Transcript
Moca
Sigh~...
Moca
... Sigh~...
Tsugumi
Looks like Ran-chan's still in homeroom. Why don't we wait here for a little while? ... Uhm, Moca-chan? What's wrong? I heard you sighing.
Moca
Tsugu~. It's over for me. I've lost my reason for living~. I can't go on~. Boo-hoo-hoo...
Tsugumi
Huh?! Wh-what do you mean?
Moca
Sob... Here~, see for yourself~.
Tsugumi
Isn't this the manga magazine you buy everry week? If I remember correctly, this morning you were saying, "It's that time of the week again~!".
Moca
Yeah, this is it alright~. Take a look here though. Right under this panel~.
Tsugumi
Uhm... "Thank you for all your support. We hope you will look forward to our next series." ... W-wait, that means...
Moca
Yup. The unthinkable... That's a wrap. It's over. Finito~.
Moca
And I was always filled with excitement and enthusiasm reading their stuff week after week too~. At this rate, I'm going to shrivel up and die of an ex-thusiasm deficiency~.
Tsugumi
I totally understand. It's really sad when your favorite manga ends...
Tsugumi
But you can't let it keep you down forever. You have to pick yourself up and move on! This is the perfect opportunity to find a new manga to enjoy!
Moca
Well, yeah, but... How? How am I supposed to find something when I don't even know where to start~?
Tsugumi
Th-then... What if I give you some recommendations?
Tsugumi
Actually, there's this manga I've been wanting to tell you guys about anyway!
Tsugumi
It's about this girl trying to steal the heart of her beloved prince... Ah! And there's this other one I like that's about a girl trying to start a girls' soccer club at her school!
Tsugumi
Both of the main characters are really upbeat, so you can't help but be happy yourself. They're perfect for when you2re sad, like right now...
Moca
Hm~, those do sound pretty Tsugurific and deep, bvt... do they have any battle scenes~?
Tsugumi
Huh?! I-I don't think so...
Moca
Too bad~... Right now I want something with lots of battles. Something fiery that'll make this manga ending a distant memory~.
Moca
Sorry, Tsugu~.
Tsugumi
Don't be! Still, a manga that's "fiery", huh...? Uhm~.
Tsugumi
Moca-chan, what exactly do you mean by that? I think I have an idea, but... nothing's really coming to mind.
Moca
Hm~. Like the kind of stuff I usually read, I guess~... Ah, right... Now that I think about it, we haven't ever really talked about manga before, have we?
Moca
You usually read shoujo manga, don't you, Tsugu~?
Tsugumi
That's not the only thing. I just like manga with cheerful main characters, so I just happen to read a lot of shoujo manga.
Moca
I see, I see. So the thing you like is within the shoujo manga genre... like teen dramas or something~?
Tsugumi
Teen dramas, huh...? I suppose so. I like it when I want to cheer on the main character. How about you, Moca-chan?
Moca
I like manga with really solid stories. If there are fight scenes, even better~.
Moca
That's probably why I end up reading mostly shounen and seinen manga~. Watching the main character go up against a super strong enemy gets me fired up~!
Tsugumi
So the ones that make you wonder, 1What'll happen next?" or something that keeps you wanting more?
Moca
That's my Tsugu~. Bull's eye~. I want something that keeps me on the edge of my seat~.
Tsugumi
E-ehehe... Something tells me I finally understand what kind of manga you like.
Moca
Same here~. I always thought you only liked shoujo manga, or series that were made into movies~.
Tsugumi
Not at all! Although, I do end up reading those a lot bnecause I don't buy any of those magazines. And if it's being made into a movie, they usually play a lot of commercials on TV.
Moca
Oh yeah~. Without those commercials, you wouldn't know about them at all. That's another reason why finding a new manga is so hard~.
Moca
I haven't come across anything lately that screams "Read me!"
Moca
... Now I'm doubly sad I've lost the only manga that made me feel that way... Boo-hoo-hoo~.
Tsugumi
Moca-chan...
Tsugumi
(I really want to cheer her up... But how...?)
Tsugumi
Moca-chan, uhm... I...
Tsugumi
...!
Moca
...? Tsugu? What's up~?
Tsugumi
Moca-chan... This is it!
Moca
What's it...? "Now accepting applications for our New Artist Awards"...?
