U149 6.5
=

M: ...5, 6, 7, 8. Ah...

M: A little tired. The momentum of idol dances sure is something.

M: But now that we've got Producer and work has basically started, I can't lose.

A: Why?

M: Eh? This voice...

A: Why is it always the same lessons?

P: If you do it repeatedly and remember it with your body itself, you'll make less mistakes at the real thing.

P: And first of all, basics are important, you know.

A: If it's just basics, I can practice on my own.

M: This sounds like Tachibana-san and Producer.

M: I wonder if being so loud in the corridor means something happened.

A: I'm telling you, Producer, the lessons you set up are too inefficient!

[door]

A: For us to get new work, we must improve our skills!

P: I can understand what you mean, Tachibana-san.

P: But just suddenly increasing the workload will get you nowhere. You're still children, after all.

P: For now, be calm and don't rush-

A: Don't treat me like a child!

A: Besides, it should be illegal for that to come from you, Producer.

P: Ugh.. What was that?!

M: Are you two alright? Did something happen?

A: Sakurai-san! Th-this is...

P: Ah, Sakurai-san. Good work. How did lessons go?

M: No problems. But that aside, why are you two going around flirting? I could hear you from all the way here at the lesson room.

A&P: We weren't flirting!

M: Oh? That was perfectly in sync, I see.

A&P: Uuuh...

A: This is... more like a lecture... No, this probably wasn't the right place for this. I'm sorry.

M: Right. Just as Tachibana-san says, this kind of thing probably should be left to when we're back at the office.

P: Oh? That was a lecture? So you weren't just complaining! Professional as always!

P: But Tachibana-san sure takes a different attitude with Sakurai-san.

A: I can hear you!

P: Egh...

A: And it's natural that I'd take different attitudes with Sakurai-san and Producer. The difference in your natural behaviour.

A: Which is to say you brought it on yourself, Producer.

P: Uuuuugggh...

M: [laugh]

M: So, Producer, does coming all the way here mean you've got something for us?

P: Yeah, yeah, about that photoshoot we did recently. It seems a preview copy of that magazine has come in.

P: Going to have a little party back at the agency, and I'll get it there.

M: Oh? Great!

P: Some people have seen it already, and they were all full of praise. It's great, right?

A: R-really?

P: Yeah! They've said that Ryuzaki-san is bright and full of energy and that Ichihara-san's little animal like cuteness was her strong point.

P: And not only that. Sakurai-san and Tachibana-san were popular among women too.

P: Such elegance that they couldn't take their eyes off you, and that they wanted to dress you up like a doll.

M: It's an honour.

A: M-me too?

P: Of course! A girl around your same age has said "Arisu-chan is so cute, like a princess".

A: R-really? ...A-ah! Call me Tachibana!

P: I just told you, it's a girl of your age that said that!

M: [laugh]

M: This is also thanks to Producer talking things out with the cameraman, right, Tachibana-san?

A: Th-that is...

P: It's because all of you did your best.

P: Oh, yeah, Ichihara-san and Ryuzaki-san will also be coming to the office soon, so let's all look at it together then.

M: That's great. Alright, then I'll change and be back.

A: U-um... Producer...

P: Huh? What's wrong, Tachibana-san?

A: N-no, u-um... You know, the photoshoot that day...

P: Oh, the photoshoot? I told you, it's not like you did bad or anything-

A: That's not it! Oh, just forget it. We'll change and come back to the office. You go back first please, Producer.

P: But I can wait if it's just until you change.

A: No, we're good. Even at the best of times, you'll say something unnecessary, so we better just get this done with.

P: What?!

A: I'm just telling the truth.

P: Just when I was thinking she got a little friendly during the photoshoot.

A: Did you say something?

P: No, nothing.

A: This is what I mean by saying unnecessary things.

P: I can hear you!

M: Can you two please quarrel after we're back at the office?

A&P: Uuh... Sorry.

[scene change]

[door]

M: We're back.

M: Oh, it seems Ichihara-san and Ryuzaki-san haven't arrived yet.

A: Looks like it.

M: Producer is also probably at the party, so let's have some tea while we wait.

A: I-I'll prepare the tea.

M: Oh, then I'll take you up on that offer.

M: [laugh] It's exciting, waiting to see the magazine.

A: Y-yes. You looked good in that dress, Sakurai-san. Even the cameraman was full of praise.

M: Oh, you too, Tachibana-san. You were quite wonderful.

A: But I wasn't like you...

A: Umm... Sakurai-san...

M: What is it?

