Princess Kaguya — Get Along
Get Along
Chapter 1
Location: Old Seisoukan Building
An hour later.
So this is the room where ALKALOID spent time in the old building.
It's very neat and clean. I expected something more old-fashioned from the name of the old building. It's a fine place to live in for a few days.
The water from the "shower" is running too~ It looks like I will not have trouble "bathing" from now on.
Fufu. What kind of room were you both imagining?
Even though it's an old building, it's still occasionally used for programs such as "Bogie Time". It seems to be cleaned frequently by a cleaning company.
Ufufu. Then it's perfect for our training camp ♪
But I was in a hurry 'cause you just didn't give us enough time to prepare! I had to rush to bring my makeup and beauty products from my dorm room!
Though that's also an important attitude to keep in mind when performing "Princess Kaguya"! The reading drama is a story about making a friend's "wish" come true right on the day of graduation—
As a part of fleshing out the characters, we need to be able to handle these kinds of unreasonable demands1, don't we?
Oh my. It seems like Tomoe-senpai quickly went into work mode.
He's quite strict. It appears we won't be able to relax from now on.
Really? I think this much is to be expected of an ES idol—
...I know. I have a good idea, will you listen to it?
A good idea, you say?
Yup. Since we're going to live together to prepare for our roles, why don't we all write our "wishes" on a piece of paper?
We will make everyone's "wishes" come true one by one—this way, we can deepen our relationships through resolution!
So, there you have it. I've already written it down on a notepad, so I'll announce mine first!
As the leader, I want to make this Shuffle Project a success. That's my "wish" ☆
Hm. It's a good initiative. It will help us make the most of the short time we have before the performance.
Well then, here's what I wrote—"I want to help grant Hokuto-san's wish." How's that?
My wish...?
Yes. I did terrible things to you during the SS preliminaries in Hokkaido. It would make me happy to be able to atone for them.
No need, Kazehaya-senpai. Don't worry about that.
It was a competition. For ALKALOID to beat us Trickstar, you needed to use any means at your disposal.
I'm in favor of granting wishes, but I don't want you to make assumptions about my feelings.
Even though we're in a temporary unit, we're all working toward the same goal now, aren't we?
Hokuto-san—I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Then, shall I come up with another "wish" for myself? Of course, I'd like to take this opportunity to do good deeds, without taking advantage of Hokuto-san's kindness.
Fufu. Tatsumi and Hokuto seem to be "good friends" already, I'm envious.
"Shuffle Units" are made up of people who have less "interaction" with each other than in regular "units"~ So granting each other's "wishes" is not a bad idea.
I am used to making "wishes" come true, am I not?
? Somehow it feels like there might be a hidden meaning in your words... Perhaps you have some experience in volunteer work?
Fufu. I do not ♪
Well then, my wish is to "take a "bath" with everyone" ♪
A bath in the winter...? It'd be better to do it in, like, a hot spring or something, or else we'd catch a cold.
But even that kind of unreasonable thing is fine! Compared to Princess Kaguya's unreasonable demands, it's not unattainable—
Does anyone else want to share their "wish"? Don't hesitate to speak up ♪
Ufufu. Alright, I'll announce mine next.
"I want to dress everyone up in cute matching outfits"... How's that ♪
Matching...?
Yup. It's better to have a wish that can't be easily granted, isn't it? I really wanted to take this chance and make everyone look pretty!
I think all the seniors and Hokuto-chan have the potential for it ♪ So please please pleeease ♪
U-Um, I see. I don't want to imagine it too much, but I suppose it's all for the sake of the role.
Then, I will also announce my "wish".
My wish is: "I want to make this the best broadcast in the history of the program." After all, I want to devote my utmost effort to doing this.
Mm~ That's a given, don't you think? Since we're going out of our way to imitate Princess Kaguya, you should make it a more challenging "wish"!
Fufu. I think it would be challenging enough just to get the five of us to be in sync.
Mutual understanding is not easy—that is why we find joy in communicating with each other.
Therefore. My "wish" is that we all "become friends who are able to share our feelings and worries with each other" ♪
Hmm. That's pretty vague... Welp, it's fine, there's nothing more unproductive than forcing people to create problems they don't have—
And like I said, my wish is to lead this Shuffle Project into success.
Fufu. Let us live together from today forth! My dear friends of Getto Spectacle!
Chapter 2
Location: Old Seisoukan Building
That night.
