nazunyan427

Springing to Adulthood ✩  Leaving the Nest: Ready, Set, GO!

Written by: Kinosei

Overseen by: Akira

Ready, Set, GO!

Prologue

Season: Winter

Location: Train

Mid-February. During the morning commute via train.

Nazuna: Hnfgh…! I cyan’t move…!

Hajime: N-Nii~chan, are you all right? If you feel like we’re gonna get split up, grab ahold of me—

Hywahh?!

Nazuna: You say that, Hajime-chin, but you’ve already gotten swallowed up by the crowd and are being dragged further away?!

Wait. By the way, where did Mitsuru-chin and Tomo-chin go? I completely lost sight of both of them a few minutes ago…

Mitsuru: I’m over here~! I can’t move an inch, but I’ve got the muscles to endure it, so I’m fine!

Tomoya: I’m over here. But I’m surrounded by people taller than me, so you probably can’t see me very well.

Just how many people are on this train anyway? I won't be surprised if the percentage is way past the full capacity. To be honest, I seriously underestimated the morning rush hour.

I mean, I can just about handle this, but I do NOT want to have to go through this five days a week.

Nazuna: Yeah. But realistically speaking, there’s a fair amount of people who DO go through this five days a week.

Anyway, I’m just glad to see you two look relatively unharmed. Though I hadn’t imagined the morning commute would be this unpleasant!

Company employees sure have it rough. It never even occurred to me that we’d be in this same position one day.

Hajime: And that’s exactly what makes this such a great experience. I’m really looking forward to seeing how our first day at work is going to go.

Nazuna: Yeah. They specifically chose us for this, so we’ve gotta live up to their expectations.

(In any case, there’s only five stops to go before we reach the office. Let’s do this!

…Ahaha. What a weird thing to get myself all pumped up about.

I’m already juggling college alongside being an idol, and now I’m about to get my first taste of working at a company. What an odd turn of events. ♪)

Several days earlier.
Location: ES

Nazuna: … ‘Ready, Set, GO!’?

Tomoya: I see. So it’s a variety show that would have us Ra*bits come and work at a company, which would be filmed for a TV special.

Hajime: And the company in question specializes in menswear? So we’d be advertising their suits at the same time, hitting two birds with one stone.

I see, so we’d get to experience becoming part of that company. The details make sense to me, Anzu-san.

Mitsuru: So we’d get to wear suits and go to work? That sounds like it’d be fun!

Tomoya: Well, I’m not so sure it’d be all that fun for the viewers though. I just don’t see us being able to play any sort of useful role to a company. If anything, I feel like we might just be a burden.

Sorry to say this after you’ve explained everything to us, Anzu-san, but I can’t decide if we should say yes or not on the spot.

 Do you think you could tell us a little more information?

Like, why were we offered this in the first place? And what sort of things do they mean to ask of us? I’d rather make a call after hearing all the info you have at hand.

Hajime: …Ever since we really held our own against Eden when we both took part on Bogie Time, we’ve attracted a lot of attention?

Now that you mention it, we are pretty used to being on variety shows, so it probably seemed as though we were on equal footing with Eden there.

Nazuna: So that’s why? Some fancy higher-up at a TV station saw our stint on Bogie Time, and decided he wanted to see more of Ra*bits’ potential?

I mean, I’m grateful that we’ve got a good reputation when it comes to variety shows, but this job sounds like we’d be really throwing ourselves in at the deep end.

Mitsuru: No matter when or what the job, as long as it looks interesting, I’ll be just fine!

Tomoya: Mitsuru, I’m telling you not to make promises we can’t keep. I just don’t think that work experience at a company is something we should take that lightly.

Mitsuru: Mmm~ But it’s not like I’m only thinking about the fun side of things, y’know?

Tomoya: Well, I guess technically being both an idol and an actor counts as work experience too… But working for a big company is pretty rough. Like, things seem hectic for my Dad every single day.

Things are tough in a way that’s different from being an idol which is all a battle of talent. There are a ton of rules you can’t break. Isn’t that the sort of thing you can’t stand?

Mitsuru: Ungh, really? I’m feelin’ the pressure just hearin’ about it!

Never mind, we should turn this down, right? What do the rest of you guys think?

Hajime: It’s a difficult decision to make, that’s for sure… I see exactly where Tomoya-kun is coming from, but I also think that we’ll never know unless we try.

Do you think we could have a little bit more time to think it over before we give our answer?

This type of job would be a first for us, so I really think it would be best for the four of us to talk it over and come to a unanimous decision. And I believe that would be the best course of action for the company we’d be working with too.

Tomoya: I agree. This isn’t something we can just decide right away, but it's great to hear that Ra*bits are being regarded so highly.

Nazuna: Same here. Sorry, Anzu, but it seems like we’re still split about what to do, so can you give us a bit more time to think about the offer?

Great. Sorry we can’t give you an immediate answer though.

Tomoya: Anzu-san. Do you think we could have 2-3 days before we have to decide? I’d like to do some research on the company we’d be working for in the meantime.

Thanks. And if you have any documents or a proposal on hand, I’d love to look over that too. Thanks for all of this!

Nazuna: …You‘ve got another meeting to get to so you’ll send the rest of the details by email? Sorry about all this. And thanks for coming to talk to us about it in person even though you’re so busy.

Yeah. We’ll be sure to take our decision about this seriously. And if we do decide to take you up on the offer, we’ll be all yours, Anzu.

Disclaimer: 

All of these translations are non for profit. 

Note: This list is a WIP.

