───── dormitory, kitchen ─────
───── dormitory, kitchen ─────
Kanae
Unexpectedly, yesterday's training session went pretty well.
Kanae
I was worried they'd slack off while I was gone, but looks like my words actually got through to them.
Norita
Takao, you look happier than usual today. Did something happen?
Takao
Hehe~ It's just been a while since we all sat down for breakfast together like this~
Haruma
Well, it's just the three of us having breakfast, and Hayashi-san is packing his to eat somewhere else.
Kanae
Wouldn't you be happy about it?
Haruma
Hmm, fair point. Then hurry up and leave; my sweet berry muffin is waiting for me in the fridge.
Kanae
Getting bolder, huh? Try it up and you'll be running twice as much as everyone else at the next practice.
Haruma
Kanae
No, just a warning for now.
Norita
Keep being sassy, brat, and we're in for quite a show~
Haruma
Takao
Haruma
T-Takao?! Aaaaaa~m! Mmm~ Delicious~
Takao
Good job, good job, one more spoonful~
Kanae
Norita
See what I have to put up with when you're away, Hayashi-san! Don't leave me with them for too long, okay?~
Kanae
Hmm, look at the time, gotta hurry to the studio. Akabane, you're in charge.
Haruma
Norita
I'm in charge now, you little brat!
Takao
Good luck at the studio, Hayashi-san~
Norita
We'll be waiting for you at practice.
Kanae
Kanae
So this is what it feels like to be seen off before leaving…
A strange feeling… but not exactly a bad one… I suppose.
Haruma
Here comes another spoonful, ahhh~
Takao
But you've already eaten everything~ Fine, I'll share mine, but this is the last one!
Haruma
Norita
Ugh, stop it. You two are making me sick.
Haruma
Mmm~ You're just jealous that Taka-chan and I are such good friends.
Norita
I have no idea how he even puts up with you.
Takao, you're coddling him way too much.
Takao
Heh, I can't help it, it's hard to say no to such adorable eyes~
Haruma
Norita
Finish eating quickly and get ready for practice!
Haruma
Taka-chan, don't you think that in the short time they've been living together, Akabane has started picking up some of his roommate's stuffiness?
Takao
Haruma, stop it, he can hear you perfectly fine.
Norita
Haruma
Even better. No need to repeat mysel-
Norita
Haruma
AAAH! No fighting, Bakabane-san!! We debut tomorrow!!
Norita
What did you call me?! Say that again!!
Takao
What are you guys starting up with again so early in the morning? Please, stop…
───── studio ─────
───── studio ─────
Ishida
From the top again, Kanae. I don't like the look on your face starting second verse.
Ishida
We talked about how the visuals and expressiveness are some of the most important aspects of this single.
You do realize we aren't done with rehearsal until you get it right, don't you?
Kanae
Ishida
I can't tell from your face.
Kanae
…I was just thinking about the group's debut tomorrow. My apologies, I’ll pull myself together right away.
Ishida
You’re not a child anymore, yet you still haven't learned how to listen. I keep telling you to focus only on yourself.
Thinking about others will only drag you down to the bottom along with those amateurs. We don't want that, do we?
Kanae
Seeing a smile on his face is such a rare occurrence, but it’s hardly a good thing. It always gives off a bone-chilling cold.
Kanae
I still hope they manage to grow to a decent level...
I mean, I wouldn't want to share a stage with losers, r-right?
Ishida
Don't worry, if you change your mind, just say the word, and this group won't last long.
But for now, do me a favor and don't forget that your priority is me and your solo career.
Now, clear your head of everything else and focus on the song.
Kanae
───── rehearsal room, dormitory ─────
──── dance studio, dormitory ────
Takao
Futami-san texted that she’d stop by later this evening, but there’s still no word from Hayashi-san.
Haruma
I didn't want to jinx it, but honestly, I expected him to be late as usual. What could he possibly be rehearsing for so long the day before a performance?
Norita
Maybe the same thing we’ve been doing since this morning?
