haunted theatre au psl

[showbaka]

Truly, this challenge could have only been trusted with a future star such as myself! No wonder I got dragged into this. Even this theatre and the ghosts residing in it recognize my talent!

[Is how Tsukasa chooses to make himself feel better about his predicament. Not that he hasn't done his fair share of panicking and would continue to do so, but panicking wouldn't solve this. Yes, this is but a stepping stone in his career!

One he isn't too thrilled about and never could have predicted, but a still a stepping stone. The only thing that would get him out of this mess would be his skills as an actor. But there is the whole issue of getting visitors to stick around long enough to act. The place is creepy. Signs of abandonment are showing as its popularity declined over the years with no one wanting or able to take care of it. Even Tsukasa has to admit it looks different from how he remembers. To make matters worse, his attempts to draw in visitors have been doing the opposite. He can reach people with his voice, he can interact with the props and theatre, but no one has managed to see him. All of his rehearsals end up backfiring with visitors panicking about the theatre being haunted and leaving as fast as possible.

His shoulders fall as he watches a group of people do just that. They whisper to eachother about how the ghosts here are a lot louder than they imagined and...kind of annoying for a ghost? No one sees Tsukasa stagger back at the insult as if injured.]

I'm not a ghost!

[Even if he is transparent, and can't get hurt, he's definitely not a ghost! But his shouting does the opposite and the visitors leave the theatre empty again other than of Tsukasa and the actual ghosts.

The stage lights turn on, flooding the auditorium and stage in a dazzling light. In that moment, Tsukasa can almost see the same sparkle it had when he and Saki visited. There's laughter as some of the residents of the theatre emerge to perform one of their favorite shows. Scrambling off the stage, Tsukasa meanders and starts tidying up where he can--dusting the shelves, rearranging items, bringing belongings to the lost and found that no one ever visits. He still tries to avoid the ghosts when possible. They're the reason he's in this mess.]

A welcoming and neat appearance will attract more of an audience!

[And no one in their right mind would visit a haunted theatre at this hour!]

Comments

[showbaka]

[Mafuyu...]

Your practice has paid off, everything is delightful! I wish I could cook you something in return.

[depressured]

[ That would feel like a waste in her current condition, though... ]

Oh? Do you also cook, Tenma-san?

[showbaka]

From time to time! I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I can put my all into following a recipe.

[depressured]

I think there's something to be said for that much. That aside, you don't really need to do anything for me in return. I think you'll have enough on your plate, once we can get you out of here.

[ Reuniting with his friends and family and people who love him, and all. ]

[showbaka]

[...]

But what about your plate, Asahina-san?

[depressured]

Eh?

[ The surprise and confusion are genuine here. ]

[showbaka]

You're already having to put off meeting your other group. What about classes? Friends? I know you said you're fine without much sleep, but I'm just adding more responsibilities onto your plate. You even brought me food.

[He tries to smile, but he can't hide his concern or guilt.]

[depressured]

We're going into a weekend, and I can afford to miss cram school for something like this.

[ "Something like this" being "an acquaintance got trapped in a haunted theatre." ]

Obviously, I can't stay here the entire time, and I'll need to leave in the first place in order to promote this show, but this isn't your responsibility to bear, Tenma-san. You weren't aware any of this would happen and you've been trying to protect me from getting too caught up in this the entire time.

[ From trying to get her to leave to making sure the ghosts didn't see her. ]

[showbaka]

It's already the weekend?!

[He didn't know this would happen, but he still feels responsible, and concern for her wellbeing, and powerless to help much.]

...What of your friends? Won't they notice something is off?

[depressured]

A few know I'm here. They, ah... seem to think I'll be able to handle it?

[ This is not a lie. Ena even said she feels sorry for the ghosts. ]

[showbaka]

Hearing that certainly puts some of my worries at ease! You have been remarkably level-headed about this entire ordeal.

[depressured]

Ah... well, I do a lot of committee and organizational work, so maybe I'm just extending that familiarity to this.

[ Very non-school-like thing. ]

I think you've been faring rather well yourself, though. I'm sure you were worried, unable to leave or reach anyone. And yet, you're still able to smile and be so energetic.

[showbaka]

Using your previous experience to make a frightening and unfamiliar situation such as this easier to handle. I can understand your method!

That is thanks to you. And now, thanks to this delicious meal, I have even more energy! I feel as if I could accomplish anything!

[depressured]

Well, shall we capitalize on that then? Let's see how much more work we can get done.

[ Sleep at some point, Mafuyu. ]

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa laughs loudly.]

I couldn’t agree more! We can take anything on as comrades in our journey to creating a dazzling show.

[depressured]

[ Comrades... what a strange thought. She supposes that, technically, he isn't incorrect? ]

We need to make sure not to overdo it, of course. But I think we can keep going for a little while longer before we should rest for what comes next.

[showbaka]

I can ensure that we pace ourselves. I could even prepare food if that’s easier! Shall we keep going?

[depressured]

Yes, let's.

[ They've got an entire patchwork musical/performance to create, after all. ]

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa stands up, looking pleased. They’re going to create a musical that all of those who acted here can be proud of!]

Did you want to try what we have so far on the piano?

[depressured]

[ Mafuyu also stands, after putting away her bento, to gather up the sheet music they've more or less reconstructed to come up with an actual medley. ]

Let's try it. It's been a little while since I've used an actual piano, so if anything sounds off, I'd like you to tell me immediately.

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa tidies things up a bit, nodding over his shoulder. He’s excited to hear her play.]

You have my word, I won’t hold back!

[depressured]

Well, then.

[ Mafuyu moves to the piano, settling down on the bench and testing one of the keys, just too make sure.

Still tuned, of course.

After a pause to rearrange the sheet music so she can read it easily enough, she takes a breath and begins to play.

It takes a few seconds to adjust, but then it's as though she's been doing it for years. ]

[showbaka]

[Tsukasa listens, attentive and silent and entirely failing to hide his awe.

Not only had Mafuyu picked it up quickly, but the emotion of what they have so far was captured.]

Your playing is magnificent. You said it had been a while?

[depressured]

A synthesizer is similar but the feel is fairly different. I think the last time I played a proper piano was shortly after the Shibuya Festa.

[ Well, then. ]

But I'm glad; it looks like I'll be able to play for you.

[showbaka]

I know the piano you're talking about. I would like to play it again sometime.

[Still not about to mention that he overheard her.]

I too am delighted. Your playing is certain to convey the story to our audience.