Ra*bits

The Potential of Our Parallel World
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10

Happy Spring

Prologue

High Five

Prologue

Hop Step Chapter 1

Hop Step Chapter 2

Hop Step Chapter 3

Hop Step Chapter 4

High Jump Chapter 1

High Jump Chapter 2

High Jump Chapter 3

High Jump Chapter 4

Epilogue 1

Epilogue 2

Epilogue 3

Epilogue 4

Reloaded

Bogie Time (collab)

Black Bunny

Prologue

Mitsuru of Amnesia Chapter  1

Mitsuru of Amnesia Chapter 2

Mitsuru of Amnesia Chapter 3

Mitsuru in Wonderland Chapter 1

Mitsuru in Wonderland Chapter 2

Mitsuru in Wonderland Chapter 3

Mitsuru to Escape Chapter 1

Mitsuru to Escape Chapter 2

Mitsuru to Escape Chapter 3

Mitsuru to Escape Chapter 4

Ra*bits with Jumping Chapter 1

Ra*bits with Jumping Chapter 2

Ra*bits in Underland

Epilogue

Nazuna

Nazuna Management Stories - Izumi, Kuro, Hajime

Substory - Breaktime with Bunnies

Substory - Captain Nito and Me

Substory - Unbroken Bond

Feature Scout 5* - Flowers Will Bloom In Time
Feature Scout 4* - To The Flowers That Have Begun to Bloom ft. Mao, Makoto

Feature Scout 3* - A Nostalgic Morning

!! Homescreen Lines

2021 Birthday

Hajime

Management Stories - Subaru, Eichi, Tetora

Hajime Idol Story 2 ft. Tomoya

Hajime Idol Story 3 ft. Yuzuru

Feature Scout 3* - Multiplied Happiness ft. Anzu

Feature Scout 4* - Mutual Feelings ft. Tori, Tomoya

Feature Scout 3* - Rainy Season at the Library ft. Ritsu

Feature Scout 5* - Singing the Present ft. Arashi, Ritsu, Ra*bits

!! Homescreen Lines 

2020 Birthday

2021 Birthday

Tomoya

Tomoya Idol Story 2 ft. Ra*bits

Tomoya Idol Story 3 ft. Tsukasa

Substory - Sharing the Fun ft. Hajime & Mitsuru

2021 Birthday

Feature Scout 3* - Like the Air Itself ft. Hiiro

Mitsuru

Substory

Izumi

Izumi Idol Story 3 ft. Nazuna

Feature Scout 3* - From the Flower Capital ft. Shu

2020 Birthday

Ritsu:

2020 Birthday

Kuro

Feature Scout 4* - Brother to Brother ft. Mao

Feature Scout 3* -  The Path to History Starts with One Step ft. Tomoya, Mitsuru, Sora, Hinata

Folk Song ft. Nazuna

Wild Boar ft. Nazuna

Feature Scout 5* - Clad in the Path I’ve Taken ft. Nazuna, Tsumugi, Leo, Keito

Other Story Translations

Astraea's Atelier

Ally of Justice - Chapter One

Tori

Substory - As No-Tori-ously Haughty As Ever ft. Tennis Club

Adonis

Feature Scout 4* - The Rhythm Link Arm Wrestling Cup

--

Other - In Game

Office Lines

Ra*bits x Double Face Collab - Part 1

Mini Talks

Other - Misc

Dream Live Interview: Ra*bits

Dream Live Interview: Knights

Coco’s Curry Collab

Police Campaign Ra*bits

Summaries

Rhythm Link Group Interview

Ra*bits, Knights, Undead Fan MTG

Location: Poppin’ Party Stage

A few minutes later during Poppin Party. 

Tomoya:

♪~♪~♪

Welcome to the show, everyone! Thank you so much for coming all the way out here today to hang out with us at Poppin’ Party!

Hajime:

We’re so, so happy you could join us! We Ra*bits are ready to shower you with every drop of love we have in our hearts, so get ready to have the time of your lives!

Mitsuru:

L! O! V! E! Put it all together and what’dya got? LOVE! Get it? ‘Cause we Ra*bits are full of L-O-V-E—LOVE!

Wahaha! And now that Nii-chan’s here with us today, we can spell out L-O-V-E—love properly for the first time in forever!

Every part of this show is gonna be packed with LOVE; it’s a banquet of love! Hope you guys enjoy the feast!

Nazuna:

—Yeah! All of you guys sing along with us too; let’s all sing songs filled with love!

It’s time to take a deep breath and put anything troubling you or causing you pain aside! Become the cutest little bunnies you can think of and hop, step, jump towards your dreams, just like us!

♪~♪~♪

(Oof, why am I getting nervous now all of a sudden? It took everything we’d got to pull all of this together at the last minute, and we’d barely any time to squeeze rehearsals in, let alone spend hours dedicated to rehearsing.

What if I mess up? … I really do tend to worry too much, huh.

Well, it is what it is. During the time I was away, they’ve come up with all these new parts to our performance…

It sure is my first time hearing about this L-O-V-E—LOVE Ra*bits thing. At least I managed to join in spur of the moment.

Sigh… Ah but, I really did miss being onstage. I forgot how much fun it was. Everything’s so shiny and sparkly—this is exactly how a Ra*bits show should be!

Every single prop on and around the stage, from the lights to the balloons to the bouquets; everything’s filled right up with love.

I wonder if all of our fans conspired with each other beforehand to coordinate everything just for me?

They’re swinging around little golden rabbit nuis with ruby-red eyes that look suspiciously like me…

And they’re calling out my name, over and over again. “Nazuna! Nazuna!”

… I feel so needed. I feel so loved and wanted.

And I feel so blessed. They’re telling me it’s okay, “it’s okay for you to be here, and for you to be yourself!”

And yet… I was still plagued by doubt, from when standing onstage used to fill me with so much dread and despair…

I just couldn’t risk it, so I chose the easiest path for me, the one where I was least likely to get hurt… I ran away.

The life of an idol is filled with uncertainty. I’ve got no idea how long I’ll be able to keep it up.

That’s why I wanted a more stable future. I don’t believe that in itself was wrong, and I don’t think anyone will hold that against me.

But I was scared. I was full of anxiety. It sometimes felt like being an idol was like walking on a tightrope, and I remember all too well how it feels to fall to rock bottom.

For the old me, standing on stage was a terrifying place.

I was constantly expected to be perfect, even though I was full of imperfections.

I knew better than anyone else just how full of faults I was, and I hated that about me.

And yet, I was still asked to be flawless. To be someone beyond what I’m capable of.