Haruma
Takao
Haruma-kun, I found a candy in my pocket, want some?~
Haruma
Norita
Takao
To be honest, I also find it hard to imagine why he’s taking so long. Hayashi-san is on a completely different level; surely he must have polished his performance to perfection by now?
Norita
Knowing him, probably. But also, knowing him, it’s easy to assume he’d find something to complain about anyway.
Haruma
Doesn't he get tired of grumbling all the time? If his fans knew what he was really like, do you think they’d still like him so much?
Norita
You know, most fans don't even dream of being in the same room as their oshi or hanging out in a casual setting. They’re perfectly happy just enjoying the visuals and the music.
That’s why I’m sure there are plenty of people who would even like that side of him~
Haruma
Ew, too much information. Are you speaking from personal experience or something?
Norita
WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH ME!?
Takao
Heh, Akabane-san, it’s hard to tell with you, but you do respect Hayashi-san, don't you? Or am I wrong?
Norita
WHAT IS HE RAMBLING ABOUT?! IS IT THAT OBVIOUS THAT I'M A FAN-?! DAMN IT, IF THAT'S TRUE, THIS IS A DISASTER!!
But I can't just start ignoring Kanae or snapping back at him like the kid does, can I?!
Norita
Ahem! Well, of course I admire him as an idol; he is someone we should look up to, after all—ahem, yes!
Haruma
Well, even if he is a pro, that doesn't give him the right to act like a tyrant. But it's fine, he won't break me that easily.
Takao
Haruma, just don't say things like that in front of him, okay? I'm a little worried about you...
Haruma
Eeeh~ No need, Taka-chan, I can stand up for myself. And you should really do that more often, too. But it's okay, I can always stand up for you as well~
Takao
Haha, I didn't know you had a knight in shining armor streak in you.
Norita
I hope Kanae gets back soon and starts lecturing us, because we’re listening to Iwaki’s nonsense instead of dancing.
Haruma
Takao
Oh, perfect timing, welcome back, Hayashi-san!
Haruma
Norita
Finally, I thought I was going to lose my mind with these two.
Kanae
Ugh, sorry for the delay.
Haruma
A delay?? This is being late! Didn't you say you'd finish quickly and we'd have the whole day left to train?
Kanae
There was more to do than I expected. We still have the whole evening.
Haruma
Kanae
And since when are you so eager to practice?
Norita
Who knows, maybe it’s my good influence?~
Takao
You have to admit, Akabane-san, it’s more fun training together than alone, isn't it?
Norita
Haruma
Hmph, I just wouldn't be able to forgive myself if that dog ended up being better than me at something.
Norita
Kanae
Right... okay, let’s not drag this out and get started.
Haruma
You still haven't answered why you were so late, but fine, have it your way...
Kanae
You’re not the one to lecture me, Iwaki. If you’re going to snap at your elders, you’d better show me what you’ve actually achieved.
Haruma
Norita
Heh, glad that you finally came back, Hayashi-san~
Kanae
That goes for you too, Akabane.
Takao
I knew it would end like this…
───── a little later ─────
───── a little later ─────
Kanae
What’s wrong with you? Are you already out of steam? What’s with this sluggish energy?
Why do you all look like you’re being tortured? Is that how you plan to perform?
Norita
W-we’ve been dancing since this morning, before you got here, so we’re just tired by now.
Takao
Hayashi-san, just give us five minutes... to catch our breath.
Haruma
Haa-haa… What demon has possessed you again? I thought we had an agreement?
Kanae
If everything were going as it should, maybe we could've had one.
I can't believe it. I was almost convinced that we're ready. With a performance like that, it’s better to just cancel the debut than to embarrass ourselves on stage!
Emi
Emi
Ahem, good evening everyone! Sorry to interrupt. Guys, take a break for a moment; Hayashi-san and I need to step aside to talk.
Hayashi-san, can I have a word for a minute?
