Volume 1 — Chapter 13: Summer Camp — Preparing for the Film, Part 1

The next morning arrived quietly.

Sunlight slipped through the curtains of Yoko Kazesaki's bedroom and fell across the floor.

Yoko slowly opened her eyes.

For several seconds, she simply stared at the ceiling.

Then she remembered everything.

The filming.

The script.

The movie.

Minoru.

And the fact that she was going to continue working with him.

Yoko immediately pulled the blanket over her face.

"...Why did I agree to this?"

From somewhere beside her came a quiet sound.

Plop.

Yoko lowered the blanket.

Momo, her small teddy bear, had fallen from the pillow and was now lying on the floor.

Yoko stared at him.

"...You too?"

She reached down and picked him up.

"Good morning, Momo."

She hugged him.

For some reason, holding him always made her feel calmer.

Even though Momo was only a teddy bear, the feeling he gave her was strangely familiar.

Almost like he had been waiting for her to remember him.

Yoko looked at his little face.

"You know..."

She whispered.

"I'm going to spend more time with Minoru today."

Momo remained completely silent.

Yoko narrowed her eyes.

"Don't look at me like that."

Silence.

"Nothing strange is going to happen."

Silence.

Yoko's cheeks became red.

"...Probably."

She quickly put Momo back on the bed.

"I need to get ready."

After Another Day of Filming

Several days had passed since Yoko began filming the movie.

At first, everything had been difficult.

She had never acted professionally before.

Remembering lines had been one problem.

Standing in front of cameras had been another.

And acting opposite Minoru had been an entirely different problem.

But little by little, Yoko had become more confident.

The people working on the movie had helped her.

The director patiently explained every scene.

The production staff encouraged her whenever she made mistakes.

The other young performers treated her 

kindly.

Even the more experienced idols sometimes gave her advice.

There were new idols who were still learning how to stand in front of a camera.

There were older idols who had already spent years in the entertainment industry.

Some were serious.

Some were energetic.

And some seemed to enjoy teasing the younger members of the cast.

Yoko had gradually become comfortable around them.

The atmosphere on set felt warm.

It didn't feel like she was surrounded by strangers anymore.

It felt almost like a second school.

A very strange school.

A school where everyone wore costumes, cameras followed them everywhere, and someone could suddenly shout—

"Cut!"

because an actor sneezed during an emotional confession.

Yoko had laughed more than she expected.

She had also learned something important.

She didn't have to be perfect.

She only had to keep trying.

And every time she succeeded at a difficult scene, someone encouraged her.

That made her feel proud.

It also made her want to improve.

By the end of another long filming day, Yoko was sitting backstage, reviewing the script.

She had become so absorbed in reading that she didn't notice her phone vibrating.

Bzzzz.

Yoko looked down.

A message.

From Minoru.

Minoru: Are you free tomorrow?

Yoko blinked.

She typed a reply.

Yoko: I think so. Why?

A few seconds later, another message arrived.

Minoru: Our group is going to summer camp.

Yoko stared at the screen.

Yoko: Summer camp?

Minoru: Yes.

Minoru: The staff thought it would be good for everyone to spend time together.

Minoru: And apparently some of the locations are perfect for the movie.

Yoko's eyes widened.

A summer camp.

With the team.

With the idols.

And...

With Minoru.

Her cheeks became slightly warm.

She immediately looked around, even though nobody was paying attention to her.

Yoko slowly typed:

Yoko: That sounds fun.

Then she paused.

She erased the message.

Typed again.

Yoko: I'd like to go.

She sent it.

Almost immediately, Minoru replied.

Minoru: Great.

Minoru: See you tomorrow.

Yoko stared at those words.

"See you tomorrow..."

Her heart beat a little faster.

She placed the phone against her chest.

"...I really want to see him."

The moment the words left her mouth, Yoko froze.

She quickly shook her head.

"No."

"I'm going because everyone is going."

"That's all."

From inside her bag came a tiny sound.

Thump.Yoko looked down.

Momo's head was sticking out of the bag.

Yoko stared at him.

"...Don't judge me."

The Morning of the Summer Camp

Yoko woke up earlier than usual.Much earlier.

She immediately knew something was wrong.

She had slept badly.