Now that we have decided on the bathing schedule and the division of household chores, let's finally decide on the beds for each of us.
Since there are two bunk beds, only one person will have to use a futon on the floor—
If it's alright with you, I'll sleep on the futon, so please decide where you all want to sleep.
No. I'll take the floor.
When I stayed overnight at school, I often slept on the floor.
Also, I've been wondering since the SS preliminaries in Hokkaido, but your leg isn't completely healed, is it?
My apologies. Your concern is greatly appreciated.
If it's about that old injury, there's nothing to worry about. But since you're generously offering me a bed, I shall take the bottom bunk.
Then, I will take the "top bunk"~♪ If I do not feel the steam of the "humidifier", I will "dry up".
"Ohisama"-san will also take a "top bunk", right?
Of course! As the leader, I want to be in a position where I can watch over everyone ♪
Fufu. Then I'll take the other bottom bunk.
Now that all the assignments have been decided smoothly, let's enjoy our life living together from today ♪
Two hours later.
Excuse me, Kanata-san. Could you please leave the bath soon?
I'm the last one, so I don't mind having to do it later, but it's going to be bedtime if you don't finish taking your bath shortly.
Wah, is it already this "late"?
I am sorry, for taking a long "bath"...♪
Puka, puka... splaaash...♪
Um. Kanata-san, are you perhaps playing in the bath again...?
Fufufu. It is not like that~ Just a little bit more...♪
.........
(Hmm... I can't fall asleep like I usually do. Maybe it's the different pillows and bedding.)
(Or is it because of this feeling... that some noise is disturbing my sleep? It sounds strangely familiar...)
Whisper "Please... Listen to my wish! This is our last critical moment...!"
Mm...?
"Do something... It's the last thing I'll ask for, for the rest of my life!"
Hold on, Hokuto-chan. Are you reading the script from under the covers?
I can hear your voice all the way over here. It's late, so let's go to sleep early and get ready for tomorrow.
So you were awake, Narukami.
I know it's better to go to bed early, but... The practice period is short, and the main task this time is to read out loud. So I ought to devote my efforts to that.
I understand how you feel, but it's hard to sleep when someone's mumbling in the middle of the room, you know?
Your voice is so clear that it makes me feel like someone's chanting Buddhist prayers in the middle of the night.
I see. I'm reluctant to do so, but if you can hear me even from under the covers, I don't have a choice. I'll go outside to practice.
Uugh. Cold, cold, cold... Hokuto-chan, could you please shut the door?
Sigh. Now all my sleepiness is gone. Hopefully this won't happen again...
Myy. Though winter mornings are a little chilly, they are also refreshing!
I usually wake up alone, so it's a new experience to be woken up by someone else, huh!
Haha. I haven't woken up a roommate since sharing a dorm with Aira-san. Perhaps due to my hesitation, I had a surprisingly difficult time.
But. If you don't mind, please leave the task of waking you up for the rest of the week to me. That much will be a piece of cake.
As a senior, I had to straighten up, too. When I was in this old building, I remember that I made it a habit to go to bed early and wake up early.
I have a radio recording with Arashi-san today, and I'd like to take the opportunity to talk about our Shuffle Project with her ♪
Yaaawnnn...
Oh my. Arashi-san, that was quite a big yawn.
Everyone else is awake, but perhaps you're not so good in the mornings? Fufu, it's a new side of you that I wouldn't have known about without this training camp.
It's so not like that. I just couldn't get to sleep until late last night.
Ah, jeez~ It's the worst way to wake up. At least I can cover it up with makeup.
Today I have a guest appearance on Kazehaya-senpai's radio show, so I'll go to the bathroom, wash my face, and cheer up...
Arashi~ Can you please get out of the way?
Today is an incredibly "dry" "day". If I dry up, I will die...
I'm sorry, but I just started my skincare routine...!
Can't you wait just a bit longer? Your lessons don't start until the afternoon, so let me have priority.
Ehh~...?
Shinkai-senpai. I'm sorry, but may I use the bathroom next? I have school today, so I must get ready soon.
Uuu~... Understood. "Tardiness" is strictly forbidden, after all.
Siigh... I miss the water...
I know. There is a "shower" next door, right? I will use the "shower"...♪
Wha-?! Turn off that shower right now, Shinkai-senpai! You're spraying water all over here!
Ghh, now I won't make it to school on time...!
