Aqours Chapter 12

Fixing Hanamaru's Weak Spot

Do I have a verbal tic, zura?

Story 1

Chika: ..................... Chika: Uhh... Mari? Are you recording already? Mari: I'm already recording! Chika: What?! Why didn't you say so?! Okay, here goes! Chika: Ahem. I'm Chika Takami! Chika: I'm a school idol in Uchiura, which is part of Numazu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Chika: In Uchiura, you can pick the most scrumptious mikan oranges you'll ever taste! And since I love mikan oranges, I'm happy I live here. Chika: Everyone, come visit us in Uchiura and try one for yourselves! Chika: And, uhh... That's the end! Hee, hee. Was that a good self-introduction video? Dia: It was nice, but shouldn't you be talking less about the oranges and more about yourself? You're supposed to be introducing yourself to the public. Chika: Now that you mention it... Ah, ha, ha! Riko: It's hard to settle on what to say for a self-intro video, isn't it? You: Yeah, but I'm happy that more people will get to know what kind of person I am. Mari: These videos were a great idea! They're like little bonuses for the audience to enjoy alongside our performances. Riko: Watching other school idols perform, you can't help but wonder what the girls are like offstage. Dia: Exactly! It's interesting to learn about all their individual personalities. Kanan: A self-intro... What should I do? Mari: How about you look directly at the camera and tell the viewers to come see Aqours and have a shiny youth time of their lives with us! Ruby: Ooh... I love it, Mari. I wanna have a shiny youth, too! Mari: *Chuckle* You're always welcome to join me! Ruby: You all are amazing... I've gotta think of a good introduction, too. Yoshiko: We're trying to appeal to the whole country, so make sure you think it through. Hanamaru: The whole country... I've got no idea how to handle that, zura... Chika: Okay Ruby, you're next! Please introduce yourself! Ruby: Huh? I-I've gotta do it now? Ruby: Umm... Uhh... M-My name is Ruby Kurosawa. Ruby: And, umm... I'm in high school, and... Ruby: What now... Dia, what should I say? Dia: Huh? Don't ask me questions during your self-introduction video. Ruby: *Whine* My sister's being strict with me again... As usual... Dia: I-I didn't mean to... Oh, Ruby. Kanan: I think we should cut it there and let her think about it a little more. Yoshiko: She may be in high school, but Ruby's still like a little kid. Ruby: *Whine* I'm sorry! You: At least you're full of confidence, Yoshiko. C'mon, it's your turn! Yoshiko: Heh. Yoshiko: Are you bored with the tedium of human existence? Allow Yohane to lead you down through the cleansing flames of purgatory! Yoshiko: Heh... Nailed it. Ruby: Awesome. Dia: Yoshiko, is that all you want to say for your self-introduction? Yoshiko: Huh? Y-Yeah, why? Dia: Shouldn't you record something that's a little easier to comprehend? We want people seeing you for the first time to know what's going on. Kanan: Ah, ha, ha. Yeah, that was a little cryptic. Not that it was bad or anything. Yoshiko: (Arrrrrrrrrrgh!) Riko: Hanamaru, you're up. Hanamaru: Uhh... My name's Hanamaru Kunikida, and I'mma... Hanamaru: Oh, shoot, I said "I'mma," zura. I meant to say, "I am a..." You: You all right? Take a deep breath and calm down. We'll start over. Hanamaru: *Breathes* *Breathes* Ruby: Good luck, Hanamaru! Hanamaru: Th-Thanks! Hanamaru: *sigh* How many tried did that take, zura? Normally I wouldn't be that nervous, but for some reason... Kanan: It's okay! Don't sweat it. Hanamaru: Watching the failures, I couldn't help but notice... Hanamaru: Hanamaru Kunikida, and I'mma... Hanamaru: Hanamaru Kunikida, zura. Hanamaru: I-I am Hanamaru Kunikida, zura. Hanamaru: Maybe I... Maybe I... Hanamaru: Maybe I have a verbal tic. Together: Huh?! Hanamaru: No matter how many retakes we did, it felt like my tic kept rearing its ugly head... Yoshiko: Zuramaru... You are WAY overdue to have realized that!

