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Chapter Text

『 This is the fanmade ver. of Rui5 story/event. This fic is created and posted BEFORE *SEGA have officially released Rui5 in the JP Server. (I only play on the Japanese server) If you are reading this AFTER Rui5 came out, then please remember that this is my take of his story. 』

--This story was first made on Oct. 25, 2024.

Some key points you need to know before reading this story:

#1: If Rui5 does come out in the future, please know that I made it first *grin* It may not be the best but I was first!!

Also, according to the Backlight Lens Flare event, we'll be meeting the nameless character that accompanied Director Oohara and Rui during the climax of the story. However, the Project Sekai Wiki referred to them as "Sakaki" after SEGA added his name in the in-game credits. Changes will be made once the game introduces him properly.

Speaking of events... #2: This fic may include references from past WxS events. This includes;

**It's On! Wonder Halloween, **On this Holy Night, I Sing, **Mermaid Admiration, **A Sorrowful Farewell at the Curtain Call, **The Phoenix in the Distant Sky, **The Canary Sings in a Quagmire, **Our Happy Ending, **A Story Where You Are The Star, and **Backlight Lens Flare -- basically every event that involves Sakurako xD

That being said, please expect spoilers from past events. (especially to those that play on EN/Global servers)

#3: If you are an active reader of my fics, you may notice that this story came from a similar concept/layout to my previous story, "Making Pancakes with my Senpai/Crush that I really hate." but without the romance/love interest part. This will be your standard 8-chapter story/event featuring Wonderlands x Showtime, similar on how Project SEKAI writes their event stories.

(Will I make another cover art for this fic & pretend that this is an actual event to gaslight my delusional self that my story got featured by SEGA? Absolutely. Will it be a good art? Absolutely not, lol)

Lastly, #4: (this applies to my old readers)  This Fic is *NOT* connected to the STAR * Struck universe. This is a completely different series from what I previously built + that specific fic has it's own ending (--to which, I still have no idea how to give it a proper ending. However, I am not planning on abandoning it- unlike *ahem* my other fic). 

That will be all for the Author's Note! Enjoy the story~

Chapter Text

[Rui's Bedroom]

Rui let out a heavy sigh as he slumped his head onto his messy work desk. His whole body felt sore after he and the rest of the troupe performed a stage play at their workshop, and now he's making a script for their next show. Today was their last day on attending workshops- starting tomorrow, they'll be returning to Phoenix Wonderlands. Why, you ask?

*** Flashback ***

A few days ago... - Morinomiya Opera Troupe

"Hah.....! WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!??" Tsukasa- as always, screamed loudly. The entire studio echoed his screech, startling many actors and actresses off guard.

"You don't have to yell that loudly, everyone's focus is now gone thanks to you." Nene reprimanded him as she quickly covered her ears.

Tsukasa places his hands on his waist, his face still full of shock. "S-Sorry... I was just surprised! I can't believe we're going back at Phoenix Wonderlands so soon! It's been a while since we last came there!"

Emu giggled at the two of them conversing. What she announced to the group truly shocked them, especially the leader. "Ehehe, everything I said are all true, Tsukasa-kun! After we finish our performance on this troupe, we can return to Phoenix Wonderlands again!"

Tsukasa smiled brightly as he clenches one of his fists onto the side of his waist and his other hand pointing towards the ceiling- mimicking one of his "stardom" poses. "WAHAHAHAHA! That's great, we can finally go back at Wonder stage after going around different workshops and troupes for months!"

"Hehe~ I know! I wish this week would pass quickly so we can finally go back at Wonder stage and make everyone smile again!" Emu gleamed with excitement.

Rui chuckled playfully at Emu's excitement and the troupe leader's silly expression, "Fufu~ I wonder what the visitors will react after seeing our return? Especially our newly developed acting skills?"

Nene nodded, "Mhm... I want everyone to hear my new techniques on singing." She has improved her vocal range and her control over the past months, everyone will definitely notice a change with her style in singing.

Emu fidgeted her fingers as she moves her shoulders side to side like a child, as if she's hiding something, "Actually... I just talked to my brothers about our return, they told me to tell you all that we're invited to perform again at Phoenix Stage for Phoenix Wonderland's 31st Anniversary next week!"

"WHAT!?" Rui, Nene, and (with no surprise) Tsukasa, said in unison, completely astonished with the statement that Emu laid to the table. Meanwhile, Emu's expression remained joyful yet with a tinge sense of guilt- she promised her brothers not to tell them their 'surprise', but what's done is done. That's just how it is for Emu, secrets wouldn't last long with her around.

