Aqours Chapter 23

A Day Out on Golden Week

The girls go out for some fun during Golden Week!

Story 1

You: Everyone was super hyped at today's Golden Week live show! Chika: Totally! I always get butterflies before the start of a show, but with the crowd so pumped up, we couldn’t help but enjoy ourselves, too! Riko: Yes. It’s almost like our energy and the audience’s support combined to become one unified feeling. Mari: It was definitely a great show. And now we can enjoy the rest of our Golden Week in style! Kanan: You said it. Actually, why don’t we have an after party later to celebrate? Mari: Non, non! We’ll all be cooled off later on. Let’s party right now! Dia: That’s easy for you to say. We haven’t prepared anything. Mari: We’ll just do the main party later, then. Nut we should at least have a toast! Ruby: Oh, we’ve got plenty of unopened juice and mineral water, if they’ll do! I’ll go get them. Hanamaru: Ruby, that’s too much for one person to carry. I’ll help you. Yoshiko: I know how this goes. I’ll help, too. Ruby: Thank you, Hanamaru. You too, Yoshiko. Yoshiko: My name is Yohane! Mari: *Chuckle* Does everyone have a drink? Chika: Yup, I think we’re good. To a successful live show! Together: Cheers! Chika: Whew… We did a live show, and now we’re doing an after party. Hee, hee! I’m so happy! If I just had some sweets, I’d be in heaven. Riko: *Giggle* Oh, Chika. You’ll have plenty of sweets to eat at the after party, right? Chika: Yeah, I know. But after all that dancing, I’m starved! Ruby: Chika, are you hungry? I’ve got some candy if you want it. Chika: Ooh! Thank you! Don’t mind if I do! Riko: We were just talking about the after party, but you’re snacking already… Chika: Mmf… I-It’s okay. It’s just one piece of candy! Ruby: I wish I could have one too, but lately I’ve been snacking on junk food way too much lately. *Giggle* Even Dia’s been chastising me. Chika: You too? Mito is always on my case about eating too much junk. I wonder if my mom will say the same thing the next time I see her. Riko: Oh, are you going to get to see her on Mother’s Day? What’d you get her, Chika? Chika: Mother’s… Day? Ack! I was so preoccupied with the show, I totally forgot! Wh-What am I gonna do?! Ruby: It’s the second Sunday in May, right? Chika: Y-Yeah… Ruby, did you get your mom a present already? Ruby: Ummm… Well, Dia did, but… Chika: Oh, so you still haven’t gotten one? Ruby: No. I wanted to slip away and get something on my own. I want to surprise my mom, is I need to keep it a secret from her and Dia. Riko: That’s awesome. I bet your mom will love being surprised. Chika: I know, right? Surprises are the way to go! Riko: What do you mean, “I know, right?” You’d completely forgotten until just a minute ago! Chika: *Giggle* Well, you wanna come with me tomorrow? Riko: Tomorrow? Chika: Yeah. I’m going to go shopping for a Mother’s Day gift. What do you say? Yoshiko: *Sigh* That was an incredible show, but I’m beat. I don’t want to move for a while. Hanamaru: Me either, I’m completely out of energy. Yoshiko: I’m not out of energy. It’s more like I’m charging up for the next time we take the stage. Hanamaru: If you’re recharging, I’m recharging, zura. Yoshiko: H-Hey, don’t curl up next to me. You’re too hot! Kanan: What’s wrong, little freshmen? You’re splayed out on the ground. You’re not ill, are you? Yoshiko: N-No, we’re just, uhh… resting? Hanamaru: We’re charging up for the next live show. We’ll be up and at ‘em again in no time. Right, Yoshiko? Yoshiko: I told you, my name’s Yohane! Kanan: *Laughs* I’m glad you’re feeling okay, but if you keep laying around on the ground, you’re gonna catch a case of vacation blues. Hanamaru: Vacation blues? You mean when you feel gloomy once the holidays are over? Yoshiko: Oh, that. I think I’ve gone through that before. Kanan: Then you two should hang out with me tomorrow. Unless you already have plans? Yoshiko: No, I don’t have anything special going on. Are you doing something? Kanan: That settles it, then. Tomorrow, we’re all hitting the gym! Together: Huh?! Mari: Dia, Dia! Did you see this flyer?! Dia: No… “New Tea Fair?” Mari: Yes! I’m really itching to go check it out! Dia: Hmm… More than the first teas of the growing season, I’d like to take a look at these limited-edition matcha-flavored chocolates… Mari: What are you saying? Tea before treats! New tea means I can concoct a new version of my famous Stewshine! You: A new version of Stewshine? Mari, are you still making that stuff? Mari: Absolutely. But this won’t be the usual recipe. I’ll use the first tea of the season to make Green Stewshine! You: *Gulp* I’m curious… but at the same time, I’m terrified. Dia: I’m far more uneasy about it, myself. And as I said, these limited-edition chocolates are… Mari: Yes, yes! Anyways, we’re going to the fair tomorrow! Dia: T-Tomorrow? Mari: Tomorrow! We must do good deeds without hesitation! Dia: Good deeds?! Chika: Hey, everybody! Who wants to come shopping with me tomorrow? Mari: That’s funny. We were making plans to go to the mall to attend the fair. Kanan: What a coincidence! We just decided to work out at the new gym they built there. Chika: Huh? We all decided to go to the mall? What a weird coincidence. Well, why don’t we all head over there together tomorrow?

