(Sutamai) Special Feature, 2D Star Volume 10

[nhp]

Men Who Work Are Sexy!

 

Summary: Idols and musicians are sexy. But there are a ton of hot men who are also detectives, actors, designers, industrialists and such, even within the labor force. So this time, we’ll be conducting a long interview with those men! In addition to that, we also closely cover the Kujo Household, who do their business in the underworld and who under normal circumstances would never be appearing in the public eye. All men who work are sexy!!

Characters: Everyone!! :D
 

 

 

 

In this issue, we had Aoyama Itsuki-san and Natsume Haru-san of the Narcotics Control Department (commonly known as “Matori”), and Watabe Satoru-san from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, appear on the cover for the “Men Who Work Are Sexy” gravure! 

First things first, here’s to a job well done on your photoshoot under the cherry blossoms in full bloom. How did you three feel about being on the cover?

 

Aoyama: …… To be honest, I was nervous throughout the entire photoshoot.

 

Natsume: Huh? Are you serious!? Even though you give off the image of being thoroughly used to having your photo taken what with your family functions and all…… 

 

Aoyama: It’s because the world at large will be seeing me as a representative for Matori. I can’t have them taking a half-assed photo now, can I?

 

Watabe: I see. That’s some sense of responsibility you have there. Guess that’s what it means to be Matori’s Ace. 

 

Aoyama: Please don’t tease me like that, Watabe-san. 

 

Natsume: But I really had no idea that you were nervous. You even made me think that I had to put in more effort since you had quite the natural smile going on towards the end. 

 

Aoyama: I felt relieved after seeing you carry yourself like usual. You’re unexpectedly the type to be bold when it comes to all or nothing situations, Natsume.

 

Watabe: Oh yeah, that is true. Don’t they call that a “Gap Moe”? You know, that thing that strikes the heart of girls all over the world. 

 

Natsume: Flattering me like that won’t get you anywhere. But what about you, Watabe-san? I was surprised by how well it suit you to be holding a bouquet. 

 

Aoyama: Yeah, I thought the same thing too. You were even accustomed to holding it…… If it’s you Watabe-san, then it wouldn’t even feel strange for you to present the bouquet while on a date.

 

Watabe: Well, sure, but if I did that every time then that sounds like it’d be a burden on the other party…… When it really matters, I’d definitely want to prepare flowers that would be becoming of her. 

 

Natsume: Woah, how romantic……

 

Watabe: And you as well, Natsume-kun. You seem like the number one candidate here to go on a romantic date when it comes down to it. 

 

Natsume: Not a chance. I have no stamina, and I can’t stand going out. 

 

Aoyama: If we’re talking about this guy, then when push comes to shove, he’ll get moving alright.

 

Natsume: Can’t we call it quits with making fun of me already……?

 

Well then, let’s move onto the next question for now (LOL). I’m sure that you’re living your everyday life feeling busy; with Aoyama-san and Natsume-san making every effort to crack down on illicit drug use, and with Watabe-san negotiating with foreign countries for the benefit of our own; but how do you all spend your day off?

 

Watabe: You’re talking about when we have a full day off, right? I’m sorry to say, but ever since becoming a diplomat, I haven’t really had one of those…… I guess that I’d want to use up my free time for the sake of someone dear to me.

 

Natsume: Despite being relatively busy, you’re always coming over to the NCD, Watabe-san.

 

Aoyama: You’re right about that…… Is it to take a breather? Although I get the feeling that that’s a bit different from your answer of using it for the sake of someone dear to you.

 

Watabe: Now, now, can’t I get a break here? Adults have what we call “various circumstances”, you know. 

 

Aoyama: As for me, on my days off…… I like to make my rounds checking out places that are particular about their food. 

 

Natsume: It really saves me the trouble since I can never go wrong with the places you tell me about, Itsuki-san. Gathering for drinks at a place with awful alcohol and food is just out of the question for me. 

 

Aoyama: That’s because you’re strict about the taste of things. 

 

Natsume: Is what you say, but don’t you carefully inspect the menu each time that we go out for drinks, Itsuki-san?

 

Aoyama: …… So you’ve noticed. 

 

Natsume: Of course. As the organizer for the gathering, I make sure to keep an eye out on what’s happening around me. Like how Shun-san (Imaoji of Matori) is always mistaking Japanese sake for water, or how Kotaro-san (Yui of Matori) dissects the crustaceans. 

 

Aoyama: Kotaro is a given, but I wonder why I get the feeling that even Imaoji knows what he’s doing. 