*** End of Flashback. ***

Emu announced to us a few days ago that the Ootori Family invited us to perform once again on Phoenix Wonderlands' 31st Anniversary Show. The troupe performed on Phoenix Stage on last year's Anniversary show- this year is no different. Wonderlands x Showtime is set to perform once again inside Phoenix Stage with Seiryuin Sakurako and her troupe mates on the commemoration day next week.

"We still have a week to prepare..." Rui sighed, this was followed by a subtle chuckle. "Somehow, this feeling feels familiar. As if our old habits back then are coming back."

Rui lifted his head up and faces the ceiling, "I can't wait for tomorrow to come..." His eyes blinked slowly, as if he's about to be on a daze. His somnolence was quickly dissipated after receiving a video call request. Who could be calling him at this hour? He grabbed his phone and checked, the call was from the troupe's group chat.

"Ah, it's Emu. Maybe she also couldn't fall asleep with how excited she is for visiting Phoenix Wonderlands." Rui pressed the accept button and greeted Emu and everyone else in the call.

"WANDAHOI RUI! Everyone's present today!" Emu gleefully yelled to the mic, startling the half-asleep Tsukasa that is on the other side of the screen.

"Emu... Why did you call us in the middle of the night?" Tsukasa asked Emu in a deadpan tone.

"Ehe~ I just couldn't wait for tomorrow to come! I can't wait to see Sakurako's troupemates again!"

"I don't want to see her face at all..." Tsukasa-kun scoffed. Despite their playful hatred with one another, they still care about one another. Especially when she helped us arrange our farewell play last year on Wonder Stage.

Rui chucked at Tsukasa's tired tone towards Sakurako, "Fufu~ you two always hate each other's guts, don't you?"

Nene sighed, "Come on, I am her true rival and I don't hate her guts that much. Why are you the one that has deep hatred for her?"

"BECAUSE I SAID SO! I'LL HANG UP IF WE'RE JUST GOING TO TALK ABOUT THAT OLD LADY" Tsukasa quickly retorted to Nene.

Emu tilted his head in confusion with Tsukasa's claim, "Eh? But doesn't Sakurako-san share the same age as you? Tsukasa-kun, are you calling yourself old too-"

"BYE." Tsukasa swiftly closed the call. This caused Nene and Rui to let out a chuckle, slowly turning to laughter. The trio continued to chatter about their plans for tomorrow, with Tsukasa joining mid-conversation after he recovered from the topic.

[A few hours later]

"...and that's all I want to do tomorrow!" Emu briefly narrated all things she wanted to do once they return to Phoenix Wonderlands. She went on this for hours that Tsukasa-kun fell asleep- you could even hear him snoring on his microphone.

"Ahaha... Emu, isn't that a little too much? We still have to practice at Phoenix Stage!" Nene said with an overwhelmed, yet concerned tone.

Meanwhile, Rui is still busy making the script for the Anniversary Show. At first hour, Rui talked to everyone about their plan for their next show, However halfway through the conversation, Emu-kun de-railed the topic to things she wanted to do as soon as she enters Phoenix Wonderlands. "Ah, would you look at the time. It's getting late." Rui quickly changes the topic. Surely this would make Emu-kun realize that it's already the next day.

Emu double-checked the time to make sure that Rui is not messing with her. Unfortunately, he is telling the truth. "WAH! IT'S ALREADY 1AM! I'M GOING TO WAKE UP LATE IF I CONTINUE TO BE AWAKE LATE! GOODNIGHT EVERYONE!!" 

"Goodnight Emu." Nene waved at the camera. Emu waved goodbye too as she frantically ended the call.

Nene let out a yawn, this made Rui chuckle. "It's rare to see you be awake this late, Nene."

"Ah, even I don't stay awake this late while playing games..." Nene laughs.

"Fufu~ Well maybe we should end the call here? Even our star here is snoring energetically~" Rui chuckled playfully at the sight of him sleeping, as if he still acts like a star even when he's asleep.

"Rui, you should head off to bed too. It was a tiring day for us after all. We can tackle more about the script tomorrow morning."

Rui nodded, "Sure. Thank you, Nene."

"Goodnight Rui. Try not to stay up too late again." Nene mock Rui one last time before hanging up.

Rui chuckled at her words, "Haha, Whatever... Goodnight, Nene." I replied back. Nene swiftly ends the call, leaving Rui and Tsukasa in the call.

"Fufu, this star sure is tired." Rui swiftly takes a photo of Tsukasa sleeping, then kicking him out of the call- mostly to avoid him from noticing that he fell asleep in front of everyone.

He sighed heavily as he pressed the end call button. Rui is almost finished with the script, but Rui thinks otherwise.

