beyondskyfall

Fluttering Hearts Seek the Romantic | Chapter 11

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Announcer: And now, we’re headed for this event’s climax!!

Yes! It’s the one-on-one battle between Akira Otori and Brad Beams!

Brad: Hah!

Akira: Take this! Uraaaah!



Announcer: Whoa, neither of them are giving an inch! The sparks are flying, adding flair to this fight!

Brad: Nice dodge. Normally that would’ve been a direct hit.

Akira: Hehe, I’ve gotten stronger, too! Don’t think I’m the same kid I used to be! ♪

Brad: Indeed you have.

Akira: Wipe that smile off your face! I’m gonna hit you with my brand new move!

Brad: ...Don’t tell me. Then I’ll know it’s coming.

Akira: Knowing won’t make a difference if you can’t avoid it!

Brad: Then let’s dance.

Akira: Let’s do this! Voltage max!!!

———



Akira: Next person!

Akira's Fan B: U-Um, I was so impressed by you. I don’t even know how many times my heart went crazy!

Akira: Thanks a bunch! I lost the fight, though...

But next time I’ll show you a win, so I hope to have your support until then!

Akira's Fan B: Of course! Oh, by the way, I’m getting married next week!!

Akira: Oh, right! Congrats, I hope you have a happy marriage!

Akira's Fan B: Thank you so much!

Akira: Next—

Brad: That was the last guest.

Akira: Oh, hey Brad.

Brad: I received a call from Dr. Nova. It appears everyone who came to see our LOM has been cured of Romantic Rampage Syndrome.

Akira: For real?!

Brad: The medicine is also looking promising, so those who couldn’t be here today should also be cured within the week.

Akira: Phew, that’s a relief...

Will: Looks like Akira’s performance at the LOM went well.

Oscar: I didn’t think their battle would be so lively.

Will: It certainly was impressive! ♪ My hands were getting all sweaty just watching them.

Akira: I ended up losing... and I couldn’t land my new move, either...

Brad: Your skill and power still both need work.

Akira: ......

Brad: But it was a great match.

Akira: Oh...

Just you watch, Brad! Next time, I’m comin’ out on top!

Brad: ......

I’m looking forward to seeing it.

Ping!

Will: ...Huh? Did the device just go off?

Oscar: Hm? I didn’t hear anything. Besides, the fans have already left.

Akira: Hey, what’re you two doing? Hurry up and get changed so we can go celebrate a job well done! ♪

Will: Sure thing!

Oscar: Where should we go, Brad-sama?

Akira: Hot dogs are always good, but let’s go for sushi this time! [1]

Brad: Then let’s call ahead. I’ll bring the car around.

Akira: Hell yeah, I’m gonna eat my fill! Voltage max!!!

———

[1] You probably already know that sushi happens to be Brad's favorite food. :)

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Fluttering Hearts Seek the Romantic | Chapter 9

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——The Previous Night——



Oscar: Hmm......

Brad: I’m back.

Oscar: If they want to see the night sky, then perhaps climbing to higher ground would be best...? But then camping gear would be required...

Brad: Oscar...?

Oscar: Oh, welcome back, Brad-sama.

Brad: Might I ask what you’re reading?

Oscar: Oh, this... While I was walking around a book shop, I noticed this magazine that features romantic locations and scenarios, so I purchased it.

However, as I started to read, I realized the content is quite difficult to understand - much more so than a regular book.

Brad: Is that so?

Oscar: Yes, but it seems that visiting the ocean at night qualifies as a romantic experience. Why don’t you and Akira try going tomorrow?

Brad: Are you sure it doesn’t specify going in the summer? I imagine the beach would be quite cold this time of year...

Oscar: You’re right... The sea breeze would likely be unbearable...

I apologize for providing you with poor information, Brad-sama.

Brad: Don’t worry about it.

Even if it’s cold out, you can still hear the waves at night, so it could still be considered romantic.

