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“An Invitation?” Roe Deer asks – that’s certainly what the Postcard in his hand looks like. Though, he doesn’t know why the Taxi Driver would give it to him.
They’re probably friends(?), if Roe Deer thinks about it, but it isn’t like they meet often. While he enjoys talking to and sharing Stories with 1, 2, 3, and 4, it would be difficult to find any Entities with less free time than the Taxi Drivers.
Even if they Promise to go out for drinks once the four of them can finally retire, that’s obviously not going to be for ages to come. And by then, who knows what good places will even be open to get drinks at in the first place…
He does call for the Taxis deliberately sometimes, just to tell the Drivers Stories and hear some of their own. They’ve given each other small gifts before, but this Invitation, if the sparkling, golden lettering of ‘VIP Pass’ is any indication, is expensive.
More than expensive.
Roe Deer doesn’t watch much TV, overall he prefers to Read. What television he does watch is infrequent and usually not from Ghost Stories.
(He likes watching some Human children’s TV shows.
When he first found he could watch Human television, he tried to watch shows featuring real actors for all of a few moments before he decided it was too scary even having to see them on the screen.)
Despite television shows being a subject he doesn’t know much about, and doesn’t much care to learn more of, even he’s heard of the show the Invitation is for.
“Behind the Scenes of the Tuesday Quiz Show!”
A variety Talk Show where the theme changes daily. The Host is well known for appearing on other shows too, which is how Roe Deer learned about him in the first place.
‘This segment seems new though.’
“A thrilling look behind the scenes to celebrate our tenth episode!”
Well, that’s what the Invitation says anyway…
“Are you sure you want to give this to me?” Roe Deer asks, turning the paper over in his hands. “Do you not want to go?”
They’ve never spoken about TV to each other before, so even putting aside the fact that as far as a normal gift goes, this is far out of the regular price range, it just doesn’t seem like a present that was intended for Roe in the first place.
It’s far more likely that the Taxi Driver bought it for himself.
[I won it through a Lottery contest.]
The voice of the Taxi Driver sitting ahead of him comes out deep and vexed and, for once, Roe Deer wishes he didn’t ask any questions at all.
The Driver’s fingers tap harshly against the steering wheel.
[I have to work that day, so I can’t go.]
“...”
‘I’m so sorry, 3.’
“Ah, right…” Roe Deer isn’t entirely sure he wants to go – he doesn’t like drawing too much attention to himself, and with how the Invitation seems to literally sparkle, it feels like the entire crew might focus on him before and after the Show – but now there isn’t really a choice. “I’ll make sure to tell you about it the next time you give me a ride.”
[I look forward to it then.]
Roe Deer swallows, eyes flickering over the letters of the Invitation again.
“Yes.”
The Taxi slows to a stop, and the locks of the back door suddenly release with a click.
[We’ve arrived.]
The trip felt a little shorter than usual, but Roe Deer knows that’s impossible. No matter which Driver it is, the Taxi never cares about distance or speed – if it did, then Roe Deer would never reach his destination.
Whenever he’s in the Taxi, it never manages to go faster than a bicycle.
Still, no matter how slow the Taxi might travel, there’s still a Fare to settle by the end.
[52,442]
–52,442 / Code 2
And, no matter how interesting the conversation, an hour-and-a-half ride does add up.
“Thank you,” Roe Deer says, carefully taking the cheque. He takes ahold of the door handle, but doesn’t quite manage to actually exit before the Driver speaks again.
[Mr. Roe Deer.]
His mind races through the list of things this could be about, but comes up blank. They’ve just made plans to speak again, so it’s not likely that 3 is about to tell him never to call the Taxi again, is it?
“Yes?”
[When you see the Show… Could you get Mr. Braun’s autograph for me?]
Even knowing he had no idea what the Taxi Driver was going to ask for, the request for an autograph from the Show’s Host still surprises Roe Deer.
Maybe it shouldn’t though.
It was a lottery contest, but the fact that 3 entered in the first place means he probably cares about the Show and Braun’s work – he is a popular Host after all. Roe Deer already knew that.
