Transcript
Chisato
It certainly did. If you wouldn't mind, why don't we have tea after this? My next lecture was suddenly canceled.
Chisato
Going to school after a meeting is over would have been unthinkable in high school, wouldn't it?
Chisato
Yes. How we use our time is up to us. We're university students now, so we need to use it meaningfully.
Maya
About that...! I happened to run into Sayo-san there, which surprised me. Apparently, she wants to get her driver's license in consideration for the future.
Chisato
Fufu. That's just what I would expect of you. Congratulations. So it will only be a short time until you graduate from driving school.
Maya
Yeah! That's why I'd like to start something new. I've actually been looking into clubs at my university.
Nao
Ooh. Nice, Yamato! You should definitely join a club~! It's better to have more assets, so enjoy something fun~!
Maya
Ah, Nao-san. Thank you for your hard work in the meeting just now. That's quite a lot of DVDs you've got there.
Nao
Ahh, these? They're all concert DVDs of the idols who plan on participating in TIS! I was thinking of re-watching them now.
Chisato
If I remember correctly, you formed a new staging team of specialist staff members with yourself as the lead.
Nao
You got it! I'll be whipping your concerts into shape from now on, so you'd better be ready~!
Nao
What's this now~? Aww~. So both of you are so interested in the new staging team that you can't help yourselves, huh~?
Nao
Here's my idea sheet. You can have a little sneak peek. It's the new draft proposal I came up with before talking with everyone on the team.
Maya
Ooh! You've written so much. Hmm, hmm... For the opening's first song, you'll focus the lighting to project the members' shadows during the intro...
Nao
What's the matter, Yamato? Did something catch your attention?
Sayo
Yamato-san, you were almost too late entering the classroom for our lecture a short while ago. I am glad you made it on time.
Maya
During the lecture, I was surprised when Hina-san suddenly sent a message that said, "Let's have a girls' get-together at Kanon-chan's place today♪" ... Ahaha.
Sayo
I am so sorry for her being someone that acts on impulse... She also chose the location of her own accord.
Kanon
I almost forgot. I have to drop by the Tea Party Lovers Club after this! I'm sorry. I feel guilty asking this, but... can I leave the shopping to you?
Maya
Um, Matsubara-san. I have something I'd like to ask. What kind of activities does the Tea Party Lovers Club do?
Kanon
Huh? Um, we go to popular cafes and introduce each other to teas and snacks we like... I guess.
Maya
Wow, how nice! I failed to notice our university had a club like that. I'll have to check the list of clubs once more.
Sayo
Correct. That is because I want to prioritize Roselia's activities. Keiho has a rich selection of clubs, so I hope you find one to your liking, Yamato-san.
Maya
Yeah. There's the Audio Research Club, Percussion Lovers Club, Survival Society, and Go & Shogi Club...
Maya
There are many other clubs that I'm interested in, so ideally, I'd like to join them all. Huhehe...
Maya
But after considering the various trade-offs, I think it would be best to narrow it down to just one. Each club is so fascinating that I can't help but hesitate.
Maya, Kanon & Sayo
Kaoru-san?! Seta-san?!
Kaoru
You can simply reconsider which club to join after that. What say we first take a step from the forest of the lost?
Kaoru
Good day to you, my dear kittens. My apologies for interrupting your elegant midafternoon tea time.
Kaoru
I have received permission from the security guard. Behold. My gate pass gleams brilliantly upon my chest, does it not?
Kaoru
You left it behind after yesterday's Hello, Happy World! Meeting. You hastened on your way, saying that you had your part-time job, so it seemed you accidentally forgot it.
Kaoru
Incidentally, Maya. My visit to Keiho on this day, this time, at this moment, is surely providence. What say you and I now embark upon a journey of club observation?
Kaoru
There is naught for you to fret over. As luck would have it, I have no lectures nor plans after this. I am free to do as I please.
Transcript
Maya
Good question. First, I'd like to go to the Audio Research Club! Their clubroom happens to be at the end of this hallway!
Maya
Also, when Tae-san previously came to the open campus, she bought an amp built by the Audio Research Club.
