⌒Careful⌒ 3

???: Where to, miss?

The ES building? Right away... ☆

Fufufu. Let me guess: you’re thinking that your driver is rather strange today, right? What a smart cookie you are!

Wataru: Because it is I, Anzu-san, who came to meet you. Yes, I am your Hibiki Wataru... ☆

Ahahahaha ☆ How lovely, those big, round eyes of yours. It feels as though I might be sucked up into that surprised light shining within them.

You seem to be asking yourself: what business do I have with you? Now, if I told you that it’s regarding a matter you already know, would you be able to guess?

...Correct, the shuffle unit. I’ve already heard about it from several others, actually.

But I understand you’d intended to contact me directly about it, so I thought I would come pick you up so that we may discuss things in detail... ♪

Hm, hm. The documents will be completed soon, so you’ll send them tonight...?

Was I perhaps to hasty? I’ve heard the overall story from others, so those documents can certainly wait until you’re unengaged.

I’m sitting here in the driver’s seat precisely so that I may hear all about it directly from you, Anzu-san.

Yes, regarding the Easter Fest, and my selection to join the shuffle unit... or no, I already understand the particulars surrounding my invitation.

After those children expressed their opinions to you at school, you made the decision to contact me...

Because you agreed with them that I am a suitable member for this shuffle unit, yes?

...I see. You ascertained that including me in the lineup would align well with the spirit of the Easter Fest, as well as the request by the local government.

As our producer, it’s a decision that comes with high expectations.

...What am I waiting for? Am I waiting for something?

......

No, I have no reason to hesitate or to refuse this position. To have been endorsed by my kouhai is an honor.

An entertainer exists to meet expectations and indeed to surpass them. I shall play my role with gusto... ☆

...Now, then. My job is to escort you safely back to the ES building.

Have you fastened your seatbelt? Then let us embark on this fleeting night drive... ☆

A few days later

Hinata: Hibiki-senpai’s late...

Shinobu: Even so, there is still plenty of time before we are meant to meet. We’re the ones who arrived far too early.

Hiiro: Yes. I was so eager to finally come together as a shuffle unit that I came as soon as I could.

Mika: We’re all here thirty minutes early. I guess all of us’re ready an’ rarin’ to go.

Hinata: Yeah! Let’s do our best for the Easter Fest—

I heard a knock! Do you think it’s Hibiki-senpai?

Hiiro: I’ll get the door. Welcome, Wataru-senpai—

Huh?

Shinobu: Is something wrong?

Hiiro: It’s not Wataru-senpai, it’s a dove. Is it this little one who knocked on the door?

Mika: Oh, you’re right. That’s Hibiki-senpai’s dove. I remember it ‘cause it tried to peck my eyes out once.^[1]

Shinobu: If this dove is here, then would that not imply that Hibiki-dono is nearby as well...?

Wataru: Yes, I am right behind you... ♪

Shinobu: Gwyah?!

Wataru: Fufufu, what an adorable reaction. A shriek so pleasant to the ear... ☆

Hinata: Whoa, you were already in the room?! When did you—?!

Hiiro: And Anzu-san just came through the door. That means everyone is here now.

Hinata: Yeah. So we’re all gathered here to make the Easter Fest go off with a bang, right? ♪

Shinobu: Nihihi, I’m excited ♪ What can all five of us together accomplish?

Mika: Since we’re all together like this, it’d be kinda fun to try doin’ something totally different from what we usually do in our units, maybe.

Hiiro: I would like to use this opportunity to strengthen my bonds with Wataru-senpai and everyone else. I’m looking forward to working with you!

Wataru: ...Pardon me? With all of you gathered around me like this, it’s a bit difficult to move.

Hinata: We’re just so happy you came ♪ So we’d love to hear how excited you are, too, senpai!

Shinobu・Mika: ...... (looking up at Wataru with hopeful eyes)

Wataru: ...Very well, then.

I hope that we can all work together to celebrate the arrival of spring. Let’s do our best in this shuffle unit... ♪

Hinata: Aaaaall right. I started saying something earlier, but I never finished. So now that everyone’s here...

C’mon, Anzu-san, join our circle ♪ We can all huddle up even if we’re not about to perform, right?

Let’s knock this Easter Fest outta the park~! Go, fight, win... ☆