Unchanging Color

[nebulancer]

3. Unchanging Color

 

Interviewer: I see. Makoto-kun and Mitsuru-kun, you’ve known each other since your trainee days?

 

Mitsuru: Yes! At the time, Makoto stood out so, so much~!

 

Interviewer: He sure did. And it’s understandable. He’s only just now debuted, but he’s already quite dignified.

 

Makoto: However, I’m often told that I act a bit “too cheeky.” I’ll be careful in the future.

 

Interviewer: *chuckles* No, that’s not it. That must be the natural charisma you were born with.

Among your family members include managers of large corporations or members of the parliament, correct?

Fittingly, you give off a sturdy impact in your atmosphere. You’re incredible.

 

Makoto: Ah... That sort of backbone doesn’t have anything to do with it. This is a world where personal effort is put to the test.

How far can I go with my own strength? How far will I go? I’d like to keep challenging myself to find out an answer to that.

 

Interviewer: Mmhmm! Please, keep doing your best. Well, then.

To finish off, could I have a word from your leader Makoto-san regarding ZIX’s future?

 

Makoto: I named ZIX. Its name is three letters from the English alphabet: Z-I-X.

Z is the final letter of the alphabet, which means there is nothing superior to it. It’s the finale and the supreme: it means it is the ultimate.

After that is us, that is, the I.

Because we’re multiplying our strengths together, it’s X.

Together, Mitsuru and I will be the unit that shows you the ultimate brilliance. That is ZIX. Please keep your eyes on this story of ours, which is beginning here.

 

Interviewer: ...All right. Thank you for your hard work! I’ll make sure to compile it all.

 

Mitsuru: Okay~! Thanks so much for the interview! I’m looking forward to the article~

 

Makoto: Thank you for your time.

 

[The interviewer walks out of the room.]

 

Mitsuru: *sighs* Haagh~ Good work getting through the interview! Since we only just debuted, I guess it’s obvious that every single place keeps throwing the same questions at us, every single time. What a bore, don’t you think~?

 

Makoto: ......

 

Mitsuru: *chuckles* Huh? What’s up? Looks like you’ve got something on your mind, Makoto-kun~

 

Makoto: That interviewer... only asked me questions.

 

Mitsuru: Well... yeah, he did!

 

Makoto: ...That’s all you have to say about it?

 

Mitsuru: What else can I say?

 

Makoto: Hah... What a surprise. I expected you to be more frustrated about it.

 

Mitsuru: Who, me~? What else could I do?

You used to be the top of all us trainees. Meanwhile, I did get the spotlight from time to time, but reaching top ten in the popularity rankings was questionable for me.

We’ve only just debuted, so there’s a complete lack of info on me. I can get why they’d wanna nab all the crucial stuff on you first, at least.

 

Makoto: ......

 

Mitsuru: ...Argh, jeez. Could your stare get any more annoying? What are you trying to get me to say?

...*sigh* Yeah, yeah, sure! Of course I’m frustrated.

Clearly, I do think, “Why am I being treated as nothing more than an extra on the side?”

There’s absolutely no way I could be happy when people are treating me as your shadow.

 

Makoto: That sounds right.

 

Mitsuru: But you know? I don’t intend to stay in this position at all. That’s all there is to it.

 

Makoto: Huh, I see...

 

Mitsuru: For now, you’re shining brighter than me, what with your past glory and how splendidly gorgeous your family is. But this is where I’m starting.

I’ll shine even brighter than you with my own efforts.

I’ve finally made my way out into a place where the light shines. Those spotlights are all faced in your direction, but I’ll make ‘em face my way with my own hard work.

 

Makoto: Bring it on. Our contract stated that activities would go on for a year’s trial period, huh?

...Can you even polish yourself in that short a time?

 

Mitsuru: Oh, I will.

......I don’t have any other choice.

...Phew. ...Just watch.

This is where I’m going to shine.

 

Makoto: ...Heh. Sure thing.

I look forward to the day I step in your shadow.

 

-

 

Mitsuru: ...Gh... Aah... Gah... What the heck...

This place is... huge...

 

Employee: ...Yes. ...! Yes, I understand.

I deeply apologize for the wait, Hishida-sama.

Please enter using this card key.

 

Mitsuru: Aah... Yes. Thank you.

 

Employee: If you hold up this card to the elevator over there, you’ll stop on your desired floor. Please be aware that this card cannot be used to stop on any other floors aside from the rooftop and this first floor.

As for the card, please return it when you leave.

 

Mitsuru: ......Yes, understood~

 

-

 

[Makoto opens the door.]

