I Was Falsely Confessed to and Exposed in Front of Everyone, so I Jumped off the Roof - Chapter 19

After the stage ended, I went to a café with Kagiroi-san. She was talking happily the whole time.

“Ria was amazing, just like in the story! And the fight scenes! When girls do them, it usually looks weak, but she was sharp and graceful! It was really impressive.”

“…Yeah. It was.”

“And you know, even though the original story shows her as a bit seductive lately, this stage was the early part of the story, and she already had that! I’ve never seen anyone bring that kind of charm to a role before. She’s such a talented actor.”

“…Yeah. She really is.”

I couldn’t believe it. The character Ria was played by Shibuki-san. How had she been there? I didn’t understand at all. I was completely confused.

“They also released the cast names. She’s Ruika. She’s from an idol group. That’s amazing. I don’t mean this badly, but idol acting can be stiff, yet she fits the role perfectly. I can’t believe it.”

“Unbelievable.”

My vision was shaking. Had I been holding my breath the whole time during the stage? I had been watching Shibuki-san the entire time. Our eyes met once. Just once. What was happening? She wasn’t the kind of person who could shine like that on stage. She was beautiful. And yet, it made my memories come back vividly.

“Shall we head home soon?”

“Yeah? Right.”

I stood up, but I couldn’t handle my cane properly and stumbled. Kagiroi-san caught me. Without thinking, I hugged her tightly.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. Hold on tight.”

I didn’t know why I, afraid of one girl, was burying myself in another girl’s chest. Something inside me had broken. That much I knew.

♢ ♢ ♢

The first day of the play was over. I felt dazed.

“That was an amazing performance. I didn’t expect it to be so moving.”

“It was really wonderful!! Ria felt real! Ah, it was incredible!!”

The director and the original author praised me a lot. But their words barely reached me.

“Was there something that triggered it?”

“Someone watched me.”

“You mean the audience?”

“That’s why it was so amazing… it felt so good.”

I wanted to go home immediately. I wanted to lock myself in my room. I wanted to touch myself over and over. Because… because… ah. Someone watched me.

I went home right away. I locked myself in my room and played out fantasies with him in my mind.

♢

Manwa-san was sitting on the desk with her legs crossed.

“Sazanka can make it on her own, but is that okay?”

“…It doesn’t matter.”

Sazanka-san nodded.

“Then it’s fine. Ruika, Sumire, and Sazanka, you three will form a unit. I’ll prepare a debut song for you, too.”

“Sazanka-san has connections with Satsukui-san. From that, we might be able to get a guest spot on a male idol show.”

I said that. In reality, I had given the orders to Satsukui, but he agreed to get me on a high-rating program.

“You’re already preparing for promotions? Well, as long as you’re reporting properly, it’s fine. Go ahead.”

“Yesss★ Gooot iiit♡”

I made a peace sign in front of my eyes. My work was going to increase. The chances of him noticing me would go up. Ah… I wanted him to see. So much. Please, see me… see me… see meee.

I swayed while trembling.

♢ ♢ ♢

I was watching TV with Kagiroi-san.

“This is boring. Oh? That’s Satsukui-san playing the junior.”

While flipping channels, she spotted someone from the stage the other day. She stopped on that channel.

“Yes! Next question! What was the name of the empire that had Rome in its title but actually spoke Greek? Here’s a hint!”

On the flip chart, Satsukui-san had written “Bi○○○ Empire.”

“It starts with Bi!! Where’s the Rome part?!”

A female idol-style host commented. Laughter echoed from the audience, then a buzzer sounded.

“Yes! Ruika-chan! What’s your answer?”

The camera focused on Shibuki-san, dressed in an idol costume. Her hair was black now instead of blonde. But it was the same person from the stage. I recognized her immediately.

“Bitch Empire!!”

Bzzz. A buzzer sounded, and the performers laughed.

“It’s Byzantium. You’re missing one circle.”

Kagiroi-san corrected calmly, but I couldn’t even process that.

“But that’s Ria! So beautiful! But her brain must be empty… Maybe an empty head makes it easier to play a role.”

Kagiroi-san had only met Shibuki-san once, so she didn’t notice. My hands were shaking. My breath grew fast.

“Uuuu!!”

A wave of fear shook my whole body. Flashbacks.

“What’s wrong?! Are you okay?!”

Kagiroi-san came closer and gently stroked me. But that wasn’t enough. It wasn’t enough. I hugged her tightly.

“Kyah! Are you okay?!”

“Please…”

“It’s okay. It’s fine. Really, it’s okay.”

I was scared. Terribly, helplessly scared. Even though she wasn’t in front of me, I could see her. That warped feeling made the fear even stronger. We lay down on the sofa. Kagiroi-san kept stroking me. I was so scared, I just kept crying.