Maya
When she showed it to me, I thought about how it must've been made by someone who's absolutely crazy about amps. Ever since then, it's held my curiosity.
Kaoru
I must say... I have not visited Keiho since our tour before the entrance exams, but it is as calm and tranquil as before.
Kaoru
As I thought in the cafeteria a minute ago, the buildings here are majestic, as though they were historic cathedrals.
Kaoru
Let me see. It is quite open with an energetic atmosphere. The Faculty of Arts, in particular, has no shortage of people creating works on campus.
Kaoru
Some intently carve logs in the courtyard... while others motionlessly await a photo opportunity... Fufu. Everyone devotes themselves to their creative pursuits as they like.
Student A
Ngh~, I can almost reach it...! I guess it's no use... I can't reach it even if I jump. Just when we found a place to hang the poster where it would stand out.
Student B
That's why I said we should bring a step stool with us. But you didn't want to get one out of storage~.
Kaoru
You seem to be having trouble, my dear kittens. Allow me to come to your aid. Now, please hand me those thumbtacks.
Student A
Huh? Ah, okay. P-please do...!
Student B
U-um, thank you very much!
Student A & B
...!! S-so cool~...!
Student A
Hey, hey, hey~!!! Who was that just now? Do you know her? What year student is she?! Was there a person that cool at our school?
Student B
I don't know. But that was definitely the first time I've ever seen her! She really was like a prince...!!!
Maya
Excuse me. I'm a first-year student, and my name is Yamato. I'd like to observe your club, but would that be okay?
Audio Research Club Member A
... You want to observe?
Kaoru
Oh? Have we arrived at an inopportune time? Maya, a shame as it is, let us return another day.
Audio Research Club Member A
Ah, wait, wait! I'm sorry! I didn't think anyone would be interested in joining our club...! Please, come in, come in! Feel free to take a look around.
Audio Research Club Member B
Right now, we're working on dismantling a used amp. Take a look. Here's how it's going.
Maya
Yes! It's a limited amp that was discontinued twenty years ago! It lacks power, but its sound quality has a unique charm... It's a rare piece that fans go crazy for~!
Maya
Wow~. I never would have thought to see one here...! Um... W-would it be okay for me to take a closer look...?!
Audio Research Club Member B
If you know about Senba Audio, you must know your stuff~! Ah, in that case, have you seen Senba's newest amp they released the other day?
Maya
Not yet~. You're referring to that legendary amp's later model, right? The moment I heard about it, I got so excited! But every store has been sold out...
Audio Research Club Member A
We have one stored on this shelf right here. Would you like to take a look? We also have some vintage pieces and some overpowered amps made by upperclassmen.
Maya
I see~! So you're particular about your vacuum tubes as well! I was hoping to try making an amp for myself at least once. If I did, it'd put out clean low tones and-
Kaoru
While I could listen evermore to your endless and overflowing love of equipment... our time is limited. Are you okay with not observing other clubs?
Maya
Huh...? I-is it that time already?! I got a bit too passionate there! I'm sorry, but it's about time we get going.
Audio Research Club Member A
I see. That's too bad. Your stories are really interesting, so share some more with us again.
Audio Research Club Member B
If you'd like... here's an application form for our club. You said you're still in the middle of choosing a club, but we'd love to have you, Yamato-san.
Audio Research Club Member A
You don't have to worry about that~. You'll want to make your decision after looking around. We'll always be here waiting for you.
Audio Research Club Member B
That's right! We'd even be okay with having you as an honorary ghost member! Ahaha. That's just a joke. Feel free to drop by again.
Transcript
Patron A (Society Member A)
"Mind if I pay with small change? Okay, stick out your hand, and I'll count it out. Here I go. Ready? One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight... Say, what time is it?"
Stall Owner (Society Member A)
"It's nine."
Patron A (Society Member A)
"Ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen..."
Rakugo Society Member A
That was "Tokisoba," or "Time and Soba." Thank you for listening.
Maya
Ooh~, how impressive! It felt like I could see the scenery of the Edo period before my very eyes.
