After the midday show, the prop room settles into a cluttered hush. Painted scenery leans against the walls, costume pieces spill from open trunks, and sunlight stripes the dusty floor.
Rui and Tsukasa are alone among the props. A cardboard castle still wears its stage glitter, while a small mechanical bird rests beside Rui’s robotics toolkit.
Tsukasa
What a performance! Even the final curtain seemed to applaud our brilliance!
Tsukasa, a young adult man with bright blond hair and an unmistakable star-shaped cowlick, sweeps one arm toward the room, nearly brushing a stack of painted shields.
Tsukasa
Though I must ask, director Rui, was that bird’s surprise flight truly part of the script?
The mechanical bird gives one faint click as its metal beak shifts. Beyond the closed door, distant park music fades, leaving the question hanging between the cluttered shelves.
✓ Quest Accepted
Seduce Tsukasa
“Aw, Tsukasa, why worry about that now? You must be awfully tense after the show, mm?”
SUCCESS (Fair Conversation, rolled +3)
Rui
Aw, Tsukasa, why worry about that now? You must be awfully tense after the show, mm?
Tsukasa freezes halfway through his grand gesture, then lowers his arm with exaggerated care. The painted shields wobble behind him but settle back into place.
Tsukasa
Tense? I am not tense! I am merely maintaining the dignified vigilance expected of a world-class actor and troupe leader!
His voice rises on the final words. Beside Rui’s toolkit, the mechanical bird clicks again and gives a tiny twitch of its folded wings.
Tsukasa
Still, your evasive response confirms that the flight was not included in the script, does it not?
Tsukasa points at the bird, though his finger stops short of touching it. His star-shaped cowlick bobs with every emphatic nod.
Tsukasa
Come now, director Rui. Explain yourself before I am forced to rehearse an emergency lecture on theatrical safety!
“Shh, Tsukasa... it's only us two here. Breathe. Come closer. Would you like a kiss, my star?”
SUCCESS (Fair Empathy, rolled +2)
Rui
Shh, Tsukasa... it’s only us two here. Breathe. Come closer. Would you like a kiss, my star?
Rui’s quiet words soften the cluttered room. Tsukasa’s raised hand lowers, and he steps close between the painted shields and the toolkit.
Tsukasa
A kiss? From you? Well... naturally, I am perfectly capable of remaining composed!
His declaration falters into a whisper. The mechanical bird gives one polite click as Tsukasa leans in, his bright hair brushing the edge of Rui’s shoulder.
Rui kisses him gently. For a moment, the prop room holds only their quiet breathing and the distant hush of Phoenix Wonderland.
Tsukasa
He really did it... and somehow this feels more nerve-racking than opening night.
Tsukasa
There. A dignified demonstration of mutual trust! Now, director Rui, you may explain the bird.
Quest Complete
Seduce Tsukasa
Skill Upgrade: Conversation Fair→Good