Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093093152263860/episodes/16818622170980626934
Three days after the midterm exam.
The answers to my first high school exam were returned!
I scored a little above average. I don’t have any subjects I’m good at, nor any subjects I’m bad at. What a boring result. With this, I can’t talk down to Asahina. I have to try harder.
“So, how did Asahina do?”
“dodged it like a god!”
“Dodged it like a god?”
Asahina handed me all of her answer sheets. Wait, isn’t it normal to want to hide your scores?
“35 points, 39 points, 32 points, 33 points…”
Wow, she managed to avoid failing in all subjects. And all of her scores are just barely passing. Like me, she doesn’t have any subjects she’s particularly good at, nor any she’s particularly bad at. Her scores are just a little lower, though.
“The study session worked! Maybe you’re a genius!?”
“I haven’t been called a genius in a while!”
“You look so happy.”
There was a bit of sarcasm in there, but if she’s happy, that’s fine.
“This score won’t cut it for the final exam! We’ll have to study again!”
“Yeah, when should we have the next night study session? I’ll buy a double bed this time.”
“Ahhhhh! There are so many things I want to point out in just one sentence!”
Asahina, I’m not sure if she’s just naturally naive or if she’s doing it on purpose… I think she’s probably just naive.
“Don’t forget the reward. Piyo piyo.”
“Asahina-san, you’re still logged in? I feel like a reward for this score is a little weird…”
“Then, if it goes well next time, give me more rewards.”
“Next time… so we’re starting today?”
“Yeah, I’m thinking of joining the drama club. Will you come with me… right?”
“Of course.”
Asahina’s expression changed. It’s hard to describe, but her eyes seemed to sparkle.
“We have to start vocal exercises today.”
“Vocal exercises?”
“Yeah, we can’t talk without being able to speak loudly.”
I never thought Asahina could be so energetic… It makes me nervous, but it also makes me excited. No matter what it is, I have to support Asahina with all my might once she decides to do something!
◇
“Yes, sorry. Please.”
“Great! I knew Asahina-san would do it!”
Asahina is talking with the senior from earlier. What do you mean, she knew she could do it? You’re just using Asahina as a crowd-pleaser.
But, that’s okay! If you want to use her, then we’ll use you too. No matter what you do or fail, you’ll be Asahina Toka’s stepping stone.
“Okay, here’s the script.”
“Thank you! I’ll practice at home.”
“Do we need to read through it together?”
“I’m sorry, but I’ve been out of practice… Since it’s a short play, would it be okay if I practiced alone first?”
“Sure, that’s fine. Besides, our practices are basically optional anyway.”
The theater club senior looks a bit suspicious. Still, perhaps swayed by Asahina’s smile, she quickly softens her expression.
“Then, once you get used to the lines, let’s definitely read through it together.”
“Yes, I’ll do my best.”
“Still…”
The senior was smiling as she watched us.
“Kuga-kun, you were lying about not being together, weren’t you?”
“Huh? Why?”
“You’ve been holding hands the whole time, haven’t you?”
“…”
Asahina and I exchanged glances. Oh no, that’s what I was saying…
We left the drama club room, and I immediately called out to Asahina.
“I was embarrassed!”
“B-But I was nervous!”
Before entering the club room, Asahina had said to me, “I’m shaking, so let’s hold hands.” We went inside like that. From the perspective of people who didn’t know the circumstances, it was natural for them to react that way.
“Well, it’s not like I’m lying…”
“Asahina, what are you going to do now? Are you going to practice?”
Oh, my voice overlapped with Asahina’s.
“Um, yeah, I think I will. There’s not much time left until the performance…”
For some reason, Asahina’s cheeks were red.
…The cultural festival is a week from now, in early June. It’s supposed to be a simple play, but considering the rehearsals and everything, I think it’s going to be a pretty tough schedule.
“I’m going to act for Ryo-kun this time.”
“For me?”
“Watch the real Asahina Toka.”
“…”
Suddenly, I pressed my fingertips to my eyes. No, I can’t. It’s not even the performance yet, and I’m already overwhelmed.
“Ryo, will you help me with practice?”
“Of course! I’ll do anything I can!”
Asahina, who looked so lonely by the river! Asahina, who was sleeping boredly next to me!
She’s saying that to me…
Honestly, this is enough for me. If Asahina finishes the play safely and comes back healthy, this time will be a huge success.
“After the play, let’s go to the cultural festival together.”
“Yeah! I want to eat takoyaki.”
The cultural festival performances and stalls are basically run by second- and third-year students. First-year students, who have just entered the school, participate as customers for next year.
The drama club’s gymnasium performance is the very first event on the first day of the cultural festival. That means first-year students are highly likely to come watch the play. It will also attract a lot of attention as the start of the cultural festival. Plus, this year is the school’s anniversary, so the TV and newspapers are coming too… I won’t tell Asahina, but this must be a huge pressure for her.
(If Asahina fails, I’ll just smile and say, “Welcome back.”)
I made up my mind.
◇
“Haa… haa…”
On that day, we decided to practice the play by the river where I had spoken to Asahina. First, we had to practice our voices, and then memorize the script.
The content of the script itself was extremely cheap. It was a very ordinary story about an unfortunate girl without parents who meets a prince and is saved. If I had to point out a distinctive feature, it would be that the main character was a little mentally unstable. I think it was probably an original story written by the drama club.
“Asahina, it’s your first time, so you don’t have to try so hard…”
Asahina was reading the script with trembling hands. Sweat was beading on her forehead. Looking at her expression, she seemed to be having a really hard time.
“No, once I decide to do something, I do it.”
“Asahina…”
“Ryo, tell me to do my best.”
“Okay! Asahina, do your best!”
“Alright…!”
Her voice is trembling… Still, Asahina is desperately trying to speak her lines. At first, her voice is small, but with each repetition, it gradually, just a little bit at a time, becomes louder.
This is the first time I’ve seen Asahina so serious.
I have a feeling that something about Asahina will change at this cultural festival.
After several days of such intensive training together…
Amidst a mix of anxiety and anticipation, the day of the cultural festival finally arrived.
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