kouyoky

Ensemble Stars

Gacha/Scout Story

Boutique Chapter 8

Yuuta:

Ahahaha…anyway, Sakuma-senpai, it feels like you’ve completely recovered.

Turns out it was such a long conversation, the sun’s going to set soon.

Rei:

Yes. At this hour, I should make it just in time. Though, if the shops stayed opened until night, I would not have needed to move around during daylight…

All around, shops close at night. Wish they’d learn from all those convenience stores that stay open even during midnight.

Yuuta:

Ah, speaking of this, Sakuma-senpai still hasn’t gotten what he came for right? If you’d mentioned it, I would’ve bought it along the way~

Rei:

Fufu. It is a difficult item to look for on someone’s behalf. I’m looking for a coffin that’s going to be a present for Ritsu.

Of course, don’t mention this to Ritsu.

Especially Sena-kun, you belong to the same unit as Ritsu, so do be careful not to let yourself let slip of this information.

Izumi:

Will do. But you said present, Kuma-kun’s birthday was last month right? Isn’t it too late for one?

Rei:

I prepared a proper birthday present and gave it to him ages ago. However, he told me ‘Eh, I don’t need it’.

I had to leave the present by his door with tears streaking down my face.

I checked it the next day, and the present box had disappeared. I believed it’s being put to a good use ♪

Still, this time, I want to give Ritsu a coffin. If I am not mistaken he’s going to need it in the near future. (1)

I want to prepare the best quality coffin for him beforehand.

However, no matter how many coffin shops (2) I visit, I can’t seem to find a good one. Maybe I should just give up on a pre-made one and ask Sakasaki-kun for help instead.

Madara Mikejima-kun’s also pretty good with his hands, if I ask the both of them, I believe they’ll be able to make a flawless coffin for me ♪

Yuuta:

Oh, so you’ve been so tired recently because of this.

The feeling of wanting to do something for your brother is pretty admirable.

However, if you just give, it’ll make the other feel like they’re a child who still can’t walk…so you have to be careful not to be overboard.

Rei:

Yes. This is a valuable suggestion from a ‘brother’. I’ll bear it in mind.

Akehoshi-kun. If you want to make a suit, I can introduce you to an acquaintance’s shop. He’s a ‘veteran’ tailor with 50 years of experience in handicrafts.

He should be able to make the ideal suit that Akehoshi-kun wants.

Subaru:

Wow, really!? Thank you so much~☆

Still, you’re able to become friends with those kinds of people huh?

Rei:

I had the chance to get a suit made, and we got acquainted after some small talk.

Akehoshi-kun is a boy who is good at making friends. His craftsman’s pride (3) might make him hard to approach, but you should be able to get along with him easily.

Subaru:

Is that it….I hope so then☆

Ah, I’m really looking forward in seeing the finished suit! When it’s done, Anzu will be the first one I show it to.

I can’t wait~ I’m so excited that I might not be able to fall asleep at night ♪

(1)    Referring to Dark Night Halloween, where Rei gives Ritsu a coffin for a present

(2)    The original Japanese text is仏具店(butsugu-ten) which are just stores that sells Buddhist altar fittings, but I felt that wouldn’t translate well to English. And I don’t really know if there’s a specific name for shops that sells coffins so I’m just leaving it like that.

(3)    職人気質 is artist’s temperament. Which is just a nice way of saying they’re obsessed with their work and has a huge temper and is hard to get along with, but for simplicity’s sake, I went with ‘craftsman’s pride’ which is a bit easier to understand.

Ensemble Stars

Gacha/Scout Story

Boutique Chapter 6

Rei:

Naturally, she will feel happy for you.

The young lady has produced for numerous units, and among all those units, Trickstar has received extra care from her.

You are comrades in arms. And if Trickstar shone like the brightest star in heaven, then she would have been happy for you, as she would be for herself.

However, it is precisely because of this, she is lonely, no?

‘Their popularity is rising, what if some day, they become something I can’t reach.’

These thoughts probably plague her mind.

Even though the young lady’s become a widely acclaimed producer, and her ability as a producer is greatly needed by different units.

The young lady still has a tendency to underestimate herself. This can only be solved by having her build up her confidence gradually.

Subaru:

Yeah, I think Anzu’s amazing.

She’s so busy preparing for the Halloween Party, yet she still producing for other units…

And she’s been keeping our schedules clean and tidy.

After watching our performance in Summer Live, Anzu’s been thinking about doing all round trainings for us.

If I remember correctly, it was Sakuma-senpai’s advice wasn’t it?

Rei:

I wouldn’t use such a gentle word like ‘advice’ to describe it.

