Buddy Romance
There's only a fine line between love and hate…
Feelings and Emotions, Fighting, Angst and Humour, Love-Hate Relationship, Developing Relationship, Action, Canon Related, Character Study, Feelings Realisation, Falling in Love, doki-doki moments
Act 1
The Amateur Provocateur
In his sixteenth summer, he was on the verge of despair. Banri Settsu, a talented high schooler from Tokyo, he excelled at anything he did without effort, whether it was studying, sports, or fighting with other boys from his school - it all came easy to him. In addition to his good physique, nature endowed him with a lovely, handsome face. He had pretty much everything one could dream about – a loving and wealthy family, many school friends, and popularity with girls, but he couldn't care less about that. His life was on an easy mode, but that was terribly dull and bugging him more and more.
He ventured his life in desperate attempts to quench the boredom, not caring what he did - ditching school, delinquency, fights... But all that was in vain. He felt lonely and distant even when he was among his friends; his life seemed to be losing its colours. He was starting to think about trying some drugs when one day he heard about Juza Hyodo, another high schooler who had never lost a single fight.
He found out what the guy looked like and went to look for him at Veludo Station the following day. When he saw him, he was thrilled for the first time in his life. Juza Hyodo was tall and handsome, and everything about him was cool and sharp – his dark slicked back hair with an undercut, his chiselled, manly face, but mainly his feline eyes that resembled those of a tiger. These glaring amber eyes made Banri all fired up.
...Juza had always been a loner. Not because he wanted to, oh no. He had always been different from other children. Tall, strong, and untalkative, he looked intimidating to them. Even his younger brother's friends who were only a year younger than him were afraid to play with him. His delinquent appearance scared off people around him inside and outside of his school, although he desperately wanted to find a friend, at least one friend... But instead, other boys tried to pick fights with him because of his looks. He ended up called the top delinquent in town, although he only defended himself... But he wanted to live a different life, to become a different person!..
One day, he saw a light at the end of the tunnel – a theatre stage. It was his only hope to break out of his delinquent image and change his life, so he came to the acting club at his school. The teacher offered him to be a stagehand while the other children stared at him in disapproving silence – he seemed like a wolf among sheep. Juza felt so bitter he wanted to cry, but he firmly knew: "men don't cry".
Since that day, his longing for theatre had grown even more. He was in his final year of school when he saw his younger cousin Muku play in a theatre production during the summer holidays. He was overwhelmed with admiration and envy, because he wanted so much to be there, on stage! After the performance, he approached Muku and learned from him that Mankai Company was going to hold an audition for its Autumn Troupe.
Walking back home, Juza couldn't think of anything other than going to the audition at this theatre when his train of thought was suddenly interrupted by a bob-haired youngster in a ridiculous pink T-shirt. The guy was fairly tall, slender, and good-looking. Too good-looking for Juza's liking. He introduced himself as Banri Settsu and challenged him to a fight with a cheeky smile, stepping so close to him that he could look into the other's foxy blue eyes. Juza frowned – there was something inexplicably annoying about this pretty face.
Meanwhile, the guy took a step back and tried to punch him in the face, apparently with all his strength. Easily dodging the blow, Juza hit him back on the face with an open palm rather than a fist, but still pretty hard. The guy collapsed as if poleaxed, and Juza realised that this brat was no match for him in a fight. Slightly concerned, Juza bent over him to see how he was doing.
The guy lay sprawled on the pavement, looking up with unfocused eyes. Apparently, he was a little concussed, but other than that, he was alright. Figuring so, Juza turned around and continued on his way home, certain that he would never see this punk again.
...Lying on the ground, Banri followed Juza with his eyes. He couldn't understand what was going on with him - his ears were ringing, and he couldn't move for a while. What had just happened to him was so strange and unthinkable. He was beaten before he knew it like it was nothing. Nobody had ever done this to him in his life. He was angry, confused, and annoyed, and of course, he had to take revenge over Hyodo! With these thoughts in mind, he picked himself up, dusted his clothes off, and wandered back home.
The next day, Juza forgot about the last night's encounter. He was returning home in the evening from the combini near the station when he saw yesterday's annoying brat, who tried to attack him again. This pissed him off, but he knew he should keep his cool. After all, there was no point for him to fight someone without ambition, especially if this someone was a weakling like Settsu. Juza fended off Banri's attack without hitting him back and then walked away, trying to ignore the angry screaming behind him.
Since then, Juza had run into him several times when he walked to or from Veludo Station. That damn Settsu ambushed him on the street and provoked him to fight every bloody time! One day Juza even took a slightly different route to avoid bumping into that jerk, and then saw him lurking around the corner at some distance without even noticing him behind. No doubt, Settsu was waiting for him to appear from the other side of the street. Juza clenched his fist, seething with righteous indignation. He wanted to approach and beat the crap out of him, but he didn't, because he had made up his mind to change himself. After all, he had something to look forward to – the audition at Mankai Company.
