Nene remains just outside the secured backdrop, clipboard pressed against her chest as she lowers her voice. Tsukasa stays beside Rui, visibly embarrassed but determined not to flee.
Nene
Fine. Practical conversation. Boundaries, rehearsal conduct, and what I am allowed to tell Emu. We can handle that without making this more awkward.
Tsukasa
An excellent proposal! I am fully prepared to discuss appropriate backstage behavior with dignity, composure, and absolutely no further panic.
His declaration nearly echoes across Wonder Stage. Nene winces and gestures sharply toward the empty wings, while the backdrop remains secured behind them.
Nene
First, private moments stay private unless both people agree otherwise. Second, this prop area is for rehearsals, not disappearing acts. Third, I do not tell Emu anything unless you both say I can.
Tsukasa
She is being surprisingly reasonable. I must not ruin this by turning a simple boundary discussion into a dramatic speech.
Nene
So? Are those terms acceptable, and do you want me to keep this between us for now?
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish workable backstage boundaries with Nene
“Rui looks at Tsukasa for confirmation, then nods and tells Nene that her assumption was indeed correct. Tsukasa butts in and tells her she shouldn't use such undignified words like "the F-bomb" for such a sacred act. Nene rolls her eyes and flips him off.”
SUCCESS (Good Conversation, rolled +0)
Rui looks to Tsukasa for confirmation. Tsukasa’s crimson face and sudden rigid posture answer first, but he gives a solemn, unmistakable nod.
Rui
Your assumption was indeed correct, Nene.
Tsukasa
It was a private and sacred act! You should not use such undignified words as “the F-bomb” for it!
Nene stares at him for one flat second, then rolls her eyes so dramatically that her clipboard dips against her hip.
Nene
You are the one making this more undignified, Tsukasa.
She raises one hand and flips him off with practiced irritation. Tsukasa recoils as though struck by a theatrical curse, while Rui’s confirmation settles the matter.
Tsukasa
I defended the dignity of our private choice, yet somehow Nene has made me feel even more exposed.
“Rui settles them both down”
SUCCESS (Good Conversation, rolled +2)
Rui settles them both down with a calm gesture, easing Tsukasa’s rigid posture and giving Nene room to lower her raised hand. The tension drains from the space beside Wonder Stage.
Tsukasa
Yes. Quite right. There is no need for anyone to become more dramatic than the circumstances require.
Tsukasa exhales, smoothing his rumpled costume and keeping his voice lowered. Nene watches him for a moment, then tucks the clipboard securely beneath her arm.
Nene
Fine. We are calm. I am not announcing anything, and you two are not turning the prop area into a private theater again.
Tsukasa
Rui has restored order with remarkable speed. I should follow his example instead of delivering another grand declaration.
Nene
There. That was manageable. Keep your boundaries clear, keep rehearsals professional, and we will all survive the afternoon without another scene.
Quest Complete
Establish workable backstage boundaries with Nene
Skill Upgrade: Conversation Good→Great