Perry came down to the lobby about an hour later. Massaging her tense forearms after the audition, she reflexively stopped walking. Her black eyes narrowed then widened as if trying to focus. A bright interior with a starkly dark silhouette. Perry walked almost at a run.

Shallow breath, hand adjusting the grip on her white cane, the other hand touching her feverish right cheek. These actions weren’t solely due to the lingering tension from the audition.

“Were you waiting for me?”

“You didn’t have an umbrella.”

A plain light yellow umbrella. The man dressed in black from head to toe handed over the unexpectedly bright umbrella and added:

“I tried to leave it at the desk, but there was no staff.”

“It’s a holiday. We came in through the back door, not the main entrance.”

“Ah.”

Despite his rigid posture, it was a casual exclamation. Wait, something caught her eye as she examined the umbrella. The man cleared his throat and bowed his head.

“Well then—”

“Just a moment.”

The woman stepped forward with her left foot. The man stepped back with his right foot. The woman moved one step closer. The man retreated one step. This absurd, slow chase continued until the man’s stiff suit jacket touched the wall.

Finally, Perry was close enough to distinguish the man’s tie pin. Her black eyes looked once at the accessory gleaming like new, and once at his tense jaw.

It was him after all.

“Why did you pretend not to know me?”

“What do you—”

“It’s you, isn’t it?”

Blue eyes beneath dark hair. Perry smiled, looking directly into those eyes.

※※※

[Dear Yuan

Have you been well? Ravina Night has begun. I never used to worry about others on rainy days, but now it’s different. I find myself checking the weather at newspaper stands daily, hoping your flights are safe.

Of course, you said rain itself isn’t a big problem, but still. Whether it’s clear or cloudy, I think of you.

You must have received your next month’s work schedule already. Will you get some rest this time? I can’t imagine how you adapt to such irregular time differences every time.

Ah, I should share the good news first. I passed the audition!

The format was similar to previous auditions I’ve attended, but the atmosphere was completely different. How should I put it—a feeling right after it ended that ‘this will work out’?

I’m not usually good at predictions, but at that moment, I truly felt it. And it came true! Leopora was kind enough to let me know right there on the spot.

It’s such a relief. I don’t want to experience that blood-draining feeling for days if I can help it. Especially these days when I’ve been facing rejection after rejection!

Of course, it’s too early to celebrate. There’s still the final audition left. Since it’s the last one, I really want to prepare well. I’m planning to buy clothes suitable for the role. I found the perfect companion to go with me…… can you guess who?

Actually, I met someone I used to know near the theater. At first I wasn’t sure, but the more we talked, the more certain I became. Though I last saw him almost ten years ago, and his voice has deepened since then, once I realized it, there was no doubt.

And want to know something even more surprising? That gentleman from the theater festival was him! It felt like puzzle pieces falling perfectly into place.

When I asked why he pretended not to know me, he became so flustered. He said something about not being sure if it was really me—I accepted his answer, but it’s all excuses. My face has barely changed from before until now.

Unless he completely forgot my face itself…… Hmm, could that be it? Maybe. I think I was the only one happy about the reunion. He stammered a bit, not just from awkwardness but perhaps discomfort.

Not realizing this, I went ahead and made another appointment. Remember I mentioned needing clothes for the audition? I needed another person’s eyes, and I’d feel reassured if he could help.

Was I too presumptuous? He probably doesn’t consider me a friend. Strictly speaking, we’re not even school alumni. He didn’t graduate with me.

I should apologize when I see him again. Should I prepare some snacks too?

Let me know if you have any good suggestions.

September 21,

Yuan’s friend, Perry.]

[Dear Perry

So much news! First, congratulations on passing the audition! Though there’s still one more hurdle before a proper celebration, I’m confident you’ll overcome it easily. I’ll bring wine from Diam for that day. I’m heading to Diam tomorrow, actually.

Don’t worry about my flights. Though it always rains during Ravina Night, there are no strong winds. It’s easier than summer typhoons. And with time differences, you develop techniques once you get used to it.

More concerning is this ‘acquaintance’ of yours. Is there a particular reason you don’t consider him a friend? Perhaps that gentleman was just shy, or perhaps he acted coldly because he was surprised.

Since you’ve done nothing wrong, there’s even less reason to prepare an apology. A simple thank you should suffice. If that fellow behaves rudely, be sure to tell me.

Don’t forget!

I worry so much because you’re sometimes too soft. Of course, you’re sharp in all other aspects. Though you’re the one asking for the favor, there’s no reason to be subservient. If you dislike something, say so; if something is unpleasant, express it. If he’s truly a proper gentleman, he’ll understand without objection.

I hope you have an enjoyable time.

September 23,

Yuan.

P.S. Anyone who has truly seen you could never forget you.]

[Dear Yuan

Ravina Night is passing! By the time you read this letter, days and nights will flow normally again, right?

How was your day? There’s a superstition that you shouldn’t be alone on the last night of Ravina Night. Though the International Witch Understanding Association dismissed it as ‘groundless,’ many people still believe it. Some even use the opportunity to confess hidden feelings.

What did you do as the night was falling? Were you with someone? If you were flying, you were with other pilots—and broadly speaking, passengers too.

I spent it with someone else. Different from previous years.

Remember the appointment I mentioned in my last letter? Today was that day. True to being the last day, it rained heavily. It must have been the same everywhere……

That gentleman, who is not a friend—why not a friend? There’s a very clear story behind this. I’ll explain when I get the chance—I’ll call him ‘Jin’ from now on. That’s his surname. I won’t write his full name since I don’t call him that, and he shares the same name as you, which could be confusing—we arranged to meet at the station and go together.

Jin was wearing a neat suit that day too. Looking back, he did the same the previous time and the time before that, so I asked if there was a special reason he insisted on suits. He was flustered and replied, ‘Isn’t it the most appropriate?’

I laughed at his young master-like answer, but he seemed puzzled about why I was laughing. I told him it suited him well but felt too formal, and he seriously asked, ‘Then what should I do?’ That made me laugh even more.

Before we knew it, we reached our destination very quickly. Yuan, did you know? Some national and public theaters with costume departments have separate warehouses where stage costumes are stored. Sometimes they sell these costumes very cheaply.

I was counting on that warehouse today. But alas! It was closed!

It was closed during Ravina Night—I nearly strained my eyes reading the tiny notice on the warehouse door. In the end, Jin had to read it for me.

So did I give up?

No, I decided on a second-best option. Fortunately, there was a street not far away that sold plenty of secondhand clothes.

I felt bad making Jin walk in the rain continuously, but fortunately, he didn’t seem to mind. Though he does habitually say ‘it’s fine.’

At first, we used separate umbrellas, but as we walked, we eventually merged under one. With the rain, sounds were muffled, and it was dangerous in various ways.

Still, I don’t hate rainy days. Jin was so surprised when I said this. I couldn’t see it, but I felt the vibration of him sharply inhaling.

It is inconvenient, as Jin asked—visibility worsens, colors blur, and sounds mix. But isn’t there something fun about splashing through puddles or feeling the raindrops?

As I explained this, I suddenly remembered my younger days.

It was pouring heavily. I had finally gotten permission to go out beyond school grounds! Without an umbrella, I was running urgently when I bumped into a boy wearing the same uniform. Looking closely, he was the transfer student I had even guided around!

He didn’t know what to do, and the rain was pouring. I firmly grabbed his hand and ran to what might have been a clothing store or a stationery shop—for some reason, I laughed a lot. When I mentioned this, Jin corrected me, saying it was ‘not a stationery shop but a specialty ink store.’