#LIVE LAUGH RYUSEITAI

[dorinnn]

welcome paradise!

#enstars #ensemble stars #midori takamine #I AM SANE. I AM NORMAL. I AM SANE. I AM N #GRAHHH THE MV IS SO CUTE #LIVE LAUGH RYUSEITAI #ryuseitai #MIDORI!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!! #HEALING JUNGLE IS CALLING YOU (COME ON!) x3 #GRHAHHHHHHHGGHHHH!!!! #CRYING. #“come on over to paradise~ let's go together~” #ugh. #millions have died from midori takamine (me)

[tunamayuuu]

blush blush

#ensemble stars #chiakana #chiaki morisawa #kanata shinkai #enstars fanart #chiaki x kanata #ryuseitai #i tried drawing this without reference #how did i do #anyway this was a really fun warmup!!! #live laugh love chiakana #who are they thinking abt huh...

[mirrortouchedsea]

What does being an idol mean to you, Kohakucchi?

wc: 2467

Despite being an idol for a few months going on a year, Kohaku doesn't really understand the concept of idols.

This was my piece for @alkakureizine ! You should check it out everyone did a great job ^.^

Read on AO3

----

“Hey Niki-han,” Kohaku started as Niki set a plate with his lunch in front of him. “What does it mean to be an idol?” 

Niki’s face took on a pensive look, like the question was hard to answer concisely. “Hmm, well I’m not too sure, Kohaku-chan. Why don’t we talk about it together over lunch? My break starts in a minute here.” 

“Sure.” Kohaku took a bite of his food as he let his thoughts surface again. He had been having doubts about being an idol, about what it meant to sing and dance on stage with Crazy:B (and to some extent, with Double Face). Could someone like him even call himself an idol? 

It was just a minute later when Niki set down an astounding five plates piled with food on the table and sat across from Kohaku and began eating. 

“So Kohaku-chan, what brought this on?” He asked between bites, not bothering to wipe the sauce dripping down his chin. Kohaku thought it was almost endearing how much Niki was “un-idollike” in these moments. Niki felt more down to earth than some of the other idols at ES at least. 

“I was just thinkin’ about a conversation I had with Rabu-han earlier is all,” he responded. “I know Rabu-han says we’re real idols but ‘m not too sure what that really means sometimes, and I don’t think he does either. At the very least, he didn’t care for my answer on the subject.” 

“Nyahaha! Is that all? Well, Rinne-kun would always say that idols bring love and joy to the world with their music when we were younger. He’d never admit to that now though.” Niki moved one of his plates to the side and began working on his second one. “Do idols have to be contained to just the music industry though? I think that Nagumo kid from Ryuseitai would consider me an ‘idol’ from my cooking show days.” 

“Huh, I didn’t know that Tetora-han looked up to you like that.” 

“Me neither, he just came up to me one day and started talking about how he used to watch my show when he was younger. He’s an enthusiastic one at least!” 

The two of them laughed at that. 

“Well I s’pose that idols could be anyone that someone looks up to. Even the man on the news could be an idol to someone out there, but I don’t think that’s what most people think of when you say ‘idol’...” 

“Hmm, yeah, TV personalities are being phased out to make room for musical idols more and more. Oh, how I wish I could still do a cooking show like I used to!” 

Kohaku knew that Niki was thinking about a specific set of events, though the details had never really been made clear to him. Rinne would always dance around the topic and Niki would just change it altogether. 

“Well then, I guess Rinne-kun was right for once about idols being people who make you smile and want to live! We wouldn’t be here without his love of them, after all.” 

“What d’ya mean, Niki-han?” 

“Oh, did we never tell you? Rinne-kun ran into an idol when I first picked him up off the street who inspired him to keep going or something. That’s how he tells the story anyway. I think he might have just seen someone on one of those TV displays on the street and got taken in by all the glitter.” 

“Kohkohkoh, you really don’t trust him, do ya.” 

“Nah, I trust Rinne-kun with a lot of things, but to not exaggerate his idol origin story isn’t one of them.” 

Kohaku raised an eyebrow. “You trust Rinne-han with anything?” 

“Well…” 

They laughed lightly as Niki finished another plate.

“Anyway, Kohaku-chan, I think you’re a great idol. You’ve got a lot of fans who love you and cheer you on, even as Double Face! We’re all a little awkward on stage but that’s part of our charm, isn’t it?” 

“I guess you’re right, Niki-han. Rabu-han always talks about how people think you’re cute and adorable on stage when you forget the choreography. He doesn’t like to tell me what they say about me online though.” 

“Hmm, I wonder why that is.” 

“I think he just wants me t’ focus on the people we see at our lives. He tells Otouto-han the same thing.” 

“Does that answer your question then, Kohaku-chan?” 

“I think I have a better understanding of idols now. Thanks, Niki-han.” 

“Nahaha, I’m glad! I have to get back on the clock in a minute here, but I’ll see you at practice later, right?” 

“We have practice later?” 

--- 

The next day, HiMERU and Kohaku met up at the cafe and slid into a booth in the far corner. HiMERU finished scribbling some notes on the paper in front of him and slid it to the boy across from him. 

“Here’s the notes from the meeting you missed yesterday. HiMERU recommends just skimming over it, as we don’t have any important work this week.” 

“Thanks, HiMERU-han. Didn’t we have that new song we were supposed to be learning?” 

“Ah, yes, thank you for reminding HiMERU. He believes it should be…here.” He points to a circled date on the schedule. “Try to practice your vocals before then. HiMERU is free this afternoon if you’d like to work on them together.” 

“Thanks again. You really don’t have to do that for me though.” 

“Nonsense. HiMERU needs to make sure his junior is keeping up with everything. Please let HiMERU know if you have any questions.” 

“Yeah yeah I got it you don’t have to keep repeating yourself like that.” 

HiMERU chuckled. “Of course, HiMERU will keep that in mind.” 

Their drinks were called out from the counter and HiMERU excused himself to get them, leaving Kohaku alone for a minute. The question he had asked Niki the other day tickled at the back of his mind, wanting to know what HiMERU thought about it. He would probably have a very different answer from Niki at the very least. 

A bright pink drink with whipped cream was set in front of him, pulling him from his thoughts. 

“Here you go. Enjoy, Oukawa.” 

Kohaku nodded as he bent the straw towards his mouth and took a drink. It was really sweet, almost too sweet. Aira might like it more than Kohaku did, though Aira would also probably insist on sharing it. 

“Hey, HiMERU-han, I got a question for you.” 

“What is it, Oukawa?” 

“What does being an idol mean to you?” 

HiMERU took a sip of his coffee. 

“Such an interesting question, Oukawa. Why do you ask?” 

“I was just thinkin’ about it. Rabu-han asked me a few days ago and didn’t seem to like my answer so…” 

“Ah, HiMERU understands. An idol to HiMERU is someone who is perfect and yet down to earth. Someone that their fans can aspire to be some day.” 

The answer is so matter of fact that Kohaku takes a second to respond. 

“That’s a very HiMERU-han answer.” 

“What do you mean by that, Oukawa?” 

“It just feels like somethin’ you’d say. Which I guess is why yer sayin’ it.” 

HiMERU chuckles and takes another sip of his drink. 

“HiMERU is glad to hear that.” 

“Mhm. Anyway, do you have any idols that you look up to, HiMERU-han?” 

HiMERU hesitated and took a long sip of his coffee. 

“He would rather not talk about that.” 

Kohaku raised an eyebrow. 

“Maybe another time, Oukawa.” 

There’s an awkward pause as Kohaku tried to figure out what to say again. The mood had soured just a little bit and he wanted to avoid making it worse. 

“Forget about it then. You said you were free to help me later, right?” 

HiMERU smiles again and sets his cup down. “Of course. He finishes his job around three this afternoon if that works for you?” 

--- 

The music ended and everyone slid into their final position with the last beat. Their breathing was heavy and the stench of sweat filled the air, but they had finally mastered their newest choreography. Kohaku felt proud looking at himself in the mirror with everyone else. He really had come a long way since their first live all those months ago. 

“Alright! Great job everybody!” Rinne shouted, pulling everyone into a very sweaty hug. They all grumbled, but Kohaku could see the tiny smiles on HiMERU and Niki’s faces. This song had been giving them difficulty with all of the complex jumps and having to stay in sync so much, but they had finally gotten to something presentable. 

Just in time for their live, too. With just under a week left, they had all been worried about being able to get this dance down. Niki had even asked to simplify some of the choreography, but when they tried that, everyone agreed it wasn’t nearly as impressive as the original, and thus scrapped the idea. 

HiMERU and Niki were already out the door, yelling something about meeting up for dinner in a few hours. Kohaku tentatively approached Rinne who was packing up the rest of their gear to take back, sweaty towel draped around his neck. 

“Hey, Rinne-han, can I ask ya something?” Why did this feel so awkward? He didn’t really approach Rinne first, it was normally the other way around. 

“Aw, Kohaku-chan has a question for me? Shoot, little man.” 

Kohaku rolled his eyes. “I was just wondering what being an idol means to you?” 

“Where’s this comin’ from? Did little Ai-chan put something in your head again?” 

“Rabu-han has nothing to do with this.” Kohaku felt his face heat up. “Not in the way yer thinkin’ anyway.” 

Rinne laughed. “‘Course he doesn’t. But why do you want to know?” 

“It’s for a school project,” Kohaku lied through his teeth. He knew Rinne would see right through it, though the older man didn’t say anything to that. 

“Alright, if it’s that important, I s’pose you can get an exclusive interview with the Amagi Rinne.” Kohaku rolled his eyes again. Maybe this was a mistake. 

“Well, you already know how I ran into that idol on the street and it completely changed the course of my life, yeah? That’s also shaped my own philosophy on idols. I know the other bees probably told you some bullshit about making people smile and laugh, but it’s more than that. 