Kanae
Takao
Futami-san! Good evening…
Everyone
Kanae
And what else would you like to talk about, besides canceling the debut?
Emi
Look, Hayashi-kun, I didn't want to say this, but you're being way too hard on them.
Kanae
Too hard? That’s not even enough—
Emi
Here, take a look at this. It’s a fresh recording from this morning’s practice that they sent me today.
Kanae
Emi
Everything you pointed out earlier, they’re actually doing, aren’t they?
I don’t know what’s gotten into them lately with all these extra training sessions, but they are genuinely exhausted today.
Emi
This is a selfish request from me as their manager, but please, go a little easier on them.
It’s not that your observations are wrong, it’s just, haha, I’m afraid you can’t motivate this group with a stick.
Kanae
So what, are you suggesting a carrot instead?
I thought they started training extra specifically after I carefully pointed out each of their weak spots.
They should be thanking me for an experienced perspective from the outside.
Emi
This must be exactly what Norita was telling me about.
That’s surprising, because last time— A-a-ah!!! I-I mean, before this, rudeness had a negative effect on them.
Kanae
Rudeness? Are you saying I was… rude?
I was just pointing out the obvious flaws.
Emi
Ah!! Well…! Sorry, that’s not what I meant. I’d say “harsh” to be more precise, but that’s not the only thing—
Kanae
Are you saying they perceive my advice as rudeness?
I’m just acting like I always do, so does that mean they’ve been thinking that from the very beginning?
Kanae let out a low, long sigh, as if realizing something, and crouched down, resting his head on his knees.
Kanae
I’ve always been spoken to like that, so I’m used to having my flaws pointed out directly to my face so I can fix them and improve as quickly as possible.
But these three are taking my words as an insult?
Sure, I raised my voice a little, but they aren't little kids anymore; they should understand.
Ishida always said that strict discipline is the key to success.
But come to think of it, I’ve never heard him raise his voice at anyone but me...
Emi
Could he really not realize that others were taking it the wrong way...? I think this is the first time I've seen him make an expression like that...
Hayashi-kun, are you okay?! Don't worry, it's to be expected—everyone is on edge! And you have your solo release coming up, too.
Kanae
Futami-san... I didn't intend to be rude to anyone...
But I also can't let our debut go poorly. Our group's entire career depends on this day.
Emi
It’s hard for me to disagree with him. He wants to succeed, just like any other talent in this industry, it’s just that his methods... aren't suited for beginners with minimal experience and training.
Emi
I understand that this might not be the ideal you're striving for, at least for now, but I believe in them. I believe in all of you.
So, please, believe in them too! You are a group, after all.
Emi
I know I might be putting too much on your plate, but please, try to be a little more patient with them for now. These guys need encouragement, especially at such a critical time.
I assure you, you'll get better results with a carrot than a stick!
Kanae
Futami-san... It seems that’s all I have left, aside from trying to manage their training.
Emi
And that is more than enough. Thank you for being accommodating, Hayashi-kun. Let’s go back to the others.
Emi
I can't believe I managed to reach an agreement with him. Something has definitely changed, but at what point?
Everyone
Takao
A-are you alright, Futami-san?
Emi
Of course. Why are you so tense?
Look, Hayashi-kun, they’re just like bugs scurrying under a rock.
Kanae
I’m sorry for losing my temper.
Futami-san showed me the video from this morning.
Everyone
Haruma
I can’t believe this is the second time I’ve heard him apologize...
Norita
WHEN DID THE FIRST ONE EVEN HAPPEN?!
Haruma
Takao
Hayashi-san, it’s okay. You’re just worried because you want us to do well, too.
But we’ve been training harder than usual, and we’re going to do our best to show you a great performance!
Norita
It’s just like Takao says. We didn’t slack off, even in our free time.
Emi
What... is this atmosphere... My chest feels so tight...
Takao, you’re an angel!!! And Norita... I can’t believe it...
Emi
Ahem! Here is the plan: you’re going to take a break now and review the morning’s dance recording with Hayashi-kun.
