Epilogue 1

Eichi: (......)

(...Huh? Did I fall asleep?)

(I must have been dreaming. I wish it all were just a dream, but I can’t change things...)

(I coughed up blood, I wounded and trampled all over everyone, and I turned that dream into reality.)

(I have to wake up.)

Tori: Oh, you’re awake now? Are you okay...?

I heard from the new girl that you just fainted suddenly while you were working on something.

You can’t push yourself too hard, okay? You’re still all worn out from the DDD, aren’t you?

The ambulance is gonna be here soon.

I told them they should get you to the hospital in a helicopter, but Yuzuru said that making a big deal about it might get our live canceled, which would suck.

Eichi: Tori.

Tori: Huh? Why’d you hug me all of a sudden? I mean, don’t get me wrong! I’m super happy, but everyone’s watching!

Eichi: Tori, why is it that you go along with me?

You followed me to Yumenosaki Academy, you met the harsh conditions required to join fine... Why do you stay by my side?

I had intended to disband fine, since it no longer served a purpose.

That’s why the requirements for joining were so strict; it was supposed to be impossible. So then, why?

It can’t be for money or for power.

As the heir to the Himemiya house, you’ve possessed both of those since birth.

Honestly... you would have been much better off had you never become an idol.

Tori: Um...? I don’t really get it. Are you still half-asleep or something?

I stick by you because I love you, Eichi-sama... ♪

Yuzuru: Sir, I’ve requested before that you not call him “Eichi-sama” but rather “President.”

Tori: Yeah, but Eichi-sama is Eichi-sama, sooo... But whatever, it doesn’t matter what I call him.

Hehe, if I get to talk to him more casually that would make us a lot closer, anyway ♪

Yuzuru: That would be due to your inadequate education; your sense of etiquette quickly succumbs to your base nature.

This would, in fact, be rude of you, but I choose to overlook that on the grounds that it would be better not to put on an act.

Eichi: Yuzuru... Why are you here?

Come to think of it, you’re wearing our unit costume as well, Tori. Um, that is fine’s costume, correct?

Yuzuru: I see you’re having considerable trouble waking up; however, I would ask that you pull yourself together, if possible.

Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but you, too, are wearing the costume, President-sama.

Eichi: Oh, so I am. Why is that? I don’t remember changing.

Yuzuru: Forgive me for being too forward, but I took it upon myself. I’m well accustomed to helping others get dressed.

My master leaves that task entirely to me, after all.

Tori: I–I mean, I can get dressed if I want to! I’m not a baby!

Yuzuru: Yes, of course. However, you seem to be in poor health, President-sama. Might it be too might for you to participate in our live?

It won’t be an issue to handle this on our own, like we did with Flower Fest.^[1]

Eichi: Actually, I’m feeling much better, now that I’ve gotten so much rest.

If I’m hospitalized again, I might be kept there against my will. I hope you don’t mind that I’m going to refuse the ambulance.

Tori: Just... take it easy, okay Prez? You worry me!

There’s still some time before the show, so keep resting. Hey, new girl! Sorry, but can you let the Prez keep using your lap as a pillow?

Eichi: Hm? Her lap? Am I in the midst of a scenario that young boys across the nation can only dream of?

Tori: They’re already letting the audience in, so you can’t lay down on the seats out there anymore.

And you’d get cold if you tried sleeping on the floor.

You know, It’s an honor to be the Prez’s lap pillow. I wish I could do it myself. So you better appreciate it, Slave Number Two ♪

Eichi: No, it’s fine. I’m already awake. Forgive me, miss transfer student.

Apologies, but would anyone mind telling me what’s going on? It seems that while I was sleeping, some pleasant developments have occurred.

Ah, it feels as though I’m still in a dream.

Wataru: Amazing! You’ve finally awoken, Eichi? Doesn’t it feel nice to return to the waking world?

A good morning to you! We’ve been awaiting you in this beloved reality for some time now ☆

Eichi: Wataru. Come here for a moment ♪

Wataru: Ouch! Please don’t pull on my ear!

Aha, I see! You want to see the trick where I make my ears grow larger, yes? Ask and you shall receive! I mastered that one when I was but three years old!

Eichi: Don’t dodge the question. Tell me what’s going on here.

I told you just that I was going to watch Switch’s live in the auditorium today.

I don’t need conjecture to know that you’re the cause of this situation.

The only unit participating in this live—this B1—today was supposed to be Switch.

And yet, for some reason, all of fine is here dressed in our costumes, as if preparing to perform.

We’re supposed to be taking a break from work since we’re still exhausted from the DDD...

And officially, the student council can’t recognize an unauthorized B1.

If there’s no other choice, then there’s no other choice. But I maintain that it’s entirely absurd to do in this.