“There’s actually a part in there that was written for you. Kaho came up with it after she saw your performance during the culture festival. It’s a side role, with only a few scenes, but it’s an important one. I read the script and thought you would be perfect for it, too. So, what do you say?”
Uh… Huh?
Wait, whaaaaaat?! This can’t be happening!
“B-but I’m not even part of the club… And I don’t know the first thing about acting…”
The only reason it worked out during the culture festival was because I was in an action scene and didn’t have lines. I knew that better than anybody.
If you expect me to have lines and act, then I don’t know what to tell you.
“Oh wow, this really is the perfect role for Asuka.”
“Yeah, especially flying around the stage.”
Some of the club members were reading through my scenes, and they seemed convinced.
“I know you can’t join the club because of your family commitments, so you don’t need to worry about that. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, too. All that matters is whether or not you want to do it.”
Yukimura was staring straight at me, and I could feel the rest of the club watching me, too.
Hmm… I mean, Red just finished a heist, and Kei already told me we won’t have another job for a while, but…
“Did you have fun during the festival, Asuka?” Yukimura asked, still staring.
The school festival… Although I was only in that one action scene, it was a lot of fun. I could feel this burning heat inside of me, and it wasn’t the same as when I’m Red.
If I had the chance to feel that way again…I wanted to take it!
I looked up at Yukimura. “Count me in!”
Yukimura clapped her hands and smiled. “That’s the spirit! You heard her, guys! She’s gonna help, but this is our show! Remember, theater is a team effort; even if you didn’t get a part, you’re just as much a part of the show as everyone onstage! Let’s do this!”
““Okay!””
The club all cheered at Yukimura’s speech.
“Thanks again, Asuka,” said one of the kids in the club.
“This time, you’ve got your own role, so we’ll whip you into shape.”
They were all smiling and encouraging me, and I could tell they were happy.
Hm…?
I felt the piercing eyes of one club member staring straight at me. I nonchalantly scanned the group until I noticed a girl standing away from the crowd—she was a first-year student, just like me. She had large eyes and black hair just above her shoulders, and she was making direct eye contact with me.
Wh-what’s got her glaring at me like that?!
“There’s a lot you’re gonna need to learn, and I’m sure it will be tough at first, so I’m going to assign you a teacher,” Yukimura told me. “Minatsu, would you mind helping her?”
When Yukimura said her name, the girl I’d just noticed stood right up.
Oh…
But her glare was gone now, and her expression was more nonchalant. “Okay! You got it, Captain!” she called back in a clear voice. I guess this was Minatsu.
What’s going on? That girl definitely didn’t look like someone who wanted to help teach me a few seconds ago… Maybe I misread her? It didn’t feel like it, though.
“Nice to meet you, Kouzuki.” Minatsu walked up to me.
“O-oh, yeah. Nice to meet you, too. I really know nothing about acting, but I’ll try my best,” I said, holding out my hand. I offered it for a handshake, but Minatsu walked right by me and my extended hand. Maybe she just didn’t notice?
Uh… Is this really gonna be okay? Now I’m pretty worried!
Well, whatever! No use in letting it get to me. If I’m gonna do this, I’m gonna have fun!
✦ ✦ ✦
“Kei! You there?”
I dashed into our room and looked at the desk. Kei was there, clacking away at his keyboard as usual.
He didn’t respond to me, either, as usual. I knew he was listening, though.
“Get this—I’m gonna be in another play!”
“………Uh-huh…,” he replied after a long pause, and he didn’t sound interested at all.
But I guess an answer is better than no answer at all.
“So to practice for my role, I’m gonna spend the week off from school at a workshop the theater club is holding on campus. Will that be okay?”
I waited for Kei to answer. If we had any Red work, I wouldn’t be able to participate in the workshop, and I would have to bow out of the play.
I know I told them I’d do it, but I can’t skip out on my work as Red.
“Should be fine. We don’t have anything scheduled…”
“Oh, really? So it’s all right if I focus on rehearsal then, huh?”
Woohoo! Now I can go to the workshop and really give it a hundred percent! I’m starting to get excited!
But wait a second… Is it really okay for me not to be here during the week we have off from school? It’s always the busiest time of year for my dad. I wonder if Kei and his dad will be okay here alone together…?
“It’ll be nice and quiet without you here for a change,” Kei commented.
H-hey!
I glared at Kei, but he seemed content.
Geez! Sure, it’s not like I can cook or clean or do anything when I’m here. But would it kill him to at least pretend to be a little sad?! We’re supposed to be partners!
That said, Kei and I have been spending a ton of time together ever since we started Red. Maybe a few days apart will be nice for the both of us.
“Just make sure you come and watch the play!”
“I might. If I feel like it…”
Brr! Why is he so cold?!
Hmph! I’m gonna put on such a good show you’ll beg to come and see it. Don’t come cryin’ to me if you miss it!