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Enigmatic Person |  |
LOCK
Umm, screen brightness is good... Image stabilization is on...
Asuka
Come on~. How many times is that? Haven't you been checking the camera settings all this time?
LOCK
I'm worried that the photos might be blurry. Sigh, I hope I can get some nice shots...
Ako
Kaoru sure is late, though. I'm sick of waiting~.
LOCK
We did arrive a little early. It's almost time for school, so I think she'll be here soon...
Asuka
I didn't realize that an exclusive shoot meant starting as soon as she arrives at school... I haven't gotten up this early in ages.
Ako
The people in the newspaper club are really into this though~. They were like, we've gotta make this special feature on Kaoru a success!
LOCK
Your friend was originally meant to do this, right, Asuka-chan?
Asuka
Yeah. But she caught a cold and asked me to fill in.
Asuka
You two really didn't have to help me, though.
Ako
It'd be way too hard on your own!
LOCK
Let's do this together, Asuka-chan!
Asuka
You guys are too kind.
Ako
Ah, she's here, she's here! I spy Kaoru!
Student A
Good morning, Kaoru-sama!
Kaoru
Oh, good morning. Goodness, you've changed your hairpin today.
Student A
You noticed?!
Kaoru
I am rather fond of your usual floral accessory, but this light blue luxury truly brings out your fleetingness.
Kaoru
I must thank fate for allowing me to encounter such a dazzling princess so bright and early.
Student A
Princess?! Sigh~...
Asuka
Whoa. There's a crowd gathering around Kaoru-senpai.
LOCK
Wow~. So this is what happens when Kaoru-senpai arrives at school.
Ako
Kaoru's performances are super popular too! Even at Girls Band Party, she was surrounded by fans.
LOCK
Now that I think about it... I don't really know Kaoru-senpai that well.
Ako
...? Haven't you talked to her before, Rokka?
LOCK
No, I have. But we usually just greet each other and that's it.
LOCK
I've been to a Hello, Happy World! show before, but there was so many fans, so I couldn't even say hi...
Ako
Then you should get to know her super well during today's shoot!
Asuka
We will be around her a lot today, so you might be able to learn quite a bit about her.
Ako
Kaoru is... super funny!
Asuka
Isn't that a bit too vague...?
Ako
...? You think so?
LOCK
Maybe I'll come to understand what you mean after today's shoot, Ako-chan.
Kaoru
My, what a splendid morning, my little kittens. I have heard about our arrangement.
Kaoru
It appears you will be photographing me. For today, I am in your hands.
Asuka, LOCK & Ako
Let's work hard together!
Let's do this!
Let's do this!
Kaoru
First, could you capture me here on this crisp morning? For the initial shot... Yes, this pose will suffice...
LOCK
Huh? O-okay!
Kaoru
Ahh, I feel a breathtaking portrait being born. Rokka-chan, next, I must insist you take another while I do this pose.
Asuka
Why has this become a proper photo shoot...? We were asked to take ordinary photos of Kaoru-senpai, but are these okay...?
Ako
They're funny, so I think it's fine!
Kaoru
Fufu, I seem to be getting into the swing of things. It's as if the flames of passion have taken up residence inside my chest. Next, I shall attempt this pose.
LOCK
S-sure.
Kaoru
Oh dear, could you wait a moment? The clouds have shrouded the sun.
Ako
Is that a bad thing?
Kaoru
I have no issue with the concept alone. However, it does not align with my aesthetic vision.
Kaoru
Rokka-chan, could you show me the pictures you have taken?
LOCK
Uhh... Ah! Your hair is sparkling in every shot!
Asuka
It is too. Is that because it's reflecting the sunlight...?
Kaoru
Me, shimmering in the morning sun.. This is the kind of photograph I envisioned.
Kaoru
The time of day, the look of the sky, the subject's pose... The angle at which you must shoot depends on the combination of these three elements.
Kaoru
Reflecting on this, my next pose should be- Rokka-chan, could you take it from a little further to the right this time?
LOCK
A little to the right... Is this enough?
Kaoru
Yes, that is the superior position. Could you take the photo as you are?
Kaoru
Now, behold what you have created.
LOCK
Umm... Ah! You're shining just like before...!
Asuka
Even though it's cloudy? How...?
Kaoru
That is because this world is full of light, no matter how the clouds try to conceal it. All one must do is bask in its glistening glow.
LOCK
Ah! From this angle, the clouds behind you are quite thin!
Asuka
They are slightly thinner than in other spots. I can't believe you calculated it all to that extent, Kaoru-senpai...
Kaoru
In every photograph I take, I wish to present an impeccable Kaoru Seta to my little kittens, you see. As they say, "All that glisters is not gold."
LOCK
All that... glisters? What does that mean...?
Ako
Asuka, Asuka! Isn't Kaoru amazing?!
Asuka
Y-yeah, I don't really understand her, but she is... Who is Kaoru-senpai, exactly?
Transcript
Ako
Rokka~! Asuka~! Hurry, hurry! We'll be late meeting Kaoru!
Asuka
I-I know. I just finished eating lunch, so can we go a little slower...?
LOCK
Pant, pant. She messaged me saying she was around here, but-
Ako
Ah! There she is!
