O.O ...is that... TxN the Musical?!!
EIJI: *rubs his forehead with his wrist* You getting it now, Buchou?
TAKIGAWA: I think so... could we try it one more time, from the beginning?
UESHIMA: Sure. *the cast sets up for the "beginning", which, for the dance segment, is Kimeru's second solo in the song. Crossing to his position SR, calls out* Five-Six-Seven-Eight!
KIMERU: *half-spoken, half-sung, to give the guys something to move to* Yorokobi no hi made tsuzuku kurushimi
namida no-
TAKIGAWA: Hold on a second...
EIJI: *the cast stops, with the slightly weary sigh of people who've been over this, again and again* What's up?
TAKIGAWA: *frowns, looking between TUTI and ABE, who he stands between* ...They're both doing something different. Which way is it supposed to look?
EIJI: Oh. *points* Follow Abe-- you'll never get it to look the way Tuti does it.
TUTI: *bewildered* Ehhh? *scratches the back of his head* What? Does it really look different, the way I do it?
EIJI: *rolls his eyes* Tuti, there isn't a person in Japan who moves the way you do.
NAGAYAN: *pipes up, with a little grin* There isn't a person alive who moves like Tuti does.
KIMERU: *clears his throat* Can we try it again, please?
EIJI: *sighs* Hai, hai... *grumbles* You can say that- you don't have to move at all! *walks back into position*
KIMERU: *starts again, the cast around him falling into motion* Yorokobi no hi made tsuzuku kurushimi
namida no kawari ni nagare ochiteku ase
Uchikaeseru ka masugusugiru SMASH
wakatte kure kore ga bokurano sei ippai nano-- what??
TAKIGAWA: *is back to looking at TUTI, a little confused- but he's starting to catch on* ...that is just supposed to be a "wave your arms" sort of thing, right? *waves his arms to demonstrate*
EIJI: *entertained in spite of himself, pretends to be aggravated* God, Tuti! What the hell are you doing?
TUTI: *a slow, guilty grin spreads across his face* ...waving my arms with everyone else?
EIJI: Um... your idea of waving is very different from the entire rest of the cast. *waves his arms in an all-encompassing way to emphasize his point*
TUTI: *defensively* So? Who am I hurting?
NAOYA: *catching onto the teasing spirit of this argument* Well, you did hit me that one time...
ABE: Yeah! *jumps on the bandwagon* Would it kill you to dance like everyone else, for a change?
SOTA: Ueshima-san! *turns to their director* Can you do something about this? Like, I don't know, order him to dance normally?
UESHIMA: *not trying very hard* Tuti. Dance more normal.
TUTI: *knows they're teasing him, and plays along accordingly. Helplessly* I'm trying, really I am, Ueshima-san! *his feet moving of their own accord, starts pacing*
UESHIMA: I do realize. *crosses into C, and stops, turning as TUTI passes him* And you know I've been very lenient to your... peculiar style of dancing-
TUTI: Peculiar?! *tosses a look at EIJI, who gives him a pointed look; glances at NAGAYAN, who shrugs helplessly. Turns around and heads back SL, passing behind UESHIMA*
UESHIMA: -and I understand it's going to be nearly impossible for you to look exactly like everyone- else- *turns around so he can see TUTI again* Could you possibly stand still for a moment and listen to me?
TUTI: *stops midstep* Sorry. *plants his feet and puts his hands in his pockets*
UESHIMA: Thank you. *frowns for a moment, trying to remember where he was in his tirade* Oh yes. I know it'll be hard for you, but could you at least try to- *stops again* ...your leg is bouncing.
TUTI: *looks down at it, in surprise. With an effort, stills it, and looks back up at him*
UESHIMA: *lips quirk, as he tries not to laugh* What am I going to do with you? Every rehearsal is like this, with you running around, bouncing off the walls...
NAGAYAN: *pipes up* He can't help it- he just has way too much energy!
TUTI: Yeah! What he said! *sings*
I never walk when I can run
I don't believe I ever could
People try to slow me down
Sayin', "Boy you really should
kick back and chill"
But I can't stand still
EIJI: *calls out* Yeah, the last time we asked you to 'chill', I think you broke the green room sofa.
TUTI: *laughs, and heads back over SL*
I called the doctor, he said, "Son,
I cannot offer you a pill"
So I never found relief
*starts into his "foot thing" (which if ANYONE can describe, will be amazing)*
And now I've got to move until
I've had my fill
I can't stand still
*runs to C, and busts out some serious breakdancing isolations*
Back where I come from
Life's never humdrum
I wish I could take you there
Oh, we had the world at our feet
Life was sweet
Ain't no doubt
Grab a seat
Check it out
*dance break!*
Oh, I thought it never would end
But I lost it somehow
Would you look at me now?
I'm tryin' hard to tone it down
Gotta watch my P's and Q's
Maybe look before I leap
And then I think, "Hey, what's the use?"
Ain't done it yet
And I can't forget how it feels when you dance 'til you drop
So don't even start to suggest that I stop
I never will
I can't...
No no no no
No no no no...
I can't stand still!
*collapses in a heap*
UESHIMA: *looking at the pile o' Tuti on the floor, half-fondly, half-exasperated* What are we going to do with you, Tsuchiya?
TAKIGAWA: *clears his throat* Y'know, Ueshima-san... we should probably be glad Tsuchiya's energy is working with us, and not against us.
TUTI: *sits up abruptly, hands clasped under his chin, eyes shining* Buchou...
UESHIMA: *smiles, as the cast dissolves into laughter around him* You do have a point, Takigawa. All right, everyone, take five. But then I want you right back here-- we need to go through "BURNING!!" and we should probably run through "Victory", too...
EIJI: *laughs, as TAKIGAWA helps TUTI to his feet. In an aside to NAGAYAN* For someone who was all worried about "chemistry", he seems to be doing a pretty good job creating it, doesn't he?
NAGAYAN: *looking less than thrilled* Yeah. *EIJI, oblivious, heads off to grab his water bottle from his bag. NAGAYAN does likewise, an unhappy expression on his face*
TUTI: *in the midst of a quiet, friendly conversation with TAKIGAWA- their hands are still clasped from when TAKIGAWA helped pull him off the floor- he catches sight of NAGAYAN's face, and is instantly concerned. His gaze following his doubles' partner as he crosses SL* Takashi...?