 

Natsume: I feel you there. He will, without a doubt, get them mixed every time after all. 

 

Watabe: Would you look at that. Matori’s party president is showing us his true abilities. Do you also frequent fancy places on your day off, Natsume-kun?

 

Natsume: How I wish that were the case. But if I’m normally busy, then it ends with me taking it easy when I have a day off. There are a lot of days where I don’t leave the hotel. 

 

Aoyama: You’re right. Even I have days where it just ends with me having done the housework or other stuff that I wouldn’t have been able to do during the weekdays. 

 

Watabe: Reality sure is harsh~

 

Aoyama: And you, Watabe-san—I heard from Seki-san (Seki Daisuke of Matori) that you’re going to be sent off to France again tomorrow.

 

Watabe: Honestly, that Seki does love to talk~

 

Thank you for taking your time out to have this interview despite being busy. Finally, we ask that you each please leave us with a short message.

 

Aoyama: Normally, we’d never be appearing on the face of the cover, but I’m happy to have been given an opportunity like this. We will continue to endeavour to reduce the casualties caused by drugs, even just a little, from now on—

 

Natsume: Halt it right there, Itsuki-san. You’re making it out to be a promotional campaign for the eradication of narcotics.

 

Watabe: Wouldn’t it be better to just give some fan service for the sake of all the missus around the world who are expecting great things of us?

 

Aoyama: Fan service……? I don’t really understand what you mean by that…… But if you want to come along for the ride, then follow us. That’s all there is to it.

 

Natsume: Well, I guess I’d be glad if you watch over us like how you’ve been doing from now on too. Also, I’d like to leave work on the dot as much as possible. Very much so. 

 

Aoyama: This isn’t exactly the time to be speaking about personal wishes…… 

 

Natsume: I thought that if I said it here then maybe the higher-ups or something will see it, you know?

 

Watabe: Although they’re a charming bunch, they can be hard to deal with, like with how they’re behaving right now. But it’d make me happy if you support them anyway. Oh, but for the ladies who are curious, you can go ahead and look my way?

 

Natsume: …… You’ve got a knack for wrapping things up, Watabe-san. 

 

Watabe: Haha, maybe it’s “the older the wiser” thing talking. Well then everyone, see you next time~

 

Scoop #1 Narcotics Control Department

 

Continuing on with the interview, it’s time for Seki-san, Imaoji-san, and Yui-san of the Narcotics Control Department (Matori) to make their appearance. They work alongside both Aoyama-san and Natsume-san, who graced this magazine’s front cover. Please tell us your thoughts on this.

 

Seki: I’m happy with whatever achievements my subordinates have. Not to mention Watabe (from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) as well…… When all is said and done, we’re quite indebted to him. 

 

Imaoji: I was just shown the gravure a little while ago, but it was wonderfully taken. Everyone appeared even more charming than usual.

 

Yui: A gravure shot of my colleagues? I have no particular interest in that. But if it was a photo of her, then I’d gladly look on it…… 

 

Seki: Oi, Yui……

 

Yui: A strand of her hair is infinitely of higher worth than one photo of something amounting to that.

 

Who is this girl that you speak of, Yui-san?

 

Imaoji: Oh, there’s one lone girl amongst our colleagues, but…… You don’t need to place too much thought into it. 

 

Yui: I have no intention of reciting just how marvelous she is here. And if you must ask why, it’s because she is my most important research subject—

 

Seki: Yui. Anyway, could I see the gravure that was taken this time?

 

Yui: If that’s what you want, Seki-san, then who am I to argue…… Hm? Itsuki, that guy… It looks like he was nervous for a change. 

 

Seki: Nervous? Aoyama was?

 

Imaoji: From what I can see, Aoyama-san seems to be smiling rather radiantly.

 

Yui: Don’t you think that the very act of him beaming with smiles is in itself questionable?

 

Seki: Now that you mention it…… No, that kind of talk is disrespectful towards my subordinates.  

 

Imaoji: Coming from Yui-san, who graduated from the same class as Aoyama-san, it’s strangely convincing. 

 

Yui: Hmph, if it’s to do with Itsuki, then just ask me. Likewise for when it comes to her body. 

 

Imaoji: That latter comment was somewhat unnecessary, don’t you think……

 

Seki: Um, Miss Interviewer, those words carry a different meaning from the norm, so if you could not pay it too much attention…… 

 

Your jobs must be taxing on both the mind and body, but do you think that your occupation as a Matori is your calling in life?

