COSMET

 

Nico: ? … Who is it?

 

Bianchi: 『It’s Bianchi. Don’t you check who calls you, Nico-chan?』

 

Nico: … So?

 

Bianchi: 『I just have the littlest favor to ask of you, dearie—』

 

Nico: No can do. It’s my precious lunchtime right now.

 

Bianchi: 『I knew you’d say that. You can get whatever you’d like for delivery, so can you be a dear and come to Million Park right away?』

 

Nico: …… 
 

───

 

Nico: *chew*…  *munch*…

 

Bianchi: Thank you for coming, Nico-chan. It’s a huge help.

 

Nico: So what did you need? *chew*… I know I got all this food, but if it’s too much of a bother…

 

Bianchi: I just need you to stick around. That’s all the help I need.
 

 

Jude: Heeey, Bianchi!

 

Bianchi: ……

 

Bianchi’s siblings: BIANCHI~~~!

 

Bianchi: I’m right here~♪ I’m glad you two are enjoying yourselves. Aren’t you glad he’s playing with you?

 

Bianchi’s sister: Jude’s really good! I’m having so much fun~☆

Bianchi’s brother: I wanna go against Jude! My turn, Sis!

 

Nico: Are those your siblings?

 

Bianchi: That’s right.

 

Nico: What’s going on?

 

Bianchi: Ugh… It’s a short story, really…

 

I had a little time off, so I came to the park with my siblings, but then that guy showed up.

 

Nico: You didn’t call him here?

 

Bianchi: I did no such thing… It seems my sister did, though.

 

I just… I just can’t handle the sight before me, so I wanted someone by my side!

 

Nico: ……

 

Bianchi: *sigh*… it’s such a fabulous day, so I thought I could have a lovely afternoon, just my siblings and I.

 

Nico: … Ah. You’re okay being out in the sun?

 

Bianchi: Don’t worry about that. I’m fully protected right now.

 

I’m working with the Research Department to develop a new sunscreen right now, using their special technology. It’s still being tested, but they let me use it.

 

Once it’s finished production, I’ll have a much easier time protecting myself from the sun, and I’ll be able to spend more time with my siblings as well ♪

 

Nico: Hmm… *chew*…

 

Bianchi’s brother: BIANCHI~~~! I WANNA PLAY BASKETBALL~~~!

 

Nico: … Basketball?

 

Bianchi: Of course, dear. It’s my time to shine ♪

 

Nico: ……
 

───

 

Jude: Bianchi really cares about their siblings.

 

Nico: You’re not playing with them?

 

Jude: Bianchi told me to take a break. I still have energy to spare, though.

 

Nico: … Were you working last night?
 

 

Jude: Yeah, so they told me to be careful… Bianchi was worrying about me. This is the best day ever.

 

Bianchi: Come on, I’m going easy on you. Hurry and steal the ball!

 

Bianchi’s brother: Uugh~ go a little easier, then~!

 

Bianchi: You’ve been practicing, haven’t you? Show me how much you’ve improved…!

 

Nico: Bianchi’s got skills.

 

Jude: Of course they do. This is Bianchi we’re talking about.

 

Nico: Cuz they’re a hero, huh?

 

I guess I just can’t picture them playing basketball… but did they always move so aggressively?

 

Jude: Well, they usually play a supportive role on the battlefield. But they are by no means weak.

 

So they can be that aggressive when the time comes for it, but they always keep in mind where they are and who they’re with. They’re so amazing…

 

Nico: Still, I can’t get used to the sight of Bianchi playing basketball.

 

I mean, don’t they hate working up a sweat?

 

Jude: It’s probably because they want to grant their siblings’ wishes that much more.

 

I guess that’s what they meant when they called them the apples of their eye.

 

Nico: You understand that kind of feeling?

 

I don’t really get it myself, but…

 

Jude: I can’t say I understand it, but I do know that having things to protect, and working desperately to protect them is one of the things that makes Bianchi beautiful.

