Chapter Text
What a strange position to be in, Ibara thought. Though Ibara doesn’t doubt Yuzuru’s abilities, he can’t help but feel a little worried. As capable as Yuzuru may seem, Yuzuru is still a normal person with no real combat training. Sure, Ibara could say he isn’t responsible over Yuzuru’s well-being but he doesn’t want to lose Yuzuru as well.
“ You two there―What are you doing here?! ”
Ibara and Yuzuru turn to the sight of a guard, attempting to usher them out. Return to the theater, he says as Yuzuru looks at him in confusion. Ibara isn’t surprised by the genuine look on Yuzuru’s face, it’s clear that he doesn’t understand the guard’s orders. Before Ibara can make up a lie to explain why they’re here, Yuzuru pulls out a bottle and offers it to the guard with a silent smile.
God, Ibara hates that silent smile of his .
Much to Ibara’s surprise, the guard decides to pretend that he didn’t attempt to bark out orders at them earlier. Well, that was easier than either of them expected. Ibara gives Yuzuru a funny look, hoping it’ll trigger an explanation as to why he’s carrying a bottle of sake around. Does he miss Japan that much?
Yuzuru chuckles as he shakes his head.
“Tsumugi’s brother gave it to me.” Ibara makes a disgusted face, simply not wanting to hear any further explanation. Yuzuru laughs as Ibara grumbles about how he prefers Subaru over Tsumugi’s older brother. He can understand the sentiment that Tsumugi has whenever he meets his brother. How dreadful.
After a few minutes of idle wandering, Ibara hears radio static. Pretending to have an interest in a different painting that is hung on the wall, Ibara and Yuzuru hide between the pillars. Oh? Have they found Subaru already? Ibara listens intently to the guard talking to the handheld transceiver.
“ The prince’s subordinate sniffed out the plan, but the prince was lured by the decoy. We’ve locked him up in the trap cellar just as planned. ”
Ibara hums to himself as Yuzuru quietly asks for a translation. Well, it looks like they have a trap cellar to go. Ibara tells Yuzuru to follow him quickly. The guard won’t notice them but it won’t be long before he starts feeling suspicious of them.
Though, a trap cellar and a chandelier? Are they planning to burn the whole theater down? Yuzuru makes a mention that they probably would drop a chandelier after the intermission. If they’re not quick enough, there is a chance that everyone is going to die in that theater. Not the best way to die, in Yuzuru’s opinion. Not to mention, Yuzuru doesn’t want to be on a plane alone with Ibara. God no.
“Can you not be morbid for five seconds?”
Yuzuru gives him an unconvinced look.
“Can you not be sneaky for five seconds?”
Ibara sighs. He gives in. They have no time for foolish arguments. They have to get to the trap cellar, as soon as possible. Though, how are they going to get past the tight security around there? Yuzuru’s trick from earlier won’t work on them, for sure. Unless they use brute force? That would do a better job than luring them away.
“Fushimi, do you mind if you closed your eyes?”
Yuzuru quirks an eyebrow.
“Literally or to the crime you are about to commit?”
Both.
Yuzuru sighs and closes his eyes. He takes the time to mumble how dangerous and stupid this idea is. Ibara couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Yuzuru standing behind a pillar with his eyes closed, grumbling how stupid it is that Ibara thinks he’s invincible. Ibara doesn’t think he’s invincible, though? He just doesn’t want Yuzuru to get hurt, that’s all.
“Have some faith in your junior, will you?” Yuzuru manages to bark out, despite how cowardly his current state looks. Ibara wants to burst into laughter at the sight but he doesn’t. He simply kisses Yuzuru’s forehead and tells him that this will only take a short while. Don’t worry about Ibara, he’ll be okay.
How funny. Samael would have hated this kind of situation and relationship. If it were Samael that Yuzuru was in contact with, Samael would have forced the other to fend for himself. Samael doesn’t like anyone else but Eve and Sandalphon. He would have proceeded with the mission, not giving a single damn if Yuzuru had fallen through the cracks.
Say, why do you care so much about this guy? It’s not like he’s of any real use.