 

Yui: My contributions to the world through my research on her and drugs are, without a doubt, my lifework. 

 

Seki: I expect great things from the fruit of your research, Yui. However, being a Matori doesn’t just involve that. 

 

Yui: Tch…… If only the era would come already where there were more staff so that I didn’t have to head onsite.

 

Imaoji: Despite seeming like this, Yui-san is also quite the ace with his marksmanship. It’s such a waste to limit yourself to office work. 

 

Seki: Yes, exactly that. A Matori who continues to further their research while being able to head onsite is Yui’s calling in life. Is that not so?

 

Yui: It only feels like I’m being well and truly talked into it, but I hope you know that I’m not going to give up on my future of working indoors.

 

Seki: Haha…… That’s very like you. 

 

Imaoji: He’s probably about the only one who wouldn’t back down after being told what to do by our section chief, Seki-san.

 

Seki: It would be unworthy of me to refer to it as a “calling in life”. That term is awe-inspiring so I really can’t use something like that for myself. 

 

Imaoji: If it is unbecoming of Seki-san, then not a single person in Matori will be able to proudly hold themselves up anymore. 

 

Seki: I’m not that much of a great person. It’s simply because I can’t think of any other alternative path to choose in life outside of being a Matori…… If that’s what is called a “calling in life”, then yes, that is mine. 

 

Imaoji: So that only leaves me left.

 

Seki: Come to think of it, I’ve never really ever heard about your thoughts regarding your job, Imaoji. 

 

Yui: Imaoji-kun is a man who doesn’t reveal what’s in his heart after all. You always finish up your work perfectly, but what’s the motivation behind that?

 

Imaoji: Well now, who knows? My desire on wanting to keep drugs under control and away from the rest of the world isn’t a lie. 

 

Yui: So in other words, you’re saying that there are lies and deceit within your other desires?

 

Imaoji: No, no, there is no such thing. You’re quite the skeptic, Yui-san. 

 

There are a lot of mysterious aspects surrounding your work, but by all means, we’d love for you to tell us about your private life as well. Is there something that has moved you as of late?

 

Imaoji: Let’s see now…… If we’re talking recently, then how about the time I saw a movie on my day off?

 

Seki: What sort of movie was it?

 

Imaoji: …… It was an old American movie in black and white picture. I don’t think that it would have been released onto Japanese DVDs or anything.

 

Yui: What brought me to tears, to say the least, was when I confirmed a certain DNA base sequence. If I were to describe the brilliance of her genetic coding—

 

Seki: I hope that you received permission for that inspection. 

 

Yui: Naturally, I have informed her of such. As of right now, in this magazine article. 

 

Imaoji: It’s rather literally reporting it after the incident. 

 

Seki: You’re to apologize straight after coming into work tomorrow. I’ll have you let me be present for it as well. 

 

Yui: Honestly, you’re also for the most part rather overprotective of her, Seki-san.

 

Seki: ……! No, I……

 

Imaoji: Well, well…… It may be a little different from feeling touched, but it’s soothing to hear everyone’s friendly bantering. 

 

Seki: …… I feel the same way. I’ll leave aside whether or not our back and forth just now was heartwarming, but I’m always thinking that I have with me lovely subordinates. 

 

Yui: That’s right. Starting with Seki-san and Itsuki, I have to give my thanks to the fact that there are a number of people who understand me.

 

We’re looking forward to more and more of your successes in the future. So if you could please leave a few words for the readers of this magazine.

 

Seki: I do somewhat feel as if we displayed a rather candid part of ourselves that we normally wouldn’t be showing as Matori, but……

 

Imaoji: I’m sure that all the readers were enjoying themselves at that part too. 

 

Yui: And you, Imaoji-kun, ended up not shedding light on your private life today as well.

 

Imaoji: What could you possibly mean, I wonder? There’s simply nothing to say when it comes to me, is all.

 

Seki: I’d like to start over by expressing my thanks to the people who have read through the interview up until this point…… Thank you for taking an interest in us Matori. Even if it’s just one case, we’ll continue to crack down on the many drug related crimes, so please let us meet your expectations. 

 

Thank you very much for your time!

 

Scoop #2 Police

 

We have here with us the detectives who work and serve in the First Division of the Criminal Investigation Unit! Please introduce yourselves.

 

Everyone: ………… 

 

Sugano: …… Okaaay, why is everyone silent from the get-go?

 

Asagiri: I assumed that it should be You-san, the Section Chief, who speaks first in this sort of situation. 