Asuka
Huh...? Is she talking to a tree?
Kaoru
Long time no see, everybody. Have you been well?
Ako
Oiii, Kaoru~!
Kaoru
Hm? Ahh, it's Rokka-chan and friends. I know, let me introduce you to everyone.
Kaoru
Long ago, when I had to embody a bird upon the stage, they helped me study for my role.
LOCK
They...? ... Ah, some little birds are sitting there.
Ako
Red, yellow, and blue! They're all so pretty~!
Asuka
What does "study for a role" mean?
Kaoru
It means precisely as it sounds. I discussed it with these birds, and they in turn taught me how to act it out.
Ako
Can you talk to birds, Kaoru?
Kaoru
Of course. Anyone can converse with birds if they attempt to relate with them.
Asuka
Uhh, I don't think-
Kaoru
Fufu, care to try? Touch this tree trunk.
Ako
The trunk? Like this? Ah, it's kinda cold~...
Kaoru
That is how a tree feels when birds sit atop it. If you listen carefully, you can hear the cool breeze and the peaceful rustling of the leaves...
Kaoru
One by one, feel the parts of nature that they feel... How about it? Can you hear their voices now?
Student's Voice
Our last class for the day is math. I'm gonna fall asleep.
Kaoru
Behold, they have spoken. Fufu, it seems the birds too have afternoon classes to attend.
LOCK
I don't think that was a bird talking, but rather a student over there-
Kaoru
Yes, I can feel it. The sound of the tree's roots absorbing water from the earth...
Kaoru
The tree's roots are working so vigorously. The sound reminds me of a factory.
Asuka
You sure that's not just the sound of the factory near here?
Ako
Kaoru, can you really befriend birds like this?
Kaoru
Of course. I have already become one with these little ones. Isn't that right, my little birdies?
Ako
Whoa, they replied?!
Asuka
No way, it must've been a coincidence.
Kaoru
Hmm... I see. What a wonderful affair.
LOCK
But it looks like she's actually speaking with them...
Asuka
No, she can't be... She can't be, right?
Kaoru
Let us have our next photo shoot here. Kaoru Seta and the gymnasium... I can feel the immeasurable potential.
LOCK
Okay! ... Ah, but it seems like someone else is using it.
Ako
There's a volleyball net set up... I wonder if that girl there is practicing.
Student B
Hmm~, what should I do...?
Kaoru
Greetings, little kitten. You seem perplexed. Tell me your woes, if it pleases you.
Student B
Kaoru-sama?!
Kaoru
Hmm... I take it you were practicing your volleyball skills?
Student B
Yes. We have a serving test in class soon, but I'm so bad at it...
Kaoru
Then I shall provide you with a lesson. For it is the duty of a knight to bring a smile to the face of their princess.
Student B
Huh?!
Kaoru
Do not fret. I am athletically inclined. I have even been asked to fill in as coach by numerous clubs.
Kaoru
Now, lend be the ball. Let us begin with the standard serve.
Asuka
There she goes. What do we do wabout the shoot...?
LOCK
I'll take some photos now, just in case. I think the newspaper club will be pleased if we can capture the many different sides of Kaoru-senpai!
Ako
Go, go, Kaoru~! You can do it~!
Kaoru
Fufu, thank you for your support. Now, watch closely. The trick to hitting an efficient serve is to ensure that it's...
Kaoru
A fleeting one!
Ako
Nice serve! You're so cool, Kaoru!
Student B
Kaoru-sama...! Sigh...
Kaoru
It seems like I have charmed all of your hearts.
Kaoru
Fufufu... In that case, I insist you enjoy my display even more. Hiya...!
Asuka
Whoa, she hasn't hit the net even once. I know she said she was good at sports, but she seriously is.
LOCK
A-Asuka-chan...
LOCK
Look...! All of Kaoru-senpai's serves are hitting the same spot...
Asuka
Huh...? Y-you're right! Not a single one of them has shifted from the edge of the court!
Kaoru
Phew... Indulge me, how were my serves?
Kaoru
The angle of my arms and knees, and the gentle arc of the ball. There was a certain beauty and grace about them, no?
LOCK
S-so that's what you wanted us to focus on...!
Asuka
I feel like there was something even more impressive than that... Most people can't continuously serve to the same spot...
Asuka
You were so, so cool! OI wanna learn how to do cool serves like you, Kaoru!
Kaoru
And so you will. The most important part of it is fleetingness. Be conscious of your fleetingness and give it a try, you two.
Student B
O-okay!
Ako
Okay! I don't really get it, but I'll give it a try.
Asuka
Seriously, who is Kaoru-senpai? She's not just good at sports, she's-
LOCK
I always thought that Kokoro-senpai and Hagumi-senpai were the sporty ones since they always move around during Hello, Happy World! shows, but... Kaoru-senpai is just as athletic...
Asuka
She understands how she appears in photos, enjoys talking to birds, and is unbelievable sporty...?
LOCK
We've even been taking photos of her all day, but the more I learn about Kaoru-senpai, the more of an enigma she becomes... What a peculiar person...
Kaoru
What touching serves you both made... It is true what they say, that flowers bloom swiftly.
Kaoru
Ahh, how fleeting...