Dream so high, that people can't do anything and just look up.
Back inside the side room.
Reze was still alone, She slowly walked to the chair and sat down. The room felt strangely empty now. Her fingers tapped lightly against the table, "Senna…
A faint smile appeared on her lips. "That girl really is interesting." Most people either feared her or blindly obeyed, But Senna… She argued, challenged, and demanded an apology. Reze leaned back in the table. "…You better perform well then." Her voice was quiet, almost hopeful.
He knocked the door, "I am coming in." He said.
Then her expression changed again, returning to its usual calm coldness, Because the door opened.
Senkai He stepped back inside. "Ah… you're still here." She glanced at him. "Yes, He said, walking close to her as he sat besides her, aren't you hungry, cuz i'm getting a little hungry. "Nah, She said. I'm still fine, But why are you asking that?"
He said, Nothing just recently i'm getting hungry more easily," I wonder why—"
She leaned into him as a both of theirs shoulder touched each other, her voice was low. "Why are you not asking me anything?" Huh. "About why senna she said it like that... About if there was anything that happened before you join the club... something like that, Instead what do you mean by talk to me?"
"Hmm?.. Too be honest, I'd be lying if I said I've wasn't curious, than He continued. "But as I'll was listening to the conversation I realized that's it's not something I should interfare with, it should be resolved by the two of you. Those who were actually involved in it, I have no right to question anything, isn't that right."
"That's true she said. But what would you do if I was a bad women?" She said getting up, "would you hate me? You would hate me a lot right?" He says erm...? "I think it depends on the Serverity, right?" Than he hold both of her hand's, as she stood in front of him, looking into his eyes, He continued. "Though, I do hope that you won't become the bad person."
"What do you, no than what would you like me to do?" She said. He remember— Senna words, "I want you to apologize to me after the performance..."
"It seems like she really mind what Senna has said, earlier...? He thought. Than, "Senpai too be honest I really don't know anything– I don't know what happened between you and Senna in the past, I also haven't talk to everyone in the club till now to the point that I don't even know many of the senior's names in the club, and moreover I don't think I understand you all that well too, right? That's why you should just forget about, what I said, Senpai, do what you think is right after all, you wouldn't listen to me even if I told you what to do, right?"
"Hmph— She tilted her head.
He continued. "Though I've hope that you can do it in a way that's make you feel at ease the most." Thats because no matter who it is, your emotions will be affected, when in conflict between them, it will make you worried about, what to do? What to think? What to say? And the situation right now doesn't seem to be the right one." That's why I hope you can become more relaxed.
"I'm serious, He said." Didn't you want me to act according to my own accords?" She said, than continued. "So, why are you giving me so many suggestions? And you've said you don't know anything but you seems to know more..."
"I really don't know anything though. I've just simply said a bunch of things." Than sudden, "Hug me." she said.
Hm... His eyes big. Than he quietly pulled her closer with her hands as he hugged her tight, and warm. A silence in the room for a moment. Just for a while she melted in his arms... "Damn it's all your fault she said." Her voice was very low. "My fault, He asked, than. "I am sorry all though I don't know what you are Reffering to..."
"... I consider what you've said properly... She said, Just know that i'm not sure how effective it will be."
"It be alright I'm sure it will work out, he said."
Than just in the time as her phone buzzed destroying the moment... He left her, and than scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. Her cheeks red, she quickly checked her phone, a message of a crew membe, she replied back than turned her phone off.
A silence again..
To kill it he said "…And about earlier." She raised an eyebrow. "What about it?" "The thing I said before leaving back than. He hesitated."… Just forget it."
Reze watched him for a moment, Then very unexpectedly— She spoke. "You think too much you know." "Huh? "About Nana. About Kazama. About me." Than her eyes were sharp again. "It's annoying you know."
He sighed... "Yeah yeah, I know that," Then he folded his arms. "But someone has to keep an eye on you. "Why? she asked? "Because every time you make a move… He said, something explodes."
She stared at him, For two seconds longer. Then— laughed, A small, quiet laugh, Not mocking, Nor cruel, but just genuine. "…You're strange, Yoshimura Kun."