Ibara’s moves begin to stutter a little, giving the guards a chance to actually get a hit at him. How scary. What a dangerous situation to be in. Why did Ibara have to think so hard about Yuzuru’s well-being? Why didn’t Ibara scold Yuzuru and tell him to follow the rest of Spring Troupe like how he’s supposed to? Isn’t he just dead weight? Ibara couldn’t help but feel pathetic when those questions ran through his mind.
Smash!
Ibara catches the sight of white porcelain breaking against a guard’s head, Yuzuru has his fist in another guard’s face. Though a part of him that rings closely to Samael, bitterly notes how Yuzuru didn’t keep his promise. Another part of him is glad that he didn’t. Ibara watches Yuzuru hiss a little in pain but it doesn’t wipe away the concerned look he gives Ibara.
“Senpai, are you alright?” Yuzuru asks, lending him a hand. Instinctively, Yuzuru begins to check Ibara for any injuries. Sighing in relief when it seemed clear that Ibara had not sustained any serious injury. Quickly, the two of them hastily unlock the door to the trap cellar.
They find Subaru on the floor, clearly dizzy and unaware of the situation he had been placed in. Ibara and Yuzuru carefully help him up as he mumbles complete nonsense. No matter the situation, Subaru is still talking complete nonsense, huh? Though, Ibara will praise him for being able to speak absolute garbage in both languages.
“We can’t really explain what’s going on right now but we have to leave this instance!”
Despite them rehearsing and going over the lines together, Jun couldn’t help but notice how distracted Natsume was. Though he recited and acted out his lines and scenes perfectly, his eyes would avert to something else as soon as he’s done. Why is that?
“ The intermission will be ending shortly. Kindly, please take your seats. ”
Winter Troupe can only alter so much before it goes completely against the script. Especially without rehearsals . Not everyone is good at improv, either. They’ll have to make-do with their current situation. Even then, Jun can’t help but point out his concerns towards Natsume. It’s freaking him out a little, to be honest.
“Sakasaki-san, are you alright?”
Natsume hums confusedly as the other members look at him in concern. He reassures them that he’s fine. He’s just concerned . That chandelier over there has been swaying for a while now. Natsume can’t help but feel uneasy with how such a dangerous thing sways rather violently. What makes the situation even more concerning, only the chandelier is swaying. Nothing else is moving in such a manner.
It’s not like they can complain, though. Surely, it’ll fall on deaf ears. All they can do is be cautious and hope that the play runs smoothly.
“You’re really dressing to impress, aren’t you?” Christine jokes as they watch Carlotta correct her dress. Of course, she is. Why wouldn’t she be? Just because they’re friends now, doesn’t mean Carlotta is going to let herself be outdressed by Christine. Don’t get your hopes up.
Christine laughs as Carlotta scoffs at them.
Lately, Carlotta’s insults have turned into light jabs. Christine wonders if that’s a sign of the two of them being close friends? That’s probably wishful thinking. Even then, a relationship like this is fine. Christine quite enjoys it, actually.
“A grand masquerade ball like this―Richard sure loves flaunting himself,” Carlotta comments as they thread through the sea of guests. To pull such an event, Richard must believe that the Phantom’s outburst was a one-time thing. Christine wants to hope it is, Carlotta doubts it. If anything, she feels uneasy over his absence throughout the months. Just what is he up to? Christine hums in understanding.
Carlotta shakes her head. She doesn't want her mood ruined, to be honest. The masquerade is a very enchanting event, she doesn’t want to spend the entire night in despair. How pitiful. Should she wash away these anxious thoughts with alcohol?
“By the way, when is that fiancee of yours arriving?”
Christine tilts her head in confusion.
“Raoul? He’ll be here soon―Why do you ask?”
Carlotta hums. Is it wrong to say that she may have some form of interest with Raoul’s brother, Phillippe? Christine laughed as they shook their head. Not at all but why Phillippe of all people? That's a rather poor taste in Christine's opinion.
Carlotta scoffs. No way is Carlotta hearing Christine say she has poor taste when Christine is the one in love with her own childhood friend. How cliche. Get better taste, will you? If not, don’t judge Carlotta for catching feelings for a frivolous man. Isn’t Christine’s fiancee the same? Neither of them can judge.