I was expected to be this angel of ethereal beauty, a work of art; beauty carved by an old master for no other purpose than to be preserved and revered. An existence beyond humanity.

… That was a lot for me, for just one person. I thought I’d never be able to meet everyone’s expectations. And I was right; I couldn’t! And every time I failed to be perfect, I scolded myself over it, plagued by self-hatred and my own warped sense of perfectionism.

Every time I stood on stage, I felt so overwhelmed by the pressure that I could barely breathe.

… But when I stand on stage as a member of Ra*bits? Nah, it’s nothing like that.

Hajime:

♪~♪~♪

Nazuna:

Hajime-chin’s gotta be the cutest little thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. It’s just like Tomo-chin says all the time; “He’s the cutest being in the whole galaxy!”. And even now he seems to be blossoming into someone all the more charming by the day.

He’s even learning how to turn on the charm when he wants to. That could be thanks to that Bishoujo-senpai’s guidance, or even Momo-chin’s influence; those two’ve become pretty close friends after all. 

He’s not just naturally cute; he’s able to turn on the charm when needs be. He’s so powerful!

Hajime:

♪~♪~♪

Nazuna:

I know you’ve had a lot to worry about lately, Hajime-chin.

About only being valued for specializing in cuteness, and how you’ll become worthless if you can’t act like this adorable little angel 24/7. 

You don’t need to worry about any of that. In our world, cuteness prevails over all. And no matter what you do, Hajime-chin, you’ll do in your own lovely way. Your sweet little self will always have the right to be a member of Ra*bits.

No matter how dramatically the world around us changes, you will always have a home in us.

And as long as you stay by our side, I promise that we’ll stay by yours; because we’ll always love you, Hajime-chin—we’re crazy about you! 

Mark my words. You may have caught me off-guard by how needy you can get, or how much you crave attention sometimes, but I promise you, I will personally guarantee you that there will be no unhappiness in your future, not so long as I can help it.

Know why? ‘Cause we’ll always be here for you, Hajime-chin. Forever and always.

Mitsuru:

♪~♪~♪

Nazuna:

It seems like Mitsuru-chin’s been taking on a lot more job offers asking to see the cooler side of him.

His drama ended up getting great reviews, and there’s a ton of girls who’re falling head over heels for the “cool” guy you played on TV—or so I’ve heard.

Yeah, you really do seem to be shaping up to be a pretty “cool” guy, Mitsuru-chin.

I know you’re worrying about whether you’ll be able to stay with us Ra*bits, who specialize in cuteness over all else.

You don’t have to worry about a thing, Mitsuru-chin, and that’s my guarantee. I’m your Nii-chan; what I say goes!

There was a time where I had the same misunderstandings you did. But even the biggest and brawniest of guys can be considered cute sometimes.

It’s not just about how you look on the outside; it’s about how you speak and act, how you behave as a person. All of those things make up what can be considered “cute”.

I didn’t get it before. I didn’t understand why you’d ever wanna refer to a guy as “cute”.

“You making fun of me? You trying to pick a fight?” I’d probably get all worked up thanks to my own skewed viewpoint.

I had such a narrow view from living in this tiny little world, but since starting college I’ve met so many new people and learned all these new ways of thinking.

It goes without saying that you guys are showing me all kinds of new ways to be “cute” by the day.

I get it now. There’s no one single definition of “cute”; there’s endless examples.

My idea of “cute” isn’t the be all and end all. In fact, there’s tons of different definitions of cuteness.

As many definitions as there are stars in the sky. Too many to count, really.

So, like I said, you’ve got nothing to worry about. You’re perfectly cute, Mitsuru-chin, you and me both, and Hajime-chin, and Tomoya-chin. None of us need to worry about a thing.

All four of us just need to focus on the jobs we have at hand, whether they’re idol-related, or in my case studying at college, and we’ll discover all kinds of “cute” in everything we do.

Then we’ll make it our own and it’ll become part of us. And we’ll stand on stage and show our news selves and our newly discovered kind of cute to all of our adoring fans.

And they’ll all take one look at us and gush about how precious we look to them. The world nowadays is filled with terrible things; war, famine, natural disaster, illness. There’s so many awful things going on that it doesn’t bear thinking about.

But I want everyone to put all of that aside when they come to see us Ra*bits. From the moment we stand on stage, I want them to put all of that aside.

I want our fans to show us their dazzling smiles filled with love, and tenderness.

—Our Father who art in heaven… Do I still have the right to pray to you for that much?)

Chapter 9

-Just before Poppin’ Party-

Location: Poppin’ Party Stage

Time flows on. One week later, Ra*bits are ready to open Nazuna Nito’s welcome back concert “Poppin’ Party”.

Nazuna:

♪~♪~♪

… Alright! All this construction was a bit of a rush job, but hopefully the quality turned out professional-looking enough for our audience’s eyes!

There’s a good half a year between this and the last time I stood properly onstage, so I was more than a little worried.

I sure am glad I got a chance to perform at both the 2nd DDD and MDM.

With any luck, I won’t be disappointing anyone who’s come to see us today!

Tomoya:

What are you talking about, Nii-chan?!

You’re already more than good enough; you’re perfect, Nii-chan, you’re absolutely, positively the most wonderful, amazing Nii-chan we could possibly ask for! You look so beautiful you’re making my eyes blur with tears of joy!

Nazuna:

I’m flattered, Tomoya-chin, but there’s no need to put me up on a pedestal like that. In fact, please don’t; it’s making me a little concerned…

Mitsuru:

Ahaha! Tomo-chan hasn’t been gettin’ all that much sleep ‘cause he’s been so busy gettin’ everything ready for Poppin’ Party!

He’s just a little delirious right now; it’s all the excitement! Don’t worry; he’s just like this every now and then.

Hajime:

Yes… I suppose it couldn’t be helped this time around, but you really should make sure to get your sleep, Tomoya-kun.

That was some of the advice Bishoujo-senpai gave to me; to make sure to get both my beauty sleep, and eat a healthy, balanced diet full of delicious food! They said it’s best to get into the habit of doing both while you’re young, ‘cause otherwise the effects will start showing as the years go on.

