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nebulancer
Summary – The relationship between Rui and his older brother Rei, which was ruined in the past due to piano, has been completely repaired upon their collaboration at Rui’s piano recital. The response to the recital itself has been on a rise, and piano-related jobs come flying in for Rui. Though he understands that it’s a chance to improve his scope of work, Rui hesitates on how to answer for some reason.
Iku, who has noticed his uncertainty, invites him to consult with Rei.
[T/N: This topic comes directly from the plot of Tsukiani 2, Episode 2. If you don’t remember the plot of it clearly, it would be a good idea to refresh your memory on the topic by watching it again. They make several references to what happened, whether the general outline, as well as the fine details.]
1. Drama – “Ever Since That Day”
Interviewer: By the way! Minaduki-kun, your piano recital the other day was absolutely incredible! It was a part of a campaign to promote FullFes, correct?
The one you did in an outdoor venue. Your older brother showed up as a surprise guest for the final song! People talked up a storm about that, didn’t they!
Rui: That surprise also caught me unawares.
Interviewer: Eh! You were also kept in the dark about it, Minaduki-kun!? Are you serious?
Rui: Yes. I didn’t hear a single thing about it. Ikkun set it up, and I invited my older brother to the recital. But up until the very moment, I’d seen my brother in the audience, so the end result shocked me even more.
At the start of it all, I didn’t know what had happened.
Iku: I guess that’s what we’d call a successful surprise! I’m grateful to Rui’s elder brother for accepting it, too!
Interviewer: Your older brother was quite dashing as well! I’d expect nothing less from siblings.
Iku: Plus, he’s a doctor!
Interviewer: And he’s intelligent to boot!? He’s handsome, can play the piano, and works as a doctor! My goodness, God does have favorites, hm!?
Iku: I think so too.
Rui: *chuckles* My brother is a kind person.
Interviewer: Still, I knew that Minaduki-kun was capable of playing piano, but I’d never actually seen him playing. Seeing just how skilled you were was an unbelievable surprise!
Gosh~ You were keeping it all under wraps~
Rui: I wasn’t intending on hiding it, but... afterwards, all sorts of people have started to tell me the same thing you did just now.
Interviewer: I assume that’s just how impactful your recital was for them.
Rui: I only realized this after hearing them tell me that, but even though I might’ve played a bit of piano as a concert aspect... I’d never really played several songs in quick succession with piano as the main part.
Iku: Yeah, that’s for sure.
From the position of us Procella members, if you ask us where Rui’s usually found, we’d immediately say it’s the piano room! That’s how normal it is for us.
Interviewer: Wow... You’re playing it on the regular?
Rui: I love piano.
Iku: Ever since the recital ended, he’s gotten numerous offers for piano-related jobs, huh?
Rui: Er—yeah.
Interviewer: I’d suppose so! I get the feeling just about everyone would rave about your amazing skills constantly, as soon as they hear you play!
Rui: I didn’t think it’d make waves this big. It feels a bit... strange.
Back when I was young, I played piano as a full-on professional, but there was some time I didn’t touch the keys at all.
It had been a really long time since I last played in front of people like that, so I felt like my heart was pounding out of my chest.
Interviewer: You were nervous?
Rui: I don’t get normally get nervous, so not exactly...
Interviewer: Ahh! Erm, yes, I can tell. Well, you’re right. You don’t seem the type to get nervous.
But your heart was pounding, wasn’t it?
Rui: Yes. It was pounding in a way that differed from getting nervous.
“How will things turn out? Will I be able to handle it properly? But I want to do it right away...!” That’s how I felt.
Maybe you could even call it... a sense of thrill?
The Procella members cheered me on when it came to all sorts of things, so I thought, “Let’s have fun with it!”
Interviewer: Wow! An anecdote where your intra-unit love shines through for all to see!
Kannaduki-kun mentioned this before, but it seems you’ve been getting offers here and there regarding it. I do presume your piano-related work in recitals and commercials will be increasing in leaps and bounds from now on?
Rui: ......I wonder. ...It’d be nice if... it’s satisfying for people.
Interviewer: It will, it will! It obviously will!
Iku: Ah! By the way, about my piano-playing...!
Interviewer: Eh!? Kannaduki-kun can play, too? That’s the first I’ve heard of it!
Iku: I play a mean “Flea Waltz,” you know?
Interviewer: Ah! That’s what you meant, huh? *laughing*
You’re the same as me! Shall we play together next time?
Rui: ...Fufu. When you do that, I’ll be playing with you, Ikkun.
Iku: Ooh! In the blink of an eye, it’s become one extravagant lineup!
