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The dressing room was bustling. Makeup artists were tending to their respective actors, which were either talking to each other or rehearsing the lines they’d deliver to a whole audience in less than an hour. Stage crew were running around, making last minute arrangements and checking that everything was up and running. Costume directors were going from one side of the dressing room to the other, ensuring no accessory was left out and that every costume was in a perfect state.
Nene, herself, was stuck between two makeup brushes, one applying a shade of eyeshadow she wouldn’t even glance at if it were up to her, another applying a considerate amount of blush. Maybe a little too much, in her opinion. But the makeup had to be noticeable under the shining lights of the spotlights. She looked at her reflection, and smiled. She would've never wanted it any other way. The stage was her life.
The brushes were discarded, Nene was finally free to go backstage and observe the technical crew do their work. The never ending buzzing activity always did a great job of calming her nerves, weirdly enough. Wonderlands x Showtime were invited for a joint performance with another troupe, meaning the funding was exponentially different from the shows held at the Wonder Stage. More staff members, more makeup artists, more props – more everything. Not that she minded the humbleness of the Wonder Stage, as it left room for more closeness and a cosier atmosphere, here, everything felt more professional.
Taking in consideration her elaborate costume numerous pearls sewn on it, Nene strolled in direction of the stage, passing by tech crew members arguing about audio stuff she couldn’t make out, actors rehearsing together, dodging a huge prop carried by four staff members and the director passionately discussing the metaphorical meaning behind Scene 4 Act II with Rui – who subtly waved at her.
Finally reaching the stage, Nene took in a breath, staring at the empty seats, waiting to be filled by the hundreds of people any minute. Her character, the quick-witted maid of the princess, the main character, should come out of the left corner for her first appearance. She stepped closer to the mental landmark she set, facing the silent audience. The character was then, after scolding the princess for falling in love too easily, meant to break in a song telling a story about love, and how it was but a reckless thing.
The notes flew out of her mouth, for what must’ve been the thousandth time, and the lyrics burned in her brain flowed in a harmonious melody. A step here, a spin there, the climax of the song coming to a close. Taking careful considerations near the high note to prevent any voice cracks and finally belting out the last note, facing once again the empty seats, arms stretched to reach the nonexistent audience.
She sighed. Tonight’s show shouldn’t be a problem. She gazed at the seats, a smile fraying a way on her face, taking in the dead silence.
That is, until the sound of clapping startled her. She whirled around to face the source of the sound, and groaned at the sight of Tsukasa grinning like an idiot.
“Seriously, don’t scare me like that…” The words died in her mouth as she finally noticed his costumed form. He was portraying the friend of the male lead, who supports him in his quest to seduce the princess and marry her. Even though the two guys were of a poor upbringing, the makeup crew did an outstanding effort to highlight Tsukasa’s features, his smile brighter, his looks enhanced – something she wished they didn’t do, her heart now nearing failure. His costume complimented his figure and Nene found herself thinking it was incredible that he could rock rags like that.
“I couldn’t help myself !” His voice broke her out of her trance, “Your voice is as always a pleasure for the ear, you truly are our wonderful diva !”
“Thanks…” She blurted out.
“And your costume is simply incredible ! Geez, the number of pearls sewn onto that thing, I bet it took them a century to make this…” He approached, taking a closer look at her dress. She stepped back, flustered. “It definitely makes you shine ! Even I, the next greatest star alive, might admit myself defeated.” He struck a pose at his comment.
The shower of compliments left her embarrassed, flushing red like those tomatoes Rui hates so much. Nene may interpret a maid wary of love, but deep down, she knew she fell under the influence of the one thing she sang as reckless. She fell for a star. Like those astronomists, she has her eyes on a particular star, watching from afar as it shines, and as it guides those who see it.
She’s no fool though, she knows stars are unreachable. She sighed and turned to look at the seats.
“The show should start soon.” Tsukasa says. They both knew it though, but he still said it. To break the silence. To make the fact more tangible.
“It should.” Nene whispers.
Tsukasa stared at his feet, then walked around the stage, claiming the space, as he usually does. A star must be seen after all, otherwise it doesn’t exist.
“We’re really lucky to get to perform here.” Another step taken. “It's a whole nother world compared to the Wonder Stage.”
“Everything feels way more serious, don’t you think ?” She followed him as he wandered through the props and scenery, like the sailors followed stars to get to their destination.
“You're correct !” He mused, taking a step further. “It’s the first time I spent an hour in the makeup booth…”
“And yet, you still look like an idiot.”
“Hey !”
They laugh, and his steps finally stop at the center of the stage, facing the audience.
“One day though, we’ll partake in those productions as the stars of the show. You and I as the big names, mesmerizing every single person on those seats.” He said it like a truth, like he said the earth is round, or like he said the show would start soon. He said it with every once of assurance and faith he had.
And Nene, captivated by the star, cannot doubt it anymore. She smiled.
“You’re right.”
Stars are unreachable. But for a fragment of a second, Nene clings onto the hope that one day, she’ll be able to stand next to it, next to the deafening cheers of the crowd. One day she’ll reach space, with her star close to her.