Requiem - Dies irae Chapter 13
Oct. 25th, 2019 01:17 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shivalriesSeason: Winter
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[Downtown]
Tsukasa: (For one reason or another, what I’d originally planned for my future ended up changing.)
(It was common knowledge that Tenshouin Oniisama, son of the financial world’s current ruler, was an aspiring idol. Many began to see the merit of attending an idol school, rather than going to a prestigious academy like the other children from good families…)
(Therefore, it would be in the best interest of the family...to give permission for their son to attend Yumenosaki-- so Tori-kun had reasoned in his desperate attempt to convince them. I merely jumped on his bandwagon.)
(The Suou family has remained unchanged for generations, so learning of the common people’s interests and incorporating them would be highly beneficial to us...)
(...That’s what I told my own family on the surface, at least, among the many other reasons I’d thought of.)
(But in truth, I’d only wanted to share in the brilliance and liveliness I felt on that day.)
(I am sure that was my true reason for applying. I kept reaching for it, like a pouty child no one invited to playtime...)
(Of course, it is no lie that I’ve always looked up to the beautiful, noble knights of legend.)
(But you’d be surprised by how long I’ve known that there was more to all of you than that.)
(It’s just so much more natural for me to be a serious, obedient boy, because that’s the way I was raised…)
(...so I may have reacted instinctively whenever you would all act unsightly.)
(Still, for all my complaints, I really did enjoy this year with you all.)
(It was just like a dream—no, like I was living in a fairy tale.)
(I’ve been so happy. One day in the far-off future, I may regret taking such a detour, but…)
(Isn’t it far better to regret what you have done than what you haven’t?)
(At the very least, this song, this melody will remain with me—)
(My king, my king! O, our days of youth! I know no other way to say it: how I loathe you, and love you so much!)
…Hm? A-Ah, wait, please halt the car! Stop! I am very sorry!
(A-Am I seeing things? I thought I glimpsed a familiar sight just now…)
Arashi: ……
Tsukasa: Ahh, so it was Narukami-senpai! W-What are you doing out so late…?
Arashi: …Oh? Just when I was wondering what this suuuper conspicuous high-class car was doing coming toward me, it turned out to be you, Tsukasa-chan! I could ask you the same thing, what are you doing out here?
Tsukasa: Ah, yes, it’s me! I’m on my way home from the hospital! We had no choice but to cut through town, otherwise it would’ve taken two or three times as long…
Speaking of which, I truly apologize for my extended absence! My father’s condition was up and down for quite a while, so I couldn’t bring myself to leave his side for even an instant, but…
Arashi: Yes, yes, I’ve heard all about that from Izumi-chan.
Look, I know it’s out of your control, but…when you know you’re going to be absent, you have to at least tell us why, you know? Otherwise, we’re just gonna worry about you.
Tsukasa: Mrghh...rather, I do wonder how Sena-senpai knows in the first place… Since they’re in the tennis club together, perhaps he heard from Tori-kun?
But that aside, I realize I have no excuse for disappearing. However, if I may explain myself, talking on the phone was forbidden inside the hospital—
It was hard to find a good moment to leave my father’s room, so I only had a brief chance to somehow slip out and make a very short call regarding my absence.
I also feared that if I put it into words, the idea that my father was on the brink of death would come true.
I mean, it was true. But to truly acknowledge it was enough to make me tremble…
Not to mention I didn’t want to add an extra mental burden on my seniors with my own personal issues.
We’re about to celebrate graduation, after all. I couldn’t bring myself to darken the mood with troubling news just before such a joyous occasion.
Arashi: …Yeah, I get you. It’s natural to want to tell only the good stuff to the people most important to you.
I mean, except for the part about lying and saying you’re alright, it’s actually the nicest thing to do, right?
I do think it’s kinda cold, but that’s just how it is. After all, It would be strange if you still had the time to worry about others when your family’s going through something so serious.
But most importantly, we’re all just plain worried, you know? How’s your father doing now? Is he alright?
Judging from your face, I’m guessing the worst hasn’t happened, but…?
Tsukasa: Yes, he’s doing much better. Even the doctor was surprised at how rapidly he recovered.
The Suous come from a long line of warriors, so we’re known for our robust health, you know. Of course, we can’t let our guard down just yet.
Either way, it would be strange if we remained in the hospital room when the patient himself was already discharged, right?
So…I left the discharge procedures to my mother and left for home first.
I would like to properly attend school again properly, starting tomorrow. The Repayment Festival is drawing close, after all… I can’t be absent forever.
Arashi: Ahh… That’s right, Repayment Fes is coming up soon, huh.
Tsukasa: Yes. I haven’t been able to attend our meetings for a while, though. What sort of performance have you decided on?
I had to leave just before the details were finalized, so I’m a bit in the dark.
Arashi: Mm~ Well, we have a rough outline of what we want to do, but how each of us fits into that plan is still up in the air.
Remember Chocolat Fes? The outline this time round is basically the same as what was planned for that…
I guess if it comes down to it, we can do something similar to what we did then.
