96: Prick

Wait, huh? Isn’t that a huge amount of L$ that got transferred? But we just sang, like, one single song at Bon Festival…?

Well, no—We were also background vocals for Switch’s performance during their encore. It was quite lively.

Nevertheless, it is still a bit suspicious that we were paid this much, despite not being the main act.

Hmm, hmm… Ah, I get it now. Yesterday’s Bon Festival was treated as as ALKALOID’s N1—that is to say, the first battle for all newcomers.

In order to give new idols a boost, it seems the rewards for competing in an N1 are set quite high…

Because of that, there was likely a dramatic increase in the L$ we were awarded.

Hm. In addition to that, it seems that the idols who retired after their performance at Bon Festival donated their own compensation to us.

Whoa… I’m super grateful for that. Usually, the people who quit will just convert their L$ into yen and use it for whatever they do in the future.

…I’m sure they had a lot on their minds. These are people who once dreamed of being idols, but had their dreams torn apart and were forced to to abandon them.

Were I in their shoes, I might also have left my dream in the hands of whoever was left.

Their dreams… I see. We’ll have to take good care of them.

Yes. They donated quite a lot of money, and it seems that only a small number of people will continuing on as idols—including us.

Hm. So because of that, a considerable amount of money has been added to our compensation for Bon Festival.

Yes. Switch was in charge of handling the donations, so they decided how it would be split among each unit…

It looks like our share was the largest out of all of them.

Natsume-senpai sent a Glitter Mail saying, “This is the least we can do for you poor, pitiable underachievers. Be grateful for our generosity.”

There’s something so patronizing about his tone that I can’t help but get pissed off… But I guess we do owe them one.

Yes, we’ll have to pay them back someday. …Compared to the others being laid off, ES has apparently given us much harsher conditions.

This might not even be enough to save us—According to his message, that is.

Ahh… I had a hunch about that. It’s like playing a game on mania—We’re in a position where we have to produce results at the MDM, all after making us pay that stupidly high entrance fee.

We really are the only ones going through this hell, aren’t we?

What’s up with that? What’d we do to deserve this…? We’ve been going at it so seriously without even taking a break—This is just cruel and unusual punishment. Especially after all this time.

Gyahaha! Even if you go at it seriously and never ever let up, they’re still gonna throw you right in the dumpster if you don’t get results ♪

——

Gwah—?! Hey, Hiro-kun, don’t just jump out of your bunk so suddenly! You freaked me out, c’mon!

W–wait, actually, that’s—Huhhhh?! Wh–wh–why’s… Why’s Amagi Rinne here?!

Nii-san!

Huh? You look like you’re boutta throw hands with me! C’mon c’mon, isn’t this supposed to be a tear-jerking family reunion? You should be happy to see me! Come give your onii-chan a big ol’ hug, Brosef ♪

I’ll drive back any trespasser who enters our room, even if they are a relative!

‘Cause that’s what’s “correct,” huh?

You still got those same ol’ boring thoughts clogging up your brain, huh… If you’re this pissed, you’re gonna make me think you’re hiding pornos or some shit under your bed!

‘Kaaay, Onii-chan’s gonna do some digging around. Now where could they be~? I’mma expose aaaall my li’l bro’s kinks!

Gyaah! Get your hands off me! What is up with this guy, Hiro-kun?!

Do not touch Aira!

Gyahaha! You think you’re so high and mighty you can go ordering me around? Well, I guess it’s good to see you letting go of all sense of reason like that!

Ah, whatever. And me oh my, do forgive me for disturbing you this fine morning. No need to be so cautious—We’re all birds of a feather here, so let’s all hold hands and be bosom buddies!

…Though I’d like to accept your desire to be “bosom buddies,” I can’t help but feel I should be cautious of that attitude of yours.

With all due respect, I don’t believe you’re acting in a very friendly manner.

Well duh. We may be in the same boat, but we aren’t family or friends. You tellin’ me you wanna act all lovey-dovey mushy-gushy like all those other dumbasses?

You ain’t got the luxury for that one… right, ALKALOID?

……

I heard about your situation, and I feel for you, I really do! Crazy:B’s in a similar position right now, too.

Maybe you think I sound a little fishy, but I seriously think we could get something going here.

—So now you know what’s what. I don’t really got any friendship bracelets for you guys today, but I do have a preeeetty good offer instead.

We’re both down on our luck here, so we gotta scratch each other’s backs, amirite?

A good offer…?

Oh, it’s just an offer, so it’s right as rain if you say no. That said, I dunno if you’ll survive long if you don’t accept.

…This offer. What is it?

Gyahaha, what’s up with you, talking to your onii-chan like that? Well all righty then, so here’s the plan—

Let’s team up, ALKALOID with Crazy:B.

……