“I know but you’ve only met him twice ―How can that happen?” Christine couldn’t stop laughing at Carlotta’s reddening face. Sometimes, it just happens, you know? Can you knock it off, Christine? Carlotta is being honest here!
Christine apologises for laughing at Carlotta’s blooming feelings for Raoul’s older brother. For a minute, Christine tries to picture the idea of Carlotta being their sister-in-law. Definitely hard to imagine.
“Bold of you to go straight to marriage when I don’t even know if that man likes me,” Carlotta comments crudely as Christine laughs harder. That’s true. Christine is making bold assumptions, though Phillippe isn’t so bad. Outside of his track record of being a womanizer, he’s not so bad. He’s sincere and smart. He can be caring at times if he isn’t chasing another woman’s skirt. Maybe Carlotta doesn’t have terrible taste.
“Though, I think you’d get along with Phillippe well― Carlotta? ”
Jun has to admit, he wasn’t focusing on Ritsu at all. It was just merely impossible to continue on with the act when the swaying of the chandelier was just so distracting . Alarming, even. Is that safe? Jun completely understands how uneasy Natsume was, prior to the show continuing.
No good. Judging by how violent it sways, Ritsu and he are going to get severely hurt. Though, how do they keep in character in this kind of situation? Jun can’t suddenly cut Ritsu off and run back to see what the hell is going on. There has to be another way to confront this situation.
“ Carlotta? Are you alright? ”
Ritsu gives him a confused look, clearing wanting an explanation as to why Jun is suddenly going off-script. None of the members nor the staff are asking them to stop, leaving Jun rather uncomfortable with the lack of concern.
“Move back,” Jun whispers, almost inaudible but it’s enough for Ritsu to hear.
Ritsu mouths the word back but has a confused face. He doesn’t understand the situation at all, does he? Is he aware that standing in the center is dangerous? Maybe, he isn’t aware because his brain is caught up in playing the character. For once, Jun wished Ritsu wasn’t like this.
“Move back, Ritsu―”
Crash!
Before Jun could even finish that sentence, the chandelier crashes deadly close to them. They slip and fall to the ground as they scramble away from the burning chandelier. This isn’t good at all. Jun has to thank his instincts for grabbing Ritsu close quickly enough. Even then, that doesn’t really change the situation they’re in. Damn these skirts, Shu put them in. Judging by how quickly the fire is spreading, they’re going to be burnt alive thanks to these skirts. If he makes it alive, he’s going to make Shu make these skirts detachable.
“ Woah―! ”
The entire structure of the stage is falling apart. This is really bad. Just why did Subaru have to be a prince?! Couldn’t he live an easier life like a spy or something?! They wouldn’t be stuck in this kind of situation, had it not been the fact that Subaru was a crowned prince!
Jun feels Ritsu’s grip tighten as he winces in pain. Right, Jun is left with Winter Troupe’s physically weakest member. The smoke and heat is probably affecting Ritsu more than Jun. Jun wants to ask Ritsu if he’s alright but he stops himself. Mao has mentioned before that Ritsu can barely hear himself and his surroundings when he’s hurt and panicked like this. Jun can only cling tightly to Ritsu as they try to get out of the fire as soon as possible.
“ Who is responsible for this!? Is this the doing of the Phantom who haunts this Opera!? ”
As dangerous as it seems, Jun stops for a minute. Is that Shinobu?
“ Christine! Carlotta! ”
Ah, Mao too. Are they trying to treat this entire hazard as a part of the act? Are they crazy?!
“ Find the Phantom! I won’t let him do as he pleases for any longer! We must capture him now! ”
Think of a line, Jun. Just any. At least, he’ll be able to signal the others that Jun and Ritsu are safe. Think of something. Come on.
“ Raoul, be useful for once in your Goddamn life and call a doctor! ”
Good enough. Okay, acting time is over. With Ritsu’s current state, Jun and Ritsu will die. Ritsu won’t be able to say his lines, at this rate. Let’s just hope, the audience can’t see Carlotta carry Christine and kick things away so the path is clear. It’s an absurd sight but cut him some slack. Keeping in character during dangerous situations has never been his forte.
