Chapter 5

(Before I start drafting the concept and script...… I should organize my premise first.)

The task is: “Create a show from scratch.”

It needs to be completely original, designed for an Arcland production.

And what I’m aiming for is something everyone can enjoy, a show that leaves people feeling united afterward.

(Yes, just like the “Goodbye Ghost” I saw today.)

…Even my intro show aimed for the same thing.

And yet, it got called “boring".

The fact is, there’s a big gap between my work and “Goodbye Ghost”…..

(It’s hard to put into words… but Tom’s production had real “depth.”)

(The question is, how do I express that myself?)

Dig deeper into my themes, rethink how I direct...… For now, I’ll just have to try everything I can.

You’ll be using this formula a lot, so memorize it, it’ll be on the test, too.

(To create depth in what I show, I have to be deeply familiar with the subject myself.)

For me...… things like building machines, theater, or student life are close at hand.

I’ll try combining a few of these elements…...

............

Kamishiro. Solve problem three in the textbook, the application question.

The answer’s X squared minus three.

........Correct.

(I’ve brainstormed a few ideas, but none of them really stand out.)

(They work as shows, but it feels like I’m just stitching together pieces from other works.)

(Most of all… I don’t find them interesting myself.)

— Time to go back to square one.

Looks like everyone’s here. Well then, let’s head to Arcland.

Got it! But listen, you—

Rui, are you actually getting any sleep these days?

Huh?

Look under your eyes. You’ve got terrible eye bags.

Mhm… you look kinda tired too.

I heard what you’re doing for the director’s course.

It must be something pretty difficult, isn't it?

I get that there are times when you wanna push yourself no matter what. I’ve been there too.

But… don’t push yourself too hard.

If you’re ever in trouble, tell us! Maybe there’s something we can help with!

…....Thank you, everyone.

It’s true I’ve been up late thinking about the assignment, so I’m a bit sleep-deprived...… but I’m okay.

I can see the wall I need to overcome now. I just want to push myself a bit further.

…..Got it. But don’t overdo it, okay?

I know.

(…...I thought a change of scenery might help spark some ideas, but...…)

(…My brain just isn’t cooperating.)

…I ended up worrying everyone earlier, too.

(The actor course is probably grueling enough, and on top of that, they’ll be pitching in for my project soon...…)

(The more I delay the draft and script, the less time we’ll have to rehearse.)

(That’s the one thing I absolutely can’t let happen…)

(…Maybe it’s the fatigue, but my thoughts are all jumbled.)

(Maybe a short nap will help clear my head.)

(—My body....… it’s heavy.)

(It’s like something’s wrapped around my legs..…)

“...…Hey.”

What? Was that a voice...…?

“Why won’t you look at me?”

Look at you...…? What are you even talking about?

“Pretending not to see me won’t make me go away.”

“Because I’m—”

.........Rui-kun.

Rui-kun, are you alright?

…...Ah, thank goodness. You’re awake.

Luka-san…?

Sorry for waking you up.

But you looked like you were having a bad dream.

A bad dream.........

(Ah..… I see. So that was just a dream.)

—If anything, I’m grateful you woke me up.

But, why are you here, Luka-san?

Hehe, I thought I’d sleep on the stage with all the plushies~

For the next show, KAITO-kun made lots of fluffy, cloud-like cushions.

He said it’d be fine if we used them for a bit, so I thought we could all try sleeping here.

Feels like we could have the loveliest dreams, don’t you think?

I see. It does sound like you’d have wonderful dreams here.

Rui-kun..… did you see something frightening in your dream?

…Who knows. I don’t remember it well.

But it felt strangely real— I didn’t realize it was a dream until I woke up.

I see…....

(But that voice...… They say dreams can reflect what lies deep in the mind—)

(I might be under more pressure than I thought.)

—Hey, Rui-kun. How about a little riddle?

A riddle…?

Yes. I’m sure it’ll be easy for you

When someone’s having a bad dream, but doesn’t realize it’s a dream…

What do you think would help that person wake up?

……

....…Get someone else to wake them?

Ding ding ding ♪ That’s exactly right~

Exactly like what just happened to me

Hehe, didn’t I say it’d be simple for you, Rui-kun?

I think there are things we can’t see on our own. And you need others to help you see them.

So if you’re struggling so much right now that you can’t even have a pleasant dream…...

Maybe it’s time to lean on someone else to wake you up now.

Especially now, you have people you can trust right there by you, right?

(…...It’s true, I’ve tried every way I can think of.)

(And yet, if there’s still no sign of a solution—)

(Then what I need to do is change my approach.)

You’re right. I can’t stay trapped in this nightmare forever.

I don’t know if it’ll work… but I’ll try every way I can.

Yes. Do your best, Rui-kun.