Story 2

Hanamaru: *Stare* Hanamaru: It's true, zura... Chika: hmm? Hanamaru, Yoshiko, what're you two watching? Yoshiko: Zuramaru insisted we watch self-introduction videos from a whole bunch of school idol groups. Kanan: Are you worried about the intros we did earlier? You: What do school idols from other regions say for their self-introductions?! Hanamaru: There... There... There's not a single one of them with any sort of verbal tic, zura! Mari: Well, then you're one-of-a-kind! That's wonderful. Hanamaru: It is not, zura... Hanamaru: I thought I only did it one in a long, long while... But when I watched my video, I saw that I say it constantly, zura... Ruby: You don't say "I'mma" as much since you became a school idol. Kanan: Maybe being in front of the camera made you nervous, so you fell back into old habits? Hanamaru: The more I focused on not saying it, the more it came out of my mouth, zura... Mari: I see... Even the most perfect little lady has her weak points. Ruby: I love the way you talk, Hanamaru. Chika: Me too, me too! There's no reason to try and change how you talk. Dia: After all, one of our members also speaks in a dialect... from Hell. Yoshiko: Dialect from Hell... Are you referring to me?! Hanamaru: Yeah, but there's no way I'mma upload my accent to the vast ocean of the internet for all the world to hear, zura! Riko: The vast ocean of the internet, huh? I guess it's possible that people from everywhere in the country might watch our self-introductions. Hanamaru: From this moment on, Hanamaru Kunikida shall only speak in a grammatically perfect, non-regional dialect, zuraaaaaaaa! Dia: She failed on her very first sentence... Ruby: If you're going to try and speak in textbook language, I'll support you! Ruby: I got so nervous, I couldn't make a proper self-intro video either. I want to practice until I get it right. Hanamaru: Oh, Ruby! I feel a lot better with you on my side, zura. Ruby: *Giggle* Yoshiko: *Glare* Ruby: Yoshiko, what is it? Yoshiko: N-Nothing! Hanamaru: Wait a sec... Do you want to practice introducing yourself with us, zura? Yoshiko: A-Absolutely not! My self-intro was flawless. You: Ah, ha, ha! Even thought everyone said it was almost incomprehensible? Yoshiko: Grr... So, this is the sole imperfection in an otherwise flawless fallen angel. Ruby: I think it's fine the way it is. It fits Yoshiko's fallen angel person perfectly. Yoshiko: Exactly! I was born a fallen angel, after all. Yoshiko: But, I suppose it wouldn't be the worst thing to join you two and try to appeal to the fans with my offline self. Hanamaru: Are you sure? You won't be able to do any of your usual fallen angel shtick. Yoshiko: I don't mind once in a blue moon... And don't call it a shtick! Hanamaru: Ruby, Yoshiko... With you two at my side, I feel so much better about this. Hanamaru: Until I speak perfect textbook grammar, I'll be counting on you two for help, zura! Ruby: Same here! Yoshiko: Heh... Starting today, you're no longer Zuramaru. You're Hanamaru! Say farewell to that pesky verbal tic! Hanamaru: Yoshiko... I'mma do my best! Riko: ...And they've been practicing their self-introductions ever since. Chika: We should be working just as hard as them on our self-intros. You: Do you think they're sounding more normal now? I want to support them, but the thought of it makes me feel a little sad. Chika: Look, they're practicing over there. Let's go see what they're doing. 'Hanamaru': I... Hanamaru: I am Hanamaru Kunikida. I'm a school idol! Chika: Whoa, she seems like a totally different person! Ruby: My name is Ruby Kurosawa. Ruby: I take a great deal of pride in being a member of Aqours, and all the responsibilities that come with it. Riko: Whoa... She sounds just like Dia. Yoshiko: We're going shopping in Numazu after this! Even after the bell rings, our days are always busy. You: They just... They just don't sound right! Ruby: Hey, it's Chika and the gang! Did you all come to watch us practice our self-intros? Yoshiko: We're in the final stages of practicing. You can expect our new videos to be way better! Chika: You three... Together: Need to do these over! Together: Whaaaaaaat?!