It means we don’t have to think ourselves into a tizzy trying to come up with something brand new.
So in a way, it’s a pretty easy job. I think you’ll be able to catch up pretty fast even though you were gone for a while.
Tsukasa: Ah, really? Well, that’s certainly a relief. Though, there aren’t many chances left to sing and dance together with our graduating seniors…
I would’ve liked to make it something truly amazing that would remain in our memories forever.
But we don’t have much time, or much of anything for that matter. It seems we’ll still be left with some regrets after it’s all finished.
I suppose we’ll just have to accept it. Life doesn’t always go as planned, after all.
Arashi: …Hey, Tsukasa-chan?
Tsukasa: Yes? What is it, Narukami-senpai?
Ah, before that…whereabouts is your house, Narukami-senpai? Would you like a ride back?
I know you can take care of yourself, but it’s still dangerous to walk around alone at night. If it’s no bother, we can take you home.
Arashi: Mm, it’s fine… There’s no need. My house is close enough to walk to, anyway.
How bold of you, Tsukasa-chan, thinking you can escort someone like me when you’re still just a baby in shining armor?
Tsukasa: Ah, well, I did think it might’ve been a bit too forward of me… I suppose it isn’t my business, in the end. My apologies.
All the same, please be careful.
Once Leader and Sena-senpai graduate, Knights’ main pillars of support will be you and Ritsu-senpai, after all.
Do take care of yourself. Knights wouldn’t exist without the both of you.
Arashi: …Don’t tell me you’re just worried about me because you need my skills or something?
Tsukasa: Huh? Ah, no, I was simply expressing my concern for your welfare, Narukami-senpai!
As my senior, you’re important to—you’re someone I greatly respect, so of course it would be a loss to the world if you were injured or you disappeared!
Arashi: …Mm. That’s right, I’m someone who can be useful to just about anyone. Incredible.
Ugh… I shouldn’t have to be useful. Maybe I’m just jealous of that person who can have me go looking whenever they please.
Tsukasa: …What person?
Arashi: I’m just talking to myself. …I have my own personal business, too, after all. Anyway, go on home and don’t worry about me, okay? It’s just about bedtime for good little kids, you know?
We’ll meet at school tomorrow…Tsukasa-chan. I’m glad I ran into you tonight. Bye-bye♪
Tsukasa: Mnn… I’m also glad to have had the honor of meeting you here, Narukami-senpai.
See you again…tomorrow.
---
< Dies irae Chapter 12 || Masterlist || Dies irae Chapter 14 >
---
[Downtown]
Tsukasa: (For one reason or another, what I’d originally planned for my future ended up changing.)
(It was common knowledge that Tenshouin Oniisama, son of the financial world’s current ruler, was an aspiring idol. Many began to see the merit of attending an idol school, rather than going to a prestigious academy like the other children from good families…)
(Therefore, it would be in the best interest of the family...to give permission for their son to attend Yumenosaki-- so Tori-kun had reasoned in his desperate attempt to convince them. I merely jumped on his bandwagon.)
(The Suou family has remained unchanged for generations, so learning of the common people’s interests and incorporating them would be highly beneficial to us...)
(...That’s what I told my own family on the surface, at least, among the many other reasons I’d thought of.)
(But in truth, I’d only wanted to share in the brilliance and liveliness I felt on that day.)
(I am sure that was my true reason for applying. I kept reaching for it, like a pouty child no one invited to playtime...)
(Of course, it is no lie that I’ve always looked up to the beautiful, noble knights of legend.)
(But you’d be surprised by how long I’ve known that there was more to all of you than that.)
(It’s just so much more natural for me to be a serious, obedient boy, because that’s the way I was raised…)
(...so I may have reacted instinctively whenever you would all act unsightly.)
(Still, for all my complaints, I really did enjoy this year with you all.)
(It was just like a dream—no, like I was living in a fairy tale.)
(I’ve been so happy. One day in the far-off future, I may regret taking such a detour, but…)
(Isn’t it far better to regret what you have done than what you haven’t?)
(At the very least, this song, this melody will remain with me—)
(My king, my king! O, our days of youth! I know no other way to say it: how I loathe you, and love you so much!)
…Hm? A-Ah, wait, please halt the car! Stop! I am very sorry!
(A-Am I seeing things? I thought I glimpsed a familiar sight just now…)
Arashi: ……
Tsukasa: Ahh, so it was Narukami-senpai! W-What are you doing out so late…?
Arashi: …Oh? Just when I was wondering what this suuuper conspicuous high-class car was doing coming toward me, it turned out to be you, Tsukasa-chan! I could ask you the same thing, what are you doing out here?
Tsukasa: Ah, yes, it’s me! I’m on my way home from the hospital! We had no choice but to cut through town, otherwise it would’ve taken two or three times as long…
Speaking of which, I truly apologize for my extended absence! My father’s condition was up and down for quite a while, so I couldn’t bring myself to leave his side for even an instant, but…
Arashi: Yes, yes, I’ve heard all about that from Izumi-chan.