Ah. I am sorry, it seems I made a "mistake".
(...Hmm. It looks like we're not at all in sync. I suppose it's difficult for temporary units to create a sense of harmony.)
(I had actually prepared sandwiches for everyone to have for breakfast. But from the looks of things, it seems it'd be best to wait and see how things go for a while.)
...What a disappointment.
—And this Shuffle Unit was supposed to be my last job.
Oh? Hiyori-san, did you say something?
Nope. Just talking to myself! No need for you to know!
More importantly, shouldn't the remaining members have breakfast together? After all, running on an empty stomach would ruin the atmosphere!
Ah, yes. Shall we do that, Hiyori-san? Since I was just preparing breakfast—
.........
(I thought I heard Hiyori-san say "last job" just now. Did I mishear him...?)
(But, I'm certain I heard it...)
Chapter 3
Location: Recording Booth
A few hours later.
"This is "Kazehaya-senpai's Confessional". Today's guest is the beautiful cavalier belonging to Knights—Narukami Arashi-san ♪"
"Everyone, nice to meet you ♪ I'm Narukami Arashi from Knights, thanks for having me ♪"
"Fufu. I'm sure that many of our juniors were immediately soothed by Arashi-san's cheerful voice, isn't that right?"
"The purpose of this program is for me to give advice to the troubled juniors listening, as well as to the guests."
"As a matter of fact, myself and our guest Arashi-san will soon be appearing together in a Shuffle Unit—Getto Spectacle."
"A one-day-only unit that'll appear on an educational program—it's gonna be a great show, so please look forward to it ♪"
"Well, then. Now that I've explained the reason for Arashi-san's invitation and finished the publicity—Arashi-san, have you ever listened to this program?"
"Ufufu. Why, of course!"
"There's the "Senpai's P.O. Box" section—The listeners' corner, the chatting section, and a bunch of other stuff, right?"
"I know it's because we're in the same business, but you've got a good reputation in my surroundings too, y'know?"
"I've heard so many times that when people ask you for advice about their problems, they get really spot-on answers."
"I'm excited to hear your problem-solving skills live ♪"
"Fufu. Arashi-san, you sure are quick to get to the point. Shall we start with the "Senpai's P.O. Box" section?"
"Yes. Let me and Kazehaya-senpai soothe all the lost kouhai-chans ♪"
...Phew. I'm super glad the broadcast ended with no trouble.
Indeed. I was also able to respond to your confession.
"I want to repent for eating sweets while on a restricted diet"—A very cute confession, and easy to answer.
Hey now. My appetite's my worst enemy—cravings aren't cute, y'know?
Fufu. Still, you seemed to relax and talk more freely as the program went on.
I guess so. I'm just relieved it didn't turn out to be as bad as I feared it would.
I was a little worried after the morning mess, but thanks to this radio show, Kazehaya-senpai and I have grown closer.
It was so much fun that it got me thinking, if I could talk with the other Shuffle Members one by one, I could become better friends with them...♪
But I still think that Tomoe-senpai's behavior yesterday was way too sudden.
It's unreasonable to expect a group of five people to live together like a big family. I don't know if even the members of Knights would be able to live in harmony—
Because of that, I was anxious about the radio show with you until we entered the recording booth. I was afraid that the atmosphere would be too sensitive... I got so worried.
Ahh, jeez. Though I accepted this Shuffle Project with a positive attitude, this might affect my other jobs.
It's true. Hiyori-san certainly acted hastily.
To be honest, I think it was a very challenging proposition to live together, too.
It was different with ALKALOID, since we were in a desperate situation...
But since each of us have certain degrees of achievements and independence, living together has placed an extra burden on us.
I, who supported Hiyori-san's idea, should also reflect on it.
Yeah... I also tend to act rashly, so I can't really criticize.
But it feels like Tomoe-senpai's forceful side came out this time, right?
Nevertheless, the Lord does not give us trials that we cannot overcome2.
This is surely a good opportunity to reevaluate ourselves and our usual unit activities. Instead of giving up immediately, it's not a bad idea to wait and see what will happen in the future.
Getto Spectacle... I really, really want this to work out.
I know. How about we all go out to eat dinner tonight?
Yesterday was such a last-minute sleepover that we didn't have much time for it. If we discuss it more carefully, we could live a more respectful life together.
Good idea. I'd also like to get to know you all better.
"To become friends who are able to share our feelings and worries with each other"—That was my "wish", after all.
