Archive of Our Own ^beta

Finally able to sit down with the members of Crazy:B, I look at the rising idols before me and feel a sense of pride for them. They had stirred a lot of controversies in the beginning of their career, mainly thanks to their leader– but their popularity had begun to surge as their message was received and understood by more people, and each of them had developed their own individual style. With the release of one of their first full-length albums having just passed, I considered myself lucky to be able to interview them when they were clearly in such high demand.

Me: So! I’m really glad I was able to book you all for an interview, how are you all feeling today? Anything you’re looking forward to later?
Rinne: Real good! Got a bunch of shit comin’ up– Can I say that?
Niki: Probably not…
HiMERU: —HiMERU would advise against swearing, as some magazines will need to censor it.
Kohaku: Great start ta the interview, huh…
R: Shaddup! As I was sayin’, I’m excited for all the other stuff we’ve got planned today. It’s hard to work around Merumeru’s school schedule sometimes, so it’s good we’ve got time to do some press shit– stuff– before the album releases.
H: —HiMERU is well, to answer your question.
N: I guess I’m good too, excited to eat once this is done… You guys have snacks, right? The invitation said you’d provide food!
K: Niki-han, d’you think about anything other than food…? Anyway, as fer me, I’m fine. Don’t have much ta look forward to, ‘cause I’m spending the day with all of these guys…
N: Ehh?! It’s really just Rinne-kun that’s difficult to be around, though!

M: (Laughing) Your relationship as unitmates is pretty interesting. Do you find it genuinely difficult to get along at times, or is it all in good fun?
N: I mean, I’ve known Rinne-kun since I was in middle school. So I’m pretty used to the way he is, and I guess I act as a mediator sometimes, because of that.
H: HiMERU finds Amagi’s temperament… Admirable, at times, in its tenacity. But, his loudness can be irritating. HiMERU has mastered the art of finding somewhere to sit in peace while Amagi bothers Shiina, instead.
K: I guess I’m in the same boat as HiMERU-han. Niki-han’s real agreeable, even if he’s kinda airheaded at times, so it’s only Rinne-han that’s hard ta be around sometimes. But he cares a lot ‘bout us all…
R: Aw… You’re all so fond of your beloved leader, it’s almost enough to make me cry… ♪ Kyahaha!
N: Do you not have any issues with anyone, Rinne-kun?
R: Nope! Merumeru was pretty scary when we first met, but now, I see he’s a real softie! And Kohaku-chan’s warmed up to me, even if he wants to pretend he hasn’t~! So I think I get along just great with my bees! Things were kinda hard at first, but they’re alllll good now.

M: Speaking of your unit, how did you find them? Crazy:B has been noted by many to be an eclectic bunch of people, from the well-known solo idol HiMERU-san to Kohaku-san, a young boy with no known idol experience, nor family with any significant name that I’ve been able to find.
R: Lady Luck brought us together! If it were anyone else in the unit, nothin’ would work the way it does. We’d fall apart, our songs would sound like shit! ♪

M: But I've heard that you used to perform as a duo with Niki-san, isn't that right?
N: Unfortunately.
R: Whaddaya mean unfortunately?! You loved it!
N: You lived with me, I couldn't say no or you'd steal my food!
H: That does sound like Amagi. He has stolen portions of Shiina's meals directly from his plate before.
R: Ehh?! Don't rat me out, Merumeru! I thought you were less of a snitch than Niki…
H: HiMERU stands for justice. If that involves "snitching" on Amagi, then so be it.
R: Ugh… But yeah, we were together for like two years before forming Crazy:B. It was pretty good, but I think everyone working together’s a lot better. Many hands make light work, as they say~! And there’s more people to stop Niki from passing out from starvation…
N: Don’t say it like you help anymore! It’s just HiMERU-kun who gives me snacks! You’re the opposite, you try to steal what he gives me…

M: Would you ever consider working as a duo unit again? Like the members of Eden, Adam, and Eve?
R: Hmm… Nah, probably not, it’s hard enough to manage Crazy:B.
N: Yeah. I can’t really imagine working as a chef and an idol two times over, honestly. It’s already hard, like Rinne said.

