dragon fruit 1

Two years ago

Shu: Come, sit down, Nito.

Nazuna: ...? ...?

Shu: ? What’s wrong? You keep glancing around... You realize that’s unbecoming of you.

You are a work of art sculpted by the great Itsuki Shu, and a member of Valkyrie, so stand tall and resolute!

Nazuna: ......

Shu: ...You’ve not been speaking much lately. It’s quite the inconvenience if you can’t even hold a conversation, you know, and I must say I get quite lonely when you ignore everything I say.

Oh, Nito! Nito, Nito, Nito! Let me hear your voice, lovely as the fluttering of a fairy’s wings!

Let me drink the fragments of your hardened heart right from your very tongue!

With that alone my own heart will be content! You can grant me the strength to create art that will be written for eternity in the annals of history!

So Nito, adorable Nito! Part your lips as the blossoming flower in spring, and bequeath upon me the treasure that spills forth from your vault!

Let me take all of it, and I shall cherish it tirelessly!

Nazuna: ......

...Sometimes the things you say are so poetic they don’t even make sense, Oshi-san. It’s kind of embarrassing, so at least behave yourself while we’re at the café.

Shu: Ah, I heard it, Nito! Your voice... ♪

Shu: It’s been so long! Très bien!

Perhaps I ought to put you on the spot more often with my eccentric behavior, then, for all the pleasure with which I am rewarded from your scolding! Just like a child who received no love from his parents!

Nazuna: ......

Shu: Fufu, but if I keep up all this fuss, I fear you may run our of patience with me. I’ll settle down.

In any case, Nito... you must be exhausted today. You really should sit down and rest.

Nazuna: ......

Shu: Mm, good. This is why I love you: you are always so faithful to me.

Nazuna: ......

Shu: Ah, today was truly exhausting... It is fortunate that our workload has increased, and I am overjoyed that my art is receiving due recognition.

Well, it’s no matter if I am the only one who actually comprehends the value of my art, whether or not it’s appreciated by the philistines of the world.

But such a scenario would be naught but a masturbatory life of vanity.

Nazuna: ...I’m glad everyone liked us.

Shu: Nito. Haven’t I told you before? You ought to speak more adorably, like a child. Though you have a transcendent loveliness, so a more neutral approach is also acceptable.^[1]

Nazuna: ...At least let me talk however I want to.

Shu: Fufu, it is infinitely better that you speak your mind than sit there, sullen and silent.

Why is it that you don’t speak much anymore?

I thought you might simply be shy... but this has gone far beyond that. I’m getting worried.

Nazuna: ......

Shu: Oh, Nito, you know I’m not accusing you of anything. You are free to do whatever you please.

The entire world over ought to lavish you in praise for the deeds you do just by being yourself.

Fufu. You really are so adorable... I will never tire of watching you; I discover something new day after day.

You are like a doll. Ah—that is the highest honor I can bestow on someone, you know?

Nazuna: ......

Shu: Hm? You’re right; we’ve gotten so caught up in conversation we’ve forgotten to order. That is, after all, why we came to this café.

What would you like to eat, Nito? You must be starving. Our recording session today took quite the long time...

I got worried when you suddenly slowed to a snail’s crawl on our way home.

Well! I couldn’t help but laugh at the sound of that lovely, heavenly gospel erupting from your stomach... or, as is the more common turn of phrase, at the sound of your belly growling ♪

You are but human, too... I forget that sometimes.

Nazuna: ......

Shu: Fufu, are you embarrassed that I’ve pointed out your stomach growling, Nito?

Shu: And you are so cute when you’re embarrassed, too! That flush of your cheeks is the beauty of a human being, not a doll...

Ouch?!

Non! Nito, stop with this violence! You are not a savage!

Nazuna: ...Quit with all that ruckus. You’re attracting everyone’s attention.

Shu: Kakaka! I am but showing off, and my beauty is you!

You grace every mediocre stranger passing by with your presence. They ought to be thanking us!

A round of applause, ladies and gentlemen! Recognize this moment of glory! It is the very climax of your lives...! Kakakakaka ☆

Nazuna: ......

Shu: Wh—ouch! Did I not say that hurts, Nito? Don’t hit my head; I would hate for you to injure your slender hand...

The impact may cause your skin to tear or your bones to grind against each other! It would damage the art!

Be that as it may, I could still spend eternity singing your praises, enough so to lay my life to rest.

But first, while I do so detest the phrase “function over form,” we ought to sate our appetites.

Hmph. I don’t often like to eat out, but I simply couldn’t stand seeing you so ravenous...

It is the greatest tragedy of all to witness a sweet, young boy starve.

Nazuna: ...We’re the same age, y’know. I keep telling you, quit treating me like some kid.

Shu: Apologies! I just get so happy when you’re angry or upset—you’re just so lovely...

Come on, judge me harshly for my crime of purposefully riling you up! My adorable Nito!