Tsukiuta. Boys’ 4th Season CD 11 – Autumn Note Drama

[nebulancer]

 

Summary – Influenced by activities of the other members and his partner Rui, Iku lands a role as a regular on a series drama after winning an audition he searched for himself. The morning they met in person, Iku was both pumped up and motivated as he headed to the venue. However, the person he encountered there was a young boy, a prodigy actor who’s a little too determined to win...... With ups and downs in the forecast, the filming began.

1. Drama – “HOME-made”

 

Flashback.

 

Iku: *panting while running* Haah, hah...

 

Rui: Ah... Ikkun.

 

Iku: Oh! Rui! Sorry, did I keep you waiting?

 

Rui: No. I just got here.

 

Iku: It’s time for our radio, right? I’ll get prepping right away!

 

Rui: Ikkun, you...

 

Iku: Huh?

 

Rui: Why do you run? What are you doing besides running round and round a track?

...It’s not painful? Is it fun?

 

Iku: Oh, uh~? Why do I run?

Hmm. Because I can’t stop...?

 

Rui: Wha...?

 

Iku: I want to keep moving forward and forward, so that’s why I run. And to answer your question about whether or not it’s painful... It’s really painful!

It’s so tough that 400-meter dashes are even referred to as the most taxing anaerobic exercises.

But to answer your question about if it’s fun or not... It’s super, duper, totally fun!!

 

Rui: It’s painful... but fun...?

 

Iku: Yep!

 

Rui: ...You’re weird.

 

Iku: Ahaha! Maybe I am!

 

-

 

The present.

It’s the morning, and birds are chirping.

 

Iku: *panting while running* Hah, hah...

 

-

 

[The door opens.]

 

Iku: I’m home~! Phew...! The weather’s nice as always, and there weren’t many cars out.

My morning run felt fantastic~!

...Wait, huh? The TV’s on?

 

Announcer: “Next up, we have the weather.”

 

Rui: Ikkun, welcome home.

 

Iku: Rui! It’s rare to see you up this early. You were watching the TV?

 

Rui: Just a little. Also, listen and be shocked! For I am actually about to sleep right now.

 

Iku: Er, well—Yeah, I don’t think I wouldn’t be shocked hearing that. Come on, what!? You were up the whole night?

 

Rui: Mmhmm. It’s weird, but nighttime’s when I make more progress during my lessons.

 

Iku: Ah, for piano? I get it now. You’re showing up as a guest performer for an orchestra concert next weekend, right?

 

Rui: Exactly so. The concert’s small-scale, but it’s a concert with very dedicated classical fans in the audience, so I have to perform in a way that won’t shame me.

I don’t want them to think, “Is this all he’s got because he’s an idol?”

 

Iku: Ooh~! Rui’s fired up about this. I can’t lose, either.

 

Rui: Ikkun, today you’re going to meet your co-actors for the first time, right? For the drama that starts filming next week.

 

Iku: Yeah! It’s been a long time since I’ve been a regular actor on a drama, so I wanna do my best.

 

Rui: It’s the one you mentioned to Dai because you heard about the audition and wanted to snag the spot on your own, huh?

I was a little surprised you did that, because you don’t give off the image of being so proactive regarding your acting.

 

Iku: Whoa... Yeah, you’re right. *chuckles*

I’ve just had this unshakeable embarrassment when it comes to my acting. I was aware that it’s not my strong suit, but recently, Yoru-san and You’s appearances in their drama have been keeping up. When I watch the broadcast, I go, “I can’t let myself fall behind!”

 

Rui: Ooh. Ikkun’s fired up, too.

 

Iku: Yeah! I sure am fired up. Since you’re trying to expand your range of jobs through piano, I wouldn’t be able to handle being the only one to stand still.

 

Rui: Got it...! Hang in there, Ikkun.

 

Iku: For sure! You better hang in there too, Rui.

 

Rui: *chuckles*

...Ah. The TV.

 

Iku: Hmm? ...Oh!

