A Story That’s Mine Alone (1)

(I was checking all my messages from “HoldHands” and I didn’t realize it had gotten this late. I really don’t feel like going to get something to eat from the cafeteria⁠—)

⁠—Huh? My bad, Kagehira. Looks like something fell off the desk when I walked by you. Is this a design sketch?

Nnah, I’m the one who’s sorry. I was the one spreading things all over your desk, sorry for bothering you.

Nono, you really don’t need to apologize, since I was the one who dropped it.

At any rate, why are you even spreading out all your design sketches…? There’s ribbons, beads, and stuff too.

Nn, well… I’m preparing things for my “Feature Live” right now.

Fumu, do you mean you’re making props for the live?

Right. I went and asked Anzu-chan if I could make the costume and props for the live. I’m kinda nervous being up on the stage on my own, so I wanna do what I can.

When I heard those words from Mika-chan, I was so moved~

Woah, Arashi?!

Hi there, Mao-chan. Sorry to bother you.

Naru-chan! Did you come here to check up on me?

Yep! You told me yesterday that you were having trouble with something, so I was wondering what happened afterwards.

I was able to finish the props with no problem and now it’s back at my dorm. With Naru-chan’s help and advice, I managed to fix it up. Thanks a bunch…~

Ufufu! That’s great to hear. Apart from that, what are you working on now?

This is the costume’s accessory. So far, I think it looks pretty good.

Umm? From the sounds of it, You seem like you’ve been supporting Kagehira’s progress this whole time, Arashi.

Of course, it’s a big day for my precious best friend after all. I’ve been his cheerleader ever since I heard that he was going to have a “feature live”.

Naru-chan’s been really supportive of me, so I feel really motivated.

I’ll be honest, I can’t wait, and I’m a little nervous that I won’t be able to make it to the show, but I know I can give it my best. Today I’m definitely going to finish this accessory, then I’ll get to working on the next prop…!

You’re really fired up~, I’ll be cheering for you too. Buuut, when comparing the sketches and the physical product, isn’t it different from “Valkyrie”s typical image?

Well yeah, it’s Mika-chan’s live performance, so of course all of Mika-chan’s personality be on full display.

Yeah, in that case, it looks super-fresh…I don’t know how to word it, but it’s good.

Ehehe, it’d make me really happy if I could create something people would view that way. Since I’ve been thinking a bunch about what a stage decorated with my own special art would look like…

There’s no way I could leave anything unfinished or careless. All I want is to take the best I can do and create something that will reach the hearts of the people that come to see it.

…If Mika-chan said he could do it, then I’m positive he can. If there’s anything you want me to help you with, then please ask me.

Yeah. Thanks a bunch, but it’s good enough to have your suggestions and you watching me.

I’ll give it my all and make everything for the performance.

? Did someone’s stomach rumble, just now?

Don’t ask me. Are you hungry, Mao-chan?

Well, either way I was gonna buy something, but…

Nn? Kagehira, what’re you looking away for?

Th…that was my stomach. Auuugh, that’s so embarrassing! After all of that passion and presentation!

Ufufu, maybe you were too concentrated and got distracted. I think I can pay for Mika-chan’s lunch so I can lend him a hand.

Kagehira, what do you want to eat? I was gonna go and take Arashi with me too.

Naa, you two don’t have to trouble yourselves…!

Then, why not eat something made by me?

Yuu-kun?!

Yuzuru-chan, why are you cooking?

Oh, I see. It’s because a few ingredients from the “DIY cooking course” are going to expire soon, right?

That’s right. Even though there was a student council report, I supposed there was a small chance that some students wouldn’t choose the “DIY course” before the ingredients expired.

Therefore, after hearing what you all were saying, I figured I’d use them myself.

U-umm, thanks…but, are you sure?

It would make it so there’s no food wasted, so why don’t you just accept the kind gesture? If he’s cooking from scratch, then he’ll be able to make something that suits Mika-chan’s tastes.

Since I’ve already made you lunch boxes before, I already know your food preferences. Please, leave this to me~

I’m sure the student council will be grateful. I’d honestly be happy eating anything you craft up.

Ufufu. Now then, please wait a few moments. I’ll bring the food here to you when it’s finished.

Y-yeah… sorry, everyone. For making you do all these things for my sake.

You want to get that prop done by the end of the day, right?

I’m gonna go give Yuzuru a hand, so you keep at it, Kagehira!

Everyone here wants to cheer you on, Mika-chan.

For that reason, at times like this you say “thank you”.

Yeah…thank you, really. I’m gonna give it even more of my all to make something good for everyone!

(…Oya? We found Mika-rin’s bags ahead of us~ Back in our room, I saw lots of items that he’s been making for his “feature live” coming up. I’ll hold some for him because he’s my roommate.)

Mika-riiin~

Ritsu-kun!

Are you going back to the dorms? I’ll go with you, so let me carry some things.

Eh, are you sure? These are full of fabric from the art room, so they’re pretty heavy.

It’s fiiiine, it’s fine. Two people are better than one, and three people are better than two. The load will be a lot lighter at that point.

So let’s work together and take it easy in order to conserve energy.

Three…?

Oiiii~ is that Corgi I see walking over there? Mika-rin’s got trouble because he’s carrying a lot of stuff, so help us come carry it~

Ahn? What’s up with you?

You were on your way back anyways, Corgi, so make yourself useful for Mika-rin. He’s been working really hard for his “feature live” coming up.

I don’t get it. Well, it’s obvious you’ve got a lot of stuff, so I guess I’ll help you carry it…

Naah! I’m sorry! I’m sorry for all the luggage!

Don’t be so uptight, we’re all headed to the same place. I’ll take this heavy bag and…I’ll take that bag for you.

Corgi can be such a gentleman. So then, Mika-rin, I’ll pick up that handbag of yours.

Y-yeah…thanks, you two~…