Tamon's B-Side Episode 10: Yellow Spring

Natsuki Ishibashi, the 'Happy Pretty, everyone's Angel,' opens his 'Anything Troubles Consultation Room' with his 'sub-angel,' Aoi Kido. They read a letter from a high school student, Uhorogu Uhomi, who is grappling with unrequited love for someone who likes another. Natsuki offers encouraging words, suggesting that while it's okay to try and fail, doing nothing is not an option. Aoi concurs, emphasizing the importance of staying in the beloved's sight.

At school, Utage Kinoshita meets her new homeroom teacher, Asuka Inoue. Asuka introduces herself with a warm smile, quickly endearing herself to the students. However, Utage's narration reveals Asuka's strict side, particularly when it comes to forgotten homework. Takahashi receives a week of morning classes for his negligence, prompting Utage's relief that she completed her own assignments to avoid jeopardizing her part-time job.

After school, Utage muses about her part-time job, which supports her 'oshi,' or favorite idol. She accidentally encounters Asuka Inoue, who drops a rainbow-striped mini towel. Utage recognizes it instantly as a F/ACE fan club exclusive item, leading to a moment of shocked realization for both. They discover they are both F/ACE fans, with Utage supporting Tamon and Asuka favoring Natsuki. They shake hands, forging an unexpected bond over their shared passion.

Utage heads to a drugstore, where she admires a lip tint endorsed by Natsuki Ishibashi, impressed by his versatility beyond performing. She hesitates, unsure which shade would suit her as she rarely wears makeup. Suddenly, Natsuki himself appears, pulls down his mask, and recognizes her from a previous training camp. He then boldly applies a peach-colored lip tint to Utage's upper lip, insisting it would suit her and leaving her utterly stunned by his forwardness.

Still dazed from her encounter, Utage arrives home, reflecting on Natsuki's friendly but boundary-ignoring nature. Her thoughts are interrupted when her neighbor, a disheveled and tired Tamon, opens his door. Utage is shocked to see her idol in such an unglamorous state. Tamon, equally startled, quickly retreats back into his apartment, leaving Utage to wonder if her new lip tint looked strange, causing his reaction.

While cleaning Tamon's apartment, Utage notices him actively avoiding her, hiding behind furniture and peeking from behind a duck plushie. She interprets his behavior as a reaction to her wearing makeup, fearing he believes she's trying to attract him. Utage feels deeply embarrassed, lamenting that a 'plain otaku' like herself shouldn't attempt such things. She becomes convinced he sees her as a house-sitter who is now overstepping her bounds.

Tamon finally emerges, looking somber, and declares he wants to be 'something' to Utage. Startled, Utage drops a plate, and in the ensuing chaos, she tries to explain her lip tint was not an attempt to attract him. She tearfully admits it's painful to be disliked. Tamon then clarifies that her 'shiny' lips made her look like an 'adult woman,' and he was simply nervous. He assures her the lip tint suits her, relieving Utage's distress.

In a brief, comedic interlude, Utage and Tamon are shown in exaggerated stances. Tamon, leaning in close with an intense expression, declares, 'I hate you.' Utage reacts with equally exaggerated shock and anger. This short exchange serves as a playful, if intense, moment between the two, perhaps hinting at their complex, evolving relationship.

Keito Chihaya discovers Natsuki Ishibashi procrastinating on composing a new theme song for their first crown program, despite the impending deadline. Natsuki, cigarette in mouth, complains about his messy room hindering his concentration. Keito expresses frustration, noting the internal conflict within the group regarding Natsuki's unmotivated state, while Tamon listens with growing concern. Natsuki maintains he cannot leave his room until it is clean.

With a determined expression, Utage Kinoshita dons cleaning gloves. She swiftly enters Natsuki's chaotic room, surprising both Keito and Tamon. With remarkable speed and efficiency, Utage transforms the messy space into a sparkling clean environment. Natsuki, now looking tidy and composed, expresses his gratitude, while Keito and Tamon watch, amazed by Utage's sudden and decisive action.

Inspired by his now-clean room, Natsuki thanks Utage again, then startles her by pulling her close and placing her hand on his chest. He declares that 'our song' is nearly finished. Confused and blushing, Utage is then dragged by Natsuki out of the room, as he announces to Keito and Tamon that Utage will stay by his side until the song is complete. Keito and Tamon react with exaggerated shock and protest, but Natsuki, with a mischievous laugh, closes the door behind them, leaving his bandmates exasperated.