I’ll go see. To put an end to this.
I’ll submit my resignation form.
I’ll drop out of the Rock Band Club, study properly until graduation…
And chase after Suzu-senpai’s band as a fan, while enjoying my campus life. I’ll live a normal life.)
Location: Rock Band Clubroom
Ruka: “E-Excuse meee…?”
(Whoa, what’s with the heat? Are they holding a concert? There’s so much noise. I think I’m going deaf…
I can barely see in front of me with the crowd. I wouldn’t have imagined something like this from the Rock Band Club last year…
With the great incoming of new members, the club’s scale has also gotten larger.
Just the club members alone make for a great number of people, but people who look like fans are gathered too.
There’s practically no place for me. No… that’s probably how it’s been since the start.
Suzu-senpai welcomed me, embraced me gently, coddled me…
She left me by her side, but I need to wake up.
We were licking each other’s wounds, and it healed me. But I have no right to depend on them anymore.
Even without me, the Rock Band Club… Shizuku-chan… doesn’t seem to be having any problem, right?)
Shizuku: “……”
Ruka: (Huh, that’s Shizuku-chan. What’s up with that strange costume?
It’s cute, but it has a ‘mad’ feel… Dark fairytale…?
Is that supposed to be stage costume? That’s rare; she’s singing without playing drums…
She’s a great singer too. What a beautiful voice.
I knew that, though. She always accompanied me through my singing practice, after all.
We went to the karaoke, sung together at the puppet house…
It was so fun… But, we can’t return to those ‘happy times’ anymore.
You’re so far away, Shizuku-chan. You’re so bright. I feel so pathetic in front of you.)
Part 3
Ruka: “Excuse me—I’m sorry! Please let me pass! I have business with Shizuku-chan!
Mgyu! W-Who? Hey, which of you stepped on my foot just now? Grrrr!”
Shizuku: “……Ruka-chan.”
Ruka: “Shizuku-chan.
You know, umm, I…
I’m sorry for not answering to the chat. It’s not because I hate you, or anything.
You know, I’m… going to d-d-d-d-d-dr…”
Shizuku: “D-d-d… drum, drum, drum~”
Ruka: “Eh, what? What’s with that step? S-Shizuku-chan has started some strange dance…!?”
Shizuku: “Ruka-chan… No, Ruka[4]! You, the bearer of the Gospel! My brethren—oh, wingless Lucifer!
Fuhahahaha! You did well to come! I’ve been waiting for you…”
Ruka: “Eh? Eeeh!? What’s wrong? Why are you talking like Suzu-senpai? Are you alright? Did you eat something strange?”
Shizuku: “Kukuku! Su-zu-sen-pa-i? I don’t know someone like that!
I know of the spendthrift, vulgar, useless little Clochette who was nothing but a nuisance to others, though!
However, she’s no longer in this world! She’s dead!”
Ruka: “She is!?
No, no, no—she’s not dead, okay!? Look, I have a text from her from this morning! Look at my phone!”
Shizuku: “Throw away that garbage! <DAAAMN, DESTROOOOOOY>!”
Ruka: “MY SMARTPHOOOONE――!?
W-What’s wrong? You’re being strange! I don’t get what’s going on at all!
Please return to your usual, kind self, Shizuku-chan!
D-Do you hate me now?
Uwaaaan~! That’s it, isn’t it!? I’m just a good-for-nothing; a burden to the Rock Band Club, after all!”
Shizuku: “Aah, so that’s really what you’ve been thinking…
You idiot! Burden…? No one has said anything like that, right!?”
Ruka: “U-Uuh…?”
Shizuku: “Ruka-chan. Even if you keep crying, shifting in place and worrying over things, there’s no use.
The seniors we loved are no longer! They’ve passed away! At least, in regards to Kimisaki Academy!
We can do nothing but push on with just the two of us, right!?
That’s why… That’s why I did my best and gathered all these people for the club! We can form a band with this! I’ll protect the Rock Band Club!
But, I want you with me too… It’s impossible by myself.
There was a time Kuromori-senpai got suspended, and President Seira was hospitalized, wasn’t there…
At that time, only the two of us alone were in the Rock Band Club.
It was because you were with me the whole time, Ruka-chan… that I was able to hold my ground.
Hey, you think you’re the only one feeling lonely? I hate this too! I’m lonely! So much I feel I’m going crazy!
If even you’re leaving me, I might break down! Stay by my side! I hate being alone!
I hate it! I’m not letting go of human warmth the second time!”
Ruka: “Shizuku-chan…”
Shizuku: “Is it because Kuromori-senpai isn’t around? Is that why you haven’t been coming here?
Then I’ll be her replacement for you!
Copy her foolish costumes and actions! And that laughing style that’s like a broken woman! Fuhaha!
Look! I’ll show you I can become a humiliating chuuni or anything you want!
Clochette is dead! So I’ll become her substitute!
‘Fujii’… the second kanji can be read as Inoshishi (wild boar)… so… umm… Innocentius! Call me by this name!
I’m not embarrassed! I’m already used to this! Be with me, Ruka-chan!
I’m begging you, please. Don’t… leave me alone.”
Ruka: “Shizuku-chan… I didn’t want to become a burden to you like this;
I didn’t want you to get hurt for someone like me…
I’ve always been like this. Always dragging capable people, people with talent, down with me. It was the same with Onii-chan.
I lean on other people, put pressure on them, and twist them.
But… honestly, I can’t bear to do that anymore.”
Shizuku: “……”
Ruka: “I think I’m a bother, after all… so this is a good bye. You know, Shizuku-chan. Today, I came here to give you my resignation form.
You’re a drum expert, and good at singing, so I think you’ll make a great bandmate.
You’re even good enough to join Suzu-senpai’s band anytime now.