 

Beautiful, strong, and divine…

 

Nico: … Having something to protect can become a weak spot, though.

 

Jude: That’s true. But that also means you can become that much stronger.

 

That’s something Bianchi taught me.

 

Nico: … You actually said something decent, for once.
 

───

 

Bianchi’s brother: You’re too tough, Bianchi~

 

Bianchi’s sister: I’m beat~! I can’t move anymore~!

 

Bianchi: Well that’s good. Maybe I got a tad bit too into it.

 

Jude: Good work, Bianchi. Here’s your favorite protein drink.

 

Bianchi: … Thanks.

 

Bianchi’s brother: Doesn’t that stuff make you really beefy? Are you gonna get beefy, Bianchi?

 

Bianchi: I won’t, dearie. I always keep a close eye on getting just the right amount of exercise, protein… everything! Moderation is key when it comes to beauty ♡

 

Bianchi’s sister: If it makes you pretty, I wanna try it! I want a sip, Bianchi!

 

Bianchi: My… you’ve become absorbed by that kind of thing recently, haven’t you? I’m getting a bit worried.

 

Bianchi’s brother: Bianchiii, I wanna play hide and seek next.

 

Bianchi: Really? You still want to play?

 

Bianchi’s brother: Yeah! I wanna play lots and lots!

 

Bianchi: A-Ah…

 

Then… Nico-chan. Would you be a dear and play with them for a bit? You’ve already finished your lunch, haven’t you?

 

Nico: Huh…

 

Bianchi: I know your circumstances are unique, but you should still make sure you’re getting enough exercise.

 

Hide and seek should help with that… and it’s a great bit of fun as well ♡

 

Nico: I’m good.

 

Bianchi: Come on, don’t be like that~♪
 

 

Nico: You can take it from here, Jude.

 

Jude: Leave it to me.

 

Bianchi: W-Wha—Nico-chan?!

 

Jude: Alright, Bianchi. I’ll stick around as long as it takes until your siblings have had their fill.

 

Bianchi: Ugh… Nico-chan! COME BACK RIGHT NOW~~~!!!

 

 

Sage: Thanks for helping me with my training, Jude-kun.

 

Jude: You’re nowhere close to mastering Overflow. I’m not having any fun over here.

 

Sage: I could tell as much myself. I wish I had some tips or methods to help me improve…

 

Where are you headed after this, Jude-kun? To Bianchi-san?

 

Jude: I was planning on it, but it seems Bianchi’s locked themselves in their room to grind out some work. I’ll be on standby so I can help support them as soon as they take a break.

 

Sage: I see...! Sounds like Jude-kun, alright.
 

 

Akira: Ah, there you are, Jude!

 

Jude: ?

 

Sage: Akira-kun!

 

Akira: Hey, Sage. Ya two were hangin’ out?

 

Jude: Are you a friend of Sage’s?

 

Akira: Hurry up and remember me already! I’m the genius rookie, Akira Otori! Ya better not be pretendin’ to forget or anything!

 

Jude: I really don’t remember you, though.

 

Sage: Sorry, Akira-kun. Jude-kun’s always like this.

 

Akira: Whatever, that ends today! Let’s go at it, Jude!

 

Jude: I’m not really interested in fighting weaklings.

 

Sage: Akira-kun’s not weak, y’know! He can even use Overflow despite being a rookie.

 

Jude: Oh?

 

Akira: Fufun, I rock, don’t I? Overflow chose me! Overflow! The thing only special heroes can use! Right, Sage?

 

Sage: Yep, you’re an amazing hero, Akira-kun ♪

 

Jude: ……

 

Akira: So? Up for a bout?

 

Jude: No. My top priority right now is being able to support Bianchi at a moment’s notice.

 

Akira: What…?!

 

Sage: Sorry, Akira-kun. Jude-kun always puts Bianchi-san first.

