Ai Mikaze - Amabile Humming

Amabile Humming
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November has arrived. After Mikaze-senpai finally accepted our partnership, I started helping him with his work as promised. Under his guidance, I’ve been composing the four-part song. I’ve also been working on the background music for the movie Mikaze-senpai is in. In other words, normal film music production work. Lots of work, all at once. I’ve filled my notebook with two people’s work schedules. My schedule is written in red ink, while Mikaze-senpai’s is in blue.
Haruka Nanami	I’m running out of blue ink so much more quickly….
There would be no end if I wrote the description for every single job, so I'm summarizing them. Even so, the amount of work I have pales in comparison to Senpai’s workload. Just this week alone, there will be filming of the movie first on the list, a variety show appearance, a magazine interview, a photography shoot, the production of his own music CD… et cetera. This year, he began appearing in the media more often, too. On top of that, he agreed to coach me…. For all his delicately-intelligent appearance, he has to be quite tough to handle such a packed schedule.
Haruka Nanami	He’ll work all day and then check over my compositions in the evening….
After checking today’s schedule one last time, I leave the house.
	I said you’re doing it wrong. How many times do I have to tell you? Use your head a little.
Haruka Nanami	I-I’m sorry!
Mikaze-senpai doesn’t pull his punches. Today he’s looking over the four-part song I edited based on what he told me last time, but…. Apparently, I didn’t fix it quite the way he wants it. I hastily edit it right then and there, but, once again, it isn’t right….
	How can you be so bad at remembering things? Not enough memory in your hard drive? Or maybe your CPU isn’t powerful enough? Are you an 8-bit?
Haruka Nanami	8-bit…?
Every so often, Mikaze-senpai will use unfamiliar words like that.
	Hmmm, don’t worry about it if you don’t get it. Explaining would waste too much time. Here, I’ll go over what you need to fix again.
Haruka Nanami	Um, let me write this down!
	Of course you should write it down! Sheesh, your composition skill isn’t bad, so how come you make flubs like these…?
Haruka Nanami	I’m sorry….
Although Mikaze-senpai is as strict as the rumors said, his teaching method is also very thorough. I do my absolute best to follow along with his detailed explanations.
While working on composing the song, we take the time to discuss our upcoming schedules.
Haruka Nanami	The filming at the ocean the other day was amazing! If I recall correctly, this weekend’s scene will also be on-site at the beach. I wonder if filming will be done at the ocean more often now?
	That’s right. It’s about a mermaid, after all. Other than the underwater scenes, which will be done in CG, I believe most of the scenes will be filmed on-site. Haaah, I’m not fond of the ocean, though.
Haruka Nanami	You don’t like it?
	The ocean breeze makes me feel all sticky.
Mikaze-senpai replies with a sigh.
Haruka Nanami	True, it messes up your hair and makes your skin feel rough. Is… that the only reason?
	Eh? Ummm… I don’t like the salty smell. And I just feel like… I don’t have any good memories of the ocean.
He “feels like” he doesn’t have any good memories? What a strange way to put it.
Haruka Nanami	Maybe you got stung by a jellyfish when you were little or got swept away from the shore by the waves?
He hums as he thinks it over.
	I don’t have any particular memories of why, I just… I’m not fond of it. I don’t know why myself.
Haruka Nanami	I see. If you’re not fond of the ocean, why did you take the role of the mermaid?
	It was for work, so what else could I do? I’ll do anything if I’m ordered to.
He huffs and crosses his arms. Here I’d thought him capable of anything, a model of perfection, but it turns out he isn’t fond of the ocean….
Haruka Nanami	Wow…. What a surprise, I didn’t think there was anything you couldn’t handle, Senpai.
	Well of course there is. I am technically a living being in human form. It’s not like I care about you finding out about this part about me.
For the first time, he looks a little embarrassed.
	I had a thought. Since we’ll be spending a lot of time together for a while, there are several things I have to inform you about. For example, regarding food—
As Mikaze-senpai is about to tell me something, the recording room door opens swiftly.
	Heya! You two having a good time working on the song!?
Haruka Nanami	Oh, Kotobuki-senpai!
	I just finished up work in the area and thought I’d stop in on my way home to see if I could help!
Kotobuki-senpai stands in the doorway with a huge smile.
	Reiji… If you’re here to tease us, then no thanks. We also don’t need your help to make this song.
	Aww c’mon, I’m part of the unit too, lemme have my say! Here ya go, I brought a gift~
Haruka Nanami	Wow, thank you so much for your kindness!
Inside the box that Kotobuki-senpai brought is a bunch of different-colored macarons.
Haruka Nanami	They’re so cute! Um, Mikaze-senpai! You should choose first!
I run up to Mikaze-senpai with the box in my hand. He glances briefly at me and the box and then turns his head away.
	No thank you. I prefer not to intake food when I don’t have to. You have it instead.
Haruka Nanami	I… see?
Perhaps because he’s an idol he’s concerned about his weight?
	He’s always like this, Kouhai-chan. Don’t worry about him and help yourself! So, how’s it going?
	So-so. It’s not bad.
	My, oh my! Dearie, did you hear that?! Listen here, Ai-Ai calling it “not bad” translates to “pretty good!”
Haruka Nanami	Eh?! I thought for sure I did awful because he was so angry earlier….
Next to me, Mikaze-senpai puts a hand to his head as I gape at him.
	Geez… everything feels out of whack when you show up, Reiji.
After that exchange, Kotobuki-senpai joins us to give his input regarding the unit song.
Haruka Nanami	Thank you so much for your help when you’re so busy, both of you!
Once we’re done checking over the song, I stand up and bow to express my gratitude. Mikaze-senpai is transferring over the song data onto his laptop.
	Before I forget, I’ve got a request for Ai-Ai here! You mind singing through Kouhai-chan’s song once?
Mikaze-senpai looks up from his laptop.
	You mean the unit song? Just me? Why? You could sing along with me, you know.
Kotobuki-senpai gives that question a moment’s thought.
	Uh, well, I kinda wanted to hear how it would sound first to get the feeling of it. You’re downright perfect at singing. I wanna follow your lead and all!
	The song isn’t complete yet… but I guess one time won’t hurt. You mind getting things ready?
Haruka Nanami	Alright! Um, do you need the sheet music?
	I remember it from looking at it earlier, so I don’t need it. I’ll sing. Can you start the music?
From the way Mikaze-senpai is drumming his fingers on the table, I can tell he wants me to hurry up.
Haruka Nanami	Y-yes! I’ll get right to it. Just a moment, please!
I scramble to get things ready and start the music. Mikaze-senpai’s clear voice echoes in the small room.
Haruka Nanami	He really is amazing….
Perfect skill. An incredibly clear voice that resounds throughout the whole room. This is a song that I wrote…. That thought sends a flush of warmth through my chest.
	Aine….
Haruka Nanami	Huh?
The voice behind me brings me back to my senses. When I turn around, I see Kotobuki-senpai staring intensely at Mikaze-senpai.
	Aine….
Kotobuki-senpai’s lips barely move. Aine...? Why...? Why does that word seem to resonate in my head…?
	How’s that? … Hey, what’s that look for?
I become aware that the music has stopped.
	Eh—o-oh, sorry ‘bout that! … I was just thinking about an old acquaintance, that’s all.
	You’re the one who wanted me to sing, and here you are thinking about something else? You DID listen properly, right?
	Yep, I did, thanks. And thanks to that I’ve got the gist of it. Sorry for putting you up to it!
	All I did was sing, it’s no big deal. Anyway, I’m heading home now.
He reaches for his laptop.
	Ah—just a moment! Can I ask you something?
Kotobuki-senpai pops up from his chair to call out to Mikaze-senpai before he can leave the room.
	You don’t happen to have any siblings, do you, Ai-Ai? Like for instance, a much-older brother…?
	None. It’s always been just me.
	Huh, that so….
	There you have it. I’m heading out now, good work.
With those words, Mikaze-senpai disappears from the room. After that, Kotobuki-senpai leaves as well, as bright as ever and acting as if nothing has happened. I am curious about why Kotobuki-senpai seemed off towards the end of the song…. Was there something wrong with Mikaze-senpai’s singing?
Several days later, I receive a text from Senpai.
Haruka Nanami	“Tomorrow, if your schedule is open, I’d like your help,” it reads.
It is a simple text with just that request. Still, I have no reason to refuse.
The next day I go to Mikaze-senpai’s studio to help him with work. Thanks to the map he sent me, I can locate it without trouble.
Haruka Nanami	It looks like it’s a fifteen-minute walk from here. Since it’s my first time visiting, maybe I should bring some kind of gift?
Since I have a little extra time, I decide to take a look around at the shops on the way there.
As I reach the main street, I stop in front of a sweets shop.
Haruka Nanami	Hmmm…. Wouldn’t something sweet be best?
What should I get?

