───── two weeks later, dance studio ─────
── две недели спустя, танцевальный зал ──
Emi
Wow, they're already practicing, even though there's still half an hour until the start.
Compared to last time, things are definitely going better, but...
Emi
They still have a lot to learn.
Emi
But if you don't think about it, their progress is not ba—
Emi
Emi
It's alright, it's normal for beginners. They still have time.
Let's hope this time is enough for them. Come on boys, step it up!
Norita
Watch where you're going, shorty!
Haruma
Hmph! At least I don't trip over my own feet like someone!
Norita
What?! Who gave you the right to lecture your elders?!
Takao
Akabane-san, don't pay any attention to him, Haruma's just heated right now, he didn't mean it—
Takao
*Elbows Haruma in the side*
Haruma
If the oldest didn't keep mixing up left and right, I wouldn't have to lecture him, you know!~
Norita
Ha?! Like you’re any better, almost like you’ve never danced a day in your life!
Haruma
Norita
You’re asking for it, shrimp—
Kanae
Both of you. Stop it right now.
Haruma
Norita
Takao
...thank you, Hayashi-san.
Kanae
Instead of arguing, you should both focus on your own weaknesses and those of others, and try to improve them.
Haruma
Well, I can’t help him with his weaknesses; he’ll have to do it himself.
Norita
Same here! I’m still getting used to the choreography since I have less experience with dancing than with singing, that’s all. In your case, though...
Takao
It’s actually the other way around...
Haruma
That's because all my work up until now has been more focused on filming and modeling rather than idol activities.
Takao
Mhm, but Haruma-kun has always been kind of a celebrity at school. I didn't know at first, but it turns out he's been in the industry since he was a kid.
Haruma
Well, I'm not quite a celebrity yet, but I have done some commercials and video shoots, yes.
Norita
Kanae
The resemblance to actress Miki Iwaki is obvious even without mentioning her last name; I'm more than certain you've seen her on screen more than once, Akabane-san.
Norita
Wait, wait... Are you saying the film industry's top beauty, the diva Miki Iwaki, is your mom?!
Haruma
Please don't talk about my mom like that.
Norita
No, of course, now that Hayashi-san has mentioned it, there is a noticeable resemblance...
Kanae
I'm more surprised it took you this long to realize.
Norita
Well~ Who knew. Maybe he's just a fan and is imitating her.
Takao
No, no, it’s true. His mom even came to school once. Everyone was in a frenzy after that, and Haruma spent the next few weeks looking pretty exhausted, trying to dodge all the endless questions.
Haruma
Students from every class kept hovering around. Haah... I told her she shouldn't have come.
Kanae
Yeah, I can imagine the commotion...
Norita
I’ve been meaning to ask. You both look like you’ve known each other for a long time. And with all these stories from school, are you classmates?
Haruma
Yes, exactly! We’re classmates and very good friends, right, Takao?~
Takao
Mhm~ It’s a shame we didn't meet sooner, though.
Haruma
It’s just that one parasite who was always hanging around you, Takao, wouldn't let anyone get close... Well, never mind. He won't be in the way anymore, and we can finally be friends~
Norita
I see, so you've decided to become idols together?
Kanae
Something doesn't add up.
Haruma
What do you mean, Hayashi-san?
Kanae
Iwai-kun, I thought you started the show with a different partner. A guy with purple hair, if I remember correctly.
Takao
Haruma
I don't like where this conversation is going…
Kanae
I don't remember much about him; he didn't seem like the strongest contender. When you two performed together, his scores from the judges were way lower than yours.
Takao
Norita
So, does that mean he didn't make it through?
Kanae
Yeah, he probably got eliminated in the very first rounds. I don't remember much.
Takao
Haruma
It doesn't matter anymore, okay? Let's just stop talking about it.
Crap! Takao just went pale. Great, did Hayashi The Smartass really have to bring that up?!
Kanae
The competition was quite strong; I'm actually curious how they decided to let applicants with such superficial skills into the show in the first place.
Takao
Haruma
Alright, we get it, can you just be quiet already?! Takao is starting to shake.
Haruma
He is absolutely not okay! Kanae doesn't even realize he's kicked a hornet's nest!
Kanae
Maybe they had to dilute the rest with some weaker ones, but I think that's just a waste of time. That guy should have trained for a couple more years before applying for auditions and—
Takao
Haruma
Norita
Kanae
Haruma
Hayashi-san, don't you think you've said enough? That's a bit tactless of you! You are talking about his… acquaintance, after all.