 

Akira: Dammit… He’s totally gonna ask me who I am next time we meet. It’s like I’m back at square one…

 

Sage: You’ll get there one day, Akira-kun. You’re a genius rookie, after all ♪

 

Akira: Fufun, ya ain’t wrong about that ♪

 

Sage: By the way, did you teach yourself how to use Overflow? Or did Brad-san teach you?

 

Akira: Well, I’d like to say I taught myself… but truth is, I did some trainin' with Marion.

 

Sage: Marion-kun?

 

Akira: Yeah. Brad asked him to teach me and Ren.

 

It was pretty tough, but I think it paid off.

 

Sage: Wow… Marion-kun’s really something. Maybe I should ask him to help me out sometime.

 

Akira: Good thinkin’. Just, be prepared to get whipped.

 

Sage: Haha, don’t worry. I’m used to fighting Marion during LOMs.

Akira: That ain’t what I mean.
 

 

Jude: ……
 

───

 

Jude: (I submitted the documents Bianchi asked me to. I’m so glad I could be of assistance to them.)

 

Marion: ……
 

 

Jude: ……

───

 

???: Yeah. Brad asked him to teach me and Ren.

 

It was pretty tough, but I think it paid off.
 

Jude: Oi, Marion.

 

Marion: Tch… I’m not in the mood to spar with you.

 

Jude: Spar? I’m not asking about that.

 

Marion: Like you’d have any other reason to stop me.

 

Jude: I have something I want to ask you now.

 

Marion: You? Ask me?

 

Jude: Are you really capable of teaching people how to use Overflow?

 

Marion: … Where’s this coming from?

 

Jude: I heard so from someone. Not sure who, though.

 

Marion: Well, I suppose it’s true. Objectively speaking, I’m the best at it out of everyone here.

 

Jude: Then teach Sage how to use Overflow.

 

Marion: Sage?

 

Jude: Yeah. If he learns how to use Overflow, then I can enjoy our sparring sessions more.

 

Marion: … I’ve never heard you talk about anyone besides Bianchi before.

 

But why do I have to spend my time just so you can enjoy yourself?

 

Jude: What, so you’re not the best at teaching how to use Overflow?

 

I heard you were, though.

 

Marion: ……

 

Jude: Well, if you can’t, then don’t bother.

 

Marion: I can! I’ve already taught two rookies how to use it before!

 

… I suppose I could teach him, depending on the attitude I get.

 

Jude: Haha, don’t worry. Sage’s great at minding his manners.

 

Marion: I’m talking about your attitude!

 

Whatever. I’m sick of dealing with you…

 

… Tell Sage to ask me about it himself. I’ll hear him out, at the very least.

 

Jude: I’ll do that.
 

Bianchi: Phew~ I managed to finish up in time~~~!

 

What a weight off my shoulders! Perhaps I’ll head out for a drink tonight ♪

 

Sage: Good work, Bianchi-san. Jude-kun’s not with you?

 

Bianchi: He wouldn’t stop whining about wanting to help, so I had him submit the documents. I still have to clean up around here, and all.
 

 

Jude: I turned them in, Bianchi.

 

Bianchi: Is that so? Well, thank you.

 

Jude: It was my pleasure. If you ever need anything, just ask me.

 

And you, Sage.

 

Sage: Huh, me?

 

Jude: Marion said to go ask him if you need help with Overflow.

 

Sage: Woah, he did?!

 

Don’t tell me you asked for me?

 

Jude: Only because I ran into him.

 

Sage: Thank you, Jude-kun! I’m really glad!

 

Bianchi: (Oh my, why isn’t that rare.)

 

(... I suppose I should follow up with Marion-chan, though.)

 

 

 

 

All new days, the instant I spot your smile,

 

 

 

All new days, I’ll be the light that brightens your days!

 

 

Always, all right, just like this, keep going

 

All new days, the instant I spot your smile,

All your days, our eyes meet like clockwork.

 

 

 

 

 

Sage: Ah, take a look at this, Bianchi-san!

Bianchi: Hm? What is it, Sagie?

Sage: Jude-kun's trending on social media again.

