summer vacation - prologue

[mandytl]

Location: Tropical Sandy Beach

 

Eichi: Can we talk for a moment, Sakuma-kun?

 

Rei: ... ohh. Here I thought the sun's rays had suddenly grown stronger. So it was just you, Tenshouin-kun.

 

Eichi: Fufu. It's not like I'm capable of emitting such a brilliant shine anymore. After surrendering the Emperor's throne during the revolution, I'm no longer fit to be the shining sun of Yumenosaki Academy. 

 

Rei: What an erroneous statement. After all, no matter what you are called, is there truly any remarkable difference when it comes to a star's scathing brilliance?  

 

Eichi: Quite profound for someone who cycles through different personas so often.

 

Anyhow; have you seen the outline of a vessel along the horizon yet?

 

Rei: No such luck here. Gaze at the sea as I may, nothing seems to change; all there is are the gentle waves. This is, perhaps, an isolated island, separated from other islands and even the continent itself —

 

Eichi: What's more, it seems deserted.

 

The younger, more energetic children of our group made their way around the island, but they didn't discover a single sign of civilization, neither people nor buildings. 

 

My high-end smartphone is out of range, naturally. There isn't much else we can do right now. 

 

We'll have to hold on until help arrives. Preserving as much stamina as possible by not moving would be our best bet.

 

Rei: Well, they must surely be exhausting every avenue they have in order to send aid, considering the ship that wrecked was carrying a son of the distinguished Tenshouin family.

 

Help will surely come if we wait.

 

Eichi: Fufu. It should be a breath of fresh air for you... Do you now know how it feels to be so pitiful that you must wait, weak and helpless, for someone bigger to step in?

 

Rei: Hmm. All things considered, this could be a rich experience.

 

Eichi: It could. Surviving on a deserted island is the sort of experience you can't buy, no matter how much money you lay down. So let's enjoy ourselves all we can and use it thrive.

 

Rei: You're quite the positive one. As you should be; it's better for young men to be that way... ♪

 

Yuzuru: ... ah. I do apologize for interrupting your conversation.

 

But lunch is ready, so if you would, please make for the hotel.

 

Eichi: Geez. And after I finally had the chance to have some fun with Sakuma-kun. We were having a delusional discussion about what it might be like to be washed up on a deserted island. 

 

Have you ever read the "Two Years' Vacation", Yuzuru? 

 

I adored scenarios like that in the past. Every little boy must've shared that same dream. ♪

 

Yuzuru: I beg your pardon, but I believe that the "Lord of the Flies" is a title more suitable for this situation when it comes to you two.

 

Eichi: Such a foul mouth.

 

What do you think, Sakuma-kun? My children are so cute and disrespectful, aren't they? ♪

Rei: Kukuku. Mine are more than capable of winning in the disrespect department. ♪ 

 

Yuzuru: ... the atmosphere between you two is surprisingly congenial. I was worried that it'd be a bit more threatening.

 

Eichi: Today's our day off, after all. Being an adult means being a professional. It means enjoying your private life with even your adversary: dining together, engaging in hobbies... It's quite common for businessmen, you could say.

 

The people of this country have a hard time stepping into those shoes.

 

Yuzuru: With all due respect, to use the expression "this country" while we're in a foreign land seems rather inconsistent.

Eichi: Oh, touché. ♪

 

Yuzuru: There's that peevish, inelegant side of you that surfaces on occasion.

 

It's absolutely fine to act this way on your day off, but please refrain from making such remarks on stage.

 

Eichi: Yeah, yeah — I knooo~w. I'll be careful from now on.

 

Since we're idols we have to abstain from doing anything that'll make someone uncomfortable.

 

Not that I can change how I am, though. I suppose I really am gloomy... aren't I, Sakuma-kun?

 

Rei: Indeed. You're nothing but, what with the way you like to repeat my past statements until the end of time.  

 

...  more importantly, we ought to be quick about heading back.

 

The young ones are sure to polish off our food if we don't.

 

Ah... — there's a splendid scent of meat wafting this way. Perhaps it was Adonis-kun's turn to prepare lunch.

 

Eichi: Meat, huh... will I be able to eat something so heavy during the daytime?

 

Well, I should still eat plenty for the energy. We're going to be on this fun, tropical island trip for 4 days and 3 nights. It'd be a shame if I were exhausted in the middle of it.

 

Rei: Indeed. We've got to take care of ourselves in this environment we're unaccustomed to.

 

... this is one of your plans, after all, Tenshouin-kun. I wouldn't be surprised if some wicked undertaking keeps us from enjoying our trip til the very end.

 

Having us collapse midway and give up before the fight would spoil the fun, you know.

 

Eichi: Fufu. There's no need to look so fierce. I'm pleased to know you expect so much of me, but unfortunately this trip wasn't my idea.

 

Yuzuru and Anzu-chan worked together to construct the itinerary. 

 

I believe it'll be a peaceful trip from the beginning til the end, since neither of them are the type to include any surprises.

 

Rei: Awww, how boring. So much for being cautious.

 

— ... is how it'll be when we let our guard down and you murder us in our sleep. Others may be handling the work, but that doesn't mean you couldn't have meddled in the meantime.

 

Eichi: Who can say.

 

No matter how much you distrust me, the suspect must always be given the benefit of the doubt. You won't act unless I do my worst, anyway, since you're always so fair and kind.

 

That's your weakness, and I won't hesitate to strike you while you're down, you know. I'm sure you're well aware of that, Sakuma-kun. 

 

Rei: Of course. Still, no matter what you're scheming... 

 

In the end, I'll be humming a tune after I crush you and your tears are streaming into a pillow.

 

Eichi: My, how scary. You're Sakuma Rei of the "Five Eccentrics" even to this day.

 

Anyhow. Once again: I look forward to our short time together, Sakuma-kun... — no, everyone in UNDEAD. ♪

 

Rei: Likewise. Let's have a most glorious time, gentlemen of fine. ♪

 

Yuzuru: Those two... They seemed so cheerful on the surface, but I suppose sparks really were flying in secret.