Epilogue 1

Yuzuru: ~... ♪

Cleaning, cleaning... hm-hm, hmm-hm ♪

Ah, it’s so satisfying... ♪

Oh my, if it isn’t the other transfer student. Though calling you that is a bite tedious, I have to say.

If you don’t mind, I’ll forgo the unnecessary fluff and refer to you as the transfer student like everyone else.

Though I transferred in, myself, so it feels a bit strange. Nevertheless, it would be rude to use your name without any pretense whatsoever.

Ah, yes. As you can see, I’m cleaning. You are too, correct? You’ve been working hard today ♪

Yes. Because of everyone’s effort, Flower Fest ended up being a big success.

But now the entire downtown is covered in flower petals.

They were having a difficult time cleaning up; supposedly we lack the personnel...

I couldn’t just stand by and watch, so I’m lending a hand. I excel at all things cleaning, you see.

I had worried I may be intruding, but I overheard someone from my class crying, “Aww, craaaap! I ain’t ever gettin’ this done!”

Well, I thought I might be of some help.

We will be studying together for the next year, after all; it can never hurt to curry favor with your classmates.

I am indeed enjoying myself; please don’t worry about me.

Perhaps it’s unthinkable for an idol to engage in such tasks, but I quite like cleaning.

It eases the tension and heightened emotions from the performance... so I’ll ask you to let me continue, Producer-san ♪

Mika: Yukkuuuun, can I get you for a sec?

Yuzuru: Yukkun? I must say I’m a bit embarrassed to be given a nickname... ♪

Mika: Naw, I just only sorta remember your name, so I made up somethin’ to call you... Sorry, I’m still havin’ a hard time rememberin’ everyone in class.

But anyway, Oshi-san—I mean, someone in my family took a turn for the worse.

I wanna take him on home, so you think I can let you take care of this for a bit?

Yuzuru: Oh, my. That’s not good at all. I understand, of course.

This could be considered an abuse of authority... but would you like me to ask our chauffeur to drive him to the hospital?

Mika: Oh, no, he don’t need a hospital. Oshi-san’s just plumb awful with crowds, so he gets tuckered out comin’ to a town like this.

I think it’s especially bad when Maddie ain’t around.

Yuzuru: Hm. Well, I don’t fully understand, but hurry along; you may leave this place in my care.

Go be with your family, Kagehira-sama. And take care of yourself, too... ♪

Mika: Thank ya kindly, Yukkun! I won’t never forget this~ I’ll pay you back eventually ♪

C’mon Oshi-san, let’s go home. Can you walk? You want me to give you a piggyback ride, or you can use my shoulder if you want?

Shu: ...Your concern is unnecessary. I’ve not fallen so low as to rely on the likes of you.

Ugh. I ended up empathizing with Wataru during his performance that I began to feel as though I were the one with all those untold eyes fixated on me...

Oh, I feel dizzy.

Mika: Ahaha yeah, that was a great performance. I got worn out just watchin’ it ♪

And we’re gonna be up on stage again someday, too. I been makin’ plenty of money with some gig work, so I can contribute to our war funds ♪

Wataru: Excuuuuse me, but by chance did someone call my name? Thank you ever so kindly for waiting! I am Hibiki Wataru... ☆

Shu: ...Wataru. Don’t speak so loudly; my head is pounding.

Wataru: Oh, Shu! I thought I felt a familiar presence around. And it turned out to be you!

How rare to see you out on the town! Have you quit your hermit ways?

Shu: Hmph. Speaking of rare, I was watching you...

You seem to be getting along quite well with those fine boys, don’t you? I thought you didn’t take interest in other people.

Wataru: Fufufu. Everyone says that about me! It’s quite the disappointment.

You all became so distant...

And as a result, I have almost no one left who recognizes me as human, and no beloved comrades who hold my interest.

Shu: Hmph. It’s rather tactless to blame others for that, when you, yourself, became distant.

Though I’m in no position to say that, and I doubt that’s what you wanted to happen.

Wataru: Fufufu. You wound me. To change incessantly is what life is all about.

No, it is ever those who can adapt that will survive in this delightful world.

I’m sure you can understand this, old friend.

Besides, there is no rush to find the bluebird of happiness; he may be closer than you think.

You ought to pay more attention to what’s around you here, in this reality.