Not because of nightmares.

Not because of memories.

This time...

She was simply too excited.

Yoko sat up.

"What am I doing?"

She looked at the clock.

It was still early.

She had plenty of time.

Too much time.

Yoko stood in front of her wardrobe.

She stared at her clothes.

Then at herself in the mirror.

She tried one outfit.

"No."

Another.

"Too casual."

Another.

"Too formal."

She sighed.

"Why is this so difficult?"

Momo sat on the bed.

Yoko turned toward him.

"What do you think?"

Momo stared silently.

"That's not helpful."

She tried another dress.

This time she stopped.

A pretty, comfortable dress.

Simple, but elegant.

Yoko looked at herself.

"...This one."

She smiled.

Then her cheeks became red.

"Not because Minoru will be there."

She paused.

"...Definitely not because of Minoru."

Momo continued staring.Yoko pointed at him.

"Don't say anything."

Of course, Momo said nothing.

Yoko laughed.

"You really are a terrible conversationalist."

She picked him up.

"You're coming with me."

She carefully placed Momo inside her bag.

"Just in case."

Meeting Everyone

The meeting place was near the agency.

When Yoko arrived, several members of the film team were already waiting.

Some were young idols who had recently joined the entertainment industry.

Others were older performers with considerably more experience.

They were talking, laughing, and carrying bags.

Yoko immediately recognized several familiar faces.

Then she heard a voice.

"Yoko!"

She turned around.

Ayaka Fujimori was running toward her.

Yoko smiled.

"Ayaka!"

Ayaka stopped in front of her and looked Yoko up and down.

Then she grinned.

"Oh."

Yoko blinked.

"What?"

Ayaka leaned closer.

"You're wearing a really pretty dress."

Yoko became nervous.

"Really?"

"Yes."

Ayaka's smile became suspicious.

"Are you trying to impress someone?"

Yoko's face turned bright red.

"What?!"

Ayaka laughed.

"I'm joking!"

Yoko crossed her arms.

"You're terrible."

Ayaka laughed harder.

"I've known you for too long."

"You always get nervous when someone mentions romance."

"That's not true."

"It is."

"It isn't."

"It definitely is."

Yoko looked away.

"...Maybe a little."

Ayaka smiled.

Then she noticed something.

"Where's Momo?"

Yoko froze.

She looked at her bag.

"He came with me."

Ayaka blinked.

"Your teddy bear?"

"Yes."

"You brought him to summer camp?"

Yoko hugged the bag.

"He helps me sleep."

Ayaka smiled.

"That's actually kind of cute."

Yoko relaxed.

"Don't make fun of him."

"I wasn't."

Ayaka smiled.

"Besides, Momo has been with you for a long time, right?"

Yoko's expression changed slightly.

"Yes."

For a moment, the cheerful atmosphere disappeared.

Yoko looked down.

"I don't remember exactly how long."

Ayaka noticed her expression.

She gently touched Yoko's shoulder.

"Don't worry."

Yoko looked at her.

Ayaka smiled.

"You'll remember when you're ready."

Yoko nodded.

"Thank you."

Then a voice came from behind them.

"Are we interrupting something?"

Yoko turned.

Naoki Takeru and Minoru Shihai were standing nearby.

Yoko's heart skipped.

Ayaka immediately smiled.

"Oh, look who finally arrived."

Naoki laughed.

"We weren't late."

Minoru looked at Yoko.

"You're early."

Yoko smiled.

"I didn't want to be late."

Minoru noticed her dress.

For a second, he became quiet.

Then he smiled.

"It looks nice."

Yoko's face became warm.

"Thank you."

Naoki looked between them.

Then he smiled mischievously.

"Interesting."

Yoko looked at him.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Naoki."

"I'm saying nothing."

Minoru frowned.

"What are you doing?"

Naoki laughed.

"Nothing."

Ayaka covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.

Yoko immediately understood what was happening.

"Don't you dare."

Naoki raised both hands.

"I didn't say anything!"

"You were thinking something."

"Can you read minds now?"

"No."

"Then you can't accuse me."

Yoko sighed.

"This trip is already exhausting."

Everyone laughed.

The Bus Ride

The bus finally arrived.

Everyone climbed aboard.