“Being an idol is about giving people a place to belong. Crazy:B is there for the underdogs, the people that society tries to crush under its thumb, telling them to get back up and fight back, to speak their mind. If nothing else, we’ll be there to support them. 

“It’s more than just those surface level emotions. Music should resonate with the soul.” Rinne pointed to his heart. “You want to feel the music in your bones, scream those lyrics and mean them with everything you have. Never back down and never give up.” 

Kohaku was entranced for a moment after Rinne was done speaking, expecting something else to come after. 

“That was…very profound of you to say, Rinne-han.” 

“Kyahaha! I’m full of surprises, Kohaku-chan!” 

“But uh, thanks a lot. I think I get it now.” 

“So what exactly is this ‘school project’ you needed this for?” 

“Uh…” Kohaku bolted for the door as Rinne cackled and chased him out, both of them abandoning their practice bags in the room. They could always come back for them later anyway. 

--- 

After thinking about all of the answers he had gotten, Kohaku met up with Aira in the cafeteria again. He set his plate of food down and slid in the booth across from his dear friend who was typing away on his phone. 

“Oh! I didn’t see you, Kohakucchi! You said you had something for me?” Aira tapped the enter key and clicked his phone off, putting it face down on the table. 

“Yeah. I’ve thought about what it means to really be an idol for me and--” 

“You didn’t have to take it that seriously, Kohakucchi! I was mostly just joking with you and Hiiro since you two don’t know anything about idols.” 

Kohaku felt his face flush again. 

“Well if you don’t wanna hear my answer then--” 

“Agh! No I didn’t mean it like that, Kohakucchi! Please tell me!” 

Kohaku flicked a piece of rice at Aira and took a bite of his food. 

“I s’pose I can tell ya then, since you asked so nicely.” Kohaku purposefully chewed slowly on his food as he put his thoughts in order. “Well, Niki-han said being an idol is about making people smile, and doesn’t necessarily mean yer in the music business. Anyone can be an idol in any occupation.” 

Aira nods with a curious look on his face. He almost certainly didn’t agree but found the answer interesting all the same. 

“An’ HiMERU-han said that an idol should be somethin’ anyone can aspire to be, someone’ untouchable but humble.” 

“HiMERU-senpai is kind of old fashioned, though I guess that makes sense.” 

“An’ Rinne-han was Rinne-han. He said idols have to give a voice to the voiceless or somethin’ like that.” 

“He’s more…idealistic than I thought he would be.” Aira took a bite from his snack. “But you still haven’t told me what being an idol means to you, Kohakucchi.” 

It was then that Kohaku realized he hadn’t actually thought of his own answer. He supposed it was probably a mix of the others but… 

--- 

Just like in practice, the music wound down and they all slid into place. Niki’s jump was a beat behind but everyone was able to cover for it, and honestly? It was still a very Crazy:B performance. 

The audience is cheering and Kohaku thinks about what Aira said. You still haven’t told me what being an idol means to you. His eyes scan the crowd and he lands on a group of people towards the back of the small venue. They’re excitedly jumping and yelling with everyone else, decked out in what looked like handmade merch (maybe they couldn’t afford idol merch? It was certainly a possibility). 

He recognized them from a few of their other lives. Did they go to one of their handshake events too? They must have. 

Everything clicks into place as Kohaku realizes why he’s an idol. There are people just like him out there, people who feel isolated by their families from the world, people who can’t connect with others easily who are brought together by Crazy:B’s music. By his music. Because he’s up on stage and having fun with his friends (his new family), people are finding a reason to keep going. 

He smiles and waves to the crowd, smiling brightly at the fans in the back row. 

#shay writes #enstars #ensemble stars #kohaku oukawa #niki shiina #himeru #rinne amagi #aira shiratori #I'VE HAD THIS FINISHED FOR MONTHS YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG I'VE BEEN WANTING TO POST THIS

[tokusaatsus]

a headcanon of chiaki walking in his s/o trying his basketball jersey *insert evil laugh*

☆—MORISAWA CHIAKI

Is not expecting that to be what he sees when comes home.

You’re frozen in shock, caught in the act of slipping the jersey over your head, snuggling the fabric against your chest. Sooooo embarrassing…!?

You have…no idea what to say and you don’t think that it’d matter anyways, because Chiaki looks like he’s lost all coherency, face turning as red as his title. He can only splutter apologies.

Because?

You look so cute??

The jersey is slightly loose on you, sure, but that’s just because he’s jacked as fuck and you’re…not as much. The sight of his number on you, however, is literally ruining his capacity to think. Goodbye, my last remaining braincells, he thinks hysterically. You will be severely missed.

But he does need the storage space, to be able to engrave this picture of you into his memory and, well…it’s not like algebra was that important anyways…

Megane-sensei will have to understand that this takes priority when he fails his next test.

Asks you why you were wearing it.

“I…um…I was missing you and it smelled like you…so…”

You giggle breathily, because he’s seen you naked before and he hasn’t ever reacted like this?

But that only serves to worsen his blush. You’re worried he might faint.

You wave your hand in front of his face and watch his eyes flicker as his brain reboots.

After he gets over his shock from hearing you say those words out loud, he’s overjoyed.

Starts to leave his clothes in your closet, so that he can see you wearing them.

Drops multiple hints about how comfortable wearing oversized clothes is. He’s trying to be subtle but. Subtle is not a word that can be used to describe your boyfriend.

Encourages you to come to his basketball games wearing his sweatshirts, the ones with his names plastered across the back. He says it’s so he can ‘be energised by your show of support ☆!’ but you know it’s just because seeing you wearing his clothes is doing things to his brain.

Brags about you to his teammates, to varying reactions.

“That’s the love of my life up there, wearing my jacket!”

Some are more inclined to see the romantic side of Chiaki’s exuberant declarations (Akehoshi), some think it’s cute you’re supporting him in this way (Mao-chan), but others don’t find it  sweet so much as bothersome (Midorin).

If you wear his spare RYUSEITAI jacket to Lives, he would be? So happy??

Like, you’re showing your support for his unit, yeah–and that’s incredible, you’re so amazing!–but also your support for him, specifically as a person. As your boyfriend.

Insists on lending you his clothes and conveniently forgetting to take them back, until you have to put your foot down and tell him to stop because you’re running out of storage space.

Pouts for a bit after, but once you tell him you’ll keep some of his clothes he perks right up and offers to give you the best pieces he has.

(By which he means the ones with his name on them. Gotta let everyone know you're taken, after all!)

☆—notes!

WC: 519 words

this man…is the loml <3 also i believe in baggy clothing supremacy???!? anyways. i hope u enjoyed this anonnie! this was fun to write, and a much-needed break from the 1k+ fics i’ve been writing so far cries mwah <33

#✒️...scribbles! #morisawa chiaki x reader #enstars x reader #morisawa chiaki #ryuseitai

[mihai-florescu]

Here's my list of what units i'd go see in concert the least to most if we were in the ensembleverse. Not based on just music but also if i feel like id have fun seeing them live

Trickstar

Listen i know that they won the SS and have hardcore fans right? Well im not one of them so id feel sooo out of place, i wouldnt know the lyrics or the inside jokes, it would just be bad for my anxiety.

Ryuseitai

I'd feel awkward thinking it's more aimed at kids since they have the whole hero show thing going on, i'd get self concious that i'm intruding or that my interests are too childish.

Eden

Similar to trickstar but i just feel like i'd hold up better, especially if i had someone else come with me. But one hip thrust and im out sorry id feel so awkward. I think eden is more something id ask my friend whos going to show me videos of after instead of going myself.

Ra*bits

I wouldnt go out of my way to get tickets, but once i'm there i'd have fun.

2wink

Same as ra*bits tbh. I feel like i wouldnt get too stressed out by the location either.

Crazy:b

Oh they'd so intimidate me, once again my anxiety would skyrocket. Not because i wouldnt know the lyrics this time, but i just cant handle festivals and clubs and any of that, which is where i assume id see them. But if i can overlook the building headache and dehydratation, i'll jam.

Alkaloid

See now. I think i'd go to quite a few of their concerts actually. For the "i supported them since they were still beginners!" pride. I feel like the show would be orderly and i wouldnt get overwhelmed by the lights and noises.

Knights

Oh id go for the fanservice. And id have a good time, id think theyre funny and charming.

Undead

Id initially go just for rei, with a friend, but by the end id become a fan of all of them and go to more concerts if i have time and can find tickets.

Fine

Same as undead, id go for wataru, but this time i wouldnt need a friend to go with for anxiety support.

Switch

Id start queueing hours before and befriend the other people in line. Id have a great time and get 3 new instagram mutuals out of it.

Double Face

Their concerts are rare, id have to go just because how many people can say they've seen double face live? Id also actually enjoy the music and all.

Akatsuki

Id jam so hard, id laugh, id cry, id lose my voice cheering, it'd just be fun.

Valkyrie

Id start preparing my outfit a month in advance, id go in early to secure the best seats, nothing could ruin my experience. I would not sing along id just autistic stare the whole time but i wouldnt feel self concious. That is the proper way to enjoy valkyrie, im in my element.