Chapter 4
Location: Old Seisoukan Building
I've returned. Arashi-san said she left something in her room, so she'll come back later—
Oh? It seems no one is here. I heard that Hiyori-san was practicing by himself today.
......
(Mm? So, Hiyori-san was on the balcony.)
(Is he on the phone with someone...?)
"...Yes. Yes. I know."
"The next reading drama will be my last job. After that, I'll spend my time properly as a son of the Tomoe household, so please let me finish this project."
"I don't intend to ask for an extension—after I've already asked for one."
"I'll keep my promise. I will retire after the end of the year SS. That was the agreement."
...!
(As I thought, Hiyori-san's statement about his "last job" wasn't a misunderstanding on my part.)
(But I never thought that Hiyori-san would retire from being an idol—)
Hmm. Eavesdropping isn't acceptable, is it?
I'm sorry, I just came back.
Eavesdropping wasn't my intention, but I walked in at the wrong time.
Still, is what you said true? That this reading drama in the Shuffle Project will be your last job...
Yes. I didn't mean to hide it. I was going to say it when the Shuffle Members were all in sync, but it's true.
Of course, I know you have a lot of questions... But it's better to talk about these things in the presence of everyone. Can we do it when everyone in Getto Spectacle is here?
...Of course. Do so whenever you're ready, Hiyori-san.
Thank you. I'm glad you understand.
Everyone. Thank you for gathering here.
Originally, we were going to have dinner together at this time, but...
There's something I really need to tell you. Will you listen to me for a minute?
What's the matter, you're being so formal... It's not like your usual self, Tomoe-senpai.
Could it be, maybe Tomoe-senpai also thought there was a problem with living in the old building—?
Is that true...?
There is no need to force ourselves to live "together", but... Maybe we can talk about it a little more?
No, that's not what I want to talk about. Communication is important, but I should've told you something more important than that.
To tell you the truth, I'm retiring from idol work at the end of this job.
Retiring...?!
Impossible, for Tomoe-senpai to do that... This isn't a bad joke, is it?
I am "surprised", too. Do the people in "Eden" and Anzu-san know about this?
Yes. I've already told the people closest to me.
According to the Tomoe household's policy, I was supposed to go back to my parents' home after graduating from highschool.
But I was worried about Jun-kun and Eden, so I asked for a one-year extension.
Because of that, I was going to make the year-end SS my last job and turn down this project, but when I heard that the theme was "Princess Kaguya", I hesitated a little.
A role that would let me say goodbye—Maybe this could be the one last role I play for my fans. That's what I thought.
So, I volunteered to be the leader.
"DJ Classics" is a popular educational program that brings together famous creators and star guests.
That kind of treatment would be appropriate for my last job before I retire—Everyone in Eden agreed.
I just heard about it a short while ago, and it still shocks me.
I didn't notice a single sign of such a thing, and I had no idea that discussions of that manner had been going on behind the scenes—
Well, it's no wonder you're surprised. I don't really like for things to get gloomy.
An idol like a bright sun who had a smile on his face until the very end—I wanted everyone to think that Tomoe Hiyori was just like that.
Hiyori-san...
......
I see... So that's why Tomoe-senpai was so enthusiastic about this Shuffle Project.
Yes... I'm unaware of what these family matters entail, but—
This job must be a parting gift from Anzu-san and ES, to the wonderful idol named Hiyori-san.
I guess it's a bit like that. I wish I could've been an idol for longer. Ahh, jeez... Seriously, such bad weather.
I thought it would be a special project, but the members of Getto Spectacle still aren't in sync, and there's only a week left—the worst possible situation.
But it's not over yet.
I want to make this job a success no matter what. I hope you will all help me decorate the path to the end of my career3. That's—my "wish", from the bottom of my heart.
Chapter 5
Location: Seisoukan Kitchen
The next day.
Now then, Hiyori-san. This way, please.
Ummm. You suddenly made me sit down. What is this...?
Fufufu. Since we were unable to have "dinner" yesterday, I thought it would be nice to eat "together" today.
Please leave it to me. I will make "Ohisama"-san's "favorite food" with the "knife skills" I learned from Souma...♪
I see. You mean you're going to treat me to a home-cooked meal to celebrate my retirement?
That would be an absurd thing to celebrate.
After listening to what Tomoe-senpai said yesterday, we made up our minds. We decided to get to know each other better so that you can retire with no regrets.