Look, I know it’s out of your control, but…when you know you’re going to be absent, you have to at least tell us why, you know? Otherwise, we’re just gonna worry about you.
Tsukasa: Mrghh...rather, I do wonder how Sena-senpai knows in the first place… Since they’re in the tennis club together, perhaps he heard from Tori-kun?
But that aside, I realize I have no excuse for disappearing. However, if I may explain myself, talking on the phone was forbidden inside the hospital—
It was hard to find a good moment to leave my father’s room, so I only had a brief chance to somehow slip out and make a very short call regarding my absence.
I also feared that if I put it into words, the idea that my father was on the brink of death would come true.
I mean, it was true. But to truly acknowledge it was enough to make me tremble…
Not to mention I didn’t want to add an extra mental burden on my seniors with my own personal issues.
We’re about to celebrate graduation, after all. I couldn’t bring myself to darken the mood with troubling news just before such a joyous occasion.
Arashi: …Yeah, I get you. It’s natural to want to tell only the good stuff to the people most important to you.
I mean, except for the part about lying and saying you’re alright, it’s actually the nicest thing to do, right?
I do think it’s kinda cold, but that’s just how it is. After all, It would be strange if you still had the time to worry about others when your family’s going through something so serious.
But most importantly, we’re all just plain worried, you know? How’s your father doing now? Is he alright?
Judging from your face, I’m guessing the worst hasn’t happened, but…?
Tsukasa: Yes, he’s doing much better. Even the doctor was surprised at how rapidly he recovered.
The Suous come from a long line of warriors, so we’re known for our robust health, you know. Of course, we can’t let our guard down just yet.
Either way, it would be strange if we remained in the hospital room when the patient himself was already discharged, right?
So…I left the discharge procedures to my mother and left for home first.
I would like to properly attend school again properly, starting tomorrow. The Repayment Festival is drawing close, after all… I can’t be absent forever.
Arashi: Ahh… That’s right, Repayment Fes is coming up soon, huh.
Tsukasa: Yes. I haven’t been able to attend our meetings for a while, though. What sort of performance have you decided on?
I had to leave just before the details were finalized, so I’m a bit in the dark.
Arashi: Mm~ Well, we have a rough outline of what we want to do, but how each of us fits into that plan is still up in the air.
Remember Chocolat Fes? The outline this time round is basically the same as what was planned for that…
I guess if it comes down to it, we can do something similar to what we did then.
It means we don’t have to think ourselves into a tizzy trying to come up with something brand new.
So in a way, it’s a pretty easy job. I think you’ll be able to catch up pretty fast even though you were gone for a while.
Tsukasa: Ah, really? Well, that’s certainly a relief. Though, there aren’t many chances left to sing and dance together with our graduating seniors…
I would’ve liked to make it something truly amazing that would remain in our memories forever.
But we don’t have much time, or much of anything for that matter. It seems we’ll still be left with some regrets after it’s all finished.
I suppose we’ll just have to accept it. Life doesn’t always go as planned, after all.
Arashi: …Hey, Tsukasa-chan?
Tsukasa: Yes? What is it, Narukami-senpai?
Ah, before that…whereabouts is your house, Narukami-senpai? Would you like a ride back?
I know you can take care of yourself, but it’s still dangerous to walk around alone at night. If it’s no bother, we can take you home.
Arashi: Mm, it’s fine… There’s no need. My house is close enough to walk to, anyway.
How bold of you, Tsukasa-chan, thinking you can escort someone like me when you’re still just a baby in shining armor?
Tsukasa: Ah, well, I did think it might’ve been a bit too forward of me… I suppose it isn’t my business, in the end. My apologies.
All the same, please be careful.
Once Leader and Sena-senpai graduate, Knights’ main pillars of support will be you and Ritsu-senpai, after all.
Do take care of yourself. Knights wouldn’t exist without the both of you.
Arashi: …Don’t tell me you’re just worried about me because you need my skills or something?
Tsukasa: Huh? Ah, no, I was simply expressing my concern for your welfare, Narukami-senpai!
As my senior, you’re important to—you’re someone I greatly respect, so of course it would be a loss to the world if you were injured or you disappeared!
Arashi: …Mm. That’s right, I’m someone who can be useful to just about anyone. Incredible.
Ugh… I shouldn’t have to be useful. Maybe I’m just jealous of that person who can have me go looking whenever they please.
Tsukasa: …What person?
Arashi: I’m just talking to myself. …I have my own personal business, too, after all. Anyway, go on home and don’t worry about me, okay? It’s just about bedtime for good little kids, you know?
We’ll meet at school tomorrow…Tsukasa-chan. I’m glad I ran into you tonight. Bye-bye♪
Tsukasa: Mnn… I’m also glad to have had the honor of meeting you here, Narukami-senpai.
See you again…tomorrow.
---
< Dies irae Chapter 12 || Masterlist || Dies irae Chapter 14 >
