holistar

Hiiro: Happy birthday Tatsumi-senpai.

I’m happy we can spend this day together! As friends, as unit-mates, let’s celebrate as much as we are able!

Tatsumi: Thank you very much Hiiro-san. You always convey your feelings in such a direct manner.

Let’s continue to enjoy our time together as ALKALOID.

Hiiro: Certainly! I want to have many more lives together and let everyone know more about us as a unit.

Aira: Happy birthday Tattsun-senpai♪

Tatsumi: Ah, Aira-san. Thank you for the wonderful surprise today*. I didn’t expect you all to sing such a song for me. It’s a song I’ve heard many times, however this was a fresh and delightful take on it.

Aira: Fufufu, it’s your birthday and I love you sooo much Tattsun-senpai, so I wanted to do something special! I’m super happy you enjoyed it♪

To be honest, I also prepared a present for you that’s just from me... here you go!

Tatsumi: Inside this frame is... why, it’s a photo of ALKALOID taken when we were practicing together?

Aira: Yup, I asked Anzu-san to take some photos and she took a bunch! We all have such happy smiles, huh?

Tatsumi: Yes, indeed. It makes me happy just looking at it. Thank you very much Aira-san♪

*Alkaloid sang one of Tatsumi’s solo-era songs for him

Mayoi: H-Happy birthdayyyyyyy!

Tatsumi: Thank you Mayoi-san. By the way, I apologize for surprising you when I suddenly spoke to you yesterday. 

Mayoi: N-no! Um... I, yesterday I was very happy when you told me you were looking forward to today’s party. 

B-but I was so afraid that I would spoil the surprise that everyone was preparing if I said anything…

So I escaped by running away from you... For someone like me to act so impolite, I-I’m terribly sorry...!

Eichi: Happy birthday Kazehaya-kun.

Tatsumi: Eichi-san, you’re quite a busy person, thank you for attending the party♪

Eichi: Fufu, don’t be so formal. I want to celebrate the birthdays of colleagues from the same agency as often as I can.

I’ve prepared some special black tea for you today. If you don’t mind, how about I brew you a pot?

Tatsumi: That sounds like a lovely idea, I would enjoy that very much.

Midori: Um... happy birthday Kazehaya-senpai.

Tatsumi: Takamine-san, thank you for coming.

Midori: Yes, you’re so kind to me in Gardenia activities, and you came to my birthday party as well, but maybe you would have preferred if someone else came instead of me…

Tatsumi: No, I’m delighted you showed up. I hope we can become good friends.

You still haven’t told me very much about those mascot characters that you adore so much.

 Location: ES Hallway

〈A few days later〉

Aira: (Mmn~... I’m in trouble, what do I do?)

(This "ALKALOID Project" that Anzu-san is going to be in charge of producing for us, it seems like the content and everything can be decided at her discretion.)

(Because of that, Anzu-san can make whatever kind of live we want into a reality for us...)

(She promised us that she’d accommodate our wishes to the best of her ability in terms of what kinda live we wanna put on.)

(So we’re going to come up with a proposal of sorts and submit it to her within the next few days.)

(I wonder if this is sort of an apology from Anzu-san, since we were being manipulated by the agency’s wishes up until MDM...)

(Maybe she feels like now is the time for us to spread our wings of our own free will.)

(But until now, we’ve been soldiers that have had to do the best with what we were given, and follow orders to a T from the higher-ups .)

(I don’t know what to do if I’m suddenly told that we can do whatever we’d like.)

(I thought everything would just fall into place if we overcame the challenges surrounding MDM, but that’s totally not the case. Life is so hard...)

Location: Infirmary

Aira: ‘Scuse me.

Sorry Sagami-sensei, do you mind if I rest in here again?

I know I should be at school right now, but if I’m there I’ll just feel so uneasy—

Tatsumi: What do you mean by uneasy? There’s quite a bit of construction going on these days, could it be the noise that’s troubling you?

Aira: W-What!? T-T-Tattsun-senpai! What are you doing here?

Tatsumi: Why am I here? Is this a question of philosophy, or perhaps religion?

Aira: N-No, um, I’m just asking normally. I mean, why are you... physically here?

Tatsumi: Yes, In any case, I see what you’re trying to say.

Incidentally, I generally have my leg checked in this infirmary before we take on any work.

It’s been bad for a while, especially because I overworked it around MDM.

Aira: Oh yeah, Tattsun-senpai has a bad knee right? Is it doing ok?

