Black Bile #9 Sumito Mogi (Part 2)

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

　The building looks like it has computer heat sink fins attached to it.
　It is a massive structure that, at first glance, doesn't look like a hospital.
　Toranomon, a town that reeks of "business"—whether it's an office district or a government office area—is a bit uncomfortable for a social outcast like me.

　There are thin clouds here and there, but the weather is almost entirely sunny.
　Contrary to my mood, the weather was terrifyingly pleasant.
　Come to think of it, it hasn't rained once since last week when this mission started. I wonder if I'm a "sunny man"—that kind of question even pops into my head.

　Like yesterday, I took the Tokyo Metro from Shibuya to Toranomon.
　I walked the same path as yesterday and stopped in front of the Starbucks where we all gathered yesterday.
　I thought I had solved the mystery, but an even bigger one had reared its head.
　I had trouble falling asleep last night.
　I recall the internal call I received in my office eight days ago.
　Over the past four years, I've handled various tasks.
　From fire-fighting cases involving idols to simple live event support work just to fill numbers.
　Most of the rest of the time was administrative work that wouldn't change regardless of who did it.
　That's why this request is exceptionally bizarre.
　Finding people, persuading them, reforming groups, renewing contracts.
　And all with girls who aren't even from my own agency.

　On my way here, I stopped by Mishiro's office.
　I had been away for a whole week, but it doesn't make much difference whether the owner is there or not. It's a department with just me, and I don't have much luggage.
　If there were a window, I would open it to let some air in, but it's a room like a basement storage area. Thinking it was better than doing nothing, I left the entrance door open and returned to my desk to sit in my chair.
　I clasped my hands behind my head and stretched my back.
　Various thoughts crossed my mind.
　I talked to idols I met for the first time, listened to their worries, walked around here and there, and cried and laughed.
　It was only a week, but I had started to feel that the memories with them were very irreplaceable.
　That relationship ends today.
　When I felt uncharacteristically sentimental and tears were about to well up, I heard a voice from the hallway.
　"Yahoo!"
　It was the voice of the nostalgic Anzu Futaba.
　I kicked the floor with my feet, and when I turned my swivel chair 180 degrees, Anzu, who came into view, was wearing a shockingly flashy colored costume.
　The costume, based on black with orange accents, is scattered with motifs such as ghosts, pumpkins, canes, and skeletons throughout.
　"Oh, right, next month is..."
　"Ta-da, it's Halloween! Hey, what do you think of this costume?"
　Anzu spun around on the spot.
　"Isn't it good? Anyway, why are you here in that outfit?"
　"Eh, it's between shoots. We're doing it at the studio in the main building, but it's lunch break and the staff went out to eat. Our big bosses are with them too, so it'll be a while. They said they'd resume at 3:00 PM, so Anzu got bored too."
　Being a popular star is tough. There must be a lot of work they don't want to do.
　However, when I was a child, things like Halloween didn't exist.
　"I don't know anything about Halloween, what is it? A festival?"
　"You really live your life aimlessly, don't you, Mr. M? Can't be helped, Anzu will teach you."
　A lecture on Halloween began.
　That it originated from a Celtic festival, that it is a boundary day where the dead and the living mingle, and that the pumpkin "Jack-o'-lantern" is a fire that guides the souls of the dead.
　Hearing that, I associated it with black bile.
　What did Mr. Mogi entrust to Kurotan?
　What is the meaning of assigning organs to members?
　I suddenly thought of it and asked.
　"Hey, do you know the producer named Mr. Mogi who was here before?"
　"Ah, Mr. Mogi, I know him."
　"What kind of person is he?"
　"He was quite a capable person. He was active as the right-hand man of Managing Director Mishiro. Project Krone was Mr. Mogi's masterpiece, wasn't it?"
　Seriously? It's the legendary 10-person unit that selected Mishiro's idols.
　"I see, so Mr. M's troubleshooting this time was that case."
　"Yes. I'm going to the hospital now."
　"Give him my regards, tell him thank you for that time, and that the new costume is really wonderful."
　"Wait, what do you mean?"
　"Eh?"
　"Do you know what state Mr. Mogi is in now? What costume? I only heard that we were meeting at the hospital."
　"I, I don't know, there's a gag order on this matter, so Anzu doesn't know anything and hasn't said anything. Did Mr. M hear auditory hallucinations because he's too tired? Ah, come to think of it, I promised to have lunch with Kirari, I shouldn't be wasting time talking here. See ya!"
　Anzu left the room as if running away.
　Left alone, I could only be stunned.

