Series 1

**STATION IDOL LATCH!** is a radio drama series consisting of 48 episodes. The first three episodes were uploaded to YouTube on June 3, 2021, with weekly episodes following.

The story focuses on Yuya Taketsune (Takadanobaba Station), Rui Utsusemi (Ōtsuka Station), and Miharu Suwa (Nishi-Nippori Station), three new idols at LATCH! after the previous representatives of their stations retired from idol duties.

## Introduction

Over ten years ago, a station employee on the Yamanote Line started doing idol activities in order to liven up the town he loved. Before long, a large number of people had gathered in the town, it became a social phenomenon of sorts, and idols were born one after another from other stations as well. Currently there are a total of 30 idols, one from each station on the Yamanote Line. They are called a "LATCH!", a presence that connects the inside and outside of the ticket gate. And now, three new LATCH! members are about to be born, inheriting the role from their predecessors...

## Episodes

*Work in progress. Please note that these are fan-made translations and may contain mistakes.*

**Rion:** "Thank you for boarding with us today. Welcome to our broadcast. As always, your attendants are us: Rion Shoji..."
**Yuki:** "Yuki Shindo."
**Mikado:** "And Mikado Aobazuku! Wow, Yuuki, you sure sound hyped."
**Yuki:** "You say that every time."
**Mikado:** "Everyone's been waiting for this broadcast, so let's get this party started!"
**Yuki:** "Shut up. And sit down."
**Mikado:** "When you tell me to do that, it makes me want to sit down even less."
**Rion:** "If he wants to, Mikado will stand until the end. Even though no one sees us."
**Yuki:** "You just love being difficult, don't you?"
**Mikado:** "Aw, you're flattering me."
**Yuki:** "You always take that as a compliment. It's really not."
**Mikado:** "Huh?"
**Rion:** "Seems like everything is as usual today. For the passengers listening for the first time, let us introduce ourselves."

**Yuki:** "Outside the ticket gate, we are idols. The origins of that go back a little bit."
**Rion:** "Once, a station attendant wanted to liven up his town, so he took up idol work on the side. It attracted lots of people to the town and became a sort of a social phenomenon. And one by one, the other stations joined in as well."
**Mikado:** "And now, every station on the Yamanote Line has its own idol."
**Yuki:** "People decided to start calling it a *"LATCH"* that connects the outside and the inside of the ticket gates."
**Rion:** "We are in charge of providing fun times to you, our passengers. Let's go together on a trip with no end terminal!"

**Yuki:** "We have an important announcement to make today."
**Rion:** "That's right. We'll tell you in the second half, so stay tuned!"

**Yuya:** "Well then, I'm off."
**Yuya:** *(I'm Yuya Taketsune, a station worker at JR's Takadanobaba Station. Today one of the senpais who always buys me lunch asked me to run an errand.)*
**Yuya:** *(I'm not usually his private errand boy or anything, but I felt like I owed him for the all-you-can-eat nigirizushi he treated me to. That was really generous of him...)*
**Yuya:** *(Anyways, the errand was to make a delivery for these idols known as LATCH.)*
**Yuya:**  *(LATCH... I don't know anything about idols, but even I know their names. Partly because I'm also a station worker, and partly because my senpai is a member of the group. On top of that, they're so popular that I can't go a day without hearing their songs.)*

**Yuya:** "Studio A... This one?"
**Yuya:** "Excuse me..."
**Rui:** "Hey, you're late! You're Taketsune, right?"
**Yuya:** "Huh? Ah... You must be one of LATCH's people?"
**Rui:** "That's right. The man who will one day shine as LATCH's #1, Rui Utsusemi!"
**Yuya:** "Right..."
**Miharu:** "My name is Miharu Suwa. Nice to meet you."
**Yuya:** "You too."
**Rui:** "Are you ready to do some articulation training? Without warm-ups or anything."
**Yuya:** "Oh, I'm only here to deliver something on my senpai's behalf. Here, it's Takadanobaba's special zenzai­­–"
**Rui:** "Man, you almost had me!"
**Yuya:** "What?"
**Rui:** "Are you crazy? Of course you're coming to the legends' radio show with us."
**Yuya:** "No, no. Like I said, I'm only delivering–"
**Miharu:** "Perhaps... You haven't heard?"
**Yuya:** "Of what?"
**Miharu:** "You really haven't."
**Yuya:** "What's with that look? What's going on?"
**Rui:** "That you're gonna be here, on radio!"
**Miharu:** "Utsusemi-kun, please let me explain."
**Rui:** "Oh... Okay."
**Miharu:** "Taketsune-kun, the senpai who sent you here is from LATCH, right?"
**Yuya:** "Oh. Yeah."
**Miharu:** "Did you know that he recently retired from LATCH?"
**Yuya:** "What? Really?"
**Miharu:** "For generations, members of LATCH have handed their role over to someone from the same station. We heard they were sending you over from Takadanobaba in order to join LATCH."
**Yuya:** "I haven't been told anything like that!"
**Miharu:** "This is just a guess, but... Your senpai probably thought you would refuse the offer to join if he personally asked you to be his successor."
**Rui:** "I get it."
**Miharu:** "And that's why he sent you here by yourself."
**Rui:** "That's right! Suwa, you explained it so well!"
**Yuya:** "No no no. I'm not here to become an idol!"
**Rui:** "Hey now, being a member of LATCH is something to be proud of! Right, Suwa?"
**Miharu:** "Yes. Personally, I don't think I'm very suitable to be an idol... But the role is entrusted to the station employee who loves their town the most, so I feel honored to be selected."
**Rui:** "There, you heard him!"
**Yuya:** "Now I get it.. That's why he took me to that fancy all-you-can-eat sushi place."
**Rui:** "If you understand, then get ready! Let's begin with our vocal exercises!"
**Yuya:** "No way, I was only here to make a delivery! Just take it already­­–"
**Rui:** "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers!"
**Yuya:** "Listen..."
**Miharu:** "Everyone, the staff is arriving."
**Rui:** "Alright, it's our turn next."
**Miharu:** "I'll do my best."
**Yuya:** "Well then, good luck with that–"
**Rui:** "Where do you think you're going?"
**Yuya:** "Hey, don't pull me."
**Miharu:** "I-I'm nervous...!"
**Rui:** "Yeah, I'm fired up!"
**Yuya:** "Hey, I said don't pull me!"
**Miharu:** "Deep breaths... Deep breaths...!"
**Rui:** "Let's give it our all!"
**Yuya:** *(Please let me leave...!!!)*

**Mikado:** "Alright, here comes the big announcement!"
**Rion:** "The three members who retired from LATCH a few days ago have passed their batons, and three new idols have been born. Let's hear a few words from our newest additions. First, we have Rui Utsusemi from Ōtsuka Station."
**Rui:** "Yes!"
**Rion:** "Miharu Suwa from Nishi-Nippori Station."
**Miharu:** "Y-Yes!!"
**Rion:** "And Yuya Taketsune from Takadanobaba Station."
**Yuya:** "You've gotta be kidding me..."

**Mikado:** "Alright, everyone, how was the ride? All aboard for our new LATCH members' journey! I wonder if they're up for it...? By the way, did you know that even though the Yamanote Line now runs in a continuous loop, it used to be more of a spiral shape? Well then, please mind the closing doors!"

1. ↑ Rui is reciting "Amenbo no Uta", a poem used by public speakers for articulation practice
2. ↑ The word used here is "のの字", which literally means the shape of the hiragana "no" (の). Visualization here

Among Yamanote Line's station idols, also known as LATCH!, exists an overwhelmingly popular legendary unit consisting of Rion Shoji (Tōkyō Station), Yuki Shindo (Shinjuku Station), and Mikado Aobazuku (Ikebukuro Station).
On behalf of his senior, Yuya Taketsune (Takadanobaba Station) arrives at the studio in order to deliver a gift to their radio program. There he meets Rui Utsusemi (Ōtsuka Station) and Miharu Suwa (Nishi-Nippori Station), who are about to make their appearance on the show. Yuya was planning on leaving immediately after completing his delivery, but for some reason he ends up on the live broadcast, and the three are introduced as the newest additions to LATCH!.

