Man, that made my head hurt...

Whew! I'm tired from laughing so much!
That play was so crazy, it was surreal!

I got that a bunch of Romeos would battle it out until only one remained, but I didn't expect the last one to go into space and become some cosmic entity.

Toya, you said your friend was the lead?
He's definitely got a pretty wild persona...

It was an exceptionally profound performance...

Huh?

It may have seemed a farce on the surface, but it was underpinned by philosophical questions. I sense some hidden meaning in the music that played during the final scene as well.

Do you think Toya is under some really powerful hypnosis or something...?

I see where you're coming from... But I don't think so...

While we're on this topic, I've got a question.
Why do you look up to him so much?

I remember you saying that you owe him a great deal or something.

Oh, that's right.
I never told you the details, did I?

You see, I owe him a debt of gratitude.

You do?

Yes. Our parents knew each other, so Tsukasa and I used to play together when we were little.

Then you two go way back...

And as you already know, Akito, my dad was teaching me classical music since I was only a few years old.

However, he was extremely strict...

He made me practice before going to school and after coming home until it was time for bed. On weekends, I had to spend the entire day playing the piano and violin.

By the time I started middle school, I couldn't stand it anymore. I started thinking about finding a way out...

That sounds tough. I can only imagine...

But I couldn't bring myself to disappoint my dad like that after how much time and effort he'd put into nurturing me.

That's when Tsukasa said something that changed everything.

It's your life, so you should live it your way.
If you don't like it, then just say so!

He said that...?

Those words are what finally helped me make up my mind.

It's thanks to Tsukasa that I gave up classical music and became friends with Akito.

If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be who I am today. He changed my life, and that's why I owe him this debt...

Now I get it...

I guess that means I should be grateful too.

(He's grateful to the person who helped him change, huh?)

(I owe someone that same debt too then...)

I should go and let Tsukasa know what I thought about the play.

Should we go back in then? It looks like they're done cleaning up, so you should be able to talk to him.

Sure, let's go.

I leave the rest to you!
I'm sorry but I must go now!

No problem, Tenma. See you later.

Oh, Tsukasa...!

Oh, Toya!
Thanks for coming to the show!

Your play was great.
I particularly enjoyed...

Sorry, but I've gotta run...!
We'll talk later, okay? See ya!

Oh...

Aaand he's gone. Maybe he had to hurry off to another show or something?

I really wanted to share my feedback with him while it was fresh in my mind.

Oh, I could try giving him a call...!

Darn, it went straight to voicemail...

I'm sure we'll run into him again if we just keep looking around. Considering how loud he is, it'd be hard to miss him.

You're right.
Sorry for dragging you along, Akito.

But he sure disappeared quick...
Where do we even start?

...

Want me to help out too?

Really? You don't have to feel obligated to...

Haha, don't worry about it. I want to check out the rest of the festival anyway, so I can kill two birds with one stone.

Besides, I want to do something in return for inviting me along to see that hilarious play.

In that case, I'll appreciate your help...

Okay, then let's split up. If I find Tsukasa first, I'll tell him to give you a call ASAP!

I'll see you later, guys!

Hey, hold on! Akiyama!
At least give us your number or some...

Sheesh. Everyone's all over the place today...

Hey, does the name Akiyama ring a bell to you? Wasn't there some rumor about them going around a while ago?

Really?

Well, whatever... Let's start looking for your friend, Toya.