Fluttering Hearts Seek the Romantic | Chapter 3

[beyondskyfall]

Fluttering Hearts Seek the Romantic | Chapter 3

(←back to masterlist)



—The Next Day—

Brad: We have identified the Substance recovered at yesterday’s Valentine’s fan mixer.

Akira: Just what kinda Substance was it?

Will: Based on how the people at the stadium were acting, it seems like one that affects humans...

Brad: According to the Research Division’s investigation, those affected by the Substance will relentlessly pursue that which causes their hearts to flutter.

Dr. Nova said they came down with “Romantic Rampage Syndrome”.

Akira: Roman chick...?

Brad: Yes, romantic.

Oscar: Excuse me, but... Brad-sama, what might that condition be, exactly?

Brad: Apologies, but there isn’t a straightforward way to explain it. All I can say about it now is that it causes what we saw in the stadium yesterday—the bizarre scene with the citizens.

Oscar: ...It was strange indeed. Although they weren’t acting violent, I was unable to decide how to handle them without putting my hands on them.

Will: They had plenty of enthusiasm, that’s for sure. It was kinda like... Almost like we’d become celebrities, I guess?

Akira: That part wasn’t so bad!

Brad: The Research Division examined those who were affected for a short while, but they have since returned to normal and were allowed to return to their homes.

However, they are still investigating the details of this “Romantic Rampage Syndrome” and have not yet determined the root cause. It’s entirely possible they will fall back into a frenzy given the correct trigger.

They are also developing a drug to counteract the effects of the Substance, but it will take some time to complete.

Will: That makes sense... I hope they can finish it soon...

Oscar: Especially because it was our supporters who got caught up in it. We can’t just let this continue...

Akira: Hey, is there any way to return people to normal besides using a drug?

Brad: Hmm... I was just trying to see if there were examples of similar Substances encountered in the past, and I did find one that exerted a similar effect.

According to that information, if the person’s strong desire is fulfilled, then they should return to normal.

In fact, there are data from this case as well that suggest the affected citizens were able to stabilize their emotions after experiencing some sort of high.

Will: So you’re saying they can be cured by romantic feelings?

Brad: It’s a possibility, assuming romance or some similar thing is what they desire from the Substance’s effects, that is.

Akira: I gotcha... Hmm?

Oscar: What is it, Akira?

Akira: Wait, in that case, returning them to normal is a piece of cake, isn’t it?

Brad: How so?

Akira: We just gotta hold our canceled mixer again!

Then we can give all our fans the romantic feelings they want and they’ll be cured, right?

Hehe, that’s right, I’m the genius idea-having almighty Akira Otori! It’s an awesome plan. ♪

Will: Uhhh...

Oscar: ......

Akira: W-What’s with the lackluster response?! Don’t you think it’s a good idea?!

Will: Do you know the first thing about romance, Akira?

Oscar: If you do, please enlighten me. I’m quite ill-informed on the matter.

Akira: Um... It’s like, y’know! Like voltage max and stuff!!

Oscar: ...?

Will: That would mean you’re shouting how romantic you are on a regular basis. Are you okay with that?

Oscar: So “voltage max” is like saying “full-throttle romance” then.

Akira: F-Forget it! “Voltage max” does not mean “full-throttle romance” or whatever!

But I don’t really get the romance thing either, so we’ll just have to wing it! All we gotta do is live up to their expectations.

Will: ...I suppose it’s better than doing nothing. We might be able to move their hearts.

Oscar: What do you think, Brad-sama?

Brad: Hmm... Although it might be difficult to say what they want to hear, Akira does have a point. It would be more efficient to look into separate approaches that hold promise while we wait for the drug to be developed.

Will: Having more than one solution to the problem isn’t a bad idea.

Akira: All right!

Brad: Then let’s make arrangements to resume our cancelled event.

Akira: Now that the decision is final, I’m gonna set everyone’s heart racing! Voltage max!!

———

←Chapter 2 | back to masterlist | Chapter 4→