holistar | Entries tagged with makoto yuuki

Location: Starmony Dorm Courtyard

Koga: Oh~ Sorry for bein’ late. We brought sweets n’ suzuki grass~♪

Makoto: ...Sorry to keep you two waiting.

Adonis: Oogami, Yuuki, you’re here.

Hm? Is something wrong Yuuki? You look unwell— I mean, you look completely worn out.

Makoto: ...Ahaha, I’m fine. I just kinda felt my life flash before my eyes. I had flashbacks to last time...

Adonis: ? Ah, by the way, I have something to tell you two. A little while ago, I was able to see a rabbit do a large jump.

Koga: Oh yeah~? Glad ya got to see it, Adonis. That’s super rare♪

Makoto: I’m really glad…If you told me you missed it, I think I’d collapse on the spot.

Nazuna: Yup yup♪ That’s right, for various reasons...

Hey! The party isn’t over yet! Let’s eat some delicious food and view the beautiful moon☆

Koga: Oh yeah! C’mon, eat up Wimpy Glasses! You were pretty much the star today.

Makoto: Ah, yeah.

Adonis: Nito-senpai, Oogami, Yuuki, thank you.

Nazuna: Thanks for what? Is the moon-viewing really that fun?

Adonis: It is, but…thanks to you three I was able to see something truly magical.

I know it’s just a story that rabbits live on the moon. We have a similar tale in my homeland.

The patterns of the lunar maria¹ are compared to various animals in different countries.

Makoto: E-Ehhhh!?

Koga: Haaa? You knew!?

Adonis: Yes. The three of you made that folktale into reality, along with my dream, so for that I thank you.

You three put this all together, didn’t you?

Nazuna: Wait a minute. U-Umm... If you knew it wasn’t real, why did you pretend to think so...?

Adonis: ? It’s what you told me to do in the library?

When a friend tells you a joke, you “do your best to play along”. I was told to joke around once in a while, so I gave it a try. Was it still not good enough?

Koga: Gaaaah!

Adonis: What’s wrong Oogami? Why are you mad?

Koga: If you’re tellin’ a joke, you gotta say it was a damn joke. There’s no point if people take it seriously!

Adonis: Hn? Is that so?

Hmm… It’s still difficult… Jokes are complicated.

Koga: Are you serious!

Nazuna: Fufufu, ahaha! Ado-chin totally got us~ Ahahaha.

Koga: Damn it. This is peak Adonis. It’s like all the life drained outta me in an instant.

Makoto: Ahaha. Me too. My jump was no good, but it was funny, so I’m at the point where I don't really care.

Adonis: Fufu. Jokes are quite fun. Time spent laughing with friends is very precious.

Nazuna: Yeah? Did it put you in a better mood? I was able to see you smile, so I’m pretty satisfied too♪

Adonis: I see, you were trying to cheer me up. Thank you.

I work hard everyday for the sake of my country, but I don’t actually feel like I’m moving forward. There are times when I can’t help but look back.

When I think of everyone else in my country, I worry if it’s alright that I’m the only one that feels happiness.

But today, this place and the gentle moonlight have eased my worries.

Now I just have to believe in this path and move forward one step at a time.

Koga: Hmph, you’ve made plenty of progress.

And besides, you can just count on us when it gets tough. We got your back.

Well, I know how much your homeland means to you, but still...

Makoto: Oogami-kun, you can’t get Otogari-kun to depend on you so you’re sulking, huh?

Koga: I’m not sulkin’! Don’t make shit up, Wimpy Glasses!

Adonis: How much my country means to me...

When I visited my homeland in the spring, I thought about Undead and everyone else at the dorms and felt lonely. I missed everyone.

This place means a lot to me too. It's almost like another homeland.

I suppose my steps are very small compared to the passage of time itself.

Maybe things will have changed by the time I reach my goal. Hopefully they will have changed for the better, but I just don't know.

Still, I'll move forward without fear. I have reliable friends by my side, so I'll be alright.

Nazuna: There’s a traditional Japanese poem that goes like:

“I gaze up at the sky and wonder

is that the same moon

that shone over Mount Mikasa

at Kasuga

all those years ago?” ²

Ado-chin, have you heard of it?

