Chapter 26

"Fuutaro-kun, come on, pretty please... Just for an hour, then we can head straight to that place you've been wanting to visit."

"*sigh* Fine... Just for an hour, okay? No more than that."

"Yay!"

After they wrapped up their shopping at the sweet shop, Ichika pulled Fuutaro towards an extended stay in Pontocho. Persistent as ever, she kept suggesting to hang out at an Izakaya, only to be met with a quick refusal by him due to them being underage. Not giving up, Ichika proposed yet another alternative – a café. She had noticed a particular café that piqued her interest when they were en route to the sweet shop earlier. Still, Fuutaro continued to dismiss her suggestions, insisting that it was getting late and expressing his desire to visit a specific place.

Unimpressed by his continuous rejections, Ichika wore a determined pout and gave him a pleading look, employing her acting skills to sway him. Surprisingly, her tactic proved effective, leaving Fuutaro feeling slightly unsettled under her persuasive gaze. Eventually, he gave in to her relentless persistence, much to her delight.

The café's location was not that far from the sweet shop, still in Pontocho district, and it took only a minute for them to reach the place.

"Ichika, are you sure this is the place? Fuutaro asked, raising an eyebrow as he took in the exterior of the café.

"Yup, this is the one!" Ichika nodded.

The two-story building spanned a relative width of three structures. Its exterior boasted a classic red brick wall design, with a purplish-blue neon signboard hanging above the entrance. The signboard displayed an 8-ball pool and a liquor glass graphic, hinting at the venue's offerings of billiards and drinks. Despite the suggestive graphic, the bright neon letters spelling out "café" left no room for doubt. Additional subheading letters clarified its identity further, proclaiming it as a place for both "Coffee and Alcoholic Drinks."

"Uhh… The outside kinda gives off a snack bar or pub vibe," he commented, casting Ichika a skeptical, unimpressed glance. "Are you sure this isn't some attempt to trick me into an Izakaya?"

Ichika frowned slightly at his doubt. "Read the sign, Fuutaro-kun. It clearly says 'café,'" she exclaimed, pointing to the signboard. "If you're still not convinced, why not we go inside? I'm a hundred percent sure this place is a café."

As Fuutaro and Ichika stepped into the café, they were greeted by an ambiance unlike any other café they had visited. Immediately in front of them, a series of billiard tables dominated the space, their rhythmic clacks and occasional cheers echoing through the room. Arranged in a 2x3 grid, all six tables were occupied by patrons of various ages, engaged in lively games with their companions. To their right, the conventional café and bar section awaited, with customers were seated and enjoying their drinks.

The contrast between the two areas was striking. The billiard section was shrouded in dim, moody lighting, with each table bathed in its own neon glow, while the bar and café area exuded a brighter, warmer ambiance. Soft lighting accentuated the brick wall design, fostering a relaxing mood for patrons to enjoy their beverages.

"Whoa... This is something else," Fuutaro remarked, nodding repeatedly as his gaze shifted from one billiards game to another. "I've never come across a café like this before. If it weren't for the signboard saying 'café,' I might've mistaken it for a bar."

"Hehe... Pretty intriguing, huh? I've never stumbled upon a café like this either." She quickly scanned the surroundings. "This place caught my attention when we passed by earlier. While we were at the sweet shop, I looked it up online and was instantly hooked, especially by the billiard tables and the cozy vibe."

"I have to admit, it's rather comfortable here... I wouldn't mind spending the next hour," he said. "Well, I've got to hand it to you, Ichika. You've got a good taste for picking a good hangout spot."

"Thank you! Then, let's go find a table."

They quickly found a table, and a waiter promptly approached to take their order. Fuutaro, sticking to his usual routine, ordered hot barley tea, while Ichika requested a black coffee.

As they waited for their drinks, Ichika took in the comfortable ambiance of the place. Fuutaro, however, seemed unusually absorbed in his phone. The café and bar section featured polished wooden tables, leather seats, and bar stools, fostering an inviting atmosphere. The air was filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the hint of alcoholic beverages, adding a touch of sophistication to the uniquely designed space. Around them, patrons enjoyed steaming cups of coffee or glasses of cold beer, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.