Story 3

Hanamaru: Here we go, here we go... Hanamaru: I am going to, not "I'mma..." I am going to, not "I'mma..." Ruby: *Breathes in* *Breathes out* I'm Ruby, a school idol at Uranohoshi Girl's High School. Yoshiko: If nerves makes it hard for you to speak smoothly, the only option is to practice speaking in short, explosive bursts. Hanamaru: I'm Hanamaru Kunikida, I'm Hanamaru Kunikida! *Pant* *Gasp* These stairs are so hard, zura... Yoshiko: Heh, heh. As a fallen angel, I can manipulate you humans like toys in the palm of my hand! Ruby: Yoshiko, you're supposed to be taking a break from the fallen angel shtick! Yoshiko: *Gasp* You're right. Hanamaru: I am... Hanamaru... Kunikida! Yes! I made it all the way to the shrine, zura. Riko: Great job, you three! You: I'm impressed you can exercise and practice your self-intros all in one go! Kanan: This was a great idea. All your hard work's really starting to pay off. Yoshiko: Of course it is! Ruby, let's show everyone the results of our training. Ruby: Okay! Ruby: I'm Ruby Kurosawa! I'm a freshman who adores school idols. Nice to meet you! Dia: Wow! Ruby, that was a perfectly fine self-introduction. Mari: *Chuckle* Your precious little sister's finally standing on her own two feet. Dia: P-Please don't tease us. I'm immensely proud to see Ruby making such great strides. Riko: *Giggle* Both Dia and Ruby look really happy. Yoshiko: You too, Hanamaru. Now, show everyone the fruits of your labor! Hanamaru: A-All right, zura! Hanamaru: I am Hanamaru Kunikida. I'm a freshman at Uranohoshi Girls' High School, and... I am a school idol, zura! Chika: Oooh! Hanamaru: Whew... I introduced myself, zura! You: But you said "zura" at the end again! Hanamaru: Huh? I did? Dia: It's subconscious... Kanan: Oh well! I guess we've all got our own little quirks. Chika: Hanamaru's self-introduction was really cute to begin with. You: I know, right? Does she even need to bother trying to get rid of her verbal tic? Kanan: Forget not even being able to speak. You said exactly what you wanted to say. Hanamaru: Chika, You, I appreciate the sentiment, but I won't be satisfied if I stop here, zura! Mari: My, she's worked up. Especially for someone who'd usually prefer to kick back with a cup of tea. Kanan: Hanamaru, do you really want to change how you speak? No matter what the cost? Hanamaru: Yeah... Hanamaru: When it comes to being a school idol, I don't have the knowledge or skills like all of you... I'm well aware of all my shortcomings, zura. Hanamaru: But I really do love this group that Chika created. And that's why I want to catch up to where all of you are. Hanamaru: I want lots more people to fall in love with Aqours. That's why I refuse to let myself drag the rest of the group down, zura! Hanamaru: Especially if people start thinking that everyone has a verbal tic, not just me, zura. Hanamaru: Oh, no, I said "zura" again, zura. Yoshiko: You're saying "zura" every sentence now. Ruby: ..................... Yoshiko: So you don't want to drag us down, huh? You: I've never thought that you were holding us back. Not even once. Riko: Me neither. Dia: Still, if you're that determined, none of us have any right to try and dissuade you. Hanamaru: Thank you, Dia. I'll keep working until I can do it flawlessly! Hanamaru: Nice to meet you! I'm Hanamaru Kunikida, and I'mma- Hanamaru: Oh shoot. I did it again, zura. Ruby: Hanamaru... You don't need to push yourself this hard. Hanamaru: But I want to give a better self-introduction! Hanamaru: Grrr! I'm not quitting, zura! *Faint* Kanan: A-Are you okay?! You feel like you've got a fever. Yoshiko: Huh?! Oh, geez, what do we do?! We should cool her off, right? Riko: I'll go get a wet washcloth! Hanamaru: Th-Thank you, everyone... zura. Mari: I don't want to force her to do too much else... What should we do now? Ruby: ....................