Maya
The story's crux is that the patron pays their bill one coin at a time, counts to eight, and fudges the count by asking the soba stall owner the time and making them say nine.
Kaoru
Quite right. Another patron who witnessed that exchange later imitates it and asks the owner the time but is told four, leading to the punchline of them paying more...
Kaoru
Ahh, what a delightfully amusing tale. However... I had no idea that you were interested in rakugo.
Maya
I've been curious about it for some time now. I think performing several roles all on your own is amazing.
Maya
Plus, it's interesting how you can picture the story's scenery with just the performer's words despite the lack of stage equipment, lighting, or background music.
Rakugo Society Member B
Hey there. If you two are up for it, why not take a turn on the dais?
Maya
Huh? By that, do you mean... perform rakugo?! Um, I'm pretty sure your club poster said it was okay for members to just go to see performances...
Rakugo Society Member B
Well, yeah, but c'mon~. You'll never know something until you try it. You came for this experience, so why not give it a shot? You can read from the script as you go. Okay?
Kaoru
Maya, acting it out could give you insight into rakugo and allow you to understand its wonder. That may serve as a hint for choosing a club.
Rakugo Society Member A
Great! Okay, here's the script. It's the Tokisoba routine I just did. It's made simple for beginners, so you'll be fine just reading it! Now, head up on the dais and-
Rakugo Society Member B
Okay! Go ahead and take a seat on the cushion~.
Patron A (Maya)
"Hey~, soba seller. Hold on, hold on. What kind of soba can you make? Hanamaki and shippoku, huh? Then I'll take a bowl of shippoku. Ngh, it sure is cold."
Stall Owner (Maya)
"It really is quite chilly."
Patron A (Maya)
"I've gone and caught myself a cold. But if I eat something nice and hot, I'll get better. So gimme a piping hot bowl..."
Patron B (Maya)
"Okay, I'll count out my money. Here I go. Ready? One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight... Say, what time is it?
Stall Owner (Maya)
"Hmm, it's four."
Patron B (Maya)
"Four?! Five, six, seven, eight..."
Maya
Right! As I was acting it out, it kind of felt like I understood how the soba stall owner felt!
Maya
It's strange. I felt so nervous, but as I was talking, I started having fun. It felt like I got a small look into how you always feel, Kaoru-san.
Rakugo Society Member A
Mhm. It didn't seem like that was your first time on the dais. Your courage was incredible!
Rakugo Society Member B
Okay, next is your turn. Here's the script.
Rakugo Society Member B
Huh? But if you don't have a script, you won't know the lines...
Patron A (Kaoru)
"O soba stall owner, soba stall owner. Wherefore art thou a soba stall owner?"
Patron A (Kaoru)
"Nay. Should you give up your title, ever that you will be...! Ahh... Forgive me. I was moved by your fleeting figure. Oh, hanamaki and shippoku. Pray give me a shippoku..."
Patron A (Kaoru)
"Yet... Ahh, why must this eve grow so cold...? I feel as though this shivering wind shall overwhelm me!"
Stall Owner (Kaoru)
"Verily... It has grown quite chill."
Patron A (Kaoru)
"Ahh! Ahh! I have come down with a wretched cold! Yet your ardent kindness will surely dispel it! Soba stall owner. Pray give unto me a piping hot bowl..."
Rakugo Society Member A
Wh-what amazing intensity...! It's rather distinct and has a completely different feeling to it. But what is this? I can't take my eyes off it...!
Patron B (Kaoru)
"Now, be you prepared for the fated time of my payment? Let us begin! One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight... Good sir! What is the indicated time of destiny...?"
Stall Owner (Kaoru)
”It is four."
Patron B (Kaoru)
Rakugo Society Member A
... That was awesome!! It wasn't the original Tokisoba at all, but it was wonderful!!!
Maya
Good work on your performance. Your arrangement was fairly intense, but I was fascinated and watched it intently. Your acting really is amazing!
Kaoru
I am glad to have you say that. I found it to be quite fascinating. I would very much like to attempt performing it again.
