Story of DEAR PROJECT feat. Maten Rocket

## Prologue

*It was a place that I grasped where I can lean on something about my feelings, share my struggles and crying out.*

*Soushi, Zen and Junnosuke are the best friends I have ever had.*

*The special days, just for us.*

*I don't want to lose my most precious 'treasure'.*

*I'm saying that but, this world is still so big for us who are small and weak.*

*The voice is drowning out and I can't reach them---*

*I have always known about it.*

*I just don't want to look straight at it.*

*To protect it, I will scream.*

*I will scream even if it means it beyond what is coming, even if it's the end.*

## Vol.1

> One day after their job for the day had finished, one of the record company staffs approached Maten Rocket during their tea time.
>
>

Dear Record Kiriyama : I’ve been thinking about finally discussing your next song, is it okay?

Dear Record Uchida: I actually brought the demos too.

Soushi: Then, Kiri-chan, Ucchi-san, why don’t we discuss this over a cup of tea?

> Kiriyama and Uchida had brought over 6 demo songs. They are songs with an extraordinary band sound and dance tune that brings out what Maten Rocket is.
>
>

Aki: Hmm...Ucchi, Kiri-chan, which ones do you prefer? The two of you would know about our songs the best, right? So if it’s your suggestion, I think it would be the right choice.
Kiriyama: Ahaha, well I agree...but are you guys okay with it?

> The four of them were asked about their opinions, but they leave the matters to the staff who have their full trust without any hesitation.
>
>

> Aki received a message at his smartphone during that time. Junnosuke who was concerned about Aki, noticed that Aki looked strange when he saw the message, but Aki told them that it was nothing.
>
>

> At Dear Production's President's office, the President called the Producer about a news.
>
>

> OurTube is a video platform where Maten Rocket hosts their channel. It seems that Maten Rocket was chosen as a performer candidate for a large-scale event conducted by OurTube.
>
>

President Aieda: They are just a candidate, but this is still big news!

> Of course, it is also probably because of the buzz from their Special Days video.
>
>

> The event in question is a festival that attracts a lot of buzz in the industry, as it features appearances by Gold Stage idols and big artists from overseas. This would be a big stepping stone for Maten Rocket.
>
>

President Aieda: Therefore, I have something to discuss to reinforce the nomination selection production...

> The Producer then broke the news about their entry.
>
>

Zen, Junnosuke, Aki: Eh??!?!?!

Junnosuke: Our official video channel that we started is addressed as the publicity captain...I wonder if we will be able to return it (p-chan support) in this way?

Soushi: We would like to do our best to get chosen. To reach that goal, what strategy do you---

> Along with that, there was a new proposal from the producer. It was about a transfer to a major record company called Vogue Records. The document stated that the other party sent a transfer offer to their a company affiliated to the main agency.
>
>

> However, there is a particular condition regarding the transfer.
>
>

Aki: Huh....agency transfer?

## Vol.2

> Transfer offer from Vogue Records
>
>

President Aieda: Vogue is a big player in this industry, so this proposal is rare to come by especially when we plan to strengthen the promotion.

Attached together to the proposal was a request. A transfer request from Dear Production.

Zen: Do we really have to transfer to another agency?

Junnosuke: It’s what this document says.

*"It’s easier for Vogue Records to start producing if you also transfer to this agency, so I’d like you to transfer as soon as possible."*

Zen: Then let’s just transfer to the record company only.\*

> The four members were offered a large amount of transfer fee, but chose to remain in DearPro.
>
>

> Each of them need parental consent in order to transfer to the record company so they went to their hometown, with the exception of Junnosuke since his parents' house is close to Shirasu House\*\*. Because of this, he became the dorm caretaker. He was jealous of the three who get to go out...
>
>

Aki: Then, Junnosuke, you should go to Nagoya in my stead.

Junnosuke: Eh~ As expected of Acchan, that’s...

Aki: Ahaha, you’re right. I have no choice but to go.

> Aki seemed different than the usual. Junnosuke then returned to his room with an uncomfortable feeling.
>
>

> And so, a few weeks later...
>
>

> Maten Rocket has transferred to Vogue Records. They were confused with the how the record company leads them, as they each have their own work.
>
>

> Soushi, who was greeting their staffs, had met the famous composer, Seto.
>
>

Composer Seto: Oh, I’ve heard about Maten Rocket somewhere before...ah I remember. I’ve seen your video in OurTube, about the guerilla live.
Soushi: Really? It’s an honor.

> The staff from Vogue Records wanted Seto to provide a song for Maten Rocket since Seto was interested in the song by Maten Rocket before, but when being asked about what kind of songs they want, Soushi was unable to explain it in his own words.
>
>

Composer Seto: Ah, I see. Well, thanks. I guess you guys are more of an ‘idol' than an artist. I can’t make songs for unprofessional kids.