SELECT THE PHRASE! フルーツゼリー (Fruit gelatin)
My eyes land on a row of colorful fruit gelatin.
Haruka Nanami	Jelly of this sort is probably low in calories. This might make a good choice.
There is orange, pear, peach…. I wonder what kinds of fruit Mikaze-senpai likes best. While thinking to myself that I should have asked him before, I continue looking over the various jellies until my eyes lock on one in particular.

SELECT THE PHRASE! 芋ようかん (Sweet Potato Yokan)
Haruka Nanami	It looks delicious, but it might be a little too plain.
A sign beside it reads in bold letters: “Great as a gift!” Considering I am planning to buy this for a fifteen-year-old young boy whose tastes I don’t know, it is probably a little too mature as a snack.
Haruka Nanami	Okay, let’s try the shop next door.

SELECT THE PHRASE! 特盛ジャンボシュークリーム (Special Jumbo Cream Puff)
Haruka Nanami	It’s huge….
Whipped cream is swirled with custard cream in this fascinating double cream treat. It is topped with large strawberries, making it very appealing to me, but….
Haruka Nanami	It’s probably too calorie-heavy.
Mikaze-senpai seems to be concerned about calorie consumption. Is there anything a little lower in calories? I wander around a little, searching, until my eyes land on….

I pick up a jelly marketed as “marine jelly.”
Haruka Nanami	It’s so cute…!
Is it designed to look like the ocean? Inside the cup, two different-colored jellies—aquamarine and a light emerald-green—are stacked on top of one another. On the very top is a white mousse. Several tiny shells and starfish made of sugar are nestled inside the jelly.
Haruka Nanami	I wonder if this looks a little childish?
Come to think of it, Mikaze-senpai said before that he wasn’t fond of the ocean, so this could help him become fonder of it, even just a little…. I purchase two cups of jelly and head for his studio.
	Once you’ve finished organizing that data, let me know. It needs to be sorted by song classification.
Haruka Nanami	A-alright!
As soon as I arrive at Mikaze-senpai’s studio, I am put to work. My first task is to organize the music he has composed over the last three months. Most of it is just background music, but there is quite a lot of it. That aside…. I take another look around Mikaze-senpai’s studio. Although it’s his workplace, it seems almost too nice of a studio for one person. The room itself is large and open. On the far side are two control rooms, including multiple recording booths. There are shelves full of files, a corner for meetings, and a minibar. There is even a tennis table, which I assume is for relaxation. Mikaze-senpai is seated at the desk in the far corner of this room, which seems to be the main work area. Sitting in his chair with his knees folded to his chest and arms around them, he types intently on his keyboard. I wonder if Mikaze-senpai always works alone in this large room.
Haruka Nanami	Um, excuse me, Senpai?
	Hm? Are you done already?
His hands don’t stop typing as he replies.
Haruka Nanami	Ah, no, not yet. I was just wondering, do you not normally have an assistant to help you?
	I don’t. I always work alone. In fact, I’d say you’re the first. Whether you’re helpful or not is a different matter.
Haruka Nanami	Ack… I’ll do my best.
I return my focus to my own task and start working.
Haruka Nanami	This computer is amazing. I’ve never seen a screen like this, and its processing speed is so fast.
Mikaze-senpai has lent me this computer to work with. I’ve barely touched it, but I already have a feeling it is a very high-performance computer.
	Oh, that? That has the OS for a supercomputer I developed myself for my personal work. Let’s just say its processing speed is vastly higher than yours.
Haruka Nanami	What’s a… supercomputer?
Judging by the word "super", I imagine some really big system, like a bunch of computers connected together.... Mikaze-senpai spins his chair around.
	Your assumption is pretty close. Really, everything you’re thinking shows on your face….
Before I can ask how he knew what I was thinking, he’s already answered me.
Haruka Nanami	Am I really that easy to read? How embarrassing….
	Honesty isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but the ability to negotiate is also important at work. You should work on that a bit too.
He returns his gaze to his computer monitor.
Haruka Nanami	Ack… okay.
Haruka Nanami	I’m finished, Mikaze-senpai. I sent the email just now.
Somehow I manage to finish one task and send an email.
	Right, on to the next one. This folder contains hit songs from the past fifty years. I need you to sort them by genre.
Before I say a word, a large file is sent to my computer. Sort hit songs by genre?
Haruka Nanami	When you say by genre, do you mean like by rock or pop, for example?
Hmmm, but what kind of genres could there be? I begin counting music genres on my fingers.
Haruka Nanami	Ah but… I wonder what I should do if there are songs that overlap two genres?
At my mumbled question to myself, Mikaze-senpai heaves a long sigh.
	Haaah… Why don’t you decide that for yourself? You’re not a machine, are you? That’s why I asked for your help here.
Haruka Nanami	Understood….
It seems he heard me. Okay, I’d better start thinking about this so I can be of use. With that in mind, I return my attention to the computer screen before me.
Several hours of working like this pass.
Haruka Nanami	My head… I’m getting a little dizzy….
I am at the limit of my ability to focus. Unfamiliar work combined with the nerves from working alone with Mikaze-senpai has drained me. Unable to take it much longer, I am almost ready to collapse onto the computer, when....
	Oh, it’s three o’clock. Well then, it’s break time.
Mikaze-senpai finally looks away from his computer monitor.
Haruka Nanami	Yes!
I’m saved…! With a big sigh, I stretch against the back of my chair.
Haruka Nanami	Hm? You aren’t going to take a break, Mikaze-senpai?
When the sound of typing continues, I look over at Mikaze-senpai to see that he has yet to stop working and is still facing the computer.
	No, I’m not.
Haruka Nanami	Aren’t you tired?
	Nope.
Haruka Nanami	Your eyes don’t hurt—
	Not at all.
The only sound that resonates in the room is the clicking of his keyboard. H-hmmm. Will he be okay? I observe Mikaze-senpai as he continues to work. Although I don’t know how much help I’ve been so far, I have to wonder how he handled work like this before I started helping. What appears to be manuscripts and various documents are piled up on his desk. But rather than being disorganized, everything is neat and angled precisely, as expected of him
Haruka Nanami	Senpai, are you making sure to get enough sleep? And what about food? It’s not good to push yourself too hard.
	I can go without sleep or eating just fine. If you’re free enough to worry about others, go back to work. Or help yourself to some coffee. It’s self-service.
He points to the coffee maker in the corner of the room.
Haruka Nanami	Alright….
He’s unapproachable. I envy his superhuman capabilities, but I am still worried. I watch him from behind as I prepare coffee for myself. Once I’ve brewed some coffee from the barely-used coffee maker, I remember something.