Being able to accept such harsh words, reflect on it and then make use of it in the future.

The young lady is a straightforward and good child, and if she can build up her confidence, she will become a brilliant producer.

Subaru:

Ahaha, Sakuma-senpai is so strict~ However, to me, Anzu is an amazing producer already ♪

Ah, speaking of Summer Live, the fans from before also wanted to talk about that~

After seeing our performance with Eve, they became our fans!

They didn’t seem to be locals, so they were wandering around, half hoping to meet us.

Turns out they did manage to see me, so they were particularly excited.

They rushed forward and asked, ‘You’re Subaru Akehoshi from Trickstar right!?’. And before I knew it, I was already surrounded by a huge crowd!

The fans sure are energetic

It’s the same energy that Daikichi has when he’s pulling at his leash to tell me to hurry up and go on our walk, ahahaha… ☆

Rei:

Communication with fans is important, however, boundaries should still be drawn.

Still, it is not my intention to scold you, so let’s return to the matter at hand.

Being surrounded by fans, and even receiving fan letters. Yes, this is the proof that you are becoming a famous idol.

However, seeing Trickstar being this popular, the young lady should be happy, yet on the other hand she would’ve felt abandoned.

You should be feeling the same.

The young lady’s popularity as a producer has risen, and now she’s wanted by units everywhere.

Do you not feel lonely when you see this scene?

You’re happy that young lady Anzu has gotten approval for her ability. But at the same time, it feels like she has become something distant, and this is the cause of your loneliness.

Subaru:

…

Yuuta:

Ah, sorry to interrupt your conversation. But Anzu-san has finished her call and is making her way back here.

Rei:

Welcome back, young lady. Seems like it was a long conversation…

Oh. You’ve managed to confirm some things, and some other units requested for you to produce for them.

And right after you finished that phone call, another came in, asking for your help in finding new work, and you ended up taking a long time to sort it out, is that it?

Good, good. You’ve spoken a lot, you must be parched. This coffee from this cafe tastes wonderful even if you drink it cold.

The owner seems to be particularly insistent on coffee beans, if you ever strike up a conversation on this topic, he’ll be very excited to discuss it with you, and time just flies by.

Subaru:

Anzu, I’m sorry that I didn’t notice it.

And I had been feeling the same way as Anzu…

But, I won’t ever let Anzu make that kind of expression ever again!

No, I don’t want you have that expression on your face again. All I want is for Anzu to keep smiling. Even if I’ve said it a thousand times, I’ll keep on saying it because Anzu, your smile is brilliant.

Rei:

Hold it, Akehoshi-kun. Young lady has an ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about’ face on. Explain it to her properly, bit by bit.

Subaru:

Oh, that’s right! Sakuma-senpai told me, Anzu might be feeling lonely, because we’re famous now…

It’s the same for me, I’m happy when I see Anzu is getting popular, yet I feel that you’re far away, so I feel lonely at the same time.

It’s okay. We won’t leave you Anzu, Trickstar is only complete because it has me, Hokke~, Ukki~, Sari~, and you Anzu.

So…please continue to take care of us, Anzu!

Rei:

Kukuku, both of you get along really well.

Having said that, it doesn’t matter how solid your relationship is, because a minor thing could turn it all round.

No matter anything minor, it is better for you to tell each other, don’t keep it all to yourself.

It is easy for the destruction of a relationship, but to repair it is very difficult. Because there is nothing as complicated as the relationship between individuals.

Ensemble Stars

Gacha/Scout Story

Boutique Chapter 4

Rei:

So, what you’re saying is, Akehoshi-kun’s job requires him to prepare his own suit for the magazine photoshoot.

But he’s troubled because he doesn’t know what kind of suit he wants to wear, is that it?

If so, the one who wants advice from me isn’t the young lady but Akehoshi-kun.

Subaru:

Yeah. I asked seaweed-head-senpai already, but he ended up asking me what suit I wanted to wear and I got even more confused.

Um, what type of suit do you think will suit me? Please tell me, Sakuma-senpai!

Rei:

Even though I would like to be the answer to all your problems, there is someone who understands Akehoshi-kun right beside you.

I see you have a ‘Huh, who is it?’ face on, but I am in fact talking about you. Young lady Anzu.

Subaru:

Ah, you’re right! After all, Anzu is our producer.

Our original plan was for Anzu to accompany me to choose my suit….Say, Anzu. What kind of suit would look best on me?

Eh? You’re saying if it’s me, anything I wear would look good? Ahahaha, are you complimenting me, thank you~☆

Here, our orders are here! Anzu ordered coffee right? How much milk and sugar would you like?