Day after day Banri followed Juza around to challenge him and turned into Juza's stalker without even realising it. However, every time that daikon turned his back on him, and this was driving him up the wall. He wanted Hyodo to take him seriously! One day he saw him enter a shabby theatre. Hyodo watching theatre for enjoyment?.. It was laughable! Banri peered into the theatre when he heard someone behind his back tell him not to be shy and come in. Turning, he saw a middle-aged gentleman with glasses, who was looking at him with a friendly smile. Banri tried to escape, but the gentleman suddenly insisted and literally pushed him into the theatre's foyer.
That was unexpected. Banri felt confused and annoyed - he was only after Hyodo and wasn't interested in theatre! He was about to leave when Juza suddenly turned around and angrily asked him what the hell he was doing there. That was enough for him to decide to stay: now that Hyodo spoke to him like that, he couldn't let it slide.
Juza barely kept his composure - Settsu was the last person he wanted to see at the audition. Why the hell did he follow him to the theatre?! To mess around and get in his way? Unfortunately, it looked like he had to put up with this for the time being: director Izumi, a gentle young woman, asked them both to calm down if they wanted to audition. Juza obeyed through gritted teeth, and then everyone headed to the auditorium.
Director Izumi and the five members of Summer Troupe took the spectator seats close to the stage where the five Autumn Troupe candidates sat on the chairs prepared for them. Juza ended up sitting next to Settsu, who didn't miss the opportunity to pick on him again before director Izumi asked them both to cut it off.
After the first two candidates finished auditioning, there was finally his and Settsu's turn. For a brief moment, Juza hesitated - he was not at all confident in his acting skills! Banri noticed this, looking at his opponent out of the corner of his eyes, and stood up ahead of him. First up, first to go. Juza had to admit this after another snarky exchange with this punk. The next thing he had to admit was the fact that Settsu's acting was actually very good, and everyone noticed that too.
At last, it was his turn to audition. Juza walked out into the middle of the stage and acted out the monologue as best as he could, but when he finished, he heard Settsu burst out laughing like a hyena. Juza felt as if the ground was crumbling beneath his feet. He knew that his acting was hammy... But was it all going to end like this for him?.. Did he have to give up on his dream to change his life?.. No, no! Anything but that! He knew he wanted to do theatre, no matter what. Back then in his school theatre club, he hadn't had the guts to ask for a role in the play, but now he wasn't going to stop halfway. Juza bent in a reverent bow and asked to give him a chance to play in the troupe. Slightly confused, director Izumi reassured him that he was more than welcome - his sincere resolve was all that mattered.
Incredulous of his luck, Juza gratefully bowed again and heard Settsu mocking his acting skills. Clenching his fist in exasperation, Juza was about to retaliate when the last, fifth candidate for the Autumn Troupe, a good-looking young man with blond hair and glasses stuck up for him, making Settsu shut up with a snarky comment.
This grown-up guy, Sakyo Furuichi, was a better actor than all of them put together - so Juza thought watching him on the stage. After Sakyo finished, director Izumi clapped her hands together and cheerfully announced that everyone had passed. Summer Troupe cheered and clapped their hands too, congratulating the novice Autumn Troupe members.
Deep down, Banri was happy that he and Juza had passed, but how could he miss the opportunity to poke fun at Juza's hammy acting? He didn't expect though that Juza would snipe back at him, and this time it pissed him off for real. Banri engaged in another spat with Juza when Sakyo finally flipped out and snarled at them, ordering them to shut up. It looked like there was no other way than to obey this scary man. Having calmed down, Banri and Juza followed everyone to the Mankai residence hall.
The residence hall was a nice two-storey mansion within walking distance from the theatre. Juza immediately accepted director Izumi's offer to stay: he wanted to fully immerse himself in theatre life. As if by reflex, Banri raised his hand too. Not that he wanted to stay that much - he just couldn't let Hyodo get away from him. Without really realising it, all he could think about was Juza and nothing else. What he didn't expect though was Sakyo's suggestion to place him and Hyodo in the same room. Banri was utterly confounded. He just planned to mess with Hyodo so as to get this daikon to finally fight him, but living together with Hyodo in one room?! Damn, it was a wicked idea!
Juza was angry no less. Not only had he to deal with this punk in the Autumn Troupe, but he would also have to bear with Settsu's pestering 24/7, all year round non-stop! This was a valid point, but it had zero effect on Sakyo. As a result, director Izumi placed them together in room 104. Banri and Juza clenched their teeth - it was such a bummer!
