Stand by Me - Chapter 1

 *translated using various jp dictionaries, mistakes may be made ^^"


~ Location: Park ~

Ren: (Today's practice was fun too...)

Ren: (It's always fun to work together to complete a song. It's more than I could ever think of on my own)

Ren: I want to hurry and sing in a performance soon...

Yuuto: Oh, you're getting really motivated, Ren. After all, as the live gets closer, you get more excited, right?

Ren: Ah...did I say that out loud?

Wataru: It's good to be motivated but we still need to practice. I wish we had a little more time today, so I could've filled in the new songs

Yuuto: You could've extended it, couldn't you?

Banri: The studio fee from Tagata is high isn't it? We can talk about arrangements at home, but we can't waste money

Rio: Then, after this we'll have a review meeting as usual?

Banri: That's right. For now, on that bench around the corner-

Child A: Hey, big bro! What's in that case?!

Yuuto: Uwa, you surprised me! What, it's just a neighborhood kid?

Child A: Heeey, what's in the bag?!

Yuuto: This one has...my precious guitar in it. It's super cool! You wanna see it?

Child A: Really? Show me, show me!

Child B: What is it, what is it? What are you looking at? I want to see it too!

Child C: Me too!!

Ren: Children came from here and there...

Wataru: Yuu is getting carried away...

Child B: ...Wow! I've seen this one on TV before! Big bros, could it be that you're famous celebrities?!

Yuuto: No, not yet, but...I'm planning on becoming very, very famous with the band now!

Child A: A band is a group of people who play instruments, right?! Cool!!

Child C: Hey hey, does that onii-chan have a guitar too? What's in the case that onii-chan is holding?!

Banri: I don't think they're gonna let me go for a while. It's not much of a review meeting...

Yuuto: It can't be helped if this happens. Alright, everyone! Your big brothers will play with you!

Child A: Oh~ yay!!

Wataru: *sigh* ...this stupid leader is...

*a few hours later*

Ren: (Everyone's...amazing. They've never met these kids before, but they're playing with them properly)

Ren: (Yuuto is...bragging about his guitar? The kids seem like they're a little bored)

Ren: (On that bench over there is...Wataru. It looks like he's doing that kid's homework for him)

Ren: (Rio is playing a game of catchball...if you throw it that seriously, it'll scare the kids)

Ren: (Huh? Banri is...ah, he's giving out flyers to the mothers and doing business...that's just like him)

Ren: (It looks like they're having fun. Everyone and the kids...)

Ren: Ah...

Child A: Nii-chan, the ball is too fast! There's no way I can catch it!

Ren: Hey, you

Child A: What? Do you want to play catch too?

Ren: No...there's a kid playing alone over there, right? Doesn't he play with you?

Child A: Aah, he's always alone. He says he won't play even if I invite him

Ren: Is that so...

Child A: It's more interesting to play with everyone, he's a weird guy

Ren: ......

Child A: Then, I'm going! ...Nii-chan, you should throw the ball slower!

Ren: (Do they like being alone? If so then it's fine but...)

Ren: But, that kid's face...looks so lonely...

---

Stand by Me: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

Stand by Me - Chapter 2

 *translated using various jp dictionaries, mistakes may be made ^^"


~ Location: Park ~

Wataru: (sigh) ...we didn't get to do the review meeting at all

Yuuto: Isn't it okay to have a change of pace once in a while? Maybe the kids will even become future fans!

Banri: Well, I was able to do some business with the moms. They said they'd bring their kids to our next outdoor live

Rio: It's not bad to throw the ball once in a while...

Yuuto: Well, I guess we'll do the review meeting at home!

Ren: ...I'm going to stay in the park for a bit longer. I'm a little concerned about something

Yuuto: Did something happen?

Ren: No, it's okay. It's not a big deal. I'll be back soon

Yuuto: Alright. Then, we'll see you later!

Ren: (That kid from earlier is still playing by himself even though it's getting dark...I wonder if he's okay...)

Ren: ...ah

Boy: ...eh?

Ren: Ah, that...keychain on your bag, it's from "Chou Muchuu Sentai Star Five" right?

Boy: That's right...but...

Ren: ...Do you like that tokusatsu?

Boy: ...Yeah

Ren: Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to talk to you so suddenly. That...I like Star Five too...

Boy: ...Really?

Ren: Yeah. I've watched all of them, the TV series and the movie version. And the new series that just started!

Boy: ...Me too! I look forward to it every week!

Boy: It was amazing the other day...! Red was in a pinch, and Vandorion MK2...

Ren: That combination scene was super heated, wasn't it...?! That was the reverse of the climax of the first series, and it was one of the most-

*about two hours later*

Boy: Fuu...I think this is the first time I've talked about Star Five this much...!

Ren: Do you always play here?

Boy: Yeah. Onii-chan, do you come here often too?

Ren: Yeah. I just moved here recently

Boy: Moving...so you too

Ren: Did you just move here too?

Boy: Yeah

Ren: (I see, that's why he's alone...)

Ren: Did you make any friends here...?