Senkai blinked."…That's the first time you've laughed normally. "Don't get used to it." She turned and walked toward the door, "Study for your midterms."And memorize the script."
She paused before leaving. Without turning around she added quietly— "And Senkai…" …Don't pretend you understand people so easily." Then she left the room. Leaving Senkai sitting there alone. "…What the hell was that?" He said.
He sat there maybe a bit longer thinking, but deep down he had a strange feeling. The play, the tension between Senna and Reze. And Nana plotting something, than Kazama still hovering around.
"Midterms coming, Rainy season is coming, He sighed heavily."…This semester is going to be a disaster."
———
At The rehearsal hall.
"The rehearsal day... Came after the exams, He thought. "I've barely passed exam's this time, and seems like the club is affecting my grades, or is it her prahaps."
The smell of the first rain was coming though the heim of my coat. The distinct smell of the coffee, and rain.
The rehearsal room filled with members,
Chairs scraped.
Scripts rustled.
The Scripts were scattered across the stage floor. "Alright!" Mami clapped. "Let's try the scene from page 18!" Senna and Senkai stood at the center of the small stage.
Ron and the Yui were watching from the side.
Reze sat in the front row of seats with crossed legs, quietly observing. "Begin," she said. Senna took a breath. Her expression changed quick rather immediately. Cheerful girl from the earlier disappeared. Replaced in her place stood tragic heroine of the play, Her voice trembled slightly. "…You swore to me."
Senkai responded, trying to stay in character.
"I did." She continued."Then why—" Her eyes filled with emotion. "Why did you stain your hands with blood?"
The whole room became quiet. Even the club members chatting in the back stopped talking. He stepped forward slowly. "Because that oath.." His voice lowered. "…was never meant to save the world." But, He looked directly at her. "It was meant to save you."
She frozed. For a moment the tension between the characters filled the room. Then— just in the moment. "Cut." Reze's calm voice echoed. Both of them relaxed instantly. "…That was good," Reze said, but it is missing something.
He blinked in surprise. Than He scratched his head. "Really?" He asked just to confirm again cuz he felt like that he has never acted this good before. "Your delivery is rough, Reze added, but the emotions were natural." She looked at the Senna. "And you're good at pulling your partner into the scene, but it won't be enough.
Than she looked at both of them, her voice less of a command but a approval. "But it's good enough to keep up the practice, than maybe you both will settle in together that all my opinion."
Senna nodded quietly. "…Thank you, Senpai."
Mami, clapped again. "Alright! That's enough for today than!" Everyone don't forget your item's... In the stage room.
People began packing their scripts.
She left quickly, Reze. Looking at her phone. He glanced over her, "What is she busy with the exams have should ended by now, He thought."
———
After Rehearsal: An hour later, when the rehearsal had ended.
The most members has left, Only Senna and Senkai had remained. They sat together leaned onto the stage from their backs, "You were looking at the Reze Senpai, Why?" Do you like her? Or something? "And what if I do he asked." Hm... She says even after knowing about her, "I believe you must have heard few rumors by now she's is not a type to love." but it doesn't mean she doesn't deserve to be loved. He said."
She laughed you are really weird Yoshimura Kun, "people usually run away from her, anyone hate to take the responsibility of a Broken glass. "A broken glass? He said. That's what I call Reze Senpai you understand your self later in time why I call her that.
Anyway You're better than most second-years," Senna said. At acting? He asked tilting his face at her. "Yes, She said. She smiled faintly, than she said in a daze looking up at the stage lights, do you've know I wanted to become a actress." Not famous, Not a collage buzz, But a real actress, A star that comes on the curtains of a Movie, Tv, and Dramas.
The words, her words carried real conviction. He studied her. But that is difficult Senkai said.
"I know" She said.
But you still want it, He asked?"
She noded lightly. "Yes." Than She looked back at the stage, and said "Acting is the only time I feel alive, feel live I am finally living again."
"The current world is so fucked up, somewhere a war going on, than a Sometime innocent person is dying, someone hungry on street, and the other human's are becoming like animals treating others like trash, ignoring other peoples who are facing the problems even the families are ignoring the other family people."
"Than when it comes to love it doesn't even exist anymore, look at the world people's are hooking up like animals, Chasing after sex instead of the feelings."