I ordered the coffee float~ it’s sweet and tasty ♪

Yuuta:

I’ve been walking everywhere today, my bones are aching, drinking something cold now feels particularly refreshing….ah, I feel like I’m alive again ♪

Subaru:

Speaking of which, you came to shop right? What did you buy? Stuff for the light music club? It all looks like plush dolls though….?

Yuuta:

Yeah, it’s shopping for the Halloween Party, we were originally going to hire a contractor.

But Anzu-san said she’d leave the promotional work to us, so we ended up taking responsibility for the shopping too.

Big bro went over to the next town, he was so enthusiastic, said he’d come up with some interesting goods. I won’t lose to him on that~ ♪

Subaru:

That sounds fun, I want to help too~♪ I could draw on the dolls and create a spooky atmosphere just for Halloween?

This lil’ guy here is a bear but it looks so cute, so it doesn’t look scary at all?

Yuuta:

Woah, please don’t do that!? These have to go on sale, so you can’t draw on them.

I’ll be asking the handicrafts club to make some clothes for them later.

Give them a hat, a cape, and it’ll be fit for Halloween.

Subaru:

Oh, looks like you guys came up with some pretty good ideas, you sure know how to do business~ ♪

Yuuta:

Ahaha, I didn’t come up with this idea. Anzu-san is the one in charge of running and planning the Halloween Party, she was the one who came up with this idea.

Subaru:

She’s become a skilled producer~ Following Tanabata, she’s in charge of this S1 as well.

But at the same time, it feels like you’re going somewhere far far away. I might be feeling a bit lonely.

Eh, you’re saying you won’t go anywhere, and you’ll stay right by our side and support us?

Of course Anzu loves Trickstar very much right? I love Anzu very much too~☆

Rei:

Now, now, you mustn’t hug young lady Anzu. This isn’t Yumenosaki.

Looks like we need to make Akehoshi-kun take note of what people around him thinks.

Subaru:

Eh, why? Is there a reason I can do this in Yumenosaki, but not outside?

Rei:

You shouldn’t be doing it inside the school either. You’re an idol right, Akehoshi-kun?

Even though young lady Anzu is a producer, she’s still a girl. If anyone saw same aged couples being too intimate with each other it could send off wrong signals.

The worst situation would be, getting photographed by the paparazzi, then no amount of excuses will save you. You’d only be making your situation worse.

If any magazine managed to publish such a scandal, then not only Akehoshi-kun, but young lady Anzu…and even everyone in Trickstar will be involved.

I know it’s tiring to get lectured by an old man, but I’m only concerned about your relationship.

Akehoshi-kun and young lady Anzu are like my beloved children. I wouldn’t wish for you two to end up on a road of destruction because of silly rumors.

Subaru:

I don’t mind, instead of going all round, it makes me happy that you’re being this direct with me. Thank you, Sakuma-senpai!

Ukki also used to tell me stuff like not to hug Anzu~

Even though I may still be driven by instinct to hug her, I’ll try to be careful when we’re outside!

Rei:

Good. Akehoshi-kun is an obedient boy. Good boy, good boy ♪

Subaru:

If I’m a good boy then please pat my head! I love getting head pats….☆

Izumi:

Wait a minute!? Don’t just lean over, you’re going to spill my drink!

And, you’ve gone way off topic. You here to buy a suit right? Then don’t just sit here all day dilly dallying, go to the shops or something.

Oi, Sakuma say something to them as well.

Rei:

Oh, ‘Sakuma’? Feel free to call me ‘Kuma-kun’ as well ♪

Izumi:

Don’t want to, there’s no way I’m going to call you that…You know, I’ve always called you Sakuma.

Back to the topic at hand. Just go and finish what you came here for.

I'm only here to shop, and Yuuta-kun seems to have gotten everything.

So I can go with you to help you choose your suit.

….After all, if someone from the same unit as Yuu-kun wore some weird suit to work, it’ll affect Yuu-kun’s image as well.

Rei:

Kukuku, Sena-kun sure likes looking after people. Then I should…that’s what I want to say, but I would not want to collapse again and bring you even more trouble.

I shall wait until the sun completely sets before acting.

Subaru:

Eh, that’s such a shame~ If Sakuma-senpai came too, it’ll definitely be fun!

...Oh? Anzu, you don’t have to tug my clothes to tell me to hurry up.

A letter? In my jacket pocket?

Ah, really! Eh, but I don’t remember putting a letter in my pocket though~?

Yuuta:

Akehoshi-senpai, didn’t you talk with all those fans? It’s probably a letter from one of the fans.