Tsugumi
Exactly!
Tsugumi
Uhm, if you can't find an interesting manga, then we should make our own!
Tsugumi
So what do you say, Moca-chan? Let's make our own manga!
Moca
Hoho~... I see what you're getting at. Now this is an unexpected development~.
Moca
And an interesting one to boot. "How will Moca-chan and Tsugu's fates be changed by this new challenge~? Tune in to find out~!"
Transcript
The Two
... Sigh~...
Tsugumi
Making manga sure is hard...
Moca
Urgh~... Good stories are coming to mind, but they're all over the place, not cohesive at all~.
Tsugumi
And the only scenes we've come up with are the exciting parts... We don't have anything that leads up to them. Who knew writing a story would be so hard?
The Two
Hmm~...
Himari
Ugh~, I told you we'd be late~. You're way to quick to say yes to everything, Tomoe!
Tomoe
I said I was sorry, didn't I? I figured since we were already waiting for Ran, we'd have time to help out. I didn't know they'd ask us to help clean the entire reference room.
Ran
I just finished up myself so it worked out fine, didn't it? Thanks for waiting, Moca, Tsugumi... Uhh, why are you making those faces?
Moca
Ah, Ran~. How's it going~?
Tsugumi
How was class, Ran-chan? How about you guys, Tomoe-chan? Himari-chan?
Himari
Tsugu~! Listen to this! Tomoe-
Ran
Yeah, yeah. You can tell them about it later... What are you two up to? You look pretty stumped.
Tsugumi
A-ahaha... You see...
Himari & Ran
Manga...?!
Tomoe
You two are writing manga?!
Tsugumi
I guess it is a little shocking, huh?
Himari
Of course it is! Why? What on earth gave you that kind of an idea?!
Ran
Oh, come on. It's obviously Moca's fault.
Moca
Hey~, that's so mean, Ran~. It just happens to be my fault this time~.
Tsugumi
Uhm, Moca-chan's favourite manga ended, and she hasn't been able to find a new one to read...
Tsugumi
So we were trying to think of what to do about it... Then I saw this in Moca-chan's magazine! Look! "New Artist Awards Applications Now Open!"
Tsugumi
And that's when it hit me! If we can't find a good manga, we just have to make our own!
Tomoe
Oh~, gotcha. Sounds like something you'd come up with, Tsugu.
Himari
You sure you're not just after the prize money~? Those kinds of contests usually give out a lot of cash.
Tomoe
Hahaha. And if you win, you'll bot be manga artists, huh~? Should I get your autographs while I have the chance?
Moca
You guys think this is some kind of game to us~?
Himari
N-no, that's not what we're saying at all! So? What kind of manga are you gonna make?
Moca
We told you~. That's what we're trying to figure out~.
Ran
You'd think you'd be able to come up with a ton of stories since you're always reading that stuff.
Tsugumi
We've come up with the climax and more exciting parts. It's the beginning we're having trouble with. We're totally stuck.
Moca
Yeah, what she said~. By the way~, what kind of manga do you guys think we should do~?
Tomoe
Obviously you have to do something intense! Where friendships and alliances are formed not with words, but with fists! That stuff's the best~!
Himari
I think you should do a love story~! Something that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, then leaves you crying at the end!
Ran
Uhm... I only read manga when I borrow it from Moca... I honestly have no idea what would be good.
Tomoe
I feel like you'll read anything, Ran. I just lent you a book myself.
Ran
I wouldn't say 'anything'... It's just that I don't choose what to read on my own, so that's what it looks like. They're all interesting, but I can't say I know which ones are especially good.
Ran
But now all we've done is tell you what kind of manga we like.
Tsugumi
True... But if you like something that much, you'd probably be pretty good at writing on your own, right?
Moca
I see, I see. Everything's becoming clear~. After hearing from all of you, I think I've come up with something really Mocatastic~.
Himari
Hmph! You're just speaking nonsense again~.
Tomoe
So what kind of manga do you two like? Something tells me I already know though.
Tsugumi
Yeah, we're doing a-
Moca
Tsugu~. Stop.
Tsugumi
...?! M-Moca-chan?
Moca
I said I thought of something Mocatastic, didn't I~? I think I've found a way to bring our story together~.
Tsugumi
R-really?!