Hayashi-kun, if you notice anything that needs attention, let them know and run through it a couple more times, but that’s it!
Emi
No more training after this, and that includes tomorrow morning! Just a light jog and some stretching. Take a hot bath, get some rest, and head to bed early.
Tomorrow is a big day for the group, but you’ve got this! Believe in yourselves, believe in each other, and trust in all the hard work you’ve put into your preparation!
Is everyone clear on that?
Takao
Haruma
Norita
Emi-san, you must be an angel sent to us from heaven~
Emi
I’m not sure if I actually made it to heaven after my supposed death, but someone definitely sent me back to keep a proper eye on you all this time!
Haruma
Hayashi-san, hurry up, we need a professional opinion!
Kanae
Emi
I know it’s too early to relax, but for some reason, I can’t help but smile.
───── the next morning, dormitory ─────
──── the next morning, dormitory ────
Kanae
I can't believe I woke up an hour later than usual. It must be because I went to bed at 10 PM instead of midnight. I actually feel properly rested for once.
Kanae
What about Akabane? Is he still sleep-
No. The bed is made. Where would he go this early when Futami-san told us to rest? He couldn't possibly be…
───── dance studio, dormitory ─────
──── dance studio, dormitory ────
Kanae
Norita
WAAAAARGH! H-Hayashi-san, w-what are you doing here?
Kanae
So he was dancing with an earbud in so no one would hear? Seriously.
I should be asking you that. Ignoring the manager's orders? She specifically forbade dancing.
You guys are either impossible to get to practice or impossible to stop.
Norita
I-I just want to make sure I haven't forgotten anything so I don't have to worry. It wouldn't be cool if I messed up after promising I wouldn't.
Kanae
Hmm, I get it. In that case… maybe we could dance once while the others are still asleep?
Norita
Alright! Sure! Here, take it.
I CAN'T BELIEVE KANAE HAS MY EARBUD IN HIS EAR! OKAY, NO, PULL IT TOGETHER!!!
Norita
Alright then, I'm starting it from the beginning.
Kanae
He really is moving with much more energy than he was last night; Futami-san was right. This is already better.
Don't forget about the expression. Your face is too tense right now, relax.
Norita
GRRRRGH!!! That’s because you got so close!!! You can't just do that! What if I get sick on the day of our debut?!
Alright, I’ll try my best!...
Kanae
Listen, Akabane… I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and I wanted to say—
Norita
Haruma
I told you, Takao!! They went behind our backs to practice the song!!! What did Futami-san tell you yesterday?!
Kanae
Where does he get the nerve to lecture his seniors?
Norita
You little brats, why now of all times! Kanae was just about to tell me something, and the mood was so good!! Damn it all!
Takao
Haruma
No~ Takao! You were supposed to fight the evil, not join it! Now I have to join in too.
Norita
I’d prefer it if you weren't here at all, ugh. But since everyone’s gathered, we might as well crank up the music.
Get ready! 4, 3, 2, 1, and—
Everyone
Emi
Well, well, well, what do we have here! Four rule-breakers going against the manager's orders, I see!
Norita
E-Emi-san?! We were just…
Kanae
Haruma
Y-yeah, exactly! We just need to loosen up our muscles after sleeping!
Takao
W-we were just warming-up to our song because we love it so much!
Emi
What am I going to do with you all? It’s always the same — the moment I turn my back, you’re already up to something. I have to keep a constant eye on you.
Even you, Hayashi-kun, I thought you were the responsible senior!
Kanae
You don't get it, it's just the nature of idols. I can't do anything about it.
Emi
I understand that, it's just that you guys never listen to a word anyone says.
One run-through and then hurry up and get ready! I'll be waiting for you in the car!
Everyone
───── dressing room ─────
───── dressing room ─────
Haruma
Whoa... the costumes are amazing! And with the makeup and hair, they look even better!~
Taka-chan, they really went all out on you, it's insane~ Let's take a photo together?
