"Geez….. It’s not like all sweets get you back in a good mood."
Part 1
ーIn the meeting room.ー
Ryuji: ‘…..…..’
(Ryuji-kun somehow doesn’t look well….. Maybe he’s exhausted, because the schedule was packed these days?)
Ryuji (sighs): ‘….. Haa.’
Tsubasa: ‘Uhm, are you fine?’
Ryuji: ‘….. Yeah. I’m just a bit sleep-deprived. Work has been going until late, so we’ve been coming home at midnight recently. My mind and body are so agitated after the recording, that I can’t really fall asleep.’
Tsubasa: ‘That sounds hard…..’
Ryuji: ‘Well, when we are finished, we can go home. But the staff has to work until even later, so I won’t complain.’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘And besides, it makes us happy when it’s busy.’
Ryuji (smiles): ‘Now that you mention it, I heard some unusual work came in.’
Tsubasa: ‘Ah, yes! An offer to appear at the Flower Garden opening ceremony came in.’
Tomohisa: ‘Does it include singing?’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes, it does.’
Tomohisa: ‘Hee, how nice. To be able to sing at something like the Flower Garden sounds romantic.’
Ryuji: ‘Hmm…..’
Tomohisa: ‘Oh, Ryuji doesn’t seem to be attracted to it?’
Ryuji (shakes head): ‘It’s not like that…..’
(Ryuji-kun looks depressed. And seems to be quite tired…..)
Tsubasa: ‘….. Ah! It looks like you will be able to eat plenty of sweets made by a famous hotel pastry chef at the ceremony!’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Look, did it catch your interest a bit?’
Ryuji (upset): ‘Geez….. It’s not like all sweets get you back in a good mood.’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Hmm. You seem to be in a pretty bad temper today.’
Tsubasa: ‘…..’
(I would like to adjust their schedule in some way, but it seems difficult for a while…..)
Part 2
ーAnother day.ー
(I wonder if the rehearsal for the ceremony is already over? I hope Ryuji-kun is in a better mood…..)
Tsubasa: ‘Hello!’
Ryuji: ‘Oh, Tsubasa, hi.’
Tsubasa: ‘I was able to make a bit of time, so I came to see how you are doing. Here are some refreshments.’
Ryuji: ‘! This is…..’
Tsubasa: ‘The pudding from Ryuji-kun’s favourite store!’
Ryuji: ‘…..!’
Tomohisa: ‘Fufu. Good for you, Ryuji.’
Ryuji (smiles): ‘Just when I thought I wanted to eat something sweet. Aren’t you thoughtful, Tsubasa.’
Tomohisa: ‘Ryuji, that’s where you genuinely say thank you, right?’
Ryuji: ‘Uh….. I was about to do that now!’
Ryuji (blushes): ‘….. Thanks.’
Tsubasa: ‘Fufufu, I am glad you were pleased about it.’
Ryuji: ‘Since you’re already here, should we eat it together?’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes, thank you very much.’
Ryuji: ‘I wonder what flavour should I go with~ ♪.’
(I’m glad. His good mood is all back.)
Tsubasa: ‘Did the rehearsal go well?’
Ryuji: ‘Of course. I was talking with Tomo about how good it feels.’
Tomohisa: ‘You don’t need to worry about the performance, it’s going to be fine. Ryuji’s bad temper has also been fixed in this way.’
Ryuji: ‘Pah. I’m always in a good mood though?’
Tomohisa: ‘Fufu, you’re right.’
Ryuji (winks): ‘Tsubasa, we’ll deliver the best performance, so make sure you have your eyes on us.’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes! I am looking forward to it.’
(Ryuji-kun is so energetic, he does love to stand on the stage after all.)
Part 3
ーThe day of the performance. In the waiting room.ー
Yuta: ‘Ah, it’s Tsubasa-chan! Yahoo!’
Tsubasa: ‘This is where everyone is. Hello!’
Ryuji: ‘…..….. Hello.’
Tsubasa: ‘….. Eh, eh…..?’
(Ryuji-kun is back in a bad mood again…..?)
Tsubasa: ‘Is something wrong?’
Ryuji: ‘….. Not really.’
(Th-The air’s heavy…..!)
Yuta comes closer.
Yuta: ‘Tsubasa-chan, Tsubasa-chan.’
Tsubasa: ‘?’
Yuta: ‘You know, earlier at the venue we met the big people from the organizing. It was only for a bit, but it looks like he was told something mean.’
