nebulancer

Summary – Reina, Tsubaki, and Tsubaki’s boss, the goddess Kubou Ruri have come to earth in order to watch a stageplay. During their tea party in between the noon and night shows, they brought up the topic of “Stanning Fatigue,” which Ruri’s otaku friend is currently struggling with. Tsubaki, who has never even imagined the concept of being exhausted by stanning, reacts this way......

“It’s not like these stannie activities happen every day. It’s best if we enjoy ‘em, right?”

“A ‘fave’ who moves your heart is a special existence. I wish for them to remain happy their whole lives.”

1. Drama – “A Secret Tea Party”

Kubou: And now... we’ve arrived.

This is today’s spot. The promised land.

Haha...! I must express my gratitude for God that I’ve endured numerous trials to successfully reach this day with my own two eyes.

Tsubaki: No... Everything was fated to turn out this way.

I believe that I still would have ended up here even if I were at the mercy of God’s whims.

Reina: Ahaha! A current Goddess and Goddess candidate must be real busy! They’re both thanking God and at the mercy of its whims!

But, but~! I’m so happy, too~!

It’s been three whole months since I last came to a theater and watched a stageplay!

MAAAN, the on-site atmosphere...! It’s deeelish~!

Tsubaki: Yes... I can feel the atmosphere and passion upon my skin. This is the true thrill of coming to the location in person.

Kubou: I strongly agree with that.

Reina: It’s such a relief both of you got to come here without issues~! I heard that you suddenly got jobs dropped onto your plates, ones you had to rush at that!

Tsubaki: Yes. Yesterday noon, in fact... We were just one step away from reaching our promised land... when sudden jobs leapt in front of us to stand in our way.

Kubou: Because they came to us out of nowhere and with such force, we genuinely considered turning them down...

Tsubaki, Kubou: But because we’re adults, we restrained ourselves.

Reina: You’re very honorable for that! All adult otaku should aspire to be like you!

*Reina claps*

Tsubaki: The way with which Ruri-san swiftly completed our unbelievably crammed schedule made her look nearly divine.

For realsies. Mad respect. ☆

Kubou: Heh, heh, heh...! ‘Twas my love for my fave... For Ikkyun! ✨

Everything in the universe is possible if I think of it as my love being tested! Isn’t that correct, Tendouin-kun?

Tsubaki: Very much so. That being said, when faced with my love for Hajime-sama, everything else is but a petty trifle.

I’m sure... No, I’m absolutely certain that I can do anything to stay with that brilliance even a minute... no, a second... no, a Planck time longer.

Kubou: Though our biases may be different...

Tsubaki: Our love for our faves... is the same!!

Kubou: Heh...!

[They grip hands.]

Reina: Yay~~~

*Reina claps*

Whew, you two make for a funny pair no matter how many times I see you!

You’re both boss and subordinate, but you’re also stannie activity buddies~

Tsubaki: Fu fu fu. Ruri-san stans the October representative Iku, who is in charge of the tenth month. My light, Hajime-sama’s representative month is January, the first month.

Placed together, the number you are led to is my representative month, the eleventh month of November.

Ruri-san and my bond are a destiny engraved within the Akashic records.

Reina: Ten plus one equals eleven. I seriously think it’s incredible how you can phrase simple addition that dramatically.

Tsubaki: Biases are... things which you want to feel destiny from, even if it’s forced.

Reina: And you literally just said that you’re forcing it.

Tsubaki: Ufufu... Each and every person feels fate differently. If one can derive meaning from something which is forced, then surely it is destiny in the end...

Kubou: UWAAAOAOOOOOAAOHHHWHHAAAAAAGGGGHHHHAAAAAAHHH!!!!

Reina: Wha—Ruri-san, what’s the matter!?

Kubou: He’s h—Ik—He—He—IIIIIIIEEEEIIII—!!

Reina: Ee...?

......Aah.