#feel free to tell me which unit youd go see live the most #dont just go for your fav characters tho be realistic

[ticklish-n-stuff]

I just impulsively read all of meteor impact and I just- 😭😭😭😭😭

I LOVE RYUSEITAI SM!!!❤️💙💛💚💜

LIVE LAUGH LOVE CHIAKANA

MAN WHAT A JOURNEY I LOVED IT SM

#enstars #ensemble stars #random shitpost

[twowink]

good morning the first years were taking a nap on kanata :) also fun fact kanata autocorrected to kanaria live laugh love

THE SUPERNOVA SCENE ?? its so good i love that i love ryuseitai . also its rlly funny to me that chiaki and kanata have a Moment and then chiaki has to diffuse the energy immediately by telling abt how much he wants a girlfriend

#.log #i-like-the-stars #amia.txt

[awesomeuchuu]

@s-talking​

“It’s the mooost wonderful tiiime of the yeaaaaar~” - From Kanata ;D

s-talking answered:

𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐑,   he  wanders  within  the  windy  passageways  &  old  theater  halls,  breathing  in  the  scent  of  dead  roses  &  rotting  wood.  it's  quite reminiscing...  in  a  way.  it's  been  many  years  since  he'd  last  view  such  exquisite  place,  let  alone  step  inside,  making  the  young  serial  killer  halt  for  just  a  moment  to  look  at  the  scattered  posters  clipped  to  the  red  peony  walls;   they  are  all  of  the  '  ryuseitai  '  members.  a  popular  idol  group  which  took  japan  by  storm  &  now  they're  having  a  show  here,  an  old  theater  located  at  the  very  heart  of  seoul;   home  sweet  home,  as  they  say.

alas  envy  starts  to  drift  again,  he  brushes  his  black  nailed  hand  across  each  &  every  poster  in  line,  only  to  abruptly  loom  over  a  familiar  face,  one  that  draws  him  closer   ──    much  closer   ──    pressing  ever  so  slightly  into  the  wooden  wall  where  he  whispers  softly  ‘pon  the  fictional  lips;    ❝   hnn...   kanata  shinkai...   i  know...   you  are  here...   ❞  

suddenly,  a  distant  melody  begins  to  play  & the  young  serial  killer  turns  his  head.  he  does  not  think  twice  before  following  it.  he  just  moves,  ripping  the  poster  right  off  the  golden  pins. it  must  be  him, envy  thinks,  pushing  through  yet  another  set  of  closed  doors  that  lead  him  into  the  dressing  rooms  at  the  back.  only  one  has  the  lights  on.  the  gap  from  its  partially  open  door  slicing  the  darkness  in  half  with  a  slither  of  neon  blue,  kanata's  favourite  colour.  the  youth  smiles  at  the  thought  & slowing  down  a  little,  trails  towards  the  entrance  with  cat-like  steps  where  the  melody  becomes  most  definite.

he  silently  peers  into  the  wooden  frame,  the  neon  blue  light  now  vanishing  into  his  towering  darkness.      ❝     . . . . .   ❞      how  beautiful. kanata  is  just  like  a  mirthful  butterfly,  laughing,  singing,  &  dancing  freely  even  though  everyone  is  already  long  gone.  ohh,  words  cannot  express  how  glad  envy  is  that  he  didn't  kill  him  the  other  day,  allowing  the  clueless  idol  to  sing  for  another  hour  or  two  without  a  single  speck  of  distraction.  that  voice  after  all,   is  to die for...

It was one of their very first lives abroad. They had had one once before, in Singapore. That had been an experience, the myriad of people, the cheering fans, the happy faces on the little kids in the crowd. Everything that Ryuseitai stood for - camaraderie, friendship, togetherness - had shone brightly on that stage, and now, coming to Seoul, it had been no different. It had been magical, it had been captivating and it had been utterly exhausting, in a way. But so very rewarding. 

Chiaki had been on an all-time high, and Shinobu had struggled with his shyness and Midori with his mental exhaustion, but Chiaki and Tetora had cheered them on and everyone had delivered well beyond what Kanata had hoped. Chiaki especially, dazzling bright as a supernova in the light of everyone’s cheers and glow sticks. Kanata fed off his energy, it powered him as well, as long as they stood on the scene, but the minute the curtain fell down after the final encore, he could feel a heavy weariness come over him. 

Chiaki and the kids decided that they’d hit the down, maybe try and find a good barbecue place, but Kanata was just tired, and mingling with the masses on Seoul’s streets wasn’t something he was in the mood for right now. Midori muttered something about that if he went, why didn’t Kanata, and Kanata honestly felt bad... But Chiaki was okay with it, thankfully enough and as soon as the four of them had left, Kanata had laid down for a very quick cat nap. 

As he woke up, refreshed, Kanata had taken to slowly starting to remove his stage make-up, but soon enough he simply wanted to... Try on some of the stage clothes, singing and dancing while he did so. It was a silly little thing, but it kept him entertained and it kept the magic going, just a little while longer. Besides, he was the only one here now, wasn’t he? 

Gracefully, he danced. Deliberate, delicate movements, invoking the image of a mermaid twirling on cresting waves, and his soft, dreamy voice fell like whispering waves kissing the beach at sunset, his laugh trilling like a babbling creak. 

Then, for a moment, he stopped. Was he really alone...? What was this feeling? “Odd...”

#stalking #the proof of mystery (kanata)

[astro-break]

Did I spend 3 hours cataloging the new MV outfits instead of studying? Yes. Please don’t question it. Everything is under the cut because its long, there’s really bad quality screenshots, and i went ham on the data analysis :)

General points: - There are three types of outfits in the set. Tucked, Untucked, and Half tucked shirts. Pants are the same as far as I can tell

- All of this is speculative and is in no way fact. Please take the data with a grain of salt, I am horrendous at math and can’t count for shit

- Belts and shoes are reflective and go Kira Kira during lives. Subaru goes crazy over them and has probably already stolen them all

Units

Trickstar - Orange Shoes

Hokuto - Tucked Shirt | Subaru - Untucked Shirt | Mao - Half Tucked Shirt | Makoto - Untucked Shirt

Fine - Peach Shoes

Eichi - Tucked Shirt | Wataru - Untucked Shirt | Yuzuru - Tucked Shirt | Tori - Half Tucked Shirt

Ryuseitai - Red Shoes

Chiaki - Untucked Shirt | Kanata - Tucked Shirt | Tetora - Half Tucked Shirt | Shinobu - Untucked Shirt | Midori - Tucked Shirt

Alkaloid - Teal Shoes

Hiiro - Untucked Shirt | Aira - Untucked Shirt | Tatsumi - Tucked Shirt | Mayoi - Tucked Shirt

Eden - Grey Shoes

Nagisa - Untucked Shirt | Hiyori - Untucked Shirt | Ibara - Untucked Shirt | Jun - Untucked Shirt

2wink - Pink Shoes

Hinata - Half Tucked Shirt | Yuuta - Half Tucked Shirt

Valkyrie - Burgundy Shoes

Shu - Tucked Shirt | Mika - Half Tucked Shirt

Crazy:B - Yellow Shoes

Rinne - Half Tucked Shirt | HiMERU - Tucked Shirt | Kohaku - Tucked Shirt | Niki - Half Tucked Shirt

Undead - Purple Shoes

Rei - Tucked Shirt | Kaoru - Tucked Shirt | Koga - Half Tucked Shirt | Adonis - Half Tucked Shirt

Akatsuki - Burgundy Shoes

Keito - Tucked Shirt | Kuro - Untucked Shirt | Souma - Untucked Shirt

Ra*bits - Teal Shoes

Nazuna - Untucked Shirt | Tomoya - Untucked Shirt | Hajime - Untucked Shirt | Tenma - Untucked Shirt

Knights - Dark Blue Shoes

Leo - Tucked Shirt | Sena - Tucked Shirt | Ritsu - Tucked Shirt | Arashi - Tucked Shirt | Tsukasa - Tucked Shirt

Switch - Green Shoes

Natsume - Tucked Shirt | Tsumugi - Tucked Shirt | Sora - Half Tucked Shirt

MaM - Grey Shoes

Madara - Untucked Shirt

(Do you really need a screenshot? Hes been in like. 90% of the other ones :p)

Jin & Akiomi

Jin - Burgundy Shoes, Untucked Shirt | Akiomi - Dark Blue Shoes, Tucked Shirt

--

Data:

In General  - 51 Idols

Tucked Shirts (41%) - 21 Idols | Untucked Shirts (37%) - 19 Idols | Half Tucked Shirts (22%) - 11 Idols

StarPro - 17 Idols

Tucked Shirts (41%) - 7 Idols | Untucked Shirts (41%) - 7 Idols | Half Tucked Shirts (18%) - 3 Idols

CosPro - 12 Idols

Tucked Shirts (25%) - 3 Idols | Untucked Shirts (33%) - 4 Idols | Half Tucked Shirts (42%) - 5 Idols

RyLin - 11 Idols

Tucked Shirts (27%) -  3 Idols | Untucked Shirts (54%) - 6 Idols | Half Tucked Shirts (19%) - 2 Idols

NewDi - 9 Idols

Tucked Shirts (77%) - 7 Idols | Untucked Shirts (11%) - 1 Idol | Half Tucked Shirts (12%) - 1 Idol

(26%) 4/15 Units ([25%] 4/16 if you count Double Face) have members wearing the same shirt. These units are:

Eden (Untucked), 2wink (Half Tucked), Ra*bits (Untucked), and Knights (Tucked)

(53%) 8/15 Units had the same colored shoes. These units are:

Alkaloid & Ra*bits: Teal Shoes

Valkyrie & Akatsuki & Jin: Burgundy Shoes

Eden & MaM: Grey Shoes

Knights & Akiomi: Dark Blue Shoes

--

Mini Analysis (that eventually turned into a not so mini analysis)

I think that each character wearing their shirts slightly differently is actually super interesting and shows a little bit of personality for them. Loose shirts are more boyish and athletic, youthful and fun while tucked in shirts give off a more refined and put together appearance. Half tucked just looks lazy in my opinion but also has the best of both worlds, a casual kind of formality.