Mitsuru:

And you gotta dash! Dash, dash, and dash some more!

Hajime:

Yes, that too! It’s super important to get enough exercise too! You’re so right, Mitsuru-kun! I feel like Mitsuru-kun is always teaching me the most fundamental of things!

Nazuna:

I dunno if it’s just me, but you guys all seem a little delirious right now, to be honest...

Hajime:

We can’t help it! All of us have been dreaming about this day for so long! You’re finally back where you belong, Nii-chan; with us, here in Ra*bits!

Mitsuru:

Yeah! It feels like the day before a school trip! I was so excited last night I couldn’t sleep!

Tomoya:

Wait, you didn’t sleep either?

Why am I the only one getting scolded here? That’s not fair; you guys ganging up on me… Ugh. Such is life for the Leader. Everything’s all on me now…

Nazuna:

Ahaha. I’m not scolding you, Tomo-chin. I’d never ask you to be at peak performance 100% of the time.

You don’t have to be perfect; you’ve just gotta do your best. That’s what being a true professional is all about, after all! Making sure the show goes on, no matter how you’re feeling or what kinda state you’re in. I dunno if I’m one to talk, though…

In fact, while I was taking some time away to focus on my life as Nazuna Nito—not the idol Nazuna Nito, but the regular college student Nazuna Nito—you guys were the pros standing onstage. 

I was the one learning from you. 

This time around, I’m counting on you guys to have my back!

Mitsuru:

BAM!

Nazuna:

Ack!? D-d-don’t pounce on me from b-b-behind like that, Mitsuru-chin! That’s not what I meant b-by “having my b-b-back”!

Hajime:

Heheh. I’m so glad we’re all having fun together, but Anzu is looking at us funny, so perhaps we should calm it with the kidding around, gear up, and get into work-mode.

Nazuna:

That look on her face right now? That’s her being at peace. At least, I think that’s what it is.

You’re happy ‘cause today’s Poppin’ Party is bringing back memories of old times for you too, right? Anzu?

Tomoya:

Oh, that could be it. These days—or rather, ever since ES was founded—it feels like we Ra*bits have basically only been following orders from our agency.

Putting everything together from scratch like this, from the proposal to the show itself, has been more or less done away with.

Nazuna:

If you ask me, all of that stuff should’ve been done away with ages ago. Our agency should be the ones putting everything together for us.

I’d love someone to explain to me why we had to take care of everything from the project outline to the business side of things to setting up the stage back when we were at Yumenosaki. Idols shouldn’t have to do all that stuff too!

Hajime:

I can’t answer that… I suppose that’s just how it was.

Tomoya:

Yeah. But nowadays our circumstances have changed under the ES project. Thanks to that, everything’s been improved on.

We only have to focus on the job we should be doing in first place; our roles as idols.

Nazuna:

Mmm, I guess it was a change for the better. I’m not a fan of the way Tenshouin goes about his ways, but I have to give him credit where credit is due…

Yeah. It’d be unproductive to object to everything he comes up with.

Though today’s show doesn’t really have anything to do with the newfound ES anyway, so…

We put Poppin’ Party together from scratch, Yumenosaki-style. We idols are the ones who took care of everything.

Hajime:

Yes! I wouldn’t even compare it to DreamFest’s R2; it really feels like a wild, unofficial event.

Apparently it’s almost unheard of to get permission to hold something like this.

But Eichi onii-chan and a bunch of others managed to sweet talk their way around the usual regulations on our behalf, and that’s how we were allowed to go ahead with this.

Nazuna:

That’s fine and all, but what the heck is R2? Oof, I still can’t wrap my head around all these abbreviations…

Tomoya:

R2 is basically the same as Yumenosaki’s S2. So that would make today’s Poppin’ Party an S3, I guess?

Nazuna:

Why don’t you just say that then? Why change the name? If it ain’t broke…

Tomoya:

I mean, I’m not the one who changed it…

By the way, they’ve completely done away with S3. It’s no longer possible for idols to plan out a concert from start to finish all by themselves.

Nazuna:

Wow. So from now on us idols can only go along with whatever plans our higher-ups put together? Sounds like the kinda world that’ll be hard to adjust to for anyone apart from super well-behaved “good kids”.

Hajime:

Hm? We’re just going along with what Eichi onii-chan’s put together for now. Not a lot of time has passed since the opening of ES and the dawn of the new system.

If we were given the freedom to just do whatever we wanted, it might end up sending our fans into disarray too, don’t you think?

Tomoya:

Well, I guess it wouldn’t be great if all idols just acted according to their own whims doing what they wanted when they wanted. Imagine if there were multiple Trickstars; that’d be pure chaos.

Their internet show BIG BANG looks like fun, but I hate to think about the aftermath after that bomb starts to explode.

Nazuna:

You’re not wrong… Change of subject, but why’re you calling Tenshouin “Onii-chan” anyway, Hajime-chin?

I’m your only big brother, right? Me, Nazuna Nito!

Hajime:

Huh, why are you bringing this up now?! I mean, isn’t it a good thing to be surrounded by so many people you love?! 

Chapter 7

High Jump

-The next morning. Starmony Hall Common Area-

Hajime:

… And that’s more or less the gist of it. It seems like our agency just doesn’t have the funds to allocate to Ra*bits at the moment.

Nazuna:

Ah, so that’s the situation. Thanks for the explanation, Hajime-chin. Now I finally understand what’s actually going on.

Seems like Anzu’s in a position where it’s hard to get specifically involved with certain agencies, and so isn’t privy to some of our agency’s more hush hush information either.

Tomo-chin was kinda all over the place, so I wasn’t able to follow a word he was saying, and I couldn’t really wrap my head around the chain of events. 

Hajime:

Haha. Tomoya-kun’s never been the best at explaining things in the most logical way.

But for some reason he’s able to recite all that complicated dialogue onstage without missing a beat. Why is that, I wonder?