But I’m just going to pull you down with me… So even if I no longer dabble in music, I can still at least have your back and be your support.
I’ll fill that kind of position. A fan, or maybe a manager.
So you know, Shizuku-chan. It’s okay already…
If it’s you, Shizuku-chan, you can definitely be Suzu-senpai’s substitute. You’ll be able to fill the empty gap in my heart, I’m sure of it.
But you know, you shouldn’t do that. I don’t want to say this, but…
In this world, there are people who can never be good at what they do, even if they struggle to death.
Please, don’t let someone like that pull you down and make you waste your precious lifetime.
Rather than doing something idiotic like that, playing drums is definitely more worthwhile.
Hear my (boku) last wish, please. You can just desert me (watashi).
Please advance straight forward without hesitation. Reach the place where our seniors now stand on.
I’ll be cheering you on… and I’ll always be praying for you.”
Father and Daughter
Part 1
Kurumi: “Lalala, lalala~ Lalalalala~
Dig up here~ One two three~
Make flowers blossom on the drooping trees~ The honest old man ate it cluelessly~ Hmm-hmm~
All riiight! Rooftop garden, watering done!
Hehe, the plants are growing up nicely~ And so many pretty flowers blossoming.
I’m sure Prez Midori will praise me. She’s been entrusting me with all kinds of Gardening Club tasks lately! I’m happy to be trusted!
Let’s become more and more useful just like this, yo!
This rooftop yard is the first garden I’ve been entrusted to maintain and manage alone!
I shall name it: the Kurumi Paradise~
Go and be the best ingredients there are, my precious! Hehehe. Please grow healthily without wilting, ‘kay?
Fufufu. While it was President Midori who has stabilized the soil here over the years…
I’ve also been doing a great job of maintaining and managing this rooftop yard, right?
All the flowers look full of smiles! Become yummy! Moe, moe, kyun!
This must mean I’ve grown some, myself! Ehehe~
I’ve got to work harder from now on! Then President Midori will pat my head like a good girl!
Everyone, please pleeeease bloom even more!”
(…Oh, whoops. Shouldn’t be giving them too much water or fertilizer, right? That’ll just backfire and make them wilt, yep.
Next, as much as it pains my heart, I’ll need to pluck out the weeds.
W-Which ones are weeds, again…? These are flower buds, so I shouldn’t pluck them, right… Hmm, hmm?
Hmmmm? It seems I haven’t studied enough.
Let’s take a pic and ask President Midori. ‘Am I supposed to weed these?’… there you go.
Oh whoa, it’s already this hour. I just noticed after looking at my smartphone screen—silly me!
Because it’s the Freshman Gathering today, there’s no class, but still…
I shouldn’t be late, should I?
President Midori is the Greenery Committee Chairman now, so from what she said, she’s taking care of the first years for the Freshman Gathering.
And I’m supposed to be helping her as an assistant.
I have to do that job properly too.
Ah, so busy! So busy I’d ask a kitty for help—though cats like to mess up the flower plants so they’re our natural enemy in the Gardening Club!
…I wonder if cats are edible?
Ehehe, I’m a little famished.
Thinking back, I woke up early to go to school and water the plants, so I don’t think I’ve had breakfast?
But I did prepare a lunch box, and the view looks great from here, so I guess I can eat here?
I should still have a little more time, I think.
No, but maybe it’s better to go to the classroom early…? Hmm?)
“…Ooh?”
(Is the person sitting on that bench Transfer student-senpai?
Fufu, yep, you can’t fool my eyes! He’s the only one wearing a gakuran around, anyway.
Should I try to sneak up and hug him from behind, just for surprise?
He’s been really busy with his student council work lately, so he hasn’t been showing up around the Health Committee.
I’m lonely~ He’s supposed to be our senpai!
I have my lunch box with me too, so I can share it with him…
Or hey, maybe he was lured to the rooftop by the smell of my cooking! Geez senpai, you glutton!)
“Senpai You want to eat my cooking that much, huh? I’m flattered!
Eat to your fill~ Mamma Mia~”
Shizuku: “…Whoa?”
Kurumi: “Hwe?”
(H-Huh? I couldn’t tell from behind because she was hidden by his back, but someone seems to be sitting on Senpai’s lap…?
Well this is, umm, who’s this? Umm? Umm~?)
Shizuku: “Hngh~… You’re Hino-san… aren’t you? Do you need anything from me? Or is it Papa you have business with?”
Kurumi: “P-Papa, you said?
Err, umm. You’re Shizuku-chan, right? …Shizuku-chan, are you Transfer student-senpai’s daughter?
No, but… he’s a third year and you’re a second year… And you’re parent and child?”
Shizuku: “Yeah. This person is my dearest Papa in the world~…
And as his daughter, he treats me like his dearest person in the universe~…”
Kurumi: “W-Whoa, please hold on a second! This smells inappropriate, somehow!
How perverse! I believe perverted things are not good!”
Shizuku: “I don’t think there’s anything perverted about this. We’re not doing anything lewd, after all, right Papa?”
Kurumi: “It’s lewd as a whole! You’re sticking all over each other! It’s unfair—I wanna get lovey-dovey with Senpai too!
I-I’ll become your daughter too! You’re my Dad, Senpai!
Huh? But then that’ll make Prez Midori and Transfer student-senpai a married couple…?
That’s a rather irritating thought on its own… I feel this tugging in my chest…?”
Shizuku: “No, Mama is Papa’s only bride, okay? And by Mama, I’m talking about Hassaku Tsuyuri-senpai.”
Kurumi: “T-Tsuyuri-senpai is!?
What is that supposed to mean? Transfer student-senpai, how did you build such a happy family without me knowing!?”
