Fujimine Yukiko was auditioning for a film about the Meiji Restoration, playing the role of Sakamoto Ryoma's sister, Sakamoto Otome.
She had already received the audition script and, after comparing notes with Kurazumi Kyouko, found they shared several scenes together.
Not wanting to disturb others, the two went to a nearby stairwell to rehearse, leaving Hayashi Shuichi to watch their queue numbers.
Other girls auditioning noticed Hayashi Shuichi's striking looks, mistaking him for a fellow actor, and approached to exchange contact information.
At first, Hayashi Shuichi clarified he wasn't auditioning, but as it kept happening, he gave up explaining.
In less than half an hour, he collected contact details from over a dozen girls, including a few minor celebrities.
"The entertainment world is really…" Hayashi Shuichi shook his head, bemused. Some girls had all but invited him to dinner with hints of more.
Fujimine Yukiko, back from rehearsing, eyed the stack of contact numbers in his hand with a sour tone. "You're really popular, huh?"
"You already knew that from school," Hayashi Shuichi said helplessly. "At least these are just numbers, not love letters."
"Can't you just say no?" Fujimine Yukiko stomped in frustration.
Kurazumi Kyouko laughed. "Taking contact info isn't a big deal. Rejecting them outright could offend someone."
"He's not an actor, why would he care…" Fujimine Yukiko trailed off, realizing her mistake. Hayashi Shuichi wasn't aiming for showbiz, but she was.
Since they arrived together, if he publicly embarrassed someone, it could drag her into trouble.
"Got it?" Hayashi Shuichi said, exasperated. "If it weren't for you, I'd have left already."
"Fine, my bad," Fujimine Yukiko apologized sheepishly.
She wanted to say more, but the audition assistant called her number.
She answered quickly and hurried off in a fluster.
"Hope Yukiko nails it," Kurazumi Kyouko said sincerely. "Don't want her ending up like me."
"You'll do great today too," Hayashi Shuichi reassured.
"I hope so…"
Kurazumi Kyouko sighed. Her turn was next, but after so many failures, she felt numb.
Hayashi Shuichi didn't push further. Though he'd never acted, he'd seen The King of Comedy in his past life and knew the struggles of small-time actors.
Kurazumi Kyouko's current state wasn't ideal. Even with solid skills, her numbness could cost her the role.
With that in mind, Hayashi Shuichi went to a vending machine, buying juice for himself and Fujimine Yukiko, and a warm can of red bean soup for Kurazumi Kyouko.
"Red bean soup? Warm?" Kurazumi Kyouko looked surprised at the drink Hayashi Shuichi handed her. "Is this right for today's weather?"
"Couldn't get red bean rice, so this'll do," Hayashi Shuichi explained. "I saw your rehearsal with Yukiko—great performance. Consider this an early celebration."
In Japan, red bean rice is a celebratory dish, often meaning "let's celebrate."
"…Thanks," Kurazumi Kyouko paused, then took the can, its warmth soothing her cold hands.
"Forget the past. Just do your best today," Hayashi Shuichi smiled. "Old successes or failures don't affect this audition."
"Yeah," Kurazumi Kyouko nodded firmly.
After countless failures, even her friends tiptoed around her feelings, avoiding her sore spots.
It had been ages since she'd heard such straightforward encouragement.
Popping the tab, she downed the sweet, warm red bean soup in one go, feeling warmth spread through her, thawing her cold, numb heart.
"Lin-kun's right. I'll nail it today!" she declared, clenching her fist to psych herself up.
Realizing others in the hall were staring, she quickly bowed in apology.
Soon, Fujimine Yukiko emerged from the audition room.
"How'd it go?" Hayashi Shuichi asked casually.
"Total success!" Fujimine Yukiko said, chin up. "I rehearsed this scene tons at home. Nailed it today too."
"Congrats!" Kurazumi Kyouko smiled, then hurried to her own audition.
Fujimine Yukiko watched her new friend's back, sensing a change from before her own audition.
"What're you thinking about?"
Hayashi Shuichi pressed a cold juice can to her cheek, making her shiver.
"I was gone for, what, ten minutes? Why's she suddenly so confident?"
Fujimine Yukiko sipped her juice, eyeing Hayashi Shuichi suspiciously. "Did you do something?"
"Just gave her warm red bean soup," Hayashi Shuichi said honestly. "She's failed too many times, lacked encouragement. The soup helped."
"Red bean soup's that powerful? Why'd I get juice then?" Fujimine Yukiko inspected her drink. "No way, I want red bean soup too!"
"When we're back," Hayashi Shuichi promised. "I'll make red bean rice at the izakaya to celebrate."
"Deal," Fujimine Yukiko nodded happily, and they waited by the entrance for Kurazumi Kyouko.
She genuinely liked her new friend. They shared the same passion, and co-starring in this film would be amazing.
Part of why Hayashi Shuichi had been so thoughtful with Kurazumi Kyouko was for Fujimine Yukiko's sake.
Her parents were actors, but they were older. To thrive in showbiz long-term, she'd need peers to connect with and support each other.
Minutes later, Kurazumi Kyouko walked out, steps light.
"How was it?" Fujimine Yukiko rushed to ask.
"Results come later," Kurazumi Kyouko said with a bright smile, "but today's audition was probably my best performance ever."
(Chapter End)
------------------------------
"Behind the scenes, there's a world of exclusive content waiting for you on Patreon. Get early access, to see the latest chapters!!! That's where it all happens 🚀.
👉 Check it out: [patreon.com/TripleCrown07]"