ーFlashback.ー
Staff: ‘Oh~, it’s you two from KitaKore. Kitakado-kun looks like a prince, so I thought you would certainly be the same type, too….. But you’re a princess, if I had to say so.’
Staff: ‘How about trying out women's clothes? It might have some impact? Come on, genderless is in fashion now.’
ーEnd of flashback.ー
Tsubasa: ‘How terrible…..’
Yuta: ‘I think the other person didn’t really say it with bad intentions maybe, but…..’
Ryuji: ‘Wait, Yuta, what are you telling on me there. Didn’t I say that I didn’t mind it?’
Yuta: ‘But Ryu-chan…..’
Ryuji: ‘That often happens. If I would take that seriously every time, there would be no end to it.’
Yuta: ‘Y-Yeah…..’
(That’s Ryuji-kun for you. Just as I thought, because he’s been doing this work since he was a child his reaction sure is mature.)
Ryuji: ‘…..’
Yuta: ‘…..’
(But, the atmosphere is heavy in the end….. That’s not good before the performance.)
The door opens.
Tomohisa: ‘Ryuji, can I have a minute?’
Ryuji: ‘Tomo. What’s wrong?’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘What could this be?’
Ryuji: ‘What do you mean, it’s obvious just by looking. It’s a macaron, right?’
Tomohisa: ‘It’s alright, so open your mouth. ….. Here, aaah.’
Ryuji: ‘Aaah…..’
Ryuji: ‘….. Nhhn!’
Ryuji: ‘That’s!’
Tomohisa: ‘Fufu, did you figure it out? A macaron from “him” whom Ryuji loves so much. I asked the people at the venue for this favour.’
Ryuji: ‘To think I’d be able to eat it here…..!’
Ryuji: ‘Could it be that he’s here at the venue?’
Tomohisa: ‘No, it’s a shame, but this time it’s only the sweets. But he said that he’s looking forward to the broadcasting of the performance.’
Ryuji: ‘I see.’
Ryuji: ‘Aah, this taste….. It hasn't changed since back then.’
Yuta: ‘Hey, hey, Ryu-chan! Give me one, too!’
Ryuji (laughs): ‘Eh~? What do I do now, hm.’
Yuta: ‘Waah, don’t be a bully~~!’
Tsubasa: ‘Fufufu.’
(I’m relieved. The atmosphere around Ryuji-kun instantly brightened.)
Tomohisa: ‘Fufu, in the end Ryuji’s special medicine is sweets.’
Part 4
ーAfter the end of the ceremony.ー
Tsubasa: ‘Everyone, good work! It was a really wonderful ceremony.’
Tomohisa: ‘Thank you. It’s been a while since we sang outside, so we also enjoyed it.’
Ryuji: ‘Yep. I enjoyed that kind of party for the first time in a while.’
Tomohisa: ‘And, there was also an unexpected surprise, no?’
Ryuji: ‘Yes, yes, definitely! I didn’t think I would be able to eat “that person’s” sweets.’
Tsubasa: ‘Uhm, “that person”…..? Is he an acquaintance of you two?’
Tomohisa: ‘To be honest, yes. The pastry chef, who was in charge of the sweets for the ceremony today, is someone we've been indebted to since we were children.’
Ryuji: ‘He’s the pastry chef purveyor to the Kitakado household and on parties or special events his sweets were always part of them.’
Tsubasa: ‘I understand.’
Ryuji: ‘Especially his macarons are masterpieces. During our Bambi time we both often asked him to make all kinds of sweets for us.’
Tomohisa: ‘Though they were mostly Ryuji’s requests.’
Ryuji: ‘Eh, was it so? Didn’t Tomo also want to eat things like Simmered Taro in Sweetened Soy Sauce* or asked for something different than sweets?’
Tomohisa: ‘Ahaha, that might be so. You remembered that well.’
Ryuji: ‘But all of them were delicious.’
Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, you do love him a lot.’
Tomohisa: ‘We will introduce him to Tsubasa next time.’
Tomohisa: ‘Before I forget, would you come to our apartment on our free day?’
Ryuji: ‘That sounds great! Because we were busy these days we weren’t able to visit the store, so we’ll ask him to make us lots of sweets ♪.’
Tomohisa: ‘Yeah, we will contact you.’
Part 5
ーA few days later. In the evening.ー
(The previous location dragged on, so I arrived later than the promised time unfortunately…..)