“ Carlotta, this way! ”
Jun looks up to find Natsume signaling him over. They quickly escape the fire, as they hear the Queen order the guards to extinguish the fire and the audience to stay calm as they exit the theater. Before Jun and Ritsu can even catch a break, the Queen ushers more guards to take care of their injuries.
The theater was partially destroyed, but there were no severe injuries and every guest is safe. That was a good thing to hear. As for Jun and Ritsu, they’re just lucky that they made it out alive and the costumes were only covered in soot. Though, Jun is just glad that Ritsu is okay. It was honestly scary to be in that position, he’s never really had to carry such a fragile thing in his life. He was glad that Winter Troupe quickly came in, as soon as they got out of the fire.
“Oh, don’t make that face―You’re hideous when you cry,” Subaru’s mother states as Subaru makes a tearful face. It can’t be helped. Due to Subaru’s disobedience, things had unfolded this way. To the extent of getting his own friends hurt, it’s hard not to want to cry about it like a big baby. Subaru’s mother laughs as Subaru tells her that he hates crying like this, in front of his friends and mother.
Though, it’s no one’s fault that Subaru reacted that way.
Neither is it anyone’s fault for Souma to crawl back here, wanting to see Subaru again.
As dangerous it seems for either of them to make such hasty decisions. No one can blame them for reacting that way. Even if it happens to be at the expense of others. Though only Subaru’s mother can say that, who knows what Subaru’s father will say about this?
“ We are currently investigating the cause, but we will set a near date to hold the ceremony again for our people, who were looking forward to— ”
Subaru’s mother halts her husband from speaking any further.
“ My dear, ” Subaru’s mother calls for him, gesturing Subaru to come closer as well. Yumenosaki could only watch them discuss amongst themselves about the entire situation. Iris had joined them to watch the Royal family discuss in private. Clearly weighing each and every decision that was made, that led to this outcome.
Not long, Iris and Souma are called into the meeting.
Are things going to be alright? Jun looks at Ibara, hoping that maybe he would have an answer but the other could only shrug. None of them have dealt with these types of things so they can only sit in agony as they wait for the outcome. At least, the guards are friendly and hospitable so it’s not like they’re waiting to be sent to jail or anything.
“If He saw us like this, would He punish us?” Jun asks jokingly.
Ibara gives him an unconvinced look. Trying to jog your memory right now? When Jun is sitting next to his unconscious leader? Jun never stops being ridiculous and unable to read the room.
“We’d be punished to death but if Eve were around, He would have us reluctantly off the hook,” Ibara responded with a sigh. Jun laughed a little. Yea, Eve would have gotten He to let the two of them go. Though, they’d probably be punished by Eve.
Reciting tongue-twisters or maybe helping him out the lab. They used to do those types of things a lot, growing up.
“ Though , Eve would praise you for one thing,” Ibara notes how Jun being able to save himself and Ritsu would be something Eve would praise him for. Greatly . He’d call Jun a prince for being able to save Ritsu. Kind of makes Ibara jealous, a little.
Jun smiles softly at Ibara’s embarrassing confession.
It’s not like Jun is the only one who would receive praise from Eve. Ibara too. Saving a prince and managing to keep his partner alive? Now that’s a rare sight. No way would Samael do that. He'd have either come back with the prince’s dead body or his partner’s dead body. Either way, someone has to die and Samael isn’t in the list of options.
Ibara shoves Jun lightly, telling him to knock it off. Ibara is aware that Samael wouldn’t do that. Stop teasing him.
Subaru comes out with a rather worried look. He approaches Yumenosaki with a meek face. He bows his head in sincerity and apologises to them for all the trouble caused today. The fact that Yumenosaki even flew out to see Subaru, it’s clear that Subaru could never repay Yumenosaki like this. He thanks them for everything that they have done.
“Allow me to make arrangements for the guards to take you back to your hotel, please.”