**Rion:** "Well then, would you like to introduce yourselves? First..."
**Rui:** "Yes!"
**Mikado:** "Oh? You're an eager one, aren't you?"
**Rui:** "Ah... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt! I'll just... Sit down for now..."
**Yuki:** "Don't mind this simpleton."
**Mikado:** "Who're you calling a simpleton?!"
**Rion:** "Please stay seated. If you stand up, you'll be further away from the microphone."
**Rui:** "Yes! Alright, I'll stay put then."
**Rion:** "Then, shall we start with your name?"
**Rui:** "Yes! *"Loving and loved by Ōtsuka, an athletic boy going for the grand slam!"* I'm Rui Utsusemi!"
**Rion:** "I like your enthusiasm. Is that your catchphrase?"
**Rui:** "Yeah! I've been coming up with it for years!"
**Yuki:** "Playing it pretty safe. Got anything else?"
**Rui:** "Eh?"
**Rion:** "Now, now."
**Rui:** "Y-Yes, I do. *"Born and raised in Ōtsuka"... "A-Athletic boy"...*"
**Yuki:** "Isn't it kind of obnoxious to claim yourself an athlete?"
**Rui:** "...!"
**Rion:** "Hey now, it's a cool catchphrase. Right, Mikado?"
**Mikado:** "Yeah, it's really cool. I like it. Yuuki secretly thought it was good, too. It suits him, right?"
**Yuki:** "That much I can agree with."
**Rui:** "Thank you very much!"
**Rion:** "So you like sports, Utsusemi-kun?"
**Rui:** "That's right! Actually, baseball is my specialty! I go to the batting center every day! Ah, can I show you all the batting style of my favorite player?"
**Yuki:** "On radio?"
**Rui:** "Oh, right...!"
**Rion:** "Perhaps you can show the five of us when we're done airing. Then, next is Suwa-kun."
**Miharu:** "!"
**Mikado:** "Hey, are you okay? Your lips are turning blue."
**Miharu:** "Yes, blue is my favorite color."
**Rion:** "Uh, maybe we can start with your name?"
**Miharu:** "Yes! ...Uh...!"
**Rion:** "Take your time."
**Miharu:** "...I'm Miharu Suwa! My predecessor in Nishi-Nippori handed this role over to me. A place I like to visit often is... The Mori Ogai Memorial Museum. *"Rather than being a great moon that borrows the light of the sun, be a small lamp that emits a light of its own."* I'll try to do my best like that. Nice to meet you!"
**Mikado:** "Uh, I didn't really catch all that, but good job."
**Rion:** "Suwa-kun, you're currently the youngest member of LATCH, right?"
**Yuki:** "Still a teenager, huh?"
**Miharu:** "Yes!"
**Rion:** "Would you like to tell us a little about your interests? What do teenagers like nowadays?"
**Miharu:** "Um... ...Ba... Ba..."
**Rion:** "...Ba-rk?"
**Yuki:** "Dogs?"
**Mikado:** "Yeah, petting dogs!"
**Miharu:** "Ba... Bathroom! Excuse me!!!"
**Mikado:** "Hey, you good?!"
**Rion:** "I think he just got a little nervous."
**Yuki:** "Why would anyone be nervous?"
**Mikado:** "Well, because... Yeah, why?"
**Rion:** "You two have never felt nervous in your lives, have you? Anyone would be like that in the beginning."
**Yuki:** "Really?"
**Rui:** "Yes! I'm literally frozen in place!"
**Yuki:** "If you get nervous on radio, how do you expect to perform on stage?"
**Rion:** "Remember that we were beginners once, too. This kind of commotion feels kind of nostalgic, even. While we wait for Suwa-kun to come back, how about you introduce yourself, Taketsune-kun?"
**Yuya:** "Uh, well... Sorry, I was only here to deliver these–"
**Mikado:** "Oh, are those mochi with zenzai filling?"
**Yuya:** "Huh? You know about them?"
**Mikado:** "Yeah, of course! These are seriously delicious!"
**Yuya:** "Yeah, they're my favorite! Please, help yourself."
**Yuki:** "Are you going to eat right now?"
**Mikado:** "No way I can wait. Mm, not bad at all!"
**Yuya:** "Thank you! They're from an old maker in Takadanobaba. They're really tasty. There are so many kinds of sweets these days that I had a hard time choosing what to bring."
**Rion:** "That's the love of the Takadanobaba staff! So, that was Yuya Taketsune."
**Yuya:** "Yes, nice to meet– Wait, no, that's not it!"
**Rui:** "Ah, Suwa is back."
**Miharu:** "I'm very sorry. I must have caused trouble for everyone."
**Mikado:** "It's alright! Don't even worry about it."
**Yuki:** "This is the first time I've felt sympathy for someone being nervous. But... You're not going to do that again, are you?"
**Mikado:** "Hey, Yuuki, watch your mouth. Sorry, he's always like this. At least the rest of us have actual human hearts."
**Yuki:** "Are you implying I'm a robot? This is simply out of pure interest. It's no different than you asking about his hobbies."
**Miharu:** "R... Re...Respectfully, I want to do my best..."
**Mikado:** "Look, now you're making him cry!"
**Yuki:** "Is that a sign of being nervous as well?"
**Rion:** "Alright, that's enough! Suwa-kun, you'll get used to this eventually. The passengers are all rooting for you newcomers as well."
**Yuya:** "Um, speaking of that, I'm actually–"
**Mikado:** "Oops, looks like we are running out of time."
**Rion:** "What a shame. I would've loved to chat with you three some more."
**Yuya:** "Excuse me, before we end–"
**Yuki:** "There's no time. We still have one more announcement to make."
**Rion:** "It's a surprise for you guys, too."
**Yuya:** "Eh?"
**Rion:** "We have arranged... A debut event for your new unit in October!"
**Mikado:** "Yo!!!"
**Yuya:** "A debut event?!"
**Rui:** "Alright! We'll do our best!"
**Rion:** "We hope you look forward to the day you get to meet all of our passengers."

**Rion:** "Thank you very much for riding with us today. We sincerely look forward to seeing all of you on board again."
**Mikado:** "See you next week!"
**Yuki:** "See you."
**Yuya:** *(U-Um....!!!)*

**Yuki:** "Thank you for riding with us today. Will these three be able to make a successful debut? By the way, measured by the number of passengers per day, the Shinjuku station is the world's busiest train station. In order not to get lost in there, follow these directions: Go up the stairs toward south. Then go straight toward east. Please remember this. And there is no north exit. Please mind the closing doors."

1. ↑ Mori Ogai *(1862–1922)* is considered one of the great writers of the Meiji era. His memorial museum is located near the Nishi-Nippori Station
2. ↑ A proverb by Ogai
3. ↑ The Shinjuku station is absolutely massive with well over 200 exits in total

Yuya's resistance is futile, and the program progresses. Yuya hasn't been informed of anything, Rui's enthusiasm is through the roof, and Miharu struggles to maintain his composure under pressure. As a surprise to the three very different newcomers, Rion announces that their very own debut event will be held in October.