Moca
Really. However, I've only got the beginning down. Think you can help me finish it off~?
Tsugumi
Of course!
Tomoe
Oh~, now we're talking!
Himari
This is going to be a combination of genres you and Tsugu like, right? Hmm~... Yeah, I can't even imagine.
Ran
Moca, are you... okay?
Moca
Fufufu~. Leave it to yours truly~.
Moca
Now then, story time~. Everyone gather round~.
Transcript
Yukina
Uehara-san, is this really all you've got...? Where's your passion for the game of tennis?
Himari
Huff, puff... I-I can... keep going...!
Yukina
And you will. Here comes the next ball.
Himari
Yes ma'am! ... Eek!
Yukina
What on earth was that?! You didn't even come close to hitting it. One more time, from the top!
Himari
U-urgh... O-okay!
Aya
Are you alright, Himari-chan? Minato-senpai was really strict with you again today.
Kanon
Why is she like that with only you though? She's always so nice to us...
Himari
... M-maybe she sees something in me? Boy, sure is tough~!
Aya
Himari-chan...
Himari
Ah! I'm going to go tidy up the courts! I'm sorry. I know I'm supposed to be doing all the cleaning myself... Thanks for helping, you guys!
Kanon
No, I'm sorry we can't do more.
Aya
We'll do anything we can to help. You've already shown us you've got what it takes talent-wise... I know we can make it to nationals together!
Himari
You guys... Yeah! We got this! Alright, I'll see you tomorrow~! Bye-bye~!
Himari
Okay... Phew... I think that's it? The court's all set, and the club room's spotless! Thank goodness~, I can finally go home~.
Himari
Still... I wonder why Yukina-san only acts that way toward me... I know I'm good at staying positive, but at this rate...
???
Do you want to know why... Minato-san's so strict with you?
Himari
Wh-who's there?!
Moca
I'm Moca, a beautiful girl who just happens to be passing by. But forget about me... Should I tell you? The reason for Minato-san's strict training and behavior.
Himari
A beautiful girl just passing by...? That's not suspicious at all... Wh-whatever. Yeah, I want to know. Tell me! Why does she act so differently with me...?
Moca
It's because... of your blood.
Himari
My... blood?
Moca
Yes. Your family's blood holds an old and mysterious power, and that power now flows through your veins. Minato-san intends to awaken that hidden potential by pushing you to your limits.
Himari
Huh? M-my family's blood? Mysterious power? What a lazy explanation... W-wait, no, I'm getting off track.
Himari
U-uhm... So that means... she's treating me like this... for my sake? Is that it?
Moca
That's likely the case... Hmph. A real hassle to deal with, isn't she...?
Himari
I see... So Yukina-san's doing all this for me...
Himari
Uhm, "I see"?! What the heck does that mean~? None of this story makes any sense, Moca!
Moca
What~? It does too~. Thanks to Minato-san's training, Hii-chan's blood will slowly awaken, and she'll gain some super cool powers~.
Ran
So what kind of powers are we talking about?
Moca
She'll be, like, super strong.
Ran
... Can you be a bit more specific?
Moca
Hmm~, I don't know. Maybe something with lasers beams?
Tsugumi
Laser beams, laser beams... So will they come out of the racket? Or maybe her eyes...?
Ran
Tsugumi, you're thinking too hard about this.
Tomoe
Ahaha! Still, you had something pretty good going there for a bit.
Tomoe
As for the story, well... It sounds like something Ako would like, that's for sure.
Tsugumi
Ah, it does! It's perfect for her!
Tomoe
Right~? I'm pretty sure I've seen manga like that in her room before.
Himari
Argh~! And I was so excited about being the main character too!
Tomoe
Ahahaha. Oh well.
Ran
(Minato-san as a strict mentor to Himari, huh? ... I can see that, weirdly enough...)
Ran
(Actually, that might suit her perfectly...)
Transcript
Ran
Himari, calm down. Moca's always saying weird stuff. Nothing new there.
Himari
Still~!
Tomoe
Hmm~, so what kind of story would you have done, Himari?
Himari
Well... If it was me...
Himari
... It's been a whole week since I transferred, but I still haven't made a single friend. Sigh... I'm so bad at talking to new people.
Himari
It'd be nice to at least have someone else to eat lunch with... I'm so lonely...