Subaru mentions that it’s only fair, after the tremendous trouble he has put on them. Not to mention, he doesn’t want Yumenosaki to handle a severe situation like Ritsu’s all on their own. He should bear the responsibility of leading Ritsu into such a dangerous situation. In fact, he led all of Yumenosaki into such a dangerous situation. Please , allow Subaru to do this for Yumenosaki.
Alas, Subaru is denied the chance to get guards to escort Yumenosaki back to their hotels. He is denied by his father from making such arrangements.
Though Subaru calls it cruel, Shinobu doesn’t see it that way at all. Even if Yumenosaki were asked to leave, Shinobu wouldn’t have left at all. He would stubbornly stick by Subaru’s side, as stupid it is. He would want to carry Subaru’s burdens, even if Subaru told him not to. All because Subaru is a Spring Troupe member to him.
“It’s only right that we stay with you―You’re our family so please, let us stay with you.”
Subaru stares at the rest of Yumenosaki in confusion. Though they’re tired and scared, they don’t want Subaru and Souma to carry this burden alone. If there’s anything Yumenosaki has learnt this past year is that they’re stubborn and selfish. They just can’t let go of their members as easily as they want to. No matter how hard the world tries to take away a Yumenosaki member, Yumenosaki will find a way to get them back. Even if it’s ridiculous and dangerous so please, let Yumenosaki be with Subaru and Souma until the very end.
“Subaru,” Souma calls. He stands poised, returning to his servant-like state. Barely recognisable to Yumenosaki. Especially, Winter Troupe who had worked so hard in breaking that servant-like state he was in.
Souma spares a glance at Winter Troupe, pitying them a little. It’s clear he feels guilty for having to not be able to save Jun and Ritsu but it’s fine. They’re safe so don’t make such an ugly face, will you? Eve used to say that ugly crying faces stay that way if you’re not careful. Jun would always believe those such lies, even though it’s obviously not true. Maybe Jun was a dumb kid. Who knows?
Ritsu murmurs, definitely signaling everyone that he’s awake and fine. He slowly sits up, wincing in pain. Seems like he’s dizzy. Ritsu drinks water as he mumbles how much he wants to lie down and become one with the ground. This play was the worst play he has ever acted in. He never wants to do this again.
Winter Troupe laughed and agreed on that statement. Nearly losing their co-lead and leader in a fire? That was something that none of them would have dreamt of ever happening to them. Who knew so much could happen to them over the course of a couple of months? It’s scary, to be honest.
Shu wraps the blanket around Ritsu, mentioning how it’s obvious that Ritsu is still slightly shaken from the entire incident. Subaru apologises directly to Ritsu who only laughs. There’s no need to apologise, Subaru. As long as Ritsu gets to see Subaru safe and happy, that’s all that should matter.
Don’t worry about Ritsu―Believe it or not, Ritsu has been in all sorts of technical problems regarding concerts and shows. Though this was terrifying, this isn’t particularly out of Ritsu’s experiences with old equipment.
“Ah, right―Subaru, the King has called for you.”
Souma bows to Yumenosaki and tells them to wait for a while. Jun watches Anzu stutter out a nod as they watch Subaru and Souma retreat back into the meeting room. All of them couldn’t help but wonder who could have done such a cruel thing during a crucial moment like this? Even if that gets settled, will Subaru and Souma be able to come home with Yumenosaki? All sorts of questions run through their minds as they wait patiently.
Sensing everyone’s fear, Ritsu absentmindedly sings a lullaby.
The same lullaby he sang during their last performance. That comforting sound that could lull anyone to sleep, it leaves a comforting feeling over everyone. Jun watched Shinobu cling tightly to Ritsu as Ritsu wrapped him tightly in the blanket with him. It’s okay to be scared. There’s no reason for Shinobu to be brave all the time. Cry when you’re scared. Don’t be embarrassed.
Jun has always wondered about that lullaby―
“ Where did you learn such a lullaby? ”
Yumenosaki looked up to see the King of Iridaceae look at Ritsu in bewilderment. It obviously leaves Ritsu stuttering over his words as he struggles to answer the King’s question. The fact that the King even asked in Japanese, it’s no wonder Ritsu was a babbling mess. Ritsu didn’t expect the lullaby to attract unwanted attention. He fumbles an apology for singing.
