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shivalries) wrote2023-02-01 04:30 pm
shivalries) wrote2023-02-01 04:30 pm
TL Snippets Masterlist
Extremely disorganized post to store all the snippets I decide to TL!
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List:
♔Ring (Ring a Bell shuffle): Take me on 11 (Leo's first love)
♔Ring (Ring a Bell shuffle): Take me on 13 (Leo's "proposal")
♔Chill Yellow (Gacha): Chill Yellow 3 (Tsukasa throwing shade on Izumi)
♔Chill Yellow (Gacha): Chill Yellow 5 (Tsukasa trying to be evil)
♔Autumn Cafeteria (Blend+ shuffle): Fall for All Chapter 4 (Tsukasa and the sweets contest)
♔Machina's Corridor: Prologue (Ritsu's kotatsu)
♔Last Mission: What Goes Around 10 (Tsukasa and Ibara's Big Interaction)
♔Egoist (Gacha): Jumbled-Up Trends 2 (Leo at the club)
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Ring (Ring a Bell shuffle): Take me on 11 (Leo's first love)
Context: Tasked by Arashi to brainstorm proposals for a wedding-themed promo video, the members of Ring a Bell talk about their first loves.
Leo: Hmm... I remember that time things went *click* and whoosh, I fell head over heels...
Midori: Wait, what? You had a first love, Tsukinaga-senpai...? Seriously?
Leo: Rgh, obviously I had a first love! You're a rude one, aren't you?
Midori: (I thought he was the least connected to romance out of all of us... He barely even seems connected to the world of regular people, after all...)
Leo: I think it was... ah, right. It was a hot, sunny day--sweltering, even. I decided to visit an instrument store on a whim, and that's where we had our first brush with each other--
Keito: Huh, this is surprisingly romantic for you. Was it someone working there? Or maybe a customer?
Leo: Wahahaha! Right?! It was the most romantic of encounters! I just couldn't help but reach out a hand and touch that beauty--
Mao: Hold up, you just reached out and touched them?!
Leo: Uh, yeah? Is that bad?
Mao: I mean, it sounds like all sorts of bad to me...
Leo: Just listen, okay? The moment we touched, that pure, clear note rang in my ears--the very first G note I ever played on the keys! From that very moment, my heart was lost to music!
Mao: What the hell?! I feel stupid for taking it so seriously...
Leo: Hey, what's your problem?! Don't talk like that about my memories of my first love! Grrrrr!
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Ring: Take me on 13 (Leo's "proposal")
Context: After receiving grueling training from Arashi, Ring a Bell come up with personalized proposals for a wedding-themed promo video.
Leo: I love, love, love you lots and lots and LOTS!
...Just kidding, there's more.
I've collected love from all over the world, you know, but this isn't nearly enough. This is barely a tiny portion of the love I want to give you.
Whenever I'm with you, my happiness grows.
...But at the same time, I learned what loneliness feels like.
I learned the heartache of being apart--I learned yearning. Without you, I might've lived my life never knowing these feelings!
But you know, I don't mind, actually.
It makes the sound of our love deeper and more profound, after all--like the combination of white and black keys on the piano!
So, if we ever get in a fight, or if we misunderstand each other and find ourselves bogged down by worries... let's sing a song together, okay?
Because my songs will always be filled with my love for you.
For years, decades from now... Let's put both my sound and your sound on a blank score--and together, we'll make the longest love song the world has ever known.
With you, I just know it's possible.
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Chill Yellow: Chill Yellow 3 (Tsukasa throwing shade on Izumi)
Context: After failing an audition for a drama in which all characters are villains, Tsukasa, Hokuto, and Keito try to think of some real-life person they could draw acting inspiration from.
Hokuto: Does anyone come to mind for you, Suou?
Tsukasa: Of course! Naturally!
Keito: Oh? Who is it?
Tsukasa: That would be Sena-senpai!
Keito: Sena...?
Tsukasa: Yes! That is correct! Sena-senpai is the sort of person who, every time he sees my face, he comes to bully me, after all!
Plus, whenever he bullies me, he always has such a delighted smile on his face!
His hobby is publicly known to be "bullying his juniors", you know. Don't you think he's far too sadistic for his own good?!
Hokuto: Now that you mention it... I recall that Yuuki had some troublesome run-ins with Sena-senpai as well. He might be just the guy we're looking for.
Tsukasa: Right? Right?!
Izumi: ...Achoo!
Ugh... That can't be a cold, can it? My schedule's full with work. I can't afford to go down now.
Leo: Sena! Are you getting sick?! That's not good! Wait just a sec, I'm gonna go buy some green onions to put around your neck!
Izumi: Huh? If you actually go and get something like that, better be prepared to have it shoved up your nose instead.
Tsukasa: What say you two, then? Shadowing Sena-senpai is certainly a good option, is it not?!
Keito: Calm down, Suou.
I just had a thought. Even if we try to mimic someone else's behavior, wouldn't that person be the only one who can tell if we're mimicking them properly?
I don't think there's much point if we can't get them to actually evaluate our performances.
Tsukasa: Hm, I see what you're trying to say... It would be too easy to grow complacent with simple mimicry.
Which means... we would have to get Sena-senpai to rate our performances of him?!
Th-That would be undesirable! If I were to say, "I wish to become a villain, so I should like to imitate you, Sena-senpai", I would no doubt be murdered!