It means, I gaze far off into the sky and see the moon. I wonder if it’s the same moon that rose in Kasuga, my hometown, in the mountains of Mikasa.

Maybe the next time you go somewhere you have memories of, it will have changed.

But no matter how different it looks, the moon that floats in the sky is the only thing that will never change. It’s the same moon you saw with your family all those years ago. Some things will never change.

If you think about that, it gives you hope, right♪

Adonis: Yes, you’re right. I’m grateful that the moon I saw in my homeland is the same moon we are able to look up at tonight.

¹ The dark spots on the moon.

² This is a real poem ,「天の原…」. English translation is taken from here.

Location: Starmony Dorm Courtyard

Nazuna: Ado-chin, sorry to keep you waiting~!

Adonis: It’s fine, I just got here.

Hm? You’re carrying a lot, let me help you.

Nazuna: Oh, thanks♪ I prepared dango, drinks, and a telescope for moon-viewing. It ended up being a lot to carry, so thanks for the help.

Adonis: I also brought meat. Let’s eat it together with everyone.

Nazuna: Meat? Ahaha. This’ll be a luxurious moon-viewing~♪

Adonis: By the way, Yuuki and Oogami didn’t come with you? They still haven’t arrived.

Nazuna: Ah, the two of them will be late. They’re still getting ready.

Adonis: Getting ready? I thought we prepared everything for moon-viewing… is there still more to do?

Nazuna: Ah…! U-Um… R-Right! Suzuki grass¹! We’re all out of suzuki grass. We totally need it for the moon-viewing~

Adonis: Hm. Is that so? I regret not preparing that. I’m sorry, I was unaware.

Nazuna: Don’t worry, the two of them wanted to get some, that’s all.

It seems like Koga-chin and Mako-chin will arrive after they get the suzuki grass, so we can start the moon-viewing without them.

Adonis: I understand. Is there anything I can assist with? That telescope looks difficult to assemble, let me help.

Nazuna: Eh? N-No, I can do it myself. I know how to put it together, so it’ll be faster if I do it alone.

(Yikes… I have to mess with the telescope, so I can’t let Ado-chin touch it.)

Ah, I’d be really grateful if you could lay out all the food though~

Adonis: Really? Alright. I’ll arrange the food.

Nazuna: Thanks~

(Yes! While Ado-chin is concentrating on the food… I’ll prepare the tripod and set up the telescope on it. Then I just have to adjust it so it has a nice view of the moon...)

(Yup. This should be perfect for seeing Mako-chin’s jump.)

Adonis: Nito-senpai, I’ve finished preparing the food. How are you doing with the telescope?

Nazuna: All good over here~! Let’s start♪

Adonis: Ah. I’m glad it was clear today. I can see the moon very well. It’s so big and beautiful.

Nazuna: It is, huh~ I’m really, really glad it’s not cloudy!

(If it was cloudy, then the image of the moon that Natsume prepared for us wouldn’t look right at all.)

Location: Starmony Dorm 2nd Floor Passage

Koga: Hey, you’re still lookin’ gloomy, Wimpy Glasses.

Makoto: On the contrary, I’d be scared of someone who can smile in a situation like this.

Koga: If it were Akehoshi, he’d love to do this jump.

Makoto: Ah, if it were Akehoshi-kun he’d certainly show us a dynamic jump...

Koga: You’re in the same unit as him, so you should’ve learned by observin’. Give us a dynamic jump and be the star in Trickstar!

Makoto: Why do I feel like that sounds really ominous? Becoming a star would mean I’ve crossed over to the afterlife, wouldn’t it?

Koga: I said I’d guarantee your safety. I got a mat all ready for ya on the ground.

I’ll double check the straps of your harness. You should thank me for bein’ so nice to you.

Heh… last time ya put this on it was for some special trainin’ to crush the student council, yeah²?

Makoto: Yeah. We had a lot of people helping us out. It was a desperate time. It really brings back memories.

But I definitely wasn’t expecting to wear this again today...

Koga: Yeah, back then it was for a big war that left both our allies n’ enemies covered in blood.

—This time it’s for a friend, so we got some motivation from that.

Makoto: …………

Yeah, that’s right. In that case, this time is way more tolerable than the last.

Koga: Yeah, safety looks good! Go get ‘em, Wimpy Glasses.

It’s almost time. I’ll head down to the mat just in case.

