Mother's Heartbeat Summary

Skip if you've read the free episodes HxJ are all gathered at the 315Pro office, checking the schedule. Every unit is busy including them. Producer arrives with a new project to put on the whiteboard and despite the lack of space, manages to squeeze it in. (Jun says he'll need a magnifying glass to read the tiny writing lol) Haruna's feeling motivated with so much work, and asks Producer to keep giving them jobs. After Natsuki comments Haruna is full of energy, he says of course he is- New Years means there's more special programs airing, and winter break means they have more free time to work and make money. Jun replies that a students main priority is studying, and asks Haruna about his winter break homework. Haruna sheepishly says he'll get it done before the last day (Shiki adds he will too). Jun seems doubtful and says he's going to fill their schedule with studying. Hayato calms the tension by pointing out each new job is a chance to succeed which Jun agrees with.

Now HxJ are on a music program, the host comments that since they're students their winter break is coming up and asks what their plans are. Hayato says they're doing their first shrine visit together on New Year's and they talk about the food they'll get there. Aside from that they're attending the 315Pro office party with all the other idols. More food talk about the idols cooking for the party. HxJ aren't cooking anything but they're in charge of getting ingredients and snacks. Shiki then says they haven't decided what to do after the office party and Jun says he's going home to relax. Shiki wants to go shopping with everyone and then go to karaoke but everyone else comments they should get some rest since it's a busy time.

After the recording, P reminds them to check tomorrows schedule. Natsuki and Jun will be appearing on a classical music focused radio show, Jun reminds Natsuki to bring his violin and Natsuki says it's been a while since he played and he's a little nervous. Shiki jumps in to say Natsuki will be fine and he wishes he could hear it live. Natsuki thanks him and wishes Shiki, Haruna, and Hayato good luck with their recording. The three of them will be on a karaoke battle show which Shiki is very excited about. They wish each other luck and part ways.

Next day: Natsuki and Jun on the radio show. When Natsuki starts playing violin, Jun notices he's a bit stiff and whispers for him to relax, after which Natsuki plays fine. The host compliments Natsuki and says one day he'd like to hear Natsuki and Jun play together. Jun says he doesn't play piano often so he's not sure it's good enough to play for others. Of course, this makes Natsuki start rambling about how wonderful Jun's piano is. Jun gets flustered and then they move on.

Karaoke battle: Hayato, Haruna, and Shiki are impressed by the celebrity who just performed since he's a good singer. His score was 92 points, and they calculate that for the three of them to win, Shiki will have to get 96 points. Haruna and Hayato apologize for not scoring higher but Shiki says no problem and he'll get 100 points. Cut to Hayato in his bedroom messaging the others that night. We find out they won the karaoke battle- Shiki did get 100 points- and there's a meeting tomorrow.

Meeting the next day: Producer has a new job for HxJ- a commercial for a fruit juice that just came out. There are 5 flavors and each member has a flavor, Hayato is orange, Haruna is green apple, Jun is grape, Shiki is peach, and Natsuki is "Mystery Mix". He's a little surprised that's his flavor but Haruna says Natsuki has a mysterious side so it fits. They also notice a message for them from the company that says their idea of "different flavors, different personalities" matches HxJ. P says they got the job because of the video they did talking about their different tastes in music (in their Fancom story).

A few weeks later the demo for the new song is finished. Everyone is excited but Producer is doing something else, so Hayato suggests they wait for P to get back before listening to it. Hayato notices Haruna seems distracted and asks if he's okay. Haruna snaps out of it and says yeah he's excited for the new song. Hayato seems suspicious but lets it pass. Jun says he's going to make coffee while they wait, and Haruna asks him to make tea for him.

Starting from episode 6 Producer gets back right when Jun returns with the coffee, (and tea for Haruna). They listen to the demo and think it's a cute pop-ish song that's different from their usual style. When Hayato asks what Haruna thinks he's again slow to respond and seems a bit out of it. Again Hayato lets it slide but wonders if he's imagining things. As they review the practice schedule Haruna pours himself a drink and everyone aside from him notices it's coffee. Haruna drinks some and dies and doesn't like the bitterness. Hayato finally says Haruna's acting weird and the others agree, pointing out he hasn't even touched the donuts. Again Haruna brushes it off and has them continue the meeting. When they wrap up Hayato asks one more time if Haruna's really okay but he still insists he's fine.

As Haruna heads home he thinks he has to get his act together to avoid worrying everyone and accidentally bumps into some yankees. He apologizes several times but the two yankees really want to pick a fight. Haruna doesn't want to cause any problems for 315Pro by fighting these guys but before it can escalate further HxJ runs in with Hayato yelling "Stop, don't touch my friend!!". Haruna tries to shoo everyone away, saying it's dangerous and Shiki jumps between Haruna and the yankees. One of them says he'll beat Shiki up first then. Haruna grabs the guy and in a stern voice tells him not to bother HxJ and if they want a fight, Haruna will take them. Before a fight breaks out, a lady interupts the scene and says it's lame for two guys to gang up on a scrawny guy (Shiki) like that. After recognizing each other, Haruna's mom asks why he hasn't kicked these guys asses yet and he tells her not to fight them either. Shiki calls out to a police officer and the yankees run off.