Boy: No. But, it's okay

Boy: I'm going to move away for my dad's job soon anyway, so...I won't make any friends

Ren: ...You're not lonely?

Boy: I'm fine. Because...it's better that way

Ren: ......

~ Location: Argonavis' Share House ~

Yuuto: You're late, Ren. Did something happen at the park?

Ren: Yeah...hey, can you guys listen?

Banri: What what? What's wrong?

Ren: I...have someone I want to convey my words to. I want to have the power to say something that'll help the child...that's why...

Rio: ...That's why?

Ren: At the next outdoor live...for that child...I want to make a song...!

---

Stand by Me: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

Stand by Me - Chapter 3

 *translated using various jp dictionaries, mistakes may be made ^^"


~ Location: Argonavis' Share House ~

Ren: When you guys were playing with the kids at the park, there was a boy playing by himself

Rio: Ah...now that you mention it, I remember seeing him in the corner

Ren: Yeah. I found out that the boy seems to be moving around a lot because of his parents' work

Ren: He says that he doesn't make friends because he's going to leave them soon and that it's better that way

Ren: I...it kind of reminded me of myself in the past

Yuuto: ...you used to sing alone in the past too

Ren: I wanted to say something to him, but...I couldn't find the words to say right then and there

Ren: But...I thought of reaching out to him with a song if possible. I want to cheer that boy up

Ren: That's why I...want to sing a song for that boy at the upcoming outdoor live. I know it's selfish of me, but I want everyone to help too

Yuuto: I see...that's just like you. But we don't have a lot of time before the live, so we can't just start writing new songs, you know?

Ren: Yes...that's true...

Banri: Well, we happen to have a new song with arrangements and lyrics that are still unfinished

Ren: ...eh?

Yuuto: Hmhm...for example, is it hard to arrange that into a song style that a child might like, Rio?

Rio: Not really. If you can find a tokusatsu or anime theme song to refer to it'd be helpful

Ren: ...I understand! We've talked a lot about our favorite theme songs!

Yuuto: Alright! Now we just need the lyrics! Wataru, if you were to incorporate the image of Ren into the lyrics now-

Wataru: Hold on a minute, Yuu! Everyone, wait!

Wataru: ...Well, I know how you feel, Ren. I'd like to do something for that boy too

Wataru: But you know, we can't change his home environment, right?

Wataru: It might cheer him up in the moment, but it may also end up making him feel more lonely in the future

Wataru: Are you okay with that? Isn't that just a temporary solution? Isn't it just...your own self satisfaction?

Ren: That is...

Banri: Wataru-kun, you don't have to say it like that

Wataru: I'm sorry if I sounded harsh. I just...don't think it's right to put too much effort into it

Ren: ...It's okay, I don't mind. Besides, I understand what Wataru is saying

Ren: I'll think about it...for a bit

~ Location: Park ~

Banri: The park is kind of quiet today. It looks like the kids from the other day haven't come either

Ren: (...I wonder if that boy is coming too)

Rio: Nanahoshi, isn't the boy you talked about last time over there?

Ren: Ah, it's true...he's right there

Boy: Ah, it's Star Five onii-chan!

Ren: Hello. You're here

Boy: Dad, this is the onii-chan I talked to! We talked a lot about Star Five at the park the other day!

Father: Aah, so it's you. My son told me about you. I'm sorry, it seems like you had to play along

Yuuto: No no, it's our pleasure! Ren was happy that he was able to have so many interesting conversations!

Ren: S-Stop it, Yuuto...um, are you playing with your dad today?

Father: Yes, I happen to have the day off from work

Boy: That's right! Tomorrow too! Hey, let's come to the park tomorrow too!

Father: Sorry, dad has to go to the government office for a while tomorrow

Boy: Government office...?

Father: It was suddenly decided yesterday but...we'll move again next month. I'm going to cause you a lot of trouble again

Boy: Eh...

Ren: Eh...?

---

Stand by Me: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 |  Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

Stand by Me - Chapter 4

 *translated using various jp dictionaries, mistakes may be made ^^"


~ Location: Park ~

Boy: ...I see, but it...can't be helped. It's work after all

Father: I'm sorry. You've made friends with this onii-chan, and now we're going to have to move again soon

Boy: ...it's okay! Because, you know, we've only just met, and we haven't really...gotten to know each other that well to be friends

Ren: ...That's not true! Don't say that!

Boy: Eh...

Yuuto: Ren, your voice is suddenly so loud

Ren: We talked a lot about Star Five together, didn't we?! You laughed a lot didn't you?!

Ren: To pretend that this never happened...you can't do that!

Boy: Onii-chan...

Ren: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to speak so loudly but...I want you to listen to me

Ren: ...I also used to think that I didn't need any friends. It was fine being alone, being able to watch my favorite things and sing my favorite songs by myself

Ren: But...then I met everyone here, and we started the band, and a lot...a lot really happened

Ren: Then, before I knew it...I wasn't alone anymore...um, and then, I came to Tokyo with everyone...and...

Banri: ...Oh boy, Ren-kun is about to freeze up

Rio: That's because he gave a sudden speech unprepared

Ren: Um...that's why, I...

