nesoberis | Entries tagged with mizuki akiyama

Chapter 8 - Walking on the stone path together

Festival Venue

Mizuki: The event was really fun! I heard that they were only in the amateur division, but everyone there was so high level. Otouto-kun was amazing!

Ena: Yeah, I’ve never heard that guy sing before but...It was way better than thought it would be

Kanade: I had a good time too...As expected, a live show’s sound is way more powerful

Mafuyu: My ears are ringing from all the annoyingly loud noises

Mizuki: Eh, are you alright!?

Mafuyu: It’ll probably go away soon

Mizuki: Really? Anyway, you should get some rest when you get home

Mafuyu: Yeah…

Kanade: Thank you for today, everyone. It was a place that I wouldn’t have gone to on my own, so I got to learn a lot.

Ena: Good to hear! I had fun hanging out with you all too

Mizuki: What are you all gonna do after this? I’ll probably linger around the festival a little bit more

Ena: I think I’ll stay a bit longer too

Kanade: I think I’ll go home. I got some inspiration from today’s concert, so I want to write it down before I forget.

Mafuyu: I better get home soon too, or else my mother will get worried.

Mizuki: I see~ I wanted for us to go around together a little bit more, but it can’t be helped. See you at Night cord!

Ena: See you two later

Ena: Mizuki, do you wanna go anywhere in particular?

Mizuki: Hmm, I want to get some cotton candy. You know, the pink ones that they often sell!

Akito: ...Oi

Ena: Ah, good work. That was a great live. I'm glad you had a great time performing

Akito: Yeah, thanks for helping me earlier

Ena: I’m glad I was of help

???: Everyone--!

Ena: Eh, that voice is…

Airi: So there you are. It’s good to see you!

Ena: Airi!?

Shizuku: Oh, Mizuki-chan is here as well

Mizuki: Eh, Shizuku-chan is here too!

Ena: Since you’re both here, did you have a day-off from practice today?

Airi: I was just on my way home from practice when I happened to pass by here

I met Akito-kun and the others, and they told me they were going to be performing at the event, so I went to watch with Shizuku!

Shizuku: Yeah! You two did great at the event earlier

Akito: Thank you very much

Ena: Uwah, gross..

Akito: Shut up

Airi: Fufu, you two are the same as ever

Hey, now that we’re all here together, why don’t we go around the festival with each other?

Ena: I’m fine with that...How about everyone else?

Shizuku: I’m fine with it too. I’m happy to be at a lively place like this

Touya: I have plans to go around the food stalls with Akito and my other friend in a bit...But it’s probably alright for us to spend some time with you all

Akito: Eh?

Oi Touya, don’t go making choices all on your own

Touya: But since we’ve been invited like this, how can I even refuse ...?

Ena: How about you, Mizuki?

Mizuki: I’m fine with it

Ena: Then let’s go. Akito, you go too

Akito: Ah, oi..!

Mizuki: Hah--I’m hungry. I wanna go eat something~

Shizuku: Ah, Mizuki-chan. There’s some honeycomb toffee¹ over there. It looks delicious

Mizuki: Ah-no thanks, it looks delicious but, since we’re here, I’d like something for dinner first…

Airi: You’re right, I’m super hungry too. I want to eat stuff like yakisoba and kushiyaki²!

Touya: Len, I think it’s alright for you to come out now. What should we buy for Rin and the others?

Len: “O-kay! How about those candy apples or cotton candy?”

Touya: I'll be buying that then. Also, Len, if there’s anything you’re interested in, just let me know

Akito: ...Hey, why are you even walking besides me?

Ena: It’s not like I want to. I wanna go talk to Airi and the others too!

But it’d be tough to walk around a place like this as a group of four. So I had no choice but to be with you!

Akito: Yeah yeah, I understand--

Ena: By the way, did you tell the organizers about your missing dancing shoes?

Akito: Yeah, I can’t believe they took it by mistake. They should’ve checked the contents inside before taking it.

Ena: Apparently it was mistaken for a box filled with extension cords. Well, I’m glad you got it back in one piece

Akito: Yeah

Ena: ...That’s right, I remember you bringing me shoes like that before

Akito: --Aa, you remember. I thought you would have forgotten by now

Ena: Of course I do. It was really difficult to get the Geta to fit back then.