I’ll try taking him if there’s time. Thank you, Oscar.

Oscar: Y-You’re welcome! Good luck!

———



Akira: ......

Brad: ......

Akira: Man, it’s freezing...

Brad: ...The breeze is strong.

Akira: This probably is romantic and all, but it’s too cold out.

If Oscar were here, he’d definitely freeze and try to curl up to stay warm.

Brad: I could see it.

Akira: Hey, Brad? There’s somethin’ I’ve been wanting to ask you.

How was Oscar able to so easily charm all his fans like that? He doesn’t understand romance either, so I woulda thought he’d struggle like I did.

Brad: ...I have a guess.

Oscar doesn’t mince words.

And I believe it’s precisely because he doesn’t provide lip service that his honest, earnest feelings drive straight into the hearts of his fans.

Moreover, it’s likely that the fans that came to see him support him because they’re charmed by his character.

Akira: That makes sense. The fans that came to see us became our fans in the first place because they love us.

But then why weren’t you able to pull it off?

Brad: As the number of fans increases, their desires also diversify.

It seems I wasn’t fully able to understand that at the time.

Akira: You mean that everyone likes a different part of you? Like one person might like your appearance, another might like your whole “efficiency” deal, and another might like how you’re naggy?

Brad: Those feel like very pointed examples, but yes.

Akira: That means you just gotta find the one common thing they all like, yeah?

Brad: ...If such a thing existed, we likely could’ve avoided this situation entirely.

Akira: ......

Jack: “Emergency, emergency!

Eclipse has appeared in the vicinity of Olive Avenue. All Heroes in the area should make their way over at once.”

Akira: Eclipse appeared?!

Brad: They’re close...

Akira: Let’s go too, Brad!

Brad: Agreed.

This is Brad Beams of South Sector. I’m heading to Olive Avenue.

Jack: “Roger that... I will inform the Heroes on patrol.”

Brad: Let’s go, Akira.

Akira: Yeah!

———

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Fluttering Hearts Seek the Romantic | Chapter 7

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Akira: What is it?

Brad: I have no objection to using this device to go search for a solution.

Akira: In that case, let’s get—

Brad: However, I can’t possibly shirk my other duties right now.

Akira: Huh?

Brad: There are discussions to be had regarding strategies to handle this case, and we also need to consider increasing the number of people on patrol with the state the citizens are currently in.

In addition, there are preparations for the LOM on Valentine’s Day to make. They must continue to move forward despite everything else.

If we’re going to allocate manpower, we should prioritize gathering data in order to come up with a solution. I’ll handle work for the team here.

Akira: ...I don’t like it. The two of us were the ones who failed to improve, yeah?

Will: Akira!

Brad: I can’t deny that.

It’s true that I was unable to successfully complete the task we were given at the mixer earlier.

However, if I have to choose between things I’d like to do and things I need to do, I’m going to choose to prioritize the latter.

Akira: ......

Oscar: ...Brad-sama would you allow me to fulfill those duties for you?

Brad: ......

Oscar: I’m not sure that I would be of much help for the strategy meeting if I were to attend, but I can make it work if the amount of time I spend on patrol needs to increase. I can also handle preparations for LOM on my own if needed.

Will: I can help Oscar, too! If it’s just offering support where he needs it, I’m sure I can handle that much.

Brad: ......

Nova: I’ll be attending the strategy meeting as well, and I’m pretty sure Vic will, too. I think we can handle things there.

But of course, if something comes up that we need your input on, we’ll be sure to contact you.

Brad: ......

Akira: ...So, what’s the verdict? Are you comin’ with me or not?

Brad: Oscar, Will, I apologize, but I’ll leave things to you. I’ll do as much as I can before the day is over, though.

Oscar: Yessir!

Will: Leave it to us!

Brad: Dr. Nova, please don’t hesitate to contact me if something comes up. I’ll be sure to get input from Victor as well.

