⌒Heartful⌒ 1

One afternoon

Midori: ...Got it. So how’s that shuffle unit coming along?

Shinobu: Yaaaaaawn... oops. My humblest apologies for yawning suddenly...

Aye, it’s going well. Hibiki-dono teaches us many a thing every time we gather for practice.

And not only that; we also discuss what more we can do for the Easter Fest when we meet at school, too...

With both our bodies and minds staying active, every day has been fulfilling ♪

Kanata: because wataru is there i have one fewer Worry. how is wataru doing by the way?

Shinobu: Hibiki-dono is... I can only say he’s incredible! The term “all-rounder” seemeth to have been coined just for him!

The moment we came into the room for our previous practice, he welcomed us by letting loose a cascade of flowers upon us.

It somehow made me feel as though spring had truly arrived ♪

Midori: Wow... I can’t say for sure since I wasn’t actually there, but should you be letting that happen...?

Cleanup is sounds like a pain in the ass, and how can you even focus on practice in an environment like that...?

Shinobu: As it turns out, Hibiki-dono did seem to have misjudged the amount of flowers he used. Cleaning up took a bit of time, but that, too, is a good memory ♪

Kanata: hehe. it sounds like wataru is also getting very excited to make his Kouhai happy.

how is the performance coming then? it sounds like you are learning many things.

Shinobu: To begin with, all of us can do backflips quite easily now!

Next is... well, ‘tis this.

Midori: Whoa?! How’d your arm stretch out...?!

Shinobu: I merely dislocated my joint. Nihihi, how fun it is to learn so many new things~ ♪

Midori: I’m glad you’re happy and all, but this looks more like some weird circus act than anything, with all of you doing something like that...

I’m also just worried that it’s bad for your body... like c’mon, what’s the point in being able to extend your arm...?

Oh, wait. I might have worded that badly... What kind of performance are you guys doing for the Easter Fest?

Shinobu: ? Obviously, ‘twill be a flashy, boom-y performance; something cheerful and—

Shinobu: Nn, mm... yaaawn...

Kanata: you are yawning a lot today shinobu. are you tired?

Shinobu: I suppose that I am. We are all working unbelievably hard every day at practice, so even once I get home—

I, ah... also...

Yaaawn... zz, mm...

Midori: Wow, you just can’t stop. Have you not been sleeping well...?

Kanata: are you sure that you are taking proper Breaks? i understand that you are focused on Practice but it is also important to rest.

Shinobu: Aye... I apologize for worrying ye. I have been staying up a bit late recently, so that must be why.

I also wish to do whatever I might to be of service.

Another evening

Mika: Hehehe, I still get a li’l nervous talkin’ to you on the phone, Oshi-san.

Can you see me okay?

Shu: “Don’t lean in so much to the camera; you’re too close.”

Mika: But it feels like I can see you better when I’m closer to it.

Shu: “But if you get too close, I won’t be able to see your entire face. Back up a bit... yes, that’s just fine.”

Mika: Okie doke ♪ So whatcha wanna talk about today? Umm...

Oh, Anzu-chan’s makin’ our costumes for this, an’ I get to help out, too~

Shu: “Oh? It will be styled after Easter, then, yes?”

Mika: Yup. The colors are all spring-y an’ cute. It’s mighty different from what I usually like and what Valkyrie’s costumes look like.

You’re real good at makin’ cutesy costumes, but I’m searchin’ through drawers I don’t even got.

Shu: “So long as you understand you don’t have those drawers, there shouldn’t be a problem.”

“You are in a supporting role, so you’ll be fine to just watch and learn from the girl. It seems she’s been honing her skills, too, so they’ll make for a good reference.”

“So within that scope, Kagehira, will you fine your...?”

“I thought you’d gotten quiet, but now the screen’s gone dark. What’s going on? Kagehira...!”

Mika: Mm... hehe... ♪

Ritsu: ...Wow. So the sudden silence was ‘cause Mikarin fell asleep.

It’s kinda funny just listening to Oshisan-san yelling... but he’s probably worried, so whatever.

Sorry, Mikarin. I’m stealing your phone for a sec.

Heeeeello~

Shu: “...Sakuma. Why are you on the call now? I was talking with Kagehira.”

Ritsu: So Mikarin just flopped over and passed out, actually. Look, see?

Mika: Zzz, snnzzz...

Shu: “...What a slovenly face he makes when he’s asleep. His mouth is entirely open; what a horrid sight.”

Ritsu: Fufu. So you even have criticism for him in his sleep, Oshisan-san?

...But lately, Mikarin’s been sleeping like this a lot, I think.

He stayed up late today to talk to you, but usually he’s dead to the world by this time.

Shu: “Hm?”

Ritsu: He basically comes back to the room and sits at the desk working on something. And once he’s done with that, his energy’s totally trained so it’s just, okay then, night night.

And he’s still sleeping super deep come morning. I’ve even had to wake him up some days.

Shu: “...I see. It didn’t seem that he was so exhausted while we were speaking, though.”

“He is eating properly, yes?”

Ritsu: Umm... I’m not with him twenty-four seven, so I don’t know every last thing he eats. But probably.

Shu: “Goodness. So he passed out suddenly because he was trying to stay awake when his body was desperately crying out for sleep.”

“I’m sure he’ll worry about this call once he’s awake, so I’ll ask you to put him back in working order.”

“I will also be sure to contact him.”

Ritsu: Got it. I’ll keep an eye on him too. If he goes kaput before the Easter Fest, it’ll all just be a waste of time.

Shu: “Indeed... I surmised that everything was going well because he only reported good news to me. Next time, however, I’ll seek more details about it all.”

“I don’t mean to trouble you further, but would you cover him with a blanket at least?”

Ritsu: Sure thing. I guess I’ll hang up now, too. Nighty night, Oshisan-san.

And good night to you too, Mikarin... ♪