"That's deep he said. "I know I've said too much she says, I might probably sound weird, but I wish to give people's hope by my acting, or maybe a sweet illusion for a while where they can forget about their problems for a while and laugh without the worries, and feel some genuine emotions even just for a while."
"Hmm.. Hope maybe your Dream might come true, He said. Guess I'm gonna be your first fan than miss Senna, can I get the autograph."
She looked at him, than sudden the both starts laughing together as the Stage hall filled with the laughter. "The world is so fucked up isn't it He said. "That's what i mean. Than after a pause Senkai asked, can I ask something if you don't mind? ...Sure she said.
"What happened between you and Reze?" He asked. Senna she paused for a moment than, she explained about their past. How the Reze had pushed her harder than anyone. How she had sometimes pushes too far.
"Do you hate her?" Senkai asked. "No, She said. Why?" Because she made me better." Thought me how to toughen up in front of people, Speak up for myself, and most important of all How to be true to myself, cuz people usually change for the fame.", "I don't hate her I just resent her a bit, let's say. And i know resenting her is useless, but that's all i can do after all i like the senpai more than i resent her."
Senkai thought, Seems like Reze that girl, she got some reassuring Juniors and friends. Who are ready to still like her even after whatever she has done. He smiled... And said, "let's do our best than senna, so next time even Reze Senpai won't be able to find a single mistake at the festival day."
She got up fired up, "Yes, let's do our best, Fighting to myself." He chuckled, Behind them somewhere far stood In the door. Reze.
But neither noticed the door had opened
slightly earlier.
Someone had been watching quietly the Reze.
She had returned to grab something she forgot.
And heard enough of their conversation, Just enough. Her eyes lingered on the moment they shook hands. She quietly closed the door again and walked down the hallway."…So that's the direction this is going," she murmured. Her faint smile returned,"Interesting." she said, leaving.
But than her smile faded quickly and she says But if it were so easy it won't be fun senna. The faint echo of footsteps faded as Reze walked away, her expression unreadable once more.
The soft smile that had appeared moments ago… vanished like it was never there."…If it were that simple," she murmured under her breath, "this wouldn't be interesting at all."
Her heels clicked against the floor as she disappeared down the corridor.
———
Back Inside the rehearsal hall—
"Fighting!" Senna said, raising her fist. Senkai chuckled. "You're way too fired up." "That's because you're too laid-back," she shot back. They both laughed again, the tension from earlier completely gone. For this brief moment, it felt simple. Normal. But Senkai's smile slowly softened."…Senna."
"Hmm?"
"About earlier… when you asked if I liked Reze."
She tilted her head slightly, curious. He rememberd Reze words. "You don't love me senkai, You just want me like others." Than Awkwardly he said, "I don't really know myself yet."
Senna blinked once… then smiled faintly. "Yeah," she said quietly. "That sounds like you."
There was no teasing this time. But Just understanding. Than In a while the Evening came out cold—
Rain outside had already grown steady. Water slid down the tall glass windows of the rehearsal hall while the sound of distant thunder rolled somewhere far away.
Most of the collage students had already left for the home. Senna and Senkai. They were sitting on the edge of the stage floor, leaning against it with tired shoulders. Senna flipped through the pages of the script again. "…Page twenty-three."
He sighed."…Again?"
She glanced at him. "You're the one who said we should get good enough so Reze senpai can't complain. "…I really regret saying that, He said."
Senna laughed softly. "Too late." She stood up and stepped onto the stage. The stage lights were dim now, but enough to illuminate their small practice space.
He grabbed his script and followed her and said, Alright, tragic heroine. She crossed her arms. "You better keep up." They took their positions.
A brief silence filled the hall, Rain continued tapping onto the windows. And both continued their rehearsals..
Unknown to them someone else also had remained waiting for him, from the side Kazama, looked at the Senkai.
———
Outside at the Campus.
While He was leaving...
After the Rehearsal, The rain had stooped but the ground still had time to Dry, Later that night… The campus had grown a lot quieter. Most students had already left for the day, some heading to the Student Council to discuss the budget for the upcoming College festival, others drifting toward cafés and dormitories. The Moon had begun to tilt westward, painting the long walkway beside the sports ground in cold moon light.