For Ichika, this café provided a new and impressive experience. Accustomed to the usual, typical cafés, the distinct ambiance caught her attention. Despite her initial curiosity about Izakaya, a suggestion Fuutaro had firmly refused, she found the café more than satisfactory.

Her main reason for prolonging their stay in Pontocho was to maximize their time together. Knowing his straightforward nature, she knew that he would probably head straight back to the hotel once he got the souvenirs for his family. She wanted to make the most of their time together. Despite already feeling content with their interactions this far, she had not had much time with him during this school trip, having prioritized her sisters' opportunities to be with him. Now, she hoped to enjoy a bit more of his company.

Five minutes later, their order arrived, and the waiter placed their respective drinks in front of them. As Ichika took a sip of her coffee, her gaze fell on an empty billiard table. A sudden idea struck her—playing a few rounds of billiards would be far more entertaining than just sitting and chatting.

"Hey Fuutaro-kun, how about a game of billiards?" she suggested, her expression matching the excitement in her voice as she picked up her mug and rose from her seat. "It'd be more fun than just sitting around, don't you think? There's an empty table right there."

Fuutaro arched an eyebrow as he took a sip of his barley tea. "Billiards, huh?" He set down his mug and followed her gaze to the vacant billiard table. "I've never played a game of billiards before, though I've seen my old man play it once with his friends. But my question is, can you even play billiard?"

"Yes, I can, maybe just a bit," she exclaimed, smiling. "I've had a few scenes playing billiards in my detective crime TV drama. So, I did some practice to get the hang of it. At first, it was just for the show, but I found myself enjoying it. Sometimes, I even played with a few of my colleagues during filming breaks."

Fuutaro nodded in response, visibly impressed by this new revelation. "Hoo… So, the reason you picked this place because you wanted to play billiards, huh?" He smirked slightly. "Impressive… It seems being an actress or actor isn't just about being good at acting, but also about being versatile and able to do other things that might not seem directly related to the job."

"Yup, that's right!" Ichika nodded eagerly, lifting her index finger in agreement. "Just being a good actor or actress can only get you so far. To truly advance in the industry, you need to broaden your skills. Take high-level actors who started in action movies, for example – they can perform their own stunts without relying on a stuntman because they're physically trained. And then there are those who can sing or dance, which opens doors to musicals and entertainment shows."

Fuutaro crossed his arms, looking astonished. "Hmm… I never thought being an actor or actress could be such a demanding job…" he mused, then added, "Good for you, Ichika. By the time you reach a famous status, I won't be surprised if you can do almost anything. But still, there's one thing I'm certain you wouldn't be able to do, even if you become the most famous actress in the world…"

Ichika furrowed both eyebrow in suspicion, sensing something off about his statement and having a hunch about what might come next. "Oh? And what might that be?"

"That," Fuutaro said, grinning broadly, "you'll still be terrible at academics and won't be able to achieve a high grade in school," he teased, laughing, much to her chagrin.

Ichika's face flushed with irritation. "Ughh… That's a whole different story and has nothing to do with my acting skills!" she shot back, her frown deepening. "But mark my words, I'll catch up to you—or even beat you—in at least one subject before graduation."

"Heh, I'll take that as a challenge," he said with a confident smirk. "I'll be looking forward to that day, and when it comes, I'll acknowledge you as the best actress in the country."

"Challenge accepted!" she declared with a confident smile. "But for now, I challenge you to a game of billiards. Let's go, Fuutaro-kun."

Fuutaro's smirk softened into a smile as he responded to her eagerness. "Yeah, yeah… okay." He rose from his seat, bringing his cup of barley tea along as he followed her to the billiard table.

Ichika approached a café staff member and requested two pool cues for their game. The staff promptly provided them, and Ichika handed one cue to Fuutaro. She explained that they would be playing the 8-ball game mode, which she was more familiar with. Before they started, Ichika gave a brief rundown of the rules and game mode, complemented by a quick demonstration to help Fuutaro grasp the basics. After observing her demonstration and clarifying a few details, Fuutaro nodded in understanding.