Marina
Alright, everyone, please take a seat~. We have a new transfer student today. Seta-san, please introduce yourself.
Kaoru
I am Kaoru Seta.
Marina
Uhm... Is that it, Seta-san?
Kaoru
Yes. There's nothing else worth saying.
Marina
O-oh? Uhh~... W-well, everyone be nice to our new student! Alright, Seta-san, please take a seat in the back of the classroom, right next to the window.
Kaoru
Understood.
Himari
(U-urgh... She seems a little weird. Still, we're both transfer students... Maybe this is my chance to make a friend?)
Himari
U-uhm, hi, Seta-san! I'm Himari Uehara. I just transferred here too...
Himari
I-I'm sure it'll be tough getting used to everything around here so... Let's be friends, and we can do it together!
Kaoru
Why?
Himari
Huh?
Kaoru
What purpose does being your friend serve? Sorry, but I want to avoid expending unnecessary energy.
Tsugumi
H-hey, wait. That was a bit rude, don't you think?
Tomoe
Yeah. There's got to be a better way to say that...
Himari
Uhm... S-so, are you saying... You don't want to be my friend...?
Kaoru
... If that's how you choose to take it, that's fine by me.
Himari
...?!
Tsugumi
Uehara-san, would you like to come hang out with us? I'm not sure Seta-san likes you very much.
Tomoe
Yeah, come on! Sit with us!
Himari
Huh? Ah, th-thank you...
Himari
(Why would Seta-san say such mean things? And here I was thinking we'd be able to get along...)
Himari
(... Huh? Why am I feeling so heartbroken? She was so cold toward me, and yet... I still feel drawn to her...?)
Ran
... That's just a sickly-sweet shojo manga.
Himari
Yeah, that's the best part~!
Ran
Also, your version of yourself is a completely different person. She's way more withdrawn than you.
Tsugumi
That's because this is a manga story we're talking about. Seeing a different side of Himari-chan is kind of refreshing.
Moca
So a lovey-dovey school drama, huh~? Okay, then what about this...?
Kaoru
...
Kaoru
It would appear I have failed at human interactions yet again. "Be kind to humans." This mission is turning out to be far more difficult than I anticipated.
Kaoru
(To think someone would try to get close to me so quickly. Has my secret been revealed? Does she know that I'm not a human, but... an android?)
Kaoru
(I've been sent here by the same giant corporation that created me to learn more about human emotions... There shouldn't be anyone else who knows that. And yet... Uehara-san...)
Kaoru
Is she suspicious of me? Or does she truly wish to be my friend...? I'll have to keep an eye on her and figure this out.
Himari
(Why am I... so interested in Seta-san...?)
Himari
This feeling, could it be...?
Himari
(Is Seta-san... the rumored android developed in secret by the mysterious corporation?)
Himari
(This pounding in my chest... Is it my intuition as a spy working for the organization that opposes that ominous corporation? Is that what tells me that this girl... is suspicious?)
Himari
This calls for further investigation. If she really is what I think she is... This could be trouble.
Himari
Stop, stop! Stop~!!
Moca
What~? We were just getting to the good part~.
Tomoe
Th-the good part...? Seemed like a totally different story to me.
Tsugumi
Yeah... Me too...
Tsugumi
I-I mean, the setting changed a lot from the beginning but... Doesn't a story about an android and a spy from rival organizations sound pretty romantic?
Tsugumi
As Seta-senpai comes to understand humans, she becomes nicer to Himari-chan. And even knowing they're enemies, Himari-chan falls in love... Yeah! What a great idea!
Himari
Wh-when you put it like that... it does kinda make your heart flutter, doesn't it...?
Tomoe
... Himari's so open-minded.
Ran
Is that what you call it...?
Transcript
Tomoe
My turn! Alright, I've got a great story for you, so listen up!
Tomoe
This one's sure to knock your socks off! First... Uhm...
Moca
Ohoho~? What's wrong, Tomo-chin-sensei~?
Tomoe
Hm? Ah, sorry. Now that I'm actually trying to tell it, I'm not sure what to say.
Tomoe
I like manga with lots of spirit, lots of intensity, so I want something where the main character gives it everything they've got and wins! I'm just not sure how to put that into words...
Tomoe
Things like "bonds," "comradery" and "friendship" all come to mind, but... Moca, Tsugu, think you can bring my ideas to life?
