GOOD NIGHT. Sorry sorry for the delay xv

Lessons

What Kei Yonagi least expected when they moved to the film set was the appearance of the vehicle in which they would be transported. In every sense of the word, his case would be denounced as a common urban disappearance, these beliefs would be reinforced by the ungraceful appearances of his companions. In short, everything was being orchestrated as a fact capable of overthrowing the decision and certainty about this "strange" opportunity.

Perhaps she was being overly positive about the one "shocking" interaction she had with someone her age; and, for that very reason, she did not remember the initial reason she crossed out that option in the morning hours; different presentation, same content.

Luckily, the parked spot is not far from the high school and, therefore, a police station. A quick call and he could get rid of any surprise mishaps from the duo. There were still a large number of students walking around. It was only a matter of time before one of them identified them. However, between the distance separating them and the camouflage skills of the "average" individual, the most striking thing would be his height. Yonagi Kei would be easily identifiable were it not for the fact that, despite his attractiveness, most of his peers or acquaintances dismiss her presence out of hand: she should already be at some part-time job; she doesn't have time to go out with a colleague, much less to meet a highly suspicious vehicle.

Hikigaya Hachiman, meanwhile, was banging on the door with rhythmic enthusiasm; as if to excuse himself from some accidental dent. Neither was he to blame, the driver seemed to have fallen asleep in his wait and showed no signs of waking up; not in the three minutes that the door continued to ring. The eyes of friends and strangers alike were drawn to them by the sound of metal. The commotion should have ended when the same adult he tried to recruit yesterday came out; however, his cry of exasperation caused more alarm all around them.

Yonagi Kei was frozen in a lagoon of uncertainty. Her gaze searched for the young man, capable of giving her a hopeful light. She longed for a sophisticated response to such a scenario; undoubtedly daunting and uncertain. Unfortunately, she beheld ugliness in person. Not in an aesthetic sense, but in the way her acquaintance's negative feelings were slipping away with no hint of ending soon. Had she been less shocked than usual, perhaps she would ask about the strange occurrence. However, in her state of shock and bewilderment, she was unable even to move due to the unexpectedness of the whole hustle and bustle.

In this tyria, she just wanted to leave as soon as possible; however, to safeguard his conscience from future regrets, she decided to confront the bearded man in a lousy state of presentation. However, Hachiman beat him to it with a loud sigh.

―Oi, your thoughts hurt me

Kuroyama Sumiji understood the delicate state of the situation, so he tried to strike up a friendly conversation with Hachiman, his most communicative employee. Starting with a comical atmosphere is the best of the options according to him.

―I haven't said anything yet.

However, perhaps out of nervousness, Yonagi Kei responded sharply, as a verbal defense. Her verbal self-defense, heightened by instinctive rejection after her first contact, acted before she thought carefully. This startled the film director and, before he managed to continue the conversation, another one beat him to it.

―No need, your face says it all, Yonagi-san.

With characteristic tactlessness, Hikigaya Hachiman responded as he was often criticized. Without guarding his comments, his bluntness made him uncomfortable very easily, but he managed to cut off his retort before generating more acrimony in the conversation.

However, the damage had already been done and the third part of this wheel would take advantage of it.

―The brat is right, didn't anyone teach you a little respect for your elders? God, these young people today …

Apparently, habit was not the only thought-distorting force, but stupidity also fell into that category. A clear example of this was certainly the close treatment that a controversial adult tried to create with the young acting promise after a single line of words. All through brief intimidation and provocation practiced to the point of exhaustion. Hachiman experienced firsthand how that man exploited the limits of a person's pride; a poor strategy, but effective in certain circumstances.

―If you want respect, Kuroyama-san, please, for whatever you hate the most, get yourself another car.

―Huh? What's wrong with this beauty of a van? No respectable film director disdains the classic design of this van. They're iconic and easily accessible; even in the most turbulent of locations, these beauties…

A van, a classic in urban transport, no matter how puritanical its colors were painted, still maintained its dubious reputation in the criminal sphere. Asian cinema was also not spared from the bad reputation they acquired over time. However, it still maintained its sales to a large part of the population. A great mystery in the open.