**Rion:** "Good work on the radio, you three."
**Rui:** "Ah, good work! I'll keep doing my best so all the fans can enjoy it."
**Mikado:** "Fans, you say?"
**Rui:** "Eh?"
**Mikado:** "Here at LATCH, we don't call the people who enjoy our shows 'fans'. We're on a journey together, so we call them passengers!"
**Rui:** "Wow, passengers... Yes! I'll keep doing my best so all the passengers can enjoy it!"
**Rion:** "Welcome to LATCH!"
**Rui:** "Thank you!"
**Miharu:** "To run out in the middle of the broadcast like that... Please forgive me!"
**Mikado:** "Damn, you fret about everything too much."
**Rion:** "Yes. Surprisingly, there are lots of people who enjoy these kinds of spontaneous turns of events."
**Yuki:** "We'll forgive you, but only this once."
**Miharu:** "Eh?"
**Yuki:** "When you get onto that stage at your debut event, you have to stand there like pros. Do you understand that?"
**Miharu:** "Y-Yes..."
**Mikado:** "Hey, Yuuki. It's way too early to be putting that kind of pressure onto newcomers."
**Yuki:** "I'm only stating the facts."
**Mikado:** "Alright, newbies. We have a lot more to teach you. Passengers aren't coming to see a prim and proper Yamanote line, but rather those fresh green bodies of yours!"
**Rui:** "Uh... Yes? What do you mean by that?"
**Rion:** "That the passengers want to see you just the way you are... I think."
**Mikado:** "That's right."
**Rui:** "Oh, I see! A prim and proper Yamanote line might be nice as well, but we should show them the real us."
**Yuki:** "Don't try to indoctrinate the newcomers with your weird stuff."
**Mikado:** "Huh?"
**Yuki:** "Although it's sometimes called "Japanese bush warbler green", the color used on the Yamanote line is Yellow Green No. 6."
**Rui:** "Oh yeah, you're right."
**Yuki:** "And when you think of the Yamanote line, you think of the color, too. That's how much they're associated with each other. But do you know why Yellow green No. 6 became to be called "Japanese bush warbler green" when the color of the actual bird is completely different?"
**Miharu:** "Ah, that's true..."
**Yuki:** "It's because the bird a symbol of revival and hope. That's the kind of image they wanted to project. But don't get too comfortable. It's the people around you who decide where your nest is."
**Miharu:** "Uh... Understood."
**Mikado:** "Geez, Yuuki is too harsh, really. On both himself and others. Hey, Suwa! Your legs are shaking! Are you alright?"
**Miharu:** "I-I'm sorry, but what Shindou-san said is too true. I wonder... Do I have it in me to stand on the debut stage?"
**Yuki:** "I'm leaving. This is a waste of time."
**Rui:** "Good work today!"
**Rion:** "Suwa-kun, please don't take what Yuki said to heart."
**Mikado:** "Yeah, never mind him. Bush warbler green is a better name than Yellow Green No. 6, and that's that."
**Rion:** "Besides, we had trouble with our debut live as well since we were so nervous."
**Mikado:** "I don't miss the times when you needed to take medicine for your stomachaches."
**Rion:** "So, Suwa-kun, everyone gets nervous sometimes– Wait, you're looking pretty pale."
**Miharu:** "Right. Everyone gets nervous sometimes. ...Wh...What will I do...?"
**Mikado:** "Hey, are you okay?!"
**Miharu:** "I... I'm..."
**Mikado:** "Hey!!"
**Rui:** "Oh, he tripped."
**Miharu:** "Good work, everyone!!!"
**Rion:** "Well... That had the opposite effect."
**Yuya:** "That guy's pretty smart, but he's got really bad stage fright, huh?"
**Rui:** "Yeah... Wait, Taketsune, you've been here the whole time?"
**Yuya:** "What, me?"
**Rui:** "You haven't said a single word since we left the recording booth. Not even a 'good job'!"
**Yuya:** "Well, I mean... I only came here to make a delivery after all, and suddenly I'm being pulled into this whole LATCH thing. Do you expect me to just accept it with all smiles?"
**Mikado:** "Huh? You didn't know about this beforehand?"
**Yuya:** "No."
**Mikado:** "Man, that's a pretty nasty stunt to pull on someone."
**Rui:** "Well, according to Suwa's reasoning, Taketsune's senpai couldn't ask him directly and sent him over here under the guise of making a delivery instead."
**Rion:** "Now that you mention it, I do remember his predecessor saying something like that. *"The kid who I want to join LATCH is a good worker, but he doesn't like to exert himself, so I'm sure he'll turn me down."*"
**Yuya:** "You get it, right?"
**Rion:** "But he also said you would give in eventually."
**Yuya:** "Huh?"
**Rion:** "Well, I'm sure he thought thoroughly about entrusting you with his position."
**Mikado:** "Yeah. Taketsune-kun, from now on, this dream train of ours ain't stopping."
**Yuya:** "Dream... Listen, I'm sorry, but I have no intention of becoming an idol. No matter how many times you ask, I'll refuse."
**Rui:** "Hey, what are you saying?"
**Yuya:** "I'm sure you can find someone else from Takadanobaba. Well then, good work today."
**Rui:** "Hey! Sorry, I have to go after him. Oi, Taketsune!!!"
**Mikado:** "Well... That complicates things. You really think he's gonna quit just like this?"
**Rion:** "It's not my place to get involved with other stations' business. But I did hear that we may need to take drastic measures."
**Mikado:** "Huh? Rion, you knew about this the whole time?!"
**Rion:** "Well, let's say I was prepared to only introduce Utsusemi-kun and Suwa-kun today. I had plans for if Taketsune-kun didn't show up."
**Mikado:** "Why didn't you say anything?"
**Rion:** "What do you think Yuki would've said if he knew?"
**Mikado:** "Ah... *"If you aren't cut out for it, then just give up."* Something like that, probably."
**Rion:** "I thought we shouldn't air such harsh words."
**Mikado:** "You're so right."
**Rion:** "I'm relieved it went at least somewhat well."
**Mikado:** "Tell that to Taketsune-kun and Suwa-kun. How will those three manage from now on?"
**Rion:** "In a way, they're the most fun newcomers we've had, perhaps."

**Rion:** "Thank you for your attention. What will happen to our newcomers from now on, I wonder? By the way, did you know that although the color of the Yamanote line is now yellow-green, in the past there were also brown and yellow cars? Well then, we look forward to you riding with us again."

1. ↑ *Uguisu-iro*, a yellowish green
2. ↑ The official name of the color established by JNR

Sending Yuya to the studio turns out to have been a ploy by his senior. LATCH! has a system of passing down the role to the next station worker, and knowing Yuya's personality, he sent him to the studio directly so that he couldn't refuse. However, after the broadcast ends, Yuya declares he has no intention of becoming an idol. Rion is patiently looking forward to the future.

**Tetsumichi:** "Sounds like we got ourselves some delightful youngsters."
**Wataru:** "Can we throw them a welcome party soon? I wanna do that!"
**Tetsumichi:** "Of course. I'm sure you of all people can find a nice place in Hamamatsuchō. Let's invite them when they come to the practice studio. Everyone's looking forward to it!"
**Yuri:** "Oh my god! What in the world was that?"
**Wataru:** "What's wrong, Takanashi-kun?"
**Yuri:** "Those rookies... Unbelievable! Unforgivable!"
**Wataru:** "Unbl... Unbe-what?"
**Hazime:** "Yuri-kun means to say that he's quite shaken."
**Tetsumichi:** "My goodness. Would you like to talk about it?"
**Yuri:** "Thank you. I just cannot believe beginners like them get to be on Shoji-sama's radio show before me! I cannot possibly accept it as reality!"
**Hazime:** "Shoji-san is nothing short of a god to Yuri-kun. Being in his presence is almost sacred."
**Wataru:** "Oh, I see."
**Yuri:** "One cannot approach Shoji-sama lightly! Newcomers like them should be keeping an appropriate distance."
**Hazime:** "I think they say the closest person to Shoji-san is himself."
**Tetsumichi:** "I understand how you feel. Shoji-kun is a wonderful young man, isn't he?"
**Yuri:** "Oh, I knew a person with excellent taste like Udaka-san would understand! The most wonderful thing about Shoji-sama is his stylish appearance, of course, and that beautiful voice of his, and... Sorry, Kita-san, could you please stop groaning for a second?"
**Hayate:** "Impossible! I'm in the middle of my muscle training routine!"
**Tetsumichi:** "It's thanks to Kita-kun that our unit's performances have the range they do. I'm grateful for that."
**Wataru:** "Us two really get out of breath with flashy dance moves, huh?"
**Tetsumichi:** "Indeed."
**Hayate:** "Takanashi-kun, won't you try doing some planks with me too? Good core strength makes you sharper in your dancing as well."
**Yuri:** "No need!"
**Hazime:** "That's not really of importance to us."
**Hayate:** "That's a pity. It seems worth training."
**Hazime:** "Um, everyone... If we're taking a break, how about having some of this cake I brought?"
**Tetsumichi:** "Thank you. I love sweets."
**Yuri:** "Oh... What kind of cake is it?"
**Hazime:** "The one you said you wanted to try. The ruby chocolate mont blanc."
**Yuri:** "Hazime-san... I'm so glad to have you as my partner!"
**Hazime:** "It's my privilege. Well then, shall we eat? Would you like some too, Kita-san?"
**Hayate:** "I'm on a low-carb diet right now."
**Wataru:** "Self-disciplined as always..."
**Tetsumichi:** "Well, let the rest of us eat, then."

