Chapter 18

"…Just make it work with your acting skills, Nana."

"That's impossible."

"There are actors in their twenties who still play middle school roles, you know. You're only three years older, Nana. You'll be fine."

Well, sure, it's common enough for adult actors to play middle or high school students in shows… but the other way around? Not so much.

Is it better to have an adult actor play a middle schooler, or a grade-schooler play a middle schooler? Honestly, neither sounds great.

"Nana-chan, long time no seeee!"

"We literally met two days ago. Also… you cut your hair, didn’t you?"

It was two weeks later when I went to the drama's initial cast meeting, and there was Momiji-san. Since she'd been at my place for acting lessons just two days ago, it hadn't really been that long. Now that I think about it, she'd been working unusually hard on her lessons lately… probably because she knew about this role.

She'd chopped off her twin-tail hairstyle and now had a short cut just barely touching her shoulders. The twin-tails suited her, but the short hair felt refreshing and new on her, too.

"Yup! I thought I’d match the role a bit. …Besides, I’m not really at the age for twin-tails anymore, you know?"

"Oh? So you're playing a teacher or something?"

"Ahaha, nooo, I’m a student too. …Or are you pretending not to know? You’re pretending, right? Right?"

I had a feeling, but… I also remembered some cases where teachers looked like students, especially in certain shows set in academy cities. I thought it was better not to assume outright.

Momiji-san could totally pull off a teacher role age-wise, but visually, she looked like a middle schooler through and through.

Looking around the meeting room, it seemed like the casting skewed young this time. Aside from Momiji-san, the rest were all elementary-school-aged child actors. I was worried I’d stand out awkwardly if the rest were adults, but thankfully, it didn’t seem like I’d be the odd one out.

Incidentally, Momiji-san blended right in with the elementary schoolers.

"So, who are you playing?"

"I’m playing Tsukishima Suzu-chan!"

She threw me a thumbs-up with a confident grin. Honestly, if she kept her mouth shut, she’d be a proper beauty. With her short haircut and slender build, she was a perfect fit for the stylish, urban character of Tsukishima Suzu.

"And you, Nana-chan? Are you playing the main heroine again?"

"No, I’m playing Kashiwagi Haruka."

The moment I said that, Momiji-san’s eyes dipped downward—to where I’d… added some help with padding.

"…Are you stuffing?"

"It’s called character preparation."

The role I’m playing, 『Kashiwagi Haruka』, is the energetic, go-my-own-way type of sub-heroine, and also the one with a knockout figure—the so-called “sexy” character.

I initially tried going all out and padding to “giant chest” levels, but Shinozaki-san half-laughed and stopped me, so now I’ve toned it down to around a modest B-cup level. Better than nothing, right?

For some reason, Momiji-san gently patted my shoulder with a nod, like she was consoling me.

"Hey, I’m just a late bloomer, not a flat che—gah!?"

"Onee-samaaa!"

Before I could protest, something slammed into me from the side, knocking the air out of my lungs. A beautiful girl clung to me tightly, looking up with sparkling, teary eyes.

"To think I get to co-star with you again… Mayuyu is so happy!"

The girl rubbing her cheek against mine was Asano Mayu-chan, who’d played the protagonist in the drama 『Boku to Kimi de moderato』. Back then, I’d made her cry during a scene while playing my character, Birei, and somehow, after comforting her, she’d grown strangely attached to me ever since.

A few months ago, we’d also filmed the second 『BokuKimi』 movie together, so this would actually be our fourth time co-starring. I think the release date was coming up soon, too.

"Y-you’re in this one too, Mayu-chan?"

"Yes! It must be fate! To co-star this much, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Onee-sama and Mayuyu are connected by a red string of destiny!"

Her face was way too close, her breathing ragged, and her eyes… just slightly unhinged. Being hugged by a pretty girl isn’t something I’d normally complain about, but in her case, it felt less affectionate and more predatory. Kind of terrifying, actually.

"I-I’m happy too, but maybe if you could stop hugging me, I’d be even happ—…never mind, forget I said anything."

I gently tried suggesting she let go, but then she stared at me with the most soulless, hollow gaze, so I panicked and hugged her back instead. Sure, I could forcibly pry her off me… but honestly, she strikes me as the type to stab someone later, so I’ll just stay like this for now.

As soon as I hugged her back, Mayu-chan’s expression lit up with pure bliss.

"Yo, Nana-chan, looks like we’re together again."

While I was being forcibly cuddled by Mayu-chan, a tall, handsome boy—easily a head taller than me—spoke up. He was two years older, a sixth grader, and the leader of the same idol group Daisho belongs to: Yamada Hajime-kun. He’d played the emperor’s close friend in 『Boku to Kimi de moderato』, so this would be our fourth time co-starring, same as Mayu-chan.

"Yamada-kun, you’re in this too, huh? Looking forward to working with you."

"Nope, it’s Yukishiro."

I’d gotten his name wrong. Well, not wrong, exactly… but when Yamada-kun’s idol group 『COLORFUL』 was formed, he changed his stage name from his real name to Yukishiro Ichiro.

He’s handsome, sure, but he’s got this slightly world-weary, older-than-his-age kind of face, so honestly, the name “Yukishiro” doesn’t suit him at all. Besides, I’ve been calling him Yamada-kun since we first met, so switching now feels weird.

Incidentally, Daisho’s idol group, 『COLORFUL』, is a five-member unit, and they all use stage names based on colors. Daisho’s the exception—his real name is Kuroya, which already had “black” in it, so he didn’t need to change it.