Bianchi: Oh, him? You don't have to bother telling me that, dear…

Sage: It's like he takes over social media at regular intervals. That's amazing!

A lot of the hype is coming from foreign visitors this time. “New Million had such handsome heroes?!” And such.

Bianchi: Gracious, everyone always gets fooled by his looks. If only they knew what he's really like…

Sage: I get why so many people love him though.

I mean, true, he can be a little violent… and reckless…

But he's always helping the citizens out, so I'm sure they admire that part of him too ♪

Bianchi: … I wonder?

Sage: ?
 

───

 

Market shopkeeper: Ah, Jude-kun! Do you have off of work today?

Jude: No, I've got some work later in the evening. I just wanted to do some shopping before I head to the Tower.

Market shopkeeper: Then please, take a look at my store! We have nothing but the freshest tomatoes~♪

Jude: Tomatoes… You have anything else?

Market shopkeeper: Why of course~! Let me give you some freebies, as a thank you for always protecting New Million!

Jude: Alright, then—

Man's voice: Oh my god, apparently there's a fire at Emerald Street!

Jude: … Fire?
 

───

 

Rescue worker: It's not safe here! You need to back up!

Apartment resident: My dog's still in there! He’s my precious family…!

Rescue worker: You live on the top floor, yes? We're doing everything we can to put out the fire, but heading up to rescue it is too—

Jude: Which room?

Rescue worker: Huh…?

Apartment resident: I-It's on the right side, furthest from the stairs! I beg of you! Please save my family…!

Jude: Leave it to me.

Rescue worker: W-Wait! Just what do you think you're doing?! The fire’s too strong right now! It's too dangerous!

Jude: Heh, that just makes it even better—
 

───

 

Dog: Woof woof! Arf!

Apartment resident: I can't thank you enough! I'm in your debt…!

Rescue worker: That was amazing, not even we were willing to risk it in this situation… You're not hurt, are you?!

Jude: I don't think so…

Ah… I burnt my back a little, but it's no big deal. Well, I've got places to be, so I'm off.

Rescue worker: Ah, wait…!

Apartment resident: He's something else! Just who was that super cool hero…?!
 

───
 

 

Jude: (That was easier than I thought it'd be. I was expecting more of a challenge…)

(Well, what's done is done. Time to head back to that shop and buy some vegetables—)

Woman's voice: EEEEEEK! SOMEBODY, HELP~!

Jude: …?
 

───

 

Jude: What's the matter?

Female tourist: A bird snatched my phone and dropped it in the ocean! I think it sank somewhere over there, but… I can't swim…

Jude: Well that's good news. The sign says no swimming today. Must be because of a jellyfish outbreak or something.

Female tourist: !! So there's no hope…?

Jude: When did I say that? I'll go get your phone, so wait here.

Female tourist: Huh?!

Jude: Hehe, I wonder if there are any poisonous jellyfish waiting to spice up my day—
 

───

 

Female tourist: I can't thank you enough! Thank you so much…!

Jude: When did this crowd get here?

Female tourist: Um, are you okay?!

Jude: Yeah. These sting wounds must've come from a jellyfish…

But I don't think there were any poisonous ones… Too bad…

Female tourist: Oh no! We need to treat them! And then, please let me repay you!

Jude: Don't bother. I've got places to be, so I'll be going now.

Female tourist: S-So that's one of New Million's heroes… OMG…
 

───

 

Sage: Wow! Look at this, Bianchi-san!

Bianchi: Yes?

Sage: Jude-kun's trending again…! That's twice in a day!

Bianchi: A-Again…?

Sage: It looks like he helped a tourist. Woah, he's soaked for some reason…

And a lot of people in the comments are saying he's helped them too.

Wow… He's so cool ♪

Bianchi: … It's a miracle none of his bad sides come out. Well, I suppose he is helping people, so things may be alright like this.
 

Jude: Bianchi…!

Bianchi: ?!