StarPro having a more or less equal amount of Idols wearing their shirts in all three ways is pretty interesting and really emphasizes the amount of freedom these idols are given based on their agency. It also speaks to how free StarPro units are in relation to other agencies since they are the sole agency without any units who match each other’s shirt wearing tendencies. Everyone’s just kind of everywhere with each unit doing their own thing. Its interesting to note that the only unit in StarPro that doesn’t have all three styles of shirt wearing is Alkaloid. In Mayoi’s own words, Alkaloid is “a newbie who has just made his debut”. Because of they’re new I suspect that they haven’t branched out very much, sticking to the tried and true traditions of idol work that dictates that uniformity with minor deviations is the best for unit outfits. You can totally see it in how they’ve separated themselves into two neat groups: Hiiro with Aira and Tatsumi with Mayoi (yes shippers you can go feral over this fact).

Contrasting StarPro, CosPro has the highest amount of units with matching shirt styles. Eden makes sense since Ibara probably wants the face of the company to look uniform so he made them all wear their shirts the same. Though the decision to leave them untucked leaves me questioning a few things. Do they want to seem more approachable? I guessed before actually seeing the outfits that Eden would either have half tucked or fully tucked shirts mostly because they’re a unit who prioritizes appearances. Having that put together air definitely fits Eden (or at least Adam). 2wink wasn’t a surprise tho. They’re generally a more uniform unit being twins and all. Though again, a bit miffed about the choice for half tucked shirts. While I will freely admit that I don’t read very many Eden or 2wink stories nor have I interacted with them very much, I do think there is merit in being able to understand design choices at a glance. If a 2winkP or an EdenP would like to hazard a guess as to why these two units have shirt wearing styles that doesn’t really fit with my preconceived notions of them please do tell me. But other than that, CosPro is generally really uniform with each unit being more or less balanced. Valkyrie as always has a really strong sense of aesthetics and pairing the half tucked shirt with the tucked shirt was a very good call. Crazy:B, like Alkaloid, is neatly separated into two groups: Rinne with Niki and Kohaku with HiMERU (more shipping fodder for you shippers :p). But contrary to Alkaloid who’s following more conventional idol ideas, i feel like Crazy:B was instructed by Ibara to dress like that. Both to promote the image of unity within CosPro but also to piss Rinne off ww.

I really don’t have much to say on RyLin since I generally don’t like any of the units affiliated with it. I really sorry but I’m pretty indifferent about Ra*bits and Akatsuki. I do have Opinions TM about Undead but that’s for another day. But for now, I will say that Ra*bits all having untucked shirts is very cute and very Ra*bits. The picture perfect image of youth and energy!

Thanks to Knights basically dominating the board with their five person unit all with tucked in pants, the data was skewed way to much into the tucked shirts area wwww. Even if Natsume and Tsumugi didn’t have tucked shirts it would still be the majority wwwww. In all seriousness, tucked in pants is 100% a Knights look and i am living for it. They look so noble even in converse and casual wear. I think Mama having an untucked shirt is also super cute and makes him a lot more huggable. (please refer to the Ra*bits screenshot, its very cute the height difference) Even Sora’s half tucked look is very boyish a cute, very Sora. Honestly each of the agencies’ personalities shone through even through these simple clothes and honestly did a better job of giving me each unit’s personalities at a glance than those 5th Ani outfits did.

Also I have no idea why some units share shoe colors its just a fun thing to point out. Yes I’m pretentious and say burgundy instead of dark red. Shut up. I like burgundy :p

--

Extra Notes

- None of these bitches are straight, they’re wearing Converse with cuffed pants! Look me in the face and tell me that wearing converse with cuffed pants is a straight thing. Thats right, you can’t.

- The stage was Knights’ Silent Oath bc it’s a stage with 5 people, has nice lighting, and has multiple parts where I can get all 5 people with a large window of time. Also I can stand listening to Silent Oath 12 times while taking screenshots. The other option was Suisei Halation but I found Silent Oath first :p

- This came from me noticing that Rei had purple converse shoes and laughing my ass off about it before going to check out the other units and spiraling from there

- As I was cataloguing this, I made a mental list of who in Enstars deserves to have fangs on their model and who actually does. I’m not posting that today but if you’re interested....

- None of this was edited. None of it.

- I really should have been studying ¯\_ (ツ)_/¯  time well wasted

#ensemble stars #enstars #outfit analysis #my post #long post #analysis

[soniasimaginatonforest]

Meteor Shower

Fandom:  Ensemble Stars!!

Characters: Ryuseitai and Original characters

Summary: A glimpse in the life of Saya an her relationships with the mighty ‘heroes’ of Starmaker Productions

I fell into Enstars hell and i love these dorks. So take this.

This is the first of an one shot collection

Another successful day of shows was done.

The theme park was almost empty now.

She took a long sign.

That was a long day.

She better go and check on the boys.

‘Good job today!’ she said to the five boys lounging backstage.

‘Another heroic day!’ a brunet boy said. ‘Good job!’

‘Do you have to do this after every show?’ a younger brunet commented.

‘He wouldn’t be ‘Chiaki’ if he ‘didn’t’’ the cyan haired one commented.

‘Agreed on that.’ The black-haired boy agreed and the purple haired boy nodded.

She signed.

Becoming a producer was not her career choice.

But she was a business graduate and it was a job that payed.

When she joined the ES and was told that the group under her would be one based on superheroes, she was hesitant if that was her thing.

But she had managed to click with those five.

And the boys had accepted her in their team.

Chiaki always brought some cheer in her life∙ Kanata, although troublesome to look after, did have a calming effect on her, and the younger trio, Shinobu, Tetora and Midori, always tried to help her around.

He landed water and some snacks on the table.

‘Thanks’ All five said with a beat.

She needed to go make arrangements with the park owner.

They managed to arrange another show next weekend and with higher payment.

Which was better than she expected.

Man, that week was exhausting. All she wanted now was a meal and to get some sleep.

‘Lady Yamaki.’

The purple haired boy came out of the bush looking concerned, almost scaring here.

‘Shinobu, I have told you not to sneak up on others. You’ll scare someone to death.’

‘I’m sorry!’

‘It’s ok. What do you want?’

‘I was sent to check if everything is ok.’

She patted his head.

‘Everything went ok.’ She said. ‘Let’s get you and the boys back to the dorms.’

 Taking a quick meal at the ES dining hall seemed the best course of action.

She got her sketchbook from her tote bag and started doodling.

It’s always something relaxing for her.

‘Your beef steak is here!’ The dark gray-haired boy’s voice got her out of her concentration.

‘Thanks Niki!’ she said with a smile. ‘Your steak is to die for’

‘That’s great to hear Miss Yamaki!’ He said with a giant grin.

‘A nutritious Niki smile for your heart!’ He shouted doing his signature pose.

He leaned closer.

‘What are you doing there?’ he asked as he looked at her sketchbook.

‘Oh, nothing really.’ She said. ‘Just doodling.’

‘Are those Morisawa and Shinkai?’ he commented while looking at the drawing.

‘Yeah… I just felt like drawing some of their moments in today’s show’

‘That’s really good ya know!’

‘Thanks?’ she said. ‘it’s… a hobby of mine.’

‘Seriously? That is pro quality.’ He commented.

She signed.

If only he knew…

‘Well, gotta go!’ The man greeted her. ‘See ya.’

‘See ya.’

She looked at her sketches and breathed.

She would finish this, eat and leave.

She was kind of glad Chiaki had suggested the meeting to be held at a local café instead of her office in ES.

She finally did not have to wear a suit and heels.

She felt more comfortable in her long denim skirt, military shirt and sneakers.

She arrived at the recommended café earlier than the boys.

While looking at the menu, a drink caught her eye.

Or more accurately a group of drinks.

Six parfaits inspired by Tokusastu.

Red, blue, green, yellow, black, pink

She knew this part of the menu was meant for kids, but she could not help herself to think that the boys would love these.

And she might try the pink one for herself.

‘Are you ready to order miss?’ a waitress came up to her.

‘Not yet. I’m waiting for company.’

The other woman bowed and left.

She stared at the other patrons and breathed.

All the lively atmosphere and colors were giving her inspiration.

Vivid browns, yellows and greens.

A very calming combination.

The café’s bell got her out of her thoughts as he saw the familiar red and blue duo approaching her.

‘Producer!’ the brunet’s loud voice echoed.

She smiled and greet them.

‘So, where are the others?’ she asked them as they approached.

‘Their ‘job’ is running ‘late’.’

‘Yeah. They texted they will be slightly late.’

‘Alright.’ She commented. ‘Have a seat.’

Since they waited, they decided to catch up, since they rarely had time for idle chatter.

Kanata rambled about a new exhibit in the aquarium and Chiaki talked about the new movie he does stunts in.

With all the talking, the three youngest members entered the store.

‘There you guys are!’

She greeted them and pointed to their direction.

‘Sorry for the delay mam’.’ Teotra apologies.

‘Don’t sweat it. You had work anyways.’

The meeting continued uneventfully.

They talked about new projects that came in and which ones they should take up.

After everything was done, Chiaki did suggest they should take a stroll around.

She wanted to decline, but the brunet insisted to join them.

You’re part of our team! He keeps on saying.

So, she was convinced to tag along.

Soon enough, they all ended up doing their own thing.

Midori went to a store with cute items.

Tetora, Shinobu and Kanata went to get some ice cream.

And she and Chiaki kept roaming around.

As they walked his eyes sparked up when he saw the regular gacha machine store.

He gave her a pleading look as if asking for permission.

She signed and nodded.

He smiled and run inside.

He was looking at all the machines if any new hero has been added.

‘It’s you!’ A little boy shouted. ‘You’re Ryusei Red!’

She went inside to check if anything was alright.

The boy laughed.

‘Of course I am! I am the Meteor Ranger with a burning heart! The mighty ally of Justice’

The boy’s eyes sparked.

It seems a fan recognized him.

The little boy looked at her.

‘Who is she?’ he asked and pointed.