The following evening, the Autumn Troupe novices were moving to their new home. Juza and Banri entered their room and began to unpack their stuff in tense silence, trying to keep away from each other. Now that they were alone, Juza decided to find out what the hell Settsu was really up to. By no means this cunning fox was interested in acting! The direct question didn't do a thing. All he got back was mocking remarks about his delinquent appearance. This stung him to the quick, but he remembered he shouldn't fight. Still, he had to make things clear to Settsu. In an instant, Juza was next to Banri and slammed his hand against the wall next to him, cutting off the escape route.
- I'm serious about acting, unlike you. If you get in my way, I'll never forgive you for this, - Juza looked straight into the mocking blue eyes.
- That's what I wanna hear, - Banri stared back into Juza's eyes. This fierce gaze of a beast got him all fired up. - Let's cut to the chase and settle this with fists!
With these words, he threw a punch, aiming at Juza's face, but Juza blocked it with his forearms, leaving the rest of his body open for a brief moment. Banri took advantage of this, hitting him hard in the stomach with a knee. Juza fell to the floor on his bottom, hitting his back against the stack of cardboard boxes, and glared up at his attacker, who approached and grabbed him by the collar of his T-shirt. It wasn't that he was hurt physically; Settsu's blows were quite weak and slow. It was only his pride that was hurt - he had never let anyone punch him and get away with it, but now he was letting someone like Settsu beat him up.
- Come on, what's the matter? – Banri was getting annoyed and impatient. Unconsciously, he yearned for Juza's attention, even if that meant being hit by him.
Quickly rising to his feet, Juza blocked the next punch with the palm of his hand and then dodged a rather clumsy kick. He could easily break Settsu's arm or catch his kicking leg and then throw him out of the room, but he knew he shouldn't be fighting this brawler. He had always been able to keep his cool in a fight, but now he was losing his temper: although Settsu's fighting efforts were pathetic, no one had ever annoyed him so much! At last, he was backed into the corner, and Settsu lunged at him like mad, leaving him no choice but to fight. Completely enraged, Juza rushed forward at his enemy with his hand raised for a strike...
The next thing he knew was a pang of dull pain in his arm that was twisted up behind his back, causing him to bend over. Banri halted, stunned by what had just happened: Omi Fushimi, a university student and their teammate in the Autumn Troupe, prevented Juza from hitting him. Banri stared in bewilderment at Juza wincing in Omi's firm grip when the remaining, youngest member of the Autumn Troupe, Taichi Nanao, entered the room. Reluctantly, Banri let Taichi lead him away to the dining room - the opportunity to beat Hyodo was gone and it was time to eat something.
As soon as they left, Omi released Juza and prompted him to go have dinner as well. Juza lingered, brooding over the incident. Either way, he was still a delinquent who was always ready to use his fists, and that turned into his weakness. He was bound to change himself, or he would only cause trouble for the troupe.
- If I ever lose my head and rise to Settsu's provocation again, will you stop me as you did just now? – Juza felt he could rely on this guy, Omi.
- All right. We're supposed to be comrades, after all, - Omi patted him on the shoulder before they both strolled to the living room.
Act 2
Leading the Leader
The following day the Autumn Troupe gathered in the rehearsal room to decide on the troupe leader who would also play a lead role in the debut show. Sakyo was the most obvious choice - he was the oldest and the most experienced in the troupe. That was what director Izumi thought in the first place, but Sakyo refused to become the leader, reasoning that the troupe needed someone younger than him and with a potential to grow together with the whole troupe. Having agreed with this, director Izumi asked the other members of the Autumn Troupe.
Juza, Banri, Omi, and Taichi fell silent for a few moments, thinking over the suggestion. Juza lowered his eyes, clenching a fist in an internal struggle with himself. He wanted to be the troupe leader and felt he could be a good leader, but how could he offer himself knowing that his acting was behind the rest?.. But still, come to think of it, he had no experience in acting at all. Didn't that mean that he had a chance to become better at it if he tried hard?.. And didn't director Izumi tell him that she knew plenty of exercises for hammy actors? Yes, she did! He wasn't as good as the others, true, but he was determined to give his all to become a good actor and leader of the Autumn Troupe!..
So Juza thought to himself while Banri watched him with a mocking smile – Juza's inner struggle was clearly written on his face. Having made up his mind, Juza looked up at director Izumi to ask her to let him be the troupe leader when Banri raised his hand ahead of him. Juza was surprised and confused. He didn't expect Settsu, who wasn't interested in theatre, to offer himself as their leader, but when director Izumi asked if anyone else wanted to step up, he remained silent - he knew his acting was no match for Settsu's, at least not yet...
No one objected to Settsu's candidacy except for Sakyo, who doubted that this punk really understood the responsibilities the leader carried. In fact, Sakyo was disappointed, because deep down he thought that Juza was the only one who was best suited to take the lead of the Autumn Troupe.
