The sandwiches are nearly finished, their wrappers folded neatly on the bench. Nene remains behind at Wonder Stage, while Tsukasa sits beside Rui beneath the shade, accompanied by the calm rhythm of passing footsteps.
Tsukasa
There is one more matter I would like to discuss, if you are willing. We should create a simple signal for needing privacy.
Tsukasa keeps his voice low, glancing toward the walkway before returning his attention to Rui. His posture is earnest rather than theatrical, hands resting carefully around the empty wrapper.
Tsukasa
Something separate from rehearsal rules and performance habits. A small gesture or phrase that means we should step away, without either of us needing to make a grand explanation.
Tsukasa
If Rui helps choose it, this will belong to both of us. I want our privacy to feel shared, not managed like another stage cue.
Tsukasa
You are the inventive one, director Rui. What would feel natural to you? I will follow your lead.
“Rui thinks for a moment, then suggests "Take 8." As 8 minutes isn't a time they typically use for their rehearsal breaks, and 88 is Tsukasa's favorite number- pianos and stars, after all!”
SUCCESS (Great Conversation, rolled +2)
Rui considers the proposal in the shade, fingertips resting against the folded wrapper. The park’s footsteps pass in an unhurried rhythm while Tsukasa waits without interrupting.
Rui
How about “Take 8”? Eight minutes is not one of our usual rehearsal breaks, and 88 is your favorite number. Pianos and stars, after all.
Tsukasa’s eyebrows rise, then his expression brightens with unmistakable recognition. He sets the wrapper aside as though Rui has presented a particularly elegant piece of stage design.
Tsukasa
Take 8! Concise, distinctive, and secretly connected to pianos and stars. I accept it wholeheartedly.
Tsukasa
He remembered why 88 matters to me, and turned it into something we can share. That is far more thoughtful than any grand announcement.
Tsukasa
If either of us says it, the other understands that we should step somewhere private, with no interrogation and no dramatic explanation required.
He offers Rui his hand beneath the bench’s shade, keeping the gesture discreet from the passing walkway. The new signal settles between them, simple and quietly theirs.