1. Due to the rain, water is getting inside the building.Copy !req
2. Including the spots actors stand,
the plan for the performance is already set,Copy !req
3. and it cleverly avoids places with puddles.Copy !req
4. I've even confirmed that point during the rehearsal.Copy !req
5. The spot where I enter, the set surrounding me
and positions of the cameras, the lighting...Copy !req
6. How I'll look on screen, including during the cutback...Copy !req
7. I'll hammer the scene into my head one more time.Copy !req
8. We're resuming filming!Copy !req
9. Cameras are good to go!Copy !req
10. Lighting's good to go!Copy !req
11. Mics are good to go!Copy !req
12. Scene 6, shot 51!Copy !req
13. Ready and...Copy !req
14. Action!Copy !req
15. The sound of the clapperboard booms,
and the cameras begin to turn.Copy !req
16. The thick, heavy air fills the set.Copy !req
17. As if a full year has been compressed down,
time feels weighty and intense as it passes.Copy !req
18. It is a long moment, which seems to question life itself.Copy !req
19. My name is Kana Arima.Copy !req
20. When I was little, I was called a genius
and everyone showered me with attention.Copy !req
21. You were on TV again!Copy !req
22. You're amazing, Kana-chan!Copy !req
23. Thanks.Copy !req
24. But...Copy !req
25. I don't know whether it was a matter of talent,Copy !req
26. the whims of the public, or not putting
in as much effort as I should have,Copy !req
27. but anything and anyone inevitably
loses popularity in time.Copy !req
28. These days, people online call me
a has-been child actor.Copy !req
29. Around the time I was in grade school,
I'd apparently already become washed-up.Copy !req
30. But I diligently clung to this industry,
and I've finally landed a long-sought leading role.Copy !req
31. I want to make it a good show at all costs.Copy !req
32. I'll even grasp at straws if I must.Copy !req
33. I get it, okay? I know this is a pretty crappy show.Copy !req
34. The performances lack the fundamentals of acting.Copy !req
35. The first four episodes have already been released,
and nearly all the viewers are disappointed.Copy !req
36. They're branding it a flop.Copy !req
37. Even so, it's still not too late.Copy !req
38. This is the manga's most famous scene of all.Copy !req
39. It's the showdown between the protagonist and stalker.Copy !req
40. A girl who does not know love is protected by someone
for the first time, and she sheds tears.Copy !req
41. I cry every time I read this part in the manga, and
I love the scene so much I've read it time and again.Copy !req
42. If I can synchronize with my costar, make him
look good, and turn in a supreme performance...Copy !req
43. then surely there's still...Copy !req
44. Leave me alone! I don't like you following me!Copy !req
45. It's so like you to think like that!Copy !req
46. Keep in step with him...Copy !req
47. Are you stupid?Copy !req
48. But...!Copy !req
49. I won't let you be alone!Copy !req
50. It's impossible to pull this off!Copy !req
51. I can't make him look good!Copy !req
52. Why's the chief director and his team
okay with this performance?!Copy !req
53. Isn't this supposed to be a more tense,
scary, spin-chilling scene?!Copy !req
54. Do they not care about the acting at all?Copy !req
55. This part should be more...!Copy !req
56. The mics are picking up his footsteps due to the puddles.Copy !req
57. Should we stop filming?Copy !req
58. No. Hmm...Copy !req
59. It's stylish... and gives off a certain vibe.Copy !req
60. This girl isn't the kind of person you think she is.Copy !req
61. She's simply not compatible
with a shallow playboy like you.Copy !req
62. Huh? I thought his acting earlier wasn't very good...Copy !req
63. She's the same sort of person as me.Copy !req
64. But compared to the rehearsal,
he's bringing out the character.Copy !req
65. I don't have talent the way Ai did.Copy !req
66. I don't have an aura that keeps
viewers' eyes glued to me.Copy !req
