The moonlight was like water, flowing silently over the quiet residential streets of Tokyo.
After the conversation between Michiya Gōshin and Kurokawa Osamu ended, the two returned together to the entryway of the Kurokawa home. Kurokawa Akane and her mother were waiting nervously, their two pairs of similar eyes filled with unspoken worry and inquiry.
As the head of the household, Kurokawa Osamu greeted the two women and went inside first.
Seeing Michiya Gōshin following behind him with a calm expression and steady steps, the two women breathed a sigh of relief in unison.
Kurokawa Akane stepped forward hurriedly, almost grabbing his arm, her voice carrying an anxiety she couldn't disguise.
"Yu-kun, my dad... he didn't say anything excessive, did he?"
She understood her father's straightforward style born from his professional habits, and she was terrified that some sharp questions might have hurt Michiya Gōshin or put pressure on their newly budding intimate relationship.
"Of course not. We just had a casual chat."
He turned his hand over, gently wrapping his warm, dry palm around the girl's wrist. Slowing his tone, he spoke warmly.
"Kurokawa-san just asked me some questions as a father. After all, he is your important family. Don't worry, we just casually talked about future plans."
He would not reveal the in-depth conversation between him and Kurokawa Osamu. A promise only has meaning after it is fulfilled; otherwise, it would only bring unnecessary pressure to the people around him.
"Alright, I have to go back now. Rest early."
Michiya Gōshin's gentle words caused Kurokawa Akane to be slightly stunned. She looked up at him and nodded obediently, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.
"Mn..."
Pausing for a moment, Michiya Gōshin stared into Kurokawa Akane's bright eyes and clearly enunciated a few words.
"See you on set tomorrow, Akane."
"See you on set, Yu-kun."
Kurokawa Akane repeated the words, her voice entangled with threads of reluctance to part, as well as a secret anticipation for the arrival of tomorrow.
Finally, under the enthusiastic exhortation of Ms. Kurokawa Aoi to "definitely come play at the house often," and escorted by Kurokawa Akane's gaze filled with attachment and affection, Michiya Gōshin turned around and left with steady steps.
The road ahead seemed to have become clearer because of this agreement, but every step under his feet also appeared increasingly rugged and heavy because of this goal.
The next day, the filming set of We Made a Beautiful Bouquet.
After months of intense shooting, this movie finally welcomed its final portion of plot content.
Thanks to Director Doi's insistence on the principle of chronological shooting—filming strictly according to the story's timeline—the actors could better accumulate and release their characters' emotions.
What Michiya Gōshin and Kurokawa Akane needed to pour all their heart and soul into performing at this moment was precisely the final chapter of love between [Yamane Mugi] and [Hachiya Kinu], which was helplessly heading towards withering like autumn leaves.
The apartment scene meticulously built inside the studio was still that same little nest where they had spent countless "sweet" scenes.
But at this moment, the entire space seemed to be shrouded in a layer of invisible gray gauze, permeated with a suffocating low pressure.
The bookshelf that was once piled high with literary novels, DVDs of obscure movies, and strange figurines they had scavenged together was now half-occupied by [Yamane Mugi]'s Workplace Introductory Manual, Business Communication Skills, and various printed documents. That game console in the corner, which had carried countless sounds of laughter, along with a pile of records, was also covered in a thin layer of dust.
What flowed in the air was no longer the sweet molecules of the honeymoon phase, but a coldness and numbness named "habitual coexistence," as well as a chilling sense of alienation.
"Scene 109, Cut 3, Action!"
As the clapperboard's crisp sound fell, Michiya Gōshin almost instantly immersed himself completely into the world of [Yamane Mugi].
He wore a dark gray suit with slightly tight shoulder lines, evidently a ready-made garment bought in a hurry for interviews or meeting clients. He sat beside that familiar small dining table, his back slightly hunched.
A laptop and a pile of densely printed materials were spread out in front of him. His brows were locked tight into a deep furrow, and his fingers tapped rapidly on the keyboard, making urgent clacking sounds. From time to time, he would click his tongue irritably because of some unsatisfactory data or email content on the screen, revealing an anxiety as if his throat were being tightly throttled by reality.
Returning "home," he was no longer the lover who could enthusiastically share newly discovered obscure bands or philosophical paradoxes with his partner. He was more like a survivor swept up by the torrent of society, caring only about burying his head and struggling to survive.
