“Quite…… many.”

The conversation shouldn’t continue like this, but the man looking at the various exhibits let out a low sigh. The woman, however, just nodded her head nonchalantly.

“I memorized the school’s layout, but I didn’t expect these installations.”

“I see.”

He could have just left, but the hesitating man added quietly,

“Five, no, three steps ahead on the right corner, there’s a spiral staircase. If you go down that way and walk straight, it’s the back entrance and—”

“Ah, if you turn left there, there’s the banquet hall, right?”

A clear laugh escaped lightly. The woman who adjusted her grip on the cane effortlessly caught the man without a single gesture.

“If it’s alright with you, could you guide me to the banquet hall? I’d like to see the ball.”

“……Of course.”

His stiffly ironed suit jacket wrinkled slightly. The woman’s hand rested on the man’s elbow. The summer sunlight was dazzling.

“There’s a bush at 3 o’clock. And— ten steps ahead, there’s a low ledge.”

The man tried to say only what was necessary, but the woman easily broke his resolve.

“You don’t seem to be a student. Did you come to watch the play?”

“Yes.”

“Did you see the last play too? 「Sin and Virtue.」”

“I did.”

“How was it?”

“It was very fan— ……a good production. The actors were excellent too.”

“Really? Actually, I was in it. Though not the lead.”

“……I see. We’ve arrived. Now if you’ll excuse me—”

“How do I look right now?”

Once again, the woman easily broke the man’s resolve. The sunshine was brilliant, and the breeze was humid. The woman quickly smoothed down her disheveled hair, tilted her head slightly, and squinted.

“I can’t see a mirror nearby. Do I look okay? Is my skirt wrinkled, or is my makeup smudged, anything like that?”

The soft-blue skirt swaying gently, the rich August air, the piano and violin melodies flowing along the old cream-colored outer walls.

The man, biting his dry lips firmly, murmured absently like a winter boy witnessing summer for the first time in centuries.

“You look, perfect.”

“Ahaha, really? That’s a relief.”

The woman who had been carefully touching her cheeks and eyes spoke again.

“May I ask one more favor?”

The man who was now truly trying to leave nodded without fail. Then he immediately went on to ask, “What is it?”

“I’d like to dance. I don’t have anyone suitable.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s rather—”

“Actually, I have an audition coming up, and I’m still awkward at coordinating with other people. I haven’t had many opportunities. Since at least the waltz is danced in pairs, I thought it might help.”

Her low heel lightly kicked the floor. The woman who had rapidly explained her situation without a breath fidgeted needlessly with her cane.

“That was a long explanation. If it makes you uncomfortable, you can refuse.”

“……An audition, you say?”

“Yes, in two weeks. Of course, you might wonder how dancing helps with acting, but it’s still about using your body. So, if you don’t mind—”

“Of course, I don’t mind.”

The answer that popped out was remarkably clear. The man who had finally failed to escape nodded willingly.

“If it helps, gladly.”

Without a single mask, unable to hide anything.

※※※

[Dear Yuan

It’s finally the end of August. This summer felt so long. I wonder what kind of days you’re having.

I had truly wonderful days. The theater festival at school received great reviews. I struggled for ten days with the timing of exchanging props with another actor, but even that scene went smoothly.

You might wonder why I’m so excited when it’s not hosted by a theater company or theater, but you can feel how a play went just from the audience’s applause. Days like this make me want to spend my entire life on stage.

Ah, I didn’t just perform and leave. Remember I mentioned there would be a masquerade ball? Unfortunately, I couldn’t wear a mask, but I danced well. With a gentleman I met by chance.

He was a quiet person so we didn’t talk much, but he was respectful and polite. Judging by his voice, he seemed about my age or perhaps a couple of years older?

We danced the waltz first. The gentleman was so skilled that we never once bumped into anyone else. I always get nervous at balls with many people because I can’t memorize the movements in advance, but thanks to him, I was able to finish the dance safely.

It’s fortunate that summer days are long. The ball for outsiders ends at sunset. Afterward, the students have the banquet hall, the garden filled with the scent of damp soil, and all the lights and flames of the school to themselves.

Just as I once did.

Although back then, it wasn’t the banquet hall but under the stairs. The only light came from inside, and instead of a silk dress, I was barely dressed in a worn-out dress. I tried my best to dance gracefully so as not to embarrass the boy who first extended his hand.

Only he would know how that struggle appeared.

The music I heard a few hours ago keeps flowing in my head. A smoothly connected 3/4 time. I wish I could let you hear it too.

Ah, but that would interfere with your flying, wouldn’t it? I’ll cancel that.

August 31,

With a late summer waltz, Perry.

P.S. Were you there too? You said you’d try to change your work schedule. I haven’t heard from you since. I thought someone like you would have made time to come somehow, but tell me if I’m mistaken.

P.P.S. Do you remember what the tie pin I gave you a few months ago looked like? I had almost forgotten about it, but the gentleman I met today was wearing that tie pin. The exact same design as the one I gave you! I couldn’t help but notice since we were so close while dancing. I was so surprised when I realized. I guess it really is trendy, just as the department store clerk recommended.

Have you seen anyone else with the same tie pin?]

[Dear Perry

I sincerely congratulate you on your successful theater festival. Of course I was there. I had a position with an excellent view of the stage. I was close enough to see an actor drinking water in the corridor while waiting for their turn.

This play was truly wonderful too. The deep interpretation and the subtly different intonations for each character were particularly impressive. Though it was perfect with just one viewing, I personally insist that one should see it at least three, five, or at minimum ten times. Even ten viewings would be insufficient to fully understand your acting.

Did you notice how the atmosphere in the audience changed whenever you appeared on stage? This isn’t empty flattery. I’m well familiar with that peculiar stir when an anticipated actor appears. People were taking notice of Perry Humble.

Have I ever mentioned that I have a sharper eye than most? I’m certain that you gained at least twenty new fans in that audience.

It’s impossible to miss the gaze of someone captivated by another. What could be more intuitive than eyes mixed with fervor, bewilderment, and a strange excitement?

I noticed some familiar faces in the audience as well. They surely came to see you. With my keen eyesight, I wouldn’t have mistaken them for someone else.

It seems the ball was quite enjoyable. Um, I’m asking out of perhaps excessive concern, but…… did that ‘gentleman’ behave with proper manners and not display any arrogant attitude?

From your letter, he seems fine, not a bad person, but I wonder if you experienced even a moment of discomfort. You know how sometimes things seem fine at the time, but the more you reflect on them, the more anger rises.

I can’t be certain, but Perry, how should I put this, you tend to accept people at face value. Of course, I think that’s part of your charm, but— setting my opinion aside for now, I mean to say that you seem to lack caution.

You easily accept my suggestions—though I shouldn’t complain as the beneficiary—and you speak so familiarly to men you’ve just met that one might wonder if you already know them…… This might be unwelcome interference, but I think it might be better to raise your sense of self-protection.

In my opinion.

Of course, you don’t need to follow my advice.

Sincerely, I’m just leaving this out of concern.

Please don’t take it too seriously. Let it pass as casual advice offered over tea.

No, actually, I’d appreciate if you would consider it at least a little bit.

Well then, have a good night.

September 5,

Wishing you luck, Yuan.

P.S. Since you mentioned the tie pin, I looked around and it seems to be trendy among young men these days. I’ve seen it on my colleagues, passengers, and even while out and about. Some days I’ve seen it more than ten times.

I’m once again impressed by your popular taste. Thanks to you, I’m not falling behind the trends.]