Interviewer: Eh—There’s no place for me then, is there?
Rui, Iku: *laughing*
-
Rui: Thank you very much for working with us today!
Iku: Thank you very much!
Interviewer: Yes! Good work and thank you too!
Minaduki-kun, your piano-playing really was absolutely spellbinding. I’d like to take the time to listen to it in depth.
Call me over when you do any recitals or the like, okay?
Rui: Yes. I’m looking forward to it.
Iku: We’ll be in your care in the future!
-
Rui: *sighs* ...Oh. It’s raining.
Iku: Ohh, it really is. We’ve entered the rainy season, huh?
Good work, Rui~
Rui: Mmhm. Good work to you too.
Ikkun, thanks for... before.
Iku: Eh?
Rui: When we were talking about piano jobs, I got... a little choked up.
You backed me up, didn’t you?
Iku: Ahh, that’s what you’re referring to? It was the topic that I brought up in the first place, so...
Was there something bothering you about it?
Rui: ...Mm... Yeah.
Instead of bothering me, it’s more like... ...Hm...
Iku: Some sort of pent-up feeling that you can’t really put to words?
Rui: Mm! It’s like that! I think it’s because, since I’m getting work offers for it, it just goes to show my piano performances are worth that much. I’m being acknowledged.
Iku: Yeah. It’s made some huge waves, and it really was a fantastic performance.
And this isn’t the first time I’ve thought this, but I was reminded that it’s a shame that we’re the only ones who get to hear you play in the piano room.
Rui: Thanks. I’m glad to hear you say that. I genuinely am.
...But... I get the feeling I shouldn’t accept these offers so readily...
Iku: That you “shouldn’t”? Why not?
Rui: Well, it’s... That’s the pent-up feeling that I can’t put to words. It’s because I feel that way, that I’m holding off on giving my response to those work offers.
Iku: Gotcha...
Rui: Mm.
—Er, still! I-it’s not like I can keep the offers waiting forever, so I’ll have to give them my response soon. ...Hmm...
Iku: Hmph!
✨*REALIZATION*✨
...It’s time for Rei-san to show his expertise...!
Rui: ...Eh?
Iku: I think that, when it’s about your piano-related struggles, Rei-san will be the most reassuring person to consult with!
Rui: Consulting... Nii-san...
Iku: All right, Rui! I know Rei-san’s sure to be busy, but you should get him to spare some time for you, no matter how little it is! Get him to share some advice with you.
Rui: Eh—But... Nii-san’s really, seriously busy...
Iku: *chuckles* Hey, Rui? You know, I get the feeling that the things you’re worrying about are an important turning point for how you’ll be doing work from now on.
Will you accept piano-related jobs? Or refuse them?
If you refuse them once, it’s not like you’ll definitely get more offers for them in the future. I think the decision you make will have significant consequences.
Rui: Mm... ...Yeah. You’re right. Plus, I have to decide now. It’s not like the recital’s going to be a trending topic forever.
If I’m going to do it, I have to start now.
Iku: For sure. Trends come and go fast these days, so... Wait, we’re swerving off-topic. ...Haha.
Anyway! In my opinion, it’s a perfect chance for you to expand your range of jobs, and I’m thinking that it’d be good for you to accept them. But...
But I don’t want you to work as you ignore those feelings you have all bottled up inside you.
I bet Kuro-nii... *chuckles* Kurotsuki-san would also think that way. And even Shun-san, Procella’s leader, would say that.
Rui: Dai... and Shun...
...Heh. Got it. You’re right.
And even Shun would say something like, “It has to be fun because it’s work! Now, let’s have some fun ☆”
Iku: He would~! *laughs*
Rui: Plus... it’s just as you say, Ikkun. I understand that piano-related offers are a chance for me. If possible, I’d like to accept them, too.
I want to accept them, but...
Iku: It’s those feelings, huh~? So, with that being said. In order for you to clear up those pent-up feelings and have fun working as you play piano, now’s the best time to rely on the ultimate advisor!
Rui: Hmmh... ...Do you think... I’d be a bother to Nii-san if I asked him for advice?
Iku: From my perspective, I think he’d be happy if someone he holds dear – that’s you – consults with him on a topic that you hold dear.
Because that means he’s trusted enough to be relied on!
Rui: ...Do you think it’d be okay for me to talk about piano with him?
Iku: Come on, be confident about that! You two played together in front of people, after all.
Rui: You’re... you’re right.
And he even mentioned to me... that the next time we do it, he’ll play better...
Iku: And you two even promised that you’d have a next time! *chuckles*
Then that’ll totally be fine! If you keep holding back in the future and avoid the topic, nothing will go back to normal, no matter how long you wait.
