Rakugo Show

(Kaidou Itsuki)

Funny riddles didn't work for her. Funny face too. I have a new plan now. I want to take her to a Rakugo show.

Do you know what's Rakugo?

Rakugo is traditional Japanese storytelling that tells a humorous story by one person through narration and the dialogue performed by the person himself. Rakugo is similar to stand-up comedy, but the person is sitting, and the jokes material is also different.

The problem is whether Sumeragi-san will accept my invitation. If not, then it's a failure today.

"Sumeragi-san, do you want to go to the Rakugo show with me?"

She nods.

"When?"

"It's starting in an half hour. The show is taking place nearby. If we leave now, we'll be able to get a seat."

"Okay, let's go." She left her desk quickly.

W-what is this? Did she accept my invitation? Does that mean we're dating now?

I'm glad she's willing to accompany me to see the Rakugo show today. That means I don't have to make her laugh myself. I can enjoy watching Rakugo and seeing Sumeragi-san burst into laughter. I'm not sure if this will work, but it's worth a try.

Takashi said he didn't want to join us and said if Sumeragi-san laughed, I should come to the Rakugo show again and invite him later.

I'm kinda happy with what Takashi said because it means we're dating today. It doesn't count if Takashi follows us everywhere.

After fifteen minutes of walking, we finally arrived at Yose. We buy tickets for two people and then take a seat.

The room is already filled with many audiences. Most of them are adults and college students. I think it's only the two of us who are high school students here.

Today's rakugo performer is Masuda Yoshimasa-san, who is a 20-year-old young man — he is my favorite rakugoka. I often came here alone to watch him, but today, Sumeragi-san comes with me. It is like I'm bringing my girlfriend.

"Sumeragi-san, do you ever watch Rakugo show before?" I asked.

She shakes her head.

"Oh, okay, I hope you enjoy this first Rakugo show."

She nods.

Not long after that, Masuda Yoshimasa-san enters the stage which makes the audience applaud and shout his name.

He still manages to keep his cool and sits in front of us. He nods his head and then begins to speak.

"There's a story about an elephant child married to a kangaroo..."

I laughed a lot during the show, and so did the other audience. But Sumeragi is not. She still makes a flat expression though she was focused on watching the show.

I don't care if Sumeragi will laugh or not anymore, I just want to enjoy this show with Sumeragi sitting beside me. But still, sometimes I look at her to check if she laughs or not. However, the results still have not changed.

After thirty minutes, the show was over. Sumeragi follows me to the exit door. We had a chit-chat while walking to the bus stop. I decide to accompany her

"How was the show? Did you enjoy it?"

She nods.

"Is it not funny for you?"

"It's funny."

"But you didn't laugh."

"It's still funny." She glares at me.

I smiled.

"Do you want to come with me again sometimes?"

She nods.

W-what's with her reaction? Why does she always nod to my saying? Does she don't mind hanging out with me? I'm so glad, but I think it's because we're classmates. Not anything more.

"The bus is coming. See you later, Sumeragi-san."

She nods.

"Thanks for today, Kaidou-kun."

"Yeah."

She then got the bus and leave.

What is this, really? Are we dating? Why is she so kind to me? Has she caught feelings for me?

No, no, that's not possible.

Someone taught me to always be self-aware and use my logic. I have to see reality and not get carried away.

*

Today is the last day of my first week of the challenge of making Sumeragi laugh. I can't meet her in the next two days because those are days off. I'll be able to see her again on Monday morning.

That means, even though I was given a 30-day opportunity, it's not exactly 30 days because there are two days off every week. I don't want to waste the opportunity even for just one day.

"Sumeragi-san, there's another show at Yose today. This time, it's a Manzai show by Muramuro. You know Muramuro, right? They are quite famous, I think. Will you go there with me? I've got two tickets."

I showed her the ticket I bought last week. I planned to go there with my brother, but he said he couldn't go with me today.

She suddenly looks away.

"Sorry, Kaidou-kun. I don't want to watch Muramuro. I have bad memories of them. I can't accompany you to watch them."

"W-well, I don't mind."

"I'm so sorry."

"It's okay."

Gosh, this feels so awkward. It's like I confessed to her and got rejected. So this is the feeling I'm worried about all the time?

No. The rejection of confession will be more awkward than this. I'm sure of it.

"Itsuki, is that Muramuro tickets?" Takashi grab my shoulder.

"Yes, it is."

His eyes widen.

"Oh gosh, I want to see their show, but the tickets are sold out. Do you want to sell that tickets to me? I can pay you more."

I shake my head.

"Just take it, Takashi. I don't want to go there anymore."

"Really? Can I take the two of them? My friend said he also wants to see the show."

"Yeah, just take it." I give the tickets to Takashi.

It's not that big of a deal. It's meaningless if I go there alone or with someone who isn't Sumeragi.

"Thanks, Itsuki! Here, take these two movies tickets in exchange. See you later." Takashi leaves us alone.

I then look at Sumeragi.

"Are you free today? Shall we go to the movies?"

"Let's go." She rushed away quickly.