Chiaki let another boisterous laugh.

‘That, my friend, is Ryusei Pink. She is the mighty hero that helps us form the shadows, an irreplaceable member of our team.’

‘So cool!’ The little boy said with starry eyes.

She feels awkward when he introduces her like that.

‘Would you like an autograph?’ she asked the kid.

He nodded with a smile and handed his capsule over to Chiaki to sign it.

After that they continued their walk at a near park.

‘You know Chiaki, I told you it makes me awkward to introduce me like that.’

‘Nonsense! You are a part of our team so of course you are a meteor ranger too!’

She gave him a light chop on the head.

‘Just stop that!’

But despite her words there was a smile on her face, which the boy responded.

Maybe there was something nice if she was part of something.

#Sonia's writing #my fanfiction #enstars #ensemble stars #ryuseitai #original character

[yumikan]

[Event Story] Holiday Party (Chapter 8)

Please read my note and about first!

-Restaurant-

Midori

Good morni~ng……?

Chiaki

Takamine, you’re the first one! It’s admirable to come without being late ☆

Midori

No, I’m not the first anymore when Morisawa-senpai already here though…… I’m glad that Morisawa-senpai arrive first today……

If I had arrived first again, it would be more than awkward……

Chiaki

Nn? Now that you mention it when you all went to see the venue, Takamine and Oogami arrived first.

It’s important to deepen your bond with your Senpai, do your best♪

Midori

Uwaa, so depressing…… I want to dieee……

Chiaki

Why!? One would usually back in spirit if they get an encouragement

It’s hundred times energy, fuhahahaha……☆

Midori

Stop it, don’t let out loud voice…… Even though we are in stylish place like this, it’s all ruined by Morisawa-senpai stupid laugh……

Tetora

Taichou, Midori-kun, chii~su☆

Chiaki

Oo, Nagumo! I see Sengoku is also here, it’s right on time. So, Kanata is the only one left but…… I think he won’t become lost child

Kanata has a part on him that loose on time, so maybe we should contact him.

Kanata

Fufufu, don’t worry~ After all I can’t be the only one late when the children came

Chiaki

Good, five of us are all present! The shooting will start from UNDEAD, so as to not became a bother, we will stand by at the edge.

We can hear the song that UNDEAD showed in [Star Fest]. I’m sure that you all will gain knowledge from it

Rei

…… Wanko, Adonis-kun, Kaoru-kun. Are you ready?

Koga

Ha, who do you think I am? Off course I’m fully prepared~, hyahhaa♪

Adonis

…… I’m troubled if you demand a snappy talk, but if it’s singing and dancing, I have no problem

Kaoru

Leave it to me. I will tightly grasp the heart of girls ♪

Rei

Fumu, each of you have enough motivation. We don’t need to be formal, it’s alright to be freer than [Star Fest]

Koga

“♪~♪~”

Rei

(Wanko, he’s singing so carefreely. He has been itching to sing soon. His eagerness is plenty)

(Just like that, go one round around mini stage…… huh, that way is the guest seating though? I said to be free but then it will become dinner show)

(Well it’s fine, I’m not letting Wanko being unrivalled. If all five of them make Ryuseitai, then four of us make UNDEAD……♪)

“♪~♪~”

Koga

(Geh, so the boss has made appearance? It’s indoor and now is night. His song has vigour)

(It’s not a live where we eat or to be eaten~ We sing to make our power known to the whole world)

Kaoru

“♪~♪~”

Koga

(The playboy is showing off to guest seating…… Actually, he is showing appeal to Anzu)

(Then Anzu said good luck while slightly waving her hand. Oioi, do you think this is parents’ day?)

Adonis

“♪~♪~”

Koga

(Adonis is…… Yeah, he’s earnestly singing and dancing. He isn’t good with ad-lib and such, after all)

(Show your appeal more, even though you’re an idol~)

(…… Oops, I mustn’t look the surrounding too much and focus on my singing too~)

“♪~♪~”

(Yosh, last spurt! Ignorant fools, shake to your very core……!)

Chiaki

Umu. UNDEAD’s shooting had over.

Kanata

Chiaki, it’s okay if we are doing the shooting with fun atmosphere, right?

Chiaki

Yeah, there are foods lining on the table too

The talk was about how good it is if we can take some off shot while showing us drinking and eating as we like

Please do it without the feeling of being looked at

Midori

Uu…… To do a shooting without being aware of it, what a difficult order it is……

Chiaki

Do your best! If it’s Takamine, you can do it, good luck……☆

Takamine

A, I don’t need the rooting

Chiaki

Is, is that so? Without running away you’ve become strong, I’m proud of you……!

Kanata

“♪~♪~”

Chiaki

Oh, Kanata is showing an example. Just do it like that

Anyway, just do it with fun and lively. Let’s go, everyone……☆

“♪~♪~”

Midori

(Morisawa-senpai, he rush over to Shinkai-senpai to sing together……)

(It’ll be weird if I’m the only who do nothing…… Even though it’s okay to sing while showing us have fun drinking and eating)

(I wonder where I should start from. How Tetora-kun and other do this……?)

Tetora

“♪~♪~”

Midori

(A, Tetora-kun is just singing while walking here. I wonder if it’s okay to match Tetora-kun with fun impression……♪)

“♪~♪~”

Tetora

“♪~♪~”

Midori

(Roast beef……? There is also the serving plate, maybe it’s okay to place it on his plate. Then I place it on mine, the omelette looks good……♪)

Shinobu

“♪~♪~”

Midori

(A, Sengoku-kun also come. Nn~ I also want to give Sengoku-kun his share but with Tetora-kun and mine, both of my hands are occupied)

(I worry that it will drop if I put another plate though……?)

Tetora

(Midori-kun, I will place Sengoku-kun’s share in the serving plate)

(Midori-kun should place the foods lined up on the plate one kind at a time, and give it to me when you do a U-turn)

(I will also follow Midori-kun in the same way)

(If Sengoku-kun sees the large amount of served foods on the serving plate then says it’s amazing and clap his hand, the fun atmosphere will conveyed~♪)

Shinobu

(Oo, as expected of Tetora-kun. So dependable……♪)

Midori

(Yeah, I’m glad that Tetora-kun is here…… If it was only me, perhaps I would only be petrified……)

(However, it isn’t good to leave it to Tetora-kun only…… I must do my best more……)

Tetora

(That’s not true, Midori-kun and Sengoku-kun also move like you’re having fun! It’s going to be fine if this going on!)

Midori

(You’re right…… I felt difficult when the tell us not to conscious of being looked at, though)

(I wonder if it’s because I’m doing this together with everyone, seems like I’ll be able to enjoy it……♪)

“♪~♪~”

#holiday party #enstars #translation #event

[mikarashis]

Heartfelt Chocolat Festival - Chapter Nine

Marble ♥ Heartfelt Chocolat Festival - Chapter Nine

Season: Winter

Location: Garden Terrace Kitchen

Chiaki: fuahahahaha!  fu~ahahahahaha... ☆

Tetora: Taichou~?  Don’t laugh so loud, we’ve gotta figure out where to move this chocolate to-ssu!

Chiaki: hmm, a very important observation!  There’s a fridge here, but it appears other units are using it  I’d take it home, but we made so much for the fans that would be hard.  

We’re free to use the AV room, though, so we could take it there.

Shinobu: yes, the AV room is also air conditioned-de gozaru.  If we set it really cold, the chocolate won’t melt-de gozaru!

Midori: it’s winter, too...shouldn’t the room be cold enough already...?  Valkyrie’s also making a lot of chocolate, so do we need to take that, too...?

Chiaki: Itsuki, where do you want it?

Shu: let’s take it to the handicrafts clubroom.  As Takamine was saying, it’s cold enough that even without cooling the room down more, there’s no danger of the chocolate melting.  

Chiaki: right, then!  Nagumo; Sengoku - with me!  The three of us are headed to the handicrafts clubroom!

Kanata and Takamine can take the cocoa cookies to the AV room!

Kanata: roger that!  Midori, shall we go?

Midori: sure, Shinkai-senpai.  That’s pretty heavy, should I handle it...?  I’m used to carrying packages at the greengrocer, so I’m good at that sort of thing...

Kanata: thank you~  Though, I am also used to moving ‘fish tanks’ in the ‘clubroom’ with my ‘strength’, so it is ‘alright.’

Mika: um, Morisawa-senpai?  Should I take anythin’?

Chiaki: nope, the three of us should be able to handle it!  You and Anzu can head home.  It’s become a bit of a concern for me...the sun sets so early in the winter, it would be dangerous for a girl to walk home alone in the dark.

Subaru: n~, then how about I escort her?  After all, somebody from Trickstar is supposed to take her home every day, and it’s my turn~

Chiaki: then, I will leave Anzu to you!

Subaru: ne, ne, Mikki~, you don’t have to do it.  But why don’t you and I take Anzu home together?

Mika: naa, ‘s really that I can’t...th’ kitchen has ta be cleaned up.

Shu: you’re really a thoughtless boy, so I suppose I will have to pick up the slack.  Kagehira, I will clean up, so long as you escort this little lady to her home properly.

Subaru: hey, hey, Itsuki-senpai says it’s fine!  Anzu and Mikki~, I’m glad our numbers are increasing!

Mika: na~...I guess if Oshi-san says so, I can’t really go against it.  Akehoshi-kun...well, shall we go t’gether?