Makoto: Okay, I’ll try my best.

…………

...Huh? Oogami said some nice things and I totally went along with it

But no matter how I think about it, isn’t this whole idea crazy…?

Location: Starmony Dorm Courtyard

Nazuna: (It’s almost time…)

Ah. Ado-chin, come take a look through the telescope! You can see a huge moon! A su~per huge moon!

Adonis: Is it alright if I look? I don’t mind if you take a look first...

Nazuna: I got a good look when I was setting it up. Besides, I think the rabbits will come out soon.

Adonis: Hm? Do the rabbits come out at a fixed time? They’re quite organized...

Nazuna: Agh— T-The rabbits have lives too. They probably have a specific time for jumping or something~

Adonis: Hm, I suppose so. Even the rabbits have lives. We just have to impose that kind of common sense on them as well.

Nazuna: Yep yep! That’s it! Hey, if you don’t look soon you’re gonna miss the big moment~

Adonis: If you insist. I just have to look through here?

Wow. It’s amazing… Is this what you’d call picturesque? A beautiful, majestic full moon...

Nazuna: Yup. Taking a look at this kind of scenery is really calming. It feels like all my worries and unpleasant thoughts are flying away.

Ah. The rabbits are gonna jump really suddenly, so don’t miss it, Ado-chin~

Adonis: Is that to? I understand. I don’t want to miss it, I don’t even want to blink—

Makoto: I’m a rabbit~ OwaAAAAAaaa…!?

Adonis: A-A rabbit! Nito-senpai! A rabbit just jumped!

Nazuna: (! Good job Mako-chin...!)

Adonis: That’s incredible. A rabbit really jumped!

Nazuna: I’m glad you saw it~ It’s the moment of the century!

Adonis: Yes! The rabbit’s jump was like that of a human. It was like a character from a game Yuuki played a while ago—— Umm, there was a character who eats a mushroom and gets bigger, and he jumped like that.

Nazuna: Eh? Ahaha… Maybe even the rabbits are excited about the beautiful full moon~? Ahahaha...

¹ This is the type of grass in the bloomed Adonis and Nazuna CGs.

² Again, a reference to the Ensemble Stars! main story.

Location: Starmony Dorm Common Room

〈On the night of the moon-viewing〉

Makoto: W-We’re really doing this…? You even pulled out this relic of the past¹.

Koga: Once a man decides to do somethin’, he doesn’t whine and complain about it!

Anyway, glad we still had this thing sleepin’ in the depths of the clubroom♪

Makoto: Hey, can we think this through one more time…? This is absolutely crazy.

Koga: Oi, don’t move! You’re in big trouble if I don’t put this thing on properly!

From the start, we decided who’d do this fair and square with a lottery drawing, and you’re the one who won.

Makoto: Y-Yeah…! You’re right, but I didn’t expect to suddenly win!

Nazuna: Mako-chin, I’m gonna tighten this up a little. Here we go~

Makoto: G-Gaaaah!? That’s way too tight! My insides are gonna get squeezed out~!

Nazuna: S-Sorry! I thought it’d be better that way. Let me loosen it okay一

Yes, done☆

Koga: Yeah, you’re all ready, Wimpy Glasses! Jump as hard as you can!

It’s bungee time!

Makoto: Uu… I can’t believe I’m wearing this again so soon.

Nazuna: Oh, I’m forgetting something important! Mako-chin, you gotta put these on一 Oh, it totally suits you!

Makoto: There’s no way this’ll fool anyone… There’s nothing rabbit-like about me, it’s just me with some bunny ears… Just Makoto Yuuki...

Koga: Oh♪ All your tremblin’ is really makin’ the look come together, you’re just like a little animal♪

Makoto: Uu…

Nazuna: Hmm. All that’s left is to bring this to where Ado-chin is, right?

Makoto: Uwah… You borrowed a huge astronomical telescope?

I don’t know about this… If I’m seen through something like that, it’ll be even more obvious I’m not a rabbit.

Nazuna: It’ll be okay! This is a telescope that I asked Natsume-chin to modify.

If you look into it you’ll see a fake moon, and then it’s supposed to superimpose an image of Mako-chin on that.

In order to not give it away, you’ll get turned into a CG rabbit. So act like a rabbit, okay~?