 

Announcer: “Next up, we have news regarding the announcement that webcomic ‘HOME-made’ will be receiving a live-action drama adaptation!

A man is laid off by the publisher that employed him, lacking food, money, and family. And the one who appears in front of him is the boy prodigy, who’s recently returned from America. This home comedy starts off with the boy asking the man to become his family!”

 

Rui: This is the drama that you’re appearing in?

 

Iku: Mmhmm! Yeah! Whoa, this is crazy. Even the news is talking about it.

 

Rui: It even trended when the live-action adaptation was announced, you know.

The original work was a web manga, so I guess it’s easy for it to make the rounds online.

Ikkun, your role’s...?

 

Iku: The protagonists’ neighbor in their apartment building. My character lives by himself in the next room over... Er, saying the description myself sure is embarrassing...

The stunningly handsome medical student, Mukai Yuuri.

 

Rui: ...Born with a silver spoon in his mouth?

 

Iku: *laughing wryly* Don’t phrase it like that...? But you’re not wrong.

He’s got great smarts and a great personality, his family’s well-off, and he can do household chores. He’s nothing less of a hottie who’s a jack-of-all-trades, and I’m playing him!

Aagh. Yeah, I’m convinced. Describing him myself is nothing short of embarrassing.

 

Rui: You can’t get all bashful, Ikkun. The person playing him couldn’t, and shouldn’t, be embarrassed of himself.

 

Iku: Th-that’s true... You’re totally right! I’ll unleash all the hottie-ness I have to offer with dignity!

 

Rui: Mmhmm. That’s the spirit.

Look. Even the fortune-telling segment on TV is cheering you o...

 

Announcer: “Here, we have today’s horoscope fortune-telling! The last place is...?

Too bad, Libras! Looks like an unexpected rival might show up and put you in a tough spot?

Today, you’d better watch out for any opponents who could serve to trip you up!”

 

Rui, Iku: Oh... no...

 

Rui: Let’s pretend we didn’t see that...

 

Iku: Uh, dude, we caught that in 4K!?

 

Announcer: “Your lucky item will be... black tea! The least you could do is make sure you’re well hydrated!”

 

Rui: Ah... I’ll pour you some tea.

 

Iku: Judging by how things were phrased, I don’t think that just being well-hydrated would be able to do anything about it...

 

Rui: There, there. This is the least you could do. Drink up.

 

Iku: Don’t say that this is the least I can do!?

 

-

 

Staff member: Well, then. It’s about time, so we’d like to get started with the first introductions of the actors in the series drama HOME-made.

 

Everyone: I’ll be in your care.

 

Iku: I’ll be in your care!

(...Aagh... It’s started... I’m so nervous~!

It doesn’t look like there’s anyone else in the idol category whom I could consider my rival, so for now, let’s forget about the fortune-telling from this morning!)

 

Staff member: With this, let’s head into some simple introductions from all of the main cast members. Kanda-san, who’s playing the main protagonist Kosaka Shouhei, could you start things off?

 

Kanda: Sure. Good work to you all, everyone.

I’m Kanda Tetsuo from G-Pro. I’ve been tasked with handling the important responsibility of acting as this drama’s main character, Kosaka Shouhei.

I like manga already, and I enjoyed the original manga as nothing more than a regular fan. So, when I received the offer, I reacted with, “Huh? Are you serious?” and genuinely did a double take in front of my manager! *chuckles*

 

Iku: (Kanda Tetsuo-san. This is the first time I’ve worked alongside him, but he gives off the exact same vibes as his appearances on TV. He seems to be a nice guy~

What a relief. My role’s one that interacts with the Kosaka family frequently, so I have to do my best so that I don’t cause him trouble!)

 

Ogasawara: I’m Ogasawara Minato. I will be playing the boy prodigy Kosaka Motoi, who comes to live with Kosaka Shouhei.

Motoi has the setting of having returned from America. I had also lived in America up until two years ago, so I can speak English. I’ll show off my prodigiousness consistently and constantly! I look forward to working with you.

 

Iku: Ooh.