Tatsumi: Yes. I will never fully recover in my lifetime; however my leg is healing enough so that I may live a normal life.

My occasional severe pain appears to be psychological in nature, and the tissue and such of my leg seems to be like that of a normal person’s.

Aira: I-It’s a little late to ask, but is there anything I can do, like anything I should be careful about when working with you?

Tatsumi: No, so long as you always remember to show me the kindness you have now, I’ll ascend right to Heaven♪

Aira: If you go to Heaven that means you’ll be dead y’know! I’m worried about you...

Tatsumi: Thank you for the concern, though I’ve been in a state of disrepair from the beginning, so it’s nothing to worry about now. What brings you to the infirmary, though?

Aira: O-Oh, um… I haven’t been feeling well, I messed up on stage the other day and all.

Tatsumi: Fufu. I covered for you before the audience realized your mistake, so there should be no problem, correct?

Aira: Yeah… Thanks for all your help with that. But now I feel like if I don’t snap out of it I’ll make the same mistake again. It’s scary.

I’ve been thinking and thinking about it, and getting nowhere. I’ve barely been sleeping at night...

I felt like I’d be trapped in a vicious cycle of feeling under the weather, so I thought I’d at least try to take care of my lack of sleep.

Tatsumi: Hm, so you’ve come to rest in the infirmary? Are you not sleeping well in your dorm room?

Compared to the old dormitory we spent summer break in, our current building has too many luxurious amenities for me to feel at home either.

One should be satisfied without desiring more wealth than necessary. It wouldn’t be prudent to become used to a life of luxury, no?

Aira: Mmn, yeah. I’m still not used to my room. My roommates are both such famous idols¹ that I’m always so nervous when I’m around them.

Tatsumi: Hm. I’ve heard rumors but— If it’s truly at the point where it’s negatively affecting your life, how about I reach out to the person in charge and get our rooms switched?

I feel I’ve become good friends with my roommate Koga-san, we’ve had a wonderful time talking about the teachings of the gospel and such, so it would be a bit of a shame. Needs must when the devil drives.

Aira: Huh… Goth spell?

No, no. I just get a little nervous of my own accord, but it’s no big deal.

If I leave like “I’ve had enough!” then it’s gonna seem like it was my roommates’ fault.

That’s totally not it, my senpai are nice… And it’s just such a pain to go through the moving process y’know?

Though I’d kinda like to see the leader of the Five Oddballs of Yumenosaki share a room with the Reimei Revolutionary; you guys would be so powerful that you could probably take over the world.

Tatsumi: Fufu, I have no interest in world domination. I find it a bit of an exaggeration to be called a revolutionary.

I was simply doing what needed to be done.

〈A few hours later, in the evening〉

Mayoi: Fufu. Our break has ended, so shall we wrap up today’s lesson here?

Tatsumi: Indeed, today it feels like just a test drive, as if we’re just taking the car out for a spin… Everyone did a great job today♪

Mayoi: Eek!? Tatsumi-san… recently driving-related metaphors have been cropping up in your speech a lot, but you couldn’t possibly mean…?

Tatsumi: So you’ve noticed? My life has become more stable as of late, so I’m considering purchasing my own car— with my parents’ permission, of course.

For that reason, I’ve only had cars on my mind recently.

Mayoi: Eeeek! Scaryscaryscary— cars are so scary!?¹ 

Tatsumi: Fufu. What’s the matter with you Mayoi-san, is it really so frightening...♪?

Hiiro: Phew, I worked up a good sweat! Great work everyone! Aira, it isn’t good for your muscles to sit down directly after a strenuous workout.

Aira: Shut up, fitness nerd. Huff huff... Tattsun-senpai called this a test drive? Are you kidding? I’m totally exhausted already.

Mayoi: Fufu. Aira-san’s body is still a work in progress. Of course, that’s also very adorable... ♪

Hiiro: If you’re working on your body then protein is a must! I’ve been exercising so much that I’ve become quite hungry. It’s about time for dinner, so how about we all get food together?

Tatsumi: Shall we? It’s been quite difficult to sit around the dinner table together since we officially moved into Starmony Dormitory...

During summer break we always dined together, so now it feels a bit lonely to be apart.

Mayoi: Yes, fortunately ALKALOID is doing well and we have plenty of L$.

Though I still find myself exhibiting self-restraint... Sometimes I catch myself thinking things like “Eating out is expensive!”, even if only for a second.

Tatsumi: Fufu. It would certainly be less expensive to dine in the staff cafeteria at ES, yes?