______
The doorbell rings.
Tomohisa: ‘Hello, Tsubasa. Come in.’
Tsubasa: ‘Hello! I am terribly sorry for my lateness.’
Tomohisa: ‘It’s fine. Now, come into the living room.’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes, excuse me for the intrusion.’
Tsubasa: ‘…..?’
(It smells sweet here…..)
Ryuji: ‘Ah, you finally came.’
Tsubasa: ‘I am sorry to have kept you waiting.’
Ryuji (sighs): ‘Really. I was getting tired of waiting.’
Ryuji (smiles): ‘Come on, sit down already!’
Tsubasa: ‘Y-Yes.’
(I wonder what’s wrong, Ryuji-kun is strangely in a good mood…..?)
Tsubasa: ‘Ryuji-kun, did something happen?’
Tomohisa: ‘Fufu, I wonder?’
Ryuji: ‘Tsubasa!’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes.’
Ryuji: ‘Open your mouth! Here, aaahh.’
Tsubasa: ‘Eh!? ….. Nhmm.’
Ryuji: ‘How is it? This cupcake is from the pastry chef’s store we talked about the other day. Delicious, right?’
Tsubasa: ‘Nn….., very delicious!’
Ryuji: ‘I know, right! There are also cookies and madeleines. Eat away.’
Tsubasa: ‘Thank you very much. But, why suddenly…..?’
Ryuji: ‘F-For no reason, really. I just bought them, because I was craving some sweets after I ate the ones at the ceremony last time!’
Tomohisa: ‘Oh, that’s weird? What I heard was surely to make them togeーー’
Ryuji (blushes): ‘Wait, Tomo! Don’t say unnecessary things.’
Tsubasa: ‘…..?’
Ryuji: ‘…..They are just a thank you….. for always taking care of all kinds of….. Things for us…..!’
Tsubasa: ‘! Th-Thank you very much…..! That makes me happy.’
Ryuji: ‘Ngh! I mean, Tsubasa might as well also eat them! It's me who wanted to eat them, that’s the main point here!’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes! But I am still happy!’
Tomohisa (winks): ‘Fufufu, then shall we have a tea party today?’
END
______________________
* Simmered Taro in Sweetened Soy Sauce (里芋の煮っころがし・さといものにっころがし): This took me some time to find since it’s a specific dish. Ryuji only used 煮っころがし (Sweetened Soy Sauce) actually, but Google gave me videos and images of the Taro version. It sounds a bit strange to me to only use the soy sauce part, so I included the full name of the dish.
『Event: Pirates of Legend (1st - 9th August 2019)』
Part 1
ーKitaKore’s apartment.ー
Tomohisa (surprised): ‘A request for me….. To write a script for a drama series?’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes. Because it’s in the form of a competition it’s unknown if your script will actually be used. You were supported by a famous script writer and invited to “co-write” a script.’
Tsubasa: ‘The theme will be “battle”, but outside of this, you are free to write anything.’
Ryuji: ‘Hee, so far there have been writing requests such as columns or comments….. Scriptwriting for a drama series is a first, isn’t it? It sure is an unusual offer, Tomo.’
Tomohisa: ‘Yeah, I honestly was surprised. Why did he nominate me, I wonder?’
Tsubasa: ‘The client is a TV station producer who worked on many hit dramas.’
Tsubasa: ‘It seems that while he was watching Kitakado-san’s appearance in a program, he took notice of the atmosphere and your speech which was intelligent and had a good feeling to them.’
Ryuji: ‘Hehe. That producer must be watching Tomo closely.’
Tsubasa: ‘He also read the columns published in magazines by Kitakado-san, and said that you have excellent writing abilities and sufficient topicality. Therefore, if you are interested then you are asked to get in touch with him.’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘I see….. I appreciate that he even read my columns. And to be valued to such an extent makes me happy.’
Tsubasa: ‘It’s not often that I hear of said things, so I think he is not simply complimenting you, but they do really like Kitakado-san’s writing.’
Tsubasa: ‘Since it’s a rare change, would you like to try it out?’
Tomohisa: ‘You’re right….. I’m very grateful for the consideration. By going beyond acting there will be a lot of things I will be able to learn through standing on the side of production for one time in the future.’
Tomohisa: ‘Since I like writing, I’m interested in putting together a story. If I can challenge this, it might be a really great stimulus.’
