THAT KIND OF LOVE

"Family shall be at peace!!"

Living under the same roof, eating together, and playing in a band.

That's what "family" is.

Grandma always said, "As long as you've got family, life's the best."

I've always believed that. As long as I have my family, I...

"Nest," I'm back!!

Whoa~ You guys are on fire today!

My family's doing great too! We had hot rice and a big bowl of hearty miso soup for breakfast...

Hey, Raika, is this gonna be another long story?

You better get started, or the regulars are gonna say you're talking too much again~

Ahaha, sorry! I just can't help talking about you guys!

Honestly... you really need to tone down the family bragging.

Aww~ that's just how she is! Come on, where does the essence of a family lie?

In the band!!

Now then... It's time to begin, my family.

Tonight, let's fill the air with love and peace!!

Ahaha! This is so much fun! You guys are having fun too, right!?

Let's keep this energy going all the way to the last song~~~!!

Hey, how long are you gonna keep messing around over there? Get over here and help clean up~

Aww...

*Peek*... *Peek*...

Okay... no sign of anyone on my people radar...! Now's my chance to make some tea...

Yomogi! There you are!!

Gyaaaah! It appeared~~~~!!

"It appeared"...? We were just working together!

P-Please don't talk to me... There's no one here~!

Um... I, Chieri, am standing right in front of you! Look at me when I'm talking to you.

I-I can't! Too scary! Please spare me...!

What a disobedient subordinate...! In that case...

Gyaaaaah! Don't look into my eyes! My heart feels like it's being twisted apart~~!

H-Hey, Yomogi! Don't run away...

Cherie! Yomogi~~!! I told you to meet me at the stage after work~~!

Aaaah!?

Huh? Did something just hit the door...?

Huh!? Yomogi, why are you on the floor!?

Raika, nice one! You stopped Yomogi for Chieri, didn't you?

Ugh... Why am I always so unlucky...

Huh? What's wrong? Are you hurt? Let me take a look!

Gyaaaah!! T-Too close! My heart's gonna jump right out of my chest!!

Y-Your heart...!? Oh no! We need to get you to a hospital, now!

Come on, Yomogi, hop on! I'll carry you piggyback!

Th-That's not what I meant~~!!

You two have some nerve, ignoring Chieri like that!

Chieri was amazing today! I cleaned, ate dinner, and even got the bath ready!

Thanks to Chieri, you get to enjoy a sparkling clean, piping-hot bath! You're allowed to cry tears of gratitude, you know!

No way!? That's amazing, Cherie! Wait... you ate dinner too?

I did. Well? Starting to respect me now?

But I said we were supposed to wait and eat together as a family~~!

And the band too! "The essence lies in the band!" Remember!?

There it is... the weird family theory...!

Chieri doesn't remember ever signing up for this "family."

From the moment you came to this house, you two became my precious family!

Sleeping at the same home every day, eating together, and playing in a band. That's what family is all about!

...

See? So come play in a band with me!

That's not the point...

We already told you we're not doing it~~~~!!

A student dorm...? You're looking for one now? After the new term's already started?

Yes. My dad got transferred unexpectedly... So I need to find a place as soon as possible.

But it's been hard to find a dorm with a furnished single room...

I see... Yeah, dorms for high school students can be especially hard to find.

Have you considered a boarding house? It can feel like having a "second family," so I'd definitely recommend it.

Uh...

That's a great point, but... I'd rather live somewhere I can be independent.

I see... You seem very mature.

All right, let me see what we have that fits what you're looking for. Just a moment, please.

Okay. Thank you.

*Sigh*...

("A second family," huh... Other places have said similar things.)

("The manager will be like a parent," or "a cozy dorm where you'll build lifelong friendships..." I've heard it all before.)

(That students... kids... are better off with close bonds to the people around them, so they can feel safe and secure.)

(Sorry, but I don't want any of that.)

(Actually, that's exactly what I'm trying to get away from. I'm already sick of my parents and my family as it is.)

(I'm finally going to live on my own. Why would I choose to go through all that again...?)

Sorry to keep you waiting. With your requirements, there's only one student dorm available.

Thanks for the brochure♪ Um... "P-Stay..."

It comes with a furnished single room. That said... support for students is pretty minimal.

You could say it values independence, which may be why it hasn't had many residents...

Independence...! I see. So that's why the rent is so cheap...

I'll take it!

R-Really? Are you sure?

Yes! This is exactly what I've been looking for!

(The conditions are perfect. I might even be able to support myself. And most importantly...)

(The life I've always wanted is waiting for me here.)

This is the one for me! "P-Stay!"

(At last... my life without "family" is about to begin!)

Um... Where am I supposed to pick up the dorm key?

I think I pinned it on the map...

(Oh... It's from Mother.)

Miku-chan, have you arrived at the dorm?

Let me know when you arrive. Your father and Hiro-kun will be worried, you know.

Worried, huh...

Thank you! I'll let you know once I arrive at the dorm and finish unpacking🍀

(<r=My>My</r> <r=father>father-in-law</r> and <r=brother>brother-in-law</r> will not be worried about me anyway.)

(Actually, even mother...)

The move... That's quite far away.

Apparently, the club team that scouted Hiro-kun has their home ground there.

This time, we can live in a big detached house, and we've also found a new school for you.

I heard that the school provides plenty of support for both studies and extracurricular activities...

...

It was so sudden, so you must have been surprised.

But... we have too many painful memories in this town, right? So I think this is a good opportunity.

From now on, I won't let you suffer anymore, Miku-chan. So feel free to rely on Mama.

Because you're also my child, Miku-chan.

(She probably wants to be more like a family, and more like a mother to me.)

(But I'm already...)

(My happiness... I'll just seize it on my own.)

(From today on, I won't be pushed around by "family" anymore. A quiet, peaceful new life begins now.)

Hehe...

! Ahem...

Um... Right, pick up the key. The place is...

Huh, underground?

Live house "Roarin' Nest..." It's here, but...

...

*Inhale*... *Exhale*... Okay...

Hey!! Excuse me!

(That scared me... A woman in a suit... some kind of salesperson...?)

Hello, are you interested in being an idol!?

Huh? Um, who are you?

Oh, sorry! I'm from the idol division of Neuland Music.

You have a great face and a great figure. I'm sure you'll make a wonderful idol!

(Sounds suspicious...)

Oh! Are you already signed to an agency!?

Well, no, but...

Oh, good! Then please be our idol...

Argh~~~~!! You came here again!?

Huh?

Not you, the one in the suit! Stay away from her! Come over here!

Whoa!? Hey, don't pull me...!

Stay behind me!

(Ugh... What's going on here...!?)

First you tried to take away my "home," and now you're messing with this girl... You demon!!

Demon...!? I'm just making proposals that would make every one of you happy!

Whoa~ You're lying! You only think about yourself~!

Besides, you don't know what makes her happy! Only she knows!

!

And my happiness is living and laughing with my "family" at my "home!" I've already said that before!

Family... How many times are you going to say that?

I'll keep saying that until you understand, Ms. Demon~!

If it's for the sake of my family's smiles, I'll become Issun-bōshi or Momotarō! Whatever it takes!!

...

