Time Stops¹

……

Hi, Nanaki-kun. Sorry for showing up without telling you first.

No… No, it’s okay. Um, yes, you’re good. Is there…something you need?

I know you wanted to quit being a mayor, so I wanted to talk about that. I was hoping you’d change your mind…

Oh, that’s, uh… Yes, um… How do I say this…?

Mhm.

Um… Well…

(He’s refusing to make eye contact with me…)

*sigh…* Y’know, I expected this to happen.

You’re not on a blind date here. Just say what you wanna say already.

……

Step aside. I’ll tag in.

A-Alright. Thank you.

(I think it’s a good thing that Ushio-kun tagged along. It might be easier for them to talk to each other, since they’re the same age.)

I didn’t expect to see your face first thing in the morning. Looks like I’m gonna have a bad day.

Woah, out for blood, are we? What happened to that wimp from before?

(These two always fight like cats and dogs…)

If you’re just here to fight, then I’m leaving.

You sure about that? You might never get to see a certain someone you’re always dying to meet ever again. Ahaha.

…Talking to you gives me a headache. Leave.

I’m not leaving.

……

Stop trying to settle things on your own.

……

You always act like you’re so mature and that you know everything. And you always push yourself ‘cuz you think you have to sacrifice yourself.

If you don’t wanna face things head-on, you’ll have other chances.

What do you mean by that?

Don’t act like you don’t know. We’re living our childhood right now.

So what’s the point of acting all grown-up and wasting it away?

Giving up on something ‘cuz you’re trying to be considerate isn’t something kids do.

……

Consider some of this as payback.

For what?

Your…canon counterpart.

What?

Um, sorry for butting in! But I’d like to say something!

I thought the song you made recently was really good. It reminded me how much I love your music.

I’m sorry that I can’t express it in words very well, but I can really sense everything you’re feeling in your songs, even your struggles.

And that’s why your music has moved me more than any music I’ve ever listened to! So please don’t say you’re quitting…

Does that mean…

My tracks are the “greatest of all time” to you?

W-What does that mean…?

(Is it a slang term? I’ve never heard it before, but I do think that his songs are pretty great…)

They are!

……

……

*sigh…* Fine. You win, okay?

?

Isn’t it obvious?

To me, you’re my…G.O.A.T.

(Goat? Like, the animal? Ah…)

You have a goat you have to hug to fall asleep, right?

Huh?! No, that’s not what I meant…

Oh, I’m sorry. I got it wrong.

I mean… You’re not completely wrong…

Hugging and falling asleep would…be nice.

If I could ever do that…

Hm? I see…

Jesus… You two are a handful.

Are you feeling better now, Nanaki-san?

Yeah… I am.

Even if I try to stay away, I can’t stop thinking about it whether I’m asleep or awake, so…

I just gotta face the thing head-on.

Face which thing, exactly?

Don’t ask. God, you’re so nosy, dude⁠— I mean, Ushio.

Face both things, duh. Dumbass.

……

Isotake, apply this lip balm underneath your nose.

Wait, isn’t this the one with the super strong menthol that makes your lips feel like they’re boutta freeze off?!

I’ve heard putting this under your nose helps you focus. I’ll put it on for you. I’ll apply it to your lips as well.

That looks good.

……

Glucose is also good for the brain. If you eat these ramune candies…²

Mrghh… Yummy…

Work your brain to the limit for these next 25 minutes. Focus so much that it overheats.

After that, take 5 minutes to think about absolutely nothing. Lay down, enter a meditative state, and cast aside your selfish desires.

D-Dude, noooo! I can’t do that!

You must, Isotake. This will help you.

……

I’d be really sad if you ended up hating me without saying anything, so just lemme know if anything bothers you.

…Without…saying…anything…

Yeah. I want you to like me.

*gasp…*

I… Isotake.