Haruka Nanami	That’s right, I bought a treat earlier.
I raise my voice to call out to Mikaze-senpai from behind, who has continued working.
Haruka Nanami	Um, Senpai? I brought along a snack that I bought earlier….
	A snack? Are you mentioning that because it’s three o’clock? It’s alright, go ahead and eat it.
Haruka Nanami	That’s, um, that’s not what I meant. I wanted to share it with you. It’s jelly….
I set down the coffee and the marine jelly on the bistro table towards the center of the room.
	I already told you that I try not to have too much food intake.
Mikaze-senpai turns his head and his eyes fixate on what’s in my hands.
	... Why’s it blue?
Haruka Nanami	Pardon?
	Jelly’s a food. What’s the purpose of coloring it an unnatural color for food?
At last, Mikaze-senpai stops working and turns his chair to face me.
Haruka Nanami	This is called marine jelly. It’s blue because it was designed to be reminiscent of the ocean.
	Huh…. It certainly looks like it’s made of gelatin. Why are there several different layers?
I suppose now he’s asking about how it’s made?
Haruka Nanami	I’m guessing each layer was made separately and then stacked on top of one another. Oh, it’s probably supposed to look like the surface of the ocean down to the depths.
Mikaze-senpai accepts this with a nod and picks up one of the cups to peer at the gelatin from the side. I pour a cup of coffee for him too.
Haruka Nanami	With those shells and starfish suspended in the jelly, it’s really cute, isn’t it?
	Cute…. This is… cute? I didn’t realize shells and starfish could be considered “cute”….
Haruka Nanami	The other day you said you weren’t fond of the ocean, so I bought this in hopes it would help you like it even a little bit.
	I’m interested.
Mikaze-senpai stands up to approach at last and takes a seat at one of the bistro table chairs instead.
Haruka Nanami	Yay, that’s great! I’m sure this marine jelly’s delicious! It’s from a popular sweets shop. Here, I’ll get it ready.
As I open the jelly packaging and flip it onto a plate, Mikaze-senpai watches intently. Once the jelly is placed, he cautiously pokes it with a coffee spoon.
	Hey, you try to eat it first.
Haruka Nanami	Eh—why?
	I want you to make sure that this food is safe.
As he says this, he scoops up a bite of jelly with his spoon.
Haruka Nanami	Y-you want me to test if it’s poisonous?!
	It doesn’t seem to be quite that dangerous, but it’s a type of jelly I’ve never seen before. So, just to be safe.
He extends the spoon towards me. The jelly jiggles from side to side.
Haruka Nanami	That’s… I bought it myself and I’m pretty sure it’s just normal jelly. There shouldn’t be a problem with eating it yourself, but….
	If that’s the case, then you should have no problem. Here you go, open your mouth.
Haruka Nanami	Um….
Upon meeting his eyes, I freeze up.
	Hurry up, I am telling you to open your mouth. Do you understand? It won’t go in if you don’t open your mouth.
He pokes the spoonful of jelly against my lips.
Haruka Nanami	Um, I have my own portion so I’m good! It’s fine!
	Nope, not good enough. The test is pointless if you don’t sample from my portion. Open up. I’ll feed it to you.
Haruka Nanami	Ngh… okay….
I hesitantly open my mouth. With that leeway, Mikaze-senpai slips the spoonful of jelly he’s holding into my mouth.
Haruka Nanami	Hnn—mph….
	How is it? Does it taste good?
The mouthful of jelly is slightly tart and citrusy, like grapefruit and lemon. The creamy mousse is sweet, softening the tanginess of the jelly.
Haruka Nanami	... It’s delicious.
Mikaze-senpai withdraws his hand and nods several times.
	Good. Then I’ll have some too. Thanks for the gift.
After politely putting his hands together, he also begins to eat. T-that surprised me…. He just wanted me to taste-test, but what he did reminds me of how couples feed each other food…. I take a sip of coffee while feeling my face turning red. Mikaze-senpai continues eating his jelly as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Looking again, I notice he is carefully separating the jelly into each layer. From those jelly chunks, he scoops out the shaped sugar pieces and sets them neatly aside.
Haruka Nanami	Aren’t you going to eat those?
I point out the sugar candies as I say this. It doesn’t look like he plans to eat them.
	Eh…? These are shells and starfish. I can’t eat them, can I?
He gapes at me in surprise. Huh? He is… joking, right…?
Haruka Nanami	Um, these clams and starfish are actually made of sugar. They’re perfectly edible.
	Oh, I see. I thought they weren’t edible. Hmmm…. You’re right. It’s sweet.
He picks up a starfish and pops it into his mouth. … He can be surprisingly naive, it seems. Mikaze-senpai, when he is eating jelly like this, actually appears to be acting his age for once. He’d probably get mad if I said that aloud, but he really is acting younger than usual. That is an expression completely different from the typical strict-and-scary Mikaze-senpai.
Haruka Nanami	Does it taste good?
This time, it’s my turn to ask that question.
	It’s… probably good… I think.
As he says this, Mikaze-senpai eyes the remaining chunks of the jelly on his plate and the shells and starfish candies he lined up on the table. Although he’d added “probably”, it’s a better reaction than usual. It seems that it was a good idea to buy that jelly after all. I pick up my own spoon and begin eating my portion of jelly.
	This seems like something Natsuki would like.
Mikaze-senpai muses out loud.
Haruka Nanami	Oh, you’re right! Shinomiya-san is very fond of cute things, after all. And since it’s an unusual type of jelly, I imagine Syo-kun would enjoy it if he received it as well.
When I say this, Mikaze-senpai looks up from his jelly.
	That’s right, you graduated with those two. You must get along well with them.
Haruka Nanami	I do! Even when we were in school together, Shinomiya-san and Syo-kun were always helping me out when I needed it. Actually, I still receive lots of advice from them…. Come to think of it, they both said you were a great senpai to them.
	That’s kind of surprising. I was certain they weren’t fond of me... at least that’s what I thought.
Haruka Nanami	That’s not true! They say that your strictness is your way of showing your concern and that what you say is always precise!
Flustered, I refute him.
	They told you that? Heh, and here Syo was always putting up a fuss during the Master Course.
Mikaze-senpai wears a slightly wry smile as he recalls dealing with Syo-kun and Shinomiya-san during their Master Course.
Haruka Nanami	He did say he had a lot of complaints at that time.
It feels like the conversation about mutual acquaintances lightens the atmosphere.
Haruka Nanami	Um, Senpai! Is it alright if we talk for a little while longer as we eat?
I take the chance to propose this idea and learn more about him. Ever since becoming partners, the only thing we’ve ever done is work, leaving no chance to talk and come to better understand one another. There might not be a better chance to talk casually like this for a while. At my words, Mikaze-senpai glances at the studio clock.
	... Sure, as thanks for the snack. But only fifteen minutes.
Haruka Nanami	Oh…! Thank you! Um, then….

