Chapter 2

(A stone of miracles, huh…)

(I never liked ‘em because the sap that held the bugs reminded me of a sewer with dead bodies runnin’ down it.)

(But I guess it is pretty…)

(…? I hear someone…)

—Who’s there!

Fufufu. It’s only me, Koha-kun ♪

Bou…

I heard from Ran-senpai that you’ve been troubled by your personalized outfit? You poor thing.

But everything is all right now. Your big brother Tsukasa has come to your aid. Now let’s wipe away those tears ♪

I ain’t crying, and I don’t need your help.

First off, we’re in different agencies. If you don’t have business here, you should go back to your own office.

There is nothing partitioning us so. Come on, allow me to assist you, Koha-kun… ☆

Don’t sit next to me, it’s tickin’ me off.

Sigh… Whatever, but this is the only time I’m giving in. To be honest with you, I’m pretty desperate. And if you’re helpin’ out, I’m sure I’ll figure something out, even if it’s just a tiny piece of the puzzle.

Fufu, I’m happy you’re being so honest with me… ♪ For the record, my personalized outfit looks like—

You don’t have to show me. I already know what it looks like.

Really?! Then Koha-kun, you were looking for my…

I just happened to see it when I was pokin’ around the personalized outfits. It was a Western design that I wasn’t really expecting.

But it looked good on you, Bou.

To have you praise me… I’m truly grateful. Marvelous!

I was praising the costume, not you.

Nonetheless, it makes me happy. Thank you.

Now then—we’ll end the idle talk here. Let’s discuss your personalized outfit, Koha-kun.

Who put you in charge?

Fufu, it’s because I am the elder brother ♪

Pertaining to the design, I believe a Japanese style would suit you best.

So what about a florid outfit utilizing cherry blossoms as a motif?

Even as someone from the branch family? I can’t go wearin’ cherry blossoms like that.¹

It hardly matters whether you are a member of the head family or otherwise. Cherry blossoms are not the exclusive property of the Suous.

Just as there are innumerable varieties of cherry blossoms, I am myself, and you are you. Each blossom is unique.

So perhaps you should allow your own blossom to bloom for your fans?

…You sure talk big for bein’ you, Bou.

But my own cherry blossom… I always thought they were just things that scattered and disappeared.

But I wonder—could I bloom into something beautiful, even as I am, even if only for a moment…?

Yes, certainly. But not only for a moment: You will remain in the hearts of your fans forever.

I, too, look forward to what you create. Please show me a cherry blossom bursting with your color.

…There!

(I incorporated cherry blossoms into a kimono, then added some amber-colored bits and pieces—)

(This is my very own personalized outfit!)

(Designing it was a pain in the neck, but it was interesting at least. I’m excited to see it all finished up. Now I just gotta let Anzu-han know…)

(Yaaaawn… Ah, crap. Maybe it’s because I’d never done this before, but I’m all tuckered out.)

(And it is late. I guess I’ll just call her tomorrow—)

……

—So this is where you were, Oukawa. We were looking for you.

……

Oukawa?

Snzz… zzz…

Nahaha. Looks like he’s fast asleep~

He’s hella mature when he’s working, but when he’s asleep he really does look his age.

What a cute sleeping face. What if I… ♪

Hey. He’s sleeping peacefully, so don’t go picking on him.

Is this his design for his personalized outfit…? It looks like it’s coming together.

Cherry blossoms and amber… I see. This is something only he can wear.

Sure is. It’s pretty damn good. It even holds up to ours ♪

Mmm… So pompous…

…Is he actually awake?

Nah, he was just talking in his sleep. Gyahaha!

Now you’re the only one left, Niki. Once we’ve all got our outfits, we can get this party started!

We’ll buzz all around the stage and make some fucking noise. Ain’t that right, Kohaku-chan… ♪