Got it? Now go home! Here! Demons out~! Fortune in~!

~~~! Don't think I'll just back down like this!

*Sigh*... Seriously, don't come back again~

Hey...

Oh, are you okay!? Did she say anything weird to you!?

Yeah, I was asked if I'm interested in being an idol...

But I didn't know how to refuse her. Thank you very much♪

Ahaha, you're welcome! It's just that I don't like her!

Huh, is that so~ Well then, I'll be going now.

Wait, you came to our live house for something, right?

Huh? Yeah, I came to pick up the dorm key...

Ah~~!! You're Miku-chan! Right!? I was waiting for you~~!

We're the same age! Can I call you Miku?

(Whoa, she's overly familiar...!)

Oh! You're carrying a guitar case! It looks quite old, was it a gift from someone?

Th-This is...!

This guitar... It's love.

Huh...?

It's the same as my "home!" It was raised with care and then passed on to you. Right?

A-Anyway... Are you the manager?

Oh, no, not me! Just come in first!

Fortune in~! I'll carry your luggage, pass it to me!

Huh, um...

(Wh-What's up with this girl...!?)

Okay, there we go! I'll put your luggage here.

Sorry, thank you very much~

It's fine, I just wanted to do it!

Huh...? That's strange. She was right here a moment ago...

I have her number, so I'll give her a call.

Oh, that person never answers the phone. I'll find her.

And I have something to show you~! So please wait here!

*Sigh*...

(Maybe today is an unlucky day...?)

(First I got approached by a suspicious adult, and then I ran into a pushy girl who won't listen to me.)

(I just came here to pick up the key though...)

Hey there. You're Uma-something-san, right?

Uma...? Oh no, I'm Mahashi. Miku Mahashi.

Oh, yeah, okay. I'm the deputy manager of the dorm and this place. My name is Yori Kanno~ Please call me the deputy manager.

Deputy manager?

Yeah. The manager's off traveling abroad right now. That powerful hyperactive old lady really works people hard...

Well, ask Raika for the details. This place and the dorm basically belong to her.

Excuse me, who's this "Raika-san...?"

Huh? The girl who brought you here. What, you two haven't even introduced yourselves?

Ahaha... sorry. Then, could I have the dorm key?

As I said, you should ask Raika for that~

Okay, where is Raika-san now...?

Stage.

Miku~~ Sorry for the wait~~~!

Huh... Guitar...?

You two, hurry to the stage too!

Argh, seriously!! You're just tall and get in the way! Don't block Chieri's path!

Gyaaah! Don't push, don't push me!! I'm gonna get pushed off the wing...!

Yomogi, you're playing from there again today? You should come out~

Playing here is already my limit...

Then keep playing all gloomy over there! Chieri's gonna have all the stage lights!

Ta-da!! Here comes the leader of the Chieri Union, Chieri Umezato!

A big round of applause is more than welcome!

(Union? Leader? What's that? So childish...)

Hehe, speechless before my overwhelming aura, are you? Well, it happens. That's what they call being intimidated.

You're so cool, Cherie~~! That's the spirit! I'm counting on your drumming today too!

Chieri's the only one who can handle this massive instrument! So Chieri'll do it for you!

Ugh~ How can you be positive so easily...!?

Yomogi, you're awesome too! You're standing 2 centimeters closer to the stage than last time!

Th-That's because Cherie-san keeps pushing me forward...!

At first I managed to avoid being in the band, but then Cherie-san betrayed me...

And if Raika-san hadn't said that, I wouldn't be doing this...!

Huh? What? Yomogi, say it more loudly!

No no no, nothing! I didn't say anything~~!!

(I dunno... The air coming from the stage wing is weird.)

(Actually, what's this?)

Ahaha, glad to see you're fine! Well then, Miku, please hear us out for one song.

This is my family!

(Whoa...)

(The sound's a total mess. No one's listening to anyone else.)

(Well, that makes sense, considering their conversation just now.)

(But...)

♪

Huh...

Okay, good work. Please turn off the power and lock the door~

(Wait, why was I made to watch that live show?)

(I just came here to get the key, right? I didn't come here to watch some rare animals' talent show.)

(She disappeared immediately after the live... Seriously, it's so stressful...!)

Oh, there you are! Miku~~~~!!

How was the live? Was it cool? Did you enjoy it?

Uh...

...♪

It was amazing~ Your band really has some unique members.

Ahaha, that's true~! We're always like that, making a huge fuss.

Cherie was the first to get on stage and looked so happy yesterday, and Yomogi got 2 centimeters closer to the stage today.

Something new happens every day, and it's so much fun!

Hehe, I'm starting to get it, somehow~

Hey, relax! We're the same age, so let's talk casually!

(Why should I chat with you casually?)

Hehe, thank you~ In that case, I'll gratefully accept♪

Yeah, that's good!

Alright, I'll take you to "P-Stay!" Leave your luggage to me!

Okay, let's go!

Huh!? Wait, my hand...!

(You don't need to come with me, you know...!!)

Here we are! This is "P-Stay!"

Huh... Here?

(It's more like a detached house than a dorm...)

Three minutes on foot from the live house! Or thirty seconds if you run! Great place, right~?

Alright, I'll open the door. This is our home~!

Our... home...!?

You finally made it! The newcomer for the Chieri Union!!

Ugh... My heart's not ready...!

Hey, Yomogi! Stop hiding behind Chieri and stand up straight!

Oh, you are...

Yes! You've met these two on the stage!

The one standing there confidently is Cherie, our drummer. She's a first-year at Haneoka, the same school as me!

I'm not Cherie, I'm Chieri!

The one giving you a modest welcome is Yomogi, our bassist! She's the only college student here, and she came from Hokkaido.

...

Come on, Yomogi, introduce yourself!

Ugh... Hey!! I'm Yomogi Yakura!! 18 years old!! I'm taking a voluntary leave of absence from college now!!

Ahahaha! You suddenly talked loudly! Yomogi, you're so funny~!

Ugh... I was laughed at again...

And I'm Raika Suga, I do guitar and vocals! We're both guitarists, so let's get along!

Cherie, Yomogi. This is Miku Mahashi-chan! She's our new "family member," and will live with us from today!

...

(Are, are you kidding me...? I never heard about this.)

(Living together in a whole house... with these wild animals...)

This person was intimidated by Chieri's aura earlier and couldn't even say a word, right?

I know that Chieri's amazing, but if you're always in wimp mode, you'll never be a proper subordinate!

Subordinate...

Cherie, she's not your subordinate, she's our "family~!"

That's just you saying that on your own, Raika! Chieri hasn't approved!

Listen. The Chieri Union is an organization for Chieri! It's a group of people who recognize how amazing Chieri is!

It's only three now, but one day I'll gather a hundred million subordinates and make the whole world acknowledge Chieri!!

Wow~ No matter how many times I hear it, Cherie's dream is just so cool~!

Hehe, that's right! You can be proud as Chieri's subordinate, Raika!

Ahaha, but I'm not your subordinate!

Hmph... If you won't recognize it no matter what, then let's settle this! Today, I'll make you recognize the union!!

Oh, I'm gonna win again today, are you okay with that~?

I-I just ate a bit too much yesterday! I won't lose today!!

What'd you say~?

*Inhale*... *Exhale*...

It's okay, I can do this if I really try...! And I just did a mental rehearsal with "Onishigu...!"

I'll talk to the newcomer, and today, I'll transform into a manly super-strong person...!

Mi, Mi, Mi, Mi, Miku-saaaan!!!

Huh!? Wh-what do you want...?

Gyaaaah!! We, we made eye contact~~~!!

I'm so sorry for even speaking to someone as sparkling as you! Please don't look at this bottom-tier human~~!!

Huh!? Yomogi, where are you going!?

I just can't do this, I can't even try. I'll just stay weak forever... Ouch!!

Ugh~ There's a towel on my escape route... I've got no courage, no luck, no good fortune at all...!!

Ahaha. I see, you just wanted to be friends with Miku~

I was being laughed at again...

(There's someone who starts stupid, elementary-school-level squabbles...)

(And there's someone whose emotions are like a roller coaster...)

(Living with these people is the worst...!!)

(Anyway, I need to avoid them. If I make sure my daily rhythm is completely different from them, maybe I can...)

Honestly, Yomogi... We'll work part-time and play in a band together, what are you gonna do!?

Huh...?

It's okay, don't worry! We're together all the time except for school, so we'll get along right away!

Eating together, and playing in a band, we will be the best family in no time...

Wait. What do you mean by together all the time?

Huh? Because we're family starting today...

Not that. What about the part-time job and the band?

Working part-time at the live house, and playing in a band with us. Those are the requirements for moving into this dorm!

Both the part-time job and the band, we're always together! Starting today, we're a "family!"

...

Miku? Do you hear me, Miku~~?

Oh... Sorry, I spaced out for a second. But now I finally understand.

Apparently, this isn't the dorm I'll move into♪

Ahaha, nice joke~!

Look, I've got your documents, Miku. So this is the right place!

I guess you've got the wrong person♪ Bye.

(Living in a place like that, with those people!? Impossible, absolutely impossible!!)

(Especially what she said. Why...)

Mi~~ku~~~!!

Yikes!

Hey, please wait~~! Actually moving out is way too far~!

*Pant*, *Pant*... Could you stop following me~?

Why? We're family, so I'll follow you anywhere!

(Even though I left my "family" behind... Why...!!)

Yeah, gotcha!

...

Let's go back! To our family's love nest!

(Why do I have to live with someone who's talking about "family" all the time!?)

Okay, everyone's favorite Pockin'ice is here~! Let's eat together~!

Chieri will have a whole one.

No, you can't, because we only have two. Break them in half, and it's just enough for four of us.

Then please take mine... A person who can't even talk to the newcomer doesn't deserve to eat, so...

No~! It only tastes good because we share it.

Okay... It broke cleanly~ These are for Cherie and Yomogi... And this is for Miku!

Wow~ Thank you.

Alright everyone, put our hands together...

Let's eat~!

Let's... eat...

Hehe, how's that? Chieri said it first.

That was a false start! Alright, let's do it again!

No do-overs. And Yomogi has already started eating.

Huh~!? You should say "Let's eat" first, Yomogi! Greetings are the basics of family!

I-I said it...!!

Really? Sorry, I didn't hear it!

Well, can't undo it because you've already eaten. Then I'll start too, let's eat~

Let's eat... *Munch*...

(*Sigh*... This is the worst...)

(No matter how many times I check the documents, the property is correct, and my signature and my father's are both right there.)

(If I look closely, it actually says in the footnote at the bottom that working part-time at the live house is mandatory... And I missed it, I'm such an idiot.)

(There's also a note saying "people who can play an instrument preferred." I guess that means I'm supposed to play in a band with these girls...)

Mm~ Delicious~! Eating with family really makes it taste twice as good!

Raika-chan... Um... What does "family" mean?

Huh? It means exactly what it says.

Um... Does that mean we're bandmates? Or that... Living in the same dorm makes us family?

Both! A family should live together and play in a band together, right?

Hmm... I don't think I've really heard of that~

See! This whole "family" thing you talk about is definitely weird, Raika!

No, it's not~ We have our rules, they have theirs!

My family has been like this since I was living with Granny and others!

Your grandma and "others?"

Yeah. Me, Granny and her family... Oh, we were living with her band members together.

Huh... By the way, do you have a blood connection with those band members...?

No! The only one I'm connected to is Granny!

I see...

(So, they were just sharing rooms with a bunch of strangers, but they called that... a "family?")

This house and the live house are both Granny's, and I was born and raised here!

Until last year, I had been eating and playing in a band with Granny and others every day...

Granny and others said, "We should go on a tour around the world before we die☆ World tour, let's go!" and took off on their trip.

At that moment, I made up my mind. I decided to stay in Japan and create my own family!

So, I got the house and the live house passed on to me, and I turned it into a dorm last year!

Huh...

Ra... Raika-san, maybe you see it that way, but I kinda moved in thinking it was just a regular dorm...