It’s a conversation about the piano that both of you love, so just keep it coming, ‘kay?
Rui: ...Yeah. Yeah...!
Okay!
Iku: Ooh!?
Rui: I... will try and contact him!
Iku: Oho! You got this, buddy!
2. Drama – “Because I Really Do Love It”
[Raining.]
Rui: It’s raining again. As always.
Iku: This has been dragging on for a while~.
Rui: It’s like everyone’s listening closely to it together. It’s a perfect day to listen quietly and pick up the sounds.
Rain.
...I really do love it.
Iku: Haha. Yeah, that sure is the case.
...Oh!
Rui: Ah... Nii-san.
Rei: ...Heh. Sorry to keep you waiting.
-
Rui: So that’s... basically the gist of things. I thought I’d want to hear what you have to say on it.
Rei: Hmm. I see...
Rui: Er—uh. Sorry. I know you’re busy with work, but I’m doing stuff like wanting to talk with you in person...
Rei: Huh? Ah, that’s not it. I’m completely fine with that.
I was just thoroughly thinking over what you’d told me. Not like I’m worried about my work or any... Pfft.
We had a conversation like this a while back, didn’t we?
Rui: Now that you mention it... I guess so.
Iku: Oh, really?
Rui: Yeah. I talked to him about having a recital and asked him about piano...
Rei: In the spur of the moment, my words caught in my throat, and it worried Rui to no end. Back then, it’d been so long since we talked about piano together, so I didn’t expect Rui to be the one bringing that topic up.
I was at a loss for words.
Rui: So that’s... what happened...
Rei: Yeah. It also sort of felt like... I was getting hit where it hurt most, though.
Rui: ...Got it.
Rei: But we want to put an end to that issue now. That’s exactly why I can be upfront in saying that sort of thing.
Rui: Ah...! Yeah. You’re right.
Iku: Rui, you... really do treasure Rei-san, don’t you?
Rui: Eh...?
Iku: I can tell you’re really, really being considerate of him. I can feel the meaning behind all those pauses in between each and every one of your words. You’re putting a lot of thought into it, focusing on all the breaths you take.
It’s a huge difference from the way you treat us with no holds barred!
Rei: Haha! Is he like that with Procella?
Iku: Ahaha! Yes! He’s incredibly strong-willed. These days, Rui’s even been making our local Demon Lord, Shun-san, be on the ropes when dealing with him.
Rei: Shun, too? *chuckles* Now that’s incredible.
Iku: Well, his nickname of being the Petit Demon Lord isn’t for show.
Rui: Ikkun...!
Iku: Ahaha! Sorry, sorry!
Rei: I wouldn’t mind if he were to talk with me that way, too. If he’s a little too considerate of me, I’d feel like he’s being distant with me... which makes me sad.
Rui: U-urk... Well...
Rei: *laughs*
Rui: Hrmph...! Nii-san, you’re making fun of me, too!
Rei: Haha...! Yeah, I am. Sorry about that.
It’s okay for you to take it little by little.
I want you to interact with me in the same way you do with the Procella members, but if I view it as you treating me specially... Yeah, that in itself is appetizing.
Iku: A-appetizing? Rei-san...
Rei: I’m quite the doting big brother, surprisingly enough. Did you not know that?
Iku: I understood that extremely well. Just now, as a matter of fact.
Rui: Nii-san, you look like... you’re sort of having fun.
Rei: Mmhmm. I’m having lots of fun.
You’re able to consult me with important jobs now, so it made me happy.
I’m being relied on, aren’t I? I can see that you think of me as being on your side, and though I know it’s uncharacteristic of me, I don’t care, because I’m absolutely giddy about this.
Rui: You’re... happy...
*chuckles* ...Got it. Was it good that I’m... asking you for advice?
Rei: Your decision was a perfect ten out of ten.
Rui: ...Thank goodness.
Rei: Iku-kun’s advice is always accurate, isn’t it?
Iku: Haha! Much obliged.
Rei: So I’ll have to respond to your expectations and provide good advice to deal with Rui’s situation.
Rui: Mm. I want to... take piano jobs. I know it’d be better for me to accept them, but I don’t know why I can’t immediately respond positively to them.
It’s something I feel myself, yet I can’t really tell how I’m feeling...
Rei: From how I see it, I think the answer to that is simple as can be.
Rui: ...Huh?
Rei: It’s because that’s how important piano is to you.
Rui: Ah...!
Rei: Feels embarrassing saying this about myself, but it’s the same as the way you treat me gingerly. Piano’s incredibly precious to you.