**Wataru:** "Mm, just as expected from you two~ Even the cake you choose is all fancy!"
**Hazime:** "I'm very glad you like it."
**Yuri:** "The cream has a sophisticated sweetness to it... I expected nothing less of a cake I wanted to try!"
**Tetsumichi:** "I see you're all cheered up already, Takanashi-kun."
**Yuri:** "Well... I'm only saying that since they're newcomers they should act accordingly."
**Wataru:** "Please be nice to the newbies~"
**Yuri:** "We'll see about that. It depends on their characters."
**Hazime:** "He won't forgive anyone who dares to approach Shoji-san."
**Tetsumichi:** "Those three must be nervous with their debut event coming up."
**Wataru:** "Back when we were newcomers..."
**Tetsumichi:** "Right."
**Hayate:** "I'm very sorry!!!!!"
**Hazime:** "Kita-san, what are you suddenly apologizing on your hands and knees for?!"
**Hayate:** "It's my fault... That our first live... ...Our first live..."
**Tetsumichi:** "Please raise your head, Kita-kun. Aren't those fun memories?"
**Yuri:** "Did something happen?"
**Hayate:** "I overdid my training beforehand... That day my muscles were so sore I could do nothing but the robot!"
**Wataru:** "Those moves WERE pretty sharp, though."
**Hayate:** "I was betrayed... By my own muscles."
**Tetsumichi:** "Well, I think it helped us grow closer despite our age difference, right?"
**Wataru:** "Even if your muscles betray you, your friends won't."
**Hayate:** "Thank you very much!!!"
**Yuri:** "I see... So that's what happened. Us on the other hand were able to have a smart and cool debut live! Right, Hazime-san?"
**Hazime:** "That's right, Yuri-kun."
**Hayate:** "Your live was really cute!"
**Yuri:** "...Cute?"
**Hazime:** "Y-Yuri-kun...?"
**Wataru:** "You looked like you were about to cry, so I could tell you were nervous."
**Tetsumichi:** "It was charming to see such youthful innocence again."
**Yuri:** "Youthful innocence?"
**Hazime:** "Oh, um..."
**Wataru:** "You two seem so different from the other LATCH members that it was a little awkward, but I guess it all worked out in the end."
**Yuri:** "Awkward?!"
**Hazime:** "Um, excuse me, everyone..."
**Tetsumichi:** "It was a very good performance one could expect from newcomers."
**Yuri:** "Excuse me! You all seem to have been completely mistaken!"
**Wataru:** "Mistaken?"
**Hazime:** "Yuri-kun, it's alright. Please explain so they understand."
**Yuri:** "Right. Ahem. I shall explain once again. Our concept here is *elegance* and a gentlemanly style that is popular with the passengers as well."
**Hazime:** "That's what they want to see from us."
**Tetsumichi:** "I suppose you're right. I'm very sorry."
**Wataru:** "I totally misunderstood~"
**Yuri:** "Don't worry. Now that you understand, all is forgiven."
**Hazime:** "I'm glad you could give us proper recognition."
**Yuri:** "Now I can eat my cake without worries... Mm, delicious~"
**Tetsumichi:** "Oh, Takanashi-kun. You got some cream on your cheek."
**Yuri:** "I do?"
**Hazime:** "Cute...!"
**Yuri:** "...Alright, who said that?"
**Hazime:** "..."
**Yuri:** "It was you, Kita-san, wasn't it?"
**Hayate:** "Why me?!"
**Yuri:** "Because you seem quite thoughtless."
**Hayate:** "I swear it wasn't me! I'm telling you, it was Ichij–"
**Tetsumichi:** "Takanashi-kun, you shouldn't pretend to have selective hearing."
**Hazime:** "Y-Yuri-kun, I actually agree with Udaka-san."
**Yuri:** "Hazime-san, you too? ...No, I'm certain I heard correctly!"
**Wataru:** "Now, now, let's calm down-"
**Yuri:** "No way! Culprit, reveal yourself! Like I just explained, our concept here is *elegance* and..."

**Hayate:** "There's no end to this story, so that's all for today. By the way, did you know that even though the Yamanote line runs in a loop, it does have a terminus? That's right, it's the Tabata Station. And with that, please continue to warmly watch over the growth of the LATCH members and newcomers!"

1. ↑ For technical purposes, "Yamanote Line" only refers to the track between Shinagawa and Tabata via Shinjuku while the rest of the stations are considered parts of the Tōhoku and Tōkaidō Main Lines

Senior LATCH! members were listening to the radio broadcast at the practice studio. Yuri Takanashi (Yūrakuchō Station), who is a big fan of Rion, is furious for newcomers appearing on his idol's radio show. Tetsumichi Udaka (Shimbashi Station) and Wataru Minato (Hamamatsuchō Station) try to calm him down, while Hayate Kita (Tabata Station) continues his muscle training oblivious to the circumstances. Yuuri's supportive partner, Hazime Ichijo (Shinagawa Station) also joins in, and they begin to reminisce on when they were all newcomers.

**Rui:** "Good job today!"
**Rui:** "...Oh, a message? What, I got over 100 while I was at work?! Oh... *Congratulations on joining LATCH!, I heard it on the radio.* ...The reactions sure are amazing!"
**Rui:** "*Big bro, do your best in LATCH! I can't wait for your debut event!* Aww, I'm going to show my sister just how cool her bro can be! I've gotta practice my dancing and singing a whole bunch! Oh, that reminds me..."

**Rion:** *"LATCH! idols always practice at a studio owned by Haburi-san from Tamachi Station. You're free to use it as you wish from here on as well."*

**Rui:** "If that's what Shoji-san said, I might as well go practice right away! Oh, but I've gotta ask Suwa and Taketsune too... No, wait. If I practice more than them, I'll be better at dancing and singing, and then I'll look the coolest in our unit, right?"
**Rui:** "Seems like I've gotta do this alone. Utsusemi, taking off!"

**Rui:** "Um, let's see, it was around this neighborhood... Is it this? It says *"LATCH! Idol Practice Studio"*. But man, this place is huge! And the signs are all sparkly, too! The entrance is... There! Excuse me..."
**Rui:** "Oh, isn't that Aobazuku-san from Ikebukuro? Whoa, amazing... Is he going to be able to sing while dancing that hard? Seriously?! I can't believe it!"
**Rui:** "...Oh no! My heart is pounding like crazy! What is this? I've never felt like this before...!"
**Mikado:** "Oh, you're here."
**Rui:** "Ah, sorry for bothering you!"
**Mikado:** "You're not bothering at all. I'm the only one here right now, but we told you guys you can use this place as you please, remember? ...Um, hey."
**Rui:** "Yes?"
**Mikado:** "Are... Are you crying?"
**Rui:** "Oh? I really am..."
**Mikado:** "Was my dancing that bad just now?"
**Rui:** "Um, I... I was so deeply moved by your dancing that I started crying! My heart is going all lub-dub! No, it's more than that! My heart's going all, thump thump... Yeah! Thump thump!"
**Mikado:** "...Oh."
**Rui:** "Amazing! Really amazing! Aobazuku-senpai, you're so cool!"
**Mikado:** "Really...? You're that Utsusemi guy, right?"
**Rui:** "Yes! Rui Utsusemi from Ōtsuka Station!"
**Mikado:** "You seem pretty promising yourself."
**Rui:** "Senpai, to hear you say that...! I'll do my best!"
**Mikado:** "Drop the senpai already. It's killing the vibes."
**Rui:** "Well... Then, Zuku-san! Would it be okay to call you Zuku-san?"
**Mikado:** "Sure, suit yourself."
**Rui:** "Thank you very much!"
**Mikado:** "Tell me, Utsusemi. Are you nervous about your debut event?"
**Rui:** "Well... I can't help but be more excited than nervous! My family and friends have all been supporting me so much."
**Mikado:** "I get it. It was the same for me, too."
**Rui:** "I thought I wanted to show everyone my very best form, so that's why I came here today."
**Mikado:** "You came alone?"
**Rui:** "Yeah. In order to be the coolest in my unit, I need to train more than the others."
**Mikado:** "...That's pretty lame."
**Rui:** "Eh?! That's... Lame?!"
**Mikado:** "Listen. *"The heart beats faster with every number of steps."* Do you get what that means?"

...

**Rui:** "Uhh... Sorry. I don't know."
**Mikado:** "Yeah, 'cause you're a rookie. The point is, we want to see a spark between your personalities."
**Rui:** "Oh, of course! I understand that."
**Mikado:** "And the number of you guys' steps is..."
**Rui:** "Um, excuse me, Zuku-san."
**Mikado:** "What?"
**Rui:** "It's still a little hard to understand, so could you please tell what exactly do you mean by a spark?"
**Mikado:** "Hard to understand? I guess there's no choice. By a spark I mean chemistry!"
**Rui:** "Chemistry?"
**Mikado:** "When you're in a unit, it's essential to stir up some chemistry."
**Rui:** "Stir up chemistry... Cool! Super cool!"
**Mikado:** "So, how were you thinking to do that all by yourself? Chemistry comes from chaos!"
**Rui:** "Chaos?!"
**Mikado:** "Rather than concentraring on winning the hearts of the passengers, you forget about them completely."
**Rui:** "Scary... Chaos sounds scary! Zuku-san, I completely misunderstood!"
**Mikado:** "You get it now. And I've got one more piece of advice for you, rookie. *"It's up to you to turn the love you've been given into a rope or a wire."* Do you get what that means?"

...

**Rui:** "Uhh... Sorry. I don't know."
**Mikado:** "Think about it, man!"

...

**Rui:** "Hnnnghh... Yeah, I really don't know."
**Mikado:** "Alright, listen. It means that with the help of your friends you can climb higher walls than alone."
**Rui:** "I get it now! Of course! You should've just put it that way to begin with."
**Mikado:** "?"
**Rui:** "The friends I have are Suwa and Taketsune! No way, and I wanted to stand out more than them... That's terrible! Zuku-san, I finally understand!"
**Mikado:** "Then you know what you gotta do next, right?"
**Rui:** "Yeah! Zuku-san, thank you very much! I'm going to see my friends!"
**Mikado:** "Stir up that chemistry with them!"
**Rui:** "Yes!"
**Rui:** "Suwa... Taketsune... Just wait! We'll stir up some crazy chemistry together!"

**Mikado:** "Thanks for your attention, everyone! By the way, if you're leaving from Ikebukuro, do you need to get on the inner or the outer track to get to Ōtsuka? The answer is... Outer track! The outer track goes clockwise and the inner the opposite – don't forget that. Well then, see you next time!"

1. ↑ Japan has left-side traffic so the platforms will always be on the left-hand side of the train

Out of the three newcomers, Rui is the most motivated. In order to live up to the expectations of the people around him, he goes to the practice studio alone with plans of getting better and standing out more than his fellow unit members. There he finds Mikado training and is amazed by his skill level. After Mikado tells him his plan sounds dumb, Rui changes his mind and heads for his unit members instead.