Story 2

Riko: Chika, the special Mother's Day display is on the 7th floor. Mari: The tea fair is down on the basement level. Kanan: The new gym’s in a separate building. Chika: Well, this is where we split up, I guess. You: Yup. See you later! Hey, Yoshiko, where’re you going? Yoshiko: Don’t worry about me, You. Get your head in the game! Let’s head down to the basement! You: Wait, what? I thought you and Hanamaru were going to work out with Kanan. Yoshiko: I’m… going shopping with you all. Right, Zuramaru? Hanamaru: R-Right! I’mma… Kanan: Yoshiko! Hanamaru! Together: H-Here! Kanan: You’re going to the gym with me, right? Yoshiko: Uhh… Umm… Err… Kanan: Of course you are. C’mon! This way! Together: Okay… Mari: *Chuckle* Kanan’s raring to go. We need to be just as pumped up as she is! Dia: I don’t see the need to work ourselves into a frenzy over buying tea. Chika: Wow, look at all this stuff! What should I get? Riko: There are so many options, it might be hard to pick just one. Oh, Chika, what about this scarf? Chika: That is nice. Oh, but so is this… Riko: I like this handkerchief, too… And they have wallets and purses in that display over there! Chika: Oh, nice. I wonder what would make my mom happiest. Huh? What’s wrong, Ruby? Ruby: Umm… I think I might have to give up on my gift… Chika: Give up? Why, all of a sudden? Ruby: I’m kinda… broke. Heh, heh… Chika: B-Broke?! Riko: Oh, no… I guess it was more expensive than expected… Chika: Wait, I forgot… I’ve pretty much been out of money since the show ended. Riko: Yeah. I was so busy dealing with the show, I completely forgot about that. Chika: Well, this is a bummer. What’re we gonna do about our presents? Yoshiko: Hnngh… Hrrrrgh! Ow, ow! That hurts! Easy, Zuramaru! Hanamaru: I-I’m sorry, zura! Was it really that bad? Yoshiko: N-No, it’s okay. This low-level stuff is a cake walk. *Sigh* But I guess I’m not great at these stretches. Hanamaru: Geez, Yoshiko… You’re as inflexible as ever. Yoshiko: You’re one to talk! You haven’t made much progress, either! Hanamaru: That’s not true, zura. Compared to how I was when I started, I’m a little bit more… Kanan: Hey, you two! We came here to work our bodies, not out jaws! Hanamaru: Ah, Kanan! You just did cardio! Are you really going to do more? Kanan: Yes. This is still just warmup territory. I can run for a lot longer than this. Hanamaru: W-Wow… We’re already worn out just from stretching. Yoshiko: Seriously. You’re in an entirely different dimension, Kanan. I’m in awe! Kanan: Aww, don’t exaggerate. You two aren’t that far off from where I’m at. Together: Don’t be ridiculous! Don’t be ridiculous, zura! Kanan: R-Really? Mari: Wow, they’ve got these kinds of tea leaves? These are from the first grow of the season? And over here… Dia: Mari, will you please settle down: The tea isn’t going to grow legs and walk away. Mari: I understand that. I’m just having so much fun! Oh, what is this? I’ve never seen anything like it! Dia: *Sigh* In one ear and out the other. How’re you doing, You? You: Oh, I’m just taking my time and looking around. What about yourself, Dia? It seems like you’ve barely stopped to look at anything. Dia: That’s because I have my hands full trying to wrangle Mari! She’s running around all over! Mari: Oh, Dia! They’ve got samples of the new teas over there. Since we’re here, we should try them! Dia: *Sigh* Well, I am getting a bit thirsty. Why don’t we all go together? You? You: Oh, I was going to check out the sweets over in the other direction. Dia: Sweets? Like the limited-edition matcha flavored chocolates?! Mari: C’mon, Dia! Dia: Huh? W-Wait, Mari! You: Hoo boy. I hope Dia’s gonna be okay. Oh, well! This looks scrumptious. Maybe I should buy some for everyone?