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Chill Yellow: Chill Yellow 5 (Tsukasa trying to be evil)
Context: Hokuto, Keito, and Tsukasa decide to ask their chosen "villain" exemplar Rinne to evaluate their villainous acts as practice for a drama audition.
Rinne: (Huh? His Little Majesty texted me that he's out here, but... where exactly?)
Whoa?!
Who the hell put these planters out here? I just kicked one over by accident.
Tsukasa: Ahhh! What do you think you're doing, Rinne Amagi-senpai?!
Rinne: Hunh?
Tsukasa: Please watch your step. I'd just finished lining them up perfectly! Oh, now you've done it... I have to clean up all this dirt you spilled.
Rinne: Uh, "lining them up"?
Now that I take a good look, there's planters lined up all over the place. What's all that for? They're just gonna get in the way.
Tsukasa: Precisely! Is it not aggrieving--vexing, even, to come across planters placed across the walkway like such?
Ah... Never had I thought I'd be forced to stain my hand with such a heinous act. It pains me so.
But this is all for passing the audition! If Tsukasa is to learn to fully embrace the spirit of villainry, sacrifices must be made!
Rinne: ......
Tsukasa: What is the matter, Rinne Amagi-senpai? You seem rather astonished.
Ah! No--have I gone too far? Indeed, should I have searched for more humane villainry to commit?
Rinne: The hell is "humane villainry"?
Nah... I mean, this'll work. It's kinda, you know... mean-spirited, I guess? Like, I can feel the malice, in a way...?
Tsukasa: Is that so? If it has your mark of approval, Rinne Amagi-senpai, then I shall assume I'm on the right track! I shall return to my work, then! Though it truly does pain my heart to continue such wicked behavior...
Rinne: I dunno, you look like you're having fun to me.
Tsukasa: Oh no, nothing of the sort! I am being forced to continue behaving as an inconvenience to all. It truly makes my heart ache...♪
Rinne: Okay, sure... Well, have fun with that.
I'm gonna go check on the last guy and see how he's doin'. Later.
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Autumn Cafeteria (Blend+ shuffle): Fall for All Chapter 4 (Tsukasa and the sweets contest)
Context: After seeing a menu item designed by Hajime at Cafe Cinnamon, Tsukasa mentions to Koga and Yuta that he often makes ideas for Cinnamon's sweets design contest but never submits them. Yuta, who also wants to create something for people who don't like sweets, suggests they all touch up dessert designs together.
(The next day after school, in the Garden Terrace kitchen)
Tsukasa: Here is the completed sketch of my dessert design. ♪
Yuta: Ooo, a parfait. Kinda reminds me of last year!
Tsukasa/Koga: Last year...?
Tsukasa: ...Ah?!
I-It is nothing to be concerned about! Please do not tell him, Yuta-kun!
Yuta: No point hiding it now, is there? Everybody knows you love sweets here.
So, Mitsuru-kun once invited us to head downtown to a specific cafe, where the menu has a lot of stuff on it.
Tsukasa-kun had a hard time choosing a parfait, and he decided it was too late for regrets anyway, so he was like, "Give me everything from top to bottom on this page, please."
Tsukasa: Nrghh... How embarrassing...
Koga: Huh. So Adonis isn't the only guy who'd do somethin' like that.
He's got a real sweet tooth, y'know. There's a cafe in town where he's eaten every sweet thing off the menu.
Yuta: Mitsuru-kun was saying that Otogari-senpai recommended it to him, so maybe it was the same place? I bet it'd be an incredible sight if we put Otogari-senpai and Tsukasa-kun at the same table.
A sugary sweet scent fills the air above a table laden with tons of desserts...
Koga: Urgh, just thinkin' about it gives me heartburn.
Yuta: Yeah, I started to feel sick talking about it myself...
Koga: We're gettin' off topic. Let's get back to fine-tuning the Red-haired Rich Boy Parfait (temp name).
Tsukasa: What sort of name is that...? Either way, while you two were conversing, I finished preparing the ingredients.
Yuta: All we have left to do is put it all together based on your design, huh. Very efficient~
Tsukasa: Heh, making sweets is Knights' specialty, after all... ♪
(T/N: Yuta is referencing the Fruit Parlor gacha story from 2016)
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Machina's Corridor: Prologue (Ritsu's kotatsu)
Context: Just after SS, Mika gets to working on a new creative project. However...?
Ritsu: Munch munch...
These mikan are so good ♪ How are mikan so yummy when you're eating them in a kotatsu in winter?
Want some, Mikarin? It's sweet and deliiiicious ♪
Mika: ...Hey, uh, Ritsu-kun. About that--
Oh, huh? My phone's ringin' and it's Oshi-san.
Hey, Oshi-san?
Yup. Doin' A-OK over here. Got lots o' rest and relaxation after SS and I'm on to workin' on the next creation.
Just as ya warned me, Oshi-san, I ain't gettin' lazy after the holidays. Don't worry about a thing.
See ya in Japan next week, yeah? I'll have it all finished up before ya get here, so look forward to it! Later then~♪
......
Mngh... MMMNNGHHH!
Nngaaah, what'd I just do?! I don't have one iota of an idea!
What do I do, Ritsu-kun? Oshi-san's comin' back from Paris real soon, but I've got nothin' ready!
Ngh... I up an' lied to him too, 'cause I didn't want him to be disappointed in me. He's gonna flip his lid!!