**Miharu:** *(I thought I was proud to be chosen to represent Nishi-Nippori Station in LATCH!, but...)*
**Miharu:** "Ba... Bathroom! Excuse me!!!"
**Miharu:** *(I ran out in the middle of the radio broadcast and then learned about the debut event right after.)*
**Miharu:** "I... I'm..."
**Miharu:** *(Running away with wobbly legs, I completely embarrassed myself. And what happened to me after that...)*
**Miharu:** *(As if my legs weren't enough, my hands had started shaking as well. Breaking dishes as I was washing them...)*
**Miharu:** *(Blowing up my food as I was cooking it...)*
**Miharu:** *(Accidentally ordering a treadmill while late night online shopping... So, it's fair to say that I was in a terrible situation. And then, today... The thing I feared the most finally happened.)*
**Miharu:** "No way."
**Miharu:** *(I was solving a sudoku puzzle like I do every morning. Usually I breeze through them with no mistakes, but... Today I got every number wrong.)*
**Miharu:** *(This has completely disrupted my entire life. At this rate, I'm going to end up causing trouble to my roommate Ryo-kun as well.)*
**Miharu:** "I'm doomed..."
**Ryo:** "Miharu, if you keep sobbing like that, you're going to lose all moisture in your body."
**Miharu:** "I need to leave this place before you get hurt."
**Ryo:** "Don't say that. Let's wipe those tears away."
**Miharu:** "Sooner or later, you're going to hate me too..."
**Ryo:** "C'mon, have a glass of water and calm down."
**Miharu:** "Thank you."
**Ryo:** "You're like a cute little brother to me. I don't think you're a nuisance, and I certainly would never hate you. I'd rather be kind to you. Besides..."
**Ryo:** "Takaracchi is making good use of the treadmill you bought."
**Mario:** "Yeah, Suwa! Nice purchase!"
**Ryo:** "The jingling of his clothes is a bit loud, though."
**Mario:** "That was a great workout. Thanks, man!"
**Miharu:** "I'm just glad I could be of help."
**Mario:** "Suwa, hold out your hand."
**Miharu:** "My hand?"
**Mario:** "This is for you."
**Miharu:** "This is... A gold chain?"
**Mario:** "Cool, right? Look, I've always got some hanging from my belt."
**Miharu:** "Ah... Thank you very much."
**Mario:** "Don't mention it! I have plenty more where that came from."
**Miharu:** "Th-This many...? Ugh, heavy..."
**Ryo:** "Takaracchi heard the radio show and was worried about you."
**Miharu:** "Eh?"
**Mario:** "Yeah, when I heard you guys were having a debut event, I knew you must be scared out of your wits. Oh, and here, you can have this business book as well."
**Miharu:** "Ghh... I'm sorry."
**Ryo:** "Don't act like you're all alone. If you're feeling scared, you can always pour your heart out to us."
**Miharu:** "Ryo-kun... Takara-senpai..."
**Ryo:** "Now, let's put those chains on you."
**Miharu:** "Yeah."
**Miharu:** "I really was happy to be chosen for LATCH, but... The moment I heard about the debut event, my mind went completely blank."
**Mario:** "With a timing like that, anyone's would."
**Miharu:** "But I thought I would be able to calm myself down somehow. I thought, what if I could make this feeling into an equation? But... I can't even think of any. This is the end for me..."
**Ryo:** "Miharu, calm down. It would be crazy to try to turn emotions into logic like that in the first place."
**Mario:** "Yeah. There's no way that kind of stuff would relax you!"
**Miharu:** "If I'm panicking like this now... The debut event is going to be impossible. Maybe I'm just not suited to be a member of LATCH..."
**Mario:** "We felt the same way at first. Right, Ryo?"
**Ryo:** "Yeah, we did."
**Miharu:** "Eh? You did, too?"
**Mario:** "I can't dance or sing to save my life. Before our first live, I complained to Ryo how much I don't wanna do it."
**Ryo:** "You were impossible to soothe at that moment!"
**Miharu:** "How did you come around to enjoying it, then?"
**Mario:** "Yeah, well... Hmm... Maybe it's 'cause I realized I don't need to be good at it."
**Miharu:** "But when I'm performing for everyone, I must do it properly."
**Ryo:** "Of course that's important, too. But what was the reason the two of us were chosen for LATCH?"
**Miharu:** "Because... You're the station workers who love your towns the most."
**Ryo:** "That's right. So, rather than being great at dancing or singing, it's more important to have love for your town and its people. Trying your best is what matters the most."
**Miharu:** "Doing my best for the sake of my town..."
**Ryo:** "That's enough of a reason to become a member."
**Miharu:** "I see. That does ease my mind a little."
**Mario:** "So keep on breaking stuff, and blowing up your cooking, and ordering useless junk."
**Miharu:** "Thank you very much. I'll do my best to make us into a wonderful unit like you two."
**Ryo:** "Good things are coming, okay?"
**Mario:** "By the way, are the guys you were set up with any fun?"
**Miharu:** "Yes, although we haven't really had a chance to talk much yet. So, I'd like to–"
**Ryo:** "What's that noise?"
**Rui:** "Suwa!!! Come stir up chemistry with me!!!"
**Miharu:** "That voice... Utsusemi-kun?!"
**Rui:** "Suwa!!!!"

**Ryo:** "Everyone, thank you for your attention! Will the chemistry of the newcomers really come true? Well then, the main station for today is Miharu's Nishi-Nippori Station! It was the youngest station on the Yamanote line for 49 years, up until the new Takanawa Gateway Station opened. Most of the stations opened in the Meiji and Taisho eras, but this is the only one that opened in the Showa era. Did you know that? Please mind the closing doors!"

Young and susceptible to pressure, Miharu is nervous about the upcoming debut event and has been behaving strangely. Ryo Tonari (Nippori Station) and Mario Takara (Okachimachi Station), who are friends of Miharu as well as senior members of LATCH!, comfort him. After being told that love for your town is more important than performing perfectly, Miharu begins to regain his composure. The sound of lively footsteps approach the three of them.

**Rui:** *(Inspired by Zuku-san's words, I was heading towards Suwa's place.)*
**Rui:** "Suwa!!! Come stir up chemistry with me!!! Suwa!!!! Chemistry! It's chemistry!!!"
**Mario:** "Shut the hell up!!! So annoying!"
**Rui:** "Oh, um... Are you Suwa's brother?"
**Mario:** "Take a real close look, buddy. Do I look like one?"

...

**Rui:** "...No, sorry. Your outfit's way too skimpy."
**Mario:** "Right?"
**Miharu:** "Um, Utsusemi-kun?"
**Rui:** "Oh, Suwa! Uh, who is this guy...?"
**Mario:** "I'm the LATCH of the Okachimachi station. Mario Takara's the name."
**Rui:** "Oh yeah, you did mention you were roommates with a senpai."
**Miharu:** "Uh, not with Takara-senpai."
**Mario:** "Think about it. Could you imagine me and Suwa living together?"

...

**Rui:** "...Maybe not."
**Mario:** "Yeah."
**Ryo:** "Takaracchi, quit messing with your juniors. I'm the one who's Miharu's roommate, Nippori Station's Ryo Tonari. But me and Takaracchi are in a unit together. Nice to meet you!"
**Rui:** "Hello, I'm Ōtsuka Station's Rui Utsusemi. Nice to meet you too! Sorry to intrude on you suddenly like this. I came here today to stir up chemistry with my fellow unit member, Suwa."
**Miharu:** "I'm sorry, chemistry? What are you talking about?"
**Rui:** "Chemistry is chemistry! You senpais know what I'm talking about, right?"
**Mario:** "Yeah, no clue."
**Ryo:** "Sorry, I don't know either."
**Rui:** "But... Zuku-san said..."

...

