The Drama Club's Rules and Mysteries

"It's different everywhere, but in the context of this Special Exam, it will definitely have an impact, though I don't know for sure whether it's good or bad right now."

Seeing that Kitagawa Ryo was still listening attentively to what she was saying, which might seem completely nonsensical to others, Tsubaki Sakurako finished explaining her thoughts:

"But if it's just to be a partner with you, senior... it just makes me wonder if you two have been arguing lately."

"Why?"

"Because I think couples in love wouldn't deliberately look for a coincidence as an opportunity to be alone together. If they really want to meet, chat, or go on a date, they don't need any special reason, or rather, reasons should be everywhere."

After listening to Tsubaki Sakurako's words, Kitagawa Ryo chuckled softly and walked back to sit down in front of her.

"It seems you know your sister very well."

I don't know my sister.

The girl immediately shook her head in denial, then lowered her head again.

"Just like she doesn't understand me."

Undoubtedly, Tsubaki Sakurako harbored some resentment towards Yuki's unsolicited suggestion to team up with Sakayanagi Arisu, though she didn't show it outwardly.

"So what kind of snow do you know?"

Kitagawa Ryo asked Tsubaki Sakurako with great interest.

"A pitiful and contradictory person who is always afraid of something and running away from something."

Perhaps it was because she had been seeking the answer she had been searching for for years from Kitagawa Ryo, or perhaps it was simply because he exuded an aura that made her want to confide in him. Little by little, Tsubaki Sakurako told Kitagawa Ryo about her chaotic thoughts.

"Anyone can see that the White Room project she was involved in wasn't a good place, but whether it's my sister or the other White Room rejects I've specifically met over the years, they all seem to both fear and yearn to return there."

"Because that place used to be their whole world."

"They've already come out, haven't they?"

"Yes, Mingming is already out."

After these two rounds of conversation, Tsubaki Sakurako suddenly looked up at Kitagawa Ryo and abruptly asked:

"You were also a member of the White Room back then, right?"

"Yes."

Kitagawa Ryo readily admitted it:

"Would you like to hear about Xue's past?"

"Is my senior really willing to tell me?"

"Why not? You are Xue's younger sister, and I need your help. I can see that you genuinely want to help Xue with many things, including your initiative in approaching me."

As he spoke, Kitagawa Ryo took the initiative to reach out and remove the script that was separating the two of them, placing it on the table beside him, forcefully making the other person meet his gaze.

"I hope you remember that I have never been indifferent to what happened to Xue, nor will I take it for granted that the person she is today, shaped by those past events, is normal. But these changes cannot be achieved by Xue and me alone, which is why I have waited until today, until she enrolls as a freshman."

"Does 'senpai' refer to Sakayanagi- senpai and Amasawa- senpai?"

"It was true before, but now, you're still there."

"I?"

Yes, it's you.

Kitagawa Ryo took a deep breath and then tried to explain in words the other person could understand:

"In fact, every test subject in the White Room had the best reason to be indifferent or even hateful towards their parents, because it was their own biological parents who sent them there. So even if someone like your father tried every possible way to make amends afterward, it was unlikely to leave any further mark on their already ingrained beliefs."

In the last simulation he experienced, it goes without saying that Amasawa Ichika, who was conceived through in vitro fertilization, treated her biological father in a certain way. However, Xue was the same way. The first thing she did after the White Room plan collapsed and she was taken home by her parents was to put on a show in front of her biological father by taking advantage of her psychological issues.

For her, her first thought at the time was whether she could use this seemingly powerful "adult" who claimed to be her "father" to achieve her own inner desires.

But no one has the right to criticize this kind of self-centered thinking that has gone to an extreme.

"However, I still believe that a person cannot have only one anchor point to live a healthy life in this world, because the more you have only one, the more you will naturally exaggerate it, turning it from a specific person or a specific emotion into an abstract symbol and concept, and then be shackled by it for life."

The reason Kitagawa Ryo always felt that Karuizawa Kei was the most mentally healthy girl among the girls around him was because, in the long ten years that she had been with him, she had never given up on anything else.

While pursuing love, she is also pursuing her own value, whether it is her current achievements and future plans in her career, or her longing for friendship shown in her interactions with Shiina Hiyori and Sakura Airi.

The desire to live in a world just for the two of us is always a touching statement, but it's also something that's absolutely unrealistic.

Of course, one can live for love, but one absolutely cannot live solely for love. Even if it's possible in certain situations, problems will inevitably arise if it continues for too long.

"What does the senior mean?"

"Yes, I think Sakurako could become Yuki's second anchor."

To be honest, this was probably a spur-of-the-moment idea that Kitagawa Ryo had only had in the last few days, and it originated from the things that Hotaru brought him in with Yuki.