Still, he can’t help but take a look at the Invitation again.
‘This must mean a lot to him.’
“Of course, I can ask him for it,” Roe Deer says because he knows better than to blindly promise something that’s entirely dependent on someone else’s actions, even worse when it’s someone he doesn’t know.
The Taxi Driver gives a small nod of acknowledgement, and Roe Deer finally gets to leave the vehicle.
He hesitates for a moment before he closes the door, trying to think of a proper goodbye but not sure how much he wants to mention the Driver’s job again and reignite the annoyance from before. “Best of luck with the rest of your shift,” he settles on.
[Hahaha…]
‘...’
Roe Deer closes the door and watches the Taxi drive away, doing his best to cheer the Taxi Driver on mentally.
‘Just hang in there a bit longer until retirement, 3.’
Well, Roe Deer doesn’t really want the World to End soon, so maybe he should be hoping it’s a little longer than ‘a bit.’
The Fare cheque suddenly bursts into bright red flames all at once and something almost surges through his arm. Sparks pop from the flames and tongues of pale orange cut through, overtaking until the entire tone shifts from red to orange and finally, a bright yellow.
In a moment, the Taxi is gone, leaving a crimson afterimage. Once that fades away too, the only proof it was ever there to begin with is the VIP Invitation in Roe Deer’s hand.
***
Despite some half-hearted attempts to ignore the date and time listed on the Invitation while mentally reciting ways he could apologize to 3 for missing the Show, when the time listed on it finally comes, Roe Deer signs his name onto the Postcard.
Yellow ink barely leaves paper before he suddenly isn’t Home anymore.
He already misses it.
The room he finds himself in could in no way be mistaken for the cozy, traditional room he was in just moments ago.
It’s all bright lights and mid-century modern decorations.
The Invitation brought him to a Waiting Room – that’s clear enough.
He can tell it’s designed to be classy and comfortable, and that a lot of thought must have gone into giving it the intended effect, but all that that effort really does is remind Roe Deer that he’s not Home.
That at this Studio, every single thing about it is designed for the sake of the Show – even parts that will never be on Camera.
‘It’s uncomfortable.’
But it’s also to be expected.
This entire place is a Broadcasting Studio at its core, and every Ghost Story holds their Identity close to them – it completely defines them.
It’s a fact that’s also made completely clear by the way that the two Staff members in front of him don’t have faces.
The reason for why is clear, just given the whole situation. Faces can cause accidental noises – coughing or sneezing – that could be a distraction during a Broadcast. Stage hands are supposed to have no presence, and with no faces, even if they have to go across the Stage to fix things, they manage to completely settle into the background.
Roe Deer wouldn’t expect anything less, especially not from what’s probably the most popular Show on air.
It doesn’t make him want to be here any more though.
If a Ghost Story tries to completely follow their Identity, then being here feels the furthest away Roe Deer could be from himself and his small, traditional-style Home.
But a Promise is a Promise.
He needs to stay here so he can tell 3 about the Show and then ask for the Host’s autograph. Then he can go Home. And considering what time the Show runs, he should be able to get back by at least 1 AM.
‘...’
It’s a depressing thought, so he pushes it from his head.
“Hello, I’m here for the VIP Tuesday Quiz Show pass,” Roe Deer introduces himself politely with a slight bow. Even if he doesn’t really want to be here, he’s not going to take his own decision out on any of the people working.
The Staff members both nod vigorously and he eyes them a bit Curiously – they really don’t seem to have any way to communicate besides body movements like this. He understands not having a face, but not having a quick, accurate communication method feels like it would be more of a hindrance than preventing accidental coughs is worth.
He’s expecting some sort of sign language at least, he’d be able to understand that perfectly fine, but one of the Staff just scurries off and out of the Waiting Room as the other makes gestures trying to encourage him to sit down.
“Ah, I’m okay…” Roe Deer says. Sitting while the Staff Member stands feels rude somehow, and he already feels awkward enough just being here, he doesn’t need to add another layer to it.
