Chapter 2
You don’t need to keep apologizing over and over. I understand the situation.
If you truly want to make it up to me, hang up the phone and go back there to resolve the problem.
Hm, that is fine. Well then, I’ll be waiting for you at the café.
(How unfortunate that trouble arose at her work on the day of our Feature Live meeting, of all days.)
(Well, I can just read something to pass the time.)
(I am also looking forward to eating the round bread at that café for the first time in a while.)
(Even though the type of clientele has changed due to the Shuffle Unit project, I hope it won’t be too noisy there.)1
Huh? Isn't that Shu-kun?
...
Wait, that's you, right, Shu-kun? Why are you ignoring me?
...
H-huh? Can you really not hear me? Shu-kun, it's me! It's Tsumugi Aoba~!
...I would prefer it if you didn’t go shouting so loudly in my ear, Aoba.
Ah, you were finally able to notice me...! Thank goodness.
There is nothing good about it. ...I did not expect to meet you in town like this.
Fufu. I was surprised too. Though I knew you had come back, at least.
Are you heading to ES after this? Or do you have other things to do?
I was on my way to the café that had led to you and I forming a shuffle unit together.
Ahh, the one we promoted as BLEND+...
But... If I'm not mistaken, I think that café was closed today?
...What? I thought that café was open every day?
Yes. Well, that's how it was originally, but...
With the concept changing to "a café where you can feel close to ES' new idols," the business model has also changed a little.
But still, days off are really rare. And it's precisely because they're so rare that I remembered I had a day off today too.
Sigh. The café is closed and the little girl has trouble at work... It doesn’t bode well for me today.
Anzu-chan is having trouble?
Ah, your concern is unnecessary. It’s nothing she can’t handle.
But I received word that she wouldn't make it in time for our meeting regarding the Feature Live.
I see. So it's Shu-kun's turn next, huh?
Then, is that bag in your hand a present for Anzu-chan? I shouldn't expect... a souvenir for me, should I?
Shouldn’t you know that already? Of course not.
Uu. I figured~ But I didn't think you would say it quite so bluntly like that...
And why should you expect to receive anything from me? I have no intention of being close enough to you to give you presents.
Ehh~. I thought we were on good terms, since we formed a shuffle unit together...
That’s a shock, Shu-kun.
You're a real pain today.
Ugh... If you must have a gift that badly, help yourself to the snacks I left in the Starmony dorms common room.
There’s a souvenir for everyone at Starmony? It's unusual for you to do something like that, Shu-kun.
I suppose. I travel outside of Japan so frequently. If I had to purchase souvenirs every time, there'd be no end to it.
It's a bit delayed, but I wanted to thank them for that. Nothing more.
...♪
...What. I'd prefer you not look at me like that. It's disturbing.
I was just thinking that you've changed too, Shu-kun. ♪
No, you’ve always had that kind of personality. It’s just been more obvious recently.
In any case, I'll take you up on your offer when I get back to Starmony. Thank you very much.
Hmph, do as you like.
Well then, I have to go too. I'm looking forward to your Feature Live, Shu-kun. ♪
Really, that Aoba never changes...
(Now, I must inform the little girl that we cannot use our usual café for the meeting.)
Over here, little girl.
I’ve heard more than enough apologies from you. Anyway, I understand the situation, more or less; you are not at fault.
And so, I will not blame you for this matter.
...Leaving that aside, I am more concerned about your appearance.
As this is a meeting, it also counts as work. Even if we have known each other since we were in school, you should still be maintaining a level of professionalism around me.
...Of course. I know that you hurried over so you wouldn’t keep me waiting.
I’ll give you some time to get yourself sorted out... Hm?
You’re curious about what’s on the table?
This is a gift for you. It’s a new product from a popular pastry shop in Paris.
I bought it on a Parisian friend’s recommendation. I don’t know if it will be to your tastes, but...
"Can I really have it?"
I bought it for you. Is there any reason you shouldn’t have it?
You are looking after Kagehira, so I am also in your debt. Please take it as a token of my gratitude.3
I have something else for you, too.
This is an artbook—a compilation of different works that have caught my eye over the past year.
This Feature Live may be my solo live, but it is essential for us to work together in order to create this stage...
While I respect your abilities, I do not believe you fully understand the kind of art that I aim to create.
That is why I am giving you this artbook.
By knowing what kind of works that I find pleasing, you may gain a greater understanding of my perspective.
If you do so, you will be able to grasp my ideal stage, won’t you?
Both parties should be able to foresee its actualization. It’s an important part of any collaboration.
However, the world of art is not something you can fully comprehend overnight. At the very least, I hope it will broaden your horizons.
You seem to like it. ...Hm, do your best.
However, you are more enthusiastic than I expected. Well, it’s good to see you in high spirits.
Now then, let’s get started on the Feature Live meeting right away.
Hm? What do I want to do for the photo for the brochure?
...Regarding that, how about a photoshoot in Paris?
Even though I come back here from time to time, my main base of operations at the moment is essentially in Paris.
In which case, it would make sense to take my candids there. Above all, it allows me, Shu Itsuki, to demonstrate my strengths as an artist.
You need to confirm your schedule?
...You can sneak into my group exhibitions with Kagehira, but you’re unable to spontaneously accept my invitations?
There’s no need to worry. I’ll at least act as your guide over there.
Didn’t I say we are going to work on this stage together? This time, I’ll have you accompany me to the very end.
To spread the word—so that we may enlighten the entire world on the existence of the artist known as Shu Itsuki.