Makoto: Wow~ Sakasaki-kun can make something like that? Amazing.

Ah, come to think of it, he made a VR game a while ago. It’s like an application of that and motion capture, huh?

...Wait, then why not just have him make a virtual character for us to begin with? That way I don’t have to bungee jump?

Koga: You idiot! The bungee jump is the highlight of tonight's moon-viewing!

If you jump with all your might it’s way more realistic. It's the same as a live, like when all the silver tape falls down around ya during an encore.

Makoto: I have no idea what you’re talking about Oogami-kun! Every second of a live is exciting! Even without all the jumping, you gotta put on an exciting show!

Wait, are you sure you aren’t enjoying this…? For some reason I just have the feeling that you are...

Koga: Tch, shut up Wimpy Glasses.

You anxious about somethin’? Worried if it’s safe? Don’t worry, I tried it out myself, so I can guarantee ya it’s totally safe.

Makoto: Eh!? You tried it out!?

Koga: Yeah, once. It’d be nuts to try it without testin’ it first?!

Makoto: ...If you have enough common sense to do that, then why are we going through with this stupid plan? I just don’t get it!?

Koga: Shut up~! It’s more fun this way!

Makoto: So now your real intentions are coming out! You’re enjoying this, aren’t you!? If I had the choice, I wish you’d kept that a secret until the end.

Nazuna: Ahaha. Oops, you guys’ manzai act² is funny, but I gotta go meet Ado-chin now. I don’t want to be late.

Makoto: Uu. This isn’t a manzai act~...

Nazuna: Sorry, sorry. I’m leaving the rest to you guys. I’ll go take care of everything with Ado-chin!

See you guys later!

Koga: Yeah! Good luck out there, Nito-senpai.

Makoto: See ya.

Koga: C’mon, let’s head upstairs. We got all our stuff ready to go on the roof.

Makoto: (Sigh)…

¹ Koga also made Makoto bungee jump in the Ensemble Stars! main story.

² A type of Japanese comedy routine with two performers—a straight man (tsukkomi) and a funny man (boke)—trading jokes at great speed.

Most of the jokes revolve around mutual misunderstandings, double-talk, puns and other verbal gags.

Location: Starmony Dorm (Tatsumi & Koga's Room)

Makoko: ...I’m sorry.

Koga: Geez… Well, it’s Nito-senpai’s fault in the first place. This is becoming a pain in the ass.

Nazuna: Uu… I’m sorry.

Makoto: Come to think of it, you mentioned Otogari-kun was lonely, what was that about?

Nazuna: We were looking at a photobook together and ended up seeing a photo of a place Ado-chin had gone moon-viewing with his family.

But when conflict arose, that area had to be sealed off. He was making a super wistful face as he said it.

Surely he left behind people who are precious to him in his unstable homeland, and he can’t visit the places that hold memories for him, either.

I was born and raised in a peaceful country, so I can’t say I totally understand what Ado-chin is feeling… that would be a little presumptuous of me.

So I selfishly tried to calm him down and ended up lying— I mean, it was supposed to be a joke. Anyway, I ended up telling him there was a rabbit on the moon.

I just wanted Ado-chin to have a happy smile, not a sad one.

And then all this happened...

Koga: ...Ah~ He did visit home a while ago, so maybe he’s feelin’ a little homesick or somethin’.

You really should’a told us something like that at the beginning, Nito-senpai. You know how Adonis is. You could’a gone to me about it, I’m sure there’s somethin’ else we could have done.

Nazuna: ...Ahaha, I’m sure I could’ve done a lot of things better. Sorry for getting the both of you into this mess.

Koga: What’s done is done~ We just gotta think about where to go from here!

Makoto: Yeah. Let’s figure out how to get through the moon-viewing.

Nazuna: That’s right. But what should we do?

Makoto: Hmm~... I was the only one who said I could see the rabbits, so what if, for example, I’m the only one that can see them?

Koga: Huh? No matter how you try I don’t think that’s gonna work.

Adonis has good eyesight, so it’d be weird if you were able to see rabbits with your terrible vision and he couldn’t.

Makoto: Thats, um… because of something like the magic of the full moon~?

Koga: The hell, you think you’re Sakuma-senpai or somethin’? Then he’s gonna ask about the magic, and we’re gonna dig ourselves even deeper into this! Don’t make this even more complicated.

