Theme: Happiness Isn't Fun When You're Alone

Theme: Happiness Isn't Fun When You're Alone

・Short Story

After school, in the classroom. Minako clutched her smartphone and let out a deep sigh.

“I got tickets to HANA's live show, but… there's no one to go with.”

Even saying her oshi's name out loud didn't clear the heaviness in her chest.

Just then, Kenta walked in holding a game magazine.

“What's up, Minako? Did you get destroyed in Genshin gacha again?”

“No! It’s the live show!”

Kenta blinked for a second, then gave a wry smile.

Next, Yuuki appeared, swinging a convenience store bag.

“Here, a little pick-me-up. Croffles are super trendy right now. Sweet stuff always cheers you up!”

Minako took a bite. The crisp, flaky texture brought a small smile back to her face.

Suddenly, Sayaka burst into the classroom with energy.

“Look! Isn’t my mass-produced cute coord perfect today? This kind of outfit really pops at lives!”

Minako couldn't help but laugh.

“It looks great on you… but going to the live alone still feels pretty lonely.”

At that moment, the three of them exchanged glances.

“Then just go. All of us together!” they said in unison.

“Eh? But I only have one ticket…”

“I'll be at home reading the new Dandadan volume, so tell me all about it when you're back,” said Kenta.

“Merch lines are open to anyone outside, so we’ll queue up for your stuff,” added Yuuki.

“Waiting outside is fun too. Just go enjoy the live to the fullest, Minako!” said Sayaka.

A warm feeling spread through Minako’s chest.

(Ah… happiness really does get stronger when you share it.)

On the day of the live, standing in front of a glittering sea of lights, Minako whispered softly to herself:

“Happiness isn't fun when you're alone… It's so true.”

〇Terminology / Glossary

・HANA

An artist who rose rapidly to fame between 2024 and 2026. Known for her crystal-clear voice, she’s extremely popular among high school girls.

・Genshin Impact

A hugely popular open-world RPG among high school boys. The gacha (loot box) system is a constant topic of conversation — and suffering.

・Croffle

A Korean street snack made by baking croissant dough in a waffle iron. It became a big hit on social media thanks to its satisfying crunch and photogenic look.

・Mass-produced cute coord (量産型コーデ)

A popular “cute” fashion style among Japanese high school girls featuring coordinated ribbons, lace, and soft pastel colors. It has a signature “mass-produced idol” aesthetic that’s easy to replicate.

・Dandadan

A hit manga blending supernatural elements with youthful energy and breakneck pacing. It was a major trending topic on social media from 2024 to 2026.

The Mars Migration Plan of President Flowercard

 “President Flowercard, our ship will enter Mars orbit in just a few minutes.”

Captain Bordeaux of the Anger spoke calmly, but Flowercard could hardly contain his excitement.

Thanks to a newly introduced navigation system, the journey from Earth to Mars had been drastically shortened.

Even so, nearly a year had passed since the Anger left Earth.

During that time, Flowercard had dreamed—sometimes feverishly—of the moment he would set foot on the new world.

Two years earlier, in the spring, President Flowercard of the Republic of Kalimea had announced a grand plan for mass migration to Mars.

It came just after the National Meteorological Institute warned that, if global warming continued, one-third of Kalimea’s vast territory would become uninhabitable.

Until then, Flowercard had denied climate change altogether.

But suddenly he declared:

“Earth is forty-six hundred million years old. If a person at forty-six begins to feel his body failing, why shouldn’t Earth?

If Earth is dying, Mars awaits. We shall build a great nation there.”

Thus was born the Kalimea Grand Mars Migration Plan—a declaration that shook the world.

The first controversy came from the three conditions required for citizens to join the migration:

five years of national citizenship, membership in the ruling party, and a personal contribution of five billion yen.

The public was stunned.

“So only long-term citizens can go? Another way to exclude immigrants.”

“Only party members of the ruling bloc? He’s dividing the nation in two.”

“Five billion yen per person? Who could possibly afford that?”

Flowercard defended the policy, claiming it was necessary for “security, order, and fiscal discipline.”

But few were convinced.

His approval ratings plummeted—yet the ruling party held a majority in parliament.

Through a convenient “special exemption,” Flowercard allowed current lawmakers to migrate even without the payment, and the bill passed easily.

Foreign reactions were equally dramatic.

The Kingdom of Honin offered to pay fifteen billion yen per person—five for migration rights, ten for Kalimea citizenship—so that its royals and elites could join.