Story 3

Chika: Wahh, what am I going to do?! If I can't figure something out, I won't be able to buy a present for Mother's Day! Riko: Chika, calm down! I’m sure there’s something you can do for your mom that doesn’t cost any money. Ruby: Umm, what about making her something? Moms always like it when their kids make presents for them. Chika: Make something…? Hey, that’s a great idea! I just might be able to whip up something she’ll like! Riko: In that case, I think I’ll join in and make something too. You’re making something as well, right, Ruby? Ruby: Yeah! I wanna make my gift with both of you! Chika: Really? That’d put my mind at ease to have you two with me. It’s decided then: I’ll make her something great! Ruby: Hehehe, glad to see you’re back to your usual cheery self. So, what kind of present do you wanna make, Chika? Chika: Umm… Good question. I’m not really sure what I can even make. Riko: We should think about that. What about a bracelet or something? Chika: Oh, that’s a good idea! I bet it’d be fun to design one! Ruby: You could do a pouch, too. Those are easy to make! She might appreciate one that she can keep little things inside of. Riko: Good point. Maybe your mom would like something like that more than a bracelet. Chika: Yeah. It’d be nice if I could make a practical gift that she could use. Riko: Hmm… Well, seeing as the occasion is Mother’s Day, what about something like an apron? Ruby: Oh, I like the sound of that! That’s totally a present you’d get for a mom. Chika: For sure! I bet she’d get a lot of good use out of it if I gave her an apron! Ruby: Now I kinda wanna make an apron for my mom, too. Just don’t tell Dia, okay? I want it to be a secret. Chika: Of course! My lips are sealed, hehe. But wait… How do you even make an apron? Riko: It depends, but I imagine it’s easier than our costumes. We could also make a sewing pattern first to make it easier. What do you think, Ruby? Ruby: Yeah. I think we should keep the shape simple and then decorate it with cute stuff afterwards. Chika: All right, an apron it is. Oh, but, uh… we need materials. Riko: Then let’s take a trip to the arts and crafts store! Off we go! Yoshiko: *Sigh*… I feel like I’m running on empty. If this keeps up, I might just fall into the very depth of the underworld for good… Hanamaru: Yeah, I’m pooped… Say, what kinda place is the underworld anyway? Yoshiko: Why, it’s a place where the fallen angel Yohane subjects her little demons to… Oh, forget it! It’s somewhere you don’t need to visit, Zuramaru! Kanan: Yoshiko! Hanamaru! Yoshiko: K-Kanan! Don’t tell me it’s time for our next workout… Hanamaru: Yeah, Yoshiko and I kinda wanna take at least a bit of a break first. Kanan: I know, don’t worry. You two just wait here, okay? Hanamaru: Wait, what? Kanan…? Where did she go? Yoshiko: Heh, heh, heh… Perhaps she went to be baptized by Asmodeus, king of the demons. Hanamaru: What? Why would she do that?! Yoshiko: I guess we know where she gets her superpowers from now. She must’ve made a pact with the powers of darkness. Kanan: Are you saying something weird about me, Yoshiko? Yoshiko: Aaah! K-Kanan! Kanan: Did I scare you? I’m sorry. Anyway, here you go. Take these, you two. Yoshiko: Th-Thank you. Hang