I’m leading with my translation notes because I think having them first will enhance the reading of this drama. “Johnny” is regional slang for a small fly. “Pui pui” and “bui bui” are onomatopoeia, essentially “buzz buzz” and “BUZZ BUZZ.” All the bold parts were bolded in the original as well. Thanks @chemicalperfume for editing assistance <3
The setting: the Phantom rehearsal room. The members of Snow Troupe were fervidly engaged in their acting when an intruder descended upon them, demolishing their concentration. It was a “Johnny.” Now, dear readers, I realize it may be a devastating blow to your dreams to hear that Johnnies and the like exist in the pure flower garden that is Takarazuka, but I want you to stay calm.
Hearing the shrill cries of all the fair maidens (OTOKOYAKU INCLUDED), one brave soul stepped forward to vanquish the Johnny. It was Asami Jun. There may have been no tissues, but wielding some paper of questionable constitution in one hand, she closed in on her prey. Her big eyes shining as she glared at the Johnny, she readied herself to crush it. But just then, she heard yours truly whisper in her ear.
“Don’t kill it…”
For a moment, Asami froze. Her good heart, unsullied as that of a baby, caused her to waver, and weakened her murderous intent the slightest bit. In the space that opened up in that tiniest instant, The Johnny took off and flew away.
ASAMI: Ah………
The Johnny and your narrator will never forget her kindness for all eternity. Not even if she’s viewed by the world at large as “that clumsy girl who let the fly get away.”
Later, when the Johnny came whirling once again into the crowded rehearsal room, it was released outdoors by Souno Haruto. As I’d thought of Souno as the type of person who would swat down that small life without a second thought, I found this sight deeply moving. Afterwards, she said:
SOUNO: This way, a day might come when the fly returns the favor.
It seems she’s anticipating quite a reward in return.
YOURS TRULY: That’s right. If you save just one, it will tell all the other flies, and henceforth every fly will become your ally (*yes, your narrator actually believes in this explanation).
Souno gleefully began a precise mimicry of the fly, and everyone silently left her alone.
ASAMI: So, um, the fly, you called it a ja… a Jackson? What was it??
As it seemed Asami had never heard a fly referred to as a Johnny before, I inquired as to what they call flies in Moon Troupe. A tinge of scarlet colored her cheeks.
ASAMI: …pui pui.
YOURS TRULY: …oh.
ASAMI: Because the one from earlier was small.
Well then, I wonder what she calls the big ones.
ASAMI: Bui bui.
The Johnny, or the pui pui. Riding upon autumn’s golden breeze, it was welcomed back to its beloved home. So, everyone, if you happen to witness Souno and Asami on stage surrounded by countless flies, let it stand as proof of the gratitude they bear.