Nazuna: What about if we use a plush rabbit? I have one that Ra*bits used a while back. We can move that around and make it look like a rabbit on the moon.

Koga: Adonis isn’t a toddler y’know~! If you try and put on some puppet show, he’s gonna see right through it.

We just need somethin’ super realistic. Our ultimate goal is to make Adonis think there are rabbits on the moon, yeah?

Makoto: Do you have any ideas Oogami-kun?

Koga: … What if we launched Nito-senpai’s pet rabbit to the moon?

Nazuna: You look all confident and that’s what you say~!? If you do anything to my beloved rabbit I will never, ever, ever forgive you~!

Koga: I-It was just a joke, don’t get so mad. My bad, aight? I’m kind to animals, I’d never do somethin’ like that.

Makoto: Humans are technically animals so I was hoping you could be nice to me too...

Koga: Hah? The hell are you talkin’ about?

Makoto: Umm, nothing! It’s nothing!

Koga: Oh, then do you have any good ideas?

Makoto: Eh? Me?

Koga: Aren’t glasses for the real brainy types? Why don’t you prove to us that those glasses aren’t just for show?

Makoto: No no, my glasses are totally real, they have a prescription and everything!

——That was just a joke! Don’t glare at me with that scary face~

Uu… Akehoshi-kun would totally play along at times like these.

I don’t know if this can be called an idea, but we want to give Otogari-kun the illusion that there are rabbits on the moon. So...

First, we have to knock him out. Then we lock him in a room that’s decorated to look like the surface of the moon, and it’s filled with rabbits.

That’d definitely work, right?

Koga: …………

Makoto: Huh? Oogami-kun, why are you looking at me like that? I was just thinking it through as if I was Otogari-kun. Was it a bad idea...?

Nazuna: Mako-chin…how on earth did you come up with that…?

Makoto: Huh? It just seems like it would make sense… I just thought of what someone would do if I were in Otogari-kun’s place and they wanted to accomplish their goal at all costs?

Koga: …I kinda feel sorry for you.

Anyhow, we are not doing that! Hell no! The premise alone is ridiculous. Knock Adonis out without him noticin’? What are you, an assassin?

Makoto: I guess you’re right, huh~ But nothing is more believable than seeing it with your own eyes...

Koga: A rabbit hopping on the moon… seeing a… rabbit… hopping...

Hm?... Oh yeah, maybe we can use that thing…? We’ll ask him for help and…(mumbling)

Makoto: W-What? Oogami-kun? Why are you staring at me like that? Why do I have a really terrible feeling about this…?

Koga: Hell yeah! I just got a great idea, listen up!

Location: Starmony Dorm Courtyard

Makoto: Hello Otogari-kun~ I’m here for the tea ceremony.

Adonis: Thanks for coming, Yuuki.

Koga: Hey Wimpy Glasses! You’re late!

Makoto: E-Eh!? But I arrived before the time we planned to meet!?

...Oh, Nito-senpai is here too! Oh no, I’m sorry! You guys were waiting for me, weren’t you?

Nazuna: I-It’s fine…But hurry up and sit down, I don’t know if I can wait any longer...

Makoto: Huh? You and Oogami-kun look pale…? What happened?

Nazuna: M-My legs are ashleep...

Adonis: Hm? I had thought you two weren’t talking much, is that why?

Koga: Yes, damn it!

Adonis: You don’t have to be so formal. Relax your legs. I’m trying to entertain you, not make you suffer.

Nazuna: Thanks Ado-chin… Koga-chin, let’s take him up on that and get more comfortable.

Agh! ...My legs are still asleep~!

Koga: Guaaa~a...

Adonis: Are you two alright? At first I was also not good at sitting in seiza¹, so I understand how you’re feeling.

Are your legs really that numb?

Koga: Gyah! Don’t poke my legs while sayin’ you understand how it feels! It hurts!

Adonis: I-I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was that painful for you two.

Makoto: Ahaha...this is turning into a disaster, but maybe it’s a little refreshing to see you like this, Oogami-kun.

Koga: Damn it~ Can’t you sympathize with other people’s problems!? I’d love to give you a rolling sobat², but my legs are asleep~!