“My mom? She used to sing this to me whenever I got scared?” Ritsu almost seemed uncertain of his answer. Is nervousness making his memories completely scrambled? Jun wouldn’t blame him.
Thankfully, not only Ritsu was puzzled by this sudden reaction. Subaru and Souma too. They didn’t understand what was so important about the lullaby. Though, Souma will admit that he was very comforted by such a lullaby. Ritsu’s voice is very pretty. While Subaru looked at his father and mother in confusion, is there a reason why this lullaby is significant to them?
“Well beneath all of that responsible exterior, your father is the same as you―He too enjoys things like idols and performances.” Subaru’s mother explains that while Subaru was too busy being nervous during Yumenosaki’s performance, Subaru’s father was hellbent on trying to figure out why Ritsu looked familiar. Lo behold, Ritsu was related to Subaru’s father’s favourite singer.
Hearing that explanation, Ritsu immediately understood the situation.
Ritsu listened to Subaru’s father gush about his mother for a couple of minutes. Occasionally glancing at Subaru, hoping that the other could help out but the other was just in a pinch as Ritsu. Subaru knew about his father’s love for performing arts but he didn’t think he’d go to the extent of gushing to someone about it. Since he’s old and stuff, you know?
Subaru’s father finally stops as he makes mention of a concert, something a bit like a musical? Jun doesn’t entirely get it but Ritsu does. His mother’s concert for her anniversary, Ritsu explains that a lot of actors, musicians, singers, and dancers will be there. Could it be that Subaru’s parents would like to go?
“Oh no―We have duties to attend and it’s not like it’s easy to get those tickets, anyway.” Subaru’s father is just as ridiculous as Subaru. Jun learns that quickly when he immediately mopes about his responsibilities. He mumbles about dealing with the men who had inflicted damage to public property and harm to the citizens and royal family. Other duties also include speaking to the other royal families over pushing the coronation ceremony to another date.
Possibly another candidate too.
Huh?
What about Subaru? Isn’t he supposed to be king? What happened to that? Yumenosaki looked at Subaru who could only smile sheepishly. With Subaru keeping his feelings about not wanting to be king and how he knew about people plotting against him, there is a chance that Subaru may not be fit for king. The family will have to find another candidate to become king. Of course, Subaru is free to change his mind and come back.
Though, it’ll be a long while till such a coronation ceremony ever happens. Subaru is the eldest amongst his cousins, anyway.
“Though you’re unfit to be king, I cannot stop you from contributing your knowledge to the country―I look forward to your reports on ways to improve the royal theater, Subaru.”
Subaru stutters out a nod. Yes, he’ll be sure to send in documents and reports from around the world. Look forward to it! Surely, Subaru’s father would enjoy the things he has found! After all, despite this being against Subaru’s father’s wishes, he still encourages Subaru to continue living freely with his new family in Japan.
“So why don’t you see the world with that special someone of yours?” Subaru’s mother winks at Subaru who laughs with red-tinted cheeks. Special someone? Who could that be?
Subaru holds Souma’s hand tightly and nods happily. Subaru and Souma will travel together with Yumenosaki to see the world! Let’s see, feel, hear, smell, and taste everything that made the world the way it is together, everyone!
Such excitement that echoed in the halls, it leaves Yumenosaki in a laughing fit.
Seriously, Subaru never changes, huh?
“ Welcome back! ”
Spring Troupe and Winter Troupe come back to the comforting sounds of Summer Troupe and Autumn Troupe. They shout and hug each and every member as a welcome back gift. Though Kuro is complaining about the amount of trouble caused, there’s no ill-intent in such complaints. Jun can’t help but want to poke fun at Kuro for trying to hide his relief.
The troupes exchange stories from home and Iridaceae. Talking about food, sights, and adventures they’ve all had.