On the other side, [Hachiya Kinu], played by Kurokawa Akane, was like a kitten that had lost its vitality. She curled up on that somewhat old sofa in the living room, a brightly colored picture book spread out on her lap, but her eyes stared hollowly at the gray sky outside the window.
She tried hard to retrieve a bit of the past's shadow, attempting to start a topic, her voice carrying a trace of careful probing.
"Mugi-kun, look at the shape of that cloud outside the window. Doesn't it look like that painting we saw at the art museum last time..."
"Kinu-chan, I'm very busy right now. I have a very important proposal meeting tomorrow morning at nine."
Michiya Gōshin didn't even lift his head. His voice seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, filled with the impatience of being interrupted and a fatigue that penetrated deep into the marrow.
Kurokawa Akane's words came to an abrupt halt, as if her throat had been choked by an invisible hand.
She lowered her head again silently. Her thick, long eyelashes drooped down, casting a small shadow on her eyelids. The corner of the girl's mouth hooked up into an expression that was lost and carried a bit of self-mockery, like a small animal soaked through by a sudden cold rain.
The two were clearly physically in the same narrow space, breathing the air regulated by the same air conditioner, yet their hearts seemed separated by an ever-expanding rift valley. Even the most basic, daily communication had become a luxurious burden.
This repressiveness and powerlessness of "sharing the same bed but dreaming different dreams" continued to accumulate and ferment over the next few days of shooting.
When sitting together at the small table for dinner, often only the cold sound of bowls and chopsticks colliding remained. Lying on the same bed at night, they were back to back, with that gap of merely a few dozen centimeters between them.
Michiya Gōshin and Kurokawa Akane performed this sorrow and helplessness of lovers drifting apart—wanting to touch but withdrawing their hands—with meticulous detail. That despair of clearly being close at hand yet having hearts far apart made Director Doi, who had been guarding behind the monitor, nod vigorously and frequently, his eyes filled with intense appreciation for the actors' precise performance.
Finally, the movie ushered in a crucial scene—attending the wedding of a mutual close friend.
The shooting location switched to a carefully decorated wedding banquet hall full of romantic and happy atmosphere.
Soft lighting sprinkled down like crushed gold, the huge crystal chandelier refracted dazzling brilliance, and the air floated with the sweet fragrance of flowers and the creamy scent of cake.
The bride and groom stood under an arch covered in fresh flowers, exchanging vows symbolizing eternity, their faces overflowing with infinite longing and sweetness for a brand-new future.
Offstage, the guests wore formal attire, sincere smiles of blessing hanging on everyone's faces. The entire space was filled with warmth and joy.
However, in this space almost overflowing with happiness, Michiya Gōshin and Kurokawa Akane did not stand together. They each stood beside friends of the same sex, feeling the atmosphere of this wedding.
Michiya Gōshin was still wearing that suit. He listened to the envious discussions of his peers regarding the newlywed life and their plans for future families, his eyes complicated to the extreme.
After a while, he seemed to have made some kind of cruel determination.
Turning to a male friend with whom he had a good relationship, he spoke in a low voice, using a tone that was nearly a sigh yet carried an unquestionable resolve, as if he were persuading himself.
"I... maybe it's about time, time to break up with Kinu-chan."
As if it were a cruel coincidence precisely arranged by fate, almost at the same moment, in the location where the girls were gathered, Kurokawa Akane also revealed a very forced smile to a girlfriend beside her who looked concerned.
"It seems... I already have no way to continue walking down the path with Mugi-kun."
These two breakup declarations, spoken in different spaces almost perfectly in sync, formed an incomparably strong dramatic tension through the highly synchronized emotional expression of the two actors.
"Cut! Perfect! That was amazing! That's exactly the feeling!"
Director Doi sprang up excitedly from the chair behind the monitor, waving his arm vigorously, his face glowing red with excitement.
"Synchronized appeals, silent tacit understanding. Source-river-kun, Kurokawa-san, you precisely grasped the souls of these lovers before the end. This take is passed! Thank you for your hard work, you two!"
A burst of spontaneous, respectful, light applause rang out on the set. This applause was dedicated both to the exquisite acting skills contributed by the two actors and to this pair of lovers who had walked through sweetness and bitterness on the screen but ultimately had to part ways.
