Chapter 7: Steps Toward the Stage
The final bell rang, signaling the end of another long day at the University. Students spilled out of classrooms in waves, their chatter rising and falling like ripples across a pond. Leon gathered his bag with quiet efficiency, checking to make sure he hadn't left any of his notes behind. Beside him, the familiar murmur of the departing crowd rose and mingled with the warm late-afternoon light streaming through the windows.
"Guys, you're going to the theatre club, right?" Rina's voice cut through the din, playful yet deliberate. She had already fallen into step beside him, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Yes, we are," Leon replied calmly, slinging his bag over his shoulder and glancing briefly at Lenora.
"Well, yeah," Lenora added, adjusting her blazer, a hint of amusement flickering across her gray eyes.
Rina tilted her head, a hopeful smile tugging at her lips. "If you don't mind… can I join?"
Leon's eyebrows rose slightly, though he didn't hesitate. "I don't mind."
Lenora's lips curved into a small, approving smile. "Yeah, me too."
The trio moved together out of the classroom, the echo of their steps blending with the fading chatter of their classmates. As they approached the doors of their department, a familiar figure stood just outside. Raine, her glasses catching the last rays of sunlight, held a neat stack of scripts in her hands.
"Hi, Raine. You're here," Leon greeted, his tone light but friendly.
Rina's voice chimed in, teasingly bright. "So, you're here too, Raine?"
Raine adjusted her glasses and nodded, a soft smile on her lips. "Yes, Rina."
"Should we go now?" Leon asked, gesturing toward the west side of the University.
The three students started walking, their steps falling in rhythm on the stone-paved walkway. The afternoon sun cast long shadows, and a gentle breeze carried the faint scent of freshly trimmed grass. As they walked, the imposing building of the theatre club gradually came into view, its façade large and welcoming.
"Whoa… it's big," Lenora breathed, eyes widening slightly as she took in the scale of the building.
Leon's lips curved in a faint smile. "Of course it is. It's the theatre club, after all. And it's not just for rehearsals — they play and act here, too. Rina, you know how it works; it happens every month."
Lenora tilted her head curiously. "How many members are there each month?"
Rina counted in her mind, frowning slightly. "I think at least fifty or more… I'm not exactly sure. The president herself is quite a good actor."
Leon glanced briefly at the building, recalling what he had heard. Yeah… she was famous at this time because she acted so well. She was called a professional of the University.
As they reached the gate of the theatre club, two figures stood there, appearing to recruit new members. A girl with purple hair and soft grey eyes stepped forward, her stance confident yet welcoming. Beside her, a boy with sharp green eyes and grey hair observed them keenly.
"Hello, I'm Mia Vey," the girl said, voice clear and polite.
"I'm Sam Stroud," the boy added, scanning the group carefully. His gaze lingered for a fraction longer on Raine, recognition lighting his features.
"You're here too, Raine?" he asked, as if confirming something he already suspected.
Raine's response was soft but certain. "Yes."
Ah… Stroud… those are siblings, Leon thought, noting the resemblance between them.
Lenora leaned slightly toward Raine, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Hey, Raine… do you know them?"
"Yes," Raine replied without hesitation. "He is my big brother."
Lenora blinked, a mixture of surprise and amusement crossing her face. "I see… your brother."
Mia's attention returned to the group, her purple eyes sharp but friendly. "If you're here, that means you're looking to join, Leon?"
"Yes. We want to join," Leon replied, voice calm but confident.
Mia nodded approvingly. "I see… four people, huh? Tell me your names."
Leon went first, straightening slightly as he spoke. "I am Leon Aris."
"I am Lenora Daire," Lenora followed, her posture upright and composed.
"I am Rina Cale," Rina added, her voice bright, though a subtle nervousness laced her words.
Raine stepped forward next. "I am Raime Stroud."
Mia's expression softened into a small, professional smile. "I've noted your names. You just have to show what you're good at during the auditions, okay?"
Leon nodded, trying to mask his anticipation. "So, when is the audition?"
Mia glanced at a small sheet she was holding. "Well… after three days, on the 24th."
Leon's eyes flicked briefly to Lenora and Rina. "I see… okay, then. Bye, senior. See you on the 24th."
Mia waved lightly. "See you then."
As the group started returning, filling out their forms along the way, Lenora tilted her head curiously. "Wow… so we have an audition too?"
Leon nodded, his steps measured and confident. "Yeah. You'll have to do what you're good at."
Lenora pondered this for a moment. "And what is that?"
Raine's voice was quiet but steady. "It's like acting, singing, makeup, or stagecraft — lighting, decorations, and those kinds of things."
Lenora smiled faintly, enthusiasm in her eyes. "Hm… that sounds fun. So, what will you do?"
Raine straightened her posture slightly. "Me? I'm a writer… I write scripts."
Lenora nodded. "And what about you, Rina?"
Rina grinned, bouncing slightly on her heels. "Me? Acting!"
Leon added simply, "Same goes for me."
Lenora tilted her head again, considering. "I see… then I can handle makeup. I only know that."
Well… she was good at makeup in the past too, Leon thought, glancing at Lenora with a small, approving smile.
The group continued walking, their conversation weaving between casual chatter and planning for the upcoming audition. The path grew quieter as they approached the bus stand, the sun dipping lower toward the horizon, bathing the area in a golden glow.
"So… we meet on the 24th, right?" Leon asked, turning his head briefly to check that everyone was paying attention.
"Yes," everyone replied almost in unison, their voices overlapping slightly in cheerful agreement.
Lenora glanced at Leon curiously as they walked. "When did you and Rina become friends?"
Leon's eyes flickered briefly toward Rina, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "No… she asked me about something, I was answering… and one thing led to another, so."
Lenora's lips pressed into a thoughtful line. "I see. So… what will you do now?"
Leon raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Lenora's eyes softened, the faintest smirk appearing at the corner of her mouth. "I mean… the acting."
Leon's gaze grew calm and focused. "I'll practice some in my room. Don't worry."
Lenora nodded, her smile light but sincere. "I see. Then… see you tomorrow." With a small wave, she turned and walked away, her steps confident and measured.
Leon had barely begun to breathe out in relief when a sudden movement caught his attention. A boy jumped in front of him, landing lightly on his feet. His hair was light blue, his eyes bright and striking, and his muscular frame radiated energy and confidence.
"Hey, Aryan. What are you doing here?" Leon asked, momentarily startled.
The boy grinned, leaning back slightly with a casual air. "Well… I was doing some club activities. But why are you here? I thought you'd be home already at this time."
Ah… this handsome-looking guy is my friend Aryan, a senior in University, Leon thought, recognition and familiarity warming his chest.
"I was registering my name to join the theatre club," Leon explained simply.
Aryan nodded, his gaze appraising. "Oh… I see. Do you need money to pay the fees, or will you manage?"
Leon's mind drifted briefly to old memories. Ah… I remember. In the past, I didn't ask him for money at all, but he always gave it. Then, after some time, I don't know what happened… he just stopped contacting me.
"No, it's okay. I have the money now," Leon replied confidently.
Aryan's grin widened. "I see… so, see you then. I have some work left."
"Yeah… bye. See you," Leon replied, waving as Aryan left, his footsteps echoing briefly before fading.
Leon exhaled slowly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Ah… memories kicking in, huh.
The trio continued toward their homes and the quiet evening, each step carrying them closer to the theatre club, and to the unfolding of new stories waiting just beyond the stage.