I just found my rose

After classes, the five friends return home from a tiring school day. Minus Ken, because he has the drama club. Once the others says goodbye, he heads towards the cafeteria to have lunch.

Did I really cross the line with Rebecca? He can't help but think about this as he eats his food.

Why am I interested in the first place...? We...aren’t friends after all. He thinks back to the few moments spent with her, trying to understand why he wants to be her friend.

Do I really only feel pity for her? If she doesn't want to deal with me then I should just let her be and accept it. Yes, I'll probably do that.

He finishes the questionable tasting cafeteria food and heads for the theater room. He had a passion for theater since he was little and spent whole days in front of the television watching films and musicals. He's not as motivated as he was back then but a shred of passion has remained. He lets out a small smile thinking back to those days, as he finally get to the classroom.

The clubs are real school courses held by a teacher in the afternoon, usually immediately after lunch. Ken walks into the lecture hall where most of his classmates were already gathered, each sitting in random places, chatting amongst themselves. He sits in a random seat, not too far from the stage. His friends from the course aren’t present so he just waits for the teacher. He doesn't have to wait too long, as a few minutes later he arrives.

"Good morning, class!" He greets the class and most of the students greets him back.

"Today, we're going to delve into the world of expressions in theater. As actors one of our primary tools for communication is our body and the countless ways in which we can express emotions, thoughts, and intentions through it. Remember, the audience relies on your expressions to understand your character. It is through our expressions that we create a connection with the audience, making them feel and understand the depths of our characters. So, embrace the transformative power of expressions to delve deep into your characters. I want each of you to choose a short monologue or scene and explore various expressions to convey different emotions and intentions. Feel free to experiment and take risks. Be creative!"

After about ten minutes the teacher brings up the students one by one to make them recite their monologue. Ken chooses a small one from a popular show and recites it in his mind as he waits for his turn. He religiously review each verse until a familiar voice distracts him and causes him to look up at the stage. There, there is Rebecca. He scrutinizes her figure but cannot see her face carefully.

She seems fine now...I didn't know we were in the same club...

She starts reciting 'If we shadows have offended' from A Midsummer Night's Dream. Ken looks at her very carefully, curious to see her acting. She begins to speak after clearing her throat. Ken listens carefully with a deadpan face until the end.

She sucks! Her tone is robotic and she always has the same expression! The teacher proceeds to explain to her what she did wrong.

"Rebecca, you chose a nice monologue but your voice sounded somewhat robotic, and your facial expressions appeared neutral. It's important to remember that theater is about conveying genuine emotions and engaging with the audience."

"I understand."

"I suggest practicing monologues or scenes in front of a mirror. I believe in your potential and look forward to seeing your progress next classes."

"Thank you, teacher. I won't let you down!" Her voice is shaky, her cheeks are red with embarrassment, and she plays with the end of her cardigan sleeves.

Ken lets out a slight chuckle watching the scene. That's kind of cute.

* * *

Once the lesson is over, Ken follows Rebecca with his eyes as she walks quickly out of the classroom. He too begins to move in a hurry to try to reach her and talk to her. But every time Ken seemed to get closer, she increased the distance between them by increasing her pace.

Is she in such a hurry to get home?! She looks back, straight at him. Ah...! She's avoiding me!

He picks up the pace too, until they’re out of school. At that point, she starts running. He does the same, getting closer and closer. How can she be so fast with those short legs?!

With one last shot he reaches and blocks her by wrapping his arms around her waist, lifting her.

"W-what are you doing?! Let me go!" Rebecca screams at him panicked by the sudden situation.

"Sorry! I didn't want to risk hurting you by pulling your wrist and this is the only other way I could think of to stop you!"

"Okay, but let go of me now! I don't want to talk to you and everyone is watching us!" She looks around blushing, clutching at his forearms and at the same time trying to pull them away from her. She's also kicking blindly in hopes of hitting his legs but he was far-sighted by already positioning himself with his legs spread.

"I just want to apologize, okay? Let me talk to you for a few minutes and I'll let you go." She stops squirming and continues to hold onto his forearms.

"You hurt my feelings..." She mutters under her breath feeling her own heart pounding in her chest due to the adrenaline; Ken doesn't hear her.

"I'll listen to you but then you'll have to leave me alone."

"Deal!" He puts her down, mentally ready to start chasing her again if she starts running again. He is amazed when she doesn't.

"Come on, tell me everything and let's end it here." She turns to him, sighing.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I should have explained myself better, but I didn't and it made you cry."

"I-I didn't cry!" Her cheeks turn pink.

"It doesn't matter! I hurt you in some way and it's something I never meant to do." He looks into her eyes before continuing. "The reason why I want to be your friend is that I find you interesting...there can be no reason when two people become friends! But if you don't want to, of course I can't force you..." He has puppy eyes on while looking at her. She takes a step back unconsciously.

"What benefit would you have by being my friend?"

"...I would have one more friend. It's always nice to have one more friend." He tilts his head, slightly confused by her question.

"You don't understand! I'm not good with words, I wouldn't be good company...I have nothing to offer as a friend."

"If you say it like that it seems like you want to be left alone." After this sentence, she immediately raises her head towards him with a snap with her mouth open, almost as if she wants to tell him something that she won't say. Instead, she closes her mouth again.

"...I don't want to be left alone." His gaze lights up at her words.

"Then I'll be your friend! I'll talk to you and you'll listen to me and I'll always be with you so you'll never feel alone!"

"B-but why...? I don't understand..." He strokes her cheek.

"Because you're special in your own way. And I'll prove it!" He smiles at her and she takes his hand away from her cheek.

"S-stop teasing me! Are you done? I want to go home."

"Can I accompany you?"

"...Do as you want." She starts walking again in the other direction and he enthusiastically follows her.

"I didn't know you were in the drama club too. It was a pleasant surprise to see you on stage."

"T-that... was so embarassing. Please don't talk about it again."

"I got an idea from watching you act. You can help me study and, in return, I'll help you act. Are you okay with it?" Ken looks at her expectantly and she looks like she’s seriously thinking about it, this raises his expectations in a positive response.

"Considering your results... it doesn't seem like a bad offer."

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes..." He smiled at her.

"So tomorrow we’ll decide everything. Now I want to ask you one more thing. You could have chosen a monologue you’re more comfortable with, why did you choose that?"

"I saw the play recently and... I don't know, I just like it."

"See? Our decisions aren't always logical."

"I guess..."

"What's your favorite play?"

"The Secret Garden."

"Ah, I think I've read the novel. I don't remember much though."

"What's yours?"

"The Little Prince." He stops talking for a moment to think, before speaking again. "You know, I think I just found my rose."

"Uh? What does that mean?"

"That's a secret!" Their return home walk proceeds calmly.