...Yep. I got it now.

Kubou: Ikkyun’s...! Ikkyun’s poster...! His alluring side-eye...!

Ghuck—

[She collapses.]

Reina: The feeling of being struck through, seeing their new visuals! I totally understand! ☆

Those ten year anniversary commemorative visuals have them in their individual image colors, in all sorts of scenes and props! Just looking at them is tons of fun, huh!

This time around, Kakerun, Koikku, and Yoru-san’s visuals were a total W for me, personally!!

Kubou: Urk... F-for me... I vote Ikkyun... and Mr. Yayoi Haru, for his upward-facing gaze...

Hh...

Tsubaki: I’m going for Hajime-sama as always... And due to the situations they’re depicted in, Ruirui and Mr. Arata.

Aah... But I do quite favor Shun’s hairstyle and lace gloves.

Reina: Oho~? It’s rare for you to chat about Shun-san’s visuals, huh!

Tsubaki: As Shun and I are the exact same existence, he is but one differing possibility that I could be. It is fundamentally quite difficult for me to put into words how I objectively feel about myself.

Reina: Um yeah, that sorta detail’s a little too hard for me to wrap my head around and I don’t really get it, so I’ll just ignore it as I always do.

Tsubaki: Thank you~ for the ignore~

Reina: It doesn’t matter if you’ve already seen them online! When you see them in physical shape, in person like in posters or in advertisements, it just fills you with so! Much! Emotion~!

Tsubaki: Yes... Rather than being on the other side of the screen, your fave’s face has descended in physical form, sharing the same physical plane as you.

It truly is an exceptional experience.

Reina: I know, right? Even if it’s just been printed out, you’re all like, “WE’VE FINALLY MET! AAAGGHHH!!!”

It really is a feeling you couldn’t have experienced back then online~!

Kubou: Whagh...! Goodness, me. That was close.

✨ On the other side of the River Styx... stood Ikkyun, waving to me with the appearance of back when he debuted, with his adorable self who still beheld a sense of gallant manliness... ✨

Reina: Ah, Ruri-san’s back! Just for the record, though!

Ikkun! Is still alive, all right?

Okay, okay! Don’t go fainting in agony in front of the venue! Let’s head on in~!

Kubou: Haah... It’s been so long since I last viewed a stage in person, that I feel a mysterious sense of nerves despite being the one watching.

Reina: My heart’s beating outta my chest, too! Aoi-san, Aratacchi, Ikkun, and Kai-san are a rare group to see together already, but they’re in a suspense genre stageplay!?

Nggh, I can’t expect what’ll happen...!

Kubou: Why, yes, it’s a collection of members who are surprising to see together—and in types of roles that we’ve never seen them performing...

I may possibly... discover a new side to my fave... which I’ve never seen before this...!

Agh—ACK—

AAGUUUUCK—

Ikkyun...! YOU CAN’T POSSIBLY—

Reina: What in the world did you just imagine there?

Tsubaki: Hajime-sama...! Do you know the destruction you’ve caused..!

Reina: And what the heck is this one working herself up about?

Might I remind you, Hajime-san isn’t even in this stageplay.

Tsubaki: Fufufu. If even one of the Gravi and Procella members is there, I can feel the Hajime-sama waves emanating from behind them.

They are, after all, people living in the same building as Hajime-sama, breathing the same air as him, and eating and sleeping at the same time as him.

Reina: I get what you’re trying to say, but that’s an emphasis that I sorta... don’t wanna understand~~~

Kubou: *taking deep breaths* Haah...! Aah... Phew...! Haaah.... Phew! HAAAaah...

Calm down... Calm down, me...!

Compared to my bias, Ikkyun, who is surely backstage at this very moment, the nerves I feel are miniscule!

For I have... so many companions by my side...!

[She scans the venue, which is filled with chatting fans.]

Tsubaki: Yes... Yes. These are all companions who enjoy and adore the same thing.