SELECT THE PHRASE! 音楽のこと (Ask about his music)
Haruka Nanami	How long have you been performing music?
True, his singing and music composition are downright perfect, but judging by his age he couldn’t have graduated from Saotome Academy. Where could he have studied music?
	How long…? Hmmm. Since I was born, I suppose. After all, I was born to make music in the first place.
Haruka Nanami	Since you were... born? That would be awfully early….
And he even says he was born to make music. Then again, come to think of it, one of my first memories is playing the piano.
Haruka Nanami	Um, I think I understand what you mean! I was also raised with music!
	You were too, huh? Then you might be able to understand me.
A very slight smile appears with his quiet murmur.

SELECT THE PHRASE! 家族のこと (Ask about his family)
Haruka Nanami	Where is your actual home? Do you live with your parents?
He told Kotobuki-senpai that he had no siblings, so I wonder about what the rest of his family is like. Mikaze-senpai’s family must surely be as beautiful as him....
	Home.... I don’t live very far from where I was born, but there’s no one else in my family. Or rather, there wasn’t anyone else to begin with.
He answers without any particular emotion.
Haruka Nanami	Eh—oh, um, I’m very sorry! So you… don’t have any family at all.
That might have been an insensitive question I just asked. Feeling guilty, I timidly look back up at him, only to see Mikaze-senpai casually spinning his spoon around.
	It’s no big deal. What I don’t have, I don’t have. I do have the professor as a guardian. Oh, and I guess Shining too. So there’s no problem there.
The professor…? That must be his guardian’s line of work.
Haruka Nanami	By “Shining” you’re referring to the company president, right?
	Right. Even without a family, I have no difficulties with my everyday needs.
With a nod, he takes another bite of jelly. To be working like this from such a young age… he probably is going through a lot of hardship.

