"Everyone, let's pause today's practice. I have an announcement."
At Azabu Middle School's drama club, Kushida Kikyo wore her usual sweet smile. She clapped lightly, and the room instantly quieted down.
Kushida loved the feeling of being the center of attention. After a deliberate pause, she began:
"Today, our drama club is honored to welcome a professional stage actress to guide us. She's none other than Miss Karuizawa, the leading lady during Club President Kitagawa's heyday. Let's give her a warm welcome!"
She stepped aside as the new students burst into excited chatter. Over 90% of them had joined the club because of Kitagawa Ryo. Though none had met him yet, just hearing Karuizawa Kei's name was enough to ignite their enthusiasm.
"The first play I ever saw was 'Hamlet' starring Karuizawa-senpai and President Kitagawa. I still remember it."
"Honestly, her acting back then wasn't that great. I only became a fan during 'Macbeth'. Before that, I thought she wasn't good enough to act alongside Kitagawa."
"Yeah, maybe she was carried early on, but she improved a lot later. There's even a clip online of her as a male character in 'King Lear'. That's what got me into her."
As the students discussed, some even made blunt remarks. Kushida turned to look behind the door, wondering why Karuizawa hadn't come out yet, only to find her standing silently, listening.
Kushida thought she might be bothered, ready to quiet the crowd, but Karuizawa simply signaled her to let it be.
She redirected her focus. Over the past two years, Karuizawa had heard countless doubts, criticisms, and malice—all because she stood beside Kitagawa Ryo.
People always held her to impossibly high standards. As Ryo became a rising star, every co-actor was thrust into the spotlight. Each move, every line, was scrutinized. The pressure crushed many, but Karuizawa bore the brunt of it.
He was Hamlet, the vengeful prince. She was Ophelia, hopelessly in love.
He was the noble Romeo. She was Juliet, the heiress.
He was Macbeth, the usurper king. She was Lady Macbeth, his partner in crime.
Having reincarnated with her memories intact, Karuizawa demonstrated remarkable resolve. Unlike the naturally gifted Ryo, she had to work twice as hard to catch up.
It was like that final event in the sports festival, running in sync during the three-legged race. Just as she had kept pace with Horikita Suzune, now she had finally matched Kitagawa Ryo.
No one doubted her as his heroine anymore.
[In the book of destiny, we are together in a single line of text.]
From "Romeo and Juliet," her favorite line.
"Karuizawa-san, you can come in now."
Kushida's voice brought her back. Karuizawa smiled apologetically and entered the room.
"Hello everyone, I'm Karuizawa Kei."
No need for bluster or borrowed authority—just a natural self-introduction.
"I'm honored to be invited here today. Azabu's drama club has produced many outstanding actors, so compared to them, I'm just a junior. I'm here more as a senpai to share a few tips."
She made a lighthearted joke and scanned the room—about thirty people. Not too many.
[Hmm?]
Her gaze paused. Horikita Suzune was sitting alone in the corner, standing out amidst the crowd.
Though unsure why she was here, Karuizawa began engaging the students with stories and tips.
Just as she reached for her water, someone asked:
"Karuizawa-senpai, what kind of person is President Kitagawa?"
Hearing his name, she smiled and set the cup down.
"Well... he's a gentle person. That word might be overused these days, but it fits him."
She hesitated, then added:
"He's also great at cooking—especially desserts."
The students eagerly noted this.
"If you make it to the final audition, you'll get to meet him. I'll be one of the judges too, so do your best!"
After wrapping up the session, the students clapped enthusiastically, satisfied with what they learned.
But Horikita Suzune wasn't impressed. If Kitagawa himself had come, maybe she'd have paid more attention.
Since Ryo had promised to take her to the cultural festival if she passed the final audition, she now thought about it constantly.
Azabu's drama club ended late. Carrying her materials, Suzune planned to ask Kushida for extra practice. She didn't care that it was after hours.
"Oh, perfect timing. Karuizawa-san just mentioned you."
Outside the clubroom, Kushida greeted her warmly, looping an arm around hers.
"Mentioned me?" Suzune was puzzled.
She hadn't interacted with Karuizawa at all. Why would she bring her up?
Then she recalled Karuizawa's close connection with Kitagawa. If she was a judge, this could be a breakthrough.
"Is she still here? I want to meet her."
"She just left, but shouldn't be far."
Kushida pointed, and Suzune immediately took off.
"...Still don't understand her," Kushida muttered.
The school was near a shopping street. Suzune searched the area.
Then a familiar voice spoke:
"Horikita Suzune... right?"
It was Karuizawa, holding a coffee.
"Looking for me?"
"Yes."
"I want to know how to quickly improve in acting."
"Didn't I already explain that during the session? And why the sudden interest?"
"You only started acting two years ago, right?" Suzune snapped back.
The mention of Kitagawa made her tense. The name braced her like steel.
"I just want to pass the final audition."
Realizing her tone, she softened slightly.
"If you help me, I'll... buy you coffee for a year. No, two."
Karuizawa chuckled. Suzune's awkward approach reminded her of Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's story—Suzune had bribed him with a deluxe lunch once.
"I joined the drama club because of Kitagawa."
Suzune's words turned the air sharp. Karuizawa's voice changed.
"Oh? You two close? When did you meet?"
Suzune blinked at her sudden hostility.
"We're not close. He just said he'd take me to the cultural festival if I passed."
[So it was to see her brother, Horikita Manabu.]
Relieved, Karuizawa smiled again.
"Okay, I'll teach you. Are you struggling with lines or movements?"
As Karuizawa patiently explained, Suzune slowly deflated like a balloon losing air.
"Acting, like anything, starts with self-belief. If you don't believe in yourself, others won't either."
Suzune nodded thoughtfully.
"Like in 'Macbeth'..."
Karuizawa paused, recalling a memory with Kitagawa.
He had laid the script on the table, earnestly sharing his insights. He corrected her gently, encouraged her kindly.
Those were precious days.
"Alright, I have things to do. I'll be going."
Satisfied that Suzune wasn't after Ryo, Karuizawa no longer saw her as a threat.
"...Thank you."
Suzune muttered quietly. Karuizawa waved it off.
"Sleep now, sleep now. Sleep in my arms."
She hummed Lady Macbeth's lullaby while heading to Ryo's home.
She hadn't visited since returning.
Maybe she'd get a meal.
She missed his cooking.
But her good mood didn't last.
"Ryo, it's me."
She knocked gently.
The door opened.
It was Sakayanagi Arisu.
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