Oh really? I've thought of everyone as family ever since you came to this dorm!

Eating, working part-time, and playing lives together every day... Just doing all that already makes us the best family ever!

Let's enjoy our peaceful family life of us four from today on!

(Ah, so for her, that's what "family" is.)

(This is the natural form of a family. A symbol of happiness. She grew up in a place that made her believe that.)

(I think that's fine... As long as I'm not involved.)

I... I can't do it...! I'll just end up causing trouble to everyone...!

Bring on the trouble! That's all part of being family!

...!

It's not okay at all! And besides, Chieri isn't your family...

There it is!!! Raika-san's Godo-kun move!!

Huh...? Godo... what?

Huh? Ah...

Whoaaaaa! It's nothing!! I'm definitely not talking about "Saga of the <r=Hagane>Steel-spirit </r>Bancho: Onishigure"!

Um... Is that a movie title or something?

Gyaaah!! I can't believe I blurted out stuff about the manga I treat as my bible... This is way too embarrassing...!

Hey, Yomogi! As the subordinate of Chieri, you shouldn't get flustered over something like this!

I-I-I'm sorry! When my heart is about to burst, I can't even stop myself...!

Yomogi, when that happens, just take a deep breath! Okay, breathe in~ breathe out~

Ugh... How embarrassing... I'm always like this...!

(This girl doesn't listen to people either... But she probably just doesn't have the mental space for it.)

(If you're mentally overwhelmed, you can't hear the voices around you, and you can't meet anyone's eyes either.)

(I know that, because I've seen people like that every single day.)

(Whether that person is in a bad mood today, whether she can talk calmly... I was always thinking about stuff like that...)

!

(Why am I thinking about this? I don't need to do that anymore.)

*Inhale*... *Exhale*...

I'm sorry, I'm fine now... I'm really sorry...

Yomogi, you apologize way too much! It's just a manga, isn't it?

J-Just... a manga...

(Ah~ Come on... She just calmed down, and you say that kind of thing...)

For Yomogi-san, it isn't just a "manga," right?

Huh?

I think I get it a little, from what you just said.

You got so emotional about it that you can't hold it in. It must be a really important work to you.

Th-Thank you very much!!

Oh, you don't have to thank me...

That line you just said is exactly like something Sayuri-chan would say. She's the heroine from volume 3 of "Saga of the Steel-spirit Bancho: Onishigure!" I'm so moved!!

Huh...?

Godo-kun never talks about himself to girls, but that day, somehow he told Sayuri-chan about his beloved car! That's a famous scene!

"Geez... Why did I talk about all that..." "That means it's that important to you. I get it."

That's the moment the two of them get much closer! I never imagined the same thing as "Onishigu" would happen to me...!!

I feel like, I can try a little harder now!!

Amazing! Yomogi's try-hard energy is fully charged!

Mmm... Just Raika and the newcomer...

Yomogi, please be as moved by Chieri's words as you were just now!

Yes! Huh...!? That might be a bit difficult...!

Wh-Why!? Chieri is so amazing!

Umm, if you say something like "Onishigu," maybe it can do, perhaps...!

Newcomer Miku! What kind of skill have you used?

Huh, I didn't do anything... I heard of the manga just now.

Ch-Chieri is also an amazing leader who cares about subordinates!

I know, I know! Cherie's that kind of person, like a love slap!

You know that word? A four-character kanji phrase for a Spartan style of encouragement...

A four-character phrase for encouragement... Maybe it's the one Godo-kun carries, "<r=Amazing>Ai Mei Jin Gu</r>"...!

I get it! That's "Ten Sai Den Setsu!"

Hmm... I feel like it had more of a sharp, crisp ring to it...

Hmm...

Maybe... it's "Shi Tta Geki Rei?"

That's probably it~~~!! Amazing! Miku knows everything!

The way you're good at four-character phrases is so like "Onishigu" too...!!

Grrr... Getting more attention than Chieri, I just can't forgive that!

(Ugh, what am I doing now...!)

(These girls are absolutely idiots. There's no way I can have a normal conversation with them.)

(Anyway, I should stay away from them, or I'll become an idiot too!)

Zzz... zzz...

Mi~~ku~~~!! Good morning!!

Kyaah!?

Did you sleep well? The weather is amazing today~!

Look, sunny skies!

R-Really... It's amazing...

(Huh... What...? Am I getting attacked first thing in the morning?)

This room feels different now~! It's so clean!

Hm? It smells nice... Is it from this bundle of stick-like stuff?

Ra, Raika-chan. I'd rather you didn't come into the room.

My room's not tidied up yet, and I'm not really comfortable with people seeing me right after I wake up.

I see... Sorry! I'll be careful starting tomorrow.

(Not starting tomorrow. I'm telling you to stop right now.)

Ah! Your guitar is so cool, Miku!

What kind of songs do you usually play, Miku? Covers of other bands? Or original ones?

If you have any favorite songs, let me hear them! I wanna be able to play the songs that my family loves...

Raika-chan. I want to change my clothes.

Huh? Of course, please!

Could you leave the room and close the door for me?

No matter what kind of relationship it is, there's always an appropriate distance, right?

Oh... yeah...

Newcomer, you finally got up!

Oh, morning~

Oh, there's breakfast. I thought this dorm didn't come with meals though...

Miso soup, grilled salmon, and boiled greens. Chieri procured all of them this morning!

How's that? Amazing, isn't it!

Yeah, it's amazing. You're good at cooking, Chieri-chan.

Chieri doesn't cook. Getting shared food from the neighborhood and the shopping street is the basics of food procurement!

Chieri got food from Aunt Akemi at the bento shop, and Raika got hers from Aunt Keiko at the diner!

In return, we pick up trash around the shopping street and change lightbulbs for them. It's a give-and-take thing.

How's that! This is P-Stay's "neighborhood network!"

(Getting meals in exchange for odd jobs? What era is this? Edo?)

Oh, everyone's here! This is how breakfast should be!

Ugh... Raika-san, you're choking me...

Huh... Yomogi-san is being dragged...

If I leave her alone, she'll stay in that dark room until noon. Come on, you need some morning sun!

Ugh, my eyes...! The morning sunlight... is too strong for me...

Stand up straight as Chieri's subordinate, Yomogi!

You heard her? Here, have a seat~

Here, we go...! *Sigh*... I can't move an inch anymore...

Alright, my family gathering around the table! Let's put our hands together...

Let's eat...

Chieri has already finished eating!

I don't eat breakfast. Sorry.

Huh~~!! "The day's plan lies in the breakfast with family," you know!?

The day's P...!? Then Chieri is A! Chieri won't give up the first place!

Then I take the F from family! No, that's not the point! This is something important that Granny told me!

(This kind of dumb, simple-minded conversation... It's giving me a headache...)

Miku~ You actually want breakfast, don't you? Freshly cooked rice gives you energy, you know~?

Since it's the first breakfast after Miku came here, I went all out and cooked five whole cups of rice! And I cooked it with plenty of love♪

Wow~ Thank you. But I must go to school now. Bye.

Wait, wait! Then the band! You'll do the band, right?

Let's gather on stage after our part-time work! Your guitar's gonna be on fire tonight, don't you think, Miku~?

Oh, that? It's just interior decoration. I can't actually play guitar.

Huh? But the strings looked brand-new?

...!

That guitar has a history. Both in the past, and the present.

Because it's a cool guitar, overflowing with love.

(Love...?)

No, Papa, please! Don't go!

Sorry, Miku. I'll leave my guitar here.

You're going to leave Miku here too...!?

...

Please! Papa...

Stop it, Miku!!

He's not your Papa anymore, Miku.

...

Uwaaaaaah...!

(There's no love in it.)

(We're both the ones who got left behind. It's the only partner I can trust, that's all.)

Miku?

Love, huh... I might be pouring some into it! Just as a favorite decoration though.

Well then, see you at the part-time job♪

Ah... Take care~!

Hmm...?

Chieri's going too! I'm such a genius that I've already finished everything!

Yomogi, you're not asleep, are you? Chieri'll leave the dishes to you!

Huh...!? Yeah... Um, what were you saying...?

So you were asleep after all...! You weren't even listening to what Chieri said!

Raika, say something too! At this rate, Yomogi will be a useless subordinate...

Cherie, we've got big trouble. I don't get Miku at all.

Mm... Is that more important than what Chieri has to say?

How should I put it~ It's like... when an omurice has "curry" written on it in ketchup...

So...?

Even though it's actually an omurice inside, if someone serves it to you saying "This is curry!" you'd be confused, right?

When the outside and inside don't match, you don't know how to make up your mind to eat it, right?

*Sigh*... When you have a subordinate who can't explain things clearly, being the union leader is tough.

What'd you say~?

I don't really get it, but you just have to give it a try, don't you?

You never know how it tastes until you eat it.

Just have to... give it a try...

Yeah, you're right! Wow~ You're a genius, Cherie!

Huh!? Fi... Finally you get it! Chieri has always been a genius!

Zzz...

Miku, let's try playing guitar together! I'm pretty good at teaching, you know~

More importantly, the deputy manager was looking for you earlier. She said the register doesn't balance.

Hey, Miku!! If we use castanets, we could probably play in a band together, don't you think!?

Hehe, that's cute~ But I don't really have a sense of rhythm.

I've been the one singing until now, but don't you think you could be a vocalist too?

I can't really sing in front of people~

Hmmm...

Oh my~ Rai-chan! It's rare to see you making a face like that.

Oh, Aunt Keiko~! Sorry I haven't been able to go to your place for a set meal lately.

It's fine, just come whenever you want! How's the dorm going?

Hmm... We did have a new family member, but...

Hehehe, she refused to join your band too, right?

That's true, but maybe that's not all...

Feeling down is a sign that you're hungry! Wait a second, I'll get you some of my simmered dish!

Huh, really!? Aunt Keiko, thank you~!

Hm...? I think the trash behind the diner moved...

Maybe that's the cat called Nekotaro we always see around here? Let me get a little closer...

Um... Uh...

Huuuuuuh!?!? A girl is lying on the ground!?

Hey, are you okay!? Are you hurt anywhere!?

Mmm...

Oh no, I should get her to the hospital...! But wait, what if her family's out there looking for her...!?

Alright! Just sleep on my back for a while, okay?

Uh... Um...?

Excuse me~~~!! Is there anyone around here looking for a little girl~!?

(The family idiot went out and hasn't come back. I don't see the other two either... But just in case.)

Chieri-chan~ Yomogi-san~

...

Okay. Now's the time.

No, this phrase should be more...

(Like that insensitive girl, being so direct and pushy actually fits the song better...!)

(She comes into my room without asking, keeps pushing me to do the band, and even touches my guitar...!!)

(And the girl who keeps asking for compliments, and the girl who stares at me all the time...!!)

(I'll pour all the stress into a song and let it all out!)

Phew...

(Composing is going... really well!)

(That just shows how much stress I have. But pouring it into a song makes me feel better.)

(As long as I have this time, even in a jungle of rare animals, I feel like I could make it...!)

...

(When I started composing... It was more...)

Well then, what kind of song should we make next?

Hmm, then... "The Yummy Stew Song"! Papa, play something! Miku'll sing!

All right! Here we go...

Potatoes, nice and fluffy♪ Onions, soft and gooey♪ Papa can't eat mushrooms~♪

Ugh... Miku, you really hit a sore spot there...!

Hehehe. Miku-chan, you're great at both singing and songwriting! That's absolutely right~

Ahahaha.

(Come to think of it, that was the beginning of my composing.)

("Papa" would casually play guitar, I'd casually sing, and the three of us would laugh together.)

(The songs I wrote back then, they all came from feelings like joy and happiness.)

(But all that changed, when it became just me and "Mama...")

Newcomer!! Chieri is ultra amazing today!

Huh!?

Wha... What is that~~!! You can play guitar, can't you!!

Chi, Chieri-chan, shhhh...!!

You said you can't play it before, so that was a lie!?

Please, shhhh...!!

*Inhale*... *Exhale*...

Okay, my heart's calmed down a bit...! I should be able to talk to her now. I can do this...!!