　And now.
　I was standing in front of the Starbucks in Toranomon.
　The mysterious words that came out of Anzu's mouth earlier.
　New costume.
　And the motifs of the dead and the living that emerged from the talk about Halloween.
　What on earth will happen at the hospital I'm about to visit?

＊　＊　＊

　I didn't feel it when I entered the huge entrance, but as soon as I got off the elevator on the 2nd floor, the pungent smell peculiar to hospitals stimulated my nose.
　I looked at the floor map posted on the wall and headed to the day room.
　It was a spacious space with large windows facing south. Tables and chairs were arranged with plenty of room.
　The members of Kurotan were already sitting at the 6-person table at the very back.
　I feel a sense of poignancy that Kanna and Kokoro are sitting next to each other again today.
　"Good morning." Everyone stood up one after another and greeted me.
　"Stop it, I'm not your producer."
　"That's true too, I lost out by greeting you."
　"You..."
　I look at Hii-chan and Kanna. Both of them are grinning. They are joking.
　The other members were watching this exchange with smiles.
　I haven't seen these girls standing on stage yet.
　But I dreamed that they might be more united now than before their hiatus.
　The current time is 14:55.
　The promised time is in 5 minutes.
　Outside the window is a blue sky.
　Although it is cut off by buildings, the sky above is wide open.
　The autumn sky was already beginning to take on the premonition of evening at this time.

　While I was absentmindedly listening to the members' small talk, a word that caught my attention woke me up.
　"...Probably. Because this floor is a convalescent ward. If the place he's moving to isn't another floor, the producer will surely be fine."
　Kokoro is taking the lead here.
　"But isn't it a bit late? It's already 10 minutes past."
　Kokoro said to reassure Kanna, who looked worried.
　"Doctors are busy. Sometimes morning consultations drag on until this time."
　"Kokoro, you're surprisingly knowledgeable," Haihai said while resting her chin on her hand.
　"Well, a little, I went to the hospital quite a bit when my grandfather was hospitalized."
　"Hmm."
　Silence covered the day room.
　What I hear from the hallway is the sound of nurses coming and going while saying something, the voices of families who came to visit, and the modest voices of the cleaning staff.
　In the meantime, we were called.
　"Is Mr. Dobashi, who is visiting, here?"
　A female nurse in her 40s called out at the entrance of the day room.
　When I raised my hand, the nurse came over.
　"Uh, Mr. Dobashi and your companions, right? I'll guide you."
　Following the nurse, we leave the day room.
　The destination was a private room two doors away from the nurse station in the center of the floor.
　The visitor display next to the door said "Hematology Patient".
　The nurse knocks on the door.
　Without waiting for an answer, she opened the door and guided us into the room.
　"The doctor will be here shortly, so please wait until then."

