iridesenescence

Chapter 1:
Writer: Yuumasu
Location: Reception Room
Season: Summer
Outfits: Spring-Summer casual for both Rei and Tsumugi
Proofread by Rei and Blake

Rei: Good grief, we’ve finally been freed from the Summit. Being confined for so long has caused my rear to hurt.

Tsumugi: It was a long meeting, wasn’t it, Rei-kun?
Could you pass those documents you have over to me? I’m collecting them back for processing in the shredder.

Rei: I don’t mind, but... Why are you taking it upon yourself to clean things up, Aoba-kun? ES’ staff will take care of these, even if you simply leave them on the table.

Tsumugi: Yes, I’m aware. I don’t distrust them, but this is technically classified information... Besides, it isn’t that much extra work for me, so I don’t mind handling it.

Rei: Mm, I see. You’re certainly worthy of respect, Aoba-kun.

Tsumugi: Fufu, I think you’re far more worthy of respect, though. I would often catch you sleeping during previous Summit sessions, but you’ve been wide awake for the latest few.
Have you had some change of heart?

Rei: No, it’s nothing of the sort... I simply received a lecture from Hasumi-kun about how it serves as an important platform to discuss the resolution of various issues, so it’s no place to be napping.
“Do something to help those within your reach...” he says... And, well, not even I can turn a blind eye to such a reprimand.
But having said that, whether I am awake or asleep, the fact remains that Summit amounts to little more than a town council trying to manage all parties’ interests, or what have you. I fail to see any point in keeping myself conscious for it.
Take today’s point of discussion, for one. “Let’s hold an event that spans across all agencies to liven up the entirety of ES”, they said...
And of course, they glorified this dream-like proposition, claiming it would bring happiness to all and bestow equal benefits upon each agency.
However, if you properly think it through, that’s far from the truth — it’s most lucrative to StarPro. This plan isn’t as fair as it seems. Of course, this was proposed by Tenshouin-kun, and I have no intention of voicing any objections at this point, but...
I simply can’t stomach the idea of dancing around in the palm of Tenshouin-kun’s hand.

Tsumugi: Well... Even if we’ve seen through their ulterior motives, we can’t do much other than go along with it. I’m sure Ibara-kun was fully aware of what he was agreeing to as well.
Eichi-kun does some pretty awful things with a smile on his face, doesn’t he~? But at the end of the day, everything should go alright.
And on the off chance that a problem does arise, StarPro did say that they would take full responsibility as well. So I’d say the best course of action here would be to stay silent and obey.

Rei: I wonder if that is truly so...

Tsumugi: Mmhm, it is. Why not look at these flowers to soothe your emotions?

Rei: Hm. Those are azaleas, correct?

Tsumugi: Yes, Anzu-chan brought them along when she came for the Summit meeting.
These really bring me back~ As a child, I would often suck on the nectar from azaleas when I was hungry.
Though, I was a lot less inclined to after I found out there were some poisonous varieties.

Rei: Well, it’s said that beautiful things contain poison.
Azaleas... That calls to mind memories of Hasumi-kun’s home. The azaleas in their garden are truly splendid.
I was taught, among other things, that bright red azaleas in full bloom are described as “burning azaleas”.

Tsumugi: Now that you mention it, there were azaleas planted in that garden. Unfortunately, when I went to visit, they weren't in bloom.
But if you’re speaking so highly of them, I'm sure those azaleas in full bloom must be a sight to behold. One day, I'd love to see them too.

Rei: Oh? Have you been to the Hasumi residence as well, Aoba-kun?
It served well as our playground, for all the times we played sword-fighting and hide-and-seek.
After growing up, we’ve completely stopped, but they make for some fond memories.

Tsumugi: Fufu, if the leaders of Undead and Akatsuki were to play a game of hide-and-seek, it would create quite a stir.

Rei: If you mean that in a positive way, then perhaps it would be worth attempting sometime. This is what they call “gap moe”, no? ♪

Tsumugi: Fufu. I, for one, would love to see it happen~ I wonder what Keito-kun would have to say about it?

Rei: Mm... I wonder how he would react if he were to find out about this upcoming plan as well. Would his expression sour as he realises that we’ve been had?
Ah, I suspect I would be on the receiving end of an admonishment that goes something like, “Did you not raise any objections despite being present?”
......
... Kukuku. If Tenshouin-kun is that desperate to acquire benefits for StarPro, then there’s nothing for it.
Perhaps it’s time the rest of us lent a hand to further publicise ES ♪

Tsumugi: Oh? Sounds like you’ve thought of a fun idea. I’m just glad your mood seems to have lifted.
No matter what comes your way, always remember to smile...
Wait, “the rest of us”? Would that include me as well?

Rei: But of course. Let’s dub this, Operation “Burning Azaleas”... ♪