Kanae
Since when did stating the facts become tactless?
Wait, Iwai-kun, are you okay? You don’t look so good…
Haruma
Takao, get up, let’s go for a walk, come on.
He’s fine, must be tired from practice and all the pointless chatter! We’re heading out first.
Norita
Why did he suddenly blow up like that? He’s acting so weird.
Even Kanae is shocked by the kid’s audacity…
Norita
Um, so, shall we continue the practice?
Kanae
There’s not much point if we aren’t all here. But Akabane, I suggest you really work on today’s moves. Right now, you’re lagging behind everyone else in choreography.
Norita
Is he really that upset just because Haruma raised his voice at him? That little brat, I’m the one who ended up getting in trouble because of him!
Norita
Haaaaaa~ It’s been two weeks already, and there hasn't been much progress. Especially when it comes to getting along.
Especially with Kanae. We share a room, but he’s always heading out somewhere or reading work printouts. Plus, the atmosphere itself is just kind of awkward.
Norita
I’m trying, but the dancing is genuinely tough. Kanae just stops the music and makes us repeat it over and over, which doesn't really help me understand.
That kid just needs an excuse to giggle, as if his own voice doesn't crack during vocal lessons!
Norita
I’d like to say Takao is the friendliest of the bunch, but he’s not very talkative himself, so it’s not exactly easy to strike up a long conversation with him either.
This doesn't feel anything like the blogs of other idol groups who act like best friends. It’s hard to even imagine us like that.
Norita
Ugh, what a drag. Maybe I’ll see what’s trending online.
Oh, messages from Fumiko. I didn't even notice with all this training.
───── a few days later, dance studio ─────
─ несколько дней спустя, танцевальный зал ─
Emi
A few weeks have passed since they started training, but not much has changed.
I managed to prevent a couple of arguments that soured their relationship right from the start. But it’s hard to tell if anything has actually changed for the better.
These guys always find a reason to bicker, and I have to keep a constant eye on them just to stay in the loop. I’m afraid if I leave them to their own devices like last time, it’ll end in disaster.
Emi
Take right now, for example. I haven't seen them for just one day, and what is this awful atmosphere?! Even the younger ones are dancing with sour faces!
I know Norita and Haruma don't really get along, that's okay. Kanae?…he’s got nothing on his mind but training.
But what about Takao?! He usually smiles like a delicate lotus flower, and Haruma follows his lead. Why does he look so miserable too?!
Kanae
Emi
There they go again… I can’t watch this anymore.
Guys, how about a break? Training like this will only do you harm, and the last thing we need right now is an injury.
Haruma
Norita
Takao
Kanae
Futami-san, I think you of all people can see that now is not the time for a break. If we don’t get past this stalemate, the debut will be the end of it.
Emi
He’s not far from the truth, of course, but I can’t let them continue in an atmosphere like this.
Hayashi-san, I assure you I understand your point of view, but as your manager, I have a duty to contribute my own perspective to the process. Even if you might not like it.
Emi
Even if we turn a blind eye to the lack of cohesion in the group...
Even though Ecliptic managed to debut last time, it wasn't enough to create a lasting 'boom.' Once fans noticed the gap in the members' skills and their lack of coordination, rumors and discussions began popping up on social media, which is simply a ticking time bomb for a future scandal and the group's disbandment!
Emi
Hayashi-san, you're right that everything needs to be polished and top-notch by the debut.
That is exactly why I want to suggest... simplifying the choreography.
As expected, you can tell by Kanae's face that he isn't happy with such a compromise, but the others seem interested.
Kanae
This isn't even the most complex choreography as it is; do you want to simplify it even further?
Norita
I don't want to butt in, Hayashi-san, but I'm afraid we're not at the level yet where we can agree to that. Look, even the little runt are still trying to catch their breath.
Haruma
Thanks for looking out for me, but you could have used my name!...
Takao
Haruma-kun, want some water?
Haruma
Thanks, Takao-kun, you're the best~
Kanae
That just goes to show that the current training isn't enough.
Emi
Hayashi-san, if we increase the training intensity, it will only raise the risk of mistakes or even injury. After all, we are working with beginners; we need to increase the difficulty gradually.
It's better to play it safe and perform well than to fail because one of you feels insecure on stage.