Tsubasa: ‘If so, thenーー’
Tomohisa: ‘But I will turn down the offer this time.’
Tsubasa: ‘Eh……’
Tomohisa: ‘There are many wonderful professionals in this industry. It feels wrong for an amateur like me to suddenly take part in a competition. If I participate just because of topicality, it’s rude toward the contestants that earnestly submit a script I think.’
Ryuji: ‘........’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Should turning down the offer become an inconvenience then that’s a different matter, however….. There’s no problem I hope?’
Tsubasa: ‘Of course, please don’t worry about it. You are right, because it’s of a different nature than your usual work, Kitakado-san’s feelings are most important regarding this matter. Then I will later inform him of your rejectionーー’
Ryuji: ‘Wait a minute, Tsubasa.’
Ryuji: ‘Say, Tomo, are you really alright with it?’
Tomohisa: ‘Ryuji…..?’
Part 2
Ryuji: ‘You actually…… don’t really think that joining the competition is rude, do you? That thinking is even more discourteous I think.’
Tsubasa: ‘R-Ryuji-kun……’
Ryuji (angry): ‘I mean it’s the truth, it’s like saying you all lose to a script of an amateur’s topicality.’
Tomohisa (baffled): ‘........’
Ryuji: ‘That producer must know that it’s natural that there will be lots of scripts from professionals. As a producer for programs even more so. Yet, he purposely gave you an offer, Tomo. Isn’t it better to think more thoroughly about the meaning of it?’
Tomohisa: ‘........ The meaning of purposely choosing me, huh?’
Ryuji: ‘Exactly. …… It’s true that Tomo may be an amateur in relation to scriptwriting. But doesn’t the feeling to try it out apply to both professionals and amateurs?’
Ryuji (upset): ‘If you seriously are prepared to work hard, then you ought to take this chance.’
(It may be the first time I see Ryuji-kun persuading Kitakado-san about work in such a manner. All the more as Ryuji-kun might feel that this work will be meaningful for Kitakado-san.........)
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘........ Thanks, Ryuji. You’re right, maybe I was a bit conceited here.’
Ryuji: ‘I- I didn’t say that........’
Tomohisa: ‘No, it’s fine. Thank you for making me realize. It kind of opened my eyes. It seems like the offer itself was unexpected for me and my mind didn’t catch up.’
Ryuji (sighs): ‘........ I thought so. It was unlike Tomo to find a reason to not accept even though you had an interest in the offer.’
Tomohisa: ‘Haha, it’s as Ryuji says.’
Tomohisa: ‘........Tsubasa, I’m sorry, but ignore my answer from earlier. Would it be fine if I think about the offer a bit longer? My own feelings included, I want to properly think about whether I have enough time to face the production.’
Tsubasa: ‘Kitakado-san........ Of course!’
Tsubasa: ‘These are the materials for the competitions. I will contact the other party, so please take your time to consider.’
________________________
ーAnother day. In the meeting room.ー
Tomohisa: ‘ーーHello, Tsubasa.’
Tsubasa: ‘Kitakado-san, hello.’
Tsubasa: ‘It has been one week since then....... Did you come to a decision about the scriptwriting competition?’
Tomohisa: ‘Yes. I faced myself and........ Came to a decision.
Tomohisa: ‘I want to participate in the competition.’
Tsubasa: ‘........! I’m glad to hear that........ I thought that it was a really good chance so I am happy as well.’
Tomohisa: ‘Thanks, Tsubasa. I got excited when I read the material for the competition and was able to convince myself once again that this is what I wanted to do.’
Tomohisa: ‘Besides, it’s important for us to open up new work fields from now on I think.’
Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, I am certain that this will be a big step. If you have decided so, I need to start adjusting your schedule........ I wonder how much time you will actually need to write a script?’
Tomohisa: ‘About this…… When I read the materials I tried to write one. Won’t you look over it for me?’
Tsubasa: ‘Eh........ You tried to write a script, you said?’
Tomohisa: ‘Yes. I wanted to test to what point I’m able to write alone. I thought that it’s important to let the producer know what writings other than columns I can produce.’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Since I jumped into the world of professionals, this much preparation and readiness is a must.’
Tsubasa: ‘Amazing........ But is it fine that I will read your script beforehand?’
Tomohisa: ‘Of course. If possible, I want to hear your honest thoughts and impressions on it.’
Part 3
(Kitakado-san’s first script........ Just what kind of story could it be.)