Nazuna:

I guess he just finds it difficult to explain things in his own words. Wataru-chin is the same. I was in the same class as him last year, so I’ve seen first hand how he can be.

This one time in class we were supposed to submit a book report, but the only thing written on his paper was the word “Amazing!” in giant, bold letters. Our teacher got so mad...

I asked him afterwards why he’d do something so dumb, and he told me it was ‘cause his mind drew a total blank.

And yet, if all he had to do was spout off a bunch of dialogue after just one read through of a script, he could probably get through the whole year doing nothing but that.

Hajime:

Whoa… It really feels like theatre kids’ brains work differently to ours.

Nazuna:

I think it’s all down to the training. Tomo-chin was a total newbie to theatre at first.

Mitsuru:

Nii-chan, Nii-chan! Nii, Nii, NiNi, NiNiNi...

Hajime:

Mitsuru-kun! Stop getting up in Nii-chan’s face and trying to hog all of his attention to yourself!

Nii-chan is talking to ME right now—I mean! We’re in the middle of a serious conversation here!

Nazuna:

Nah, it’s fine! You come on over here too, Hajime-chin. I’ve got two hands, so I can hug both of you just fine.

Hajime:

T-There’s really no need! I’m not a little kid looking for cuddles; I’m in my second year of high-school, and I’m a big brother myself!

Nazuna:

Ahaha. Just ‘cause you’ve gotten older doesn’t mean no one’s gonna be there to comfort you any more. Adults still need hugs too sometimes.

But more importantly, just in case anything’s been misunderstood, I’d like you to double-check the details with our agency staff. If anything was misunderstood you can let me know right away, Hajime-chin!

Mitsuru:

What about me? What should I do? I’ll do anything you want, Nii-chan!

Nazuna:

A job for Mitsuru-chin, huh? Heheh, all you need to do is sit there and smile as sweetly as you can!

Mitsuru:

Woohoo! Sounds like a piece of cake! You got it, Nii-chan—no problem at all!

Nazuna:

Oh, but. I haven’t seen Tomo-chin at all, and I’m kinda worried about him. Do you think you could find out what he’s up to?

Based on what I saw yesterday, he seemed just about ready to crack. I’m a little concerned that he might be doing something stupid, y’know?

Mitsuru:

Got it! Wahaha, these days it feels like all I’m doing is searching for Tomo-chin! It’s the total opposite of last year, hahaha! Off I go; dash, dash, dash!

Hajime:

Mitsuru-kun, please! People might still be sleeping, so you can’t go making such a ruckus!

Nazuna:

Ahaha. Hajime-chin, you’re scolding him more than you usually would. Is this what you’re like with your family? Since you have a little brother and sister and all.

Hajime:

Ah, yes… That’s kind of embarrassing… Back home I’m the eldest, so I tell myself I’ve gotta act like it.

Nazuna:

It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I think it’s great! Now I can see a whole new side to you; what kind of person you are in your private life too.

Once everything calms down, I’m thinking about moving into this dorm myself.

Hajime:

You’d be very welcome! Though the room splits are kind of all over the place, and in some cases it can get a little awkward.

I’m in the same room as Hokuto-senpai, so Tomoya-kun is a bit jealous.

Our other roommate is the dorm head, Hasumi-senpai. Not that it’s something that particularly bothers me, but I do get the feeling he worries about my physical well-being far more than necessary.

If I so much as cough, I’m bombarded with a sea of questions like “Are you feeling okay? Could it be a cold? Do you need some cough medicine?”...

Hokuto-senpai is Hokuto-senpai; he often shares his Grandmother’s words of wisdom with me.

—And then ends up getting into arguments with Hasumi-senpai, who tells him to quit butting in.

Nazuna:

Whoa. Seems like the atmosphere between Hokuto-chin and Keito-chin’d be kinda tense.

A member of last year’s student council, and one of the main culprits behind the rebellion... What were they thinking when they decided to shove those two in a room together?

Hajime:

I’m not really sure… But recently, I’m becoming a little braver, and I’ve even mustered up the courage to ask them if they’d like to play board games together, so we can start to get along better.

We can’t be on edge around each other forever, or it’ll be exhausting.

Nazuna:

I see! Still sounds pretty tiring as it is.

Anyway, uh… What were we talking about again?

Chapter Five

High Jump

Location: Outside Nazuna’s college

-A few days later, outside the front gate of Nazuna’s college-

Tomoya:

(Sigh… Urgh, this is so depressing!)

(But I have to face Nii-chan and apologize in person.)

(There’s no way I can do this over a phone call, or by sending him a message over WholeHands. I have to meet him face-to-face so we can talk.)

(—I’ve gotta tell him that his welcome back concert is probably going to be called off.)

… Eeep?! What’re you pressing against my neck, Anzu? Whatever it is, it’s freezing—stop it! You really made me squeal there!

Huh? I seemed like I was burning up, so you bought us cold drinks?

Thanks a lot! This summer’s still showing no signs of cooling down; the weather’s just brutal! I feel like I’m gonna pass out from heatstroke.

“Exactly, and that’s why we should at least wait in the shade,” huh? I get you, but that’s not an option today. I came here to apologize!

I’m not taking the easy way out and relaxing under the nice, cool shade of a big tree—I’m gonna wait right here and sweat it out under the blazing sun. How else will I convey the sincerity of my apology?

Ack?! Q-quit aiming that water gun at me!

Honestly, what kind of way to treat an idol is that? An accomplished producer like you should know better! A water gun, really? You of all people should know what is and isn’t accept—

Nazuna:

… You guys sure look like you’re having fun!

Just so you know, this place is technically an institute of learning—on paper anyway. There’s a whole crowd of folk who’re here to take their studying seriously, so you mind saving all this messing around for later?

Tomoya:

Eeek! Nii-chan?!

Nazuna:

Yup, that’s me—Nii-chan. You’re the one who called me here, Tomo-chin, so I dunno why you look so surprised…?

Tomoya:

Oh! Yeah, right. Um… Uh… What was it again? Ah, there’s something I have to apologize to you about—

Nazuna:

Haha, just calm down. C’mere...

