Kono Monogatari O Kimi Ni Sasagu - Volume 1 Chapter 1.9

The usual greeting of “Thank you for coming” began, followed by an explanation that there would be a high school theater district competition at the end of September, for which they were practicing daily, and that today’s performance was in preparation for that competition.

After the explanation ended and the advisor left, the auditorium lights dimmed, and the curtain slowly rose.

***

The performance was over in no time.

It lasted just under an hour.

On stage, the members were bowing deeply, basking in the audience’s applause.

Yuto also clapped for the members.

The script was a straightforward, refreshing youth ensemble drama, with about ten actors delivering crisp lines for their roles. The props, set pieces, and stage equipment were not flashy but were carefully made, providing enjoyment for the audience.

After the members finished their bows and exited the stage, the audience began to leave the theater.

Yuto was about to stand up, but Kotoha tugged at his sleeve, saying, “Wait, please.” Looking at the door, it seemed still crowded, so she probably meant to wait a bit.

“What did you think of the play?”

“Well, it was interesting. The acting was great, and the stage setup was well-done.”

Yuto answered honestly. He wasn’t well-versed in theater, but it seemed to be a strong club. Every aspect was high-quality, so even a layman like him could enjoy it.

“I’m glad. Our school is a regular at the national competition.”

“The national competition… I didn’t know.”

Kotoha gave him an exasperated look.

“How can you not know that as a third-year? There must have been awards during school assemblies.”

“Even if you say that…”

He couldn’t say he wasn’t interested.

“Natsume-san.”

A male student in a uniform approached the two.

“Hello, Watanabe-senpai.”

Kotoha greeted the male student. Yuto didn’t recognize him, but it seemed Kotoha knew this Watanabe-senpai.

The two began chatting cheerfully.

“How was our play?”

“It was interesting. The stage setup and direction were impressive, as expected of regulars at the national competition. Thank you for inviting us today.”

Kotoha smiled cutely and politely, a side Yuto hadn’t seen before.

Seemingly taken aback by her charm, Watanabe-senpai blushed lightly, mumbling, “Thank you,” and “I’m glad you think so, Natsume-san.”

However, Watanabe’s expression soon turned serious, and he spoke with determination.

“What did you think of the script?”

Kotoha’s smile disappeared at that question.

Her serious gaze seemed to make Watanabe gulp.

Yuto, watching from the side, also felt a bit tense—until the next moment,

“What did you think, Hiiragi-senpai?”

“Huh…”

Caught off guard by Kotoha’s sudden question, Yuto froze.

Should he praise it to smooth things over?

He considered it but hesitated when he saw Kotoha’s serious eyes.

“I…”

“Who is this?” Watanabe finally turned his gaze to Yuto, his eyes showing a hint of hostility.

From that attitude, Yuto could vaguely sense Watanabe’s feelings for Kotoha—whether it was affection, or something close to it.

The situation couldn’t be more awkward. Why am I here?

“This is Hiiragi Yuto-senpai. He’s a third-year at our school. This is Watanabe Ryota-senpai, also a third-year at our school and the head of the drama club.”

Watanabe continued to glare suspiciously at Yuto. Meanwhile, Yuto had a faint idea of why Kotoha had brought him here.

To get feedback on the drama club’s script—as part of her editorial activities.

Normally, he wouldn’t entertain such a request. But considering it as her last request instead of pressuring him to write a novel, he could somewhat understand.

“I’m Hiiragi. It was a wonderful play.”

“Thanks. I’m Watanabe, the head of the drama club.”

Yuto forced a smile, while Watanabe had a sullen expression.

To avoid any further awkwardness, Yuto decided to get straight to the point.

“Kotoha asked me, so I’ll answer,” he prefaced.

“The script wasn’t bad. It was well-put-together.”

Glancing at Kotoha, he saw she was giving him a reproachful look.

I can’t help it, Yuto mentally protested.

After all, what he was about to say to someone he had just met was—

“But that’s all there was to it. Honestly, it was too ordinary.”

“What…”

Watanabe was stunned, then his expression twisted in anger.

“What do you mean by that!”

His voice echoed through the theater.

The audience had already left, but some members dismantling the set behind the curtain peeked out to see what was happening.

“Simply put, the characters weren’t distinct, and the story felt familiar. Overall, it lacked excitement, and I couldn’t understand what it was trying to convey to the audience or what kind of emotion it wanted to evoke. That’s what I mean.”

As Yuto conveyed his thoughts, Watanabe stepped forward aggressively.

“You…”

Watanabe glared at Yuto with angry eyes and grabbed his collar.

“Hey, wait!”

Yuto panicked. Watanabe was muscular and tall, lifting Yuto slightly off the ground.

How did it come to this—Yuto cursed his misfortune and Kotoha.

“Senpai, stop!”

Apparently not expecting this outcome, Kotoha hurriedly stepped between them, separating Yuto and Watanabe. Around ten drama club members gathered nearby, watching with concern.

Watanabe didn’t seem inclined to push past Kotoha to get at Yuto again, and he let his gaze fall to the floor. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke.

“Natsume-san, do you agree with him?”

“Yes. For the most part, I do.”

Her response was immediate.

Yuto, surprised by Kotoha’s blunt and harsh critique, stared at her.

Her usual friendly smile was gone, replaced by a serious expression as she looked directly at Watanabe. He seemed unable to look away from her intense gaze.