Chapter 16 It's Showtime
Emiko's POV

The day Wonderlands x Showtime would put on their first show directed by me had finally arrived.

Currently, we were all backstage getting ready.

"How do I look", I asked as I showed off my new costume.

"You look great, Emiko-Chan", Emu stated.

"Thank you, Ootori-San", I said.

Then, I took a peak at the the audience…and I saw my mom.

"Anno-San", I heard a familiar voice greet.

I then turned around, and saw Rui.

"Kamishiro-San", I greeted.

"How are you feeling, Anno-San", Rui asked.

"If I'm being honest", I started. "I'm very nervous."

"Is your mother in the audience", Rui asked.

"Yeah", I replied, before looking back into the audience. "That's her over there."

Then, I pulled away…before suddenly getting nervous.

Rui noticed this. So…he put his hands on my shoulders.

"Take a deep breath", he instructed.

Then, I did as he told.

"There you go", Rui said. "I know that your nervous, but you have put in so much work into this show. All that's left to do now is perform it, and see if it has the results that you are hoping for."

"Okay", I said. "Kamishiro-San?"

"Yes", Rui asked.

"Regardless of what happens today…I am still very grateful for this opportunity", I revealed. "So…thank you so much!"

After I said this, Rui smiled at me.

"You're very welcome, Emiko", he said. "In return, I have one favor to ask of you."

"Of course", I said. "What is it?"

"Look after Emu and Nene for me?"

After I heard this, I looked at Rui in shock.

But then…I was filled with determination.

"I'll be the best director for Wonderlands x Showtime that I can be", I exclaimed. "I promise, Rui."

When I said this, Rui smiled at me.

"Thank you, Emiko-Kun", he said.

Then, he turned around to look at everybody else.

"I wish you all the best of luck", he said. "I'll be cheering you on from the audience."

"Thank you, Rui-Kun", Emu exclaimed.

"Yeah", Nene said, before grabbing onto Rui's hands. "Thank you for everything, Rui."

With that, Rui smiled at Nene before kissing her forehead.

"Break a leg, everyone", he said.

Then, he left, and I took a deep breath.

"Well", I started. "This is it."

After I said this…I grabbed onto both Emu and Nene's hands.

"I wanted to thank you both too", I revealed. "Thank you, Emu. Thank you, Nene."

"You're welcome, Emiko-Chan", Emu exclaimed.

"You're welcome, Anno-San", Nene said.

"Alright", I started. "Let's do this!"

After I said this, I turned around to look at the stage, and took once last deep breath.

I turned to look at Emu and Nene one last time. Then…I walked onto the stage.

Being in front of an audience made me very nervous. But when I saw my mom, I remembered why I was doing this. So I took a deep breath and began talking.

"Greetings, everyone", I started. "My name is Anno Emiko, and the show you are about to watch will be the first Wonderlands x Showtime show that I have directed. I hope you enjoy it. So, without further ado, it's showtime!"