　Seeing off the nurse who left in a hurry, I looked at the room again.
　It was a private room.
　Lying on the bed with his head against the left wall was none other than Sumito Mogi. He was the producer of Black Bile.
　His name is also displayed on the name tag at the head of the bed.
　A knit cap that is out of place in this room on his emaciated face.
　An IV tube containing a transparent liquid extends to his right arm.
　The destination of the thin cords coming out from various parts of his body was a monitor in front of the bed. I can hear regular electronic beeps.
　Kokoro moved to the vicinity of the monitor first and was staring at the screen.
　"The producer was alive," "Hey," "His complexion isn't bad," "I wonder if we can talk," the members are talking in low voices.
　Two small, sharp knocks.
　The door opened and a man in a white coat entered.
　"I am the attending physician, Murakubo. At the patient's strong request, he wants me to explain his medical condition to you, so I'll be brief."
　He has a stethoscope around his neck and is holding a laptop in his right hand.
　"Uh, Mr. Dobashi is..."
　"Yes," I raised my hand slightly and approached Murakubo.
　Murakubo placed his laptop on a small, narrow mobile desk nearby and opened the screen.
　"I have received consent from the patient... Mr. Mogi, that it is okay to explain everything. He said he has no relatives, so he wants you to know."
　I could tell from the atmosphere that everyone was holding their breath.
　"Then I will explain. First of all, the reason why Mr. Mogi couldn't tell you about his hospitalization. It was Mr. Mogi's condition at the time of hospitalization."
　The doctor explained one after another.
　That his condition suddenly changed on the way home from a live concert and he lost consciousness. That he couldn't be identified because he gave the stage name he used when he was young and the address of his childhood home where he no longer lives when answering the paramedics.
　Hearing this, the members expressed their thoughts one after another.
　"Seriously?" "So that's what happened," "No wonder he couldn't contact us."
　That his current diagnosis is acute myeloid leukemia.
　That a bone marrow donor was found in July and the transplant was successful.
　When the word "bone marrow" came out of the doctor's mouth, I felt an ache in my lower back.
　I really don't like hospitals.
　It was also said that he is currently in the recovery phase and that if he recovers smoothly, he will be able to return to social life gradually.
　The members who heard this far let out a big sigh.
　"I can't say for sure, but the biggest hurdle has been overcome. I think this is not only because of our efforts, but because Mr. Mogi himself had a strong will to live. However, two years before falling into this situation, Mr. Mogi was diagnosed with MDS."
　I heard the sound of Kokoro gasping.
　When I looked back, Kokoro, with her eyes wide open, was saying "Seriously" in a small voice.
　"Um... what is MDS?"
　Hii-chan expressed her honest thoughts.
　"Ah, excuse me. MDS stands for Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a disease where the bone marrow cannot properly produce blood cells. As for the condition, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia progress gradually, but it seems Mr. Mogi didn't receive any treatment at that time. I think it's safe to say that the result led to this acute myeloid leukemia."
　"Mr. Mogi looked pretty painful from the time we first met," Kanna said deeply.
　"However, as I mentioned earlier, the delay in contact this time is not Mr. Mogi's responsibility. Also, please understand that we prioritized saving his life over identification, which is why this situation occurred. I have explained everything so far, but is there anything you would like to ask?"
　"When can the producer be discharged?"
　Hii-chan asked innocently.
　The doctor scratched his head lightly and said, "Well, if things go smoothly, there is a possibility that he can be discharged in half a month to a month. However, that is only if it is judged that this disease can be managed through outpatient visits for his return to society."
　"I see, that's surprisingly fast."
　"I'll take off my doctor's title for a moment here."
　Murakubo had an awkward smile.
　"I hear Mr. Mogi is a producer for an idol group. As far as I know, this job is hard work. It might take some time for him to recover enough to handle that."
　Suddenly, Jinjin asked with a serious face.
　"What is the doctor's favorite idol group?"
　Murakubo was caught off guard, but he said while blushing shyly.
　"Uh... Momo... Kuro..."
　"Eh! Doctor, you're a Mononofu! And? Who do you support?"
　Hii-chan pounced on it. It was the look of a beast that had found its prey.
　"If you're embarrassed, I'll say it! Yes! I support Reni-chan! I'll support her for life!"
　"A bit noisy!" Kokoro warned.
　"Uh, I'm... Kanako..." Murakubo said in a small voice.
　"Whoo! Kanako! Doctor, you understand too!"
　"Actually... I've already put in a request for time off on December 20th and 21st."
　"Doctor! That's SSA! I want to go both days too! I want to live in the Super Arena! I'll move in from today, I don't mind becoming a homeless person!"
　"Hey, you guys! Doctor, stop it too!" Kokoro went slightly crazy.
　Murakubo, who returned to his normal self, cleared his throat and returned to the topic.
　"I lost my composure. ...Uh, if there are no other questions, I will excuse myself. I know I'm the one saying this, but please be as quiet as possible."
　I could only watch Murakubo leave in a hurry, stunned.

