Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093093152263860/episodes/16818622170980634587
The gym was a little chilly in the morning.
As preparations for the opening began, with lighting checks and stage equipment checks underway, I was fidgeting with my script at the edge of the gym. Asahina is currently changing into her stage costume with the drama club members.
Somehow, I’m feeling nervous too…
It’s okay, I practiced as much as I could. I’ve practiced reading the script and rehearsing with the drama club, and I think I’m able to keep up with everyone now. I don’t think I’m overwhelmingly good, but considering how Asahina was before, I think I’ve improved at an incredible rate. I even worked hard on my vocal exercises. Even though the midterm exams just ended, I didn’t take a break and practiced so much.
“I can’t calm down…”
I glanced over at the stage and saw one of the students adjusting the angle of the spotlight. That light was creating the atmosphere of a stage about to begin.
…I wonder if Asahina managed to change clothes properly. She said that costume was embarrassing, but I think it suits her.
As I was thinking about that, I heard the sound of footsteps echoing softly in the quiet gymnasium. My gaze was naturally drawn to the entrance, where Asahina stood dressed in a pure white dress.
“What are you looking at?”
Asahina approached me, her cheeks slightly flushed.
“I just thought it suited you.”
The moment I said it, I felt my face grow hot. As I averted my gaze, Asahina paused for a moment before smiling slightly. She was clearly experienced in such situations. She looked very composed.
“You’re amazing. My heart is about to jump out of my mouth.”
“Ryo-kun…”
“What’s wrong!?”
“My heart is about to jump out too…”
I only saw it! This girl really benefits from his looks…
“It’s okay! I’m watching you!”
“Ryo-kun, your face is tense too…”
“What can I do? This is Asahina’s big day!”
“Big day?”
“Yeah, today could be the starting point for the new Asahina Toka!”
“Oh, you’re exaggerating…”
“This is no good.”
It seems that no matter what I say, she’ll just get nervous. It’s kind of funny. Maybe she was like this when she was a child actor too.
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do. Should I go get you something to drink?”
“…Then, could you do my hair?”
“Huh? I’m not that good or anything.”
“I feel calmer when Ryo-kun does my hair… So I’d like you to do it… I guess.”
“But the comb…”
“Here.”
Asahina handed me her usual comb.
“Why did you bring it?!”
“As a good luck charm, I guess…”
…Come to think of it, I started taking care of Asahina after I started combing her hair. It’s a little funny and nice that she would call that comb a good luck charm.
“Well, I guess so. Turn around.”
“Okay.”
I combed Asahina’s hair with the comb as usual. Everyone around us was watching a little, but Asahina was trying her best, so I couldn’t be shy.
“Hang in there, Asahina. You don’t have to try too hard, but hang in there.”
“That’s a weird way to cheer someone on…”
Asahina closes her eyes and relaxes as I comb her hair. Her hair is still very beautiful.
“Ryo kun, watch me carefully.”
“Okay, I’m watching.”
After combing her hair for a while, someone from the drama club calls Asahina’s name. Hearing that voice, Asahina slowly opens her eyes.
“Well, I’ll be going now.”
“Okay…”
“Ryo-kun… Give me a little courage before I go.”
Saying that, Asahina hugged me from the front. Someone might be watching us… But I patted her back encouragingly.
“Go for it, Asahina!”
“Okay!”
Asahina raised her face, her expression filled with determination. Then she ran offstage.
Somehow, I feel lonely now… No matter what the outcome is today, I think I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.
Two minutes before the curtain rises…
The seats prepared in the gymnasium were almost full.
“Asahina Toka is the lead in today’s play, you know.”
“Hee~, I saw her when she entered school, but she’s quite different from what I imagined.”
“You idiot! She’s gotten so cute lately!”
“The image of her as a child is too strong.”
The venue was abuzz with talk of Asahina.
There were TV cameras at the back and sides of the gymnasium. I felt an overwhelming sense of pressure.
I sat in the front row and decided to keep an eye on Asahina. If she were to collapse, I would have to rush to her aid immediately.
“One minute until the opening…”
The announcement echoed through the gymnasium. In the silent air, the buzz from the audience gradually subsided. I felt sweat on my palms as I searched for Asahina’s figure. She was visible at the side of the stage, looking calmer than before and taking a deep breath.
(Hang in there, Asahina… Hang in there…)
I repeated that to myself over and over in my mind.
──As the signal for the performance to begin was given, the lights suddenly went out.
The spotlight fell on Asahina.
The moment Asahina appeared, the gymnasium erupted in commotion once more. Asahina quietly walked to the center of the stage.
“I am…”
The moment Asahina’s voice rang out, it seemed as though everyone’s breath had stopped. Her voice was overwhelming in volume, powerful and clear, resonating throughout the entire venue. With that single word, the audience’s attention was instantly drawn to the stage.
Huh? Instead of tensing up, she seems even more focused during the performance… This is far beyond what she did during practice…
“I know! You’re not looking at me anymore!”
From then on, it was truly overwhelming. Even to the untrained eye, the difference in skill between her and the other drama club members was obvious.
The way she projected her voice, the timing of her pauses, and above all, her expressions—it was as if the protagonist of the play, portrayed by Asahina Toka, was truly alive in this world at that very moment.
“Why… why am I not good enough…?”
Asahina was crying… The atmosphere, the tone of her words, froze the entire venue.
The quality of the script didn’t matter. Asahina, with an presence unimaginable from her delicate frame, was creating a “story” on stage. Every line was filled with emotion, and everyone was captivated by Asahina Toka’s performance.
“Amazing…”
Someone’s voice could be heard. From the audience, there were also sounds of people holding their breath.
(This is Asahina’s true…)
Surprise and emotion are all mixed up inside me.
This is Asahina Toka, once called a child prodigy. No, it’s more than that. Even though she was called a failure, she is still trying to stand up again.
“Even so, I want to love!”
That one line at the climax moved the hearts of the entire audience. The emotional afterglow lingered in the silence, making it impossible not to feel moved.
As the final scene ended, the lights dimmed quietly.
After a silence so profound you could hear the rustle of clothing, a storm of applause engulfed the venue.
Amid the thunderous applause, I couldn’t stand up or speak. I just stared blankly at Asahina on stage.
(Idiot… What good does it do for me to cry…)
Asahina was waving at me from the stage with a big smile on her face.
Long ago, I saw someone on TV or something describe Asahina Toka as a girl who was like a “killer move from a shonen manga.” She takes a little bit of energy and hope from the people around her and returns it multiplied many times over. She’s like a ray of sunshine.
Just… just because of a word from me…
To me right now, it’s no exaggeration to say that Asahina looks like she’s shining on stage.
That’s right… That’s the brilliance of Asahina Toka’s SSR that made everyone go crazy!
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