The younger idols sat together near the front.

Some of the older idols took seats farther back.

The atmosphere quickly became noisy.

Someone was already arguing about snacks.

Someone else had forgotten their water bottle.

One of the senior idols was complaining that the younger members were too loud.

The younger members responded that the senior idol was simply too old to understand them.

The entire bus erupted in laughter.

Yoko sat beside Ayaka.

Minoru sat across the aisle.

Naoki was behind them.

For the first few minutes, everything was calm.

Then Naoki leaned forward.

"So..."

Yoko looked back.

"What?"

"How long have you and Minoru been friends?"

Yoko blinked.

"What kind of question is that?"

Naoki shrugged.

"I'm curious."

Minoru looked up.

"We've known each other for a while."

Yoko nodded.

"He's my best friend."

Minoru smiled.

"She's my best friend too."

Ayaka looked at them.

Then she whispered:

"That's adorable."

Yoko's face turned red.

"What?"

Ayaka laughed.

"Nothing."

Naoki suddenly leaned forward again.

"So if you two were together..."

Yoko nearly choked.

"What?!"

Minoru stared at Naoki.

"What kind of question is that?"

Naoki laughed.

"I'm just asking."

Yoko's face became completely red.

"There's nothing wrong with us!"

Minoru looked confused.

"Of course there's nothing wrong."

Yoko covered her face.

"That's not what I meant!"

Naoki laughed.

"Then what did you mean?"

"I..."

Yoko couldn't find the words.

Ayaka was already laughing.

Several other idols had started listening.

One of the younger idols whispered:

"Are they dating?"

Another answered:

"I don't think so."

A senior idol smiled.

"They look like they're already married."

Yoko's face became even redder.

"WE ARE NOT!"

The bus erupted in laughter.

Minoru covered his mouth, trying not to laugh.

Yoko looked at him.

"Don't laugh!"

"I'm sorry."

"You are laughing!"

"I'm trying not to."

"You failed!"

Naoki was laughing so hard that he had to hold onto the seat.

"This is the funniest thing I've seen all week!"

Yoko crossed her arms.

"You're all horrible."

Ayaka leaned toward her.

"You said he's your best friend."

"Yes."

"So what's the problem?"

Yoko became quiet.

There was nothing wrong.

That was the problem.

She looked at Minoru.

He was smiling.

He really did seem to think of her as his best friend.

Nothing more.

Yoko lowered her eyes.

"...Nothing."

Minoru noticed her expression.

"Yoko?"

She looked up.

"I'm fine."

He nodded.

"Okay."

But his expression remained slightly concerned.

Neither of them noticed the other people watching them.

Naoki looked at Minoru.

Minoru looked at Yoko.

Ayaka looked at both of them.

And the senior idols exchanged amused glances.

One of them whispered:

"They really don't realize it, do they?"

Another quietly replied:

"No."

They both laughed.

Arriving at the Camp

After several hours, the bus finally reached the summer camp.

The location was beautiful.

A forest stretched behind the campgrounds.

Beyond it was the ocean.

The air smelled fresh.

The sound of waves could be heard in the distance.

Yoko stepped off the bus.

"Wow..."

She looked around.

"It's beautiful."

Minoru stood beside her.

"I thought you'd like it."

Yoko smiled.

"I do."

The director and production staff began explaining the schedule.

The group would spend several days there.

They would practice scenes.

They would film several outdoor sequences.

They would also spend time together as a team.

The location was ideal for the movie.

The director explained that several scenes involving the characters' emotional development could be filmed near the ocean.

Yoko listened carefully.

The movie was about a boy who had lost his memories.

The girl who loved him stayed beside him.

She didn't force him to remember.

Instead, she slowly tried to make him fall in love with her again.

Eventually, he remembered his feelings.

Then he confessed.

And the story ended with their kiss.

Yoko swallowed.

She already knew that scene was coming.

And now...

She knew exactly who would be standing opposite her.

Minoru.

She looked at him.

He was listening carefully to the director.

Yoko quickly looked away.

"...This is going to be difficult."

Ayaka appeared beside her.

"What's difficult?"

Yoko jumped.

"Nothing!"

Ayaka smiled.