Jun can never get tired of this warm, fluffy atmosphere that blankets the dorm. Can they always remain this way? Jun wonders if it’s selfish to wish such a thing. That’s okay, right? To selfishly wish for everyone in Yumenosaki to remain that way? Surely, Eve would think Jun’s wish is so innocent and sweet. Like always.
“No, you don’t have to―Listening to my dad talk about your mom was enough!”
Jun looks up to see Ritsu lift his hand up and explain that it’s only fair that Ritsu reserve tickets for Subaru’s parents if they’re planning to come to visit around the same time as the concert. Go tell them to not buy tickets. Two extra tickets are nothing to the number of tickets Ritsu is already buying. The fact he’s including Chiaki too, Ritsu comes off as extremely generous at times.
“Besides, I’m just giving my mom a reason to add another day to her concert,” Ritsu complains as Mao rolls his eyes. It’s not Ritsu’s fault that Ritsu’s mom wanted the Winter Troupe to perform some of the scenes from the play for her concert. She even offered to pay any royalties that needed to be paid. The offer was simply impossible to refuse.
Think of it as an investment ―Ritsu’s mother said with a cold smile.
Working with Ritsu’s mother was an experience. Not in a bad way, of course. Though, it was still an experience . One that Jun will probably never forget.
The dazzling costumes and performances that were made, Jun was even surprised that Ritsu’s mother thought that Winter Troupe were on par with these people. To Jun, they weren’t. They’re far from it. They struggle to their feet as the other performers are practically gliding through the stage with their rehearsals. Jun had to admit, throughout the entire duration of the concert, he was quite nervous and afraid.
It only made sense.
As happy as they are in getting familiar with Ritsu and Mao’s peers, it was no doubt that everyone wasn't as happy with their performance as they normally are. Though they received compliments and encouragement from Tsumugi and Tasuku, they still felt unsatisfied with it. No matter how much they practice, it always falls a little flat. How troublesome.
Souma admits that it might be his own acting that’s dragging the play down. As much as Winter Troupe wants to say it isn’t, they agree that Souma’s nervousness does make the acting feel a little awkward. Though there have been no complaints so far about their segments, it’s obvious that they’re disappointed in themselves. Jun wondered if they’re just overthinking it?
“ Maybe you should get some advice from someone who actually played the Phantom? ”
Tsumugi’s suggestion seemed almost like a joke but it apparently wasn’t. If they’re so worried, why don’t you go ahead and ask someone who has done the play? Ritsu asked Tsumugi for advice regarding Christine, Souma should ask someone too if he’s that worried about his Phantom. If they’re unsure who to ask, Tsumugi and Tasuku have the perfect actor for Winter Troupe to ask.
“Yea, he’s stiff like the Phantom too,” Tasuku jokes as Jun quirks an eyebrow. An actor who is stiff? That doesn’t make sense at all. Tsumugi scolds Tasuku for being so rude. Though naturally, he is a stiff person, he’s still a superb actor. He works really hard to improve his acting so please be nice to him, Tasuku.
They get help from that sharp-looking man they met at Iridaceae, Nishiki Gai. The chatty blond man, Citronia, is with him too. Though, he’s apparently never acted in the Phantom of the Opera. He’s just enthusiastic about the play, that’s all.
With a few adjustments and encouragement, Souma believes he’s feeling a lot less nervous about Winter Troupe’s segments. Gai is glad to help and understands Souma’s feelings, he even tells him that what the audience’s reaction shouldn’t matter as much as Souma’s when he goes up on stage. As long as he’s having fun, that’s all that should matter.
“Don’t worry so much―You can always rerun it in the future, once you’ve gotten used to the stage,” Tasuku adds. With that said, stop squawking about how bad you’ll be on stage. You’ll be fine. It seems Winter Troupe has caught Ritsu’s terrible anxiety. Is it really okay to let this guy be the leader? Ritsu scoffs at Tasuku’s words as Tsumugi laughs.
It’s only natural, though? Winter Troupe are only roughly a year old and they just got a new member. Don’t you think it’s typical for them to have these worries? Sure, Mao and Ritsu have been acting for a while but in comparison to the rest of their peers, their years are nothing to be in awe of. Tsumugi doesn’t blame them for feeling so worried.