Takao
Haruma
Takao
Huh? What? Yeah, yeah, of course!~
Haruma
Hmm, suspicious. What are you thinking about that's making you not even listen to me?
Takao
A-ah! It's n-nothing, honestly!
Haruma
Takao, you're lying to me. Is something bothering you? You can always talk to me...
Takao
No, honestly! It's just... Ugh... Your costume...
Haruma
Takao
Why are everyone else's costumes full-coverage, but yours has cutouts on the sides? I'm j-just worried you might get cold!
You aren't cold, are you? If you get cold, just tell me, we'll figure something out!!
Haruma
What did he just say?... I heard that right, didn't I?
I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!!!
Haruma
Taka-chaaan~ Aren't you just an angel?~ I'm not cold yet, but if I get chilly, I'll be sure to let you warm me up with your hands~
Takao
Th-that’s a bit embarrassing, but if it keeps you from catching a cold, th-then okay!
Haruma
Kanae
Ahem, you two, have you seen Akabane?
Takao
Haruma
He got frustrated a while ago and took off to scout the area or something like that.
Kanae
Where could he be... Alright, thanks, I’ll keep looking. Just make sure you two don't go anywhere; Futami-san will be here for you soon.
I kept meaning to talk to him this morning, but as soon as I had the chance, the younger ones showed up. Now he’s disappeared somewhere himself.
Kanae
Maybe this isn't necessary. Akabane seems to be acting normally and talks to me without any issues. But since I've already spoken to those two, it's only fair to check in with him as well.
I really did lose my cool back then…
Where on earth did he go? Maybe he's with Futami-san? I should text her—
Norita
Hayashi-san, are you done with your solo run-through? How did it go?~
Kanae
Scared me, sneaking up behind me like that! I wasn't even mentally prepared for a conversation…
All fine, but I had to run around to find you. Why did you go off on your own? Preparations are in full swing here.
Norita
Aaaaah~ The other two were just being insufferable again, I couldn't take it anymore. It’s like this every time you leave—I have to deal with that nightmare all by myself!
Kanae
And I thought you were starting to get along…
Norita
Norita
Wait a second, I heard that right, did I?...
So… you say you were looking for me? Did something happen? We still have time before we go on, right?
Kanae
Yeah… about that. I need to tell you something… How do I put this… Ugh…
Norita
Is he… nervous? I’ve never seen him like this… He’s usually so professional and composed, but now he can’t even string a sentence together?
Kanae
Ugh, fine, I’ll just say it. I’m sorry for being rude to you back then.
I’m not sure what motivated you to work harder, but the fact remains that you kept your promise and didn't make any mistakes during our last few rehearsals. So, I take back what I said.
Norita
Kanae
It’s still not quite the level we need, but there’s definitely progress, especially considering where you started. So… G-good work.
Norita
Kanae
Futami-san asked me to go easy on you, but that doesn't mean you can slack off. Show me everything you've got today, okay?
Norita
G-GOT IT!! OF COURSE!!! I'LL GIVE IT MY ALL, I PROMISE!!!!!
Kanae
Fair enough, I guess I'll have to trust you.
Norita
AM I DREAMING?!!??!?!??!! DID HE ACTUALLY COMPLIMENT ME BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE?!?!?!??!
And he even apologized, even though that situation didn't really upset me that much, heh~
Norita
Now I definitely can't let him down. Since he believes in me, I'm going to give it 200%!~
I can't believe this is actually happening, someone pinch m-
Norita
Ow! Have you lost your mind?! Why would you hit me in the back?! Haruma!
Haruma
We were calling you, but you two weren't answering. What are you chatting about?~
Norita
Aaaah! You always ruin everything!!!
Emi
Boys, get ready, you're on in 10 minutes!
Takao
Kanae
It’s not like it’s your first time on stage, Iwai, there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Takao
It’s not that I’m scared, it’s just hard to believe we’ve gone through all this and are now minutes away from our debut. We’re going to be working together as a group for a long time to come.