Akito: I went through a lot of troubles because Ena was so selfish

Ena: Hey, I thanked you, did I not!?

Akito: Did you?

Ena: You’re the only one who forgot. After I changed into those sports shoes-- we went to the live event together, I remember it pretty well you know!

Akito: Yeah.... I never thought I'd be on the same stage that I saw that day.

Ena: At that time, Akito just quitted playing soccer, so you looked super depressed!

Akito: Shut up. I got over it and I'm doing music, so isn’t it all fine now?

Ena: Guess so

But, it’s honestly great that you're continuing with music.

Akito: That’s because--

Flashback to everyone in Vivid Bad Squad followed by the old festival sceneries

...It’s all because of you that I even got to meet those guys

Ena: Eh, did you say something? Sorry, it’s a bit crowded so I can’t hear too well

Akito: It wasn’t anything important anyway

Airi: Hey, you two! After dinner, why don’t we go play ring toss?

Mizuki: Since we’re at it, let’s separate into different teams!

Akito: Ah, no, I’ve got to do something later so I’ll pass. Hey, Touya, let’s go--

Touya: Akito, the prizes for the ring toss activity are pretty interesting. Why don’t we give it a go?

Akito: Hah?

Oi, Touya, you...You still remember the deal you made with Len, right?

Touya: Of course I do. I made a deal that I would win the best prize and give it to him

Akito: That's not what your deal was even about!

Shizuku: If we include Ena-chan and Akito-kun, we can have 2 teams of three people

Mizuki: If so then, let’s split it into team Ena and team Otouto-kun and have a sister VS brother competition!

Akito: Akiyama! What are you even suggesting--

Mizuki: Isn’t it fine? ♪ Since we’re all here together, let’s go have some fun!

Ena: Well, it's nice to do stuff like this once in a while, isn't it? The loser has to buy the winner pancakes.

Akito: Hah? I’m not gonna do that

Ena: Eh, Akito, could it be that you’re afraid of losing?

Akito: It’s not like that

Ena: Then, let’s go. Everyone is waiting for us

Akito: I don’t have any other choice, do I…

(Well, ....... those guys helped me today, so I guess I'll stick around for a bit.)

1. It's called "karumeyaki" in Japanese, which rougly translates to "grilled caramel"
2. Kushiyaki (串焼き) is a formal term that encompasses both poultry and non-poultry items, skewered and grilled.

Chapter 7. Words that formed the present

Summer festival live stage

Touya: Akito, did you manage to find it?

Akito: No, I can’t see it anywhere

Len: “Did the whole box somehow manage to disappear…? What should we do now…?”

Touya: Even though my valuables are all safe, I still don’t have my dancing shoes...

Akito: ...It can’t be helped. I’ll just give up looking for it. I can handle dancing in these shoes

Touya: But…

Len: “...Ah, it seems like the event has started. That’s the opening song right?”

Akito: --Yeah. Come on, let’s go back

Touya: Akito…

Shouta: Akito-kun, Touya-kun, thank you for your hard work. Please go stand by the stage over there!

Akito: Ah, got it

Touya: …….

Len: “But, I still really wonder where Akito's bag and dancing shoes went…”

Akito: I don’t wanna think about that anymore. We can’t do anything about it anyway

(..I’m a bit upset about it but... we’re gonna be onstage soon, I need to calm down)

...A phone call at a time like this? From Ena too…

Hello? I'm kinda in the middle of something right now, so I'll see you later.

Ena: "Akito, did you lose your dancing shoes at the summer festival? You know, the ones with the fancy designs you bought the other day!

Akito: ...Ha?

Ena: “I don’t know how, but one of the executive committee members said he took it by accident. I contacted you because I thought it might be yours--”

Akito: Ena, bring it to me right now! The live is almost starting!

Ena: “Live? Where is it at?”

Akito: It’s at the summer festival’s outdoor stage!

Ena: "Outdoor stage ...... Oh, there it is. I'll be right there, wait for me!”

Akito: Alright!

---------

Ena: Here you go! I was pretty surprised to see a pair that looked exactly like yours

Akito: You really saved me! Thanks, Ena

Ena: It’s no big deal, but you better buy me a cheesecake as compensation. The most expensive one from that Miyasuzaka cake shop that we went to before!