Rakugo Society Member B
Mhm! The two of you were magnificent! Yamato-san spoke haltingly, but your gentle personality came across through your solid recitation...!!
Rakugo Society Member B
And Seta-san's recitation was showy, mesmerizing, and felt like it would revolutionize a new world of rakugo...! We can't let your talents get away! Please join our society!!
Maya
P-please calm down. I'm grateful for you saying that, but I'm still considering what club to choose...
Kaoru
My apologies for bewitching you with my fleeting performance... Ahh, what a wicked thing I have done.
Rakugo Society Member A
I-I see. You said that at the beginning, too... But the Rakugo Society will always be waiting for the two of you with open arms! Come by for a visit anytime!
Transcript
Student C
You've really been so much help... I won't ever forget what happened today. Goodbye, Kaoru-sama!
Kaoru
Indeed, it did. One of that dear kitten's high heels was ensnared in a drain. I merely rushed to her aid when she was unable to move.
Kaoru
But of course. No matter where or when Kaoru Seta finds herself or what she is doing, she shall evermore remain herself...
Kaoru
More importantly, my apologies for having kept you waiting. Would the princess prefer orange or grape?
Maya
Ah, you even got one for me...? In that case, I'll have the orange juice. Thank you, Kaoru-san.
Kaoru
Fufu. It is because you conversed so much in the Board Game Club. I have become quite parched myself.
Maya
Yeah, the game grew so heated! It was simple but strategic. The tide turned so many times, and I was excited to see how it happened~!
Maya
The Percussion Lovers Club before that was fun too! The number of instruments was incredible, and there were so many rare ones, like the ones made with ceramic.
Kaoru
Indeed. If everyone from Hello, Happy World! were present, I have no doubt a parade would have begun.
Maya
I was particularly interested in the asalato! The simplicity of making them by tying together two gourds with a string and striking them together is somewhat adorable...
Kaoru
The members of each club all asked you to pay them another visit. I believe that was the handiwork of your character.
Kaoru
Your eyes gleamed, and you made curious queries with an earnest countenance... It is no wonder those upperclassmen would be so taken with you.
Maya
But once I actually experienced them, they were all such charming clubs... I'm at a loss for which one to join.
Kaoru
However, there are also clubs we have yet to see. I am certain there is a fated club that you will know to be suited for you.
Kaoru
Now then. What say we end things here for today? Maya, will you be available tomorrow afternoon?
Kaoru
It is I who invited you on this journey. It is only natural that I see it through until you have chosen your path.
Chisato
Kaoru, you actually came. Maya-chan contacted me, so I did know about it, but I thought I had the wrong apartment.
Chisato
You'll be surprised once you learn how good Kanon's cooking is. She's improved so much since we started living together.
Kaoru
Ahh. That is indeed something to look forward to...! I shall use all five senses to thoroughly relish her fleeting cuisine.
Sayo
My apologies. Hina will be late due to her All Things Idols Club activities. She said that she did not mind if we started eating.
Transcript
Kaoru
The soup filled with vegetable umami. The juiciness of the sausages... The fleeting harmony woven by this pair is spreading across my palate...! Ahh, how fleeting...!
Chisato
The lasagna is one of Kanon's recent specialties. She's been attempting a variety of other dishes, as well.
Kaoru
Kanon took the initiative to create her culinary art during the Hello, Happy World! Training Camp as well. I recall her being quite skilled from that time.
Kanon
F-fue... Th-that's not true. I still have a long way to go~. There are even times when I burn pots...
Kanon
Plus, Chisato-chan's food is really delicious too. I'd love for all of you to try the French toast she made me recently.
Kaoru
It would appear you both are enjoying smooth sailing in your shared living. I can almost picture your days of mutual support and affection...
Maya
I had a really fulfilling time! I guess you could say that experiencing their atmospheres made it easier for me to imagine what it would be like if I joined.
Maya
But all the clubs were so wonderful, it made me even more unsure which to join... Huhehe. It's quite embarrassing.
Sayo
I must say, though, I was somewhat surprised. I was certain that you would join a theater club, Yamato-san.
