Starmine ~Epilogue~ Chapter 1

[nebulancer]

Akiomi: The fireworks we see are beautiful indeed, Anzu-san.

These are special seats. During the production of [Starmine], the clientele had prepared staff that were left to the various jobs.

As a perquisite to us, let us fully enjoy the fireworks as well as the live.

Surely, for something that must have happened then... Such that we are always moving, and that we do not let our guards relax.

So that when any point of worry arises, that one must always be able to report it.

...What's wrong; despite this, you're making an unhappy face.

With an old man such as myself to be watching the fireworks alongside you, with someone who has no emotions or appeal in the slightest to you, it must be a shame indeed.

As I thought, you are worried about "Trickstar" and "Knights"?

Through their combined live, you moved to repair their relationship in even the slightest... You believed that you acted unnecessarily and are currently regretting it?

Rather, here is my evaluation. All that you have done during this work, is, no matter what, that you would be involved with dislikable opponents as well as jobs.

There is no way to pass through it, you will have to walk a path riddled with thorns from now.

While failures will be forgiven as you are but a child, building a tolerance into immunity is necessary.

In reality, in the world of entertainment there is no "next time". Struggling while one is still young, even paying to do so is what you must do.

Anzu-san. Although you are still a child, just these past six months, you were only a common person...

It may be cruel to say this, but even you mustn't make a habit out of this.

To be disagreeable with. To be strong with unreasonable demands, to the point that you are hated. This is because you are a "Producer".

I, too, am similar. For I stand on a different position from them.

If it is for the idols' sake in the end, that is what you think... Without hesitating, then fulfill it completely.

Just like this time. What is your job, to become friends with idols?

To be loved, to be fawned over and things of the sort. That is incorrect, is it not... "Producer"-san, you mustn't make your goal to be liked by them.

Aid them to stand up, protect them from the world's malice, allow them to shine to the maximum limit. For that sake, you cannot be afraid to be hated by them.

However, there are more things that are quite as indivisible.

Even if now, they hate you... In the far future, they will surely be grateful.

In order to expect that, turn your heart into that of a demon, and play the part of one being hated. That is as well, a form of what one would call love.

But that must be difficult. As they are idols, they are high school students as well, and as long as you are a "Producer"...

For high school students are still in the age of adolescence.

Arashi: Kunugi-sensei♪

Akiomi: Owah... What's the problem, Narukami-kun? [Starmine]'s production is just about to begin.

You as well have to be on standby on the stage. What is it, some kind of trouble?

Arashi: Ufufu, I came here to let you see my outfit! How is it, how is it, doesn't it suit me?

...That's just a joke. Just one word, for a final confirmation. Is it really all right to let Izumi-chan stand on the stage?

As expected, I guess, he could pull off this performance well enough, but...

He's really pushing himself, and I'm worried that after the live ends he'll just up and collapse.

He's reducing his lifespan by acting so recklessly, I wonder if it was a job we should've taken... [Starmine], that is.

The time for him to be risking his life doesn't feel like it should be here, right?

Akiomi: Sena-kun decided himself that this did not pose a problem, and I respected that in full.

If his physical condition were truly as if he were about to die, I would have had him even bound if I had to stop him.

In regards to Sena-kun, until today, had been for the longest time enjoying vacationing with his parents overseas, it seems...

Today, the majority of the reason for his feeling unwell, it looks, was due to the simple reason of jetlag.

He must be tired. He usually manages his physical condition properly and would fundamentally be healthy and fit.

There is no way he could possibly be close to dying, though the summer fatigue must have also had a hand in that as well.

The small intervals in which he seemed to have fainted were just that he was sleeping. Where it would have been night otherwise, there was no way for him to have been energetic, correct?

It may have been sleep deprivation, because of the circadian rhythm.

Arashi: Aah, it was just jetlag, sleeping so soundly like Ritsu-chan.

Anyways, vacationing... Surprisingly enough, Izumi-chan gets along well with his parents, huh.

Because Izumi-chan never talks about his private life, I never knew about that stuff. Hey, if he goes overseas, then it would've been nice if he'd brought back souvenirs.

Akiomi: His parents are quite overprotective, it seems, and Sena-kun even calls his parents Mama and Papa as well.

It appears that he was rather embarrassed that I'd known about it.

Arashi: Kunugi-sensei, you know all the details, right? No way, did you tag along with his family?

Akiomi: During my time as a model, somewhat... Anyhow, concerning Sena-kun, we need not worry any more, I believe.

Go on standby, and properly put in effort during the production.

Seeing as how we're properly watching over you. ...That outfit does suit you, Arashi-kun.

Arashi: Thank you, Akiomi-san.

Now, I'm taking off. Anzu-chan, cheer us on too! We'll shine to the point where we won't lose to even the fireworks!

Adios・ami~go♪