Chapter 7: Drama Dilemma

"With you by my side, I could go anywhere and any far. I allow myself to sound over the top. As time has flown by in this town, we have poured out and shared joy and happiness"どれだけ求めても by Ishizaki Huwie & Suda Masaki

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The atmosphere in the "Bullet Train" practice room buzzed with excitement as the group's manager barged in, calling everyone together. Practice hadn't kicked off yet, mainly because Takuya was running late due to traffic.

"Where is Takuya?" the manager asked, a hint of urgency in his voice.

"Stuck in traffic," Ryoga informed him. "We'll start practicing as soon as he arrives."

Acknowledging the circumstances, the manager nodded and assured the group that he would address next month's schedule once everyone was present.

It was during this momentary break that Masahiro's keen eye noticed the bundle of papers in the manager's hand. Spotting the script, he asked, "Is that... a script for a drama?"

Recalling his purpose, the manager replied, "Yes, it is. I wanted to inform you all that Takuya has received an offer for a role in a BL drama. It's a mature and tragic storyline this time around."

Takashi, furrowing his brow, expressed concern about the offer, given Takuya's existing relationship. "Someone's offered him a role in a boys-love drama, knowing he already has a partner? That doesn't seem right."

Aloha added, "I can't picture Takuya-kun agreeing to take on such a role again."

The manager comprehended their viewpoint but disclosed the pressure he was facing, saying, "He has to take this on. Our company directed me to persuade him."

Yuki couldn't hold back from sarcastically teasing, "So, even after the management milked Takuya and Nishigaki-kun's relationship for profits, they're still not satisfied and want to put Takuya back into another boys-love drama after all these years?"

The manager acknowledged Yuki's point, grinning wryly. He dropped a surprising piece of information, "They've offered the role of Takuya's partner in the drama to Nishigaki-kun."

Yuki smirked and remarked, "In that case, he'll definitely say yes without any hesitation."

"That's right," Haru agreed.

However, the manager cautioned them, "Just so you know, it's a tragic storyline, and one of them will meet their end."

Kai expressed concern, "Oh man, his possessiveness won't let the scriptwriter off the hook for choosing a sad ending."

The rest of the group nodded in agreement.

The manager sighed heavily. He was aware that this would be tough, but it was his responsibility. "If he turns me down, I'll need your assistance."

The discussion left the group members with a foreboding feeling, pondering how they could stand by Takuya in a circumstance that tested both his relationship and personal principles.

The conversation with the manager wrapped up, and as Takuya stepped into the practice room, he expressed his frustration about the unusual traffic delaying his arrival. Without delay, the manager handed out the schedule and then requested Takuya to step outside for a private chat.

Reluctantly, Takuya trailed behind the manager, grumbling about the interruptions to his practice session. He openly showed his annoyance towards the manager, feeling diverted from the agenda after his troublesome commute. Despite Takuya's complaint, the manager got straight to the point, ignoring Takuya's irritation, "There's an offer for a drama role for you-"

"No," Takuya interjected firmly. "I don't want to do a drama series anymo-"

"It's a boys-love drama," the manager interjected, revealing the specific genre.

Takuya's eyes widened in shock. "That's even worse! I absolutely don't want to!" he protested vehemently.

"I understand your reluctance, but I received a direct order from the CEO this morning. You have to take this on," the manager explained with a hint of helplessness.

Takuya sighed in resignation, feeling like he had no say in the situation. "Just... how do I even bring this up to Sho?" he mumbled sadly, reflecting his worry.

"Oh, yes," the manager recalled a crucial detail. "You should also persuade him to accept the offer," he added.

"Okay," Takuya agreed, not quite grasping the implications. Then, as the reality sank in, he exclaimed, "Huh?! What did you just say, Manager-san?!"

"They've offered him a role to pair up with you," the manager clarified, explaining the situation further.

"You-" Takuya was momentarily lost for words, then he shook his head. "You should've led with that! And you should've known my response!"

The manager chuckled heartily, "Come on, tell me straightforwardly, what's your answer!"

With a confident smirk, Takuya affirmed, "If Sho agrees, then count me in," before heading back into the practice room.

The manager watched Takuya return to his practice with a smile of relief, but it quickly faded as he suddenly remembered something crucial. "Oh no, I completely forgot to inform him about the character's death in the script!"

♡

The rehearsal for tomorrow's stage play had come to a close, and Sho found himself chatting and sharing jokes with his fellow actors as they made their way off the stage. The camaraderie among the cast had always been a treasured aspect of his acting journey. Sho felt particularly thrilled about the upcoming stage play.

Yet, his manager's arrival cast a shadow over the cheerful atmosphere. Gesturing for privacy, Sho accompanied his manager to a quieter corner. "You've received another offer for a drama role," the manager started.

Sho's face showed clear surprise. "Another one? I've just signed up for a romantic drama, and I'm fully invested in a stage play. Is it really wise to take on another drama?"