　Contrary to just a moment ago, silence suddenly dominated the room.
　The sound emitted by the monitor is regular.
　"...Damn you," Kanna said in a low voice.
　"Doing whatever you want."
　Looking, Kanna was clenching both fists tightly and gritting her teeth as if enduring something.
　"Do you have any idea how hard I've worked until now?"
　Without saying it to anyone in particular, Kanna continued her words while glaring at the floor.
　"At least contact us once... do you have any idea how worried I was about you every day!"
　Kanna began to hit the railing of Mogi's bed with her right fist.
　"If you hadn't picked me up, I probably wouldn't have been able to live. I lost someone important, everything in front of me went dark, and on the day I decided to quit being an idol, you called out to me."
　It's all information I'm hearing for the first time.
　Looking around, the other members also have surprised expressions.
　But no one can call out to Kanna now.
　Thump, thump.
　The force of hitting the bed railing is getting stronger.
　"I kept being an idol alone, hoping you'd be found as soon as possible! I talked to people involved, asking if anyone had even a little bit of information! Don't mess with me!"
　Kanna began to sob without caring about anyone's eyes.
　"I'm not cut out to be a leader... I was suddenly told to be the leader of a 5-person group, and I was already at my limit with my own things, but everyone relies on me, there are older people, and there are girls with longer careers than me, and it was such a burden to bring everyone together!"
　The sound emitted by the monitor has become faster.
　Finally, Kanna sat down.
　She is hanging her head and holding the bed railing with both hands.
　"I tried to rely on you, but you always looked like you were in really bad shape... I had no choice but to do it myself."
　She began to shake the railing she was holding with both hands with all her might.
　Mogi on the bed is also shaking little by little.
　"Why did you collapse on your own! Take better care of yourself! Don't hide your illness and work hard on your own! Don't mess with me!!!"
　Kanna was crying like a child.
　No one opens their mouth.
　Perhaps it detected an abnormality, the monitor alert sounded. The screen is glowing red.
　Footsteps running down the hallway.
　A nurse entered.
　She looks at the monitor and then at Mogi's face.
　The nurse, who performed a confirmation task I couldn't understand, looked back at us and said, "Please don't excite him too much," and left.
　A silence like that of a wake fell.
　Only the sound of Kanna sniffing can be heard.
　It's unbearable.
　It was the moment I wanted to leave this room as soon as possible.
　I heard a voice.
　"I'm sorry."
　It was a voice I heard for the first time.
　The owner of the voice was Sumito Mogi lying on the bed.

　Everyone was paying attention.
　"Sorry," the voice was raspy and almost inaudible.
　After clearing his throat several times, he began to speak again.
　"I'm sorry, Kanna," Mogi looked at Kanna with hollow eyes.
　"And, I'm sorry, everyone," he said while slowly looking around at the other members.
　Kanna stood up.
　She is confronting him at the place closest to Mogi.
　I could only see Kanna's back, but I could imagine her expression.
　"Why?"
　It's a small voice, but anger is seeping through.
　"What?"
　"Why didn't you contact us?"
　"That's... because I couldn't face you all."
　"Isn't it fine? Even if you were embarrassed, even if you couldn't face us, it's the group you created, right, Kurotan?"
　Mogi was silent.
　I can see Mogi's expression over Kanna's back.
　It was twisted in agony.
　As if squeezing it out, Mogi said.
　"How... can I be forgiven?"
　"It's not about forgiving or not."
　"That's enough, Kanna."
　It was Kokoro who opened her mouth.
　"The producer wasn't playing around either, he was fighting desperately."
　"But."
　"The doctor said it earlier, right? He wouldn't have recovered this far if he didn't have a strong will."
　Kanna was excited again. She is disheveled.
　"But! I can't accept it!"
　"Stop being selfish forever!"
　A popping sound echoed in the hospital room.
　Kokoro had slapped Kanna's cheek.
　Kanna is standing still with a dazed expression.
　"Kurotan is a group the producer created at the cost of his life."
　Kokoro looked at everyone and finally fixed her gaze on Mogi.
　"You know, I thought desperately yesterday and came to one conclusion. Will you listen? Producer."
　"Come to think of it, I haven't told you anything, I'm sorry."