The Staff Member doesn’t push the issue, but they do seem to fidget a little bit. Roe Deer just swallows and takes a seat.
The sofa is heavy velour, and it’s actually comfortable enough for Roe Deer to nearly relax a bit. He doesn’t get much of a chance to settle down before the door to the room opens once more.
He expects the Staff Member to come back, but what comes through the door is entirely different.
A towering figure that might even be taller than the Dokkaebi that Roe Deer used to work with. A brown three-piece suit, black dress shoes, leather gloves, and a distinct vintage television head.
Even if Roe Deer hadn’t seen Shows involving Braun before, he thinks he would still be able to tell the Host just entered the Room.
It’s only a Waiting Room, yet the lights feel like they dim around him somehow, as if a Spotlight focuses on just Braun and himself.
As if the Host’s mere presence turns the space into a Studio Set.
[You must be Mr. Roe Deer! It’s a pleasure to meet you. Oh, but I haven’t even introduced myself! I’m Braun, the Host of the Tuesday Quiz Show.]
Standing in the middle of a Studio with the Lights shining directly on him and a Host in front of him would normally be one of the farthest things from the idea of comfort in Roe Deer’s mind, but…
It isn’t a Studio, it never has been, in the same way that it always has been. It’s a Waiting Room.
The Host is intimidating in all the ways that a tall, well-dressed, and famous figure always is. But he also isn’t at all.
Something in his way of speaking and demeanor puts Roe Deer at an odd sense of ease. On his Screen is just a simple smiling face, but even that manages to feel personable.
Though, the sense of ease slips on so quickly that as soon as Roe Deer notices it happens, he manages to circle right back to unease within seconds.
Still, when the Host reaches for a handshake, Roe Deer takes it.
“Yes. Pleased to meet you.”
[Haha, there’s no need to seem so stiff! You’re our Show’s VIP! Our special Guest!] The image on the TV Screen changes to a larger grin for just a moment before the smile disappears altogether and an exclamation point is left instead. [Oh! Of course all of our Guests are special! The Audience is the very heart of the Show!]
[But…]
The image flashes again, changing to a shushing emoji, as if begging Roe Deer’s silence.
[I must admit, I’ve been eager for this meeting! It’s a new joy to be able to show a Fan behind the scenes, and a rare delight to be able to speak at length! Though, I’m afraid I must leave you when we go Live. Let’s enjoy our time together until then!]
‘...’
Roe Deer finds he finally understands why people call celebrities Personalities. Personality… Braun certainly seems to have a large one.
It’s almost overwhelming to keep up with, and Roe Deer is certain he would be well past his social energy limit if it was anyone else, but somehow Braun is sort of easy to talk to, even if he’s the one doing all the talking.
“I’m grateful I was able to come too,” Roe Deer says, and it comes out so smoothly that he almost surprises himself. He didn’t want to come, but he can’t say it’s a terrible experience. “I hope my being here isn’t disappointing. I’ve watched some of your Shows, but my friend who was supposed to come originally was a big fan.”
He feels a bit bad having to directly tell the Host that he doesn’t watch his Shows – well, he did for a bit, trying to study up before he came in, and he actually did like them – but since Braun mentioned being happy to speak with a Fan, Roe Deer would prefer to keep his standards low.
It would be bad if during this whole ‘VIP Experience’ they begin to show him references to past Shows and the Host ends up offended when he doesn’t understand any of them.
Imagining Braun screaming at him for even bothering to come was difficult, but it can be hard to tell how Performers will react when they feel belittled.
When Roe Deer looks at the Screen, there’s a question mark, as if the Host doesn’t understand. It changes to an exclamation point before swiftly landing on a smile.
[Oh, Mr. Roe Deer, your presence in my Studio, for as short a time as it has been, has been nothing but a pleasure. I can assure you, I’m not disappointed at all.] Sparkles flicker in the background behind the smile. They could easily look tacky, but they feel genuine, like his words. He never quite manages to lose a slight dramatic flair to his voice, but there was a weight to them – like he meant all of it sincerely.