Tomoya:

Mmph?! Y-you don’t have to hug me in public like this! This is embarrassing; I’m not a little kid...

Nazuna:

I know. But, for better or for worse, most of the friendships I’ve made here at college are on the more casual side. The more people you meet, the less time you get to know each other, y’know? So I’m really craving physical affection.

Back at Yumenosaki we used to hug each other over every little thing, but it turns out that’s not really the norm. So c’mere! Squeeeze!

Tomoya:

Omph! If we keep huddling together this close, you’re gonna boil up too, Nii-chan...

Nazuna:

Yeah. But it’s not an unpleasant kinda heat.

Anyway, more importantly. What’s up with you today, Tomo-chin?

You said there was something really important you wanted to talk to me about, according to the message you left on my phone, and you even brought Anzu along with you… Is it that serious?

Don’t tell me—Tenshouin finally dead yet?

Spending all that time playing his little war games must’ve finally caught up to him. I always knew someone’d end up getting caught in the crossfire. Oh well, at least it’s just him who ended up kicking the bucket, so no great loss.

Tomoya:

No, actually… If anything, that guy seems to be getting healthier by the day. Um, Nii-chan? Were you always the type of person who makes such dark jokes?

Nazuna:

Huh. Am I normally a little more wholesome in front of you guys? Oof, seems like I got into the habit of relying on that kind of humor to get a laugh out of whoever I’m with.

I’m an entertainer, right? So I feel like everyone here at college is expecting me to be this super funny guy, or something.

Making jokes and trying to make people laugh has become kinda the norm for me.

Weird, ‘cause I’m not a comedian. Actually, banter is kinda hard for me.

Tomoya:

T-that sounds tough, haha... 

Nazuna:

Nah, it’s fun. Well, now it’s fun. The first few weeks were kind of a hassle.

Once you get to college, you don’t stick to your classmates half as much as you do in high school. All of my relationships here are way more relaxed.

It feels like everyone’s just doing their own thing, me included! I’m having a great time.

Every single day feels so fulfilling. So much so that I’m questioning if it’s really okay for me to be this happy, and enjoy myself this much.

I don’t feel stressed at all, which could be the reason I’ve even finally managed to break my stutter.

I suppose you could say that as an idol I’ve, well. Lost something that used to be pretty distinctively me. But boy, I always hated feeling like I was being laughed at for a speech disorder I had so much anxiety about, so it’s probably just as well. Turned out to be all psy-psy-psy… Turned out to be all in my head!

—I say, as I can’t even get that word out! Ugh, I haven’t broken it at all!

Tomoya:

…

Nazuna:

Hm? What’s wrong? Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?

Tomoya:

Ah, no. It just hit me like, whoa. You’re just so pretty… I mean, uh—I’m just glad you seem to be having such a good time at college.

Nazuna:

I sure am. It’d be dumb to regret the path I chose for myself, after all.

Things’ve been kinda hectic lately though, so I don’t have as much time to joke around. There’s a bunch of stuff I need to sort out in advance before I resume any idol activities.

I begged my professors to let me take on a bunch of stuff in advance so I can earn some of my credits ahead of time.

I’m kinda all over the place. It’s still summer break here, but I’m coming in every day like this, and that’s why.

But, ah well. It’ll all work out in the end. I’ll be ready to rejoin you guys any time.

I heard about my welcome back concert. Let me know when that’s all fixed!

I’m gonna need some advance notice. If you sprung it on me like, it’s tomorrow! I wouldn’t be able to go along with it, much as I’d love to.

I’m watching all of our old concerts and stuff and practicing by myself when I can.

We really went all out! I can’t believe I used to be able to do half of those complicated moves! I surprised even myself.

Tomoya:

Nii-chan, uh… About that. Um...

—I’m really, really sorry!

Nazuna:

Whoa!? What is it? What’s wrong? Don’t lunge forward so su-su-suddenly, you sc-sc-scared me!

Tomoya:

Waaah! I’m so sorry! All I do is cause trouble for you, Nii-chan!

Even though you did so much for us, and you even trusted me to take your place as the leader, but I couldn’t pay back even half of the love you blessed us with...

I really, really hate myself! Waaahhh!!

Nazuna:

...? Anzu, what’s up with this guy? Did something bad happen? Don’t cry, Tomo-chin, you’ll ruin your gorgeous face!

Chapter Three

Hop, Step

Location: Cafe Cinnamon

-10 mins later at Cafe Cinnamon-

Tomoya:

Glug, glug...

Ahh... Nothing like the ‘Shinonon Blend’ from Cinnamon’s new menu to calm my heart right down.

Mitsuru:

I can’t calm down at all ‘cause I keep wonderin’ why that tea’s even got a name like that in the first place!?

Hajime:

Heheh. You know how a lot of circles are coming together within the dorms recently?

I’m a member of one called ‘Flavor’— it’s kinda like the Tea Club back at Yumenosaki.

Our most recent club activities involved brewing a bunch of original tea blends.

Although I’m not sure ‘blend’ is the best way to put it… In any case, Eichi Onii-chan thought it would be amusing to add it to Cinnamon's official menu.

It seems like Eichi Onii-chan isn’t against abusing his own power for my sake, and I’m mildly concerned about that...

I’m not used to things like this happening because of me, so I’m a little anxious.

Still, I don’t think there was any ill-intent behind Eichi Onii-chan’s actions, and the staff at Cinnamon seemed delighted. So perhaps there’s no need for me to worry so much.

But I do wish they’d at least change the name— after all, Akehoshi-senpai is the only person allowed to call me ‘Shinonon’.

Mitsuru:

No fair! Why do only you get a drink named after you!?

I wanna make a drink called the ‘Superstar: Tenma Mitsuru Blend’ packed with protein and taurine and a bunch of other supplements!

Hajime:

T-that does sound very Mitsuru-esque, but I’m not sure I could manage more than a mouthful...

Tomoya:

Ahaha. At least you’d be fighting fit after a cup, whether you like it or not.

Anyways. I’m really sorry about worrying you guys.