A: D-during the photoshoot... I was conscious of you throughout, and if it looked like I was glaring at you... I'm sorry.

A: That and... thank you. You were nice about it, so I didn't make a further mess of things. I noticed only later.

M: Don't mind it. I just did what is expected of a lady.

A: Even so, I just wanted to say thank you. Because of you, the photoshoot went well.

M: It went well because of your own strength, Tachibana-san. That and it was because of Producer who made arrangements for the reshoot.

A: Yes. That Producer, I never thought he'd actually manage to arrange a reshoot like that with the cameraman.

A: I'm grateful for that. I wanted to thank him for it... But... He's so unreliable as usual and treats me like a child.

A: So... That is... Um...

M: So you can't be honest with yourself?

A: Uh... Uuh... Y-yes.

M: But you could say it honestly to me, right?

A: Sakurai-san was straightforward with me so I thought it would be rude if I wouldn't do the same. But... In front of him, I just can't...

A: If only I could be more honest with myself, put it properly into words...

M: Then how about you practice being more honest with yourself?

A: Practice being more honest with myself?

M: Yes. To start with, you could call me Momoka.

A: F-first name?

M: Yes, if you are going to be straightforward with me, then please call me by my first name. It would make me very happy.

A: That all of a sudden...

M: You want to properly thank Producer, right? This is just the first step in being honest with yourself to do that.

A: Umm... Uuh... Understood.

M: Alright then.

A: [heavy breathing]

M: [laugh]

A: Alright. Th-then... MOMO-

[door]

P: That was close! I almost forgot something!

A: MOMO (TL note: peach) IS A FRUIT WITH GOOD NUTRITION AND ONE OF THE NUTRIENTS IN IT VITAMIN C MAKES YOUR SKIN BLOOM BEAUTIFULLY.

M: Oh, really?

P: Huh? What are you talking about? And why is your face so red, Tachibana-san?

A: Nothing! That aside, why are you forgetting things? Be more careful! You're an adult!

P: W-what? I just forgot something is all. And even adults forget things.

A: Adults don't make excuses like that.

P: W-what did you say?!

A: Oh, just go quickly. You're going to be late to the party.

P: [animalistic noises]

[door]

A: Sheesh, that Producer...

M: [laugh] Tachibana-san, you and Producer really are close, huh.

A: What about that was being close?! ...I'm sorry.

M: It's okay.

A: Then, again from the start. MOMO-

[door]

P: Oh, right, I forgot to tell you.

A: -MOMO (TL note: Here she seems to be going with futoMOMO: thighs) HAVE ADDUCTOR MUSCLES INSIDE THAT FACILITATE BLOOD FLOW.

M: Oh, really?

A: Yes. It's very important.

P: What? Are you doing muscle training or something, Tachibana-san? Better not overdo it.

P: If you focus on muscles too much during your growth spurt, it seems you won't grow tall.

A: I didn't ask you! And what's wrong with you? How many times are you going to forget something?

P: I didn't forget something this time!

A: Then what is it?

P: I forgot to tell you that Ichihara-san and Ryuzaki-san would be getting a bit late to come.

A: So you did forget something! It's the same thing!

P: Well, you could say it that way, maybe.

A: There's no other way to say it! Be a good adult, open your eyes and don't make excuses!

P: Uuugh...

M: Producer, shouldn't you be going back quicker? Weren't you in the middle of the party?

P: Oh, right. Anyway, I'll leave you to it.

M: Understood.

A: Don't be back again!

[door]

A: Ahhh... Why is Producer always... always bad with his timing?

M: [laugh] In a way, it might be his talent.

A: It's not a laughing matter! He's our Producer!

M: Yes, certainly. Not perfect, but he's very straightforward.

A: Ah...

M: So what will you do? If it's too difficult for you to suddenly change what you call me-

A: IT'S NOT TOO DIfficult...

M: Oh?

A: Sakurai-san, you've always been confident about being an idol. And I've always noticed that about you.

A: I suppose saying "rival" is an exaggeration, and it's not like I wanted to win at any cost. I just wanted to go towards our goal with everyone, as equals.

A: So I though I don't want to lose to you, Sakurai-san- no, Momoka-san.

M: [laugh] It's an honour to hear that from you, Tachibana-san.

A: Umm...

M: Something wrong?

A: ...Call me Arisu.

M: Alright, Arisu-san.

P: He he he hee...

[door]

P: Got the magazine!

M: Oh, the party's over, Producer? Would you like some tea?

P: Oh, sure!

P: Hmm... Ryuzaki-san and Ichihara-san aren't here yet? I want to show this already!

