Fustration.

When Kanako went into the backstage where Ayane was sitting, he was perplexed.

"Uhhh... Ayane-chan...?"

"See what I meant by her having a panic attack?" Miko added.

"Ayane-chan... when I told you to have a gum before the drama, I meant having just a piece, not the whole box..."

Ayane looked brain dead, a cute being which only existed to be protected, beside which were a box of empty gum packet what Kanako gave her. It was really a problem, she was definitely panicking and is getting pressured with useless expectations.

"Bue jus owne jum wwast dowing it..." She mumbled.

(But just one gum wasn't doing it...)

Kanako sighed. "Ayane-chan, remove all the gum from your mouth. Now."

She nodded immediately. She doesn't know what she was doing. Her mind might as well be completely blank.

"Now tell me... what is it that you are worrying about?"

"It's nothing... Kanako...kun..? EHHH? WHY ARE YOU HERE??!" That took quite some time for her to figure it out.

"You finally returned to your senses huh..."

She looked flustered after letting him see that side of herself. "It's nothing... really. You don't have to worry. I am fine."

"That makes me even more worried. Something is bothering you, isn't it?" He went close to her face, trying to read her expression. But her face became redder than before.

"It's nothing... really."

Kanako sighed and thought of a way to make her calm, while Ayane was sitting in a chair fidgeting on what to do.

"Hey!! What was that for! Its rude to slap a girl!?! What are you thinking." Miko protested.

But that couldn't be called a slap. Kanako just tapped both his palms up Ayane's cheeks hard enough to bring he back to reality. "Listen now, lead actress. Don't get caught up on the expectations of others, try to find yourself in the drama, the purpose you serve here, what role you play here, and try to do the best. Throw those expectations away, you don't have to be perfect here, or anywhere. Don't try to be perfect, try to improve, okay?"

"O-okay..."

Kanako removed his hands. The red marks of his palm were visible on her cheeks. He was somewhat embarrassed.

"And.. sorry for slapping you out of nowhere... I didn't know how to calm you down otherwise."

She smiled. "Thank you, Kanako-kun. You brought me to my senses."

"Hmmm... how should I sue this guy for hurting our cute lead actress...?"

"Ehhh? But you said to help her out. I did just that, didn't I?"

"Yes yes, now go to your seats. This is for the backstage people, not the viewers."

"Well sure..." Kanako went without complaints. It wouldn't be great if he get sued after all.

"Tsk..."

Even though he couldn't interfere, Kouta had to watch their interaction carrying the feelings in his heart.

"I thought I was getting a step ahead... but someone took the lead..."

He was frustrated at himself.