Tsugumi
Sure! If you're okay with something like the last one, I can help!
Tomoe
Yeah. Thank you, Tsugu. I'm counting on you!
Moca
Hm~... Friendship, bonds, passionate fights, and overcoming obstacles, huh~?... Alright, let's just give it a shot.
Ran
... This feud with Hanasakigawa's been going on for a while, right? Why are we even fighting, anyway?
Tsugumi
I heard it's a super old feud. No one seems to know what started it, but it just keeps going... It's weird.
Moca
Well, the top fighters from each school are gonna be duking it out to put an end to things, right~? Maybe peace is closer than we think~.
Ran
... Let's hope so.
Ran
... What? Our top fighter's disappeared?!
Tsugumi
Yeah. Nobody's been able to get a hold of them since yesterday.
Himari
You mean they ran away? Does this mean we're gonna lose by default?
Moca
You think they're just gonna leave it at that~? Such a lame excuse is gonna be a slap in the face to them. Our school is toast~.
Ran
The loser has to do whatever the winner says, even if it's shutting down the school... It may be harsh, but that's the world we live in.
Tsugumi
There's nothing we can do about it, either. It's not like we can fight instead...
All
...
???
... Oh for-! I guess it's up to me!
Ran
...! Who's there?!
Tomoe
Yo. It's been awhile~. How you guys doing?
Tsugumi
T-Tomoe-chan?!
Himari
Tomoe... Is that really you?!
Ran
Your last words to us were "I will get stronger," and that was about a year ago. We haven't heard anything since, so we thought you were gone for good...
Moca
And from the looks of it~, you haven't changed a bit. What's up with that~?
Tomoe
Yeah, yeah, don't worry~. When I show you how strong I've gotten, it'll be more than you can handle.
Tomoe
More importantly, looks like you're all in trouble. I won't act like doing this... will make up for how I disappeared without a word... But I'll handle this fight.
Tsugumi
Wait... Even if you have gotten stronger, it's going to be really dangerous!
Tomoe
I'll be fine~. Just leave it to me. Besides, you're all the reason I wanted to get stronger in the first place. So... let me protect you!
Ran
Tomoe... I'll never forgive you if you lose.
Tomoe
Haha, okay, okay~. I promise, with these fists of mine, I will protect everyone.
Sayo
... I heard your top fighter turned tail and ran. Are you their replacement? Oh well, not that it matters. It may be out of the ordinary, but I shall allow it.
Tomoe
Thanks, 'ppreciate it. Hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I'm winning this fight.
Sayo
Sigh. Unlike you, I don't have the drive to fight... This is simply about maintaining order at Hanasakigawa.
Sayo
Once I win, Haneoka will be under Hanasakigawa's control, and there will be no more need for such violence. That is why I am here.
Tomoe
Hey, I like your idea, but... what do you say about having me be the winner instead?
Sayo
Hmph... Looks like there's no reasoning with you. Alright, shall we begin? Come at me with everything you've got.
Tomoe
That's exactly what I wanted to hear!
Ran
... So far this is the best story yet.
Himari
Tomoe... Be careful...!
Tsugumi
Tomoe-chan... Be careful..!
Ran
Whoa, you guys are really getting into it... Wait, Tsugumi, aren't you supposed to be helping tell the story?
Himari
Such power...! Tomoe, you've got this!!
Sayo
Huff, puff... You've done well. However... I'm putting an end to this! Hiyah!
Tomoe
Urgh...! What a fast punch! But you won't get me that easily!
Sayo
...! She dodged?! I put too much force into it...! I can't stop...!
Tomoe
...! No! At this rate, Himari is-!
Himari
Huh? Kyaaa!
Himari
... Hm? There's... no pain...?
Tomoe
Ngh...
Himari
T-Tomoe! You took the hit... For me...?!
Tomoe
I told you I was going to protect you, right? I was just... keeping my promise.
Ran
...! Tomoe... You're wounded...
Moca
Yeah... You can't keep fighting like this... Forget the fight. With a wound that bad, if we don't do something, Tomoe might...
Himari
S-stop it...! I don't want to hear it! C'mon, Tomoe... Please! Don't go, Tomoe!
Himari
Don't leave me, Tomoe... Tomoe~!!