―They are unique, in the prejudiced sense of the word. Only if we consider your cosmopolitan-elitist criteria, maybe...anyway, it's been a while since you've been back to Japan, you hardcore alcoholic, catch up on your flimsy image here and stop sinking any lower.

―What's that for, you indecisive scoundrel? You want to buy me a new car? Surely you can advise on some important decision?!

―I guess getting angry is just another way of accepting your shortcomings and lousy automotive choices, NINIyama-san.

Astonished by the all-out brawl in front of her, Yonagi Kei seemed to understand the relationship between the two and, in turn, shake off the classic stiffness in introductions. It was similar to the comedy act of any salon. Concerns about how to approach them began to fade. Mindful of the elapsed time, she decided to intervene for the sake of her family and her stomach.

―Can we leave? My siblings must be out by now..

Kuroyama Sumiji's face wore a smirk at their comical duo, as if reaffirming his winning stance of a non-existent encounter. Hikigaya Hachiman, after a sigh, raised his hand next to his cell phone. The surrounding gazes rested on him. With an accelerated hand movement, he dialed the number and moved a little away from them. He held the cell phone to his ear and asked in a more animated voice than usual.

―Komachi, are you at home?

What followed was a few moments of fraternal exchange between those two people, albeit in an almost inaudible tone. Evidently, he missed a few unnecessary tidbits of information in the conversation. However, he cared little for this situation. The gesture of his free hand assimilated the movement of a melody: a bad habit he acquired to control the emotions on his face. Although, for the less observant, they would only be random gestures of a SISCON. After a few minutes, his call ended smoothly.

―She has already arrived. She is going to cook with my mother for everyone. I already told her about today's visitors. Then, Yonagi-san, please show us the way.

The trip to school was quick. The roads were free of the traffic that attacks every afternoon immediately after the departure of the student and, likewise, executive masses. Curiously, as they passed an avenue, the Maxx Cofee sign was being replaced by another. A bad omen ran down the back of the romantic comedy actor's spine.

Arriving at the store, a teacher was looking at the horizon, searching with her eyes for the arrival of the older sister of the only little ones still left in the place. When Yonagi Kei came out to meet her, both sugar spheres, hidden behind the woman, came out like rockets to meet her. Yonagi Kei was smiling naturally, once again, oblivious to the curious looks of her companions. Hikigaya, then, classified their brotherly love as a powerful sedative capable of obviating the pain of a direct hit to the chest. However, he, too, had experienced that in Komachi's childhood. With nascent pride, he nodded in understanding of his companion's situation. For his part, Kuroyama only nodded with a small laugh.

―Rei, Rui, let's go home.

Both infants, forgetting their null ability to stop some kind of criminal act, stood in front of their sister. They had not sighted another human being beyond her; so they were surprised by her company.

It resulted in the presence of a young man, about their sister's age, with a fierce and elusive look; who exuded a mysterious feeling to them. Alarmed, they both dragged their sister a few steps away from them and closer to their teacher. Their attempt to defend her consisted of putting their arms in the shape of an X, though they backed up a bit when they looked past the dangerous man. Just the same suspect as yesterday. The adults present laughed a little. The young man only sighed

―He's the suspicious man!

―Stay away from our sister!

The words, given in a given context, generated doubt. The kindergarten teacher obviously fit into that scheme. She had never seen them before and the van left a bad impression for their first encounter. Preempting any further conversation, Hikigaya Hachiman was quick to reassert his position as an unexpected lifesaver.

―Well, at least they know who the bad guy is here. Oi, Kuroyama, next time be a "decent adult" and stop scaring infants.

Those children, especially the little one, reminded him of his cute sister in the past, a slightly awkward ball of energy and happiness. What memories when she followed him everywhere! An involuntary smile escaped his body and his spontaneous laughter lasted as long as the evening breeze.

―Ah, there's a monster fish too, Rui.

―We need salt, Rei.

Good impressions are quickly destroyed. Just as everything good corrupts with time. A few seconds were enough to clear of all respect for the tasteless form given. A childish behavior of resentment befitting Hikigaya Hachiman. After all, he was still young.

―Sure, these brats know who to fear... Muahahahahahahahaha!

―Tch!

After a conversation with the teacher, to avoid accusations that would provoke a call to the police; they headed towards Hikigaya Hachiman's house. Interestingly, Yonagi Kei's house was not that far away from her; only about a ten minute walk.