They have lived through their individual jobs, studies, household matters, and more within their daily lives, to find themselves here.

In-venue participation is also a location to praise fellow like-minded comrades for having survived their lives.

Reina: The script writer and director is the same as the one who did Shuntouka, which starred Hajime-san and Haru-san, huh~?

Tsubaki: Yes. Shuntouka was a grand imperial court drama, but this time, it’s a suspense taking place in a confined space.

How will it possibly turn out? I’m quite intrigued.

Kubou: Aah, yes! In a preliminary interview, Ikkyun mentioned that it was a challenge-filled stage. I must thoroughly watch over said challenges...

Reina: After all, Ikkun’s always playing refreshing, upstanding young men. But this time...?

Kubou: Could his smile... be sealed off...? Or perhaps he’s playing a shady character who makes backhanded deals...?

Aagh...! I truly am nothing short of nervous...!

You two! Please join me in watching over my fave’s attempts to achieve something new!

Reina: Of course!!

Tsubaki: Very well.

Kubou: It’s been ten years since their debut. Even still, Ikkyun continues challenging himself with brand new hurdles. Goodness, he’s too admirable!

Aaah... I’m crying...!

Reina: Too soon. Too soon. We’re still entering the venue...

Tsubaki: Our seats are... in this row, it seems.

Reina: Aah, I’m sorry. Please let us through... We’re passing through in front of you.

...Whew. Mm! In the front, but we’re not too close!

These are some great seats that’ll allow us to see their expressions and the entirety of the stage itself~!

Tsubaki: The stage set is quite simple. I do wonder how they’ll end up displaying it?

Very excited.

Kubou: I didn’t expect them to be such ideal seats... I must once again thank my friend who yielded to me these tickets.

Reina: Speaking of which, was that friend busy with work or something today...?

Kubou: Oh, about that... ...Oh!

Reina: *gulps* It’s starting...

Tsubaki: Let us see off their gallant efforts.

Kubou: Phew...! Haaah...

Ikkyun...!

[The buzzer goes off.]

[The teacup clinks as Kubou sets it down.]

Kubou: Aah...! That was just the best! Ikkyun, that was an entirely big no-no!!

If you shine so brilliantly, then the staff members who work on lighting would be out of their jobs!!

Reina: ABOVE ALL ELSE, that story was so freaking interestinggg~!

They thoroughly held back on developing any clichés that are common with this particular subject matter, and all while properly advancing the plot, the story took so many different turns I didn’t know where to focus on! I was filled with thrills right up until the end~!

Kubou: Yes...! ...Do you remember the expression Ikkyun made when he figured out the truth?

Aah—Gosh! He’ll be discovered! Ikkyun’s youthfully lively acting skill, which was only a secret amongst us Ikkyunists until now, will be discovered and broadcast to the whole world!!

I’m sure, at the end of this... He’ll end up in Broadway... or Hollywood... He’ll take flight there!!

Ikkyun...! I will follow you wherever you go...!!

Tsubaki: There were three... no, four sudden and complete plot twists. That was the sensation I received. It was quite interesting that I didn’t know where they would end up.

Reina: I was also totally super-shocked because of the truth! I didn’t expect they’d hit us with thaaat!

And looking back on it now, I realize that their first conversation was a total foreshadowing for it, y’know!?

Tsubaki: Yes... Though the genre is completely different from that of Shuntouka’s, the composition which sucks you in entirely is still going strong.

And... the balance of their role allotment was terribly exquisite. I can even comprehend why Hajime-sama was not present.

In this story... this worldview... Hajime-sama’s presence would stand out all too much, causing time-space to blur. I expected nothing less... of Hajime-sama. ☆

Reina: You’re praising someone who didn’t even show up~!

But! I get what you wanna say! There’s just some subjects where the story can only all come together if the cast members’ atmospheres or natures just click with the theme!