Subaru: yep, yep!  Let us escort you, Anzu!  Everyone, bye-by~e, see you tomorrow... ☆

~~~

Location: AV Room

Kanata: right, then

Midori: fua...is that all of it...?  Shinkai-senpai, thank you for helping... ♪

Kanata: thank you too, Midori~ ♪

n~...Midori, was that the ‘sound’ of a ‘party horn’ right now?  If not, what ‘sound’ was it?

Midori: ah, that’s my phone...it’s a message from Tetora-kun...ah, it seems like they’re finished moving the chocolate.  I guess they’re all leaving, then...should we get going, too...?

Kanata: of course~  If there was ‘time’, I was going to ‘head’ to the ‘clubroom’, but it is already ‘evening.’

The ‘chocolate-making’ is ‘complete’, so from ‘tomorrow’ there will be ‘lessons’ for the ‘Chocolat Fes’.

Midori: u~...Ryuseitai’s lessons are always rigorous...I’m used to moving a lot in basketball club, but whenever we practice action scenes I’m always exhausted by the end...

Kanata: n~ ‘Chocolat Fes’ is a ‘fanservice’ live and will require a ‘fighting spirit’...but that style might be quite different from ‘Ryuseitai’s’ normal ‘performance’, don’t you think?

Midori: yeah, now that you mention it...we’re a hero unit, so is fanservice really necessary for what we do?

Kanata: so we have to ‘change’?  The ‘ocean’ never really ‘changes’, since it’s not a ‘living thing’, but here on ‘solid ground’ it is different, right?  

Unless we keep ‘evolving’, we won’t really ‘live.’

Though it can feel suffocating here on ‘solid ground’, the ‘place where I belong’ is here.  With ‘Chiaki’ and ‘everyone’; don’t you think so?  Let’s go ‘forward’ together.

Midori: yeah~ Evolution’s a good thing.  But maybe it’d be nice to spend more time sleeping peacefully at the bottom of the sea.

Kanata: well, I don’t know what will happen with Chiaki, so it’s hard to say.  But isn’t there a way for Midori to ease your ‘worries’, too?

Midori: I mean, I hope so...

Oh, it really did get dark while we were talking...

Shinkai-senpai, see you tomorrow... ♪

Kanata: yes~  ‘Tomorrow’, let’s meet again ♪

#event: heartfelt chocolat fes #aoi translates

[bethygauw]

[1/2] Online B’s-Log Interview with Satoru Kuwabara

Update:  - (2 Sep 2020) Correction “ When we started making the unit songs, we didn’t make hip hop songs, afraid that the female players may stab us” --> “When we started making the unit songs, we didn’t make hip hop songs, afraid that it wouldn’t resonate with the female players”

* * *

Released 4 June 2018

Original source Part 1 The original article has pictures that complement well so please check it out too.

B’s-Log started a new project, “Creator Touch”, an interview series with creators of popular series. The first person they interviewed was Satoru Kuwabara, the music producer of Ensemble Stars!.

In this first half of the interview, they asked about how Kuwabara started to get involved with Enstars unit songs. Kuwabara also talked about the points he focused on in the song series that have been released so far. (~2.8k words)

In the second half, they talked about song numbers that left the biggest impression on Kuwabara, the 3D live concert, the voice actor live concert and Enstage. (~2.2k words)

Some of the info has already been published somewhere before, so this may be a repetition to some. But otherwise, it can be a refresher as well. Enjoy!

Q: Kuwabara-san, you’re also Arte Refact’s representative. Could you tell us what your job entails?

K: As part of Arte Refact, my work revolves around anime and game music. It doesn’t mean that I’m not working with other genres at all, but Arte Refact is basically a company where people who love anime and games gather around. So we want to surround ourselves in that world and conform to it as much as we can.

Q: Could you tell us what started your involvement in Enstars unit songs?

K: Before the game release, a person I was indebted to gave me a tip, “There’s this game that’s coming up,” he said, and showed me the proposal and illustrations. I had a look at it and thought, “I really want to do this!” If I remember it correctly, it was around about the start of the preregistration period, so the only information I had in hand was that it had the high school idol theme and idol units. It also had a simple description of each character and a main theme song. I was sure that they would already have songs for the units prepared as well, so when I was given the chance to introduce myself to Happy Elements, I made some unit songs while expecting to be shot down. There were 8 announced units, so I visualized and prepared 2 songs for each unit and went to present.

Q: This was before the game even started… So you made these songs with so little information to go on with.

K: The unit that I misunderstood the most was fine. It’s pronounced like “fee-nay”, which is different from the English pronunciation of “fain”, right? I ended up making a song with lots of the “fain” version in the lyrics (laugh). Other than that, I thought the “bits” in Ra*bits referred to, say, 1bit, so I thought that maybe their songs have lots of pinging sounds like those in a game. Turns out I was completely wrong for both (laugh). On the contrary, Trickstar, UNDEAD, and Ryuseitai were easy to figure out and I remember that it was a smooth process.

Q: Among the songs that you presented, were there any that actually got released as unit songs?

K: I think it would be Knights’ Checkmate Knights and Ryuseitai’s The Unrivaled☆Meteoranger!. Although we remade those after receiving the units’ proper background setting.

Q: You have been playing the actual game. Can you tell us your first impression or what it is about the game that attracted you?

K: My true first impression would be during the pre-release, but I thought that their illustrations were nice, generally speaking. In general, the art in a female-oriented series has that touch that doesn’t sit too well with guys. But Enstars feels like anime and its head count for the character design is actually pretty close to that of a real person and without being deformed in any weird way. So it’s also easy for guys to accept. When I first saw the illustration, it gave me a gush of inspiration and I could keep churning out songs. But after the game got released and I started playing, my impression shifted to, “It’s this dark?” (laugh) If I had to choose, male-oriented series have a fundamentally happy atmosphere and not many would delve into the characters’ upbringing or pasts. Even if they do, they only do it lightly or they would only touch on some characters with a considerably rough past… just like that. But pretty much all Enstars characters have something that they’re worried about, right? That’s what makes female-oriented and male-oriented series different, and what I think makes Enstars attractive.

I think of them as idols and create.

Q: Can you tell us specifically how you make these songs?

K: All units have already had a few songs released by now, so I would start from thinking about what kind of songs a particular unit would need next, while also taking their previous songs into account. I have the image within my mind that these characters are alive. My way of thinking will also change depending on the unit and the CD’s month of release. Take Ryuseitai’s album as an example (released on 7 March 2018). It was released around the “Repayment Festival”, so it had a White Day theme. If there are songs made based on established event stories, there are also those made simply because we wanted to make this kind of songs—the origin may vary. But if I know a lyricist who fits the image of a particular song, the first thing I’ll do is to place an order with that said lyricist.

Q: How do these lyrics come about?

K: Our main lyricists are Youhei Matsui-san and Saori Kodama-san. Enstars had its 3rd anniversary and at this point, a lot of content has been fleshed out. We want someone who understands the story and won’t cause discrepancies in the lyrics, so in the end it’s difficult to ask someone who isn’t used to the series. If I do ask someone other than those two, it’s often the case that I think their usual writing style fits a particular unit.

Q: An example would be how Arika Takarano-san from ALI PROJECT worked on Valkyrie’s Bewitching Theater.

K: Exactly. I asked Takarano-san beforehand that we may cause her a lot of trouble and may ask her to retake so many times and if she was alright with that, but she still said that she was going to do it. And in actuality, it was accepted without any revision so it was really cool!

Q: I believe there would be a lot of fans out there who would listen to one song and think, “This is the feel that this unit has, huh!” and then would get surprised by the approach of another song. But it was actually just the perfect balance. How do the artists begin their work on the songs and the lyrics?

K: It goes without saying, but Matsui-san and Kodama-san play the game as well. There are times when they come up with a selection of scenes because they want to write about those parts. The lyricists rely heavily on the script, but on the other hand the composers have told me that they make progress when they are given visuals. It’s really easy to understand when you look at an illustration, "so this is going to be a song where this character sings with this kind of expression, huh.” I’ve heard that the event CGs are their most helpful reference.

Q: Rather than a 2-dimensional character, they imagine that it’s a real singing idol as they make the songs.

K: That’s what I do—I think of them as idols who really exist as I make the songs. I don’t even think of them as game characters anymore. I’d say things like, “Hey check this out, this kind of song is nice, don’t you think? What? The pitch is too high for you? Nah, I know you can do it. You can, can’t you?” (laugh)

The 3rd season’s theme is “Love”!

Q: So far, the series has released 3 seasons of CD singles and right now the album series is ongoing, with one album being released after another. Could you tell us their concepts and any fixation you had on each series? To start with, how was the first season?

K: The first season was something that we made with zero-based budgeting, so in that sense, it was probably where I participated like a music producer the most*. In the first season I was being rather pushy about my opinion on how this particular song would definitely suit this or that unit. It was also because Happy Elements was not used to music production, so if I was hesitating, they would too. I thought that it would be better to give out a clear-cut proposal, so I told myself to express my opinion properly while also offering some options.

*[T/L note] I wasn’t sure if this would make sense to the readers since I still translated it quite literally, but basically since the unit song series just started out they didn’t have much luxury to call out to other composers/lyricists like they do now, so they had to use the limited resources (and human resources) to the best they could. Please note that this is my interpretation since the whole original sentence looked pretty vague to me.