 

Makoto: Thanks for coming.

 

Mitsuru: Ughhuh... Huh...

 

Makoto: ? What’s that look on your face for?

 

Mitsuru: Excuse me... for the intrusion...

 

Makoto: Head on in.

 

Mitsuru: Ugh... Hh...

 

[Mitsuru begins stomping around.]

 

Mitsuru: Ngh... Hmph...!

HMPH! *tosses his plastic bag*

GAAAAHHHHHHHHH! IT’S HUGE!! I KNEW IT ALREADY, BUT GAHHHHHHH!!! THIS PLACE IS FUCKING HUGE!!

What’s with this high-quality-ass apartment!? There’s gotta be no more security after this, right!? What is WITH this place!? I’ve never had to go through an entrance TWICE!?

 

Makoto: Wha... What... *groans* For now, just calm down, Mitsuru.

 

[Mitsuru tosses more things aside and stomps around more.]

 

Mitsuru: Like HELL I can keep calm when I see this SHIT in my face!! Dammit, you fucking shithead! Hyper-celebrity rich brat!! The hell kinda place are you living all on your own, you goddamned ASSHOLE!

 

Makoto: That’s one nasty mouth you’ve got here.

This isn’t the place I live in normally. And don’t toss your things around. Jeez.

 

Mitsuru: HRAAGH!? And hey, that’s canned chuhai and my cheese cod drinking snacks! I dunno if we’re gonna be drinking, but just in case!

...And wait, you normally live somewhere else!?

 

Makoto: You sure do like cheese cod. And I think you’ve come before, but I mainly live in my Yoyogi apartment.

 

Mitsuru: NORMAL people don’t have a goddamn “main” place they live in!!

 

Makoto: What have you been so pissed off about this whole time?

 

Mitsuru: The overwhelming difference in how society’s structured is what’s pissing me off, dammit!

 

Makoto: Well, yeah. This is a flat bought to reduce taxes, after all.

 

Mitsuru: NGAAAHHHH!! YOU FUCKING RICH KID!!! Don’t look down on what the **** can do!!

Why’re you looking into tax reduction strategies knowing full well you’re making enough bank already!?

Pay it all back to the national treasury...! Return it all back to the CITIZENS...!!

...Dammit all to hell...! Do you know how much envy I am seething with...!?

 

Makoto: ...Ugh... Listen, I get the message. Your allergy to rich people’s in full force again as always.

 

Mitsuru: Hnrgh... Hmmrmgh...!

 

Makoto: Argh...

 

[Mitsuru stomps to a couch and flops himself down. Makoto opens a can of beer for him.]

 

Makoto: Mm. Here you go.

 

Mitsuru: Hrgnh!! SHUCKS! WELL, THANKS!!

*gulps down the alcohol*

...TWAAAHHHHH!!! Hhuh... Hh......

 

Makoto: Pfft! ...Calmed down yet?

 

Mitsuru: ...Thanks.

 

-

 

Makoto: Here. A random assortment of stuff from the deli. And drinking snacks.

 

Mitsuru: Wow~~~ Looks sooo tasty~ Looks sooo expensive, too!

Come from the department store or what? Or maybe the chef downstairs cooked them up in advance?

 

Makoto: Made from the ingredient corner in the nearby supermarket. It had a 500-yen off sticker on it.

 

Mitsuru: Nfft! *snickers* Dang, I feel my heart getting soothed by imagining you shoving that into a shopping basket.

Okay, I forgive you!

 

Makoto: Heh! Wow, thanks.

...Here’s some canned chuhai I had in stock.

 

Mitsuru: Whoa, hey. Since we’re here already, why not bring out some expensive wine or something~? Don’t you have any?

 

Makoto: ...My deepest apologies, dear customer. This location does not dabble in the procurement of wines.

For this apartment does not contain a wine cellar, idiot.

 

Mitsuru: Heh. This apartment, huh? Does that mean your other house has one?

 

Makoto: Pfft. Should I tell you something that’ll piss you off immensely?

My main residence doesn’t have just a wine cellar. It has a specialized room for wine.

 

Mitsuru: That’s so stupid... It’s so stupid to have a room just dedicated to drinks!

 

Makoto: Haha! I think so too.

Hah...

 

[Makoto sits down and opens a can.]

 

Makoto: Cheers.

 

Mitsuru: Cheers~. I’m already drinking, though~

 

Makoto: You sure are.

 

[They both gulp down their drinks together and sigh satisfactorily.]

 

Makoto: ...So? Finally calmed down, have you?