 

Hattori: Goodness, is that so? Well then, I’ll keep it short. I’m Hattori. I’m the Section Chief of the CIU First Division. Moving on~

 

Asagiri: You really did just keep it short……

 

Hattori: If you so much as plan on telling us your bust-waist-hip measurements, Tsukasa, then I’ll follow your example.

 

Asagiri: …… I’m Asagiri. I have no desire to reveal any personal information whatsoever. You’re next, Sosei.

 

Arakida: …… I’m Arakida Sosei. Next.

 

Sugano: Whaaat…… This is kind of a mood killer here. At this rate, the First Division is going to leave an absolutely horrible impression, you know? Saying whatever and refusing to answer and being cold… What a troublesome bunch of seniors~ 

 

Hattori: Isn’t this where you show off what you’re made of, Natsuki?

 

Sugano: Yes, yes, I’ll turn this situation around completely. To all the readers of this magazine, I’m Sugano Natsuki~ I’m 26 years old and I’m the brilliant detective who’s in the prime of his manhood! My type of lady is someone who—

 

Asagiri: Please move onto the next question.

 

Sugano: Ahaha, I thought that you would do that. 

 

You’re all working as detectives at the moment, but do you think that your current job is your calling in life? Or if you were to change professions, is there one that you dream of becoming that’s similar to the one now?

 

Sugano: Even if I switch jobs, in the end, I’m going to live out my life in the sense of being someone like an ally of justice.

 

Arakida: …… What the heck do you mean by that?

 

Sugano: C’mon, you know! There are plenty of them about. Like the Power Rangers? Or the Masked Rider?

 

Asagiri: So you mean an actor?

 

Sugano: Haha, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m talking about the Allies of Justice™.

 

Hattori: What are you going to do when the camera’s not on you? 

 

Sugano: Well, of course, I’m going to play around with girls. 

 

Arakida: Go and look up the definition of justice. 

 

Sugano: Your words hurt me so~ Haha. And how about you, Sosei-san? Why are you currently working as a police officer?

 

Arakida: …… I’m just doing what I can.

 

Hattori: And if you were to change jobs?

 

Arakida: …… That’s not something I’m considering. 

 

Sugano: Don’t you think that our responses aren’t really helping with providing material to cover……? 

 

Asagiri: In the first place, what exactly is the point of this interview? There’s simply no way that we can answer to such an unspecified large number of people.

 

Sugano: Now, now, Tsukasa-san, don’t say that. Since it reeaaally feels like being a police officer is your calling in life. 

 

Asagiri: …… I’ve certainly never thought that I wasn’t suited for the job. 

 

Hattori: You’ve never thought about changing jobs or anything?

 

Asagiri: I’d like to ask that same question of you, You-san.

 

Sugano: Oh, I’m curious about that too!

 

Hattori: Hmmm. I think about switching jobs every day. 

 

All three: Huh?

 

Hattori: Just kidding.

 

All three: Huh……?

 

Hattori: And that was a lie just now. Haha.

 

Asagiri: So in other words, you don’t intend on seriously answering.

 

Hattori: My answer just now was pretty serious of me though~

 

Sugano: You-san does have that part about him……

 

Arakida: …… Can I head back to my investigation already?

 

Let’s move onto the next question before Arakida-san leaves completely. Amongst the members of the Police Department, who is the most easily moved to tears or is deeply touched by things?

 

Hattori: Oh my, it’d have to be Sosei.

 

Asagiri: It’s Sosei.

 

Sugano: It’s Sosei alright. Just the other day, his eyes were all red after examining a suspect that had “his reasons” and was all like, “I beg of you to please take into consideration my extenuating circumstances!”.  

 

Arakida: ……………… I wasn’t crying, got it? I was just sleep deprived. 

 

How lovely to have a compassionate detective. Well then, this will be the last thing that we ask of you all. Please tell us your ideal way of spending your day off.

 

Sugano: I think that it’d definitely have to be going out to play with some cute girls. I’ll go wherever and do whatever with you, so I highly recommend myself, you know? Going shopping, to the movies, amusement parks, the zoo, to fairytale esque cafes that only serve pancakes, or even just relaxing all day in your room—I’m okay with it all! Aren’t I quite the catch?

 

Arakida: Stop.

 

Sugano: Buuuuut you gotta treasure your encounters with others. It’s for your own good as well that you at least go outside and pick up some girls, instead of shutting yourself at home on your day off doing nothing but reading books, Sosei-san. 