TAKIGAWA: *slaps TUTI on the shoulder, gives him a nod, then crosses SL after NAGAYAN*
TUTI: *remains in the center of the stage, staring after them, a conflicted look on his face*
TAKIGAWA: *tries to get NAGAYAN's attention, but when they come face to face, NAGAYAN picks up his bag and heads off into the wings on the SR side, leaving TAKIGAWA in his wake. Confused, wanders back to C as the music starts. Lights fade and a special appears DSC, which he steps into, and begins to sing*
It's so strange he doesn't show me
more affection than he needs
Almost formal too respectful
never takes romantic leads
*his attention turns towards the SR side of the audience, as though he sees NAGAYAN somewhere over the crowd*
There are times when I imagine
I'm not always on his mind
He's not thinking what I'm thinking
Always half a step behind
Always half a step behind
*crosses to a second special, positioned SL*
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
NAGAYAN: (re-enters from SR, and crosses into the light of the DSC special. He is carrying his newly refilled water bottle, and looks as though his head hurts so badly, he wants to tear it off with his bare hands)
I'm in every kind of trouble
Can't you tell, just look at me
Half ecstatic, half dejected
All in all I'm all at sea
*his focus is turned towards the SL audience; obviously, he's thinking about something different from TAKIGAWA*
Easy terms I thought I wanted
Fill me now with chilling dread
You could never know the chaos
Of a life turned on it's head
Of a life turned on it's head
Oh,oh,oh,oh
NAGAYAN and TAKIGAWA: *rotate counter-clockwise across the stage, so that NAGAYAN ends up in the SL special, and TAKIGAWA crosses to the special SR*
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
TUTI: (comes from USC, between the other two, and takes his place in the special DSC)
Why the Dream Live is a nightmare
I don't really understand
But one thing I know for certain
it's all gotten out of hand
And perhaps things would be better
if they stayed the way they are
If I tell him what I'm feeling
Will I take a step too far?
Will I take a step too far?
*the following section, they sing in overlap, oblivious to each other, and the movement of their castmates around them*
TAKIGAWA NAGAYAN TUTI
It's so strange he doesn't show me
more affection than he needs
Almost formal too respectful
never takes romantic leads
There are times when I imagine
I'm not always on his mind
He's not thinking what I'm thinking
Always half a step behind
Always half a step behind
I'm in every kind of trouble
Can't you tell, just look at me
Half ecstatic,half dejected
All in all I'm all at sea
Easy terms I thought I wanted
Fill me now with chilling dread
You could never know the chaos
Of a life turned on it's head
Of a life turned on it's head
Why the Dream Live is a nightmare
I don't really understand
But one thing I know for certain
it's all gotten out of hand
Maybe things would be much better
if they stayed the way they are
If I tell him what I'm feeling
Will I take a step too far?
Will I take a step too far?
TUTI:
Oh,oh,oh,oh
TUTI and NAGAYAN:
Oh,oh,oh,oh
The TRIO
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Did I take a step too far!
*as the song ends, NAGAYAN and TAKIGAWA turn US, back to the rehearsal. They move as though they are determined to shake it off, and put the awkward, tense feelings aside for the sake of the show. TUTI remains DSC, staring off into space*
SOTA: *the cast begins to reconvene in the space behind TUTI. After a moment, crosses to him* Tuti... *when he doesn't respond, waves a hand in front of his face* Tuti? Moshi moshi!
TUTI: *blinks a few times, then turns to SOTA. Brightly* Ah, gomen! I was spacing out there for a minute!
NAGAYAN: *no one in the room is able to tune out TUTI when he's talking at this volume. Turns around, screwing the cap off of his water for a drink, and starts listening*
SOTA: *as this is uncharacteristic for TUTI* Daijoubu?
TUTI: Hai! *all energy and good cheer* I was just thinking, aren't we lucky that there isn't any Inui Juice actually IN this show? It's only there in the pictures, so it's there in spirit... *notes SOTA's face* Oh, but maybe you miss torturing us with it!
SOTA: Maybe I do! *grins as TUTI laughs, one of his big, over-the-top type of laughs* Come on, break's over.
TUTI: Hai, hai... *bounces along after him*
NAGAYAN: *follows his doubles' partner with his eyes, a frown creasing his forehead*
EIJI: *has had his attention fixed on TUTI, and NAGAYAN, since about halfway through the song. Takes this opportunity to cross to NAGAYAN* So, you noticed it, too. I was wondering if you would.
NAGAYAN: *looks at him, strangely* I think it's pretty obvious he's upset about something. *catches EIJI's expression, and raises his eyebrows* You don't think that everyone can tell...?
EIJI: Nah. *shoves his hands in his pockets* You gotta know what to look for. Tsuchiya's one hell of an actor. If he doesn't want you to know he's upset-- *gestures US, where another loud bark of TUTI's laughter carries over the chatter of the group* They'll figure it out eventually. If it continues to bug him, he won't sleep tonight, and tomorrow's rehearsal will be interesting, to say the least.
NAGAYAN: But... what could possibly be bothering him?
EIJI: *rolls his eyes* Oh, I don't know. Everything's perfectly fine, right? *NAGAYAN sighs* Look. I don't know what's going on, and I don't want to. But he obviously thinks you're upset, and knowing him, he's probably blaming himself for it.
NAGAYAN: But that's--
EIJI: Crazy? Is it? *folds his arms* I know Tsuchiya. He doesn't like being the 'go-to' guy, but for this show, that's what he's become, since Takigawa hasn't been here to take command. So he's already under more pressure than he normally likes. Plus, he's gotten all into his role and shit, so he's busy worrying about everyone. Who knows-- maybe he's even taken up coaching Endou on the side, and that's the last thing he would ever do, normally. *NAGAYAN turns his attention back US. Sighs* Look, I'm not asking you to have some deep, heartfelt talk with him. But if you're the reason he's upset, nothing anyone else can say will cheer him up. And for his sake, I don't want to see him crash and burn this weekend, you get me?
NAGAYAN: *nods, his eyes still fixed US. As soon as the cast's attention is off of TUTI, he drifts a step or two out of the group, his shoulders sagging a little, as though burdened by the weight of his wayward thoughts. NAGAYAN follows him with his gaze, trying to figure out what to do*
UESHIMA: *claps his hands, walking into CS* All right, minna! Sorry for the delay~ let's pick up with the scene after Shinken Shoubu To... Konishi's solo.