SELECT THE PHRASE! 住まいのこと (Ask about his living situation)
Haruka Nanami	How is your living situation right now?
I’ve never seen him in the agency dorms at least, and now that the Master Course is finished, he isn’t living together with Shinomiya-san and Syo-kun either.
	My living situation...? You mean you want to know where I live?
Haruka Nanami	Yes. I was curious about where you’re currently living.
	“Where”...? Here. I live here. This is my home.
Haruka Nanami	Eh—HERE?! But isn’t this a work studio!?
“That’s right,” Mikaze-senpai replies with a nod. The entire room is sparkling clean. When I take another look around, I can’t even find any signs that anyone is actually living there. There are a decent number of studios on the first floor of the building, but they’re mostly filled with music equipment.
Haruka Nanami	Um, where do you usually sleep?
	When I take a break, I just stay at my desk. For the rare times I need to completely power off, I lay on the sofa.
There is indeed a sofa where he points, but it doesn’t look long enough for Mikaze-senpai to sleep on, judging by his height.
Haruka Nanami	... You aren’t uncomfortable sleeping there?
	Not at all. The room temperature doesn’t change, and I have all the machinery I need. It’s quite comfortable.
He tilts his head in confusion. Is that the case? I also tilt my head, unable to picture his normal living habits.

	Is that all you had to ask? Anything else? You still have plenty of time left.
I am not prepared for the question in return and briefly flounder for a response.
Haruka Nanami	Eh—!? Um, then… what are your dreams?
Whoops, it feels like I am conducting an interview for a magazine or something. I feel like wincing at my own lack of variety with these questions. For a brief moment, Mikaze-senpai considers the question, then opens his mouth to reply.
	A dream…? I don’t have one. I do have a goal and various things I want to work on, though. What about you? Do you have a dream?
Haruka Nanami	Me? My dream is….

SELECT THE PHRASE! 事務所に残ること (To remain in the agency)
Haruka Nanami	It’s not exactly a dream, but my immediate concern is remaining at the agency….
I mumble this with uncertainty.
	That’s true. In your case, you’re prioritizing avoiding your problems over having dreams.
Ahh, he’s concluded that I don’t have any dreams....

SELECT THE PHRASE! デビューすること (To debut)
Haruka Nanami	I’d say my dream is to debut with a song that I wrote....
Right now that’s my number one dream. Helping out Mikaze-senpai and composing BGM tracks is fun and a great learning experience…. I want the audience to hear my music! To that end, I need to work hard and have Mikaze-senpai acknowledge me, but….
	I see, so your dream is to debut. A wish that has a low chance of success, thus, a “dream.”
Haruka Nanami	Um… did you just say that I have little chance of succeeding…?
	I think I understand a little better now what a “dream” is.
Haruka Nanami	That’s… good to hear.
Ouch, that hurts a little.

SELECT THE PHRASE! アイドルに曲を作ること (To write music for idols)
Haruka Nanami	I initially aspired to be in the entertainment industry because I wanted to write a song for a particular idol.
I think back to before I attended Saotome Academy when I answer. I’d decided I wanted to write songs for the idol on TV I looked up to. Thinking that, I’d enrolled at Saotome Academy. Since then various things have happened and I ended up being unable to fulfill that dream, but….
Haruka Nanami	Right now, even if it’s not that person, I want to write songs that make idols sparkle and will entertain the audience. I want to become a great composer. That’s my dream!
	Maybe it’s because your goal is different from mine, but I don’t really understand what you mean…. However, you looked really excited when you were talking about your dream just now. Is that what’s different, maybe?

After our talk about dreams, Mikaze-senpai spends some time thinking about something.
	I don’t quite get it. My goal is to produce a million sales hit, but that’s less a dream and more just a specific goal. I don’t understand the feeling of aspiring to something so abstract. To be honest, I can’t really understand “emotion” to begin with.
Haruka Nanami	You can’t… understand emotions?
Those words draw my attention.
	Nope. I’m sure I would grow in maturity if I were to understand them thoroughly.
Mikaze-senpai speaks with unusual nervousness. Come to think of it, Shinomiya-san did say that Mikaze-senpai doesn’t have enough human expression. When talking to him, I’ve noticed that he isn’t very expressive and seems downright flat. The reason for that could be due to his lifestyle until now or how he was raised, or because of something I don’t know….
Haruka Nanami	But I think you’re already amazing. Your singing ability is incredible, and the music you compose is so good. I can learn a lot from it. Senpai, I think you are perfect.
	I wonder about that. This time I was assigned a completely new, far more difficult project: acting. It’s a big challenge.
Haruka Nanami	You’re talking about the movie filming, right?
“Right,” he replies with a nod.
	If I’m to act correctly for that movie, I need to understand romantic love. That’s something unknown to me, so it’s really tough.
He has to understand the feeling of romantic love?
Haruka Nanami	Umm, this might sound like a strange question, but…
I decide to put the question out there.
Haruka Nanami	… Does that mean you’ve never come to like someone or fallen in love before...?
	That’s right. I’ve never understood the feeling of loving or intimately caring about someone.
Haruka Nanami	I-I see….
In other words, Mikaze-senpai wants to effectively perform this new line of work and act in a movie, but since he doesn’t understand how it feels to be in love and to care about another person, he is a little troubled. … I think I’m getting the idea. After a period of silence, Mikaze-senpai glances at the clock.
	Question time is almost up. Do you mind if I ask one last question instead?
Haruka Nanami	Um, y-yes, go ahead!
	How would you describe the feeling of falling in love with someone?
At the sudden question, I am at a loss for words.
Haruka Nanami	I-I think that that question might be a little beyond me….
	I want to know more about that feeling. Will you teach me?
Despite my answer, he stares intently at me, expectant, and I search hurriedly for an answer.
Haruka Nanami	Love is…

SELECT THE PHRASE! 大切に思うこと (Cherishing them)
Haruka Nanami	I think that “loving” someone means wanting to cherish them and considering them important.
	Important… for me, my fans are important, but is that “love?”
Haruka Nanami	Hmmm, I don’t think that’s the same… after all, you have a lot of fans. If among those important people you had someone who you cherished above all others, I think that would be “love.”
At my answer, Mikaze-senpai tilts his head.
	Someone I’d cherish above everyone else… umm. I don’t understand after all.

SELECT THE PHRASE! 離れないこと (Not wanting to be apart)
Haruka Nanami	Not wanting to be apart. Wanting to always be together…. I-it’s something I don’t really understand yet either…. For example, I love music. Because of that, I want to always be able to make music. I hope to always be with music. I think love is basically like that…?
Maybe because he isn’t satisfied with the response, Mikaze-senpai looks away in thought.
	What you’re saying is that choosing of your own volition to be with something is to “love" it?
He thinks it over to himself after saying this. I am not sure if I properly conveyed things, but then again “love” is a difficult thing to explain.

SELECT THE PHRASE! ドキドキすること (Feeling your heart race)
	Hmmm… Do you feel your heart race being with me now, for example?
Haruka Nanami	Huh?!
That definitely makes my pulse jump, but that is out of surprise.
	You… do sort of get that feeling, don’t you?
He asks this emphatically, to make sure. When I don’t answer right away, Mikaze-senpai backs away.
	Hmm. All living humans have a heartbeat, so it’s too imprecise as an evaluation standard.
Haruka Nanami	Well, um, you’re right about that…
Senpai doesn’t look like he’s kidding around, so I am at a loss for words.
	What’s the matter? You’re making an odd face. Why not drink some coffee and calm down?
Unlike me, who has gotten flustered, Mikaze-senpai speaks calmly.

