Chapter 1

Hey guys! Look, look! There’re so many fireflies flying around, it’s so pretty~ ♪

Hey, Mitsuru. I get that you’re excited, but stop running around, okay? Even if the fireflies are glowing, it’s still dark. It’d be really bad if you caught your foot on something and tripped.

I’m fine! I’m not gonna trip!

…Owah—Owowow?

See? And right after Tomo-chin warned you, too. Be more careful, Mitsuru-chin!

Right, got it! Watch the fireflies without running around!

That’s right. Ahaha, now that things have calmed down, we can finally do some firefly watching.

Mhm. Fireflies are meant to be quietly appreciated.

…Oh, before we start, let me say: if the flash on your phone goes off, the fireflies will fly away. Don’t let that happen.

Wow, you sure seem to know a lot, Keito-chin~ Have you done your research?

Yeah. When we came to inspect this place before, I was the one who suggested we go firefly viewing. So I did some basic research on it.

…Thank you, Nito.

Wha—? Did I even do anything to warrant your thanks…?

Nothing, really. But thanks to you, or rather thanks to Ra*bits acting as our openers, Summer Night Festival was really lively.

And the rest of the live went smoothly.

Our sponsors were overjoyed that it was as big a success as it was.

I’m glad, but we weren’t the only opening acts, y’know~

Some of the idols were so good at singing and dancing, it really was a shame they were such minor performers.

I usually only perform at Yumenosaki or in the neighborhood, so I don’t really know the capabilities of other idols.

But I got to realize today that there are so many amazing idols all across the country.

…And it also motivated us to work even harder.

Next time, we’re not just gonna be the opening act. We’ll keep growing and then stand right next to you on stage. Look forward to it, Akatsuki ♪

Hmph, big words. But you’re a guy, too. So dream big and make those dreams come true. I am looking forward to it, Ra*bits ♪

Haha, you guys watching the fireflies together? You’re pretty good friends, huh.

Hn? Oh, Kiryu and Anzu. If anyone’s good friends, it’d be you and Nito, right? You’re in the same class, so you’ve got a lot of opportunities to talk to each other.

Yep, Kuro-chin’s a great friend~

The attendance for class B is pretty bad, other than me and Kuro-chin. So we’ve had even more chances to get to know each other there.

Those three oddballs are way too free-spirited…

Well, I’m gonna let that be for now. We shouldn’t just huddle together like this, why not invite everyone else over to watch the fireflies?

I don’t mind. But with the exception of Nito, I’m pretty sure the other members of Ra*bits are scared of us.

They’re having a good time watching the fireflies, so I’d hate to ruin that.

It’d be nice if they came to us, but it’s probably better to just keep things as-is.

Probably. Mitsuru-chin’s not scared of you at all, but Tomo-chin and Hajime-chin are a different story.

…Speaking of which, where is Hajime-chin? Mitsuru-chin and Tomo-chin are together, but I don’t see Hajime-chin at all?

Hm, I can’t see Kanzaki anywhere, either. He’s not the type to wander off on his own, so he should still be around somewhere.

Hm… Oh, found ‘im. Haha, the shade from the trees made it hard to see him.

Oh, I see him too. He was crouching down, so I guess I missed him.

Nito, Kiryu, Anzu. It seems like the fireflies are gathering over that way. I’m going to follow them; do you want to come with?

Yeah, I’ll come. Wanna come along, Anzu?

Yep, let’s have a little fun and go firefly huntin’, all four of us ♪

~…… ♪

(Ehehe, how cute~)

(…Ah.)

(The fireflies are flying away. Maybe they’re looking for their friends?)

…Waaah!

(I kept looking down, so I never noticed—there are so many fireflies all around me.)

(They’re as beautiful as the ones I saw near my grandparents’ house.)

(After the live, we decided to go firefly viewing. I thought that coming here would remind me of the past and make me sad and wistful.)

(But that didn’t happen at all… Of course I’ll never forget what I did, but I can look at these fireflies with peace of mind now.)

All thanks to Kanzaki-senpai.

Hm? Didst thou call my name just now, Shino?

Wha—? Oh, Kanzaki-senpai! Fufu, so you came over here to see the fireflies too.

Yes, ‘tis the first time I have seen so many fireflies flying around. I am watching them with great care.

K–Kanzaki-senpai?!

…? What ails thee, Shino? Have I scared thee after all?

No, I’m okay! I was just surprised when the firefly landed on your finger, so I shouted out without meaning to.

Hmmm…? Oh, I only noticed once thou didst speak. It must be tired from flying. If my finger is indeed a suitable perch, I shall let it rest ‘til it is satisfied.

Fufu… ♪

Shino? Why are you laughing?

S–sorry! I’m not making fun of you. I was just thinking that you’re really kind.

And you even encouraged me, too.

…Um, Kanzaki-senpai. Was I able to become a radiant light?

Mhm. Hold thyself with pride, Shino. Thou didst shine brilliantly at Summer Night Festival.

Ehehe, I’m relieved to hear you say that.

This time, even though we were just the opening act, it was really fun and fulfilling… It made me glad that I decided to become an idol.

I want to shine more and more as an idol. And one day, I want to be able to illuminate everyone like the sun.

Ehehe, I’ve said something pretty outrageous there. You can laugh at me if you want, Kanzaki-senpai.

Nay, I shall not laugh. Thou didst overcome thy past and splendidly guided us toward success at Summer Night Festival.

I’m sure everyone in Ra*bits is proud of thee. And I too shall do my part to make the other two of Akatsuki feel the same.

Oh… Lo, Shino. The firefly perch’d upon my finger hath taken off and is dancing ‘round as to give thanks.

Fufu, I feel as though this will become another memory I shan’t forget… ♪