Unlike Sakyo, Banri was super-confident that he would be a better leader than anyone else: how could it be otherwise if he was always number one at anything?
Juza was standing in silence with his eyes down - he had no arguments to make. Settsu was smart, handsome, and talented. It was hard to admit, but he might indeed be the best leader, probably better than him, and there was probably no other choice but to endure this stoically…
Everyone seemed to be okay with Banri, and director Izumi announced him the leader of the Autumn Troupe. Upon hearing this, Banri stuck out his chest and looked at Juza triumphantly – it was his first victory over this daikon.
The following week was uneventful. Every morning, Juza went to school, and Banri often skipped morning classes – he hated to wake up early and didn't want to compromise his beauty sleep. In the evenings, the Autumn Troupe practiced with acting etudes.
Meanwhile, director Izumi had been thinking about the script for the new play. Banri was supposed to be the lead, but that wouldn't be enough for a bright debut. Although Banri's acting was good, he needed someone to back him up and at the same time ignite his passion, and this someone had to be none other than Juza. Thinking of this, director Izumi asked Mankai Company's actor and scriptwriter Tsuzuru Minagi to give Juza an equally important role with Banri.
After a week, a puffing and panting Tsuzuru burst into the dining room and fell down senseless to the surprise of the Autumn Troupe. The script was ready – it fell to the floor next to Tsuzuru, who was happily smiling in a deep, peaceful sleep. After Tsuzuru was carried to his bed, the Autumn Troupe sat down to read the script together with director Izumi.
The name on the first page read "How Wonderfully Picaresque". It was a buddy story about gangsters, and the main characters were two gangsters who didn't stand each other at first but eventually became very close to each other. These gangsters were to be played by Juza and Banri.
Everyone liked the script straight away – the story was exciting and packed full of action scenes. The only concern was that the play could fall apart if the relationship between Banri and Juza didn't improve. No sooner had Sakyo said this than Banri took the opportunity to pick on Juza, demanding to make his partner someone other than him. Immediately riled up, Juza roughly pushed away Banri's hand that was mockingly pointing at him. He started to get used to Settsu's monkeying around, but what he'd just said was too much!
The situation was heating up again. Omi and Taichi hastened to break up Juza and Banri's fight when Sakyo decided it was time for drastic measures. As Juza and Banri snarled at each other, Sakyo slapped on handcuffs on their wrists, chaining them to each other. Astounded, Juza and Banri stared at their shackled hands before Sakyo left with the key to the handcuffs, suggesting them to figure out why he'd handcuffed them.
It was really mean of Sakyo, but who would dare go against him? Banri and Juza despairingly flopped down on the sofa next to each other. Their predicament was annoying and weird at the same time - now that they were chained together, their hands and bodies touched unintentionally. They had to eat, drink and go to the toilet together. The last bit was the most embarrassing: despite them turning away from each other, they ended up touching each other's thighs. To cap it all, they had to sleep handcuffed with their arms stretched out over the headboard.
In the morning, Banri and Juza woke up in a bad mood despite the weekend: none of them got enough sleep because of the handcuffs. Sakyo had already gone about his business until the evening, and there was nothing to do but wait for him to come back. Juza was more tired than annoyed – Settsu was turning in bed and mumbling in his sleep all night long, and now he continued to annoy him with loud ranting about how annoyed he was with him. Settsu's peevish, high-pitched tone of voice was getting on Juza's nerves, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Sometime later, Juza and Banri walked out into the street in the hope of finding Sakyo when director Izumi saw them standing at the dorm entrance and looking away from each other. Clearly, the boys didn't get along yet, and it was concerning. Absorbed in these thoughts, director Izumi slowly headed to the high street without noticing someone riding a motorbike behind her. The biker shoved her aside and snatched her handbag before quickly riding away. Falling to the ground, director Izumi cried out in pain and surprise when Juza and Banri heard her scream and came running to her rescue.
Luckily, director Izumi wasn't injured except for a few scratches on her knees, and Juza took off running after the thief - he had to return director Izumi's bag! Too bad that Settsu was slowing him down, but there was no way around tugging him along because of the handcuffs. Running behind Juza, Banri realised that he could barely keep pace with Hyodo, although he considered himself the best runner in his school.
The thief quickly turned around the corner when Juza and Banri nearly bumped into two kids playing in the street. Luckily, Juza managed to stop Banri in his tracks, tugging at his handcuffed arm. As a result, they both stumbled and fell down on the road, and when they got up, the thief was already quite far away. Unsure what to do next, Banri thought it was probably time to give up, but Hyodo seemed to think otherwise – he continued the chase and ran up to the concrete fence around one of the private houses. Shortcut! - Banri realised Juza's idea, watching him easily climb up the fence, something he wouldn't be able to do even with both of his hands free. It struck him how much more agile, strong, and determined Hyodo was compared to him, but there was no time to think about it. All he could do at the moment was rely on Hyodo and follow his lead, but he didn't mind it at all.