Upon opening the door to her house. Hikigaya was greeted with a mild smell of stew. Suffice it to say that the sensation was shared by all. Even more so by the little ones. The latter were on good terms with their sister. Thus, it was not difficult to convince them to stay until Yonagi Kei returned from filming. And yes, their parents returned to their work, only with a letter of apology on the table.

After saying goodbye to Komachi, the protagonists left for their destination. However, their differences were very noticeable throughout the trip. Their poor arguments materialized into numerous mishaps and disagreements.

―You are late!

Production manager Hiiragi Yuki expressed her annoyance at the thirty-minute delay. She managed to buy some time with set improvement and banal conversations with sponsors. However, it was on the edge of improvisation if the people who were supposed to be there did not arrive. You can't trust Kuroyama about the weather, though.

―I'm sorry, Hiiragi-san, but our driver is a complete amateur when it comes to road safety and directions, as well as common sense.

To his relief, they were there, in good enough spirits to join the shooting at once. While he had no faith that Hikigaya Hachiman would be able to convince anyone under the age of 20, it seems there were still feats to be had. Hiiragi Yuki may be his assistant manager in other projects, but he knew his pupil's capabilities.

―None of this would have happened if the brat had done his job properly with the GPS and stopped giving vague directions.

―Blaming others for your responsibility, a great example of adulthood, for a second I thought someone else had taken your place, Kuroyama-san...

―I'd be ashamed to be indecisive and a scaredy-cat at my age, I think you should write that down too, brat.

A new verbal scuffle erupted, as spontaneous as the contact of sodium water.

―Hiiragi-san... Are they always like this?

―Yes... etto

―Yonagi Kei, nice to meet you... I want to... no, I'm an actress.

A young, blonde woman, only a few centimeters taller than her, smiled sympathetically at her. She was wearing a sporty tracksuit and shorts along with sneakers: her athletic body exuded a certain charm. Her gaze contained the hope and assurance of a person of high morals; quite the opposite of the director of her company.

―Ah, nice to meet you, I'm Hiiragi Yuki, head of production and co-producer of this small company together with... the person over there, I hope we'll get along well...

―Heh, person... I thought you would tell him subject as usual, more decorum because there is a new face?

―Can't anyone respect a director with a full-fledged career anymore?

―You earned it yourself by your modesty and apathy by not making an effort in theaters in Japan. You only spend your time voting your films in independent cinemas... What would it cost you...?

―That's enough, Hikigaya-kun, please. Let's move forward with the recordings.

―My bad... I'm sorry.

―It's okay, let's finish this quickly. I'm a responsible adult, past mistakes are what I am.

The walk to the set happened in sympathetic silence. Imminently, it wouldn't last long.

―Wow, so this is the studio where I'm going to film?

―Although the director and the others have to be convinced first, those old guys are very stubborn about new promises.

Sumiji's socialization didn't stop showing off and appeared after a random comment. The victim was Yonagi Kei.

―Do you really think we didn't agree on that?

Hachiman replied with resignation. His producer and general manager would continue with that childish facet for a while longer.

―Sumiji is right... I took care of the paperwork.

―I repeat, aren't you ashamed to give your duties to someone else?

For the umpteenth time, the differentiation between talent and perseverance was far from the definition of a person of integrity. Sumiji was the spitting image of that.

―You wouldn't understand, brat. For every function, every duty.

In a silence that would not last long, they followed the path into the building.

―It's... huge

―Compared to a casting for some role, it takes some infrastructure to work... Wait, don't tell me you're nervous? You're so scared to see a small studio? Okay, okay, you can go back to the car and we'll drop you off at home...

―Oi, that's not going to work, you should...

―What?! I'll prove to you that I'm an actress!

―Easy!

―You've thrown the ball into another basket...

Certainly, Hikigaya Hachiman shared the same opinion as her mentor Hiiragi Yuki. It could be said that she reacted like Yuigahama on certain occasions. Although the ice queen could also give in to a few provocations.

―What role are you going to give her?

―Nothing different from the initial plan, only now she'll be a female lead for the commercial.

―A commercial? Are you sure you're going to cast her, just like that?

