Cheated and Restarted Chapter 8

Push it Away, Jump Up High

The selection for the intercollegiate university theater troupe was to be held at a theater in Shibuya. For me, a "video-service-is-king type modern kid" who is an In-kya at heart, the theater felt even more away-game than the Yo-kya world.

"Recently, video sites and such are becoming popular, right? But you know, I still think acting is a live experience. I want more people to come to the theater and enjoy the actors' live performances. Because there is emotion there that you can’t get through the internet or a screen."

Milan was speaking with deep emotion. Today she is wearing a slightly sexily disheveled suit paired with high heels. I am also in a business suit to match her. This is our costume for today. The script for this assignment is super thin. Not only is it thin, but the situation isn't even written. It seems this is to test the actors' imagination. Actually, other applicants are crowding the waiting room, but everyone is dressed differently. Some in Japanese clothes like a period drama, some in Western-style dresses, and some guys wearing swimsuits, perhaps setting a beach scene. Is being different okay? I feel like our ordinary clothes are conversely standing out.

"Heh. It's actually my first time seeing a play. Maybe I'll go to the audience seats after our turn is over?"

Since the friends and family of the performers rushed to support them, the hundred-plus seats were all full. Ayashiro and Yuzuriha also came to watch. Surprisingly, media-related people were also there, indicating the high level of attention. It probably doubles as scouting for future stars. This intercollegiate student theater troupe has apparently produced many famous actors in the past. That's why today is a very important day for Milan's future.

"That sounds good. I'd love for you to watch. This time, people who won awards in national high school theater competitions are participating, so I think it will be interesting. Why not take this opportunity to awaken your love for acting yourself, Tokiwa-kun? Ahaha!"

Milan didn't seem overly nervous or anxious. To be honest, I wasn't worried at all. In my previous life, I've given presentations on buildings I designed in front of audiences bigger than the audience here today, and I've also participated in international competitions. I'm used to being on stage, I think.

"It hasn't started yet, so let's moisten our throats while we can. On stage, voice is life! Maybe your voice will improve a little too Tokiwa-kun! Ahaha!"

"Ughhh! Why didn't my voice improve that much until the end!"

We left the waiting room and headed to the cafe corner in the theater entrance.

"I actually quite like this atmosphere before the real performance. The moderate tension strangely makes drinks, onigiri, and sandwiches taste better. I think this is the moment food tastes the most delicious in this world!"

"Ah, I might understand a little. The water or onigiri I had during the long breaks between common test exams felt like they soaked into my body incredibly well."

"Man, the common test was tough! Ahaha! My math was pretty borderline! Even though trigonometric functions are useless on stage! Ufufu."

There was no tension in our conversation either. We were talking happily as usual. But then, the guy who would destroy the "good atmosphere" we created entered my vision.

"Ah! Misaki, Yahoo! And... Tokiwa-kun!? Why are you here!?"

T H A T ' S    M Y     L I N E !

"Eh? Igarashi-san... and Hagiri... kun...!? No way... why..."

Surprised, Milan covered her mouth with both hands. I was terribly surprised too. Because my wife and her lover, the destined couple (lol) , were sitting at the counter seats of the entrance cafe corner...!

"I heard from Hiroto! You're so distant! You're doing a public selection? Audition? Today, right! You should have told me! I came to cheer for you! Ahaha!"

My wife struck a guts pose and smiled happily. Like a JK (high school girl) coming to cheer for a club match. Or rather, she said something concerning. Heard from her lover? I turned my gaze toward Hagiri. Hagiri was leisurely drinking coffee. As expected of a man who commands many people, I felt something like dignity in his figure. In other words, he looks arrogant.

"Hi, Isumi-san. I heard rumors. So I came to cheer. Well, with your acting ability, you'll be fine. Do your best."

"Eh. Ah, yeah. Thank you."

Milan was bewildered. Why is Hagiri here? I can't read his intentions at all. Did he come to put pressure on her? But neither Milan nor I are so fragile that our acting would be ruined just by seeing the two of them. Rather, it gets us fired up.

"Maybe I should have brought a cheering flag or something!? Should I wear my cheer outfit and wave pom-poms too?"

My wife talked about cheering very happily. I think it's because she feels a genuine friendship for Milan.