Jude: I went out and bought some fresh vegetables for you, Bianchi. They'd be perfect for your smoothies, right?

I thought they'd make you happy, so I bought a whole bunch. Please, take them.

Bianchi: A-Ah… thank you for that…

Sage: We saw you blow up on social media, Jude-kun. You've been making yourself busy today, huh?

Jude: Busy?

All I remember doing is buying the vegetables.

Sage: Huh?

Bianchi: … I suppose you could say he has no desire for that sort of thing.

Jude: Sorry for bothering you, Bianchi. You can ignore me and carry on with your work and conversation.

I'll be keeping a close watch, so I can find more ways to please you, of course.

Bianchi: … Why does everyone fall for it…?

 

Will: My wish is…

To become a hero.

My body's not very strong, so I'm not sure if I can, but…

Akira: Don't say that. 

Will: Huh…?

Akira: I'm sure ya can pull it off. I'm sayin’ so, so you know it's true!

Ren: Yeah! You'd make a great hero, Will.

You're so kind and helpful, and you're not a bully like Akira.

Akira: And you're not a crybaby like Ren.

Ren: I-I'm not a crybaby!

Will: Huh… Thanks, guys.

I'm glad you guys are the first people I told about this ♪

Ren: Why don't you make a wish to the stars, Will? I'm sure it'll come true.

Akira: Yeah! We'll make sure ya say it three times.

Will: … Okay.

I'll become a hero, I'll become a hero, I'll become a hero—
 

Will: What the two of you said to me me that day is what brought me this far.

That's why I wanted to thank you. Thanks, Akira.

Akira: … That happened?

I mean, you're the one who put in the work, so ya don't gotta go outta your way to say all that now…

Will: Yeah, but I feel the same way. I'm not hung up on what you said, so you don't need to apologize.

Akira: That so?

Will: Yep.
 

Brad: ……

Oscar: Is something the matter?

Brad: I think we can call this LOM a success.

Oscar: I agree. Though the meteor shower stole the show at the very end…

Brad: But that's what we wanted, isn't it?

Will: Why don't we wish upon the stars too, everyone?

Oscar: Sounds good to me. I'm not good at speaking, but if I use my ability, I might be able to…?

Akira: Hey, that's cheating.

Oscar: I-It is…?

Will: That's not true. Akira's just making stuff up.

Akira: Just watch: this is how ya make a wish.
 

I'll be a genius, I'll be a genius, I'll be a genius! See? I managed to say it in time, right?

Will: That's the same wish you made last time…

Akira: Ah…

Brad: So you're still at square one, I see.

Oscar: And you didn't say it in time, either.

Akira: S-SHUT IT, SHUT IT, SHUT IIIIIIT!

 

Brad: God's wish is thus: to bestow a prize to the strongest in all the land. Those who believe they have what it takes shall come forward and take part in a tournament.

“Following the messenger’s announcement, many confident warriors stepped forward.”

Akira: A tournament, huh? That's the perfect opportunity to go show everyone who's top dog around here.

Will: This is another step in my journey to become a hero. I'll give it my all.

Brad: “With their own motivations, Akira and Will both entered the tournament.”

Akira: Take that!  (uses ability)

Will: Hah! (uses ability)

Brad: “They both climbed the ranks, and had their long-awaited reunion as their final match.”

Akira: Never thought I'd be fightin’ you here. Glad to see ya, Will.
 

Will: Me too, Akira.

Akira: … A'ight, don't hold back now!

Will: You know it!

Akira: Take this!

Will: …!

Brad: “With the two of them evenly matched, it was a fierce bout to behold.”

Will: (Ugh… this firepower is so intense. And he's not even going into overflow… Akira's amazing.)

(But I'm the main character here. I can't lose now!)

HAH!

Akira: Gah…!

Hehe, you're not half-bad, ain't ya ♪

Will: Right back at you.

Oscar: Neither of them are going down without a fight… Even though I know how it's supposed to end, it feels like it could go either way.

Brad: They keep making up new dialogue on the fly, after all.