That’s why you don’t want to screw up. You’re asking yourself if it’s okay for you to accept jobs that easily.
In the first place, you’ve always been a professional skilled enough to perform recitals, no matter how little you were.
It’s like that little self in you is asking your present self, “As a professional, do you have enough talent to make people pay in order to hear you play? What about the issue of when you stopped playing for a while?”
Aren’t your instincts piping up, asking you about this?
Iku: As a professional, huh...? I get it now.
Rui: Hmm...
Rei: Plus... If possible, you might feel some guilt.
Rui: Eh—....
Rei: There was the incident that happened with me. That’s why you abandoned pursuing piano in the past. You’d constantly distanced yourself from the piano.
You’re wondering if it’s okay for someone like you to choose striving for the piano again. Maybe that’s why you feel guilty about playing piano.
Rui: Aah...!
Rei: How about it? I went off on a whim and thought my own reasons up, but if it’s wrong, feel free to say so.
Rui: ...’s wro...
Iku: Eh?
Rui: ...None of it’s wrong... so I’m surprised.
That’s amazing... It felt like you totally read my mind.
Rei: Got it.
Rui: Piano... I... ...Yeah. You’re right. Nii-san’s completely and totally right.
I’m...
Iku: Ru~i~? Hey! Earth to Rui~?
Rui: I... Piano...
Rei: *chuckles* Looks like he can’t hear you.
Iku: That seems to be the case~. Ahaha.
Now that he’s figured out what made him feel uneasy, I think he’s headed right down another path that’ll plague him with worries...
Rei: I suppose some uncertainties will be in awaiting him in the future, but he’ll be fine.
Iku: You’re viewing this quite optimistically, unexpectedly enough.
Rei: *chuckles* Of course. It’s because you, and the rest of Procella, will continue to stay by Rui’s side forever, won’t you?
I believe in Rui and the rest of you all.
If he goes down the wrong path, I do hope you’ll grab him by the scruff of his neck and say, “That’s enough of that!” and put him back on the right way to go.
This is a request from his brother. A genuine, heartfelt request.
Iku: Of course!
Rei: *laughs* Thanks. ...Oh...
Iku: Huh? ...Ohh...!
Rei: The rain’s... cleared up.
-
[Rui plays piano.]
Iku: *clapping* Bravo, Rui!
Rui: Hehe. Thank you, Ikkun. I felt comfortable playing, too.
Iku: And so? The fact that I’ve been called over for this special recital means...? Did you find your answer to that problem?
Your uneasy, pent-up feelings towards doing piano jobs...
Rui: Mmhmm. I found my own answer, in my own way.
I wanted you to be the first one to hear it.
Iku: I’m quite honored to know that!
...Could you tell me your answer?
Rui: Yeah.
......I’ll accept these piano jobs.
I want to do loads and loads of them. I’ll grab ahold of this chance and increase my own possibilities through my own power.
No matter what emotions I feel when I’m playing piano, I’ll hold onto them and keep walking on, with them in tow.
I... became an idol after different circumstances dragged me into this situation, and I became a member of Procellarum.
There was a side of me that just did work because it was given to me. Because it was necessary... for me to keep living. *chuckles*
But things are different now.
Everyone’s always been by my side. I’ve become capable of accepting offers of my own accord, as a member of Procella, for Procella’s sake.
That’s what I have my weapon for. It’s a weapon that only I can wield.
I’m...
Minaduki Rui, from Procella. I’m the member who’s skilled at playing piano.
To keep staying with everyone... I’ll apologize lots and lots to the path of piano, which I distanced myself from in the past. If I’m lacking in any areas, I’ll make up for it through practice. I’ll deliver wonderful songs to people.
There are songs I want to play. There are sounds I want to express.
Piano is my ultimate weapon, and it’s my absolute best friend...! That’s why I’m sure it’ll work hard along with me.
I’m going to keep on living as I play piano.
Iku: *clapping* ...Bravo, Rui! That’s a stupendous answer.
Rui: Heh... I think... it’s the right answer.
Iku: Even if you don’t have confidence in yourself, I’ll be stamping this seal of approval all over it! No doubt about it. That’s the best answer you could’ve given!
Rui: Ah...! ...Yeah...!
Iku: Since you’ve worked that issue out, you’ll have to tell Kuro-nii about that right away!
Rui: Sure. ...Ah, but... I’ll leave that for tomorrow.
For today... I’m in the mood to play a little longer.
Iku: Ooh? Then, I’m in the mood to listen a little longer.
Rui: Ufufu...! Gladly!
[Rui plays piano.]