M: That makes sense. I couldn’t imagine balancing two high-demand jobs like that, either… So, what would you say the biggest perk of being an idol is, for you?
N: Is it bad if I say the food at the events is one of my favorite things? Um… I like inspiring others to learn to cook, and I've been told that some of my interviews were really good at that before…!
K: I get to live my own way. I had a… Real strict upbringin', an' it's been great to just enjoy being a teenager with my friends an' unit– Units.
H: —HiMERU agrees. He thinks that living freely is very important. But, spreading his message is even more important to him. Crazy:B allows HiMERU to do that.
R: Eh… Merumeru's right, I guess the ability to spread my message to all our fans is real useful! And the freedom idols get is really nice. Even if the news is always poking ‘round in our lives, we’re still free to live how we want. And that's something I've always wanted.

M: Right, the lack of privacy must be a shame, but there’s a certain degree of untouchability that idols have... Would you say freedom is something that matters a lot to you all, then?
R: More than anything ‘cept my bees, kyahaha! It’s important to be able to live how you wanna live. Do the things you want to do most in life. I was raised kinda strict, and my li’l bro– you know Hiiro– was kinda in my shadow for a long time, too. I felt bad for us both, which is why I came to the city. I wanted to be free, live on my own terms. And I wanted Hiiro to have a better life, without bein’ overshadowed by me all the time.
N: Yeah, I feel kinda similarly to Rinne-kun. My parents weren’t strict, but my father’s got a kinda bad reputation in some circles…? So I wanna be able to live free of that. More than anything though, I just wanna be a chef, and make people happy with my food!
K: I’m kinda shocked Rinne-han summarized it so well.
R: What does that mean?!
K: It means I feel the same, too. I don’t like the way I was raised very much, it was way too… Tight, uncomfortable. Not much fun, an’ I think it contributed to why I’m surrounded by people older than me, ‘cause I matured pretty weirdly. So I’m glad to be able to hang out with these guys on my own time, and have friends of my own, without being told what I should be doing instead.

M: What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t performing in a unit together?
R: Uh…
N: Hm…
K: Eh…
H: —HiMERU would be performing on his own. That was his goal initially.
N: I guess… I’d just be a chef?
R: Is this assuming I still know Niki-kyun and stuff?
M: Yes, because you didn’t meet through your unit!
R: Then, maybe I’d be a solo idol too! And we could perform as a duo together on weekends or something. ‘Cause we did that beforehand, so I think it’s fair game.
K: I guess I’d maybe be goin’ to school? I wonder if I’d still be performin’ with Madara-han as part of Double Face, if I wasn’t in Crazy:B…

M: I see… Is HiMERU-san the only one of you currently in school? Isn’t Kohaku-san school-age?
K: Yeah, but my parents ain’t sendin’ me to idol school. Or any school, for that matter. I was homeschooled ‘til… Last year, or so.
N: And I didn’t even graduate middle school! ‘Cause that’s when I found Rinne-kun. So I dropped out, to take care of him and stuff. I ended up getting a part time job… I think I do just fine without high school education, though~?
R: You’re funny, Niki.
N: I wasn’t joking!

M: No high school education, hm? That sounds interesting.
R: He’s a bit of an idiot.
N: I am not!
H: Shiina has moments of surprising depth, but his affinity for food often overshadows that.
K: Yeah, what HiMERU-han said.
N: Can we talk about something else?! Maybe I can teach everyone how to cook–
H: Shiina. Please don’t. We don’t have time for that.

M: (Laughs) Right, Niki-san’s the son of a chef who used to be pretty popular, right? I assume that’s what he meant earlier with that reputation remark…
N: That’s right… But I’m really nothing like my dad, I’m gonna have a better legacy than him! So please keep watching me grow, ‘cause I’m gonna spread lots of love for food with all the popularity I get from being an idol!