67. It's not like I'm good at acting.Copy !req
68. Which is why... I'll use all the tools at my disposal.Copy !req
69. Props, the cameras, the lighting, the actors...Copy !req
70. Even if it takes leveraging them all, I'm gonna be like Ai.Copy !req
71. You know, up close you're actually pretty ugly.Copy !req
72. This's how you look without photo editing, huh?Copy !req
73. Huh?Copy !req
74. What the hell did you just say?!Copy !req
75. Are you deaf?! I said that girl isn't worth protecting!Copy !req
76. That little brat...Copy !req
77. He's improvising both his lines and positioning on set...Copy !req
78. Don't stop filming.Copy !req
79. Keep camera 2 on him.Copy !req
80. And turn up the lighting a bit.Copy !req
81. This girl is a precious friend to me!Copy !req
82. This is good.Copy !req
83. It's just like in the manga!Copy !req
84. This is a famous scene in the manga.Copy !req
85. The directorial intent, composition, tempo...
There's meaning behind all of it.Copy !req
86. I've long excelled at questions that ask me
to think about the author's feelings.Copy !req
87. If I can properly grasp a masterpiece,
I can receive passing marks.Copy !req
88. There, I've set the stage for you.Copy !req
89. Haven't you wanted this chance?Copy !req
90. Now give it your all, Kana Arima.Copy !req
91. Nothing you can do will make a difference!Copy !req
92. The lead actress's tears are the highlight of this scene.Copy !req
93. To make that aspect shine brightly...
I'll bring darkness to the scene.Copy !req
94. Give up and be gone!Copy !req
95. Appear frightening, disgusting...Copy !req
96. There's not a single person who needs you.Copy !req
97. Know your place in this world!Copy !req
98. Get your head outta the clouds!Copy !req
99. You have no future.Copy !req
100. Your life is but pitch-black darkness!Copy !req
101. And now, the finishing touches.Copy !req
102. Kana Arima just needs to put on a show with her crying...Copy !req
103. Even so...Copy !req
104. Even so, there is light yet.Copy !req
105. Oh, right, that's her specialty.Copy !req
106. My bad.Copy !req
107. My punch connected, didn't it?
I ended up swinging hard, too.Copy !req
108. No need to apologize.Copy !req
109. I got in front of your punch on purpose.Copy !req
110. Huh?Copy !req
111. Sure enough, acting's all about
leaning into your emotions.Copy !req
112. You turned in a good performance.Copy !req
113. And thanks to that, it seems Arima
was able pull out all the stops.Copy !req
114. Jeez, that kid really made a mess of things.Copy !req
115. We'll have to make a number of adjustments
to our directorial plan now.Copy !req
116. Well, that's alright.Copy !req
117. Besides, on a set with lots of young actors,
reworking the script on the spot is common.Copy !req
118. Given we're working with young folks here,
I've already taken that into account.Copy !req
119. I think it'll end up being a good scene,
and I bet Kana-chan's happy now.Copy !req
120. Kana-chan!Copy !req
121. Ready for the final scene?Copy !req
122. Kana-chan?Copy !req
123. Uh, yes!Copy !req
124. Scene 7, shot 310.Copy !req
125. And... action!Copy !req
126. Good morning!Copy !req
127. Er, if you're gonna sleep, at least get in bed first.
That's not good for your back.Copy !req
128. Well, I'd end up sleeping soundly in a bed, but I can
wake up after about four hours when I sleep on the floor.Copy !req
129. That's an unhealthy little trick...Copy !req
130. Do you have any work for us?Copy !req
131. For now, I've specified what I want for the background
doors on page 2 and panels 1 and 2 on page 3.Copy !req
132. Thanks.Copy !req
133. I'll be watching the "Sweet Today" TV drama,
so give me a shout when you're almost done.Copy !req
134. Oh... You watch each episode on release day, huh?Copy !req
135. You two haven't seen it?Copy !req
136. I watched a bit when it first came out.Copy !req
137. Well, I saw the first two episodes...Copy !req
138. You've given up on it, huh?Copy !req