"Because you are Xue's younger sister, and a relative of hers who bears no responsibility for what happened back then, that's enough. Besides, I can feel the sibling affection you have for her."

"... But I don't think I'm qualified."

Tsubaki Sakurako hesitated for a moment, but finally uttered those two words:

"That's a very arrogant and self-important idea."

"Besides, my sister may not necessarily value the so-called family bond between us, just like this time."

"Also, can you guarantee that when my sister sees me, she won't think, 'If only I had been the one who went to the White Room back then?'"

Looking at Tsubaki Sakurako, who had unknowingly revealed all her innermost thoughts, Kitagawa Ryo felt somewhat helpless.

"That's just your opinion, and I can absolutely guarantee that Xue has never had such a thought in her mind. Because you two are sisters with different personalities, neither of you is a substitute for the other, and there's no need for you to presume to consider the other as your substitute, or feel that she has gained or lost something for you."

"Never test or doubt the feelings that have already taken root in your heart, because no feeling can withstand endless testing and suspicion. Even if it is real at the beginning, after too many tests, it will naturally feel that it is not sincere or pure enough. Just like I can feel Sakurako you want to help Yuki, that's enough."

"It doesn't matter if you feel pity, sympathy, or a condescending desire to redeem someone, or if you presumptuously feel that the other person is carrying something on your behalf, or that you've taken away their life."

Having experienced countless battles in The Sims and encountered all sorts of psychological issues, Kitagawa Ryo easily discerned all the inner turmoil of Tsubaki Sakurako after just over a week of getting to know her.

You can't replace snow, and snow can't replace you.

Seemingly wanting to give an example, or perhaps simply reminiscing about the past, Kitagawa Ryo casually recounted something from back then:

"Actually, the reason Xue and I interacted in the White Room was because she was the only child there who could naturally show a smile that made people feel warm and gentle from the bottom of their hearts."

"... Are you saying I'm not good at smiling?"

Why is this the point you're concerned about?

"I didn't pay much attention to it."

Tsubaki Sakurako looked away. She was clearly quite satisfied with her in-depth conversation with Kitagawa Ryo today, both regarding him as a person and matters related to her sister.

"Personally, if possible, I'd prefer my sister and Sakayanagi- senpai to team up for this Special Exam, and I don't want my senior to interfere. That would be the fairest way to compete."

"Even if they did agree, it's unlikely that Xue would be willing to let me partner with other First Year students."

Just as Kitagawa Ryo finished speaking, a very soft syllable was heard.

"I."

I don't know when, but Tsubaki Sakurako picked up that anthology again, and this time she blocked it even more thoroughly than before, so that you couldn't see a single eye of it.

"... I've been given a free spot."

Zhang Tui

Synopsis: Nakano Yu is transported to a world Classroom of the Elite Studio, becoming a highly trained new student.

Good news: It's an anime I've seen before. The character is a rich second-generation heir and has an ex-girlfriend Sakayanagi Arisu.

Bad news: He has five older sisters, but his father raised him in poverty and demanded that he make something of himself in high school!

I was assigned to Class D? And by the end of the first month, the class evaluation score had dropped to 0!

There are also a lot of guys in the class who are dragging the class down.

Why bother trying? Just give up!

Knowing the plot anyway, I'll just save up 20 million and run away!

Only.

Sakayanagi Arisu: Oh, so he's in this school too. Then campus life is something to look forward to.

Ichinose Honami: It seems Nakano-kun has forgotten about me, but I'll try my best!

Kushida Kikyo: You're saying I'd get my handprints put on a guy named Nakano Yu? And that he'd get me expelled from school? Impossible, absolutely impossible!

Amasawa Ichika: It's true, Kushida- senpai, you might as well just accept your fate!

Horikita: How unfair! I lost all my points to a classmate named Nakano Yu as soon as school started.

Ryuen: The person upstairs withdrew their statement, let me speak. Nakano Yu, give me back my 30 million! 30 million!

Chapter Fifteen: Strange Tales of the Drama Club Rules

"Well then, Karuizawa -senpai, Ichinose- senpai, Sakura- senpai, Amasawa-senpai, and Amasawa- senpai, I'll head back now!"

After finishing today's Drama Club activities, the newly joined club member Nanase Tsubasa, waved goodbye to the other senior members of the club. However, as soon as she left the club building, she immediately took out a small notebook and pen from her jacket pocket, opened a page, and began to hesitate.

As a girl with no particular story who dreamed of enjoying an ordinary yet fulfilling high school life at Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School before even entering the school, Nanase Tsubasa naturally had some rather unrealistic fantasies about the Drama Club's life from the very beginning.