Huh...!! Yomogi-san too, since when have you been there...!?

Gyaaaah, I'm sorry!! I just wanted to know your hobbies~~!!

(A single moment of carelessness can be fatal. That's what this place is, a jungle of rare animals.)

(I thought I could make it as long as I had time for composing... But living in a place like this is too hard for me!!)

Everyone, where are you~~!? We've got big trouble!!

We're all in the newcomer's room!! What happened!?

What should I do? I have to save this girl!!

Hm...

Huh...!?

What's that? Who's that~~!?

I dunno...! But...

There might be a "family" somewhere waiting for her! So let's help her!!

...

Th-There's nothing Chieri can't do.

Huh, what? What's going on!? What do you mean by helping her!?

(Why was I trying to live in a place like this...?)

(I left home because I don't want to be pushed around by "family." But I ended up being involved in another one.)

Miku, you too, please!!

Okay, let's all head to the living room first♪

(I can't change, if I don't leave this dorm.)

Alright, I'm putting her down...! Here we go.

Um...

S-So we put her on the sofa, what do we do next...!?

Raika, you said you would help her. You must have a plan, right!?

That's... Let's think together!

What...!!

What are we gonna do!! We must do something immediately!

(What must be done first is...)

(1. Resolve the immediate trouble as soon as possible. 2. Resume the property search.)

(3. Leave this dorm and reset my living environment. Okay...)

Everyone. Could you quiet down a bit?

Her breathing... yeah, she's fine. Then next, let's take her temperature.

...

Wha-What do I do... She's a stranger... My heart is starting to ache...!

What are you saying in an emergency like this...!?

Even in an emergency, she's still someone we've never met...!

The thermometer beeped! Miku, how's it!?

It doesn't look like she has a fever. And the injuries seem to be just minor scrapes.

*Sigh*...

W-Well, Chieri could tell that much too.

Liar~! You were flustered right there with me, weren't you~!

Raika, you're the one who was all talk, and you had no plan at all!

Oh, sorry about that!

Umm... Where am I...?

Oh... she woke up...!

Wa...

Wha-What!? Pardon me!

Wa... water...

Water, she said water!!

H-Her stomach! Her stomach is growling too!!

Then Chieri will go get all the prepared dishes available!

Then I'll cook up all the rice we've got~~!

Everyone, stop!

!!

She's not fully recovered, so she can't just eat regular food now. And I think there are things to do before that.

Things to do?

Yomogi-san, get the first aid kit. Raika-chan, get towels and hot water ready.

Chieri-chan, get some water ready. And if there's a blanket, give it to her.

Ye... Yes...! Understood!

Hehe, only Chieri gets two missions...! Okay, leave it to me!!

Hey, can you say your name?

Shi... zuku...

Shizuku-chan, do you think you can eat some porridge?

Hm...

Okay, then we'll prepare it.

*Munch*... *Chew*...

That's good...! Eat a lot and get better soon...!

*Chew*... *Swallow*. Phew...

I'm saved. Sorry for putting you through all this trouble.

Wow, she talked! She talked, Miku!

Shizuku-chan, do you know who you are?

Um... My name is Shizuku Shinomiya. I'm a second-year student at Tsukinomori Girls' Academy, Middle School.

Tsukinomori!? You're a super rich girl~!

Is that so...?

Chieri is more amazing than a super rich girl! Chieri has never collapsed on the roadside!

This is my first time too, so I'm also surprised.

Do you remember what happened when you collapsed?

I don't know. I was just walking.

Before long, my stomach made these strange noises, my vision went completely black. Next thing I knew, I was here.

Strange noises...? Wait, you didn't even notice you were hungry...!?

But I'm glad you're getting better~ Do you think you can get home from here?

I don't know...

What do you mean...?

I don't know this town. I have no idea how to get home.

Huh...!?

Then how did you come here?

I left home, got in a car, was dropped off in an unfamiliar town... And now here I am.

You were with someone together in the car, right!?

Nanny was there, who took care of me. Normally she would always accompany me wherever I went, but...

Suddenly, Nanny said this is as far as I go, handed me an envelope, and then dropped me off.

What's up with that...! Shizuku's subordinate is so cold-hearted!

That's not true. Nanny only ever does what's best for me.

Then, why would she do that...

Nanny said, "You have to leave your family."

And, "There are things you need to learn in the outside world."

Huh, what does that mean...!?

I don't know the details. But Nanny said that my mother and big sis had an argument, so I should leave this house.

So it was just a fight? That's no reason to be kicked out!

But, no matter what the reason is, you can't just kick your family out!

You have to complain to your mother and others!

Complain... Why?

Huh? Because you're in big trouble due to your mother and big sister, right!?

Is that so...?

Of course! That's totally not a peaceful family...! Shizuku, aren't you sad? Or angry?

Sad... angry...

I don't know.

Huh...

Why my mother and big sis had an argument, why I have to leave home, what do I think about that...

My family, myself... I guess I never really thought about these.

...

(Her family's a mess, but she's a mess too. She doesn't even realize her own situation...)

Shizuku-chan... What about the envelope you mentioned?

Oh, there was a letter from big sis, and some other stuff. I think it's in my pocket...

There it is. Here.

Let me see... A letter and... huh, ten-thousand-yen bills...!?

Miku, what does the letter say?

Um... "Shizuku, you can live in a much wider world. Don't end up like me"...?

...

Chieri knows what this is. This is a case!!

We should call the p-p-police...!

The police!? But Shizuku didn't do anything wrong!

I meant like, a lost-child report or something...!

Yeah, that would probably help resolve it faster...

Sorry. Could you please refrain from calling the police?

Huh!? Would that be problematic for you?

Yes. I'm worried that might get Nanny in trouble. If they find out she left me alone out here, she'll lose her job.

More importantly, it's Nanny's words... "There are things you need to learn in the outside world."

I don't know what it means, but I can't go home until I learn it.

Because that was the first time I'd ever seen Nanny speak with that look on her face.

I understand the feeling of wanting to protect your subordinate. But you don't even know what you're supposed to learn, do you?

...

That's obvious!

Shizuku needs to learn what family love is!!

...!

The weird family theory, even here...!?

While I was listening to Shizuku's story, I felt a little lonely somehow.

I think "never thought about those things" is probably the opposite of love.

Shizuku, I want you to love the important people you live with, and also love yourself. And I want you to laugh from the bottom of your heart.

So, Shizuku, come live with us! Starting today, we're a family of five!

Huh?

Huh~~~~!?

We're already getting another newcomer!? Even though Miku-san has just come here!?

That's unfair, Raika! Shizuku might be joining the Chieri Union, you know!

Family...? You don't seem to have a blood connection...

If we sleep at the same home, eat together, and play in a band, we will become a family!

Just as Granny taught me, I want to teach it to you, Shizuku.

That as long as you've got a family full of love and peace, life's the best!

...

(Geez... She thinks she's saying something good, but she knows nothing.)

(For a child, to meddle in someone else's family matters is way too irresponsible.)

(Not that I needed to be the one to say it, though.)

(Furthermore, she's gonna teach about "family?" What could someone who pushes her own twisted view of family possibly teach?)

(And... she "never thought about" the fact that there are people who suffer from family.)

(Not that I needed to be the one to say it, though.)

Um, who are you...?

I'm Raika! From the left, Miku, Cherie, and Yomogi. They're all my family.

Thank you, Raika and your family. About your offer just now, could I have some time to think it over?

I want to think it through properly before I give you my answer.

Okay, got it! For now, why don't you just stay the night?

I'm sorry for everything.

Shizuku, at times like this, you should say "thank you," not "I'm sorry!"

I guess you're right. Then... thank you.

Yeah, you're welcome!

I guess we've got no choice. I'll grant the newcomer, Shizuku, the right to use Chieri's blanket for one night!

How's that? You're starting to feel grateful, aren't you!

Ugh... Spending the night with a new person without any warning... My heart...!!

(This has nothing to do with me. I'm leaving here anyway.)

Yeah, this is what a family morning is supposed to be...!

"The day's plan lies in the breakfast with family"... Finally, it becomes true...!

Alright, let's have breakfast, my family! Let's put our hands together and say...

Huh~~!? You're already eating!?

If you don't eat quickly, Raika, Chieri will take all the croissants!

Perfectly cooked bacon and eggs, and even a fruit platter... This place might just be heaven...!

Yomogi-san, you seem lively this morning.

Yes, it's so lavish that I'm wide awake now!

This crispy sausage is pretty good too...!

Hold on!! Everyone, did you say "Let's eat"!?

We did. But Raika-chan wasn't listening, apparently.

Huh, really!?

You're not eating, Raika? At this rate, the food will disappear in no time.

I'm eating, I'm eating! Let's eat!

*Chew*... Mmm~~~! Delicious~~~!!

Miku, if you're not eating that yogurt parfait, Chieri will take it!

Yeah, go right ahead~

*Sniff*... What's that on this omelet...?

It's a lobster.

Eek...!

Lobster!? Can we really eat something like this in the morning!?

? You don't eat things like this in the morning?

I've never eaten it in my entire life, let alone in the morning!

I see. I thought it was quite similar to the breakfast at my home though...

Sure it was! Because...

Ouch!?

Oh, sorry~ I think my foot accidentally touched yours.

Touched? It was more like you stomped on my foot!?

(That's because you were about to say something unnecessary. Do you forget things after three steps? Are you bird-brained?)

...! W-Well, I guess things like that happen...! Ahaha...!

Hehehehe...

Cherie-san... do you want this omelet? I'm not really big on seafood...

Yomogi, you were also avoiding the vegetables earlier, weren't you? You can't be picky about food!

Uh... I'm not in a position to be picky, but yet I am, I'm sorry~!

You're one to talk, Cherie, even though you hate konjac~

What...!? Why do you know that?

Ahaha, gotcha~! The other day, I got some Chikuzenni, and only konjac was left!

I-I don't hate it. I just don't eat it because it's all squishy and looks weak!

Raika, you're amazing. You can even tell what people like and dislike.

That's because we're family! I've gotta know what you like and what you don't.

Is that so... I don't know what food my family likes or dislikes.

I see... Well, from now on, try figuring out what we like and dislike! Let's practice together!

Yeah...

("From now on," "together"... She's really...)

Raika-chan, can we talk for a bit, just the two of us?

? Yeah... Then shall we go to the dining room door?

So, what's this about...?

It's about Shizuku-chan. And this morning.

This morning... Oh!

Miku, wake up, wake up!

Hm... Huh, Raika-chan...!?

Ms. Nanny is here. Come say hello with me, Miku.

Ms. Nanny... you mean Shizuku-chan's...? Huh, why me?

It was you who helped Shizuku so quickly yesterday, Miku! Come on, hurry up!

Hey... could you not drag me...!

It's a pleasure to meet you. I am the one in charge of looking after young lady Shizuku.

(A classical maid outfit... In a normal residential street, it really stands out...)

Let me introduce ourselves. I am Raika, and this is my family member Miku.

Um... You came to pick up Shizuku-chan, right?

No, I just came here to express my gratitude.

What?

After parting with young lady yesterday, I have been quietly watching over her from the shadows.

When we parted, I gave her a map with a temporary shelter marked on it. But young lady got distracted by a kitten she saw, and ended up losing the map...

I gave her all kinds of hints from the shadows, but young lady didn't seem to notice any of them. I was at a loss.

(Then why not just help her directly?)

When young lady began to doze off near a trash can, I was thinking I might have to step in myself, then you came and saved her.

Yeah...? No, no, it wasn't a big deal!

Raika-chan, is it really okay to say yes when you don't actually understand?