(Whoa, this kid really looks like a genius. He’s also working as a regular on another drama this season, huh?

He’s incredible!)

 

Staff member: Up next, we have the actor playing the neighbor of the Kosaka family, Mukai Yuuri. Kannaduki Iku-san, your statement, please?

 

Iku: Ah—Yes!

 

-

 

Iku: Excuse me, Kanda-san!

 

Kanda: Hm? Ahh, Kannaduki-kun?

 

Iku: Yes, I’m Kannaduki Iku! I look forward to working with you from now on!

 

Kanda: Same here. Let’s work well together and make this a good product, shall we?

 

Iku: Of course! I’m not as experienced with acting in dramas as a regular, but I’ll act the best I can so that I don’t drag you all down and live in this world with all I have!

 

Kanda: Hahaha! You’re one passionate guy! You’re too dazzling for this old man. Make sure you don’t get too worked up, and let’s do things in good fun, all right?

...Ah. Ogasawara-kun?

 

Ogasawara: Yes?

 

Kanda: This here’s Kannaduki-kun, our neighbor, hm?

 

Iku: I look forward to working with you! Let’s do our best, ‘kay?

 

Ogasawara: ...Let’s work well together.

 

Iku: ......Hm? (???)

 

Staff member: Ah, Kanda-san! Sorry to interrupt you while you’re speaking. Could I have a moment with you?

 

Kanda: Sure thing. Sorry, boys. I’ve been called over. We’ll meet again when we get filming.

 

Iku: Ah—Yes, sir!

 

Ogasawara: Thank you for all your hard work! I’ll be in your care starting the day after tomorrow!

 

Kanda: Of course. See you again.

 

[Kanda leaves.]

 

Ogasawara: ......Tch.

 

Iku: Hmmm? (?????)

 

Ogasawara: ...Kannaduki-san. I heard you say you don’t have much experience as a regular on dramas. How many dramas does this make?

 

Iku: Whu—Uh? Um, it’s my fourth? That being said, I barely had any lines in my first one, so technically, it’s my third...?

Ogasawara-kun, you’ve been working as a regular for something else this season too, right? You give off the air that you’re showing up in lots of dramas recently! You’re amazing!

 

Ogasawara: It’s my sixth.

 

Iku: Huh?

 

Ogasawara: This work makes the sixth time I’ve been a regular. Plus, I’m working on another drama aside from this one. On top of that, I’ve got school.

I’m busy.

 

Iku: What? That’s awesome! You’re a regular on two programs at the same time!

You’re a big deal~

 

Ogasawara: Exactly. I am a big deal. So basically, I don’t want to waste time.

Seriously, spare me. Don’t you dare make us waste time from retakes because you weren’t good enough with your idol-level acting.

I’ll be counting on you. All right?

‘Kay then. Seeya.

 

Iku: Er—Uh... Seems to me that...

Ups and downs are in my forecast.

 

2. Drama – “TEAMMATE”

 

Shouhei: “P-pancake...?”

 

Motoi: “Yep! I want a fluffy one, okay? Ever since I lived in America, I’ve decided that I have to have pancakes in the morning!

If I don’t have that in my routine, I totally don’t get in the groove, so even though I feel sorry that I’m asking so much of you, I’d really hope that you let me have what I want! And to make up for that, the side dishes I’m asking for are simple: crunchy bacon and a fried egg, sunny-side-up, are enough! Oh! Make sure the yolk’s half-raw, okay?”

 

Shouhei: “Er—I-I understand. Um, let’s see. What’s the difference between pancakes and hotcakes? They’re fundamentally the same thing, right? Please, let them be the same thing...!

I guess for now, I should get the hotcake mix and put eggs and milk in it—Mix it ar—

OWAUUUGH!?”

 

Motoi: “Wait, what the—What’s this racket!?”

 

Staff member: All right! Cut!

 

Iku: He rattled off that incredibly long line without a single mistake, and it was cleared in one go! He’s got enough skill to back up his talk...!