EIJI: *nods, and turns his attention to the back of the house. Calling loudly, as through trying to get the attention of someone at the other end of the room* Hey! Come over here!
UESHIMA: *from the side, reading the lines since Konishi is not at the rehearsal* I don't want to.
EIJI: *aggravated* Doesn't matter, I said come! *waves at him*
UESHIMA: *again, just reading the lines* So it's unavoidable.
TUTI: *still feeling rather low, musters up his energy as best he can and calls to the back of the house* Run, run! Ibu-kun, run- oh, there he goes.
NAGAYAN: *likewise, stirs himself into action, but his focus isn't there, so the lines lack a little of their usual genki energy* Hurry up! *turns to the group* Ibu-kun is awesome, right? *as the cast takes a moment to agree with him, glances at TUTI and TAKIGAWA, who stand behind him. Both are watching him, with similar, concerned expressions on their faces*
SOTA: That was nice, a solo like that... *which elicits responses of "You should practice!" and "It's all right, Inui..."*
EIJI: *despite keeping an eye on everything happening SR of him, he comes in right on cue* But that Ibu guy, really, he has a good voice, doesn't he? *ducks his head in an embarrassed fashion as everyone agrees with him*
TUTI: A voice like that, I'd like to imitate.
TAKIGAWA: *turns to him* Hm, you're right.
EIJI: Oh, Oishi-sempai, you couldn't do it.
TUTI: Oh yeah?
SOTA: Then let's see, Oishi. Go ahead and imitate Ibu.
NAGAYAN: *as he calls his encouragement to TUTI with the rest of the cast, a light dawns-- he has an idea of how he can reassure and cheer up his friend*
TUTI: Wakatta, wakatta. *takes a deep breath, then says* Sunmason! *and immediately, the group erupts into criticisms*
SOTA: Loud!
KIMERU: Too much energy!
TUTI: *very Oishi* Ehh?
EIJI: It came out! Out! Way too loud!
NAGAYAN: *heart pounding, steps forward, hoping that this will work* Ya, Oishi! *everyone on the stage turns to look at him, surprised. Taking a deep breath, he gives TUTI a big thumbs-up* Ii tension da!
TUTI: *stares at him for a moment, then breaks into a big, happy smile* Arigatou, Eiji! *returns the thumbs-up*
TAKIGAWA: *quietly* What's with you both?
KIMERU: *with a smug, knowing little smile* What are you two, exactly?
EIJI: *just steps back and folds his arms, but the look of relief on his face is unmistakeable*
The lights dim. On the back wall, in just the same place where they were displayed before, the following bit of footage is presented: {LINK}
Lights fade.
TUTI: *bursts into the dressing room through the door SR, followed closely by TAKIGAWA and KIMERU. Flying high from adrenaline and the reaction of the crowd, his voice is scratchy from overuse, but he continues to talk at full volume regardless* Good show everyone! *immediately pulls off the jacket of his blue suit, and unbuttons the uppermost buttons on his dress shirt*
TAKIGAWA: *grabbing a bottle of water from his station at the dressing table, removes the cap and takes a drink* Wow, I didn't think those girls were ever going to leave!
TUTI: I know, right? *seizes a towel from his own station and presses it against his face, then rubs it over the back of his neck* I have a feeling this Dream Live isn't going to just be a one-time thing, don't you?
TAKIGAWA: I think they'd be crazy if they didn't do another one!
TUTI: *grins at him* I think you're right.
(HOTTA and NAOYA enter the dressing room, followed shortly thereafter by SOTA. Their entrance is heralded by some more celebratory whoops and hollers; with each person who enters, the dressing room becomes more of a bedlam)
UESHIMA: *enters, and stands in the doorway SR* Well, Tsuchiya, you were right.
TUTI: *turns, a broad grin on his face* Was there ever a doubt?
UESHIMA: Not in your mind, I'd gather!
TUTI: Oh, come on! It's a very popular pairing, if not the most popular. I knew it would get a positive reaction!
KIMERU: *glancing from one of them to the other, a smile quirking at his lips* So, the Kunimitsu/Eiji swap wasn't totally a last-minute decision, I take it.
TUTI: *turns around* No, we discussed it ahead of time. *shoots UESHIMA a look* It was the way I had wanted to do it from the beginning!
UESHIMA: *puts his hands up defensively* The Tezuka-oriented scene got a pretty good reaction, as well. *tosses a look in TAKIGAWA's direction; the other man gives him a little smile, and shrugs*
TUTI: *rolls his eyes, and turns back to KIMERU* Our esteemed director said he wanted to see which would get the better crowd reaction. He said it was research for the next show...
UESHIMA: It's not like it'll make much of a difference. The script is already in its final stages, so there won't be any changes to it now. I just wanted to see what the fans preferred.
SOTA: *finishes pulling on his pants, then turns around* I'd say it's pretty obvious who they preferred. Did you hear them screaming tonight?
TUTI: *scratches the back of his head, casting a nervous glance back at TAKIGAWA, as though he's just remembered that the man is still in the room*
TAKIGAWA: *quietly* I'm not surprised, really. You and Nagayama have good chemistry.
TUTI: *startled* S-sou na!
UESHIMA: *nods* Yes... it makes me wonder what they are really fans of: the Golden Pair... or our Golden Pair.
SOTA: *scratches his chin* Ii data, ka na?
*the group bursts out laughing, as TUTI, flustered, redoubles his efforts to quickly change his clothes*
NAGAYAN: *charges through the dressing room door, EIJI on his heels. Heads straight for his doubles partner* Tuti! Didn't anyone ever tell you that you're not supposed to change the script on the day of the performance?! Are you trying sabotage your fellow actors?
TUTI: What? *flicks him with the sleeve of his newly-discarded shirt* You don't trust me? I wouldn't throw you, if I didn't know you could catch yourself. *unlike many of the others in the room, he is wearing an undershirt, over which he easily pulls one of his signature loud-printed shirts*
NAGAYAN: *brought up a little short, comes back with* Oh yeah? Well, what about everyone else? Didn't you think that you might throw one of them, too?
TUTI: *jerks a thumb* I told Sota, and Takigawa.
NAGAYAN: *yelps* But not me?!