on, drinks… and chocolate? Kanan: Yeah. I figures you should probably rehydrate and get your blood sugars up, since you were sweating a lot and both look pretty tired. Yoshiko: *Gulp* *Gulp* *Gulp*… Mm! This tastes so good! Hanamaru: Wow, this chocolate is so sweet. It really hits the spot, zura! Kanan: Haha, sounds like I did well. You two worked really hard today. Hanamaru: So did you. Great job, Kanan. Yoshiko: You know, maybe this training isn’t so bad after all. Kanan: Are you just saying that because you want chocolate? Yoshiko: N-No! I meant that maybe it’s nice sometimes to go out and exercise even when it’s not for practice for Aqours. Right, Zuramaru? Hanamaru: Yeah. At first, I wasn’t really into what we were doing, but it actually felt pretty nice building up a good sweat like that. So thanks, Kanan. Kanan: Hee hee, well, I’m glad you two enjoyed yourselves. Anyway, let’s get changed and meet back up with the others. You: Wow, tea leaves come from all over the place, don’t they? These ones are from Kagoshima. And these ones were grown in Niigata. Mari: Hmm… Oh, these are from Shizuoka! Which ones would you recommend I try, You? You: Personally, I prefer the flavor of this kind over here. But really, I think they’re all good. Mari: Okay! Then I’ll just buy everything that looks good. Thanks for doing this, You, even though I know we said we were going to look at sweets. You: Oh no, it’s fine! It was a real learning experience for me getting to check out so much with you. Mari: I’m glad you’re okay with how things turned out. Anyway, I plan to make my Green Stewshine for you first, so look forward to that! You: Really? Hee, hee, hee, thanks! Honestly, though, I think Dia would have better advice than… Hey, where’d she go? Mari: You’re right, I don’t see here. Oh, wait, is that…? Dia: Wow! Look at this matcha-flavored white chocolate! Oh, and there’s dark chocolate with matcha powder! They’re both so good! How’s a girl to choose?! You: Ahaha, sounds like Dia’s enjoying herself over there, too. Mari: Indeed. She doesn’t get like this often, so I’m happy whenever she does. It’s thanks to her that we’re all able to act so freely as a group. She deserves it. You: Wait… Mari, is that the real reason why you brought us to this tea festival? Mari: Hmm? I don’t know what you’re talking about! Hee, hee… Anyway, I’d better go stop Dia or else she’ll buy up the whole fair! You: Oh, like you’re one to talk, Mari! Dia: This chocolate… It’s so sweet. I feel like I could melt just from this sample. I guess I’ll buy it, too. Now, as for this one… Mari: Dia! Is there… Is there nothing but chocolate in your basket? You don’t plan on buying all of that, do you? Dia: Huh? Oh, it’s you, Mari? Apparently, these are all limited edition. Don’t they all look scrumptious? I just grabbed them without thinking… Mari: Sure, they do look yummy, but this is way too much chocolate for one person to buy. Dia: Oh, I promise I won’t hog them all. I’ll share some with you, Mari. And you too, of course, You! Chika: Okay, I think we have all the materials we need now. Riko: Yeah. But… what do we do now? Chika: I feel hungry after all that shopping. Let’s meet back up with the other girls. Riko, Ruby: Yeah!