	It’s a really tough topic. I think understanding “love” is an assignment that will take a while.
After speaking curtly, he elegantly scoops the remaining jelly on his plate into his mouth.
	I don’t really get “like” in the romantic sense, but… I think… I like this jelly.
Mikaze-senpai murmurs quietly. I’ve been able to interact with him face-to-face and come to understand him a little for the first time. At first he seems perfect, but now I could see that there are things he doesn’t understand and lacks.
Haruka Nanami	Um… I know I’m not good with words, and I don’t understand romantic love very well myself, so I can’t give a good explanation anytime soon, but…. I’ll help you however I can until you do understand! You can ask me for help with anything!
I say this with the desire to support him, even if it is just with this one thing. Mikaze-senpai sets down his spoon and narrows his eyes.
	Haha, what’s with that all of a sudden? So weird. You’re also kind of a strange one, aren’t you? Though not as much as I am, of course. Right, let’s get back to work. If you don’t pick up the pace, we’ll be working all night.
Haruka Nanami	Ah... that would be a problem! I want to sleep in my own bed tonight!
	In that case, better give it a push. You seem to be having trouble sorting that data, so let’s have you work on arranging this music instead.
Haruka Nanami	Ah! Right!
On the table sits Mikaze-senpai’s untouched coffee, as well as the plate that held the jelly he ate.
For some time after that, I continue to travel to his studio and work with Mikaze-senpai. I converse with him a little during work breaks. Mostly we talk about music, but his knowledge of music is astounding and I lose track of time chatting. By and large, I am learning more than I am able to be of help. Still, I feel like I’ve made some progress as his partner. Today’s schedule includes filming for the movie. We arrive at the filming location. In truth, the scene that was supposed to be filmed was changed abruptly. We were suddenly given a new script this morning. This means that the Mikaze-senpai, in the lead role, has a lot to relearn.
Haruka Nanami	Are you doing alright, Senpai?
	Quiet. This much should be fine if I read this through once.
Mikaze-senpai is in the middle of reading through his script at an incredible speed. True, he does have an amazing memory, but will he really be alright…?
	Wanna read it aloud with me? That’ll make it easier to remember.
	No way. Now’s not the time to butt into other people’s business—are you sure you remember your own lines?
Come to think of it, Kotobuki-senpai had a lot of lines added to his script as well.
	Ngh…. Not… yet. Gahh, so harsh! You broke ol’ Rei-chan’s heart….
	I’m not all that harsh. You’re just taking this too lightly. Buckle down already.
Mikaze-senpai lets out a sigh and returns his attention to his script.
Assistant Director	We’re starting rehearsal in a few minutes! Mikaze-san, please stand by!
Right as Mikaze-senpai finishes reading his script, the AD calls out.
	Yes, understood! … Here you go.
He closes his script and hands it to me, then heads for his place on set. The filming begins. Today they are filming the scene where the mermaid boy first comes to the girl’s home. Mikaze-senpai has said that filming is a big challenge to overcome, but…. He runs through the garden of blooming flowers, turns the corner of the house, and meets the girl. The moment he sees the girl, the look on his face is a mix of surprise and joy at being reunited with her again.
	There you are. Ever since that day, I’ve longed to see you again....
Mikaze-senpai smiles gently. After that, he perfectly recites long lines of dialogue that he only just memorized from his script a few moments ago.
Haruka Nanami	Wow… Mikaze-senpai’s so talented. And he’s remembering his lines perfectly!
	Phew, that’s Ai-Ai for you. Looks like we’ll have this one wrapped up in one take.
Kotobuki-senpai, with his script in hand, murmurs to himself while watching Mikaze-senpai.
Talent A	Acting is what’s most important. Anyone can memorize and recite lines.
This particular actor is glaring at Mikaze-senpai.
Haruka Nanami	Umm….
If I remember correctly, he is a coactor. He is… kind of scary. Kotobuki-senpai leans over to whisper in my ear.
	It’s tough to be popular~! Don’t worry about him, okay? You just focus on your partner’s acting.
Haruka Nanami	O-okay….
I nod several times. The filming continues at an exceptionally smooth rate. The final scene of the day involves the heroine.
	I’ll come see you again. Wait for me here.
This is where he is supposed to take the heroine’s hand, lean over, and kiss her forehead. Except Mikaze-senpai very suddenly leans in close to her face.
	Hm...? Why’re you leaning away? Hold still—
When his co-star automatically pulls away, he firmly catches her arm and pulls her towards himself.
	Ngh?!
He pulls her too close and their foreheads collide with quite some force. Both topple to the ground from the shock of their collision.
	Whoa, I-I’m sorry! Are you okay?!
Flustered, Mikaze-senpai quickly sets to helping his fellow actor up. The director calls a swift cut and the staff rushes to check on them.
Talent A	How lame… the heck did he think he was doing?
Once again, I hear that voice from a corner of the studio. After that, they attempt the scene over and over, but he can never get the timing—or pausing—just right.
Director	Hmmm, well, I guess since we did just redo that whole section of the script, it’s only to be expected….
Eventually the director waves his hand to the staff and actors.
Director	Let’s continue with this scene another day. We’ll move on to filming the scenes with Kotobuki-kun instead for now.
	Okay, okaaaay~! I’m aaaaall ready!
Kotobuki-senpai’s bubbly voice lightens the atmosphere.
That day, on the way home, I stop by Mikaze-senpai's studio for a while.
Haruka Nanami	Is your forehead alright?
	Ugh... it’s fine.
He is sitting on the couch when he says this, a conflicted look on his face as he is lost in thought. I assume he’s bothered by his acting difficulties today. After today’s filming, he apologized to the rest of the cast and to the staff. He didn’t say much on the way home. He never is one to talk excessively, but this is enough to worry me. I set my things down and take a seat beside him on the sofa. After a while, Mikaze-senpai glances at me.
	Hey, um. Why’d my co-star move away like that? Did I do something?
From the way he asks me this, it sounds like he is deeply confused. So he is worried about that after all….
Haruka Nanami	Um, th-that’s because… you might have come on to her a little too strongly.
	Even though I acted exactly as the script said? Hahhh… I’m stumped. So how should I act?
Haruka Nanami	Since you need to be more romantic about it, maybe take it slowly and go through the motions step by step, one at a time.
Mikaze-senpai sinks back against the sofa, thinking hard about my reply.
	Take it slowly…. If I do everything slowly it’ll take too long. What things should I focus on?
Haruka Nanami	How about how you…

SELECT THE PHRASE! キスの仕方 (Kiss her)
I get embarrassed and I can’t bring myself to say “kiss.”
Haruka Nanami	Um… At the very least I think it’s best that you, um, take the end very slowly.
	Take what slowly? Just say it.
Ack…. It’s embarrassing to say, but I’ll say it to help Mikaze-senpai.
Haruka Nanami	Right at the end you should… slowly bring your lips closer to her forehead… to kiss her.
	Got it. Do you mind if we practice that kiss scene right now?
Haruka Nanami	W-what?!
As soon as he finishes speaking, Mikaze-senpai turns to face me so that he has one knee on the sofa.
Haruka Nanami	J-just a—please hold on a moment, Senpai!
He is so much taller that he towers over me and I become overwhelmed and freeze. Passionate about acting or not, this is a little…!
	Come on, hold still or I won’t be able to do this right. Hmm... So where should I put my hands?
He waves one hand as an example.
Haruka Nanami	You should probably… put your hand on my shoulder....
At my answer, he carefully sets his hand on my shoulder. The warmth from the contact makes my heart leap in my chest.
	Like this? Now I just have to follow up, but… in your case, your bangs are kind of in the way.
Haruka Nanami	Maybe you should brush them to the side with your other hand.
Mikaze-senpai does as instructed and pushes my bangs out of the way, and then brings his lips closer to my forehead.

SELECT THE PHRASE! 手の取り方 (Take her hand)
Haruka Nanami	If you just grab her hand out of nowhere, I think she’d be really startled. That’s why, when you take her hand….
It is clear by how Mikaze-senpai’s brow furrows that he doesn’t quite get it yet.
Haruka Nanami	You should take her hand gently and try to keep your actions soft and steady.
	Gentle, soft and steady…. Let me borrow your hand for a moment. You mean something… like this?
He carefully grasps my hand.
Haruka Nanami	That’s certainly gentle, but… hmm….
… Huh?
Haruka Nanami	It’s okay to let go now.
Mikaze-senpai stares me in the eye, not saying anything. Perhaps he has gotten into his role. Somewhat faster than I expected, he bends towards my forehead.

SELECT THE PHRASE! 目の見つめ方 (Look her in the eye)
Haruka Nanami	While you’re making eye contact, make sure to move slowly so the actress knows your next move.
	Eye contact.... I see…. Like this?
His beautiful eyes peer into mine.
Haruka Nanami	Eep…. Somehow this is really nerve-wracking….
Being so close to him has my heart racing.
	You’re nervous? That can’t be good. It’ll make it hard for my partner to act.
The whole time our gazes are locked. … It is making me tense.
Haruka Nanami	N-no, it’s fine. I’d actually say this is… the correct response in this situation, in fact it’s a good sign, but....
With my heart beating so fast, it is kind of hard to form the right words.
	If you say so, then I’ll believe you. Next is…
His face nears my forehead.