A: You're an adult so calm down. Now have a seat and let's calmly wait for them to arrive.

P: But you've been looking at the magazine every now and then since I brought it, Tachibana-san.

A: I wasn't looking!

M: Here you go, Producer.

P: Thanks.

M: Arisu-san, got a moment?

A: W-what is it? What are you so happy about?

M: Just come with me, please.

P: Oh, secret talks?

M: Maidens' secret. Please have some tea, Producer.

P: Right, right.

[footsteps]

A: Well, what is it that you can't let Producer hear?

M: Arisu-san, if you want to thank him, isn't this the perfect time?

A: What?!

M: We've got the magazine too, so I think it's a good time for the subject.

A: Uh... But... I need further mental preparations.

M: Ryuzaki-san and Ichihara-san will be back soon. Wouldn't it be less stressful for you to say it now than in front of more people?

A: Uuuhhh...

M: Do your best.

[footsteps]

P: Maidens' secret conversation over?

M: Yes, it went well. Right, Arisu-san?

A: Umm...

P: Huh? And why are you making that strange face in the first place, Tachibana-san?

A: I'm not making a strange face!

P: Eeh?

M: Oh, Producer, you shouldn't be saying that kind of thing about an idol. Bad!

P: Right. Sorry.

M: Good to be honest. And on the topic of being honest, please listen to what Arisu-san has to tell you.

A: Momoka-san!

P: What is it? What does Tachibana-san have to tell me?

A: U... uuuh...

K: Quickly, quickly!

N: It's not good to run in the corridor!

M: Oh, it seems we were a bit too late.

[door]

K: We're back!

N: We're back dammit!

P: Welcome back! Ah, we were waiting for you two to get here for so long. I've got something nice right here.

N: Something good?!

K: What is it?! Wait, I got it! Snacks, cake!

N: Cake? Nina wants cake too!

P: Nope, that's not it.

K: Ehh? No cake? Then cookies?

P: Umm... Are you two hungry?

K: Ehehe... Had PE today.

N: Nina too! Really hungry dammit!

P: Alright, then. I'll get you some cake after this.

K: Really?

N: Thank you, Producer!

K: But then what is it?

N: Momoka-chan, is it really something better than snacks?

M: Yes, isn't that right, Producer?

P: Exactly!

P: Ta-daa! We took photos for a magazine recently, right? This is a preview copy of that magazine.

K: Waah. Yay!

N: Awesome!

P: So, today's work is to go through this and check. Ichihara-san, Ryuzaki-san, start going through it.

N: Leave it to us!

N: Alright, doing it dammit!

K&N: 1,2... 3!

All: Waaaah!

N: Arisu-chan, so cool!

M: She really is like a princess, right?

A: Momoka-san, you're wonderful too, with this amazing presence.

P: Yes, yes, the client was very happy about it too.

K: Hey, let's search for our pages.

N: Searching! Momoka-chan, Arisu-chan, shall we go ahead?

M: Sure.

N: Thank you! Now where is Kaoru-chan?

K: I'm going to look through slowly and not miss anything, okay?

[sparkling SFX]

P: Aaah... This is a magazine that people relevant to the organization often read, so it'll be nice if this gets us more work.

M: It's okay to get excited but please be careful when it comes to work, okay?

P: I get it!

A: Umm... Producer...

P: Eh? What's wrong, Tachibana-san?

A: Umm...

P: Huh?

A: ...T-thank you!

P: Ehh?

M: Oh my. [laugh]

A: Momoka-san! Why are you laughing?

M: [laugh] No reason at all, Arisu-san.

A: Aaah...

P: T-tachibana-san... thanked... me?

A: And Producer, don't cry! You're an adult!

P: B-but...

A: I-it's just this once, okay? It's just that I must do it politely as a professional...

N: Waaaah!

K: This photo of Arisu-chan is so cute!

A: Eh? Cute?

K: See?

[sparkling SFX]

A: W-what?!

N: Momoka-chan, you too. Here.

M: Waah!

P: Ah! So they ended up using this photo too!

A: W-when was this kind of thing taken?

K: Right? Right? It's cuuute, right?

N: You two are so cute dammit.

P: This photo, it's a waste to only be on this magazine, huh.

M: That's true.

A: Not you too, Momoka-san!

N: Right. Nina wants to show it to everyone!

P: Good idea! Let's make copies and-

K: Agree!! I'll help too!

A: No, you guys, stop! No! Not with this kind of face!

M: No such thing. It's a very cute smile.

A: Momoka-san!

M: [laugh]