After making sure no one is hurt Haruna asks what is mom is doing there and she says she's sieging the office to go yell at Producer. Haruna tells her not to but she singles out Shiki as the weakest link and asks him to show her where the office is. He can't turn her down and shows her to the office.

Haruna keeps trying to stop her, saying he already told her it's fine (HxJ don't know what he means), but she's very determined and corners Jiro-the first person she sees- asking what's wrong with him for working her son to the bone like that. At first she doesn't believe Haruna saying he's an idol but then she remembers him from the White Day event where they performed together and apologizes. Producer comes in and she then turns on P saying Haruna's been working non-stop and she won't stay silent if P is trying to use some high schoolers to make a quick buck. Haruna and Jiro both deny that's what's happening and Haruna says he's been asking for more work. When his mom asks why he first says it's because he wants to then adds if he makes a lot of money it'll be easier on her. She gets worked up, asking what kind of parent would make their son work so they could have an easier time and says she's only working so much so Haruna can have it easy. She finishes pointing out Haruna already struggles with school, and overworking will only make it harder. He shoots back that he's been passing (barely) tests lately and attending class so it's fine; he's not a kid anymore so she can stay out of his business. Haruna's mom says fine, he can do what he wants, and leaves.

Haruna seems to regret his words once his mom leaves, and explains to HxJ that he's been distracted since he had an argument with his mom that morning. Jiro says they shouldn't leave things like this and suggests a meeting between Haruna, his mom and Producer so they can calmly talk it out. P agrees to arrange it for another day. Haruna thinks it'd be awkward to go home right after this and asks Hayato if he can stay the night. Hayato says it's fine but when Shiki and Natsuki also ask to stay he thinks his place would be too small, so Jun volunteers everyone come to his place instead. After discussion they decide to make it a "business meeting" with Jiro coming over as well to provide adult supervision. Jun and Haruna both get approval from their parents and they leave Producer who promises to reach out when the meeting is arranged with Haruna's mom.

At the Fuyumi's house: Jiro is impressed by the place and wants to introduce himself to Jun's dad but he's away on a business trip. Shiki says Jun's dad is working hard for his sake but Jun doesn't seem to think so, saying he thinks his dad just likes working. (He says this pretty neutrally, not upset by it. Not important for the story but I find it interesting). They all hype up the outdoor bath to Jiro (See Shiki's initial magazine https://asobistory.asobistore.jp/comic/viewer/28n57qzypoxdl9y/48/2 it's big enough for the 5 of them to fit) and go off to take a bath before anything else.

After a nice bath, Jun declares they'll start their meeting now. He wasn't just making an excuse for them to stay over but rather than talking about work he thinks they should discuss the situation between Haruna and his mom. Jiro asks Haruna to fill him in on the details of their argument and Haruna repeats he's been working more lately, but adds that he thinks his mom is worried because she remembers how much he struggled when he used to work part-time and she thinks he's going down the same road now. Jiro thinks Haruna's mom is onto something but he insists that he still wants to make things easier for her. Haruna's mom has raised him alone since he was a kid* so he's always seen how hard she worked for him and now he thinks it's his turn. *He says it casually but this is the first time HxJ aside from Natsuki would be hearing this. Jiro understands where he's coming from but points out Haruna can make much more money now than he could from part-time jobs so he doesn't need to work himself so hard. Haruna replies that it's not just that he's worried about money- he really does like working. It feels like his horizons are expanding with every job, he does want to make his mom's life easier but he also wants to perform with HighxJoker and try more and more things together. This makes everyone in HxJ happy, Hayato and Shiki get so excited they hug Haruna, and Jun and Natsuki feel the same way.

Jiro thinks that's fine but remembers Haruna's mom was also worried about his studies and asks how he plans to handle school. Haruna says it's under control thanks to Jun's strict teaching, and Shiki mentions Producer is also strict about everyone doing well in school. Jiro is satisfied with that, and Producer then lets Haruna know that a meeting with his mom has been arranged for the next day.

Next day: everyone encourages Haruna before the meeting and they enter 315Pro. Haruna's mom arrives shortly after and they awkwardly say hello. Haruna then remarks her hair is messy for an important meeting like this. She doesn't deny it and says it's because Haruna wasn't there to do her hair in the morning. Haruna apologizes and asks if the rest of HxJ can be in the meeting too, which his mom allows.

Haruna starts with apologizing for saying too much yesterday and his mom says she also went too far. She knows he likes being an idol but she can't help but worry about him over-exerting himself or not being able to graduate. Haruna says he understands why she's worried but doesn't want her to worry. He enjoys working as an idol with everyone in HighxJoker, even when it's challenging he still likes it. He's not just trying to make some extra money now, he's serious about being an idol and wants to keep doing greater and greater things with HighxJoker. He pleads for his mother to watch him without worrying and she agrees under one condition...

