Neverland - Return to Neverland 4

[iridesenescence]

Writer: Akira
Season: Summer
Location: Time Street

Translated by yoroshikilled, proofread by haranami


[Nearly an hour later.]

Wataru: – Hello hello hello! This is your very own Hibiki Wataru speaking!
Ah? I’m not yours? Please refrain from saying such cold things, dear Princess, is there truly no room for me in that heart of yours?!
Fufufu. Yes yes, you don’t like it when I behave so obsequiously, do you?
fine is currently standing at the tip-top of the world; we must have pride, boasting that we are kings who bow at no one’s request!
... That’s not it? Mm-mm. You're saying that I don't belong to you, I belong to Eichi?
It appears that we aren't on the same page. Ahh, these normal acts of communication that everyone can conduct as easily as breathing are far more difficult than any form of art could ever be!
That is where I fall short as an idol; I'd very much like to do something to bridge that gap!
So that I might understand and be understood as any normal human being is, who must I study beneath? Who must I learn from?
... Mm? I only find it difficult due to my own lack of experience? I should come to your house to share a meal so that I may get more used to such things?
No, no, I must refuse. As I have said countless times, I am not boorish enough to intrude on a family’s personal time.
Additionally, I know nothing of the etiquette necessary to dine with those of the upper class, and I would loathe to inadvertently do something discourteous.
Yes, I have played such roles during my time in theater, so I do have some knowledge...
However, I am not so naive as to think that what is known and common sense on stage would apply to reality.
And on top of all this, you and Butler-san intend to move into Starmony Dorms soon enough, correct?
Once you do, the time you are able to spend with your family will greatly diminish; that is why I wish not to intrude upon your happy little bubble.
Ah, it wouldn’t be an intrusion? Because I, along with the rest of fine, are also part of your family? Amazing! It pleases me greatly to hear you say such a thing, Princess.



Wataru: In fact, I am so moved by your words it is as if my eyes were the Niagara Falls themselves! How it vexes me so that I am unable to show you myself!
You may not know this, however, but I really do display crude behavior before people I am fully comfortable with; are you truly alright with that?
I do such impolite things without even pretending that they're merely in jest — even Rei, who allows nearly anything without a fuss, has seriously scolded me with a straight face!
Ah? You’d like to see me do so? And you think all of my fans and everyone else would as well?
Hm... Asking me to do that is akin to requesting to see what the most well-dressed person looks like under their clothing, you know?
Well, if that is your wish, then I suppose I shan't protest any further.
But if nudity truly is the epitome of beauty, I wonder why we decorate ourselves with so many kinds of clothing and accessories– For what reason does art even exist when we do?



Wataru: ... Fufu. We’ve spoken for quite a while now. I am quite reluctant to say goodbye, but I am more reluctant to take up any more of your time.
Yes, I shall enjoy myself in my own way over the break. Don’t worry too much, please.
Give my regards to Butler-san as well, if you would. I hope your reality remains as sweet as your dreams, Princess. ♪
.......
(Fufufu. Perhaps this is the result of how we’ve been spending many of our Eichi Days together recently, but...
The Princess has become quite attached to me– or rather, he tries to engage me in innocent exchanges so often that it’s perplexed me somewhat.
I am rather inexperienced with such things. I’m certain the others of our Eccentric band are as befuddled as I as they live their respective lives.
We, who were estranged from other humans, have been given a place of belonging in this world at the end of our misfortunate lot in life...
And as if we are beings who don't know the ways of the world, we are living our days in discomfiture.
Ahhh, living as a normal human certainly is difficult, isn’t it?
Even though we Eccentrics transcended humanity and are heralded as geniuses who can do absolutely anything...)



Shu: –What is the meaning of this?!

Wataru: (Oooh? They do say “speak of the devil and he shall appear” — who should appear but Shu the very moment I think of us five?
Quite the interesting direction you’ve taken this play, God!
Shouting with such a reddened face in a public area such as this– What has gotten into my beloved old friend?)



Mika: Nnah? Don’t be maaad, Oshi-san! I mean, ‘course ya’d be angry, but I’ve really been tryin’ m'best to think of somethin' — it's just that nothin's comin' to me!

Shu: Don’t. That doesn’t matter right now! While that is a problem all on its own, the bigger one is your inability to do a single thing without my say-so! Can you even move your pinky without my direction?!

Mika: Nnah?! It ain’t like that, I stopped bein’ a doll like that~!
Oshi-san, I’m becomin’ a human just like ya wanted me t–

Shu: Non! Simply repeating “Oshi-san Oshi-san” endlessly, you have built the very concept of your human life around me– Just what part of you is human?!
You disappoint me, Kagehira! I know it is difficult for people to change, but I hoped you of all people would differ!
And, believing in that, I released you from God’s curse, thinking you would become an artist who would choose your path with your own two hands!
What is this, then?! What is this unsightly display?!
Ahh, I should have never returned! I should have simply stayed in that far off land, where I’d be happy to merely dream of your growth instead!

Mika: Nnaaaah?! S-Sorry, I’m sorry Oshi-san!

Wataru: (Mmm~? What’s going on, some sort of lover’s spat?
Is that our Shu, who cares much more about appearances than anyone else, kicking up such a fuss without a single care of who is audience to it, right in the middle of downtown...?)

Shu: Forget it! I’m going back to Paris! Rather than spend the week here with the likes of you, I’d rather be on a plane, doing something significant with my time, such as needlework!

Mika: Nnaaaah, ya probably ain’t gonna be sewin’ on the airplane — it’d bother the people around yaaaa~? An' I wish ya wouldn’t say yer goin’ back, Oshi-saaan!

Wataru: (... I cannot say I know what’s going on. But if I see my friend is troubled for some reason, then I am obliged to lend my aid, am I not?
As it would be unforgivable to intrude upon the world they share, privy only to the two of them, I shall "meddle" as I please during my freetime from the sidelines, watching dedicatedly in secret. ♪)