Chapter 2

An original dance?

Yep. We were told in class today that we had to come up with an original dance.

We have a week to come up with our own choreography, learn it, and then show it off to everyone in class for a grade.

Hm, so this is what the classes are like for first years. It’s rather sweet, I’d say…

May I come to watch your recital, sir?

I would love to record it and send it to the Mister and Mistress abroad ♪

You may not! Absolutely not, Yuzuru! It’s just going to be a small-scale thing in the classroom!

Ah, because you transferred here in your second year, Yuzuru, you don’t know. All of us take this class in our first year—it’s making me nostalgic thinking about it.

Of course, I had a spell and was hospitalized around then, so I was unable to attend the recital.

Hmm? I don’t remember this at all. But I was performing for an audience at that time, so I missed class pretty often.

How unfortunate! It sounds fun.

Fufu, I thought you both would have taken your classes more seriously, senpais.

It’s rather thrilling to hear our Butler-san call us senpais…

Well, Eichi was in a much worse condition back then, and as you know, I’m just a frivolous troublemaker.

Fufu, I suppose all of those basic classes we took as first years would have been quite boring for you.

But to think they’re using the same curriculum two years later… No progress is being made.

I’m sure they are making minor improvements, but I should review those lesson plans again and give my input on them.

These children are those who will support the entire future of the idol industry; I want them to receive the best education possible.

I believe we have strayed from the topic at hand… What issues are you having with this original dance, sir?

Right. Uh, it’s kinda embarrassing to say it out loud… but I’m always bragging about being part of the strongest unit in school.

If you’re aware of that, then I have nothing to say on the matter.

Yeah… but even in my dance class…

I ended up saying, like, “I’m in fine, so I’m going to have the best dance ever!”

How is it you’ve come to be so pointlessly arrogant?

Urgh… I mean, Tsukasa was trying to rile me up, and I rose to his bait… But I’m still not very confident with my dance skills.

So now I’m worried I won’t be able to pull it off.

Tsukasa’s definitely going to make fun of me, and everyone else is probably going to laugh, too.

You are a slow learner. You lack stamina and coordination due to your delayed physical growth.

Well, this experience might help you. Perhaps a healthy dose of shame may let you reflect on things.

You’re too strict, Yuzuru. Tori isn’t so bad at dancing.

He does a perfectly adequate job when he performs with fine.

If I may, President-sama, that is the result of my Master’s tireless and frankly bloody efforts.

I took that into account. I’m not immune to favoritism, but I still believe that Tori is one of the best in his class.

Remember, Tori, I didn’t let you join us just because you’re cute.

It was because of your talent, faith, talent, ability—your sheer brilliance.

It makes me happy to hear all of that, but… nngh, maybe I shouldn’t have brought this up, actually.

If I crash and burn, it’s my own fault for talking a big game.

Or maybe I’ll still be the best in the class even if I just go at it normally. I shouldn’t have gotten worried in the first place.

I just needed a little boost of confidence.

Fufufu. You stand abreast with the likes of us, so it’s only natural that you lack in self-esteem.

Throw out your chest, Princess, and stand tall.

You endured a hellish training regimen under my supervision. I am certain you will not lose to anyone.

I’ve told you before: hard work betrays no one.¹

Fufu. Honestly, I’m not sure what advice I can offer you.

It’s not just about learning choreography—it’s an original dance… Simply being able to dance well isn’t enough.

You also need considerable creativity.

However, while I excel at watching others and imitating their techniques… I struggle when it comes to creating my own material from scratch.

We have that in common. And Butler-san is quite submissive—or rather, his specialty lies in conducting himself properly in his master’s presence.

I fear this may just be our Achilles’s heel.

I don’t think you lack creativity, though, Wataru. You love to improvise on stage, don’t you?

There’s a technique to improvisation. It’s not often I create something out of nothing.

(Ahaha, they’re talking way over my head again… Sometimes it feels like I’m getting left behind.)

(Even though I’m in fine, too. But it’s more like some great kings are just taking pity on me and letting me have a seat at the far end of their table.)

(At this rate, I’ll never catch up to them.)

(Jeez, I really don’t have the time to struggle with dance class right now.)