Akito: ‘Kay, got it

Mizuki: Otouto-kun and Touya kun are going to be performing at the event right? I’m looking forward to it!

Ena: Good luck, Touya-kun!

Touya: Thank you very much

Akito: Akiyama, sorry that ya had to deal with all of that

Mizuki: It doesn’t bother me at all! I’m glad that you found your shoes

Ena: Akito, since I went all the way here, don’t go giving a half-hearted performance.

Akito: Of course I won’t. Do you even know how much practice I had?

Ena: You've been coming home all exhausted lately, haven't you? And the moment you get home, you’d go to the backyard to practice more

Akito: ...So you knew about that

Ena: I mean, we live together, how could I not notice?

But, I didn’t expect Akito to perform on stage like this. You look way better than you did back then.

Akito: What do you mean “back then”...Don’t tell me, you also remember when--

Flashback

Ena: ...Hey, Akito. Why don’t you try something like that out?

---------

Shouta: Akito-kun, Touya-kun! It’s your turn to go onstage

Akito: Ah, I got it!

Ena: Then, Mizuki and I will go back to our spot. I'll be watching you closely, so don't go making any mistakes.

Mizuki: Do your best, you two!

Akito: (...You also remember what happened then, don’t you?)

Touya: We better get going

Len: “I’m rooting for you two! Fight¹!

Akito: Alright, let’s go!

Mizuki: Kanade, Mafuyu, we’re back!

Mafuyu: Welcome back, the pro division hasn’t started yet.

Kanade: Mizuki, did you find your keychain?

Mizuki: Yeah, thanks to Ena

Kanade: I'm glad to hear that. I was a bit worried since you took quite a long time to come back.

Ena: Sorry. Some other stuff happened which took up our time

Kanade: What do you mean?

Ena: Ah no, it’s nothing important

Mizuki: Hey hey, looks like Ena’s young brother is going to perform the encore for the amateur division.

Mafuyu: Ena’s brother?

Ena: Yeah, I’ve never got to see him sing properly either

Event host: Next up, we have BAD DOGS

Mizuki: Ah, those two are coming up!

Akito: ♪——！！

Ena: (...Amazing, the moment Akito started singing, the atmosphere changed completely)

Touya: ——！！　♪——！

Touya - Akito: 『♪——！！』

Mizuki: That was amazing, the dance was super cool!

Ena: Seems like they usually focus on singing. They probably practiced dancing a lot this time though.

Mizuki: Is that so...I’m glad we were able to give the shoes to them, Ena

Ena: Yeah, you’re right

Akito: (...The atmosphere is good)

(It’s a completely different stage compared to the usual, but I can still move and sing just fine)

(All those practice paid off)

(--Yosh, it’s my solo part. I need to get the crowd hyped up for Touya’s solo part too)

————！！　♪————……！

Crowd cheers

Akito: (--I did it! Now I just need to match Touya's movements…!)

Akito - Touya : 『——！　————！！』

Audience: Those guys are super amazing!!

Audience: Yeah, they usually specialize in dancing, but the fact that they can dance like this too is wonderful

Mizuki: Woah...That was super great-!!

Mafuyu: It was loud and annoying..But I don’t hate the singing

Kanade: The dance was amazing. Especially the way they can move and still sing like that

Ena: (...Well done, Akito)

Event host: That’s all from the two members of BAD DOGS

Akito: Hah, hah…!

Touya: Akito, we managed to perform without any issues. The audience was really pumped up

Akito: Yeah, we managed to match pace with each other too

Touya: I guess it’s also thanks to our dance shoes. It made our movements lighter and our steps more stable.

..I’m glad we managed to find it in the end

Akito: Yeah! I was wondering how would it go if we didn’t have it--

(Ah…) *He saw Ena looking at him with a smile

….

1. The way Len is saying fight is not in the literal meaning, it's just a way of cheering in Japanese

CW for mentions of guns

Chapter 6. I won’t give up

Summer festival venue

Mizuki: We’re all here! It’s good that Mafuyu managed to get here quickly

Mafuyu: Yeah, I was on my way to class, but apparently there was a clean up being done by the janitor, so they told me to leave.

Mizuki: That’s super lucky though ♪

Ena: Hey, since we still have a bit of time before the live event, why don’t we take a look at all the stalls?