"Something doesn't feel right with the script... When I read it, it doesn't sound natural. Sure, I have written multiple scripts based on novels and... my own insane imaginations- yet this particular script-" His thoughts were quickly interrupted by his body's natural response to yawn- signaling that he should take a rest.

".....Maybe I should continue polishing the script tomorrow, when everyone is present- Including Sakurako-kun." He lets out another yawn before leaving his desk and heads to sleep.

[The Next Day]

[Phoenix Wonderlands]

Rui panted as he rushed into the gates of Phoenix Wonderlands, he forgot to turn on his alarm before sleeping, causing him to wake up late. As he approached the fountain, it seems that a couple of people are missing.

Rui's eyes met with Tsukasa's amber colored eyes. When Tsukasa noticed the familiar figure, he jumped from excitement and waved at him. "Oi, Rui! You finally arrived! Emu and Nene are still roaming around the park buying foods."

Rui approached Tsukasa and waved at him back. Tsukasa looked up to Rui's face. Upon looking at him closer, Tsukasa noticed that Rui's did not sleep last night. "Rui, you should listen to your body more... Your eyebags are even more visible than they were yesterday!" Tsukasa exclaimed in a worrisome tone, placing his fits on his waist like a mother scolding a child.

Rui giggled half-heartedly as he scratches his nape, "Ah... you are always as observant as ever, Tsukasa-kun. However, pay no mind about it. I was busy making the script for the park's 31st Anniversary next week. Although... the script may not satisfy everyone's expectations. I don't know what's causing it but something is off, so I decided to tackle it with the whole group- Including Sakurako-san."

Tsukasa nodded, he understands that being the troupe director is a difficult role. "I see, then we can all talk about it once we head to Phoenix Stage. Just remember that whatever happens, you can still rely on us."

"Tsukasa-kun! Rui! We just finished taking a stroll~" Emu yelled from a mile away, next to her is Nene who was forced to walk with her- Although from her expression, she definitely wanted to spend more time with just the two of them.

"That's great! Let's head to Phoenix Stage and meet up with Sakurako-san and her troupe mates-"

As they were about to leave their meet-up place, a familiar boisterous voice of a lady emerged behind them. "Well, Well, Well! If it isn't the infamous troupe, Wonderlands x Showtime. Could it be that they're returning for the Phoenix Wonderlands' 31st Anniversary Show? Or do they just want to see my pretty face again?"

Nene jolted in surprise, "That voice...!"

Rui looked at the figure from their backs, "It's no doubt, It's Sakurako-san."

"AH! IT'S...! Ah, It's Seiryuin... We're here to perform for the park's 31st anniversary on Phoenix Stage." Tsukasa said in a deadpan tone. Secretly, he knows that he's been looking forward to working with her once again.

"Ohoho, on MY stage you say? Aren't you getting a little TOO ambitious, future star of Wonderlands x Showtime?" Sakurako grinned at the man.

Tsukasa wasn't happy with her response, he lets out a grunt. "Why you...!"

"Before you can perform on my stage again, how about you prove to us that you've actually improved as actors and actresses? Especially you Kusanagi-san." Sakurako turns her focus to Nene, who is still clinging onto Emu. Nene jolted in shock and lets go from Emu's arms.

"I-I will show you how much singing has improved, Sakurako-san!" Nene exclaimed shyly yet with determination.

Sakurako chuckled in amusement as he turns his gaze back to Tsukasa, "Then, I will be looking forward hearing it. And YOU 'future star-boy', you better not disappoint me when you show me your progress on stage."

"Argh! Stop calling me that, will you?!" Tsukasa grunted as he stomps the ground like a child.

Sakurako ignores Tsukasa as she takes a step forward, "Enough talking! Let's head to Phoenix Stage at once!"

[Phoenix Stage]

As Sakurako and the group enters the stadium, they were immediately greeted by the familiar atmosphere that is Phoenix Stage. As the group walks closer to the main stage, Sakurako's troupe rushed in to confirm their suspicions.

"It is true! Everyone, the Wonder Stage troupe is back!" One cast member yelled to the backstage.

"Our troupe is expecting your return after the Ootori Family briefed us a week ago about your return to Phoenix Wonderlands."

"So you knew we were coming after all... I thought you were just forgetful." Tsukasa mockingly rolls his eyes to Sakurako. 

Sakurako grinned at Tsukasa with pride, "Why yes, I like to create a flashy entrance. Learn from the best, future-star-boy."

"Right... Sure then Seiryuin Sakurako, why don't you show me the right path towards stardom?" Tsukasa asked Seiryuin with a deadpan tone.