"No, that would be a nuisance, so you shouldn't. Ah, right. Ririse, you have the money from the scratch lottery you won earlier, right? Buy drinks and snacks for the two of them with this."

Hagiri took out two thousand yen from his pocket and handed it to my wife.

"Ehh? I'm an errand girl? Boo!"

"You were frustrated about losing the lottery and wanted to sponge off my winnings, right? So go on."

"Tch. Fiiine! I'll go!"

My wife stood up and walked to the counter with a skip in her step.

"Now, Ririse isn't here, so I think I'll give Isumi-san one very good piece of news."

Hagiri smirked. I sensed a somewhat dark presence there. Both Milan and I waited for his next words with anxiety.

"Tenketsu Kisho-sensei is in the audience today. You understand the meaning, right?"

"No way!? That's impossible!? The Tenketsu Kisho-sensei!? No way."

Milan widened her eyes and tightened her lips. She looked scared of something.

"Who's that? Is he famous?"

I asked Milan. Milan said with a face so shaken she looked like she was about to cry.

"For us theater people, he's way beyond famous! He's a stage director who is active globally! Japan's best director, who also serves as an artistic director at a theater in Broadway."

"Hah...!? Why is such a famous person at a student group selection... Hagiri...! Is this your doing!?"

I glared at Hagiri. This is definitely his setup. With a cool face, Hagiri said.

"I evaluate Isumi-san's acting ability highly. You possess wonderful talent. That's why. I wanted Tenketsu-sensei, who is world-famous and has strong influence in the industry, to see that talent by all means! Actors whose talent caught Sensei's eye all received his guidance and became stars! Haha! What! No need for thanks! With your talent, you will surely meet Tenketsu-sensei's approval! Taking today as an opportunity, you will seize the chance to fly into the world at once!"

"...Hagiri-kun... you had connections even to Tenketsu-sensei... then you must know the bad rumors about Tenketsu-sensei well..."

"Bad rumors? Ah, that. That talentless ham actors who didn't meet his approval get blacklisted until they are driven out of the industry? But that is the responsibility of the talentless actors themselves who get blacklisted. In fact, everyone acknowledges Tenketsu-sensei's eye for spotting acting talent. Isumi-san will be fine! I believe you will definitely succeed! Hahaha! Ahahahaha!"

Hagiri was laughing happily. As cruel as he can be. In short, we were cornered in an instant. This selection was just one chance. Even if we failed, there were other paths. But because of Hagiri, in an instant, this selection became something on which Milan's entire entertainment career hung in the balance. Milan's enthusiasm for acting is genuine. For her, acting is a dream worth staking her life on. If Milan's future will be decided by this selection, that is equivalent to a gamble with her life on the line.

"Well, although it's a one-in-a-million chance, perhaps you might fail. In that case, please rely on me by all means. I'll surely do something about it."

And in exchange, Milan will surely have something stolen by this man.

"So what do you intend to make Milan do? What are you going to demand from Milan?"

"Demand? Haha! I'm just helping out of friendship! Well, I wouldn't call it an exchange, but I do expect her to help me a little in making my dream come true! Kukuku."

I had completely forgotten. That both Milan and Yuzuriha are in this man's sights. I underestimated him. The obsession this man showed in the previous world. That it is directed toward others besides my wife too. I felt only frustration that I hadn't even imagined that.

Milan and I returned to the waiting room before my wife came back from the counter. Milan was clearly depressed. She leaned her back against the corner wall and sat hugging her knees.

"Sorry, Tokiwa-kun. I was already caught by that man a long time ago. It was all useless. Everything I did with you guys... even though it was so fun, it's just too cruel..."

The director named Tenketsu seems to have such a terrifying presence. Being brought here means it's predetermined that she'll be rejected from the start. Hagiri just orders Tenketsu to blacklist Milan in the entertainment industry, and it's already over. He brought him here just specifically to break Milan's spirit. At the same time, it's a power move against her. Showing off his power. Milan in the previous world shouldn't have succeeded in the entertainment world. At least, I didn't see her even after becoming a working adult when I started watching TV more often, and the fact that my wife's acquaintance didn't mention her suggests that's probably the case, after summer, Hagiri becomes active on TV programs. Perhaps Milan was among them. Honestly speaking, imagining what he wants to do using Milan is terrifying. I don't even want to think about it. Milan will be used and discarded by Hagiri. That is surely the ending of the previous world, and the terror visible before my eyes in this world right now.