Subaru:

I see, I have been receiving those kind of letters lately~ I’m really happy that I get to receive all kinds of fan letters ♪

Izumi:

Yeah, we get those letters sometimes. But Knights’ fans seem to be conscious not to talk to us during our private hours.

It’s a blessing that we have so many kids cheering for us. But if they do talk to us, we can’t ignore them either, so it is troublesome.

Subaru:

If anyone talks to me, I’d be really happy, I wouldn’t feel particularly troubled. But I guess it can be a pain if you’ve got something important to do.

Izumi:

As idols, we have to be able to respond to our fans on stage or at work. I’m just the type that wants to separate my personal life from work.

Ensemble Stars

Gacha/Scout Story

Boutique Chapter 2

Subaru:

School ended!

Anzu, let’s hold hands! Even though there are less people than on weekends, it’d still be bad if we got lost!

Oh. Don’t just walk away unsteadily~ Holding hands is better right?

Okay, just leave it to me! I’ll take you to our destination ~♪

Ah, I always come here to shop, it’s almost like my own backyard~

Mom has work, so I help around with shopping. Although, with all those jobs piling up recently, I haven’t had that much chance to help her.

Hm? Anzu, what are you thinking about?

No no, our increasing workload is proof that our popularity is rising.

Anzu even arranged our schedule carefully to ensure we get enough rest.

I just feel, really happy.

To be able to aim for the stage known as SS with my trusted friends, and have our idol work go smoothly. To me, everyday is shining brightly!

I’ll say thank you a million times over! Anzu, thank you for everything you’ve done for us…☆

Ah, Anzu definitely looks the best with a smile. So beautiful!

Wah, don’t push me~ even if we don’t hurry, our destination isn’t going to go anywhere? We should be arriving soon~…n?

Ah, sorry. I was just thinking if the person in front of us is a student from our school. See, he’s wearing the same uniform as us and his head looks a bit familiar…?

Hm. It’s seaweed-head-senpai right? We do know each other so should we go over and say hello?

Izumi:

Yuuta-kun, your bag is heavier. Why don’t we exchange.

Yuuta:

No, it’s alright. The bag only looks heavy because it’s huge, but it’s all dolls inside.

Izumi:

Then I’ll hold both of them! Yuuta-kun is delicate, so you shouldn’t be carrying bulky stuff.

I’ll spoil you like my own brother, so you can depend more on me.

Yuuta:

Eh, even if you say it like that…I was the one who was supposed to do the shopping.

On the other hand, doesn’t Sena-senpai need to do his own things?

I’ve already bought most of the stuff big bro told me to buy, so I’ll be fine on my own.

If you’re meeting someone, it’s better not to let them wait for you.

Izumi:

Fufufu. Yuuta-kun doesn’t need to concern himself with it

I only came because I haven’t gone shopping for a while.

Just didn’t think I’d be able to meet Yuuta-kun, what a great coincidence…♪

Subaru:

……

Izumi:

Eh, you’re from Trickstar…that means Yuu-kun is nearby??

Yuu-ku~n, don’t hide and come on out! Jump straight into your brother’s embrace!


 

Subaru:

Ahahah, seaweed-head-senpai is just like always.

So, seaweed-head-senpai, is it alright for you to be this close to the boy from 2wink? If Ukki sees it, you’re screwed~

He’s gonna say something like ‘Seaweed-head-senpai, just because I didn’t pay attention to you, you went ahead and found someone else! Farewell, I’m going to find my next love…!’

Izumi:

Yuu-kun’s not going to say something like that! You sound nothing like him! And what’s with ‘seaweed-head-senpai’? Are you trying to pick a fight…!

Subaru:

It sounds a lot more interesting that way, so I tweaked it a bit!

Say, seaweed-head-senpai is currently a model right? Are you familiar with the current fashion trends?

Would you happen to know what kind of suits are the best?

Izumi:

What are you suddenly on about? Eh, Anzu you’ll explain for him?

I see. It’s a job that requires you to wear your own suit right? But you don’t own a single suit.

Subaru:

Yeah, because even if we took part in a photo shoot that requires a suit, our employer would prepare one for us.

I have to wear my own suit this time, so me and Anzu were just on our way to buy one~

Izumi:

You’ll have to figure out what type of suits you want to wear first. If you’re not sure, I can’t give any advice.

Subaru:

Eh, I don’t have any special requirements? It looks all the same to me, that’s why it’s been bothering me.

Izumi:

It’s not the same at all. Collars, patterns and all that will have a huge difference.

I’m not asking you to think too deeply about it. All I want to know is your feelings about it, like what’s the image of the suit you want to wear.

Subaru:

The type of suits I would like to wear…nnn~ ….i’m getting even more confused about this.

What exactly do I want to wear…