Haruma
Takao
I just didn't expect I'd actually get here.
Norita
Geez, you're being too modest, Takao. Have a little more confidence in yourself.
Kanae
Akabane is right, the audience can really pick up on your emotions, so keep your head held high.
I don't think I need to tell you two that; you'll manage just fine on your own.
Haruma
Uhh~ What are you trying to say by that?
Kanae
I didn’t say it was a bad thing, just don’t overdo it.
Takao
Haruma
Norita
…Why did everyone suddenly go quiet? Don’t tell me you’re nervous.
Hayashi-san, you’re the leader—why don’t you give us a pep talk, like groups usually do?
Kanae
What? That wasn't enough for you?
Haruma
Heh, well, maybe one more~
Takao
I think I'm still quite worried…
Kanae
Are you guys serious… Keep in mind, I’ve never done anything like this before.
Norita
Hayashi-san, you’ve got this. We believe in you~
Kanae
And why am I the one being cheered on now?...
Ahem. As you all know very well, we started this journey on the wrong foot.
Everyone
Why does that sound like a prime minister’s speech?
Kanae
We hit a lot of snags, so I was worried about whether we’d be ready for our debut in time, but you all did a pretty good job.
I think we’ll manage. I’m counting on you, Ecliptic.
And you too, Futami-san. Without your guidance, it would have been much harder for us to reach an agreement. Thank you for looking out for us.
Emi
Huh?! That’s… well… of course! Who else is going to look after you if not me? You four can always count on me!
I believe you're going to do great~ So just give it your all and have a blast on stage~
Norita
Emi
Alright, get ready—you're on in two minutes.
Everyone
Emi
I can’t believe I’m reliving the birth of Ecliptic. Last time, their life were at risk even before their first time on stage.
But look at them now: with that confident glint in their eyes and their smiles—even Kanae’s expression has softened.
Emi
I kept dreaming that this strange situation would turn out to be a bad dream, and that one day I’d just wake up in that wretched agency storage room…
But now, this is what I’m afraid of. I finally managed to help them connect, and knowing there’s more to come, I just can’t abandon them.
Emi
This time, I want to see what they are truly capable of achieving.
Ugh… my eyes are stinging~
───── on stage ─────
───── on stage ─────
Norita
It’s crazy, we’re actually on stage! This is completely different from going to karaoke with friends: the bright spotlights, the cheers from the audience, the other members dancing right there with you. Hayashi Kanae, heh~
Norita
Still, watching him from the stage this closely is a much more impressive sight. Down there from the crowd of fans, he seems so cold and unreachable, but right now, his piercing gaze just makes me feel hot.
Stop staring at me, or I’ll forget the choreography~ Heh, but it really is fun.
Takao
Just six months ago, I didn't even want to think about returning to the stage, but all this effort was worth it.
I hope that as you watch our performance now, you can be proud of me. I gave it my all for both of us, and I dedicate this song to you as well.
Haruma
Taka-chan looks like he’s having fun, and that’s what matters most~ From now on, I’ll do my best to make sure that happy smile never leaves his face.
No one and nothing will ever dare to upset you again, Takao; I will always be by your side.
Kanae
Just another performance, nothing out of the ordinary—I’d like to say that, but something feels different.
It turns out that sharing the stage with three other people and being part of a whole is a pretty interesting feeling.
Kanae
I keep glancing over at them to make sure everything is okay, but their bright smiles always catch me off guard.
Ecliptic… I wonder what the future holds for us.
───── backstage ─────
───── backstage ─────
Emi
Ugh, I can’t believe everything is going so smoothly, and the atmosphere between them feels completely different than it did the first time.
After all, smoothing things over was an important detail I focused on last time, and it turned out to be a fatal mistake.
To make sure that doesn't happen again, I need to learn more about each of them and become not just a manager, but someone they can rely on, no matter what problem arises.