139. There's no reason to force ourselves to watch it, right?Copy !req
140. I mean, you ran yourself ragged drawing that manga, so
for them to wing it and make a mockery of a TV drama...Copy !req
141. Watching it is just too frustrating for me.Copy !req
142. I knew it'd be like that from the start.Copy !req
143. They're adapting a manga that's already
finished with no hope for further growth...Copy !req
144. I'm just thankful there's a version
of the story with movement.Copy !req
145. I'm not in any position to complain.Copy !req
146. All the manga artists who've
had their work adapted say...Copy !req
147. not to have overly high expectations.Copy !req
148. At first, all manga artists have big smiles on their faces as
they think, "That'd be nice, I'd be happy if they do that,"Copy !req
149. but by the end they're left looking dejected.Copy !req
150. That's how it goes with adaptations to other media.Copy !req
151. But, that said...Copy !req
152. Even so, there is light yet.Copy !req
153. Sensei?Copy !req
154. I'm... glad that my work got a TV drama adaptation.Copy !req
155. Everybody, check out the final episode!
Now this here is "Sweet Today"!Copy !req
156. Most of the viewers had already dropped the show,Copy !req
157. and only the hard-core fans of the manga
and actors continued watching.Copy !req
158. The final episode of "Sweet Today" didn't go viral
or become a hot topic of conversation,Copy !req
159. but within certain smaller circles
it garnered passionate praise.Copy !req
160. Oh, that actor made an appearance too, huh?Copy !req
161. Seeing everyone gathered here reminds me
of just how many people were involved in the project.Copy !req
162. Yeah. Lots of people's jobs are
riding on our performances.Copy !req
163. We need to produce results and
absolutely can't be involved in any scandals.Copy !req
164. On that note, do you have a girlfriend or anything?Copy !req
165. Nope, so no scandals or any dirt on me.Copy !req
166. I see.Copy !req
167. Hmm...Copy !req
168. Thanks for your hard work filming the show.Copy !req
169. Sensei...!Copy !req
170. In my opinion, it was your performance
that carried the show, Arima-san.Copy !req
171. Thank you.Copy !req
172. Especially in the final episode... I only wish
it'd been like that from earlier in the production.Copy !req
173. Hello there, Aqua-kun.
That last episode was well-received.Copy !req
174. Thank you.Copy !req
175. Things were tough from an earnings standpoint, but
the goal was to give talents like yourself an opportunity,Copy !req
176. and perhaps we achieved that.Copy !req
177. I submitted this producer's cigarette butts for testing,Copy !req
178. and I learned we are not related whatsoever,
which in a way was a relief.Copy !req
179. However...Copy !req
180. You're with Strawberry Productions, right?Copy !req
181. Your face is somehow similar to Ai-kun's.Copy !req
182. You think so?Copy !req
183. Yeah.Copy !req
184. After all, I often saw her up close.Copy !req
185. I'm sure of it.Copy !req
186. "Up close," you say?Copy !req
187. What kind of relationship did you have with Ai?Copy !req
188. We worked together when I was acting as
an intermediary for fashion magazine models.Copy !req
189. After that, on top of sending jobs her way,
I looked after her in various ways.Copy !req
190. I introduced her to quality clients,
recommended good restaurantsCopy !req
191. and such when she was meeting up with a guy
unbeknownst to her agency, and so on.Copy !req
192. Do you know whom she was meeting?Copy !req
193. Hm?Copy !req
194. Are you perhaps a fan of Ai-kun?
You're interested in gossip even after her passing?Copy !req
195. I am.Copy !req
196. Oh, I see.Copy !req
197. Well, I don't mind telling you,
but I want something in return.Copy !req
198. You have a beautiful face that much resembles Ai-kun's.Copy !req
199. Would you be interested in a reality dating show?Copy !req
200. Come on.Copy !req
201. You're still not ready, Ruby?Copy !req
202. Jeez, just wait a minute, Aqua.Copy !req