 

Arakida: !...... It’s not like I stay at home all the time. 

 

Asagiri: The fact that you don’t deny the part about reading books is reason enough to conclude that in the end, you spend your time on your days off reading—whether it’s at your favorite cafe, on a park bench where the sunlight hits wonderfully or even perhaps at a riverbed. 

 

Arakida: Please don’t demonstrate your observational skills on me…… 

 

Sugano: What do you do on your days off, Tsukasa-san?

 

Asagiri: Excuse me? Of course I’m not going to talk about something that private. 

 

Sugano: I see. So the only one who can know that is someone who’s become your girlfriend.

 

Asagiri: Even if they’re my lover, it does not necessarily guarantee that I would spend what time I have on my days off together with them. I don’t handle clingy relationships well. 

 

Hattori: Hmmm.

 

Asagiri: …… Is there something wrong, You-san?

 

Hattori: Not particularly?

 

Asagiri: That’s not what it looks like though. You’re grinning. If there’s something that you want to say then please clearly say it. 

 

Hattori: I was just thinking that someone as prickly as you, Tsukasa, would be the type to unexpectedly dote on their woman~ 

 

Asagiri: Hmph, as if.

 

Sugano: Yeah, I definitely can’t imagine Tsukasa-san spoiling some girl. What about you, You-san? What would you do with your girlfriend?

 

Hattori: Sleep, I guess.

 

Sugano & Arakida: Huh?

 

Asagiri: You-san…… That sort of activity is wholesome between lovers, but isn’t it better to refrain from giving such direct answers?

 

Hattori: We were asked on how we spend our days off. So my answer is to sleep.

 

Asagiri: ………… I see.

 

Arakida: So that’s the punchline…… 

 

Sugano: And there you have it folks~ That was us chummy First Division guys speaking! We’re here everyday to fight the hard fight in the name of justice, so look out for us. You better absolutely, most definitely, fall in love with us, okay?

 

Scoop #3 Kujo Household

 

We’ve round up the lot who do their business underground! Even the ordinary citizen wouldn’t be so familiar with the world that is known as the underside of society, so our readers must also be brimming with interest. Please do tell us as much as you can! 

Well then, the Kujo Group has become widely known within a part of that underworld, and you all seem to be working at the Kujo household; but to start off, may we ask that you please introduce yourselves?

 

Kirishima: Alright!! I’m gonna go first! This here is Kirishima Koya! The bodyguard for the Kujo Household! Even from my name, I already sound strong, right?

 

Yamazaki: What exactly about it sounds strong……?

 

Kirishima: “It’s KI-RI-SHI-MA KOYA!!” That sorta feeling, y’know?

 

Yamazaki: What……?

 

Miyase: Oh, I see now.

 

Shindo: You’re accepting that explanation?

 

Miyase: Huh? Was it strange of me to? Well, I did think that Kirishima-san’s name had a powerful ring to it.

 

Kirishima: See? Miyase gets it, alright.

 

Kujo: The conversation is going astray.

 

Kirishima: Oh crap! Sorry about that, Kujo-san. Next is Kaname’s turn to introduce himself!

 

Yamazaki: Why am I next?

 

Kirishima: Ain’t that obvious? It’s ‘cause you’re sitting right next to me.

 

Yamazaki: …… Fine, I guess. I’m Yamazaki Kaname. A high school student. 

 

Shindo: If we’re following that order, then next up is me, huh. I’m Shindo Kiyoshi, a doctor. 

 

Miyase: Well, well, I suppose that I’m next then. For some reason, when it comes to formally introducing oneself, I become all embarrassed, but…… My name is Miyase Go. I have the pleasure of being the servant for the Kujo Household. 

 

Kujo: I’m Kujo Soma. My occupation is…… Let’s see, I’ll just leave it at as being a Director for a pharmaceutical company. 

 

Yamazaki: Somehow, I get the feeling that I was the only one to answer with an official status that matched my circumstances. 

 

Shindo: Aren’t self-introductions mankind’s way of concisely describing themselves at the utmost surface level?

 

Kujo: At the very least, what I said just now wasn’t a lie.

 

Miyase: Haha. And what of the next question, I wonder? I’m being kept on my toes here.

 

Moving onto the next question then! We’d love to know about your private life as well, so has there been anything that has deeply moved you recently?

 

Kirishima: Oh man! This is just the question for me alright!

 

Yamazaki: What were you moved by?

 

Kirishima: It ain’t something deeply moving or anything! But man oh man, this is a huge discovery! Listen up you guys, and don’t freak out, alright?