Well, the audience seems to be enjoying it, so I suppose it's fine.

Oscar: Yes. You hardly ever see this much excitement even during the typical LOMs.

Brad: It seems this match will be settled now, though.

Will: This should do it! Haah!

Akira: Agh…

Brad: We have a winner. Will takes home the prize!

Akira: Shit, I blew it… I was givin’ it my all, y'know…

Will: Akira…

Akira: You'll make a great hero, Will…

Will: … Thanks.

Brad: “With Will having earned his narrow victory, the messenger, having kept watch over the match, appeared before the two men.”
 

You were both a sight to behold.

Though a victor was decided, each of you showed true strength and sportsmanship.

God feels it insufficient to only grant one a prize.

Thus, His command is such: as proof of your valor, the two of you shall rise into the heavens above, and have your valiant deeds recognized throughout the land.

Will: What…?

Brad: And you, Will, shall hereby protect this land as its hero.

Will: O-Of course! Thank you so much!

Brad: A hero has been born today. Give us your blessings, o stars above!

“And so, Will become a hero loved by the people.”
 

“The day came where the two men ascended to the heavens, where they turned to stars and shined brilliantly forevermore.”
 

Little girl: It's so pretty…! Wow… Look, sis, they're so pretty!

Girl B: Right? I told you the meteor shower wouldn't be scary.

Little girl: I-I wasn't scared…! Just a little creeped out…

Girl B: C’mon, now’s the time to make a wish. Do you have any dreams you want to come true?

Little girl: Yep! I have a whole bunch ♪
 

Office worker A: Woah, now would you look at that…

Office worker B: What's with ya? Why'd you wanna come up here after the stream ended?

Office worker A: I wanted to see the shooting stars myself. I don't think I've been sparing a glance up at the night sky at all, recently.

Office worker B: Me neither… But wishes, huh~ I'm drawin’ a blank.

Office worker A: Haha, I feel ya. Maybe I'll just wish for our work to get cleaned up soon.

 

← | →

Starry Night Masterlist

Akira: Ooh, look who's awake.

Will: G'morning, Akira. You're up early.

Akira: Got a little too psyched, ended up waking myself up.

Will: You doing okay? You were up pretty late last night too…

Akira: Of course! If anything, I'm at max voltage!

I've come up with some stuff for the LOM, so listen up ♪

Will: Someone woke up on the right side of bed, huh? What'd you come up with?

Akira: For starters, I'm gonna play the last boss who gets in the way of the main character's dream. I'm thinking of him being the strongest bandit in all the land.

Will: Bandit…?

Akira: Yep! He's the MC's childhood friend, but also his opp who tells him he can't be a hero.

Will: So an antagonist who gets in the way of the protagonist's dream…

Why'd you wanna play a character like that?

Akira: It'll make the MC feel more alive, yeah? Like his dreams comin’ true actually means something.

Will: We can't both be the protagonists?

Akira: Don'tcha want the audience to be willing to dream?

Will: … Yeah.

Akira: Then you should be the only protag. No one's a better fit for the role than you.

I know that the best, so just trust me.

Will: … Haha, what's with you today?

Alright then. Whatever you say, genius director Akira Otori.

Akira: Glad to see ya on board!

Make sure ya play the role to the fullest, ‘kay? Or I'll be stealing the spotlight from you!

Will: Ahaha, so you do wanna be in the spotlight!
 

Oscar: The issue seems to be resolved. It's all thanks to you, Brad-sama.

Brad: All I did was share a few words with him.

Akira: Ooh, you guys are up too?

Listen up! I've come up with a great plot ♪

Brad: Let's save it for later. We should have breakfast first.

Oscar: Allow me to prepare something. Please take a seat, everyone.

───

 

Akira: HAAAH!

Will: Ah…

 
Akira: C'mon, get it together, Will.

Will: No, you're way too into this… we don't have to lean so hard into it…

Akira: The hell are ya saying? If we don't go hard, then the audience won't get hyped up.