With that, the friendly match officially began as Ichika moved to rack the balls and set the cue ball.

Knowing it was Fuutaro's first time playing, Ichika took the initiative to handle the break herself. She playfully teased him, saying that if he took the first shot, he would probably miss every ball, which earned her an annoyed look from him.

"Okay, here I go!" she declared energetically, assuming a comfortable posture and aiming the cue ball.

Ichika leaned forward, closing her left eye while her right eye fixed on the cue ball. Her right hand firmly gripped the back of the cue stick, while her left hand steadied the tip. Her expression was intense and focused, reminiscent of her concentration on filming set. After drawing in a deep breath, she exhaled slowly and drove the stick forward. The cue ball shot across the table, breaking the rack with a sharp crack. The sound of clacking echoed as all 15 balls scattered across the board, and to her delight, the 1-ball found its way into a pocket after a series of bounces.

"Yay! I got the 1-ball!" Ichika cheered, her fist punching the air in triumph. "Now it's your turn to aim for balls 9 through 15. Remember, if you hit or pocket any number that aren't in your set, it's a foul. And if you sink the 8-ball before clearing your set, it's game over for you—and a win for me!"

"Yeah, yeah, got it," Fuutaro responded as he stretched both arms, preparing himself.

Ichika could not help but notice Fuutaro's unpolished technique. She observed him adjusting his stick position repeatedly and gripping it rigidly. Even though he had not made a shot yet, she could not resist a giggle at his struggle.

"Hehe… Fuutaro-kun is having a bit of trouble..."

"Looks like the tables have turned; now I'm the one teaching him how to play."

"It's oddly satisfying to see him in this situation..."

"He does look kind of cute when he's struggling like this..."

After what felt like a long minute, Fuutaro finally settled into a somewhat comfortable stance, though he still appeared awkward. With a determined look, he bent forward, gripping the stick tightly and aiming at the cue ball. After a few seconds, he pushed the stick forward… and missed the cue ball by a few millimeters to the left.

This sight prompted Ichika to burst into laughter.

"Ahaha! What was that, Fuutaro-kun?" she said, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter.

Fuutaro's face reddened with irritation, clearly embarrassed by the laughter at his failed attempt. "O-Oi! It was a mistake, okay?" He cleared his throat and sighed. "It's my first time playing billiards, so mistakes are to be expected. And since I didn't even hit the cue ball, it's not a foul, right?"

"Yeah, I guess so. It wasn't a foul, so go ahead and give it another shot," Ichika said, her laughter gradually subsiding. "Just make sure not to break the stick or send the cue ball flying off the table by hitting it too hard, okay?"

Fuutaro muttered, "What a pain..." with an eye roll, clearly annoyed by her incessant teasing.

He leaned forward once again, adjusting his stance for a second attempt. Though his posture remained the same as before, he gripped the cue stick more firmly this time. He closed his left eye, squinting through his right as he aimed intently at the cue ball. With a deep breath, he propelled the stick forward with a decisive thrust. The cue ball shot across the table, ricocheting off the rails before coming to a halt, having missed every ball on the board.

His reaction to the outcome was a mix of bewilderment and mild frustration, while Ichika erupted into another round of laughter, this time even louder than before.

"Ahaha! Either your luck's suck, or you're just plain awful at this game!"

"Oi, that was a horrible thing to say, Ichika."

After about 15 seconds, Ichika managed to stifle her laughter and regain her composure. Given that Fuutaro failed to make contact with a ball, it constituted a foul for him. She walked over to pick up the cue ball and placed it parallel to the 3-ball, a couple of inches from a pocket.

"Don't get mad, Fuutaro-kun; I was just playing with you," she said, offering him a playful wink. "Focus on the ball you want to hit and control your hitting power. Watch closely as I demonstrate and pay attention."

Positioning herself to strike the 3-ball, she smoothly hit the cue ball, sending the red ball into the pocket. "See? It's as easy as that. If you're still unsure, why not practice for a bit, and then we can restart the game?"