Himari
Tomoe~! Don't go! Stay here with me, please~!
Tsugumi
H-Himari-chan! It's just a story! Tomoe-chan's fine, see?
Himari
Ah! R-right! I just got so caught up...
Moca
Jeez~, get it together, Hii-chan~.
Tomoe
Ahahahaha! I'm okay, Himari~. I'll stay by your side forever, don't worry~.
Himari
Ah, not you too, Tomoe~!
Tomoe
Ahahahaha.
Transcript
Ran
... Why's everyone looking at me?
Tomoe
Well~, I figured now we'd get to hear your story, Ran.
Ran
I knew it... Sorry, but there's no way that's happening.
Ran
Like I said before, I only ever read manga that other people lend me. I don't know what kind of story would be good.
Tsugumi
Now that I think about it, I've never seen you buy manga before.
Moca
Hmm~, to think we would miss something so obvious.
Tsugumi
Th-then... You can be our judge, Ran-chan! How does that sound?
Tomoe
A judge?
Tsugumi
Yeah! Now that we've heard what kind of story everyone likes, I was thinking I'd like for the five of us to make one together!
Tsugumi
With Ran-chan as the judge, that leaves just the four of us to think something up... Still, I think it'll be fun seeing what we come up with when we work together.
Tsugumi
Once we finish putting something together, you can tell us if you think it's interesting or not! How's that sound?
Ran
Huh? But... I don't know what would make it good or bad.
Moca
So what~? Just tell us if you like it or not. Yes or no. That's all you gotta tell us, Ran~.
Tomoe
Works for me. Sounds fun! I'm in!
Himari
Me too! Our story will be so moving, your heart will squeal like a schoolgirl~!
Ran
I mean, if I'm just listening to your story, it's fine by me...
Tsugumi
Yeah! We'll do everything we can to make it entertaining!
Moca
Fufufu~. And I'll prepare some shocking twists and turns that will leave you speechless, Ran~.
Ran
... Don't make my job harder than it needs to be.
Tomoe
We make no promises.
Himari
Ahaha~...
Tsugumi
Finished!
Moca
Fufufu~. A masterpiece if I do say so myself~.
Tomoe
For sure! I put everything I've got into this story.
Himari
Same here! Everyone did the best they possibly could!
Tsugumi
Yeah! Alright, Ran-chan, will you give it a listen...?
Ran
I did promise.
Tsugumi
hank you! Alright, then here we go...
Ran
...
Moca
"One afternoon, Himari, the reincarnation of the great sorceress Ran Mitake, was out battling the usual demons with her magical powers..."
Himari
Hmph! Leave it to demons to be so darn annoying! And to make matters worse, one of them had to go and curse me, so now my body is going to disappear in one year's time...
Himari
And I've got a match coming up next week for Rhythm Game Club! Our first appearance at nationals depends on it! Which one of you baddies is gonna take responsibility for ruining my youth?!
Tomoe
Sorceress Himari, wait!
Himari
...! You're... (Ba-bump)
Himari
(Stop that. Don't fall for people so easily! Still, this person is breathtaking... Just who are they...?)
Tomoe
Behold, Tomoe! A former hero from another world, reborn here! In order for me to return home, I must... defeat you!
Himari
Huh?! We're enemies already?! Aww~... After we finally met, too?!
Himari
... No. I can't give up that easily. If I lose here, I'll miss my match next week. I have to win this.
Himari
I accept your challenge, Great Former Hero! Just like you want to return home, I have my own dreams I, too, must fulfill!
Moca
"The former hero Tomoe attacks. How will this chance meeting change the fate of Himari, reincarnation of the great sorceress Ran Mitake?! Tune in next time to find out!"
Ran
... Yeah, I'm confused, sorry.
Himari
Th-that... makes sense.
Tomoe
If we're being honest, we got partway through it, and I didn't know what was supposed to be interesting anymore.
Tsugumi
Yeah... Same here...
Moca
Ditto~.
Tsugumi
Sorry, Ran-chan. We did our best... Looks like it was harder than we thought.
Ran
No big deal. I kinda figured it would turn out like this.
Tomoe
You too, huh? Oh man, I still can't believe Himari inherited mysterious tennis powers though~.
Himari
I have not! And you're one to talk, Tomoe. For someone who said they were gonna get stronger, how could you let yourself get hurt so easily protecting me~?