Part 2
Shizuku: “Hey… I don’t know what you want, but we’re in the middle of a serious talk. If what you need isn’t urgent, can you come back later?”
Kurumi: “Hwe? Serious talk? I don’t understand, are you troubled by something?
If it’s something I can help with, I’ll be happy to lend a hand!
I’ve caused lots of troubles for lots of people until now…
So I should help as many people in trouble as I can to make up for it! So President Midori told me~
Ehehe, I’m kind of a klutz, so I don’t know if I can be of any help, though.”
Shizuku: “I’m happy just to know you feel that way. Thanks. Everyone in our school is so nice, huh…?
Well, you see. Hino-san, are you familiar with our Rock Band Club member Ruka-chan—Tsukinaga Ruka-chan?”
Kurumi: “Ruka-chan? Why of course! We’ve been in the same class since we were first years!
Sometimes, Ruka-chan would come to the rooftop to moan over songwriting.
I often come up here to water the plants too, so we bump into each other a lot.”
Shizuku: “Yeah, I heard; that’s why I came to the rooftop.
If I traced Ruka-chan’s steps, I thought maybe I’d be able to understand her feelings a little.
The rooftop is mostly locked, so I asked Papa, who had a master key, to open the door for me.
I had a little hope I might catch Ruka-chan here, but oh well.”
Kurumi: “The rooftop is mostly open lately, actually!
I haven’t seen Ruka-chan around here these days, but until just a while ago, she would help me with watering the plants.
Well, Ruka-chan and I came by each other a lot like that, so…
I think we’ve become close enough friends to indulge in idle chit chat. We pair up during PE too!
Ruka-chan is shy and withdrawn, so it took a while to get her to open up…
But it was no obstacle! For cultivating new lands—or digging up holes, you may say—is my specialty!”
Shizuku: “Right, it’s hard to understand what you’re really trying to say, but your point got across.
Hino-san, if you’re on friendly terms with Ruka-chan… can you help relay a message to her for me?
I screwed up my pep talk with her in the clubroom a little while back…
And she’s been avoiding me since, I think. I tried texting her and calling her, but she would never answer.
Even when I dropped by her class, she avoided me.
But. I want to have a proper talk with her all over again.
I consulted Papa, and he said I better do that too…
Ruka-chan and I, we’re both not very good at talking. But we can’t get anything across without properly talking it over.
Ruka-chan is important to me. I don’t want us to drift apart like this.
Even if it means annoying her, I absolutely don’t plan to give this up.
Ruka-chan and I are the same. She’s an irreplaceable buddy of mine; a soulmate.
Mgyu! W-What’s wrong… Papa?
Don’t hug me all of a sudden, please! I’m not a baby! Auu, stop that, it tickles!
A-Are you trying to comfort me? Ehehe, I loooove it when you’re being kind, Papa~…”
Kurumi: “T-There you go acting all lovey-dovey whenever there’s chance!
It took me a little by surprise, actually. I pinned you as someone more strait-laced, Fujii-san.”
Shizuku: “Really? Well, I guess I’m not the type to grin without reason.
But just because I look stoic doesn’t mean I don’t feel anything…
And Papa understands that. Not just that, he can sympathize with me. He’ll hug me when I need it~”
Kurumi: “Well, Senpai’s the stoic type, too. Sometimes I wonder if he’s not actually a plant.
Should I water you, then? I’m sure it’ll cool the heads of you pair showing off such hot love so early in the morning!”
Shizuku: “That’s going to leave us with a cold, so we’ll pass on playing with water.
I have a show to do today; I don’t want to trouble my bandmates by falling sick.”
Kurumi: “A show? Aah, Fujii-san, you’re participating in ‘that thing’ held today, too?”
Shizuku: “Yeah. ‘That thing’ Papa planned for some reason…
Well, we’re just there to heat things up. It so happens we have lots of newcomers in the club, too.”
Kurumi: “Really~? I’m envious. Like always, the Gardening Club doesn’t get any new members…
I wonder if gardening is too plain—if it seems boring for outsiders?
This year we have boys enrolling too, so it’ll be a help if they’ll just enter the club.
Gardening is mostly physical labor… It’ll be handy to keep boys around, you know?
Well, I guess not every boy craves physical labor like Transfer student-senpai.
The kids who came to try out whined and left without doing much, you know?
So well, I’m planning to do my best on ‘that thing’!
We’re planning to cook up the freshly harvested veggies into delicacies and serve them, so please, feel free to drop by if you’re hungry!”
Shizuku: “Sure, I’ll keep it in mind. Save for the concert, I’m pretty much free, so I can help you out too if you need an extra pair of hands.
In exchange, please pass my message to Ruka-chan.
‘Absolutely come see the stage.’ If I sing with all my heart, and play drums with all I have… I’m sure my feelings will reach her.
I have faith. Ruka-chan is a Rock Band Club member like me, after all.”
Vice President
Part 1
Location: Student Council Room
Tomoko: “Transfer student-san… No, Student Council President. Allow me to ask you once more: Are you in your right mind?
Listen—I, too, do not want to make a hobby of doubting my superior’s sanity after every little thing.
I am already fed up doing so much of that last year.
So I will not repeat it the second time. I am aware it will fall on deaf ears, in the end.
I personally do not find it pleasant to have my time wasted on this kind of thing.
Today is the day of the Freshman Gathering.
Not only the students; parents and alumni are attending as well, so we are dealing with a huge crowd.
At present, things seem to be peaceful and without troubles, but…
I had wanted to patrol around the school for the sake of when troubles do occur.
But you suddenly summoned me—and I didn’t think it would be for such a ridiculous request.
Do you know how busy I am managing the crowd, handing out fliers, and guiding the guests?
I don’t want to waste my time being fooled around by your nonsense, President.
…Can you not at least respond to me? What an ill-mannered man.