Still, I’m always looking forward to when they betray my expectations of their already-existing images—in a good way, of course!

Tsubaki: Betrayal, you say? That is Mr. Yayoi’s specialty.

That unpredictable sensation you get from him always adds a nice spice.

Reina: H-Haru-san, right? He’s always a gentle big brother-type, but for some reason, people say that his visuals for stages seem like he’s got a scheming side to him~!

Tsubaki: His mild, pleasant speech and behavior are warm, but his sharp gaze is cold. That sudden temperature drop is surely his own distinctive characteristic.

Shun and I are always discussing it with each other.

And while we’re on the topic, Iku this time as well—

Kubou: YES, EXACTLY!! Ikkyun’s two-sided personality during this story!! It. Was. PERFECT.

Reina: Whoa, that surprised me.

Tsubaki: Fufufu. You have finally made a return to the world of reality.

Kubou: During that bloodcurdling scene where he displayed a sense of deep mournful regret, he fully expressed emotions that we have NEVER been able to predict from him even though we worked our brains to the very limits of our power!!! HHHUUUAAAHH...

Ikkyun...

Just how much more latent potential do you have to offer...!? IS YOUR TALENT INFINITE!?

Reina: THAT SCENE~! Kai-san was sooo cool there too! Him, wearing a suit!? AND DOING ACTION MOVES!?

WHOA! So strong! Aah, HIS LEGS ARE SO LONG!! Like, I kept thinking that~~!

Kubou: The scene where Fuduki and Uduki worked in tandem was impressive, too!

Tsubaki: Arata’s jump skill always surprises me. He leaps higher than anyone else, yet his landing is quiet as can be. He resembles a black cat in that sense.

Reina, Kubou: SO TRUE!

Kubou: The action scenes weren’t all they had to offer...!

Aoi-kun’s interrogation scene was fantastic as well. He spoke his words so affably, yet there was a chilling force behind it all...!

Reina: I know, riiiight!?

Gosh, the way he spoke his lines so impeccably during his conversation with Kai-san before that last scene, where each and every one of his words—ooh, the SPACES in between...! It was just so gooood!!

Tsubaki, Reina, Kubou: ......Haaah... ✨

*sighing in satisfaction*

Kubou: Thinking about it again, it truly is wonderful that we get to discuss it together, in person. A great accompaniment to teatime.

Reina: *chuckling* I get the feeling that the ways our conversations link up are ever so slightly out of place, even though we might sound like we’re talking about the same thing... But, well, who can help it~~!?

There are just tons of things we wanna discuss after watching it all, it just spews out!

Tsubaki: Yes. We want to speak of them before we forget them. Let’s be grateful for the fact that we have companions with whom we can discuss the things we love.

Reina: But to you, Ruri-san’s also your boss~

Tsubaki: When faced with the concept of “bias” and “stanning,” we are all equal.

Kubou: Yes! I don’t mind that, either. We’re not working right now, anyway.

Currently, I’m nothing more than “Ikkyun’s smile easily feeds me three meals’ worth Lazurite,” and Tsubaki is my mutual, “Hajime-sama’s Godly Stannie, Camellia Soul”-san.

Reina: Ooh, I’d expect nothing less of Ruri-san!

And getting to chat together like this will serve as motivation that fuels you into tomorrow!

Kubou: Motivation...! Why, yes, that is the case.

Tsubaki: Ruri-san. You’re looking far off into the distance... Has a reception descended upon you?

Reina: She’s not you or anything~

Kubou: No, it’s just... I remembered my friend.

It’s about the friend who gave up their tickets to us this time...

Tsubaki: A friend who graciously gave up such godly seats... I, too, must send waves of gratitude that may reach them.

Beep beep beep.

Reina: Mmhmm! I’m real grateful!

It was such a good stage, it must’ve been a huge shame that they couldn’t make it~!

Kubou: Well, that’s not... necessarily the case.

