88: Stage

……

(Wh–what’s with all the fanfare, Switch? I mean, we’re definitely wearing military-ish costumes, but it’s not like we’re actual soldiers or anything?)

(I also feel like they put a lot of emphasis on how suspicious the name ALKALOID sounds by saying something about a ceremony!)

(Argh, it’s hard to go up there. I feel like some rare animal in a freak show… It’s like this is just a performance for Switch.)

(Why do we have to be the first ones out of all the underachievers?)

(What’s their game here? It is right after Switch went and hyped everyone up, so it’s not like they’re gonna get bored and stop paying attention—)

(But on the other hand, doesn’t it also means there’s absolutely no room for failure?)

(Ahh, crap. I’m getting scared again… M–my heart isn’t ready for this.)

(Mikejima-senpai and Tsukinaga-senpai were so pumped up while we were waiting—They didn’t even care when Yuuki-senpai told them off. Thanks to that, I ended up forgetting how nervous I was.)

(But now I’m standing here with only the stage and the audience in front of me.)

(I’m so scared and so anxious, and I don’t know what to do… I can’t move even a step.)

Aira, let’s go.

Wha—Hang on, don’t just grab my hand like that, Hiro-kun. These people are just now seeing us for the first time ever—What if they start thinking we’re all buddy-buddy?

Are we not all buddy-buddy…? I see, that makes me sad.

Ah, no, that’s—I mean, there’s no harm in them thinking we’re close friends.

It’s just kinda embarrassing to be acting like kids. Like, we’re supposed to be working adults or professionals or something.

Fufu. It’s fine, isn’t it? It’s soothing to watch… How charming ♪

We’re supposed to be soldiers though. What’re we gonna do if all we do is soothe them…?

Well, the audience isn’t our enemy, so it’s not like there’s a point in trying to overpower them.

Yes. It is noble to die in the line of duty, but we shouldn’t wish to be bound to that fate.

God is always within your heart, so let your soul guide your path.

Translation: “Just be yourself.” Did I get it right?

Yes. Fufu, you’re pretty quick to catch on. I admire Hiiro-san’s initiative; should we copy them and hold hands ourselves, Mayoi-san?

No, it’s okay. If I were to be touched by a being as pure as you, Tatsumi-san, I’d surely shatter into pieces—

I’m barely alive as it is; right now I’m so far over the edge that I can no longer feel pain or fear.

Ahh, that’s why you look so unusually calm, Mayo-san… You okay? You’re not gonna collapse on stage or anything, right?

No, I won’t. It would be fine if I were the only one to die, but that would cause trouble for everyone…

I’ll hang in there somehow, and proceed into the light while enduring my shame.

Ahhh, so bright… The light is shining on me—I feel like I’ll disintegrate beneath it’s illumination!

Yes. We’ve finally made it. All four of us, together on stage.

(Nii-san, you’re still so far away. But now I’m one step closer.)

(I’ll keep taking more steps, until I’m at least within earshot—)

? Hiro-kun, what’s wrong? Let’s get up there, ‘kay?

We’ve gotta get this scary thing over and done with, before I forget all the skills Mayo-san drilled into us!

…Yes. Today I’m not Amagi Hiiro; I’m just one soldier clad in uniform.

Together with the companions I’ve met so fortuitously, I shall head off to battle with a clear mind.

I’m sure that is the correct thing to do.

Hiiro-san, Aira-san, let’s start singing as soon as we step on stage.

If you’ll remember, we never practiced emceeing… In our current condition, it’s all we can do to sing our one song properly.

Ahh, I’m sorry for leaving so many things out.

Fufu. Well, it would be impolite not to say even a few words, so I’ll try my hand at it. Hopefully I won’t overdo it.

—What’s emceeing?

Yeah, no. We don’t have enough time to explain right now, idiot, so just do what you can and don’t think about it too hard!

Yes. I’ll do my best.

(—Nii-san. Long ago, you asked me a question. “What do you want to be when you grow up?”)

(I still don’t know what the future might bring.)

(But I became an idol just like you, Nii-san. Clad in a uniform I’m not yet used to wearing, I can also consider myself an idol.)

“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”