Chapter 9

…No! Let’s do it again, transfer student.

Like this, then turn… un, deux, trois ♪

Mm. I can’t tell if it’s muscle memory or not, but my body keeps trying to take the lead.

…Hm? Oh, in ballroom dancing, the man’s role is the leader. Fufu, I gues it makes sense for me, since I’m the leader of Trickstar?

…Yeah, my parents made me learn ballroom dancing when I was a kid, so I’m decent enough at it.

It’s been a useful skill to have when I play a prince on stage. A ball is a guaranteed development of the plot, so I have to learn all I can.

But somehow, I can’t seem to forget something once I’ve learned it.

Or even if I can’t forget it, it’d be nice if I could switch it on and off… but I’m just not a flexible person.

If you want someone who goes with the flow, that’d be Isara. And speaking of him—I’ve been so focused on rehearsing for the drama club, but I can’t let myself neglect Trickstar as a result.

I’ve been having you supervise our lessons and such… Would you say those guys are taking things seriously?

Hm. It’s fine as long as they’re giving it their all.

You think they miss me because I haven’t been showing up lately?

What are they, babies? Fufu. Well, I have been feeling lonely, too.

But I’d like to concentrate on rehearsal until I can properly play the part I was given.

This is the first step I have to take so that I can blossom as an actor just like my mother. I’ll walk this path with care.

Un, deux, trois… ♪

Fufu, you look pretty worn out. Sorry for making you practice with me, even though you don’t have as much stamina as we do.

I didn’t mean to push you so hard. If you’re tired, you should take a break.

Actually, it’s getting late. I’ll take you home.

Sorry. I thought I’d ask you to hang out a bit before going home, but I feel bad for making you stay.

It’s just that you’re my—no, our success story. When I’m with you, I feel like I’m overflowing with confidence. Like I can do anything.

It may be a lot of trouble for you, but I’d like it if you would stay with us from here on out, too.

Fufu. You’re a girl, so just being able to watch how you move and react to things will help my performance.

I know you don’t represent all women everywhere, but it’s still better than not to have an actual girl as reference.

Mm? Why are you looking away? Did I say something weird again?

I’m trying to be more careful, but everyone else says I keep making faux pas.

Oh, you get embarrassed when people stare at you…?

Hm, so that’s how girls think. I’ll make note of it.

Pardon me.

(…?! That’s the former top idol from Valkyrie, the guy who got famous as one of the Five Oddballs… Itsuki Shu!)

…What do you want with the drama club, Itsuki-senpai?

Hm? The little transfer student… and you are?

Oh, you. I thought I recognized you, Hockey Mask-kun.

So you’ve chosen to remain by Wataru’s side? What strange taste you have.

Don’t call me Hockey Mask. I’m Hidaka Hokuto, from Trickstar. Pleased to meet you.

Hmph. Trickstar, you say…?

So you’ve laid claim to the supporting role of the jester. I should question your character.

You’ve even misspelled the “ster” as “star,” as if you were being so clever. How pitiful.

Are you just here to criticize me, Itsuki-senpai?

Hardly. Wataru placed an order out of nowhere for some costumes, and that idiotic Kagehira accepted it without a thought—

So I took the time to come here myself and reject the order in person.

But is Wataru not here? If that’s so, then I’ve just wasted my time. How utterly vexing.

Oh, Buchou is busy with stuff for fine.

Ever since we took them down at the DDD, their reputation has been on the decline. So they want to restore it as soon as possible.

fine? Do not speak that name before me. I find it unpleasant…

Nonetheless, I feel there’s a gap in that explanation. Why would Wataru be doing idol work this late at night?

Oh, it’s because he’s been devoting all of his time to rehearsal for our upcoming performance, so he has to do all of his unit practice after the sun sets.

This is fine we’re talking about. Apparently, they hired a coach and pay them an off-hours rate to be trained mercilessly.

He says they’ve learned something new every day thanks to their coach.

…We’re getting off topic. If you want, I can give Buchou the message for you?

Or actually, if it’s something simple, I can probably take care of it for you. Do I just need to accept the order form or something?

Hmph… I’ve changed my mind. I’ll make the costumes after all.

The more he absorbs himself in this performance of his, the less time he’ll have to spend on fine’s activities, yes?

If that’s the case, then I’ll make such splendid costumes that Wataru won’t be able to think of anything but theater.

Fufu, I’d love to see the face Tenshouin makes when he finds himself unable to play with the toy he worked so hard to get. Just thinking about his frustration is enough to make inspiration well up inside me.

Kakaka! Now if you’ll excuse me, I must return to my club room to make these costumes!

Sigh… I don’t really get it, but it is late. You should go home soon too, senpai.

What a foolish thing to say. What would happen should I lose the inspiration flowing from my fingertips?

In any case, my parents have given up on me. They wouldn’t worry about me in the slightest.

…I said too much. Forget about that.

Now then, Hockey Mask-kun. …Please remain by Wataru’s side, if at all possible.

That man is lonelier than you may think.

…?