When the whole day of shooting ended and the makeup on his face was removed, Michiya Gōshin felt a deep exhaustion ranging from spirit to body.
He returned to that familiar single-person resting room. Just as he sat down on the soft sofa and tried to empty his mind, the door was pushed open soundlessly.
It was Kurokawa Akane.
She had already changed back into comfortable private clothes—a beige high-necked sweater with a soft texture that made her unpowdered cheeks appear increasingly fair and translucent. However, those eyes that were always bright were slightly red at this moment, and traces of moisture still remained around the corners of her eyes.
Evidently, the girl had not yet completely withdrawn from the massive emotional vortex of sadness and despair of [Hachiya Kinu].
After a while, Kurokawa Akane snuggled into Michiya Gōshin's arms very naturally. She pressed her slightly cool cheek tightly against his warm chest and closed her eyes, as if drawing strength that could settle her down.
Michiya Gōshin's arm lifted naturally, encircling her slender shoulders.
Ever since that kiss at the entrance of her home, the relationship between the two had indeed undergone a qualitative leap. Although there was no formal confession, within the private space belonging to each other, this level of intimate interaction had long become as natural as breathing.
"Are you okay?"
Michiya Gōshin asked in a low voice, his chin resting gently on the top of the girl's hair, which emitted a sweet fragrance.
"Mn..."
Kurokawa Akane gave a muffled response in his arms. Her arms encircled his waist, hugging him a bit tighter, as if she wanted to embed herself into his body.
"It just feels stifling and uncomfortable inside. Looking at the two of them... they were clearly so beautiful once, yet they could only reach this step... It feels so sad, and such a pity."
"This shows that as actors, we invested enough sincerity."
Michiya Gōshin's palm patted gently on her back, carrying a soothing rhythm. "A story is a story, reality is reality."
The door to the resting room was not closed tightly, leaving a crack about the width of a finger.
Kato Megumi, holding a just-organized work schedule, was preparing to come in to find Michiya Gōshin for final confirmation.
But just as she approached, she happened to glimpse that quiet and intimate scene through the crack in the door—Michiya Gōshin leaning on the sofa, with Kurokawa Akane curled up in his arms like a docile cat.
"..."
Thus, this always quiet and efficient artist assistant immediately halted her steps, her face still wearing an expression as plain as water.
Kato Megumi checked her watch and decided to come back to report later.
Inside the resting room, the warm and intimate silence continued.
Michiya Gōshin enjoyed this rare tranquility after busy and noisy work, as well as the wholehearted, unreserved reliance of the girl in his arms.
However, the atmosphere between the two was soon broken by the abrupt ringing of a mobile phone.
Michiya Gōshin glanced at the screen. The caller ID clearly flashed the name [Sakurajima Mai]. So he patted Kurokawa Akane's back, signaling to her that he needed to answer this call.
Kurokawa Akane loosened the arms hugging him with some reluctance, but her body still leaned closely against his side. Her head naturally rested on his broad shoulder, showing no intention of leaving, as if silently declaring some kind of intimate sovereignty with this posture.
Michiya Gōshin was somewhat helpless, so he had to pick up the phone.
"Good evening, Mai-san." Michiya Gōshin's voice remained gentle.
"Good evening, Yu-kun."
Sakurajima Mai's highly recognizable clear voice came from the other end of the phone, carrying a trace of imperceptible excitement.
"Am I disturbing your precious rest time right now?"
"No, I just finished today's filming and am resting." Michiya Gōshin told the truth.
"That's good. I'm calling to officially notify you of some important news."
Sakurajima Mai's tone carried the anticipation and solemnity preceding a project's release.
"Alice in Borderland has officially been scheduled. It will be launched and broadcast simultaneously on multiple global platforms on the 15th of next month!"
"Is it finally confirmed? That is indeed good news."
There was appropriate gratification in Michiya Gōshin's tone. This was undoubtedly an important milestone for him, meaning his first TV drama work as the male lead was about to enter the market and accept the harshest scrutiny from the industry and the audience.
"So correspondingly, starting from the 1st of next month, up until around the official broadcast of the series, we as the main creators—especially the male and female leads—have a series of dense, high-intensity promotional activities that we need to complete together."
Sakurajima Mai began to enter work mode, her speaking speed very professional.