　Kanna, who was tired of crying, and I, who was heavy-waisted, sat on the two chairs in the room.
　Kokoro continued.
　"When I looked at Kanna's profile yesterday, I thought up to a hypothesis-like point, but it would be helpful if the producer could supplement it while listening."
　"I understand."
　"First, the reason why the producer wanted to create Kurotan. That was the MDS diagnosis two years ago, right?"
　"That's right. I heard it would be fatal if left as it was, but more than that, I was possessed by the word 'Black Bile' that descended into my head."
　"That's it. The producer said this group was a mistranslation of the firearm 'handgun', but that's a lie, right?"
　"This was the most painful lie."
　"I reached this far, but I don't know the true meaning. Does anyone know?"
　No one reacts.
　Mogi continued.
　"I'll explain. When I was diagnosed with MDS, I had an image of my organs being blackened. While searching for various things, I arrived at the word 'Black Bile'."
　Mogi had regained his vitality to an extent that I couldn't believe he was the person who had been speaking with a faint voice earlier.
　"There is an oil painting called 'Melencolia' painted by the medieval European painter Domenico Fetti."

　"It's a painting of Mary Magdalene sitting down, holding a skull and staring at it. When I saw that, I felt like I had become the skull being stared at by Mary. Even if I die, I wonder if there is someone watching over it. I wonder if I have left something behind that Mary can see."
　It was beyond my understanding, but I understand the feeling painfully well.
　Because I often feel a sense of powerlessness, wondering if I have left anything behind in this world.
　"My internal organs are invaded by illness. So I made a plan to have the idols I find from now on become the substitutes for my internal organs."
　After medieval painting, is it occult?
　At this point, I'm already giving up.
　I almost thought Mogi might be a madman, when Jinjin opened her mouth.
　"I see, it's not incomprehensible from an ethnological point of view. The fact that the producer took the lead in deciding our stage names and nicknames. That was the link to these internal organs, wasn't it?"
　There was an unexpected person who understood.
　"I'm honestly happy that you understood that much."
　Mogi said exaggeratedly without hiding his admiration.
　"I thought I would survive by entrusting my dying organs to five idols. It's ego. My complete ego."
　Mogi said with a dry laugh.
　"To be more specific, I thought that by having you, to whom I entrusted my internal organs, be active, my organs would also regain their energy. It's like a spell."
　Jinjin continues her reasoning.
　"That culminated in the new song 'Crimson Flame', didn't it?"
　"I collapsed before I could unveil it, so that's a pity."
　"It's a song with all our hearts, with the internal organs woven into the lyrics and the jacket, right? Kokoro deciphered it yesterday."
　"I'm impressed."
　Mogi looked at Kokoro with an admiring gaze.
　"I included each member's motif in the five songs I've written so far, but..."
　"Eh, what is that, I just found out now!"
　Hii-chan is surprised. The other members seem to be the same.
　"As the culmination of that, I included the motifs of all members in the new song."
　"It's just self-satisfaction after all. It's a complete solo game. It's just an ego to want to survive alone."
　Kanna's words silenced Mogi.
　"What are we, who were swayed by that ego?"
　Haihai spoke for the first time since entering this room. Because it's a calm tone, it doesn't sound accusatory.
　"The place I finally found, where I had been half-hearted in everything in my life so far, ended up being vague again. When I was doing Kurotan, I wore a clown mask, but that was also half-hearted. Then the producer disappeared halfway through. I thought I would just waste my life lazily heading toward the next half-hearted thing."
　I can't see where the story is going.
　"But, the producer disappeared, and activities were suspended. While the contract period was still remaining, I thought if there was any movement, I would bet on it. Then Mr. Dobashi came. So, I'm thinking of riding this current."
　The topic was suddenly turned to me.
　Following that, Mogi also looked at me.
　I made eye contact with Mogi for the first time.
　"Ah, I'm late. I heard the story, but this is the first time I've seen your face. I'm Mogi, the producer of 'Black Bile'. Excuse me from the bed."
　"Ah, nice to meet you too."
　"I'm sorry for all the trouble this time."
　"No, no, compared to Mr. Mogi's suffering, it's nothing."
　"But... I don't feel like you're a stranger... Mr. Dobashi, have we met before?"
　"No, I joined the company long after Mr. Mogi quit."
　"I see," Mogi is filled with an unsatisfied expression.
　"Or rather, what do you all think about being chosen by name?"
　Kanna cut into the remaining questions.
　Looking at Mogi, he is watching over the members while holding his breath.
　He will know for the first time here how his ego is being accepted.

　"I'm an idol otaku, so I know that not missing an opportunity is the most important thing. I was lucky that my name had a moon in it."
　Hii-chan said frankly.
　"It's my third time as an idol, so I won't be surprised no matter what happens."
　Contrary to her appearance and behavior, Hii-chan observes things surprisingly well.