Meanwhile, Juza pulled Banri up on the fence, and the boys ran along the narrow edge, Banri after Juza, before hopping onto the nearest accessible roof. They jumped from roof to roof, moving in the direction of the sound of the thief's motorbike. Soon they saw him riding along a small street and jumped down right on top of him, causing him to fall off his motorbike and roll over the road. The boys walked up to the thief, who got up from the ground and punched Juza in the face, rightly deeming him the main threat. The punch didn't have much effect, because Juza was a tough nut to crack. Quite the contrary, now he had every right to self-defense, which he very much wanted to exercise – it was a great opportunity to vent his pent-up anger. Banri felt exactly the same – he was itching to kick the crap out of this thief. The boys nodded to each other and threw a synchronous punch with their handcuffed fists, sending the thief flying backwards a few meters away.
When Banri and Juza returned to the dorm, they felt pleased and proud of themselves. And how could it be otherwise if they caught the thief and got back director Izumi's handbag?
The Autumn Troupe gathered in the dining room to hear Banri and Juza's exciting story, and for the first time, the two didn't fight and talked to each other peacefully. Noticing this, Sakyo thought it was probably time to uncuff them, although he would prefer Banri and Juza to stay like this – on a short leash with each other.
The boys finally had their hands uncuffed, but barely had the rest of the Autumn Troupe and director Izumi cheered for them when Banri poked Juza in the chest, demanding that he not get within five meters of him. Juza was no better himself, immediately engaging in a spat that looked like a lovers' quarrel – Banri and Juza were sending each other to sleep on the sofa outside their room. Sakyo's patience finally ran out, and he flipped out, making a move to get the two punks handcuffed again. That was enough for Banri and Juza to cool off their hot heads. They hastened to hide behind Omi's back and begged to give them a break, but Sakyo was unrelenting. There was only one way left to avoid punishment from this scary man – run away and fast!
Act 3
Delusion
The day of the debut show was coming up in less than one month. The Autumn Troupe started rehearsals in early mornings, just as did Spring and Summer Troupes before them. It was agreed to gather at 6:00, and the next morning Juza woke up at 5:50. Settsu was still asleep with his blanket pulled over his head. Juza quietly called him to the rehearsal, but Settsu's muffled and sleepy voice answered that he would wake up when he felt like. There was not much Juza could do about this. Casting a thoughtful glance at the blanket cocoon with Settsu, he headed to the rehearsal alone.
After the rehearsal, the Autumn Troupe except Banri came for a well-deserved breakfast. Omi was serving a delicious Spanish omelette he had made for them when Banri walked into the dining room, yawning. Everyone looked in his direction, and director Izumi asked why he didn't come to the morning rehearsal. Banri just told the truth – it felt so nice and cozy in bed he didn't want to get up. Why wake up so early if he could perform way better than anyone in the Troupe without as much practice? No, he wasn't going to change his sleeping habits.
Juza looked at Banri askance. He was annoyed with Settsu's cheeky behaviour, his dismissive remarks about the troupe, his overconfidence and bragging about himself despite not coming to the rehearsal. Finally, Settsu asking Omi to serve him an omelette and coffee was just too much. Juza got up off his chair and slammed his hand on the table: Settsu was acting like a spoilt brat, and Omi was no servant! Juza was about to chastise Banri when Sakyo told him to leave it – there was no point in teaching Settsu good manners before he figured everything out himself.
The next rehearsal of the Autumn Troupe was with its full complement. Banri's acting was good indeed, but something didn't feel right. Something subtle yet very important was missing, and director Izumi couldn't pinpoint what it was. She tried to tell this to Banri, but he was totally absorbed in watching Juza rehearse under Sakyo's supervision.
A few days later, the troupe received costumes for the show. Yuki Rurikawa from Summer Troupe was both an actor and Mankai's costume designer. Donning the costumes, Juza, Banri and the rest of the troupe stood before director Izumi. Everyone looked great, especially Juza and Banri – they were so dapper and cool in their gangster suits and hats!
- Neo gangster and standard gangster, stand next to each other, - Yuki pushed Banri closer to Juza: he wanted to make sure that the main characters looked balanced.
And they did look balanced together! Both Juza and Banri were handsome and attractive, but in a different way: Juza was a strait-laced and manly type of delinquent while Banri was a sassy and glamorous rogue. Unintentionally, Banri and Juza made eye contact and hastened to look away: each of them thought that the other was very good-looking, but no way in hell they were going to admit it.