Stop looking so scared for your life, please. I have no intention to chastise you.
If this is truly what you deem necessary, then let I, the Student Council Vice President, Yuuki Tomoko, unworthy though I may be, realize your command with every fiber of my being.
Yes, of course, for I am your sword.
I shall clear out the fog and cut open your path for you. I shall destroy your enemies and act as the blade nestled by your side.
That’s what I swore to do in the Selection Ceremony.
But if you wish to use your blade to kill yourself, I don’t mind.
As you desire, I shall cut off your neck and present your head to you.
And so, with that in mind, pleeeease think over it with a clear mind and answer, okay… President?
Why is it that I have to wear a bunny girl outfit…?
You always fail to explain. Why must you present me with such a… lewd… incomprehensible…
No, well, I suppose such strange costumes were not so hard to catch sight of last year.
I myself have had the experience of putting on those strange costumes, quite a few times.
But I am offended that you think I wore them based on my personal interest. I don’t have a cosplay hobby. I mean, seriously.
Be it with the maid outfit, or the princess dress, or lots others… I simply had to wear them, because there was the necessity for it.
In other words, you may say I am not against wearing a bunny girl outfit, provided there is indeed a proper reason on why I have to.
And you see, I am simply asking for that ‘reason’—for the ‘circumstances’ behind this request, yes?
…Why are you prostrating?
Did I ask you to? Are you listening properly to what I am saying—hey?
Are you trying to make me angry?
Are you trying to say I am such a cheap woman, that I would cater to anything you order if you’d just get on all fours and beg?
You can’t tell me the reason, you say? Knowing you, you probably have taken on some random girl’s worries, and are trying to help them, right?
And because you can’t blabber to anyone about it, you’re keeping quiet, right?
How frustrating. Ah, no, how lonely. As student council members, we’re all your confidants.
I am your right hand. I’ve flattered myself as your partner, but——
Are you saying I am, to the end, just a stranger? Is that it…?
Geez, you’ve prepared a proper bunny girl outfit already. As always, your preparation is unnecessarily speedy…
You asked Minami-sa—Natsumi-san, to make it for you?
Don’t give her more job, please. Natsumi-san is already really busy as the student council treasurer.
Unlike you, you leisurely man who always wanders off somewhere.
Rather—is it not fine if you had asked Natsumi-san to wear this?
You two are quite close as childhood friends, are you not…? You shouldn’t have to ask me.
You can’t ask anyone other than me…? Do you want to see me as a bunny girl?
Do you need me…?
You’re saying convenient things as always. I know you just want to use me.
You shameless, abhorrent, idiot President. If you think I will always listen to whatever you tell me to do, you’re very very wrong.
I feel like you’re looking down on me. I am not your minion, you know.
I believe you misunderstand: I work under the ‘Student Council President’――
I merely work as the assistant of the person in that position. I do not have any personal feelings towards you.
Not the piece of garbage, scum that you are… Where is your answer, President?
Where in this world is a reason for me to listen to the ‘personal request’ of a maggot like you?
…Who said you could raise your head?
Prostrate. Crawl on all fours like the livestock you are.
After all, it is much easier to behead you with your nape visible like that.
Hmm… Well, I am no demon either,
This is about you; I am sure you have a reason.
I know… Like always, it’s useless to say anything to you, isn’t it?
Geez, there is no other choice, I see…
This will be the first and last time I’m doing this, okay? Please wait a moment.
…
Well, I have changed into it.
What is with that dumb look? How about you say something?
It looks good on me, you say? I do not feel the slightest bit happy about that. This vulgar… aah, I can’t face my ancestors anymore.
So? What am I supposed to do now?
Explain the details of the plan to me, President. I shall give my everything to act accordingly.
Ah, yes, I do not feel uncomfortable.
This is Natsumi-san’s handmade, is it not? She has made it perfectly to my size.
In fact, it fits me so much it terrifies me.
Is it good enough to do harsh movements, you ask?
Err, umm… What is it you are planning to make me do, exactly… I do not accept lewd orders, okay?”
Part 2
Tomoko: “Hmm. So I may sit down?
Goodness… Here I go.
Geez, how troubling that the previous and present student council presidents are both such idiots. Just keeping up with the lot of you is exhausting; my shoulders feel so stiff…
Nhya!? P-Please do not touch me with no forewarning, President! It could be taken as sexual harassment, in case you’re not aware!
Y-You’re going to massage my shoulders?
No, umm, you don’t have to… I mean, my shoulders are completely bare, too…
Eh? This is to repay me for when I cleaned your ears that one time? You still remember such a small happening…?
Even for me, that day was…
A day full of remembrance, where I became just a little closer to you, and opened up my heart for the first time…
….~
Fufu. All right then. I’m in a better mood. Continue to serve me like that.
Meanwhile, can you explain to me about that thing you’ve been planning?
Like a virtuous wife, I shall take three steps back and support you… President~”
Minazuki: “Yahoo~
‘Yoohoo!’ This one’s to make up for Mizu-chan’s part!
It’s just me today. Mizu-chan’s gone to a farther university, after all.
She lives in a dorm too, and since she’s just starting her campus life, she seems to be busy.
My campus is close by and I have nothing to do, so I invited my uni friends over to come play!
Are you doing well, my student council juniors! Welcome me with your all—Futaba Minazuki-chan has come over to play!”
Tomoko: “……”
Minazuki: “……
…Ah, sorry. Seriously, I’m so sorry. I always come at a bad time.
…This is awkward.
Not to mention, I’m feeling extremely silly for failing to recall how I used to act in high school and giving you guys an excessively plucky greeting.
Sorry for the interruption! Take your sweet time, young pair of lovebirds~”
Tomoko: “Wa-Wait a second, please! I will cut you down if you dare to move from that spot, Minazuki-senpai…!”