… At this rate... is he really going to kiss me?
Haruka Nanami	M-Mikaze-senpai! Stop! Let’s stop here for now!
	… Why?
Haruka Nanami	To refer to the sc-script! I don’t quite know the details yet! Unless I know what will happen next, I can’t give you proper advice!
	Hmm... that’s true. Alright. It looks like you have a talent for giving advice on acting.
Haruka Nanami	D-do you think so?
	I understand the concept of descriptions like “gently” or “romantically,” but I don’t really know how those words translate into actions.
Haruka Nanami	I… see….
This might be what people mean when they say that understanding a maiden’s heart is difficult.
	I’m appointing you to be my acting advisor. I feel like you’re qualified for the role. Will you help me out?
Haruka Nanami	Help you out…?
I feel like this is the first time I’ve ever heard him say that. It thrills me. If there is any way I can assist him as a partner, then….
Haruka Nanami	I will! I’ll do whatever I can to support you!
“Good,” replies Mikaze-senpai with a nod.
After that, we rehearse the troublesome scene repeatedly. It turns out that it isn’t the moment of the forehead kiss that is giving him trouble, but instead the actions leading up to it. We end up practicing the scenes that come before and after as well. The day of filming that scene arrives. We stand in a corner of the set, waiting.
	One last check. At this point I should tilt my head at this angle like… this, right?
Mikaze-senpai leans close to my face.
Haruka Nanami	Eek!
My heart rate jumps at being close enough to feel his breath, and I turn my face away.
	Should I take your surprise to mean I didn’t get it quite right yet?
Haruka Nanami	No, um, it’s not that that was wrong, I mean, that was actually really good, just, um, doing that in a place like this…!!
	This is rehearsal. Repetition is the most basic part of practice. One more time, now hold still.
His argument is perfectly sound, but that doesn’t change the fact that practicing something like this here of all places is a little….
	So I tilt my head like this…. Next, place my hand on your shoulder. Finally I need to gently press my lips to your forehead…
	Let your love~ ♪ Ring far and wide~ ♪ Odorokimaaan~ ♪ … Oh, morniiin’! Eh, w-wai—whaa?!
Haruka Nanami	Hyaaaah?!
I leap away from Mikaze-senpai. Kotobuki-senpai’s eyes are as big as saucers.
Haruka Nanami	U-um, this is—this is for Mikaze-senpai’s acting…!
	Nothing to be so surprised about. This is just a rehearsal, that’s all.
Mikaze-senpai cuts across my words with his straightforward statement. Kotobuki-senpai nods awkwardly three times, and then gives an awkward cough.
	O-oh... r-right! All’s well then. That reminds me, Ai-Ai, you gonna be alright today? Think you can manage?
	Manage what?
	I was all set to offer you advice on your acting, but looks like you’ve already worked on it with Kouhai-chan here, huh?
Haruka Nanami	Y-yes. We were discussing the specifics again just now.
	That so? Good to hear. And lookin’ good too, sounds like you’re coming along well as partners.
	Coming along well… as partners?
	I’m talking about how you’re supporting each other like that. Well done, well done!
Next to the grinning Kotobuki-senpai, Mikaze-senpai seems to be thinking about something again.
	Supporting one another… a give-and-take relationship. In other words, there are merits to this partner relationship after all.
Haruka Nanami	Mikaze-senpai? The filming is about to begin…
	Right, I’ll get going. Will you watch everything carefully? I want to hear your thoughts about it afterwards.
Haruka Nanami	Yes, of course!
With a nod to me, Mikaze-senpai heads onto the set with confidence. The day’s filming ends without incident, with the problematic scene resolving successfully. That scene with the forehead kiss is so romantic that I blush just watching. Kotobuki-senpai, who comes over to watch, keeps mumbling that it’s embarrassing him. It’s extra embarrassing for me when I think about how I helped rehearse this scene…. I’ve read the lines of this scene enough that I can quote them almost perfectly. The director is pleased, saying it went well. For a time, I’d been worried about how things would turn out, but for now we are in the clear.
While I am waiting for Mikaze-senpai after filming is over, Kotobuki-senpai walks over to me after he’s finished getting ready to go home.
Haruka Nanami	Oh, good work today!
“Hey, hey!” Kotobuki-senpai calls with a wave of his hand.
	Nah, I didn’t do much today. You’re the one who’s really had it tough, haven’t you? All worried about Ai-Ai like that.
Haruka Nanami	No, really, it was nothing! Besides, you were also concerned and trying to help Mikaze-senpai out, weren’t you?
Since this is the first movie Mikaze-senpai has been in, Kotobuki-senpai has been casually supporting Mikaze-senpai both during filming and off camera. I hadn’t noticed he was doing that until recently.
	Haha, that’s about all I could do for him. I haven’t been in the entertainment industry this long for nothing! That said, I’ve been thinking that Ai-Ai’s role is a pretty tough one.
Haruka Nanami	Is it really?
Mikaze-senpai’s role is the mermaid. In order to reunite with the now-grown girl, the mermaid sacrifices his voice in exchange for a human form and goes to the human world. That’s why, during the latter part of the movie, he has to act completely without speaking. The emotions of the mermaid prince, the lead role, are complex. However, Mikaze-senpai is still young, and this is the first time he has ever acted for a romantic role. It’s no wonder Kotobuki-senpai says this is tough.
	Back when I first got this job from Shiny-san, he shocked me by saying, “Mikaze is playing the lead for this movie.” To be honest, I kept thinking, “Will he be alright?” Oh, uh, Ai-Ai’ll get mad if he hears that, so let’s keep this a secret, okay?
Haruka Nanami	But Mikaze-senpai’s very studious and is working very hard.
	Mmhmm, Ai-Ai’s a real hard worker. He’s been taking this job quite seriously. But, you know… when I see him giving his all like that, I actually start to get worried.
Haruka Nanami	Worried? Why is that?
After a long moment of silence, Kotobuki-senpai opens his mouth again.
	A while back, I had an idol friend whom I was very close to.
The word ”had” catches my attention.
	He was an incredible singer and actor, a real genius in my opinion. But you see, he was much more sensitive than most people, and one day he had this really tough role…. And then he just up and vanished.
Kotobuki-senpai says it so off-handedly.
Haruka Nanami	He… vanished?
	That event was in the news, actually. Have you ever heard about it?
Haruka Nanami	No…. I’m sorry, I didn’t know anything about anyone vanishing like that due to work.
	He would get totally sucked into his roles. In this case, he fretted over the role all on his own, and then, in the end, he just vanished into thin air.
Kotobuki-senpai stares at the ground as he says that, his expression a little pained.
Haruka Nanami	So something like that happened….
	Yep. To be honest, Ai-Ai acts just like him. In fact, even his appearance and singing voice are the same.
Haruka Nanami	Even his singing voice?
	That’s why when I first heard Ai-Ai sing I was in total shock. Like, “Whoa, he’s totally like him!” And now we’re going to be singing in a unit together. Every time I look at Ai-Ai, I’m reminded of that friend of mine.
Haruka Nanami	Really? That’s… that’s just....
	No matter how similar they look, there’s too much of an age gap for them to be the same person. So I thought maybe they might be brothers, but when I asked about it, that theory was thrown right out the window.
Haruka Nanami	Oh… you mean that time you asked that question out of the blue.
That day at the start of the month when Kotobuki-senpai asked Mikaze-senpai if he had any siblings, after hearing him sing the unit song.
	Well, it’s just a coincidental resemblance, that’s all.
	What is…? What are you talking about?
I jump and spin around. There stands Mikaze-senpai.
Haruka Nanami	M-Mikaze-senpai! You’re back!
Kotobuki-senpai’s usual smile appears on his face, and he waves a hand dismissively.
	Nothing important, just some small talk is all! Oh hey, you’re done filming for today, right? Want to go over our script together for the next scene?
	No, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.
Mikaze-senpai responds just like always.
	Ahahaha, looks like I’ve been dumped! Alrighty then, see you next week~ I’ll leave the rest to your partner here.
Haruka Nanami	Eh, what?
Waving wildly, Kotobuki-senpai calls out, “Laterrrrr~!” as he heads off.
	It looks like you’ve been tasked with something, but what?
Haruka Nanami	That it does….
	If anything, I should be the one entrusting things to my partner. How weird.
Mikaze-senpai cocks his head.
When I get home that night, I set to work on the unit song once more.
Haruka Nanami	This month has just flown by, so it’s about time I got this song finished.
Kotobuki-senpai’s words come back to me as I work on the song. After watching him from up close, I understand now that Mikaze-senpai is always serious, hardworking, and studious. In return for his guidance, I need to work hard and support him as his partner.
Haruka Nanami	Perhaps I should gather up these documents…
I pick up the documents for the Christmas Live that Mikaze-senpai has collected. There are a lot of them, but I can finish them up if I go through them steadily every day after work. Of course, if Mikaze-senpai were to do it, he’d probably have them all done in a flash.
Haruka Nanami	This is just practice by repetition! Mikaze-senpai said so himself!
By using the method I learned from him, I finish sorting the documents. It’s good that autumn nights are long. In the evening, after a day’s work, I can quietly help with Mikaze-senpai’s work.
Several days later…
Haruka Nanami	Good work today….
Composition Mentor	Whoa, are you okay, Nanami-san?
I am suffering from lack of sleep and overwork.
Haruka Nanami	I’m fine. I can handle this much without a problem.
Three days ago, a sudden request for assistance came in, along with the need to redo another project. Today I’m helping as the assistant for a composer that Tsukimiya-sensei introduced me to. I also do this three days a week. This job is usually on days when I’m not helping out at Mikaze-senpai’s studio.
Composition Mentor	Anyway, in regards to the drama BGM I had you compose the other day, the length of it will need to be changed. Also, we’ve decided to leave half the BGM composition for the movie to you.
Haruka Nanami	What, really!?
According to him, the test BGM that I composed went over well with the director, and this means my name will appear in the movie credits. My name will appear in a movie that Mikaze-senpai stars in….
Haruka Nanami	Thank you very much!
I bow deeply.
On returning to my dorm room, I message Mikaze-senpai, who is probably still at work.
Haruka Nanami	I’ve been asked to compose some of the movie’s BGM. … There we go.
My composition mentor complimented me recently, telling me I’ve improved. That might be thanks to Mikaze-senpai’s instructions. And I’m almost finished with the work I have right now. As sleepy as I am, I feel fired up to give it my all for just a little longer.
Haruka Nanami	But… I feel a bit chilly....
I shiver from a sudden chill. Well, it is already November, so that shouldn’t come as a surprise. I can just put on another layer to warm up and then continue working. By the time I finish and submit everything, it is nearly dawn.
Haruka Nanami	I did it….
However, as soon as that thought crosses my mind, everything before me starts swaying and fades to white.
Hm…? Am I… on my bed? When I come to, I am lying on my bed. When did I go to bed? The moment I slowly lift my head, I hear a voice from right beside me.
	Oh, you’re awake.
Haruka Nanami	Huh!?
My eyes widen at the sight of Mikaze-senpai. He is crouching next to my bed, resting his face on his hand with an elbow on the bed.
	Good morning. Then again, considering the time, I suppose good evening is more appropriate.
After standing, he touches my neck and peers at me closely.
	Hmm. Your complexion’s much better now. Pulse, breath rate, and level of consciousness are also normal, but your temperature seems high.
I think I get it now.
Haruka Nanami	Um, did I happen to pass out?
	That you did. You were lying on the floor when I got here. Extreme fatigue. Lack of sleep. Weakening immune system. Add it all together and you got hit with a fever. It looks like a cold.
Haruka Nanami	A cold…. I see.
I feel feverish, and my throat hurts. I am also still wearing the same outfit I’d had on when I’d passed out. As my thoughts clear, I realize something.
Haruka Nanami	Excuse me, Senpai, but how were you able to enter my room? I’m sure I locked the front door properly.
	I opened it myself.
Haruka Nanami	Huhhh!?
	I’m very dextrous, you know. It’s a simple matter to open a lock like that one.
He twirls his finger while making that off-handed reply.

