Chapter 51: Chapter 49
(First pov)
After school ends at 3 pm, I pack my books into my bag and put on my hoodie as the late autumn wind is bone-chilling.
It's been exactly a week since my last date with Chizuru, the rental girlfriend. She quit that job, though, and agreed to take on the job I offered her. Chizuru has also been training me in acting—pretty intensely, actually. I guess she wasn't joking about her dream of becoming an actress.
Tomorrow is audition day.
She also said we don't have to practice because, according to her, rest is also a part of training.
Sigh. Now I'm bored. Of course, I really don't have the luxury of being bored, considering I have companies to run. But my secretary, Nishimiya Yaeko, has agreed to take over for a bit so I can focus on my training.
"Masamune-kun, want to study together for the final exam?" Chika says, interrupting my thoughts.
Damn. How did I forget about the exams on Monday? Okay, I'm actually chill.
"Ah! Don't tell me you forgot! Mwehehehe~ I did too, by the way~" she adds cheerfully.
This is why I sometimes never take her seriously. We're both pretty average students. Last semester, I ranked 110th out of 220 students and she was not far behind. Chika and I always study together before exams, but unlike the top students, we usually start only two weeks before test day.
As we walk together, we reach the parking lot, and Chika is still by my side. I spot my baby, a 1990 Honda CBR900RR. What? I turned 16 in October. Japan allows 16-year-olds to drive cars and bikes. Honestly, I think it's a bit young, but maybe this is another universe. Plus, it's not like teens can just go out and buy cars or bikes since vehicles are still pricey, even for adults.
"So, what do you think? Want to come study with me?" Chika asks as I pick up my helmet.
"Sorry, I'll pass."
"WHY?! Look, I promise, this time we'll study seriously and put aside the gaming stuff~"
Seeing her hopeful expression, I know we'd probably just end up playing Call of Duty again.
"Yeah, right. Besides, I've got a job to do."
"Eh? A job? I get it~ Now that we're old enough to work legally, you're starting a part-time job, huh? Are you helping out at Aunt Kinue's cafe?"
I hesitate, thinking I might as well tell her the truth about my family, but Chinatsu will angry.
"No. Actually, I've an audition for a TV drama later."
Hearing this, she bursts out laughing. "AHAHA! You? Stop joking, Masamune-kun."
Her laughter dies when she sees my serious face. "Wait… for real?"
I nod. "Yeah. See you later, Chika."
"Hold up! Hey, I said wait! What kind of drama is it?"
"Uh, it's called Sweet Today."
She suddenly grabs my hand, her eyes wide with excitement.
"That's amazing, Masamune-kun! You know what? I've been following that manga. Kyaa! I can't believe someone as insensitive as you has this chance! Your acting must be pretty good, right?"
I sigh, hopping on my bike. "Thanks. You could say I'm not terrible. Anyway, see you—"
She grabs my shoulder, stopping me.
"Nuh-uh~ not so fast. You said 'not terrible'? I have a bad feeling about this. Right, can I have a moment? I'm a fan of Yoriko-sensei's work, so I need to make sure you'll play the role perfectly," Chika says. Before I can protest, she hops onto the rear seat. "Let's go, Masamune-kun. I know a good karaoke place nearby. Heh heh~"
This girl! I just want to go home and do some calisthenics.
Boing!
"Hmmmm…."
Chika leans forward, peeking her face over my left shoulder. "What's wrong, Masamune-kun?"
I hum to myself. "Nothing." What? I was just taking a moment to be grateful for this blessing. Even though I've had plenty of experience, a blessing is still a blessing. And yes, I'm talking about Chika pressing her chest against my back.
---
It was then that we found ourselves a karaoke room, of course. However, we didn't rent it for singing just yet—Chika wanted to see my acting first. I acted according to the script the producer had given me for the audition.
I stood up while Chika sat on the sofa watching me. After I finished…
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Chika clapped once I was done.
