Wataru Hibiki - Two Shows

[iridesenescence]

Writer: Suika
Season: Summer
Location: In front of the station


Nagisa: (... I seem to have arrived earlier than expected for today's job.)
(... Hiyori-kun and Jun are being held up at their previous job, and I think Ibara is still in a meeting.)
(... I suppose I can make my way to the venue early... Hm?)
(... That's strange; a crowd has gathered in front of the station. Is there some event happening here?)

Wataru: Now then, if you would please watch my hands... ☆

Nagisa: (... I know this voice.)


Wataru: One, two, Amazing! From out of nowhere, a bouquet of flowers!

Nagisa: (... I was right, it is Wataru-kun. He's as impressive as always.)
(... But I wonder why he's performing sleight of hand in a place like this?)

Wataru: And next, we have...
Oh? Ohoho~? To think I would meet you here, of all places!

Nagisa: ......?

Wataru: Yes, you who just turned around! I am speaking to you!

Nagisa: ... Are you perhaps referring to myself?


Wataru: Of course! Who else could I be referring to but you, my dear friend Ran Nagisa-kun ☆
Come, take my hand! You're cordially invited to join my performance.

Nagisa: (... The audience have all turned to look at me.)
(... They don't seem to believe it's pure coincidence that I'm here.)
(... It's likely that they think this interaction is staged as well.)
(... I became a cast member of this performance the moment he called out to me, huh... In that case,)

Nagisa: ... It will be my pleasure to accept, my friend.

Wataru: Fufufu, that's the spirit...! Everyone, let's have a big round of applause for him, if you would please!

Nagisa: (Whispering) ... Wataru-kun, why are you performing sleight of hand at a place like this?

Wataru: (Whispering) Fufufu. Your first question to me is not about what you should be doing, but instead about the meaning of my actions... How very typical of you.
(Whispering) However, that won't do right now.
(Whispering) You've already stepped up onto the stage. The audience are eagerly awaiting our show — it is only right that we play the roles of the jesters to the best of our ability ♪

Nagisa: (Whispering) ... I suppose you're right.
(Whispering) ... What they wish to see is entertainment that rouses something in them.
(Whispering) ... Our duty right now is to meet the audience's expectations of us... Not to dispel the doubts I harbour.

Wataru: Exactly right. It's wonderful that you catch on quick!
Now then, while it may only be improvised, let us make this a merry performance together... ☆

Nagisa: ... Yes. Just as we've done once before, let's render the audience unable to tear their eyes away from us.

[Scene cut]
Wataru: Fufufu ♪ That was a hit of a performance, wasn't it!
Once again, you have my thanks for agreeing to join me, Nagisa-kun. That was great fun ☆

Nagisa: ... No, that should be my line.
... Thanks to your invitation, I was given the valuable opportunity to assist with sleight of hand.

Wataru: If you enjoyed that, how would you like to join me up on an even larger stage in the future?
Just as I expected, you truly have a knack for this. Every action of yours was perfectly and thoughtfully executed.
Even though nothing was planned or discussed beforehand, you would immediately pick up on the trick I was intending to do and provide assistance.
I must say, it's been a while since I've last been able to execute such a comfortable performance.

Nagisa: ... I was learning as we went along, but I'm glad to hear you say that.
... I kept thinking about what you would be most likely to do in each situation.
... After all, it's not our first time performing alongside each other.

Wataru: Are you thinking back on our experience in the JNLC? It's true that I performed sleight of hand a few times during our rehearsals, but...

Nagisa: ... You centred today's performance around the tricks you showed me in those instances, didn't you?

Wataru: My, so you did notice.
Having said that, memorising a trick and being able to provide effective support for it are two very different things.
This performance went as smoothly as it did thanks to your ability, Nagisa-kun.
Though, I believe even you were somewhat bewildered by the tricks you saw for the first time today!

Nagisa: ... Yes, I wasn't quite able to figure out how you made those objects float.

Wataru: Well, I wouldn't be a very good sleight of hand artist if the tricks of my trade were so easy to understand ☆
Though you might have joined me up on stage as a performer, you're also a member of the audience in my eyes.

Nagisa: ... I see. So I was right to think you had other motives.
... For one, the true meaning behind this show.

Wataru: Mm? What do you mean by that?
... Ha, I jest — I suppose there's no fooling you.
Then, say I stand guilty as charged. Would you be willing to share the deductions you've made?

Nagisa: ... Knowing you, there is indeed a chance that you would start a show on the streets out of the blue.
... However, today, I sensed from you the intent to prolong this performance.

Wataru: Is that so? I simply hoped to satisfy our audience by presenting them with the best show possible.

Nagisa: ... To me, it looked like you were waiting for something.
... And the answer lay within the audience. Your gaze was directed at a certain area in the crowd several times.
... And I believe that child was the whole reason you began this performance.
... That lost child who was just reunited with their parents a little while ago.

Wataru: I see. So to summarise,
I, Hibiki Wataru, chanced upon a child who had been separated from their parents in front of the station, and put on this performance to stop their tears.

Nagisa: ... And by continuing to perform, you gathered a crowd, allowing the parents to find their child.
... The proof lies in the fact that you ended this performance once you had seen the child reunite with their parents.


Wataru: Amazing! You never fail to impress, Nagisa-kun ☆
To think you managed to figure out so much despite receiving absolutely no explanation... Really, it's enough to surprise even me!
You might be surprisingly good at detective work, you know?

Nagisa: ... I'm not sure about that. I'm still not used to picking up on the subtleties of verbal communication.
... I think this was only possible because it was with you, Wataru-kun.


Wataru: Oh my, isn't that flattering to hear ♪
Then as thanks for helping in my show and even putting on a deduction show, allow me to do something for you in return, Nagisa-kun.

Nagisa: ... I didn't assist you with the intention to gain something, though.

Wataru: Come now, don't say such things! What's a little give and take between us, mm?
What would you say to, perhaps...
— Spending time with me until it's time to head for your next job?


Nagisa: ... Huh. I'm impressed you could tell that I have time to spare.

Wataru: Fufufu, I daresay this was also only possible with you, Nagisa-kun ☆
Now then, I can't wait to see where you will bring me!
Or shall I be the one to escort you?
... Whichever it is, I guarantee that we'll have a fantastic time ♪