I can entrust young lady to you with peace of mind. Please take good care of her from now on.

Yeah, it's our plea...

Please wait a moment! Are you really thinking about Shizuku-chan?

She got kicked out because of family circumstances, and now you're leaving her with a household of strangers... She's being pushed around by her family.

We were actually about to call the police yesterday. But do you know what Shizuku-chan said then?

Ms. Nanny, she pleaded for us to not call the police, so that you wouldn't lose your job.

Young lady...

Oh, sorry. I didn't need to tell you that, did I? I mean, you've been taking care of Shizuku-chan all along♪

Miku...?

You have only just met young lady, and yet you have thought this much for her.

...!

You are absolutely right. It has been painful for us too. But this is a "trial that young lady must overcome."

Um, that sounds nice, but...

Young lady needs to leave her "family." Right now.

...!

With you, young lady will be fine. That's what my 70-year maid intuition is telling me loud and clear!

Besides, I have looked into all four of your backgrounds and histories. And I have already received approval from Raika-sama's grandmother.

Huh!? You investigated all that in a single night...!?

Oh~! If you've already talked to Granny, then I'm good with it!

Raika-chan...!

Her luggage has already been arranged to be delivered here, so please just receive it upon arrival.

Okay~! Leave it to me!

How reassuring. Well then, as a small token of gratitude, please allow this nanny to prepare today's breakfast.

Thank you so much! Please come on in!

Hey, wait...!!

(Geez, you idiot!! Don't say yes when you don't even understand!!)

Why does this have to be kept secret from Shizuku? Ms. Nanny could have seen Shizuku before leaving.

More importantly, you do understand what this means, right?

It means we're going to look after some young lady in this house. And you just agreed so casually... Did you really think this through?

That face again... Miku, are you angry?

! I'm not angry... I'm just feeling a bit uneasy.

It's fine. Because Ms. Nanny trusted us enough to leave her with us.

(That's not what I'm talking about...!)

(After I leave, what will happen to her? Just left behind in the jungle of rare animals? That would leave such a bad taste in my mouth.)

I don't know the place where Shizuku grew up, nor the places where you and others grew up. But we're family, so I'm ready to protect you.

The rest is up to Shizuku.

(She really doesn't understand anything...!!)

Raika, Miku! How long are you going to keep whispering!?

This juicy ham, Chieri will take the last slice of it!

Huh! I haven't even had any yet!

Chieri-chan, you really eat a lot~

Hehe, I could easily put another hundred slices of this ham into my stomach. Chieri's stomach is the strongest too.

Really~? I don't think that much would fit~

It would! Very easily!

Raika, I will join.

Huh!? Shizuku, you eat that much too!?

? I mean the family.

Huh~~~!?!?

There are so many things I don't know. Myself, my family... and this "family."

So I want to know about "family" first. And then, I want to be able to think about myself and my family.

That's what I want to do now.

Shizuku...!

Even with a reason like this, would you accept me as family?

*Sigh*...

Of course!! We're all on your side, and we'll be your number one cheer squad!

Because that's what "family" is!

Right? Miku.

We have to try hard~♪

(Well, it's you who have to try hard.)

Thank you. Then...

Shizuku? Why did you stand up?

Everyone, I am Shizuku Shinomiya. Please take good care of me from now on.

Sh-She bowed like a princess...!!

Ch-Chieri can bow gracefully too, you know!

Please take good care of us too, Shizuku!

Shizuku-chan, you probably shouldn't say that outside~ People could get the wrong idea.

(Even her nanny didn't mean to marry her off to a place like this, right?)

Is that so...? I see. I'll be more careful from now on.

More importantly, Shizuku, please think this through carefully once more. Are you joining the family, or the Chieri Union?

Um... I'm not allowed to belong to both?

No, you're not! Now, please make your choice!

Shizuku has already chosen family, right~?

Maybe I should take more time to think this through...

Yes, yes... If transferring dorms is difficult, could you recommend a boarding house or something...

No... there's no problem with the room. It's just... the cohabitants...

Yes... It's my fault that I made the decision in a hurry.

Thank you very much. I'm sorry to trouble you, but I'd appreciate your help.

(Okay, I've contacted the real estate agent. Next is...)

Miku-chan, are you eating properly? Have you gotten along with the other girls in the dorm?

...

Miku-chan, time to move~

Yeah, I'm coming~

Good work~

(The soonest I could move would be around summer vacation...)

Miku-chan, are you eating properly? Have you gotten along with the other girls in the dorm?

Will you be able to come home during summer vacation? I'm looking forward to hearing all about what you've been up to, Miku-chan.

(If she knows my current situation, I might get brought back before summer vacation...)

*Sigh*...

Miku?

Whoa!? Oh, Shizuku-chan...

You look tired. What happened?

Nothing. Hey, Shizuku-chan, that T-shirt really suits you~

Thank you. Raika dressed me in it.

Dressed you in it?

This is my first time wearing this kind of clothes, so I had no idea how to put it on. I tried it once, and then Raika told me I had it on backwards.

I was also taught that changing clothes is something you do alone. The world is vast, isn't it, Miku?

Yeah~

(Her nanny even helped her change clothes... Classic princess household...)

Newcomer Shizuku, you were here!

Come with me! I'll show you how Chieri works!

I'd love to go and see, but Raika told me to wait here.

Speaking of which, where is Raika-chan?

There was a visitor. She said she'd come back after dealing with...

As I said, let's talk properly one more time!

We're finished talking~! Now go on, leave!

It seems she's still dealing with that.

Hey, that person... She was also here the day I moved into this dorm...

Hehe, you newcomers wouldn't know. That person is Suzuki-san, and she is Raika's father's subordinate.

Huh... So Raika-chan's father works for a music company.

He is not just any employee. I heard that Raika's father is the company president!

How's that for Chieri's knowledge!

Amazing! Cherie, you know everything!

Yes, Chieri is amazing! You can respect me more!

Please face reality. No matter how you look at it, this is in the red, red!

Then wouldn't it be safer to entrust it to your father's company?

Entrust~? You said you would tear down the live house, didn't you!

Y-Yes... We will renovate it into a studio, but the spirit of the live house will be passed on, you know...!

An idol project studio and a live house, aren't their spirits fundamentally different~?

That... that may be true, but...!

In the first place, entrusting it to Dad doesn't even make sense!

This is our "home." And originally, it was Granny's live house!

She is your grandmother on your mother's side, right? I heard that from the president.

And your grandmother also said she would go along with whatever you decide, Raika-san.

So, I'm saying I won't give up our "home." Isn't that enough?

If you keep bothering me, I'll call the police! Police~!

P-Please wait! Actually, um... Oh, right.

The president is worried about you, Raika-san. He said his daughter is trapped by a live house in the red.

Huh?

And he said that if you are in trouble, as the president and as your father, he wants to help you.

Dad isn't that kind of person.

Huh?

I don't think he has ever wondered if I'm in trouble. Dad's catchphrase is, "I don't get you at all."

My voice has never reached Dad, not even once.

...

(That girl... I guess she's not hopelessly naive about her family after all.)

So Suzuki-san, what you said just now was a lie! Too bad~ I'm not falling for it!

Seriously... you are really good at making that annoying look...!

You don't want to see this face anymore, right~? So you'd better not come again, okay~?

Yeah, I don't want to see that... But I will come again! Until I get this live house!

So persistent...!!

Say whatever you want. A shabby and empty place in the red like this, I know how to use it smarter than you do~

What'd you say~? You've never even seen a single "Nest" live!

No, I've not. Because it's not necessary.

It's definitely necessary! You can only understand the charm of a live house in a live show!

So please come see tomorrow's regular live! Once you see it, you won't be able to say you want to tear this place down!

Huh... I don't think it will make any difference even if I watch it, though.

You'll change your mind, definitely.

No, I'll change your mind! With our family's live performance!!

Huh...?

So tomorrow, we'll play a live as family! Let's all pull ourselves together!

...

Huh? You seem kinda down?

(So her head is in the clouds after all.)

(She's putting her burdens on everyone else for her own sake again... "Family" sure is convenient.)

Maybe we should call Yomogi too, just in case?

Yomogi~~! Where are you, come out~!

Okay...!

So you were in the stage wing. Yomogi, did you hear...

Sh, Shizuku-san...!! Waaaah! I'm so sorry for hiding, even though I'm the oldest...!

Wh-What happened...?

S-S-Sorry, when I thought I could talk properly for the first time, my heart felt like it was about to twist itself apart...!!

Quiet, please. Chieri is about to say something important now!

Okay, listen. Tomorrow's live, I won't perform as part of the family.

Huh, why!?

Chieri is the leader of the Chieri Union. Chieri doesn't have time to take part in this.

But... If it's as the Chieri Union, Chieri will perform at the live.

So you do support the live after all? You seemed like you weren't really into it.

Of course! Because "Family and home are important" only goes for Raika.

Huh? You all think family and home are the most important too, don't you?

That's... honestly more of Raika-san's personal stance, I'd say...

Sorry, I think so too.

I'm still in the stage of learning about "family." So I cannot say it's important... Sorry.

Th-That's how it was~~!?!?

(She's finally facing reality...)

So honestly, "family" and "home," Chieri couldn't care less.

But...

My voice has never reached Dad, not even once.

I can sort of understand how Raika feels.

Cherie?

Th-This place will be the headquarters of the Chieri Union in the future! So it'll be Chieri's reason too!

Once we beat Suzuki-san, you're next, Raika! Chieri will take this place, so you better be ready!

Cherie~~~~~!!!

Grrr... I can't breathe...!

What is this feeling...!! It's like my chest is suddenly burning up...!

Please... leave me!

I see... So that's how it is...!

I... had no idea what everyone was thinking...! I just assumed my feelings were the same as yours...!

But even though we don't feel the same way, Cherie is still trying to help me!

Isn't this what love is all about?

That kind of... makes me cringe! Aren't you embarrassed saying that...!?

Not at all! Because families show their love for each other!

I said... I'm not your family! Don't you understand!

No way! I feel like I just got hit by Cherie's huge love!

Cherie~ We're the best family!!

Listen to me...!!

S-So scary...!! Even after Cherie-san said all that, Raika-san won't budge an inch...!!

The "family" that Raika speaks of seems like something unfathomable.

Yeah~ It's probably so unfathomable that even she herself hasn't realized it.

I see...

Raika, sorry for asking such a basic question. What is "family" to you, Raika?

Huh? Hm... When you ask me directly, it's difficult to answer...

Oh, you see the calligraphy piece hanging in the living room? That's Granny's.

Ah... the one that says "Ka Zoku Tai Hei" on it...

Right! Back when I couldn't read those kanji, I asked Granny what they meant.

Then she said, "They mean family shall be at peace." Peace as in peace and harmony!

Ch-Chieri knew what those kanji meant from the beginning...!

"Even if we fight, or we misunderstand each other, as long as we eat together, and play in a band, we are at peace."

"Living with people like that is the greatest happiness." That's what Granny said.

I've always believed in those words! Granny's family is the proof!

*Pant*... *Pant*... *Pant*...!

Granny, I'm back...!!

Oh~ welcome back! Did you have fun at school today, too?

Of course! Huh? Where's everyone?

I'm back~ Raika, do you have a minute to listen? Someone I met at work today was so mean to me~

Hey, don't let a kid hear you complain! What about the live prep?