Flowercard refused:

“A nation that once renounced its weapons out of guilt cannot build a new world.”

Even Luerasui, a former ally, was rejected:

“Your country claimed land in the name of God and slaughtered its natives.

Stay on Earth until it perishes with your God.”

Flowercard, ever the Kalimea First nationalist, barred all foreign participation.

The plan called for a massive dome-sized spacecraft carrying over ten thousand settlers—the First Migration.

But as construction progressed, materials for Mars habitation consumed more space than expected, reducing the passenger count to three thousand.

Costs soared with the new propulsion system, delaying the Second Migration by two and a half years.

In the end, Flowercard departed Earth with only a fraction of his promised settlers.

“I am President Flowercard of Kalimea. We are entering Mars orbit and request landing guidance.”

He transmitted proudly toward the red planet.

A reply came swiftly:

“Flowercard, we know who you are.

On Mars, we have no place for those who bomb other nations, spread chaos among their own people, and call it leadership.

Approach any closer, and your ship will face the first hellfire in space.

Turn back to Earth—now.”

What happened next is left to imagination.

But after Flowercard’s departure, Kalimea became a leader in climate reform, and Earth’s weather slowly stabilized—or so they say.

Perhaps, after all, living wisely on a troubled Earth is better than fleeing to a perfect Mars.

Theme: The joy of making others happy - that’s the goal

After school, in the classroom, Minako let out a sigh while looking into the “ReFa mirror” spread out on her desk.

“Today’s stream just didn’t really get going…”

Then Sayaka, who’s always on top of trends, rushed over.
“Minako, aren’t you always thinking too much about just having fun yourself?”
“Huh, you think so…?”
Sayaka held up her phone. On the screen were fan art posts of The Angel Next Door Season 2, a spring anime that’s been getting lots of attention.
“This show is blowing up overseas too, but the fans are creating this vibe where everyone can enjoy it together. That’s what’s helping it spread.”
Then Kenta showed up, carrying a convenience store bag.
“Here. These are the new Bonbon Drop stickers. If you use them on your stream, they’ll definitely get a reaction.”
“Wow, they’re cute! But… how can I use them in a way that makes everyone happy?”
Yuki joined in too, and soon the desk was covered with stickers and little accessories.
“Senpai, how about letting the viewers choose which sticker to use during today’s stream? Interactive streams are fun!”
Minako’s expression brightened all at once.
“Oh, I get it… It’s about how when there are people who enjoy it, I enjoy it too.”
That night, during the stream:
“Tonight, I’m going to change up my makeup using the stickers everyone chose for me!”
The comment section lit up at once, and a chain of smiles spread.
After the stream, Minako quietly murmured:
“‘The joy of making others happy - that’s the goal’… Yeah, I think I’ll make that my new motto.”

Glossary
・ReFa mirror
A popular item from the beauty brand ReFa. It comes with an LED light and is also popular among streamers.
・Bonbon Drop stickers
Colorful, three-dimensional “Instagrammable” stickers that are trendy among young people for decorating smartphones.
・The Angel Next Door 2
A fictional Japanese anime. It is set up as a visually appealing title that could easily become popular overseas through social media.
・Interactive streaming
A streaming style in which viewers take part in the show by choosing options or voting. It is popular among younger audiences.
・Go viral
To suddenly become very popular and widely talked about on social media. A common piece of internet slang among younger people.

Song of Killerds

 Song of Killerds

Theme line: I’ll turn my own excitement into “I can do it” and make my dreams come true.

 Theme line: I’ll turn my own excitement into “I can do it” and make my dreams come true.

Short Story (English)
After-school classroom. Minako was fidgeting in her seat, staring at the open notebook on her desk.

“You’re finally filming your dance video today, right?” Yuki asked.

“Yeah. I’m kinda nervous…but also super excited,” Minako said with a smile.

Kenta held out his phone. “Check this out. This MV that’s blowing up right now is totally ‘kami-emo’. Might be good reference for your shots.”

“Kami-emo?!” Minako’s eyes went wide.

“It’s like the ultimate level of emo,” Kenta said proudly.

Just then, their trend-savvy classmate Sayaka rushed in.

“Hey, Minako! Your outfit today is totally ‘trend-mori’! If you’re shooting, this look is a total win!”

“R-really…?”

Not used to compliments, Minako blushed a little.

At that moment, the classroom door slid open and their new homeroom teacher, Ms. Hanamura—famous for trying to please everyone—peeked in.