Tomohisa (laughs): ‘Since the theme was “Battle” I wrote a story with “Pirates” as the motif, which I associate with the theme.’
Tsubasa: ‘ “Pirates”........’
(So, it’s probably mainly intense action. ........ Oh, it takes place in Japan.)
(........Huh? There are........ no battle scenes. The “pirates” appearing in the story are at the checkpoint that’s on the sea.)
Tsubasa: ‘........ How strange.’
Tomohisa: ‘Hm? Is there perhaps some inconsistency?’
Tsubasa: ‘Ah, no........! This story is very interesting. The appearing characters are charming and the dialogue is lively. It’s possible to become engaged in the story because thanks to your stage directions the scenes naturally emerge.’
Tomohisa: ‘I see, glad to hear this.’
Tsubasa: ‘But ........ This work is different from the usual “Pirate story”, is it not?’
Tomohisa: ‘Haha, that may be true, indeed. Pirates are pirates, but I chose “Murakami Kaizoku*” as the motif.”
Tsubasa: ‘ “Murakami Kaizoku”?’
Tomohisa: ‘Yeah. When you hear “pirates” the image of a group that gloriously steals the treasure with showy swordplay and firefights comes to your mind. But Japan’s pirates........ The “Murakami Kaizoku” are a group that fights to “protect” the important things.’
Tomohisa: ‘They seem to have been a group, also called the Japanese feudal lord of the sea, that was working for the sake of “protecting” people’s lives, livelihood, and above all, the peace of the sea.’
Tsubasa: ‘So that is why they do not start a fight by themselves.’
Tomohisa: ‘Exactly.’
Tomohisa: ‘........ Modern and extreme “battles” are perhaps better suited for entertainment and entertainment for drama series. But I think “fights” aren’t not only there to mutually hurt or steal from each other. To protect what’s dear, one overcomes their weaknesses. Everyone faces this kind of “battle” everyday.’
Tomohisa: ‘I want to write the kind of story where the viewer sympathizes and is inspired, even if the time or circumstances are different, is what I thought.’
Tsubasa: ‘A “battle” that does not leave the viewer behind........ That is incredibly like Kitakado-san. This is why you can feel a soft warmness despite the heart-breaking scenes.’
Tomohisa: ‘Fufu, if it’s how you feel, then I’m happy.’
Tomohisa: ‘It’s worth writing just because Tsubasa said that.’
(To be able to produce such a wonderful script in a mere week, Kitakado-san really is extraordinary........)
Tsubasa: ‘I would like to continue reading your script without a rush, but........ More importantly, I would like to quickly submit it to the producer. I am sure it will be more than what they expected.’
Tomohisa: ‘That’s good to hear. But if this script isn’t what they wished for, then don’t hesitate to tell me, I will rewrite it.’
________________________
ーAnother day. During a photo shoot.ー
Tsubasa: ‘Uhm........ Ah, Kitakado-san!’
Tomohisa: ‘What happened for you to be so flustered........ Wasn’t it a different location today?’
Tsubasa: ‘That is true, but there is something I need to tell you as soon as possible. It’s about the script the other day, I received a reply from the producer.’
Tomohisa: ‘........! What did they say........’
Tsubasa: ‘It was praised that the result was beyond their imagination. And they were pleased about the subject at hand, which was like Kitakado-san. Moreover, it will be adopted as a solo script by Kitakado-san, instead of a co-written one........’
Tomohisa (surprised): ‘Solo script?’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes! It was decided to make it into a drama, outside of the competition. It seems that it will be in the frame of a two hour special drama.’
Tomohisa: ‘Made into a drama........ This time everything really is beyond your expectations.’
Tomohisa: ‘But I’m incredibly happy about it. I wonder if it’s fine that there are no problems with the content of the script and to receive such a big chance?’
Tsubasa: ‘It looks like there will be some corrections needed, however, they said that they want to go with the content as it is. And........’
Tomohisa: ‘There is more to come?’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes. When the production of the drama happens, if possible, they want Kitakado-san to be involved with the castings as well.’
Tomohisa: ‘Me........ Involved in the castings?’
Part 4
Tomohisa (baffled): Is that true? I didn’t think it was possible for me to choose the actors.’
Tsubasa: ‘If you wish, they will move to make it come true as much as possible. For this reason, should you have a performer in mind, do not hesitate to........’
Tomohisa: ‘........ If so, then there’s one person I’d like to ask.’