SELECT THE PHRASE! ダメじゃないですか！(You shouldn’t do that kind of thing!)
Haruka Nanami	Y-you shouldn’t do that! That’s unlawful entry—it’s socially inappropriate, you know!?
	But if I hadn’t come in, you’d have been left on the floor. That would’ve been a problem.
He lets out a sigh.
Haruka Nanami	W-well, that’s true, but…. Did you come here because you were worried about me?

SELECT THE PHRASE! よく開けられましたね (I’m impressed you unlocked it)
	That was the first time I’ve tried it myself, but it seems I can do it if I try. I wonder what I can use this skill for.
Haruka Nanami	Maybe you can demonstrate it on a variety show?
Wait, that’s not the point!

SELECT THE PHRASE! 器用にも程があります (Dextrous or not…)
	Do you want to learn too? First, you press your finger to the keyhole... like this….
Mikaze-senpai raises both index fingers in a strange pose as he explains.
Haruka Nanami	No, I’m fine, thank you.
Just how many different skills does he know?

I ask while lifting my body from the bed.
	I came because no matter how many times I called, you didn’t answer. When I stopped by to check, all the lights in your room were on…. Could you not cause so much trouble?
Haruka Nanami	I’m sorry….
	It’s fine. In any case, you need to stay put until your fever goes down... and with that said—
Haruka Nanami	Senpai, what are you—eep!?
He sticks a cooling sheet to my forehead and pushes me back into bed.
	That should do it. Now if you just get some sleep you should recover on your own.
Grrrowl....
Haruka Nanami	… Ngh.
Of all the times for my stomach to growl. Silence falls.
	“Dinner preparation” shall be added to the list for Project Caregiving. I’m going to borrow your kitchen.
Haruka Nanami	Eh, you are!? I can’t make you do that!
When I try to jump to my feet, he forcefully throws the blanket back over me and shoves me back into bed.
	This is a Mentor Order. Sleep!
Mikaze-senpai leaves the room.
Haruka Nanami	Is this… udon?
Two hours have passed since I was made to rest by the Mentor Order. On being called downstairs to the living room, I find that the table has been neatly set with a small bowl and a single set of chopsticks, evenly spaced from one another.
	I have data that udon is suitable for proper care of a sick person. It’s easy to digest, as it’s made with water, salt, eggs, and white powder… that’s what I used, right there.
Haruka Nanami	Ah, flour. Wait, does that mean this is all handmade?
“That’s right,” Mikaze-senpai replies with a nod. It is hard to believe that the beautiful, flat-sided udon noodles that float with the eggs in the broth are handmade.
Haruka Nanami	It’s so well done. This looks delicious….
	That’s enough staring, now eat up. This is the first time I’ve ever made udon, so I’m not sure if I did it right.
He also takes a seat.
Haruka Nanami	I think this is more than good enough. Thank you so much for this meal!
I pick up the chopsticks and lift an udon noodle to my mouth… and notice something.
Haruka Nanami	Semhai, d'you ha'en to cut th'noodles?
At my question, he tilts his head. In fact, the noodles are really just one very long noodle, and no matter how much I slurp it up, I can’t see the end. According to Mikaze-senpai, he had the data for the width of the noodles, but he didn’t know how long to make them. And so, this result.
	Well, it’s said that in cases like this you have to just suck it up in one go. Do your best.
I’m not sure whether to call him skillful or clumsy. This udon is very unusual, but it tastes delicious. As I eat, Mikaze-senpai watches me with apparent interest.
	Just to be sure, it does taste good, right?
Haruka Nanami	Yes, of course. It’s delicious… and more importantly, it’s something you made for me.
	How is something that I made different from something I didn’t make?
Haruka Nanami	Well, your kindness in cooking this makes me happy, for one. It makes the udon taste even better.
	Kindness, huh…. As long as it tastes good, I’ll consider it a success.
Mikaze-senpai rests his chin on both hands as he continues to watch me eat.
Haruka Nanami	Um, when you stare at me like that, it’s, um, it makes me kind of nervous….
	I want to know how you react, to make sure I’m doing a proper job of taking care of you. No need to be so stiff in your own home.
Haruka Nanami	That’s true, but still!
This might be the first time I’ve ever been so tense in my own home.
	My kindness, was it? If something like that can make you happy, then it might not be such a bad thing.
Haruka Nanami	That was delicious. Thank you very much.
Now that I have eaten well, I feel more energized than before.
	Well? What were you even doing that resulted in you lying unconscious on the floor?
He points to the spot on the floor in front of my laptop.
Haruka Nanami	Uhh… I finished all my own work yesterday. There was also the retake which I also somehow managed to do....
	Listen here, you’re not as strong as I am, so you can’t overwork yourself. I took a look at the documents you finished, and… those were originally mine, weren’t they?
Haruka Nanami	You looked at it!? But it wasn’t finished yet!
	That’s for sure. Even the parts you finished were crudely done. If you have the time to do work that you’re not responsible for, spend that time taking care of yourself.
Oh shoot, I made him mad….
	First and foremost, the thing you should be focusing on is the unit song. You’ve been making progress, right? May I hear it?
Haruka Nanami	Y-yes! Of course!
I hurry to prepare the music.
SONG: "QUARTET NIGHT" (S Rank)
	I’d give this about 80 points.
Haruka Nanami	Then, umm… you consider 50 points as a full score, then I got 160%...?
	Uh, no, this time it was out of 100 points. You can’t exceed 100% here.
In other words…
Haruka Nanami	I got a high score?
Mikaze-senpai scribbles a flower mark on my sheet music sitting in front of my laptop.
	This isn’t half bad, but… let’s see, how about doing some research on what’s popular in music right now and adding that? For example, you could change the timbre of the synth drums and make it sound a little more sparkly, like this....
When Mikaze-senpai makes the change he’d suggested, the music immediately begins to sound brighter.
	The piece needs to sound like something you would write, but it’s also important to analyze data and properly incorporate good technique into your compositions to create a good piece.
Haruka Nanami	That’s very good advice….
Is this the result of his daily research and analysis?
	This much is only natural. Alright, I’m going to go clean up.
While I sit there, amazed, Mikaze-senpai stands up from his seat next to me.
Haruka Nanami	Um, I’ll take care of the clean-up. Please sit down again….
As soon as I say that, he sets his hand on my head and holds me in place.
	When you’re that shaky on your feet? Absolutely not. I’m not giving you permission.
Haruka Nanami	Alright… I’ll leave it to you.
With a silent nod, Mikaze-senpai heads for the kitchen. I totter back to the sofa. Truthfully I am still a little shaky from the fever. Shortly after, I hear the kitchen faucet being turned on. I can’t just let myself be taken care of like this; I need to hurry up and get over this cold.
	Hmmm, hm-hmm, hmm-hm-hmmm, hmmm~
… A song? I can hear a light melody coming from the kitchen. It seems like even Mikaze-senpai hums. Curious, I find myself listening closely to the playful tone.
	Huh? The dish soap isn’t coming out....
The song stops abruptly. Now that I think about it, I am almost out of dish soap. I quickly stand up and stride to the kitchen.
Haruka Nanami	Excuse me, there’s another bottle of dish soap under the sink—!?
As I speak, my feet get tangled up, and I lose my balance.
	Wha—whoa!?
When Mikaze-senpai hurriedly tries to support me, he also loses his balance, and we go down hard. After a moment, I realize I’ve landed on top of him.
	… Nnnn….
And what’s more…. My lips are pressed directly to his.
Haruka Nanami	...!?
I jerk back. Spices and kitchenware are scattered around, and right before me is Mikaze-senpai.
	… Hahh… what are you doing? This is exactly why I said I didn’t need any help….
Haruka Nanami	I-I’m so sorry! … Um, here—!
In a panic I reach under the sink and pull out a bottle of dish soap.
Haruka Nanami	Here’s the dish soap.
	Now isn’t the time to be worrying about the dish soap.
We stare at one another without moving. Eventually Mikaze-senpai places his hand on my cheek, and then lightly bumps his forehead to mine.
	Did your fever go up again?
He speaks while our foreheads are still touching.
After that, Mikaze-senpai hands me cold medicine and applies another cooling sheet to my forehead. Neither of us bring up that kiss.... Instead we chat for a while about work-related things. The sudden home visit comes to an end at last, and Mikaze-senpai prepares to leave.
	I’ll be going now. Take care.
Haruka Nanami	Oh, no, don’t worry about me. Please take care on your way home.
I escort him to the front of the dorms and Senpai bows to me graciously. He is being very proper, but it must have been quite a sight to see in the middle of the street.
	At this rate you’re going to make all that caregiving go to waste. Hurry up and return to your room.
Haruka Nanami	But after all you did for me, I absolutely have to see you off.
	Huh…? What’re you two doing in a place like this?
As we banter, I hear a familiar voice from behind me.
Haruka Nanami	Hm?
When I turn around, I see Kotobuki-senpai staring at us from across the road.
	Reiji? What about you, what’re you doing here, on the roadside?
	Oh, I popped by Otoyan’s place to hang out for a bit and now I’m headed home. Kouhai-chan, what happened to your forehead?
Haruka Nanami	Ah! The cooling sheet!
I totally forgot I had it on. It seems I headed out without taking it off.
	Really, what do you think you’re doing…? Is your head not working right from the fever?
Haruka Nanami	I’m sorry….
Observing our interaction, Kotobuki-senpai chuckles and nods his head in some silent affirmation.
	Ohoho, I see~ Would this happen to actually be a date, but you’re just saying you’re taking care of her?
Haruka Nanami	H-huh!?
My face burns up, as if my cold has come back in full force.
	Naughty, naughty~ Romance is forbidden for idols, you know~?
Mikaze-senpai’s eyes narrow and his face scrunches up. He steps in front of me and faces down Kotobuki-senpai.
	It was nothing. Sure, we kissed—but it wasn’t a date—she was just feeling sick so I made her some udon and took care of her for a while! Got it?
	Ohhh, I see, you were taking care of her while she was sick! Udon, aha, I see, that’s delici—eh? EHHH!? K-kissed!?
Mikaze-senpai speaks so fast that it seems Kotobuki-senpai has trouble keeping up, and ends up in a panic.
Haruka Nanami	M… Mikaze-senpai…!?
Everything he said is the truth, but he dropped a major bombshell in there!
	Everything we did was completely normal behavior for partners. So it’s nothing, nothing happened, nothing’s wrong!
His words are intense, and as he speaks, Mikaze-senpai takes another step forward right up to Kotobuki-senpai.
	O-okay, I got it, I understand, so just calm down! I’ll hear you out! Yep, let's do that, please go ahead!
Kotobuki-senpai concedes to Mikaze-senpai with no hesitation.
	You’re going to keep it a secret that you met us here. That is all. Problem solved.
	Okay. Got it.
Mikaze-senpai nods once, satisfied.
	Good. Well then, good night. I’ll see you some other time.
Haruka Nanami	Y-yes, you as well.
He spins on his heel and strides off.
Haruka Nanami	Umm… Kotobuki-senpai...?
	Hahaha, it’s alllll good! I’m famous for my tight lips! They don’t call me Rei-chan the Clam for nothing!
Haruka Nanami	I, uh, I see.
I get a feeling that there is a misunderstanding somewhere.
	But seriously, that was a real surprise. Details aside, that Ai-Ai was actually taking care of you, huh?
For some reason he looks happy.
	Far as I can tell, you’re the first he’s done that for. Anyhoo! I’m off now. And, umm. Take care!
He heads off down the sidewalk again, waving his hand as he walks.
Haruka Nanami	The first person… he’s done that for?
For some reason, hearing that makes my heart race uncontrollably.
The next day, I get a text.
Haruka Nanami	Hm, it’s from Mikaze-senpai.
Maybe it’s a message about the schedule?
Good work. This is Mikaze. Sleep is essential for recovery from a cold. If there’s anything you need, make sure to contact me right away. That’s all. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Haruka Nanami	It looks like he really is worried about me.
The message is short and to the point, but this is the first personal text I’ve ever gotten from him. My chest grows warm.