I thought that by doing so, we, as Getto Spectacle, could become companions beyond the boundaries of a unit.
It will be your last "job", after all. If we do not "cooperate", "Ohisama"-san will be left with a bad "aftertaste", will he not?
We have less than a week to go until the performance, but let's give it our all until the very end. Whether it's in lessons, work, our personal lives, and everything else.
Everyone... Thank you.
If the ending was too anticlimactic, it would have left me with a grudge for the rest of my life.
Always cheerful and graceful—that's how Tomoe Hiyori wants it to end ☆
I hope you will all serve me magnificently, members of Getto Spectacle!
Serve you...? No, I think we should make it together if we want to get to know each other better.
Eh~ But that's not like me, right, Hokuto-kun? I thought you understood me better than that, didn't you?
Fufu. Well, I thought you'd at least partake in teamwork at the very end.
But I think that part of you not changing is very "like you".
Yes. I think so too.
Even when living in the same "room", he always does things at "his own pace".
I will do it "my own" way too~ Now then, please observe the "skills" Souma "transferred" to me ♪
Snip, snip...☆
So then? What do you think of this "brilliant" technique...?
The sharpness of the blade retains a lot of the fish's "good flavor" ♪
Ohh. I didn't know Kanata-san had such a special skill.
Hokuto-san, Arashi-san. Shall we help with the quiche dough and with setting the table?
Sure thing. We can't just leave everything up to Shinkai-senpai, right?
Hokuto-chan, wanna help me serve the dishes and drinks? If there's nothing on the table, the guest will be left with nothing to do ♪
Got it. Then, I'll get the drinks.
Tomoe-senpai. There's some leftover barley tea in the fridge, can you drink this and wait?
Barley tea? It's sweet! Much too sweet!
Sweet...? No, I think this barley tea is unsweetened.
That's not it! Since you're going out of your way to accommodate me, shouldn't you offer a more appropriate drink?
For example, black tea, or fruit-flavored mineral water... Anyway, it's outrageous to serve leftovers!
Sorry, so that's what you meant.
Tomoe-senpai is of noble birth. I thought it was customary to add sugar to tea. But if you want a more elaborate drink, I'll do my best to accommodate it.
Well... It'll take time to make flavored water, so I'll boil some black tea.
Ah, in that case, please leave it to me. I'm a member of FLAVOR, so I know how to make a cup of black tea.
Indeed, indeed. Tatsumi-kun was an amateur at first, but recently you've been able to make some pretty good tea, right?
Yes. Your assistance has helped me improve.
"Perseverance makes strength", as they say. At first I couldn't even remember the brand names, but now I can brew a delicious cup of any tea.
Understood. If Kazehaya-senpai says so, I think Tomoe-senpai's detailed order can be fulfilled.
Then I'll help Shinkai-senpai instead.
Yes~ I am bad with "heat". I will leave the "cooking" of the fish and the "heating" of the dough to you ♪
In that case, I'll set up some cute tableware to decorate the table. I have a pretty good sense of presentation and serving style...☆
Mhm, mhm. It's wonderful that you're all working so well together.
It's as if it was a natural routine already. I think my involvement with making everyone in the Shuffle Unit live together is working out well ♪
Ufufu, that's right. As for the way I'm arranging the table, I'm using the café we went to together as Pretty 5 as a reference. Maybe the accumulation of all these experiences is telling.
Of course! Let's make the most of this experience and rise to greater heights!
Hokuto-kun, please talk with me a lot in the short time we have left ♪
Of course. If you're okay with me, I can at least tell you about my acting experience.
Fufu. I'm sure that your accumulated experiences will be put to good use in this Shuffle Unit.
Well then, I don't think I'll be helping with the cooking, so I'm going to exchange information with Tomoe-senpai about theater.
Hokuto~ Chatting is fine, but please "help" me out too.
The "water" is going to boil soon, so please check the "heat"~
Oh, right. Sorry, Shinkai-senpai—
I'll talk with Tomoe-senpai later.
No way! Are you leaving me?
Just give me a minute...! You know there's only one of me, right?
There's no need to act like Princess Kaguya to the point of making everything difficult...!
Chapter 6
Location: Seisoukan Common Room
It's ready, you guys~♪
How about it, take a look at the presentation! I was very careful ♪
Fufu. Excellent presentation, Arashi-san. I think it looks great.
