Chapter Text
Tsukasa: I wanted to see my sister smile.
Saki missed school a lot because of her poor health, so I was always thinking of ways to cheer her up.
But there was little I could do at that tender age.
One day, our parents took us to a show.
I'll never forget what happened that day.
*Clapping*
Little Saki: Wow! So cool!
Did you see how cool that person was, Tsukasa?! They're all sparkly!
Little Tsukasa: Yeah, that was really, really cool!
(I haven't seen Saki smile like this in forever!)
(And it's not just Saki... That main performer's singing and dancing is putting a huge smile on mom and dad's faces too!)
(That must be why they call the performer in the leading role a star!)
Little Saki: This is so much fun! I never want it to end... If only we could watch this every day!
I know we can't because I'm not strong enough to go outside much...
Little Tsukasa: Saki...
I know! If we can't go to the show, then...
-Some years later-
-Tsukasa's Room-
Tsukasa: This day... is finally upon us.
Clear skies and great weather... Even the heavens are celebrating my debut in stardom!
Ha ha ha! At this rate, they'll take one look at me during the audition and immediately accept my application!
Saki: Tsukasa! Mom said she wants you to keep it down.
Tsukasa: Oh, Saki. Keep it down? I'm just warming up... my vocal cords by talking to the wall!
Saki: So you're saying you were talking to the wall?
Anyways, you're going for an interview for that new part-time job today, right? I hope it goes well!
Tsukasa: Not an interview... an audition! It sounds cooler that way!
Saki: Haha! That's what you're concerned about?
Tsukasa: By the way... how's school so far, Saki? You only just got better, so don't overdo it, okay?
Saki: Thanks, but I'm perfectly fine! I'm gonna live my high school life to the fullest to make up for lost time!
Tsukasa: Good. I'm glad to hear that.
Saki: And I'm glad that you're one step closer to your dream of becoming a star! You've always wanted that, right?
Actually... Why did you start dreaming of becoming a star, anyway?
You've been talking about it for as long as I can remember.
Tsukasa: Why did I want to become a star, you ask? Needless to say, that's because... Ahh... why indeed, actually?
Saki: What? You don't remember yourself?
Tsukasa: I-I'm just having a temporary lapse of memory! Okay, let's see... Let's see... Of course!
Because it would be a terrible tragedy to let my awesome stage talent go to waste!
Saki: Reeeally?
Haha... When you put it that way, I can't help but think this has to be it! It's like you were born for this!
Tsukasa: Y-You understand me, Saki! And that's why this audition I'm going for is as good as passed!
And then I'll become the biggest and brightest star ever!
Hm?
Did my phone just light up?
Saki: Did it? More importantly, shouldn't you be preparing to head out soon? Good luck out there, Tsukasa!
Tsukasa: Th-Thanks... Tsukasa Let me see... no new messages. Strange...
(Seriously, though... Why did I set out to become a star, anyway? I feel like I'm forgetting something really important here...)
-Scramble Crossing-
*Footsteps*
Akito: Mic set, all done.
Toya: I’m ready to start singing.
Passerby: Oh! BAD DOGS are singing!
Hey, Akito, Toya! We’re ready for the show!
I brought my friend along today, so go for broke!
Akito: Always!
Akito & Toya: ♪— ♪—
Tsukasa: Huh? I hear singing… It’s familiar somehow…
Woah, they’re good! I can’t get a good look at their faces though…
Toya: I’d say this was a great performance.
Akito: I agree, but we still have a long way to go, we’re still far from that night.
Toya: *Nod*
Tsukasa: Wah! My smartphone lit up again!
Wait, this song… Untitled?
*Screen Flashing*
Tsukasa: What is this light?!
-???-
Tsukasa: What!! Where am i?!!
Hold on… A café?!?!
???: Who’s the guy screaming like crazy…?
???: I recognize this voice…
Tsukasa: Huh…?
Toya?
Toya: This voice… Tsukasa?
Akito: You know this guy?
Toya: Ah, Akito, this is the friend i told you about.
Akito: So this is that Tsukasa guy you talked about before?
Tsukasa: Ah, Toya! It’s nice to see you again! This must be your partner, Shinonome right?
Akito: Yes-
??: Welcome, Tsukasa and Toya.
Tsukasa: Wha?! Who?!
Toya: Is that…
Akito: Miku…?
KAITO: Don’t forget about me, welcome!
Tsukasa: Whoa... KAITO?! Miku and KAITO at the same time? This can only mean one thing.
Akito: This is a very strange dream?
Tsukasa: Exactly!
Toya: But here's something even stranger... When did we even fall asleep?
Miku: This is your SEKAI!
Toya: SEKAI?
KAITO: Yes! This SEKAI is a world that was born from your combined feelings, Tsukasa, Toya.
Tsukasa: Born from... my feelings? Wh-What's that supposed to even mean? How absurd!
Akito: And even if that was true, why would the VIRTUAL SINGERs be here?
Miku: KAITO and I are here because we want to help you find your true feelings.
KAITO: When you find your true feelings, songs will be born from them.
Tsukasa: Yes, yes... It's clear to me now that feelings will naturally transform into songs when...
Clear as mud, that is!
Akito: That’s something we can agree on…
Tsukasa: Besides, my true feelings have always been to become the world's top star!
KAITO: Do you remember what made you want to become a star to begin with, Tsukasa?
Tsukasa: What made me... Because, you know...
When I become the world's top star, I'll be able to use my talent to put on the world's best show!
Miku: Yes, that's part of it, but there’s more to it than that.
And you two, do you have a dream?
Akito: Us? Ours is to surpass a legend!
Toya: *Nod*
Tsukasa: A legend…?
Miku: It seems that none of you fully understood your true feelings… But i have no doubts you’ll comprehend them and embrace them soon.
KAITO: Sorry about that. But I really hope you find your true feelings again, no matter how long it takes.
Also, if you ever find this SEKAI somewhat nostalgic, please... hold on to those feelings.
Tsukasa: Nostalgic? Why would I find it nostalgic?
Toya: ….
Miku: Next time bring him too!
I'm sure he has the same feelings as you too!
Toya: Who's “He”?
KAITO: Don't worry! As long as you want to find your true feelings, we'll meet again soon.
Miku: If you both have the same feelings, we'll definitely meet in this SEKAI again. So...
*Screen Flashing*
-Scramble Crossing-
Tsukasa: Wait, what?! We'll meet again? Wh-What does that—
Huh? It’s almost time for the interview- I mean, audition!!
I have to hurry!
-Phoenix Wonderland-
Tsukasa: Phew... I really thought I'd be late, but my speedy feet have saved the day and I'm right on schedule! Go me!
Hmph... Today, I'm taking my first big step on the path to stardom! I'll start my career by drawing the most attention to myself during this audition!
My stage is calling to me!