Plum Blossoms & Snowflakes [Plum Blossoms 1]

[anakidd]

Akiomi: Oh, Ayase-kun. You did come here.

You took so long to show up that I was asking myself if you had already left.

Mayoi: I’m sorry, I’m sorry!! I’m sorry for being late! I’m sorry for being a suspicious person that never shows uuuuuuuuuuuuuup!

Akiomi: … suspicious? Indeed, raising your voice like this is suspicious behavior.

I called you abruptly, so don’t worry about the lateness. Rather the opposite, I’m glad you came here.

It’s good to have this kind of conversation as early as possible.

Mayoi: As early as possible… uuuuu… What’s about me…? 

Akiomi: First of all, let’s go to the teacher' s room. It’s not appropriate to have a talk like this in the hallways.

Mayoi: Y-yes…

[Teacher’s room. Akiomi’s desk]

Akiomi: It’s a case of grade repetition.

Mayoi: Hm…? Who’s?

Akiomi: Ayase-kun.

Mayoi: I see. “Ayase-kun”-san is…

..............

eeeeehhhhhhhh!? That’s me!

Akiomi: Yes.  However, it’s not set in stone yet.

But at this rate, you’ll repeat a year for sure.

Mayoi: Ah, for sure…

Ah… certainly I was hidden for a long time. The homeschool credit score isn't enough…?

I've been able to advance so far…

Akiomi: Indeed, the amount of credit score isn’t the problem. But we have another evaluation criteria according to the new system.

Ayase-kun, your “attendance on campus events” is awfully low.

Mayoi: School events….

Akiomi: Moreover, specifically in-campus events. Recently, “Chocofes” and “Repayment Fes” are applicable examples.

According to the new system, idol jobs are equal to schoolwork, so it would be possible to compensate for credits if you found a job…

In an extreme case, you could graduate just by working.

So, in order to save the school life from being neglected, in-campus events participation was added as an evaluation criteria starting this year.

However, the conditions aren’t strict. If you participate in regular school events, you won't get behind. But…

Mayoi: I wasn’t coming to school until summer, so the participation wasn't enough…

Akiomi: Precisely.

Mayoi: I-I understand…

Ah, I don’t even know what to say…

I’m going to work hard to graduate next time…

Akiomi: Next time? You already accepted you are going to repeat a year?

Mayoi: Yes. It’s impossible to participate in in-campus events for what is left of the year.

Just the ALKALOID participation at “Chocofes” isn’t enough to make up for it.

It’s impossible no matter what I do, so next year I gotta work hard…

Akiomi: (Honestly. I knew he was half-hearted, but to the point of accepting everything so easily…)

(The entertainment industry is a cruel world. It’s not a place where you can be spoiled.)

(But… he is a student and I am a teacher. In my position as educator, it’s my duty to at least be a guide.)

(And if he can’t figure it out, it’s possible that he’ll just give up.)

It’s not impossible. There are relief measures for students in a situation like yours.

It would be unfortunate if you weren't able to graduate because of the new system.

Mayoi: A relief measure…

Akiomi: Yes. In order to achieve the graduation requirements, you must tackle the assignment by yourself.

Mayoi: By myself? No ALKALOID?

Akiomi: Yes. ALKALOID activities are splendid and the bonds are strong too. There is no doubt about it.

But you often play a supporting role to ALKALOID, right, Ayase-kun?

It’s the right choice when you are part of a “unit”. In truth, your support allows your companions to flourish and this way ALKALOID’s true strength also grows.

However.. is it really ok to devote yourself fully to a supporting role?

The day you may need to go on stage as a solo idol, wouldn’t you struggle?

Mayoi: .................

Akiomi: The school is a place to provide education to students and to broaden your potential. So the relief measure must be associated with your development.

Therefore, Ayase-kun shall gather companions to assemble a temporary unit.

Mayoi: Temporary unit….

Akiomi: Yes. Anyone except for ALKALOID members and preferably people you don't usually interact with, if possible.

I ask you to find a job to do with this temporary unit. However, there is a possibility you might not find a proper job at this time of the year.

In this case, please host a DreamFes S3.

Mayoi: Assembling a temporary unit and finding a job…

I “just” need to search for companions, but that's the hardest part. Taking part in a S3 still would be more realistic.

But about people I don’t usually interact with—