Nova: Understood~

Brad: Akira, I’ll be accompanying you for this so-called “romance search”.

Akira: Yeah, that’s the way!

———

—The next day—



Akira: He told me to wait for him here, but where the hell is he?

Oh, there he is!

Brad: Apologies for the delay.

Akira: Whoa, your ride looks shinier than usual.

Brad: I washed and waxed it this morning.

Akira: ......

Brad: What’s wrong?

Akira: It’s just that even gettin’ to ride in this shiny, new-lookin’ car to go out, there wasn’t a single peep outta this romance-o-meter thing.

Brad: Hmm, I suppose that means going for a drive isn’t something that you’re interested in. Other people might feel differently.

Akira: Then what’s this feeling supposed to be? Gettin’ up early to be taken somewhere and all.

Brad: It’s hard to say.

Anyway, get in.

Akira: Alrighty, let’s head out!!

———



Brad: You said you were making the plans for today, so... where are we headed first?

Akira: First stop: the movie theater!

Brad: A movie? Classic choice. What are we going to see?

Akira: Uh, it’s... a movie called “Love Over Flowers” [1]

Will’s little sisters said that it was really good. It’s supposed to be popular with students, I guess.

Brad: So it’s a romance movie, then?

Akira: I have no idea, actually.

I looked for reviews and stuff online, and there’s supposed to be some kinda competition so I assume there’s gonna be some action scenes. Probably suspense, too, since I guess there’s psychological warfare involved.

Brad: ...Did people really write stuff like that?

Akira: Yeah, what about it?

Brad: It’s nothing...

Akira: Look, there’s this other movie with this super muscular actor that reminds me of Oscar shooting guns and stuff. I hope the movie we’re seeing is one like that, too. ♪

Brad: We’ll see. But with a title like that, I can’t imagine that’s the case...

———

[1] The full title of the movie is technically 花より恋だと空に叫ぶ which is more like "shouting 'love over flowers' to the sky" but that's really clunky sounding in English so I elected to shorten it, especially given the fact that "Boys Over Flowers" is a similar-sounding title that already exists irl.

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Fluttering Hearts Seek the Romantic | Chapter 5

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Akira’s Fan B: Um... I was hoping you’d be a little more dashing than that... I know, what if I were to become Brad-san’s fan instead?

Akira: Huh? Why would you pick Brad?! Do not go for that guy!

Akira’s Fan B: I-I mean, it could be Oscar or anyone else instead! Just please, try to keep me here with you!

Akira: I guess if you’re gonna be a fan of anyone, Oscar would be best... I still can’t compete with that guy’s muscles...

Akira’s Fan B: I’m begging you, please try to stop meeeee!!

———

Brad: You’re welcome to ride in my passenger’s seat any time.

Brad’s Fan B: Sigh, riding shotgun in Brad-sama’s car... ba-dum

Brad: (Looks like I managed to say the right thing.)

(However, this is taking much more time than expected... Considering the remaining number of guests, I’d prefer to proceed in a more efficient manner...)

Brad’s Fan C: Brad-sama! Please tell me off!

Brad: (These requests are getting more and more obscure...)

What would you like me to say?

Brad’s Fan C: Anything is fine! Tell me I’m lousy at my job or I’m insubordinate or something—anything at all!

Brad: ...Hmm.

———

Will: I can’t scold you like that. You’re probably the type who’s really hard on yourself, aren’t you?

Please, don’t push yourself too hard. Make sure you take breaks and take care of yourself, okay?

Will’s Fan C: Yeah, I’ll take more breaks from now on... He reprimanded me so gently... ba-dum

———

Oscar: Hmm... if being weak bothers you, then I think you should try some training.

Do you train at all now? If strength training isn’t your strong suit, then try starting with squats while holding only light weight and keeping the rep count down.

Oscar’s Fan C: I’ll do 100 sets every day!! Ba-dum

———

Akira: (They want me to scold them, but... I feel like I’m usually the one being scolded for somethin’...)

