Before the winner is announced, the boys say one final thing.

Osomatsu starts, as usual. “Thank you guys for voting! We heard it was even bigger than last time!”

“Double the votes! Truly an amazing feat, and you have our gratitude for it.” Karamatsu is, shockingly, without his sunglasses.

“We heard it was close, too! They said they’re only going to announce the winner this time, just so you know,” Choromatsu says.

Ichimatsu grins a little. “They said they don’t want us killing each other.”

“Thank you for being so excited for this! We’re, uh,” Jyuushimatsu’s voice wobbles a little, “we’re a little scared!”

“We really want to know who won, and knowing it was close makes the wait even harder. So, from the bottom of our hearts…” Todomatsu says…

Then all hell breaks loose. They’re all yelling into the camera, pleading for your vote.

The silence is broken. They’re in a room with no one else, minimal hospital visits if all unnecessary staffers are evacuated.

The screen gives a countdown.

The winner is…

6.

5.

4.

3.

2.

1.

OSOMATSU, in both categories!

He cheers in joyous disbelief, looking into the camera and grinning. He nearly says thank you, but he doesn’t manage.

The rest are dogpiling on him already.

e

While the boys nervously await the announcement of who won (again, on Iyami’s, much to the faux-Frenchman’s dismay), they’re answering a few asks and looking at gifts that have been dropped off for them.

The ones that security and Osoko’s watchful eyes would let through, at least. They may have more from “idols” to general “pop artists,” but stuffed animals could still hold cameras and microphones. But candy can be checked and cards are welcome!

Valentine’s Vote Special, part seven: Ichimatsu!

“Ichimatsu!” Chibita says, kicking the die one more time for catharsis despite knowing there’s only one left, “get up off your tush!”

Ichimatsu takes a few tries. After Jyuushimatsu helps him up (and Todomatsu quietly asks an audience member to start chanting his name), he makes it to the seat across from Iyami.

He stares.

Iyami stares back.

Ichimatsu keeps staring.

Iyami keeps staring.

Ichimatsu leans in, as if continued eye contact is a threat.

“I’m guessing you want to just go?”

“I only had one thing to say, so. Yeah.”

“What was that?”

“I like this long coat. Feels cozy. Can I go?”

“Please do.”

Ichimatsu always uses mic stands like a protective barrier. This time is no different. He seems familiar with the backing band. Otherwise he’d either run or yank down his dress slacks and do the unspeakable to Iyami’s floor, both of which aren’t appreciated in front of an audience. The beat starts up before he can do either.

((For a sound example, try Décalcomanie By Mamamoo!))

The sound, unexpectedly, is almost bluesy. He seems to settle most comfortably in a deeper range, and carries the tune well despite the minor tremble to his fingers that the camera picks up as he holds onto the microphone.

He’s nervous, in the song and on the stage. He’s settled with his intended, the silence thick and heavy, the ice in their drinks melting, condensation pooling on the table. He wants to figure things out easily, know what’ll happen with complete certainty, but he can’t.

Despite this, there’s a thrill in his chest. This sort of feeling is new. It’s exhilarating.

There’s a multitude of raps this Valentine’s Day, but his is in no rush. It’s steady, it’s syncopated without seeming eager, without pressure. It’s sturdy and very much like him.

(His prompt for the audience to clap their hands is met, and he looks a bit surprised. The audience is on his side? Maybe he won’t crash and burn.)

As the bridge reaches a crescendo, he doesn’t take a breath before diving into another rap, sounding breathless and just a little thrilled.

As the lights go from a dark plum to a shining lavender, the audience claps again, and he actually starts smiling. The romantic jitters are still swirling in his mind, but he feels happy. It feels good, actually. It means this is worth it.

Valentine’s Vote Special, part six: Karamatsu!

The die is rerolled thrice before landing on either of the two remaining brothers.

“Two! Karamatsu, don’t mess this up!”

Karamatsu is already blowing kisses to the audience, bowing before he even sits by Iyami.

Iyami stares, so exhausted. “I can’t do this. You like to talk, do as you please.”

“Your trust in my abilities is an honor beyond recognition! You see–”

“You already made me regret that decision, stand down. What’s special about your song, and keep it short.”

Karamatsu looks a bit afraid for a second, and he sounds timid when he speaks up. “I… I play guitar?” One loud scream from the back of the audience puts a smile back on his face, him immediately standing on his chair and putting one foot on the arm. “I will not disappoint you!”

“Just go!” Iyami yells, and Karamatsu leaps from his chair perch, and he only stumbles a little bit. After being given a moment to pull the strap over his head, Euterpe is as ready for showtime as he is.

((For a sound example, try Talk About You By Mika!))

It begins calmly, bass and piano, but as his guitar and the drums join in, it grows stronger as he describes his emotions changing over time. He immediately realizes just what that feeling is, and the song bursts into something louder, brighter, happier!

As he admits to his world changing, seeming better, seeing hope and moments ahead where he used to just see his hometown, he also admits to it being that person’s fault. Or, rather, thanks to them. He’d rather be mocked for being ridiculous and sentimental and foolish than be without them!

Karamatsu can’t help but bounce around a bit when he plays. At first, he managed to stay mostly still and dignified, but now he’s standing by the edge of the stage, grinning and stomping his feet, looking back at his backing band and actually sparkling with pride.

The song fades out with just him and his guitar.

Then it smashes back in, lights swirling and changing colors, Iyami’s spirit visibly shattering. He thought it was over, the poor man.

He simply seems doubly relieved when the song is really over, Karamatsu bowing, and… wiping away tears? The poor sappy sod.