Minazuki: “Whoa, scary. It’s scary to see after a while, that blade.
You haven’t changed huh, Tomoko-chan?”
Tomoko: “Haah… Yes, Minazuki-senpai, it has been a while.
You remind me, the alumni are also invited to the Freshman Gathering, aren’t they?”
Minazuki: “Yeah. It so happens my uni friends has been bugging me about my alma mater… I’ve been kinda forced to show them around the academy.
I guess they took an interest when I recounted my experiences as a joke.
They’ve gotten themselves tired after walking all over, so they’re now resting at the food area – the gym.
As for me, I kinda miss this place ~ So I’ve been taking a walk around.
Seriously, it’s great to see it hasn’t changed, Kimisaki Academy~
So you know, while I was walking, I saw the Student Council Room… and recalled that oh right, I was a member of the student council, wasn’t I?
I mean, yeah, you’re not supposed to forget that, Minazuki!―but moving on…
I thought if any of you were around, I should pop up for a greeting, so I took a peek… but then gosh, that lewd scene took me by surprise.”
Tomoko: “No, umm. That wasn’t it—please do not misunderstand.
President… Transfer student-san prostrated, imploring me to wear a bunny girl outfit no matter what.”
Minazuki: “You can keep calling him President. So you’ve really become the student council president, huh… Transfer student-kun?
But still, you granted his request just because he begged. You’ve become quite generous, Tomoko-chan.
Back in the day, you were just like an unsheathed Japanese sword.”
Tomoko: “Yes… This is embarrassing. I am reflecting on it. Just what has gotten into me…?”
Minazuki: “Fufu, isn’t it fine? You can only wear that stuff when you’re young.”
Tomoko: “No, umm, even if you call me ‘young’…
You are as tiny as last I saw you, Senpai. You still look so much younger than me, so it sounded rather strange, you know?”
Minazuki: “Nah, seems I’m just starting my growth spurt, you see… I’m just getting growing pains.
I made a doctor visit to make sure. Apparently, my height is gonna shoot up from now.
Next time we see each other, maybe you’ll be meeting a sexy, all-grownup version of Futaba Minazuki-chan instead~”
Tomoko: “Eeh? I can’t imagine that of you, senpai…
Well, rather than that; since you’re already all the way here, shall I show you around?
I was just thinking to start my patrol.”
Minazuki: “Ooh, that’s a help. It hasn’t been that long since I graduated, but everything already feels so new and fresh…
I’ve forgotten lots of old things, and lots of new things have also taken place.
I can’t help feeling that I’m just a mere guest now; it’s kinda lonely.
I’m jealous of you kids. Of course, I’m having fun at my campus too, though!”
Tomoko: “Yes, please do tell us all about it.
We are taking entrance exams this year, so I am quite interested in what life at university is like.”
Minazuki: “Yep, let me introduce you to my uni friends too!
Come with us too, Transfer student-kun. Staying behind is just gonna be lonely, right?
I’ll treat you to something! Come over here~”
Tomoko: “Ooh, you are being unusually forceful. You are really Minazuki-senpai, right? Not Mizuki-senpai…?”
Minazuki: “Minazuki it is! I can’t be with Mizu-chan always and forever, you know.
So I need to learn how to be independent.
I’ll pull your hand, Tomoko-chan… Transfer student-kun~
You two must’ve been busy taking care of your underclassmen now that you’re third years…
Let your senpai spoil you sometimes!”
The Person Inside
Part 1
Location: Corridor
Hiyono: “Hmm-hmm-hmm~”
(The Freshman Gathering is at its peak~!
The new students, the old, and the guests are all wearing such sparkling smiles on them♪
I think the memory card in my digital camera isn’t going to be enough… I should return to the Newspaper Club room to get a new one.
But the Freshman Gathering is going to end soon, isn’t it?
It’s already after school, and quite late too.
It’s about time for the guests to go back home; but the students still need to stay behind for the cleanup and stuff.
The prep and the cleanup after the events are both part of our youth, too. I’ll immortalize all of these moments in photos.
Since it’s looking to end without any hiccups, I think writing this into an interesting article will be a lot of work, but…
Peace really is best, isn’t it? Yup, yup♪
Plus, it seems President and many other people have some kind of hidden agenda…
The Gathering isn’t going to die down without a fight, is it?
Aah, so fun! I’m really living my fullest.
Fumi-san also came over to play today, and she praised me when I went to greet her, saying that I had a good smile on me~♪
Fumi-san has become a lot milder… She’s letting her hair down too. It made her look like an entirely different person~
But of course; she’s in university now. She was so mature and wonderful♪
Can I mature the way Fumi-san did…?
No, for now I should focus on enjoying the little time I have left as a child! Hip-hip-hurraay♪
Ehehe. I’m getting excited; it must be the festivities getting to me.
But I can’t focus on just the fun; I need to get working ♪
I have all the necessary materials to write the next school paper thanks to the hard work of our new members…
So maybe I should see our respected guests off instead, as a student council officer?
I shouldn’t be making these decisions on my own, so I should contact the president first… There.)
Minazuki: “Ooi, Hiyono-chan♪”
Hiyono: “Wahya!? Oh, you are the former secretary… umm, Minazuki-senpai?”
Minazuki: “Yup, yup. I’m surprised you could tell it’s me, at a glance~
Well, it seems Mizu-chan has changed her hairstyle lately, so we’ve become easier to tell apart.
You look well, Hiyono-chan. Hard at work?”
Hiyono: “Y-Yeeess! So that I won’t soil the honor of my predecessors, the two Futaba-senpais,
as well as making problems for the president, I’ve been giving it my very best!”
