Rainbow - Roundabout 16

[rubestie]

Season: Spring of ES! timeline

Location: in front of the fountain

Characters: Hokuto, Chiaki, Anzu

Chiaki: Right. I  would prefer to always accept any requests that come my way, but this time the circumstances are really bad.

 

It pains me to say this, but I can’t help you out.

 

I said this earlier as well, but right now is an important time for Ryuseitai.

 

Our first-years are still only beginners as idols, so it’s up to Kanata, who is often absent, and my weak self to try and guide them.

 

As it stands, DDD ended badly for us because I acted on my personal feelings…

 

From here on out, I’d like to prioritize my juniors’ feelings and positions as much as possible.

 

Those kids are talented. I was almost shocked when I first met them.

 

But in order for them to realize their own talent, we need to desperately prove it to them so it’s easy to see.

 

Which is why I’d like to support them with all my power and lift them up high. I will take those kids who are like stars that disappear when daylight comes and turn them into meteors that shine in the night sky. 

 

That’s my resolution. It’s my duty after I opened my big mouth and promised them that I would show them their dreams if they joined my unit.

 

After I forcibly encouraged them by telling them to work hard, that they could do anything they put their minds to…

 

It feels like if I let go of them for even a second, those inexperienced juniors will tumble and fall over.

 

And then they will look up at me, covered in mud and tears, and call me a liar. 

 

Hokuto: …

 

Chiaki: In the past, I used to desperately try to imitate the heroes I saw on TV.

 

But reality kept pushing me down, I kept losing my footing and stumbling, and I ended up cursing even my beloved heroes.

 

It felt as if they had lied to me… If I believed hard enough, would my dreams come true? Would love alone save the world? If I cried out, would heroes come to rescue me?

 

Those were all lies. And that is exactly why I don’t want those kids to experience that same pain. 

 

If there are no true heroes in this world, then I will become the very first hero.

 

I’ll make dreams come true, I’ll save the world with love, and if I hear someone crying, I’ll run over and give them a hug!

 

If I can become a hero like that, then the heroes on TV won’t be liars anymore either!

 

I’ll make those heroes I loved become reality!

 

So that I can believe that they were right all along, they never lied even once!

 

That is my dream. I want to become a hero, not a lying imposter.

 

Hokuto: …

 

Chiaki: Which is why I can’t help you. I can’t participate in Project-Saga. I don’t have the capacity for it, my hands are already filled.

 

I’m truly sorry to be this weak… If only I was an invincible hero, or a genius who could do anything.

 

But as I am right now, it’s all I can do just to protect this one place.

 

I have to move forward one step at a time, while shaking and stumbling so as not to make any mistakes. I don’t have the time, or rather, the energy for any detours.

 

Hokuto: …I see.

 

I understand your reasoning. It can’t be helped, then.

 

Chiaki: R, really? From my perspective it feels as if I just vented without any cohesion, though!

 

Hokuto: No, it was reasonable and easy to understand. Actually, I’d like to apologize for putting you through all that trouble, even though you seem like you’re bad at rejecting people’s requests.

 

You could have just thought it through, told me your decision, and then ignored my question afterwards…

 

Yet you took the time to meet me today and even went out of your way to sincerely explain your reason for rejecting me.

 

I have no choice but to accept it. …Though it is a shame.

 

Chiaki: I, I see. You understand me well, Hidaka.

 

I was worried because Akehoshi described you as stubborn and not the type to take no for an answer. 

 

Hokuto: Does that guy go around badmouthing people as a hobby or something?

 

Well, whatever. Either way, I got your answer. I’d like you to return to Ryuseitai’s lessons now, Morisawa-senpai. I’m sorry to have taken time out of your day.

 

Chiaki: No… I’m the one who is sorry, really.

 

Uhm. Project-Saga is looking to be a pretty lengthy project, isn’t it?

 

I might be able to help out once things calm down a bit. When that time comes I’ll be the one asking to be allowed to help you!

 

Hokuto: …Thank you very much, senpai.

 

Chiaki: Hm… Th, then I’ll be going, okay?

 

I wasn’t able to be of any help this time around, but if you’re ever in any trouble, please feel free to reach out!

 

I’ll help you out as much as I’m able to! That’s a promise, I’m not lying!

 

Hokuto: …Right. When that time comes, I’ll be in your care.
 

…

 

Sigh… I’m almost surprised at how disappointed I am. I was convinced Morisawa-senpai would join us. 

 

Seems like I was being too naive. What should we do, transfer student…?

 

We’re really all out of options. With this, our objective of gathering allies is back at square one.

 

Do I really have no charisma or popularity to speak of… This really does feel dejecting. 

 

Can I not achieve anything on my own?

 

Both S1, DDD, and Sakurafes ended successfully even after various challenges…

 

I might have convinced myself that I was the kind of person who could do anything I wanted to, who could push through any crisis.

 

But that confidence was just lost. No matter what I do it’s not good enough, and nothing goes as I expect it to…

 

Up until recently, this feeling was the norm for me.

 

To think I’m still that same pathetic version of myself… It makes me think that maybe all my growth and hard work was just some illusion, that everything I experienced was simply a dream.

 

No. Even though I haven’t changed at all… I don’t want to rely on my parents’ afterglow, but I still haven’t grown past the me who can’t help but cling to their influence.

 

I’ve just been piggybacking on the rest of Trickstar, and mistaking their talent for my own.

 

I just fooled myself into believing that their achievements were my own-

 

That would make me a clown. 

 

How embarrassing…

 

….



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