Story 4

Yoshiko: Are you okay? You've been looking kinda pale lately. Hanamaru: I'm fine... Just not sleeping well, zura. I mean, I've not been sleeping well. Yoshiko: Hrmm... Take care of yourself, okay? Ruby: Hanamaru? Hanamaru: What is it, Ruby? Hanamaru: *Giggle* I feel like I've started to fix my verbal tic lately, zura. I mean, lately. Ruby: I'm sorry I... I really want to keep supporting you, but I just can't. Hanamaru: Huh? Yoshiko: H-Huh?! Why not?! Hanamaru: I understand. Hanamaru: I'mma, "zura..." You two did so much to help me, but my verbal tics haven't really gone away at all. Ruby: N-No, that's not what I meant! Ruby: Hanamaru, I can't stand to watch you run yourself ragged just to fix a couple of little verbal tics anymore. Yoshiko: Ruby... Ruby: I like you just the way you are. Ruby: I'm scared that the things that make you so cute, the very things that make you who you are, are disappearing. Ruby: You're not gonna be Hanamaru anymore! Hanamaru: No way! Hanamaru: But I don't want to make everyone else look bad. Hanamaru: If I introduce myself normally, I'mma say "I'mma" or "zura" again. Chika: Hanamaru! Hanamaru: Chika! Everyone! Riko: We've all been talking. Hanamaru: About how I'm bringing the whole group down? Chika: Nope. Not one person thinks that about you. You: We were discussing if your verbal tic, you so-called weakness, is really even a weakness at all. Kanan: You remember how you said no other school idols had verbal tics like you? Hanamaru: Y-Yeah... Mari: That's just it! We're skeptical about it being a weakness. You're the only one out there! You're unique! Hanamaru: Even if I'm unique, not being able to properly introduce myself's a huge weakness, zura. Dia: Why don't you look at it like this? Things you can do are strengths. Things you can't are weaknesses. Individuality is neither of those! Kanan: Well said, Dia. Hanamaru: It's not a weakness, it's individuality... Chika: We like you for who you are, Hanamaru. That includes the way you speak! Riko: We want to hear you give a self-introduction that's unique to you. Hanamaru: Everyone... Ruby: Can Hanamaru's old cuteness come back? Yoshiko: Time to pay the piper, eh, Hanamaru? Err, I mean, Zuramaru? Hanamaru: Yeah! You: It's not just Hanamaru. We like the way you normally speak, Ruby. And your fallen angel shtick too, Yoshiko. Yoshiko: Th-Thank you... Don't call it a shtick, though. Ruby: So we should just be ourselves, huh? Hanamaru: I was so obsessed with not being a burden on the group, but that's exactly what my obsession made me, zura. Yoshiko: That's what we've been trying to tell you! Not one person ever thought you were a burden or a bother. Ruby: Yeah! Your speech was never a weakness. We just want you to be you, Hanamaru! Hanamaru: Oh, thank you, everyone, zura! You all taught me something really important today. Hanamaru: *Giggle* This is the kind of stuff you just can't learn from books! Yoshiko, Ruby: *Giggle* Chika: Now then, can you please introduce yourselves? Together: Yes! Ruby: *Bup-bum* *Bup-bum* Ruby: I'm a school idol who loves school idols. I'll do my Rubesty! Yoshiko: Heh, heh. So, the mortal world doesn't have the thrills you seek? Yoshiko: Let Yohane bring you to the depths of Hell! We'll fall from grace together! Hanamaru: My name is Hanamaru Kunikida. I'm a freshman, and a school idol at Uranohoshi Girls' High School, zura! Hanamaru: Aqours is such a fun school idol group. I hope we can share the fun and excitement of being a part of Aqours with all of you! Mari: Very good! That's what I'm talking about! Riko: They're much more descriptive than last time. You: Great job! Here, Hanamaru. Your favorite green tea! Hanamaru: Thank you, everyone. *Sip* Mmm, it's delicious, zura! Chika: That's the Hanamaru I want to see. The girl who helps everyone relax just by being nearby! Kanan: *Chuckle* She creates a bubble of soothing atmosphere! Dia: Hanamaru, Yoshiko, and Ruby all have qualities that you won't find in any other school idols. Hanamaru: Thinking about how my self-introduction is gonna get uploaded to the vast ocean of the internet makes me blush, though. Yoshiko: I'm going to lure every last viewer to follow me to Hell! Ruby: Hanamaru, Yoshiko... We're gonna keep on improving together, right? Hanamaru: Yeah! Hanamaru: Someday... I hope we meet lots and lots of people who all think we're really cute, zura!