Nightlife
1. "Want To Do Something Fun"
Episode 1: "I Want To Do Something Fun"
INT. Akemi's Room - NIGHT, 1:20 A.M.
Tangled in her blanket comfortably lying on her bed with lights off, Akemi is on her phone watching a concert on STARStream video by her favorite idol girl group 'NxG1RLS'.
As she scrolls videos on STARStream, she comes across a video titled "RYU Haru of NxG1RLS has posted a really sweet photo of her with her group mates! Read here what she captioned..."
Akemi
NxG1RLS is one of my favorite girl groups! I enjoy watching them so much that I spend most nights watching their videos on YouTube and StarLive, a live-streaming space for idols and the like.
Akemi
I should check out Ryu Haru's, a member of NxG1RLS, Instagram and see what she has posted.
Akemi
I guess I'm a little sleepy...
Akemi
...but I won't sleep!
Akemi
I've been practicing staying up late nights for the past 17 days!
Akemi switches to Instagram, searching for the photo when she receives an call from her friend, Suzue.
Akemi
Hmh ~ Suzue at this time at night.
Akemi was shock scared by Suzue's loud scream.
Akemi
What's up with you, Suzue?
Akemi
First you crashed my important work and now you're screaming my name at the top of your lungs?
Suzue, Akemi's childhood friend and classmate. She can be sometimes teasing and playful, but she is also a mysterious strong-willed girl.
Suzue
Important work? What was that again? Stalking NxG1RLS members because you don't want to sleep?
Suzue bursts into laughing.
Akemi, embarrassed, cuts the phone.
Akemi
Stupid Suzue! She doesn't understand...
Akemi
This is THE time for teenagers like me to finally rebel against the systems laid by... NO! forced upon us by our parents. Yeah!
Akemi
I'm only (~ yawn)...
Akemi
only (~yawn)... trying to make my life more exciting.
Akemi
I am a person who sleeps timely and wakes up early.
Akemi
I get pretty anxious after a certain time has passed, because I'm used to sleeping at a particular time.
Akemi
I don't like the way I am though. That's why I'm trying to change myself before I lose the nightlife of my youth!
Akemi
But Suzue was making fun of me just now. It kind of hurt my feelings if I'm being honest...
Akemi
Nah, who am I kidding? I could never be angry at my friend! ^^
Akemi
Come to think of it, Suzue hasn't called me back yet.
Akemi
Did I accidentally block her out of anger? No, I don't remember doing such a thing.
Akemi
Huh? ~ Who's calling? Oh, Suzue! Why didn't you call me back-
Suzue
Oh, sorry! hahaha ~ I was busy telling others about your recent late-night girl groups stalking obsession.
Akemi
No, calm down ~ calm down ~ I must not let this be the reason for the end of our friendship.
Suzue is lying on her bed with several laptops open each playing a different form of entertainment.
Suzue
By the way, Akemi. For what I called you...
Suzue talks in a slightly serious tone.
Suzue
Akemi, lately I've been feeling kind of down after watching an anime series.
Suzue gets up, pauses her laptop, and talks to Akemi.
Suzue
I don't know how to put this... but... I'm starting to feel like I won't have this time now forever.
Suzue
I'm... kind of scared...
Suzue
Sorry, I know I don't make much sense.
Akemi is confused but surprised by her friend's abrupt revelation.
But somewhere Akemi understands and also empathizes with Suzue's feelings.
Akemi
I think I can more or less understand how you are feeling right now.
Akemi
I mean, that's the reason I've started to stay up late into the night lately.
Akemi gets cheerful again.
Akemi
I get pretty sleepy (~yawn)... but I don't want to.
Akemi continues to yawn because even though she has been practicing staying up late nights she hasn't been able to go past two.
Habits can only form so fast... however and whatever she tries, she always ends up sleeping.
Akemi
I want to stay up late.
Akemi
I want to live more.
Akemi
I want to have more time to myself.
Suzue feels comforted to have a friend who feels the same as her.
Suzue
Akemi, I called to say just that.
Suzue
I've been thinking what I want to do,
Suzue
How I can be more productive with my limited time.
Suzue
I have decided. I want to do something fun.
2. Late Night Conversation
Episode 2: Late Night Conversation
Suzue
Akemi, I've decided I want to do something fun.
Suzue
So I've decided I'll start going outdoors more... spend time outside at night, too.
Akemi is surprised at the mention of spending time outdoors at night.
Akemi
You're going to spend time out at night? How? Wouldn't it be unsafe?