Tsubasa: ‘Is that so?’
Tomohisa: ‘Since he’s a veteran, it might be difficult. However, when I was writing the main protagonist, he came to my mind. So I was thinking to myself that I would be delighted if he plays the role........’
Tsubasa: ‘In this case, it will not hurt if we let them know! The producer is eager to gather a good staff and performers as well.’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Thanks. ........ How do I say, there’s a mysterious feeling I have never felt before. The world I imagined inside my head becomes reality........ The actors and actresses will bring the lines I wrote to life. They’re just ordinary letters, but I’m able to witness the moment they turn into living words.’
Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, even I am getting excited myself.’
Tomohisa: ‘Tsubasa, you also read the script, is there someone you imagine to play this particular character?’
Tsubasa: ‘Let me see, I ........ Ah, before that, I have an important matter to tell you.’
Tomohisa: ‘Hm?’
Tsubasa: ‘It’s regarding the casting, they also like to ask some B-PRO members to appear.’
Tomohisa (surprised): ‘From B-PRO, too?’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes, as Kitakado-san’s name will be listed, they want at least two other names to be listed as well.’
Tomohisa: ‘I see........’
Tomohisa: ‘........’
Tsubasa: ‘Uhm........ is something wrong?’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Yeah........ I just thought about how it’s a bit troubling, because it’s not possible to have everyone appear, I assume? It’s a given that, no matter who I choose, they will deliver a good performance. And yet, I have to choose from them.’
Tsubasa: ‘You are right........ Choosing among the members does feel awkward. However, this is not about the quality of their acting ability. If you choose them based on whether they suit the role or not, then it should not be such a worrisome matter I think.’
Tomohisa: ‘That’s true........ Then........’
Tomohisa: ‘........But, what to do. The role that suits Ryuji this timeーー’
Ryuji: ‘What about me?’
Tomohisa (surprised): ‘Ryuji! What about the shooting?’
Ryuji: ‘It just finished. I heard your talk from the middle on....... Tomo, are you worrying about me by any chance?’
Tomohisa: ‘That’s.......’
Ryuji (sighs): ‘Haa....... As I thought. Listen, do you think I will sulk if I can’t appear in the drama?’
Tomohisa: ‘No, you’re wrong. It’s just that this work is my first script. Since Ryuji encouraged me so much....... Besides, I do really love Ryuji’s acting. So if I am choosing from B-PRO, I want it to be Ryuji after all.’
Ryuji: ‘But there’s no role for me, is there?’
Tomohisa (dejected): ‘Uh.......’
Ryuji: ‘Good grief.......’
Ryuji: ‘There must already be a set image inside Tomo’s head. You absolutely can’t stray away from it. I won’t forgive it if Tomo’s important work will be ruined by such a thing.’
Tomohisa: ‘Ryuji.......’
Ryuji (smiles): ‘And in the first place, if I was appearing in the drama Tomo penned then I’d be the leading role, am I right. The content as well must be even more refined.’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Heh....... You’re right, When casting Ryuji, it has to be a script that was written for Ryuji.’
Ryuji: ‘Exactly. So for now, concentrate on producing good work. That’s also part of a professional’s work, no?’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Yeah. Thanks, Ryuji.’
Tomohisa: ‘.......Say, Tsubasa.’
Tsubasa: ‘Y-Yes.’
Tomohisa (winks): ‘To be honest, when I was writing the script, there were characters for which members came to my mind.’
Tsubasa: ‘.......! Please let me hear about it.’
Tomohisa: ‘Thanks. Uhm....... This role is heroic, fun and soothing. Since he’s a moodmarker I was thinking of Hikaru when I was writing the script. As for the other role, he comes with honesty and seriousness who doesn’t hesitate to throw away his life for the sake of his comrades.’
Tomohisa: ‘So I think this role might suit Kazu.......’
Ryuji: ‘.......’
Part 5
ーDuring the drama production, at the beach.ー
Lighting staff: ‘Put the lighting a bit higher.’
AD: ‘The last location bus is arriving! With this all the performers for today are gathered!’
Tomohisa: ‘....... It’s the start of the filming, huh. From here on out we’ll earnestly start filming now.’
Tomohisa: ‘.......’
Tsubasa: ‘.......Uhm, Kitakado-san. Are you fine?’
Tomohisa: ‘Eh?’