"It was really fun! Really! It was the first time I could laugh and play with everyone like that, and being helped! And yet, and yet... uugh..."

Milan is tearing up. They haven't overflowed yet, but eventually, her tears will spill. I hate that. I absolutely hate it. It's my fault that Milan is crying right now. I kept avoiding Hagiri. Because in the previous world, I couldn't beat him. The one my wife chose was him, not me.

But now. Milan, who is in front of me now, chose me, not Hagiri, and relied on me. Yet, can I not give anything to such a girl? No. That's not true. I won't let that happen. I squatted in front of Milan and patted her head.

"Milan, listen to me. This time, he got ahead of us. It's true your dream was crushed by him just now."

"Yeah. But I don’t want it. I hate going back to him. Besides my dream, I’m sure he’s going to steal everything from me too. I'll become empty like those boring women by his side. I hate that..."

"Milan, it's okay. I've made up my mind now. Milan, I will definitely protect you and your dream from him."

"Such a thing. No matter how much you..."

"I can do it. I can definitely do it. Because didn't you choose me? I was chosen by you. Me and Hagiri. You saw both of us and chose me. I'm the man you chose. So I can do it. No matter what!"

I pulled Milan's hand and stood up together.

"If he interferes, I'll defeat him head-on. That's right. Even if you get kicked out of the entertainment industry, I'll build a stage for you. For your sake, I'll give you everything, even theaters and troupes. I've taken custody of your dream. So I'll make it all come true."

A chosen man can do anything. I was chosen by Milan. Yuzuriha also chose me. The two shook off Hagiri's hand and jumped into my arms. Then I'll protect them, nurture them, and make their dreams come true. That's what I thought.

"But... I... kya! ...Ah."

I kissed Milan on the cheek. Milan looked up at me, her cheeks flushed red. Her eyes were moist. But that wasn't because of the fear from earlier. It's something else. I peered into Milan's red eyes.

"Milan. You have a very good face right now. But I won't go any further than this now."

"...Why? If you did that, I would..."

"If you want me to do it, stand on the stage. Let's show them. Let's show Hagiri and that important teacher our stage. And make them frustrated, wondering why they are just watching us from the audience."

This stage. Politically speaking, our defeat is probably already determined. Right now, no matter what, we can't beat Hagiri who has hold even a person with strong influence in the entertainment industry. He may be shallow, but the darkness of the tragedy he creates is too deep.

But Milan's acting right now should have the power to shine even in that darkness. We will definitely win in the future. And this is the stage for our oath to make that happen.

"Milan, stand on the stage. With me."

Milan widened her eyes. She tightened her lips, trembled her fists as if enduring something, and leaned against my chest. Then she looked up. There was a light of firm determination in her eyes.

"Yeah! I'll stand. With you! I'll show them! Show him! I'll show that I'm not a cheap woman who would surrender herself to the likes of Hagiri!"

I laughed hearing Milan's words. It's going to be okay now.

＊

I was waiting for Misaki's turn. Because theater wasn't as interesting as I thought it would be. Plus, repeating the same script over and over was terribly boring. Hiroto next to me would sometimes nod or say some tidbits of knowledge, but I didn't really understand. I only understand things like whether the person standing there has a beautiful face or not.

'Next is Number 13. Koto University, Misaki Isumi's performance.'

An announcement came in, and applause rang out. The stage lights shone, and Misaki and him were standing there.

"Tokiwa-kun is really standing on stage. Does he have acting experience?"

"Who knows. But either way, it's useless. Because he can't do anything anymore."

He's saying something I don't really understand again. I think he means Tokiwa-kun was probably asked just to make up the numbers. Hiroto said a big shot from the entertainment world is coming today. Hiroto was chatting with that big shot, but to me, he just looked like an ordinary balding old man. Hiroto's dream seems very big. I don't know much about it, though. That's why he's always flying here and there, having business dinners with balding old men and heavily makeup middle-aged women. I get taken along sometimes too. I allow it because I can eat delicious food and drink delicious alcohol, but to be blunt, it's a hassle. Smiling while tuning out conversations I don't understand actually uses quite a lot of calories. Hiroto doesn't get that. I feel bad for Misaki that I ended up remembering such unpleasant things.