Tsugumi
Huh? Himari-chan, weren't you crying when we heard that story...?
Himari
Don't say that~! Anyway, this is all Moca's fault in the first place!
Moca
... "Tomoe, no~! Don't leave me~!!"
Himari
I never said that~!
Ran
... Fufu.
Moca
Oho, looks like Ran's in a good mood~. Does that mean... we pulled it off?
Ran
Yeah, yeah, sure. You were amazing.
Moca
Ran~, don't brush it off like that. Work with me here~.
Transcript
Tsugumi
Still... I'm a little disappointed.
Ran
What? Why?
Tsugumi
I was getting kind of excited about the possibility of our manga getting published in a magazine...
Tsugumi
Obviously, I had fun thinking up ideas too! I just wish we could have at least applied...
Tomoe
Hmm~... I get where you're coming from, Tsugu~.
Himari
But there's no way we could have submitted that last one.
Ran
Yeah. That story wouldn't have stood a chance.
Himari
Ran, shush! Don't be so blunt~!
Tomoe
Ahaha.
Moca
I feel you, Tsugu~. I really do~. However, that was an impossible dream right from the beginning~.
Tsugumi
Huh? From the beginning...?
Moca
Yeah, lookee here~. The application deadline was yesterday~.
Ran & Tsugumi
Huh?
Himari
Wait, that means...
Tomoe
Are you kidding me~?!
Moca
So even if we had come up with the greatest plot of all time, we couldn't have submitted it anyways. Oh well~.
Himari
... 'Oh, well'?! That's all you have to say?! Why didn't you say something earlier?!
Tomoe
... When did you even notice that?
Moca
Uhm~, when we were listening to Hii-chan's lovey-dovey romance? We were having so much fun, I figured it was fine~.
Tsugumi
Deadline, deadline... You're right! This is yesterday's date! I completely missed that...!
Moca
Waiting to see when you'd figure it out was part of the fun~. The suspense was killing me~.
Himari
You've got a messed up idea of fun~!
Tomoe
Ahaha... I see. So we really didn't have to get as worked up as we did.
Moca
You were getting pretty into it, weren't you, Tomo-chin~?
Tomoe
I-I couldn't help it! If we were going to apply, I figured we needed to come up with something professional looking...!
Himari
Sigh~! Now that I know we missed the deadline, I feel so drained... This is all your fault, Moca.
Moca
Hey~. I was only doing what I thought was best for you~.
Himari
I don't care~!
Moca
I said I was sorry~. How about as an apology, I let you borrow the absolutely positively most amazing manga I own? Please forgive me, Hima-gami-sama~.
Tomoe
Hey, hey, come on, even Himari wouldn't-
Himari
Okay! All is forgiven! It better be good though!
Ran
... Looks like she's fine with it.
Tomoe
A-ahaha... Sure does.
Moca
Okeydokey~. Once you're done with it, make sure you give it to Tsugu, got it~?
Tsugumi
Huh? Me?
Moca
Uh-huh~. If you and I are gonna be applying next time, I need to get you up to speed, partner.
Tsugumi
...! Oh yeah, there's always next time!
Tsugumi
You got it, Moca-chan! I'll study a whole bunch, and then... we'll all make an amazing manga together!
Ran
... Tsugumi.
Himari
Tsugu, come on. Don't fall for Moca's tricks like that.
Tomoe
That's our Tsugu for you. So trusting.
Tsugumi
Huh? W-were you really trying to trick me, Moca-chan...?!
Moca
Hey~, have some faith in me, you guys~. I was being serious~. Super-duper serious~.
Tomoe
Ahaha. Oh, by the way...
The Other Four
...?
Tomoe
Even if you come up with a good plot... Who's gonna draw it?
Moca & Tsugumi
Ah.
Tomoe
... "Ah"? You mean it never occurred to either of you?
Moca
Well, you know~, it's simple... Right, Ran~...?
Ran
Nope. Not happening.
Moca
Yeah, I kinda figured~...
Tsugumi
Ahaha. I was so caught up in writing a story, it completely slipped my mind...
Tsugumi
tsugumi
Moca
"And with that, Tsugu took her first steps on the rocky road to becoming a manga artist..."
Ran
... Moca, how long are you going to keep that up...?
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