Akemi
And your parents? What about them? Would your parents allow, Suzue?
Suzue
Akemi, have you forgotten my parents don't stay at home?
Suzue
They have to go out often for work.
Akemi
Oops ~ sorry! I forgot for a moment there.
Akemi
Your parents work overseas often.
Akemi
Your father is a globally famous architect, and your mom is a respected notable lawyer.
Akemi
So you most of the time live alone by yourself.
Akemi
Thanks to that you've also grown very self-sufficient!
Akemi
Nobody can look at you and tell YOU are that Suzue who had cracked an egg on their father's workmate's bald head because it looked like an "egg".
Suzue is clearly embarrassed.
Suzue
AKEMI! You don't have to bring that up now. That's embarrassing!
Akemi
But still! What if they realize you aren't at home at night?
Akemi
They'd be worried, right?
Suzue
Hmh ~ Akemi, let me tell you a family secret... which has become more of a tradition now.
Suzue
Yeah, but that's not something they told me themselves though!
Suzue
You see... In the past, my parents used to stay out late, too, when they were my age.
Suzue
Four days ago I came across a photo album while searching for a pen in my parent's room.
Suzue
I've seen that album before or so I thought.
Suzue
I felt a little nostalgic upon remembering my childhood days, so I decided to look at the photos again.
Akemi
Huh? Your childhood album? Aww ~ Am I there? I'm there, right?
Suzue
That's when I saw the half part of the album was filled with the photos of my parents' childhood life, too.
Akemi
Hey! I am there, right? I must be! I was in your childhood memory too!
Akemi
Huh? Your parents' childhood photos?
Akemi
Aww ~ I guess they wanted to keep all your memories together in one place, heh.
Suzue
Or maybe they didn't want me to see their dark past because they knew at least I'd never look back at my childhood photos!
Suzue
What better place could there have been to hide these?
Akemi
Hey ~ hey ~ Suzue, you're growing quite suspicious of your parents.
Suzue
Oh, well, anyone would! ...if they saw what I saw!
Suzue's aware she has caught the attention of her friend.
Akemi
Tell me ~ Tell me! Tell Akemi all this "dark past" of your parents, Suzue.
Akemi
I'm totally not curious. I just feel like lending a shoulder to my childhood friend to relieve her stress.
Akemi is determined not to show her curiosity, since it is rude and doesn't want to hurt her feelings.
Suzue
I saw their pictures from my age... they were all hanging out at various places...
Suzue
At night! Yeah, at nighttime!
Suzue
Can you believe this, Akemi?!
Akemi realizes what a fool she was to believe Suzue.
Suzue makes fun of Akemi as she laughs.
Suzue
Ha ha ha ~ DARK PAST!
Akemi
What do I do with this girl?
Suzue wipes off her tears of laugh and gets serious.
Akemi
Hey, Suzue, you said your parents used to hangout at night, right?
Suzue
Yeah, that's where I got the idea to enjoy my time, too.
Akemi
That's amazing! I never knew your parents were this daring even though I was always at your home as a child.
Suzue
But it's not like they were ever strict on me, though.
Akemi
Yeah ~ lucky, Suzue.
Akemi
You are in fact spoiled!
Suzue
Wh-What? Why do you think that way?
Akemi
That's because, Suzue, you have all the freedom in the world! ...Unlike somebody very close to you.
Suzue
Y-yeah! Maybe you're right.
Suzue
Akemi... going to sleep early does not mean you have no freedom, if you ask me.
Suzue
It's not like your parents tell you to go to bed early.
Suzue
It's YOU who can't keep her eyes opened!
Akemi
...WHAT? Are you making fun of me, Suzue?
Akemi
It's my parents' fault that I go to sleep this early, right? They made this a habit of mine!
Suzue
How about we do something fun together at night starting tomorrow?
Akemi
Something fun together?
Akemi
You mean hangout at night?
Suzue
You need to take permission first. Though, I could hangout if I want ~ heh!
Suzue
Hmph, well I have all the freedom in the world after all.
Akemi
You think your parents would let you out because THEY used to when they were young?
Suzue
Why not? I'm their child after all!
Akemi
Don't assume beforehand!
Akemi
I'm going to pray everyday starting now!
Akemi
"Suzue is grounded! Suzue is grounded! Suzue is grounded!"
Suzue
Hey! That's terrible of you.
Akemi
Oh, well. I'm a little petty. Can you blame me?
Akemi
If I can't hangout at night, I won't let my friend live her time, either!