That otaku buddy... It seems that their stanning hasn’t been in the best condition lately.

Reina: Fweh?

Tsubaki: Oh my?

Kubou: She’s a fan of the actor who played the leading role...

Reina: Aaah! That actor with that sexy, deep voice...! He was really cool, and his acting was superb!! Mmhmm, I totally get why she’d wanna stan him~!

Tsubaki: If memory serves me correctly, he came from a theater troupe?

His voice rang out clearly and carried well. The stability of his theatrical elocution was superb as well.

Kubou: Yes, exactly! It was as you’d expect from someone tasked with the leading role.

For me, there were many scenes where he interacted with Ikkyun. I have nothing but endless gratitude for how he managed to extract Ikkyun’s incredible acting skill.... However...

Reina: Hm? However, what?

Kubou: My friend seemingly can’t work up the motivation for such a wonderful bias...!

Tsubaki: My goodness. That’s so...

Kubou: Even if he updates on social media, she doesn’t get all too excited...

Reina: No way...! But social media updates are proof that your bias is currently, in this very world, living alongside you...!

They’re your ultimate source of nutrition, yet...!!

Tsubaki: They are like breaths from the very gods themselves.

Kubou: Though she managed to acquire the tickets and the day was fast approaching, she was hopelessly slow to act upon it.

Recently, she’s been also feeling it bothersome to interact among fellow fans, it seems...

Reina: So that’s why she gave up the tickets this time, huh?

Kubou: Yes, exactly. By the way, the actor himself hasn’t gotten involved in any scandals, flaming incidents, or physical issues in the slightest. Nothing in particular spurred her to lose interest.

It’s just that... her feelings have settled, I suppose...

Tsubaki: She’s unmotivated...

Kubou: Mm... As far as I know, she was the type to indulge herself in stanning quite passionately, so it was quite unexpected.

Reina: Hmmmm~... I see~

Kubou: She, herself, feels that she’s heartless for thinking this way. She also feels sorry for her fellow fans, who stan the same actor.

It seems she feels rather depressed about it.

Reina: Isn’t that what people call “Stanning Exhaustion”?

Kubou: Ahh...! I see!

So that is the rumored...

Until now, I haven’t experienced that phrase in the slightest.

Tsubaki: Neither have I. I suppose this will continue for eternity and forever on. That I will never feel this way.

Reina: Yeah, I bet you two wouldn’t.

I see~... Stanning exhaustion, huh~?

I go through it... sometimes~

Tsubaki: Hm? ...Gosh, I didn’t expect that.

Even a powerful otaku like you, Reina, experiences such situations?

Reina: What’s “powerful otaku” even mean!? Heheh!

It’s the source of my lifeforce, so I guess you’re not wrong!

Well, anyway, even someone like me occasionally goes a mimir, y’know~?

I’ve always been the type to spread my reach out FAR~! And DEEP~ Which is how I stan stuff. I’ve never gotten bored of otaku activities itself, y’see.

Tsubaki: I... see.

Reina: ? What’s the matter, Tsubaki?

Tsubaki: ...It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.

Kubou: ...! Oh, gosh. That was close. It’s almost time for the venue to open up for the soiree. I want to purchase some additional bromides, too.

Let’s move back to the venue.

Reina: Gotcha~~!

HAAH... It’s like supreme bliss that we get to watch both the matinee and soiree shows!

Kubou: Our seats for the soiree show seem to be in the back.

Reina: Ooh! First we got to enjoy it with close-up seats, and now we get a bird’s eye view of the stage! Now this is the real thrill of watching both the noon and night shows~!

Kubou: Yes...! I’m looking forward to seeing Ikkyun from another angle, too!!

I’m going to bask in Ikkyun to my heart’s content! That will continue to nourish me starting tomorrow on...!

