The School Stage Begins!

Before he knew it, the cultural festival of their school has already started.

"Its... already been two weeks?", Kanako murmured to himself. Time really flies by. He wasn't able to talk with Ayane much because she was busy rehearsing. He patiently waited everyday for the time he could meet heragain after school. Sometimes he was lucky, sometimes he was not.

"It really went by in a flash."

Kanako jumped hearing the sudden voice. He wasn't expecting 'her' to be here. "Good morning, Ayane-chan. Did you sleep well?"

Ayane yawned in response. "Hmm? I don't look like I got a good sleep last night, do I?"

"Figures. Anxious? By any chance?"

She looked thoughtful. "Probably, probably not. I have been doing these for quite some time now, but that also might be the reason."

Kanako knew, no matter how you looked at her, she definitely looked anxious. Anxious for the school stage drama. Acting was her specialty, not drama performance. When acting, there were staffs and a giant camera looking at you, but in a stage drama there are real people. The expectations might be weighting her down.

"Don't worry, you will be able to do it perfectly. I trust you."

She finally showed her real face. "Busted huh..."

She looked like she was going to cry.

"What is with this adorable creature..." Kanako clouded his mind. "Good thing I have brought some precautions."

"Ayane-chan, give me your hand."

"What is this... Chewing gum?"

"Yep. It helps with anxiety. Just remember to take it out before the drama starts."

"Sorry for worrying you this much..." Her expression saddened.

"Hey hey, Ayane-chan, don't do that. Smile, okay? You are the lead actress! If you don't smile, you won't shine, so smile!"

Kanako unconsciously pinched her cheeks to make a smiling face, before quickly removing his hands and looking around for any potential eye-witnesses. "It won't be good if someone posts a scandal about the lead actress..."

"What are you doing..." Ayane laughed. It was her first genuine laugh this morning.

"Now thats more like the Ayane-chan I know of! Now let's go to school!"

"Yep. Let's go. And thanks... for cheering me up. You are doing so much for me... I wish I could've returned you some of my debts" She became reddened. Maybe the distance between them for 2 weeks has made her feeling stronger? She didn't know.