[To my devoted fan

Who sends news about the 21st in a letter dated the 20th? Are you doing this on purpose? If there are any more surprises coming, tell me in advance. Surprise me now.

The food was delicious. My fellow actors loved it too.

Oh, do you remember last year’s performance? 「Four Sisters」! It must have been around this time last year, and coincidentally, I’m meeting some of the same people again this time. They shook their heads at the amazing food, saying “again this time?”

The rookie actors—yes, I now have “juniors” I can call that!—would take one bite, marvel, express their thanks, and repeat.

I couldn’t help but feel proud. Of course, as an actor, I should impress with my skills.

It’s hard not to feel proud when I have such a caring fan. Still, considering appearances, I didn’t boast openly. When asked, I casually mentioned, “Oh, that’s someone who has been watching me for a very long time.”

Is that too self-important?

Oh, I heard that Perrys will be giving snack gifts on opening night! They even checked the number of staff members in addition to the actors. I heard they even carefully checked for allergies…… I wonder what they’re preparing? Though I’m curious, I should leave it for the pleasure of the day.

By the way, even for a fan club, Di was a student until recently—isn’t this too much? But I can’t discourage people who like me so much, and if I offered to pay for the snacks myself, it would diminish the meaning.

Any good ideas?

I’ll wait for your clever solution.

June 24,

Thinking of my first fan, Perry.

P.S. The invitation tickets were unnecessary again this time. Let me know if you ever fail to get tickets.]

[Dear Perry

Not much time remains until your next production opens! These days, I start each morning by crossing off days on the calendar. Though I’m having more sleepless nights anticipating your new role, I certainly don’t blame you.

How are you feeling? Isn’t the theater scale different from before? Are you more nervous? Or is it the same as before?

Since the audience’s gaze inevitably begins and ends on stage, I can never truly know the mindset behind the curtain…… but I still want to know. You’re both my actor and my friend. Of course, you can keep it secret if you prefer. It’s just my one-sided curiosity.

Regarding the fan club’s gift, I think it’s fine to accept it. Seeing your happiness would be more rewarding for the givers than watching you worry, and those who participated likely did so within their means. Just my guess.

I don’t know much, but fan club gifts are typically funded by small contributions from individual fans, so if there are many members, snacks should be manageable, right? Perhaps some wealthy benefactor who’s fallen for you contributed generously.

If you’re still concerned, ask Di casually. Even precious treasures are meaningless if they make you uncomfortable. Well, I trust you’ll continue accepting my gifts.

Because we’re friends.

Friends.

I’m off work for the next two days. A first performance should be watched in perfect condition. You might laugh and ask “Is Yuan getting on stage?” but I’m very serious.

Statistically, when mind and body are tired, one cannot fully immerse in a play, so an audience member needs their own preparation.

Well then, I’ll see you at the theater.

June 31,

Sending luck, Yuan.

P.S. I wrote “sending luck” but I’m not sure if it’s the right expression. Perry will do well without miracles or good fortune. Rather, relying on luck might negate your efforts…… Well, if there’s any misfortune that day, I’ll take it all. I hope you exist as yourself without experiencing any difficulties.]

[Dear Yuan

My heart is still pounding so hard! Oh my, if you could touch my heart, wouldn’t you be shocked? It’s beating at a rate that might make you suspect a serious illness.

It’s completely different from rehearsals! Truly, truly, this is, really amazing!

Smaller theaters have their own tension and charm, but the overwhelming sensation that comes from size is indescribable.

Ah, why is my vocabulary so limited! If I knew more diverse words, I could convey my feelings to you more clearly. Now all I can do is vaguely repeat “It was really the best!”

Still, I believe you will understand my heart. Right?

Oh, that reminds me. I’m asking just in case, but Yuan, you weren’t injured, were you? I heard there was a really remarkable audience member shortly after the second act began. Here, “remarkable” has a negative connotation.

Since I can’t see the audience clearly—plus this theater has a very wide gap between the stage and seats. There’s also the lighting effect—I didn’t notice, but all the other actors remembered one particular audience member. Everyone was talking about the same person, so I became curious too.

Apparently, a late-arriving audience member looked terrible. Their clothes were covered in mud, and they had only barely cleaned their face, and even had some kind of bandage or cast on their arm! They said the scab on their forehead was visible all the way to the stage.

Everyone worried whether they should have gone to a hospital instead of a theater…… When I quietly asked Di on my way home—Di came to see me again—Di remembered too. Said it was clearly visible even from where they sat.

On one hand I was worried about this nameless audience member, but on the other hand I couldn’t help but suspect you, Yuan.

Thinking, “Could it be my friend?” Because, you know, as far as I know, you’re the only one who would rush to see a play in such a state. It could be an enthusiastic audience member I don’t know, but……

It wasn’t you, right?

No, surely not. Even you wouldn’t neglect your own body and come to the theater, right? Even though you crossed off calendar days waiting only for opening night……

Tell me it’s all a misunderstanding. Surely my friend wouldn’t do something so foolish. Am I wrong?

July 4,

Wishing for my friend’s well-being, Perry.]

[Dear Perry

Of course it’s a misunderstanding, Perry! What an absurd misunderstanding. Given the circumstances, I understand why you might suspect…… but I arrived twenty minutes before the performance and watched the work reverently. I am not the protagonist of the situation you’re concerned about.

Are you relieved now?

I’m still robust and healthy. Please rest assured that I’m perfectly capable of watching you on stage. As proof, isn’t my handwriting perfectly normal? If my arm were in a cast, I couldn’t have managed this.

I’ll organize and send my impressions of your new role separately soon. I wanted to write immediately as usual, but it seems I’ll need some time to calm this excitement. Would you understand?

Hmm.

But it’s too disappointing to say nothing at all. Wasn’t it a historic day for actor Perry Humble?

To mention just one thing lightly, the scene where five lights illuminate you simultaneously will remain in my memory forever. Though the work has a different actual ending, for me, the ending of that woman you portrayed felt like the true conclusion.

At least for me.

I’m truly…… moved that I can continue to see your performances. You might scold me for making a fuss, but I believe you wouldn’t do that.

This is embarrassing to say, but Perry.

Your achievements become my pride.

If you ask “Who are you to say that?” I honestly have no answer. I’m merely your fan, and the name “friend” seems insufficient to explain this feeling.

I don’t really know either. My eloquence and writing skills are lacking, so I can’t ask for perfect understanding. Just please consider this a confession from a long-time fan.

Well, this is embarrassing indeed.

I hope you have good dreams.

July 10,

From your eternal fan.]

[Dear Yuan

I’m so glad the injured person wasn’t you! Though I’m still concerned about that anonymous audience member.

I received your July 15 review as well. My goodness, how thick was that stack of paper! I thought the agency had sent me a new script without telling me! And I’d only received the script two days ago!

Hehe, if you’re as smart as you are, you’ll understand what that means, right? Yes, I’ve received an audition offer. Oh, wait, wait. It’s too early to open the wine. Come on, sit back down in your chair and listen calmly to my explanation.

……Are you seated?

Good, I’ll begin.

Don’t be surprised, Yuan. This time it’s…… a lead role at the Royal Theater.

Wait, wait! It’s too early to be surprised. And please hold your encouragement that I’ll definitely get it for five minutes.

It’s a private audition for established actors, and they’ll select the protagonist through three rounds. Though it’s private, all the top actors have applied, so the competition will be fiercer than ever.

Above all……

It’s the role of Bria Sol’s antagonist! Goodness!

That Bria Sol! You must remember the person I’ve mentioned repeatedly.