Chapter 12

On the night of the Summer Night Festival

Hajime: Whoa, there are so many people here!

Of course, it is a large-scale event featuring idols from all over the country. Even if we’re just the opening act, I’m still nervous performing in front of such a huge crowd.

Huh? Anzu-san, why are you patting my head?

Fufu, you were just reassuring me? Thank you, Anzu-san. I’ll do my best so I don’t drag everyone down.

Kuro: Yo, li’l miss Anzu. Aha, Shino’s with ya. Perfect timing. Thanks, Shino.

Hajime: Huh? Have I done something that warrants thanks?

Kuro: C’mon, you gave me some advice for the costumes. If they’d been Japanese-style like Akatsuki’s typical costumes, I’d have been able to make them no sweat.

But the Summer Night Festival doesn’t really have a Japanese-y feel to it.

I’ll be honest: when the li’l miss and me were lookin’ around the venue that first time, we were pretty stumped.

But then you came in and said we make costumes that tell a story from a fantasy-ish world like One Thousand and One Nights.

Without that, we wouldn’t have been able to make costumes that fit the stage to a tee, and I never woulda been satisfied with that.

But why One Thousand and One Nights?

Hajime: I got the idea from what Kanzaki-senpai said.

He told me that the Summer Night Festival will be like a dream that only lasts one night.

And when I thought of “one night,” One Thousand and One Nights came to mind. Which reminded me that we made the lanterns with an oriental pattern, and then I just connected the dots.^[1]

Kuro: Yup, like what I’ve got in my hand here... This is a pretty elaborate paper cutout, yeah? You made this, Shino?

Hajime: No, Kanzaki-senpai and Nii~chan made that one.

I was surprised that Kanzaki-senpai is so good at making cutouts.

Kuro: That guy’s pretty good with his hands. But still, he’s... he doesn’t really say what’s on his mind in front of me or Hasumi-danna, so this is pretty refreshing.

He don’t gotta worship us like we’re gods, yanno? He should just come at us with all he’s got.

Hajime: Ahaha. I understand how Kanzaki-senpai feels, just a little bit.

I’m the same way with Nii~chan... I know this is probably obvious, but I get super anxious when it comes to voicing my opinions.

Kuro: Hmm... I’m just some guy though, like him. I don’t want him puttin’ all that distance between us.

Oh, looks like they’re finally done changing.

Yooo, Hasumi-danna, Kanzaki. I wanna make some adjustments, so get over here.

Souma: Understood! Not oft do we as Akatsuki wear such a style of clothing, so prithee say whether I ha’ dressed myself proper!

Kuro: Haha, quit squirmin’ around. ...Yyyeah, you got some of the more detailed parts wrong. Hold still, I’ll fix it for ya.

Souma: I’s not move an inch ♪

Keito: Kiryuu. When you’re done with Kanzaki, take a look at mine, too. I put it on how you told me to, but I’m not sure I got it right.

...Really, I never thought you’d make costumes like these. But they do go well with the stage, so I’m not complaining.

Kuro: It’s all thanks to Shino’s help. I was just thankin’ him for it when you guys arrived.

Keito: Is that so? Then I should, too. Thanks, Shino.

Hajime: Huhhh?! I was already uneasy with just Kiryuu-senpai thanking me, and now the vice president too...? What am I supposed to do here?!

Nazuna: Hajime-chin, calm down. Take deep breaths, in~ out~

Hajime: O–okay. In, out... ♪

Umm, I’m sorry. I got so nervous when the vice president thanked me that I totally blanked!

Keito: Hm? I get your mind blanking when you’re angry, but it’s strange for that to happen when you’re praised.

Hajime: Gyaaaah!!! I–I–I–I’m sorry! Please forgive meeee!

Keito: ...? Why are you apologizing? Did I scare you, Shino?

Hajime: I–I–I–I’m fine! I’m not scared at all!

Nazuna: Wow, Hajime-chin is totally shriveling up. Well, makes sense. Keito-chin has one scary face.

Keito: What? Do I have a scary face, Kiryuu?

Kuro: Why’re ya askin’ me... I’d just be callin’ the kettle black there.

But then again, Shino wasn’t acting all scared with me. So maybe your scary face isn’t the only reason?

Keito: Nghh... Well now I’m curious, but with how Shino’s acting... I shouldn’t go prying. It’ll have a bad influence on the show.

Nazuna: Sorry to worry you, Keito-chin. It’s about time, so let’s head to the stage, okay?

Okay, Ra*bits. I know you might be nervous since we’re the opening act, but let’s give it our all!

Mitsuru: Nervous? Nii~chan, I’m not nervous at all! I’m on cloud nine~ ♪

Nazuna: Ahaha yeah, you would be, wouldn’t you? But how about you, Tomoya-chin, Hajime-chin? You hanging in there?

Tomoya: Urgh, barely. I’m so nervous my legs are shaking...

We don’t get to perform in front of such a huge crowd that often, do we?

I know no one expects that much from the opening act, but I’m worried I’ll give a bad performance and ruin the atmosphere.

Mitsuru: Tomo-chan, why’re you saying they don’t expect that much from us?

Even if that was true, we just gotta give a performance that’ll make everyone excited!

And then everyone’ll go crazy for Ra*bits! We’re the opening act, but we’re still gonna crush those main act guys! Mmm-hm ♪

Tomoya: No, no, we’re not crushing anyone. If we don’t go out there and hype everyone up for the main act, we’ll never be called back for a job like this ever again.

Nazuna: You’re right, we can’t crush our main act. But Mitsuru was right too. We have to give a performance that’ll excite everyone.

Let’s bring the Summer Night Festival to life. Then at the climax, we’ll hand it over to the protagonists.

Hajime: Okay, Nii~chan. We’ll become the radiant lights that illuminate everyone... ♪

proofing: Verdantgrove