Episode 1 - The Show Must Go On!/Chapter 17

Episode 1 - Show Must Go On!
[Mankai Dormitory]
Izumi	Huh, I can’t find any spare toilet paper
Manager	Hup, Hup
Izumi	Hey, Matsukawa? Where's the extra toilet paper?
Matsukawa	Oh Crap, I'm sorry! I forgot to restock at the store!
Izumi	Busy with costumes and props again?
Manager	Actually, I’m organizing some old footage.
Izumi	Then I’ll make a toilet paper run. You need anything while I’m out?
Manager	Yeah, Actually! Tissues, packing tape, magic markers, file folders, notebooks, curtains, a broom...
Izumi	How many hands do you think I have?!
Matsukawa	There just aren’t enough hours in the day for all of this.
Citron	Something the matter Izumi? You look as if you area a diving dart in a thunderstorm
Izumi	It’s “dying duck in a thunderstorm”! And I’m really starting to wonder where you’ve heard all of these sayings in the first place!
Izumi	Oh wait! You’ve got perfect timing, Citron. If you’re not busy, could you help me with some shopping?
Citron	Ah, but of course! I would be most pleased to go on a shopping date with my dear director!
Izumi	Great, then. See you when we’re back, Matsukawa.
Manager	See you then!
Later
(Veludo Way)
Izumi	I think that should be enough stationery.
Citron	Allow me to carry it.
Izumi	Thanks.
Citron	Walk on this side, please.
Izumi	(He’s staying between me and the traffic. Wow, Citron’s a real gentleman.)
Citron	...
Izumi	Something Wrong, Citron?
Citron	Shh.
Izumi	???
Citron	...
Izumi	...Citron?
Citron	Ah, it is nothing. Our next stop is the drug store, yes?
Izumi	Um, yeah.
Izumi	(What was that about?)
(Short change before Veludo Way)
Citron	Allow me to get the door.
Izumi	Thank you.
Izumi	(I’m not used to this whole “Ladies first” thing. It’s kinda thrilling.)
Izumi	You’re really good at escorting people, you know that?
Citron	It all comes naturally when I walk alongside a lady as lovely as yourself.
Izumi	(Extra points for flattery too! Nice. I feel like I’ve discovered a new strength of his.)
Citron	...
Izumi	Citron?
Citron	Over here.
Izumi	?!
After Running
(Street)
Izumi	What’s gotten into you?
Citron	Quiet.
Izumi	...
Izumi	(He’s looking towards the street.)
Citron	How far my pursuit has come...
Izumi	What?
Citron	I fear I may perhaps have imposed upon the theather too much.
Izumi	What do you mean?
Citron	In truth, I am not studying abroad in this country. I fled my homeland, you see.
Izumi	You what?!
Citron	Should my pursuers find me, I will be taken back home.
Izumi	You’re...not kidding, are you?
Citron	I kid you not. Perhaps the theater would be better off without my presence.
Izumi	No, Citron, that couldn’t be further from the truth. You’re one of us, and we’d be in serious trouble if you were gone.
Izumi	You aren’t being pursued because you did anything bad, right?
Citron	Not so. I am merely considered undesirable to them.
Izumi	Then I don’t see the problem. I’ll help keep them from finding you.
Citron	Why would you offer such a thing?
Izumi	Well for starters, I need everybody up on stage when it’s showtime. That includes you.
Izumi	I know how hard you’ve been working on your articulation and intonation. Your performance is improving every day.
Izumi	More to the point, you always seem to be enjoying yourself at rehearsals. It’s really nice.
Izumi	Having you around brings cheer to our group. You’re a good influence on everyone.
Izumi	And I’m sure the others feel just the same. We ALL want to keep working with you, Citron.
Citron	...
Izumi	Hm? Did you say something?
Citron	I said thank you.
Izumi	It’s the least I could do for a valuable member of our troupe.
Citron	I will have faith in you an continue to follow you, my dear director.
Citron	...
Izumi	!!
Izumi	Citron?! What was that?!
Citron	A kiss of loyalty upon the back of the hand. It is commonplace in my land
Izumi	Oh, um, I see.
Izumi	(It’s sure not commonplace here)
Izumi	(That made my heart skip a beat. When did this goofball start acting like a real prince? He’s got this air of class about him...Just who IS he, really?)
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