Will: … I mean, I guess.

Akira: Ya don't want people to think a sloppy performance like that's enough to achieve their dreams, do ya?

Will: ……

Alright. I'm the main character, I can't go losing to the villain.

Akira: Hehe, that's more like it.

Will: Just a day left until the LOM, huh… We kinda rushed through everything since it was on such short-notice, but I'm glad everything seems to have worked out.

Akira: Yeah. The costumes Bianchi made ain't half bad, either.

Will: Are you really okay with the constellation imagery they added? I thought for sure you'd have a problem with it…

Akira: Well, it looks cool, and I figured bein’ a Cancer can't be all that bad.

Will: Hehe, that's good to hear.

Akira: Now we just gotta polish our moves for the real deal.

Will: … Hey, Akira.

Akira: Hm?

Will: Can you spare a few minutes after the LOM? There's something I wanna tell you.

Akira: Wha… you too?

Will: ? What do you mean?

Akira: I actually had somethin’ to talk to ya about too.

Will: … You don't wanna talk about it now?

Akira: Nope. It's gotta be after.

What about you?

Will: I think I'd rather hold on until after too.

Akira: Heh, what's with you, makin’ a big show outta it?
 

Will: Hehe, I could ask you the same thing.

 

← | →
 

Will: I think we can go with this plan.

Akira: Hmm… Well, there's nothing wrong with it…

Will: What's wrong? You'll stand out just fine, so there's no problem, right?

Akira: Well… I guess, but…

Will: ? What's bothering you?

Akira: ……

Brad: At an impasse?

Akira: … Brad.

Will: My apologies, we're having trouble settling a few things…

Oscar: Here, I made you some coffee. Why don't the two of you drink this and take a break?

Akira: Thanks.

Will: Ah, I had some cookies that'd go perfect with this ♪

Oscar: There's a cup for you as well, Brad-sama.

Brad: Thank you.

So what's all the fuss about?

Akira: We're not fussin’...

Will: We've settled on the general direction we're going in, so we're trying to figure how the story's going to go.

Brad: I recall the motif being centered around heroes from Greek mythology?

Will: Yes. We're thinking of showing a play that follows a hero on his path to become a constellation.

We thought about there being two protagonists—childhood friends—who dream of being heroes and face some tough trials and tribulations.

We figured that if we did some mock battles with drones or you two to present the story, it would excite the audience…

Brad: Sounds just fine to me.

Will: But Akira doesn't seem satisfied at all…

Brad: What has you so discontent?

Akira: It's not like I'm “discontent” or anythin’, but…

Brad: If you have something to say, then say it. We're getting nowhere like this.

Akira: D-Don't need to tell me twice…

I don't got any problems with the story or details themselves.

But I… I think Will should be the only one aimin’ to be a hero.

Will: Huh?

Akira: Yeah, it'd be way better if Will was the only protag. I'm sayin’ so, so there's no two ways about that!
 

Will & Brad & Oscar: ……

Akira: W-What? Say somethin’, would ya…

Will: I mean…

Oscar: Hmm…

Brad: It's a shock that someone as ostentatious as you are would ever hand over the role of the protagonist.

Akira: H-HAH?! It's not that weird?!

I'm just sayin’ that Will should definitely be the only protagonist this time around! That's it!

Will: ……

Akira: Don'tcha wanna be the protag, Will? The person who achieves his dream of becomin’ a hero…

Will: Of course I do.

But why would you say something like that?

Akira: W-Well…

Will: ……

Brad: I get the picture.

You two figure out everyone's roles yourselves.

Akira: What's up with you? You're never so quick on the uptake…

Brad: But the PR Department, not to mention the citizens, are expecting great things from the two of you because of that article.

I'm not saying you have to take the lead role, but keep in mind that there are expectations you have to live up to, Akira.

Akira: Uu…

Fine, I'll figure it out. I'll play the damn crab if I have to.

Brad: Crab?

Well, alright then. I'll report the particulars to the PR Department.