But. My trivial thoughts were blown away by the man's voice echoing from the stage.

'I love you!!'

For a moment, I felt like my heart tightened. Tokiwa-kun's voice, though terribly provocative, stroked my ears pleasantly.

'I'm sorry. The me right now can't fall in love yet.'

Misaki rejected Tokiwa-kun's confession. Why reject it? Even though it's so comfortable with him. That's how I felt when I talked to Tokiwa-kun usually. He's blunt and not kind at all, and his attitude feels condescending, like he thinks I'm an idiot. But his voice. His voice is strangely kind, like he cared for me. While other boys besides Hiroto always have trembling voices, or stiff voices, or sound like they're wheedling which is gross when they talk to me, only he, that is always kind. I think I probably got angry at Misaki for rejecting the confession. I felt annoyed. But when I thought about it, it was just a play, a role Misaki was playing.

'I don't know your past. But from now on, we can be together forever!'

Tokiwa-kun holds Misaki's hand. The two stare at each other. Misaki was bewildered at first, but gradually her face changes into a smile. That was a very, very beautiful smile. So beautiful that even a woman like me could be captivated. I could tell that everyone in the audience was captivated by the charm Misaki released.

"Isumi-san truly possesses amazing talent. Everyone in the venue is charmed. Ririse, don't you think so too?"

Hiroto, who was sitting next to me, called out to me. annoying. Hiroto is always nagging. I stay silent because I know what Hiroto says is for my own good, but this is different. Because I don't want to talk about Misaki right now.

"Shut up. I'm still watching."

Tokiwa-kun released Misaki's hand, which he had been holding. There was a part of me that felt a little happy about that. Holding the hand of a girl who rejects a confession is no good after all. It's wrong. Even though it's a play, I inevitably mix it up with reality. ...Huh? Why shouldn't I mix it up? Is there some problem with Tokiwa-kun holding some other girl's hand? Other? Other than what? I hate this. It's not good to be confused like this. Surely Tokiwa-kun is a terrible actor. That's why I stopped understanding the story well.

'Stay with me forever. Stay by my side forever.'

'Yes, I love you. Together forever.'

Before I knew it, the two were embracing. Tokiwa-kun is holding Misaki. Like I said, that kind of thing isn't good. Why don't they understand? As expected, his acting must be shitty. That's why I felt sick. I have to complain to him at school next time. I stood up from my seat.

"Hey, Ririse. Why are you standing? It's not over yet."

"Tokiwa-kun's acting is shitty, it makes me sick. I'm going for a smoke."

Of course, not cigarettes. It's the canned coffee time Tokiwa-kun always does. Since he made me feel sick, it wouldn't be fair unless I refreshed myself using his method. I went outside the theater. Walking down the hallway, heading for the outside. I wanted to breathe air in a place without Tokiwa-kun as soon as possible. My face felt hot. And it was suffocating, and above all, my chest hurt.

Then, the sound of loud applause and cheers echoed from behind. Thank goodness. If I had stayed until the end, I might have gotten carried away by the atmosphere and praised Tokiwa-kun. I went outside the building where the theater was and inhaled and exhaled with all my might. But the lump in my chest didn't go down for a while after that.

＊

Wrapped in huge cheers and loud applause, Milan and I bowed toward the audience. The performance was a huge success. Ayashiro in the audience seats gave a thumbs up. Yuzuriha was biting her handkerchief, laughing and crying.

"Tokiwa-kun. Thank you. Really, thank you...! I don't mind whatever the result is! I'm really glad I could be here with you!"

Milan was smiling while on the verge of tears. That smile was a very beautiful thing. I won't hand this smile over to Hagiri. I turned my gaze toward him. Hagiri was talking about something with the balding old man. He wasn't looking at us at all. But he was making a very displeased face. Also, my wife wasn't by his side. Did she go to the toilet or something? But my wife isn't the type to leave in the middle when a friend is performing. I was curious about my wife's reaction, but since Hagiri was making a displeased face, I accepted it as fine, and Milan and I retreated backstage.

Then, in the middle of the hallway heading to the waiting room, we met Hagiri and the mysterious balding old man. Hagiri was glaring at me displeasedly.

"You're Misaki Isumi, right? I've heard various things from Hagiri-kun."