Oh! Good work just now. That was great!

 

Ogasawara: ...Thanks. We’re together in the next scene, aren’t we? Made sure to remember those little lines of yours yet?

 

Iku: Of course!

 

Ogasawara: ...Yeah, whatever. See you later.

 

Iku: Sure! See you!

 

[Ogasawara walks away.]

 

Iku: Hmmngh~! Dang, that was a cold response!

 

Rui: *peek* Yep. One cold response for sure.

 

Iku: WHOAUGH!? Yikes, that spooked me!

*sighs* Rui? What’s up?

 

Rui: The place we did the concert rehearsal was in the next station over, so I came to cheer you on.

 

Iku: Ooh, got it! Thanks!

 

Rui: I don’t have a pass, so I was worried whether or not I’d be allowed in. I managed to make my way in... using my face pass ☆

 

Iku: If it were in the past, you definitely would’ve been stopped at the entrance. It’s nice that our popularity’s gone up. *chuckles*

 

Rui: The boy just now was the rumored boy prodigy... kiddo?

 

Iku: Mmhmm. Yeah.

 

Rui: The role he plays is a prodigy, and the boy himself is an acting genius, right?

 

Iku: Well, that’s how I see it. That scene just now was crazy-good, too.

He had to blabber off such a long line in such a comedic scene so that it fit the necessary timing for it, but he cleared that hurdle without a single mistake!

 

Rui: I see... He really is a genius.

 

Iku: Yeah. He’s amazing. He’s so amazing that I want to get along with him as his co-actor, but...

 

Rui: Hmm...

 

Kanda: *peek* Hmm... Seems to me that things aren’t going to go all that smoothly, eh?

 

Iku: ACK!? Yikes, that spooked me!

*sighs* And this time, it’s Kanda-san.

 

Kanda: Yes, I surprise just about everyone, don’t I?

I should probably make my selling point my lack of presence.

 

Iku: That’s not something I should be hearing from the person who plays the main character~!

 

Rui: It’s nice to meet you. Good afternoon. I’m Minaduki Rui from Procellarum.

Thank you for taking care of Ikkun.

 

Kanda: Good afternoon to you too. He’s been helping me out a good deal too.

Kannaduki-kun’s been providing an uplifting presence to this workplace, you know?

 

Iku: What? I have a presence in the first place?

 

Kanda: But of course. It’s a unique sense that you’re there, which no one else has. You’re unaware of it?

 

Iku: People don’t tell me that very often, no. I get the feeling that it’s because there are people who stand out significantly more than I do.

 

Kanda: Like your leader Shun-kun, perhaps?

 

Iku: Huh? You know Shun-san?

 

Kanda: Well, who wouldn’t? Unfortunately, I’ve never gotten the chance to work with him, but he’s one good-looking beauty.

He’s not just beautiful, though. He has the aura.

He draws people’s attention even through the screen. Or I guess I could say that he has an undeniably powerful presence?

 

Iku: Yes, you’re completely right about that~!

 

Rui: Mm, hmm!

 

Kanda: Oh? Both you boys look happy as can be! *chuckles*

 

Iku: Of course we’d feel happy if one of our unit members gets praised!

 

Kanda: I see. Seems to me that your team gets along very well. That’s a fine thing.

Our workplace here is also a team of sorts, so I’d like it if we were to all get along...

 

Rui: Aah...

 

Iku: You’re referring to... Ogasawara-kun, right...?

I’m so sorry. I have only the best intentions of getting closer to him, but... he shut me down completely at that first meeting.

 

Kanda: Yeah, I know. To tell the truth, I was secretly listening in. [ding!]

 

Iku: ...Kanda-san, do you have crazy-good hearing?

 

Rui: He lacks presence, and on top of that, has crazy-good hearing? Walls have ears and doors have eyes?

 

Kanda: My presence is akin to that of a wall or door...?

 

Iku: Er, no! That’s not what we meant...!