> The members then were given a briefing about the plans for their official OurTube channel.
>
>

Aki: Wait...where’s the thing I proposed?
Vogue Records Staff B: The PR team gave it an NG. Right now, we’re planning to rework your branding policy, so we’ll change the route a bit.

> Videos, and now songs. With every step they take, the way they used to be were changed by the adults.
>
>

Soushi: I hope the fans will be pleased by that, but....

> Maten Rocket thinks that the "our own identity" that the fans love will disappear.
>
>

Junnosuke: I chose to transfer because I want Maten Rocket to hit big, but we’ve become like this...Is this really okay for us?

## Vol.3

> Vogue Records called the members to come over. They were discussing about transferring to the agency with the absence of the Producer.
>
>

Zen: Didn’t we tell you that we didn’t want to? It was not an absolute requirement--
Vogue Records StaffＢ: It is indeed not an absolute requirement, but if it is fulfilled, it would be more convenient.

> Vogue Records wants to push the promotion and expand their activities globally highly recommended Maten Rocket to transfer.
>
>

> However, since the Producer is not available, they had no choice but follow the orders of the recording company obediently.
>
>

Vogue Records Staff A: Anyway, Takachiho-kun intends to do so, right?
Aki: Eh?

> The members who can't hide their agitation were suddenly alarmed by Vogue Records.
>
>

Aki: No,wait. I, such words---

Vogue Records Staff A: Really? Takachiho-kun’s mother sent the signed contract. Didn’t you talk to your mother about that?

Aki: Eh..n-no! I didn’t know anything about that!

> Aki was confused by something that he doesn't remember doing. The Producer then called at that moment.
>
>

> After he received the call, Aki quickly left.
>
>

> He hurried back to Shirasu House, as his mother was already there, cleaning up his dormitory room.
>
>

Aki’s Mom: I’m so happy when I heard that Aki-chan is moving to a big record company. So, would you leave this place and come live with your mother again?

> Aki's luggages were already packed in cardboard boxes and was about to be moved.
>
>

Aki: (*After I finally found myself an important place that I wanted to be in--)*
Zen: Aki!!!! We’re running away from here! Let's go!

> Zen dragged Aki who was stunned. After that moment, the four flew away from that place.
>
>

> Maten Rocket who flew from that place haven't decided where to go.
>
>

Zen: I don't think we should let you stay there like this.

> Zen ran without thinking about anything else but that. They felt uneasy of what they did.
>
>

Soushi: Being a good boy isn’t always the answer. There will be times where we will have to rebel. And first of all, we are the problematic kids of DearPro. Let's go, Aki.

> Maten Rocket didn't forget who they are.
>
>

> With that determination in mind, the four people began with their escape.
>
>

## Vol.4

> Maten Rocket who had ran away from Shirasu House.
>
>

*"I'm running away from my mother who desired for people's approval."*

> --Aki finally talked about it. He had no pure intentions in joining DearPro.
>
>

Soushi: Yeah. For now, what motivated you to do that is now irrelevant. What’s more important is that Aki chooses to be here now.
Junnosuke: You mentioned it before. “I’m being really serious right now”, that’s more than enough!

> Whatever the reason is, he is still important to Maten Rocket now.
>
>

> After being reassured with each other, Soushi then told them about where they are going for their escape.
>
>

Soushi: To the place where there are ‘adults’ that we can depend on.

==

President Aieda: You can use this practice room today.

> The Producer who heard the story from the President welcomed the members warmly.
>
>

> And the President began asking them questions.
>
>

President Aieda: Your feelings. What you think. What do you want to do. And, what does Soushi-kun, Zen-kun and Junnosuke-kun want to do?
Aki: ...I could have run away. Pretending to accept the feelings forced onto me, if I can somehow hold it off...eventually I’ll get sick of it.

> About his mother, Vogue Records told him it's because 'he's still a child', and that's why he wasn't able to do anything.
>
>

Soushi: But they already said it, when the four of us are together, we talk a lot. So let’s use that properly. I think that is Maten Rocket’s strong point. If the adults are using ‘we’re adults’ as weapons, then we can use ‘we’re kids’ as a shield. But you can’t stay being a kid like that. We also have to grow not just as a person, but also as idols.
==

> Zen and Soushi fell asleep first.
>
>

> Junnosuke then confessed something to Aki.
>
>

Junnosuke: Somehow, I noticed that you really didn’t want to go home. But to think that it got this far...I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to help you sooner.

> Aki: I also noticed that Junnosuke might have guessed about it. Realizing it makes me happy though, so thank you.
>
>

> He finally have an answer to what he should do now.
>
>

Aki: *(I really want to be here with everyone.)*

*(I have found the place where I belong.)*

*(That’s why this place...always…)*

## Vol.5

> Maten Rocket went to Vogue Records to talk to them directly.
>
>

> However, Vogue Records' remained firm with their intetion to make Maten Rocket transfer to their agency.
>
>

> Maten Rocket then made a proposal to them that they can succeed even if they belong to DearPro.
>
>

Zen: Would you let us make our own song from scratch?