Q: I feel that the first season is filled with many songs that exude each unit’s character and public image.

K: Personally that’s my intention. That being said, to be honest we started making the songs when the game was not even out yet. We didn’t know how far we could experiment with these songs. We also didn’t know if there was going to be season 2. So, of course we wanted to make more, but if there was no second season, we decided to make songs that would make these units complete. We wanted these songs to be popular too, so we made a lot of up-tempo songs that have a good beat. But I also wanted to make some ballads, so I included Checkmate Knights for Knights and Love Letter of the Brilliance of Cherry Blossoms for Akatsuki.

Q: Now, onto the second season. Some units have songs with a different taste compared to those from the first season. Did you intend to show another side to them that you couldn’t in the first season?

K: Let’s see. Now that the fans are aware of these unit songs, we started the second season by creating songs meant to be something original and asking artists we would like to place an order with. I had the impression that my job was to materialize the unit image that Happy Elements had in mind. If they had artists whom they would like to work with, I’d go around making offers, become the middleman, and suggest to brush up some parts of a song as we record the music. That was the kind of job I did. But among that, I think I let myself loose quite a bit when making songs for Valkyrie and Switch, who joined from the second season.

Q: How about the third season?

K: After observing the audience reception until the second season and receiving fans’ responses, we made songs “that are needed” and “that it should be like this!” on top of putting the unit members into consideration. The hidden theme of the third season is “Love”. Basically, there’s “Love” on the A-side. It can be love for their fans, or for their friends—it varies. Even though the word “Love” itself is not used in the songs, they still have “Love” as their theme.

Q: This makes me want to listen to them once again to find some “Love”…! Then, what about the album series that are ongoing right now?

K: The theme for these albums are “Presents”. It’s a thanks to the fans of course, but it’s also a thanks to their supportive friends. I want to make something that everyone can enjoy, so basically there are a lot of songs with lyrics that are filled with gratitude. It also has something akin to the third season’s “Love”, but that’s what idols are! I think fans would be happier to receive love that’s almost excessive (laugh).

Q: The albums also include the idols’ solo songs.

K: To many of the voice actors in the first season, it was their first time recording a song, so we talked a lot before we began to record. There were 8 units at that time and I was talking with this kind of feeling, “I want to make something that can get each of the unit up on the Budokan stage for 8 days and on the last day I want to see everyone perform at Tokyo Dome together. So let’s make lots and lots of songs!” The voice actors were really happy about that and they sang for us. So to me it felt like it’s the long-awaited solo songs.

Q: Especially with these solo songs, I can feel that you understand a fan’s mentality and the characters really well!

K: It’s because I love everyone (laugh). I also think of them as real people while creating. I think I do as I please during the recording, like suggesting that we should change the lyrics because I don’t think he will say this kind of thing for example (laugh). I also dare to play around with the song and rip things apart. Although I would also record a few versions and present it to Happy Elements to see which they would prefer, like, “(I think this one here is better but) what do you think?” (laugh) Also, I wouldn’t change the rough outline of the songs I receive, but I often discuss with the composer to tweak the melody line or adjust the key to match with the character.

The teachers’ songs are Mr. Kuwabara’s long awaited production!

Q: Apart from songs by the students of Yumenosaki Academy, you have also released songs by the teachers and the rival unit, Eden. How did the teachers’ CD come about?

K: I had always wanted to make songs for the teachers! Even when I first introduced myself to Happy Elements, I asked them if the teachers would sing as well, and then they replied “I suppose not.” (laughed) I asked them the same thing a few times after that as well, and finally around about the 2nd anniversary of the game’s release they finally said, “We’d like to make songs for the teachers,” and I replied, “I’ve been waiting to hear those words!” (laugh) That’s how it started. I personally like Jin Sagami a lot and in the game I just keep entering the nurse’s office “by mistake” (laugh). My wish of making the teachers’ songs came true just before the third season. In Akira-san’s mind, apparently they’re idols who dance with roller skates.*

*[T/L note] A reference to an older generation idol, Hikaru Genji, who performed with roller skates in the 80s. [YouTube]

Q: It felt like we had moved back a generation or two…

K: Yes, I also stopped myself and thought that the teachers were probably around 30 years old (laugh). I chose the direction that would lean towards that age group as best as I could.

Q: The CD jacket and design labels made a big impact.

K: This is, well, a total grownups’ practical joke (laugh). Someone suggested to make it an 8cm CD, but going that far would be difficult after all.

Q: I also felt that the sound quality felt close to that of the CDs released some years ago.

K: True, we added a bit more echo than usual to get close to the era we were aiming for. But the art and craft of audio recording continues to evolve from day to day, so without dropping the sound quality down too much, we chose to focus on bringing out the intended atmosphere and made it into a 12cm CD to match with the current age. Likewise with the acoustic pressure—if we dropped it down too much, it would also not be a good thing to suddenly hear a drop like that in quality if the listeners chose to add the songs into a playlist.

Q: On the other hand, Eden’s CD also ended up with a different taste than that of Yumenosaki Academy’s units’.

K: Eden’s setting is that they’re a rival unit that stands up before Yumenosaki Academy’s representative, Trickstar, and block their way. So Eden’s song has to surpass Yumenosaki Academy’s unit songs like Trickstar, fine, and Akatsuki. We’ve always been serious about making these unit songs, so the moment I was told that, I didn’t know what to do (laugh). And then, I asked them to lift the ban on rap songs. In the end the song wasn’t a pure rap, but up until now I had been asked to avoid rap as much as I can.

Q: Is that Happy Elements’ request?

K: Yes. When we started making the unit songs, we didn’t make hip hop songs, afraid that it wouldn’t resonate with the female players… But various series have made a hit with the genre and maybe it’s now recognized, so I went to discuss about lifting the ban. I asked them like this, “When they fuse into Eden, please let me give them rap”.

Q: With a hip hop-like element included, it became a unit song that had a different orientation from Yumenosaki Academy idols.

K: Right. I think they managed to exude out a different kind of mature feel. Their CD booklet is amazing too, don’t you think? It used special paper, special printing, unusual cutting… (laugh)

Q: Was the packaging your idea too, Kuwabara-san?

K: No, it was Happy Elements’. They wanted to make it that way. Each piece’s lumber quality was just so extravagant. The third season had clear sheets as well, but Eden’s CD booklet was really a surprise (laugh).

Continued to the last half of the interview: song numbers that leave the biggest impression, 3D live concert, voice actor live concert and Enstage.

#ensemble stars #staff #satoru kuwabara #B's-log

[imagineyourstars]

Masterlist

Scenario :

UNDEAD first meeting their long-distance foreign s/o when they arrive in Japan

Nazuna, Leo, Hinata, Koga and Ritsu go to Disneyland with their s/o who’s afraid of heights

Mao as the next student council president and his s/o

UNDEAD’s long-distance foreign s/o surprises them by being here at their concert

Adonis being scared to hug his s/o

 1B and 3A students being forced to participate in an original event during the sports festival

The transfer student dealing with the Handicrafts Club’s quirky members

UNDEAD waking up their s/o in the morning

UNDEAD’s foreign s/o makes them western barbecue for their birthday

Koga, Subaru, Hinata and Ritsu trying to make their stoic-faced s/o laugh

Mao, Rei and Arashi finding out their s/o is abused at home

Izumi dealing with his abused s/o

Ryuseitai and the transfer student organizing a surprise birthday party for Shinobu

Rei, Ritsu and Mao taking care of their sick and stressed out s/o

Leo and his s/o comforting each other during a hard time

The boys’ s/o is jealous and/or wants more affection from them : Mao, Ritsu, Izumi and Koga / Leo, Mika, Shinobu and Natsume

Eichi throwing a party for his s/o’s birthday

Subaru’s s/o celebrating his birthday with him

Natsume “celebrating” his s/o’s birthday with them

The transfer student and class 2-A hang out together on a day off

Tsumugi and his s/o - Memories from the past

Leo, Hinata, Chiaki and Natsume taking their childish s/o to a matsuri

Tori celebrating his s/o’s birthday with them

Chiaki’s s/o (+ Ryuseitai) celebrating Chiaki’s birthday

Keito’s s/o gifting him a drawing tablet and doujins from his favorite artists

Koga seeing the other UNDEAD boys bridal-carrying his crush and being jealous in his usual tsundere way

Knights and the Producer visiting what seems to be a real haunted house

Rei, Tsukasa and Kaoru get into a nasty fight with their s/o and get distant from one another

Headcanons :

Ryuseitai reacting to someone confessing to them

Rei, Leo, Keito, Eichi, Mao, Adonis, Mika and Chiaki with a s/o who makes terrible puns

Chiaki, Mika, Izumi and Eichi taking care of their sick s/o

Koga and his s/o

Koga, Chiaki, Ritsu and Izumi celebrating their s/o’s birthday

The boy’s usually shy and quiet s/o stands up for them : Ra*bits, Chiaki, Kaoru, Mika and Adonis, Rei, Wataru, Tsumugi and Izumi

Knights is worried for their stubborn and hardworking s/o 

Mika, Tsumugi, Adonis, Chiaki, Rei and Kaoru cuddling their s/o on a cold day

Mao and his s/o

Nazuna and Valkyrie reacting to their s/o going through a rough time and feeling depressed

Rei, Ritsu, Tori, Mika, Shinobu and Wataru’s best Love Live girls

Ritsu and Mao with Mao’s younger sister

Ideal types for the boys : Koga, Ritsu, Eichi, Natsume and Adonis / Arashi, Mika, Keito and Tsukasa / Class 3A / Mao, Ritsu, Yuta, Leo and Nazuna / Kuro, Tsumugi, Yuzuru, Makoto and the three oddballs

Knights, Chiaki and Mao with an artsy s/o who can draw and paint