203. This uniform might be cute, but it's pretty complicated.Copy !req
204. But, it sure is cute!Copy !req
205. Don't be making us late on the first day, okay?Copy !req
206. Isn't your skirt a bit too short?Copy !req
207. You know, you've always sounded like an old man.Copy !req
208. Oh, that's right!Copy !req
209. Mom, we're heading out now.Copy !req
210. For these next three years, let us together-Copy !req
211. So, for performing arts there's just Class F?Copy !req
212. Yep. Let's walk together part way at least!Copy !req
213. Congrats on starting school here, Aqua! And, Ruby...Copy !req
214. here at Youtou High, though the class schedule
is more flexible compared to other high schools,Copy !req
215. you'll still have to repeat a year if you get
failing marks or don't attend class enough,Copy !req
216. and the curriculum itself isn't that different.Copy !req
217. But...!Copy !req
218. That guy's an actor.Copy !req
219. Those two are members of the leading idol group.Copy !req
220. And that girl with a big bust is a pinup model.Copy !req
221. There's a voice actor and streamer.
A fashion model and singer.Copy !req
222. Over there on the bench is
a kabuki performer and actress.Copy !req
223. Everyone here's an entertainer.Copy !req
224. Out of all the high schools in Japan,
this one has the most people who're in the spotlight.Copy !req
225. I'll give you a warm reception, my juniors.Copy !req
226. Welcome to the world of show business!Copy !req
227. Now I'm getting nervous.Copy !req
228. Oh, don't be.Copy !req
229. This isn't a training institute or a film studio -
it's just a regular school.Copy !req
230. Just act like you normally would.Copy !req
231. Wow!Copy !req
232. On my right, beautiful girls!Copy !req
233. On my left, hot guys!Copy !req
234. Compared to my local middle school...
this place's in a different league!Copy !req
235. That said, I've got Mom's genes,
so I shouldn't be outshone in terms of looks.Copy !req
236. I won't let this place overwhelm me!Copy !req
237. That girl... Just wow!Copy !req
238. Oh, goodness me. Sorry for starin'.Copy !req
239. It's just you're so very pretty.Copy !req
240. The performin' arts department really is amazin'.Copy !req
241. No, no. You're amazing yourself. Are you a model?Copy !req
242. Well, gee, I guess I am.Copy !req
243. I'm Minami Kotobuki. Nice to meet ya.Copy !req
244. "Minami Kotobuki"...?Copy !req
245. Oh, you're a pin-up girl!Copy !req
246. Ain't it a bit inhumane to google me in front of my face?Copy !req
247. Whoa, a G cup? These are pretty sexy.Copy !req
248. Stop it!Copy !req
249. This's my first time hearing a genuine
Kansai accent. You from Osaka?Copy !req
250. Nope, born 'n' raised right in Kanagawa.Copy !req
251. The way I talk is just, uh... a vibe?Copy !req
252. That's a fake Kansai accent?!Copy !req
253. And just like that, I became friends
with Minami-chan here.Copy !req
254. Just like what exactly?Copy !req
255. Hello there.Copy !req
256. Well, I'm just glad you've made a friend.Copy !req
257. You make any friends, Aqua?Copy !req
258. Not really, and I didn't come to
this school to make friends, anyway.Copy !req
259. Oh, so you didn't make any.Copy !req
260. Sorry for bringing up something upsetting...
We don't need to talk about your class anymore.Copy !req
261. I did find some people to talk with, okay?!Copy !req
262. Boys don't consider each
other friends right off the bat!Copy !req
263. Besides, general ed is different in that it's
an integrated middle and high school program,Copy !req
264. so friendships are already established,
and it takes time to get closer to people.Copy !req
265. I'm not some loner who can't make
friends at a new school. Okay?Copy !req
266. You sure have a lot to say on the topic.Copy !req
267. Minami-chan, please be friends with Aqua, too.Copy !req
268. Sure thing.Copy !req
269. Don't just share your friends like that.Copy !req
270. Enough about me - just worry about yourself.Copy !req