(Ugh, dammit! The more I think about it, the less sense this makes!)

Come on, don’t stand there and tell me to yell at you when you haven’t even done anything! Just go out there with your head held high talkin’ about how great you are all the time! Got it?!

Akira’s Fan C: Aah, what a chaotic way to tell someone off... ba-dum

Akira: Wait, that worked?

———

Akira: Maaan, it’s finally over...

Will: Good job, Akira. How are you doing?

Akira: That was such a struggle... Even then, there are still plenty of fans I wasn’t able to cure...

How are you faring, Will?

Will: I think I was able to cure everybody on my end...

Akira: No way, seriously?!

Will: I can’t be completely sure, though.

Oscar: Same for me. I’m not 100% certain, but I think it went well overall.

Akira: Dammit all...

Will: Akira?

Akira: God dammit! What is “romance” anyway?! How am I supposed to make people’s hearts “flutter” or whatever? This shit makes no sense!

The confident ones couldn’t make a single thing resonate, while the ones who were all unsure somehow pulled it off perfectly!

Will: Akira... We still have the mixer on Valentine’s Day itself. It’s not too late.

Akira: But still...

Brad: Akira, save this discussion until after we return to the tower. Let’s get out of here first.

Akira: Yeah, yeah, I got it...

———

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Fluttering Hearts Seek the Romantic | Chapter 3

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—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!!

———

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Fluttering Hearts Seek the Romantic | Chapter 1

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—Several days before Valentine’s Day—

Akira: Heheh, looks like we have a full house.

Guess I should check over my outfit one last time while I have the chance ♪

Oscar: You’re in a particularly good mood. Are Valentine’s mixers that much fun?

Akira: Of course they are! The citizens who support us day in and day out come out to see us! What’s not to love? ♪

This is my chance to increase my fanbase. I’ll grab everyone’s attention!

I’ll take you down, Brad! I’ll get more chocolates than you, too!

Will: It’s good to aim big, but you do realize Brad-san is a pretty strong opponent, right?

Oscar: Will is right, Akira. I’d like to line up to see Brad-sama myself…

Akira: But you’re supposed to be on the receiving side!

Will: Akira, you’ll never make it to the end of the event if you get all wound up now. How about having some sweets?

Akira: Ugh… I can’t eat sweet stuff at a time like this.

Will: Huh? Why’s that?

Akira: Because we’re about to get a bunch of chocolate?

Will: Hehe, it sounds like everyone prepared all sorts of chocolate for us. I can’t wait to taste them!

Akira: You’re a different breed, Will…

Oscar: I refrained from taking my protein today as well. People wrote on social media that they would bring me supplements.

Akira: Man, fans are somethin’ else…

Will: You got messages like that too, didn’t you?

Akira: Yeah! I guess they’re preparin’ all sorts of different stuff for me.

That just means I gotta do my best for them in return! ♪

Brad: Sounds like you’re all having a nice chat. Are preparations complete?

Akira: All done! Here, look! We’re all set! ♪

Brad: Indeed. The citizens of the city have already gathered inside the stadium, too. We can prepare to head in at any time.

Oscar: Yessir.

Akira: Tch… You totally blew me off…

Anyway, who are people lined up to see right now?

Brad: According to the information from the staff, my line is apparently very crowded.

Akira: Dammit, of course it’s you…

But just you watch, Brad! Even if I lose the numbers game, I’ll get 5-star ratings from everyone!

Brad: That should be your goal. Making your fans happy is part of your duty as a Hero as well.



Jack: “Emergency! Emergency!”

Will: …! A message from Headquarters?!

Jack: “Substance has appeared inside the main stadium. Heroes, please make your way to the scene at once…”

Oscar: Inside the stadium…?

Brad: We need to recover it before any harm comes to the citizens. Let’s go, everyone.

Will: Roger!

Akira: Come on, for real?! This had to happen now?

———

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