‘Well, if he’s not disappointed, that’s a good thing.’
[I’m looking forward to our time together! Besides, how could I give up a chance to turn a passing Viewer into a devoted Fan!]
It’s a jest obviously intended to put Roe Deer more at ease. Roe Deer knows, but a bit of tension still melts off his shoulders upon hearing it.
[Oh dear! It nearly entirely slipped my mind!] The pause for dramatic effect is brief, but Roe is certain he didn’t imagine it. [Don’t worry about your friend! I heard that they wouldn’t be able to make it today, and so we’ve prepared a special gift for them that we’ll give you at the end of the night!]
Roe Deer wasn’t expecting that. He hardly expected that the Host himself would keep up with the details of who had the VIP Pass in the first place.
Maybe since he’s usually tout as a Legendary Host, his Nature has become things that he thinks fit that title.
Or maybe he’s just always been like this.
Either way, Roe Deer can’t help but think about 3 – the Taxi Driver was obviously upset that he couldn’t make it for this.
Roe Deer was going to try to get Braun’s autograph and see if there was any merchandise to buy for the Driver, but he’s sure that 3 will be far happier that Braun had already prepared things for him.
“Ah, thank you.”
[Oh my! That’s nothing to even thank me for. It’s only natural that we should have something prepared for the original Winner! It’s a shame that they couldn’t make it, but just as every cloud has a silver lining, isn’t it wonderful that we’ve received this chance to meet?]
…Nevermind, this is a bit tiring after all.
[Oh no, I’ve gone on for far too long, haven’t I? Haha! Come now, we have so much to see before the Show starts!]
With a pat on the shoulder, Roe Deer is led out the door and to the rest of the Studio. The only production sound is of the Host’s footsteps, but somehow, they fill the air of the Set by themselves.
***
Roe Deer doesn’t know how long it's been.
There’s never been a good chance to look for a clock without the Host noticing, and while he isn’t sure Braun would comment, he doesn’t want it to come off as insulting.
The one chance he did get to search, he didn’t find one.
At this point, he’s not sure if there actually is a clock in the building, but then, shouldn’t they need one in order to know what time the Broadcast starts?
Ah, well, it’s possible they just all already intrinsically know.
Or maybe there’s someone keeping watch and telling Braun – in the time he’s been touring the Studio, he’s realized that the faceless Staff members do have some sort of communication, they can definitely speak to Braun even when they’re not in sight.
Yes, Roe Deer did try to ask about it.
No, the Host did not give any useful information.
Right now, his best guess is that the Staff can send signals directly to Braun – his TV has an antenna, so that could work, right?
But then how do they communicate with each other??
It’s a thought that keeps Roe Deer busy during the Tour, though even without it, at a certain point, time began to fly by quicker than Roe had expected it to.
There’s so many things around the Studio that he’s never seen before, and when Braun notices that he’s interested in the Production Equipment, the Host takes him to meet a Crew member who can answer questions in depth (or, well, they answer the questions and Braun translates for them).
It’s more fun than walking around is. Even after all this time, Roe Deer doesn’t think he’s any closer to figuring out how large the Studio actually is.
The Crew member is midway through explaining how shadow masks align with electron guns when Braun stops translating for a moment. When he speaks again, his Screen has a sad face with a few tears in its eyes.
[I’m afraid we’re out of time for now. But don’t worry, the night isn’t over yet! The Live Broadcast is just around the corner! We both need to get to our places, after all, a Show needs its Host and its Viewers, and we’re both right here! Haha!]
That’s True, Roe Deer guesses. He came to see the Show, so it would be bad to miss it. Besides, even if he wants to keep talking to the Crew member, they’re about to be busy with the Cameras. During the Broadcast, there’s no way he’ll be able to talk to anyone.
A few dots start to appear along the Host’s screen as if he’s thinking before it finally morphs to a smile.