"Aah! First of all, that's YOUR problem. Second, ...how many times do I have to tell you to stop using my full name!? You're making me sound like a villain!" Sakurako crossed her arms as she pouted, turning her head away from Tsukasa-kun. It's rare to see her flushed expression.

Emu let out an awkward fake-laughter to humor herself. "Ahaha... they sure are getting comfortable with one another, eh?"

Rui chuckled at Emu's expression after witnessing the two rivals interacting with one another. "Fufu, I guess this is the outcome when two troupe leaders with the same... (albeit, loud/obnoxious) ....personality happen to become friendly rivals."

After noticing that everyone was looking at them with an odd look, Sakurako immediately went back to her professional self. "Ahem...! Sorry, we got sidetracked. As you may already heard, we are partnering up once again with Wonderlands x Showtime for this year's 31st Anniversary of Phoenix Wonderlands. Last year, we used our script for the 30th Anniversary show. This year, I want to see what Wonderlands x Showtime's playwright will have up their sleeves."

"Kamishiro, do you have a script to provide us?" Sakurako askes Rui.

Rui nodded as he hands her the script he's been storing on his backpack. "I've only made the rough draft for the script. It's not my best composition, so I wanted to hear everyone's opinions."

Sakurako carefully reads through the script as she flips each pages. "I see, I assume that you've became more careful in your scriptwriting and in directing after attending Director Oohara's filming set?"

"You knew...?" Nene's eyes widened in bewilderment.

"Of course, everyone at Phoenix Wonderlands knew that the Wonderlands x Showtime troupe were casted as extras for the movie. Even after you left the park, your troupe was still the talk."

"Fufufu, that is to be expected! Our acting prowess is world-class after all!" Tsukasa proudly acclaimed, puffing his chest out with pride.

Sakurako quickly took a brief read on the script. After a while, she yells out a name towards one of the seats. "Director-Sakaki, can you take a look at this?" Everyone turned their heads towards the seat when she mentioned their name.

As the figure slowly stood up, Rui's eyes widened in shock- he had definitely seen them before. He was the one who have him and Director Oohara a hint back when they were struggling with the climax of the movie.

"Director... Sakaki...?"

-End of Chapter 1 -

Chapter Text

[Previously...]

". . ." 

 

"Director-Sakaki, can you take a look at this?"

 

"...Director Sakaki...?"

 

[Phoenix Stage]

The figure walks closer to Sakurako and Rui, everyone's chattering abruptly quieted after she mentioned his name-- he must be an extremely reliable and passionate director.

Sakurako handed the script to the director. He took a few glances on each page, his expression changed to a more serious look as he looks at Rui. "...Kamishiro, was it? 

"Y-Yes Director...!" Rui nodded to greet the director, he placing his right hand to his own chest as a way to show respect to the older person.

 

The director's eyes widened as a flash of memories suddenly flooded him- "Didn't Tomomi-chan mention this name before? Ah, So that's him..." He thought to himself.

Director Sakaki flipped a couple more pages, his neutral expression changed to a serious face. The director gently placed the script on Sakurako's palms as he let out a sigh. "This will simply won't do." He shook his head.

Everyone in the crowd were speechless by his words, including Sakurako and the whole Wonderlands troupe. All they could do is sit in awkward silence. However, Rui thought differently.

 

Rui thought to himself, "This is to be expected, he is a much more experienced director compared to me. Also, the script clearly had flaws that even I had noticed. However---"

"Ah, Excuse me, director. The script isn't finished yet. What I have is only a draft that I made. I was planning on discussing matters about this at today's general assembly. I am sorry for the late notice." He apologized.

Director Sakaki shook his head, denying his apology. "No, I understand that. Especially since your group just recently returned from attending other troupes outside Phoenix Wonderlands. I am surprised that you were able to create this script on such short notice-- despite its unfinished state."

"However... This story... Ah, how do I phrase this properly without sounding harsh..."

"...It doesn't feel unique. It feels bland."

Rui's eyes widened upon hearing his critique, he couldn't say a word to his critiques-- The already silent ambience of the theater further made this setting even more awkward for the actors and the wonderlands troupe. 

"You need to think about it from a regular audience's standpoint, do you think they would enjoy listening to a play that has... a predictable plot?" 

Rui's eyes widened, "A... predictable plot...?"

"... could it be, that is the part that made the script seem off?" he briefly thought to himself before listening once again to the director's critiques.

The director nods, "It's not necessarily a bad thing to have a predictable story. However, since you are using novels and popular story books as references for your stories, it can be extremely dull for the audience to watch since they already know how the story will end." 

