Chapter 38 Her True Feelings
Nene's POV

The Next Day

I was at the Phoenix Stage, where Sakurako was currently rehearsing.

"That was great, Sakurako", the director praised. "Okay everybody! Take five!"

After this, Sakurako walked up to me.

"Greetings, Nene", she said. "What did you think of my performance? The skills I have learned from my studies abroad are really showing, aren't they?"

"They are", I replied. "Even though it's only been a few months, both you and Tsukasa's acting skills have already improved greatly."

When I mentioned Tsukasa's name…Sakurako suddenly frowned.

"Sakurako", I started. "Are you okay?"

"Nene", Sakurako started. "How much do you know about Tsukasa's girlfriend?"

"You mean Hoshino-San", I asked, pretending that I didn't know Sakurako already knew about her. "I didn't know that you knew about her?"

"I didn't", Sakurako revealed, suddenly becoming upset. "Tsukasa never told me about her! I only found out when I saw them having a loving reunion at the airport!"

"Sakurako", I started. "You suddenly seem really upset. Why?"

After I asked this, Sakurako's look of anger turned to a look of nervousness.

"Oh", she started, as her cheeks started turning red. "Ah…"

"Sakurako", I started. "Do you…have feelings for Tsukasa?"

"Shush", Sakurako angrily whispered at me. "Not so loud! What if Tsukasa comes here and hears you?!"

"So", I started. "You do like him?"

After I asked this…Sakurako looked away shyly as the blush returned to her face.

Then…she sighed sadly.

"What does it matter if I have feelings for Tsukasa or not", she asked, before sitting on the edge of the stage. "He has a girlfriend already."

After Sakurako said this, I sat down next to her.

"Why you have feelings for him", I asked.

"Tsukasa is extremely determined and motivated to make his dream of becoming a star a reality", Sakurako pointed out. "Back at our school, he is constantly working hard to improve his skills and prove himself."

Before Sakurako went on…a soft smile came to her face.

"But, his reasons for wanting to be a star are not shallow", she continued. "You may think that he's doing it for fame and attention, but in reality, he's doing it because he wants to make other people smile."

"Wow", I said. "You really do like him, don't you?"

After I asked this…Sakurako sighed in defeat.

"Yes", she replied. "I do. But…"

Before Sakurako continued…tears started falling from her eyes.

"He won't return my feelings."

"I'm sorry, Sakurako", I said.

"Nene", Sakurako started. "Tell me, do you know why Tsukasa started dating his girlfriend?"

"It's actually quite an interesting story", I revealed.

Then, I went on to tell Sakurako the whole story of how Ichika and Tsukasa became a couple.

"Wow", she said when I was done. "It sounds like they went through a lot to become a couple."

"They did", I said. "But once they did finally get together, they both seemed really happy."

After I said this, Sakurako looked down sadly.

"Well", she started. "I wouldn't want to interfere with Taukasa's happiness."

"So", I started. "What are you going to do?"

"Nothing", Sakurako replied. "If this girl makes Tsukasa happy, then I will not interfere."

After Sakurako said this, she turned to look at me.

"Nene", she started. "Please do not tell Tsukasa about my true feelings for him."

"Okay", I said. "But, does that mean you're just going to keep your feelings to yourself?"

"I don't want Tsukasa to think that I'm trying to break up him and his girlfriend", Sakurako replied. "I've already lost my chance to be his girlfriend. I don't want to lose his friendship as well."

(Wow. She's actually handling this quite maturely. But…I feel bad that she's sacrificing her feelings for Tsukasa's sake)