"Nah, I'm good," Fuutaro responded in a rather nonchalant manner, reaching the cue chalk on an edge of the table and applying it on his cue stick's tip. "I'll learn by trial and error, figure out my mistakes, and observe your style of play. Go ahead, Ichika, continue the game."

Ichika could not help but smile at his stubborn yet determined attitude. It was one of the traits that had drawn her to him. Once he set his mind to something, there was no turning back. "Hehe… Okay, then!"

As the 8-ball game progressed, Ichika and Fuutaro reveled in the simple pleasure of billiards. Their faces lit up with wide grins and bursts of laughter each time they pocketed a ball. Yet, the game was not without its frustrations—occasional furrowed brows and exasperated sighs punctuated moments when shots went awry, resulting in fouls or pocketing the cue ball. Despite these setbacks, their interaction was smooth and engaging, marked by a shared appreciation for skillful shots and playful jabs that added a layer of fun to the experience. Their shared banter and laughter only enhanced the joyful atmosphere, making the game a memorable and enjoyable time together.

Through trial and error and careful observation of Ichika's playstyle, Fuutaro gradually improved his skills and began to understand the nuances of the game. Although he had made progress in striking the cue ball, he still struggled at times to make clean contact. His confidence in handling the cue stick grew, and he adjusted his posture with increasing ease while lining up shots. Yet, his primary challenge lay in accurately targeting his designated balls and gauging the precise amount of force needed, which often led to missed shots and fouls.

On the other hand, Ichika, despite her familiarity with the game, she remained an amateur compared to those with more experience. Although she understood the basics, she often struggled with the angle of her shots, sometimes missing balls that were just inches from the pocket. Her control over hitting power was also inconsistent, occasionally sending the balls off course and further from the intended pockets.

This scenario and atmosphere were exactly what they desired — a time spent together, filled with laughter and enjoyment.

Thirty-minutes had slipped by, Ichika stood on the verge of victory, with only the 2-ball and 4-ball from her set remaining on the board. Fuutaro, on the other hand, had managed to pocket just two balls, leaving five of his own set still in play. It was Ichika's turn now, and she poised herself to sink the 4-ball, which was a mere inch from the pocket. Adopting a steady stance, she adjusted her grip on the cue stick, her focus narrowing as she prepared her shot.

However, not a single action was made. She remained motionless in the aiming position, not even budging an inch.

Ten seconds ticked by, and Fuutaro could not help but notice Ichika's unusual demeanor, finding it rather strange. Reflecting on the last ten minutes, he noted a distinct change in her performance— she missed shots more frequently and seemed to lose the enthusiasm she had shown in the initial twenty minutes. Even during his failed moments, she showed a neutral, unamused expression, lacking her usual laughter or playful jabs that had characterized her earlier reactions.

As he observed her face closely, he discerned an emptiness in her eyes. They were blank, as if her happiness had been drained away, with an unmistakable hint of uncertainty.

Fuutaro, concerned, tried to break Ichika out of her unusual state. "Ichika, are you okay?"

No response came; she remained frozen in place.

This time, he raised his voice. "Oi, Ichika!"

The call was successful, startling Ichika, causing her to push the cue stick out of surprise and hit the cue ball. But it only traveled a millimeter and did not even manage to touch the 4-ball. "Uhh... A foul..."

"Hey, what's going on? You weren't moving for like half a minute," he asked, stepping closer to her. "Is everything okay?"

"Umm… I…"

"There's definitely something bothering you, and it's written all over your face." He retrieved the cue ball, aligning it with the 11-ball. "What is it, Ichika? Can you tell me what's going on?"

Ichika lapsed into thoughtful silence, her face betraying the anxiety that had been consuming her. Fuutaro's observation was accurate—something had indeed been bothering her. The unease had first surfaced during their conversation in the Gion district, specifically when discussing her film's screening. Although she had managed to push her worries aside momentarily, remnants of that anxiety lingered at the sweet shop and intensified upon entering the café. It surged back with greater force twenty minutes into their game, visibly disrupting her concentration as missed shots became increasingly frequent.