Hiiro: Then I want to eat that thing— umm, the omurice!

I wonder if my roommate Shiina-san remembers that I like it. Recently, he’s been making it for me without even taking my order first! “This is your go-to, right?” he says!

Aira: …………

Tatsumi: Naturally Aira-san is invited as well; would you care to go eat dinner with everyone?

Of course, if you’re exhausted from practice, please feel free to return to the dormitory instead—

Aira: Huh? Oh, um, it’s totally ok! Let’s go eat! Honestly I’m feeling pretty tired, but not too tired to eat some food.

Tatsumi: Fufu. I don’t know why you’re so tired after we’ve taken a break. Please take a rest when it’s the proper time to do so. 

Even God rested on the seventh day of creation.

Aira: Ugh… I’ve never had much stamina to begin with, and lately I haven’t been getting enough sleep due to this ketchup guy!

Hiiro: Fufu. I feel like I’m the only one being blamed for this, but I think you’re also an undeniable ‘ketchup guy’ yourself for covering me with it in the first place.

Mayoi: Then you’re the ketchup brothers.

Hiiro: Now I really have a craving for omurice!

Aira: Now you’re just making up weird characters, Mayo-senpai… Anyway, I’m sorry I worried you guys.

That’s why I want to become more competent, just enough that you guys won’t be concerned about me. On the contrary, it seems like a vicious cycle where I keep going in circles and worry you anyway. Ugh, I’m just hopeless.

Hiiro: It’s okay Aira! If you were truly hopeless, then I would perhaps be even more hopeless than you!

Aira: You’re always telling me things like that Hiro-kun… but what difference does it make if you’re more hopeless than me? We’d both be super hopeless anyway, right?

Tatsumi: Now now… let’s stop belittling ourselves. We are all equal in God’s eyes.

(However, MDM truly saved us. We’ve played numerous lives and gained support from fans...)

(Normally one would get rather carried away— therefore it’s essential to constantly check your behavior so that doesn’t happen.) 

(But in regards to Aira-san in particular, he can’t seem to break his self-deprecating habits.)

(An inferiority complex that has been deeply ingrained in your mind for many years is quite difficult to get rid of.)

(For this reason, the other day I consulted with the StarPro higher-ups— or rather, Eichi-san, one-on-one. Perhaps it would be beneficial to analyze the matters we discussed.)

(Eichi-san completely manipulated us until the MDM, so I would honestly prefer to distance myself from him for a while.)

(But he’s almost like our direct supervisor, so we can’t afford to get on his bad side and end up fired.)

(Of course, I’ll listen to everyone else’s opinions prior to making a decision.)

(As Eichi-san suggested, perhaps it would be a good idea to participate in the project by one of ES’s top producers, Anzu-san.)

(If it’s Anzu-san’s project then it will have a high success rate, and if we do a splendid job, then Aira-san will surely build some self-confidence as a result.)

(If there are problems that cannot be solved by idols alone, then it makes sense to ask agencies or producers for assistance in resolving them.)

Location: Dormitory Library

Tomoya: There’s probably nobody here right now… ah.

Tatsumi: Oh? If it isn’t Tomoya-san.

It’s unusual to run into you in a place like this, are you also here to do some reading?

Tomoya: No, I’m… um....

Tatsumi: Is something wrong?

Tomoya: I don’t think it’s very good to use the library like this, but…...I actually came here to take a nap. I’ve had a little trouble sleeping lately.

Tatsumi: I see. It’s always quiet here, which makes it quite an ideal place to sleep, doesn’t it?

However, if you have the option to, wouldn’t it be better to sleep in your room? Surely you could have a more restful sleep in a bed.

Tomoya: Well...

Tatsumi: Hmm…… It’s more complicated than that, isn’t it? We can discuss it if you’d like.

Tomoya: Huh? You don’t mind listening to my problems?

Tatsumi: Of course not. I used to listen to the worries of those who visited my parents’ church.

Perhaps it was God’s guidance that brought me here to do some reading so I could meet you.

It’s not very comfortable to stand and talk, so please take a seat over there. I’ll prepare us some beverages.

Tomoya: Oh, I’ll help!

Tatsumi: Please don’t trouble yourself, I can take care of this alone.

Tomoya: Is that so? I’m sorry.

Tatsumi: Fufu, please don’t apologize. I do this because I enjoy it.

……Thank you for waiting, please drink some of this.

Tomoya: Coffee?

Tatsumi: Yes, the caffeine in coffee sets in about thirty minutes after drinking it.