Senkai walked slowly with a book tucked under his arm. He had planned to head to the his part-time.…
Script reading, And Reze… He rubbed his temples. "Why is everything happening at the same time…" Just as he turned the corner near the athletics field—
"Yo." A voice called out. He stopped. Leaning against the metal fence of the baseball field was Kazama, His posture looked relaxed, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a canned drink.
But his eyes were sharp.
He sighed quietly. "…Of course now only this was left.
Kazama pushed himself off the fence and walked toward him. "I've been looking for you, you know."
"That's already sounds like a bad sign," Senkai replied. Kazama smirked faintly. "You're the new lead actor now, "Congratulations." But His tone made it clear the congratulations meant absolutely nothing.
Senkai shrugged, It Wasn't my idea."
Kazama took a sip from the can. "You spend a lot of time around Reze lately."
There it was, Straight to the point. I've looked at him."…Do I?" Kazama chuckled softly, "Don't play dumb,"The clubroom,"The rehearsals,"The meetings." "And last day you were alone with her again in the Prop room after the Senna left."
Senkai narrowed his eyes slightly, So he noticed.
"Were you spying on us Senpai?" He asked casually.
Kazama He ignored the question, Instead he stepped a little closer. "Let me ask you something, Yoshimura kun. "Do you like her?"
The question came out flat, Direct. With no hesitation.
He blinked once, Then sighed."…That's the most troublesome question you could have ask for. Kazama's gaze didn't move. "That wasn't an answer?" Senkai leaned his shoulder against the fence beside him."Let me ask you something else instead. Kazama raised an eyebrow, "You like her?"
For a moment Kazama said nothing, Then he laughed. A short laugh."…Of course I do." He said it like it was obvious.
But there was something strange in his voice. Not something soft, Or romantic, But more like determination.
Senkai studied him like he does to everyone. But "You know she's not serious with anyone, right?" he said?
Kazama's expression hardened slightly. "She told you that?"
"More or less." he said.
Kazama looked away toward the baseball field.
Players were practicing in the distance. The metallic clang of a bat echoed through the air.
After a moment he spoke again."…Reze is interesting. "That's all."
He frowned. "That's a dangerous way to describe someone like her."
Kazama smirked again."You think I don't know what kind of person she is?" She toys with people. "Pushes them around. Acts like she owns the entire club. His eyes narrowed. "But that's exactly why she's interesting isn't she."
Senkai watched him carefully. This guy… "You're not trying to date her," He said slowly.
Kazama glanced at him. "I never said that."
"You didn't have to." Senkai said. A brief silence fell between them.
Then Kazama's expression changed slightly.
More serious now. "But I'll tell you something, Yoshimura kun. "His voice lowered. "If you're planning to get involved with her…""…Don't."
He tilted his head. "And why is that?"
Kazama looked straight at him."Because you're not built for it. The words landed bluntly. He raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Kazama continued. "She'll chew you up." And when she gets bored, she'll throw you away."
"That's how she is." He thought back to the expression she made earlier in the room, That brief moment of a sadness. Than, To me "…You sound like someone who already got thrown away senpai." He said. Kazama's eyes flickered, For a split second. Then his smile returned. "Maybe."
He crushed the empty can in his hand and tossed it into a nearby bin. "But unlike you... least "I know what I'm dealing with."
Senkai crossed his arms. "Then why warn me?"
Kazama started walking past him."Because if you get hurt too early…" He stopped beside Senkai's shoulder."…the play might become boring."
He frowned. "What does that even mean?"
Kazama looked forward."Reze chose you as the lead for a reason." And I'm curious what that reason is." He started walking again. "But if you become useless halfway through… "…that'd be disappointing."
He watched him leave.
After a few steps Kazama raised his hand casually without turning back."Try not to break before the festival, Yoshimura kun."
Then he disappeared down the path.
Senkai remained by the fence."…What a weird guy. "But something about the conversation bothered him.
Reze chose you for a reason.
He looked toward the setting sun."…Yeah." "That's exactly what I want to know too."
———
To be continue..