85: Taunted

Fufu. Maybe you guys don’t really have the luxury of caring about people around you.

But try to keep your voices and movements to a minimum here, or you’re gonna bother the staff working in the area.

Wh—Eek!! I’m sorry!

Nah, I get it. I ended up eavesdropping on what you were saying.

I felt the same back during my first performance—I was completely overwhelmed by nerves.

The stage is scary right? Even when you think you’ve done all the calculations and programmed it perfectly, there’s always gonna be bugs.

But if you’re too busy shaking in your boots, you won’t be able to deal with the unexpected.

It might be hard, but try to relax and have fun. We’ll be cheering you on, ALKALOID.

Yes, thank you. …You look a little familiar. You’re from Trickstar, aren’t you?

It’s rare for Aira to stay so quiet when he sees an idol, so I didn’t notice right away.

Th–that’s just ‘cause I’m freaking out so bad I can’t even see what’s going on around me!

God, I’m so embarrassed! Hiro-kun noticed an idol before me, even when he’s always going around looking like he has no idea what’s going on!

I’ve heard that before, yes. Sorry, stealing someone else’s job isn’t right.

Ahaha. It makes sense that you didn’t notice me. I don’t have the air of a celebrity at all.

I’m actually not even here as an idol. I’m just part of the regular staff right now.

Actually, uh. Why is a big name like Trickstar working sound—or, you are working sound, right?

Yep. I’m friends with the sponsor of Bon Festival, Switch. Natsume-kun, Harukawa-kun, and I play games together in our dorm rooms pretty often…

And while we were just talking away like normal, suddenly I realized I had all this work to do. Basically, they pushed it all on me.

Anyway. You said it so casually I almost missed it, but you called us big names… That feels super weird to hear. As if the times really have changed.

Well, I guess not really. Even now we have to do our best to keep evolving so we don’t get left behind.

Ohhh, now I’m really itching to stand on stage too… I’m so jealous of you guys.

(…Hm, so that’s how idols think.)

(I wonder, is it really such a sacred thing for idols to sing and dance on a stage? I still can’t really feel that myself—)

(But I feel like I’ll be able to understand it better if I stand on this stage today—)

(What an idol is.)

Hahaha! All fired up, aren’t you! You’re all so excited to perform that you’ve already left your dressing room, even though it’s not your turn yet!

Fufu. No, we were just so absorbed in our lessons that we forgot to book a room.

There are many units participating in this, so before we realized it, all the rooms had been taken.

Whoa, you surprised me.

Urgh~… I really can’t see anything going on around me. I didn’t even realize Mikejima-senpai was here.

Ohhh? What do you mean?

You’re suuuper huge, Mama, so you stick out like a sore thumb. If he didn’t notice you, then there’s no way he’s paying attention.

But at least pay attention to the guests! If you’re fine just singing to yourself, go hit up a karaoke bar! Wahaha ☆

Ohh, it’s you two… Did you come to support us?

Yep! This ship’s already set sail! I got attached to you guys since I’ve been killing time watching you practice.

Then Mama said he was gonna come watch you, so I tagged along!

I even wrote a song for you! Oh but, if I give it to you now, you’ll probably just get confused, so I’m not gonna show you!

But if you manage to survive this I’ll give it to you as a present! So kick ass out there!

Ahaha. You’re still going around giving out songs like cheap candy, Tsukinaga-senpai?

Oh, it’s Yuu-kun! How’ve ya been~? I’m doing great ‘cause ALKALOID here got me out of my slump!

Watching these guys kinda remind me of my early days as an idol, so I’m just bursting with all sorts of inspiration!

So it wasn’t exactly a thank-you gift. I just wrote it on a whim and didn’t wanna throw it away!

I don’t give away my songs without thinking anymore.

Mhm, it’s better that way. Giving presents to whoever passes you by—it makes it look like you don’t actually love anyone.

Th–the way you said that kinda stings… What’d I ever do to you?

I’m just talking like I normally would. If you took it that way, it just means we’re fundamentally incompatible.

Hahaha! It’s not often someone takes that kind of attitude with Leo-san, since he’s sooo loved by everyone! You have to treat him with care, you knooow?

He’s the type of person who can become your best friend for life!

Just like Kanata-san is for me.

Ngh~… I’m not as strong as Mama is, so it hurts if I get stabbed—I’ll start crying.

Fufu. Well, it doesn’t really matter. If you guys are just guests this time around, please try to act like adults and quit butting in—senpais.

The stage is an everyday thing for you, so you’re used to all this.

But ALKALOID—these newbies are standing on this battlefield for the first time in their lives.

Don’t ruin it by getting all crazy, okay?

…Hah, I know that sounds weird coming from someone in Trickstar ♪