Kanae
Fine. We'll do it this way, but only this once. After the debut, such concessions won't be allowed.
Emi
Very well. Your choreographer is already aware and will show you the alternatives at the next practice.
Kanae
So it was already decided without us...
───── at the dormitory ─────
───── у общежития ─────
Norita
Ugh, I'm exhausted. And that was just the simplified version of the dance.
This is all turning out to be much harder than I thought...
Emi
Akabane-san, are you okay? Should I help you with dinner tonight?
Norita
Not today, but thanks for the offer. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to make anything tasty anyway because of the diet.
Do idols really have such grueling training every single day?
I used to work out at home quite a bit, but didn’t expect that I would get this exhausted.
Emi
If I'm correct Norita started losing heart before his debut last time, too. Can't say I don't understand him. But if I want Ecliptic to last, I need to try and motivate him somehow.
Oh! I know something that might help the situation a little.
Emi
Tough, not gonna argue. But it'll get easier after the debut, Akabane-san. You'll have solid skills by then, and thanks to that, you'll gain a lot of fans: the ultimate reward for any idol!
Norita
Emi
Also, I think if you perform well, even Hayashi-san might praise you...
Norita
Emi
Though, I'll still have to talk to Kanae himself about this... Ugh, I hope he doesn't say something like, "If you haven't earned it, there's nothing to praise."
Please, Kanae, I'm just trying to save the situation!
Norita
Haha... Yeah, that sounds like a dream~
Emi
In that case, don't you want to fight for it? Guys who don't give up are pretty cool, don't you think?
The worst Kanae could say to that is no... I've heard worse things than that.
Norita
Alright, I'll give it a shot. Letting the group down isn't cool.
Emi
Well, that’s great! See you at practice tomorrow then~
Norita
Sigh~ Alright, how late is the studio open? I think I have time for a little practice before bed.
───── next morning, dance studio ─────
── следующее утро, танцевальный зал ──
Norita
My legs feel like jelly after yesterday's extra practice… How did it go again…
Emi
Akabane-san, try doing this move differently. Like this. It’ll be easier.
Norita
Emi-chan can dance? Now that’s news.
It really is easier this way, thanks~
Emi
If it prevents the group from falling apart, you're very welcome.
Next up… Haruma and his vocals. It’s not all that bad, but a few tips are in order, for the peace of mind of everyone else and manager Kanae in particular.
Emi
Haruma, sing your part again, but more relaxed, without straining your vocal cords.
Haruma
Is Emi-san helping us with rehearsals now?… Well, alright then.
Emi
Yes, something like that. Try to remember how that feels.
Takao, your dancing is not bad, but you should make the movements a bit more energetic to match the lyrics. Can you do that?
Takao
Haruma
Norita
Haruma
Norita
Emi-san… is acting strange.
Emi
Ah, Norita! In this move, raise your hand a little higher, like th-
Norita
Why did Emi-chan pull her hand away so sharply, as if I were going to bite her?
She didn't even realize she called me by my first name, not that I mind~
Emi
I almost forgot about my stupid "superpower." I bring bad luck to everything I touch. These guys are going to have a hard enough time as it is, so my job is to help them, not make things worse.
Let me demonstrate: like this.
Norita
Haruma
Psst, Takao… Do managers always get this involved in group rehearsals?
Takao
I'm not sure, maybe this is just Futami-san's way of looking out for us? She seems to know what she's talking about.
Haruma
Emi
Great, now let's take it from the top, everyone together!
───── a few days later, in the car ─────
── несколькими днями позже, в машине ──
Kanae
I’m a bit surprised at how Ishida-san manages to keep such an indifferent expression while being so curious in our group's progress.
If I didn't know him well, I'd think he was actually interested.
Kanae
He can't find out things are going this poorly, no way. And that's putting it lightly: their fitness is zero, the vocals and stage presence need a lot of work, and on top of that, the choreography has been simplified.
Kanae
We’re training constantly, so the progress is clear. We’ll be ready for our debut in no time.
Ishida
Hmm, I look forward to seeing those three in action. It’s hard to believe based on the information I’ve managed to gather about them, but since you’re so confident…
Kanae
I don’t even want to imagine what he might say if we fail. I need to increase the workload for them; they’re far too relaxed for their current skill level.
Ishida
Hmm… I still think it's a waste and that the group will only hinder your personal growth. So, it’s in your best interest to prove that this will actually be beneficial.
