Elysian's Monogatari

Chapter 124: Falling Apart

"I'm disappointed in you Akehoshi. You used to be someone who wanted to hold onto your childhood dreams forever. But you're starting to sound like Tenshouin-senpai. Have you been completely fallen under his influence?" Hokuto asked.

"...Haaa what Akkun is trying to say is that we can't stay as kids forever. Not to offend but it's time you stop clinging to unrealistic dreams and face reality, Hidaka." Shiro said with a sigh. "Shirochin is right. ES now dominates the idol industry. Going against could end our idol careers and that's what I fear the most. I just want to keep being an idol." Subaru said.

"So you two are just going to give in to their oppression?" Hokuto asked. "I mean isn't it common sense to follow company rules since they pay us? What's so hard to understand about that?" Subaru said with a sigh.

"Honestly it's pretty frustrating how Trickstar keeps getting ignored. We can't take on any big projects because we just don't have the funding. Hey was defying authority ever our goal? No right? We wanted to shine brightly as idols don't you agree? So tell me how does opposing ES Academy help us achieve that brilliance?" He added.

"Does a future filled with cookie-cutter idols singing identical songs seem brilliant to you?" Hokuto asked not giving in. "Come on guys calm down. I get how you feel Hokuto. I'll talk to ES about it on our behalf. Then again I'm not the Student Council President anymore so I can't promise anything." Mao said.

"I'm not putting this all on you. Still if we, soon-to-be graduates, who'll shape the idol industry, stand together and protest, ES won't be able to ignore us. That's why I'm gathering people who agree with me and oppose ES Academy." Hokuto said.

"....Are you seriously suggesting a protest? What about your, or rather our idol activities?" Shiro asked. "Well sure as graduates we don't have classes anymore so we've got the time. But shouldn't we spend it saying goodbye to our juniors in our clubs? Hidaka-kun are you really planning to stir up trouble till the end?" Makoto asked.

"I'll always say no to things I can't agree with. At first I only opposed this plan because Himemiya asked me to but the more I think about it the more absurd it seems. In fact how can you all stay so calm about this? Do you really think this doesn't concern us just because we're about to graduate? That's so cold-hearted and irresponsible." Hokuto said.

"Oi Hokuto I can't let that slide. Who are you accusing of being indifferent?" Mao asked slightly upset. "No one feels worse about this than I do. Knowing I can't pass Yumenosaki the school we inherited from our seniors onto our juniors in its original form." He then said.

"Then oppose it. Speak out against the concept of ES Academy like I do." Hokuto said. "....Ahhh mou how annoying! Oi. You really think it's that easy? Unlike us, Isara's position is complicated. If the former Student Council President opposes the plan it might be perceived as representing all Yumenosaki students." Shiro said.

"...If that happens Yumenosaki could be ostracized in an industry dominated by ES, branding the school as one full of unruly students. Do you seriously plan to make the school look bad as hell? All because of one protest you want to start?" He then asked with an angry expression.

"I know what you're trying to say Hanagaki. But it's exactly because Isara's opinion carries so much weight that I want him to side with us." Hokuto said. "Oi oi...Are you seriously asking me to drag innocent students into this chaos just to make myself feel better?" Mao asked with a sigh.

"Take a breath and calm down now Hokuto." He then said. "Why? Why don't you understand? Why won't you see my point?" Hokuto asked as it seems that everyone is against him. "You're the one who should try understanding us." Subaru said with sigh.

"Enough already. Let's settle this. As previously said, if you support ES Academy stand by the window. If you're against it stand by the door. We'll fight it out. Whichever side has the most people still standing wins." Hokuto said. "....Har? Resorting to violence now since talking doesn't work? What a stupid and barbaric idea. You want your idol career to be over or something?" Shiro asked.

"It's called democracy." Hokuto said. "U-uhh-ah I don't really get it but can we not fight?" Mika asked worriedly. "Indeed. No matter what happens staying close and untied is one of your few redeeming qualities. Isn't that right Trickstar?" Yuzuru said.

...That being said, hm, this is quite a troublesome situation. Hidaka-sama mentioned that Bou-chama had asked him to oppose the plan. Looks like Bou-chama still can't come to terms with it. I understand. It must be painful to see the student council presidency he worked so hard for potentially being reduced to a mere puppet position.

Fulfilling my master's wishes is my duty as a butler. But how to I navigate this...? A fistfight would have been simpler but unfortunately that's not an option. Ahhh graduation is right around the corner and yet we are faced with such a major issue. He then thought.