　Next was Jinjin.
　"I have two moons in my name, so I'm secretly chuckling that the producer chose me unconditionally. If you pay me properly, I'll continue to do my best."
　As expected of Jinjin. Come to think of it, what happened to that matter?
　"Hey Jinjin, what happened to that property?"
　"I'm planning to go to the real estate agent tomorrow."
　Mogi must be hearing this for the first time.
　He asked in surprise.
　"Are you perhaps living there?"
　"Yes. Well, it depends on the future activity schedule."
　Hearing that, Mogi had a smile on his lips.
　There must be some good announcement.

　Haihai said in the same calm tone as her speech earlier.
　"Whether it's a name, a face, or a performance, the fact that I was chosen hasn't changed, and I intend to ride the ship I've boarded to the end. Well, it was on the verge of sinking until a while ago, but I think it will only float from now on."

　The last one is Kokoro.
　"Honestly, I think it's ridiculous, even now. It's a group gathered by name with the producer's prayers, but now that I know that, I think I can reset my feelings and start over from scratch."

　It's about time for my turn.
　"Mr. Mogi, the intentions of everyone have been confirmed again. So my role ends here..."
　"Wait a minute, Mr. Dobashi."
　Mogi operated his smartphone with his free left hand.
　After a few calls, the other party answered.
　It must be in speaker mode, the voice echoes in the hospital room.
　"Yes, this is Chikawa."
　"Ah, this is Mogi. Everything is going well."
　"I understand. Please wait a moment."
　It became a hold tone.
　Everyone remained frozen, listening intently to what would happen.
　"Mogi-kun... no, since you are no longer my subordinate, Mr. Mogi, then. Congratulations on the success of the surgery."
　"Ms. Mishiro, thank you. And thank you for pulling strings, I can't thank you enough."
　"No need for thanks. Let's move on to the main topic. Hey Dobashi, are you there?"
　Ugh, don't turn it to me.
　"I'm here," I answered reluctantly.
　"You're still a dull man. Good work for now."
　"Yeah, yeah."
　"Is Kanna-kun there?"
　"...Yes," Kanna answers with a fearful air.
　"Your ability has reached my ears. If you'd like, I'd like to scout you for us, what do you think?"
　Hii-chan let out a scream-like voice.
　"What do you mean?" Kanna's voice is stiff.
　"I'm thinking of welcoming you as our trainee."
　"What happens to the other members?"
　"I haven't thought about that. It's just you alone."
　"I refuse," Kanna said clearly.
　"Eh, what a waste, hey Kanna, it's Mishiro Production, you shouldn't miss such a chance!" Hii-chan appealed to Kanna while looking like she was about to cry.
　While looking at Hii-chan, her voice is confronting the owner of the phone.
　Kanna continued.
　"I've decided to walk with these friends, the five of us. It's useless to try to take only me."
　"I see, I won't force you. But don't regret it later, if only you had taken that invitation at that time..."
　"No thank you!"
　Kanna, who had become stubborn, was radiating a kind of beauty.
　"Let's change the subject. Actually, I've been laying the groundwork for your restart behind the scenes for a while now. From here on, Mr. Mogi will explain."
　Mogi's turn came around with full preparation.
　"Mr. Dobashi, could you take the documents on that over-table out of the envelope and show them to everyone?"
　"Yeah, yeah."
　I approach the table and take out the documents from the brown envelope that fits A4 paper.
　I doubted my eyes.
　The members also come closer and look at the documents.
　Voices that could be cheers or screams leaked from everyone.
　"What is this?" Kanna's eyes are wide.
　"This is a composite, right? We didn't take such an artist photo. Even so..."
　It was a flyer for a common underground idol.
　It's horizontal and five members are lined up.
　The characters that seem to be the group name and the new costume.
　Looking closely, there was another sheet of paper under the flyer.
　I put it back so everyone could see it.
　It seems to be the lyrics of the new song.
　"Seriously?" "No way," "The image change is extreme," "Looks interesting!" "I'm scared because it seems like a self I don't know will come out."