The manager remained composed. "This one is unique-it's a boys-love dram-"

Sho's eyes widened in disbelief. "A BL role? But I haven't accepted one in four years."

The manager fixed a keen gaze on Sho. "You're always striving for excellence in your acting career, aren't you? This BL drama could be another significant milestone."

"My career is already well-established," Sho argued, defending his position.

"Just listen to what I have to say," the manager requested, seeking Sho's attention.

Sho paused, taking in the information, and the intrigue began to replace his initial reluctance.

With a mischievous glint in his eye, the manager elaborated further, leaning in as if unveiling a well-kept secret. "This is a deeply tragic tale, a mesh of forbidden love between two men. Imagine this: one is about to marry a female character, and the catch? She happens to be the other man's superior. The narrative escalates into heart-wrenching turmoil, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice, as one of them tragically chooses to end their own life."

Sho's eyes lit up with an uncommon fascination, eagerly absorbing every nuance the manager divulged. This dark and tragic boys love drama was an entirely new realm for him. The manager had adeptly stirred Sho's curiosity, leaving him entirely spellbound.

"Intriguing, isn't it?" the manager prodded. "If you say yes, Kusakawa-kun will likely follow suit."

Sho processed the information and was startled when he grasped his manager's underlying intention. "Hold on, are you saying Takuya-kun is also a part of this?"

The manager nodded. "Yes, you both will be the two male leads."

Sho needed to clarify a crucial detail. "Will my character meet a tragic end in the drama?"

With a chuckle, the manager replied, "Your character will make it through, but his character will face a tragic fate. Moreover, if you decline this drama, Kusakawa-kun won't be on board."

Sho weighed his options, realizing the importance of this decision for both his career and his relationship with Takuya. After a moment of contemplation, he made up his mind. "You can give them a 'yes' from me for now. I'll take a closer look at the script and make my final decision."

The manager accepted Sho's decision and handed him the script. "I'll let them know. Thank you for considering it."

Sho accepted the script and headed back to his co-stars. His mind was already buzzing with the possibilities that this new role could offer. Yet, he couldn't shake off concerns about how this decision might affect his relationship with Takuya and the hurdles they might confront together.

Immediately, the manager reached out to Takuya's representative, sharing the news of Sho's tentative agreement to join the boys-love drama.

♡

After their grueling practice session, the members of Bullet Train were sprawled on the floor, gasping for air and drenched in sweat. Some of the younger members continued to practice, while the older ones took a much-needed break, chugging water bottles in a corner of the room.

Suddenly, the manager burst into the room, his entrance accompanied by a resounding shout. "He already said yes! Takuya!"

Startled, Takuya, who had appeared indifferent moments before, shot up from his seat, bewildered by the manager's urgency. "Who said yes to what?" he asked, briefly forgetting about the drama offer that had been occupying his thoughts earlier.

The manager, brimming with excitement, delivered the news, "Nishigaki-kun agreed! Both of you will star in the new drama! I'll inform the production team!"

Takuya was bewildered by this revelation. "Ah," he nodded slowly, still uncertain about the situation. The news had come so suddenly that he was having trouble processing it.

Yet, before he could wrap his head around the situation, the other members burst into celebration. "Congratulations!" they cheered together, patting Takuya on the back and sharing their happiness for him.

Yuki, in his enthusiasm, playfully pinched Takuya's cheek, radiatibg joy. "You're back in action!" he exclaimed. "Can't wait to see it!"

Ryoga added to the jubilation, clapping his hands with fervor. "A boys love drama series with a more mature and tragic story is fresh! We're eagerly anticipating it!"

Takuya, still somewhat in the dark about the drama's details, voiced his confusion. "Hmm? Tragic? What tragic are you talking about?"

The members shared knowing looks, realizing Takuya was unaware of the drama's storyline and needed an explanation.

"Well, you know, it's a different kind of love story, more intense and emotional. Like, um, forbidden love and stuff," Yuki explained carefully, not wanting to reveal too much.

Takuya's curiosity was piqued. "Forbidden love?" he inquired, now genuinely interested in the plot details.

Yuki nodded, providing a vague explanation. "Yeah, something like that. You'll have to read the script to get the full picture."

Takuya chuckled, observing that the members seemed to be aware of the storyline he had yet to discover. They likely didn't want to ruin the surprise for him. "Well, at least I won't need to pretend to be in love on-screen," he said, flashing a knowing smile, which helped ease the somewhat awkward atmosphere.

As they all packed up to leave the practice room, Takuya was determined to read the script as soon as he could to better understand the depth of the story he was about to undertake. The prospect of acting alongside Sho again was thrilling, but the weight of the drama's tragic undertones still hung over him, making him a little apprehensive.