Story 4

Chika: Ugh, I'm sooo hungry! Literally everything looks good to eat right now. Kanan: Haha, I feel you. I got some good exercise in, so I’m starving. What are you all going to order? Riko: I’m thinking of going for a sandwich. Maybe egg or tuna… Hmm… It’s so hard to choose. You: I might go for a hamburger steak. You can never go wrong with on of those. Chika: Hee hee, you really love those, don’t you, You? You: Huh? Doesn’t basically everyone like them? Dia: …… You: Oh, right, I forgot. You really don’t like them, do you, Dia? Dia: N-No, I wouldn’t go that far… Mari: But what you like is my Stewshine! Not to worry, Dia. When we get back, I’ll be more than happy to whip up a batch for you. Dia: I appreciate the offer, but I think I’ll pass. Mari: Aw, really? Then next time I’ll fix some hamburger steak Stewsine for You. You: D-Did you say “hamburger steak Stewshine”? Dia: I swear, you come up with new varieties at an alarmingly fast rate… Chika: Well, I think I’m gonna order some mikan orange juice! The stuff they make here is just the best! You: Yeah, it’s really fresh and tasty at this place. Hanamaru: Man, now I want some after all that exercising we did earlier, zura. Yoshiko: …… Hanamaru: What’s wrong, Yoshiko? Oh, right, you don’t like mikan orange ju… Yoshiko: I-It’s nothing, really! Perhaps I’ll order some strawberry sweets or something. Chika: Oh, right. I forgot you hate mikans. They’re so good, I don’t know how you can hate them. You: Yeah, it’s a real shame you don’t like them. You don’t know how much you’re missing out on. Chika: You say that, but you can’t eat sashimi! You: Ugh, hit me right in the gut with that one. Kanan: Well, seeing as all nine of us have gathered here, let’s all just order whatever we like and call it good. Chika: Works for me. It’s amazing that we can work together on stage so well when we’re all so different. Hee, hee, it’s kinda weird when you think about it. Mari: It is, but I think that’s what makes us great, that so many unique people can come together as Aqours… Oh, could I have this, please? Thank you. Chika: Did you just order a coffee, Mari? Wow, you’re so grown up. Riko: You can’t really drink coffee, can you, Chika? Chika: Yeah. I’ve got my share of dislikes too, just like anyone else. Kanan: Ha, ha, yeah, I can’t stand pickled plums myself… Oh yeah did you all manage to buy what you were looking for today? Mari: I did. With this, I can make all sorts of new versions of my Stewshine! Dia and You both seemed to get what they were after, too. Dia: I bought lots of chocolate, which I’ll share with everyone later. It’s all rare and limited edition! Yoshiko: Wow, limited edition chocolates? Score! Hanamaru: How can you be so excited, Yoshiko? You already ate tons of Kanan’s chocolate earlier. Yoshiko: I’ve always got room for more chocolate! Chika: That’s how I am with sweets. I can always eat more. What did you end up getting, You? You: When I went with Mari to the tea festival earlier, I found myself wanting some seasonings, so I bought a handful to take home. Chika: Ah, I believe that. You’ve always been so good at cooking. You: Yeah. I figured I’d make something for my family on Mother’s Day. What about you, Chika? You needed to buy a present for your mom, didn’t you? Chika: I did, but I didn’t have enough money, so I, uh… decided to make something from scratch and bought some materials. Dia: Wow, good for you, making something for your mom! What are you going to make for her? Chika: Umm… Well… Ruby: We’ll show you if it turns out right! Dia: Oh, are you making something too, Ruby? Ruby: Uh, I… I’m… Riko: You’re going to help Chika make her Mother’s Day present, aren’t you? Ruby: Y-Yeah, that’s right! That’s all I mean, Dia! Dia: Hee hee, I get it, Ruby. Well, I hope it turns out to be great surprise, whatever it is. Ruby: Aw, Dia! Thank you! You: Then are you planning on… Chika: Yeah. Tomorrow, Riko and Ruby are coming over to my place so we can make our Mother’s Day presents together. Mari: If that’s the plan, then I think I’ll fix a special batch of my Green Stewshine for you girls. You: Aww, what gives? I thought you were gonna make it for me first, Mari. Mari: Oh, right! In that case, you should drop by Chika’s house too, so you can give it a taste test. Dia: Well, if you’re going to bring your Stewshine, that would be a good time to give out those chocolates I bought today, too. Yoshiko: Ooh, if there’s going to be chocolate there, I think we’ll have to come over too. Rightt, Zuramaru? Hanamaru: You bet. Are you coming too, Kanan? Kanan: I am! But we’re going to run a marathon up to her house to get our exercise in, okay? Together: Noooo! Anything but that! Chika: Ha, ha, ha! Then I guess it’s settled. We’ll all meet at my house tomorrow! Riko: Umm… Chika? Chika: What is it, Riko? Riko: It’s great we have somewhere to meet up, but if we do it at your place, isn’t your mom gonna find out about the present? You did wanna surprise her. Chika: Ah, I hadn’t thought of that… Well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. You: You’re leaving an awful lot to chance here in my opinion… Chika: It’ll be fine. If Mito or Shima see anything, I’ll just ask them to keep it a secret from mom and then we’ll be set. Riko: Hee, hee, if you’re sure. I suppose it’ll be okay if we do that. Mari: You know, since we’re all here, should we maybe have a toast to something? Kanan: Sure, that sounds nice. What should we toast to? Mari: Isn’t it obvious? We’ll have a toast to a wonderful Golden Week! Chika: And also so that our presents turn out great when we make them! Together: Cheers!