 

Miyase: Huh? Um, please wait a minute. I need to mentally prepare myself.

 

Shindo: Don’t worry, Miyase. If your heart stops working then I’ll resuscitate it for you. 

 

Miyase: Thank you so much, Shindo-san.

 

Yamazaki: I promise not to retort with anything, so……

 

Kujo: Go on and tell us, Kirishima.

 

Kirishima: Yeah! The truth is…… I found out something! There’s a flower growing in the garden that only blooms in the morning!!

 

Yamazaki: ……………. What?

 

Shindo: I pretty much figured that he’d say something like that. 

 

Kirishima: What’s with you guys? Be more shocked, will ya! The flower that’s in full bloom when I go for my morning run turns into a bud at night, y’know? And then it blooms again the next morning!

 

Miyase: That’s amazing, Kirishima-san. It really is quite the big discovery. 

 

Kirishima: Right!

 

Shindo: Don’t coddle him, Miyase.

 

Miyase: Haha. I was simply happy that he had paid attention to the flowers in the garden.

 

Kujo: Has there been something that you’ve found deeply moving as of late, Go? 

 

Miyase: Huh?...... Me?

 

Kujo: Neither Kaname nor Shindo are the type to talk about such an experience in this sort of situation. 

 

Shindo: He gracefully dodged the question himself. 

 

Yamazaki: But it’s just as Kujo-san says, so if you could go ahead and answer it, Go-san.

 

Miyase: Well then, it’s presumptuous of me to push everyone aside and proceed, but I shall answer the question. Something that has moved me deeply recently…… Oh. I was very impressed when I saw Kirishima-san successfully complete 10,000 skips in the garden without once tripping.

 

Yamazaki: …………… What?

 

Kirishima: Miyase~! Thanks for helping me keep count that time! It was also ‘cause I had you cheering me on that I got through it!!

 

Miyase: I was very jittery then. But I was bestowed with the hope that humans could do anything if they put their minds to it.

 

Yamazaki: …… What? What exactly went down?

 

Miyase: Kirishima-san was working out in the gardens.

 

Kirishima: And skipping was all the rage at the time.

 

Shindo: I just got my hands on the world’s most useless piece of information right now.

 

Kujo: …… Please move onto the next question.

 

(LOL) You all get along very well with each other. Now, when thinking of spring, it’s a season for a lot of people to begin life anew, but is there something that you’d like to start doing from now on?

 

Shindo: Oh, this I can answer.

 

Yamazaki: I can pretty much predict what you’re going to say, Kiyoshi-san, but…… What is it?

 

Shindo: It’s to fully tone my traps.

 

Yamazaki: Of course it’d be related to working out…… 

 

Miyase: What muscles…… are your “traps”?

 

Shindo: Turn around for a bit, Kujo.

 

Kujo: ………… 

 

Shindo: It’s this part…… on your back. We call this quadrilateral section of muscle consisting of your neck, left and right shoulders, and the T-spine area the trapezius muscle. The fibres are separated into upper, middle, and lower groups, and they each have their own set of movements and functions…… Oi, Kujo. Don’t move.

 

Kujo: …………

 

Yamazaki: You could’ve just used your own back to explain it……

 

Kirishima: Yeah, that’s right, Shindo! Don’t use Kujo-san for something like that!

 

Shindo: Even amongst fitness junkies, they say that the back is a difficult body part to hone. Oftentimes, you end up using your biceps and abs during the workout…… Miyase? You’re blanking out. Are you paying any attention to what I’m saying?

 

Miyase: Oh, I’m sorry! I’m just surprised that there’s so much when it comes to muscles and working out. 

 

Shindo: It’s not a world of its own that you can just sum up in a few words after all. We’ll continue this at the mansion. I’ll explain it to you over some drinks. 

 

Miyase: Haha, why thank you. Well then, I shall make quite a number of delicious side dishes for us.

 

Kirishima: Miyase! I wanna eat that meat thing!

 

Yamazaki: He won’t know what you’re talking about with just that…… 

 

Kirishima: It’s crispy when cooked, and has a reeaaal juicy feel to it, and there are lumps and vegetables as well! It’s the delicious meat that Miyase makes!

 

Miyase: Crispy, and juicy, and with lumps and vegetables…… 

 

Shindo: We’re never going to reach the answer.

 

Kujo: …… Are you perhaps referring to the dish of grilled pork, topped with vegetable sprouts and potherb mustard, and drizzled with a roasted sesame seed infused oyster sauce flavored seasoning?