"You're thinking about the romantic scenes, aren't you?"

"No!"

Ayaka laughed.

"You don't have to be so embarrassed."

Yoko whispered:

"I just..."

She looked at Minoru.

"...I don't know how I'm supposed to act normally."

Ayaka smiled.

"Then don't think about acting."

"What?"

"Just follow the story."

Yoko nodded slowly.

"Right."

She took a deep breath.

"I can do that."

The First Scene

The first scene was supposed to be simple.

Yoko's character was walking along the beach.

Minoru's character was supposed to follow her.

The director explained the scene.

"You've just met again."

"You remember him, but he doesn't remember you."

"You don't want to frighten him."

"You simply want him to understand that the connection between you still exists."

Yoko nodded.

"Understood."

Minoru nodded too.

"Ready?"

"Ready."

The camera started.

Yoko walked along the beach.

Minoru followed.

She turned.

Their eyes met.

Yoko was supposed to smile.

Instead...

She stepped on a small stone.

"Ah!"

She lost her balance.

Minoru immediately caught her.

The camera continued recording.

For a moment, they stared at each other.

Then Yoko's face became bright red.

"Sorry!"

Minoru tried not to laugh.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes."

The director shouted:

"Cut!"

Everyone laughed.

Yoko covered her face.

"That wasn't supposed to happen."

The director smiled.

"Don't worry."

One of the senior idols shouted:

"At least the chemistry looked natural!"

Everyone laughed again.

Yoko wanted to disappear.

Minoru smiled.

"You really are okay?"

"Yes."

He helped her stand properly.

Yoko whispered:

"Thank you."

"No problem."

For some reason, those simple words made her heart beat faster.

Another Failed Take

The next attempt went better.

At least...

For a few seconds.

Yoko walked.

Minoru followed.

She turned.

He smiled.

She smiled.

Everything was perfect.

Then a bird suddenly flew between them.

Yoko jumped.

Minoru laughed.

The director shouted:

"Cut!"

Yoko stared at the bird.

"...Why?"

The senior idols began laughing.

One of the younger idols shouted:

"Even the bird wants a role!"

Yoko laughed despite herself.

The director sighed.

"Again."

The third attempt was even worse.

A gust of wind blew Yoko's script pages into the ocean.

Everyone ran after them.

Yoko stood frozen.

"My script..."

Minoru ran toward the water.

"I'll get it!"

"Minoru, wait!"

Too late.

He stepped into the shallow water.

The entire crew laughed.

When he returned, his clothes were wet.

Yoko couldn't stop laughing.

"I'm sorry!"

Minoru looked at her.

"You think this is funny?"

Yoko covered her mouth.

"A little."

He smiled.

"Then it's worth it."

Yoko became quiet.

For a second, she didn't know what to say.

Then she smiled.

"Thank you."

A Peaceful Afternoon

The day continued like that.

There were mistakes.

There were successful takes.

There were jokes.

There were moments when the younger idols asked the senior performers for advice.

There were moments when Naoki and Minoru argued about who had performed better.

Naoki claimed he had more stage experience.

Minoru claimed Naoki was simply louder.Yoko laughed at both of them.

Ayaka spent most of the afternoon teasing Yoko whenever Minoru came near.

Yoko repeatedly told her to stop.

Ayaka refused.

Momo also somehow became popular among the younger members.

One of the idols picked him up.

"He's adorable!"

Yoko immediately took him back.

"Careful!"

The idol blinked.

"Sorry."

Yoko hugged Momo.

"He's important."

Minoru smiled.

"Does Momo have a special role in the movie?"

Yoko looked at him seriously.

"He's my emotional support."

Minoru nodded.

"Understood."

Naoki laughed.

"Does that mean we need to audition too?"

Yoko pointed at him.

"No."

"Why?"

"Because Momo is more reliable."

Everyone laughed.

Even Minoru.

Yoko smiled.

For the first time in a long time...

She felt completely normal.

No mysterious memories.

No strange voices.

No fear.

Just friends.

The ocean.

The summer air.

And a peaceful day.

At the Ocean

By evening, the sun had begun to set.

The sky turned orange.

The filming schedule was almost finished.

Most of the group had returned to the camp.

But Yoko remained near the ocean.