Emi
Surely there is more to each of them than meets the eye: Norita isn't just an irresponsible playboy, Kanae is capable of more than just cold-blooded criticism, and the younger ones definitely need support as they grow up and find themselves.
Someone once told me that looking after a group is like raising children, only a bit more complicated… Looks like I’m about to find out what it’s like to be a parent, haha!
Emi
This time, I want to see what they are truly capable of achieving.
Ugh… my eyes are stinging~
Ishida
Emi
Hah?! Ishida-san, sorry, I didn’t notice you again, haha, t-thank you?
What’s with this sudden bout of kindness? I don’t like it…
Ishida
Hmm. You know, Kanae told me he believes this group has the potential to live up to his expectations…
Personally, I find it hard to agree just yet. And the other three look like the kind of personalities who will be difficult to keep in check.
Emi
Ishida
But as long as they’re smiling and the fans are happy, that’s what matters, right? Perhaps, though you know as well as I do that talent and hard work alone aren't enough to reach the top in this industry.
I would advise you to save your tears; you might need them later. See you.
Emi
… What was that just now… a threat?
Emi
I know perfectly well that this won't be easy, but this time I'm ready for anything. Even if I have to die again, I’ll at least make sure they have a future.
But right now, their shining faces as they step off the stage are my most precious treasure.
Everyone
Norita
Heh, we did pretty well, didn't we?~
Haruma
That was much more thrilling than I imagined…
Takao
My lungs hurt, but I feel like I’ve been energized…
Kanae
Now that you’ve been on stage, what do you think: are all those endless, grueling rehearsals and preparations worth those few minutes in the spotlight?
Haruma
The pressure is a bit intense, but I suppose it’s not all that bad~
Takao
If I can make the audience smile with my performance, it’s definitely worth it!~
Kanae
Not a bad answer. You both did well.
Takao
Haruma
Kanae nods approvingly and catches the two younger members off guard as she reaches out to lightly ruffle their already messy hair.
Haruma
... I didn't want to say this out loud, but it feels like it needs to be said…
I really don’t like his nitpicky nature, and that’s unlikely to change, but I also can’t stop thinking about what it felt like to be on stage with him.
I was afraid his aura would feel overwhelming for rookies like us, but instead, it was like I absorbed his energy… It strangely calmed my nerves.
Kanae
Haruma
I’m sorry too… for calling you a buzzkill earlier.
Everyone
Haruma
I think I understand the reasons for your strict behavior a little better now… But that doesn’t change the fact that I still need sugar for energy!!!
Kanae
Apology accepted, just don’t overdo it, okay? I believe in you.
Takao
Heh~ Haruma-kun, you’re so cute. Pat-pat~
Haruma
Kanae
Well, what do you think, Akabane?
Norita
I-I agree with the others. After all the training, your body just moves on its own, and you start to enjoy the song more. It’s a feeling that’s hard to forget even after the performance ends. And, of course, performing in a group is actually pretty fun~
Even I was a little nervous about performing with you, though. But it was definitely worth it, and I can’t wait to get back on stage.
A satisfied smile spreads across Kanae’s face as he rests his hand on Norita’s head, giving his hair a few light pats.
Kanae
Mm, well said. You did a great job too, Akabane-kun~ That’s not all you’re capable of, right? Show me more next time.
Norita
H-HNGGGWHHHAAAHHHAAAA?!??!??!!1?!?
Kanae
Futami-san, you’ve worked hard too, thank you for your support~ I’ll leave these three to you; I have to go, it’s almost my turn.
Emi
O-of course, Hayashi-kun, good luck!!
All
Emi
I can’t believe that cold guy is capable of such a delicate expression! It’s such a shame his manager trained him to suppress everything that doesn't involve a screen.
Norita
Emi-san?~ Can we stay and watch Kanae’s performance? Just for moral support, of course—we are his group, after all!
Haruma
Ugh, stop with those puppy-dog eyes. It’s written all over your face.
Takao
But seeing him in person is always such an amazing experience~
Emi