TUTI: *innocently* I wanted to see your genuine reaction. *grins impishly at him* Call it revenge for the damn Kapuchin puppet that you kept pestering me with during rehearsals last week.
NAGAYAN: *wheels on the others* And you guys didn't have any problem with this?
SOTA: *shrugs* Nah. It didn't really change things much on my end.
TAKIGAWA: I told him to run with it. *as NAGAYAN turns to him in surprise* He seemed really into it. I thought, who am I to stand in the way of inspiration? *gives him a wistful little smile, then picks up his bag* I should go find my manager quick, and talk to him. Are we going somewhere tonight?
TUTI: Hell yes! *turns around, completely dressed* All right, you slackers, come on! We're totally going out for karaoke!
EIJI: *dryly* What, two shows in one day weren't enough for you?
HOTTA: Tuti, you don't even have enough of a voice for it!
TUTI: What's the matter? Afraid I'm going to show up your sorry asses? *cackles* Last one out of the dressing room picks up the first round! *dashes out the door*
EIJI: *mutters, tossing his things into his bag* I'm just worried you won't be able to talk for a week, like last time!
NAGAYAN: *laughs as several of the others speed up their changing, a few of the earlier entrants to the dressing room hurrying for the door*
KIMERU: *having been quietly listening to all of the conversation being bandied around him, is watching sidelong as his friend puts his costume back on its hanger*
NAGAYAN: *notices and raises an eyebrow at his friend, though it doesn't diminish the power of his smile* What?
KIMERU: *smiles sweetly at him* Nothing. *but his smile is too crafty for that to be true* You're funny. What's up with that smile of yours? Hmm?
NAGAYAN: I don't know what you're talking about. *busies himself with his things again*
KIMERU: *smirks, folding his arms, and turns around to lean against the counter* Oh, no?
NAGAYAN: *not looking at him* Shouldn't I be happy that the show went well?
KIMERU: Of course. I'm just wondering if that's all that you're thinking about. *as NAGAYAN looks up at him, with skepticism written all over his face* Oh, don't even give me that. I saw the look on your face when Oishi saw that "Tiny Eiji" in the fishtank. *shoulders his bag, knowing he's scored by the poleaxed look on his friend's face* I'll wait for you downstairs, okay? *breezes out of the dressing room*
NAGAYAN: *recovers, a moment after he's gone* Wa-wait a minute! What do you mean by that? *realizing that Kimeru's totally out of earshot* HEY!! *in a fit of irritation, pushes the door closed, and whirls around, crossing to his station at the mirrors. Starts cleaning up his makeup and things, then stops and stares into the mirror. Plants his hands on the counter and leans in, regarding his own reflection*
(sings)
If there's a prize for rotten judgment
I guess I've already won that
No man is worth the aggravation
*spins around and leans against the counter, hands resting on top of it on either side*
That's ancient history, been there, done that!
*the lighting changes; the mirrors around him, backlit, reveal the faces of several of his castmates, Naoya, Abe, Kime, Sota, and Endou. They start singing, in the style of the Temptations-- complete with cheesy arm motions*
REGULARS:
Who'd'ya think you're kiddin'
*sitting on stools, each one of them puts their arms to the side, in a 'shrug'*
He's the Earth and heaven to you
*each one turns his hands faced out, and on the word 'heaven' they toss their hands towards him*
Try to keep it hidden
*the hands cross in front of the chest, right hand, then left*
Honey, we can see right through you
*they pull the hands away from each other, in a "revealing" sort of gesture*
Boy, ya can't conceal it
*wagging a finger at him*
We know how ya feel and
*On 'we', the right hand goes against the heart; on 'feel', the left hand hand does the same*
Who you're thinking of
*on 'thi---nking', the left hand goes up to the side of the head, and the right follows suit. On 'of', the boys all move their heads to the right*
NAGAYAN:
No chance, no way
I won't say it, no, no
REGULARS:
You swoon, you sigh
*a hand against the forehead on 'swoon', then both clasped in front of them on 'sigh'*
why deny it, uh-oh
*a shoulder shrug on 'uh-oh'*
NAGAYAN:
It's too cliche
I won't say I'm in love
*as he sings, sitting on the stool in front of his station, the others walk-- through the walls, which seem to have vanished-- to surround him, very "Beauty School Dropout"*
I thought my heart had learned its lesson
It feels so good when you start out
My head is screaming get a grip, sir-
Unless you're dying to cry your heart out
Oh
REGULARS:
You keep on denying
*hands by their faces, in a 'ta-da, aren't we cute' type gesture*
Who you are and how you're feeling
*NAGAYAN, startled, jumps up off the stool and books it SCL*
Baby, we're not buying
*crossed hands in a 'nuh-uh' sort of motion*
Hon, we saw ya hit the ceiling
*throwing their hands up to the ceiling, as though riding a roller coaster*
Face it like a grown-up
*turn to face NAGAYAN, who's still L*
When ya gonna own up
That ya got, got, got it bad
NAGAYAN:
*takes a step towards them*
No chance, no way
I won't say it, no, no
REGULARS:
*advance on NAGAYAN in a similar fashion*
Give up, give in
KIMERU:
*steps forward, pointing a knowing finger at him*
Check the grin you're in love
NAGAYAN:
This scene won't play,
I won't say I'm in love
REGULARS:
*move quickly to form a semi-circle behind NAGAYAN*
You're doin flips read our lips
You're in love
Nagayan:
*the REGULARS do 'Temptation walks' behind him, two R, two L, and repeated*
You're way off base
I won't say it
Get off my case
I won't say it
REGULARS:
*drifting slowly, backwards, towards their starting positions*
Hey, don't be proud
It's O.K. you're in love
NAGAYAN:
Oh
At least out loud,
*the REGULARS climb up onto the platform behind the mirrors, with their backs to the audience*
I won't say I'm in love
REGULARS
Shoo-doop, shoo-doop, shoo-doop, shoo-doop
*four arm swishes to the side, R, L, R, L*
Sha-la-la-la-laa-laa
*flap their hands like angel wings*
Ahhhh!
*look back over their shoulder, towards the audience, and NAGAYAN's wistful expression SC*
*the door swings open. Immediately, the lights switch back to normal, and the REGULARS vanish as the scrims they stand behind cease to be backlit. NAGAYAN looks up quickly as TUTI sticks his head in*
TUTI: Takashi! Are you coming?