Kanade: There’s food stalls…? I don’t ever go to festivals at all, so I’m not sure what’s there to see

Mizuki: Then, I’ll go look around! Let's go!

Ena: Ah,hold on, Mizuki…! You’ll get separated from us if you go running off all by yourself!

Shooting Range Stall¹

Ena: Eek..! Ah, I missed…! Urgh, I can’t hit the target at all..!

Mizuki: Ahaha, Ena is really bad at this ~

Ena: I don’t usually practice shooting targets, so it can’t be helped!

Mafuyu: ...Right here

Kanade: Amazing..!

Ena: Eh, could it be that you’re the one who shot all those prizes!?

Mafuyu: Yeah

Mizuki: Woah, you even hitted the most difficult prize! Mafuyu, are you good at this kind of thing?

Mafuyu: Not really, it’s my first time doing target shooting. But it’s easy, you just have to aim and shoot.

Ena: Hey, was that supposed to be a dig at me?

Mafuyu: I was just telling the truth.

Ena: Hah? Hey, you…

Kanade: Uu...It requires a lot of power to just pull the trigger...I can’t hit anything at all, it’s so heavy, I’m getting tired from just holding it…

Ena: Kanade, are you alright?

Kanade: Y-yeah...My arm is starting to hurt though, so I’m gonna take a small break

Mizuki: Well, it’s good to not overdo it. Ena didn’t manage to shoot anything either, so it’s alright!

Ena: Shut up…! Mizuki hasn't been able to get any of the prizes either!

Mizuki: Actually, I got one just now- Here, this keychain!

Kanade: ...This, what character is this?

Mizuki: It’s the local mascot of Shibuya. It’s called Shibunyago, it’s pretty popular nowadays ♪

Mafuyu: It’s just a cat. It’s not cute at all

Mizuki: If anything, that’s what I like about it~! I like the way it looks as if it’s mocking me!

I’m gonna put it on my bag right away ♪

Ena: Eh, you’re putting it on right now? It doesn’t really match the design of the bag, does it?

Mizuki: I don’t really care about that! It's a memento of our visit to the summer festival together, afterall ♪

Ena: Memento…

(--Mizuki, I’m glad that’s what you think of us)

Mizuki: ...Put it over here and...Look look, it’s super cute right!?

Ena: As expected, it doesn’t match the design of the bag at all. But...if it’s a memento, it’s fine right?

Mizuki: By the way, should we stop doing target shooting now?

Ena: Yeah, I couldn’t hit anything anyway, so we can stop now

Kanade: Me neither…

Mizuki: All right! What should we do next? Should we grab something to eat?

Kanade: Hmm, I don’t think I’m that hungry yet

Mizuki: Then, let's go yoyo fishing² !

Ena: Eh? Won’t we be late for the live?

Mizuki: It won’t take that long, we’ll be fine!

Come on, let’s go!

Ena: Ah, hey, don’t run so fast!

---------

Shizuku: Hey, Airi-chan, should we buy those penguin masks for Minori-chan and Haruka-chan?

Airi: That’s a good idea! It has a round and cute look, so Haruka will surely love it.

Oh, something fell down

Shizuku: It looks like a keychain. Fufu, it has a cute face ♪

Airi: Eh, really…? It looks kinda weird...Did somebody drop it?

Mizuki: That was fun~! I wish we could be with Miku as well

Ena: But there’s no such thing as festival in Sekai

Mizuki: Yeah but...Ah, maybe we could set up the stalls ourselves?

Mafuyu: What activities are we even setting up?

Mizuki: Yoyo, and target shooting practice! For target shooting, we can just shoot rubber bands!

Kanade: ...Miku, would probably love that

Ena: But if we’re actually gonna do this then, I wanna get revenge for the shooting activity earlier. I don’t like being made fun of constantly

Mizuki: Ena was--super bad at that game!

Ena: Hah!?

Mizuki: Ahaha! Well then, if we get the chance to hang out together again, let’s all…

…….

Ena: Mizuki?

Mizuki: Ah, no, it’s nothing!

Anyway, it’s almost time for the event to start! First off is the amateur division, let’s go see what’s happening there!

Ena: Ah, alright…

(...Mizuki, what were you about to say earlier?)