 

Mitsuru: Yes, I have finally calmed down~ I humbly apologize for losing my composure~

Since it’d been a real long time since my complex got jolted around so aggressively...!

 

Makoto: Same here. It’s been a long time since I last saw your natural self. Being a fox not in sheep’s clothing.

 

Mitsuru: Because I haven’t acted that way in a while~

Aah, ah! I’ve totally gotten used to putting on my bubbly, coy side these days. I was on the verge of letting that side become my natural self...

Aw shit!

 

Makoto: Watch that mouth of yours.

 

Mitsuru: Fine, fine, I’m sorree~ I’m not letting it out publicly, so what’s it to you?

If anything, this is nothing new to you.

 

Makoto: Pfft. I guess you’re right.

 

Mitsuru: ...Phew. But still. Now that I look at it again, this is one insane apartment! With 24-hour security? It’s got two entrances, and there’s a concierge attached to it...

This place is your second house?

 

Makoto: It’s not... well, I guess it is a second house. It’s mine on the deed.

 

Mitsuru: I doubt ZIX’s activities could snap this place up for you. Eh... Wait...

Wait, wait, hold on a second! Does this mean there’s always been a gap in the income you and I both get!?

 

Makoto: No, it doesn’t. Calm down, would you?

My parents bought this place for me.

 

Mitsuru: Ah, fine! GOT IT!

...Fucking rich kid.

Get buried in your parents’ money and die.

 

Makoto: Wow, it’s almost impressive how easily you told me to die.

 

Mitsuru: I blame my bad upbringing for that~

 

Makoto: Your upbringing has nothing to do with it. It’s your personality that’s the issue.

 

Mitsuru: It sure is~ I have to agree with thaaat~!

 

Makoto: *chuckling* You agree with it, huh?

...And what about you? Didn’t you mention that you’d moved recently?

 

Mitsuru: What? Did I tell you that?

 

Makoto: The manager said so.

Tell me your new address, just in case something happens.

And call me over at least once.

 

Mitsuru: *groan of disgust* Whuuaaaut!? No way! Ew, why do I have to?

 

Makoto: If it’s made public that the members of a two-person unit have never visited each other’s places... That’ll be a pain to deal with.

 

Mitsuru: Ooh, aah...! You mean dealing with rumors that we don’t get along? True, that would be a pain.

 

Makoto: Right?

 

Mitsuru: For sure. We don’t have to operate like we’re all buddy-buddy. But, if we’re too businesslike with each other, there’ll start being rumors that we don’t have a good relationship. That won’t make the fans happy, true.

Gotta make sure their dreams don’t get dashed ♪

 

Makoto: You’ve kept that point a policy to keep ever since we started, huh?

 

Mitsuru: I’m of the firm belief that our job is~ getting money based on how possible we can make impossible dreams look~.

Okay, sure. Come over and hang out next time you get the chance.

 

Makoto: Where is it?

 

Mitsuru: Unbelievaaaaaably close to Yoyogi, but just barely Shinjuku.

 

Makoto: Hmm. Seems convenient when it comes to transportation.

 

Mitsuru: It’s important, isn’t it~?

Wait, this isn’t the time for us to chat normally. Let’s get back on track, back on track.

 

Makoto: ...Phew. The topic of “Which of us is Yin, and which of us is Yang,” for the In-Yo series, right?

 

Mitsuru: Yep! Who knew that our opinions would neatly split in two after all this time?

 

Makoto: You can say that again. Sheesh.

*Makoto takes a sip*

First, let’s re-confirm. You think that I’m the light while you’re the darkness?

 

Mitsuru: Yeah. And you think that I’m the light, while you’re... the darkness? Right?

 

Makoto: Yeah.

 

[Both take a deep breath.]

 

Makoto, Mitsuru: ...But why!?

 

Makoto: No matter how I think about it, you have to be the light, don’t you?

 

Mitsuru: No way, no way, no waaay! No matter how you slice it, you’re the light, Makoto!

 

Makoto: Like hell there exist any darkness-attribute guys who are as noisy as you!

 

Mitsuru: Darkness-attribute guys would not live in such a totally gaudy place meant for complete celebrities!

 

Makoto: I’ve never heard the term “complete celebrity” ever before in my life!

 

Mitsuru: You wouldn’t be able to take into consideration what a frugal person wants...! ...Hrmmgh...!

 

Makoto: ...Argh. Fine, let’s put our respective positions in order.

 

Mitsuru: Rrngh, that... sounds doable.