**Ryo:** "Oh, I get it! That's classic Aobazuku."
**Rui:** "When I was chosen for LATCH!, and everyone around me said they had high expectations for me, I was so fired up. And... I wanted to be the one who stood out the most in our unit."
**Mario:** "What an honest guy..."
**Rui:** "But I realized that's really lame of me."
**Ryo:** "So you came to see Miharu?"
**Rui:** "Yeah. I was only thinking about myself. I'm really sorry!"
**Miharu:** "I am too. I was only thinking what I'd do if I failed, and if I was good enough. I made it all about me. But now I realize my senpais have been supporting me all this time."
**Rui:** "Really...?"
**Miharu:** "It didn't even cross my mind to join forces with my friends. So, I'd like to apologize, too."
**Rui:** "Suwa... It's okay! Even if you get nervous and feel like breaking down, I'll support you! When you start to doubt yourself, I've got your back!"
**Miharu:** "Utsusemi-kun... Thank you very much."
**Rui:** "Hey now, you don't need to be so polite with me."
**Miharu:** "But you're older than me, so..."
**Rui:** "Like I care about that!"
**Miharu:** "Well... I shall keep that in mind. Um... I mean..."
**Mario:** "Man, this is a relief. Ryo was worried if this Utsusemi was a good guy, after all."
**Ryo:** "Yeah. Utsusemi-kun, please take good care of our Miharu."
**Rui:** "You can count on me!"
**Mario:** "Now you sound more like Miharu's dad than brother, Ryo."
**Ryo:** "Brother or son, he's still the cutest little thing to me and that won't change."
**Rui:** "Now, let's aim to become the most popular unit in LATCH!"
**Mario:** "Oh, you'll have to go through us first."
**Ryo:** "Miharu, looks like we suddenly became rivals!"
**Miharu:** "W-W-What rivals?"
**Rui:** "Yeah, let's keep that spirit up!"
**Mario:** "We wouldn't mind that! Right, Ryo?"
**Ryo:** "Nope, bring it on!"
**Rui:** "Thanks! Well, that's settled, then. Wait, no it's not!!!"
**Mario:** "What's with the sudden starts and stops? You're one flaky guy!"
**Rui:** "We still have a big problem at hand!"
**Miharu:** "Um... You're talking about Taketsune-kun, aren't you?"
**Rui:** "Yeah. I didn't feel like dealing with him, honestly..."

**Yuya:** *"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of becoming an idol. No matter how many times you ask, I'll refuse. I'm sure you can find someone else from Takadanobaba. Well then, good work today."*

**Rui:** "...That's what he said."
**Miharu:** "I wonder if he's found a replacement yet. I mean... Ya think so? Right?"
**Ryo:** "Miharu, if you give it too much thought, your language will sound all strange."
**Miharu:** "I'm very sorry! Um... Sorry, man! Hmm?"
**Rui:** "Okay, that's enough. I'll just wait for it to come naturally."
**Miharu:** "I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
**Mario:** "But hey, wasn't your debut event scheduled for October? You guys better get training soon."
**Rui:** "Yeah, you're right... Alright, Suwa, let's go find a replacement for Taketsune together!"
**Miharu:** "Together?"
**Rui:** "Suwa, how's your work tomorrow?"
**Miharu:** "I have the day off."
**Rui:** "Me too! Then, we're gonna go patrol Takadanobaba tomorrow!"

**Mario:** "Thanks for your attention. Since they mentioned having a day off, I'd like to tell you a little about our work schedules. Station staff have a system with alternating day shifts and night shifts, regardless of weekends and holidays. For the sake of safe and secure operation, the staff members are always watching over, day and night. Everyone, thanks for your continued patronage. Please continue to enjoy the show!"

1. ↑ Miharu always uses *keigo*, a formal Japanese style of speech that's required as a sign of respect when talking to one's seniors

It was Rui who rushed to Miharu's place. Rui apologizes and tells Miharu he wants to work together with him as a unit. Miharu feels the same way, but the two of them still have one problem at hand. Since Yuuya said he didn't want to join LATCH!, the two decide to head to the Takadanobaba Station in order to find a replacement for him.

**Rui:** "Wow, so this is Takadanobaba Station... Alright, let's scout us a unit member!"
**Miharu:** "What kind of person are you looking for, Utsusemi-kun?"
**Rui:** "The one with the most motivation, I think, but it would be amazing if he also had an idol element to him."
**Miharu:** "What do you mean by "an idol element"?"
**Rui:** "Hmm, well... Like, if his movements are good, I guess? Idols need to carry themselves well, right?"
**Miharu:** "I see."
**Rui:** "Also, looking snazzy in a uniform would be a big plus. And he should have a nice voice, too."
**Miharu:** "Utsusemi-kun... You have quite a bit of conditions here."
**Rui:** "I do?"
**Miharu:** "What should I do... I don't meet any of those conditions."
**Rui:** "Now that you mention it... I don't either, really."
**Miharu:** "Carrying yourself well, looking good in a uniform, and having a nice voice... Do you think a perfect person like that even exists?"
**Rui:** "Y-Yeah, of course!"
**Miharu:** "Hmm... Somehow, I don't have a good feeling about this."
**Announcer:** *"Thank you for riding with us."*
**Miharu:** "Oh, Utsusemi-kun!"
**Rui:** "That voice just now... That's a good one!"
**Miharu:** "Yes, I thought so as well!"
**Announcer:** *"Please mind the closing doors."*
**Rui:** "A voice that echoes so nicely on the platforms... This has got to be it! Who the heck does it belong to?!"
**Miharu:** "Where is he?"
**Rui:** "Where, where, where?? It's that guy– Wait, whaaaaat?!"

**Yuya:** *(It's been a while since the radio show.)*
**Yuya:** "Pardon me, I'm going now."
**Yuya:** *(They said they were going to find a replacement for me, but they haven't found one yet... And I know why. If the person joining LATCH needs to be the station attendant who knows the most about their town, then... That's probably me, isn't it? Even so, I'm positive that I won't give in. Me, an idol?)*
**Yuya:** *(Singing, dancing, and smiling all day... Yeah, no thanks. I can't even imagine myself like that. It just doesn't suit me. Honestly, I don't get why anyone would give up their free time to do that kind of stuff.)*
**Yuya:** *(I wonder if they couldn't find anyone today, either... Oh, well. I'm done with work, so I just wanna buy some zenzai mochi and go home.)*
**Yuya:** "Hm?"
**Yuya:** *(What's this feeling in my back...? I can feel someone staring at me. Who's there-)*
**Rui:** "Taketsune!!! We've been waiting for you!"
**Miharu:** "Good work today, Taketsune-kun."
**Yuya:** *(These two, huh...)*
**Miharu:** "Pardon us for showing up without warning."
**Yuya:** "What? What do you want?"
**Rui:** "You... You were amazing!"
**Yuya:** "Ouch... What's this now?"
**Rui:** "You're special! A really special guy!"
**Yuya:** "Huh? Is this some kind of an act? Please let go of me..."
**Rui:** "No! I won't let go of your hand! Never!!!"
**Yuya:** "Hey, Suwa! Don't just stand there, do something!"
**Miharu:** "Yes! Utsusemi-kun, let's calm down first!"
**Yuya:** "Geez... What's going on?"
**Rui:** "I... I was very deeply moved!"
**Yuya:** "Huh? Moved?"
**Miharu:** "Um, excuse me. Utsusemi-kun is getting much too excited, so I'll explain instead. So..."

**Rui:** "Where, where, where?? It's that guy– Wait, whaaaaat?!"
**Miharu:** "It's Taketsune-kun!"
**Yuya:** *"Please make sure to take all your belongings with you."*
**Rui:** "Wow... The way he moves is good. The uniform suits him incredibly well, too."
**Miharu:** "It really does. Taketsune-kun looks very cool while working."
**Rui:** "So... A good voice, a good posture, a good uniform... Isn't this guy just perfect?!"

**Miharu:** "That being said, both Utsusemi-kun and I were thoroughly impressed by your appearance. You have all the elements of an idol."
**Yuya:** "Really? I'm not so sure about that."
**Rui:** "You're definitely a child of LATCH!"
**Yuya:** "Wait, don't just go ahead and decide for me!"
**Miharu:** "Taketsune-kun, why are you so against becoming a member of LATCH?"
**Yuya:** "Huh?"
**Miharu:** "It's an honor, isn't it? To be chosen to represent the town you love."
**Yuya:** "Yeah, but... Aren't idols kinda lame?"
**Rui:** "You take that back right now!!! You were born to be in LATCH!!!"
**Yuya:** "Oh, I can hear you loud and clear. You're a child of LATCH as well."
**Rui:** "Ehehe, really?"
**Yuya:** "So keep up the good work. I'm going home."
**Rui:** "Wait!"
**Miharu:** "Utsusemi-kun... Let's give it a rest for today."
**Rui:** "Taketsune! I'm not going to give up on you! I swear!!!"

**Yuya:** "Thank you for your attention. Today, uniforms were brought up, so I'll tell you a bit about that. In fact, there are two styles of hats worn by station staff: the peaked cap and the Tyrolean. Have you ever noticed that? With that, please continue to enjoy a comfortable journey!"

Rui and Miharu are exploring Takadanobaba Station in search of a station worker to replace Yuya, when they hear an announcer whose voice echoes nicely on the platforms. With such a refined voice, careful workmanship, and elegant appearance, they think they've found what they're looking for – only for the person to turn out to be Yuya. Rui rushes to him, declaring he's a child of LATCH!, but Yuya is determined not to give in.