Like a pink-haired guitarist who accidentally stumbled into a mysterious gravity-based group and couldn't get out, Nanase Tsubasa started to actively summarize the strange things she saw in the small notebook in her hand ten days after joining the Drama Club.

But now, at first glance, it seems more like a rule-based ghost story, filled with all sorts of boomerangs thrown back.

First and foremost, there were the kind and approachable seniors.

Nanase Tsubasa looked at the first few entries she had written down:

1. Ichinose Honami- senpai is not as easy to talk to as she seems, and her emotions have been somewhat unstable lately. It's best not to provoke her, and don't bring up Kitagawa-senpai's matter with her.

2. Karuizawa Kei is very dedicated to drama, has high professional standards, and high expectations for herself. However, it is forbidden to mention anything about acting in dramas with Senior Kitagawa in front of her, especially the issue of male and female leads.

3. Sakura Airi is very kind and was a famous idol in the past, but if you want to talk about related topics, it is best to start from Kitagawa's perspective, such as, "Kitagawa seems to often go to see your performances, senpai."

Additional note: Sakura Airi's desserts are also delicious.

4. Amasawa Ichika doesn't have any particular hobbies or forbidden topics, but be aware that she may tease you at any time, so please be extremely vigilant when interacting with her.

Next came the harmonious and warm club atmosphere that Nanase Tsubasa had envisioned beforehand.

5. Karuizawa Kei and Ichinose Honami have a good relationship, at least on the surface, but remember not to delve into their past interactions.

Additional information: The two actors' performances during rehearsals of certain scenes together were quite frightening.

6. Ichinose Honami- senpai has recently been trying to talk to Amasawa Ichika- senpai, but the latter doesn't seem to be interested. The reason is currently under investigation.

7. Sakayanagi Arisu member of the Student Council, often visits the Drama Club under the guise of inspecting club activities. She wears a ring on her left middle finger and is usually greeted by Ichinose Honami member. When entertaining guests, she does not use the club's teacups but only her own water cup.

Additional information: A nameplate with Kitagawa's name on it is affixed above.

Further note: The tea leaves used in the club are usually provided by Shiina Hiyori member of the Tea Ceremony Club, who also wears a ring on the middle finger of her left hand.

The remaining records all revolve around Kitagawa Ryo, and some even have their own separate page and number.

1. Under no circumstances should you show any dissatisfaction with Director Kitagawa within the Drama Club.

2. Minister Kitagawa is safe most of the time. If you encounter difficulties or get involved in the problems of other seniors, you can safely ask him for help.

3. Besides desserts, Kitagawa's bento boxes are also delicious, but remember not to delve too deeply into related topics, as it will make the atmosphere awkward.

Additional information: According to the investigation, all of Kitagawa's meals have been pre-booked, but the specific list of people is currently unclear, and it appears that no member of the Drama Club is among them.

The following content concerns them, the First Year students:

4. Kitagawa is incredibly popular among the First Year, but please do not agree to ask other classmates for autographs or personal items, even if they might agree, as it will anger the other seniors.

5. Department Head Kitagawa is very familiar with Tsubaki Sakurako's older sister, but seems to know little about Tsubaki Sakurako herself. Their relationship is so-so, and they have not been seen to have any long conversations.

The fifth item was the latest content that Nanase Tsubasa had written down yesterday, but after today's club activities ended, she added a sentence at the end with a thoughtful frown.

Additional information: The two appear to have made a breakthrough in their relationship, having secretly talked for a long time in the rehearsal room today, but the specific content of their conversation is unknown.

For some reason, she valued this message particularly highly. Nanase Tsubasa bit her nose and continued writing:

Further information: After the two finished their conversation, an open copy of the Selected Works of Shakespeare was found on the table in the rehearsal room, which was later confirmed to belong to Tsubaki Sakurako.

Further note: The page turned to contains the script of Act I, Scene I of * A Midsummer Night's Dream *, with excerpts of the dialogue below:

"Love sees with the heart, not with the eyes, therefore Cupid, with wings, is often depicted as blind; moreover, the judgment of love is entirely irrational, and having wings but no eyes shows recklessness and impetuosity, therefore Cupid is also said to be a child, because he often makes mistakes in his choices."

After carefully writing all of this down, Nanase Tsubasa put her notebook and pen back into her pocket, stretched lazily towards the setting sun, and naturally revealed her beautiful and delicate figure.

Although she had already learned a lot about the Drama Club through posts on the school forum before joining, when Nanase Tsubasa herself joined, she finally discovered that there were even more secrets inside than she had imagined. The various scenarios composed of complex relationships between people not only made her very interested in watching, but also made her want to learn more about it.