nhp | (Sutamai) Short Story, DGS June 2018

While your feelings are alight……!

Summary: The writer, and the actor known for exhibiting talent in their given fields—the Tsuduki Brothers. The two of them are the main focus of this short story! What of this “tale” that unfolds from their disguise as demons of Japanese folklore?

Characters: Tsuduki Brothers.

“Welcome to a beautiful pandemonium.”

“That’s a wrap for the photoshoot. Good work everyone!”

As soon as that voice rang out, the tension that he had built up until now all at once dispersed.

Makoto: Haa… ah……

Kyosuke: Good job, Brother.

Makoto: Yes, thank you. How are you feeling, Kyosuke? Tired?

Kyosuke: I’m doing fine. More importantly, are you really sure that you’re okay?

Makoto: It’s not as if I’m not tired at all, but I was provided with some good material to work with.

So thanks to my desire to write, my spirits are being uplifted.

Kyosuke: Haha, of course. It even looked like you were itching to note everything down during the photoshoot.

You weren’t keen at all before we got started, but as soon as you heard the theme and setting of the world, your eyes sparkled.

Makoto: I’ve never really touched on stuff to do with demons or monsters. However, their stories were truly most intriguing.

I would certainly like to come up with a plot using today’s material.

Kyosuke: Yeah, what the directors and all were talking about really was interesting.

The modern day rendition for the tale of the “Snow Woman” was quite terrifying. I ended up turning to look in your direction without meaning to.

Makoto: Yes. It was carefully adapted and put together for the current generation.

Kyosuke: That, and I was also grateful to them for telling me about the demon whose costume I’m wearing.

I searched it up on the net but I didn’t understand it too well.

Makoto: Hmph. It wasn’t so bad to read and understand about the “Water God” from a folkloristics standpoint.

Wasn’t it also easier for you to visualize thanks to that talk, Kyosuke?

Kyosuke: Yep. After the cameraman heard that story as well, they gave me all sorts of instructions so it was simple to get the pose down.

And you too, Brother, thank you.

Makoto: Hmm……? I haven’t done anything in particular though.

Kyosuke: Because of you probing here and there into the story, I was also able to hop on board and listen in.

It was useful reference so you saved me one there.

Makoto: I see. And I as well. If you weren’t here with me, then I probably wouldn’t have had this opportunity.

I’m also grateful to you for letting me gain a valuable experience.

Kyosuke: I’m glad to hear that. In that case, it was worth it to ask you.

Makoto: Yes. I was unexpectedly able to pass by a meaningful time.

…… Now then. If that’s so, we should start by picking up some resources. Let’s drop by the bookstore on our way home.

Kyosuke: Huh? So soon?

Makoto: “Strike while the iron is hot” is what they say. It’s best that I gather information while I’m burning with will.

Kyosuke: Well, I guess that’s true……

(He’s trying to reduce the number of errands that he needs to leave the house for, even if it’s just by one. I’m not going to let you have your way, Brother.)

Makoto: So that’s how it is, Kyosuke. If we’re finished with the photoshoot, then let us hurry up and leave.

You don’t particularly have any plans after this, right?

Kyosuke: Yeah, I’m free to dismiss myself afterwards.

But you know what? I’ve thought up a somewhat good idea.

Makoto: What’s this good idea?

Kyosuke: Yeah, so, how about instead of just looking into references and collecting resources, you see it for yourself?

Makoto: See it for myself? You mean the demons?

Kyosuke: Yep. Say for example, a haunted house.

Even the latest concepts behind them are elaborate so I think you’ll be able to see all types of demons and monsters.

Makoto: But in the end, it’s not the real thing, right?

Kyosuke: Of course not. But since it’s a haunted house, you’ll also be able to observe the realistic reactions from the people who encounter them.

Don’t you think that’s fitting for gathering research material?

Makoto: Hmmm……

Kyosuke: Aside from a haunted house, we always have the option of seeing a horror movie.

And there are also those cafes and bars themed after that stuff. It could even be reference for general interpretations.

Makoto: I see your point. There is reason in all of them, but even so……

Kyosuke: (Just one more push is all.)

…… Oh, I know. While we’re at it, let’s invite her along.

Makoto: Invite her to gather research material?

Kyosuke: Yep. As a representative for the general public. She’ll probably give us some great reactions.

Makoto: Great reactions, huh.

(It’d be amusing to observe her panicked face in close quarters too.)

Kyosuke: (If he’s wanting to go anywhere then it might as well be someplace where she’ll respond interestingly.)

Makoto: That sounds good. There seems to also be merit in the name of research in that case.

Kyosuke: Alright, then it’s decided! Since she’s coming along, we have to properly look into things first.

I’ll make sure to find the most terrifying haunted house that will meet your demands, so leave everything to me!

Makoto: Kyosuke, relax. We still haven’t received her okay on the matter yet.

Kyosuke: Oh, right. We better contact her then. I’ll do it over LIME.

Makoto: If you could.

Kyosuke: A haunted house, a haunted cafe, and a horror movie, huh. Sounds like it’ll be a jam packed day.

It’d be nice if we could find a time to suit her schedule, your deadlines, and my free days……

Makoto: Are you planning on going to all of that?

Kyosuke: Since we might as well, I was thinking that it’d be better to have a lot of things to do.

Also, “strike while the iron is hot,” right?

Makoto: Honestly. Now it’s almost as if this were……

Kyosuke: Like a date. So you’re looking forward to it, aren’t you, Brother?

Makoto: !

Kyosuke: I’m really looking forward to it.

Makoto: …… Yes, that’s right. Well, in any event, it depends on her schedule first.

Kyosuke: Yeah. I sent her a message on LIME just now.

Makoto: That was quick.

(At times like this, Kyosuke’s brisk work of things is astonishing.)

…… Kyosuke. As I thought, let’s head to the bookstore after this.

Kyosuke: Huh? Why’s that?

Makoto: It’s necessary to scrupulously look into where we’re going. And if there are books that I require, then I will want to purchase them.

Kyosuke: That’s true. Okay, shall we go then?

Because of the staff calling out to them, the two finally realized that they hadn’t even changed out of their costumes yet. And all the while looking forward to her reply, they amicably headed towards the dressing room.