Ritsu-kun, can't ya think of an idea with me?!
Ritsu: Hey, relax. Everyone's still on New Year's holidays. You get some rest too, okay, Mikarin?
Haste makes waste, right? If you can't think up any ideas, there's no need to push it.
Come on, let's warm up under the kotatsu~♪ If you get in this winter-exclusive item I set up in here, all your worries about "being productive" will fly away...♪
Mika: I-I ain't gettin' in there today! Ever since ya brought that dang thing in here, I've been losin' time for my art like nobody's business!
Your one-two punch of kotatsu and mikan's already made a mess o' my winter break. Keep it to yourself until the holidays are over, alright?
Ritsu: Whaaat? How coooold...
Oh well, if I get too much in your way, they might split up our room. Sounds like you're really busy, Mikarin, but good luck~
Mika: Th-Thanks! I'm gonna do my best an' resist all temptations!
Just watch me, Oshi-san! I'm gonna make my great artist recovery!
Ritsu: ...He left all in high spirits.
It's cold outside, and I think it'd be better to think of ideas in a warmer place... Plus, it's not like being speedy is that important for art, right?
I hope that whatever Mikarin finds outside will get his creative juices flowing...
Oh, the water's boiling.
Bad timing. Mikarin could've at least poured a cup of tea for me before he left.
It's a pain, but I guess I can go pick up the electric kettle myself...
......
I-I can't leave the kotatsu!
Crap, I underestimated its otherworldly powers! Mikariiiin, come back and take care of meeee! At least until winter break is over!
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Last Mission: What Goes Around 10
Context: As part of an effort to protect GFK's son—nicknamed "J"—from those who seek GFK's inheritance, Ibara (along with Anzu) cooks up a plot to have Double Face and J appear together on the so-called "MaM's Parenting Struggles" TV show.
Tsukasa, who had been sheltering Double Face and J at the Suou household, looks on in consternation as Kohaku starts hurling insults on camera. Ibara admits that his goal is to have the show quickly garner attention by sparking controversy.
Tsukasa: Profiting off negative press, I see.
...A favorite tactic of that Crazy:B lot. This is a tried and true strategy not only for Mikejima-senpai, but for Oukawa as well.
Personally, I'd rather see Oukawa doing work that better shines a light on his good traits.
Ibara: That's a guardian's egotism speaking.
There are times when being thrust into the light, one's whole body etched into relief for all to see, ends up revealing the ugly parts one has always tried to hide.
Oukawa-shi appears to understand that very well. It takes one snake to see another—there are those who thrive in the back alleys where the light does not touch, naive young master.
Tsukasa: ......
Ibara: Still, this is only a temporary measure.
Once the issue surrounding J-san is cleared up, you are free to toy with Oukawa-shi all you wish.
Why, don't be shy—choose whichever clothes you wish to see him in, and steer him down whichever path you've selected for him.
Tsukasa: You say that in such a spiteful way, senpai.
Ibara: Indeed, I was a tad unkind. Haha, perhaps I'm feeling envious of Oukawa-shi.
Tsukasa: ...?
Ibara: Back to the topic—the two members of Double Face will appear as regulars on "MaM's Parenting Struggles" alongside J-san, who will act as their "child".
Tsukasa: J-san is still so young—this is a terribly early show business debut for someone around first-grade age.
Ibara: And yet, he's taken on this task with brazen confidence.
That Dancing Crane House* doubled as a training facility for fledgling idols, after all. I imagine he's already formulated the right mindset for this type of work.
*(Dancing Crane House = orphanage that was the setting of the MaM New Year's event)
He probably at least had the sense he would eventually become one of the people beyond the screen.
In that sense, having him co-star with such capable seniors at this early stage may be beneficial for J-san's future idol activities.
Of course, this opinion does not take into account the here and now. I do not know how serious J-san is about pursuing an idol career, after all.
Whichever way that turns out, though, the most vital part of the current plan is to turn public attention toward J-san.
As I'm certain you're aware, Suou-shi, the public is unbelievably sensitive to celebrities' every move and every word.
Much like how assassination and ambushes are much harder to perform under the eyes of the masses, the attention J-san is garnering now will serve to further secure his safety.
Tsukasa: I see, you mean to say it would be much harder for those prowling in wait for their chance at J-san's inheritance to lay a hand on him.
Ibara: Precisely. Besides, security is tight at TV stations like these, in order to protect the celebrities inside.
Any suspicious-looking scoundrel wouldn't be able to approach the place, even by accident.
By securing J-san's place as an idol making regular appearances in "MaM's Parenting Struggles", we can even house him at Seisou Hall, where it is safer.
Though I imagine he wouldn't want to cause trouble for other idols, so I'll probably end up taking him under my wing in a high-class hotel that I've personally seen fortified for extra protection.
Tsukasa: Yes, please do so. It will likely be safer than keeping him at my home.
Ibara: You can entrust him to me. If anything were to happen to someone under my watch—in this case, J-san—it would harm the reputation of my security services company.
On our honor, we promise every client a safe and comfortable time in our care.
Tsukasa: Why not simply put him under your watch in the first place...? What sense is there in having him appear together with our Oukawa in such an outlandish program?
Ibara: You see, by portraying Mikejima-shi, Oukawa-shi, and J-san as parents and child, we can present their relationship as a fait accompli.
