The rehearsal hall buzzed with an electric tension that clung to the air like static. The stage—once a quiet place of routine drama club practice—now held an entirely different energy. Today wasn't just another rehearsal. It was the beginning of something bigger.
> The auditions for the National Theater Festival had officially begun.
A massive banner hung above the small stage, reading in bold letters:
> "National Theater Festival — School Auditions Start Today!"
Dozens of students filled the room, some whispering nervously to each other, others rehearsing their lines under their breath. But even among the crowd, Leo felt strangely alone.
He stood toward the back wall, gripping a folded copy of the script like it might float away. He'd only transferred in a few months ago. Now here he was, auditioning for the most important event of the school year.
"Leo."
He looked up. Yuki was there, already dressed in her loose rehearsal clothes and holding two water bottles. She tossed one to him.
"Thanks," he muttered.
She studied him for a second. "You nervous?"
He gave a hesitant nod. "This feels… big."
Yuki smiled, soft but steady. "You'll be great. You always are when you stop overthinking."
He blinked. "…Always?"
"Every time I've watched you."
Before he could process that, Rin appeared with a clipboard, her usual calm demeanor now tinted with tension.
"You're third on the list," she said. "You'll be performing Scene 4. With Hana."
Leo stiffened. "Hana? As in…?"
Yuki snorted. "Good luck."
---
Scene 4.
A dramatic wartime monologue. A confession between a soldier and his childhood friend before he's shipped off to an unknown fate. Heavy emotional content. Close staging. And Hana Tsukino.
Leo stood just offstage, script still clutched in hand. Hana was already stretching her arms and running through warm-ups like she was about to go into a boxing match.
"You're not gonna faint on me, right?" she asked, smirking as she leaned closer.
"I'll try not to," he replied dryly.
"Cool. Let's make them cry."
When the director called them onstage, the entire room hushed.
---
Lights dimmed. The set was bare—only a wooden bench and a dim spotlight.
Leo entered, limping slightly, playing the wounded soldier. Hana sat on the bench, staring into the distance.
Their dialogue began.
The chemistry was instant.
Leo's voice, though quiet, carried the heavy weight of fear, uncertainty, and longing. Hana countered with a fiery emotional range that felt raw and unfiltered.
And then—
> "If I come back… will you still be here?"
Her expression shifted.
> "I've always been here."
A silence lingered. The moment stretched.
> "I think… I've loved you all along."
There was no background music. No sound but their breathing. The scene ended with Hana reaching for his face, her hand pausing just shy of his cheek.
Blackout.
The room erupted in applause.
Even the normally stone-faced drama instructor gave a slow nod.
Backstage, Hana grinned, punching Leo lightly on the shoulder. "Damn. You're more dangerous than you look."
---
Later, the cast list was posted.
> Lead Male: Leo Shen Lead Female: Yuki Asano Supporting Female 1: Hana Tsukino Supporting Female 2: TBA (Transfer Student)
Kai, who had been watching the whole time, clapped Leo on the back.
"You're officially school-famous now," he said. "Congratulations, Romeo."
Leo stared at the list in disbelief. Yuki peeked over his shoulder, reading the same names.
"…Looks like we're partners," she said.
He turned toward her. "Are you okay with that?"
She shrugged, smiling. "Only if you don't mind being dramatically in love with me in front of an audience."
He blushed. "I'll try to manage."
---
Just as the moment felt too perfect, the auditorium doors creaked open.
A girl stepped inside.
Long black hair. Refined posture. Sharp, observant eyes.
The new transfer student had arrived.
And her gaze landed right on Leo.