 

Kanda: Hahaha! I’m just messing with you. Yes, my presence is so faint that I’m comparable to walls or doors, and to top it all off, I have incredibly good hearing. That’s why I know all sorts of things, you know. [ding!]

 

Iku: Th-that’s scary~ *chuckling*

 

Kanda: ...About Ogasawara-kun. It seems he came to harbor negative feelings about idols at the workplace he had before this.

 

Iku: What?

 

Kanda: She was a female idol, but she hadn’t acted before at all. Even though nothing could be done about the fact that she had little experience, she couldn’t even properly read off the script.

She couldn’t remember the times she was supposed to be up. She hadn’t memorized her lines.

Even if they called for a retake, she’d instantly forget what she’d been criticized for. It was a horrid time for all involved, I hear.

There was apparently a time when all they had to do was take a single scene, yet it took one whole day to film that part.

 

Rui: Whoa...

 

Iku: Yikes...

 

Kanda: But, as the semi-lead actress, she had a good deal of appearances. When it ended up being broadcast, she received relatively kind reviews, such as, “She has such cute fashion!” or “Her path in acting is just getting started, so don’t worry!”

For the average viewer, she wasn’t chastised. In fact, far from it. She was accepted for it, and Ogasawara-kun, who’d been passionately acting with all his soul, was deeply hurt, it seems.

 

Iku: Somehow... I can imagine that happening.

 

Rui: With entertainment, the bad points aren’t shown to the fans. But that’s a good thing, huh?

 

Iku: Still, that’s exactly why he’d get stressed out about it.

Because the results ended up being so good, he couldn’t complain about it on the surface. Yet he wouldn’t want it to be seen favorably.

 

Kanda: You hit the nail on the head. He’s a real young’un, but he’s a professional when it comes to acting.

 

Iku: You’re right. ...I get it now.

The reason why he treated me harshly right off the bat was because his recent interaction with an idol gave him a bad aftertaste, huh? It was fresh in his memory, on top of that.

 

Rui: Because we’re... also idols.

 

Iku: Yeah.

 

Kanda: But Kannaduki-kun, you achieved this role through winning the audition and not through an offer, correct?

 

Iku: *laughing* Huh!? You even know that much?

 

Kanda: Why, yes! Since you’re a member in one of TSUKIPRO-san’s featured units, you would’ve gotten it if you’d used your influence. The director even said that you’re one gutsy kid.

 

Rui: Ikkun is gutsy. He’s someone who does his best sincerely and openly.

 

Iku: Rui.

 

Kanda: I gotcha. I’m glad to hear that.

 

Rui: That’s why...

 

Kanda: Hmm?

 

Rui: I just know Ikkun will blast away that kid’s prejudice. Even if he can’t convince him using his words, his actions will speak louder than that.

Ikkun is someone who can even enjoy being stuck in a dilemma, so... he’ll be fine.

Er, no. He’ll be fine... sir!

 

Iku: Rui...

 

Kanda: Sounds like things will get better to me, then! Haha!

Well, then, Kannaduki-kun. I’m expecting great things of you! Hang in there!

All right. See you later.

 

Iku: I-I’ll do all I can~ Urk...

And thus... my partner, who suddenly dropped by my workplace, mercilessly raised the stakes for me...

 

Rui: Fufu. This, coming from the guy who was already planning to do something about it in the first place?

Ikkun, I know you’re not the type to turn a blind eye and pretend that the problems don’t exist.

 

Iku: Yeah, I guess you’re right, though... *chuckles*

I wonder if I’ll be able to handle it~?

 

Rui: You can handle it as long as you wish for it, Ikkun.

Your proof of that... is me.

 

Iku: What?

 

Rui: I had shut myself away like a clam in the water.

Kai lifted me out and brought me to the surface, but I never considered leaving my shell.

I didn’t... want to talk with anyone.

I don’t know when it happened, but at some point, I was walking down a bright path right alongside Ikkun.

It’s because, at the beginning, you didn’t give up. It’s all thanks to how you pulled my hand along, time and time again.

 

Iku: Rui...

