Up and Down

“Now, back to the topic. What is your real motive, Kanzaki-san?”
I decided to continue the earlier conversation inside the house. Staying outside any longer would only attract more trouble. Also, I will teach that owner’s niece a lesson later. How can his mouth move freely?

“Before that—where did you sleep, Yua-san?” Kansaki-san asked.

“Of course I slept in my house.”
Yua-san replied calmly, even though she hadn’t spent a single night there yet. Kanzaki-san, however, wasn’t letting go.

“Be honest. You stayed here last night, didn’t you? I can see it in your eyes. Earlier, you also said that owner’s niece break a secret,” she said in a playful tone.

Yua-san’s face showing fed up with all questions. Then, she look at me, asking me to stop Kanzaki-san. Alright, Yua-san.

“Kanzaki-san, if you don’t start explaining your real reason for coming here, I’m afraid I’ll have to call the police.”
I needed to stop this before it escalated.

“Fine, fine. The truth is—I need help. Actually, I wanted to ask Takada-san for help.”

She wanted my help? Why me? I didn’t even know her.

“May I ask what it is?”
I was genuinely curious. Hopefully it wasn’t something ridiculous.

“Your sister is Takada Mayu, right? I’m her friend,” said Kanzaki-san.

“That’s why you know everything about us. Did Mayu-chan tell you?” asked Yua-san.

“Yes. I thought it was a lie at first. But when I saw you and Takada-san walking together, I realized what Mayu told me was true. So… how far have you two gone now?”
I wasn’t sure if she was joking or actually curious.

“Anyway, enough of my jokes. Can you stop Mayu, Takada-san?”
Her tone suddenly became serious.

“Stop her from what?”
Did Mayu get involved in something dangerous?

“Stop her from acting.”

I wondered if I misheard her. Why would she want Mayu to stop acting?

“May I ask why you want Mayu-chan to stop acting?”
Even Yua-san looked worried.

“Just stop her! I can’t let her go through all of this. As her best friend, I just want her to enjoy her life. N-not like this…”
Tears fell from Kanzaki-san’s eyes. I can see she is really caring about Mayu.

“W-wait! At least tell me what happened to Mayu. As her brother, I need to know why she needs to stop.”
Did something really happen to her?

“I guess… I’ll have to tell you the truth. Yua-san, you know better than anyone how harsh this industry is,” said Kanzaki-san.

“Of course. To enter this industry, you have to be prepared for anything because nothing is guaranteed. Sometimes we shine at the top, and sometimes we fall,” explained Yua-san.

“Yes… it’s unpredictable. Mayu is very hardworking. She never stops trying. For example, she finally got a supporting role after failing almost ten auditions in one year.”

Yeah, I still remember how happy she is when she got that role. She never stop talking about this during dinner.

“After that drama ended, she worked part-time jobs. When I asked why, she said she wanted to gain new experiences for her next role. She always said it was better to try many new things. Last month, she finally got a new role. The drama’s director is infamous for his rude behavior. He chooses his cast himself without consulting the production team. His name is Ogawa Toki. Nobody can guess what he is thinking,” told Kanzaki-san.

“I think I know that director. I almost got cast in his drama back then. Fortunately, I was already busy with my new film. I heard the actress who replaced me said she would never act again.”
Hearing Yua-san’s words made me wonder—if that director is so horrible, why doesn’t anyone report him?

“Why don’t they report him to the police if what he does is wrong?”

Kanzaki-san answered with a simple hand gesture.

Money.
Really, money is terrifying. Anyone who has it can control whoever they want.

“Anyone who tries to defy him—I've heard he makes sure that person suffers until they admit their ‘mistake,’” said Kanzaki-san.

“He sounds like a monster.”
The more I heard, the more absurd it sounded. How was Mayu supposed to survive working under him?

“I think Mayu-chan will be fine. She’s strong and won’t give up easily. At least that I want to believe. One day, she will be a strong force in this industry. Maybe you should let Mayu-chan give her best,” said Yua-san, believing in Mayu’s ability.

Thank you, Yua-san.

“What Yua-san said is true. I, as her brother, know she will not stop halfway. She will do anything until the end.”

I know Mayu can do it. But, maybe I should care more about Mayu after this.

“You don’t know, Takada-san. Actually, last night—”

Ring ring.

Suddenly, my phone began ringing. The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number. It looked like my school’s phone number, but I wasn’t sure. I answered.

“Hello? This is Sanno Hospital. I’m Nurse Tamaki. Am I speaking with Takada Souma?”

Why was the hospital calling me? I hoped nothing bad had happened. I really hoped.

“Yes, that’s my name. May I know what happened?”

“Thirty minutes ago, your sister, Takada Mayu, was involved in an accident while she was crossing a road in town. May I ask you to—”

I didn’t need to hear the rest. My heart started beating too fast. I couldn’t think straight.

Mayu.
Mayu!

“I—I need to go to the hospital now!”

“Wait!”
Yua-san stopped me.

“What are you doing, Yua-san? Please, I need to go now!”

“Calm down! Driving in your condition is too dangerous. I’ll drive you,” she said, worried I might lose control behind the wheel.

“Sorry… I’ll rely on you this time.”

“I’ll go with you both,” said Kanzaki-san, also worried about Mayu.

I hope you’re okay, Mayu.