 

Makoto: First up, Mitsuru. Is your basis for deciding “Yin and Yang” based on whether or not the person is rich?

 

Mitsuru: I wouldn’t say that’s all there is to it, but... well, yes. I believe that once you have money, your “darkness” attribute gets shaved off considerably.

*chuckles* On the flip side, the poorer one’s “darkness” gets ramped up in one go. Poor people’s rooms get bad sunlight. They’re more suited to skulking in the back alleys. You know the term, “under the cover of darkness”?

 

Makoto: That’s based on whether or not someone works on the surface. It doesn’t have anything to do with having money or lack thereof.

And if you want a rebuttal, rich people like fixers are more associated with illicit activities under the cover of darkness.

 

Mitsuru: Oh. ...Mm... Well, I can’t... argue with that, but...!

Those types of people generally have an... external facade, don’t they?

That facade is the light, isn’t it?

 

Makoto: ...I guess so.

 

Mitsuru: Might I ask you something? What’s your basis on deciding darkness and light? You’re not gonna say... that it’s based on how much we talk, are you!?

 

Makoto: ...Why can’t I?

 

Mitsuru: Gloomy people talk more!! Y’know, like the way how nerds ramble on about their favorite interests?

 

Makoto: I don’t know what that is. Nor have I ever heard it.

 

Mitsuru: GodDAMMIT, you freaking NORMIE!

Don’t you know about unsocial people who talk up a storm? I personally think I’m one of those types.

 

Makoto: What, you’re unsocial? Like I can believe that from the guy who chatters on and on with people he’s met for the first time.

 

Mitsuru: You’ve got the wrong~ idea~

If they interact with me in a way I can’t keep up with, my pace crumbles, so I won’t be able to talk. That’s why I try my hardest to string them along to MY pace!

Also... at my core, I’m not... a confident person... so I’m scared of intervals when no one’s talking. If it seems like the conversation’s coming to a pause, I force myself to fill the blanks... and I regret it later.

 

Makoto: ......You do!?

 

Mitsuru: ...Why the hell are you surprised about that...!?

 

Makoto: I’m just... surprised.

 

Mitsuru: That’s in the past, though, got it!? For the record, it was all~ in~ the~ past~!

Before, I... would have my fair share of... regrets.

Like, “Aah, shoot. I went off on my own and blabbed so much. They definitely think I’m annoying now~. They must’ve thought, ‘Quit showing off!’”

 

Makoto: ...Huh...

 

Mitsuru: F-for the record! I-I clearly don’t think that way now, since I’ve cemented the character I have to play, a-and talking’s part of the package deal that comes with the job.

I’ve gotten used to it in more ways than one. I’ve gotten over it, since I can’t work properly if I don’t get myself in the right mindset.

 

Makoto: That sounds about right. That’s the type of image I’ve always had of you.

Your brain and mouth are both quick to act and quick to keep up. You talk and laugh often. Your expressions change constantly.

 

Mitsuru: ...... ...H-Hmm~? Well, I don’t really care what image you have of m—

 

Makoto: I think the fans also imagine you to be that way.

 

Mitsuru: ...!

 

Makoto: You bask in the light so comfortably that you’re in perfect form. That’s you.

It’s the ideal Hishida Mitsuru of ZIX that you, yourself, created.

 

Mitsuru: ......

 

Makoto: That’s why you’re Yang, the light.

 

Mitsuru: ...Hrmgh...

 

[Makoto takes a few sips of his drink.]

 

Makoto: Yin and Yang. Light and shadow.

The light glimmers brightly, and it changes depending on the moment. It shows all sorts of faces, doesn’t it?

That suits your image, Mitsuru.

 

Mitsuru: ...I guess you’re right. You aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalways have that nasty scowl on your face, and you’re unbelievably unfriendly—

 

Makoto: Hey. Not again...

Anyway, that’s that. I’m unchanging.

I know I’m saying this about myself, but I take things at my own pace. I don’t want to give up the things I’ve decided for myself.

Fundamentally, I have no intention of matching myself to go with the people or circumstances I’m dealing with.

 

Mitsuru: Ugh, whoa... That’s... one bold statement you made.

 

Makoto: That doesn’t apply to work. It’s an outlier.

I have to consider time, place, and occasion, or else I’ll be discredited.

I’m playing nice, like you. To a certain degree, that is.

 

Mitsuru: Heh... It’s a good thing you had enough brains on you to tell what’s right from wrong.

 

Makoto: Zip it. I’m fixed, invariable. I think Yin is unchanging.

That’s why I’m In.

