Chapter 2
(The letter’s blank…! This isn’t the one I gave to Anzu-san!)
(What should I do? …No, this isn’t the time to freak out—I have to say something. I’m on stage right now.)
(I remember most of what I wrote, so I’ll just say what comes to mind? No, by now it’s—)
“…Whew. Sorry, let me start over.”
“……”
“Dear Hinata-kun. If there’s ever something I want to say to you, it’s always gonna be the same thing.”
“Don’t go off on your own. Don’t start running without me. Don’t worry so much about me. Don’t breathe down my neck so much.”
“(whispering) Aren’t you picking on me too much? Also sorry, I don't think I’ll be able to stop doing all that for a while…”
“There’s plenty else I can pick at too, but for now I’ll just try to say what I need to say.”
“From here on out, we’re each going to grow more and more, get stronger, find our own charms. We’re going to become the strongest versions of ourselves.”
“We’re going to make the idols called 2wink shine so, so much more brightly together.”
“…And yeah, I love you too, Aniki!”
“…Don’t you wanna fix that last part to say ‘Hinata-kun’ instead?”
“Ooh, too bad. It’s a one-time thing kinda deal—No takebacks! So I’d like if you just accept that as part of my real and honest feelings.”
“Sure thing~ Then can I respond to those feelings with a big ol’ hug?”
“No can do. Or more like, no way! What’s the point in telling each other how much we love each other back and forth forever?”
“Now we’re turning our love onto all our fans out there. C’mon c’mon, get ready.”
“Yessir~ This one’s for all the fans who’ve been supporting us this whole time, who never stopped looking out for us…!”
“We’re giving you our whole hearts! So we hope you’ll accept them!”
(…I was so freaked out when I saw that blank paper come out of the envelope, but I’m glad I pushed through it.)
(Even now my heart’s still pounding a little, but I’ll use even this heartbeat to make the best performance I possibly can.)
“~ ♪ ~ ♪”
(When I got up on the stage for Chocolat Fes today, it was like the whole audience was pouring their feelings onto me.)
(I had to face myself in the mirror a lot this past month.)
(But out of everyone, I think my fans are the ones who can accept the way I’m growing the best.)
(I can hear them all calling out my name, telling me they love me. Thank you, everyone, for reminding me of the most important thing today.)
(Not just for ourselves, but for the fans too… no, for all of you. We’ll keep moving forward for all of you.)
(So keep your eyes on us! Keep loving us! I’m sure we’ll be able to make you even happier!)
“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”
(Fufufu, Yuuta-kun really got his groove on, huh. It’s getting me all hyped up too ♪)
(Our fans have been with us through thick and thin, so I wanna make them as happy as I can!)
(Chocolat Fes is like the fanservice live, after all. So just sit back and watch little ol’ Hinata-kun throw out tons of kisses and winks and stuff ☆)
(…We want to make sure everyone who likes us enjoys themselves to the fullest. We want to make them glad that they chose us.)
(We want to be the kind of people who can bring out a smile on everyone’s faces.)
(And that’s why we sing with everything we’ve got. So that our love can reach every single heart!)
“Hey everyone, can you feel our love?”
“Let’s keep up these good vibes all the way to the end!”
“♪ ~ ♪ ~… ☆”
Yuuuuutaaaaa-kun ☆
…Gwah. I told you not to cling to me without any warning, but it really just went in one ear and out the other, huh.
I guess that’s just how it is for little devils like me~ I just love the look on your face when you’re surprised, so even if you tell me not to, I’m always gonna get that urge.
By the way, what were you just doing? You’re not looking for the culprit of The Case of the Blank Letter anymore?
Oh, nah. I knew Anzu-san would never do something like this… and when I went to ask, I was right. It was someone else’s work.
He said stuff like “Your writing’s wayyy too stiff, yanno?” and “If you’re gonna confess, you gotta do it right!” but seriously, I just don’t get it.
That guy really is a good-for-nothing. For a moment back there, my mind went totally blank, y’know?!
Gotcha, gotcha. But thanks to that, I got to hear your raw, honest feelings. I’m happy about that ♪
You love me a whole bunch too, right Yuuta-kun~? Nn~ I’m just so happy about that! Hug hug ☆
Aniki, aren’t you getting a little too clingy with me? We were only separated for a little while. And you’re really heavy when you throw all your weight on me like that…
Huhhh? But can’t you let me stay like this just for today? Just until tomorrow…
Tomorrow is ES’s Chocolat Fes. At least wait until that’s over, you spoiled brat.
We’re leaving the set as-is, but our performance tomorrow is going to change, and so will the set list.
Right now, we should be going home to reflect on today and practice for tomorrow.
Ooh, you’re all fired up ♪ I wanted to bask in the memory of today a little longer, but as long as I’m with Yuuta-kun, I’m good with anything.
Then what should we do? Wanna go back to Starmony Hall first, then rent out a dance room later?
Sure, yeah… I think we should have our practice in the place made for it.
There’s a lot I still want to tell you, too.
…? Like what? I thought we already got up to speed with each other.
Yep. That’s why, when we were back in that empty classroom, I asked you if there was anything else you wanted to share.
But I’m not done telling you everything I’ve learned through my experience yet, so I wanted to check if we were done for the time being.
…?
Umm~ But yeah, we should probably focus on Chocolat Fes for today.
There’s a lot I need to tell you, but that can wait ‘til Chocolat Fes is over.
So get ready! When the time comes, I’ll show you all the ropes, no holding back! I’m gonna make you level up so hard!
…Are you even taking this seriously?
I’m always serious. I’m gonna give you a gift: I’ll make us the strongest 2wink we can be.
I’m gonna seriously knock your socks off. And in order to do that, I did my best to borrow my senpai's power~ ♪
I’ve done things now that I never would have done before. So now that my training is over, I can finally look back over my shoulder at you.
…Sorry, I dunno what I’m saying. but I’m sure that as we are now, we can finally talk about the future without fighting.
So when Chocolat Fes is over, can we have that talk?
Duh, I’m gonna make you spill every last thing. Seriously, what are you even talking about…
—Oops?! The contractors are getting ready to tear the stage down. I don’t wanna get in their way, so let’s go home!
Ah…! Hey, don't run away!
Fu fu fu ♪ Hurry and catch up to Onii-chan! If you don’t give it all you’ve got, I’m gonna leave you in the dust~!
… Gh…!
—What the hell, you’re not even looking back at all. So you just assume I’m gonna chase after you?
Well, you’re right… I’m not gonna let you leave me behind.
Wait for me, Aniki. I don’t know where you’re trying to go, but I’m right behind you!