"Mainly fashion magazine covers and exclusive interviews, TV program promotions during prime time, live interactions on large online platforms, and the highest specification press conference... and so on. These things should be sent to your agency and your manager by tomorrow."
"I understand. My filming here should be over before the end of the month."
"Mm, I've always been at ease with Director Doi's ability to control the set."
Sakurajima Mai paused, and her tone finally revealed a craving that belonged to her.
"When the formal promotion period arrives, as the core partners in the show, we should need to perform a lot of coordination. Yu-kun, you must be prepared~"
"That is natural. I will earnestly do the work that is part of my duty."
Michiya Gōshin responded frankly, his voice steady. Having officially entered the industry for almost a year, he was long past being a rookie. He naturally understood that "specific business operations" and topic guidance during a drama's promotion period were tacit norms within the industry.
"It's best if you can think like that."
Sakurajima Mai seemed satisfied with his professionalism and cooperative attitude. Then, she threw out another weightier piece of news.
"Additionally, there is one more thing. Regarding the movie project I preliminarily communicated with you before—led by me personally and starring me—Strobe Edge. Currently, the preliminary preparation work has basically all been completed. The project launch meeting is set for next week."
"As my male lead, please reserve your subsequent schedule for me in advance. Yu-kun promised me last time; you shouldn't go back on your word, right?"
"...That is natural."
"Hehehe, I'm looking forward to playing a couple with you, Yu-kun."
Sakurajima Mai's voice carried a touch of laughter. Just as Michiya Gōshin was planning to reply, he clearly felt a change.
Kurokawa Akane, who had been docilely holding his other hand with her small hand just a moment ago, suddenly seemed to have a sensitive switch flipped. Her five fingers tightened abruptly, grasping his index and middle fingers with almost all her strength.
That sudden force even made Michiya Gōshin feel a distinct sense of pressure coming from between his finger bones.
He subconsciously turned his head immediately, casting his gaze toward Kurokawa Akane resting on his shoulder.
However, there was no dramatic change of expression on the girl's face. No frowning, no curling of lips. It was as if that suddenly increased force just now was truly just a tiny action under unconsciousness.
But since Michiya Gōshin was so close to her, he could naturally and keenly perceive that the body leaning against him had a momentary, extremely subtle stiffness.
This movement, as if afraid something would be snatched away, revealed with incomparable reality that Kurokawa Akane's heart was far less calm and waveless than her surface appeared.
It was a subconscious possessiveness and a vaguely uneasy defensive reaction.
Sakurajima Mai on the other end of the phone did not seem to detect the undercurrents beneath this brief silence. She spoke briskly, explaining a few more details about the promotional photo shoot and the interview outline, then decisively ended the call.
The resting room was filled with silence again, but this silence was already different from before, mixed with a trace of subtle tension that was hard to describe.
Michiya Gōshin took the phone away from his ear and placed it casually on the sofa.
His gaze first fell on his left hand—that hand which was still tightly grasped by Kurokawa Akane, the knuckles appearing slightly white. Then it slowly moved up, landing on her side profile, which was still lowered, her expression unclear.
He sighed helplessly in his heart, yet the corner of Michiya Gōshin's mouth hooked up into an extremely faint arc.
Using his right hand that had just been freed, he gently covered Kurokawa Akane's small face, then cupped it, making their eyes meet.
"What's wrong?"
He asked in a low voice, his voice softer than before, carrying a trace of imperceptible inquiry.
After meeting his gaze, Kurokawa Akane pressed her small hand against Michiya Gōshin's hand. A faint smile appeared on her face, and she spoke with a voice carrying a bit of nasality, like she was acting spoiled, yet also like she was concealing something.
"Nothing, Yu-kun is overthinking it."
Although she said that, the strength with which she grasped Michiya Gōshin's fingers did not relax in the slightest. Instead, it was like a drowning person grabbing a piece of driftwood, applying a bit more force.
Michiya Gōshin did not continue to press the question. He knew that at this moment, language was sometimes pale.
He simply tightened the arm encircling her shoulder, hugging her tighter and more densely into his arms, using body language to convey a silent promise and comfort.
"Yu-kun... when this movie is finished filming, we will be a couple, right?"
Kurokawa Akane suddenly said.
"..."
Michiya Gōshin thought for a moment.
"When that time comes, I will tell you my thoughts."
"Okay."
________________________________________
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