[Actually, we prepared a special room for you to Watch the Show, but since you’ve been interested in the Cameras, would you like to Watch along next to the Camera Crew?]
Roe Deer pauses.
He does want to see how everything works in real time, and sitting off to the side in a room where Staff would probably keep checking in on him seems a bit stuffy.
From his perspective, it’s a good deal.
But wouldn’t he get in the way of everyone working?
His eyes glance off to the Crew member he’d been speaking to. Despite what Roe Deer thought, they seem happy with the idea, nodding eagerly in encouragement.
[Of course, if you prefer the VIP Room, then I’ll have the Staff bring you over right away!]
“No, thank you. I’d like to Watch from here,” Roe Deer decides because if the Crew is okay with it then he doesn’t have anything to feel guilty about.
[Very good!] The Host’s screen lights up a bit brighter and he turns to the Crew member. [Then I’ll leave our dear Guest in your hands!]
The faceless Staff member nods quickly and starts to motion to other Staff members, though Roe Deer can’t gather what they’re saying at all.
[Then, Mr. Roe Deer, sit back and enjoy the Show! It’ll be starting soon!]
“Ah, yes, I will,” Roe Deer replies sincerely – he’s enjoyed the few reruns that he’s watched in preparation, so he’s sure this can’t be too bad. Even if it is, he’ll just avoid telling the Host that.
The Staff member comes back over and guides Roe to a small chair set up by the Cameras. It’s close enough to see them and the Set where the Host is standing fairly well, but not too close as to be in the way.
‘Perfect.’
He’ll actually be able to Watch without having to worry about all of the Staff members checking in on him constantly like they would if he had ended up in a VIP room.
Well, one still comes over to bring him a cup of hot chocolate, but other than that, he’s pretty well left alone for the Show to begin.
His eyes focus on the Stage.
The Host stands in the center, a microphone on his Screen as he draws the Audience’s attention.
Behind him are three podiums, labeled with names and adorned with microphones for the Contestants suddenly standing behind them.
Roe Deer almost drops his cup when he sees them appear. Three Humans seemingly teleport onto the Stage.
That – That can’t be safe, right?
He knew that they brought Humans in as Contestants, but shouldn’t there be some sort of warning before they show up? Why did they just suddenly appear like that?
His mouth goes dry and it’s all he can do to have his shaking hands bring the hot chocolate to his lips once more.
Roe Deer lets himself sink back into his chair, subtly hiding away.
[Good evening, viewers! The joy of Tuesday, the heat of Tuesday.]
Right. If he just reminds himself that this is all a TV Show, maybe he can forget that there are Humans standing just a little ways away. Yes. It’s all fictional – basically a cartoon.
[You are now watching the Tuesday Quiz Show!]
[Have you been looking forward to today? So have I! As some of you may know…]
The Host’s voice hangs in the air. The Audience is silent, but Roe Deer knows they’re leaning in with anticipation – despite himself, he is too.
[Today is our tenth Show!]
Confetti showers both the Stage and the Host’s Screen as the words ‘10th Episode’ light up on the wall behind the podiums.
It feels like it should all be too much, but the Audience roars with excitement, and Roe Deer can’t help but clap along.
[Let’s meet our Contestants joining us here on this special day, eager to win some special prizes! Of course, only one of them will earn the title of MVP and receive our fabulous Grand Prize!]
[Give them a big round of applause!]
The Audience obliges, clapping while the Humans on stage blanch.
It’s a bit of an odd reaction, really, but the Stage just must be more than they were expecting when they first filled out the Postcard Invitation to join as a Contestant. They must have wanted to join but didn’t realize that they’d get stagefright with all of the Lights and Entities Watching.
Roe Deer can empathize, he doesn’t like being the center of attention either. But that’s why he doesn’t apply to go on TV shows.
The Show is easy to enjoy, though it’s more from Braun’s hosting abilities than anything that actually happens, honestly.
Roe Deer doesn’t watch a lot of TV, but he’s read enough Stories to know that the one he’s seeing now is a bit boring.