We'll do it now. Come on, let's get moving!

Ouch, my knee suddenly started hurting~ Raika~ can you come help me~?

Yeah! I'm a family member too, so I'll help you!

Wow, I'm so happy~! What are you gonna do for me?

Hmm, umm... I'll carry you! Here, get on my back!

Hey!! Don't make my precious granddaughter carry someone that heavy!

No, no, I just wanted her to do the "pain, pain, fly away~" thing for me!

I can carry you! I can't just always be the one getting carried!

Raika, you are such a sweet girl.

Yeah, she really grew up into a sweet girl, like me~

No~ Raika takes after me!

Ahahaha.

Every day, around sunset, everyone comes back and scrambles to prepare for the live.

Gradually, more and more guests gather, and the floor gets so packed you can hardly move.

I'm back, "Nest!!"

Wow~~~!!!

Hot stage lights. And a sound so big it shakes my gut.

The music Granny and others played, sometimes it sounded like a conversation, sometimes like a fight, and it seemed to wrap up the whole day in sound.

Joy, sadness, anger. All those feelings were thrown against each other and shared at "home."

"As long as you've got family, life's the best." That's what I was taught by Granny!

If we do a live here, we can become like that in no time! Because "The essence of family lies in the band!"

...

Uh... what was your question again, Shizuku-san...?

Ah, I asked "what is family," but... After hearing all that, I understand a little better how strongly Raika feels about it.

And the history of this live house, which is also the "home."

Raika. I'll help too.

Shizuku...!

I'm still learning about family and home. If I lose them, I can never understand them.

Raika's feelings, and the essence of family. I want to understand them all.

Yeah... I want to find out too. What it'll feel like to play a live together as a family.

And what you will feel.

That's... impossible for me!!

Yomogi...

A-After hearing all that, I realized even more clearly. Raika-san and I are complete opposites...!

Just expressing my feelings to someone is already scary enough. But having to do it in front of people, and feel happy about it...

For a pathetic loser like me, just imagining it makes my heart feel like it's being wrung out like a rag...!

Yomogi-san, it's fine. That's normal~

Huh!? Mi, Mi, Miku-san, you too...!?

Yeah... It seems like Raika-chan and I are complete opposites too.

Oh, I see...

Anyway, about tomorrow's live, I've never played in a band before, so I can't do anything.

Good luck, everyone♪ Well then.

Wait!!

Miku, you can play guitar, right?

I said I can't play it, didn't I?

You did. But that's a lie, isn't it? The fact that only the strings are new, and the way you talked, both are telling something.

...

You don't need to think about home or family now, could you just play in the live with us?

I know I'm asking too much! But, please!!

...

Ugh... I said I won't do it, but you've got that look in your eye like you're definitely gonna make me do it~~!!

You know I don't have the courage to say no, and you still pull this, you're so awful~~!!

That kind of backward-facing courage is not necessary! It's only by stepping forward that you can truly stand out!

Yomogi, please! Just playing in the wing like before is enough!

That's already my limit~~!!

Miku, what do you say?

(So after all, you're just forcing your feelings on me.)

Okay. I'll join, just this time.

Both of you... thank you!

(Fine. If that's how you want to play it.)

(I will show you the complete opposite view of family.)

Huh? You want to perform at the live?

Yeah! We're joining today's regular live too!

Deputy manager, leave it to us! We will protect "Nest!"

Well, if it's your decision, do what you want, Raika~ Besides, that old lady also said it's fine no matter how things turn out.

Thank you! Then we're gonna make some noise, and you handle the rest!

Okay...

Everyone, sorry for the wait!! Alright, let's start our first practice, the five of us!

Hehe, how's that! Even after we became five, Chieri still stood out the most!

Wow~ You were so powerful, Cherie!

And Miku, you could play guitar after all!

I'm no match for you all~ I barely managed to keep up just now.

(No one's listening to anyone else. Everyone's just letting loose however they want.)

(The more you play, the more stress you create. Only you guys could make music this unproductive.)

But I guess we couldn't call it the music of us five yet.

Yomogi, did you hear Shizuku's sound?

Huh!? I... I was...

Ugh~~ I'm sorry, I wasn't listening at all...! Sorry my eardrums are just as weak as my mental state...!

No, no! I couldn't hear Shizuku's castanets at all either!

I noticed that too. I was worried I might not be contributing much.

Shizuku-chan, can you play any other instruments? Maybe something from school lessons?

I can, but...

Oh, is that so? Then let's try it!

Okay. Then...

...

Wh-What on earth is this...!!

What kind of life do you have to live to be able to do this so casually...!? That's scary... So scary...!!

(A sheltered princess... who has received elite piano training...)

I can play like this.

A-Amazing~~~!! Shizuku, you are a piano genius~!!

Why did you keep it secret until now!?

Sorry, I didn't mean to keep it secret. I just thought I'd give my best on the instrument that was given to me.

Grrr... That's a really great attitude...!

So when you said, "I didn't know band music," you actually meant you only know classical music~

Yes. I only know how to play classical piano. The keyboard feels different though... Would it be a problem?

No, no, no problem! From today, Shizuku is our keyboardist!

Okay. I'll try my best.

Chieri can do that with drums too...!!

Hey, could you start working now? Other bands are gonna be here soon~

Huh, it's already that late!? I was hoping we could at least play once with Shizuku on keyboard~

Time's up. Now it's time to work, come on~

Huh, what!? We're going straight into the actual performance!?

This is the first time I'm going into an actual performance without practice.

Chieri has no problem! As a genius leading a union, Chieri is always ready!

All riiight~~! It's our family's first live! Let's give it our all~~!

Ohh~~!!

My heart will be torn apart~~~!!

That's all! Thank you for coming today~!

Okay, we're up next! Everybody ready?

Who are you asking! This is the big stage where Chieri's gonna shine!

Ugh~~ Just imagining standing in front of people makes my heart feel like it's about to burst...!!

Yomogi-san, you will play in the wing, so it might not be "in front of people~"

Raika, is Suzuki-san here?

Um... Oh, she's there! In the back.

Then there's no problem. I was worrying because the audience started to leave.

Huh! That's true! If everyone just disappears like this...!

That's no good!! Chieri's big stage has to be seen by as many people as possible!

Ahh, Cherie!! We haven't even done the circle yet~!

Is it okay to go now?

Everyone~~!! The leader of the Chieri Union is going to do a wonderful performance~~~!!

Looks like we have to go?

Guess we have no choice~ Then let's go too!

Oh, right. Miku!

What?

The practice wasn't enough for you, right?

That's not true~ But why?

Somehow, I felt like you could go even further! You can go all out during the actual performance!

Yeah, I'll give it a try.

I'm back, "Nest!" And to everyone seeing us for the first time, nice to meet you!

Thank you so much for coming today~~!!

The ones standing on stage with me are my family. And this place is our home.

*Inhale*... *Exhale*...

Some people say a rundown, empty venue that's losing money like this should just shut down already.

But... even if it's shabby! Even if it's in the red! One thing has never changed! "Nest" is still the best!!

I'll prove it with my family love, so you'd better watch closely!!

...

Let's go, my family!

I said... it's the Chieri Union!

♪

(You look happy. Like you're having fun.)

(Playing in this precious home, with family. You think just having this alone makes your life the best.)

(You're so naive that you make me feel sick!!)

...!?

(Wha... Miku's guitar is standing out more than me...!)

(The sound... is running wild...?)

(Even if we fight, we call it peace by the end of the day? Things are not resolved that easily for a family, you know!?)

(You say we share all the joy and sadness together. But is the weight the same? No, it's not.)

(The feelings of the one being burdened are ignored. That's why they end up carrying even more...!)

(The sadness, the pain, the suffering, so far from happiness!!)

...!

(Sa-Same as that time. Miku is angry.)

(Then... bring that anger out more! Let me hear more of it! The real sound of Miku!!)

(You say "I'm ready to protect family!" How exactly are you gonna be ready to protect us!?)

(If you think like "As long as I've got family, I'm happy," I'll tell you this!)

("If only I didn't have a family, I could be happy!!")

(I don't want to live for anyone else anymore! My happiness... I'll seize it on my own!)

(You all, Mother, and my family, I hate every single one of you!!)

(If it's all gonna break anyway, then I'll smash everything right now!!!)

(Oh... I'm finally starting to see it...!)

(Granny, my family seems totally different from yours!!)

I've never heard music this noisy...!

But... it's amazing...

♪

*Pant*... *Pant*... Thank you very much!!

*Pant*... *Pant*...

*Pant*... *Pant*...

(I'm tingling from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.)

Haa~~~ My whole body is shaking...!! I can't even put strength in my legs...!

Yomogi, you have zero stamina! Look at Chieri! Still full of energy!

Going straight into an actual performance without practice doesn't suit me after all. Raika, could you let me practice next time?

Yeah... right...

(Now you understand, right?)

(There are "families" in this world that you don't know. So stop seeing dreams about "family...")

I thought we were already family. Like Granny's family.

But that's not true.

We'll take time, step by step...! To become our own family!

...!

Everyone, thanks for doing this live with me!

I really want to be family with you all!!

Still that, after all...!

But this time, she said, "I want to be...!"

(Why did it end up like this...!! I intended to smash everything while playing though...!)

Miku! It's all thanks to your guitar!

Huh...

The correct answer for family isn't only one. Miku's sound taught me that!

I was really happy to see you play guitar like that, Miku!

It's like the first fight of family!!

You're happy about the fight?

Yeah! 'Cause when you fight, you can't lie, and you have to be on the same level to even do it!

We fought and shared! We're definitely starting from here!

...

Miku, I love you! Thank you! Please fight with me more from now on~~!

Whoa! Hey, that hurts...!

Sorry, I'm just overflowing with love now!

(So much strength! I'm pushing back this hard though...!)

Wait... if you want a "peaceful family," isn't it a wrong idea to fight all the time...!?

Is that so? Granny would probably say, "Families who fight are the closest of all!"

"Would say"...!?

Granny and others fought in a more peaceful way. But for our family, I think this is what works best!

...

I see...

Th-That's enough about family!

Members of the Chieri Union, how was Chieri's drumming! It was even better than before, right?

Yomogi, if you're moved, you can go ahead and blabber all your thoughts like you always do!

Blabber... all my thoughts...?

Could it be that? Yomogi's ultimate move, "Onishigu" monologue!

Oh, I see! Wait... "Ultimate move!?" It's not a move...!!

Raika, what is "Onishigu" monologue?

Oh, you don't know it, Shizuku! Yomogi's eyes get all sparkly when she talks about it. It's so funny~!

...

Ouch...

(My nail's cracked.)

(I played that hard, so it's only natural. I was trying to smash everything.)

(But... they didn't break.)

(Not only that... I got way too heated in the second half. I was being provoked.)

(No matter how hard I came at her with my sound, it was like she kept saying, "Come on. Give me more...")

He... hehehe... It's a total mess.

(That's weird. I've never even fought with my mother before.)

(Maybe I could stay here... Just a little longer...)

Oh, Miku! Where have you been?

Sorry, I stepped outside for a bit. It was hot in here.

Th-That's good... I thought you went home...!

Honestly, skipping the "Praise Chieri Time" without permission? You're a troublesome subordinate!

Cherie was the first to realize that Miku was missing.

Hehe, of course! I always keep an eye on my subordinates!

Cherie, you wanted Miku to praise you too, right~?

Raika-san and everyone. Great job with the live.

