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.
A knock came at the door,
"I am coming in." He said. Then her expression changed again, returning to its usual calm and coldness, Senkai stepped back inside.
She looked at him. "Ah… you're still here," He said. "Yes. Than walked closer to her and sat besides her. "Aren't you hungry, he said, cuz I'm getting a little hungry." She said, "Nah, I'm still fine, but why are you asking that?"
"Nothing just recently i'm getting hungry more easily, He said, I wonder why—"
She leaned into him a bit as both of theirs shoulder touched each other. "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... Or something like that, Instead, what do you mean by talk to me?"
"Hmm?.. Too be honest, I'd be lying if I said, I wasn't curious, He continued. "But while I 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. The ones 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 stood up, would you hate me? You would hate me a lot right?"
"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. "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 asked.
He remembered Senna's words. "I want you to apologize to me after the performance..."
He thought. It seems like she really mind what Senna has said, earlier...?
"Senpai, to 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 talked to everyone in the club yet—to the point that I don't even know many of the seniors' names. And moreover, I don't think I understand you all that well either, right? That's why you should just forget 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 looked away.
He continued. "Though I hope that you can do it in a way that make you feel at ease the most." because no matter who it is, your emotions will be affected, when you're 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 asked. "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 just simply said a bunch of things."
Then suddenly—
"Hug me," she said.
"Hm…?" His eyes widened.
Than he quietly pulled her closer with her hands as he hugged her tight, and warm. Silence filled the room for a moment. And Just for a while she melted in his arms... "Damn it's all your fault she said softly. "My fault, He asked, "I am sorry all though I don't know what you are Reffering to..."
"…I'll consider what you've said properly," she replied. "Just know that I'm not sure how effective it will be."
"It be alright I'm sure it will work out," he said.
Just in the time, her phone buzzed, destroying the moment... He let go of her, and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. Her cheeks were red, she quickly checked her phone, a message from a crew member. she replied quickly and turned it phone off.
Silence again..
To break 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. "About Nana. About Kazama. About me." Her eyes were sharpened again. "It's annoying you know."
He sighed... "Yeah yeah, I know that, He folded his arms. But someone has to keep an eye on you." She asked. "Why?" He replied. "Because every time you make a move… 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." She turned around and walked toward the door. "Don't get used to it, 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. He muttered, "…What the hell was that?"
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."
———
"The rehearsal hall."
"The rehearsal day… came after the exams," he thought. "I barely passed the exams this time, and it seems like the club is affecting my grades… or is it her, perhaps?"
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.
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 scratched his head. "Really?" He asked just to confirm again cuz he had 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.
Reze left quickly, 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? She asked. "And what if I do," He said.
"Hm... She says even after knowing about her, "I believe you must have heard a few rumors by now she is not a type to love." He replied. "but it doesn't mean that she doesn't deserve to be loved."
She laughed softly. "You are really weird, Yoshimura-Kun. People usually run away from her. No one wants to take the responsibility of a Broken glass."
He repeated. "A broken glass?"
She continued. "That's what I call Reze Senpai you'll understand your self later in time why I call her that. "
She paused, then added. "Anyway You're better than most second-years,"
"At acting?" He asked tilting his head at toward her. "Yes, She said with a faint smile, Then, gazing up in a daze looking up at the stage lights, she continued. Do you know... I wanted to become a actress."
"Not famous, not just some college buzz… but a real actress. A star who appears on the screens—movies, TV, dramas."
The words, her words carried real conviction. He studied her. But that's difficult Senkai said.
"I know" She said.
But you still want it, He asked?"
She noded lightly. "Yes." 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 messed up. Somewhere there's a war going on… sometimes innocent people are dying. Some are hungry on the streets, while others become like animals—treating people like trash, ignoring those who are suffering. Even families ignore their own.""
"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 replied. "I probably sound weird. But I want to give people hope through my acting… or maybe just a sweet illusion for a while. Somewhere they can forget their problems, laugh without worries, and feel something genuine—even if it's just for a moment."
"Hm… maybe your dream will come true," he said. "Guess I'll be your first fan then, Miss Senna. Can I get an autograph?"
She looked at him—
Then suddenly, they both burst into laughter, their voices filling the empty stage hall.
"The world is so fucked up isn't it He said.
"That's what i mean, she replied.
Than after a short pause Senkai spoke again. "Can I ask something if you don't mind?" She said, "...Sure."
"What happened between you and Reze?"
Senna paused for a moment.
Than explained about their past. How Reze had pushed her harder than anyone. How she had sometimes pushes too far.
"Do you hate her?" Senkai asked.
"No, She said.
Why?" He asked again.
"Because she made me better. She thought me how to toughen up in front of people, How to speak up for myself, and most importantly, how to be true to myself. Cuz people usually change for the fame."
She looked down slightly. "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 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. "Let's do our best then, Senna. Next time, even Reze-senpai won't be able to find a single mistake on the festival day."
She stood 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 that she forgot. And heard enough of their conversation, Just enough. Her eyes lingered on the moment they shook hands.
Quietly, she closed the door again and walked down the hallway. "…So that's the direction this is going," she murmured. A faint smile returned to her lips, "Interesting." she said, leaving.
But then, just as quickly, her smile faded.
"…But if it were that easy, it wouldn't be fun, Senna."
The soft echo of her footsteps faded as she walked away, her expression unreadable once more.
The smile that had appeared moments ago… vanished like it had never been 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 a bit 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. Just understanding.
After a while, evening settled in, cold and quiet.
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 remained sitting on the edge of the stage floor, leaning back 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. "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 once again, they resumed their rehearsal.
Unbeknownst to them—
Someone else had remained.
Waiting.
From the side, Kazama stood in the shadows, his gaze fixed on 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 his part-time job.
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 that 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—
Senkai looked at him. "…Do I?"
Kazama chuckled softly, "Don't play dumb, the clubroom, the rehearsals, the meetings." He paused. "And the other day—you were alone with her again in the prop room after Senna left."
Senkai narrowed his eyes slightly, So he noticed. He asked casually. "Were you spying on us Senpai?" Kazama ignored the question instead he stepped a little closer. "Let me ask you something, Yoshimura-kun." His voice dropped slightly. "Do you like her?"
The question came out flat, Direct. With no hesitation.
Senkai 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 He said nothing, Then laughed. A quiet 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 carefully like he does to everyone. "But, You know she's not serious with anyone right?" 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."
Senkai 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. Senkai 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."
Senkai thought back to her expression earlier in the room, that brief flicker of sadness.
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."
Kazama 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." He 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."
Senkai 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...
———