nebulancer

1. OP (Mini-Drama)

Yuno: It’s raining. As always, huh...?

Even on the Moon, June has a rather unstable climate like that of Japan on Earth. As a result, there are many rainy days.

There’s a lot of humidity, and my hair goes all over the place. The atmosphere’s totally humid, and the sky’s dark.

Because of it all, everyone’s moods tend to be in the dumps, too.

But I didn’t hate this season. Of course, when rainy days keep on dragging on forever, I’d obviously start feeling dejected.

It doesn’t happen to me, though. I had my own little precious reason for it, small as it was.

Ah...! A snail...! It’s so cute and small. Snails look like they’re moving forward, little by little, no matter how slowly they move. It makes me feel like... I just want to cheer ‘em on, yeah!

Hey, little buddy~! You got this!

*giggles* Just kidding~

Oh! This is bad. I spent too much time taking it easy.

I’m going to be late because I enjoyed the rain too much. If that does happen, Mizuki’s gonna laugh at me~

—Ah. ...Ah...? It’s a student from our school. Judging by her necktie’s color, is she a second year?

I can’t really make it out, but is she... surrounded by boys? ...Jeez.

I did hear that Goddess candidate students are popular with boys, but who thought they’d be trying to hit on her this early in the morning... and right in front of the school, on top of that?

The teachers... aren’t here, huh?

All right!

Hmph! Excuse me. Could I get you to refrain from soliciting my adorable and unwilling junior?

She has class soon, and most importantly, she herself is very displeased with what’s happening to her. Can’t you see?

I don’t believe it’s very gentlemanly to pick up girls who are reluctant to go with you.

All the students in our academy could very well become the Goddesses who provide guidance for this Moon and the Earth in their futures.

They’re precious candidate students.

If you do anything out of line, the Goddesses... no, even I, Terase Yuno, would not let you off easy.

Aah. It seems the teachers have arrived...

[The boys run away, fleeing by car.]

...Goodness. It looks like they’re only fast at running away, hm?

I’ve remembered their car number, so I’ll broadcast a warning. I should tell the teachers later, too.

Ugh, sheesh. They’re only hardworking when it comes to hitting on girls in front of the school, this early in the morning?

Is this when people have tons of free time on their hands, or when things are in a state of peace?

Why don’t you invest that effort and passion into something more productive?

Ah. Oh, um, are you okay? It must’ve been scary, huh? You don’t have to worry anymore.

...Eh? Me? Ahaha. Thanks. I’m fine.

On the off chance they do come back for revenge, I’ve trained up enough to handle it.

But those people just now didn’t look like they’d be the type to do something that horrible.

Then, Princess. I’ll escort you into the school.

*chuckles* Well, it’s right over there, though.

[Yuno walks with the girl into the school, and cheerful gasps arise from other students.]

Students: Ah, over there! / Hey, look, it’s...! / *squealing* / Oh my gosh, I’m so envious~!

Yuno: Huh? Is something wrong, girls? ...You were waiting for me?

Morning greetings... Ah... You’re welcoming me so enthusiastically.

I’m very happy for the sentiments, but it’s bad for you to stand right in the rain like this.

Here, your shoulder’s wet. Wipe it with this.

If it’s my fault that you end up catching a cold, I’d feel so guilty.

Aah, don’t worry about that. You don’t need to return it to me.

Eh—

Ah, yeah, it’s just a handkerchief, so I don’t think it’s something to get... so emotional... over...

Students: Ah—Me too...! / *gasping* / Ahh...! Ah!

Yuno: Erm, why are you all closing up your umbrellas? Aah, wait, wait! I think it’s clear that I don’t have enough handkerchiefs, so, um—

Ah, see? We can’t let the water splash onto you, so let’s have you all walk on the inside of the sidewalk, okay?

...All right! Then, let’s all go to school together!

[The students squeal in delight.]

Haah... I ended up receiving a crazy welcome first thing in the morning.

[She opens the shoe rack, and letters come spilling out.]

Wh-Whoa! Is it just me, or are there more letters than usual today...?

“To Yuno-sama.” “To Prince Yuno.” “To my Prince.” “To Yuno-san.” “Wassup, Yunocchi!”

...Yunocchi...! It’s sorta cute! Wait, that’s not the thing here.

Technically, I’m a girl, but... fan letters, huh?

I don’t think this sort of thing would happen if this were a co-ed school with boys.

They must be projecting onto me their idols or their ideals.

They call me things like “Prince,” but it’s quite the honor~... ...I guess? Hehe.

...Still, it’s a pretty old-fashioned way to tell me how they feel, considering this time and age.

Even in this era, where all sorts of information devices have been developed, this sorta thing never changes.

True, this does feel like their feelings are packed into them, and not like I’m receiving some data. Maybe I could call this modest and elegant...? It feels girly, for sure!

I shouldn’t expect any less from Goddess candidate students, huh!

Goddess candidate students are exactly as the name implies.

It’s a name for the girls who attend a specialty school and devote themselves daily to their studies in order to become Goddesses.

The Goddesses, which they aspire to be, gain energy from granting vitality to the Earth’s residents. That energy helps to maintain the Moon’s world.

Goddesses have incredibly important roles.

You could call it a “give-and-take” relationship, but the basis of that isn’t something founded on calculated self-interest.

It’s devotion to wanting to make people happy, and nothing else.

“We want them to regain their energy. We want them to have dreams.”

It’s our job to place those feelings into our songs, dances, and the words we say.

I feel something similar to that through the letters delivered to my locker. They place their feelings into their written words.

It must be a lot more work than just tapping out letters on a keyboard, so that’s why I feel the emotions are packed into them even more strongly.

The students who gave me these did it while unaware. In some ways, you could say that they’ve reached the state of mind of what makes a Goddess who she is.

Aren’t they just wonderful candidate students? I’d like to be just like them, too!

...That being said, though. I’m bad at handling these kinds of things... where I have to be considerate to the little things...

I should at least make up for it through my studying, sports, and arts...!

Studying...

Oh, that’s right! I think it was around time that the interim exam results were supposed to be posted...

[The students squeal in joy as Yuno approaches the board posting exam scores.]

Ah, found it. My spot is... ah. I guess I somehow managed to stay within the top 30 this time, too.

Thank goodness~

Right before I checked my placement result, I saw a familiar name.

I felt like I could somehow see the letters proudly and confidently displaying themselves up there.

Number one in the grade was Himekawa Mizuki.

Ever since she entered school, she’s had a perfect attendance record, and she’s also the student council president of the school.

She, who seemed to be born fully equipped with everything expected of a Goddess candidate student, is my precious friend. She’s also someone I look up to.

Through a stroke of luck, she also acknowledges me and even calls me her best friend.

I’m both her best friend and her rival, according to her. Mm! It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

Well, though we’re “rivals,” I feel like there’s a bit too much of a gap between us.

Aah~. I wish I could have Mizuki’s exceptional brains.

Mmgh! Don’t do that! If I’m gonna be comparing myself with others, I’d be better off putting in the effort!

Just envying others isn’t fitting for a Goddess candidate student! Let’s not grumble here!

My first period was gym class, right? I’ll make sure to get my body moving and dispel my feelings of inadequacy!

Hmph!

[Yuno scores a goal.]

All right! Just one more point.

Though height and athleticism are things that can be compensated with hard work, inborn differences between individuals exist no matter what we do.

I think I’ve been blessed when it comes to that.

I’m taller than boys everywhere, and my body moves however I tell it to.

During times like this gym class, I can feel that more than usual.

This is also a type of good fortune, isn’t it?

Okay! Let’s try to aim for one more point!

Haah~. I moved around a lot, so I’m starving. Time for some food!

Ah, Mizuki! It’s rare to see you at the school’s cafeteria. If you haven’t decided on a seat, do you want to sit across from me?

There usually isn’t anyone who shares tables with me when I don’t know them, so I felt lonely.

Eh? Because they’ll end up the center of attention? I don’t think that really happens.

Hm... Hey, Mizuki?

I’ve been thinking about this a little since this morning...

Eh? Ah!? Eh—No, no, no! It’s not about my chest size! Hey, who are you calling a level surface!?

Ugh... yeah, yeah. You’re just joking, right? A joke, right...?

Hey, don’t laugh! Gosh...

Eh? No, it’s not to the level of being something I’m worried about. It’s really just something that I randomly thought about.

I realized that, when I thought about it more intently, I really am blessed.

Mmhmm. I think I’m blessed.

I don’t hate rainy days, which everyone dislikes. I like clear, sunny days too, so as a result of that, I’m never really bothered by the weather.

I have adorable juniors who idolize me, and I have my best friend Mizuki, who shines in both intelligence and in beauty.

And body-wise, I‘m blessed.

...Hey, don’t look at my chest when I say that! Ngh, anyway!

When I thought about it again more deeply, I realized how blessed I am with all sorts of gifts. I really am happy.

Mm. I am glad about this.

Huh? My way of thinking is positive... and just like me to do?

Ah...! T-thanks...

...I feel sorta blushy about this, now! Aah. Um.

Ah, here, Mizuki! I’ll present you with this hamburg steak, as thanks for you listening to what I had to say!

Eh... Ehh!?

What are you saying, Mizuki? “Feed me~” !?

Ugh, you’re laughing... Sheesh! Don’t mess around with people!

Mm. It really is fun eating with Mizuki.

Maybe sometimes, I should make a boxed lunch and visit her class to eat it.

Boxed lunch... a boxed lunch, huh? Oh, yeah. It’s about time that gets delivered.

The rain’s... not letting up.

June. My birth month. A special month for me.

The sky’s a bit dark and gloomy, and it often clouds over. It’s the complete opposite of me, whom everyone calls positive and bright. It even rains.

But I don’t hate this sky... this rain.

...Ah! ...I see a break in the rain! Ahh... It’s so pretty.

Yes. I don’t hate the rain. After all, the sky after the rain is especially beautiful.

Goddesses must exist as a light for the people.

They become a bright, sparkling light that shines on clouded, gloomy hearts. That’s their duty!

If I had to compare it to something, they’d be just like this sky!

Past the cold rain, a sunny day will someday come. I have to hope to be like that sunny day, or else I wouldn’t be able to comfort others.

If they touch this light... this brilliant sunlight and refreshing atmosphere, the little worries become totally meaningless.

That’s why I think that I, too, want to become a Goddess who can relieve the showering downpour of rain in people’s hearts.

Blue sky. The sky that continues on and on! I feel like I’m going to melt into it...

I’ll definitely... I’ll absolutely, definitely become a Goddess!

I’ll become this blue sky that signals the end of the rainy season!

4. ED (Mini-Drama)

Yuno: Question 5 is C. Question 6 is A. Question 7 is B. ...Okay.

All right! Review work for tomorrow is perfectly done now, I guess?

Next is... Goddess studies, maybe?

I feel like no amount of studying will be enough for this.

[Her phone rings.]

Oh. A call.

Who’s it from?

...Ah! It’s Mom.

...Hey, Mom! How’s your night going?

...”It’s been so long!” We saw each other just last week!

Mm, yeah. I’m doing totally well.

Well, there are times I screw up, and it gets me dejected, but as someone who aspires to become a Goddess, I can’t keep looking down!

Y’know? *chuckles*

I could say the same to you, Mom. You’re currently working as an active Goddess, so are you okay on time?

Talk with Dad yet? Huh? You’re talking with him every day?

Every single day, ever since I started living the dorm life?

Huh! I didn’t know that!

Aah, yeah, sure. I got it, I got it. The two of you are totally lovey-dovey, right?

Whoa... Someone as stubbornly boneheaded as Dad is... lonely!? I might wanna see him like that!

“He’s got some cute sides to him, too,” you’re saying? Ahaha! The only ones who could agree to that are you and me, I think~

Dad’s always, like... furrowing his brows SO deep... Aah, yeah! I know, I got it. That’s his normal face, right?

Men should keep quiet and let their backs do the talking! ...is how he looks like, but he’s actually just bad at talking, huh.

He looks so stern, and he runs a karate dojo, so that’s why I think he looks even scarier.

And the reason why I turned out so boyish is because I’m the result of that same Dad’s teachings~

Even though Dad has such an adorable personality~

Hm! Uh? Ah...?

What, I’m the same!? Wheh—

Y-you think I’m cute...? N-no way! There’s no way!

Y-you’re telling me to have confidence in myself... Uh, it’s not really that I don’t have confidence in myself—

[The doorbell rings.]

Ah. Looks like someone’s at the door.

Sorry, Mom! Can I put you on hold?

Eh? You don’t have more time off? I guess active Goddesses sure are busy.

...Aah, that’s not what I meant! I’m not trying to blame you or anything. I was just thinking to myself.

[The doorbell rings.]

Coming~!

Mmhmm! Mm! Yeah, yeah. Got it. Take care, Mom. Talk to you later!

[She turns off the phone.]

Ah, delivery for me? Yes. Thank you very much.

Hm... So. It’s here.

It’s come. It’s finally here!

[Yuno excitedly removes the packaging.]

✨Ooh...! My new apron!✨

*squeals* It’s soooo cute~! ♡

My excitement levels have just gone through the roof these past few seconds! I-I’m so excited, I can feel my heart pounding!

I’ve always wanted this~!

I was able to choose and assemble a design just perfect for me, made from all kinds of different parts... It’s the only one of its kind! My personal apron!!

*squeals* It’s just as I thought it’d be! It’s just so cute~!

Fufufu...! Ehehe! Ahaha~! Wahhh, it’s so fluttery!

This has to be, like, the go-to apron design! The ones from home aren’t the style I’d like, and everyone thinks that I give off a pretty masculine vibe, but...

In reality, Yuno-san absolutely adores adorable things!

Small things! Feminine things! Yes, I truly love things that I don’t normally have!

Clothes, accessories, creatures, animals, I don’t mind the genre!

I’ve constantly, always admired it – the thing I’d finally ordered just the other day is...!

This~!

[She unfurls it with a sparkle.]

An original product of the brand shop in front of the station. This apron’s focus point is this cute bearie-bear print! With frills~♡

Because it’s handmade by an artisan, it took some time for it to get delivered, but...!

Now! Show me just how powerful you can be...!

Fufu...! All right! The size is perfect~

All that’s left is... the first step, what it looks like in the mirror...!

OooOOOoooOOOH!

Uh... mm... S-so cute...

This is good. Really good...! Front... and sides... and the back~!

Doesn’t this look pretty good on me...!?

I’ve been considerate of Dad, because he says he can’t really deal with cute stuff, so I’ve been keeping myself held back at home, but...

Since I’m in the dorm and started living alone, I don’t have to hold back!

Mm... Mm. I-If I held a frying pan, I wonder what I’d look like...? Maybe I’d complete the look?

Frying pan, equipped!

Ooh! This is awesome! It’s like I’m a real girl!

Eheh... Calm down, me. Calm down. I’ve always been a girl...

Neehehe...

Mm... Phew! This is great!

Maybe I should start by wearing this at Home Ec. classes—

Ah, no... I guess that’d be a little too embarrassing, huh...

B-but I do feel like wanting to show everyone else... Ungh~ I don’t know~

[The doorbell rings.]

Hweuegh!? Uhh—Y-yeah! I’m heading over right now~!

Whuh? Huh? It’s the delivery person from before!

Eh? You have another package for me? Aah. Thank you very much.

Uhh... Huh? They don’t need me to stamp or sign for it?

I guess it’s already late, so maybe they were rushing?

Ah, mmgh... but what’s this box? It’s pretty huge.

Hmm. But I don’t remember buying anything aside from the apron, though?

What’s the product name? ...Apparel...?

Maybe I made a mistake and accidentally ordered more clothes?

I guess for now, I should check inside.

Th-this is...!

A MAID OUTFIT!

Ah...! Ohh... Ehh...?

I-it’s more gorgeous and frilled out than my own personal apron...! Th-there’s even a white-brimmed headband in here too...

*gasps* It even comes with thigh-high socks!?

It’s... It’s so cute~...

Ah. But why was this sort of thing delivered to me? Did I order it without realizing...?

Like, maybe my fixation on cute things controlled my brain so hard, I hit the “add to cart” button without realizing my dream was reality!?

Er, no, no way.

Does that really even happen?

Thinking about this normally, this is... a delivery, right?

Maybe if I open it up, I could find...? Umm. The destination’s just this dorm room. And the same as my personal apron, it also came in a same-colored, plain cardboard box.

I see. That’s probably why they thought it was mine, too...

But still... A maid outfit...? Maid outfit...

No. No, no! Calm down, Yuno! It’s not the same as the apron.

Anyone seeing this situation would normally think it’s something abnormal! And in addition to that, I’m well-known for being masculine. To think that I’d wear this—

No. What am I even saying? Wearing this? Goodness gracious, this must have been someone else’s item to receive, and it’s not something for me...!

This maid outfit... it’s...

I’m alone in my room. And in front of me lies an adorable maid outfit that I don’t even have the courage to purchase myself.

A maid outfit. That contrast of black and white I’ve always admired. I might never have an opportunity like this ever again.

If I’m—If I just... seriously, a little bit! If I wore it for just a little bit, it’s not like it’d hurt the clothes, right?

And when Mom said that I should also have confidence in myself when we talked about Dad being cute, her words—

Nngh...! Mmgh!

I’m wearing this.

I’ll try wearing this.

After all, if Goddesses are gods who are women, why would a girl who’s called “Prince” or “Yuno-sama” with her manliness typically being the emphasis of her identity try to aim to be one!? Plus, as a Goddess candidate student who could very well sing and dance in front of people with an even more impactful stage outfit, this isn’t the time for you to be getting embarrassed about this and that, Yuno!

Plus.

I won’t exactly be causing problems for anyone else, being in my own room, where there’s no one else, no matter what kinds of clothes I wear! There’s absolutely no problem to be had with this! That’s why~

Yes.

This is practice. It’s a trial!

The Goddesses are testing me right now!

...Gulp.

Ohh... This is...!

M-my goodness...!

I... wore it. I... ended up wearing it...

I-I have to go to my dresser...

Oh... Ohhh... OHHHHHH~!

I... I think it could... actually work?

I-I don’t suppose I’ve really all got enough to fit the chest portion, but. With my lightly-hued hair and the monotone maid outfit, I really do look good...!

I think...!

♡✨~Cutesy~✨♡

[She collapses.]

*wheezes* Crap crap crap crap crap what am I even DOING!? What did I just DO!?

No, but... I also feel like that could’ve gone pretty well...

[The doorbell rings. Yuno doesn’t hear it over her own mumbling.]

Ah! Welcome home, Master~♡

DAHHH! That’s so embarrassing~! But I feel like I could get into it!!

This is... femininity!

I see, I got it! I was lacking in this spirit of refined elegance in service!

[The doorbell rings again.]

I know that girls often see Goddesses with a comparatively affectionate eye. But what about from boys!?

Are they possibly registering me in their minds as a “girl”?

No. No, I’ve only been on the receiving end of admiration, like “Yuno-sama, you’re so cool!”

Don’t say “Yuno-sama” with those deep voices of yours!!

Er, no, I’m grateful for that, but it’s like I’m sorta not grateful for it! Because as a girl, it makes me feel all complicated inside!

Isn’t this. Sort of bad?

As a Goddess candidate student, in order to accumulate popularity on Earth, we’re not supposed to be lacking in our range of fans. If we have popularity with boys and girls alike, if there’s a good balance, then by simple calculations, we’ll be able to attain twice as many fans.

[The doorbell rings again.]

Yes, girls are one thing, but if it seems like I just can’t accumulate any popularity from guys, the academy might think that I’m unworthy as a Goddess!

That’s why! The spirit of service! Even if I’m the one providing it for them, there are no boys out there who could hate a girl of their age doing some sort of service for their sake! I’m sure of it!

I-I even managed to put on an outfit this embarrassing. There’s nothing for me to be afraid of...!

Phew... Fuh... Hehe... Fufufufu...

Yes! Next... more cutely. Maybe I should... pose with it, too?

Ready, set...

~Welcome home, Master ♡~

[A camera snaps a picture.]

...Huh? ...*snap*...?

Wh... Uh... Whuh... Uh... Uhh?

[The door opens slowly.]

...Mizuki...!

[Mizuki’s camera sets off continuously.]

Wh—HWAAAAH! W-wh-why are y-y-you h-h-when did you even get here!?

Eh!? Mizuki, this maid outfit was yours!? What? I wanna see you wearing it.

Uh, that’s—wait, not the topic here.

Gah, so it really was your package!

...Oh, I see. It’s prep work for the school festival’s special event...

Heh... Really!

Ah. ...Um. Umm, well. ...I’m sorry! I didn’t remember if I’d bought it or not, but they said it was for me—

So when I checked what was inside, because I wanted to confirm what it was, th-there was the maid outfit inside, so... and once I realized it... You know?

...Ngh, don’t laugh at me!

[Mizuki snaps pictures.]

And don’t take pictures of me!! AND DON’T START RECORDING MEEEEE!

You’ve got the wrong idea! It’s a misunderstanding!

It—I just couldn’t help it! It was just on a whim!

“You’re cute, so I’ll let you off the hook”...?

Y-you think...?

...*gasp* No, no! That’s not the issue here! Gah, darn it!

STOP IT! JUST STOP IT!

UWAHHHHHH!