Chapter 4

Ah—...today’s finally over…..

(The practice itself isn’t all that hard so I can’t complain……it’s still a drag though.)

(I guess it still beats getting ambushed by a certain recruiter every day. Feeling kind of thirsty though—)

Hm?

Murakumo-san.

(Muneuji Kaguya…..)

Ah~ Good work today, have a good night~.

Do you have a moment? I’d like to discuss something.

What?

We really want to know what you think of our performance. As the expert around here, we value your honest feedback.

(Mm, I figured it was something like that.)

If you’re feeling that off about it, doesn’t that mean you can already tell what the problem is? You don’t need me to spell it out, do you?

…………

(Ah~, was that too unserious?)

I see…. you might be onto something. That really resonates with me.

Your input is profound and very sensible. I really appreciate such insightful words.

(Insightful words….? Well whatever I guess.)

……You’re welcome~ Keep at it~

Oh boy.

Welcome back, Ten! Dance practice really held you up, huh.

Yeah, because of that I have a crap ton of messages to reply to now.

Hm?

That crow is looking right at us. Maybe it’s a fan of mine….?

……

(Yeah, yeah. “Know your place as a family member.” You didn’t need to send a messenger, I know that much.)

Hah, can’t wait to get this whole thing over with—

Hmm~

(Lately, it feels like there’s this huge wall between me and the other 3 during practice…..)

(I can’t let it go on like this~ I gotta find a way to break the ice a bit…..)

…..Well, I came to the dining room for that but….. nobody’s here~

No way~, nobody’s here either…. This is a total bummer……

Did everyone already go back to their rooms—— Oh?

(The back door’s slightly open. Maybe someone was airing out the room?)

Huh!?

Meow.

Oh, it’s you, Meowster Jr…. You’re not with your Mama today~?

Meow mreow.

Hehe, you’re way too cute. ….I didn’t find anyone I wanna talk to, but seeing you here makes this trip to the kitchen all worth it ♪

C’mere, c’mere~ If PT were here, you’d have a playmate already~

Mreow meoow!

Ah…..!

Hey….! Wait, that’s TuRysuke!

Meow!

Stop it! That’s not a toy!

Like I said, you’re really putting me on the spot by asking me to take responsibility here~

Hellooooo, are you listening? Are you crying?

Meeeow!

Oh, what are you doing in there, runt?

Ten-cham! Don’t let that kitty get away!

Eeeeh? I’m on a pretty serious phone call, you know……

Meeeoww!

Oops, he ran away.

Hey! Ten-cham, you’re responsible too, help Chii catch that li'l guy~!

What do you mean responsibility…… Ah, whatever.

My bad. Something came up so I’m hanging up now—

Arrghhhhh, I’m starvinggg….. I wonder if there’s any food, cooked meals, or just plain ol’ white rice leftover.

Would be a godsend if there’s some meat as well.

Meeow!

Eyy, I know I said meat but that’s not what I meant! I’m against cat consumption!

Atta, catch that lil Meowster for us!!!!!

Aww hell naww! I’m a cat lover not a cat eater!!!

I think you’re having a weird misunderstanding here, Akuta.

Kitty! Run!!! Run that way before they catch and make a meal outta youuuu!

Meeeeoooowwww!

Huff, huff…… We’ve finally got you cornered…..!

You’re as trapped as a mouse in a mousetrap now! Except, well, you’re a cat!

……Huh?

……Sounds like a familiar tune…

Is that….. our song….?