271. You're in a special environment
that's different than what you're used to.Copy !req
272. Good point... When I think about how everyone
around me is a pro, I get pretty nervous, ya know?Copy !req
273. Oh, don't be!Copy !req
274. This isn't a training institute or a film studio - it's just
a regular school. Just act like you normally would.Copy !req
275. Ruby-chan!Copy !req
276. I've heard that before somewhere...Copy !req
277. Well, based on what I saw at the entrance ceremony,
there are many good-looking students,Copy !req
278. but there were hardly any I've seen in some kind of
media before, so there's no need to be nervous, is there?Copy !req
279. Nope...Copy !req
280. There was... this one amazing student.Copy !req
281. Now, after this you'll be purchasing
your course materials and other supplies, so-Copy !req
282. Excuse me, I had to go on live TV
for a promo this morning.Copy !req
283. I do wish I could've attended the entrance ceremony...Copy !req
284. Frill Shiranui...Copy !req
285. That's Frill Shiranui.Copy !req
286. Frill Shiranui showed up at our class!Copy !req
287. Her 9 p.m. Monday TV drama is a huge hit! She's a
multitalented entertainer who can sing, dance, and act!Copy !req
288. Frill Shiranui is the first person most people
think of when they hear "beautiful girl"!Copy !req
289. I of course know of her,
but you sure are infatuated with her, huh?Copy !req
290. She's my number one fave right now!Copy !req
291. Hmm...Copy !req
292. "Hmm" what?! This is Frill Shiranui we're talking about!Copy !req
293. Not interested. My favorite always was
and always will be Ai.Copy !req
294. Well, that goes for me too...Copy !req
295. But that's one thing and this is another!Copy !req
296. Oh, look, there she is!Copy !req
297. She's cute even from a distance!Copy !req
298. You're acting like an ordinary fan of hers.
You're classmates, right?Copy !req
299. Yeah, but...Copy !req
300. Hello, Shiranui-san.Copy !req
301. My sister is in the same class as you.
Please get along with her.Copy !req
302. Hold it, Aqua!Copy !req
303. I know you. Weren't you in "Sweet Today"?Copy !req
304. You know your stuff.
That show wasn't even much of a hit.Copy !req
305. It kept coming up at one of my jobs, so I watched it.Copy !req
306. It was good.Copy !req
307. Thanks.Copy !req
308. I've seen you on the cover of Middle Jump.
Your name's Minami-san, right?Copy !req
309. Yes!Copy !req
310. Wow...Copy !req
311. They both just got recognized by Frill Shiranui!Copy !req
312. And you are?Copy !req
313. Um...Copy !req
314. My apologies. What is it you do?Copy !req
315. I, uh...Copy !req
316. Currently, I'm not really...Copy !req
317. Oh. Well, um...Copy !req
318. keep at it?Copy !req
319. Miyaemooon! Hurry up and make me an idol!Copy !req
320. Don't rush me. You can't just say, "We're putting together
an idol group. Okay, let's start the auditions."Copy !req
321. But, at this rate...Copy !req
322. I hear that girl doesn't have a job in entertainment.Copy !req
323. Oh? That makes her an average Jane, huh?Copy !req
324. Seems we've got a non-entertainer in our ranks.Copy !req
325. She's an annoying poser, huh?Copy !req
326. They're going to bully me!Copy !req
327. To put together a proper group, we have a hire
a skilled scout and go through a number of formalities.Copy !req
328. After all, I'm having trouble finding cute girls.Copy !req
329. Plus, most of the motivated ones end
up auditioning for the major groups.Copy !req
330. Well, in performing arts, we've got this cute girl
with a huge bust called Minami Kotobuki...Copy !req
331. Isn't she with another agency? Not happening.Copy !req
332. A freelancer would be one thing...
but I don't want any trouble with another agency.Copy !req
333. If it's a freelancer you want, I know someone.Copy !req
334. On top of being a freelancer, she doesn't have
much work considering how well-known she is...Copy !req
335. And she has a cute face.Copy !req