I feel like I’ve calmed down a lot, phew. In fact, I’m kind of wondering why I made such a racket at the agency in the first place—that was so embarrassing.

Looking back, I made such a fool of myself. ES isn’t a school—it’s serious business.

Hajime

Heheh. Don’t be so harsh on yourself.

Although, it probably wasn’t the best way to handle the situation. Our company, Rhythm Link, has been around a while, so there’s a lot of rather old-fashioned higher-ups.

Mitsuru:

Ya think? When I watch old dramas I feel like older people get especially worked up and yell a whole bunch.

Hajime:

Heheh. Mitsuru-kun, you watch dramas? I would’ve thought you had no interest in shows with those kinds of overly-dramatic plots.

Mitsuru:

It’s not that I’ve no interest; it’s just that I don’t understand a lot of what goes on. Can’t find it interesting if I don’t have a clue what’s happening!

But Anzu Nee-chan said it might be a good reference to help me get into character, and lent me a bunch of drama DVDs!

I’ve gotta understand what a ‘drama’ is from my very core—otherwise I won’t be able to do my job right!

So I’m watching all these shows and thinkin’ about them and practicin’ by myself. There’s nothing more important than honest work!

Heheh. Luckily I landed an awesome role, so I’ll be appearing a lot.

Dramas are becoming part of my blood! I can feel it in my bones—there’s no way all my hard work’ll ever let me down!

Hajime:

Mitsuru-kun, you’re surprisingly serious about this.

Mitsuru:

Ehehe, it brings out the athlete in me!

Tomoya: 

Wow. You really are amazing, Mitsuru. Especially compared to me who’s just a complete mess! Waaaah—

Mitsuru:

Whoa! Tomo-chan, don’t get all gloomy again!

Hajime:

Drink up your Shinonon Blend, Tomoya-kun! Come on, let the delicious taste of Shinonon soothe your soul!

Tomoya:

Mmph!? Don’t force-feed it to me; I’ll chok—cough, splutter!

Mitsuru:

Ahaha. For some reason, Hajime-chan gets real hands on when it comes to Tomo-chan alone. You’re not afraid to be kinda rough with him!

Hajime:

Heheh, I guess it’s because we go way back.

Tomoya: 

Yeah. To be honest, it’d be more worrying if he felt the need to to hold back around me. I definitely prefer him acting this way to the alternative. Thanks, Hajime; you really did make me feel better.

I'm starting to realize that keeping everything to myself isn't gonna do me any good.

Hajime:

I’m glad you are! It’s really bitten you on the butt in the past. The last time you were this flustered about something you ended up pushing yourself to your limit and passing out, remember?

I was so worried that I was on the brink of collapsing myself.

Mitsuru:

Oh, you mean during Mystery Stage?

Yeah, you were acting real strange back then, Hajime-chan! ‘Member when I tried to touch Tomo-chan after he’d passed out and you literally howled at me—like a wolf!

Hajime:

D-did I? I don’t really remember that… Or rather, I’ve blocked out a lot of things that happened back then...

Mitsuru:

Yeah, you did! That’s why we’ve all gotta stick together, so stuff like that won’t happen again!

That way, when there’s somethin’ one of us doesn’t understand, the rest of us can help point them in the right direction. Solvin’ things as a group makes way more sense to me!

Story Name: Break time with Bunnies

Writer: Yoshino Yuuki

Season: Spring

Location: Animal Pens

Nazuna:

So, how’s everyone doing?

Mhm, there doesn’t seem to be any kinda gunk in your eyes, and none of your noses are runny. All of your coats look glossy too; you guys look like you’re all in perfect health!

Ahaha. No need for you all to try jumping up onto my lap at once! I promise I’ll spend some time with each and every one of you guys!

Come here, you. Hm? Your nails have gotten pretty long! Come right up onto my lap. I’ll clip ‘em for you.

...

Good boy, good boy. If you keep still, I promise there’s a reward in there for ya! You want a treat, right?

...Hm? Oh, it’s the transfer student. What’s up? You lost?

You’ve got a school job around here?

Ah, so your job is cleaning! Now that you mention it, you are holding a broom.

Am I getting in your way? Just say the word and I’ll scoot.

Oh? The hutches aren’t actually part of your cleaning schedule? You just got so absorbed in your work that you ended up all the way over here?

Me? I came to see how the rabbits were doing. Though teachers are the ones who take care of cleaning out the hutches and feeding the animals, so it’s not like I have to do the same.

I guess it’s ‘cause I have a pet rabbit back home. I just find myself meandering on over here, even though I know it’s not strictly necessary.

Hm? I look cute surrounded by all of these rabbits?

Haven’t I warned you before about calling me cute?

Well, Ra*bits unit concept is all centered around cute, so I guess it’s a little illogical for me to get worked up about it…

But I am your senior, so I feel kinda awkward about being called cute by someone younger than me.

Yeah. I appreciate you apologizing about it. I’m sorry too for snapping at you; that was kinda harsh. Alright, now we’re both friends again!

Oh, I almost forgot. I’m still holding onto this little guy here.

I know, I know. Don’t you huff your nose at me, Mister! You’re a spoiled little guy, aren't ya?

Mm, since I own a rabbit back home, I’m used to taking care of them. I’ve got a good idea about how to make sure they’re happy.

That’s why they’re okay with me holding them like this.

Oh? You didn’t know there were hutches here?

Now that you mention it, it’s not like you came all the way over here on purpose. You just ended up coming this way while cleaning, right?

Want me to give you a quick rundown?

Yeah, no need to bow your head and ask that politely. Alright, I’ll start with the animals.

We keep rabbits, chickens, and parrots here at the animal pens. I already talked about it a lil’ bit just now, but it’s the teachers who look after them all.

 Of course, there are students like me who come to check up on them too, so it’s not like taking care of them is exclusive to the teachers or anything.

There’s no rules about students dropping by without permission. The teachers can get busy sometimes, and that’s when students take it upon themselves to take care of animal-related chores.

Hm? This little guy’s grinding his teeth?