 

Miyase & Yamazaki & Shindo: !

 

Kirishima: Nothing less to expect from Kujo-san! Miyase did say something or other about oysters last time!

 

Kujo: I also quite liked that dish. Can you make it for us, Go?

 

Miyase: Of course, Kujo-san. Well, well, tonight’s dinner has been decided then.

 

Kirishima: Actually, I’m hungry. Let’s go home already and eat Miyase’s food and drink alcohol!

 

Yamazaki: …… Huh? Is it okay to finish up with it being this cozy? 

 

Shindo: Does it really matter? This is how it usually goes for us anyway. 

 

Yamazaki: ………… You know, sometimes I reluctantly catch myself thinking that if only things could stay this way forever.

 

Thank you for your time.

 

Scoop #4 Novelists, Actors, Industrialists, & Designers

 

Here we have with us the charismatic celebrity group, Revel, and the Tsuduki brothers who make their living as a novelist and an actor. This will be your first time appearing in this magazine, so if you could all introduce yourselves to start with.

 

Kyosuke: Pleased to make your acquaintance. I’m the actor, Tsuduki Kyosuke. Lately, I’ve taken on roles in movies and dramas and also work in modelling, and I’m even appearing on variety shows. I enjoy all my jobs.

 

Otani: Amazing, that felt very much like an actual self introduction.

 

Kyosuke: Thank you! I am a professional, after all. 

 

Kagura: Hey, could we not tangent off topic all of a sudden? Not to mention that there are a lot of people to get through and all.

 

Otani: Sorry, my mistake. I’m Otani Hatori, and I run a company working in Information Technology.

 

Kagura: Honestly, good grief…… I’m Kagura Aki, a fashion designer. My main line of work is on boutique wear. 

 

Maki: I’m Maki Keita, an employee at M-Toys…… Does that even mean anything? I’m involved in designing and developing toys. 

 

Hiyama: I’m Hiyama Takaomi. I’m the head of the Hiyama Group and I operate in real estates. I also deal in a lot of work together with the previous three people who introduced themselves. 

 

Otani: All four of us together make up Revel. To put it simply, we’re kind of like an Idol group. 

 

Kagura: Stop making up outrageous lies that could be seen through straight away. I’d rather die than be in the same group as you.

 

Maki: Having said that though, you still are in the same group as him right now…… 

 

Kyosuke: But you know, you’re all handsome and you carry yourselves well and have an aura about yourself. So if you were to become Idols, then I think you’d be popular right off the bat.

 

Hiyama: Idols……

 

Maki: No way.

 

Kagura: Kyosuke, if you flatter us like that then there’s someone here who’s going to get ahead of himself. 

 

Otani: Oh, are you referring to moi? Seems like it’d be a lot of trouble to have any more girls than this seriously fall in love with me anyway, so I’ll pass on that for now. Although it does sound interesting. 

 

Hiyama: Well, well…… Idol work, I see. Combining that together with my real estates profession, it’d be rather amusing to tap into that added value as a “Homeboy” Idol. 

 

Maki: I had thought that you were being silent, Hiyama-kun, but you were actually giving it consideration.

 

Kyosuke: Ahaha! You’re quite the fascinating person, Hiyama-san.

 

Makoto: ………………… 

 

Kyosuke: Hey, wait, Brother! Just when I was thinking that you haven’t said a single word, here you are falling asleep. You feeling okay?

 

Makoto: …… Yeah, sorry. My consciousness is coming back to me. Hatori, Aki, Keita, Takaomi…… Your names are all exceedingly beautiful. 

 

Kagura: E-Excuse me?

 

Kyosuke: He’s been sleep deprived during the whole crunch hell, so it looks like he’s become a little out of sorts. 

 

Maki: I-Is he going to be okay?

 

Kyosuke: Sorry, but can we please take a short three minute break? Everything should be fine by then.

 

Well then, let’s start over with the introductions. This is Kyosuke-san’s older brother, the popular novelist, Tsuduki Makoto-san.

 

Makoto: Thank you, and it’s nice to meet you all. I seem to have caused everyone an inconvenience, so I do apologize. 

 

Hiyama: …… This switch in character is almost beyond recognition compared to just before. Does black coffee and a sweet snack change a person to this extent?

 

Kyosuke: My brother has a really unbalanced diet…… But lately he’s been able to start working on keeping it well in check if it’s with Aoyama-san’s food.

