Some Time Later…..

◇ New Year

It’s been about three months since then. During that time, Marin-chan has been steadily studying, while I’ve secured a recommendation for university admission.

I’ve also been training under the director to polish my acting skills, slowly regaining some of my old instincts. 

However, I’ve found that the demands for child actors differ greatly from those for adult actors. Despite the challenges, I’ve been enjoying these days.

Today, we came to the shrine for our New Year’s visit.

“Hey, what are you spacing out for? You’re not thinking about another girl, are you?” Marin-chan teased.

“N-no, not at all! I was just thinking… it’s been a long time since I’ve been to a shrine for New Year’s.”

“I see! Let’s make sure to pray properly. I’ll wish to get into Tokyo U,  and for you to succeed as an actor, and for us to stay together forever!”

“Yeah, let’s pray for that.”

We held hands as we walked through the crowd. But, as always, Marin-chan’s curiosity got the better of her, and she wandered off, separating us in the throng of people.

『Where did you go?』 10:10

『I don’t know! But I think I’m near the entrance!』 10:15

Marin-chan sent me a photo, and it didn’t look like the entrance we came through. Not sure which way to go, I looked around and noticed a girl making eye contact with me.

It was the girl from the maid cafe at the school festival… (TL: the half-german girl)

She walked over to me.

“Nice to meet you, Shiozaki-senpai,” she greeted.

“Uh, nice to meet you.”

“I got separated from my friend. Aren’t you with your wife?”

“I got separated too…”

She called Marin-chan my wife… It’s not wrong, but it feels a bit odd to hear it like that.

“Well, that’s convenient. How about we chat a bit since we’re both lost?” she suggested with her usual expressionless face.

“Chat?”

“Yes. I used to be a child actor too. After seeing the play at the festival, I’ve wanted to talk with you.”

“Oh, really?”

It’s a bit embarrassing to be told that so directly…

“Let’s talk over there,” she said, pointing to a bench.

I followed her and we both sat down.

“What are your plans for the future?” she asked.

“Huh? Oh, well, I’m thinking of going to a specialized acting school.”

“That’s good. You should do that. Which school?”

“Um, EEF Comprehensive Academy.”

“I see. It’s a popular school in Tokyo.”

“Really?”

“Are you applying without knowing that?”

“Well, a friend recommended it, so…”

“Is that so? I see.”

“…”

“…”

The silence between us felt heavy. I didn’t even know this girl’s name. As I pondered this, my phone started vibrating.

“Did your wife order you to put a ping vibrator up your butt, senpai?” 

“No, she did not!”

“Is that so? That’s a shame.”

“What’s so disappointing about that…?” As I was saying this, my phone vibrated, and when I picked it up, I heard, “Aoi-kun, where are you?”

“Uh, I’m… here…” 

“Ahh~ No, please, Aoi-sama~ Pleasssse stooop~,” the half-foreign underclassman whispered dramatically into my ear.

“Hey! What are you saying?!”

“Who was that?!” Marin’s voice on the other end of the line was sharp with suspicion.

“No-nothing!”

“Just send me your GPS location!”

Of course. I should’ve thought of that from the start. I quickly shared my location.

“I should probably go now. Things seem like they’re getting complicated,” the girl said, getting up.

“Hey, wait! Explain yourself!”

“No, thank you,” she replied, striding away gracefully in her kimono.

Within minutes, Marin arrived, looking furious.

“Who was that just now?!”

“Uh, you know that famous half-German girl a year below us? We were just talking, and…”

“So, what? You got aroused and harassed her?”

“No, no! It was just a prank! She was just messing around!”

“Is that so? And where is she now?”

“She already left.”

“…You’re getting punished later,” she whispered menacingly in my ear.

Feeling a chill, we headed home.