Part 1

Neighborhood

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1

Tsukasa

*Sigh*

2

Tsukasa

(Another day, another failed attempt at grasping my character during practice...)

3

Tsukasa

(But I'm beginning to understand how hard it is to get by on just water. So, I just need to keep doing what I can to understand Rio better.)

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4

Tsukasa

Oh, I'm already home.
Time flies when you mull things over, I suppose.

5

Tsukasa

(I can't let Saki see the downcast expression that's on my face right now...)

Tenma Household - Living Room

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6

Tsukasa

I'm back!

7

Tsukasa

(...!
This smell...)

8

Saki

Welcome home, Tsukasa♪
Guess what? We're having curry for dinner tonight!

9

Tsukasa

(I knew it...! But...)

10

Tsukasa

Hah hah hah! Did you forget that I'd be eating out today...?

11

Saki

Oh, that's right.
You said you guys would all go out for food after practice.

12

Saki

So, how was practice?
Do you think you're gonna get to play the boy for “The Happy Phoenix”?

13

Tsukasa

(Oh... I shouldn't deceive her too much...)

14

Tsukasa

I-I'm still not sure...!

15

Tsukasa

Because I'm competing against all these great actors from the park's number one stage! And on top of that, it's a fairly tricky role!

16

Saki

Haha. You say that, but your face is telling me that you feel pretty good about this.

17

Tsukasa

R-Really?
Hah hah hah hah hah!

18

Tsukasa

(No! I revealed too much of the truth...!)

19

Saki

Hehe. I believe in you, Tsukasa!
I'm sure you'll do just fine♪

20

Tsukasa

Thank you, Saki! I appreciate it!

The next day

Kamiyama High School - Class 2-A

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21

Tsukasa

(My stomach won't stop grumbling...)

22

Tsukasa

(But Rio also experienced this pain.
I can't let myself forget that...)

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23

Toya

Excuse me...
Is Tsukasa here right now?

24

Tsukasa

Hm? Ah, Toya.
I'm right here.

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25

Toya

...

26

Tsukasa

Hm? Toya...?

27

Toya

Oh, it's nothing that important...

28

Toya

But the actor you told me about will be performing on stage soon, yes?

29

Tsukasa

Are you talking about Mr. Amami's show...?

30

Tsukasa

As much as I want to go see him, I need to keep practicing for my audition...

31

Toya

...

32

Tsukasa

Toya...?
You've been staring at my face this entire time...

33

Toya

No, it's just...
I'm sorry...

34

Tsukasa

Toya...
Is there something else that you'd like to talk about?

35

Tsukasa

We've known each other for how long? Please, don't hesitate.

36

Toya

Then...

37

Toya

The thing is, just yesterday, I messaged Saki to see if she would take one of my claw machine prize plushies...

38

Toya

That was when she mentioned you were acting a bit different.

39

Tsukasa

...

40

Tsukasa

I see. That's why you're here right now. To make sure I'm doing okay...

41

Toya

Yes, I'm sorry...
I know I'm being very nosy, but...

42

Tsukasa

No, it's okay.

43

Tsukasa

(All this lying and deception is definitely starting to confuse everyone, including myself...)

44

Tsukasa

I apologize, Toya.
I've actually been practicing for a role in this very big show.

45

Tsukasa

But I'm struggling to get a grasp of my character. Saki may've felt something was off because I had so much on my mind when I discussed this with her.

46

Toya

Right, she also mentioned that you've been practicing for a big show.

47

Tsukasa

I'll be sure to tell her that there's no need to worry. And thank you for showing so much concern.

48

Toya

No, I understand. It sounds like a tough role, but you also put on an incredible performance as Thorpe that other time.

49

Toya

So, I'm sure you'll do just fine.

50

Tsukasa

...!

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51

Saki

Hehe. I believe in you, Tsukasa!
I'm sure you'll do just fine♪

52

Tsukasa

Yes! I promise to do my best and not disappoint any of you!

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53

Toya

Of course. Now, if you'll excuse me.

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54

Tsukasa

Right, I should send Saki a message.

55

Tsukasa

(They believe in me...)

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56

Tsukasa

(They're all giving me their support.)

57

Tsukasa

(I still have a few days left until the audition. They've placed their faith in me, so I need to figure out how to play Rio!)