 

Makoto: The deliciousness of the food that man brings over is worthy of a special mention. 

 

Otani: Oh? It’s quite unexpected that there’s something between you and Aoyama-san, Makoto-san. 

 

Kyosuke: There are a large number of people involved within STAND after all. I feel that it’s also possible that someone will start getting close to someone else while we’re not looking.  

 

Hiyama: Speaking of, did you, Maki and Kagura end up going overseas together?

 

Kagura: Oh, you mean that time we went to Milano.

 

Maki: Aki’s family live over there so it also doubled as a getaway.

 

Kagura: And because it’s quite difficult for Kyosuke to take it easy if he’s in this country.

 

Kyosuke: If you’re going to say it like that, it’s more like I try not to stand out so I surprisingly end up visiting a bunch of places. But I really enjoyed being in Milano~

 

Makoto: The souvenirs that I received from Italy… The blend of coffee beans, the chocolate, and the baked goods…… They were all truly wonderful.

 

Otani: Milano, huh…… Just the other day, I was invited to go there in a private jet with the daughter of the president for an aircraft manufacturing company. Sigh, if only I had gone.

 

Kagura: You’re an absolute threat to women…… If only you could be crushed by an almighty power someday.

 

Makoto: When phrased like that, then a development such as being thrown aside by the one and only woman that he loved…… It’s cliched but it has an element of romance to it. 

 

Otani: Ahaha, that sounds enthralling. If you ever feel like putting that into your writing then please do.

 

Kagura: It’d never happen in reality though. I can’t imagine this guy having something as a one and only love.  

 

Hiyama: However, they do say that truth is stranger than fiction. 

 

Makoto: If something that unusual does occur, then by all means, please relay it to me. 

 

Kyosuke: …… Um, I don’t think that there was that much time given to the interview, so are we doing okay?

 

Oh, thank you for reminding us. Then to finish off, as the representative for everyone, please leave a message for the readers, Maki-san.

 

Maki: Huh? Why me?

 

Hiyama: It’s probably because you haven’t said much throughout the interview, but also because of your natural charm. 

 

Maki: No, wait, what do you mean by “natural charm”...... Isn’t it odd that I’m wrapping things up when there are celebrities here amongst us? 

 

Kagura: It’s because you’re humble, Kei-chan. Since you were chosen, you should just accept it with grace. 

 

Maki: …… Then without further ado. Everyone here can be a real pain to deal with, but even more than that, they’re a bunch of incredibly good people. So if you could turn your eyes towards that part, and cheer them on, then it’d make me and everyone else happy.

 

Kyosuke: This is precisely why Kei-chan is popular.

 

Kagura: Honestly. It’s at a point where I wish that he’d realized that for himself just a little.

 

Otani: I’d be glad if you could become more interested in us from now on too. Bye bye~

 

Scoop #5 Seo Research

 

For the purposes of investigation into cold cases, the Seo Research Lab was nominated for its potential scouting candidates. We managed to get a comment from these research members who show promise with their specialized knowledge!

 

Kawai: I’m Kawai Hikaru. Pleased to meet you~! The “cute” meaning from my name makes it easy to remember, right? You can call me “Hikarun” though. Okay, who’s next? 

 

Hosho: M-My name is Hosho Isagi… It’s read as “Isagi” and not “Kiyoshi”...... And, I’m s-sorry, for showing up in this magazine… I d-don’t really know w-what to a-answer in a-an i-i-interview… Umm, errr…… 

 

Saotome: That’s enough. Moving on.

 

Hinata: I’m Hinata Shion. A high school student. My favorite person is Sherlock Holmes. I’ve read all the books…… I’m starting to get sleepy…… Yaaawwnn.

 

Saotome: I’m Saotome Ikuto, I’m the assistant for the Seo Research Lab. Is that sufficient?

 

Kawai: Jeez~ You’re so impatient, Ikuto-san.

 

Saotome: I want to get back to my work as soon as possible. What use is there in me doing something like this?

 

Hinata: Then the last person is Seo-san.

 

Seo: Oh, is it my turn already? I apologize. I’m Seo Narumi, and I’m the professor for this research lab. My major field of study is in behavioral psychology, and if I were to explain what that is, then… 

 

Saotome: It would become long-winded so we’ll spare you all the trouble. All that’s left is the message to the readers, Kawai. 

 

Kawai: We might as well have you do it Seo-san, so if you could.

 

Seo: Well then. Every member here is very unique, and they’re all very lovely kids. Please look out for us from now on.