Minazuki: “Ah, you don’t need to be so apprehensive…
People will think I did something. That part of you hasn’t changed, huh~?
But I didn’t have any underclassman in the Occult Club, so it’s a little refreshing♪”
Hiyono: “Hauu. Minazuki-senpai, might you have come to visit us for the Gathering?”
Minazuki: “Ahaha, don’t be so formal with me~
We never spoke much when I was still a student here, so I’m not sure what lines I should draw with you either,
but I heard you’ve been doing the secretary job well, when we used to skip on it all the time.
Tomoko-chan had nothing but praises for you~ There, there, you good girl♪”
Hiyono: “Ehehe. I’m happy! I may lack experience, but I’ll do my best to cover for it…♪”
Minazuki: “Mhm, you’re such a good girl.
Speaking of – I’m just reminded about Tomoko-chan… Have you seen that girl somewhere?”
Hiyono: “Hwe? Seen Tomoko-san…?
No, umm, I’m afraid the student council members are all moving separately for the Gathering…
We don’t have enough people, so we need to be spread all over the school to get things done~
We should probably recruit new people though, such as for general affairs…
I think the previous council managed somehow because its president came to the rescue of a lot of people?”
Minazuki: “Right~ What with Mizu-chan and I not doing our job at all, we really made Himari-chan go through a lot…
Pretty late to say that though, ahaha.
But if transfer student-kun is the student president now… I think you can attract some enthusiastic help.
There’s nothing good about pushing yourselves too hard; it’s definitely better to get more helping hands where you can.
Especially since you look so pale, Hiyono-chan. I’m worried now; are you eating properly?”
Hiyono: “Hwe? No, umm, I’ve always been a light eater… and since it’s been so busy these days, I haven’t been getting much sleep.
I mean, that’s not it! What about Tomoko-san – did something happen to her? Why are you looking for her?”
Minazuki: “Right. We really veered off our initial topic.
This isn’t a good habit to keep… Mizu-chan always just prattled on, so all I ever had to do was retort to her jokes or follow on her…
I think I’m not too good at talking on my own.
Anyway, well… I was having a meal with Tomoko-chan and Transfer student-kun in the gym–the food area…
But it seemed Tomoko-chan completely forgot that she was wearing a bunny girl outfit.
When someone pointed it out to her, she got beet red, kicked a fuss, and ran off somewhere.
You don’t know what that girl might pull when she gets too stimulated.
Wouldn’t it be a problem if she was slashing off the head of everyone she came by in the heat of her escape?”
Hiyono: “Ah, so that’s why you’re looking for her.
But why was she wearing a bunny girl outfit…? I mean, yes, the theme for the Gathering this year is bunny ears, but…?”
Minazuki: “No idea. Seems transfer student-kun forced her to change into it.”
Hiyono: “The president? Hmm, lately, it does feel like he’s been working on something behind us…
Well, it’s okay. We’ll deal with it somehow. I know Tomoko-san’s number, so I’ll give her a call.
Tomoko-san is bad with tech in general though, so there’s no guarantee she’s carrying her phone around.
If it gets really bad, I can ask Maruko-san to use the school broadcast to call her over – we’ve been getting along well lately.”
Minazuki: “Okay then, thank you.
Seems alright to leave it to you kids~ fufufu.
My friends from university live far, so I need to take them home; I’ll have to pardon myself.
Today has been a lot of fun. Thank you, I’m so glad I could see you… Hiyono-chan♪”
Hiyono: “Yes, so am I. Please, do come over to play sometimes, Minazuki-senpai.”
Minazuki: “Sure. But well, the leading role of Kimisaki Academy is you children now.
So you shouldn’t drag out the past with us alumni too much.
There are probably kids who can’t let go that easily.
But I should stop here. Sorry for keeping you? See you, bye-bee~☆”
Hiyono: “Bye-bee…♪”
Part 2
Hiyono: “Yes, yes. That’s right, she’s another student council member like me… the vice president, Tomoko-san.
If you catch sight of her somewhere, can you contact me?
Yes, of course. I understand. Thank you in advance♪”
(Okay. I think I’m communicating well with the new members of the Newspaper Club… probably.
I know I should learn to be more strict, like Fumi-san.
But I can’t seem to get rid of my habit of being all servile and meek, huh~?
I’m their boss. I have to act more important to suit my title.
I need to puff out my chest in confidence with a ‘huff♪’ like Fumi-san did.
Hnn~… It doesn’t suit me, huh? I’m always hunching over, after all. Whatever I do, I always end up looking up timidly at people.
This is just how I am… I have no choice but to work with what I have.
But… What did the new kids mean when they said I should come to the sports grounds?
They can’t be thinking of something untoward? Hmm?
Should I scold them off for acting on their own?
But no, maybe because they saw that I was busy with my student council duties… they were trying to be considerate by not reporting beforehand?
The grounds, huh… Sure, it’s been pretty noisy outside.
I thought… that it was because the guardians and other guests of the Gathering were going home?
It’s quite far so I can’t really tell, but are those food stalls outside?
I can hear music too… Nn~ I didn’t hear anything about such an event, though?
This isn’t good. I can’t see. My eyes have gotten bad; I should’ve made the decision of clipping my hair much earlier.
It was already bad enough that I was getting nearsighted from writing too much~
Maybe I should buy glasses. Like, one with an intelligent feel to get me the owns-the-place or bossy look…♪)
“Uhyaan!?
I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been looking away while walking; I ended up crashing into you… wait, President?
Thank you for your hard work so far today♪
Yes, it has been pretty much going according to prediction on my side. I will make a report and submit it to you on a later date, okay?
On the other hand, things seem busy on your side~ as always. Please be careful so you won’t pass out from exhaustion.
You can rely on us more♪
…I don’t know what hidden agenda you have. But please at least say a word or two to us.