Yuuto: Yes, that's enough!

Ren: Yuuto...but, I'm still...

Yuuto: You can continue next time on the stage at our upcoming outdoor live! So, how is it?

Ren: Eh?

Boy: Outdoor live?

Yuuto: Yeah! We're going to have a live on a nearby outdoor stage next time! It's at the end of this month...you won't be moving by then, right?

Wataru: (sigh) ...so that's what it is...

Ren: ...What do you mean?

Wataru: We're gonna do it, that new song...completed with your words

Ren: ......!

Yuuto: As expected of Wataru! You made a good move!

Wataru: Really, you're always deciding these things on your own... *sigh* ...I got it, I'll follow up on the lyrics

Wataru: But you know, Ren. I won't let you use these lyrics as a temporary encouragement

Ren: Yeah...I know! Thank you, Wataru!

Father: U-Um, that's a good conversation going on...

Banri: Sorry, these guys got all excited on their own

Banri: In short, we'd like to invite you both to our outdoor live at the end of the month

Father: Outdoor live...at the end of the month, I'm sure we can go since I won't be too busy yet...

Father: What do you want to do? Do you want to go?

Boy: I...

*the day of the outdoor live*

Yuuto: How's the crowd?

Banri: There are a lot of people here. It looks like some of the kids who we played with at the park are here with their mothers

Rio: Nanahoshi, is the boy you were worried about coming?

Banri: I wonder...if he's in the back, it's hard to tell from here

Ren: It's alright. They're here, I know they're here.

Ren: If he's not here, it'll surely reach him. I'll make it reach him

Wataru: Hmm~ You seem pretty confident. This kind of Ren is rare

Ren: ...Don't tease me (>///<)

Yuuto: Alright, it's time! Let's go!!

---

Stand by Me: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

Stand by Me - Chapter 5

 *translated using various jp dictionaries, mistakes may be made ^^"


~ Location: Outdoor Live Venue ~

Yuuto: Are you guys having fun?! Then, next is a new song! Ren, please introduce the song!

Ren: Ah, yeah, um...this song was written by all the members for a little friend who will be leaving us soon!

Ren: But, as I was writing it...I think this song became a song for more people

Ren: Among them...there is me. I was so afraid of losing something that I didn't reach out to others and I was alone for a long time

Ren: I hope this song will remain in those people's hearts and help them move forward, no matter where they are

Ren: "Stand by Me!"

~ Location: Outdoor Live Venue Audience Seat ~

Father: Those people, they're amazing

Boy: Yeah! And that song...it was so cool! I've never heard that song before, but it made me jump around a lot!

Boy: (...it was really cool. Like the theme song of an anime, it was a song that gave me some courage)

Boy: (It's a bit like the theme song for Star Five...huh?)

Boy: I don't have my keychain on my bag...I guess it came off when I was jumping around

Child A: ...Hey, is this...yours? I found it down here

Boy: Eh? Ah, yeah...thank you. For picking it up

Child A: ...This is Star Five right? You like it?

Boy: Eh...? Y-Yeah. Do you...know about it?

Child A: ...Seriously?!

Child A: I've never met anyone around my age who likes Star Five except for me!

Boy: Eh...?!

Child A: What the heck! If I'd known that, I would've talked to you more properly!

Child A: Hey hey! There's some of my Star Five goods on that bike over there! You wanna come check it out?

Boy: B-But...

Father: You should go. I'll pick you up later

Boy: ...Yeah!

~ Location: Outdoor Live Music Venue ~

Banri: Today's audience was a very different customer base, but I'm glad everyone got excited

Yuuto: That's right! And the response to the new song was great! Hey, aren't you glad you made it, Wataru?!

Wataru: It's an afterthought but...well, I've learned that it's important to have a setlist that matches the audience

Rio: ...Nanahoshi, isn't that the boy from the other day in the bicycle parking lot over there?

Ren: Eh? Ah, it's true...it looks like he's with someone

Boy: Ah, onii-chan! Hey, come here, come here!

Ren: ...You came to see it

Boy: Yeah, it was really cool! But...I'm sorry. I didn't watch it all the way through

Ren: Eh...why?

Child A: Oh, so this is the nii-chan of the band you were talking about, the one that likes Star Five!

Boy: Yes yes, he knows so much!

Child A: Ho~ Well, then you can see the value of these goods!

Ren: This is...the initial batch of Star Five cards!! I've never seen anything this valuable before...ah! This one is-

Banri: ...it looks like he's starting to get excited

Wataru: It's fine, isn't it? It looks like he's having fun

Boy: Ah, that's right! We just created a Star Five contact group, would you like to join?

Ren: ...it's okay with you?

Boy: Of course! This way, we can always talk even if we're apart!

Ren: I see...yeah. Then, I'm looking forward to it!

Ren: (There's very little I can do for this boy. I don't even know if singing can really help him...)

Ren: (But even so, I'll believe in it and keep singing. I will continue to believe that these songs can connect someone to someone else)

Ren: (That is...my reason for singing)

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Stand by Me: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5