―Did you think you'd be a small cameo or seconds on screen? BAD. For a rookie actor, there's no better cover letter than this. So, it's the best way to enter this world, not to say the most normal way. Would an actress chicken out in the face of this little problem?

―Are you done scaring her?

―I'm not scared at all, Hachiman.

Hikigaya Hachiman recoiled at her kouhai's response. Too direct for his liking. He should teach her not to use his name without taking notice of her surroundings. The murmurs of the cameramen didn't stop, but that didn't distract them from their duties.

―So what's the theme this time: new sports drink? adopting a healthier lifestyle? caring for the environment with more sophisticated packaging?

―A family souvenir: "the first stew for Father's Day," is an advertisement for a product website.

At the mention of the job by Sumiji, a doubt arose in the teenager's mind.

―Oi, Kuroyama-san, on the off chance that Yonagi-san hadn't come, how would I interpret that?

―Are you sure you want to know, would you be uncomfortable with something like that, professional-san?

Hikigaya's horror escaped from her face. Faced with this man's level of improvisation, the planning function seemed to dwarf each time,

―Actually, two scripts were prepared for the occasion, one given by the clients and one created by us. If one did not arrive, the other would be used. Since Yonagi-san came, there is no need to use the other one.

Hiirgai Yuki cooled the waters with a few simple words. It seemed that the director didn't leave everything to chance, and even if he had, the production company acted proactively to avoid last-minute problems.

―Can I read it?

―Go ahead, it's not that hard, she plays a girl who cooks alone for the first time; she goes out of her way to reward her father, who comes home from work, with a home-cooked meal. As she prepares dinner, feelings of family and affection cloud the scene.

As Hiiragi Yuuki explained the implication of the role; Kuroyama Sumiji turned to his new actress under his, prompt, direction.

―Simple, isn't it? Nothing new, but we're going to get paid a lot for that nonsense.

―If it's a family memory, I could imagine myself cooking for my sister, it would still evoke the essence of homey coziness... but it's a different outcome if you're a man.

While Hikigaya Hachiman's train of thought did its best to imagine him in that role; it only resulted in strange mixtures. You can't compare female charm with a male attempt. Not from the hands of an amateur; that much was clear to him.

―Be careful what you say, the client and the producer are still here. I say this mostly for your sake, Sumiji.

Oblivious to the possible start of an argument between the two adult figures nearby, Kei Yonagi made his thoughts evident.

―Long story short, I simply have to prepare a stew in this big doll box.

―Obvious

―Wasn't it simpler to put it that way?

―Look, kiddo, sometimes you need to be thorough with directions to satisfy custom.

And the discussion between the actress and her self-proclaimed representative went on for a while longer. For her part, Hikigaya Hachiman, without much reason to stay beyond the engagement, toured the recording studio. That led to an unexpected (and long-awaited) encounter with the occasional amateur producer. Indeed, there were a few recurring ones in the room.

―Good afternoon, Miragi-san

A very frequent adult since his debut was StarWa-san. He had been pestering Hiiragi Yuki for weeks for him to participate in a strange video for the platform's algorithm. At first he thought she would refuse, but it turned out that they had known each other before and only met to go over the script so that it would not be too demanding for a rookie.

Thanks to the success of that project, the goal of becoming the face of Max Coffe was less demanding and time-consuming than he first thought. It's amazing how far social media fame can take you.

While, for a Japanese, his height was below average, his physique changed with the season. While in summer he was no different from an average person with glasses, in winter he bulked up and, according to Hiiragi Yuki, he was the spitting image of his first meeting at the film academy. Thanks to him, many people came to ask him to participate in his ideas. His manager no longer stopped him like before, so he could check the plot himself or talk to the scriptwriters of the project. It also meant learning a lot of names and improvising. Improvising a lot in contact with his observers.

Like the person in front of him, a recent director with two successful commercials for a popular treat these days, Miragi Watanabuke. And, yes, it was the first time he was approaching to greet him after being present at two previous recording dates. The sooner she contacted him, the better. Maybe she could get him out of his recent stalemate with brands.

―Good afternoon, you must be the rumored new talent of Maxx Coffie, it's an honor to meet the official ambassador of the drink. I'm a big fan of the drink too, I don't know if I could have your autograph? Oh, where are my manners? I'm Miragi Watanabuke, although it seems you already know me.