Even if it’s not something you can say to Natsumi-san or Tomoko-san…
You don’t have to hesitate to consult me about it.
As a student council officer, I can’t consent to troublesome rackets.
But as the head of the Newspaper Club, it’s more convenient to me when the school peace is disrupted…♪
Maybe I’m actually your snake in the grass.
Unlike Natsumi-san, you and I don’t know each other inside out.
And unlike Tomoko-san, I can’t be your right hand to fight your battles together, by your side.
But that’s why I can speak out about lots of things – that those two may demur from.
Oh no – I’ll write you into the school paper. And it’ll be entertaining… but full of things that may or may not be true♪
Someone like that is necessary, I think. After all, if everyone around you is a yes-man, you may not notice when you take the wrong step.
I will write your actions into the papers – objectively, and fairly.
Of course, whatever they read, the student body still hold the final judgment. But please, take it to mind that there’s more than one way of seeing things out there.
You must be in a hurry. I’m sorry for keeping you.
Please, keep standing at the center of our youth… and shine with all your power, President♪”
(…He left. Chaos really follows him everywhere, huh. But he’s such an interesting person~ like the protagonist of a story.
I hope you’ll allow me to keep watching you and the constant rackets that surround you from this VIP seat.
Okay then. I should get going to the grounds~ They did call for me.
There’s been no sighting report of Tomoko-san; she might’ve hid somewhere in her embarrassment.
The president seems to be pursuing that case also.
If I were to let an absurd predicament as this pass without any investigation… Fumi-san will get angry at me♪)
Part 3
Location: Classroom
Hiyono: “…Huh?”
Hayate: “…”
Hiyono: “Hwee? Eh–what is this? You’re Hayate-san… right?
Why is she in this empty classroom… and what is this costume?”
Hayate: “Zzz, zzz…♪”
Hiyono: “Hayate-san is sleeping… Oh gosh, what in the world is this!? Call the manager down here!
Hwaaaa…♪ She usually acts all cool and smug, but look at this!
Look at this baby-like unguarded sleeping faaaaaaaceeeeeeeee!!
Omigooosh! You are so darn cute! You’re letting your guard down too muuuuch! You don’t even know who might be watching!
Oh, please have some awareness as a Hero of Justice! Geez, geez!
Hayate-sha… Hayate-san, Hayate-saaaaaaan♪”
Hayate: “Unnyu…?”
Hiyono: “Hau!? Oh no, I’ll wake her up making so much fuss!
I can’t wake her when she’s sleeping so comfortably~ She seems very worn out, too.
She’s the new Athletics Committee chairwoman, after all. I’m sure she’s been running around, taking care of the new students, throughout the Gathering.
She must’ve reached the limit of her stamina, and fallen asleep while taking a breather in an empty classroom.
I understand – no, I know!
I have my duties now. I can’t look at you always, like I used to.
I’m no longer a child squealing over pipe dreams and merely relishing in them. I’ve grown up – into a third year.
I know now, that there’s a human being inside the suit of a hero.
Unlike before, when all I could do was watch…
I’m no longer a scriptwriter only watching the actor act out the role of a hero, watching the stage.
I’m right beside you, Hayate-san. In this reality; in the same world.
I’m giving my all to stretching myself, taking the necessary step forward, without looking back.
Let’s stand next to each other, look into each other’s eyes sometimes, and maybe hold hands… as we walk onwards, now and into the future.
Let’s be our own persons.
We’re both girls, so we can’t marry like in that dream we once saw,
but ‘Hayate-san, the Hero of Justice’ is always in my heart… shining inside a story.
And I’ll monopolize that Hayate-san. She’ll be joined with me, for eternity. I pledge; that I will love you forever.
That’s why, Hayate-san… You should also care for your own life…
You don’t have to stretch yourself so thin that you’re passed out in exhaustion like this.
Take off your hero mask sometimes, and please, coddle yourself.
Love yourself. Because I’m also working hard on doing that for myself.
You are too good to be hammered into the idealized image a horrible writer like me made up…
You are too wonderful a girl for that, Hayate-san.
Then, I’ll be going… I have work to do.
Please have your rest, my dear Hero of Justice.
…Hyaan?”
Hayate: “Don’t go…”
Hiyono: “Ha-Hayate-san? Y-Y-Y-You were awake!?”
Hayate: “I wasn’t asleep at all, actually. I just nodded off a little because I was tired.
I was giving out flyers and attracting customers, being the Athletics Committee chairwoman. In this freaking dumb outfit.
What did they take me for, a clown? Definitely not a hero.
Aah, I’m tired… Hiyono, can you heal me~? I’m hopeless without you, you know~…?”
Hiyono: “Err, uhh, Hayate-sha… You can’t just say that –
I was just finally coming to terms with it! W-We can’t! Hweeee~!”
Hayate: “Sorry, I must be troubling you… Really, I’m all beat – sorry for that.
I thought I was a more clever person. But recently, I’ve been hopeless beyond belief, y’know~…?”
Hiyono: “T-That’s not true! Hayate-san, you are the coolest and the cutest today, like always!
I love you the most in the universe – including your hopeless sides…☆”
Hayate: “You’re the only one who tells me that, Hiyono~… Hiyono, Hiyono. Be by my side. Tell me what I need to do.
These days, I have so little clue on anything…”
Hiyono: “G-Gee, you’re so spoiled…
That’s not good, okay~? I’m also busy.
I-I’ve become a member of the student council. The Newspaper Club has also gathered a lot of new members, so this is an important time for us.
It’s a new semester, and we’re taking entrance exams for university this year… W-We have to hold it together.
That’s why I’m… huh, Hayate-san?”
Hayate: “Zzz, zzz…♪”
Hiyono: “Auu. She’s asleep; I guess she relaxed after hugging me.