　When the commotion subsided, the owner of the phone said.
　"How about it, the new group. This is all Mr. Mogi's idea. Only this time, I prepared the groundwork here. The costumes have been ordered, and the recording of the temporary vocals is finished. I've also decided on the date for the unveiling live. I'll excuse myself now. I'll leave the rest to Chikawa."
　Because of the excessive lack of loopholes, I couldn't help but re-evaluate the person named Sayuri Mishiro, although it was frustrating.
　"But," Kanna said, and the atmosphere in the hospital room changed completely.
　"It's about two weeks, right? Who will be the manager? If there's no one for practical work, we can't do the live either. Mr. Mogi can't do it yet, right?"
　"..."
　Just as ellipses floated over everyone's heads, I heard Chihiro Chikawa's voice from the speaker.
　"Everyone, can you hear me? As a result of discussions with relevant parties, Mr. Dobashi will serve as the field manager until Mr. Mogi returns to the field, so thank you."
　"Whoa," "Seriously?" "Yay," "Are you kidding?" "Looking forward to it."
　I heard various voices from around, but I could only stop thinking and stand still.
　...No, that's no good. If I stay silent here, I'll be used as they please.
　"Wait a minute! Eh? Um, what is my original job? It'll be tough if I'm not there, even for Mishiro."
　"Mr. Dobashi, please rest assured. The administrative work that was assigned to you has been entrusted to AI with the help of Ms. Yagami, so there is no need to worry about this work."
　"Wait! Eh? Am I an unnecessary child?"
　"Yes, for now."
　I felt murderous intent toward Chihiro. Are you a restructuring contractor!
　I had no choice but to resign myself.
　"Eh, what's the period? Until when?"
　"I've been told by the managing director that it's indefinite."
　"Hey, hey..."
　I dropped my shoulders.
　What a mess of a cleanup job.
　While I was at a loss, the call had been cut off.

　Mogi opened his mouth.
　"Mr. Dobashi. I'd like to ask you again. My feeling is that I want to work hard in the field from tomorrow, but I want to recuperate a little more and return to a complete body before facing these children."
　"Huh."
　I can't face forward.
　I can't look at Mogi or the members' faces.
　When I realized it, it had become quite dark outside.

　I was suddenly tapped on the shoulder.
　"Hey, Mr. Dobashi."
　It was Kokoro.
　"I want to work with Mr. Dobashi."
　"That's... I don't have practical experience with underground idols, you know?"
　"Something like that will work out."
　"I've never even taken a cheki."
　"Don't underestimate the members' photography skills. We'll all cooperate."
　"Hey, was I useful for this matter?"
　I suddenly became anxious.
　I had been involved with these children as if it were someone else's business.
　That is now rushing in as a fierce sense of guilt.

　"If there's a manager like Mr. Dobashi, the field will be fun, right?"
　Hii-chan decided on the reunion immediately without saying anything else.

　"Talking to Mr. Dobashi, I feel like I've been freed from a strange sense of duty."
　Haihai had a strong feeling that she had to make others smile due to her experience in the earthquake disaster.

　"Thanks to Mr. Dobashi, I feel like I'll be freed from long-distance commuting. I'll probably read more books too."
　Jinjin intends to move to the accident property I introduced.

"I was able to have a heart-to-heart with Kanna thanks to you, Dobashi-san. I'm grateful."
Kokoro shed tears on the bridge over the Uzuma River. She had talked with Kanna while I wasn't there, and they had properly reconciled.

"You watched my live performance and were moved by it. That alone is enough for me to trust you."
Because of Kanna's singing voice, and because I watched that live performance, I feel like that's why I was able to work this hard.

Although our time together was short, I deeply feel that every one of them is a member filled with charm as a human being, even before being an idol.
There's no need to run away here, is there?
It's definitely more fun to be with them.
When I looked up with a new resolve, I was greeted by everyone's smiles.
I felt somewhat embarrassed.

The setting sun was shining in from the west window.
The members' faces were illuminated in orange.
Everyone was looking at me with satisfied expressions.
"You guys... you've become a good group."
Mogi said quietly.
Mogi's face was in shadow and I couldn't see it well, but I'm sure his face was fulfilled as well.
It felt like I could hear the sound of the curtain falling on this story.

Feeling curious, I moved to the south window.
It was there.
A white moon, about half-full, was floating in the eastern sky.

[Note] The Tokyo Metropolitan Toranomon General Hospital is a fictional hospital.