“Though, if it makes you feel any better―You’re definitely doing a better job at the play than when we first did it.”
Jun quirks an eyebrow at that statement― We? Was Gai in the same play as Tsumugi and Tasuku when they first performed this? Jun could only watch Gai laugh and admit that he had tons of worries when they first began running the Phantom of the Opera. Before Ritsu can even ask about that statement, a staff member calls for Winter Troupe to prepare for their segment. They reluctantly bid goodbye to their seniors as they shout good luck in return.
Guess they’ll never know.
This performance was Winter Troupe’s favourite performance. Jun would want to wonder why but he thinks he knows the reasons rather well. This performance was Subaru and his parents’ first time watching Souma act on stage. This performance was also the first time Souma could pour all of his feelings out for everyone to see properly. No disturbances. Just the audience being able to see Kanzaki Souma in his purest form.
Backstage, Jun is met with a peculiarly formed group. Tasuku, Tsumugi, Gai, Homare, Azuma, and this other man Jun doesn’t fully recognise converse amongst each other like old friends who were unexpectedly reunited. Jun didn’t know they were friends at all. Maybe because he is not one to ever question other people’s lives but it just seemed strange to look at? Jun doesn’t know how to put it.
Not like it matters to them or Winter Troupe.
They seem comfortable enough to let Winter Troupe into their conversations. Homare praises them for their performance while Azuma notes how comfortable they are to kiss on stage. There’s a minute of Tsumugi and Tasuku teasing about the first time Mao and Ritsu kissed each other but it’s all done with so much love and warmth. Jun couldn’t help but quietly listen and watch everyone happily chat with each other. So warm.
How can he keep this warm feeling?
“They won’t go away,” a voice tells Jun. He finds himself looking at a short grey-hair man as he gives Jun a warm smile. He tells Jun not to worry so much. It’s clear that he’s thinking of something that weighs heavily in his heart but there’s no need to anymore. Just living his life peacefully is enough. After all, thinking is a difficult thing to do so it’s best to try not to think so much.
Jun laughs. Maybe this man is right. Though, Jun finds it absurd that he’s finding comfort in a stranger he’s never met. He says that as if he hasn’t been doing that for the past years.
“Sazanami Jun, right? Azuma has told me a thing or two about you.”
Jun nods. Though he’s quite surprised Azuma would talk about Winter Troupe. Maybe he is that fond of them. And you are?
“Mikage Hisoka―Azuma’s husband.”
Hisoka smiles warmly at Jun who hums in understanding. He never knew Azuma was married. That’s an interesting fact. Jun listens to Hisoka joke how it really must be fate for Natsume to be in such a troupe like Winter Troupe because typically, it would be merely impossible for this group of friends to meet. Hisoka thanks them for that.
Just as Hisoka talks about how awfully difficult it has been to catch his friends, Ritsu calls for Jun and Hisoka. They’re taking a group photo so why don’t we join?
Jun laughs at the endless arguing about how they should stand next to each other. Gai makes a suggestion to make Ritsu and Hisoka stand next to each other because they’re the shortest amongst the group. Obviously making Hisoka offended because that’s what Gai said the last time they were at Tasuku and Tsumugi’s wedding. Tsumugi laughs about how Ritsu was holding the bouquet that Tsumugi caught too. It just seemed so off-putting when looking at the photo back at home.
After much arguing and rearranging, they’ve properly settled themselves next to each other. Jun finds himself wedged between Hisoka and Azuma who is happily conversing with Natsume about the play. Jun can hear Shu laughing next to his cousin about a poem he made on the spot while Ritsu makes pained noises because he is most definitely next to Tsumugi. There’s even Tasuku and Mao who are scolding Tsumugi for being a bully to Ritsu. Amongst all of that, Souma seems satisfied standing next to Gai who talks about acting with him. What a noisy bunch.
Though, Jun likes this noise a whole lot. He doesn’t know. All he knows is that he wants to believe Hisoka’s words through and through. Jun smiles brightly as they pose for the camera.
“
Let’s hope you guys aren’t this noisy during Alice’s wedding in April.
”