Outside the window of his new room, Ren woke up early the following morning, just as the first rays of light touched the skyline. He hadn't slept much because his mind was racing with too many ideas. The mattress's softness, the blanket's warmth, and the peaceful hum of comfort all felt strange. He hadn't had a roof over his head or a place to call home, even for a short time. He just breathed in the silence as he lay there for a while.
After a while he got up, changed into the new clothes Haruto had given him, and went to the work floor downstairs. There was still silence in the building, and the wooden floors were covered in long shadows. He sat down in the corner and allowed the silence of the studio to envelope him. A place where things are made. of dreams.
Others started coming slowly, one by one. There was a change from quiet to warmth in the room. Laughter. informal salutations. Every time someone saw him, Ren bowed courteously and returned the shy smiles. His nerves were soothed by the friendly greetings from those who knew him from yesterday.
Shortly thereafter, Ayaka came in. Her hair was loosely tied, with strands framing her face, and she wore a cream shirt over a navy-blue cardigan. Expert. Be calm. Quietly, she was commanding. Everyone straightened a bit as she walked in. She smiled softly and nodded in acknowledgment of them.
When her eyes locked with Ren's, his heart pounded. Only for a moment.
Haruto was already setting up the recording equipment when she walked straight toward him.
Ayaka looked at Ren after a while. "Ren," she said in a firm but gentle tone.
He got to his feet instantly. "Yes?"
"Come along with me."
Each step reverberated louder in his chest than it did in the hallway as he followed her up the stairs. She pointed to the chair across from her desk as they walked into her office. Notes, concept art, and sketches covered the walls. She approached a drawer, took out a thick piece of script, and set it down in front of him.
"This is the In Between Us script," she stated.
Ren's gaze swept over the cover's title as he looked down. As he picked it up, his fingers shook a little.
"You will portray the main character."
Startled, he looked up. "Take the lead?"
Sitting opposite him, Ayaka nodded. "Yes."
Uncertain if he had heard correctly, Ren blinked. "However... This is something I have never done before. I've never spoken. Are you certain?
Ayaka reclined in her seat. "Well, it's a good time for your debut."
Stunned, he gazed at her. Her face, however, was composed and confident. She wasn't kidding.
"I—all right. I mean... I'll give it a shot."
"You're not going to try. "You'll succeed," she said. "The other voice actors upstairs are skilled if you need assistance. Pose inquiries to them. Learn."
Slowly, he nodded. "Thank you. Ayaka-san."
A gentle smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "All right. You'll be alright."
The remainder of the day flew by. Ren read the screenplay in an attempt to comprehend the character's journey. A man who was betrayed. Not a word. Sadness. Every page was charged with emotion.
The evening descended. Ayaka returned downstairs and looked around the room. She questioned Haruto, "Where is Ren?"
"The third floor is where he is. Alongside the others."
With a nod, she ascended the stairs and silently pushed the door open.
Some voice actors were practicing inside. She saw Ren sitting with the others, reading the script out loud with increasing assurance. However, his voice faltered a little when it was his turn again. The tone eluded him. Ayaka folded her arms in silence as the others gave her constructive criticism in a kind and encouraging manner.
She stood in the corner, and Ren saw her.
He tensed. She was observing. Her eyes were analytical, and not in a casual way. Assessing.
His name was called once more. He inhaled, looked at the screenplay, and started the scene. It wasn't bad. Not too bad. The others gave a nod of agreement. However, Ayaka took the initiative.
Walking next to him, she grabbed an extra script and turned to the same page.
Without glancing at him, she said, "Again."
Ren stopped. "Again?"
She gave a nod. The same dialogue. Once more."
His voice wavered as he tried again. She cut me off. "Once more."
He cleared his throat, bit his lip, and tried again, flustered.
"Cease."
She spoke in a firm but not harsh tone.
Ayaka looked up at him, her face unreadable.
"Check out the script," she said. "What emotion do you think this scene needs?"
Ren read the lines once more, paying close attention this time. Someone he trusted had just betrayed the character. In a matter of seconds, his world had fallen apart.
"Sadness," Ren muttered. "And... shock. And perhaps... rage?"
Ayaka cocked her head. "So, where is it?"
Ren inhaled deeply. He turned back to the earlier scenes and read the events that had preceded the scene again. His chest grew constricted. He pictured what it would be like to have such a deep trust in someone only to have it broken. He recalled dozing off on the pavement. He felt the rain seeping through his body. the sense of desertion.
He took the microphone.
His voice cracked as he spoke this time. It faltered, but not because it was afraid. due to discomfort. The words came from deep within, not just from the script.
There was silence in the room when he was done.
Then, slowly, he heard claps all around him. One by one.
The seasoned actors appeared impressed as well.
Ayaka gazed at him for a while. She remained expressionless. Then she nodded once.
"It was all right now."
Ren gave a quiet smile. More than a standing ovation was implied by her slight nod.
Ayaka excused herself as the conversation resumed. She strode down the hallway, went into the bathroom, and sprayed her face with cold water.
She gazed at her image.
Her lips quirked as she whispered, "It was really a fine one." "Dammit..."
Ren returned to the studio and sat quietly, reviewing the lines once more. He was overwhelmed by the praise, but what had really stuck in his heart was that one nod from Ayaka.
She was aware of him.
I have actually seen him.
Not just a homeless stray boy.
But a person worth trusting.
Ren made the decision right then and there that he would not disappoint her.
Not right now. Never.