Tsukasa: ......?!
Ibara: If the viewership begins to think of Double Face and J-san as a trio sharing solid familial bonds, we can consider this a rousing success.
Then, once the public is primed, they would see little issue with J-san handing his family fortune to his "trusted guardians".
If I can get my hands on even a morsel of the inheritance that Mikejima-shi and Oukawa-shi would earn, I would feel very satisfied.
Tsukasa: So, in the end, you are aiming for J-san's fortune as well?
Ibara: Is there any other reason why I would go out of my way to help you all?
If you find financial motivations so depraved and repulsive, why don't you take all the money you've earned as an idol and donate every last penny to an orphanage or something?
You see, Suou-shi, "love" and "kindness" are simply fashionable outfits to wear for those who have expendable funds to do so.
Only those who have gouged out their own hearts and donated them as organs for needy children have the right to claim "true" kindness.
Tsukasa: That would be pure madness.
Ibara: All emotions and thoughts are madness to humans who cannot understand nor empathize with them.
"Mutual understanding" is a dream beyond a dream, and this world but an olympiad for the insane.
No matter who wins gold in whichever competition, the victor will always be a madman undeserving of their praise.
We cannot hope to ever reach the divine, yet, ah, how intriguing that makes things! Do you not think there is significance to us taking part in these deranged athletic diversions... Suou-shi?
Would it not be a waste of the chance at life we've been given if we don't enjoy ourselves?
Tsukasa: To be perfectly honest, I'm not following.
The most important thing right now is Oukawa's—no, J-san's safety. If all this is necessary to achieve that, then, me aside, Oukawa is likely to agree.
No—this is probably why Oukawa agreed to your plan in the first place.
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Egoist (Gacha): Jumbled-Up Trends 2 (Leo at the club)
Context: Rei and Rinne are at the night club getting despondent about bubble tea falling out of fashion. They decide to get some drinks at the counter.
Rinne: Looks like... only the counter's got open seats. You good with counter seats, Rei-chan?
Rei: That will be fine. Many people have come today on their day off, by the looks of it.
Oh...? Is that... Tsukinaga-kun, by any chance?
Leo: Huh? Oh, Rei and Magi!
Ucchu~☆ Never thought I'd see you guys in a place like this!
Rinne: Right back at ya, Tsukki. Y'know this ain't a place for kids, right?
Or what, did you fall in with the wrong crowd overseas?
Leo: Wahaha! Sorry to break it to you, Magi, but I'm a bonafide adult!
Rei: ...Right, didn't you have a birthday just recently, Tsukinaga-kun?
Leo: Bingo! It's been twenty years since my great genius was born into this world! Happy birthday, me! ♪
Rinne: Oh yeah? Well, ain't that cause to celebrate? Feels like we were meant to bump into you here.
I'll sing you a special birthday song, on me! ♪
Happy birthday Tsukki ♪ Happy birthday Tsu--
Leo: I'm sick of that old song!
Didn't I just say it's been twenty years since I was born into this world? If you're gonna sing, you gotta sing me a brand new song to celebrate this momentous year, Magi!
Rinne: That's a tall order. Aren't you the guy who writes all the music, anyway?
Leo: Well, yeah. But the inspiration just isn't coming to me, y'know?
It's not like anything changes when you reach twenty. It's just normal!
I told Knights to celebrate me too, but my birthday party got delayed 'cause everyone's busy.
Where's the stimulation, huh?! I need somethin' to jog my brain, tell it I'm a grown adult now! I can't write anything without it!
Rei: Now that makes sense. I'd thought it was strange that you were sitting at the bar alone.
Oh, but it is deeply moving to think even Tsukinaga-kun can now enjoy a drink for himself.
Rinne: Not like you've been drinking for that long either...
But I really get how you feel, Tsukki.
Let us, as your drinking senpai, teach you how to drink with the best!
First, you gotta test how far you can go. Right, Rei-chan? ♪
Rei: Ku ku ku. You mustn't bully Tsukinaga-kun too much, Amagi-kun.
Rinne: Yeah, yeah. Anyway, hey, bartender! Get us a good beginner's drink~☆
(A while later)
Leo: Whoa, Magi, this is crazy! I've never felt like this before!
It's come, it's come--inspiration! This is what they call a grown-up flavor, huh?
Nice, keep that stimulation comin'! Get me another glass over here! ♪
Rinne: Y-You gotta be kidding me, Tsukki. How many drinks is that?
Leo: Huh? I dunno. I stopped counting.
Rei: ...Take care not to get carried away, Tsukinaga-kun. Drink too much, and you will feel it keenly the next day. Remember to drink water as well.
Leo: Right! I'm glad you two are here with me. I wouldn't know which drinks are good otherwise!
Still... You guys don't want more?
Rei: Uh... yes. I'm afraid we will be very sick if we drink more.
I'd never thought you could hold your liquor so well, Tsukinaga-kun...
Leo: Hold my liquor? What's that mean?
Wait! Don't tell me! I wanna imagine it first!
Rinne: Tsukki really looks like he could go another round. Damn, I wanted to drink him outta the contest... Urk. Think I'm gonna fold.
Rei: Neither I nor Amagi-kun are lightweights, either.
Rinne: The new drinking partner's a rising star! Gyahaha!
Urk... Laughing makes me feel sick...
Rei: Here, Amagi-kun, drink some water.