Tsubasa: ‘No, somehow you looked stiff for a second....... Since we are shooting at the sea all day, you will be hit by the salty sea breeze. If you are not feeling well, please tell me right away.’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘I’m fine. My body is fit and healthy, there’s no problem.’
Tomohisa: ‘But, perhaps....... I’m a bit nervous.’
Tsubasa: ‘Eh.......?’
Tomohisa (pensive): ‘It sure is unusual for me, I agree. I just don’t know it myself really well, this sensation I’m feeling for the first time. I didn’t feel like this when I appeared in dramas....... Is this what you call pressure?’
Tomohisa: ‘A great number of people are working to realize the script I wrote. It’s been like this ever since this project started to move. Seeing the preparation for the shooting before my eyes now....... It looks like I came to realize this fact at last.’
(For Kitakado-san, who usually is the one who calms down everyone, to be this nervous....... It’s also a first for me. The words I should be giving at this time.......)
Hikaru: ‘Uwaah~ I’m so super nervous~!!’
Tomohisa: ‘.......Hm?’
Hikaru: ‘Did you see, leader? The actress who’s standing by the location bus!’
Hikaru: ‘When I was a child I watched her dramas in the morning, she played the mother in it!? I can’t believe there would come a day where I would be co-starring with her....... Aaaah, that makes me so nervous!’
Hikaru: ‘Leader, write down lots of letters of “person” on my hand** I will drink them! I will chug them down all at once!!’
Kazuna: ‘Calm down, Hikaru. It’s not our turn yet.’
Hikaru: ‘Uuh~! I know, but.......!’
Kazuna: ‘Hm, I do understand you though. There are nothing but talented performers around here, it’s nerve-wracking. But everyone should have the same desire to produce a good drama....... Don’t let yourself be swallowed up by the atmosphere and let’s rise together.’
Kazuna: ‘Let’s fight the pressure and move forward, just like our roles.’
Tomohisa: ‘.......!’
Kazuna: ‘Ahead of overcoming your weaknesses, there’s the future. For this reason, no matter how scary it is, even if your legs are tremblingーー You need to walk without stopping.’
Hikaru: ‘L-Leader.......’
Hikaru: ‘Uuuh, you’re so cool~! I’m mesmerized~!!’
Kazuna: ‘H-Hikaru, lower your voice a bit.......’
Hikaru: ‘You’re right! It’s the lamest to lose to yourself! Alright, I’ll also do my best!!’
Tomohisa: ‘....... Haha.’
Tsubasa: ‘Fufu....... Hikaru-kun is just as usual.’
Tomohisa: ‘Yeah. Kazu as well as Hikaru, they both are strong.’
Tomohisa: ‘I....... have to become strong, too. I can’t stay like this.’
Tomohisa: ‘If I don’t fight with the same feeling as the actors and actresses as part of the crew, I can’t deliver good work that many people can enjoy.’
(....... A dignified look. Yeah....... I’m sure he will be fine from now on.)
Producer: ‘Alright, it’s time. Shall we gather once before we start filming? Kitakado-kun, come here!’
Tomohisa: ‘Yes, I will.’
Tsubasa: ‘....... Everything is going well.’
Tomohisa: ‘Yeah, then, I’ll be going.’
______
Tomohisa: ‘....... Tsubasa.’
Tsubasa: ‘Kitakado-san? Do you need something.......’
Tomohisa: ‘No, just....... Thanks.’
Tsubasa: ‘Eh?’
Tomohisa: ‘I’m very grateful that this gives me an environment and opportunity to continue taking on new challenges. That’s why, thank you, Tsubasa.’
Tsubasa: ‘....... You are welcome. The possibilities are limitless. Let us take on all kinds of challenges from now on as well.’
Tomohisa (smiles): ‘Yeah. Then....... I will go fight alongside everyone.’
Tsubasa: ‘Yes! Please do so, Kitakado-san.......!’
END
______________________
* Murakami Kaizoku (村上海賊): “[....] Murakami Kaizoku was the country’s largest group of pirates. Contrary to the usual activities of pirates who loot ships for money and goods, the Murakami Kaizoku’s primary occupation was enforcing order for the safety and security of navigation, and ensuring orderly trade and distribution in the Seto Inland Sea.[....]” [Source: japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp]
** Writing the letter for “people” (人) on the palm of your hand and swallowing is something like an encouragement ritual in Japan. Perhaps you might have seen it in some anime before, like Shokugeki no Soma, or in J-Dramas. This article explains the history behind this action.