She’s like a baby, really~ A newborn.
Just starting to walk her own life…
She said it a loong time ago, didn’t she? That she only started living after reading my articles.
I was happy. That’s why, as your author, I will take responsibility for giving birth to you.
It’s okay, you can do as you like; even call me ‘mama’. There, there♪”
Hayate: “…♪”
Hiyono: “Hayate-san.
It’s fine. This reality we’re in, this Kimisaki Academy… as you can see, everything is so peaceful here, even without a Hero of Justice to fight with her life on the line.
We will all definitely reach a happy ending…♪”
Bonfire
Part 1
Kurumi: “Hey, gather around! How’d you like some potatoes? They’re sweet, yummy P.O.T.A.T.O.E.S~☆
Sweet potatoes, steamed potatoes! Butter potatoes, fried potatoes!
We the Kimisaki Academy ☆ Gardening Club made these with all our love! Out-of-season potatoes~♪
We’re selling them for cheap~ For free, in fact!
There’s nothing more expensive than free, so… uh, in other words… they’re delicious~☆”
Midori: “Kurumi-chan, you’re making too much ruckus.
Rather, you shouldn’t add unnecessary descriptors such as ‘out-of-season’.
Sure, we shouldn’t lie; but I also think there are things better left unsaid?”
Kurumi: “Nn~? Did I say something wrong?”
Midori: “Honesty is a good thing. Still, I didn’t think the potatoes you accidentally mass-produced…
…would persistently last until spring. Their life force is amazing.
Well, I think we harvested everything this time.
But it’s quite interesting; I bet countries with starvation problem would be happy to have these seeds. Maybe we should research it more seriously.
They might’ve been the product of an accident, but they’re new seeds with unlimited potential.
You might be able to leave your name in the history of biology, you know, Kurumi-chan?”
Kurumi: “Hehe! Then I’ll name these new potato seeds the Kurumi Potatoes☆”
Midori: “They won’t be able to tell if it’s a walnut (kurumi) or a potato… How about Kimisaki Potatoes?”
Kurumi: “Well, that’s food for later thought.
For now, let’s just distribute these potatoes we’ve made to as many people as possible! Here, here~! Have some potatoes~♪”
Midori: “It helps me to have an energetic shop girl like you, honestly.
I can never imitate you – just standing in front of people in this costume is embarrassing enough…
Ugh, Konan-senpai started working in television after graduation…
And for some reason, she produced an anime of Princess Veggie[5] and got it nationally broadcasted… This costume’s gained an unwanted fame.
There’ve been people taking pics of us since a while ago…
I don’t hate that we’re attracting customers, but I don’t have much of a good memory with this costume.”
Kurumi: “Well, if we’re selling potatoes, it’s got to be in these costumes! Sweet ☆ Potato! La-la-la ♪
But, but! I’m actually a bit lonely that you’ve gotten major, Prez Midori.
You’re my President~ But they crowded around you that I couldn’t get close.
I… Princess Poison appears in the anime as a villainess, too.
So the children were looking at me like the killer of their parents, you know~?”
Midori: “Right. Well, that’s why I had you change into Princess Veggie’s costume too.
Since we have these bunny ears-ish things, it fits with the theme of the Gathering, right?”
Ruka: “Excuse me~ Not that it matters, but why am I (boku)… no, why am I (watashi) a cat-eared maid?
This year’s theme is bunny ears, right? Don’t I stand out?”
Kurumi: “It’s totally fine, Ruka-chan! There’s no bunnies or cats once they’re in your belly~☆”
Midori: “That’s very true. Mhm♪”
Ruka: “The Gardening Club girls speak with really cryptic logic sometimes…
Ukh~ Not that I mind! I already called home to say that I’d be back later than usual, anyway~”
(According to Kurumi-chan, the Rock Band Club will be holding a show.
And Shizuku-chan… apparently said that I absolutely have to come watch.
But I have nothing to do until the show begins.
So as thanks for passing the message… I’m killing time helping out at Kurumi-chan’s booth.
I wonder what Shizuku-chan needs from me.
We parted on a bad note last time. I don’t know what face I should make when I see her.
But I won’t be able to sleep at night if I ignore her and go straight home.
But also, I really don’t want to see…
Shizuku-chan having fun, playing in a band with new members I don’t know. I won’t be able to take it… I don’t wanna~…
But I know, I can’t leave things as they are. I’ve got to settle the problem.
I left my letter of resignation at the club room, so she must’ve processed it.
I’m not part of the Rock Band Club anymore… Even so–
It’s not that I’ve come to hate Shizuku-chan or the Rock Band Club.
I want to grant Shizuku-chan’s wish when it’s possible.)
Part 2
Moon and Rabbit
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Epilogue
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Ichigou is 一号, basically means first (like, less the top sort of first, and more the first in a sequence). Probably also a twist on Ichika’s name. (There may be a reason Hayate calls her this that I haven’t read yet.) ↩
A kind of Japanese buzzword that’s about a relationship between husband and wife, in which the husband is often away to make money, which is convenient for the wife. ↩
Can’t be bothered to find a workaround (yet). Ruka’s original first-person pronoun (based on her first intimacy story and enst’s Lionheart) seems to be watashi, and she only started using boku in high school due to her admiration for Suzu. ↩
Shizuku calls Ruka normally by the correct spelling of her name first – hiragana るか – then switches to katakana ルカ which is how Suzu refers to Ruka. ↩
Princess Veggie is originally BejiPuri which is short for Vegetable Princess (ベジタブルプリンセス). Princess Poison is originally PoiPuri, short for Poison Princess (ポイズンプリンセス). They’re the Gardening Club’s own brand of magical girls. There’s a different story about this, heavily involving the Theater Club. ↩