M: That’s pretty admirable, Niki-san! I’ll be sure to keep an eye on your cooking career, then, and I’m sure many other fans will too. Now, I have a few lighter questions for you all, just to let your fans get to know you a little. Sound alright?
R: Fire away!

M: What do you like to do in the mornings when you wake up?
N: Make breakfast!
K: Go back ta sleep… I'm not a real fan of mornings, but sometimes my dormmate makes food, 'specially if his unitmate's crashing with us. So if there's food, I'll get up. Sometimes I check my messages, see if Love-han's said anythin'.
H: —HiMERU will wake up, drink water, and wash his face. He eats a specially planned breakfast, gets dressed, and then does his skincare and makeup routines.
R: As for me… First thing I do is go find Niki– since he always gets up first–, an’ make sure he’s made breakfast. (Laughs) Since I’m not allowed in the kitchen anymore, and can't do it myself.

M: Not allowed in the kitchen? Why not?
R: There’s been a few, uh, incidents. Niki– and my dormmates!– have all banned me from going in there for anything to do with making my own food. Once, I microwaved my wallet and keys.

M: How did that go for you?
R: Hiyori-chan had to buy a new microwave.
N: It's not the only time he's done something like that!

M: What else has he done?
K: Once, he left a whole pot of oil on th' stove, 'cause he wanted to deep fry somethin'. But he forgot, an' left that hazard out in the open!
R: Hey, hey, we don’t need to bring all that up! Can we talk about someone else’s mistakes? Like how Niki tripped during our last show?
N: I only tripped ‘cause you weren’t in position!

M: (Laughing) It’s good to see how well you all get along despite your differences. There are some units that have some infighting-related scandals– though they’re mostly in the past, that doesn’t stop them from being a hot topic at times.
R: We’re never gonna have anything like that happen. My bees love me too much!
H: …
N: …
K: …
R: … Eh? Why’d you all go silent all of a sudden, hold on?!
H: —HiMERU would like to move on from this topic, now.

M: Sounds good. My next question is this; what’s it like to work and live alongside other idols with more experience? While it’s true Crazy:B has existed for some time now, you’re still one of the newest major units in the country, and you’re often seen working and socializing with members of units like Eden, fine, and RYUSEITAI, to name a few more well-established groups.
H: —HiMERU is thankful to his seniors for being able to lead him, and the rest of Crazy:B, down a path of success. Though they may be considered our enemies on the stage, HiMERU finds many of them to be a delight.
N: Um… I guess I’m not really that close to any of them, so I can’t say much, actually. But 2wink’s Hina-chan’s real sweet, if that counts for anything! We’re dormmates, though I usually stay at my apartment with Rinne-kun. It’s easier, it’s what I’m used to… And some people at the dorms make the kitchen a nightmare to be in…
K: I’m kinda in a similar boat to Niki-han, I guess my only friends are Love-han an’ Hiiro-han.

N: Actually, can I talk about–
K: Don’t let Niki-han start ramblin’ about food or anythin’ like that, or this interview’s really never gonna end…
M: Well, maybe I’ll have to book a separate interview with Niki-san then, I’m pretty interested in hearing what he’d have to say!
N: Thank you! Someone who appreciates cooking…

M: I try! Actually though, Kohaku-san brought up a good point– We’re running out of time, so I’ll have to ask my final few questions now. Is that alright?
K: Already? Seems like we just got here.
H: We’ve been here for at least twenty minutes. Perhaps Oukawa needs a break, to put time into perspective.
R: Aw, is Kohakyu-chan overworkin’ himself?
K: Shut up, Rinne-han.
N: Ah… To answer your question, go ahead, we’re all ready!