Kanae
Just as I thought, he’s still unhappy about having to turn down several other project offers for the sake of this group, which doesn't even inspire any confidence.
But it’s the only way to create the distance I need to try and stand on my own two feet.
Kanae
To terminate the contract.
Ishida
Speaking of personal growth, I’ve set a date for your new single announcement, so you’ll have your work cut out for you.
Kanae
Wha… But our debut is right around the corner. Is it possible to release it after that?
Ishida
Kanae, are you going to give me advice on how to do things properly now? Who do you think has more experience in this industry?
Kanae
No, I didn’t… I apologize.
Ishida
Planning the best dates for announcements and the release of any information or content is the manager’s job.
You’d be better off focusing on the quality of your performance.
Kanae
Ishida
That’s good, you can look over your new schedule in the meantime.
Kanae
The announcement is so soon, which means the schedule will be even tighter, and the release date… On Ecliptic’s debut day?!
───── later, at the agency ─────
───── позже, в агентстве ─────
Emi
Yay! I’ve successfully reached an agreement with the studio~ Now I just need to go over the staff list for the debut day and handle a few minor things. But at least now I’ll have more time to make sure everything goes smoothly for Ecliptic.
I’ve been trying to mentor them myself while Kanae has been away lately, and it seems to have cheered them up a bit. I hope things start looking up!
Emi
Ow!... Oh my god!! I’m so sorry, are you al-... right?
Emi
Oh no... Just when I thought everything was going well, he had to show up!
Ishida
Isn't that Futami-san? I wonder what could have made you so happy that you didn't even look where you were going when you turned the corner?
Emi
No really, please forgive my carelessness, Ishida-san, are you absolutely sure you're alright?
Emi
Too bad I didn't accidentally break his leg or two. Sigh…
Ishida
Exactly, you’d better worry about yourself and stop running through the hallways like that. I understand you’re young and energetic, but you could get hurt.
Though these injuries won't really hinder your current career, will they?
Emi
Ishida
In the worst-case scenario, they’ll just transfer you to the office.
Emi
Ha-ha, so you’re a connoisseur of humor, Mr. Ishida! Who else is going to look after my wonderful group if not me?
You rarely see him with a smile on his face, but that doesn't make him any easier to deal with. Especially when every word is dripping with sarcasm!!
Ishida
Well then, I sincerely hope your group has a long and colorful life.
That’s hard to achieve these days, considering most newcomers never reach the necessary public reach or sales figures and fall apart before they even last a year.
Emi
Yes, you smug old geezer, I know that perfectly well from my own experience. And more than once, at that!
He certainly doesn't need to know about this, because it won't happen again this time!!!
Emi
It's a sad reality for our time, but I have confidence in myself and my charges! You should too—after all, your dear nephew is part of this group. Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on him as well.
Ishida
I have nothing to worry about; even if something goes wrong, I'll just take him back. It's better if you don't interfere too much with his routine; he knows what he needs to do.
Emi
Ishida
Ah, right, I almost forgot. I have something for you, Futami-san.
I was going to send this to you, but since we ran into each other, here you go.
Emi
What is this? A folder?...
Ishida
This is Kanae's new solo schedule. As his group manager, you should make sure there are no conflicts.
Emi
Haha, of course, Ishida-san. Just try not to overwork him; our debut is coming up soon, and I need all the members to be in top form.
He’s just looking for ways to throw a wrench in our plans.
Ishida
His priority remains his solo projects, don't forget.
Besides, I’ve already spoken with Kanae, and he said he can handle it and that the group is practically ready for their debut, which means you have nothing to worry about either. Right?
Emi
Kanaaaaeeeee… Whyyyyy did you say that?!… Not only is he digging his own grave, but he's dragging everyone else down with him. The younger members were nearly crushed by his ruthless criticism, yet he tells his manager that everything is wonderful?
Though, of course, that's better than him honestly admitting that things are going poorly. In that case, his uncle would have terminated the contract long ago, and the group would have folded before even debuting.
Well, I suppose that's something. Whatever his reasons, it seems Kanae isn't particularly keen on sharing that information with Ishida, which gives us the time we need to grow.
Emi
Yes, that's right! He's correct. But there's no point in talking about it now; you'll see everything for yourself when they debut! Stay tuned!!
Ishida
Hmm, how intriguing. Good luck.
Emi
Emi
AND HOW ON EARTH DOES KANAE EVEN PUT UP WITH HIM?!