This feeling had originated at the end of last month, and Ichika had been grappling with it ever since. As each day passed, leading up to the start of the school trip, the issue had slowly but surely taken root in her mind. It had reached a point where she found herself zoning out every once in a while, whether at school, on the filming set, or at home. Uncertain about confiding in Fuutaro, given that the distress involved him as well, Ichika had initially intended to share this once the summer break began, just a couple months away.

However, with Fuutaro already noticing her peculiar demeanor and probing into it, Ichika concluded that she might as well disclose the matter to him. Whether she told him today, tomorrow, or in two months, the truth would inevitably surface. Perhaps, by sharing this now, she might be able to alleviate the uncertainty and anxiety that had been gnawing at her.

"Hey, Fuutaro-kun…" Ichika's voice was subdued, lacking its usual vibrancy. She avoided his gaze, her eyes instead drifting over the scattered pool balls on the table. "Do you remember when I talked about the struggles teenage actors and actresses face? You know, trying to balance life, work, and school all at once?"

"Yeah, I remember," he responded. "You're in a similar situation, right? And you seem to handle it just fine. Has your workload been getting heavier lately?"

"No, not really. But..." Ichika's voice trailed off, her head dropping slightly. After a moment of silence, she let out a heavy sigh and met Fuutaro's gaze. Her expression was weighed down, missing its usual warmth. Her eyes held no trace of happiness as she spoke, "Fuutaro-kun... I'm planning to drop out of school once the summer break starts."

Fuutaro's eyes widened, and he gasped in shock at Ichika's sudden revelation. "Ehh? W-What do you mean, Ichika?"

Ichika looked away, a tinge of shame coloring her expression. "I had planned to tell you about this once summer break started," she admitted. "But since we talked so much about my career back at the cinema, these thoughts returned and it made me uncomfortable. So, I figured it's better to tell you now rather than later."

Fuutaro fell silent, taking a moment to compose himself after the shock of her revelation. His usual impassive demeanor reasserted itself as he continued to listen intently.

"Just like I said before, managing life, school, and work has been quite the problem," she said, placing her cue stick on the billiard table. "But I've managed to keep everything in check somehow." Her tone shifted slightly as she continued, "Lately, I've been getting offers for bigger acting roles from several well-known producers and directors. It makes me happy because it's a positive sign that my career is advancing, but it also means… my life is going to get even busier."

"I feel like school often pulls my focus away from acting," Ichika admitted, her voice still lacking its usual vigor. "But, I've come this far at school, and only one year left until graduation. So, this decision is really bothering me, and I don't know what to choose…"

"I see…"

"So the thing is, Fuutaro-kun, what's your opinion on this? I want to hear someone's take on this matter," she asked, now looking directly at him, the anguish in her expression unchanged.

"Shouldn't you talk this with your sisters? It would be better to discuss this with them as they're likely to understand your situation better than an outsider like me."

"No, that's not true!" Ichika refuted, raising her voice "You're an important person to me, and I want to hear it from you first. Please, just be honest with me. I'd rather hear the truth, even if it's difficult, than have you say a lie or something just to make me feel better."

Fuutaro fell silent again, leaning his cue stick against the billiard table as he rested his chin on his fingers. He appeared deep in thought, carefully considering Ichika's predicament.

As for Ichika, her eyes flickered downwards once more, her stomach twisting with apprehension as she braced for Fuutaro's response. The fear of his potential anger or disappointment loomed large on her mind, knowing how deeply he valued education and academics over anything else. The thought of quitting school would undoubtedly leave a bitter taste in his mouth, particularly given his role as her tutor. There was no doubt that her decision would deeply upset him.

"I can't stand the thought of you being upset and disappointed with me…"

"It scares me…"

"It'll be difficult for me to face that reality…"

"But the truth is, I don't really want to drop out of school…"

"Because…"

"Do what you think is the best for you, Ichika."

"Ehh?"

