Sweet Hunt - Chapter 1

Mao: Ritsu, could you move a little to the right?

Ritsu: Here?

Mao: Oh... If you sit there, then you can see the merch behind you, so... Just a bit to the left?

Ritsu: Hmm... Sure thing.

By the way, Maakun... You seem really into this project. Is it actually that important to do video prep?

Can't it be more spur-of-the-moment, like the broadcast Akehoshi and the rest of Trickstar did for BIGBANG?

See, I think it'd be way more interesting to surprise someone with an interview instead of makin' an appointment for it, like in the old days of "Busting On In! The Idol Next Door".

Mao: "The Idol Next"...? What's that...?

Ritsu: Ehhh, we used to watch it together, didn't we? It's one of those shows where they'd go into idols' dressing rooms for an interview and enjoy their au naturale reactions.

I kinda liked it.

Mao: Ohhh, now I remember. It usually came on in the evenings... Now that you mention it, these "Idol Linkterviews" are kinda similar, aren't they?

Idols introducing their friends via smartphone, then having that idol choose who goes next...

I guess this is kind of the go-to project when it comes to showing the other side of idols.

Ritsu: Yep, so maybe that's why I'm actually kinda excited about this.

Well, guess we oughta start with my introduction... Can I sit in this chair?

Mao: Yep, that'll be perfect.

Alright, I'm gonna start shooting now, okay~? Phone's recording, and...

Yo, everyone watching, how's it look~?

I took the baton from Hokuto, so it's my turn to be the host this time on "Idol Linkterviews"!

Today's guest is a member of Knights — my very own childhood friend, Ritsu Sakuma ♪

Ritsu: Sure is. Thanks for the intro, I'm Ritsu Sakuma~

Today, you'll get to see me the way Maakun does — we're taking a peek into my private life… It'd make me happy if everyone could get to know me better through this.

Mao: Alrighty then… Why don't we start off talking about your daily life, Ritsu?

I think most people are aware, but Ritsu and I've known each other since we were kids —

Mika: Nnah, Ritsu-kun an' Ikkun...?

They're lookin' at the phone an' talkin'... Are they havin’ a video call with someone?

Mao: ...Kagehira?

Mika: Ahh, sorry 'bout that. Didn't mean to say alla that out loud.

I just came t'get some candy t'eat back in our room, sooo… I’ll be outta here in a jiffy~

Ritsu: Nah, we're just recordin' a video, so you're good.

Maakun asked me to do one of these "Idol Linkterviews," so we're kinda doin' prepwork for a segment about my private life.

Mika: Linkterviews… That sounds like a fun li'l project, huh?

Ritsu: Yep. And since my turn's next, I was thinkin' I'd do your video, Mikarin.

Mika: Ngaaahh… Yer a real lifesaver. I was real bad at pairin' up in gym class, so I'm happy ya picked me ♪

Should I introduce Naru-chan then?

Mao: You and Arashi are pretty close, right?

Ritsu: Yeah, you and Nacchan are pretty much attached at the hip, aren'tcha? ♪

Mika: Augh, that's 'cause I'm real shy... Most of the people in class with us are nice enough, but... I still get kinda anxious...?

Ritsu: Oh~? But we've always been in the same class, haven't we? Don't start saying such stand-offish things.

And on top of that, we're friends and roommates now, too ♪

Mao: That's right, you two live together... If you don't mind, could you talk about Ritsu too, Kagehira?

The theme of this video's "A Glimpse Into One Side of Ritsu's Private Life," so if someone who lives with him like you do could give some input, it'd be much appreciated ♪

Mika: M-Me...? Can I really help ya out with somethin' this important?

I mean, if I show up in this one, does that mean I won't be asked t'do the next Linkterview?

Mao: Ahaha… We're kind of winging this project, so don't sweat it ♪

Plenty of people've shown up more than once already, so I'd rather just welcome you on ♪ Besides, if it's just my opinion, then it might get pretty biased… So feel free to add in your own thoughts ♪

Mika: Yer right. Y'know, in the beginnin', I couldn’t imagine livin’ with someone else, but… Ritsu-kun's actually turned out to be kinda like Oshi-san? So livin’ with him’s been pretty easy.

Mao: "Like Oshi-san"...? What do Itsuki-senpai and Ritsu have in common?

Mika: Ahhh, nah, they’re nothin’ alike personality-wise… It just feels like back when Oshi-san was in a real slump an' I had t'take care of him.

‘Cause I’ve been cleanin' the room and lookin’ after of our stuff and all.

Mao: Huh... So you’re kinda like Ritsu's caretaker?

Ritsu: I'm truly indebted to you for doing so.

Mika: Ahaha... Why'd ya get all stand-offish about it? Ain't we classmates~?

Ritsu: Heheh, I'm just showin' my gratitude. Maakun's the Student Council president now, so I've been desperate for someone to take care of me ♪

Honestly, Maakun, you've made some really questionable choices. Tossing aside the honor of being my caretaker, all because you became the StuCo president...

But I've got Mikarin now, so I guess I can just fire you ♪

Hey, hey, how's it feel to be abandoned by your beloved childhood friend?

Mao: Hey, you tryin' to start something with me…?

(sighs) People sometimes tease me like this ‘cause I’m the Student Council President, y’know... If I wasn't so busy all the time, I'd take care of you too, okay? But I reaaally don't have the time...

Ritsu: Then, to make up for it, talk to me lots during this project, ‘kay?

Mao: Of course. Just because I've been really busy doesn't mean I want us to drift apart… That's why I'm really jazzed to do this with you.

...Woah, we've gotta get to the next location. Why don't we start making our way over~?

Ritsu: Ahaha, Maakun… So that's why you're so weirdly pumped up about this?

Then I guess I have to work a li'l harder, huh ♪