Makoto: What’s with that crazy look in your eyes!? I’m so glad your legs are numb...

Adonis: Oogami, it’s not good to blow off steam with violence.

Ah, Yuuki please sit down comfortably too.

Makoto: Oh, okay! I’ll just switch to seiza when it’s time for tea.

Adonis: Now that we’re all here, let’s begin³.

…...

Makoto: (Whispering) Wow… There’s hardly a sound. It’s so quiet.

Koga: (Whispering) He’s goin’ real slow and wipin’ down his tools one by one~ It’d be a lot faster to just put some elbow grease into it.

Nazuna: (Whispering) Koga-chin, you totally don’t understand the spirit of the tea ceremony~ Ado-chin is doing fine.

Makoto: (Whispering) Oh? Nito-senpai, do you know a lot about tea?

Nazuna: (Whispering) Eh? No, not at all… I read up on the etiquette on the internet since Ado-chin invited me.

Koga: (Whispering) What. I thought you knew all about this stuff.

(Whispering) For someone who said he had no confidence, Adonis is actually lookin’ pretty damn good.

Nazuna: (Whispering) Yup. He practiced a lot~

(Whispering) We were told to relax our legs, but it still feels so authentic that it’s making me nervous… What do I do?

Uwa!? He’s offering me the tea bowl but…M-Me!? I’m the first one!?

T-T-Thank you, I’ll take the bowl…!

(Umm, u-um? I’m so nervous I can’t think straight…! What else did I read on the internet?)

(Ah! Right. I’ll move the tea bowl so my lips don’t touch the front when I drink—)

(But with this simple bowl it’s hard to tell where the front is...!)

(Gotta calm down~ Just think it through, the front was probably facing me when I took the bowl, so if I turn it...)

T-Thank you for the tea… (gulp)

(Agh!? I-It’s bitter…!)

(Is tea really this bitter!? Matcha flavored things are way more sweet!)

(Gulp)

(Uu~... I expected it to be sweet so it feels even more bitter~)

U-Um. Ado-chin, that was... delicious.

Adonis: Fufu. Don’t worry about it, bitter is written all over your face.

Nazuna: Eh!? N-No, not at all?

Adonis: The first time I drank it I honestly thought it was bitter too.

But after having it a few times, I began to realize the delicious flavor in the bitterness.

Then I started to find the bitter flavor delicious. It’s strange, isn’t it?

Nazuna: Eh~ Really? The world of tea is really deep~

Adonis: Yes. I find it interesting that there’s always something new to discover, no matter how many times I drink it. It’s the same as your studies at college.

Speaking of college, have you made progress on your report?

Nazuna: Nn~ Well, I’m making progress little by little. I think I can finish by the due date.

Adonis: Is that so?

Makoto: Is this report one of Nito-senpai’s college assignments?

Nazuna: Yep. It’s a report on Japanese customs. I’m doing some research on moon-viewing.

Koga: Oh yeah, I guess it’s that time of year.

Makoto: If that’s how it is, then why don’t we go moon-viewing together? We can all bring dango and sweets.

Adonis: I think that’s a great idea, it sounds like fun… Perhaps we can see it? Fortunately, I have good eyesight.

Makoto: ? What is it?

Adonis: Have you and Oogami heard? Truth is, it seems there’s a rabbit on the moon.

Nazuna: ...Uwah!?

Makoto: Eh!? A rabbit!?

Koga: Ahaha. Adonis, don’t be crazy~ That’s just a stor—

Nazuna: H-Hey Koga-chin!

Koga: Whoa!? T-The hell you doin’? That startled me!

Nazuna: (Whispering) Shh, Koga-chin! I told him that as a joke, but he took it seriously, and now Ado-chin really thinks there’s a rabbit on the moon!

Koga: (Whispering) So it’s you that’s been teachin’ Adonis this weird stuff!

Makoto: (Whispering) U-Umm, but leaving out some of the info like that is… Wouldn’t it have been better to just tell him it’s an old folktale?

Nazuna: (Whispering) I thought about that, but even if it’s a lie it totally cheered Ado-chin up… I just didn’t want him to feel so lonely about the moon-viewing anymore.

Makoto: (Whispering) Lonely?

Nazuna: (Whispering) Anyway, just play along! Please!