*the pair stares at each other for a moment, before the lights dim, heralding the end of the scene*
TAKIGAWA: I think so... could we try it one more time, from the beginning?
UESHIMA: Sure. *the cast sets up for the "beginning", which, for the dance segment, is Kimeru's second solo in the song. Crossing to his position SR, calls out* Five-Six-Seven-Eight!
KIMERU: *half-spoken, half-sung, to give the guys something to move to* Yorokobi no hi made tsuzuku kurushimi
namida no-
TAKIGAWA: Hold on a second...
EIJI: *the cast stops, with the slightly weary sigh of people who've been over this, again and again* What's up?
TAKIGAWA: *frowns, looking between TUTI and ABE, who he stands between* ...They're both doing something different. Which way is it supposed to look?
EIJI: Oh. *points* Follow Abe-- you'll never get it to look the way Tuti does it.
TUTI: *bewildered* Ehhh? *scratches the back of his head* What? Does it really look different, the way I do it?
EIJI: *rolls his eyes* Tuti, there isn't a person in Japan who moves the way you do.
NAGAYAN: *pipes up, with a little grin* There isn't a person alive who moves like Tuti does.
KIMERU: *clears his throat* Can we try it again, please?
EIJI: *sighs* Hai, hai... *grumbles* You can say that- you don't have to move at all! *walks back into position*
KIMERU: *starts again, the cast around him falling into motion* Yorokobi no hi made tsuzuku kurushimi
namida no kawari ni nagare ochiteku ase
Uchikaeseru ka masugusugiru SMASH
wakatte kure kore ga bokurano sei ippai nano-- what??
TAKIGAWA: *is back to looking at TUTI, a little confused- but he's starting to catch on* ...that is just supposed to be a "wave your arms" sort of thing, right? *waves his arms to demonstrate*
EIJI: *entertained in spite of himself, pretends to be aggravated* God, Tuti! What the hell are you doing?
TUTI: *a slow, guilty grin spreads across his face* ...waving my arms with everyone else?
EIJI: Um... your idea of waving is very different from the entire rest of the cast. *waves his arms in an all-encompassing way to emphasize his point*
TUTI: *defensively* So? Who am I hurting?
NAOYA: *catching onto the teasing spirit of this argument* Well, you did hit me that one time...
ABE: Yeah! *jumps on the bandwagon* Would it kill you to dance like everyone else, for a change?
SOTA: Ueshima-san! *turns to their director* Can you do something about this? Like, I don't know, order him to dance normally?
UESHIMA: *not trying very hard* Tuti. Dance more normal.
TUTI: *knows they're teasing him, and plays along accordingly. Helplessly* I'm trying, really I am, Ueshima-san! *his feet moving of their own accord, starts pacing*
UESHIMA: I do realize. *crosses into C, and stops, turning as TUTI passes him* And you know I've been very lenient to your... peculiar style of dancing-
TUTI: Peculiar?! *tosses a look at EIJI, who gives him a pointed look; glances at NAGAYAN, who shrugs helplessly. Turns around and heads back SL, passing behind UESHIMA*
UESHIMA: -and I understand it's going to be nearly impossible for you to look exactly like everyone- else- *turns around so he can see TUTI again* Could you possibly stand still for a moment and listen to me?
TUTI: *stops midstep* Sorry. *plants his feet and puts his hands in his pockets*
UESHIMA: Thank you. *frowns for a moment, trying to remember where he was in his tirade* Oh yes. I know it'll be hard for you, but could you at least try to- *stops again* ...your leg is bouncing.
TUTI: *looks down at it, in surprise. With an effort, stills it, and looks back up at him*
UESHIMA: *lips quirk, as he tries not to laugh* What am I going to do with you? Every rehearsal is like this, with you running around, bouncing off the walls...
NAGAYAN: *pipes up* He can't help it- he just has way too much energy!
TUTI: Yeah! What he said! *sings*
I never walk when I can run
I don't believe I ever could
People try to slow me down
Sayin', "Boy you really should
kick back and chill"
But I can't stand still
EIJI: *calls out* Yeah, the last time we asked you to 'chill', I think you broke the green room sofa.
TUTI: *laughs, and heads back over SL*
I called the doctor, he said, "Son,
I cannot offer you a pill"
So I never found relief
*starts into his "foot thing" (which if ANYONE can describe, will be amazing)*
And now I've got to move until
I've had my fill
I can't stand still
*runs to C, and busts out some serious breakdancing isolations*
Back where I come from
Life's never humdrum
I wish I could take you there
Oh, we had the world at our feet
Life was sweet
Ain't no doubt
Grab a seat
Check it out
*dance break!*
Oh, I thought it never would end
But I lost it somehow
Would you look at me now?
I'm tryin' hard to tone it down
Gotta watch my P's and Q's
Maybe look before I leap
And then I think, "Hey, what's the use?"
Ain't done it yet
And I can't forget how it feels when you dance 'til you drop
So don't even start to suggest that I stop
I never will
I can't...
No no no no
No no no no...
I can't stand still!
*collapses in a heap*
UESHIMA: *looking at the pile o' Tuti on the floor, half-fondly, half-exasperated* What are we going to do with you, Tsuchiya?
TAKIGAWA: *clears his throat* Y'know, Ueshima-san... we should probably be glad Tsuchiya's energy is working with us, and not against us.
TUTI: *sits up abruptly, hands clasped under his chin, eyes shining* Buchou...
UESHIMA: *smiles, as the cast dissolves into laughter around him* You do have a point, Takigawa. All right, everyone, take five. But then I want you right back here-- we need to go through "BURNING!!" and we should probably run through "Victory", too...
EIJI: *laughs, as TAKIGAWA helps TUTI to his feet. In an aside to NAGAYAN* For someone who was all worried about "chemistry", he seems to be doing a pretty good job creating it, doesn't he?
NAGAYAN: *looking less than thrilled* Yeah. *EIJI, oblivious, heads off to grab his water bottle from his bag. NAGAYAN does likewise, an unhappy expression on his face*
TUTI: *in the midst of a quiet, friendly conversation with TAKIGAWA- their hands are still clasped from when TAKIGAWA helped pull him off the floor- he catches sight of NAGAYAN's face, and is instantly concerned. His gaze following his doubles' partner as he crosses SL* Takashi...?