Junnosuke: We will make it so that the song will take the first place in the monthly sales chart during its release month.

Soushi: If we are unable to achieve it, you can proceed with the transfer. Of course, the four of us will.

==

Composer Seto: Didn’t I mention that I can’t make songs for unprofessional kids?

> Seto is a composer who had released a lot of hit songs worldwide. He told Soushi that 'As expected, you guys are just idols.'\* before.
>
>

> Maten Rocket paid him a visit so they can tell him their feelings with their own words.
>
>

Soushi: We have our own resolve and feelings to convey. We have something to protect.

> For them to move forward, they need to grow. If they could sing a song that Seto made, they can realize that their immaturity is part of them.
>
>

Soushi: For that reason, we thought that we needed to grow up.

*Even if the environment around changed or we had to go on the path they didn't choose, we are here.*

Composer Seto: I understand, I will put together your feelings into a song.

==

*In this week’s HIT Chart 10! Placing in first place is...*

*『Maten Rocket’s「Koko ni Iru Kara」!』*

*This is their first song after transferring to a new record company, but this is a great achievement.*

*「Koko ni Iru Kara」, a song that Maten Rocket poured their feelings into, has not only captured the fans’ hearts, but casual listeners as well.*

> And so,
>
>

President Aieda: Congratulations! You have been selected to perform at OurTube FANSTAGE!

> Their ability to not giving up and convey their feelings. Maten Rocket seems like they never changed.
>
>

Aki: But I have to work even harder after this.

> Aki too had taken a new step forward as a member of Maten Rocket.
>
>

==

> ---A few months later, during OurTube FANSTAGE
>
>

> Maten Rocket was on standby for their stage.
>
>

Junnosuke: ...Acchan, is your mom coming?

Aki: Hm...I sent her the ticket, but I haven’t been in contact with her since then, so I don’t know.

Zen: I’m nervous..is this really being livestreamed worldwide?

Soushi: Yes. When we take a step on that stage, it will surely lead us to a bigger world than before.

Aki: But it’s gonna be fine! Because it’s us!

> If it's the four of them, they can do it.
>
>

> And so, a new stage has started since then.
>
>

> They will move forward to the future the way they are.
>
>

Soushi: 3

Zen: 2!

Junnosuke: 1!

Aki: 0!

Soushi・Zen・Junnosuke・Aki: **Ignition!!!**

## Epilogue

> --After OurTube FAN STAGE, at a yakiniku restaurant somewhere in Tokyo
>
>

Vogue Records Staff D: Great job with the stage! Today's on us, so eat as much as you want!

Junnosuke: Yay! Wait, Zen-chan! The meat is getting charred!

Soushi: Fufu. Producer-san, would like to have some too?

Aki: Anyway, the last performer for today was really cool, right?

Junnosuke: I know right! A song like that would be a great challenge for me next time.

Zen: Then, maybe I should try learning rap!

Soushi: And I would like to try composing.

==

Zen: Ah, I really ate~

Aki: ...

==

Aki's Mom: The record company contacted me earlier to ask me to not proceed with the agency transfer...is it true?

Aki: Yeah.

Aki's Mom: But I already packed up your luggage, so together, let's---

Aki: Sorry, mom. I can't do that.

Aki's Mom: ...Why?

Aki: I now have an important place that I found by myself. I want to choose how I live and walk with my own feet. So mom, from now on, you should walk by yourself too.

==

Aki: *(It's fine like this. I've decided. I will stay here.)*

Junnosuke: Acchan. Let's go home quickly. You stopped, did something happened?

Aki: Hm? I just thought that the stars look beautiful.

Zen: You're right.

Junnosuke: They look like something you can grab, but it's actually really far away~

Soushi: But...even if we can't reach it, we should go there someday. Because the four of us are 'rockets that pierces through the skies'.

Zen: No, let's break it through right now!

Aki: Hehe, I agree~!

Soushi・Junnosuke: Yeah!

## Notes

* Dear Records is their recording company while they are in Dear Production. The company they are currently in for vol.2 is just the recording company of Vogue Records, like Dear Record from the previous chapter.
* When everyone else left Shirasu House to get their parents' consent, only Junnosuke stayed because Junnosuke is the only one in Dear Production whose hometown is in Kanagawa, where Readyyy!'s story is based in as well as location for most of the places. Therefore he doesn't need to go faraway for his parents' consent.
* When Seto said Maten Rocket are just 'idols' , the kanji 偶像 was used, it does means idol but as in something you worship, like a statue.