"For instance..." The director flips the script back to the first page as he finds a specific scene. He faces the seats where all the troupe members are sitting, "In this scene, character A is in distraught after she seen her love interest, character B taking out another person out, character C. What do you think Character A will do?"

One cast member of the Phenix Stage troupe raised his hand, "Uhh... Character A will take revenge for character C taking character B away from her?"

The director faces once again to Rui, "That's it. The audience understood the whole plot of your play with just that singular scene. With that, don't you think that your script is... too plain?"

"...." Rui was stunned with the director's critiques as he keeps pointing out the flaws on his script. He couldn't say anything.

"Even though the script isn't still polished to the max, we could already predict it's ending." He continued.

Rui's body language slowly became less confident, this didn't go unnoticed by the Wonderlands troupe who are already looking at him worriedly. "Y-Yes, I understand that. However, I think those types of stories are not bad. Even though the audience is familiar with the story, I think that will still look forward on how the play will take place."

"Again, I am not saying that they are bad, I am simply stating that... perhaps you may not yet be accustomed to plays that have a much more dramatic aspect."

Rui's eyes showed both confusion and surprise, "Huh...? Drama?"

"I have seen your stage plays, Kamishiro. They are comedic and also entertaining to the audience, while still teaching the audience a valuable life lesson-- This is of course not a bad thing. However, I could sense that this pattern of script writing goes to... every... screen plays Wonderlands x Showtime has done." 

"A pattern...?" Rui tilted his head as he continues to show a confused expression on his face.

The director nodded, "You seem to always follow the same path with your stage plays. You don't seem to be expanding your stage plays to much more serious and dramatic theatrics, like Romeo and Juliet, and other stage plays."

"I see..." Rui anxiously furrowed his eyebrows as he averts his eyes from his piercing gaze.

The director sighs, "Again, I am not saying that your techniques are bad, I am simply stating that you could still expand your expertise when it comes to making a cohesive storyboard."

As the director carefully reads the script, his eyes widened when he saw a particular section on a scene. "Say, Kamishiro... do you mostly create shows that would always utilize fancy machineries?"

Those words quickly pulled back Rui's attention, "Yes director. My expertise usually focuses on making robotics and machineries that go beyond the scope of reality- This is why most of our stage plays are fantastical."

The director hummed, "Hm, I see. I understand your point as you've incorporated robots creatively into your stage plays."

"However, have you thought of... creating a change of pace?" He recommended to Rui.

"A change of pace...?" Rui cupped his chin as he processes the director's words.

"Yes." He walks closer to Rui, "I will give you a task, Kamishiro. Starting today, I want you to make a script that isn't fantastical or magical. What I need from you is to avert the spotlight to the actors rather than robotics."

"Besides, you wanted to improve as a director, right?" The director smiles at him. Rui nodded at his gesture and to his words. 

"Then, this will serve as your first task by me. Reach out to me once you have thought of a proper story. Remember that the 31st Anniversary Show will be in two weeks, so you need to be aware of the time."

"Understood, *Kantoku-san!" Rui replied to the director.

He then faces the rest of the troupe, "For now, everyone will be doing their usual physical training, then a 1-hour vocal warm up. We will discuss more about the play after you've finished your training, understood?"

"Yes director!" The whole troupe stood up as they prepare themselves with their physical training. Meanwhile, the Wonderlands troupe remained to approach Rui.

[A few moments later - Phoenix Stage]

"You seemed nervous when you were talking to the director..." Nene gently pointed out to Rui as she gives him a bottle of water, to which he takes to quench his thirst.

"Yeah... You looked like a deflated balloon up there..." Tsukasa added to Nene's statement.

"Are you alright, Rui-kun?" Emu asked him concernedly.

Rui smiled at the group's concern towards him, "I am fine, everyone. Thank you for worrying about me. However, what we should worry about isn't my well-being. The Anniversary Show is in two weeks."

"We need to finish the script as early as possible to give the troupe enough time to rehearse." Tsukasa pondered.

"Exactly. The director told me to avoid comedic and playful plot choices in order to expand our expertise in theater."

"I understand where he's coming from, but aren't our plays always on the comedic side?" Nene says. 

"We always like to make our audience laugh and smile on every show we make, That's the main goal of wonder stage!" Emu added.

Tsukasa cupped his chin as he thinks of a way to relieve the tension in the atmosphere. "Well... We're no stranger to dramatic plays. Nene played as the little mermaid during our ambassadorial show and I played as the Rio during the 30th Anniversary Show. Both of these plays are dramatic, so this should be an easy task, right?"

As the troupe discusses the director's critiques on Rui, he ponders on what the director told him.

