Shu: You don’t need to keep apologizing over and over. I understand the situation.

Shu: If you truly want to make it up to me, hang up the phone and go back there to resolve the problem.

Shu: Hm, that is fine. Well then, I’ll be waiting for you at the café.

Shu: (How unfortunate that trouble arose at her work on the day of our Feature Live meeting, of all days.)

Shu: (Well, I can just read something to pass the time.)

Shu: (I am also looking forward to eating the round bread at that café for the first time in a while.)

Shu: (Even though the type of clientele has changed due to the Shuffle Unit project, I hope it won’t be too noisy there.) ^[1]

Tsumugi: Huh? Isn't that Shu-kun?

Shu: ...

Tsumugi: Wait, that's you, right, Shu-kun? Why are you ignoring me?

Shu: ...

Tsumugi: H-huh? Can you really not hear me? Shu-kun, it's me! It's Tsumugi Aoba~!

Shu: ...I would prefer it if you didn’t go shouting so loudly in my ear, Aoba.

Tsumugi: Ah, you were finally able to notice me...! Thank goodness.

Shu: There is nothing good about it. ...I did not expect to meet you in town like this.

Tsumugi: Fufu. I was surprised too. Though I knew you had come back, at least.

Tsumugi: Are you heading to ES after this? Or do you have other things to do?

Shu: I was on my way to the café that had led to you and I forming a shuffle unit together.

Tsumugi: Ahh, the one we promoted as BLEND+...

Tsumugi: But... If I'm not mistaken, I think that café was closed today?

Shu: ...What? I thought that café was open every day?

Tsumugi: Yes. Well, that's how it was originally, but...

Tsumugi: With the concept changing to "a café where you can feel close to ES' new idols," the business model has also changed a little.

Tsumugi: But still, days off are really rare. And it's precisely because they're so rare that I remembered I had a day off today too.

Shu: Sigh. The café is closed and the little girl has trouble at work... It doesn’t bode well for me today.

Tsumugi: Anzu-chan is having trouble?

Shu: Ah, your concern is unnecessary. It’s nothing she can’t handle.

Shu: But I received word that she wouldn't make it in time for our meeting regarding the Feature Live.

Tsumugi: I see. So it's Shu-kun's turn next, huh?

Tsumugi: Then, is that bag in your hand a present for Anzu-chan? I shouldn't expect... a souvenir for me, should I?

Shu: Shouldn’t you know that already? Of course not.

Tsumugi: Uu. I figured~ But I didn't think you would say it quite so bluntly like that...

Shu: And why should you expect to receive anything from me? I have no intention of being close enough to you to give you presents.

Tsumugi: Ehh~. I thought we were on good terms, since we formed a shuffle unit together...

Tsumugi: That’s a shock, Shu-kun.

Shu: You're a real pain today.

Shu: Ugh... If you must have a gift that badly, help yourself to the snacks I left in the Starmony dorms common room.

Tsumugi: There’s a souvenir for everyone at Starmony? It's unusual for you to do something like that, Shu-kun.

Shu: I suppose. I travel outside of Japan so frequently. If I had to purchase souvenirs every time, there'd be no end to it.

Shu: ...Some people once helped me pick out presents for my friends in Paris, that's all. ^[2]

Shu: It's a bit delayed, but I wanted to thank them for that. Nothing more.

Tsumugi: ...♪

Shu: ...What. I'd prefer you not look at me like that. It's disturbing.

Tsumugi: I was just thinking that you've changed too, Shu-kun. ♪

Tsumugi: No, you’ve always had that kind of personality. It’s just been more obvious recently.

Tsumugi: In any case, I'll take you up on your offer when I get back to Starmony. Thank you very much.

Shu: Hmph, do as you like.

Tsumugi: Well then, I have to go too. I'm looking forward to your Feature Live, Shu-kun. ♪

Shu: Really, that Aoba never changes...

Shu: (Now, I must inform the little girl that we cannot use our usual café for the meeting.)

Shu: Over here, little girl.

Shu: I’ve heard more than enough apologies from you. Anyway, I understand the situation, more or less; you are not at fault.

Shu: And so, I will not blame you for this matter.

Shu: ...Leaving that aside, I am more concerned about your appearance.

Shu: As this is a meeting, it also counts as work. Even if we have known each other since we were in school, you should still be maintaining a level of professionalism around me.

Shu: ...Of course. I know that you hurried over so you wouldn’t keep me waiting.

Shu: I’ll give you some time to get yourself sorted out... Hm?

Shu: You’re curious about what’s on the table?

Shu: This is a gift for you. It’s a new product from a popular pastry shop in Paris.

Shu: I bought it on a Parisian friend’s recommendation. I don’t know if it will be to your tastes, but...

Shu: "Can I really have it?"

Shu: I bought it for you. Is there any reason you shouldn’t have it?

Shu: You are looking after Kagehira, so I am also in your debt. Please take it as a token of my gratitude. ^[3]

Shu: I have something else for you, too.

Shu: This is an artbook—a compilation of different works that have caught my eye over the past year.

Shu: This Feature Live may be my solo live, but it is essential for us to work together in order to create this stage...

Shu: While I respect your abilities, I do not believe you fully understand the kind of art that I aim to create.

Shu: That is why I am giving you this artbook.

Shu: By knowing what kind of works that I find pleasing, you may gain a greater understanding of my perspective.

Shu: If you do so, you will be able to grasp my ideal stage, won’t you?

Shu: Both parties should be able to foresee its actualization. It’s an important part of any collaboration.

Shu: However, the world of art is not something you can fully comprehend overnight. At the very least, I hope it will broaden your horizons.

Shu: You seem to like it. ...Hm, do your best.

Shu: However, you are more enthusiastic than I expected. Well, it’s good to see you in high spirits.

Shu: Now then, let’s get started on the Feature Live meeting right away.

Shu: Hm? What do I want to do for the photo for the brochure?

Shu: ...Regarding that, how about a photoshoot in Paris?

Shu: Even though I come back here from time to time, my main base of operations at the moment is essentially in Paris.

Shu: In which case, it would make sense to take my candids there. Above all, it allows me, Shu Itsuki, to demonstrate my strengths as an artist.

Shu: You need to confirm your schedule?

Shu: ...You can sneak into my group exhibitions with Kagehira, but you’re unable to spontaneously accept my invitations?

Shu: There’s no need to worry. I’ll at least act as your guide over there.

Shu: Didn’t I say we are going to work on this stage together? This time, I’ll have you accompany me to the very end.

Shu: To spread the word—so that we may enlighten the entire world on the existence of the artist known as Shu Itsuki.