Oh, you don’t have to keep your distance. He’s not in a bad mood or anything; this is actually a good sign!

Rabbits will let you know when they’re upset by thumping their feet on the ground like this.

Right! Like the way when certain people get antsy, they start tapping their legs impatiently. Same sorta thing!

And when they’re nervous, their tails will stand on end and their noses will start to twitch. And when you see them stick up their ears like this, it means they’re being hyper-vigilant about whatever’s going on around them.

Rabbits express their feelings through their behavior, so you need to look at them to check what kind of mood they’re in, or whether they’re feeling nervous or not.

Take the little guy closest to you for example. He’s been nudging you with his nose this whole time. That means he wants you to pay attention to him.

Might not be the best idea to scoop him up out of nowhere if he’s not used to it, but you could stroke him somewhere he’s comfortable with. They don’t like their ears being touched, so why don’t you pat his forehead?

Yeah, looks like he likes it!

He’s so cute that you wanna take him home with you? I don’t think you’re allowed to take home any of the school rabbits, unfortunately. 

If you’re serious about a pet rabbit, I’ll come with you to the pet shop. I can teach you what to look out for when buying one.

Ahaha, you were just joking about wanting one? They’re plenty cute to just look at?

Gotcha! If you feel like spending some quality time with rabbits, you can just come see the school rabbits.

You could come over to my place to hang out too. All of the rabbits here warmed up to you super fast, so I’m sure mine would too.

Alrighty then. I’ve got rehearsal with the rest of Ra*bits starting soon, so I’d best be on my way. What about you?

You’re headed to the auditorium? Oh wow, so you’re supposed to clean there too?

In that case, it looks like we’re headed in the same direction. Why don’t we walk part of the way there together?

Chapter Two

Location: Gardens (?)

Nazuna:

Whoa, don’t just stop suddenly in your tracks like that! Did you forget something?

Rehearsal with the rest of Ra*bits won’t start until after everyone’s had their lunch, so there’s still time if you need to go back. I’ll wait here for you.

Hm? You’ve got a duty as a producer to watch over Ra*bits’ rehearsal?

Ah, is that what you were mumbling about to yourself just now as we were walking along?

Just ‘cause you’re a producer doesn’t mean you have to oversee every single unit’s practice session. 

Though it’s not that I don’t get where you’re coming from. As a producer, there’s an element of necessity when it comes to getting a grasp on the direction each unit is heading toward ahead of time, since you never know when you might be getting involved with us.

But you’ve got your school job today, right? So wouldn’t you be best off prioritizing that?

I’ll let you know the next time Ra*bits have practice together.

If nothing else has come up for you, you could come on over and act as producer for us.

Alright, let’s make a pinky promise!

Yeah? What kind of plan do I have in place for today’s practice session?

Hajime-chin’s still not great at dancing, so I’ve put together a menu that’ll focus on tackling that.

Mitsuru-chin’s pretty talented overall but he tends to forget his lyrics, so he’s gonna be going through the same songs over and over to get them into his head.

Tomo-chin’s fairly competent at everything, but my biggest worry is that he’s fussing over not having something he’s especially good at.

Well, it’s not as if he’s got no room for growth. And if you asked me which of the three I’m most looking forward to seeing grow, it’s gotta be Tomo-chin.

With a little skill on his part, I’m sure I can raise Tomo-chin into a superstar. Tomo-chin’s got that potential hiding inside of him.

Of course, the other two have their strong points and weak points too, so I’m trying out a couple of things that I think might help them expand what they’re capable of.

It’s pretty fun to watch over all of them growing through trial and error!

Hmm. Do I think you’ll be able to accomplish something similar? Not sure if I can answer something like that for ya. All I can say is, it all depends on what you’re willing to put into it.

I’ve no idea if I’m even going about things the right way in the first place.

I guess having a legitimate producer looking over our practice session would benefit those kids the most, huh.

Still, at this current point in time you’re the only producer around. And you’re still a fledgling yourself as a producer.

Ah, everyone starts off as a fledgling, so there’s really no need to be so apologetic about it.

It’ll do you good to just keep adding to your list of experiences as a producer.

I’ll work hard too.

I may be the leader of Ra*bits, but not too long ago has passed since our formation, so compared to other units, we’re still fledglings.

Let’s both give it our all!

Location change: School Fountain

Whoa, looks like we were so engrossed in our conversation that we made it all the way over to the fountain in no time. You’re headed to the auditorium, right? Then this is where we part ways!

Ahaha. You’re wishing me luck with rehearsal? Thanks! Good luck to you too!

Bye bye!

I’m looking forward to the day you’ll produce us Ra*bits!

Location Change: Practice Room

Hey! Is everyone here?

Hajime:

Oh, Nii-chan! Ehehe, what perfect timing. The three of us just finished changing into the practice uniforms.

Mitsuru:

Hm? Nii-chan, you smell like hay! Don’t you think that’s going a bit far, even for a Ra*bit?

Nazuna:

Don’t tell me you thought I’d go as far as to roll around a bunch of haystacks? Nah, I just came from the animal pens. The smell must’ve stuck to me.

Tomoya:

I call over there every now and then too.

My one special skill is animals being really friendly towards me, so all I have to do is show my face and they all come running... And that’s the closest I’ve come so far as to feeling like a real idol.

Nazuna:

Sure, but you’re not exclusively an idol for animals, okay?

I’ve put together a training menu for today’s practice session, so if there’s anything you don’t understand, just let me know!

This should actually be the producer’s job, so I’d like to be able to leave some of this stuff to the transfer student soon, but...

Oh well, I’m sure that day’s drawing near.

Tomoya:

She always seems so busy.

Acting as the producer for every single unit here at Yumenosaki must be an insane amount of work.

But I’d really love it if she could produce us someday.

Nazuna:

Right? So until that day comes, let’s keep on practicing.

We’ve got to avoid giving her any impression that we’re lacking in skill compared to the other units at all costs, that is, when the day comes that she finally produces us.

Alright, let me hear you guys sing! Ei, ei, oh!

---