Sayo
You previously worked passionately in theater, so I thought you would continue that into university.
Maya
Something I feel like has come to a natural end for me. I'm hoping to try something new at university.
Kaoru
I see. So that was your reasoning. When you allowed me to peruse your list, I found it astonishing not to see a single mention of theater.
Sayo
Ah, excuse me. That is my phone. Um... It's from Hina. "I'm nearby! Sis, come get me." ... I cannot believe that girl.
Kanon
Hina-chan said that the All Things Idols Club is a lot of fun. Huh? Come to think of it, you didn't join a club either, did you, Kaoru-san?
Kaoru
You see, I have received a generous offer from the Cat Walk theatrical troupe to make a guest appearance.
Maya
What? You mean that Cat Walk?! They're a theatrical troupe that's recently caused a buzz in online news! That's incredible!
Kaoru
They said they were deeply moved after watching Kaoru Seta's World Masterpiece Theater, my corner on the Hello, Happy Channel.
Kaoru
I hope to fulfill my first guest appearance properly so that I might live up to my dear kittens' expectations.
Kaoru
And I wish to be a guest of other troupes in the future. Should a troupe, program, or theater be different, the performance unfolding therein will change dramatically...
Kaoru
That is precisely why I desire to know various theatrical performances and attain various possibilities.
Chisato
So you've finally reached the point where you can appear in a professional theatrical troupe. I thought this might happen one day.
Kaoru
There may come a time when we are to perform together. I would ask for your kindest regards at that time.
Maya
To think you'd have something like that happen... Not only will you take part in a professional theatrical troupe, but you'll also have band activities. I bet you'll be busy.
Kaoru
Indeed. However, I, of course, do not mean to neglect my studies. Kaoru Seta intends to polish her shine, even in her lectures.
Chisato
I happen to take the same Shakespeare Research class as Kaoru. In response to the professor's question, she zealously narrated her pet theories as if it were a recital...
Chisato
She and the professor may have been on the same wavelength, as it led to a conversation between fans of Shakespeare that went on for more than twenty minutes.
Chisato
I don't know if that class was the start of it, but people are now beginning to call Kaoru the "Prince of Yotsuba"...
Chisato
Fufu. I can kind of understand that happening. First Haneoka, and now Yotsuba... I'm sure she'll eventually be called that at Keiho.
Hina
Thanks, Chisato-chan. Ah, by the way! I ran into Lisa-chi, Rinko-chan, and Yukina-chan on Campus Street a minute ago, so I invited them to come!
Kanon & Chisato
Huh?!
Hina
Aww. But it'll definitely be fun having more people! That's why I also sent Aya-chan a message-
Transcript
Maya
Wow~. Your quick buzzing was magnificent, Kaoru-san! Everyone in the Quiz Lovers Club was also surprised.
Kaoru
Yes, it was truly an amusing club. My heart could not help but dance when Nietzsche's quotes were given as questions.
Kaoru
Fufu... It covered my most respected Nietzsche, after all. His words are engraved upon my soul.
Kaoru
Now then. With this, we have finished observing all of the clubs... Did you find one that took hold of your heart?
Maya
I'm sorry! I couldn't decide! You've come this far to accompany me, so I can't help but feel guilty.
Maya
Ahaha... It feels like you're repeating the same thing... But you're right. I'm sure I'll find the club for me one day.
Kaoru
... Would this fragrance happen to be that of coffee? It would seem it is coming from the woods.
Kaoru
Indeed, there is. However, though we have only taken a single step from the courtyard, it feels like we have wandered into a forest...
Outdoor Society Member
Huh? Who are you two...?
Kaoru
Fufu. We were drawn in by the aromatic fragrance of your coffee. And yourself? What is it that you are doing here?
Outdoor Society Member
We're doing club activities. We're the Outdoor Society.
Outdoor Society Member
Ahaha. It's because we're a super minor club. I guess it's no wonder you didn't know about it.
Outdoor Society Member
We more or less have activities every week. We enjoy a camping experience at school, just like we're doing now.