"How was it?" I asked.
Chika smiled at me. "Do you want my honest thoughts about it?"
I nodded. "Sure, say anything. I won't get angry over constructive criticism."
Chika giggled. "Then I won't hold back. Masamune-kun..." She smiled with her eyes shut. "WHY ARE YOU LYING TO ME WITH THAT STRAIGHT FACE? Dummy! It's not even mid!"
I sighed inwardly. "Can you elaborate?"
"Look, overall, your facial expressions are good. You're able to deliver what the script is telling you to do. However, it feels kind of fake to me. From my point of view, I can tell that it's really shallow to the naked eye. What I'm seeing is like someone who's tone-deaf but then only lip-syncing. I think you need to put a lot more emotion into it, Masamune-kun."
What she just said was spot on. Chizuru set a realistic goal for my training. All I need to do is to practice my facial expressions: for example, when the scenario requires happiness, or sadness. Chizuru told me it's okay if I can't fully express the emotions yet; however, at least I should perform appropriately for each scenario.
As long as you're not flat, that's enough, is what Chizuru told me.
"Okay, thank you, Chika." I sighed as I sat beside her. "Honestly, I only have around two weeks to practice, and I have zero experience to begin with."
"I see, so that's how it is. By the way, when is your audition?"
"Uh, tomorrow at 4 in the afternoon."
"That's crazy! Just hearing that gives me chills, Masamune-kun! This won't do."
I glanced at her as she put on a headband with the word "Demon" on it.
"This genius will teach you how it's done! So get ready!"
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. So, Chika gave it her all to help me with my acting, and we ended up renting the room for four hours. Chizuru said I should have a day of rest before the audition, but since I didn't have anything else to do, it wasn't a bad idea.
Besides, I could already guess what might happen if the drama ended up being trash-worthy content.
Chika's reaction to my "not even mid" acting was just one example. I bet other reactions would be similar, considering that this shoujo manga is the most popular romance on the market. Yup, I could already feel the backlash.
Should I forfeit?
After a while, I arrived in front of Chika's house. Since she lived just a few blocks from my place, I ended up giving her a ride.
"Masamune-kun, thank you for taking me home," Chika said, handing me the helmet back. "Still, I wish you luck for tomorrow."
I sighed. "Thank you. It's still just an audition. Maybe someone else will outshine me for sure, so who cares, right?"
Chika pouted. "Masamune-kun, don't put yourself down like that. Be optimistic."
I chuckled. "Hey, why are you so stressed about it?"
Chika pouted even more. "How can I leave my friend like that? There's no way I'd just give you lip service when you're actually struggling. Of course, I'm going to help you, as long as it doesn't drive me crazy. Got it?"
"Really? Well, sure."
Well, this was the Chika I knew.
"You like to make bets, right?" I ask.
Chika tilted her head.
"What about this? If I fail, I'll treat you to something."
Chika smiled at this. "Sure! I want ramen, by the way."
"Then, if I get the role, you have to become my girlfriend."
"Huh?" Chika paused before laughing her ass off. "Hahaha! Well, I already know the outcome, so I have nothing to lose anyway~~~~~~"
I hummed in response. Behind that cheerful facade lay a brutal demon with a sharp tongue.
.
.
.
.
.
Three days later, at 8:30 on Monday morning, as my classmates hurried to the school gymnasium for assembly, I had just arrived and went straight to my seat to put my bag down.
Tap. Tap.
"How was it?~" It was Chika, tapping my shoulder. "You failed, right? Sigh, don't be sad, Masamune-kun. Let's face reality, move on, and work harder. I think you'll be a good actor next time."
This little shit! I want to tear that innocent face of hers apart.
"Chika, the first thing you say to me is something this brutal? Sigh... well, the truth is, I got the role."
"Ahahaha! Ahahaha!—eh?" Chika's face froze, her expression going blank.
I nod, "Yeah, Chika... I got the role."
A silence hung in the air.
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