TAKIGAWA: *slaps TUTI on the shoulder, gives him a nod, then crosses SL after NAGAYAN*
TUTI: *remains in the center of the stage, staring after them, a conflicted look on his face*
TAKIGAWA: *tries to get NAGAYAN's attention, but when they come face to face, NAGAYAN picks up his bag and heads off into the wings on the SR side, leaving TAKIGAWA in his wake. Confused, wanders back to C as the music starts. Lights fade and a special appears DSC, which he steps into, and begins to sing*
It's so strange he doesn't show me
more affection than he needs
Almost formal too respectful
never takes romantic leads
*his attention turns towards the SR side of the audience, as though he sees NAGAYAN somewhere over the crowd*
There are times when I imagine
I'm not always on his mind
He's not thinking what I'm thinking
Always half a step behind
Always half a step behind
*crosses to a second special, positioned SL*
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
NAGAYAN: (re-enters from SR, and crosses into the light of the DSC special. He is carrying his newly refilled water bottle, and looks as though his head hurts so badly, he wants to tear it off with his bare hands)
I'm in every kind of trouble
Can't you tell, just look at me
Half ecstatic, half dejected
All in all I'm all at sea
*his focus is turned towards the SL audience; obviously, he's thinking about something different from TAKIGAWA*
Easy terms I thought I wanted
Fill me now with chilling dread
You could never know the chaos
Of a life turned on it's head
Of a life turned on it's head
Oh,oh,oh,oh
NAGAYAN and TAKIGAWA: *rotate counter-clockwise across the stage, so that NAGAYAN ends up in the SL special, and TAKIGAWA crosses to the special SR*
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
TUTI: (comes from USC, between the other two, and takes his place in the special DSC)
Why the Dream Live is a nightmare
I don't really understand
But one thing I know for certain
it's all gotten out of hand
And perhaps things would be better
if they stayed the way they are
If I tell him what I'm feeling
Will I take a step too far?
Will I take a step too far?
*the following section, they sing in overlap, oblivious to each other, and the movement of their castmates around them*
TAKIGAWA NAGAYAN TUTI
It's so strange he doesn't show me
more affection than he needs
Almost formal too respectful
never takes romantic leads
There are times when I imagine
I'm not always on his mind
He's not thinking what I'm thinking
Always half a step behind
Always half a step behind
I'm in every kind of trouble
Can't you tell, just look at me
Half ecstatic,half dejected
All in all I'm all at sea
Easy terms I thought I wanted
Fill me now with chilling dread
You could never know the chaos
Of a life turned on it's head
Of a life turned on it's head
Why the Dream Live is a nightmare
I don't really understand
But one thing I know for certain
it's all gotten out of hand
Maybe things would be much better
if they stayed the way they are
If I tell him what I'm feeling
Will I take a step too far?
Will I take a step too far?
TUTI:
Oh,oh,oh,oh
TUTI and NAGAYAN:
Oh,oh,oh,oh
The TRIO
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Oh,oh,oh,oh
Did I take a step too far!
*as the song ends, NAGAYAN and TAKIGAWA turn US, back to the rehearsal. They move as though they are determined to shake it off, and put the awkward, tense feelings aside for the sake of the show. TUTI remains DSC, staring off into space*
SOTA: *the cast begins to reconvene in the space behind TUTI. After a moment, crosses to him* Tuti... *when he doesn't respond, waves a hand in front of his face* Tuti? Moshi moshi!
TUTI: *blinks a few times, then turns to SOTA. Brightly* Ah, gomen! I was spacing out there for a minute!
NAGAYAN: *no one in the room is able to tune out TUTI when he's talking at this volume. Turns around, screwing the cap off of his water for a drink, and starts listening*
SOTA: *as this is uncharacteristic for TUTI* Daijoubu?
TUTI: Hai! *all energy and good cheer* I was just thinking, aren't we lucky that there isn't any Inui Juice actually IN this show? It's only there in the pictures, so it's there in spirit... *notes SOTA's face* Oh, but maybe you miss torturing us with it!
SOTA: Maybe I do! *grins as TUTI laughs, one of his big, over-the-top type of laughs* Come on, break's over.
TUTI: Hai, hai... *bounces along after him*
NAGAYAN: *follows his doubles' partner with his eyes, a frown creasing his forehead*
EIJI: *has had his attention fixed on TUTI, and NAGAYAN, since about halfway through the song. Takes this opportunity to cross to NAGAYAN* So, you noticed it, too. I was wondering if you would.
NAGAYAN: *looks at him, strangely* I think it's pretty obvious he's upset about something. *catches EIJI's expression, and raises his eyebrows* You don't think that everyone can tell...?
EIJI: Nah. *shoves his hands in his pockets* You gotta know what to look for. Tsuchiya's one hell of an actor. If he doesn't want you to know he's upset-- *gestures US, where another loud bark of TUTI's laughter carries over the chatter of the group* They'll figure it out eventually. If it continues to bug him, he won't sleep tonight, and tomorrow's rehearsal will be interesting, to say the least.
NAGAYAN: But... what could possibly be bothering him?
EIJI: *rolls his eyes* Oh, I don't know. Everything's perfectly fine, right? *NAGAYAN sighs* Look. I don't know what's going on, and I don't want to. But he obviously thinks you're upset, and knowing him, he's probably blaming himself for it.
NAGAYAN: But that's--
EIJI: Crazy? Is it? *folds his arms* I know Tsuchiya. He doesn't like being the 'go-to' guy, but for this show, that's what he's become, since Takigawa hasn't been here to take command. So he's already under more pressure than he normally likes. Plus, he's gotten all into his role and shit, so he's busy worrying about everyone. Who knows-- maybe he's even taken up coaching Endou on the side, and that's the last thing he would ever do, normally. *NAGAYAN turns his attention back US. Sighs* Look, I'm not asking you to have some deep, heartfelt talk with him. But if you're the reason he's upset, nothing anyone else can say will cheer him up. And for his sake, I don't want to see him crash and burn this weekend, you get me?
NAGAYAN: *nods, his eyes still fixed US. As soon as the cast's attention is off of TUTI, he drifts a step or two out of the group, his shoulders sagging a little, as though burdened by the weight of his wayward thoughts. NAGAYAN follows him with his gaze, trying to figure out what to do*
UESHIMA: *claps his hands, walking into CS* All right, minna! Sorry for the delay~ let's pick up with the scene after Shinken Shoubu To... Konishi's solo.