The rehearsal continued well into the evening when an unknown middle-aged man barged into the practice room and cheerfully called Sakyo a little brat. Sakyo had known him since childhood - it was Yuzo Kashima, formerly an actor of Mankai Company's first Spring Troupe, and currently a director and acting coach at another theatre. And although Sakyo wasn't particularly happy to see Yuzo, he knew there was no way around listening to him if they wanted their show to be a success.
After watching the Autumn Troupe's rehearsal from the start to finish, Yuzo frowned with dissatisfaction: he had a lot to criticize, but the main issue was that Banri and Juza didn't put the slightest bit of themselves into their characters. They just didn't put their own feelings and emotions into the play, and that was why it felt so shallow and bland. Juza, Banri and the rest of the troupe had to put more of their own personalities into their performance, and Yuzo knew a good exercise: each of them doing a portrait, a one-man show based on his own life. The portrait had to be five minutes long, and the topic was their life's biggest regret – Yuzo knew it was bound to be dramatic. Each of them had to write the script and direct it themselves, and once they were ready, they would perform their portraits as the opening act at Yuzo's theatre. After that, the audience would rank them through a poll.
Yuzo grinned, slyly looking at Juza and Banri – he had noticed there was some kind of tension between them, and this tension had to be turned to the show's benefit. Other than that, Juza and Banri had quite a potential that still had to be unlocked.
- I'll show you how much better I am than you, Hyodo, - Banri taunted, looking sideways at Juza.
- I'm not gonna lose, - turning to face Banri, Juza looked into those mocking blue eyes. He accepted the challenge without hesitation.
The next few days, Juza spent writing the script. He knew what he wanted to tell from the stage: his endeavour to change himself through theatre. However, writing a good script that would engage an audience wasn't so easy. The result still wasn't as good as he would like it to be, and Juza was brooding over this when Sakyo gave him some good advice: to write down everything he wanted and then remove unimportant parts. And it worked out - the next morning Juza had the script ready.
Meanwhile, Banri was spending most of his free time playing mobile games. He was 100% confident of his victory, because he was good at writing essays, as well as just about everything he did. And although he had no clue what his life's biggest regret was, it wasn't a problem: a sad love story was definitely going to have a sentimental appeal. Figuring so, Banri quickly typed out on his smartphone a made-up story of his love for a made-up sick girl.
A few days later, he performed it in front of director Izumi and Yuzo. When he finished, he had no doubt that his portrait was the best, or at least better than Hyodo's. But as soon as he left the auditorium to call everyone back, director Izumi sighed: Banri's portrait felt the most unsubstantial, although his acting technique was pretty good.
In a couple of minutes, the Autumn Troupe lined up on the stage before Yuzo and director Izumi to hear their preliminary ranking. Banri smiled complacently in anticipation to hear his name first when Yuzo suddenly announced that Juza was at the top. Stupefied, Banri looked over at Juza while Yuzo went on saying that close runners-up were Sakyo and Omi, with Taichi being in the fourth place.
It was unthinkable. Hyodo took the first place while he, Banri, who had always been the best at everything, was ranked the last! What the hell was that? This old man Yuzo must have been joking. It just couldn't be true that he lost to this hammy daikon!
Yuzo scoffed, looking at Banri with a mocking smile. He wasn't joking at all. Banri's conceited attitude had predictably failed him, but still… his obsession with Juza was the only thing that could compel him to take acting seriously.
Meanwhile, Juza was standing expressionless. He didn't think he could win the first place. It was great, of course, but for some reason he didn't feel gratified now when Settsu was so frustrated. He didn't intend to trounce Settsu; things just turned out the way they did.
Banri stared at Juza resentfully before director Izumi and Yuzo asked him if he actually made the whole thing up. This caught Banri off guard. How could they tell if the content and composition of his story was so neat and logical? How could it be the most unsubstantial?.. Banri was starting to lose his temper. How the hell could they know about his life?! Weren't they taking too much credit on themselves? They just sucked at judging!
Utterly annoyed, Banri turned and walked out of the auditorium as everyone stared at him with either concern or disapproval. Strangely enough, Juza wasn't disapproving or angry. Deep down, he was unsettled. Settsu had been causing trouble for him from the start, and now he was in trouble himself, but this wasn't something Juza could be happy about.
Returning to the dorm, Banri couldn't stop thinking about what had just happened. His failure was so humiliating: not only did he lose to Hyodo, he was behind everybody, even Taichi! That really sucked!
And what was waiting for him next? The next day he had to show his portrait in front of a real audience. He was confident in his acting, but what if it wasn't enough? What if Hyodo could really defeat him, like Yuzo said? Banri was starting to feel nervous. Could it be that Hyodo had hidden potential he didn't have himself? That could really be the case… And he would lose to him for real… And maybe he would also lose to everyone again… That would be so embarrassing!.. No, he couldn't let that happen! There was only one way to avoid this – to leave Mankai Company and forget it all like a bad dream.
