Evening Lesson

The day really flew by… Good work today, everyone!

We all ran errands more than we did actual ambassador work. But you all did well.

Let’s start practicing for your performance now.

I’m not fond of being ordered around by people. ♪ But I’ll listen to you if you beg.

Kuguri, you should take this prison task seriously. We’re going to perform our first song on this trip, so I think we should perfect it to the best of our ability.

I will operate according to Master’s orders.

Man, I’m already tired, and now you’re telling me we have practice?

Idols start and end their days with practice! We have to work supes hard! C’mon, Taotao, stand up!

We don’t have time to waste. Please start practicing immediately.

(Wow, Chihiro-kun’s dancing is flawless. His movements are so much sharper than everyone else…)

(But…they’re not really in sync with each other. Their singing’s kind of messy too… I hope we can make it through this.)

Ugh, okay, stoooop!

This is SO not it, you guys! Didn’t Yappuu show us the choreo before we left for Beppu?! Nobody even knows the song lyrics!

S-Sorry… It’s just kind of embarrassing…

Hm, but everyone starts off at this level.

You can’t be an idol with that attitude!

Oh, if we can’t perform, we should at least focus on coming up with our personas!

Our…personas?

Yep. We should all play some kinda character when we do our ambassador stuff tomorrow!

Hmmm, Raitin, maybe you can try and be a super egotistical typa guy.

Egotistical? Could I ask you to elaborate on that?

Pin ‘em against the wall! Lift up their chin! “You belong only to me,” or something like that!

That’s completely different to what Raito-san’s actually like…

It’s just a persona, so that’s okay!

I see. It reminds me of the Emperor tarot card. Or like Aries and the planet Mars.

Kinyari, maybe you can be the cutesy type? You got the face for it!

You can make finger hearts and say, like, “I’m Kinyari! Ev3ns’ little cutie-patootie shortcake! ♪” Give it a go!

…Orders from parties other than Master not accepted.

Taotao, maybe you can be a comedian! Like, “So how about that airline food? Man, tough crowd.” Like, you’d be a great straight man!¹

Where did that one even come from…? And there are actual professional comedians out there, so I don’t wanna half-heartedly try to imitate them…

And Kugurinu can be the gentle and comforting type. Like, “I want to warm your heart for you…” or something!

I’m obviously more suited for a sexy role. And I have no interest in comforting people.

But I would be glad to get involved with someone until we destroy each other.

Ch-Chihiro-kun, I like your idea, but I’m not sure if everyone should play characters that are so different from their actual personalities…

Huh? But if you wanna be an idol, you have to be ready to sell off parts of yourself.

You won’t last if you try to be yourself. It’s a tough industry if you don’t have a persona.

I understand where you’re coming from, but it might be too difficult for this team to handle.

…Okay, fine. I’m leaving.

(Ah… Is he mad?)

Chihiro, hold on!

What a selfish little nyuszi. I’ll be leaving as well.

Oh, we’re not going to be playing our characters? I have no qualms about being the egotistical type…

We should end practice for today.

You’re right. Chief, can you give the leader what you brought?

Oh, yeah. Raito-san, um, this is for you…

Hm? What is this?

Can I ask you to record weekly reports with this? I have all of the team leaders do it. I’d like a report on this study trip as well, if that’s okay.

A cassette tape… Very ret. They were popular in the 90s, weren’t they? It sounds interesting. I’ll do it.

(He has a bright smile on his face… Yeah, the egotistical type really doesn’t suit Raito-san.)

We had a disagreement during practice today, but…what do you think, as the leader?

Hm? I wouldn’t say it was that bad. I’m sure everyone will forget about it by tomorrow.

W-Will they…? Chihiro-kun seemed really set on his idea…

He was, and that’s great! But I think everything will work itself out.

(Mmm, I’m not sure if I’m getting through to him… He’s almost positive to a fault.)

Hey, Chihiro. Slow down. Let’s go back to the hotel together.

Why? You didn’t like Chii’s idea either.

Well, I mean…

Listen, you’re seriously the best dancer on our team. And you’re great at working with guests too.

I really think that you’re the shining example of what an idol should be. I respect you for that.

…!

You’re probably worried about this whole thing because I can’t really dance. Sorry about that. I get why you think playing a character would be better for me.

Taotao… You’re a really weird guy.

Huh?

We’re not being filmed right now, right?

What do you mean? There aren’t any cameras around here.

Yeah, but they always make sure to get stuff like this on camera when they’re filming idol documentaries…

*sigh*

‘Kay, let’s go back. Sorry for forcing that whole comedian thingy on you.

Well… I can’t be a comedian, but I guess you guys do need a voice of reason, since this team’s full of weirdos.

Wait, does that include me?!

Dude, of course it does.

Ahaha! O-M-G, Taotao, you’re literally so mean! ♪