The members were still in high spirits as they left the practice room. Takuya felt grateful for their support and enthusiasm, even if they chose not to reveal all the drama's specifics to him. Exiting, he carried a blend of emotions, excited to work with Sho again on screen but also uncertain about what lay ahead in their storyline.

♡

As Sho pushed through the door of their apartment, the remnants of his weariness from the rehearsal clung to him, a mix of anticipation and fatigue weaving through his senses. He found Takuya already there, navigating the kitchen with a graceful flurry of activity. The clinks of pots and pans formed a background rhythm to Takuya's movements. Upon spotting Sho, Takuya's face lit up with a welcoming smile that chased away some of the tiredness in Sho's eyes.

"I'm home," Sho greeted Takuya as his weariness of the day melting away.

Takuya, engrossed in meal preparation, responded without looking up, "Welcome home. Go take a shower first. Your dinner will be ready by the time you're done."

Sho nodded and followed his partner's advice. He proceeded to their bedroom. After a rejuvenating shower, he rejoined Takuya in the kitchen, enticed by the delightful aroma of their meal. The table was set, and they both sat down, relishing the food and each other's presence in the comfort of their apartment.

As they began their meal, Takuya started a conversation, showing real interest in Sho's day. "How did the rehearsal go? Your performance is tomorrow, isn't it? I'll be there to watch."

Sho's eyes brightened with appreciation. "Really?" he asked, pleasantly surprised.

Takuya nodded with a reassuring smile. "Hmm, I've already requested my manager to book a ticket through yours."

Sho felt touched by Takuya's dedication and appreciated the comforting presence of his partner. "That means a lot," he replied, expressing gratitude for the steadfast support.

Takuya tactfully introduced the topic that had been lingering in his mind as they continued enjoying dinner. "Anyway, you've accepted the BL drama."

Sho met Takuya's gaze directly. "Yes, I did. Is there something you want to discuss about it?"

Takuya couldn't hide his worry as he mentioned, "You're aware it ends tragically, aren't you?"

Sho acknowledged this fact without hesitation, his expression turning serious. "Yes, I'm fully aware."

Takuya's frustration was obvious as he sighed, voicing his concerns. "Am I the only one who wasn't aware?" He was bewildered by the lack of information.

Sho couldn't help but laugh at the realization. "You didn't know?" he asked, his eyes wide with surprise.

"No, I had no clue!" Takuya admitted with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

Sho, amused by the twist in the conversation, started to explain the plot, lightening the mood. "So, one of us will meet a tragic end by the conclusion of the story."

Takuya's visible relaxation was apparent as he grasped that it was the characters, not the actors, who would face a grim fate. He shifted his concern to Sho's character. "I hope your character doesn't meet such an end," he said sincerely.

Sho offered reassurance with a comforting smile. "Don't worry. It's not my character. It's yours."

Takuya, now more at ease, sat up straight, taking in this new piece of information. "Ah, okay then," he replied calmly, and resumed eating. "You knew that one of us would face this fate, yet you still accepted the role. Why?" Takuya continued.

"Because it's a challenging role," Sho replied sincerely. "Initially, I wasn't going to take it. But when I found out you'd be my co-star, I reconsidered."

Takuya's playful teasing about Sho's motivations for accepting the role in the boys-love drama injected a lighthearted vibe into their conversation. "Come on, don't try to hide the reason. You can't deny it, Sho." he playfully jabbed. "I recall you chose the romance drama this season for the adultery theme, something entirely new for you. This time, Having me as your co-star in this boys-love drama isn't the main reason; it's that captivating tragic plot!"

Sho, however, remained earnest about his motivations. "I'm truly thrilled about collaborating with you again. Your comeback has been something I've eagerly awaited. Besides, you trusted me to make the decision, and if you didn't truly want to come back to the lead role on the small screen, you would have declined, no matter who your co-star might be."

Takuya listened attentively, absorbing Sho's words. He was touched by Sho's enthusiasm and understanding. The depth of Sho's commitment to their shared journey was clear, and this willingness to adapt to Takuya's preferences was a rare compromise that didn't go unnoticed.

Seeking further clarification on the story's tragic nature, Takuya revisited the point of fate. "Just to confirm, it's my character who will have to face the tragic ending, right?"

"Yes," Sho, with a warm smile, confirmed the scenario and provided further context. "Your character will witness my character's inner conflict, torn between you and the child I share with my character's wife. Your character will strive for my character's happiness, observing those moments when I'm with my son."

Takuya nodded, his mind already painting a vivid picture of the emotional intensity of those future scenes. "I can already foresee a flood of tears in those scenes."

Sho's eyes sparkled with genuine excitement as he concurred, "That's what makes it so compelling."

As they shared this moment of understanding, Takuya observed Sho's joy and enthusiasm, which were undoubtedly contagious. In this intimate conversation, it became even clearer that their partnership was a journey they both cherished deeply, where some sacrifices were indeed worth making for the sake of their shared artistry and growth.

❥