"...It doesn't feel unique. It feels bland."

. . .

"Besides, you wanted to improve as a director, right?"

 

 

"No... I mustn't run away. I must face this problem head-on." Rui shook his head as he massages his temple.

"I don't... I don't want the same thing to happen to everyone when I was..."

 

???: "Haaah? Isn't that dangerous?"

???: "You're weird."

 

"I must persist ahead. This is just a small roadblock." He thinks to himself as he continues massaging the temple of his head.

As Rui continues to be on a trance, everyone is discussing about the stage play.

"We could look for inspiration in foreign novels, like what we did to The Little Mermaid..." Emu recommended to everyone.

Tsukasa sighed as he crosses his arms, "Ha... Don't you think that this director is a little too nitpicky? We never had an issue with the script until he pointed out small things that aren't even that big of a deal!"

"Tsukasa-kun, calm yourself down. To be honest, I still agree with him... despite his harsh critiques. I still have a lot to learn in script writing."

"As much as I hate to say it, but happy and comedic shows wouldn't get us anywhere if we don't have experience on other mediums of theatrical plays..." Nene added.

"... I'm sorry, I have to leave for a sec. See you." Rui stood up from the chairs as he bolted towards the door, leaving everyone in shock.

End of Chapter 2.

Chapter Text

[Phoenix Stage]

"... I'm sorry, I have to leave for a sec. See you." Rui stood up from the chairs as he bolted towards the door, leaving everyone in shock.

"R-Rui!" Tsukasa called his name loudly, however he had already reached the exit. He furrowed his eyebrows as he crossed his arms, this isn't like him...

"I'll follow him, you two stay here." Tsukasa stood up from his seat as he rushed to meet up with him. However, Nene caught onto him as he held his arms tightly.

"N-No!" she exclaimed. "We should leave Rui alone... I know the look on his face, he's persistent about doing something."

Tsukasa's body language steadily calmed with her words, "Nene..."

"Then, we shouldn't worry about it too much. All we could do is to believe in Rui's way of dealing with this roadblock that he's experiencing."

"That's right! Anything is possible with Rui's way of directing! He's super-duper creative with every shows that he make and--" Emu's words of encouragement for the group was interrupted by a silhouette that appeared behind them.

The man walked closer to them, his silhouette slowly becoming more clearer. "Oya, if it's the Wonderlands x Showtime troupe. I thought that loud noise was one of our slacking troupe members, turns out it was just this group." He chuckled.  

The whole troupe were surprised by the sudden appearance of Phoenix Stage's director, everyone stood up and bowed their heads before the older person, "Oh- Good Morning, Sakaki-Kantoku!" 

The director shook his hands, "Fufu, there's no need to be so formal with me. Besides, I should be the one greeting everyone."

The group all had a surprised expression upon hearing his statement. Nene couldn't help but step forward to ask him, "What does that supposed to mean, director?"

"Well... I've always wanted to meet you all in person, but you were all busy film directing with Tomomi-chan."

"Tomomi...chan?" Tsukasa repeated his words, tilting his head sideways as he cupped his chin, trying to think of a person that he had encountered with that surname. Suddenly, a flash of memories flooded him. "Film directing...? Oh!" His eyes widened when he realized who they are truly talking to as of the moment. 

"You must be a friend of Oohara-Kantoku!" Tsukasa deduced. The director was surprised with his quick deduction despite this being their first interaction.

"Nice deduction, Tsukasa-kun!" Emu looked at him as she applauded.

"I guess you can really use your brain in situations like this, huh?" Nene laughed playfully.

The director looked at the group interacting with each other playfully. Reminding him of his playful love-hate friendship with director Oohara, he couldn't help but smile at the sight of them fooling around. However, he noticed a missing person in the group as he took another look. "I see that Kamishiro isn't with the group today, do you know where he went?"

"I want to talk to him about his scriptwriting."

"Rui's scriptwriting..." Tsukasa mumbled to himself, his voice changing to a deeper tone. His expression changing to a much more serious look. This doesn't go unnoticed by everyone, including the director.

Does he truly dislike his way of making shows? No, not just HIS shows... but OUR shows...

Nene stepped forward as soon as she noticed Tsukasa turn his gaze away from the director. "He just went outside Director, I believe that he headed straight to Wonder Stage to... deal with something."

"Oh, I see. Then, I should get going." The director waves at the troupe and headed towards the exit. As soon as he left the room, everyone let out a deep exhale.

"...Somehow, I have a bad feeling about this." Tsukasa crossed his arms, his face showing a worried expression.

"Mhm... I feel the same way..." Nene nodded, agreeing to his sentiment.  