―Anyway, it's a nice surprise to meet a great publicist like you, I'm Hikigaya Hachiman, Miragi-san. It's nice to share a few words with a fellow lover of good canned coffee. And yes, I have no problem giving you my autograph.

As the well-groomed gentleman pulled out a pen and notebook from his coat, the recordings were about to begin. He had to go back so as not to miss any details of his guest's mysterious technique.

―If I may ask, Hikigaya-kun, who is your companion? I haven't seen her in any recent advertisements.

―She is a new talent brought directly by Director Kuroyama, you need not worry.

Despite his words, Hikigaya was suspicious that everything was going smoothly. Being positive was never his strong point.

―CUTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN

Hikigaya Hachiman was still on a roll about his divinations. Maybe, again, she should bet on her favorite baseball team later.

―ARE YOU AN EXPERT OR WHAT?! WE SAID IT WOULD BE YOUR FIRST TIME COOKING! FOCUS ON WHAT THE SCRIPT SAYS!

―Of course, I'm serious about cooking, do you want to taste it?!

The disagreement was already more pronounced than expected. A few more hiccups and it was possible that the financiers would either disengage from the production or abandon the place beforehand. It was strange, Kuroyama Sumiji should not make amateurish mistakes.

―It seems that it didn't go as expected.

―Yes, I knew this could happen again. If you will excuse me.

Mr. Miragi understood his situation and dismissed him quickly; but not before giving him his business card. At a brisk pace, Hikigaya Hachiman arrived to watch the endless discussion of the disparate points of view. It seemed that the exchange between those two was about to end, as Kuroyama sat down on a bench.

―Hey, what is acting for you?

―Remembering?

―Well... if so, do well then. Remember the first time you cooked for someone else.

Over the months, Hikigaya Hachiman had recognized numerous techniques, although he had not been able to fit them all with him; however, there was one category that he did not wish to engage in as much: "personal imitation". From experiencing traumatic events to interviews with similar personalities to imitate; Hachiman Hikigaya understood the level of commitment of those actors; however, the mental burden and effort required was not always rewarded accordingly. But...remember, that brought the level of introspection to a more intimate setting.

Also, that explained the relationship of its strange effect to reality; a very true and unmistakable result; no, a recreation of something that happened. Was it even possible to capture past emotions so easily? What about unlived experiences? And what about modifying memories to achieve the result? No, that must have been a very annoying mental burden, yet she made it look so easy. Something was wrong, feelings and emotions are not separated, but come packaged with more. Extracting just a few should be counterproductive. Even with the most profound technique, "the sailor's disguise," one did not need to engage with oneself, not on a personal level.

―When the clapper sounds, he travels to the past ... and then returns to the present.

Kuroyama Sumiji, to his misfortune, knew the great potential of the technique. The method of reliving emotions to represent them in the present: an aggressive and risky style of acting.

―I never cooked for my father, I don't have the memory you want me to relive.

―Any advice for your anxious kouhai, sempai-san?

Hikigaya Hachiman prided himself on his ability to judge people. Guesses about how they would react almost never failed, so her intuitions and inferences were largely correct. So, she knew that, while Yonagi Kei is very smart, her nerves expressed themselves and clouded her judgment. So, despite the information given at the beginning, though not directly, she was unaware of how to act under pressure.

―Tch, don't give me your job. Well, Yonagi-san; if it is as you say, then, approach what is closest to that. It can be anyone you hold dear, don't focus on something you can't believe you can recreate. I said it before, Yonagi-san, you don't have to be what you are looking for, it is only necessary to appear to be it.

―What Soichiro's son means is to express the affection of that moment. We just want to record how that feeling overflows around the stage.

Sometimes, no matter how much advice you give, the person concerned can't shine. There is no consensus on the outcome: was it the motivation? the emotion of the moment? the personality of the person concerned? However, as if the doubt vanished from his body; it worked. So naturally, the scene occurred without mishap beyond the spoiled food. But what did one expect from a first dish cooked by a novice? Excellence, good taste, better ingredients? No. The essence was overflowing in delivery, failures, mediocre ingredients and, above all, enthusiasm. More so if it's for a loved one.