Riight? I love these kinds of delicate tasks ♪
The fish I sliced up also turned out to be a part of the "quiche"~
I think it "looks" and "tastes" delicious ♪
Though halfway through, Kazehaya-senpai was doing most of the cooking.
Really, you're pretty dexterous. All I could do was check the heat levels, but do you have cooking expertise as well?
It's not like that. Since I was hospitalized for a long time after my leg injury, I just paid more attention to meals than others. It's simply the result of my injury.
Well then. Now that we've served everyone—let's eat before it gets cold.
Salmon quiche, Hiyori-san's favorite, and vegetable soup. Served with pickles as garnish.
Yup. It certainly looks perfect! More than enough for amateurs!
The real concern is the taste, though. My tongue can't be easily impressed, you know?
Nom, nom...
What do you think? How does the quiche "taste"...? ♪
This taste is...
...Ordinary! Much too ordinary!
I can feel the effort you guys put into this. But as expected, it's hard to make it on the spot, isn't it?
I see~ What a "shame".
We tried our best, but it's no match to what Hiyori-san usually eats.
Yup, it's true. I'll be treating you to a quiche of my recommendation another time, so you can use it as a reference.
But... It made me happy.
The flavor conveyed everyone's sincere feelings, so naturally, it brings a smile to my face—
Fufu, everyone seems to be in a much better mood than yesterday ♪
That's right. At this rate, practice for the reading drama will go smoothly.
We're supposed to perform as five people who get along well. We have to be more closely involved than we usually are.
Mhm, mhm. That's a good goal! Hokuto-kun's "wish" is for the reading drama to be a success, Tatsumi-kun's "wish" is to get along with the members, both of them have made progress ♪
Ufufu, that's right. Since I appeared in Kazehaya-senpai's radio show, we've opened up quite a bit to each other. Perhaps I'll tackle my own "wish" next ♪
I would also like to "bathe" with everyone ♪
That's good! Rather than having to work with patience and hardship, the ideal is for everyone to have fun and work toward a single goal.
That's the job of idols who can give hopes and dreams to everyone!
Fufu. It's Hiyori-san's last job, after all. Everyone can't help but put all their efforts into it. I'm sure the "DJ Classics" episode will turn out wonderfully as well.
(♪~♪~♪~)
Oh my, a ringtone...? Sounds like someone's phone is ringing.
...Oops. Sorry, looks like my parents are calling again. I'm leaving for a bit.
Understood. If it's going to take a long time, I'll put the food in the freezer—
Ahh, yup. That would be helpful.
I think they're calling me to ask about the preparations for moving out of the dormitory and the selection of a moving company... It's going to take a long time.
Unfortunately, you're going to have to eat without me. We'll meet up at the lesson after this... See you later!
...Tomoe-senpai. When I see him preparing to move out like this, the realization that he's actually going to retire starts to sink in.
That is right~ It was an unexpected "development".
I have been living in the "same room" as "Ohisama"-san. It will make me feel all the more lonely...
I get it. Even in Pretty 5, I was always happy to see his cheerfulness and the way he took care of everyone.
I always thought that such fun activities would continue for a long time.
But, I understand that Tomoe-senpai's position doesn't allow for that.
Inheriting the family business, going to a university abroad—those are the normal ways for the son of a distinguished family to live.
Our Tsukasa-chan also persuaded his parents to let him continue to be an idol, but he was super distressed around the time of the Repayment Festival...
Tomoe-senpai must be in a similar situation.
Being an idol is a relatively new profession. Even if he is one of the best, it would be difficult to get his parents' understanding.
Tomoe-senpai's retirement is a loss for the idol industry.
It's also a personal loss for me. Ever since confronting him at last year's Summer Live, I've admired him as a formidable senior.
Though as a unit, we triumphed against Eden, we're still rivals. In the end, I couldn't surpass him.
At the very least, I'd like to surprise Tomoe-senpai at the end of this job.
Chapter 7
Location: Seisoukan Common Room
Some time after lunch.
Now, let's read through the next scene together.
It takes place in spring break after the graduation ceremony—This is the scene in which the boy played by Hiyori-san fails to come to his graduation, and the four worried members of the group barge in on him.
Everyone, open your scripts to page 3, if you would? Kanata-san, please start with the part of the script that begins with "Then..."
Yes~ Roger that.
Okay, here I go~
"Then, why did you try to leave so "selfishly"?"