(I thought you were having at least a bit of fun...but I guess you’re still the same as usual)

Kanade: ...Ena, what’s wrong? Everyone is going ahead already

Ena: Ah...sorry. I’m coming!

Summer festival live stage

Mafuyu: ...There’s a lot of people here, more than I expected

Mizuki: I agree. Kanade, are you alright? Won’t you get sick?

Kanade: I’m- probably alright for now…

Ena: If you don’t go too near the front, you should be fine. Look, there’s not too many people around that tree over there

Mafuyu: You can even see the stage from there, can’t you?

Mizuki: Then, we can go watch from there!

Ah, I brought some cold water, we can all have some. Here, I’ll give some to Kanade

...Huh?

Ena: What’s wrong?

Mizuki: My keychain is gone…!

Kanade: The one you got as a prize at the target shooting range earlier, right?

Mafuyu: It was on your bag just a while ago

Mizuki: Yeah,it’s supposed to be there... I must have dropped it somewhere…

Ena: Eh, really? Then let’s go look for it

Mizuki: Ah-...no, no need to. The event is starting soon….Besides, it’s too crowded here, I doubt you’ll be able to find it

Ena: But Mizuki, you loved it a lot didn’t you? You even said you were gonna keep it as a memento

Mizuki: That’s right, but...There’s no way we can get it back

Ena: ...tch!

That’s no good. How can you just give up like that when you haven’t even tried yet?

Mizuki: But the event is starting--

Ena: That doesn’t matter! Come on, we can go look for it together!

Mizuki: Wait, Ena!?

Ena: Mafuyu and Kanade, wait here. We’ll be back by the time the pro division starts.

Mafuyu: Understood

Kanade: T-take care…

Ena: Mizuki, have you found it yet?

Mizuki: Umm, no. Hey, we’re not gonna be able to find it anyway, let’s just head back

Ena: But…!

Flashback

Mizuki: I’m gonna put it on my bag right away ♪

Ena: Eh, you’re putting it on right now? It doesn’t really match the design of the bag, does it?

Mizuki: I don’t really care about that! It's a memento of our visit to the summer festival together, afterall ♪

---------

Ena: ...tsk!

Let’s look around some more

Mizuki: But it’s just a keychain prize right? You don’t have to go that far to find it…

Ena: It’s not just that simple to me!

...That’s right, maybe it’s in the lost item area. Mizuki, let’s go!

Mizuki: Ah, hold on, Ena..!

Eh, it’s really here..!

Ena: See, I told you, didn't I?

Mizuki: Um, this keychain, who left it here?

Female staff member: Two girls did. They said they found it near the stage

Mizuki: As I thought...Ena, thank you so much

Ena: It's no big deal. I was the one dragging you around in search of it anyway. Anyway, the event is starting, so how about we head back to Kanade’s spot?

Mizuki: Yeah!

Committee member A: Eh? The extension cord is not in this box, it’s some completely different items

Committee member B: You’re right...There’s just a bag...and some dance shoes?

Ena: (Eh, is that--)

1. A classic japanese festival game, where you shoot down items and get the reward
2. A game where the “yo-yo” is a small water balloon, and you have to use paper strings with a hook at the end to fish it up

Chapter 3. You’re going too?

Main ground of the shrine

Mizuki: We’veeeee arrived! If we go through here, we can go right back to the station.

Ena: I had no idea that there was a shortcut like this…!

Mafuyu: How did you even find out about this path?

Mizuki: I stumbled upon it while I was wandering around here before.

Kanade: Thank you, Mizuki. You’ve helped us a lot

Mizuki: You’re welcome!

Kanade: ...... Hey, what's that? It looks like they're preparing for something.....

Mafuyu: The sign says "Shibuya Summer Festival”

Ena: Shibuya Summer Festival, huh? I went there once when I was in middle school.

There were a lot of food stalls and even a live event, so I remember it being pretty exciting.

Mizuki: Woah, a live event. I wonder what kind of people will be there?

Ena: I can look it up...Here

Mizuki: Let me see...Ah, all different kinds of people are here!

Uwah, ZEROstear is coming too!?

Kanade: ZEROstear...is that one anime song artist, right?

Mizuki: Yep! That person was the one who sung the theme song of this season's popular anime!