**AI:** "Your side step is 0.2 seconds late."
**AI:** "Your side step is 0.5 seconds late."
**Yuki:** "If you keep pushing like that, it'll have no effect."
**Shio:** "Ah, Shindo-kun. I can still do it. I'm not going to rest."
**AI:** "I recommend taking a 10-minute break, Mr. Shio Momose."
**Yuki:** "There, even the AI thinks so."
**Shio:** "Why are you so insistent on me taking a break? Do you think I'm going to trip over my own feet?"
**Yuki:** "That's not it."
**Shio:** "Yeah, right. I'm sure no matter how hard I try, I could never hold a candle to you."
**Yuki:** "If you don't, then it means you haven't practiced enough."
**Shio:** "A genius like you could never understand how I feel."
**Yuki:** "I don't know what your definition of a genius is, but I've never thought of myself as one."
**Shio:** "True geniuses always say that."
**Yuki:** "By your definition, maybe."

**Rion:** "Shio, good work on your training today."
**Mikado:** "Did Yuuki bother you again?"
**Shio:** "Not really."
**Rion:** "Yuki really is a thorn in your side, isn't he?"
**Shio:** "Stop it. That's not true."
**Rion:** "Ah, I'm sorry. That kind of thinking wouldn't suit you. You're the only one in LATCH who stands on stage all by yourself. It must be a lonely existence."
**Mikado:** "You were the center of attention even before LATCH since you're so gorgeous. The tickets to your lives sell out in minutes. It's really amazing."
**Shio:** "Your unit is still more popular."
**Rion:** "Well, that must be because there's three of us."
**Shio:** "So you're saying, if you were all solo, I would be LATCH's number one?"
**Mikado:** "Hey now, it's not a competition."
**Shio:** "Is it not, though?"
**Rion:** "You're a lone wolf at heart, aren't you? No, more like a lone stray cat."
**Mikado:** "A straight cat? Kinda cheesy but kinda cool."
**Rion:** "A *stray* cat, not *straight*."
**Mikado:** "Huh? Are those different?"
**Shio:** "You guys are always so relaxed."
**Mikado:** "Did you say something?"
**Shio:** "No, it's nothing. Well, I better get back to practicing."
**Rion:** "Shio, would you be okay with showing your routine to us?"
**Shio:** "Why would you want to see it?"
**Rion:** "Because I really like your performances."
**Shio:** "Y-You like them...? No, but, it's not finished yet."
**Mikado:** "Then isn't it even better? C'mon, let's see it. You probably want some advice from time to time too, right?"
**Shio:** "I get plenty of advice already. I use that."
**Rion:** "You mean the studio's AI system?"
**Shio:** "Can't the studio judge your performance more accurately than human eyes and ears ever could? The big mirror points out any mistakes in your dancing, and the microphone picks up even the smallest of vibrato."
**Rion:** "This studio really was worth waiting for, wasn't it? But... A performance is not only about the technical evaluation, it's also about whether it resonates with the heart. So please show us."
**Mikado:** "You're not going to perform for an AI but real people, you know?"
**Shio:** "If you want to see it that much, then suit yourselves. But I told you, it's not done yet."
**Rion:** "That's alright."

**Mikado:** "Man, you're cool!"
**Rion:** "Your passengers are lucky to hear such a beautiful singing voice live."
**Shio:** "Flattery won't get you anywhere. Didn't you want to give me advice?"
**Mikado:** "Well, if you insist–"
**Rion:** "Technically, the performance is impeccable. And it also resonated with the heart. Right, Mikado?"
**Mikado:** "Huh? Yeah, that's right, I guess."
**Rion:** "Keep it up and the next live will go off without a hitch."
**Shio:** "Really?"
**Rion:** "Yeah."
**Shio:** "Ah. By the way, Shoji-kun, didn't you mention you wanted to try hotteok? I happened to buy some today."
**Rion:** "Eh? I'm glad you remembered!"
**Shio:** "I'll go heat them up, so wait a minute."
**Mikado:** "Get some for me too! Geez, don't you think you're fussing over Shio a bit too much?"
**Rion:** "I'm not fussing over him. It's just that if he's left all alone, he quickly starts to lose his confidence. But when he has it he shines brighter than anyone else."
**Mikado:** "You've really been thinking about him a lot."
**Rion:** "It's not only for him, but for LATCH as a whole too."
**Mikado:** "Huh?"
**Rion:** "Although LATCH is popular at the moment, it's hard to say if the members are actually all that united. If the confidence of the popular members like Shio wavers, the whole thing might come crashing down. We should do everything we can to prevent that from happening."
**Mikado:** "You've thought that far ahead? That's so like you."
**Rion:** "It's not much. The thing that worries me most is, uh... The terrible inferiority complex Shio has towards Yuki."
**Mikado:** "Yeah. Man, maybe they should just settle it with a dance-off."
**Rion:** "A performance, huh..."
**Shio:** "Sorry for the wait. Here. They are special hotteok only sold in Shin-Ōkubo."
**Rion:** "Thank you. Let's eat."
**Mikado:** "Thanks! ...Gwahh!!!"
**Rion:** "Oh, aren't hotteok supposed to be sweet? This is pretty spicy."
**Shio:** "What are you talking about? They're delicious. ...맛있다."

**Shio:** "Thank you for your attention. If you're looking for hotteok or other Korean cuisine, K-idol goods, or Korean cosmetics, Shin-Ōkubo is the place to go. It has also been popular as a scenic spot for azaleas since the Edo period. Shin-Ōkubo is a town full of exotic charm, so please visit it if you get the chance. Thank you for riding with us today. The doors are closing."

1. ↑ Korean for *tasty*

The sound of lone footsteps echo in the silent practice studio. Shio Momose (Shin-Ōkubo Station) is the only solo act within LATCH!. Yuki tells him to take a break, but Shio, who sees him as a rival, stubbornly refuses to listen. Aware of his high standards and delicate feelings, Rion and Mikado follow Shio intently, but Rion has thought much further ahead.

**Rui:** "Good job today!"
**Miharu:** "Good job today."
**Yuya:** "Remind me again, what am I doing here? You guys are being really pushy."
**Miharu:** "It's like we explained. We haven't found a replacement for you yet, so it's your responsibility to show up to the practice studio at least once."
**Yuya:** "Well, I don't want to bring a bad name to Takadanobaba Station, I guess."
**Rui:** "You could always accept the invitation to join LATCH...!"
**Yuya:** "Don't worry about it. I'm already looking for a replacement. Give me like... a week."
**Rui:** "Heh, say that while you still can."
**Yuya:** "What does that mean?"
**Rui:** "Well, anyways, let's see how our senpais perform."
**Miharu:** "Ah, Ryou-kun and Takara-senpai are practicing over there."
**Rui:** "Oh, that's right! Let's take a look. C'mon, Taketsune. Let's go!"
**Yuya:** "Yeah, yeah. No need to pull me."

**Rui:** "Wow!!! So cool!"
**Miharu:** "Ryou-kun, Takara-senpai. Good work."
**Ryou:** "Hm? Oh, if it isn't Miharu and his little buddies! How did we do?"
**Rui:** "Great! You guys are in top form!"
**Mario:** "Right? We're ALWAYS in top form!"
**Ryou:** "You must be the rumored Taketsune-kun."
**Yuya:** "Nice to meet you. Good work."
**Ryou:** "Please take good care of Miharu for me."
**Yuya:** "Even if you ask me to do that, I'm still not going to join LATCH."
**Ryou:** "So the rumors are true, huh? Well, it's surprisingly addictive once you try it! Don't worry and just do your best."
**Yuya:** "No, I mean..."
**Mario:** "Oops! Sorry, you guys, but our livestream is starting soon. We gotta run."
**Rui:** "Oh, you senpais sure are busy!"
**Ryou:** "Yeah, this is LATCH after all."
**Rui:** "Wow...!"
**Mario:** "See ya! C'mon, hurry up."
**Ryou:** "Yeah! See you guys around!"
**Rui:** "Good work!"
**Miharu:** "Good work. Those two seemed energetic... Very cool."
**Rui:** "Tell me about it! Right, Taketsune?"
**Yuya:** "Really? I can't help but feel like we were bothering them while they were in a rush."
**Rui:** "What...? Ugh, can't you just look at the bright side of things for once?"
**Yuya:** "I dunno. I guess there's something fundamentally different about you guys who like this LATCH thing."
**Rui:** "I can't deal with you...! Aren't you all high and mighty, oh great Tsune-sama?"
**Yuya:** "Huh?"
**Rui:** "I'm gonna call you the great Tsune-sama from here on."
**Yuya:** "Stop it."
**Miharu:** "I think it suits you, oh great Tsune-sama."
**Yuya:** "Are you kidding me?"
**Rui:** "Alright, I've decided! I'll definitely break those walls of yours in one way or another!"
**Yuya:** "There are no walls to break. Guess I've changed a bit now, so I'm going home."
**Rui:** "Wait, wait wait wait wait!!!"
**Yuya:** "Hey, I told you not to pull me."
**Miharu:** "Oh, look over there. Those two look cool too."

