BUBBLE GUM DANCE - According to The Dream (3)

Hm? What was that, Nozomi-kun?

I said that I must object.

Hm, and why is that?

To begin, why has the base of operations for MELLOW DEAR US suddenly changed to ES?

I would be more understanding if we have not produced any results up until this point in time. However, that’s hardly the case, is it?

Under your production, we have already delivered results, Nice.

Even if Japan is at the forefront of the idol industry, is there really any need for us to come all the way here for the purpose of work?

Moreover, I cannot accept leaving half of our production in her hands. Is she not too inexperienced to be trusted with a unit like MELLOW DEAR US?

I simply cannot believe that someone unfamiliar with us could produce us better than Nice.

Hm? “You’ll get to know us over time”…?

Do you honestly believe you could build that kind of trust with us? Do you even possess the skill to do so?

Umm, but… we did lose during Mainstream Megasphere. I think Anzu-san deserves a lot of credit for that… I think. I don’t know, though…

I have no intentions to make a judgement like that based on a single match. She may have just been lucky that time.

Chitose. Don’t be so quick to jump to someone’s defense if even you are not convinced.

Especially if you truly want to protect her. Half hearted defenses only create more openings for criticism.

Oh! Um… Uhhh… S-sorry…?

That goes for you too, Anzu-san… I’m sorry. I couldn’t defend you very well.

Ah, yes. You’re right. It looks like Nozomi-san isn’t entirely sure about this…

I was a little confused too. I kept wondering why MELLOW DEAR US was brought to Japan.

But then I figured that if it meant working with you again, then it could be worth it, Anzu-san.

Nozomi-kun has every right to be concerned. It’s only reasonable for him to worry about his own unit.

Why don’t I set the record straight?

Ever since the Megasphere Project’s massive success, Japanese idols have been drawing attention from around the world.

As a result, it was no longer in MELLOW DEAR US’s best interest to keep operating exclusively overseas.

Besides, it’s because of that project that MELLOW DEAR US has already become quite popular in Japan.

In other words, this is the perfect chance for us to tap into that Japanese market…!

However, there’s just a tiny problem. Thunderbolt doesn’t really have the know-how to market idols in Japan.

Not only that, but ES practically dominates the Japanese idol industry.

Which is exactly why that, just like during the Megasphere Project, I believed that collaborating with ES would be our best option.

If we captitalize on each other’s strengths, we’re bound to achieve the best possible results.

It’s an incredibly simple approach, but it’s efficient. It spares us all the legwork, and it’s a pretty nice arrangement if I do say so myself. Wouldn’t you agree?

Hm… I understand your reasoning.

That’s the spirit, Nozomi-kun. You catch on quick. That’s pretty nice ♪

I am still not convinced.

Oho! That’s a bit of a problem now, isn’t it?

Firstly, what does everyone else think regarding this? Surely there must be someone who also holds reservations about the matter.

U-Umm, I… I-I’m sorry. I don’t really get it…

But I like MELLOW DEAR US… and I like Nice-san and Anzu-san too, so I’d really like it if we could all work together and get along.

Oh, and I’d also really like it if I didn’t get fired.

……

That was not the answer I was looking for, Chitose. 0/10. As of today, consider yourself fired.

Huuuh?! That’s so mean, Nozomi-san…! Wait, but then again… you don’t really have the authority to fire me, do you?

I mean, I guess I am kinda wondering why it has to be a joint production.

Oh? How surprisingly humble for a newcomer.

Still, if Nice-san and Thunderbolt have already decided on it, then I guessssss that’s that~

So it doesn’t really matter to me either way. Anzu-chan is pretty cute~! I don’t have any complaints about Nice-san’s production for us either.

As long as Unc’s getting paid, it’s an OK from me ♪

……

And what are your thoughts, Juis…?

If a joint production is what Nice and Thunderbolt have decided on, then I’ll abide by it.

It doesn’t matter to me who produces us, either. I’m confident that I can perform at my best under anyone.

The fact that MELLOW DEAR US is a flawless unit won’t change.

Or are you saying you doubt that, Madoka?

No, of course not. I agree with you, Juis. Our perfection as an idol unit is beyond question.

That’s right. In that case, then you should be able to at least accept the situation we’re in, right?

……

If that’s how you see it, Juis, then I’ll conceed. For now.

However. There is still one thing I’d like to make clear to ES’s producer.

I have no expectations for you. If you fail to live up to even these low expectations, my opinion of you will immediately drop to the lowest degree.

Give it your utmost effort not to let that happen. You’d do well to keep that firmly in mind.

Ough… There you go being harsh again, Nozomi-san…

Sorry, Anzu-san. Nozomi-san can be a bit… difficult to work with because of his personality, but he does have his kind moments. Sometimes, he’ll even compliment you.

Huh? Really? That’s a relief… I’m glad to hear that you think you’ll be able to get along with him, Anzu-san.

Oh! You’re going to explain what’s next?

…Interesting. So our first live performance of the new song will be in Japan?

That’s right. Although, the ticket sales haven’t been going as strong as we’d hoped.

If we do not deliever results from the very beginning, then our reputation will simply be swept away as the trends change, won’t it?

…Hm. So it’s just because we haven’t made a name for ourselves here yet, and whether or not that changes depends on the work we do from here on out.

Wait, you’re only limiting ticket sales to Japan? Umm… why? I think you’d be able to sell a lot more if the tickets were available to overseas fans too.

Oh, that was actually a condition that I set. If your first live performance in Japan doesn’t help you gain recognition here, then there’s no point in doing it to begin with.

Whaaat~? Anzu-chan, are you going to be okay? Unc’s gonna work hard no matter who’s producing us, but the one thing he can’t afford is losing his paycheck, alright?

Hm? You’re saying it’ll be fine because you’ll keep promoting MELLOW DEAR US from here on out?

Really? Well, that’s fine by me. Either way, things have already been set in motion. I’ll be keeping a close eye on what you’re capable of as a producer, Anzu.

We’ll be in your care then… Producer.