He swallows the thoughts down. None of his complaints are the fault of the Host, and the Braun he spoke to earlier seemed to take a lot of pride in his work.
Besides, the Show is popular. Any issues he has might just be because this isn’t the type of thing he’s usually interested in.
Still when the Live Broadcast ends (two Contestants ended up incinerated and one received the Grant Prize in tears of something that the Host called joy) and Braun approaches, Roe Deer doesn’t feel particularly good answering him.
[Mr. Roe Deer! Did you enjoy the Show?]
“Ah, yes,” he did enjoy it, but it’s hard to say how he felt was anything stronger than that.
[Hm? Was there something you didn’t like about the Broadcast?]
‘...!’
Years of dealing with talking to Entities and Humans must make the Host realize there’s something more behind Roe Deer’s words.
Or maybe he just didn’t say he liked it as convincingly as he hoped he did.
He can’t help but feel bad – the last thing he wants to do is tell the Host, who obviously cares a lot about his Show, that he thought points of the Quiz Show were poorly done. After speaking to him for a while, Roe doesn’t think that a professional Host like Braun would get mad about it, but it would probably hurt.
There isn’t much else he can say though.
The question Braun asks is direct. Roe can’t lie, and if he tries to avoid it, it’ll be so obvious that he might as well have just admitted what he really thinks in the first place.
“I truly did enjoy the Show,” he begins, if only to soften the blow. Braun must already know that he’s telling the Truth about that, whether he repeats it or not. “You really put a lot of passion into the Show. But weren’t the questions some of the same ones from the Episodes that have already aired…?”
[...]
The Screen flickers black, but for a moment, Roe Deer is too busy analyzing the Quiz to notice.
“Don’t Quiz Shows normally have a theme you can choose for the questions as well? I thought if there were a few themes and Contestants were given more of a chance to choose what type of question they would get, it might show off their talents so the Audience would root for them. It’d also make the Audience feel more like they’re able to participate in the game.”
“And with the writing of the questions, didn’t some of them seem to have several answers?”
Roe Deer finally lifts his eyes and sees the Host standing in front of him, Screen dark.
He doesn’t remember it turning off for long periods like this, whether it was during a Broadcast Roe’s watched, or in the few hours he’s spoken to Braun today.
It doesn’t feel like a good thing.
The silence in the air is uncomfortable until the light of the Screen finally flickers.
Before any words can be spoken, Staff members hurry over and say something, if their gestures are anything to go by, but despite his efforts, Roe Deer still can’t decipher it.
Whatever it is, the Host’s Screen shifts back to a smile.
“Oh my, it looks like the Producers are calling! I’m afraid we’ll need to pause our chat, but I assure you that the Staff will continue to take good care of you!]
As if to punctuate the sentence, a Crew member appears, offering another cup of hot chocolate and a cup of water, seemingly asking Roe Deer to take one.
‘...’
He slowly takes the cup of water as he watches Braun walk away.
Roe Deer definitely made the Host upset, so it would probably be best to take this chance to quickly leave, wouldn’t it?
There’s excuses about how late it’s getting on the tip of his tongue when a Promise burns in the back of his mind –
The autograph 3 wanted.
He still needs to ask Braun for it.
Or…
Or maybe he doesn’t.
Braun already told him earlier that he prepared a gift for the Taxi Driver, didn’t he? He doubts that a famous Host wouldn’t put his autograph on a gift meant for a Fan. If there’s a signature on that, then he wouldn’t really need to ask Braun at all.
Without hesitation, he turns back to the Crew member that offered him drinks.
“Excuse me, do you happen to know where the gift for my friend is? Mr. Host mentioned it earlier…” Roe Deer says, trailing off as if he’s a bit unsure. It’s important to look guilty preemptively so that the Crew member is understanding when he says that he needs to leave before the Host can come back.
The Crew member nods helpfully, and Roe Deer almost smiles before the Crew member then, unhelpfully, points at a poster of Braun on the wall.
‘.......’
“Mr. Host has it?”
The Crew member gives a thumbs up and another bright nod.