Act 4
Revelation
The next morning, Banri didn't come for breakfast. He packed his bag while Juza was out, intending to leave without saying goodbye to his roommate. In the hallway, he bumped into Omi and Taichi. When they heard he was quitting Mankai Company, they began to persuade him to stay, but he didn't feel like changing his mind. Anyway, he joined the Autumn Troupe only to defeat Hyodo and wasn't planning to dedicate himself to theatre. Why continue if he saw in the rehearsals that Hyodo's acting wasn't a match for his own? He didn't need an audience survey to tell him that he had won.
Banri put on a nonchalant, carefree front as he said this to Omi and Taichi, but deep down he knew he had lost. At heart, he was scared to fail in everyone's eyes, and quitting now seemed like the only way to save face. Hearing the commotion, Sakyo came out of the dining room.
- Do what you will. But never show your face here again, - Sakyo was deeply concerned and upset, but at the same time angry with Banri over his wayward decision.
- Whatever, - Banri scoffed and turned to walk away when the entrance door suddenly opened and an unsuspecting Juza entered the hallway.
Banri and Juza stood face-to-face as their eyes met; Omi and Taichi entreated Juza to say something to Banri to prevent him from leaving. Hearing this, Juza frowned and shut the door behind him - he had to find out what Settsu was up to this time around. Even though Settsu was always a shit starter and trouble maker in the Autumn Troupe, Juza didn't want him to leave at all. They had already put so much effort into the show and fit together so well for the roles of gangsters. It would be very hard if at all possible, to find someone as capable as Settsu just two weeks before the premiere, but that wasn't all. Bizarrely, he had grown attached to Settsu despite his constant picking on him. Perhaps because he was a delinquent himself? He had always felt out of place around good guys. Frankly, he could loosen up and be himself only with Settsu. Unlike others, Settsu wasn't afraid of him even after he knocked him out back then in Veludo Way. He couldn't have imagined he needed someone like Settsu, but now he couldn't just let him go.
- You'd better not be up and leaving halfway through, – Juza began to reason when Banri suddenly laid a hand on his shoulder and moved past him to the entrance door:
- You weren't a match for me from the start. It's pointless to stay.
For a brief moment, Juza was stunned. It was the first time Settsu had touched him gently like this, for he had only punched or kicked him so far.
- I haven't lost. I'll never lose to the likes of you, - Juza asserted firmly as Banri opened the door to leave; he knew that Settsu desperately wanted to defeat him, so challenging him seemed like a good idea to prevent him from quitting.
However, it didn't work. Settsu grumbled under his breath and walked away without a backward glance.
- Leave him, Hyodo. He's not worth your time to bother with, - Sakyo's tone was stern, although he was trying to console Juza. For some reason, he felt that Settsu's quitting would affect Juza more than all of them.
As the remaining Autumn Troupe dispersed to their rooms in low spirits, Banri pensively wandered off towards Veludo station. He didn't feel like going back to his parents' home and instead roamed the town all day, constantly thinking about what had happened to him. It was so dumb, but he couldn't get his mind off it... He couldn't get his mind off Hyodo... This was annoying... He dropped the call on his smartphone when he saw director Izumi's name on the screen. He had to put an end to this silly story and turn this page of his life. But why did he feel so upset?.. Why did he feel like he was losing something important, something he wouldn't be able to find anymore? Damn it...
Lost in the pensive thoughts, Banri was sitting in the café where he used to hang out with his schoolmates. He couldn't finish his fries and went outside, leaving the food on the table. It was already getting dark, and he slowly roamed towards the station when he suddenly heard director Izumi's voice calling his name. Turning around, Banri saw her run up and stop in front of him, trying to catch her breath. He didn't mind when she asked him to have a word.
They strolled to the nearest park and sat down on a bench in a quiet place before director Izumi asked him if he was serious about quitting. Banri noticed that she was sad, but he wasn't going to change his mind just because of this. After all that had happened, he knew there was no coming back for him. He repeated what he said in the morning and got up to walk away when director Izumi suddenly asked him if he wanted to make sure that he had actually defeated Hyodo because his quitting the troupe now looked like running away to avoid facing the results.
Banri stopped in his tracks at once. Director Izumi had a point, he couldn't argue with that. Reluctantly, he followed her to Yuzo's theatre. They took seats in the back row, and Banri skeptically looked at the stage: he didn't believe that watching the portraits of Hyodo and the rest could change anything for him.
First up was Sakyo, then Omi and Taichi. Their portraits were really good, especially Sakyo and Omi's. Banri clearly saw that the sincerity of their feelings had raised their acting to a whole new level, but he didn't really feel moved by this. At last, there was Juza on the stage, and Banri frowned with annoyance: for some reason, he felt a little worked up. Yet, he was all eyes and ears when Juza began his portrait.
