I really, reeeeally hate waiting for someone indefinitely. It’s second only to quitting acting and returning to my hometown.

In other words, it’s the second thing I hate most in life.

Can you feel my transparent sincerity? If so, please reply.

October 30,

Perhaps your friend, Perry.]

[To Perry,

I apologize for making you wait so long for a reply. I humbly accept all blame, and before that, allow me to explain the situation.

This is not a shallow attempt to evade my crisis, but to help you understand—though you have no obligation to do so—I would appreciate it.

I will list only the facts, excluding emotions.

1) On the afternoon of the 20th when your letter dated the 18th arrived, I was about to leave for work. So I set the letter aside and took only the chocolate to the airport.

2) On the morning of the 22nd after completing my flight, I was urgently recruited—reason: health issues of a colleague who was originally scheduled—as a temporary instructor at the aviation school I graduated from.

3) Moved directly from the airport to the school.

4) Conducted lectures on theory, practice, and professional demonstrations for about ten days.

That’s all.

November 2,

From Perry’s definite friend.]

[To the capable pilot, Yuan Bellium,

I’ll accept that.

I want to ask if you really couldn’t find time to write one letter, but then I wonder how busy you must have been—and I feel sorry for you.

If I had known in advance, I would never have rushed you! Did you finish the education well? The word “instructor” gives an impression of being strict and intimidating.

How did it feel to meet students instead of passengers for a change? And was there anything special that happened?

I’m having busy days. The protagonist—Bria Sol—who had only made occasional appearances due to scheduling issues, has now fully joined us. People who have commanded stages since childhood are definitely different. They instantly transform the practice room into a stage.

Truly, every time I step into the practice room, my heart pounds so much! To think I’m creating a stage with such people! Even now, when I enter the practice room, I struggle to calm my heart.

I’d like to confidently say that I’m doing well, inspired by that passion, but—I guess I’m not quite there yet. I still have many shortcomings. Especially the scenes where I actually show ballet, well……

Bria Sol directly asked me if I’d “ever practiced dance before.” When I answered honestly, from the very next day, I started receiving private lessons.

From someone who was once a dancer in the Royal Ballet decades ago! Not in the practice room, but directly in their personal studio!

They’re an acquaintance of the actress, and for the past two days, I’ve been dedicating three to four hours a day to ballet. Purely out of Bria Sol’s kindness.

When I asked “why are you going this far for me,” she very calmly retorted, “Were you planning to act as a ballerina with that level of skill?”

She’s right. The actual scenes where I “act” ballet in the play won’t even be 3 minutes long, but that’s no reason to neglect it. Moreover, she didn’t even charge for the lessons!

All I can do is bow in gratitude and dedicate myself to practice. Although the ballet teacher clicked her tongue saying “you really have no talent for ballet.” But won’t I improve if I keep at it?

Are you good at dancing, Yuan? As I mentioned, I only learned dance as an elective in school. Ah, I did learn the basics at a workshop a few months ago. I had completely forgotten about that.

Anyway, I’m currently trying to extend my arms as gracefully as possible. Not too straight, not too curved, in the most beautiful form……

Oh, it’s already time for bed. These days, I’m trying to go to bed earlier. So I can wake up earlier and practice more.

Rest well, Yuan.

November 6,

Sending hugs, Perry.]

[Dear Perry,

Nothing special happened at the school. Usually, to get a job at an airline, you need instructor experience, so I too taught students for about a year in the past. It felt awkward returning to the school after so long.

Ah, I did meet someone I knew from a very young age. They recognized me first, and I belatedly realized who they were. I was a bit surprised, but—yes, well. That was all.

By the way, I made a misconception earlier. Leopora Theater usually stages productions in two halls, Leo Hall and Pora Hall, and I naturally assumed it would be Leo Hall. Has the venue been decided? The stage configuration and seating arrangements of the two are quite different.

Your performance would be superb regardless of where I watch it, but if possible, I’d like to view it from the best seat. The illusion of making eye contact with a character on stage is especially precious.

I’m looking forward to it.

And regarding dance…… unfortunately, I too have no advice to offer. As I said, I don’t have much interest in other artistic activities, and my dancing also stopped at the school elective level. If they hadn’t taught it in class, I wouldn’t have known even that much.

The same goes for ballet. Hmm, all I remember is that my cousin once dated a ballerina and got kicked out—he never told me what he did. Probably his own fault. He’s quite the flirt. Out of concern, I hope you’re cautious of such characters. Men who easily use affectionate terms like “sweetie” while smiling pleasantly—he moaned for days about “the incredible strength coming from those slender legs.”

Thinking about it again, this won’t help with your acting. Still, inadequate as I am, please let me know if you need any help.

We are friends, after all. As a friend, I want to help you as much as I can. Please remember that.

November 10,

Yuan.

P.S. Are you neglecting your meals? I’m concerned because there’s been no mention of what you’ve eaten recently.]

[To the worried Yuan,

To answer your question first, I’m eating my meals properly, so don’t worry. I’m having breakfast and dinner as usual, and for lunch, I use the theater’s cafeteria.

It’s a cafeteria only for staff members, so I don’t run into outsiders, and it’s close to the practice room, which is convenient. The menu changes daily, and today we had apples and preserved cherries for dessert. I’m eating well, so please put your mind at ease.

Oh, the performance will be held at Pora Hall. They used to hold it at Leo Hall, but they said they needed to use some equipment this time, so they changed the venue. Does that help?

I’m still taking ballet lessons well. Even on days when the teacher isn’t there—she seems to travel frequently—I somehow manage to practice alone in the studio. Well, the efficiency isn’t great without someone watching, but still.

Bria Sol still seems displeased with me. She hasn’t said it directly, but you can feel it through her gaze. Among such accomplished people, I’m probably not up to par yet, right?

You should have seen how she stared at me during scene practice yesterday! She would just nod slightly when others performed, but when it was my turn, she glared at me so coldly!

I’ll keep refining my skills so I don’t let the production down. Today I had lunch twice. I’m trying to eat a lot and move a lot to keep my energy up.

I hope you also eat well and stay strong. Take care of yourself as much as you worry about my meals.

Are you sleeping well these days? I also recommend changing your pillow material or blanket. I’ll give you all of my share of deep sleep today.

Goodbye.

November 14,

With all my heart, Perry.]

SCENE 6. We’re Friends, Aren’t We?

Haah, as she exhaled, a translucent breath spread in the air. Perry, who had been constantly rubbing her arms, changed from cloth shoes to boots and opened the studio door.

The building structure was simple. A long wooden staircase extending from the second-floor door, wide but with high steps that required caution when descending. 13, 15, 9. The woman moved quickly, holding the railing without her cane.

Exit through the back door, turn right, pale pink building, dark brown window frames.

“One hot cocoa, please. The largest size.”

“Yes, one hot cocoa.”

Her legs in apricot-colored tights trembled. The toe of her boot impatiently tapped the ground. Her cold toes wiggled dully inside the tights. Her straight nape was fully exposed due to her tightly pulled-up hair. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and she sniffled while tucking her hands between her armpits.

Winter is truly the worst—

“What are you doing here?”

Winter sunlight, cold waves, a deep and soft resonance. A tall silhouette formed in her black eyes. Thanks to her neatly pulled-up hair, her wrinkled forehead was more visible.

“So cold…… Where’s your coat?”