Chapter 5 Emotionless Expression
Emiko's POV

"Anno-San, would you be interested in becoming Wonderlands x Showtime's new director?"

When Rui said this, I looked at him in shock.

"Huh", I asked. "Me, become Wonderlands x Showtime's new director?!"

"Yes", Rui replied. "Looking at the video of your classes' production of our Halloween show, I can clearly see that you have some really good ideas."

"But", I started. "That was just a school production for the Cultural Festival. I don't know if I have what it takes to direct a proper show. Especially one that will be as good as Wonderlands x Showtime's previous shows."

After I said this, Rui began thinking.

"Tell you what", he started. "Why don't we have a trial run?"

"A trial run", I asked.

"Direct one show for Wonderlands x Showtime", Rui suggested. "Then, we can see first hand if you have what it takes to become the troupe's new director. So, what do you say?"

With that, I began thinking.

I really don't know if I have what it takes to become Wonderlands x Showtime's new director. But…this could be the opportunity I've been looking for! The chance to…

"I'll do it."

…

I returned home to a small apartment.

After I got inside, I walked up to a shrine sitting in the corner and sat down in front of it.

Sitting on the shrine…was a photo of a man.

"I'm back, dad", I greeted. "Guess what? I've been given an opportunity to become the new director of Wonderlands x Showtime! I honestly don't know if I have what it takes to be their director, but this could be the chance I've been looking for! I have to at least give it a try!"

That Night

I had just finished putting dinner on the table…when the front door opened.

I looked up…and saw a woman in an office uniform.

"Welcome home, mom", I greeted. "You're just in time. I just finished making dinner."

"Thank you", my mom said; an emotionless expression on her face.

We then sat down and began eating.

"How was work", I asked.

"The usual", my mom replied. "How was school?"

"It was good", I replied. "I attended my first meeting as a member of the film club today."

"That's nice", my mom replied, the emotionless expression still on her face.

I sighed sadly, and just continued to eat in silence.

…

It was late, and I was still up.

I was trying to come up with an idea for my first show, but I couldn't think of anything good.

"This is hopeless", I stated as I dropped my head onto my desk. "I can think of anything! But…"

After I said this…I thought back to my mom's emotionless expression earlier.

"No", I exclaimed, before suddenly sitting up. "I have to do this! I have to put on a good show, so that mom will…"

Before I could finish…my phone suddenly lit up.

I picked it up, and was surprised at what I saw.

"The World Hasn't Even Started Yet", I repeated. "That's the song Wonderlands x Showtime used to perform all the time. But how did that song get onto my phone?"

With that, I clicked the song.

Then…I was engulfed by a bright light.