Decision

Our school’s stage performances results are tallied via online voting for about three hours after all presentations have concluded.

The winning team receives a 1,000 yen worth coupon per member that can be used within the school.

After waiting for about three hours, the entire student body gathered for the student council president’s speech and the announcement of the results.

“As always, this year’s performances were outstanding…” 

These words barely registered as I anxiously awaited the results.

I had done everything I could. If we won, then…

The results were finally announced.

“And now, we will announce the results of the stage performances. Starting with the first-year students… the runner-up is Class 1-2 for their dance performance. The comments mentioned…” 

During the online voting, participants could also leave comments, which were read along with the rankings as part of the tradition.

“And now for the third-year students. The third-year performances received the most comments and a wide range of opinions. Let’s begin with the runner-up. The runner-up is… Class 3-3, for their outstanding acting and a gripping storyline that left a lasting impression.”

“Wow! Runner-up!” “Seriously? We tried so hard!” “Damn it!” Various reactions erupted around me as I clenched my fists tightly.

We didn’t win. Even though we gave it our all, it wasn’t enough. Why? What were we lacking? I knew that Marin-chan’s script was perfect. Everyone performed flawlessly, exactly as we had practiced. The problem must have been my acting skills. Damn it!

I gritted my teeth hard.

Recently, I had grown accustomed to failure, accepting it as a given. But now, the frustration I felt reminded me of the time when I lost a role to another kid. Tears welled up in my eyes.

I need to apologize to everyone. It’s my fault we lost. I forced everyone into this play, and we didn’t win.

Just as I was about to speak, Marin-chan stepped in front of me and addressed the group, “Everyone did a great job!”

“Yeah! I had so much fun, and I thought Aoi’s acting was incredible!” said one.

“Me too! That intense performance is something only Aoi could pull off! We wouldn’t have gotten runner-up without it!”

“Yeah, Aoi-kun was so cool! So many people asked me who that cool guy was!”

Everyone was defending me…

Back then, I would always run to my mother when I was upset. She was all I had. But now, I have people who recognize and support me. And…

“Aoi-kun, you did great,” Marin-chan said, turning to me with a smile.

“Yeah. Thank you, Marin.”

The winning class was Class 4, who performed with five different bands, each showcasing a different genre.

◇ 8:15 PM

I soaked in the bath, staring up at the ceiling.

Sigh… It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Lately, I’d been so anxious about the performance, imagining every possible outcome and struggling to sleep. But now that it was over, it all seemed to have passed in a flash.

Only three months until the university entrance exams… My chances of getting into Tokyo University were currently around 25%, which wasn’t very promising.

Now, all that was left was to focus on studying. This was how it should be. But still… I had talked so big about winning, yet we only managed to come in second place…

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard the bathroom door open. Standing there, looking slightly embarrassed, was Marin-chan.

“Ma-Marin-chan!?”

“Can I join you in the bath?” 

“Uh, well…”

“…I really want to.”

“….Come in”.

We settled into the bath, facing each other. Even with towels on, I felt incredibly nervous.

“Um… thanks for all your hard work. Thanks for putting the script together.” 

“Yea…, I’m sorry for being so inexperienced…,”

“What are you talking about? You did an amazing job, Marin-chan. If anything, it was me who fell short,” I said, trying to reassure her.

“Do you really mean that?” she asked, looking directly at me.

“What?”

“Everyone in class said it. Your performance was incredible. The comments overwhelmingly praised you. You were perfect.”

“That’s not true. I realized I’m just not cut out for acting.”

Suddenly, Marin-chan stood up and leaned over, grabbing my shoulders. Her towel slipped slightly, but she didn’t seem to care.

“Stop it! Don’t lie to me! You were really upset, weren’t you? Deep down, you wanted to keep acting, didn’t you? Why can’t you just say that? Why do you always blame yourself? Why can’t you let me share the burden too?” she cried, tears streaming down her face.

“….sorry. …The truth is…. I was so frustrated… it made my blood boil. I was angry at myself. But I was too scared and embarrassed to show it. I’m sorry.” 

“It’s okay to be honest with me. Okay?” 

“ok” I whispered, pulling her into a hug.

And then, I cried like a child.

I was frustrated. I tried hard, but it was no good. I hated this pathetic self. I felt that only by winning here could I be recognized by everyone and confidently stand beside Marin.

I just kept saying such immature and childish words.

“…Yeah,” Marin just hugged my head and nodded quietly.

“…Thank you. I love you, Marin.”

“I love you too, Aoi.”

Then, after I stopped crying, Marin kissed me and said,

“…You can stop trying to go to college, okay?”

(TL: Alright, so this last part is kinda difficult. I’m interpreting this as Marin-sama saying that Aoi doesn’t have to go to college as before she did but Aoi said he wants to to become worthy of her. Correct me if I’m wrong)