Suzue
What's up with that villainous thinking?
Akemi
Yeah, yeah (~ yaawn)
Akemi stretches her body as she yawns.
Akemi
I am really sleepy now.
Suzue
What's the time? I didn't see the time, too.
Suzue checks the time; meanwhile, Akemi is already half asleep.
Suzue
Oh! It's almost 3 A.M.
Suzue
Wow, Akemi, this may as well be your first night going past 2.
Suzue
You've hit a milestone, Akemi!
Akemi
~ yaa, mhmmm... mhm.
Suzue
Akemi? you're already asleep?
Akemi
Suzue, I'm happy we talked. It was a new experience for me...
Akemi
To have spend the night talking with a close friend.
Suzue
Is that so? Now you can cross that off of your list then!
Akemi
Yeah, I can. I'm going to (~ mhmm) check that off of my list tomorrow.
Suzue
Oh, you really do have a list?
Suzue ends the call with a smile.
3. "I'll See You Off"
Episode 3: "I'll See You Off"
INT. Akemi's Room - DAY, 4 A.M.
Akemi is deeply asleep, suddenly when...
The alarm clock has no effect on Akemi's sleep as she is soundly asleep.
Akemi turns to her left and covers her ear with a pillow.
Akemi turns to her face facing the ceiling as her hand carelessly hangs out of the bed with her blanket all wrapped up all over herself.
Akemi
I'm sleepy... very... sleepy.
Akemi struggles to open her eyes.
Akemi
I can't open my eyes.
Akemi
Somebody stop this alarm.
Akemi tries to turn the alarm off by stretching her arms on her left on the bedside table where the clock is.
Akemi
~ Ah! Where is the clock?
Failing to turn off the clock, Akemi is frustrated.
Akemi somehow manages to sit up and turn off the alarm.
Akemi
~ Ahh, my eyes are burning!
Akemi
I can't open my eyes...
Akemi
I want to sleep more...
Akemi stretches her arms and legs. Still unable to properly open her eyes.
Akemi
Aah, this is so baaaad.
Akemi
I guess I have no choice than to get up.
Akemi
On the count of three!
Akemi manages to stand up and get out of the bed successfully.
Akemi
~ Aah, is this how i am punished for getting 1 hour worth of sleep?
Akemi stares outside the window of her room with her eyes half closed.
Akemi
~ hmh, it's still dark outside. That means it's still night now.
Akemi quickly falls over on the floor, curls up her body, and falls asleep... successfully.
A knock is heard on the door, but Akemi is sound asleep... on the floor.
Ayane
Akemi, time to wake up.
Ayane is Akemi's twin "big" sister who is older by 6 minutes.
Ayane opens the door to a sleepy sloth on the floor.
Ayane
~ Huh, you're still asleep?
Ayane goes to wake Akemi up.
Ayane
What are you? A sloth?
Ayane pulls Akemi by the back of her collar.
Akemi
~ Aah, Ayane! I heard you! Stop pulling me like that!
Ayane
You really did? Somehow I can't believe you.
Ayane lets go of Akemi's collar and drops her.
Akemi
I didn't mean like that!
Ayane goes over to Akemi's wardrobe, takes out Akemi's school uniform, and gently throws over at her.
Ayane
Get charged into your uniform quickly.
Akemi
~ Aanh! But it's so dark outside!
Ayane
Because it's 4! Go get changed.
Akemi
4?! Why am I awake at 4?
Akemi
~ Aanh! Why? This is too early!
Akemi
Nah, I don't want to!
Akemi whines like a child.
Akemi goes over to Akemi and pulls her up again holding her from the back so that Akemi cannot go back to sleeping again.
Akemi
~ Aanh! Meanie, let me sleep!
Ayane
No! Just go get changed quickly!
Ayane
You have to go to school.
Two sisters are at their daily routine again.
Akemi
~ Ah! Let me sleep. I'll skip school today.
Ayane
Just when did you go to sleep that you're THIS tired today?
Akemi
It's just that I feel extra sleepy today... yeah!
Akemi
Don't people feel sleepier than usual on certain days?
Ayane
I see. And today happens to be that "certain" day?
Ayane
How late were you up until last night?
Ayane
AT 3? No wonder you want to skip school today.
Ayane
You only slept for around an hour today.
Ayane
You've definitely hit a milestone in your painful effort to not sleep for the past 17 days.
Akemi tears up a little with a smile on her face.