‘Right.’
Of course he would have it. That wasn’t helpful at all.
“Ah, thank you,” Roe Deer says anyway. If the Crew member had a mouth, they look like they would’ve smiled.
Roe resigns himself to waiting for Braun to return.
[Mr. Roe Deer! I apologize for the wait!]
Roe Deer isn’t sure whether he should be happy or concerned that when the Host comes back a few minutes later, his Screen is still a bright smile.
It should be better than his Screen being black, but it also feels like an act he put on right before going to meet with the Producers.
“I didn’t mind it,” Roe Deer says, working through his words with a bit of caution. If he immediately says that he needs to leave, it might sound like he’s running away right after telling the Host that his Show is terrible.
He’ll build up to leaving, get the autograph, and get out, all while keeping the subject far away from how bad the question writing is. It’s a foolproof plan.
“I actually have something to ask you.”
[Oh! I have something to ask you as well! Could I take my turn first?]
The plan already failed, didn’t it? This feels like bullying.
“What do you want to know?” Roe Deer doesn’t know if he’s ever wanted to get the Answer to a Question this little before.
[Are you perhaps interested in becoming a regular panelist?]
‘What?’
Braun must sense Roe Deer’s confusion because he continues on.
[You said that you haven’t watched the Tuesday Quiz Show much before, but your commentary was insightful! You have a real talent – brilliant ideas, and an interest in Production!]
An interest in Production? Roe Deer didn’t think he particularly did –
[Even when just touring the Studio, weren’t you already trying to learn about the Camera system? That sort of passion can’t be forced, and it isn’t easily found. With this as your new workplace, you’d be able to channel it all and make this Show shine even brighter!]
‘My new workplace?’
…It feels like the Host is getting ahead of himself.
All Roe did was say that the formatting felt off, and now suddenly it sounds like he has a ‘Creative Vision!’ and ‘Passion for Production!’
“...I already have a job.”
Working at the Theme Park is part-time at best, but it’s also not a lie.
He’s sure the Studio is a great workplace. Of course there’s the concern that if he joins, they’d make him lose his face, but other than that, it’s probably good.
The Staff seem happy, but then, if they wanted to cry, it’s not like he’d be able to tell…
Really though, the idea of joining the Staff seems overbearing when he barely watches TV, let alone has any experience working in it. Even if he wants to learn more sometime in the future, for right now, he has other interests.
[Oh no! Well, if you change your mind, feel free to reach out anytime.]
The smile on the Host’s Screen never falters, but he can’t help having the uneasy feeling that the Host hasn’t given up yet.
“Um, Mr. Host, the gift you mentioned before for my friend, could I get it now? I’ve enjoyed the Tour, but it’s getting late…” It was getting late when he got here in the first place, but he’s finally ready to go Home.
[Hm? Of course! It’s yours to take.]
When Braun goes to his Dressing Room to retrieve the gift, Roe Deer feels a shot of betrayal – if the Staff member told him it was in the Dressing Room, he could’ve snuck in there before Braun came back from talking to the Producers!
He forces the thought down and keeps his mouth shut as he accepts the box.
Things could’ve gone a lot worse than Braun giving him a job offer, so he shouldn’t complain…
“Thank you,” Roe Deer says, looking it over. Sure enough, there’s an autograph on the box alone. There’s definitely at least one more inside, knowing the Host.
[Of course!] Braun replies, bright smile on his face. [Isn’t a gift for a friend a wonderful thing? Oh! Speaking of, next time you stop by, just call me Braun. The stiff formalities are a bit awkward between Friends!]
‘Between Friends?’
Before Roe Deer can question it, Braun speaks again, his Screen an emoticon of a hand waving.
[We’ll see you soon with an even more exciting Show!]
With the Tour over, the Invitation is completed.
All at once, Roe Deer is back Home.
The box in his hands feels heavy, but as he settles it down, he can at least remind himself that he kept his Promise to the Taxi Driver.
Even if now the Host’s Promise of a Sequel weighs on his mind.