Rinne: Yeah, uh, I'm gonna pop outside for some fresh air...
Back to List↑
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List:
♔Ring (Ring a Bell shuffle): Take me on 11 (Leo's first love)
♔Ring (Ring a Bell shuffle): Take me on 13 (Leo's "proposal")
♔Chill Yellow (Gacha): Chill Yellow 3 (Tsukasa throwing shade on Izumi)
♔Chill Yellow (Gacha): Chill Yellow 5 (Tsukasa trying to be evil)
♔Autumn Cafeteria (Blend+ shuffle): Fall for All Chapter 4 (Tsukasa and the sweets contest)
♔Machina's Corridor: Prologue (Ritsu's kotatsu)
♔Last Mission: What Goes Around 10 (Tsukasa and Ibara's Big Interaction)
♔Egoist (Gacha): Jumbled-Up Trends 2 (Leo at the club)
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Ring (Ring a Bell shuffle): Take me on 11 (Leo's first love)
Context: Tasked by Arashi to brainstorm proposals for a wedding-themed promo video, the members of Ring a Bell talk about their first loves.
Leo: Hmm... I remember that time things went *click* and whoosh, I fell head over heels...
Midori: Wait, what? You had a first love, Tsukinaga-senpai...? Seriously?
Leo: Rgh, obviously I had a first love! You're a rude one, aren't you?
Midori: (I thought he was the least connected to romance out of all of us... He barely even seems connected to the world of regular people, after all...)
Leo: I think it was... ah, right. It was a hot, sunny day--sweltering, even. I decided to visit an instrument store on a whim, and that's where we had our first brush with each other--
Keito: Huh, this is surprisingly romantic for you. Was it someone working there? Or maybe a customer?
Leo: Wahahaha! Right?! It was the most romantic of encounters! I just couldn't help but reach out a hand and touch that beauty--
Mao: Hold up, you just reached out and touched them?!
Leo: Uh, yeah? Is that bad?
Mao: I mean, it sounds like all sorts of bad to me...
Leo: Just listen, okay? The moment we touched, that pure, clear note rang in my ears--the very first G note I ever played on the keys! From that very moment, my heart was lost to music!
Mao: What the hell?! I feel stupid for taking it so seriously...
Leo: Hey, what's your problem?! Don't talk like that about my memories of my first love! Grrrrr!
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Ring: Take me on 13 (Leo's "proposal")
Context: After receiving grueling training from Arashi, Ring a Bell come up with personalized proposals for a wedding-themed promo video.
Leo: I love, love, love you lots and lots and LOTS!
...Just kidding, there's more.
I've collected love from all over the world, you know, but this isn't nearly enough. This is barely a tiny portion of the love I want to give you.
Whenever I'm with you, my happiness grows.
...But at the same time, I learned what loneliness feels like.
I learned the heartache of being apart--I learned yearning. Without you, I might've lived my life never knowing these feelings!
But you know, I don't mind, actually.
It makes the sound of our love deeper and more profound, after all--like the combination of white and black keys on the piano!
So, if we ever get in a fight, or if we misunderstand each other and find ourselves bogged down by worries... let's sing a song together, okay?
Because my songs will always be filled with my love for you.
For years, decades from now... Let's put both my sound and your sound on a blank score--and together, we'll make the longest love song the world has ever known.
With you, I just know it's possible.
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Chill Yellow: Chill Yellow 3 (Tsukasa throwing shade on Izumi)
Context: After failing an audition for a drama in which all characters are villains, Tsukasa, Hokuto, and Keito try to think of some real-life person they could draw acting inspiration from.
Hokuto: Does anyone come to mind for you, Suou?
Tsukasa: Of course! Naturally!
Keito: Oh? Who is it?
Tsukasa: That would be Sena-senpai!
Keito: Sena...?
Tsukasa: Yes! That is correct! Sena-senpai is the sort of person who, every time he sees my face, he comes to bully me, after all!
Plus, whenever he bullies me, he always has such a delighted smile on his face!
His hobby is publicly known to be "bullying his juniors", you know. Don't you think he's far too sadistic for his own good?!
Hokuto: Now that you mention it... I recall that Yuuki had some troublesome run-ins with Sena-senpai as well. He might be just the guy we're looking for.
Tsukasa: Right? Right?!
Izumi: ...Achoo!
Ugh... That can't be a cold, can it? My schedule's full with work. I can't afford to go down now.
Leo: Sena! Are you getting sick?! That's not good! Wait just a sec, I'm gonna go buy some green onions to put around your neck!
Izumi: Huh? If you actually go and get something like that, better be prepared to have it shoved up your nose instead.
Tsukasa: What say you two, then? Shadowing Sena-senpai is certainly a good option, is it not?!
Keito: Calm down, Suou.
I just had a thought. Even if we try to mimic someone else's behavior, wouldn't that person be the only one who can tell if we're mimicking them properly?
I don't think there's much point if we can't get them to actually evaluate our performances.
Tsukasa: Hm, I see what you're trying to say... It would be too easy to grow complacent with simple mimicry.
Which means... we would have to get Sena-senpai to rate our performances of him?!
Th-That would be undesirable! If I were to say, "I wish to become a villain, so I should like to imitate you, Sena-senpai", I would no doubt be murdered!