Tsubaki, Reina: Sounds good~♪

2. Drama – “I Hope You’re Smiling, Even When I Don’t Think About You”

[Tsubaki sips her tea while flipping the pages of her book.]

Tsubaki: *sip*

Reina: Ooh, Tsubaki! Good work today~ Are you taking a break?

Tsubaki: Yes. I have some spare time during work today. I was about to partake in tea while brushing up on studying fortune-telling.

Reina: Ooh, you’re such a diligent student. Good girl, good girl!

Tsubaki: I do have my own individual, personal Albion this-and-that. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt to have systematic knowledge of Earth to support Ruri-san’s work.

Allowing myself to be swallowed up in endless knowledge is also a pleasure in itself.

And what about you, Reina? Are you also taking a break?

Reina: Yuppers! I’ve just finished editing the video I’ll be uploading next time~!

I’m saving the data right now~

Well, then, well, then~ I’m gonna take part in a neighborhood tea party!

Tsubaki: Mm. That sounds nice.

Reina: Thanks for the drink~

Mmh. Mmmm~~~ Tasty.

Y’know, that day, we split up after the night show, so I haven’t talked enough~

Tsubaki: True. Ruri-san said the same thing.

Several days after that, she even feels that the accuracy of her fortunes has somewhat improved. Perhaps it was the effect of her basking in her bias so much.

Reina: Ahaha! Your fave supplies nutrients to you... isn’t that right!

Tsubaki: Of course.

To me... that has always been... an absolute given...

But......

Reina: Mm? What’s the matter?

Tsubaki: To tell the truth, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that... “Stanning Exhaustion”... which we heard happening to Ruri-san’s friend the other day.

I have been... deep in thought about that for a while now.

Reina: Aah~! It was about the fan of the leading actor, right?

Tsubaki: Yes.

Reina: What about it’s making you feel uneasy?

Tsubaki: Allow me to think. This is... an indistinct... anxiety.

Reina: Hoho?

Tsubaki: Hm? What is it?

Reina: Er, nothing—Um, say everything you wanna say first.

Tsubaki: Very well.

Spreading within my chest is a vague bewilderment. Ever since I encountered Hajime-sama, I have always had this passion, these strong feelings inside me.

Will these emotions someday subside or come to feel like weights that chain me down?

That one day... suddenly... without warning...

If that instant were to happen...

Reina: ...If it happened?

Tsubaki: I feel as if the outlines of my own self would become blurred as well.

Reina: Hmm...

Anxiety, huh......?

...I see. ...Fufu.

So, there are things that can make even you feel afraid.

Tsubaki: Afraid...? ......Afraid.

I suppose so. I feel shaken up.

Reina: Gotcha~...

...That’s wonderful.

Tsubaki: That is wonderful? The fact that I feel shaken up?

Reina: Yeah. It’s just so wonderful.

You’ve always been the pure-white, aloof and cool White Witch who seems like snow.

Yet now, you feel enough anxiety to fear a possible future. But that shows just how passionate and serious you are about supporting your Hajime-sama.

It’s so incredibly wonderful that you’ve found someone you can lavish that passion on.

Tsubaki: ...I suppose you’re right.

My encounter with Hajime-sama is a delight I’ll cherish. I have no doubts that it is nothing short of a blessing.

Reina: I know, right~?

You’ve met someone lovely to support! You’re supporting him so earnestly.

But it’s because you’re so earnest about him, that your heart feels shaken up.

Personally, I think it’s a very healthy process~ Plus, I sorta love getting to see you express such a human side to you~

Tsubaki: Goodness. ......Thank you, Reina.

Reina: Ehehe ♪

...You know me. As the Goddess of Subcultures, I have my own pet theory. Wait, um! I’m not trying to force this onto you or anything! It’s like, nothing more than a personal opinion, okay?

Would it be okay for me to talk about it?

Tsubaki: Of course. Do go ahead.

I’d like to hear about it.