Madara and his s/o

Date headcanons : Yuzuru

Mika, Eichi, Tsukasa, Natsume, Ritsu, Rei, Izumi and Kaoru trying to protect their s/o from someone who hurt or threatened them

Mao, Leo and Natsume dating someone serious in public and not into PDA but very doting and sometimes childish in private

Knights and Fine dating their producer who used to be an idol too

Camping headcanons for Tsukasa, Natsume, Kuro, Mao and Chiaki

Spending the last few days of school before summer break at Yumenosaki

Kuro and his s/o who’s unfazed about his intimidating and delinquent image

Going shopping for summer clothes and swimsuits with their s/o : Koga, Rei, Adonis and Keito / Ritsu and Kaoru

Kanata, Ritsu, Eichi, Tori, Arashi, Rei and Valkyrie’s reactions to dating an idol

Trickstar + Izumi and Chiaki’s reaction to finding their s/o crying

Knights + Adonis and Eichi’s reactions to finding out their s/o writes fanfics

Kuro, Keito, Rei and Koga’s s/o lost/broke their glasses, and they get to see them without them

Knights + Nazuna, Mao and Chiaki’s s/o goes lingerie shopping with them

Leo being jealous

Makoto, Mao, Leo, Natsume, Kanata, Tetora and Keito with their s/o who has migraines because of school

Ryuseitai when they’re sad + how their s/o comforts them

2wink’s reaction to their usually shy s/o wearing something revealing

Tsukasa headcanons

Shu and his brash and energetic s/o

Vampire Tsukasa headcanons

Leo, Adonis, Izumi, Koga and Tsukasa are caught underneath the mistletoe with their shy s/o

Natsume, Sora, Makoto, Mao and Eichi’s MMORPG playing habits

UNDEAD as princes

Tori relationship headcanons

Other writings :

Midori x S/O : “I can be cute too, right ?”

headcanons which no one ever asked for

Beginning of love headcanons - Trickstar

#masterlist #ensemble stars imagine #enstars #ensemble stars #i'm ridiculously bad at summarizing what these are about

[kxtyura]

Tagged by @rainbowpaladins​ bc she a big ho Rules: answer these 85 statements & tag 20 people

the last: 1. drink: Water 2. phone call: uhhh my mom 3. text message: ... also my mom. i tired to ask her what something was and she told me the price of it. 4. song: something by ryuseitai but i dont remember what lol 5. time you cried: like four hours ago lol have you ever: 6. dated someone twice: nope 7. kissed someone and regretted it: nope 8. been cheated on: no 9. lost someone special: not that i know of?? 10. been depressed: probably 11. gotten drunk and thrown up: na favourite colors: 12. red 13. milennial pink ™ 14. uhhh blue 15: i dont like anymore colors 16: im an artist and honestly i couldnt tell you the shades of any blues or reds i like in the last year have you: 17. laughed until you cried: yes 18. found out someone was talking about you: uuh ye 19. met someone who changed you: mmm ye 20. found out who your friends are: idk yea? 21. kissed someone on your facebook list: na 22. made friends: i hope!! 23. fallen out of love: na general: 25. what did you do for your last birthday: went and got japanese with daisy lmao. i feel like we did something else too but i dont remember what. did u sleep over?? 26. how many of your facebook friends do you know in real life :i.. dont have facebook. im not a wine mom. 27. do you have any pets: a dog!! his name is banjo!! also two birds!! lucky and... aussie wtf. And a cat!! his name is charlie and i l o v e him 28. what time did you wake up: this post is scheduled lol but my alarm goes off at 7 on monday so probably 7 29. what were you doing at midnight last night: once again scheduled, but last night i was asleep at 12. tonight.... ill be posting this lol 30. name something you can’t wait for: uhhh i dunno to meet my friends n stuff. 31: what are you listening to right now: tryna find a cool yakuza documentary to watch tbh 32: have you ever talked to a person named tom: yea he catches my bus and hes tall as FUCK 33: something that’s getting on your nerves: my anxiety idk 34. do you want to change your name: uhhh im trans yes please change my name 35. hair color: brown 36. long or short hair: short 37. piercings: i have my ears pierced and thats all lol 38. tattoos: the permanent marks of marker on my left hand clearly 39. blood type: im four i dont know my blood type 40. nicknames: jay kitten wife son idk 41. relationship status: gay 42. zodiac: aries 43. pronouns: he/they 44. most visited website: chrome tells me its tumblr so thanks for being my most visited hellsite tumblr. 45. right or left handed: ambidextrous but predominately right handed 46. surgeries: once my eye almost popped out of my head because im allergic to mozie bites so i had to uhhh get my eye not popped out. probably others when i was a baby but idk 47. sports: i...... do ice skating. 48. favorite tv show: at the moment boku no hero academia im so pumped 49. vacations: my parents went to china without me and my dad and brother are going to america without me so. not goin anywhere this year. might go to europe next year. 50. sneakers: i bought a new pair yesterday! theyre blue and grey more general: 52. eating: its 11:55 pm im not eating my dude 53. fave drink: uhh i like melon soda but idk if its my favorite. strawberry milk tea maybe. 54. what you’re up to: im chillin in bed after finishing my essay. gotta start my prsentation, but... no. might draw some ocs. yakuza yuuri. 55. waiting for: the sweet release of death 56. want: to never do school again 57. get married: sorry im married to my ego bye bitch which is better: 60. hugs or kisses: kisses are weird and hugs are... also weird i guess but theyre better lol 61. lips or eyes: fucked if i know i dont care 62. shorter or taller: ive never liked a person Ever. i dont care. im basically always in the aromantic area my dude. 63. older or younger: eh idc.  64. nice arms or stomach: stop asking me relationship questions im a fetus 65. hook up or relationship: neither i just said im aro ace 66. troublemaker or hesitant:is this a question about me or more questions about people. i have no idea. have you ever: 67. kissed a stranger: no 68. drank hard liquor: no 69. lost glasses/contacts: i lost my glasses for a week turns out they were on my bedside table 70. turned someone down: i think so but it was like three years ago lol 71. sex on the first date: sex... never. 72. broken someone’s heart: there was this kid who had a crush on me and he was nice at first then he started getting creepy so i basically just stopped talking to him so probably lol 73. had your heart broken: nah 74. been arrested: no 75. cried when someone died: id cry if i stepped on an ant 76. fallen for a friend: hah yeah that happened literally when i was like 11. she was cute i guess idk. we went to a convention together. do you believe in: 77. yourself: depends on the day lol 78. miracles: eeehh 79. love at first sight: not really but idk 80. santa claus: santa claus is dead my dudes 81. kiss on the first date: do what u want. live ur life. idc. 82. angels: why not lol other: 83. current best friend’s name(s): rachel n rosa and daisy i love u all boos 84. eye colour: my eyes are hazel but more on the green side. trendy. 85. favourite movie: i dont really have favorites but i watched the wind rises recently for an au with rachel so... u kno

Tagging: @snxgsobaka @lady-stroopwafel and idk maybe @aisudream if u wanna idk yall are like the only people ive ever talked to on here

#ooc. #text. #jay talks. #im posting this as a late munday bc.... i dont wanna post two things on the same day

[enstaries]

Chiaki dies in a car accident (drunk driver) after pushing Midori to safety. Graduation was just around the corner... Ryuseitai's reactions to their leader's passing. Need more suffering after the Baton Pass event cause I'm a masochist.

//squints at ask can i delete this??? jk im angstlord666 i love angst but i did try to give ryuseicry a lil closure with this! bc i think midori really really needs closure :-(

 "Heroes... they don't last long, do they, Senpai?"

  Chiaki paused, looking over at Midori curiously. "Hm, what do you mean?"

  "Well," Midori said, struggling to verbalise his thoughts, "that saying is quite popular isn't it: 'You either die a hero, or live long to become the villain'."

  "Ha ha ha! Is that so?" His shrug was always so carefree, although all the deep conversations he shared with Midori meant everything and nothing at the same time. "That's not true, Takamine! I believe that 'Once a hero, always a hero'! And every member of Ryuseitai - Kanata, Nagumo, Sengoku and you - are heroes forever!"

  Chiaki always laughed when he spoke; it's as if he wanted the world to laugh with him.

Yet no one is laughing. Rather, they're all sombre. Beside him, Tetora and Shinobu are trying their best to hide their tears; Kanata stares ahead with an empty gaze. And Midori sits there, rooted to his seat, his heart a dull ache.

  Huh? Why... why is he here? Why is everyone crying as if it's some of funeral? Wait, this is a funeral? And if Tetora and Shinobu and Kanata are here, then where's-

  Oh.

  Chiaki flickers before his eyes, and the tires are screeching in his ear. He's running across the street, cheeks hot with embarrassment; the headlights of the truck hold him in its piercing glare and the tires are screeching in his ears.

  "Midori!"

  "...ri."

  "...dori..."

  "Midori-kun?"

  "Ah." There are tears now, and through them Midori sees Tetora's concerned gaze. "W-what is it?"

  "Do you want to see him?"

  "They're going to cremate him soon, de gozaru."

  The numbness in his chest intensifies. "Sorry, I'll pass."

  Tetora and Shinobu leave, barely holding themselves together. Midori looks over at Kanata, whose gaze is still cold and forward. Kanata's comforting presence seems to have disappeared, but Midori tries anyway.

  "Shinkai-senpai, I'm sorry." Midori's head lowers. "I killed him. I deserve to die."

  Kanata turns to look at him. "Chiaki... Chiaki wouldn't 'want' that."

  "But-" Midori's fists clench involuntarily, nails digging into skin "-it should've been me! Don't you see the way everyone is looking at me? Senpai just graduated, and he has a bright future ahead of him. Yet I'm just..."

  "Midori." Kanata's hand touches his, and his hand burns under the contact. "Let's go to the 'sea' later. All of us."

  "W-why?"

  "Your 'hands'," Kanata says, taking them, "they're red with 'blood', no? Let's go 'wash' it off, so we can pretend we are 'heroes' again."

  Midori's fingers twitch. "Is that what Senpai would have wanted?"

  "He'd laugh at us if we didn't," says Tetora, emerging from the back with Shinobu.

  Chiaki's laughter is an echo, one so far away Midori cannot reach it anymore; yet he feels as if the distance between the hero and the villain will close, just a little. Soon.  

#i didnt really know where i went hdsigohqedafg' but i hope this is emo enough bc baton pass just emo'd enstars up 10x #tsukki's scribblings #ensemble stars #enstars #morisawa chiaki #shinkai kanata #nagumo tetora #takamine midori #sengoku shinobu #ryuuseitai #scenario #anon