EIJI: *nods, and turns his attention to the back of the house. Calling loudly, as through trying to get the attention of someone at the other end of the room* Hey! Come over here!
UESHIMA: *from the side, reading the lines since Konishi is not at the rehearsal* I don't want to.
EIJI: *aggravated* Doesn't matter, I said come! *waves at him*
UESHIMA: *again, just reading the lines* So it's unavoidable.
TUTI: *still feeling rather low, musters up his energy as best he can and calls to the back of the house* Run, run! Ibu-kun, run- oh, there he goes.
NAGAYAN: *likewise, stirs himself into action, but his focus isn't there, so the lines lack a little of their usual genki energy* Hurry up! *turns to the group* Ibu-kun is awesome, right? *as the cast takes a moment to agree with him, glances at TUTI and TAKIGAWA, who stand behind him. Both are watching him, with similar, concerned expressions on their faces*
SOTA: That was nice, a solo like that... *which elicits responses of "You should practice!" and "It's all right, Inui..."*
EIJI: *despite keeping an eye on everything happening SR of him, he comes in right on cue* But that Ibu guy, really, he has a good voice, doesn't he? *ducks his head in an embarrassed fashion as everyone agrees with him*
TUTI: A voice like that, I'd like to imitate.
TAKIGAWA: *turns to him* Hm, you're right.
EIJI: Oh, Oishi-sempai, you couldn't do it.
TUTI: Oh yeah?
SOTA: Then let's see, Oishi. Go ahead and imitate Ibu.
NAGAYAN: *as he calls his encouragement to TUTI with the rest of the cast, a light dawns-- he has an idea of how he can reassure and cheer up his friend*
TUTI: Wakatta, wakatta. *takes a deep breath, then says* Sunmason! *and immediately, the group erupts into criticisms*
SOTA: Loud!
KIMERU: Too much energy!
TUTI: *very Oishi* Ehh?
EIJI: It came out! Out! Way too loud!
NAGAYAN: *heart pounding, steps forward, hoping that this will work* Ya, Oishi! *everyone on the stage turns to look at him, surprised. Taking a deep breath, he gives TUTI a big thumbs-up* Ii tension da!
TUTI: *stares at him for a moment, then breaks into a big, happy smile* Arigatou, Eiji! *returns the thumbs-up*
TAKIGAWA: *quietly* What's with you both?
KIMERU: *with a smug, knowing little smile* What are you two, exactly?
EIJI: *just steps back and folds his arms, but the look of relief on his face is unmistakeable*
The lights dim. On the back wall, in just the same place where they were displayed before, the following bit of footage is presented: {LINK}
Lights fade.
TUTI: *bursts into the dressing room through the door SR, followed closely by TAKIGAWA and KIMERU. Flying high from adrenaline and the reaction of the crowd, his voice is scratchy from overuse, but he continues to talk at full volume regardless* Good show everyone! *immediately pulls off the jacket of his blue suit, and unbuttons the uppermost buttons on his dress shirt*
TAKIGAWA: *grabbing a bottle of water from his station at the dressing table, removes the cap and takes a drink* Wow, I didn't think those girls were ever going to leave!
TUTI: I know, right? *seizes a towel from his own station and presses it against his face, then rubs it over the back of his neck* I have a feeling this Dream Live isn't going to just be a one-time thing, don't you?
TAKIGAWA: I think they'd be crazy if they didn't do another one!
TUTI: *grins at him* I think you're right.
(HOTTA and NAOYA enter the dressing room, followed shortly thereafter by SOTA. Their entrance is heralded by some more celebratory whoops and hollers; with each person who enters, the dressing room becomes more of a bedlam)
UESHIMA: *enters, and stands in the doorway SR* Well, Tsuchiya, you were right.
TUTI: *turns, a broad grin on his face* Was there ever a doubt?
UESHIMA: Not in your mind, I'd gather!
TUTI: Oh, come on! It's a very popular pairing, if not the most popular. I knew it would get a positive reaction!
KIMERU: *glancing from one of them to the other, a smile quirking at his lips* So, the Kunimitsu/Eiji swap wasn't totally a last-minute decision, I take it.
TUTI: *turns around* No, we discussed it ahead of time. *shoots UESHIMA a look* It was the way I had wanted to do it from the beginning!
UESHIMA: *puts his hands up defensively* The Tezuka-oriented scene got a pretty good reaction, as well. *tosses a look in TAKIGAWA's direction; the other man gives him a little smile, and shrugs*
TUTI: *rolls his eyes, and turns back to KIMERU* Our esteemed director said he wanted to see which would get the better crowd reaction. He said it was research for the next show...
UESHIMA: It's not like it'll make much of a difference. The script is already in its final stages, so there won't be any changes to it now. I just wanted to see what the fans preferred.
SOTA: *finishes pulling on his pants, then turns around* I'd say it's pretty obvious who they preferred. Did you hear them screaming tonight?
TUTI: *scratches the back of his head, casting a nervous glance back at TAKIGAWA, as though he's just remembered that the man is still in the room*
TAKIGAWA: *quietly* I'm not surprised, really. You and Nagayama have good chemistry.
TUTI: *startled* S-sou na!
UESHIMA: *nods* Yes... it makes me wonder what they are really fans of: the Golden Pair... or our Golden Pair.
SOTA: *scratches his chin* Ii data, ka na?
*the group bursts out laughing, as TUTI, flustered, redoubles his efforts to quickly change his clothes*
NAGAYAN: *charges through the dressing room door, EIJI on his heels. Heads straight for his doubles partner* Tuti! Didn't anyone ever tell you that you're not supposed to change the script on the day of the performance?! Are you trying sabotage your fellow actors?
TUTI: What? *flicks him with the sleeve of his newly-discarded shirt* You don't trust me? I wouldn't throw you, if I didn't know you could catch yourself. *unlike many of the others in the room, he is wearing an undershirt, over which he easily pulls one of his signature loud-printed shirts*
NAGAYAN: *brought up a little short, comes back with* Oh yeah? Well, what about everyone else? Didn't you think that you might throw one of them, too?
TUTI: *jerks a thumb* I told Sota, and Takigawa.
NAGAYAN: *yelps* But not me?!
TUTI: *innocently* I wanted to see your genuine reaction. *grins impishly at him* Call it revenge for the damn Kapuchin puppet that you kept pestering me with during rehearsals last week.