It’s said that if you drink it right before you take a nap, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed.

Tomoya: Is that so…... Thank you, I’ll drink some.

…...Mmn, it’s delicious.

Tatsumi: I’m glad. Now, won’t you tell me what’s troubling you?

Tomoya: Yes. I mentioned it earlier, but lately I’m not getting enough sleep. I feel really stressed, but also…

There are times when I’m alone in the room, but I feel like I’m being watched.

Tatsumi: Being watched?

Tomoya: That’s right. Because of that, my stress is only getting worse and I’m becoming seriously sleep deprived.

I’ve been trying to think about what could be the cause, but I have no idea. Maybe there’s a ghost in my room…...

Tatsumi: Fufu. Goodness, no. I haven’t heard any news regarding sightings of suspicious people either. I’m positive that it’s only your imagination.

Tomoya: Ahaha, of course.

I still don’t know the cause, but I’m glad I spoke to you, Kazehaya-senpai. I feel a little more at ease.

Tatsumi: I’m glad I was able to help you. Coffee also has a relaxing effect, so you should be able to sleep well.

Tomoya: That would be nice…… Since you’ve helped me, I’ll try going to sleep in my room.

Goodnight, Kazehaya-senpai.

Tatsumi: I hope you have pleasant dreams.

(Somehow this reminds me of the confession room at my parents' church. Despite the name, that room was used as a place to consult with a priest, rather than somewhere to repent for sins.

I pray that Tomoya-san can be more at peace after our talk...... Amen.)

Mayoi: Um…… excuse me. Do you have a moment…...?

Tatsumi: Ah, Mayoi-san. Do you need me for something?

Mayoi: “Need” is a little… I’m――I have something I want to talk to you about…… is that alright?

Tatsumi: Of course, what is it?

Mayoi: It’s… it’s actually about my room.

Maybe it’s because I got so used to living with everyone in ALKALOID, but now that I’m in a different room I’m feeling uneasy again.

I’ve been trying to avoid bothering my roommate as much as possible, and I spend my time in the room being perfectly silent…...

But my roommate has barely been sleeping. He looks tired in the afternoon because of it, and I’m getting worried.

Tatsumi: He’s barely sleeping……?

Mayoi: Y-Yes. It seems like it got somewhat resolved a little while ago, but…...

I want to help him somehow, but I don’t know what I could possibly do. I can only watch over him, b-but doing that is……Uwah. I’m truly such a stupid and insignificant creature…...

Tatsumi: (If I remember correctly, Mayoi-san’s roommate is…… I see, now I understand why Tomoya-san felt as if he were being watched.)

By “resolved a little while ago,” do you mean that you were perhaps listening to our earlier conversation?

Mayoi: Y-Yes. I was hoping to consult with Tatsumi-san about this, but Mashiro-san was already there. I was lamenting to myself and I ended up listening in on your conversation..…. I’m sorry…...

I’m aware that Mashiro-san is stressed, and I made my presence unnoticed so he could hopefully get some rest. At any rate I found myself worried, and I couldn't help but quietly stare at him.....

It seems like I made him even more stressed out…...

I think I’ll return to the darkness so that I’m not even more of a bother. If I’m not here, then Mashiro-san will be able to have some peace of mind.

Tatsumi: That won’t be necessary. How about telling Tomoya-san what you just told me?

Mayoi: T-Tell him? Won’t he be afraid…...?

Tatsumi: Doesn’t the fact that you were always watching over him show that you were thinking of him? Tomoya-san doesn’t seem like the type of person to dismiss that thoughtfulness.

Besides, especially since you two share the same room, why don’t you use this as an opportunity to interact with him?

You hid yourself so well that Tomoya-san was under the impression he was alone. If you reveal yourself to him, his discomfort will vanish and his sleep will be bound to improve.

It seems like that isn’t his only cause for stress. If it’s alright with you, how about next time I speak with both of you? The three of us can come up with a plan together.

Mayoi: Y-You’re right. I learned about the importance of interacting with others… the kindness within human beings from ALKALOID…...

It’s a bit scary, but I’ll gather up all my courage and I think I’ll confess.

I’m glad I spoke to you…… Thank you for listening to my concerns, Tatsumi-san.

I have to thank you somehow…… Umm. Ah, but I can’t think of how…...

Tatsumi: I haven’t done anything to warrant thanks.

But, in any case, would you like to have some coffee with me in the common area?

The weather is nice too, how about a leisurely stroll in the courtyard together? We can have a relaxing discussion together, just the two of us.