Fuutaro's unexpected words caught her off guard, prompting her to quickly meet his gaze. His expression showed no sign of anger or disappointment; instead, it remained marked with his usual stoic expression that he always presented to everyone. Overwhelmed by a swirl of anxiety, Ichika could not discern how much time had passed as she awaited his reaction.

"W-What do you mean, Fuutaro-kun?"

"You heard what I said, right? Do whatever you think is best for your life direction," he said, reaching for his cup of barley tea placed on the small table next to the billiard table. After taking a thoughtful sip, he released a small sigh. "To be honest, I've always had a feeling you might bring this up again someday, and it looks like my hunch was correct."

Though his face did not show any negative reaction, Ichika could discern a subtle undertone of disappointment in his voice. She had always believed that Fuutaro expected her to commit to school, achieve high grades under his guidance, and ultimately graduate without complications. Such expectations were natural, given his role as her tutor. Disclosing her intention to drop out of school felt like a betrayal of the trust he had placed in her.

With a rueful chuckle, she said, "You know, I kind of expected you to be furious or at least disappointed in me for ditching school and academics, considering how much emphasis you put on them. Are you saying this just to make me feel better?"

Fuutaro shook his head. "No, I mean it," he stated. "While school and academics are important in my life, I know that it's not the same for everyone, including you. I have no right to force my views on you or lecture you about them."

Ichika fell silent once more, breaking eye contact with him and diverting her gaze to the billiard table.

"For you, your acting career clearly takes priority for you, and I respect that," he said. "I've seen how committed you are—how you always ready to accept available acting opportunity, head to the set even as night falls, and the last one to leave to further practice your acting and lines. You're not doing this out of obligation, but driven by a real passion for acting, and you seem to really enjoy every moment of it."

He let out a quick chuckle and then smiled weakly. "You know, sometimes I envy you, Ichika, for discovering things you're passionate about and finding them enjoyable. So, I would say go ahead and focus on your passion. But if you still believe that school and academics are important to your life, then continue attending school until graduation. I'll continue to do my best to tutor you."

Ichika remained uncertain, caught between two conflicting desires that seemed to pull her in opposite directions. On one hand, she felt a compelling need to drop out of school and concentrate fully in her acting career, eager to seize every opportunity that came her way. The path to success in the industry was right in front of her but appeared to be blocked by the demands of her education, making school seem like an obstacle rather than a stepping stone. On the other hand, she did not want to abandon her education. She desired to attend school until graduation, not only out of gratitude for Fuutaro's continuous tutoring, but also out of love for him. She wished to be by his side, even if it meant slowing the pace of her career progress.

The decision was agonizing, torn between her love for Fuutaro and her passion for acting. Yet, she knew that a choice had to be made, and she turned to the person she loved for guidance—Fuutaro.

"It's still so hard for me to decide, even after everything you've said," Ichika admitted, her right hand trembling slightly as it gripped her left arm. "If I drop out of school, it wouldn't be fair to you especially after all the time you've dedicated in tutoring me over the past year. I've come so far because of your guidance. On the other hand, continuing school might mean missing out on numerous promising acting opportunities. The higher-level jobs I mentioned would demand nearly entire days for filming, leaving little to no time for studying." She fell into a pensive silence, exhaling with uncertainty. "It's quite the dilemma, isn't it?"

"Hmm... makes sense. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably spend ages going back and forth and still feel unsure when it came down to making a final decision," Fuutaro replied, his voice reflective as he fell silent once more. Setting the cup back on the small table, he settled into a chair beside the billiard table, closing his eyes in deep contemplation.

For Ichika, she remained rooted in place, her gaze turning briefly toward Fuutaro before dropping back to the floor. She weakly wrapped her arms tightly around herself, thinking, that maybe she should not confide this to him in the first place. There was no doubt that he was definitely troubled by this revelation, even though he stated that he would support whatever decision she made. Instead of feeling relieved by disclosing this dilemma, Ichika felt worse, as though her chest was ready to burst open at any moment.

And his silence did not really help at all.

Once again, Ichika could not pinpoint how much time had passed as she waited for him to speak again. At this moment, she did not have the courage to speak, let alone to call him. The playful and cheery mood they had earlier were now ruined… thanks to this conversation...