Ena: Eh, I didn’t know that...Look like lots of famous people are coming too

Mizuki: Yep yep, I recognize all these names! ...... Oh, but I don't know this “A-GURI” person....

Kanade: Eh, A-GURI…?

Mafuyu: Kanade, do you know them?

Kanade: Yeah,.... They’re not very famous yet, but their works are starting to get more popular on video posting sites.

I was a bit surprised because I didn’t expect them to be the kind of person who would perform in front of many people.......

Ena: Hmm, so not all of them are famous, huh?

Mafuyu: ...... In addition to the professional stage, there's also a stage for amateurs.

Kanade: That's right. There are many dance units in the amateur section, but it seems that there are also units that are high leveled singers.

Ena: Well, both the professional and amateur categories are inviting musicians from all different genres.

(Everyone seems to be more interested in this than I thought......! Could this be a chance to ask Mizuki out? If so then---)

Hey, since we're all here, why don't we all go to the live event at the Shibuya Summer Festival?

Kanade: ...eh?

Mizuki: Um, I don’t really want to. Isn’t it too hot there?

Besides, I've been to an outdoor concert like this one before, and it's pretty chaotic. It might be tough for Kanade to participate

Mafuyu: You might even collapse from heat stroke.

Kanade: Uu...You’re right…

Ena: But it says that the festival starts in the evening. By then it'll be a little cooler, so we'll be fine.

Mizuki: Ngh, but--

Kanade: ...Maybe I’ll be able to go if I bring a lot of cold drinks?

Mizuki: Eh, You wanna go that much!?

Kanade: I've never liked going to an outdoor live events, but I'd love to hear A-GURI sing live. There are many opportunities like this, afterall....

Ena: How about you, Mafuyu?

Mizuki: No way--, Mafuyu is probably busy

Mafuyu: I have to go to cram school, but I think I'll be okay since lectures will be over early today and I don't think I'll have to do much homework either.

Mizuki: Eh, really!?

Ena: Then it's decided. Since we're going out of our way to participate, let's all go together, Mizuki. Your favorite artist is coming as well, right?

Mizuki: ...If so then, I'll go too. I haven't been to a summer festival in a while, afterallー♪

Kanade: I have to make sure I don’t faint there..... Mizuki, can you tell me later what would be useful to bring to an outdoor concert?

Mizuki: Alright, got it!

Ena: I'll get back to you all with more details later.

Mafuyu: If I'm going to be late, I'll let you know as soon as possible.

Ena: Yes please. Since it's a summer festival, let's try and have fun together!

Shinonome’s house - living room

Akito: Hah…

(As expected, the difficulty level is higher than usual)

(I still have to continue practicing my singing as well)

(..... but the shoes I bought today are nice. I feel like I can move lighter compared to the ones I've been wearing.)

Regardless, I'll just practice my moves one more time later.

Shinonome’s Mother: --So you’re going to the summer festival with your friends this weekend?

Akito: (...huh, this weekend?)

Ena: Yeah! So you don’t have to make dinner then

Shinonome’s Mother: Okay, okay. Have a safe trip.

Ena: Ye--s

Akito: (Ena is home already?)

(And by summer festival, does Ena mean the Shibuya Summer Festival? Is she going too?)

(If anyone sees me at an event with Touya, it might cause a ruckus later.)

Ena: Hm? Akito, you’re back, it’s pretty late you know…

Akito: ‘guess so

Ena: Hey, that bag you're holding is from a store that just opened recently, isn't it? Did you buy something?

Akito: It doesn’t matter, it’s none of your business anyway--

Ena: Woah, are these dance shoes? Are you gonna use them for events?Let me see!

Akito: Oi, don't look at my stuff without permission.

Ena: Huh. isn't this design a bit too chic for someone like Akito?

Akito: Shut up. I don’t care, just give me those shoes back

Ena: Right right, good luck with your practice

Akito: ...Oh

(Summer Festival, huh......)

Flashback to younger Akito and Ena

Akito: (I wonder, if she even remembers what she said back then)

Chapter 2. Invitations to summer festival

Livehouse

MC:...... There’s no need to judge this one. The winner is BAD DOGS!

Audience: You guys, sing more! I can’t listen enough!

Audience: Exactly!

