Volume 13 Chapter 258-3 Shirogane Aqua, Adults And Children
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Thanks to Emily, who could handle anything with remarkable skill, we managed to incorporate video, CG effects, and spotlight lighting into our production—things I had thought were completely impossible for our drama club.
”Hey, lately, you’ve been spending a lot of time with Emily-chan, right? Oh, and by the way, I’ve already heard everything from Emily-chan.”
Kohina-senpai entered, bringing with her a group of faces I had never expected to see. There was Ai from Hana-ata, Yakumo Itsuki-sensei, Murai Kumano-sensei from Pink Rose, Shimizu-sensei from Hara o Kiru (Commit Seppuku), and Tsukasa Kei-sensei from Yuu-oni. Wait… they were wearing masks, but this was the first time I was meeting the real Tsukasa-sensei!
”If you need any help with the script, you can ask these experts,” Kohina-senpai said, nodding toward them. “And while you’re working on it, I’ll be borrowing some members from the drama club.”
I couldn’t believe it. I kept bowing my head repeatedly, a little overwhelmed. She’d already made arrangements with everyone in the club through Lisa without even telling me. A sense of guilt twisted in my chest, imagining everyone in the drama club working overtime because of Kohina-senpai.
Before leaving, Kohina-senpai paused at the door.
”There are many terrible adults in this world. The kind who exploit kids and publish gossip in magazines,” she said seriously, looking me in the eyes. “But there are also plenty of adults who aren’t like that. I want to show you all the difference.”
She left with those words hanging in the air, and I stood there, wondering what she meant by it.
With the help of Kohina-senpai and the teachers, I managed to finish the script. After showing it to everyone in the drama club, I made my way to the 1A classroom, where Oto-san was, during lunch break. I had one thing on my mind: to convince her to help us with the play.
”Please, Oto-san! Just once, can you help us out in the drama club?”
The whole school already knew about Oto-san’s injury. To make things worse, with Kokona and Uruha’s help, we had spread rumors that the drama club was struggling to find a replacement for her.
”Well…” Oto-san hesitated, looking a little uncomfortable.
I knew this was unfair, but I didn’t care. In front of everyone, no girl could say no when I bowed my head and asked. Even the teachers had nodded in approval when Emily suggested this method.
”Please. If anyone can pull this off in a week, it’s you, Oto-san.”
I knew if she didn’t agree, I’d have no choice but to do a dogeza, just like Prime Minister Habu had taught me.
But… I felt uneasy. Emily had come up with this plan, but it didn’t feel like my way of doing things.
”Oto-san… is it that you don’t want to act anymore?” I asked, my voice serious, trying to reach into her heart.
If she shook her head, I would have to accept it. At that point, we’d just have to hope Toa could recover in a week.
Oto-san seemed startled, a flash of emotion crossing her face.
”It’s not that I don’t want to…”
She quickly covered her mouth, almost as if trying to hide her feelings.
”Then… just read the script. If you still feel like it’s not for you, I’ll give up.”
I handed her the script and turned my back, heading for the door. The script I gave her didn’t have my name on it. I wanted her to be motivated to act without knowing it was my work. I wanted her to feel it on her own.
”After school, I’ll be waiting for you.”
* * *
The festival was approaching fast, and the play was finally ready. We had Oto-san on board, thanks to Kohina-senpai, Emily, and the other teachers. The drama club’s efforts paid off, and we managed to pull off a successful performance.
I took a deep breath as I stood on stage, facing the audience.
”As most of you know, Oto-san was the lead in this play. Recently, she’s been caught up in rumors and social media scandals that have led to her suspension. But I thought, if we let her act in the drama club’s festival play, outside of the rules, we might give her a chance to show who she really is.”
Oto-san seemed shaken by my words. I had lied to her. I knew it, and I would apologize later.
”As far as I know, Oto-san is not the kind of person the rumors say she is. But proving a lie is easy. Proving the absence of something is impossible. That’s how the media works. They create a scandal out of nothing and let the fire burn out of control.”
”I won’t stand by and let someone’s talent be destroyed by lies and gossip. It’s not right. Whether as an idol or an actor, I refuse to let anyone like Oto-san fade away just because of some rumors!”
I turned toward the audience and the camera that was streaming the event.
”My plan was rushed, filled with holes, and in the end, it caused problems for a lot of people. But thanks to those who trusted me, we were able to finish this. So, I ask you all, just a little—please, believe in us. Believe in what we’ve done.”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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