"I might have a solution," Fuutaro's voice suddenly broke through her thought, making her flinched slightly, "that could allow you to manage both. But I'm not sure you're going to like it, since it will involves a very heavy responsibility on your part."

Ichika's eyes widened slightly upon hearing this, quickly directing her gaze toward him. He looked back at her, regarding her with a composed yet serious expression. "Ehh? What do you mean?"

"I suggest you consider taking a temporary leave from school," he proposed. "There was once an unusual case at our school where a third-year student had to take a leave for the entire second semester to participate in an international sports event. When he returned, he had to take some follow-up exams to catch up on missed lessons. He barely managed to pass those exams, but was allowed to continue with his studies and eventually graduated through this procedure."

"I-Is that so…?"

"Yeah, I'd say your case is quite similar to his," Fuutaro nodded. "So, I suggest proposing a temporary leave to the principal. Explain to him it's related to your acting work. Since you've already made a big name in the acting world, you're pretty much quite popular in school among our peers and staffs, and I'm confident the principal will grant you leave."

"I... I'm not sure... Because so far, I've taken a lot of absences without any pardon from our homeroom teacher or the principal," Ichika said, her tone and demeanor still reflecting hesitation. "I already spoke to our homeroom teacher about this, and he said that absences for activities outside official school events aren't permitted."

"That's… only the case if the activities don't benefit the school's reputation," he pointed out. "Like I said earlier, that student was granted leave for the international sports event because it had the potential to boost the school's image if the media covered it. And your case is quite similar. As a rising actress, your involvement in acting industry could actually bring positive attention to our school once it's known."

"I see…"

"As for your studies and academics, I'm still your tutor, right? I'll provide private tutoring sessions on your days off to keep you up to date with school lessons. This way, you can focus on your career without worrying about falling behind or seeing a drop in your grades."

Ichika remained silent, attentively listening to Fuutaro.

"But my question is, can you handle all of that?" Fuutaro said, rising from the chair and moving closer to Ichika. "I know your grades have improved, but I'm worried that if you choose this path, you might get overwhelmed and end up getting distracted from both aspects, possibly leading to failure. The decision is yours to make, and I would advise you to think it through carefully."

So, there was an alternative, one that allowed her to juggle both. But this path came with immense pressure, potentially greater than any of her initial options. Despite the weight of the responsibility, Ichika felt a sense of relief knowing she had a viable way to follow her dreams without having to sacrifice either one. Although the prospect of tackling such exhaustion was unlike anything she had faced before, she appreciated the opportunity it presented. The challenges ahead seemed just as intense, if not more so, than the consequences of her bet with Fuutaro on the national mock exam.

Moreover, she still had a couple of months before making her final decision, granting her ample time to carefully consider her options.

As the realization settled in, Ichika felt a comforting warmth spreading through her, visible in the newfound softness of her expression. His alternative suggestion had lifted a heavy burden from her chest, easing the anxiety that had been troubling her. Opening up to him had been a relief; he had listened with genuine concern, offered a thoughtful solution, and withheld any judgment. Most importantly, he wholeheartedly declared his support for whatever decision she would make. Fuutaro was not just an important person to her—he was the love of her life.

"Thank you for listening, Fuutaro-kun. I'll definitely give some thoughts of your suggestion," she expressed with a grateful smile. "Sharing this with you really lifted a weight off my mind, and I appreciate that."

"Yeah, don't mention it." Fuutaro replied with a nod. "Remember, I made a promise to both myself and your father to guide all five of you to graduate successfully. It's my role as your tutor, study partner, and close friend to support you, both within and outside the school, especially in matters you're passionate about." He then added, "If you're still uncertain about the temporary leave, I'd be more than happy to accompany you to talk to the principal. Maybe I can make him see how important your acting career is and its potential positive impact on the school's reputation."

Ichika giggled, her cheeks flushed with warmth at Fuutaro's encouragement. "Hehe… I know I say this a lot, but you're such a kind and supportive gentleman, you know?" she remarked, her smile lit with joy.