 

Rui: Plus, Ikkun. You get tougher when you’re faced with adverse situations.

When things are painful... or not in your favor, you’re the type to get pointlessly fired up, right?

You’ve always been like that, ever since the beginning. Running feels painful, yet it’s fun for you.

...But that’s a sensation I could never understand, even if I’m given my whole life to think about it.

 

Iku: Ahaha! I guess I remember talking with you about something along those lines a super-long time ago, like back when we first met.

 

Rui: Yeah. I prefer staying indoors, and if I’m allowed to doze off in peace and quiet, I’d like things that way.

 

Iku: Okay, but technically, I prefer things to be peaceful, never mind the indoorsy-outdoorsy thing.

Still... yeah. You’re right.

It’s the same as in 400-meter dashes, where the third corner was around the time I’d have to show what I was made of!

I guess it’s true that I’m stronger when I’m facing adversity.

 

Rui: More like you’ve barely approached the first corner, though, considering where the progress in filming is.

 

Iku: If I think about it that way~! It feels like we’re still in this for the long haul...!

 

Rui: That also means there are more places for you to show your mettle.

 

Iku: You got it, sir! I’ll go at it with all I got.

You too, though, Rui. Do your best at your workplace too, you hear?

 

Rui: Urk—Okay...

 

Iku: Ooh...?

 

Rui: Actually... Today, I sorta... screwed up. That’s why I dropped by.

I couldn’t successfully communicate with the person who’s going to be our conductor, so... that’s why...

 

Iku: *chuckles* Oh, so that’s it.

 

Rui: ...Yeah.

 

Iku: But still, I don’t think for a second you’ll lose. You’re a professional, after all.

 

Rui: Obviously. I won’t lose. Because I’m a professional.

And I’ll keep hanging in there. As your partner.

 

Iku: Ahaha! I could say the same thing right back to you.

 

Rui: Yep. Don’t you dare lose... *gently nudges Iku* Kannaduki Iku.

 

Iku: You can count on me... *gently nudges Rui* Minaduki Rui!

 

-

 

Shouhei: “Oh, jeez. What’ll we do about this?”

 

Motoi: “What do you mean, what’ll we do? We’ve got no choice but to tidy stuff up...”

 

Shouhei: “Pancake-making sure is difficult~”

 

Motoi: “I don’t think the difficulty inherently comes from the pancakes themse—...

Uwaah!?”

 

Shouhei: “Hweh!? Why’s the oven got fire bursting out of it?”

 

Motoi: “How am I supposed to know!? F-for now, let’s do something about the fire—”

 

Yuuri: “Um, excuse me. I’ve been hearing a commotion going on. Are you doing all righ—

DWAH!? There’s a fire! Do you know where the fire extinguisher is!?”

 

Shouhei: “Hrmmm, uh... well... Where was it again...?”

 

Motoi: “N-NEXT TO THE FRONT DOOR!”

 

Yuuri: “I’ll handle it! And you, take your distance. This is gonna be dangerous!”

 

Motoi: “S-sure...!”

 

Yuuri: “...Okay, stand back! I’m letting it go!”

 

[The fire extinguisher releases.]

 

Staff member: All right, cut!

That scene was okayed in one go! A scene as difficult as that went without a hitch, in one shot! Thank you so much for your help~!

 

Kanda: Fuhahaha! We were praised! Thank god. Good work, boys.

 

Iku: Yes, sir! Good work to you, too!

 

Kanda: Mukai’s first appearance was a dashing one, y’know.

 

Iku: You think so? Thank goodness~!

 

Ogasawara: ...Your nose.

 

Iku: Huh?

 

Ogasawara: There’s extinguisher foam on your nose.

 

Iku: What? Whoa, haha! Thanks for telling me! Haha—

 

Ogasawara: *muttering* You weren’t bad.

 

Iku: Hmm?

 

Ogasawara: Good work.

 

Iku: Ah...! Yeah! Good work!

 

Rui: ...*chuckles*

Looks like you’ve safely gotten past the first corner.

Ikkun... Hang in there.