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Chill Yellow: Chill Yellow 5 (Tsukasa trying to be evil)
Context: Hokuto, Keito, and Tsukasa decide to ask their chosen "villain" exemplar Rinne to evaluate their villainous acts as practice for a drama audition.
Rinne: (Huh? His Little Majesty texted me that he's out here, but... where exactly?)
Whoa?!
Who the hell put these planters out here? I just kicked one over by accident.
Tsukasa: Ahhh! What do you think you're doing, Rinne Amagi-senpai?!
Rinne: Hunh?
Tsukasa: Please watch your step. I'd just finished lining them up perfectly! Oh, now you've done it... I have to clean up all this dirt you spilled.
Rinne: Uh, "lining them up"?
Now that I take a good look, there's planters lined up all over the place. What's all that for? They're just gonna get in the way.
Tsukasa: Precisely! Is it not aggrieving--vexing, even, to come across planters placed across the walkway like such?
Ah... Never had I thought I'd be forced to stain my hand with such a heinous act. It pains me so.
But this is all for passing the audition! If Tsukasa is to learn to fully embrace the spirit of villainry, sacrifices must be made!
Rinne: ......
Tsukasa: What is the matter, Rinne Amagi-senpai? You seem rather astonished.
Ah! No--have I gone too far? Indeed, should I have searched for more humane villainry to commit?
Rinne: The hell is "humane villainry"?
Nah... I mean, this'll work. It's kinda, you know... mean-spirited, I guess? Like, I can feel the malice, in a way...?
Tsukasa: Is that so? If it has your mark of approval, Rinne Amagi-senpai, then I shall assume I'm on the right track! I shall return to my work, then! Though it truly does pain my heart to continue such wicked behavior...
Rinne: I dunno, you look like you're having fun to me.
Tsukasa: Oh no, nothing of the sort! I am being forced to continue behaving as an inconvenience to all. It truly makes my heart ache...♪
Rinne: Okay, sure... Well, have fun with that.
I'm gonna go check on the last guy and see how he's doin'. Later.
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Autumn Cafeteria (Blend+ shuffle): Fall for All Chapter 4 (Tsukasa and the sweets contest)
Context: After seeing a menu item designed by Hajime at Cafe Cinnamon, Tsukasa mentions to Koga and Yuta that he often makes ideas for Cinnamon's sweets design contest but never submits them. Yuta, who also wants to create something for people who don't like sweets, suggests they all touch up dessert designs together.
(The next day after school, in the Garden Terrace kitchen)
Tsukasa: Here is the completed sketch of my dessert design. ♪
Yuta: Ooo, a parfait. Kinda reminds me of last year!
Tsukasa/Koga: Last year...?
Tsukasa: ...Ah?!
I-It is nothing to be concerned about! Please do not tell him, Yuta-kun!
Yuta: No point hiding it now, is there? Everybody knows you love sweets here.
So, Mitsuru-kun once invited us to head downtown to a specific cafe, where the menu has a lot of stuff on it.
Tsukasa-kun had a hard time choosing a parfait, and he decided it was too late for regrets anyway, so he was like, "Give me everything from top to bottom on this page, please."
Tsukasa: Nrghh... How embarrassing...
Koga: Huh. So Adonis isn't the only guy who'd do somethin' like that.
He's got a real sweet tooth, y'know. There's a cafe in town where he's eaten every sweet thing off the menu.
Yuta: Mitsuru-kun was saying that Otogari-senpai recommended it to him, so maybe it was the same place? I bet it'd be an incredible sight if we put Otogari-senpai and Tsukasa-kun at the same table.
A sugary sweet scent fills the air above a table laden with tons of desserts...
Koga: Urgh, just thinkin' about it gives me heartburn.
Yuta: Yeah, I started to feel sick talking about it myself...
Koga: We're gettin' off topic. Let's get back to fine-tuning the Red-haired Rich Boy Parfait (temp name).
Tsukasa: What sort of name is that...? Either way, while you two were conversing, I finished preparing the ingredients.
Yuta: All we have left to do is put it all together based on your design, huh. Very efficient~
Tsukasa: Heh, making sweets is Knights' specialty, after all... ♪
(T/N: Yuta is referencing the Fruit Parlor gacha story from 2016)
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Machina's Corridor: Prologue (Ritsu's kotatsu)
Context: Just after SS, Mika gets to working on a new creative project. However...?
Ritsu: Munch munch...
These mikan are so good ♪ How are mikan so yummy when you're eating them in a kotatsu in winter?
Want some, Mikarin? It's sweet and deliiiicious ♪
Mika: ...Hey, uh, Ritsu-kun. About that--
Oh, huh? My phone's ringin' and it's Oshi-san.
Hey, Oshi-san?
Yup. Doin' A-OK over here. Got lots o' rest and relaxation after SS and I'm on to workin' on the next creation.
Just as ya warned me, Oshi-san, I ain't gettin' lazy after the holidays. Don't worry about a thing.
See ya in Japan next week, yeah? I'll have it all finished up before ya get here, so look forward to it! Later then~♪
......
Mngh... MMMNNGHHH!
Nngaaah, what'd I just do?! I don't have one iota of an idea!
What do I do, Ritsu-kun? Oshi-san's comin' back from Paris real soon, but I've got nothin' ready!
Ngh... I up an' lied to him too, 'cause I didn't want him to be disappointed in me. He's gonna flip his lid!!
Ritsu-kun, can't ya think of an idea with me?!
