Chapter 12

……

(…? What’s going on? As soon as Tenshouin-senpai said that, uh, spell-thing? Hibiki-senpai just stopped moving completely.)

(Just like an electronic toy that’s been turned off.)

I just have one question for you, if you don’t mind—Wataru.

……

What do you think about this SANCTUARY?

……

U–umm, Tenshouin-senpai.

Please be quiet for a moment, Mashiro-kun. We’re discussing something very important.

(…! What’s with that look in his eye? But—But he’s always smiled so gently in front of us?)

(Now he looks just like my sister when she’s totally pissed off!)

What do I… think?

(Uwah, the whole air around Hibiki-senpai just changed! Up until now, it’s been kinda vague and muddy—)

(Now it feels like when he’s on the stage acting out his best scene. I’m getting goosebumps.)

I’ve conveyed that not with words, but with actions, my entire being—have I not?

If I haven’t, then my skill must still be lacking. Of that cruel reality I am deeply ashamed.

And then! To explain the significance, the meaning, of a work off stage—That is the mark of a true failure as a performer. Oh, I cannot bear such shame!

How much further must you taunt me, Eichi?

…Can I take it that your true intentions are really as I see them? No, perhaps I should take that which I felt as the correct answer.

Just like when you entrusted me with your mask before the second DDD.¹

Yes. You can’t help the position you’re in, but you always nitpick every little thing—How very adorable ♪

……

H–hey. Um, I still don’t know what’s going on here, so could you maybe explain something…?

No.

If you’re really a fan of Hibiki Wataru, the performer, then you ought to interpret things for yourself, rather than begging the actor, playwright, or director for the right answer.

And you should be embarrassed for willfully misunderstanding things and getting hurt or upset, just like I did. No, you should be filled with regret and lament your own foolishness.

It is a state of being that can only be attained by those who have suffered.

(Yikes?! What the hell? Everything got so bright all of a sudden! I can’t see!)

(I hear a propeller just above us! Is it a helicopter? Those are usually outflying around ES, but…?!)

(Oh! Up there! There’s a square hole in the dome that covers the town! And there’s a ladder coming down from the helicopter—)

Well, I’ll see you later, Mashiro-kun.

I’m deeply sorry, but I’ll be taking Wataru back. I need him in my life, you see.

…! Me too! I–I mean, I need him in my life, because I—!

You already have so many dear, important things in your life. A normal family to love you, friends to enjoy yourself with, and precious companions to chase your dreams with.

I envy you, truly.

…You already have so many things; can’t you let me have just one of them?

…!

(Crap, they’re gone… Tenshouin-senpai grabbed onto the ladder as it was leaving, with Hibiki-senpai in his arms.)

(Speaking complete gibberish from start to finish.)

(Jealous? Tenshouin-senpai beats me at everything! He’s the richest person in Japan, one of the top idols in the ES Big Three—)

(And he’s always, always controlling Hibiki-senpai’s life wherever he can.)

(No, it’s not just Hibiki-senpai’s life, it’s all of ours.)

(You have so much! Stop trying to take stuff away from us!)

(Shit! It’s so far away, I can’t reach it! I wanna give him a piece of my mind, but they’re already out of earshot!)