It was a story of loneliness and inner struggle with circumstances and himself. A story of a loner who had been overcoming the misapprehension and wariness of people around him while desperately trying to change himself and his life. Banri leaned forward in his seat, hanging on every Juza's word. He wouldn't have thought that Hyodo had a sensitive side. He couldn't have imagined that this daikon was actually a fine and delicate person despite his delinquent looks and reputation. It was so weird and unexpected that it was hard to believe. What's more, Hyodo was just like him – a lonely, restless soul yearning for change. Unfulfilled aspirations, dejection, and despair – he had experienced the same feelings before he met Hyodo.
The five minutes of Juza's portrait flew by as a single instant. The audience applauded, and the curtain slowly went down, hiding Juza behind it while Banri still gazed upon him. He awakened from his oblivion when director Izumi asked him to wait for her a bit outside the theatre. Banri complied, and shortly afterwards she came out of the theatre too.
Director Izumi got the results of the audience survey, but Banri already knew who had won. Sure enough, Hyodo outperformed them all and won the audience's favour, but not only... Banri felt tight in his chest. Hyodo won his, Banri's, heart, too... It was so painfully clear to him now: he had fallen for Hyodo before he even knew it. Really, Hyodo was the only one he had been thinking about since the day they met. This daikon was the only one who fired him up and gave him thrills he had been craving for. This wouldn't end easily, no... He just couldn't let it end like this!..
Banri clutched at the shirt on his chest as a yearnful feeling pierced through his heart. He wanted to beat Hyodo, he just needed it... He needed to defeat him at least in something, no matter what... He would have to defeat him in sweeping streets if Hyodo decided to do so... He wanted to go wherever Hyodo went, and do whatever Hyodo wanted to do... He wanted to start from scratch, but it was too late for him now...
He thought he was the best at everything and bragged about his acting so much, but ended up being the worst. He thought he was an ace, but proved to be a bad loser... Jack of all trades, master of none. He had never really achieved anything... In the end, he had lost to everyone in the troupe after showing contempt for their acting, but what's worse, he wimped out and ran away to avoid showing his made-up portrait after Yuzo rated him last. He acted like a coward, although he was the troupe leader. A leader escaping the battlefield – how pathetic and unmanly that was!
Banri stood in the street, facing away from director Izumi. He was ashamed of himself, but at the same time, he wanted to know what to do. Standing behind, director Izumi looked at him kindly. She had long noticed Banri's obsession with Juza: Banri had been literally throwing himself at the other boy and wanted to compete with him alone, although the rest of the Autumn Troupe were very capable, too. Objectively, Sakyo's acting was the best in the troupe, and somehow Taichi also seemed like a very good actor, but Banri didn't compete with them. He was fixated solely on Juza, and even now that he was going to quit, he still wanted to defeat him. He said he felt so worked up and excited when he was watching Juza's portrait... What was it, if not an indirect confession of love for Juza?..
Director Izumi smiled empathically. What did she have to do right now? Bring Banri back to the dorm. Bring him back to Juza. Everything else would fall into place. It wasn't too late for him, no. She had a feeling that everyone would accept him back, even Sakyo, if Banri explained to them.
Banri frowned a little. He was apprehensive of how Hyodo and especially Sakyo would react to his return. But come to think of it, no one in the Autumn Troupe made fun of him for his failure, although he deserved to be laughed at after bragging so much about winning an easy victory and laughing at Hyodo at every opportunity. Quite the opposite, they tried to persuade him to stay despite his obnoxious conduct. So, there was no harm in trying again... With a glimmer of hope, Banri timidly followed director Izumi back to the dorm.
When they entered, the rest of the troupe were in the dining room. Omi and Taichi welcomed him back, Hyodo didn't say a word, and Sakyo was stern and unyielding. Banri took his hands out of his pockets; he suddenly felt uneasy. He didn't remember the last time he apologized or explained himself, but he had to do it now. He wanted to do it now with all of his heart. He admitted that he had lost and promised to be serious about acting, but Sakyo still objected. Banri bowed his head and asked to allow him to come back. From now on, he was going to fulfill his responsibilities as the troupe leader.
Finally, Sakyo relented. The only one who remained silent was Hyodo, and Sakyo asked him if he was fine with having Settsu back. Juza put up a tough front as he said yes without lifting his eyes to Banri. He couldn't explain it, but he felt oddly happy that Settsu was back, and not because of the show they were staging... Somehow it felt really empty without this jerk around...
The incident was finally over when Taichi suggested the Autumn Troupe take a bath together, which took them slightly aback. Hanging out naked - what the heck was that? Sakyo objected, but director Izumi agreed that it was a good idea. After all, bath skinship was a good tradition, so the Autumn Troupe got to bathe together in a sign of reconciliation and establishing close bonds!