Akira: Please do.

Will: Akira…

Akira: Are we done here? I'm gonna hit the gym for a breather.

You come too, Oscar.

Oscar: Alright.

Will: ……

Brad: Are you concerned about him?

Will: Yes… wasn't he acting strange? I can't picture Akira saying something like that…

I thought he always wants to take center stage…

Brad: Any idea why he said that?

Will: None at all…

He's been a big help, so it's not like he isn't motivated…

Brad: ……

Will: I'm gonna go talk to him.

Brad: Hold it, Will.

Will: ?

Brad: Let me handle this.

Sometimes, it's easier to open up to a third party. And I have a feeling that's the case this time around.

I'll share what I find out later, should I consider it necessary.

Will: A-Alright…

 

← | →
 

Akira: So much for holdin' off until nighttime.

Oscar: Good thing Brad-sama reminded us to bring an umbrella.

Will: Yeah…

Oscar: Well, cheer up. It's not that heavy, so maybe it'll lighten up.
 

───

 

Akira: Ya jinxed it.

Oscar: S-Sorry…

Will: You don't have to apologize, Oscar-san. We can't control the weather.

Akira: We're gonna be soaked at this rate, so let's have our meeting after hittin’ the shower.

Will: Alright. I guess we'll have to put off our stargazing for now.

Oscar: ……
 

───

 

Akira: Ah~, that warmed me up! Ya can't beat a good shower after gettin’ soaked!

Will: Well, the water really chilled us down. Did you see Oscar-san shivering?

Akira: The rain's still goin’ strong, huh…

Welp, no helpin’ that. Let's get our meeting started.

Will: Okay!

Akira: Let's settle on the theme first.

Will: Ah, how does “dreams” sound?

I'd like it if the LOM could help everyone entrust their dreams to the stars.

Just like I did back then.

Akira: Dreams, huh…

Well, why not? It suits ya.

Will: Alright! I knew you'd say yes.

Akira: What should we do about the outfits?

We can't just stick on some star hats and call it a day…¹

Will: That would be a sight for sore eyes alright…

Akira: I’d totally wanna see Brad wear one, though.

Will: Hm… A little off topic, but what about a zodiac motif? Still related to stars, right?

Akira: No way!

Will: W-Why not?

Akira: You might be fine gettin’ to be a bull, but I'm a Cancer! Y'know, the crab one!

It's so mid! Weak! Lame!

Will: Um, I'm not saying you'd have to be a crab.

Plus, there must be a cool story behind it, y'know? It's a zodiac!

Akira: No there isn't! Didn't some monkey hit the crab in the head with some fruit and kill it? That’s just depressin’!²

Will: Are you sure that's the zodiac crab?

Akira: I heard somethin’ like that back when I was little.

Will: Hm, is someone there? You can come in.
 

Oscar: Excuse me.

Will: Oscar-san?

Oscar: How's your meeting going?

Will: We settled on a theme, but are still stuck on the motif…

Oscar: Then I have just the thing to help.

Akira: Huh? Whatcha got there, Oscar?

Oscar: This is a home planetarium.

You couldn't go stargazing because of the rain, right? I thought this could let you see the stars inside.

Will: Wow, thank you, Oscar-san. You didn't have to go out of your way.

Akira: Where'd ya get somethin’ like that from?

Oscar: Oh, I just borrowed this.

Will: From who? Victor-san?

Oscar: From Dino-san. He bought it online.

Akira: Seriously, what does that guy not have?

Oscar: I tried it out in the West Sector's living room earlier, and it was a sight to behold.

Will: Oh, now I wanna see…!

Akira: How's this thing work? C'mon, Oscar, hurry!

Oscar: Calm down a bit, would you? Could you turn off the lights, Will?

Will: Of course!
 

← | →

 1. By "star hats", he means something like this. ↑

2. Akira is really talking about the Japanese folktale "The Crab and the Monkey" here. The actual story behind the zodiac crab gets explained later. ↑