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

[depressured]

Your performing abilities as well, Tenma-san. [ They'll need to go through this together.

She continues to have no idea he overheard her. ]

When do you want to open this up to an audience?

[showbaka]

Indeed! I shall work hard so that your music has a worthy performance!

[That's a good question. His brows pinch in thought.]

I only have one day. It wouldn't be wise to rush it, but I don't want to wait too long either...and I have plenty of free time at this time. Do you think we could manage something within a month?

[depressured]

I think it's doable, yes. Is it going to be fine with your family if you're gone for a month?

[ Is this a common thing for someone in a troupe? ]

[showbaka]

Probably not. They must be worried about me, and I hate that I'm unable to help Saki and that I'm missing out.

[Smile. They have it harder than him.] But that's exactly why I must make it worthwhile! I'm sure they'll understand when they hear everything!

[depressured]

... I can at least speak to Otori-san and let her know the situation. If your troupe can at least convey that you're at some impromptu training or workshop, that might help ease some worry. I'll have to do some promotional work for this show, regardless.

[ But at the very least, his family should know... he's safe. Somewhat. If they do this right, he'll be able to see them soon. ]

So let's aim for three weeks, at most.

[showbaka]

That would be great! Thank you, Asahina-san. [He brightens but pales after a minute. As pale as one can get when transparent, anyway.] If it's not too much trouble, could you ask her to be careful with what she tells Rui? I wouldn't want him to get caught up in this because of his curiosity.

Three weeks should be more than enough time!

[depressured]

I think that can be arranged.

[ Since for some reason, Emu seems to be afraid of her at times-- ]

I'll stay here for the night and get started on drawing in an audience tomorrow, and I'll drop by so we can continue to practice. Is there anything else I can help you with?

[showbaka]

There is one more thing! It's very important!

[Dramatic pause.]

Please get enough rest, Asahina-san.

[depressured]

Ah.

[ She blinks. ]

Well, I don't think I'd be of much use to you otherwise, so of course.

[showbaka]

[That response is concerning.]

There are more important things than how useful you are, you know.

[depressured]

[ Are there-- ]

Well, of course! I promise, I'll take care of my health.

[showbaka]

...Thank you! I feel I can rest, knowing that.

In the meantime, is there anything else I can do? Could I help with the promotional materials?

[He can't go anywhere, but...]

[depressured]

If you could, that'd be a huge help. I don't know what materials this place has, but surely enough to help us design posters or fliers...

You'll want to figure out a costume for yourself, as well.

[showbaka]

You can count on this future star! There are an abundance of supplies to make the most captivating of materials. I can show you next time we meet.

…That is true! And it will ideally fit the themes of each song.

[depressured]

Then it sounds like we have a good working plan set in place.

[ And he'll be able to keep himself busy and distracted while she's not here. ]

[showbaka]

As expected of us! Is there anything else you need from me, Asahina-san?

[depressured]

Rest. You may not feel as though you need it in your current form, but I don't know how much this will affect you once you're back to normal.

[ Firmly. ]

[showbaka]

E...EH?!

[It's his own advice thrown back at him!]

But the show...!

[depressured]

--Is not going to happen tomorrow, is it?

[ A pleasant smile. ]

[showbaka]

...No, it's not. [He winces.]

Very well! I shall get plenty of rest so that I can approach our goals with refreshed eyes and energy!

[depressured]

That's the spirit.

[ He's so loud... ]

Then let's call it a night for now and get back to work tomorrow. [ She can find an office or something to curl up in. ]

[showbaka]

[The ghosts made a mistake cursing him.]

Mn, may your sleep be restful and filled with pleasant dreams!

[depressured]

[ They sure did.

But Mafuyu will give him a polite bow and hop off the stage to go find somewhere suitable.

She apparently remains wildly unafraid of any ghostly encounters. ]

[showbaka]

[She’s much braver than Tsukasa. He wanders through the theatre, careful to avoid any ghosts, and finds a place to attempt to sleep.

Eventually when he falls asleep he floats in the air, snoring so loudly it echoes through the corridors. He’ll try to wake up before Mafuyu so he can look into trying to order food for breakfast, but if not he’ll be floating there!]

[depressured]

[ He'll beat her to being awake, though not by long. What takes her longer is actually fussing with her appearance to look like she didn't fall asleep on a bench, and then she'll go to find her ghostly... acquaintance. ]