She sat quietly on the sand.

She didn't feel well.

Her head was slightly heavy.

Her body felt tired.

She had pushed herself too much during filming.

Minoru noticed her from a distance.

He walked toward her."Yoko."

She looked up.

"Oh."

He sat beside her.

"You don't look very well."

"I'm okay."

"You said that before."

Yoko smiled weakly.

"I really am."

Minoru looked at her.

"You're pale."

Yoko sighed.

"Maybe I'm just tired."

"You've been working too hard."

Yoko looked toward the ocean.

"I wanted to do well."

"I know."

For a while, neither spoke.

The sound of the waves filled the silence.

The wind was cooler now.

Yoko closed her eyes.

"It feels peaceful here."

Minoru smiled.

"That's why I thought you might feel better."

Yoko looked at him.

"You were worried about me?"

"Of course."

She lowered her eyes.

Again...

That warmth.

That strange feeling.

The same feeling she had experienced in the future.

The same feeling she couldn't explain.

She remembered his voice.

You're my friend.

Yoko smiled sadly.

"Minoru..."

"Hm?"

"Do you think..."

She stopped.

He looked at her.

"What?"

Yoko wanted to ask.

Do you really only see me as a friend?But she couldn't.

Instead, she smiled.

"Nothing."

Minoru didn't press her.

"Okay."

Yoko looked at the sea.

The waves moved gently beneath the evening sky.

She felt exhausted.

Her eyelids became heavy.

Minoru noticed.

"You should rest."

"I'm fine."

"Yoko."

"I'm really fine."

He smiled.

"You're stubborn."

Yoko laughed softly.

"Maybe."

She leaned back slightly.

The sound of the ocean was calming.

The evening air had become cooler.

And the music from the camp's speakers could barely be heard in the distance.

A familiar melody began playing.

Yoko recognized it.

"My Hidden Love."

Her eyes widened slightly.

"That song..."

Minoru looked toward the camp.

"It's one of the songs they were playing earlier."

Yoko smiled.

"It sounds nice."

She closed her eyes.

"I'm just a little tired."

Minoru nodded.

"Then rest."

Yoko slowly leaned toward him.

She hadn't even realized what she was doing.

Her head gently came to rest against his shoulder.

Minoru froze.

Yoko didn't notice.

She was already half asleep.

"...Sorry."

"For what?"

"I'm..."

She yawned.

"...just tired."

Minoru smiled.

"It's okay."

He didn't move.

He simply remained beside her.

The waves continued to move.

The sunset slowly disappeared beyond the horizon.

The music played quietly.

"My Hidden Love."

Yoko's breathing became slower.

She fell asleep against Minoru.For a moment, Minoru looked at her.

There was something gentle in his expression.

He didn't say anything.

He simply stayed there so she could rest.

Perhaps he truly believed they were only friends.

Perhaps he had never allowed himself to think about anything else.

Or perhaps...

Even he didn't understand his own feelings yet.

Yoko slept peacefully.

For once, there were no nightmares.

No mysterious voices.

No frightening memories.

Only the sound of the ocean.

The warmth beside her.

And a quiet melody.

Somewhere deep inside her sleeping mind, a forgotten memory stirred.

A younger Yoko.

A smiling Minoru.

Momo sitting beside her.

Ayaka laughing.

Naoki calling her name.

Akari standing beneath the stars.

And a little girl whispering:

"Sis..."

The images appeared for only a moment.

Then they faded.

Yoko didn't wake.

She simply continued sleeping.

The future remained hidden.

The past remained incomplete.

And her heart still didn't know what it truly wanted.

But tonight...

She didn't need an answer.

She only needed to rest.

Minoru quietly looked at the ocean.

Then at Yoko.

He smiled faintly.

"Sleep well, Yoko."

The music continued.

"My Hidden Love."

And beneath the summer night sky...

Yoko remained peacefully asleep beside her best friend.

Neither of them knew that this quiet moment would become one of the memories that would remain in Yoko's heart for a very long time.

For now, however...

There was only the ocean.

The summer night.

The gentle music.

And two friends sitting together beneath the fading stars.

To Be Continued...

End of Volume 1 — Chapter 13: Summer Camp — Preparing for the Film, Part 1