Reina: ...It’s like how the sun can’t keep burning forever, or how hot water has to cool down at some point.

There’s necessary energy required in order to maintain a level of passionate heat.

And that energy isn’t infinite.

Tsubaki: The energy isn’t... infinite...

Reina: Yep. I do think love can be infinite, though.

But the energy that each individual person is able to hold... that is, your stamina and time, aren’t eternal.

You can be busy with other things, your environment changes, or you find something else to love. Then obviously, your energy will go down accordingly.

Tsubaki: That stands to reason.

Reina: There are times you recover energy from what your fave provides you. But if something else sucks up that energy, then the total amount of energy you have left to offer goes down...

Um. Basically!

Tsubaki: Basically?

Reina: I think it’s a totally normal thing for your passion and motivation to gradually calm down.

I’d never think it’s heartless... or that it’s because you didn’t have enough love.

Tsubaki: Calming down...

Reina: You betcha! Calm~ing~ down~!

Instead of saying, “My motivation went down,” wouldn’t that be a better way of putting it? I just get that vibe.

Tsubaki: Mm. I do quite like the way you speak intuitively.

Reina: Ahaha! Thanks.

The way I see it, it’s best to think in ways that don’t corner you in. Think in ways that don’t box you into a set method of thinking~

That’s why... It’s not “Stanning Exhaustion” to me.

They’re in your “Hall of Fame” now. Let’s see it that way!

“You’re in my personal Hall of Fame at this point! I’m not reacting to the littlest things about you, and I’m not pursuing you completely, but I still love you~

I hope you’re smiling, even when I’m not thinking about you!”

Isn’t that attitude ideal?

Tsubaki: “I hope you’re smiling, even when I’m not thinking about you.”

Reina: Yep!

Ah—The “even when I’m not thinking about you” part doesn’t mean that you’ve let go of them.

Err, it’s like, “Even when I’m not avidly checking up on you... I want you to be happy!!”

It’s those types of feelings, you dig?

Tsubaki: Your feelings have gotten through to me.

A ‘fave’ who moves your heart is a special existence. I wish for them to remain happy their whole lives.

Reina: Yeah!! Well, you need to remember, this is just my way of viewing it.

Each and every person stans differently. Each and every person also thinks differently. Just use it as a reference.

Tsubaki: Mm...

Instead of fearing the unseen future where my passion may someday settle down... I should look forward to the instance whereupon my fave has entered my personal Hall of Fame... is what you’re saying?

Reina: Exactly! It’s not like these stannie activities happen every day. It’s best if we enjoy ‘em, right?

Tsubaki: It all depends on how we perceive it, I see. You’re admirable as always, Reina. You truly are the Goddess of Subcultures.

Reina: Hah! Hah! Haah~! Praise me more and more, if you’d like.

Tsubaki: Hmm...

[She sets down her cup of tea and gets up.]

Tsubaki: Well, then. Shall we go, Reina?

Reina: Wheh? Go where?

Tsubaki: As Goddess candidates, what say you about us going to comfort Ruri-san’s friend? How do you feel about granting guidance to help ease the burden on her heart?

Much like you did just now. Casually... Steering her into a positive direction.

Reina: Aha~! True! That’s totally possible!

Tsubaki: I suppose this will serve as proper thanks, since she gave us such godly tickets.

Reina: Oh, man, I gotta get hype for this...! Ah—but, but? Providing guidance...? How, exactly, are we supposed to go about doing this...?

Tsubaki: I would be able to manage in a flash with my signal waves going “Beep beep beep.”

Reina: Excuse me, ma’am. I do not. Have such a special skill.

Tsubaki: I suspected as much. In that case, I believe it is time to rely on my boss.

Reina: Ah, gotcha! Now’s exactly the time we should rely on her~!

Okayyy~! First thing on the agenda is charging into Ruri-san’s office!!

Ahahaha!

Tsubaki: Ufufufu!

[They laugh together.]