"So, Yamada-kun, which role are you playing?"

"I told you, it’s Yukishiro… ugh, forget it. I’m the protagonist."

"Mayuyu is playing Takase Yuuri, onee-sama."

"Uhyahya!"

Yamada-kun let out a tired sigh when he said that, and right after, Mayu-chan leaned in close, whispered into my ear… and then nipped my earlobe.

A weird little sound escaped me before I could stop it, and flustered, I peeled her off me by force and scolded her.

"Okay, seriously, that’s not okay to do in public."

"Does that mean it’s fine when we’re alone?"

"No, it’s not!"

Even with her sultry, honeyed voice dripping with faux innocence, the answer’s still no. Actually, Mayu-chan’s been getting bolder and bolder every time we meet… Who’s teaching her this stuff, anyway?

"Still, Mayu-chan, you’re the main heroine this time, huh? Looking forward to working with you."

"Yes! I’ll do my best, onee-sama♪"

I really, really want her to stop calling me “onee-sama,” but no matter how many times I ask, she never listens. I’ve given up at this point. Technically, she’s actually a year older than me, but she’s small enough that I’m slightly taller.

Mayu-chan’s role this time, 『Takase Yuuri』, is the main heroine—a refined, elegant young lady straight out of the classic yamato nadeshiko mold.

And the drama, 『Mirai no Kimi ni, Sayonara』, is a romantic comedy mixed with human drama, where three heroines fall for the protagonist.

"Good for you, Yamada-kun. Sounds like you’ve got yourself a harem."

"Then why… doesn’t it feel good at all?"

Yamada-kun let out a weary little laugh, looking just about done with everything.

I glanced at the “harem” he was talking about: on one side, 『the clingy yandere lesbian』, on the other, 『the legal loli a whole decade older』, and finally, me—『the middle-school girl with the mind of an old man』.

Yeah. Landmines everywhere.

"Momiji-san, Yamada-kun’s complaining. Should we… deal with him?"

"Nah, I’m not really interested in grade schoolers anyway. I prefer older guys, and muscular ones at that."

"I don’t care about anyone except onee-sama."

So Momiji-san’s into older men, huh. Now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure her profile said one of her hobbies was watching pro wrestling. That explains the muscle preference.

Meanwhile, Mayu-chan had snuck her hand into mine, interlacing our fingers like lovers, and was pressing her whole body against me. When I tried to pull away, she clung even tighter, so I gave up and let her be.

"Oh, right. Nana-chan, there’s someone from our agency I want to introduce you to."

Yamada-kun waved over a boy who’d been standing a little ways off, quietly watching us from a distance.

"You might already know him, but this is Akagi from 『COLORFUL』. Go on, introduce yourself."

"I’ll be playing the protagonist’s best friend! I’m Akagi Taiga. Nice to meet you!"

The boy darted over like a well-trained puppy, quick and energetic, wearing a bright red short-sleeved shirt. Unlike Yamada-kun, who somehow already gives off the vibe of a jaded, overworked middle-aged salaryman trapped in a grade schooler’s body, Akagi-kun seemed cheerful, lively, and straightforward.

It reminded me of when I first met Mayu-chan and Yamada-kun. They used to be pure kids, too… so how did they end up so worn down?

"He’s had a few small roles and bit parts in our dramas before, but this is his first time as part of the main cast, so look after him, okay, Nana-chan?"

"I’ll do my best! Please take care of me!"

"Uh… y-yeah, sure?"

Why me? I thought, but when he bowed so properly and brightly, I ended up nodding under the pressure. I shot Yamada a silent glare, as if to say, “You’re the leader, so shouldn’t you handle this?” But he just kept smiling that infuriating, harmless smile.

"If you have any questions, just ask Nana-chan, okay?"

"Yes, sir! I’ll work hard so I won’t trouble Nana-san!"

Yamada completely dumped the responsibility on me, but… well, kids from big agencies really are different. They’re trained to be polite and professional, so there aren’t many wild troublemakers. That said, once they get popular, some kids do start acting out.

It’s fine while they’re at the top, but the moment they start fading, they get dropped fast. That’s why maintaining good relationships with your co-stars and the staff is absolutely critical.

"Alright, Akagi-kun, let’s start the table read."

"Yes, sir!"

『Mirai no Kimi ni, Sayonara』 has five main cast members.

The story follows five people, each carrying their own burdens, as they work together to overcome obstacles and reach the future they desire.

I pulled the script out of my tote bag—the one we’d been given in advance—and flipped it open to the first episode, scanning the scene headings, stage directions, and dialogue. Just as I was about to start reading—

"Nana-chan, table read’s later in a separate room. First, we’re starting with the briefing, so please be quiet for now, okay?"

"Ah, yes!"

Right. This was the meet-and-greet.

The producer, director, screenwriter, various department leads, and all the confirmed cast members had gathered here to introduce themselves, share their thoughts, and discuss the drama’s concept and vision.

After getting gently called out by the producer on stage, I meekly shoved the script back into my tote and sat down. Next to me, Momiji-san was stifling a laugh, her shoulders shaking. I glared daggers at her in silent retaliation, but then Mayu-chan reached over and gently patted me in comfort.

…Mayu-chan’s actually really sweet sometimes. Maybe I should be a little nicer to her.

…Or so I thought—until she casually slid her hand under my clothes.

Without a word, I twisted her wrist, locked her joint, and kept it pinned there while pretending to focus politely on the producer’s speech.