A/N: Just as promised (and based on the majority of votes I received on the announcement) today will be a double-chapter day. These will be the only two chapters for this weekend. 
Hopefully starting with August my weeks will be calmer again so I can get back to posting more during the weekend.
Just as Kyosuke had predicted, Sato had won the tryouts and received the part for the main lead. Reading more about the character, Sato felt confident about pouring his heart and soul into acting him.
Oinuma Zetsu was a young man who started off as being loved and respected by his peers, but due to an unfortunate event ended up having to leave his home and travel around the world. As an expert martial artist, he wielded a dangerous sword and used powerful techniques to subdue his enemies.
But at the same time, he was a kindhearted person, who didn’t abuse his strength and always helped those in peril. This person was also very attractive, having the beauty of an immortal and the air of a celestial being.
Everyone unanimously agreed that the role fitted Sato perfectly.
A few days after the audition concluded, Sato came to visit Asakura at the office.
The man had been in a meeting with Director Mayama and Producer Fukuoka since the early hours of the morning. When Sato arrived, they were just about to take a break.
Being a Managing Director, entitled Asakura to an office with a private terrace where he could always go for a breath of fresh air whenever he was tired.
Seeing how the meeting was going to drag on for a while longer, Asakura excused himself and went out for a smoke. Meanwhile, the other two men remained inside the office, talking about their upcoming project.
The moment Sato creaked the door open, Producer Fukuoka’s voice suddenly traveled to his ears, causing him to stop dead in his tracks.
“This time we were very fortunate to have found such an amazing main lead.”
Director Mayama nodded in agreement.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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“You really have a thing for beauty.” Director Mayama sighed and shook his head. “But I can’t deny that you are indeed right. Imamura-kun doesn’t just look the part, he IS the character. It’s as if Masato-sensei wrote Oinuma Zetsu especially for him.”
“Unfortunately, we still haven’t found someone suited for the role of Arita Isei.” Producer Fukuoka sighed despondently.
“The antagonist? Yes indeed, we have yet to find someone who can really portray that peculiar cunningness and viciousness belonging to an evil sect leader.”
All this while, Sato continued to listen, quietly wondering when it would be a good time to make his presence known. He was beginning to feel awkward staying behind the creaked door like an eavesdropper. Also, listening to them talking about him like that, just made Sato want to keep hiding until the subject was changed.
“What about the guy that we were recommended the other day?” Producer Fukuoka suddenly asked, startling Sato from his ponderings.
“Hm, that Kishi Touma?” Director Mayama inquired pensively.
When Sato heard that name, it was like a thunderbolt had fallen on top of his head. It shocked him to the core and he remained frozen on the spot. As he tried to take a lungful of air, his breath caught in his throat and his entire body shook.
However, despite feeling on the verge of fainting, Sato remained standing behind the slightly parted door, listening to the ongoing conversation with apprehension.
“Wasn’t he busy with something else right now?” he heard Director Mayama’s voice asking casually. “Moreover, do you think he fits the role? To me, he seems more like a pretty boy best suited for school dramas.”
“He’s young and talented and, luckily, I heard he’s finished working on his latest project. It was another historical drama that will begin airing next week.” Producer Fukuoka argued, then continued in a secretive tone. “Additionally, he was recommended by director Kayashima.”
“That picky Director? The one they all call ‘The Devil of historical productions’?”
“The one and only. I heard from someone who was part of the production team that Director Kayashima was very impressed with Kishi Touma’s portrayal of his character. He even went as far as to praise him publicly.”
“Is that so?” Director Mayama sounded slightly impressed.
“Yes. We’re talking about a rare young talent here.” Producer Fukuoka was beginning to speak more animatedly. “He’s a true rising star. Haven’t you read what the magazines have been writing about him recently? I’m telling you, if we have him on board, our production is sure to be on the awards nomination lists at the end of the year.”
“If you say so. I don’t mind as long as he does a good job at portraying his character.” Director Mayama shrugged.
“What are you two talking about?” A very familiar voice suddenly rang inside the office.
Asakura had just returned from having a smoke and caught the other two men engaged in what appeared to be an animated conversation. Curious by nature, he couldn’t help but inquire after the matter.
“You two seem unusually hyped.” He continued with an amused tint in his voice.
“Ah, Director Asakura-san.” Producer Fukuoka chimed in enthusiastically. “You’ve come at a perfect time. We were just discussing the new possible addition to our crew.”
“Oh? And who might that be?”
Asakura’s sword eyebrows rose high on his forehead, showing his surprise. He had left them alone for a few minutes. When exactly did they have time to find new members of the crew?
“We are thinking of calling the young actor Kishi Touma to audition for the role of evil sect leader, Arita Isei.” Producer Fukuoka stated proudly.
“Kishi… Touma?” Asakura repeated the name slowly.
‘Touma? This name sounds familiar. Could it be the same person I know of or is this simply a coincidence?’
As he mused this silently, a frown appeared between his eyebrows.
He was just about to ask more details about this matter, when a loud thud came from the door. The unexpected sound startled the excited producer Fukuoka, who almost jumped up from his seat. Even the usually passive director Mayama showed a rare glimpse of emotion flashing through his eyes as they looked for the source of that sound.
Asakura turned his head in the direction of the door and was taken aback by the scene that met his eyes. Sato was standing in the doorway, holding a coffee in one hand, while a second cup was rolling on the floor, leaving a trail of dark brown liquid behind it. The empty hand was trembling violently and Asakura saw the young man’s face looking ghastly pale. Even his lips had lost all color and resembled those of a terminally ill person.
“Sato-kun…” Asakura whispered. He took a few steps towards the door. “Sato-kun! Sato-kun what’s wrong? Are you feeling alright?” he called out to him again and again, trying to gain the young man’s attention.
The sound of his voice reached Sato as if it was distorted by some kind of barrier. It sounded like static in his ears and his mind had a hard time focusing. He could hear the individual words but couldn’t comprehend their meaning when put together.
After a short while, Sato lifted his head slowly and looked up, staring blankly at the man in front of him.
Asakura was gazing down at him, concern etched in every line of his face. But even when he looked beside himself with worry, the man’s handsomeness was still undeniable. His pair of deep black eyes were glued to Sato’s face, causing the young man to become breathless and muddleheaded.
“Sato-kun, what happened to you? You look like you’re sick.” Producer Fukuoka intervened. Seeing how Sato was keeping silent, his curiosity was suddenly aroused.
“And you even spilled the coffee. Such a waste.” Director Mayama added, in an almost melancholic tone.
Having other people addressing him questions and talking to him, had the effect of successfully startling Sato awake from his stupor. He blinked quickly a few times, regaining some of his usual composure. With great effort,he even managed to show Asakura a hesitant smile.
“I… I am fine. I just tripped and… I am sorry about the coffee. I will go and bring another one.”
With that, he turned on his heels and left the room in a hurry.
No! Anyone but Touma!
Thanks for the chapter <3
Well, we’ll just have to see what providence decides on ^_~
<333
Oh, no. I hope that guy won’t get the role…
Thank you for the chapter 💜
Sato will have a heard time if that happens 😣
💜