Oh... Suzuki-san. Good work.

Watching our live changed your mind, right?

Honestly, that live was better than I imagined.

Hehe, of course!

But the problem hasn't been solved. That's a separate issue.

Attendance today was terrible. If you keep going like this, nothing is going to change.

Things will change! Our family, our live, everything will!

If the family changes, the home will evolve too!

There you go with that idealistic talk again...! I'd like some tangible proof, you know~?

Honestly, kids just don't understand business, and it's a real pain.

What...!! Then if this place is filled with guests, you will give up on that idea~?

Well, if you can show me you can draw a crowd, I might consider it... But that's impossible, isn't it?

Don't underestimate us, Suzuki-san~

What...!?

The way we are now, we could pack this place for next weekend's live, you know~?

Raika-chan...!

You said it!? Then by all means, please try it! Because that's absolutely impossible!

In my family, there's no such thing as "absolutely" or "impossible~!"

If the tickets are not sold out, I'm taking this live house for real this time!

*Sigh*...

Oh...! You are the one I scouted before, aren't you?

? Yeah...

Suzuki-san, please stay away from our family~! Just go!

~~! Well then, I'm looking forward to next week!

But... this could be useful...♪

Huh!? W-Wait!? Did we just agree to perform again next week!?

Yes... Raika-chan decided it again~

You decided it without Chieri's permission again~!

But after today's live, you thought so too, right? That we can do this!

That's not what I'm saying...!! That's not what Chieri is saying...!!

Ugh... Why are you doing this to me~!

Shizuku~ You want to perform again next week, right~? You're looking forward to it, right?

? If it's decided, I'll do it.

See~ Don't you think Shizuku is right?

Listen to me...!!

Hey, get this cleaned up already~ The live is not over till everything's tidied up~

Okay...

Everyone~ I brought snacks~!

To celebrate the success of our best family live ever, I've got chips, chocolate, and... rice crackers too!

Th-That's a great amount of snacks...!

Hmm... there are a lot of unfamiliar snacks here. I wonder how they taste.

This is no time for a casual snack party!!

Huh?

The problem with Suzuki-san just got even more complicated!

Chieri-chan is right~

If we can't sell out the tickets, this live house might be taken away for real.

That's true. Sorry. I got completely distracted by the unfamiliar snacks.

(I heard she lost her map because she chased after a cat. Maybe this princess is more instinctive than she looks...)

I believe we were supposed to prove our drawing power... Raika, do you have any plans?

No!!

...

Ahaha, it's fine! If family evolves, home will evolve too!

Around this time next week, we'll be having an even bigger celebration! It's absolutely happening!

You're the one who told Suzuki-san there's no such thing as "absolutely"...!!

That's one thing, and this is another!

(That girl's hopeless.)

Raika-chan... In the first place, isn't this the kind of problem adults should be handling?

Huh?

This live house is your grandma's, right?

Saying "I would go along with whatever you decide," it sounds nice, but it kind of feels like she's just pushing responsibility onto a child.

Granny is not that kind of person! Because she left "Nest" for me!

Left for you?

Yeah. Before Granny and others left on their trip, "Nest" was scheduled to close.

But I begged Granny, and she managed to leave it for me. She even went around bowing her head to many people.

"Keep going until you're satisfied, Raika! We are on your side." That's what Granny and others said to me.

(So that means... we're being involved because of your selfishness...!)

So, Raika's grandmother respected what Raika wanted to do.

Yes! And Granny said, that's family...

...

What's wrong? You suddenly went quiet.

It's just... Granny and others said that, but I don't know your feelings.

...!

We're going to become a family from here on out, right? Then I need to hear what everyone thinks about it!

Yomogi, what do you think about today's live? After you tried it, did something change?

Huh!? Me? All of a sudden!?

Look, you said you and I are complete opposites, right? So I want to know how you feel now, Yomogi.

Ugh... D-Don't stare at me like that... I can't say anything that you would expect, Raika-san...!

I would expect?

Your eyes look like you hope that I will say, "Performing a live was so much fun! I was so happy! I want to do it here again!"

Huh!? Look closely! I don't have that look in my eyes!

Gyaaah, you're too close!!

Come on, Yomogi! At least speak your own mind with confidence!

You won't know what Raika thinks until you say it!

Ugh... You might be right, but...

P-Please don't laugh at me...

Yes, I promise.

Today's live... It... It was scary the whole time!!

For someone like me, making that much noise, even just standing in the wing... was really, really scary... But!

It was you all, standing in the spotlight confidently and playing strongly! That was what scared me!!

I could never do something like that...! I kept wondering why I'm so different from everyone else...

The distance between the wing and the stage, it felt like it was as far as Japan to Brazil...

Yomogi... That's...

Yomogi, you wanted to be like Chieri, don't you!!

Huh!?

Chieri is always playing those huge instruments confidently! That's what you admired, isn't it!

So that's what it was about!?

No, no, not at all~~!! I was saying that I was scared of it...!

Yomogi's feelings... might be close to something like "awe"...?

Aww!?

When you deeply respect someone, it can also bring fear. Listening to your conversation, that word just came to mind.

A-Amazing~~!! Shizuku, you're so knowledgeable!

Shizuku-chan, you know that kind of stuff.

My mother told me that a musician needs a broad education, so she gave me a lot of books.

(So this girl went all-in on music and education...)

I respect, so I'm scared... Is that so...

If that's true, then I was just faced with the fact that I'm useless and weak, unlike all of you...

I see... But to me, it actually sounded like Yomogi is moving forward.

Huh?

Yomogi, you never used to look around during a live, remember? You said playing your own instrument was all you could manage.

But today, you were able to watch everyone! And you were able to think about everyone and yourself!

I think that's proof that you're moving forward, Yomogi!

Ah...

Maybe at the next live, the distance between the wings and the stage will shrink to about the distance between Japan and America!

Raika-san...

Ah!! Are you trying to get me to perform again!?

Huh? Yeah, maybe you're right!

It's unfair how you unconsciously try to get people to do things for you~~!

Unfair!? This is unfair...!?

Umm... To know someone's feelings is so hard...!

(I guess so. People don't change that easily.)

(But...)

Using my brain makes me want something sweet... Alright, let's open the snacks!

Hey, we're not done talking yet! Chieri hasn't approved another live!

Oh, Cherie, you don't want to perform again~? Even though you'd get to play drums in front of a packed crowd~?

What...!!

Then, I guess I'll just take the cheers meant for you, Cherie~

I won't let you!! The one getting the biggest cheers is Chieri!

Oh, if that's your stance...

Yes, it's a showdown!! Let's start the Chieri Union meeting now!

This showdown means nothing if the floor's empty. Let's think of a way to pack it full!

Okay. I'll think too.

Somehow we've ended up doing another live after all...! And with everyone acting like this, I can't exactly say no~...

Miku~ Do you have any good ideas?

Raika-chan... I said I would only join today's live, didn't I?

Oh, come on, Miku~ You actually want to do a little more, don't you~?

...

I also want to play guitar with you more, Miku~ So, please!

Okay... I'll do it until next week.

Miku, thanks~~! I love you!!

Whoa!? Hey, leave me alone...!

No!! I won't let go!

*Sigh*...

Mmm...

(A quiet, pleasant morning... Some people are already walking their dogs at this hour...)

Hm...? The person in a suit in front of the dorm... Could it be...

Oh. Miku-san~! Good morning!

(She's waving from down there... No, I'll just pretend I didn't see that.)

Hey, wait! Could you come out?

If you stay here, Raika-chan will get mad at you again~

Oh no, it won't take long at all! This is something I'm only sharing with you, Miku-san.

...

So, what's this about?

Today, I came here to give this to you!

This is... a business card, and materials for an idol project?

You have asked me before, but I'm not interested in idols...

It's okay! A lot of people get interested once they start it.

You've got talent! I'm sure you'll be popular in no time. You could even become the center someday!

And if I'm the one who found a gem like you, my reputation will skyrocket too... hehehe.

Hey~ Suzuki-san, I...

Oh, you don't have to answer right now! Please take your time and think it over!

If you feel even a little bit interested, feel free to call the number on my card anytime! See you!

No, hey...!

Sigh... Does she really think she's doing a good job like that...?

Hm? "A studio exclusively for idols, with fully equipped dormitories"...

(If I take this offer, I can leave the dorm. And of course, I won't have to go back home either.)

(Anyway, another round of stressful days starts from today. If that's the case...)

...

(No, not now.)

(And I said I would go along with them until next week.)

Everyone, good morning...!! Breakfast is ready~~~!!

Today we've got clay pot rice! And I cooked it perfectly...

Raika! What happened to the spare toothpaste?

Huh, it's out!?

Raika, you said you would buy it! What are you gonna do if Chieri's teeth start falling apart?

Ah... I-I was gonna buy it today!

Your eyes are darting all over the place, you know!?

Hey, who's using the washing machine? There was foam overflowing from the lid...

It's me. Raika taught me to wash my clothes on my own.

You tried it yourself? Good for you, Shizuku~~!

Yes. I tried hard.

(She gave her such half-baked instructions...! What if she breaks an appliance? Can Raika even fix it?)

It was making a dangerous sound, so I turned it off for you~ I'll leave the bathroom cleaning to you♪

Well then, I'm off...

Grrr!!

Whoa!?

Miku, Yomogi, are you okay!?

Ouch... Yomogi-san, sorry I stepped on you. But why are you sleeping here...?

Yeah, when I brought you here, I let you sit on a chair.

In the morning... even just sitting up... is so hard...

I-I see~ Well, I'm going to school...

Miku! Are you going to school without brushing your teeth!?

I used my own toothpaste~

What!! Please lend it to Chieri!

And breakfast! Let's all eat together~!

Miku~~~!

(Ahhhhh!! Come on!! So much stress!!!)

I really have to go now. Sorry~ See you.

Ah... She's gone.

Hm... We were going well yesterday, though... It might not work out like this...

Thanks so much for your notebook! I'll give it back tomorrow!

World history isn't until the day after tomorrow, so you can take your time.

Miku-chan, you're my goddess...!

Hehe, you're exaggerating~ Maybe next time I'll borrow from you...

Oh, there you are! Mi~~~~ku~~~~~~!!

Yikes!

You're late! Making Chieri wait? You're about a hundred billion years too early!

Y-You two, why are you here...!?

We came to pick you up!

Are you happy? It's okay to be happy!

Of course she's happy! Because we're fa...

Waaah!! Thanks for coming~

Miku-chan, who are these girls...?

Oh, my bad, I didn't even greet you properly!

Thank you for always taking care of our Miku! We're Miku's fa...

Raika-chan! And Chieri-chan! Thanks for picking me up~! Now let's go!

Well then, see you tomorrow! Bye-bye!

Huh, wait, I've not finished my greetings...!

Please don't push, Chieri can walk alone!

Bye... Bye-bye...?

Raika-chan, I'm begging you♪ Please don't ever do that again.

That is?

Coming to my school without asking. And I'm not really comfortable being called "family" outside♪

Hmph~ so many complaints! Shouldn't you start by thanking us for picking you up?

Yeah~! Shizuku was really happy about it, right~?

Yeah, I'm very grateful. I was struggling because I wasn't used to moving around alone.

See~!

...

(I knew it. I knew it'd be tough, but still...)

(If it's just gonna be one annoying thing after another like this, I'm gonna die from rage and stress before next week.)

What makes someone happy is different for everyone, don't you think? It's just not really my thing, that's all♪

I see... Hmm...

Raika, that look on your face, are you feeling down?

Huh? No, no, I was just thinking!