“Wow, you’re all so full of energy even after school. Oh, by the way, the vice-principal is stuck in a ‘work-style reform’ meeting, so the staff room’s extra quiet.”

(All three of them thought the same thing at once: Poor vice-principal, still stuck in corporate-slave mode…)

Ms. Hanamura leaned over to look at Minako’s notebook.

“So you’re getting ready to chase your dream. That’s wonderful. Feeling excited like this is basically a ‘oshi memo’ you’re writing for your future self.”

“An oshi memo?”

“It’s a memo where you write down the things you believe you’re capable of. Keep stacking them up, and your dreams will definitely come true.”

Those words gave Minako a gentle push forward, and she took a deep breath.

“Okay, let’s do this. I’m going to believe that I can.”

Yuki grinned. “That attitude is seriously agaru!”

In the sunset-colored classroom, someone tapped the record button on the phone’s screen. Minako’s first step shone softly.

“I’ll turn my own excitement into ‘I can do it’ and make my dreams come true.”

Glossary (for English readers)
kami-emo: Slang meaning “god-level emo”; when something hits you right in the feels in an intense, unforgettable way.

trend-mori: A fashion look loaded up with the latest trendy items; an outfit that’s “packed with trends.”

oshi memo: A “memo for your fave” turned inward: notes where you record what you love and what you want to work hard at, for your future self to look back on.

agaru: To get hyped or have your mood boosted; “That really pumps me up.”

buzz / buzzing: When something suddenly becomes a hot topic on social media and spreads fast.

Theme: What really matters between people — is the time we share.

 Theme: What really matters between people — is the time we share.

Story

“Hey Kenta, wanna hit the café by the station after school today?”
Minako leaned toward Kenta, who was glued to his game console. Her bright, sparkling eyes peeked over at his screen.
“I’ve been dying to try the new açai bowl they just launched!”
Kenta finally tore his eyes away from his RPG, Genshin Impact, and looked at her.
“The açai bowl sounds nice, but seriously, Minako—your look today is on point. You walk into that café looking like that, and someone might scout you again!”
Minako giggled softly.
“Oh, stop it, Kenta! But hey, I’ll take the compliment. You know me—gotta keep things idol-ready at all times!”
She struck a quick pose, and Kenta turned back to his screen with a faint blush.
“Well, sure, a café sounds good once in a while. Still, you’re always so full of energy, Minako. Me? My brain’s packed with eFootball 24/7.”
Sitting behind them, their underclassman Yuuki suddenly perked up and took out his phone.
“Wait, Minako-senpai, isn’t that outfit inspired by B-Komachi’s ‘lulu.’?”
Yuuki was deep into his B-Komachi fandom and started excitedly ranting.
“That song’s the opening theme for season 3 of Oshi no Ko! It’s such a banger!”
Minako smiled and nodded.
“Yep, that’s the one! You’ve got good taste, Yuuki. I always feel super energized when I listen to it.”
Kenta looked a little overwhelmed by their enthusiasm.
“You two never change, huh? But, honestly… it’s kinda cool—to be that into something.”
Yuuki’s eyes gleamed.
“Totally! Having an oshi gives you the strength to face every day. Oshi-katsu is seriously the best, it’s so wholesome!”
Minako lightly tapped Kenta’s arm.
“See? You get it too, don’t you? When you’re gaming, you focus so hard the rest of the world disappears. That’s precious time, in its own way.
What matters between people is spending time—sharing moments, doing what we love. Whether we’re together or doing our own thing.”
Kenta looked up at both Minako and Yuuki. A moment ago, his mind had been buried in the game world—but now, he could see how warm and real his friends were. Their conversation, built from what they loved, felt like something that would go on forever.

Glossary

Açai Bowl — A smoothie-style dish made from blended açai berries, topped with granola and fruit. Popular among health-conscious folks.

“Today’s look is good” (今日のビジュいい) — A compliment meaning “You look great today”; “ビジュ” is short for “visual.”

“Meroi” (メロい) — A cute slang meaning “so adorable it makes your heart melt.” Used when someone or something is irresistibly charming.

eFootball — The revamped version of the Winning Eleven soccer game series. Players build teams with real-life athletes and compete globally.

“lulu.” — A fictional song by the idol group B-Komachi from the hit anime Oshi no Ko, loved by fans across the world.

“Teetee” (てぇてぇ) — Slang derived from “尊い” (toutoi, meaning “precious” or “wholesome”). Fans use it to describe something heartwarming or emotionally pure, especially in fandom culture.