**Yuri:** "Stop, stop! Hazime-san, don't you think you made some mistakes at that part just now?"
**Hazime:** "If I may be blunt, Yuri-kun, it was you who got your moves in the wrong order."
**Yuri:** "Really? Then, let's turn on the AI system and go over the steps once more."
**Hazime:** "Yes, that's a good idea."
**Yuri:** "Let's go, Reci."
**AI:** "Good work today, Mr. Yuri Takanashi, Mr. Hazime Ichijo."
**Hazime:** "Please give us a dance lesson."
**AI:** "Understood."

**AI:** "Mr. Takanashi, your steps are landing 1.3 centimeters behind."
**Yuri:** "What? Is that me?"
**AI:** "Mr. Ichijo, your steps are landing 1.2 centimeters forward."
**Hazime:** "I see..."

**AI:** "That's correct. Would you like to do another evaluation?"
**Yuri:** "Hazime-san, are you ready?"
**Hazime:** "Of course, Yuri-kun."

**Rui:** "Wow, so driven... They barely even have time to chat."
**Miharu:** "And they finished their routine with such precision, too. Impressive."
**Rui:** "They didn't even notice us. That's amazing. We should work our butts off like them, too."
**Miharu:** "That's right. If we practice that hard, we'll be able to give the passengers a wonderful performance."
**Rui:** "How about it, Taketsune? The senpais who work hard for their dreams... Super cool, right? Doesn't it make you wanna join LATCH–"
**Yuya:** "As if that will happen!"
**Rui:** "...Huh?"
**Miharu:** "Uh... Um, Taketsune-kun?"
**Yuya:** "Dreams? What's even the point of trying so hard?"
**Rui:** "Oi, wait, Taketsune!"
**Miharu:** "Taketsune-kun!"
**Rui:** "What made him go off like that?"
**Miharu:** "Our plan failed, didn't it? Even seeing how cool our senpais are had no impact on him."
**Rui:** "Damn it...! What should we do? Do we really need to look for someone else?"
**Miharu:** "Hmm..."
**Yuki:** "Hey."
**Rui:** "S-Shindo-san!"
**Miharu:** "G-G-Good job today."
**Yuki:** "*What's the point of trying so hard?* Is that what he said just now?"
**Miharu:** "Um, awawawawa–"
**Rui:** "Uh, I'm sure it was a figure of speech or something! Or, you probably misheard."
**Yuki:** "If you aren't cut out for it, then don't do it. That's what I always say. But I can't let this one slide."
**Rui:** "Uhh, that's pretty harsh..."
**Yuki:** "Give this to him for me."
**Rui:** "Uh, um...!"
**Miharu:** "He left... Although he's cool, Shindo-san is so perfect it's a little bit scary. What did he hand to you?"
**Rui:** "Look."
**Miharu:** "Wait, isn't that..."

**Miharu:** "Thank you for your attention today. What did Shindo-san give us, I wonder...? By the way, did you know that the shortest section on the Yamanote Line is between my roommate Ryou-kun's workplace, the Nippori Station, and mine, the Nishi-Nippori Station? The distance measures only 500 meters. We look forward to seeing you again."

Rui and Miharu, who want to persuade Yuya into forming a unit together, take him to LATCH!'s practice studio thinking he would change his mind after seeing the effort his seniors put in. However, not only does Yuya not change his attitude, but he rejects them even more harshly. Yuya leaves, and Yuki entrusts a certain something to the remaining two.

**Miharu:** *"If we practice that hard, we'll be able to give the passengers a wonderful performance."*
**Rui:** *"How about it, Taketsune? The senpais who work hard for their dreams... Super cool, right?"*

**Yuya:** *(Working hard for your dreams... Then what?)*

**Yuya:** "I'm home–"
**Yuya's Father:** "Hey, open the door! What is this about you not showing up for your job interview?!"
**Yuya:** "I'm home."
**Yuya's Father:** "Oh."
**Yuya:** "You can shout all you want, it won't help. Leave him alone."
**Yuya's Father:** "Absolutely not! We went through all the trouble of finding your brother a place to work, but that brat won't even come out of his room."
**Yuya:** *("Do your best, do your best, do your best." If everyone got rewarded for that alone, the world would be full of successful people.)*

**Yuya:** *(I have the day off today, but I don't feel comfortable at home, so I went out to the town.)*
**Yuya:** "Hm? A plastic bag? Isn't this trash? The wind is pretty strong today, I guess..."
**Yuya:** "Ah, and there are cigarette butts over there. Jeez, who does that? I guess it can't be helped."
**Yuya:** *(Once I started looking around, I couldn't stop. The town should be kept clean. So, picking up the trash, I made my way to the station.)*
**Yuya:** *\*sigh\** "That should be it."
**Rui:** "Here, this piece of trash was also on the ground."
**Yuya:** "Ah, thanks... Wait–"
**Rui:** "Doing volunteer work on your day off... As expected of you!"
**Yuya:** "Utsusemi and Suwa?"
**Miharu:** "Thanks for your hard work. I was really touched. You are the very image of a station worker who loves his town the most. Perfectly suited for LATCH!"
**Yuya:** "Anytime you guys open your mouths it's just LATCH this and LATCH that. And you're misunderstanding, I wasn't really volunteering or anything. This plastic bag just happened to cling onto my leg on the way here."
**Rui:** "Well, what's all that trash inside the bag then?"
**Miharu:** "That's right! Grumbling to yourself, you followed the trail of trash and worked hard to clean up the town, didn't you?"
**Yuya:** "I-It's... A different thing when it's about the town."
**Rui:** "You really are the great Tsune-sama through and through. Hey, hey, hey, Tsune-sama!"
**Yuya:** "Don't touch me. And call me Tsune-sama one more time and I'll punch you."
**Rui:** "C'mon, Tsune-sama. Don't you wanna have a super fun time with us?"
**Yuya:** "How do you guys have the mental resolve for this? I'm going now. See ya."
**Miharu:** "Um, Taketsune-kun. Please listen to what we have to say."
**Yuya:** "Huh?"
**Miharu:** "There's a place we'd like to go together with you."
**Rui:** "Yeah, that's right! We thought we'd take you to a super fun place that will totally move you! So, next week–"
**Yuya:** "Just stop it already!"
**Rui:** "Eh...?"
**Yuya:** "It's like I already told you guys at the practice studio. Don't follow me anymore. I'm not joining LATCH. I don't want anything to do with you. So please, just stop already."
**Rui:** "What's all this now, Taketsune...?"
**Yuya:** "Shut up."
**Rui:** "Oi, Taketsune! Wait up!"
**Miharu:** "He got that angry... What should we do now?"
**Rui:** "He's so stubborn... But we're not gonna give up! Oi, Taketsune!!"
**Miharu:** "Utsusemi-kun. If we keep chasing him, we'll just keep driving him away."
**Rui:** "Well, what else are we supposed to do then?!"
**Miharu:** "There's no choice but to take our last chance."
**Rui:** "Last chance?! But that means... If he turns us down..."
**Miharu:** "I have a feeling it's going to be alright. If you want to give Taketsune-kun the thing we got from Shindo-san, then surely..."
**Rui:** "I see. No choice but to put our last hope in this. I feel like I'm rushing to catch the last train."
**Miharu:** "That's dangerous."
**Rui:** "I know that. Well then, it's decided! Wait, Taketsuneee!!!"

**Rui:** "Taketsune. We decided not to bother you anymore."
**Yuya:** "Huh? Okay."
**Rui:** "But before that, give us one last chance."
**Yuya:** "What do you mean?"
**Rui:** "As a finale, let's go together to Shouji-san, Shindo-san, and Zuku-san's legendary live show."
**Yuya:** "Legendary live?"
**Rui:** "We've got a ticket for you too. Being able to go to their live is seriously amazing! I've applied so many times but haven't been selected even once. Here, this is your ticket."
**Yuya:** "This would sell for a high price."
**Rui:** "Hey, you can't do that!!! I should keep it safe until the day."
**Yuya:** "I was joking, obviously. I've told you a million times–"
**Rui:** "Taketsune! You love your town and have all the qualifications of an idol. There's no one more suitable for LATCH than you. And most importantly, we want to do it together with you! Right, Suwa?"
**Miharu:** "Yes. The more we see each other, the more I can imagine myself singing and dancing together with you. Utsusemi-kun, Taketsune-kun, and me. When you put the three of us into the equation, everything works out."
**Yuya:** "I don't know what you're talking about."
**Rui:** "Taketsune, we promise. If this fails, we won't ask you to join LATCH anymore. This will be the end of it."
**Yuya:** "..."

**Rui:** "Thank you for your attention today. How will he react to being told this is the end? Speaking of endings, have you ever seen people working on the tracks after the last train has left? In order for customers to use the train comfortably, the workers check every inch of the rails and carry out maintenance work. That's the way to keep you safe! Well, that's all for today. We look forward to you riding with us again!"

1. ↑ In Japan, tickets for big idol live shows are often distributed only via lottery