NAGAYAN: *wheels on the others* And you guys didn't have any problem with this?
SOTA: *shrugs* Nah. It didn't really change things much on my end.
TAKIGAWA: I told him to run with it. *as NAGAYAN turns to him in surprise* He seemed really into it. I thought, who am I to stand in the way of inspiration? *gives him a wistful little smile, then picks up his bag* I should go find my manager quick, and talk to him. Are we going somewhere tonight?
TUTI: Hell yes! *turns around, completely dressed* All right, you slackers, come on! We're totally going out for karaoke!
EIJI: *dryly* What, two shows in one day weren't enough for you?
HOTTA: Tuti, you don't even have enough of a voice for it!
TUTI: What's the matter? Afraid I'm going to show up your sorry asses? *cackles* Last one out of the dressing room picks up the first round! *dashes out the door*
EIJI: *mutters, tossing his things into his bag* I'm just worried you won't be able to talk for a week, like last time!
NAGAYAN: *laughs as several of the others speed up their changing, a few of the earlier entrants to the dressing room hurrying for the door*
KIMERU: *having been quietly listening to all of the conversation being bandied around him, is watching sidelong as his friend puts his costume back on its hanger*
NAGAYAN: *notices and raises an eyebrow at his friend, though it doesn't diminish the power of his smile* What?
KIMERU: *smiles sweetly at him* Nothing. *but his smile is too crafty for that to be true* You're funny. What's up with that smile of yours? Hmm?
NAGAYAN: I don't know what you're talking about. *busies himself with his things again*
KIMERU: *smirks, folding his arms, and turns around to lean against the counter* Oh, no?
NAGAYAN: *not looking at him* Shouldn't I be happy that the show went well?
KIMERU: Of course. I'm just wondering if that's all that you're thinking about. *as NAGAYAN looks up at him, with skepticism written all over his face* Oh, don't even give me that. I saw the look on your face when Oishi saw that "Tiny Eiji" in the fishtank. *shoulders his bag, knowing he's scored by the poleaxed look on his friend's face* I'll wait for you downstairs, okay? *breezes out of the dressing room*
NAGAYAN: *recovers, a moment after he's gone* Wa-wait a minute! What do you mean by that? *realizing that Kimeru's totally out of earshot* HEY!! *in a fit of irritation, pushes the door closed, and whirls around, crossing to his station at the mirrors. Starts cleaning up his makeup and things, then stops and stares into the mirror. Plants his hands on the counter and leans in, regarding his own reflection*
(sings)
If there's a prize for rotten judgment
I guess I've already won that
No man is worth the aggravation
*spins around and leans against the counter, hands resting on top of it on either side*
That's ancient history, been there, done that!
*the lighting changes; the mirrors around him, backlit, reveal the faces of several of his castmates, Naoya, Abe, Kime, Sota, and Endou. They start singing, in the style of the Temptations-- complete with cheesy arm motions*
REGULARS:
Who'd'ya think you're kiddin'
*sitting on stools, each one of them puts their arms to the side, in a 'shrug'*
He's the Earth and heaven to you
*each one turns his hands faced out, and on the word 'heaven' they toss their hands towards him*
Try to keep it hidden
*the hands cross in front of the chest, right hand, then left*
Honey, we can see right through you
*they pull the hands away from each other, in a "revealing" sort of gesture*
Boy, ya can't conceal it
*wagging a finger at him*
We know how ya feel and
*On 'we', the right hand goes against the heart; on 'feel', the left hand hand does the same*
Who you're thinking of
*on 'thi---nking', the left hand goes up to the side of the head, and the right follows suit. On 'of', the boys all move their heads to the right*
NAGAYAN:
No chance, no way
I won't say it, no, no
REGULARS:
You swoon, you sigh
*a hand against the forehead on 'swoon', then both clasped in front of them on 'sigh'*
why deny it, uh-oh
*a shoulder shrug on 'uh-oh'*
NAGAYAN:
It's too cliche
I won't say I'm in love
*as he sings, sitting on the stool in front of his station, the others walk-- through the walls, which seem to have vanished-- to surround him, very "Beauty School Dropout"*
I thought my heart had learned its lesson
It feels so good when you start out
My head is screaming get a grip, sir-
Unless you're dying to cry your heart out
Oh
REGULARS:
You keep on denying
*hands by their faces, in a 'ta-da, aren't we cute' type gesture*
Who you are and how you're feeling
*NAGAYAN, startled, jumps up off the stool and books it SCL*
Baby, we're not buying
*crossed hands in a 'nuh-uh' sort of motion*
Hon, we saw ya hit the ceiling
*throwing their hands up to the ceiling, as though riding a roller coaster*
Face it like a grown-up
*turn to face NAGAYAN, who's still L*
When ya gonna own up
That ya got, got, got it bad
NAGAYAN:
*takes a step towards them*
No chance, no way
I won't say it, no, no
REGULARS:
*advance on NAGAYAN in a similar fashion*
Give up, give in
KIMERU:
*steps forward, pointing a knowing finger at him*
Check the grin you're in love
NAGAYAN:
This scene won't play,
I won't say I'm in love
REGULARS:
*move quickly to form a semi-circle behind NAGAYAN*
You're doin flips read our lips
You're in love
Nagayan:
*the REGULARS do 'Temptation walks' behind him, two R, two L, and repeated*
You're way off base
I won't say it
Get off my case
I won't say it
REGULARS:
*drifting slowly, backwards, towards their starting positions*
Hey, don't be proud
It's O.K. you're in love
NAGAYAN:
Oh
At least out loud,
*the REGULARS climb up onto the platform behind the mirrors, with their backs to the audience*
I won't say I'm in love
REGULARS
Shoo-doop, shoo-doop, shoo-doop, shoo-doop
*four arm swishes to the side, R, L, R, L*
Sha-la-la-la-laa-laa
*flap their hands like angel wings*
Ahhhh!
*look back over their shoulder, towards the audience, and NAGAYAN's wistful expression SC*
*the door swings open. Immediately, the lights switch back to normal, and the REGULARS vanish as the scrims they stand behind cease to be backlit. NAGAYAN looks up quickly as TUTI sticks his head in*
TUTI: Takashi! Are you coming?
*the pair stares at each other for a moment, before the lights dim, heralding the end of the scene*