―CUT

―IT'S GOOD, although the stew is burnt.

―Never mind, we'll do a separate take later

―Good save.

The work team was running back and forth. Everything was done.

As Hiragii Yuuki drove the van to Hachiman's house, Yonagi Kei kept smiling every time her footage, or the retouched part provided by a hasty cameraman, played.

―Are you going to spend the day watching that video with that smirk on your face?

―I'm not smiling

Yonagi Kei, just focused on the video with a smirk on her face. She omitted the sarcasm in Kuroyama's voice without difficulty.

―Was that your first time in front of the camera, Kei?

―Yes, Hiiragi-san, I was surprised. I look prettier than I imagined.

―Heh, you look pretty in such a pathetic performance?

Hiiragi's praise and Kuroyama's consequent criticism forced her out of her trance.

―B-b-but they all complimented me.

―They're amateurs, what do they know about quality?

―Is that an insult or compliment?

―Shut up, I want to rest.

Out of nowhere, curled up on the left side of the passengers, Hikigaya Hachiman was sleeping peacefully. No wonder, the trip from Tokyo to Chiba takes almost an hour and a half: a perfect resting time for a young man who stayed late into the night yesterday.

―That's enough, Sumiji.

―Okay, I'll stop, Hiiragi-chan...Oi, Yonagi.

―What now?

―Do you want to see the Hachiman advertisement?

The question came as a bucket of cold water. Although he had said so himself at their meeting, she did not have the time to watch some of his appearances. Motivated by curiosity about the difference between the two, she nodded with all her enthusiasm. Kuroyama Sumiji could not hide a chilling smile; similar to the unhinged look of some professional casino gamblers.

Quickly, he pulled out his mid-range cell phone and, after a simple search, passed the video to her with all the goodwill in the world. If she noticed that distorted look, it didn't matter; moreover it only hinted at something surprising or at least she was sure it was shocking. Yonagi Kei's gaze did not take off from that advertisement for its entire duration, which was not too long either.

The beginning is simple. With the angle from the top of a school rooftop, similar to a horror movie; it stopped in second to show their surroundings in the stark sunset. Suddenly, his senses felt very confused about the words that appeared at the top of the screen, with a yellow hue.

—"Youth is strange, it's scary".

Immediately, a crestfallen young man carrying boxes of documents walked down the orange and red colored corridors. Other people passed by his side. Stares and murmurs graced his path. His situation changed when other young men bumped into him and didn't even turn to apologize. A sigh closed his gaze to a brief black screen.

―"No one is prepared for that road where we make bad decisions"

The scenario shifted to the rooftop itself. The young man stepped to the edge and his hand went to the railing. Only the other pressed a button on a nearby vending machine. The sound of a can falling, slow breathing and the sound of the wind. The words went on for a while longer:

―"But all is not lost".

The young man opens the can and takes a sip. A staggering amount of memories flow from his mind. Its hue is dull, almost gray, accompanied by negative words about his situation; however, as more seconds pass, color appears and the letters change to bright colors with positivity on top. A smile escapes and the young man; with a determined look and a small smile, whispers.

―It just takes some time to think. Enjoy, take it easy. You only live once.

The ad ended with the image of the can placed on a railing similar to the beginning.

The brand of the product was never mentioned, but it wasn't necessary: she said so herself at the end of the video. An unrecognizable magic had convinced her that, if one day she saw life very dark, the warmth of that drink would help her get over that bad moment. It seemed more than an advertisement, a chance meeting with a friend; advice about life when there is too much homework, too much pressure and too little optimism about your social life: a casual chat that one will remember deep into one's youth.

Yonagi Kei, like Hiragi Yukii at the time, did not differentiate propaganda from reality. Her gaze strayed to the sleeping young man at her side. Her mind hesitated to stop the car and buy the said exotic drink, capable of bringing out your true "essence of youth" according to its propaganda. Moreover, could he get friends or experience that feeling if he drank the canned coffee at the beginning of a class?

How different was that image of mystery and accomplishment with what she knew? How did he look so accomplished and filled with an aura of subdued brilliance? Is that what the difference between a seasoned actor and a novice looked like?

The questions kept asking themselves all the way to Chiba. Nor did anyone stop her from her musing. A pleasant silence accompanied the journey.