Well, let's just eat for now! Everything here is delicious, you know~

Yomogi~ Here, menu.

Huh...!? Why are you under the table...?

I can't be outside... Anywhere other than the dorm or the live house, I can't breathe...

She said that when she goes to a place full of people, she can't breathe properly.

Isn't that tough? I mean, daily life and school...

Yomogi apparently commutes to university by train, but she can't even make it to the station, let alone ride the train.

(Then how did she come to Tokyo?)

The shopping street is about the limit of her safe zone! So I thought this place would probably be okay too, but...

I-I was invited right after reading "Onishigu," so I thought it would be okay too, but...

If it's hard to breathe, how about trying an oxygen mask?

Shizuku-chan, I think that might not be the point~

Is that so? I thought that would help a little...

Raika-san... I don't even have the space to feel hungry... I'll just give the menu back...!

Maybe having a bite of something will calm you down! Want to have the ginger pork set meal with me?

Raika-chan, isn't the timing for a meal a bit off right now?

If it's a meeting to prepare for next week, I think we could've just had it at the dorm~

No! We're definitely doing it here!

Is there a reason?

Everyone eating together!! We haven't done that properly since the day Shizuku arrived, have we?

...

I've been thinking about it. Why did we all manage to eat together only on that day?

The reason for that must have been the slightly special menu!

(You were thinking in the wrong direction from the beginning.)

So today is the Family's First Visit to Manpuku Keiko Diner Memorial Day!! Hey, doesn't it feel special!?

You said it was for a meeting, so Chieri helped gather everyone...

That's not what we agreed on~~!! Chieri doesn't want the Chieri Union meeting to just become dinner time!

We'll have the meeting too! But I think gathering around meal time is also important.

To become a family that's truly ours, we need time every day when we can all be together!

I see... "Ikka Danran," that's what builds a family.

Ikka... Danran...!

That's great! Shizuku, that's it!! That's exactly what we need right now!!

(I think she should have listened to other people's opinions first, but... I guess she did give it some thought, at least.)

Yomogi-san, it looks like the customers are getting ready to leave. Could you come out from under the table then?

Y-Yes... Perhaps, probably...!

Yomogi...! That's good~ Thank you!

Alright, everyone, let's pick our orders! My recommendation is...

Before eating, please listen to Chieri! Chieri has thought about the plan to gather guests!

Hehe, that sounds like a fun topic. What kind of plan is it?

Aunt Keiko! "Nest" is in big trouble now~

Next weekend, we have to fill the place up. So we need a plan to gather guests!

Oh, that's perfect timing! Rai-chan and everyone, are you free tomorrow?

?

Welcome, welcome~~!! Today, every single shop in the shopping street is having a special sale~~~!!

If you show this special sale flyer, you'll get an extra discount. Please take one.

Hey, you with the flyer! How about buying a ticket to the Chieri Union live!?

It's scheduled for this weekend! Please come burn the image of this dazzling Chieri into your eyes!

...

(Why am I being made to do this?)

Come on, Miku, Yomogi! You two help hand out flyers too!!

It's impossible... There are too many people...!

Yomogi-san, if you are still going to hide behind me, you might as well have stayed at the dorm...

I would like to do that... But Raika-san said...

I-I-Impossible! That is way too hard for me~~!!

It's okay! Even at the diner, you managed to sit on the chair in the end!

You've got us, your family, by your side, Yomogi! So let's go together!

There's no way I can say no to that...!

Yomogi-san, you're kind of principled, and you have a strong sense of responsibility.

A strong sense of responsibility...

I'm just slow and spineless...

In my hometown, the atmosphere of the community is absolute.

Even if my parents don't want to, if someone says "for the sake of the town, please!" they can't say no... That's the kind of people they are.

They say "We should help each other in times of need"... The thing they care about most is always the atmosphere around them.

The reason I became like this is all because of my upbringing and the weak genes I inherited from my parents...

...

(Come to think of it, she came to Tokyo from Hokkaido.)

(I can certainly understand how she feels that her upbringing is everything and there's nothing she can change about it.)

(But...)

Isn't it kind of infuriating to convince yourself of that?

Huh...?

Maybe... You were just conditioned by the people around you and your environment to think that way.

If the environment changes, people will change, too.

Yomogi-san, you've already left the place where you grew up. You should be able to change.

...!!

Mi-Miku-san!!

Huh!? Hey, my hands...!

That's exactly what Sayuri-chan says to Godo-kun in volume 14 of "Saga of the Steel-spirit Bancho: Onishigure"!

"There's no way I can change... I only know how to use my fists." "That's not true, you can change."

"Your hands can form fists, and they can also gently hold someone else's hands. They can be rock, and they can be paper too...!!" And after that, Godo-kun's ultimate move becomes a slap~~!!

Huh...?

That's it, that's how people change...!!

Miku~ Yomogi~ Please send flyers over there...

I promise you, Miku-san!!

One day, I'll show you a stronger version of me!!

Uh, well...

What happened, Yomogi~~~!! That was really cool!

Y-You're finally acting like Chieri's subordinate! Not standing out as much as Chieri, though!

That was a great vocalization. It's proof that you're breathing properly.

Yeah. I knew Yomogi could do it!

Alright, let's keep handing out flyers at this rate! Now's the chance while we've got people's attention!

Attention...?

It really feels like youth. I'll take a flyer.

Please give me one flyer too!

Gyaaaah!! Please don't look at me!! My heart is gonna shatter into pieces...!!

But you will change, won't you! I'll help too~!

That's way too soon!! I'll change one day, not now~~~!!

Oh~ that was a huge help~! Thanks to you, our sales are up from last month's special sale day!

No, no, we should be thanking you! We sold seven live tickets!

Great, great! Well then... here you go.

This is a shopping street exclusive gift voucher! With this much, we could become the king of prepared dishes!

Eat your fill, and give it your all at the live!

Aunt...!!

(Of course, they can't just have us work for free.)

Thank you so much♪ Everyone, let's pick up some daily goods before we head back.

I already bought toothpaste, but hand soap's almost out. We're down to one box of tissues too... Oh, and we probably need detergent and fabric softener too.

(Because the princess used up almost all of it in one load of laundry.)

Anything else we're out of? Does anyone remember...

...

Wh-What...?

Do you remember everything we're out of!?

You're Miku-chan, right? What a responsible girl! This proves you've really been taking care of the house!

(Ah...)

Miku-chan's the most grown-up of us. You're so responsible and amazing~

Um... sorry? I guess I overstepped~

Not at all! If you were not here, we would have used gift vouchers all on prepared dishes, Miku!

That's right, you should learn from her, Rai-chan! Well then, feel free to drop by the diner whenever you're hungry!

Yeah~ Aunt, thank you~!

Alright, everyone! Don't rely on Miku all the time~! Our family runs on teamwork!

...!

Let's go, my family!! Time to stock up on detergent like crazy~~~!!

Eeeeek!? Please don't pull me~~~!

Hand soap, fabric softener, and tissues too! Chieri remembers everything!

...

Miku. I think I've just learned something amazing.

Shizuku-chan, what is it?

Detergent and soap... So they actually run out.

Huh?

I always thought they were just there. So much that I never noticed they were decreasing.

If you use it, it decreases. If it decreases, it runs out. So you restock it before that.

Life is about repeating that cycle... And everyone is doing that... It's amazing...!

Ah... Well, there is more about life though...

I've encountered another thing I never even thought about.

Miku, let's go too. We do laundry every day, so we probably need that much detergent.

That makes seven boxes in a week.

That might not be quite right. Why don't you ask Raika-chan to teach you again♪

(That person... you should take responsibility and teach her properly to the end!)

Everyone~ Look at this! The live poster!!

I made it with the neighborhood aunties at a computer class~!

So that was why you weren't back by this hour...

What is that incredibly lame design!!

Huh!?

A combination of rainbow-colored text and shapes... It looks like some ancient homepage~

That's so like Raika-chan~ Looks like a neighborhood association notice♪

Printing so many copies of such an unusable design... What a waste of paper!

Huh... This isn't what I expected...!

Raika is amazing. You can use a computer and even make advertisements.

Shizuku...!! You think this poster is cool, right!?

I can't tell what's good or what's bad.

Then tell me whether you like it or not! Shizuku, what do you think!?

...

Hm!? You're smiling... But I can get nothing from that face...!

My mother taught me to make this face whenever I don't know how to answer at social parties.

You didn't know how to answer that!?

Honestly... why did you make something like that?

In a school festival or town festival, when posters go up, you get excited, right?

I thought if we had this, everyone would get excited!

Huh, so you made this for us?

Yeah! Before the guests, I've gotta make my family smile first!

If my family handing these out looks all gloomy, guests won't come near, right?

(What she's doing doesn't quite fit, but I guess she's thinking about it in her own way.)

Well... your effort is acknowledged. You really worked hard for Chieri, staying up this late.

Then...!

Chieri won't use that poster!!

Why~~? Cherie's so stingy~~!

The most important thing is selling the tickets! Chieri is ultra amazing today!

While Raika was dawdling, Chieri went and sold ten tickets!

Ten tickets in one day... You really are well-liked, Cherie.

Hehe, if Chieri really tries, this much is nothing. And Chieri is the genius who came up with the "Recruit Your Friends Plan."

That plan Cherie-san came up with at the diner... So it was officially adopted after all...

I sold fifteen tickets today! At school and the computer class!

What...!

Tomorrow I'll reach out to other classes! My goal is the whole school!

Ch-Chieri will go too! Can't let Raika get all the credit!

Then, let's split up the work! I'll leave the first-years to you, Cherie.

Grrr... you can only afford to look relaxed for now...!

By the way, how about Yomogi and others!?

Ugh...

Probably 5 tickets today.

Most of my friends already have plans for the weekend, so tomorrow I'll look for people who might be interested and talk to them.

I've only sold one. Sorry I couldn't contribute more than that.

But isn't it tough to talk to the girls from Tsukinomori? They don't really seem like band people.

No, this one isn't from school. Someone sent a letter asking me to hold a ticket.

Oh, that was in the mailbox this morning! A letter addressed to Shizuku.

Let me see... "I'd like to reserve one ticket. I look forward to the performance..."

Who's this one?

(Oh please, it could only be that person.)

Anyway, Shizuku sold one. Yomogi... what about you?

Ugh... zero. I'm a useless piece of trash. I'm so sorry~~~!

In the first place, "Recruit Your Friends Plan" is impossible for me! There's no one on earth who'd want to be my friend~~!

I'm here! Let's be friends, Yomogi!

Huh... Be friends with Raika-san...? Um... what about the family you're always talking about...?

We're family, so naturally I'm your friend, Yomogi!

I... I don't understand what you mean!

Whose phone is that? During the union meeting, you should turn it to silent mode.

Oh, sorry, it's mine! A phone call... I'll call back later.

Is it okay?

Yeah, it was from Granny! It's probably just the usual "How's it going?" kind of call.

I'm always telling Granny about everyone! And then I end up talking on the phone for ages.

So I'll call back later! 'Cause now is family time.

You could have just answered it. We don't get calls very often, you know.

Cherie?

Th-there might be people in this world who don't even get calls from their parents!

So you should just answer it and be grateful!

(She could make that kind of face...)