"Heh, whatever you say, Ichika." he said, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Just remember, make the choice that you believe is best for your life, and I'll stand by your side, no matter what."

"Got it!" she exclaimed with a grin. Her eyes quickly found the clock on the wall, registering the current time. "Whoa, it's already this time! Let's wrap this up quickly, shall we?" With renewed determination, she picked up the cue stick once more.

"Yeah, let's go!"

Resuming the game from where they left off, it was now Fuutaro's turn since Ichika's last shot resulted in a foul. He eyed the 11-ball with concentration and sent it smoothly into the pocket. "Alright... Now onto the next one." His gaze shifted to the 10-ball, situated across the board from the cue ball, seemingly the easiest target as the others were mostly blocked by Ichika's 4-ball, 2-ball, and the 8-ball. However, the outcome fell short of satisfaction; the 10-ball failed to find a pocket and merely ricocheted around the table. With that, it was Ichika's turn to hit the cue ball. "Well, your turn now, Ichika. At this rate, I'm clearly losing. Might as well finish me off and take the win."

"Yeah, yeah! Here I go!"

With a steady hand, Ichika pocketed the 4-ball with ease, exhibiting remarkable precision. Then, she struck the cue ball off the rail, the white ball ricocheting around the table before eventually hitting the 2-ball into a pocket. Both she and Fuutaro were left in stunned awe from the complex bank shot, their jaws dropping at her astonishing display of skill.

Her billiard skill seemed to have undergone a significant improvement from before, akin to that of a seasoned professional or someone with years of experience.

"Yay! I can't believe I just pulled that off!" Ichika exclaimed joyfully as she prepared to line up her final shot at the 8-ball. "I only tried that shot out of curiosity. I've seen some of my colleagues attempt similar shots before, but none of them succeeded."

"Heh! As expected of you, miss actress," Fuutaro smirked. "I wouldn't be surprised if you decided to enter a billiard competition one day and emerge victorious."

"Hehe… Maybe not," she said. "But who knows? Maybe one day I'll do it just to get you to acknowledge me as the best multi-talented actress in the world!"

"Heh, we'll see about that, Ichika."

As expected, Ichika sealed her victory with a single, effortless shot, sinking the 8-ball into the pocket. Her face lit up with a broad, triumphant grin, and she gleefully celebrated her triumph over Fuutaro in two consecutive games—the earlier poker card match and now the billiards game.

Fuutaro's lips curled into a small, genuine smile as he let out a soft chuckle, congratulating Ichika on her back-to-back wins. While a flicker of frustration lingered from his run of bad luck, he could not help but feel a surge of happiness seeing Ichika's cheerful self returned after she had confided in him about her worries.

Seeing her happiness back was like a weight lifted from Fuutaro's shoulders. He could not stand seeing her troubled, as it unsettled him as well. Committed to supporting her in every possible way, he was ready to be by her side, through successes and uncertainties alike. Her radiant smile, both endearing and captivating, brought a warmth to his heart that never failed to comfort him.

A/N:

Chapter 26 is finished, and here it is!

Some of you might find this chapter familiar. Yes, it's inspired by the events after the Kyoto school trip/Sisters' War arc, where Ichika planned to drop out of school to focus on her acting career after the trip incident. But this time, the situation is different. In this story, Ichika is more honest about her feelings and comfortable with Fuutaro. So, it felt natural for her to discuss her plan to drop out of school, but with a focus on her career rather than distancing herself from him, as she did in the main series.

This chapter is one of the best I've written for this story, thanks to the deeper conversation and emotional exploration, rather than the usual "normal" chapters. It also highlights Ichika's character—while she's outwardly cheerful and playful, she's inwardly timid and hesitant when dealing with and enduring her own problems.

I chose billiards for their interaction because, well, it's a classic activity for a nighttime outing. Whenever I'm on vacation with friends and come across a pool table, we always spend hours playing and having a great time. So I thought it would be a great addition to this story.

The next chapter will be released in the first week of September (2nd – 8th). Keep an eye out for it during that week.

As always, thank you for reading this story, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

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