"The last "spring break", we will spend it together... Did we not make that "promise"?"
"I really wanted to do that, too. But I was afraid that if we spent time together, I wouldn't be able to part ways. I couldn't bring myself to say it..."
"Is that why you've been avoiding us?"
"...Yeah."
"Fufu. Then, let's make you feel relieved about parting ways."
"Eh...?"
"Spend an excessive amount of time together so that you won't regret it... Is that it? We might as well try everything."
"B-But... is that okay?"
"So reserved. We're best friends, aren't we?"
"To be together, excessively—"
...Alright. Let's stop reading at this part and exchange our opinions.
Could each of you say what you liked and what you didn't like?
I'll set an example first—I suppose my first thought was that Kanata-san's reading wasn't quite right.
Is that so... "Acting" is difficult.
Umm. How can I make it good?
Ahh, no. It's not that it was bad. You were able to give a realistic performance.
But I was just left wondering. I got the impression that Kanata-san's reading was somewhat stiff.
I thought your personality would be further emphasized if you read it as if you were talking to someone close to you, such as a friend who knows you well.
I share the same opinion! We've spent three years of highschool together... I think it's better to have an atmosphere appropriate for a heart-to-heart!
A heart-to-heart... I see, I will try to read it a little bit more "candidly". Like I usually speak when I talk to Rei or Wataru.
Well, I'd also like to share my opinion... Tomoe-senpai, unlike your usual character, you're supposed to be playing a cowardly role.
But despite that, he comes across as very firm and brave.
Hmm, hmm. Very informative, I'll make a note of it.
Oh my. Hiyori-san's script is filled with detailed notes. You must have been very conscious of the intonation of the lines and the pauses in your performance.
Of course. I always want to be perfect!
Acting is not as easy as you might expect—you can't keep retaking scenes on the spot.
So as much as possible, I'll try to find the best way to do so now.
As expected from a member of Eden, which boasts of its top-class abilities. You really inspire me too ♪
Well, I'll give my opinion to Hokuto-chan.
The way you said "feel relieved"... It sounded a little too theatrical, so maybe a more natural way would be better.
More natural...?
Yup. You sounded like a stage actor. This time, the microphone will pick up your voice, so why don't you turn down the volume?
I see. Looks like I've just fallen into my usual habits.
Since I usually perform on stage, I may have become accustomed to a vocal technique that transmits my voice to a distant audience.
Thank you. I'll keep that in mind next time I read.
Fufu. Hokuto and I, let us do our best to be "natural"...♪
Now that we have all the opinions, let's read the section on page 3 again. Kanata-san, if you don't mind?
Yes. I will try to be "candid" ♪
"To be together, excessively—"
Huh... I think everyone's performances were delivered in a pleasing way.
Indeed. I thought that everyone's ability to correct their mistakes was excellent. As expected of the up-and-coming idols of each agency—their past work experience must have been put to good use.
Hokuto-chan in particular's a great actor. He's been teaching us, who aren't used to this kind of performance, every detail of acting ♪
No, I just did what was expected of me.
The vocalization techniques, the facial expressions, the gestures... I've been learning those from Hibiki-senpai, and I thought I should share my knowledge with you.
Fufu. When it comes to acting, Hokuto-san is the best.
Since the problem was first pointed out to you, you've been able to perform without any difficulty. You've been a role model for us in terms of acting and guidance.
Do you all have any other comments? If not, I'd like to move on to the next scene.
I have nothing in particular to say! I'd like to repeat it a few times so that I can always get this feeling right.
Yes~ This "scene" is okay.
I am still a "novice" at acting. But with everyone's help, I will become a "great actor"...♪
Yes. I hope we can keep this up and improve right up until the last page.
Let's go to page 4. Are you ready?
(...Yup. I'm glad everyone's being so positive about facing the Shuffle Project.)
(With this, my wish, too, will surely—)
Translation Notes
- ↑ The phrasing of “unreasonable demands” is a reference to Princess Kaguya, since in the story, she gives her suitors impossible tasks to complete for her hand in marriage.
- ↑ From the bible, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
- ↑ Hiyori uses the term 花道, which literally means “flower path”, but it’s also used to refer to the honorable end to one’s career, specifically in the manner of a performer leaving the stage towards the audience in order to receive flowers. It also refers to the art of flower arrangement, as Hiyori is part of Reimei’s Flower Arrangement Club.