Emu looked at the two grow worried about Rui, she decides to swiftly change the topic to air out the tense atmosphere. "Nee~ Nene, how did you know that Rui is at Wonder Stage? He didn't say anything about going there, so..." The perplexed Emu asked her.

Nene thought of it for a moment, "I... I don't know... I just felt a hunch that he might be there." Nene placed her hand up to her chest. She is still worried about him, especially after he--

 

???: "Haaah? Isn't that dangerous?"

???: "Kamishiro, you're weird."

 

. . . 

 

Rui walks closer to meet up with Nene at the park. However, he noticed that Nene was listening into them the whole time.

"Hey Nene, you look worried about something. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Ah... this is nothing." Nene denied his words.

"...Don't tell me you are still thinking about my classmates saying those things to me..." Rui gently looked at Nene.

"Trust me, I am fine." Rui held her shoulders as he smiled at Nene. He may be smiling at that moment, but...

 

she knew that deep inside, Rui was hurt.

 

Nene shook his head, "No, I shouldn't be thinking like this again."

"Like what Tsukasa said, we should keep our faith to Rui." she continues.

"I believe that... whatever he might be dealing with, he can get though it." 

 

Tsukasa cupped his chin after listening to Nene. "Ah, perhaps its because you've been friends with him for so long that you practically know what he's thinking."

Nene's face changed to a calmer expression upon hearing his words, briefly setting aside her worries, "Yeah... maybe." She smiled.

"Anyways, let's not worry about Rui for now. Let's go ahead and start our physical training, we're already behind Sakurako and the rest!"

"Yeah! Let's GO GO GO!" Emu rushed to the exit. Tsukasa and Nene were startled by her sudden burst of energy, they both followed Emu.

[Phoenix Wonderlands]

Rui kept on running, and running, and running.

Running away from the troupe,

away from the director,

away from everyone.

 

"Yes, keep running. That's all you're ever good at anyways, running away from your problems."

These random childhood thoughts flooded his mind. It was painful, but he must persist.

 

      ???: "Haaah? Isn't that dangerous?"

      ???: "You're weird."

      "Ah... but..." Rui stuttered. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't speak up. He wanted to run.

 

      Run away from everyone.

 

"Shut up, Shut up, Shut up!" Rui tried to quiet down these thoughts, yet these voices seem to be growing louder and more painful.

Why do these voices have to appear now, right when the Park's most important event is growing near?

 

Does the world hate me this badly?

Does the world want everyone to hate me?

 

"Ha-ah... Hah..." Rui panted vigorously. He's tired of running an running, but he must reach his destination. "Just a bit more..." 

[Wonder Stage]

Rui held onto a post as he continued to catch his breath. The scorching heat of the afternoon sun is certainly not helping him either. "Hah... hah.... Why must everything turn out this way...? There's no reason for me to run... I had my friends next to me, so why..."

He shook his head, trying to ignore his negative thoughts, "Argh, this type of mindset won't do..." He mumbled to himself. As he walked closer to the gates towards the entrance, he could briefly see the roof of the stage peeking from the towering trees surrounding the area.

Rui let out a sigh of relief, "Hah... It's been a long time since I last visited this stage. Whenever we had rehearsals, I always arrive at the park first. Feeling the morning breeze while viewing the sunrise from the roof of the stage always brought me internal peace."

Rui took a deep breath and exhaled, "You can do this, Rui. I just need to find something that can serve helpful for me..." He walked closer towards the stage, heading towards the crammed and dusty backstage to look for something. He scanned the room, the backstage has been left untouched every since they departed from Phoenix Wonderlands. Because of this, the backstage was unused despite multiple troupes within PXL using the stage subsequent their departure. 

"Besides, you wanted to improve as a director, right?"

 

 

Those words still lingered behind his head.

Yes, I do want to improve as a director. But...

 

Can I really do it?

 

 

Rui rummaged through different closets and shelves. "Hm... Oh, there it is!" Rui picked up a huge dusty box stashed away in the corner, hidden underneath multiple scattered costumes and cardboard cut-outs from previous shows. As he opened the box, he took out piles of paper that contain their scripts from older shows. "Let's see what we have here..."

"Happy Phoenix...The Little Mermaid...  Potato Ghost..." Rui mumbled as he reads each title of every script that he had made. However, he couldn't find one specific script. "Ah..., just where is that stupid script?" He asks himself as he continues to rummage through pile after pile of scripts. 

"Wait, maybe I can check the backstage of Wonderland Sekai--" His thoughts were immediately cut off by an incomprehensible yelling coming from outside.