"Eh? Ehh!? Ah, yes! I (Boku)... no, I (Watashi) am Misaki Isumi! Tenketsu-sensei!"

This balding old man seems to be the rumored power-harassment old man. There's nothing particularly outstanding about his face or clothes. But his eyes alone are different. He possesses indescribably intense, sharp eyes.

"That play just now. What was that? With what intention did you perform acting like that?"

"Eh... no... well! I wanted to express my current feelings honestly, so I did that!"

Thinking back carefully on the play just now, I feel like we got quite carried away. We kept the lines of the script, but since we were going to fail because of Hagiri anyway, we agreed to give it our all and do whatever we liked so we wouldn't have regrets. Was that bad? But even from the stage, the audience reaction looked good, and Milan looked terrifyingly beautiful, though.

"Honestly, huh. Good grief, young people get carried away like this immediately. You need to be disciplined by someone quickly, or it's no good. Absolutely no good. Out of the question."

The balding old man spat that out and turned away. Unfortunately, it feels like we didn't meet his approval. But that's fine. Neither Milan nor I have regrets.

However, Hagiri, hearing Tenketsu's words, seemed to regain his composure a little and was smiling.

"Tenketsu-sensei. Please tell the two of them clearly. It will be for their future! They need to properly learn from their reflection!"

I want to punch Hagiri, who proclaims this happily, with all my might. I'll endure it, though. It sounds just like an annoying taunt.

"Hmm? You should understand from what I just said, right? Isumi must be disciplined. Otherwise, she will cause trouble for other performers in the future. That acting is no good! Not acceptable at all! You were born with a beautiful appearance and a body capable of expressing it well, yet those emotions are too genuine! That won't do! This is a stage! And your acting was too real! That kind of acting will run out of breath in the long run! You're an actor like a nuclear reactor! Too dangerous! So you must quickly learn to tame it with your own power! Relying on co-stars to draw out your talent isn't bad! But you must aim for greater heights with your own power! Good grief! What a hopeless actor! Out of the question! We don't need acting that is too real! Next time, make sure you can tell more beautiful lies! Got it!"

...What is this old man? My Japanese comprehension is being tested heavily? Is this what people call Tsundere? Even though he can't do twin-tails because he's balding?

"Um, Tenketsu-sensei. ...Are you saying Isumi-san has talent?"

"...I-I didn't say that much! This girl just needs to be disciplined as an actor! She has to redo everything carefully from scratch! Otherwise, I can't let her stand on stage, can I!"

He's praising her, right? It feels like he's acknowledging her talent. Hagiri has Japanese comprehension skills too, so he must understand. His smile vanished immediately, and he no longer hid his displeasure.

"Tenketsu-sensei. I believe I asked you to speak harshly today?"

"Ah, I spoke harshly, didn't I! I gave negative feedback on Isumi's acting! I kept the promise!"

"That's quibbling. Have you forgotten what I said?"

"I know. But I have decided not to lie about theater! If you want to leak that idiot's scandal, go ahead! It was his blunder originally! I intended to cover for him as a master and do my duty! I don't know anything beyond that! Hmph!"

Tenketsu doesn't seem to be Hagiri's ally. From the conversation, it seems he was covering up to prevent his disciple's scandal from leaking. But it seems that doesn't outweigh his pride as a professional.

"Tch. Understood. Well, fine. You are an irreplaceable person. Please continue to cherish your friendship with me. This time, I'll let it pass. But if you do something too intolerable..."

"Hmph. Do as you like. I have neither hair nor family. I've already built up enough fame and works I'm satisfied with. Even if my life ends anytime, I have no regrets!"

"Good grief... I can't understand artists... Then, I'll take my leave."

Hagiri, having had his hand bitten by his pet dog, looked awkward. Without even cursing at us, he left the place immediately.

And the Tsundere Baldy, me, and Milan were left there.

"Hmph. Stop misunderstanding. It's not for you personally. I have an obligation to nurture the younger generation for the sake of the industry. Your acting still has a long way to go, Just keep practicing and pursue the joy of expression. Got it?"

The Tsundere Balding Old Man said just that and left dashingly. I wondered why, but I thought he was cool. Milan and I giggled at each other, then bowed toward his back. That continued until his figure disappeared.

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