Akemi
Hehe, Ayane recognizes AND appreciates my effort!
Ayane
Let me tell mama what you've been doing these past nights not sleeping on time and waking up late.
Akemi
(~ HAHH?) ~ BIG SISTER!
Ayane
Not if you get changed quickly and go to school. Then I don't have to.
Akemi
I'm on my way to the bathroom!
Akemi
I'll brush. I'll shower. I'll get changed. I'll eat breakfast. I'll-
Ayane
As long as you do it.
Akemi heads over to the bathroom when she notices Ayane is clothed as if she's going on a vacation.
Akemi
You're dressed like that? Aren't you going to school?
Ayane
This? Yeah, I'm going to ride to the beach today.
Akemi
Going on a solo trip again?
Ayane
Hehe, yeah. Yesterday evening I felt like touring somewhere.
Ayane
I haven't in days after all.
Akemi
~ Ha! Are you going alone this time, too?
Ayane
Only halfway, though. From the Akinaba street, I'm going to meet Mikan and we're going to go together.
Akemi
Mikan is your close friend, right?
Akemi
She's the only girl you go out with, that's if you do take someone with you. Or you mostly go by yourself.
Ayane
I enjoy being by myself; Moreover, Mikan didn't know I often went out on a trip by myself.
Ayane
She found out I went on trips by her uncle.
Akemi
Her uncle... of all people?
Ayane
When I went on a trip to Isuyama last week, I couldn't find a nice hotel since it's outside the city.
Ayane
The sea view is amazing, though, but there are still not many hotels build in proper areas yet.
Ayane
I came across a campsite on Goosearch that captured the view of the sea beautifully.
Ayane
So I decided to stop by there for the night.
Ayane
The owner and the person in charge of the campsite was Mikan's uncle.
Akemi
~ Oh! That's a coincidence!
Ayane
That's how Mikan knew about my solo trip adventures, and I also got to know that she often went by herself too, though, she did get bored by herself.
Ayane
I do get her. It can get boring alone sometimes. Though I'm happy alone, too.
Akemi
A natural introvert, huh?
Ayane
So I offered her to come with me on the trips, and she accepted.
Akemi
So you two decided to go somewhere this early in the morning?
Ayane
I wanted to see you off before you go to school.
Akemi
~ Aww! (~ hugs Ayane)
Akemi
Sweet, sweet Ayane! ^^
Akemi
WAIT! Is that why you set the alarm at 4?
Ayane
Yeah! You better appreciate my gesture. ^^
Akemi
YOU TOOK 1 HOUR AWAY FROM MY SLEEP TIME!
Ayane
Weren't you practicing to stay awake during the night?
Akemi
BUT STILL! Today of all days! Unforgivable!
Akemi
Well, I'll see if I can forgive you.
Ayane
Please look forward to it!
Ayane
It's 4:34 now. You should get changed. I'll send you off to school today.
Akemi
Hey, Ayane. You're a really dependable and mature person.
Ayane
Far more than you are.
Akemi
You're the only one who's allowed to go out by herself any time she wants even though you're my twin!
Akemi
Unfair! Unfair! Unfair!
Ayane
Ah ~ But that's because our parents trust me with outdoors more.
Ayane
I AM autonomous and dependable after all.
Akemi
Then WHAT DO I DO to be more "dependable" and "autonomous"?
Ayane
What can you do, huh? ~
Akemi
Yeah, yeah! Say it to me quick!
Ayane
Hmh, let's see. What can Akemi do?
As Ayane pretends to think of a thoughtful advice, she casually walks to and opens the door.
Ayane
I don't think your situation can be helped! ~ haha.
Akemi
My situation can't be helped?
Akemi looks a little upset.
Akemi
Then nothing can be done...
Ayane looks slightly concerned since she was only trying to pull her sister's leg.
Akemi heads to the bathroom.
Akemi
Hmh, I'm just a terrible person.
Akemi murmurs to herself.
Akemi
I can't keep awake at night.
Akemi
I am not allowed to go anywhere unlike Ayane either.
Akemi
I want to go on little trips by myself, too, like Ayane!
Akemi
I want our parents to trust me to let me be by myself, too!
Akemi
From today onwards I'm going to try become more dependable and autonomous! Yes!
Akemi
YA WOO! I AM GOING TO BECOME AS INDEPENDENT AS AYANE, AND MAKE OUR PARENTS TRUST ME, TOO!
Akemi shouts out of strong determination.
Akemi finally gets changed and heads over to the dining table to have breakfast.
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