(Whispering) When Ado-chin starts to realize it’s not real, I’ll tell him the truth.

Adonis: Hm? Is something wrong with the three of you? What happened?

Koga: I-It’s nothin’~! Don’t worry about it!

A-Anyway. That’s right, the rabbit! There’s a ton of rabbits on the moon~ Ain’t that right? Wimpy Glasses!

Makoto: ...E-Eh!? You’re bringing me into this?

Ah~ Y-Yep, that’s right! There’s a lot of them~ I see them every year!

Adonis: Oh? If that’s the case then I definitely want to see them. I’m looking forward to the moon-viewing♪

Makoto: (W-What have we done! W-What do we do now!?)

¹ The formal way of sitting. You place your knees on the floor and rest your butt on the heels of your feet. The top of your feet should be flat on the floor.
It doesn't sound bad, but doing it for a while isn't pleasant unless you're used to it.

² A jumping, spinning, back kick often seen in wrestling/video games.

³ The host starts by cleaning their tools (tea bowl, bamboo whisk, etc.) one by one in front of their guests. Then the host prepares a bowl of green tea for the guests by whisking matcha powder and boiling water.
The host does not drink the tea, but everyone else drinks from the same tea bowl, rotating it slightly to avoid putting their mouth on the same place as the last person.

!! CONTENT WARNINGS: mentions of war !!

Location: Starmony Dorm (Makoto, Adonis, Chiaki’s room)

Makoto: Hmm…? I guess the wise choice would be to go to the battlefront and protect the village...?

Adonis: What movie are you watching, Yuuki?

Makoto: Ah, Otogari-kun, welcome back~ Good job on your work today!

This isn’t a movie; it’s a game that came out recently. I have a backlog of games to catch up on because of work, and I finally have time to play them.

Adonis: A game? I see, so games these days have very beautiful graphics. I thought it was a movie.

Makoto: Fufu, I know right~ Cutscenes really look like live action movies, and recently there have been a lot of open world games. I think these video games can hold their own against movies.

I kinda like old retro games more though. It really feels like I’m gaming~ The pixels and low polygon count are pretty nice.

Adonis: Umm. Open… world? Pixels? By polygon, do you mean the many-sided shape?

Hmm, this is complicated. I don’t quite understand, but you seem to be speaking about game terminology.

Oh? By the way Yuuki, there’s a warrior with a sword at the ready slowly approaching you, is that alright?

Makoto: Uwah!? Oh no—!! Thanks. I totally took my eyes off the screen.

Adonis: You parried his attack and drove your sword into him. An appropriate response to the situation.

Countering is an effective tactic in a battle. It’s particularly effective against beasts with large weak spots.

Makoto: Yeah, counters are a basic strategy even in a game like this. Though, I’ve never done battle with any beasts in real life~ Or should I say, I don’t want to battle any. They would totally destroy me.

Adonis: Is that right? If you used your quick wit and mimicked your character’s movements, I think it would be easy. You’re giving up too soon… give it your all Yuuki.

Makoto: No no, you can’t be serious!? I don’t stand a chance! You’re overestimating wimpy little gamers!

Adonis: I see. So it’s like that, how difficult.

Ah, I’ve just gone and started a long conversation. I’m sorry for interrupting your game, Yuuki.

Makoto: Oh, it’s fine! Or rather, having an audience fires me up. If you’re having fun watching, you’re totally welcome to stay, Otogari-kun♪

Adonis: Is that so? I’m glad, then I’ll stay and watch a bit longer.

These characters are samurai, aren’t they? I’ve seen this outfit in Japanese history textbooks before. It looks like something Kanzaki would like.

Makoto: Yep yep. It’s a story about samurai protecting their country from the invading foreign army.

The main character is hovering between life and death due to the war, and he’ll use any means necessary to take his home back from the invaders.

Adonis: Throwing yourself into the fray of battle to protect your country’s people… That is living as a soldier, not a warrior, how heart-breaking.

In days gone by and days to come, war only gives birth to sorrow…

Makoto: Huh!? Why’d it get serious all of a sudden!? It’s just a game, y’know?

A-ah… right. There’s conflict in your country…

Adonis: Yes, even now my country is covered in the scars of war. It will certainly take time to heal.

Makoto: Mmhm, I don’t like sad things like that either. Wars are never a good thing.