M: Right. So, do you have any advice for your fans? A lot of them seem to be teenagers who are rebelling and learning to live for themselves, as per the message of your unit, so maybe they'd benefit from some advice from people with life experience.
H: —HiMERU suggests taking financial literacy courses. Learn how to budget. The reason HiMERU is able to own his own apartment is thanks to his excellent money-management skills.
N: Learn to cook! Instant ramen every day isn't really good for you, so at least add an egg, or some extra spices… Bread's really tasty with noodles too! I actually have a blog that Aira-kun help me set up– I share weekly recipes on there! Hey, can I give you the site name and you can share it at the end of the article…?
M: (Nods)
K: Make sure you've got lotsa friends, or at least just a few good ones. Havin' support's real important when you're growing up.
R: Don't let anyone else define you! Learn how you wanna express yourself. Fashion's a great way to do that, but you can write, paint, draw, sing, compose… Dance, act… Uh… Other stuff too, probably, but the point is that there's tons of creative outlets in the world to show off your unique style!

M: Those are all great pieces of advice. And are there any final words you’d like to say, not particularly advice, but just wisdom to impart? As people who are used to the go-go-go rush of living as a celebrity, while also balancing a young adult’s personal lifestyle.
N: Only keep leftovers if you know you’re gonna eat them. Don’t keep them just ‘cause you’re afraid to waste food! They’ll stink up the fridge after a few days…
H: —HiMERU thinks that was unexpectedly wise of Shiina.
N: Eh?
H: … Was that not a metaphor?
N: Um, no?
R: Kyahaha! Niki ain’t smart enough for that. As for me, I don’t have any more smart shit– Shit! Stuff! I meant stuff– to say to everyone. Just never betray yourself for anyone else, and treat your loved ones well. And even if it’s the way I live… Don’t leave everything up to luck, unless you’re prepared to get screwed over pretty badly by the world!
K: That’s pretty heartfelt by Rinne-han’s standards… Up ‘til the end, anyway.
R: That bit’s heartfelt too! Rinne-kun’s sharing his findings of living through trial and error!
K: I guess I don’t have much to say, but unfortunately, I’d suggest listening to these guys… They’re kinda weird at times, but they’ve helped me through a lot, so what they say’s got some value to it.
N: Aw, really?
R: Even me?
K: (Sigh) Even Rinne-han.

M: That’s sweet, even if it sounds a bit reluctant! (Laughs)
R: Kohaku-chan’s never been genuine to poor Rinne-kun a day in his life! It really hurts a guy’s feelings, y’know?!
K: You’ll live.
H: HiMERU agrees. Amagi has a flair for dramatics.
M: Oh, HiMERU-san, you didn’t give your final words. Do you have any?
H: … Hm. HiMERU thinks he’s still quite inexperienced, despite having been an idol for many years. He could give advice about the industry, but he doubts the readers of this will need anything along those lines.
N: Yeah, they’re gonna be normal people. Fans. But that’s not what she said, right? You’ve just gotta give them something to leave with!
H: —HiMERU would like to say, then, to be true to oneself, and treat others kindly. As long as you do, people will come to you, and it’s unlikely you’ll ever find yourself alone when you need company. And… HiMERU thanks all his fans for their support, from his solo career until now, and in the future as well.
R: Hey, hey, don’t go thankin’ our fans without us!
H: HiMERU was addressing his fans, not Crazy:B’s.
N: There’s gotta be a pretty big overlap though! Um, I guess if we’re all done, we can say thanks and goodbye…?
M: Yesyes, it looks like our time’s basically up already. Thank you very much for joining me, Crazy:B!
R: Our pleasure! Thanks for havin’ us, it’s great to have a chance to unwind, not having to answer the same few questions about recording and sh– Stuff.
K: Idiot… Like Rinne-han said, though, the pleasure’s really ours. Thanks a lot fer havin’ us!
N: Yeah, yeah! I feel a lot more like a real idol when I do interviews, and I’m happy you’ve let me bring up cooking a few times…~
H: —HiMERU thanks you, as well, for this opportunity. He looks forward to reading back on this later.
M: Of course, I’m really glad I got this chance. Everyone be safe, and I’ll definitely be first in line to buy your next album, but of course for the meantime– Everyone remember to get your own copy of Crazy:B’s TRIP before they sell out! That’s our time, thank you all for coming~!