MC: My, what an unexpected turn of events. How about you two, BAD DOGS?

Akito: It’s alright. I was just thinking that I didn’t sing enough just yet

Touya: Yeah, it’s no problem for me either. We'll sing for as long as time permits.

MC: Okay then, BAD DOGS, one more song, please!

Kamiyama Street

Len: "You guys did a great job today! The venue was filled with cheers!”

Akito: It was exciting but...We can't afford to get carried away like this.

Touya: I agree. There's still room for a few more improvements.

Len: "Oh, really? But don't you two think it's okay to have a little fun? You're not needing to practice for a while, right?”

"An is going to be gone for a while because of family matters, and Kohane is busy with Miyamasuzaka Academy, so you two can go have some fun…”

Akito: It’s not like those guys are taking time off practice for selfish reasons. Besides, they said they'd join us for practice as soon as they got back here.

Touya: Yes. Just because Azusawa and the others aren't here, doesn't mean we can just go and get distracted.

Len: "Amazing...... both of you. I have to do my best too!”

???: Ah,um ......! You're Akito Shinonome, right?

Touya: Len, sorry for this, but can you go hide for a bit?

Len: “I got it!"

Akito: You are--

???: Do you remember me? I'm Shouta Hayashi. We were on the soccer team in elementary school together.

Akito: Ah..

a few years back, residential area

Akito: Sorry for being such a pathetic ace...see ya

Shouta: Wa-wait! Don’t quit, Akito-kun…!

Current time

Touya: Akito?

Akito: ...I do remember. It’s been a while

Shouta: I'm glad you're doing well! I haven't been able to talk to you at all ever since you quit soccer.

Akito: Well, what do you want?

Shouta: Ah, ...... Well, I actually saw Akito-kun and his friends at an event earlier. I heard you sing, and I wanted to ask you a favor.......

Akito: Hah? What do you want me to do?

Shouta: Well, I want you both to be in the live event at the summer festival!

Touya: Summer festival live event?

Shouta: The festival is called "Shibuya Summer Festival". Every year we invite artists and have live events......

Akito: Oh, that festival. Every time they have a live show, they divide it into professional and amateur categories, right?

Shouta: Yes, yes, you know it well! I'm going to be a member of the committee for the festival this year.

Akito: You...Why are you doing that again?

Shouta: My brother is on the committee, and he asked me to join because he was short on staff. So, I was put in charge of the live event….

But then the unit that was supposed to perform as the encore¹ in the amateur category couldn't perform at short notice......

Akito: Because of that, you were looking for a replacement, so you came to see the event earlier.

Shouta: Yeah!I didn't think that Akito-kun would be performing, but you were...... and you even sang brilliantly earlier. I'm sure the audience will be happy to hear you two sing!

That's why I want you both to be at the live event! Please.....!

Touya: I see...... By the way, what other units are going to be there?

Shouta: Ah, right! Here's the list of units that will be performing.

Akito: Oh....it’s units whose main focus is dancing.

Shouta: Mhm, for the amateur division, we're asking units that can mostly dance to participate.

Touya: Since you've seen our events, I’m sure you know that our main focus is singing, not dancing.

I’m afraid that...We don’t really match the concept for the event, do we?

Akito: I guess so. We don’t do the kind of performance the audience wants to see.

Shouta: I can understand why you would think that. ......! Since the encore amateur units aren’t singing units, they are mainly dancing.

Bur by the end of the amateur performance--that is, after the encore units finish--the professional artists will start performing.

So I was hoping to close with the performance with a singing unit!

Touya: I see…

Shouta: H-how about that? I think the two of you are good enough to be performing the encore…

Akito: …..

Touya: Akito, I’m willing to participate

I understand why you asked me to do this, and I'm honestly happy that you appreciated my singing. If you want our songs, I’ll gladly perform

Besides, at the time of the Summer Festival Live, we won’t be having any events.

Akito: ...Well, you’re right

Shouta: Well then…!

Akito: But since we're in a dance-based event, we’re gonna have to incorporate more dance performances than usual.

Even though there's still plenty of time before the live event, can we really improve that much?

Shouta: Ah, no, It’s alright! Akito-kun and your friend can just perform in the same style as usual--

Akito: You can't do something half-assed like that when people are expecting to see a dance unit.