Haruna's mom wants him to graduate from high school no matter what. Being able to attend school shouldn't be taken for granted, she knows there are all kinds of reasons people give up. But as hard as those challenges may be, she doesn't want Haruna to give up. She won't give up on him either, so he has to graduate! Haruna understands. He was held-back twice because of working too much, so if Haruna fails another year because of his idol work she'll kick his ass. With that threat, Haruna promises he'll pass and won't cause anymore trouble for her, to which she responds he hasn't caused any trouble for her, she's just worried. Jun takes the opportunity to tell her that he's watching over Haruna's studies and won't let him fail. All of HxJ jumps in to say they'll do whatever they can to help Haruna too, they don't want anyone to be missing from HighxJoker. Haruna's mom laughs and calls them good kids, telling Haruna to take care of them. He agrees, saying he'll protect everyone.

Producer promises to watch over Haruna as well, both his work and studies. Apparently P and Haruna's mom had already talked while scheduling the meeting and it had erased her doubts about the type of person Producer is. Haruna's mom asks what he'd like to do after graduating and thinks with all the smart people at 315Pro, Haruna could get into a really good university. He tells her not underestimate his stupidity. Whatever Haruna does, his mom won't tolerate him half-assing it- if he's gonna be an idol he better aim for the top!

Now that everything's worked out, Haruna's mom invites HighxJoker over to have takoyaki- she's always wanted to see him at home having fun with his friends. Haruna protests it's embarrassing and their place is too small to fit everyone, but HxJ all wants to do it so he gives in.

HighxJoker making takoyaki together
Everyone's crowded together making takoyaki. Haruna explains what to do to Jun who isn't sure what ingredients to add. Hayato makes some with cheese and corn- something recommended by Beit. Shiki has been flipping the takoyaki with much success but passes the stick to Natsuki so he can try. Natsuki is not very good at flipping the takoyaki lol. They pass around the takoyaki- not really sure what the filling is for each piece and dig in. Hayato got Shiki's spicy one by accident, Shiki got Hayato's corn one which he really likes, Natsuki got one with pickled plum Haruna made because he thought it'd be interesting, Jun is relieved to get a normal filling- cheese, and Haruna gets Shiki's winning filling- chocolate. Natsuki asks if none of them put any octopus in.

Haruna's mom comes in telling everyone to eat up- you're not allowed to leave food on you plate in her house. She also brought some leftover yakisoba she made for Haruna last night. He asks why she made it when he told her he'd be at Jun's and she tells him to shut up and eat it. Jun feels nostalgic although Haruna's mother is completely different from what his mother was like, he thinks it's nice to have a lively meal like this. Natsuki asks what's wrong, Jun says nothing is wrong, and everyone starts on the second round.

New Years Day: Ken and Producer exchange new years greetings in the office. HxJ comes in after their shrine visit, says happy new year to P. They talk about being excited for this year as well, and promise to do well on their first job of the year- the fruit juice commercial, and then heads off to the office party.

A few days later, HxJ get to the recording studio to perform the CM song. Even though the years just started they're already busy with recording and filming. However they still promise to give it their all. After the recording they're all excited and now can't wait to get to the next job. Another few days and they're on set to film the commercial. They immediately notice a fruity scent in the air and P explains it's to help them get in the mood to film. It seems to work and they head to the dressing room to get ready.

While having his makeup done, Haruna looks through a magazine of women's hairstyles. One catches his eye, he thinks it'd look good on his mom but he's not sure how to style it. He asks the make-up artist about it, and he says he was just looking into that style too. He agrees to show Haruna how to do it and asks if it's for a girlfriend or...? Haruna explains it's for his mom and the make-up artist laughs and promises to show him all the best tricks then. With that Haruna (and everyone else)'s makeup is done so they get set to film.

HighxJoker being fruity

After the first take, the director gives everyone some advice for a second take. He tells Hayato and Haruna to act like they're bursting with energy, Jun that he'd like him to be a bit more lively, Natsuki to emphasize his smile by putting more "pah!" into it, and for Shiki to keep his tension hyped up! Basically telling everyone to pump it up a bit but he phrases it different to each of them, he's not quite copying their speaking style but he's definitely changing his language to align with each member. With the advice the retake goes smooth and they move on to individual shots. Everyone goes one after the other with Haruna last and he puts his all into finishing strong. The director has no complaints and says that one take was perfect and they wrap up.

A few days later: HxJ recieves a bunch of boxes at the office- a gift from the juice company as thanks. They all go to have a drink and after realizing they're all choosing the flavor they were assigned in the commercial try to shuffle. Haruna says it's hard to pick a flavor but Hayato suggests they just have all the flavors, they have enough juice. Jun suggests they all have some juice and get started on their homework. Shiki complains it's okay to relax once in a while but Jun says if he promised Haruna's mom to keep track of his studies then he's going to take it seriously. As Natsuki puts it: Jun's burning up with enthusiasm, and that motivates everyone to give it their all. Everyone heads off to study and Producer wishes everyone luck.

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Pub: 03 Jan 2025 21:34 UTC

Edit: 05 Jan 2025 22:53 UTC

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