But this is just a game, so it’s alright. Besides, this character I’m controlling is strong~

He’s one of the good guys. I actually feel pretty sorry for the enemies he’s taking out.

The main character is all alone, but he’s super strong and can hold his own against the opposing army— He’s really the epitome of an OP character!¹

Adonis: OP…? He made some kind of post online?

Makoto: Uwah, no way! That’s pretty unexpected coming from you…!?

Otogari-kun knows net slang like that, huh…

Adonis: Ah... I heard the phrase used in passing, and then I asked Oogami and he taught me about it. Did I understand you correctly?

Makoto: Ahaha, sorry, I wasn’t talking about OP like that.

I mean he sounds a little overpowered, he’s strong enough that he could fight off thousands of enemies all on his own.

Adonis: That’s amazing, I’m a bit jealous. I’d like to become someone like that so I can protect the weak.

Makoto: You’re going to become even stronger…? You already look like you’d be a strong enough soldier to me. Like, it wouldn’t even be weird if you were some video game protagonist.

Adonis: Not at all, I’m still weak. I’m no match for my sisters.

Makoto: Umm… I’ve been wondering for a while, but what’s your family like?

Huh? We were talking so much that I didn’t even notice, but I’ve totally annihilated all of the enemy soldiers.

Oh— here’s the boss fight!

Adonis: Hmm, this one looks bigger and stronger than all of the others. His armor is also more intricate than everyone else’s.

Makoto: Yup~ because he’s the boss. But he’s a piece of cake~♪

Oho~ I’ll just guard… and then counter! Spin around aaand— cut him in half! And it’s over!

Yes! Now I’ve beaten this level!

Adonis: Ohh, that took no time at all. You’re amazing, Yuuki.

Makoto: Hehe, well that was only the first boss♪ The enemies will only get stronger from here on in.

Adonis: That sounds like fun. So gaming is one of your hobbies?

Makoto: Hmm? I suppose so… fighting games are my favorite, but I like all games, so I guess you could call it a hobby.

Adonis: That’s nice. I wish I also had a hobby that was easy to explain to others.

I always have trouble when an interviewer asks me about my hobbies. I like to watch small living things, so I answer with that but…

I get stuck if the interviewer asks me to go into more detail.

Makoto: Ahh, I think I get what you mean.

I was the same way until I realized that gaming was my hobby.

I have a lot of things I enjoy doing, but it’s difficult to know if I should call it a hobby. Like, what’s the difference between a hobby or a special skill?

But Otogari-kun, you’ve studied all kinds of things about Japan, right? Has anything come up during that study that could be a hobby?

Adonis: Not really… that was more study than something I would call a hobby.

Makoto: Is that right? Hmm, maybe…

I got it! What about Japanese tea ceremonies²? Otogari-kun, you’re in a circle for that, aren’t you?

Tea ceremony would be an amazing hobby. I’m Japanese, but even I’m not able to do something like that.

Adonis: Japanese tea ceremony? I’m hoping to practice that, but right now our circle “Kaori” isn’t active. Everyone’s schedules aren’t lining up.

Kanzaki made me tea once before; it was delicious. I probably wouldn’t be able to make a flavorful cup of tea like his…

So I would like to practice, but how could I begin if there is no one to try my tea?

Makoto: So that’s how it is… I guess it’s the same with lessons and gaming. Getting an objective opinion is important.

Adonis: It appears so. After all, the true flavor of tea can only be tasted when it’s served to someone else.

Makoto: Hmm, then how about you make me some tea, Otogari-kun?

Adonis: Really? Is that alright? I won’t be troubling you?

Makoto: It’s no problem at all! Besides, I also want to drink some tea♪

Adonis: Thanks Yuuki, I definitely want you to try my tea.

Makoto: Ah, but maybe I’m more of the one troubling you? I don’t know the proper manners or anything, so I might make some mistakes. Is that alright?

Adonis: Of course. There is no need to think so hard about it.

The tea ceremony is all about hospitality. Nothing would make me happier than making tea for a friend.

¹ The original dialog is Adonis misunderstanding 一騎当千(a mighty warrior) for a different 4 kanji compound with the same pronunciation. It's been localized to keep the original feel of the text.

² Japanese tea ceremonies are a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea.