Tsukiuta. Boys’ 5th Season CD 5 – Be Your Hero Drama

[nebulancer]

Summary – Despite being known to have incredibly good health, Arata one day develops sudden pneumothorax.

Fortunately, it’s minor and doesn’t require surgery, but he’s hospitalized short-term as part of a follow-up observation. During this matter of grave importance for Arata, Aoi runs about to back him up wherever possible.

“Mr. Hero, always by my side. Hope you’ll keep watching over me from now on.”

“Right back at you!”

1. Drama – “Trouble Occurs!”

 

[The hustle and bustle of a hospital.]

 

Receptionist: Yamamoto-sama, number 48 in line. Yamamoto-sama, number 48 in line. Please make your way to the examination room.

 

-

 

Arata: ...Ngh... Mmgh... *yawns*

...Ah... It’s peaceful.

 

-

 

Tamaru: Aoi-kun.

 

Aoi: Tamaru-san! Thank you for all your hard work.

 

Tamaru: Yes, good work to you too. It’s been a while since we last saw each other, so I was happy to see you.

 

Aoi: I should be the one saying that. Thank you very much for calling me over as a guest.

Every time, I work myself up, determined to talk better than I did last time... but when recording actually starts, I keep getting lured into everyone else’s conversations.

I’m enjoying it as if I were nothing more than a listener. *chuckles*

 

Tamaru: I think it’s fine for you to do that. If everyone’s the type to blurt out things one after another, we wouldn’t be able to wrap up all their topics, and it’d be hard work trying to sum up the whole deal.

Regarding that, your reactions and interjections are quite natural, so how do I put it...? You provide a nice cushion to soften the blow!

 

Aoi: I’m glad you think of it that way. *laughs*

Even within my unit, I’m more the type to listen in on the conversations, so I could’ve been trained that way.

 

Tamaru: Ahh. When you’re around people for a long time, you start automatically recognizing who’ll talk, who’ll expand on the topic, and who’ll react to it. You start naturally picking up on it, hm?

 

Aoi: Yes. If we were ordered to do something unreasonable, for example, “Keep up a conversation for filler until we’re ready for the next part!” We’re quite in sync with each other, so I think we could handle that for... around an hour, easy.

 

Tamaru: Ahaha! Now that’s what I call reliable! I’d expect nothing less from a unit hitting its tenth year!

—Ah, by the way... your partner, the one who’s in charge of going absolutely haywire... How’s Uduki Arata-kun doing?

 

Aoi: H-he’s in charge of going haywire...? Well, that’s not wrong, I suppose.

Fortunately, it wasn’t so bad that he had to have a surgery, so for now, we’re giving him some time to rest.

 

Tamaru: He’s been hospitalized due to pneumothorax, huh? That shocked me for sure.

 

Aoi: Me, too. On the way home from work, he mentioned that it somehow felt painful to breathe... so just to be safe, we went in for an exam. And immediately after, he was hospitalized.

...Our apologies for causing a commotion during that time. If things had gone as they were supposed to, he would have appeared as a guest with me today...

 

Tamaru: No, no! Don’t let it bother you. It’s just that... Today’s talk theme was “heroes,” wasn’t it? He’s quite the hero-lover, so I was thinking that I would’ve loved to hear a passionate spiel from him.

 

Aoi: He was incredibly frustrated about it. If there’s ever a part two, I do hope you’ll consider.

 

Tamaru: Sure! I will. Could you tell him that he’s welcome anytime?

His unique way of talking is a hit with me, personally!

 

Aoi: I think he’d be glad to hear that. I’ll definitely pass on that message to him. Thank you so much.

 

Tamaru: Of course. I’ll see you!

 

Aoi: Yes, sir. Good work today!

 

[Tamaru walks away.]

 

Aoi: *sighs* ... ...It really was... shocking to me. The fact that Arata’d get hospitalized...

 

-

 

[flashback.]

 

Tsukishiro: Good work getting through today, as always.

 

Aoi: Thank you. And Tsukishiro-san, thank you for coming to get us despite it being so far away.

 

Tsukishiro: It’s no problem, since seeing you boys off and coming to get you are both important times to take it easy, communicating with you all. *chuckles* Driving is quite fun as well.

After this, I’ll be getting on the highway. It’ll take about an hour to get to the dormitories then. You were up early in the morning, so you must be exhausted. It’s okay for you to sleep now.

 

Aoi: We might just take you up on your offer. Right, Ara—

...Arata?

 

Arata: Mmgh...

 

Aoi: Arata...?

 

Tsukishiro: Arata-kun? If you’re sleepy—

 

Arata: It’s not that. I don’t feel sleepy... My chest...

 

Aoi: Your chest?

 

Arata: Hmm. This is sorta... ...Excuse me, Tsukishiro-san?

 

Tsukishiro: Yes?

 

Arata: I’m sorry for this sudden request, but before we get to the dorms, could we drop by a hospital that’s open during the nighttime?

 

Aoi, Tsukishiro: EH!?

 

[The car suddenly lurches.]

 

Arata: Ooohoh.

 

Tsukishiro: I-I-I’m so sorry! Hh...

 

Aoi: E-e-e-e-wh-wh-h-hospital!? Arata, are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere!?

 

Tsukishiro: I’m so sorry. I didn’t notice at all... Did you get injured or anything!?

 

Arata: Ah... Haha. Nah, nah, it’s nothing like that. I don’t think it’s that urgent, so please, calm down. This is directed at you, too, Aoi. Stay, stay.

I think it was around noon when I started to get a little confused that I was abnormally short of breath. Even though I’m taking it easy, like now, it’s this shortness of breath that keeps creeping up on me... I guess?

I was thinking that it definitely feels off, you know?

 

Aoi: I’m... sorry...! I was with you the whole time, but I didn’t even notice!

 

Arata: Heh. It wasn’t so bad we had to stop filming for me. Plus, it was just lowkey, a little something that made me sorta unsettled.

How would you notice that?

Aah, so with that said. It might not be a disease or anything, but I got the feeling that I’d be better off going, just to be safe. Would it be okay for us to take a side trip?

 

Tsukishiro: Of course, of course! An off feeling could be a sign from your body telling you something. Let’s get you examined at the hospital for some reassurance.

I’ll go into the station on the next street over, stop the car, and look up hospitals, all right? Could you wait a bit?

 

Arata: Yes, that’s perfectly fine. I’m sorry for making you go through all this trouble.

 

Tsukishiro: Please, don’t apologize! This is my job, after all. Do take it easy, will you?

 

Arata: I’ll laze about the best I can. Not like that’s any different from what I’m doing right now, though.

 

Tsukishiro: ! ...Haha. Yes, please do that.

 

Aoi: Urk—Hh... hh...

 

Arata: A~o~i~kun. You’re the one who looks sick here, you know that?

 

Aoi: Ghh... Ugh... B-but... I-it’s because, A-Arata, y-you’re...

 

Arata: Hehe. *pats him*

It’ll be fine, Aoi.

 

Aoi: Hh... H-heh... Sure... Sorry about that. You almost never get sick, so... I lost my composure.

 

Arata: So true. I’m surprised, too.      

 

Aoi: You’re... treating it like it has nothing to do with you...? You don’t have to lay down or anything, do you?

 

Arata: Mmhmm. I think I’m fine like this. If it gets real bad, I won’t hesitate to mention, so don’t worry about me.

 

Aoi: That’d be nothing short of worrying, though...!

D-does the pain feel overpowering? Does it feel like you’re hurting in any way?

 

Arata: ...A teensy bit. It feels like I have this dull pain near my back. Maybe.

It’s like muscle pain. Spreading ‘round me internally. Huh. I really wonder what this is?

*chuckling* If this is some sorta shortness of breath activated at the same time as muscle pain, could you laugh at me?

 

Aoi: I-I’d really like to laugh...

 

Tsukishiro: I’m heading into the station, all right? I’ll look up a hospital, so please wait a moment.

 

Arata, Aoi: Yes~ / Yes!

 

-

 

Doctor: It seems to be pneumothorax.

 

Arata: Pneumo... thorax?

 

Doctor: Put simply, it’s when a space opens up between the lung and chest wall, and air leaks into that space. It happens internally, within the body, inside of the rib cage.

It’s an illness where air fills the area that separates the lung and chest wall, putting pressure on and causing your lung to collapse.

Because of that, it becomes difficult for you to breathe normally, and as a result, you have shortness of breath.

 

Aoi: Collapsed... lung...!?

 

Doctor: *chuckles* Please, do calm down. Fortunately... Well, saying that would sound odd, but it’s quite minor. It’s not something that will pose an immediate threat to his life.

I’ll decide after doing a more thorough examination tomorrow, but I do believe surgery won’t be necessary, either.

 

Tsukishiro: *sighs* Is that so?

 

Doctor: However, proper rest is needed. According to him, he feels a slight pain, so... I believe it’d be more reassuring if we were to hospitalize him for about a week to ten days to observe the progression over time.

What say you?

 

Arata: Ahh......

That’d be mighty helpful. Getting hospitalized... Hospitalization, huh~? Looks like I’ll have to call off several jobs.

I’m sorry in advance, Tsukishiro-san.

 

Tsukishiro: Ah—No, no, no, no, it’s most definitely not the thing for you to be concerned about! You should focus on recuperating. Your health matters most. Concentrate on recovering, all right?

I’ll contact the agency right away so we can handle this situation.

 

Arata: I’ll have to call Hajime-san... and update the GraPro LINE with what’s up, too...

 

Aoi: Want me to do it...?

 

Arata: Nah, I can move and talk. It’s no problem. I can do it myself. ‘Cuz it’s true that I’m the one causing an inconvenience.

Aaah. Dang, I screwed up.

 

Doctor: I presume various troubles will be cropping up for you, but I hope you don’t dwell on it too much.

In a majority of the cases, pneumothorax has no known cause. Typically, it doesn’t happen because you’ve led a bad lifestyle, nor is it because of unhealthy habits in your daily life.

No matter how much you train your body or work on defending yourself, there are things that happen just because they happen. I’m sure they’ll understand.

 

Arata: Ah! Is that so? I’m feeling a little more relieved now.

 

Doctor: It’s also said that this illness commonly happens among young men of high statures and slender builds, so there are even times when it is referred to as “Hottie Disease”.

 

Arata: Ahh! Now that, I can get behind. ✨

I’m feeling even more relieved now.

 

Aoi: Ugh, not ag—... Er, not the time for that.

*growling* Arata, why are you always like this...

*sighs* I’ll make sure to back you up wherever you need it, okay?

 

Arata: Mmhmm. Please do. I get the feeling I’ll be bothering you the most.

Sorry. And thank you.

 

Aoi: We’re in the same boat here. Don’t let it get to you.

I hope... you recover soon.

 

Arata: For sure. I’ll keep praying to recover even a day earlier and let that vibe run throughout my body~☆

 

Aoi: *laughs* What’s that supposed to mean?

 

Doctor: Well, then. Allow me to explain the procedures for what will be in place after this.

 

2. Drama – “The HERO by Your Side”

 

Tsukishiro: Aoi-kun. Could you handle this matter by showing up in place of Arata-kun? It seems they couldn’t get a replacement...

 

Aoi: Yes, it’s fine. Could I get the documents sent to me?

 

Tsukishiro: You’re a great help for this. I’ll send them right away.

 

-

 

Aoi: Tsukishiro-san, would it be okay for me to post this picture? It’s a selfie from Arata. He said to me that he wants to reassure the fans that he’s okay.

 

Tsukishiro: There don’t seem to be any particular things in sight that can give away his specifics or his location, so... Mmhmm. It’s fine. Please do post it.

Thank you for taking the extra steps to be considerate.

 

-

 

[applause.]

 

Aoi: Good afternoon, everyone! I’m Satsuki Aoi from Six Gravity.

Arata, who was supposed to be the guest, is taking a little break, so I’ll be substituting for him this time.

I do hope you’ll take care of me.

 

-

 

Staff member: Satsuki-san’s coming in!

 

Aoi: We apologize for causing a commotion. I’ll be coming in as Uduki Arata’s substitute, and my name is Satsuki Aoi. I look forward to working with you!

 

Staff members: Same here! / Likewise!

 

-

 

Aoi: ...Phew.

 

Tsukishiro: Aoi-kun? Here you go.

 

Aoi: Eh... Oh, thank you very much. It’s warm...

 

Tsukishiro: It’s café au lait. Do take a bit of a break, would you? You’re going around as backup for Arata-kun’s work on top of your normal jobs, so it must be an unbelievable amount of work for you.

 

Aoi: Well, yes, it is a lot of work. That’s an unshakeable fact, but...

 

Tsukishiro: ? But what...?

 

Aoi: If I said... that it makes me a little happy? It’d be impolite, right?

...I think it’s nice that there’s something I can do for Arata when he’s in trouble.

Typically, I’m the one relying on him all the time. The fact I can actually feel like I’m helping him out... makes me happy.

That’s why I’m fine.

 

Tsukishiro: ...*chuckles* I see.

 

Aoi: Aah, but of course, if I’m also falling ill, things would go from bad to worse, so I’m making sure to do things in moderation. Still, I’ve got energy to spare, so if there’s anything else I can do...

 

Tsukishiro: How commendable of you, Aoi-kun.

 

Aoi: Eh-Uhh—weh—haha... uh, well...

Er, if there’s nothing else for me to do, and once work in this location is finished, I’m thinking about going to visit Arata...

 

Tsukishiro: That sounds good. I’ll drive you there.

Ah, that’s right! Perfect timing, since there was something I wanted to deliver to Arata-kun, so could I ask you to give that to him as well?

 

Aoi: Hm?

 

-

 

Aoi: “Good afternoon, everyone! I’m Satsuki Aoi from Six Gravity.

Arata, who was supposed to be the guest, is taking a little break, so I’ll be substituting for him this time.

I do hope you’ll take care of me.”

 

[The video comes to a close.]

 

Arata: ...Hrmm... Sheesh...

If only I could think of this... as just a little break...

Heh.

 

[Someone knocks on the door.]

 

Arata: Ah. Come in~

 

Aoi: Excuse me~.

 

Arata: Welcome.

 

[Aoi sits down next to him.]

 

Aoi: Thank goodness. You look healthy.

 

Arata: Well, aside from the fact that I’ve got a collapsed lung, I’m hale and hearty.

 

Aoi: That one matter is the problem, as a matter of fact...

 

Arata: Exactly. When my lung collapses, my schedule also collapses. *pop!*

 

Aoi: ...That joke isn't making me laugh.

 

Arata: ...I know, right? Same.

 

Aoi: *chuckles* Here you go. The stuff I was requested to give you. A set of things for work, and as an added bonus, a set of things to keep you entertained.

 

Arata: The entertainment set’s one of the essentials for me, personally.

 

Aoi: According to Tsukishiro-san, “The entertainment set includes a compilation of jobs to make the most suitable comments, as well as subject matters that you have to check over by watching the videos.” Apparently.

 

Arata: Tsukishiro-san’s sometimes really capable... in this harsh drill sergeant type of way.

 

Aoi: Haha! ...Huh? What’s up with that Tsukiusa.-kun?

 

Arata: My dearest older sister was here just now. Since she had work outside the office, she dropped by and left it here for me. Saying something along the lines of, “I packed it full of my power,” or whatever.

...You think it’ll be effective?

 

Aoi: Er, at the very least, you’ll get dragged into some terrifying horrors if you don’t treat it delicately.

 

Arata: I think so too. Maybe I should make an altar for it~?

 

Aoi: Ahaha. ...Ah. Make sure you don’t just keep watching your tablet. You’ll hurt your eyes if you do.

 

Arata: But it’s the number one product on my list of stuff I can waste time with~? There’s no way I could let go of it~

Haah. I can see that there’s all sorts of measures being taken to deal with this matter, too.

 

Aoi: Arata... Even if I told you not to worry about it... you still would, hm?

If I were in your position, I’d be on pins and needles and feeling so uneasy, that you’d be going, “Hey, hey~ Calm down, buddy~”. I can already see that happening.

 

Arata: Aha. I would say that, wouldn’t I?

But yeah, a bit of a disturbance took place, huh?

 

Aoi: It... did. We’ve never really released announcements like that before, so... when it came out as an agency notice, the fans were all like, “Is he getting married!?”

It’s not something I should’ve laughed about. But I did.

 

Arata: The first one to get one of those announcements would definitely be Kai-san, right?

 

Aoi: Hrmm. Surprisingly enough, I honestly think someone like Iku or... Wait. *chuckles* We went off-topic.

 

Arata: Yep. We can’t help but add on more stuff to talk about.

 

Aoi: Mhm. That’s true. We can’t help it.

 

Arata: ...*sighs* ...

...It’s good weather out today, like always.

 

Aoi: Eh?

 

Arata: Warm’n sunny. The sunlight would feel mighty comfortable. Wanna head to the courtyard?

 

-

 

[The two of them are walking.]

 

Arata: This here’s my favorite bench.

 

Aoi: I can see why. It’s a good ways off from where other people tend to mill around, so it’s quiet. Plus, it feels nice when the sunlight filters through the leaves and hits you.

 

Arata: Yep. That’s the most important part.

 

[They sit down.]

 

Arata: *sighs* ...

...Aah. I’m being purified~

 

Aoi: Mmhmm. The sky’s really blue...

 

Arata: ...I’m only gonna say this because it’s Aoi-kun I’m talking to. Despite what it might’ve looked like... I was pretty depressed about this at the beginning.

 

Aoi: ......I know.

 

Arata: Like, dang. I messed up. There’s a gap in my work schedule. I caused trouble for all sorts of people...

Yeah, Hajime-san even told me, “Don’t be concerned about work. Take this time to rest up well.” When I stare up at the ceiling during the nighttime and space out, I just go... “Aah.”

There’s this thing that suddenly swells up in my thoughts. It’s like... it’s this intense, overwhelming feeling... *chuckles* ...and even though I know I can’t do anything about it... this feeling of anxiety.

 

Aoi: ...Mm.

 

Arata: I know that this is weird for me to say this about myself, but it’s really rare for me to get anxious.

I’ve almost never fallen ill, ever since I was a kid. Maybe that could’ve also taken a toll on my mentality.

 

Aoi: That’s true... As a kid, I’d get fevers and colds from time to time, so I had to take breaks from school. But you... got a reward for perfect attendance.

 

Arata: Mmhmm. And despite all that... this is what’s up now.

I couldn’t work on a job I wanted to do. Someone else had to step in and do their best in my stead. I think, “God, how pathetic of me.” I get frustrated and regret it, even though it was my fault it happened.

It’s like my mind’s going around in circles.

 

Aoi: Mm... Yeah, like in Tamaru-san’s program and the hero talk then. You were definitely bitter about that.

Arata: Exactly... That’s exactly it~...

I wanted to let off this passion-filled speech, and I prepared all sorts of stuff for it. And yet...!

...Agh! AAGH~!

 

Aoi: *chuckling* Your sigh’s way too loud.

 

Arata: Health’s... like a neatly put-together puzzle. When there’s even the slightest conflict, when you’re missing a piece, or even if your luck’s just plain bad, you’ll end up in a bad condition. I was busy, but for over ten years, I’ve come this far without anything being worse for wear.

I know it’s a thing for people to say, “You don’t know how much something means to you until it’s gone,” but it’s really like that.

When I was sitting on top of the hospital bed, I realized... just how grateful I was for the miracles that I’d taken for granted.

 

Aoi: You’re right. And you’re not the only one. I felt the same way.

It wasn’t an injury or illness so severe that it required long-term hospitalization. I do try to take care of my health, but...

There’s always the possibility that, like you, I get sick from something I can’t prevent. Or that I get into an accident. The thing that happened to you isn’t just someone else’s problem. I might be the next one.

 

Arata: Yep. Having nothing happen is the best. Normalcy is the best.

I’m being made to realize completely and thoroughly... that normal, everyday life... is a series of miracles.

 

Aoi: Mmhmm. That’s why we should treasure it.

We want to protect it.

......Hey, Arata?

 

Arata: Hmm?

 

Aoi: Having Arata by my side, totally prepared for what’s coming his way. That’s what’s normal to me.

Do you think... my normal routine could... come back anytime soon?

 

Arata: ...Heh. I was talking with the doctor some time ago. I can leave the day after tomorrow.

 

Aoi: Eh? For real?

 

Arata: For real, for realsies. They even complimented me, saying that I recover fast.

Gotta be grateful to my body and DNA with all its high potential.

Additionally, the effects from my prayers’ vibes, running throughout my body—☆

 

Aoi: *laughing* Yeah, yeah, whatever you say! Enough about those vibes already.

...But... Okay, got it. Day after tomorrow.

...Got it.

 

Arata: ...I gotta get back to my normal routine, too. I have to have Aoi by my side.

Because that’s what’s normal to me.

 

Aoi: I’ll be waiting for you.

 

-

 

Tsukishiro: The next job will be a recording in studio No.3.

 

Arata, Aoi: Yes, sir~

 

Tsukishiro: According to the cast list, there’ll be some time before they’ll start doing makeup, so we’ll have you be on standby in the greenroom until they call you over.

...Arata-kun.

 

Arata: Yes?

 

Tsukishiro: It’s not as if this is any different from what we had before, but I’m sorry that there are so many locations you need to move to. It hasn’t been very long since you recovered, after all.

 

Arata: Nah, it’s completely fine. If anything, I’m grateful that it’s the case.

I got to take it easy in the hospital, but near the end of my stay, my body got impatient, since I was just itching to do something.

I like this job, so my body was screaming, “I want to do something!”

 

Tsukishiro: I’m happy to hear that, but please, don’t push yourself.

 

Aoi: I’ll be watching from right beside him. I won’t let him overdo it. No! Over! Working!

 

Tsukishiro: Fufu. I’m counting on you.

 

Arata: Ah!

 

Aoi: Hm?

 

Tsukishiro: Oh!

 

Tamaru: Oh, well if it isn’t Uduki Arata-kun! And Satsuki Aoi-kun, too!

 

Arata, Aoi: Tamaru-san!

 

Tamaru: You’ve recovered, haven’t you! Welcome back! *He pats Arata*

 

Arata: Thank you.

 

Aoi: Good work today, Tamaru-san.

 

Tsukishiro: Thank you for always supporting Uduki and Satsuki.

 

Tamaru: Goodness, no. They’re helping me as well.

 

Arata: Tamaru-san, I’m very sorry I couldn’t make it as a guest the other day. I caused you to worry, and I caused a disturbance on top of that.

You look like you’re healthy, which is great.

 

Tamaru: Don’t worry about the guest issue. Aoi-kun pumped the place up by being there in your place.

There’s nothing we can really do when it’s illnesses, now isn’t that right?

 

Arata: I fully realized the importance of being in good health.

 

Tamaru: I bet so~ I’m at a ripe age myself, so I’m thinking I’m about to show my age. Still, I guess that time will come when it comes, hm?

If it weighs on my mind too much, the illness will make its way to me instead. I won’t dwell on it too much. I think it’s enough for me to live each day carefully and thoroughly, I suppose?

 

Aoi: How profound...

 

Arata: I couldn’t agree more. When it comes to the hero-talk I couldn’t do last time, I’ll keep that on the back burner. I’ll have it ripening until it’s ready.

When there’s a next time, I do hope you’ll call me over then.

 

Tamaru: Oh, that’s a welcome offer! I’m looking forward to it. See you again.

 

Arata: Yes, sir. I’ll see you. Thank you very much!

 

Aoi: Thank you very much!

 

[Tamaru walks away.]

 

Arata: ...When I talk about heroes, I should start off by talking about Aoi-kun.

 

Aoi: ...Eh?

 

Arata: When I was in trouble, you gallantly showed up to save me, for sure.

That’s what makes you my hero.

 

Aoi: I’m... a hero...

 

Arata: Mmhmm. A hero who protects my daily life.

Mr. Hero, always by my side. ...Hope you’ll keep watching over me from now on.

 

Aoi: *chuckles* Right back at you!

 

Arata: Heh.

 

Aoi: Haha!

 

Arata, Aoi: *chuckling*

 

[They begin walking.]

 

Arata: While we’re on the topic, Tsukishiro-san is also very much a hero. The uber-powerful superman who works unnoticed. You’re wonderful.

 

Tsukishiro: Eh!? Goodness, that’s... an honor to hear. Thank you for the compliment.

 

Arata: Also, there’s Hajime-san, Haru-san, Kakerun, and... well, okay, for the record, let’s put Pink in that category too.

 

Aoi: *laughing wryly* That’s a lot of heroes...