Dakara……Futari Tomo、 Ore to Issho ni Tokyo e Oide (だから……2人とも、俺と一緒に東京へおいで lit. That's Why...I Want You Two to Come to Tokyo With Me)
Location: Shu's Hotel Room
...Zzz. Zzz.
Ichiru...
Hmm? What's up, Issei? Can't sleep?
Mmm...It's just, I'm sorry for all the trouble we've caused for you.
Tomorrow, the two of us should probably go back to...the factory.
I wonder if Ichiru will agree to that?
I'll make him. By now, the've probably got in contact with the people at the orphanage where we grew up. I don't want to cause trouble for them when they went through the effort to find us these jobs in the first place.
...The truth is, even Ichiru knows that. Anyway... Ichiru losing his job was just because he got caught up in my problems. There's no good reason for him to lose his job too.
You guys are really close, aren't you? I'm a little jealous, actually.
You don't have a brother?
Possibly... My mother never married, and then she died when I was only six. I never got to meet my father.
...Is that background story part of your official profile or something?
Izumi-san, you're the "Shu Izumi" aren't you? ...As in the famous idol.
You've heard of me before now, have you? Ahh. Hmm. Officially...
no, it's not. Not that I'm particularly concerned with keeping it a secret, though.
...But, since I work in the entertainment industry, where your reputation is important, I suspect my agency has kept it under wraps to protect my "image".
Are you interested in the entertainment world, Issei?
Not really. But, even if it's not something you're interested in, most people are going to have heard of you before.
...However, since Ichiru was a bit upset earlier, I don't think he really took any notice.
...So, is this just a capricious whim, or a way to pass the time for Izumi-san, the big-shot celebrity? Is that why you're being so nice to us?
I already told you. I couldn't just leave you two like that. It was my responsibilty as an adult.
When you see a child in need of assistance, you help them. Isn't that the normal response?
...And when I saw you guys clinging to each other like that, I couldn't bear to see you parted.
I could easily see that you two have a strong connection. Is that what it means to be a twin? I'm a little envious, to be honest.
...I find it ironic that someone like you, who can afford to stay in fancy hotels like this, should be envious of people in our kind of situation. How odd.
..."A gentleman cannot keep his stomach filled and live his life fully at the same time", or something like that I guess.
You think? Because from where I'm standing, it feels to me like you two are irreplaceable to each other, and are each others most important reason for living.
Ahhh... I see now. That's why I felt the urge to pick you up, and look after you both.
You reminded me of someone who was important to me.
In truth, I'm lost, like you two. I've got nowhere to go.
I guess it was a form of sympathy and empathy that was compelling me to help you.
You're...lost?
...I don't think I quite understand.
Haha...I'm not surprised.
Now then, Issei, you should probably look after yourself a little better.
...I'm definitely going to repay you for all of this.
Don't worry about it. I did this of my own free will.
But still, I don't want to feel like I owe you anything... I'm sure Ichiru feels the same.
You're very self-disciplined, aren't you? Well then, I look forward to it.
...Well then, good night.
*Shu leaves*
...What a weird guy.
*The next morning*
Nnn...... Uwaahh...I slept so well... Ahh...this bed is so soft and fluffy.
...What is this place, is it heaven? ...Eh! That's right, Issei!
Nnn...
Looks like his fever's down... Thank god...
Good morning, Ichiru.
...Mornin'.
Issei's not awake yet?
I've just never been a very good sleeper. More importantly though...what exactly are you up to?
Hmm?
I mean, it's seriously weird. We're complete strangers, and yet you're being so...nice to us, for no reason.
Who the hell are you, exactly? ...You gotta be rich, aren't ya?
Since you're staying in a fancy room like this, you must be yakuza or somethin', right?
Heh! Ahahahaha!
Wh-, what are you laughin' at!
No...it's my bad.
I guess you're right, sometimes it is called a yakuza-like business.
Don't tell me... Y-, you're gonna sell us off, aren't ya!?
...H-, hey, wake up! Issei! GET UP RIGHT NOW!
Hahaha. I'm just joking. You don't need to get so worked up.
S-, stay away from Issei! If you're gonna sell anyone just sell me, ok!
Uwahhh... Selling people? ...What are you two talking about...?
Good morning, Issei.
Good...morning.
This ain't no time for casual "morning"'s!!
Well then, let's have breakfast you two, and then we'll get going.
Get going... Where?
Tokyo.
Tokyo?
He really is gonna sell us!!!
Hahaha. You've got it all wrong. I've got a good job opportunity for the two of you, it'll keep you fed and give you a great place to live. Sounds like a reasonable deal, don't you think?
............
That's why...I want you two to come to Tokyo with me.