Ritsu: Hey, relax. Everyone's still on New Year's holidays. You get some rest too, okay, Mikarin?
Haste makes waste, right? If you can't think up any ideas, there's no need to push it.
Come on, let's warm up under the kotatsu~♪ If you get in this winter-exclusive item I set up in here, all your worries about "being productive" will fly away...♪
Mika: I-I ain't gettin' in there today! Ever since ya brought that dang thing in here, I've been losin' time for my art like nobody's business!
Your one-two punch of kotatsu and mikan's already made a mess o' my winter break. Keep it to yourself until the holidays are over, alright?
Ritsu: Whaaat? How coooold...
Oh well, if I get too much in your way, they might split up our room. Sounds like you're really busy, Mikarin, but good luck~
Mika: Th-Thanks! I'm gonna do my best an' resist all temptations!
Just watch me, Oshi-san! I'm gonna make my great artist recovery!
Ritsu: ...He left all in high spirits.
It's cold outside, and I think it'd be better to think of ideas in a warmer place... Plus, it's not like being speedy is that important for art, right?
I hope that whatever Mikarin finds outside will get his creative juices flowing...
Oh, the water's boiling.
Bad timing. Mikarin could've at least poured a cup of tea for me before he left.
It's a pain, but I guess I can go pick up the electric kettle myself...
......
I-I can't leave the kotatsu!
Crap, I underestimated its otherworldly powers! Mikariiiin, come back and take care of meeee! At least until winter break is over!
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Last Mission: What Goes Around 10
Context: As part of an effort to protect GFK's son—nicknamed "J"—from those who seek GFK's inheritance, Ibara (along with Anzu) cooks up a plot to have Double Face and J appear together on the so-called "MaM's Parenting Struggles" TV show.
Tsukasa, who had been sheltering Double Face and J at the Suou household, looks on in consternation as Kohaku starts hurling insults on camera. Ibara admits that his goal is to have the show quickly garner attention by sparking controversy.
Tsukasa: Profiting off negative press, I see.
...A favorite tactic of that Crazy:B lot. This is a tried and true strategy not only for Mikejima-senpai, but for Oukawa as well.
Personally, I'd rather see Oukawa doing work that better shines a light on his good traits.
Ibara: That's a guardian's egotism speaking.
There are times when being thrust into the light, one's whole body etched into relief for all to see, ends up revealing the ugly parts one has always tried to hide.
Oukawa-shi appears to understand that very well. It takes one snake to see another—there are those who thrive in the back alleys where the light does not touch, naive young master.
Tsukasa: ......
Ibara: Still, this is only a temporary measure.
Once the issue surrounding J-san is cleared up, you are free to toy with Oukawa-shi all you wish.
Why, don't be shy—choose whichever clothes you wish to see him in, and steer him down whichever path you've selected for him.
Tsukasa: You say that in such a spiteful way, senpai.
Ibara: Indeed, I was a tad unkind. Haha, perhaps I'm feeling envious of Oukawa-shi.
Tsukasa: ...?
Ibara: Back to the topic—the two members of Double Face will appear as regulars on "MaM's Parenting Struggles" alongside J-san, who will act as their "child".
Tsukasa: J-san is still so young—this is a terribly early show business debut for someone around first-grade age.
Ibara: And yet, he's taken on this task with brazen confidence.
That Dancing Crane House* doubled as a training facility for fledgling idols, after all. I imagine he's already formulated the right mindset for this type of work.
*(Dancing Crane House = orphanage that was the setting of the MaM New Year's event)
He probably at least had the sense he would eventually become one of the people beyond the screen.
In that sense, having him co-star with such capable seniors at this early stage may be beneficial for J-san's future idol activities.
Of course, this opinion does not take into account the here and now. I do not know how serious J-san is about pursuing an idol career, after all.
Whichever way that turns out, though, the most vital part of the current plan is to turn public attention toward J-san.
As I'm certain you're aware, Suou-shi, the public is unbelievably sensitive to celebrities' every move and every word.
Much like how assassination and ambushes are much harder to perform under the eyes of the masses, the attention J-san is garnering now will serve to further secure his safety.
Tsukasa: I see, you mean to say it would be much harder for those prowling in wait for their chance at J-san's inheritance to lay a hand on him.
Ibara: Precisely. Besides, security is tight at TV stations like these, in order to protect the celebrities inside.
Any suspicious-looking scoundrel wouldn't be able to approach the place, even by accident.
By securing J-san's place as an idol making regular appearances in "MaM's Parenting Struggles", we can even house him at Seisou Hall, where it is safer.
Though I imagine he wouldn't want to cause trouble for other idols, so I'll probably end up taking him under my wing in a high-class hotel that I've personally seen fortified for extra protection.
Tsukasa: Yes, please do so. It will likely be safer than keeping him at my home.
Ibara: You can entrust him to me. If anything were to happen to someone under my watch—in this case, J-san—it would harm the reputation of my security services company.
On our honor, we promise every client a safe and comfortable time in our care.
Tsukasa: Why not simply put him under your watch in the first place...? What sense is there in having him appear together with our Oukawa in such an outlandish program?
Ibara: You see, by portraying Mikejima-shi, Oukawa-shi, and J-san as parents and child, we can present their relationship as a fait accompli.
Tsukasa: ......?!