 

Mitsuru: ...Hmph... ...Oh, I understand~. Your basis for deciding Yin and Yang is “existence” or “stances,” I see.

 

Makoto: Yeah.

 

Mitsuru: ......

 

Makoto: And from the fans’ perspective, you’re the brighter one. I’m the darker one, aren’t I?

It’s because you worked so hard for it to look that way. Your efforts paid off.

The results should reflect that image of yours.

 

Mitsuru: ...! ...Hrm......

...Mmgh...

...I... I guess you’re right about that...

 

Makoto: Think about it normally. There’s literally no other choice.

Why are you getting so hung up on this and only this?

 

Mitsuru: Can’t you see...!? Even if I sparkle, it’s nothing more than a fake shiny coat.

A-and showing that to the fans... it’s...

But I... I guess I can’t wreck their dreams or their ideals, can I...?

...Hmmrgh... Hmph! Fine, I got it.

I acknowledge it’s my loss this time. I’ll be the Yo.

 

Makoto: It has nothing to do with wins or losses.

...Looks like that’s settled.

 

Mitsuru: *pouting* Hmph. ...It’s settled.

 

Makoto: Here.

 

Mitsuru: Huh? ...You want us to cheers?

*sighs* Fine, fine, I got it!

Hm! You’re Yin, and I’m Yang. And that’s final.

... *gulps* ...Hh...

But seriously, it’s supposed to be the opposite way around~!

 

Makoto: Could you let up already?

 

Mitsuru: Fi~ne. ...Hm. Gimme those peanuts over there.

 

Makoto: *chuckles* Here you are.

 

Mitsuru: Hm. Mm. Rrgh... Dammit, the peanuts taste expensive too...!

 

Makoto: I got those from the convenience store.

 

Mitsuru: The atmosphere changes the taste of it all, don’t you get it!?

 

Makoto: Is that so.

 

Mitsuru: Mrgh. Mm. Phew...

I can’t deal with the idea that there can be a Yin living in a room as glittery as this, living a full-on celebrity lifestyle~!!

 

Makoto: Okay, okay, enough. And what about your new apartment, huh? What’s it like?

 

Mitsuru: Ngrk—Ugh... *sniffs* U-um...

 

Makoto: What is it?

 

Mitsuru: It’s a corner room on the fifth floor of a relatively new building...

The sunlight it gets is... fantastic, which... made me decide to get the place.

 

Makoto: PFFT! Hahahah!

Didn’t a certain someone just say something about being under the cover of darkness~?

Seems to me like you’re already thriving in the sunlight you live in.

 

Mitsuru: When the sun’s up, I’m barely in my apartment, though!

......Mm. But what’s so wrong... about me liking the smell of sunbathed laundry?

It sinks in that I’m actually living... somewhere the sunlight touches.

 

Makoto: Hmm... Sure, got it.

 

Mitsuru: ...Hff~...! So! How do you, like, dry your laundry in apartments like this? There’s basically nowhere you can dry it, right?

 

Makoto: I don’t dry it. It all goes to the cleaning facility. If I put it in the box, the supplier comes to get it.

 

Mitsuru: KWAAAAAGGHHHHH!!! Move your own body when you’re doing chores, goddammit! FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR HEALTH!

 

Makoto: Pfft! I’ve never heard someone complain that way. Pfft—

 

Makoto, Mitsuru: Ahaha!

 

[They both laugh.]

 

Makoto: ... *sighs* ...Looks like the time’s come for me to step in your shadow.

 

Mitsuru: ? Shadow...? Step in?

What... does that mean?

 

Makoto: Pffh. You don’t even remember what you said yourself?

 

Mitsuru: ??

 

Makoto: Whatever. So hey, Mitsuru. Even gold medals get fake shiny coats put on them.

 

Mitsuru: Whuh?

 

Makoto: Basically, fake shine doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a fake.

 

Mitsuru: Ah...

 

Makoto: What?

 

Mitsuru: What’s happened to you, Sugai Makoto...!? Are you drunk already!?

 

Makoto: Gh—I swear, you’re so...!

 

Mitsuru: Kyahahahaha~! I’m just joking, just joking!

Mm! But yeah... I see.

You’re right. Mmhmm, mm!

I’ve started getting excited for the IN-YO series... maybe?

 

Makoto: Pfft! Might as well enjoy it... since we’ll be doing it.

 

Mitsuru: That’s true~

Let’s wow ‘em right from the start. A contrast between dark and light.

 

Makoto: The splendor of differing opposites... For you.

-

(part 1) (part 2)