Chapter Text
Len doesn't show up to congratulate Tsukasa, which leads to the rest of WxS not realizing how dire the situation has become. Sakaki isn't busy on the last day either, so Tsukasa is able complete his method acting from Sakaki.
Seeing Tsukasa in this vulnerable state, Sakaki offers to take Tsukasa under his wing as a "young prodigy". He agrees, since he's still under the belief that no one remembers/cares about him. The other members of wxs would try to make him reconsider, with Emu telling Tsukasa that they're here for him, and that they would never forget him. But they are too late, Tsukasa has already made up his mind.
Tsukasa goes with Sakaki, and starts growing more and more distant from his friends. He still performs with them, but his mood is noticibly different. He's less energetic since he's constantly tired, and is less enthusiastic when performing. Since he's begun losing his love for it.
Since Sakaki started coaching him, Tsukasa's finding that Rui's methods are becoming ineffective, and can't let him reach his full potential. This frustrates Tsukasa, and makes him lash out more often. Rui had been trying to direct him differently, but he couldn't reach Sakaki's level. He simply couldn't stomach using his methods. This confuses Tsukasa, since Sakaki had taught him that these types of methods are "normal" and "necessary".
This eventually ends with Tsukasa accusing Rui of holding him back on purpose, saying that "Sakaki would never let my talents be wasted like that!"
Rui couldn't necessarily deny what Tsukasa said either, since it's true that Sakaki's methods, no matter how unethical, gave results unlike anything Rui had seen from Tsukasa before.
Tsukasa doesn't have time to dwell on this incident, instead opting to focus solely on Sakaki's training. But despite him trying to move on, Tsukasa is still deeply affected by what happened that day.
Seeing that Tsukasa started checking his phone more than usual, Sakaki tells him that it feels as if he's been "losing focus" as of late, and that maybe they should take a break.
This terrifies Tsukasa, who interprates this as Sakaki giving up on him. He pleads with him that he doesn't need a break, and that he will do anything to get his "focus" back. Sakaki smirks, and notes that, if he wants to make this show truly unforgettable, then he should start ignoring whatever or whoever it is that's making him distracted.
This leads Tsukasa to distance himself from his friends and his Sekai. Being led to believe that they are a distraction that's keeping him from reaching his true potential. He declines invitations from them to hang out, and eventually he stops replying to them entirely.
Tsukasa now fully believes that they are only gonna hold him back, and that the only way to move forward, is with Sakaki..
And he's proven correctly.
Eventually, news starts spreading about former wxs member, Tsukasa Tenma. A young prodigy who is able to portray his roles with such realism, you wouldn't be able to tell he was even acting. Made possible with the talent and direction of the incredible Sakaki Koryu.
Tsukasa did it.. he's achieved stardom, he makes people smile, laugh, and cry. Everyone looks up to him.. Everyone remembers him..
This is exactly what Tsukasa wanted..
But then.. why?
Why does he still feel.. so empty..?