Touya: ...You’re right, Akito

But if we spend more time on dance practice, we can perform better than usual, can't we?

We won't be able to practice our singing as much, but it won’t hurt to try something new every once in a while.

Akito: ……..

(It's true, performing isn't only about singing ....... And it might be nice to perform in a different place than usual.)

(Besides--)

Flashback to the festival sceneries

Akito: ...Alright, we’ll be participating in the event

Shouta: Eh, really!? Thank you! You helped me this time!

Akito: Well, it's a win-win situation for all of us.

But if I'm going to do this, I'm not gonna do it halfway. I'm gonna sing, dance and be the best one standing onstage.

Shouta: ..... I knew I could count on you, Akito-kun. You haven't changed at all since then.

Thank you again, let me know if I can support you in anything!

Akito: Alright, just let me know later when you've got more of the details.

I never thought I'd be in the summer festival event. ......

Touya: Yeah, I’m looking forward to it

Akito: Looking forward to it? Touya, you ......

Touya: These feelings are true. I’ll do my best to make the event a success

Also, it's my first time going to a summer festival. I'm curious to see what the atmosphere is like there.

Akito: ............ Hah. If so, then it’s alright.

Len: “Hey hey, can I come out now?”

Touya: Ah, sure, it’s fine now

Akito: Sorry for the abruptness, Len.

Len: “ Ah, it’s alright! You're both going to the summer festival, right? Can I go with you?”

Akito: I don’t mind, but it’s not like we’re going there to play

Len: “ I got that already!”

"So, I heard you talking earlier. Are you going to increase your dance practice?”

Akito: I guess so

Len: "So, can I join you in practicing? I've got a new thing I want to show”

Akito: Dance shoes?

Len: "Yeah, they say you should wear high-quality shoes when doing difficult dances.”

“Here, look at this!”

Touya: I see, how cool

Len: “I know right! I told Kaito my previous shoes were getting old, so he gave me some cool new ones!”

Akito: So that’s how you got ‘em

Touya: Well then, let’s go practice in the Sekai

Akito: More importantly, about those dance shoes…

I've never really paid attention to them, are they any different from the ones I normally wear?

Touya: I’ve looked into them before. Apparently there's nothing special about the shoes themselves, they’re just like ballet shoes.

But if you select a good pair of shoes that are light and functional, it will be easier for you to perform strenuous movements and special steps when you dance.

Akito: Hmm…

Touya: I'm sure the shoes you've been wearing won't hinder you. But dance shoes might be nice to have if you want to raise the bars for your performance.

Akito: You’re right...I’m nothin’ like Len, but a good pair of shoes is a good way for me to get hyped up

I'll go check some out after practice.

Len: "Yay! Let me see the shoes when you buy them, okay? I'll be looking forward to it!”

Miyamasuzaka Street

Ena: Well then, let’s split up here

Mizuki: Ena, thanks for hosting a celebration! Thanks to you, it was really fun

Ena: I’m glad you had fun. Next time, Mizuki should be the organizer.

Mizuki: Ahaha, only if I have time~

Ena: Jeez…

(I still feel like there’s a riff between us...Usually, you’d be saying you’ll be the one who organizes the party, but this time you didn’t say anything until I pointed it out)

( I decided to wait and watch over Mizuki, but…)

Mafuyu: I’ll be taking my leave then

Ena: Ah..um, see you

Mizuki: Bye bye!

Kanade: I wanted to go to the CD store near the station, though. Mafuyu, will you come with me there?

Mafuyu: ….

Kanade: Is anything wrong?

Mafuyu: We can’t go there, the road there is closed for construction

Kanade: ...Eh?

Ena: No way, the main road is closed off? I’ll have to take a different path home…

Mizuki: It's a bit of a detour, but we can go home from the park over there. If we go through there, we can go straight to the station.

Ena: It's hot and tiresome, but there’s no other choice, is there…?

Mizuki: Ena and Kanade don't get enough exercise anyway, right? So it's a perfect opportunity.

Ena: You haven’t changed at all, have you? Don't go pretending like you're the only one who's healthy!

Mizuki: Right right~ well then, let’s go!

1.*The word for this was トリ which according to my research is a group of final performers in a set list. There’s no direct translations so I decided to go with “encore”