Outdoor Society Member
That takes time and money, so we only do it occasionally. But eating at school is pretty stylish. Today, we're making mushroom al ajillo on this tabletop grill~♪
Maya
Yes. There was one time when I became curious about camping and tried putting together a set of camping goods.
Outdoor Society Member
I see, I see. So you've got an interest in camping. Ah, perfect. The coffee's ready. Please have some if you'd like.
Outdoor Society Member
Nope. It's just instant coffee.
Outdoor Society Member
Fufu. It's weird how being surrounded by nature like this changes how the coffee tastes, huh?
Outdoor Society Member
But that's the charm of the outdoors.
Outdoor Society Member
If you want, why not try out a sleeping bag too? There's an extra in the tent that you can use. It's warm and comfy~.
Kaoru
Ahh, Maya...! The appearance of you with just your face peeking out from the sleeping bag is akin to that of a bagworm... How adorable you are...
Maya
Ohh, this sensation... It's warm with just the right amount of snugness. It's almost like I've fit myself into a tight space...
Maya
Sitting still in the tent like this, I can hear the sound of the cluster of trees and people's voices off in the distance. It's hard to believe we're on the school campus.
Outdoor Society Member
Mhm. Time spent doing nothing is so nice.
Transcript
Maya
Fufu. So much has happened over the past two days, but... it feels like it's been a while since I last spent such a long time with you.
Kaoru
We would converse back and forth over scripts and performances. And at times, would earnestly clash, shedding tears or laughing... Such dear days of youth.
Maya
Right. We were so devoted to theater in middle school and high school. We were dedicated and went full force... as we raced to the end to finish things.
Maya
That's exactly what made me think of wanting to start something new... I'm so glad you were here today to see that new beginning!
Kaoru
And did I not tell you before? "Your soul is carried to the most suitable place with destiny..." Which means this was an appropriate encounter for you.
Maya
... Fufu. That might actually be true. Not just for the Outdoor Society, but the other thing as well...
Nao
Hm? What's up?
Maya
Rather than show all of our silhouettes from the outset, what do you think of making Chisato-san and Hina-san stand out in the intro? I think that will add balance.
Maya
Ah, also, about "Hot, Hot! Sunny Love☆Summer!" Aya-san's cute dance is the highlight, so the lighting should be bright and showy... Ah. Excuse my sudden rambling...!
Nao
I see. You're pretty impressive, Yamato.
Chisato
It's because Maya-chan was the great stage director of her theater club. She helped to support numerous performances in high school.
Maya
Th-that's just an exaggeration...! I just had flashes of inspiration and thought it might be good if we did things a certain way...
Nao
Hmmm...
Nao
Hey, Yamato. Would you be interested in the staging team?
Nao
There aren't many idols knowledgeable about offstage and onstage. Plus, when you go onstage, you can work while understanding the intent of everyone offstage.
Nao
When you're offstage, you can give us the lowdown on complaints, opinions, and expectations from onstage... And best of all, you looked really psyched just now!
Nao
Making idols shine even brighter depends on the skill of the people behind the scenes, y'know?
Nao
Whaddya say, Yamato?
Maya
Even after becoming a university student, I never thought I would be doing backstage work in this way. It just might be that I can't get away from it.
Maya
It's like, the more I talk about it, the more ideas I come up with. I once again realized that I love being involved with performances as a backstage worker.
Kaoru
I am certain that whatever performance it might be, you will succeed in supporting it as a backstage worker.
Maya
But looking back, there has been so much I didn't imagine happening to me. And there might still be more things I don't expect that will happen in the future.
Maya
So. It just might be that, as I take part in stage work, the day may come when I meet up with theater again.
Maya
Right! Um, Kaoru-san, do you have some time after this? It's been a while, so why don't we have tea at Hazawa Coffee?
Kaoru
My apologies. I am meant to meet with the troupe for whom I will be making a guest appearance after this.
Maya
"We're going to have a staging team meeting right now. Can you make it, Yamato?" What?! R-right now?!
Kaoru
Ah, yes. I shall send you a ticket shortly. Please come see my performance with its increased shine following my sojourn abroad. The date will be-