Ibara: If the viewership begins to think of Double Face and J-san as a trio sharing solid familial bonds, we can consider this a rousing success.
Then, once the public is primed, they would see little issue with J-san handing his family fortune to his "trusted guardians".
If I can get my hands on even a morsel of the inheritance that Mikejima-shi and Oukawa-shi would earn, I would feel very satisfied.
Tsukasa: So, in the end, you are aiming for J-san's fortune as well?
Ibara: Is there any other reason why I would go out of my way to help you all?
If you find financial motivations so depraved and repulsive, why don't you take all the money you've earned as an idol and donate every last penny to an orphanage or something?
You see, Suou-shi, "love" and "kindness" are simply fashionable outfits to wear for those who have expendable funds to do so.
Only those who have gouged out their own hearts and donated them as organs for needy children have the right to claim "true" kindness.
Tsukasa: That would be pure madness.
Ibara: All emotions and thoughts are madness to humans who cannot understand nor empathize with them.
"Mutual understanding" is a dream beyond a dream, and this world but an olympiad for the insane.
No matter who wins gold in whichever competition, the victor will always be a madman undeserving of their praise.
We cannot hope to ever reach the divine, yet, ah, how intriguing that makes things! Do you not think there is significance to us taking part in these deranged athletic diversions... Suou-shi?
Would it not be a waste of the chance at life we've been given if we don't enjoy ourselves?
Tsukasa: To be perfectly honest, I'm not following.
The most important thing right now is Oukawa's—no, J-san's safety. If all this is necessary to achieve that, then, me aside, Oukawa is likely to agree.
No—this is probably why Oukawa agreed to your plan in the first place.
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Egoist (Gacha): Jumbled-Up Trends 2 (Leo at the club)
Context: Rei and Rinne are at the night club getting despondent about bubble tea falling out of fashion. They decide to get some drinks at the counter.
Rinne: Looks like... only the counter's got open seats. You good with counter seats, Rei-chan?
Rei: That will be fine. Many people have come today on their day off, by the looks of it.
Oh...? Is that... Tsukinaga-kun, by any chance?
Leo: Huh? Oh, Rei and Magi!
Ucchu~☆ Never thought I'd see you guys in a place like this!
Rinne: Right back at ya, Tsukki. Y'know this ain't a place for kids, right?
Or what, did you fall in with the wrong crowd overseas?
Leo: Wahaha! Sorry to break it to you, Magi, but I'm a bonafide adult!
Rei: ...Right, didn't you have a birthday just recently, Tsukinaga-kun?
Leo: Bingo! It's been twenty years since my great genius was born into this world! Happy birthday, me! ♪
Rinne: Oh yeah? Well, ain't that cause to celebrate? Feels like we were meant to bump into you here.
I'll sing you a special birthday song, on me! ♪
Happy birthday Tsukki ♪ Happy birthday Tsu--
Leo: I'm sick of that old song!
Didn't I just say it's been twenty years since I was born into this world? If you're gonna sing, you gotta sing me a brand new song to celebrate this momentous year, Magi!
Rinne: That's a tall order. Aren't you the guy who writes all the music, anyway?
Leo: Well, yeah. But the inspiration just isn't coming to me, y'know?
It's not like anything changes when you reach twenty. It's just normal!
I told Knights to celebrate me too, but my birthday party got delayed 'cause everyone's busy.
Where's the stimulation, huh?! I need somethin' to jog my brain, tell it I'm a grown adult now! I can't write anything without it!
Rei: Now that makes sense. I'd thought it was strange that you were sitting at the bar alone.
Oh, but it is deeply moving to think even Tsukinaga-kun can now enjoy a drink for himself.
Rinne: Not like you've been drinking for that long either...
But I really get how you feel, Tsukki.
Let us, as your drinking senpai, teach you how to drink with the best!
First, you gotta test how far you can go. Right, Rei-chan? ♪
Rei: Ku ku ku. You mustn't bully Tsukinaga-kun too much, Amagi-kun.
Rinne: Yeah, yeah. Anyway, hey, bartender! Get us a good beginner's drink~☆
(A while later)
Leo: Whoa, Magi, this is crazy! I've never felt like this before!
It's come, it's come--inspiration! This is what they call a grown-up flavor, huh?
Nice, keep that stimulation comin'! Get me another glass over here! ♪
Rinne: Y-You gotta be kidding me, Tsukki. How many drinks is that?
Leo: Huh? I dunno. I stopped counting.
Rei: ...Take care not to get carried away, Tsukinaga-kun. Drink too much, and you will feel it keenly the next day. Remember to drink water as well.
Leo: Right! I'm glad you two are here with me. I wouldn't know which drinks are good otherwise!
Still... You guys don't want more?
Rei: Uh... yes. I'm afraid we will be very sick if we drink more.
I'd never thought you could hold your liquor so well, Tsukinaga-kun...
Leo: Hold my liquor? What's that mean?
Wait! Don't tell me! I wanna imagine it first!
Rinne: Tsukki really looks like he could go another round. Damn, I wanted to drink him outta the contest... Urk. Think I'm gonna fold.
Rei: Neither I nor Amagi-kun are lightweights, either.
Rinne: The new drinking partner's a rising star! Gyahaha!
Urk... Laughing makes me feel sick...
Rei: Here, Amagi-kun, drink some water.
Rinne: Yeah, uh, I'm gonna pop outside for some fresh air...
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