"Ka..shiro.. Kamishiro? Are you here?" A clearer yet still muffled voice can be heard once again from outside, a familiar one at that. He peered his head outside to check his suspicions. "Ah, Director...! But how-"

"I'm sorry for intruding your business, It sounds that you were busy cleaning up something back there. I asked your troupe mates where you went. I just want to discuss something about you."

"Something to discuss...?" Rui repeated the final words that director uttered.

"Your Scriptwriting."

Rui's eyes widened. "Ah..."

 

"There... that word again. Just hearing his critiques further destroys my ego." He thought to himself.

 

 

"Sure, what is that?" He furrowed his eyebrows.

"Well, I feel that we could expand more on your knowledge by reading different novels and storybooks-"

"Oya, what are you holding?" The director asked Rui, this sudden question caught him off guard.

Rui froze at that moment, he forgot to put down the script when he left the back of the stage. "Oh, These are older scripts that we used on our older performances. I wanted to see how I made my older scripts."

It took him by surprise that he would make his way to this stage just to study his older scripts. Out of curiosity, the director asked Rui, "I see, may I take a look at them?"

Rui hesitated at first, but those words echoed to his mind again--

 

"Besides, you wanted to improve as a director, right?"

 

"Ah... Yes Director!" Rui shakily handed his old scripts to the Director. He flipped to each page with an earnest look on his face. Rui turned his gaze away from the man, afraid on what words he will say in front of him.

"I must keep listening to his critiques." I thought to myself. " But... "

 

 

"...It doesn't feel unique. It feels bland."

 

"Do you think the audience would enjoy listening to a play that has a predictable plot?"

 

"Don't you think that your script is... too plain?"

 

 

"The voices inside my head are growing louder. It's annoying. It makes me want to--"

"...These works are highly creative, Kamishiro. It really encapsulates the overall vibe of the story."

Rui's eyes widened, he didn't expect such a response from the director. "You... think so?"

The director hummed, "Your way of scriptwriting is definitely fitting for a troupe that performs on a stage like Wonder Stage."

"Fitting... for Wonder stage?" Rui repeated his words with a tone of confusion.

"Mhm, your whimsical and mechanical themes definitely matches the essence of Wonder Stage."

"However... I need to give you an important reminder.--"

"You are writing for a different stage-- for Phoenix Stage, that is."

"...!"

End of Chapter 3.

Chapter Text

[Previously...]

 

"Your way of scriptwriting is definitely fitting for a troupe that performs on a stage like Wonder Stage."

 

"Fitting... for Wonder stage?"

 

"Mhm, your themes definitely matches the essence of Wonder Stage. However... I need to give you an important reminder.--"

 

 

"You are writing for a different stage-- for Phoenix Stage, that is."

 

"...!"

 

[Wonder Stage]

 

Shocked from his statement, Rui changed his expression to a serious one.

"Isn't he stepping over the line..? That's not something you just casually say on someone that's struggling on something important to the entire troupe."

 

"Excuse me for my tone, but I definitely understood that from the day I created the script, director." Rui firmly responded to the director as he crossed his arms, furrowing his eyebrows.

However, the director didn't mind this sudden change of behavior, "I understand where you are coming from, Kamishiro. I didn't mean this in a rude way, but Wonder Stage and Phoenix Stage are two very different stages that perform different themes." 

"For example, Phoenix Stage deals with plays that contain more serious and dramatic topics. Meanwhile, Wonder Stage is a stage that is fitting for an audience who seeks comedic relief and entertainment-- which is of course, not a bad thing. All stages perform different themes to cater a specific demographic.--"

"However, I am only asking for one thing Kamishiro. I only need you to stage your style of scriptwriting. You are presenting a script on a stage that  actors, actresses, and even singers." He explained to the younger director.

"Also... I think you've already seen the script that Tomomi-chan made multiple times during the movie, correct?"

"Yes director." Rui nodded.

"Then... Based on what I've analyzed from your draft, you tried to mimic that same writing style, am I mistaken?" the director deduced.

Rui's eyes widened in shock, "Y..Yes, director. I find his way of writing stories interesting. So i tried to incorporate his style of writing to this script."

The director hummed, "I see... Then Kamishiro, Let me ask you a question. How do you usually write your scripts?"

He was surprised by his sudden interrogation, "Huh..? Well..." Rui cupped his chin as he processed how question. Memories flashed before his eyes as he tries to recall from past shows how he did his scripts. 

As his realization, Rui's eyes widened. "I... I always start by discussing a plan to the whole group before starting on a script... We would usually do an adaptation of an existing story, making it fit our theme of entertaining the audience."

"Then, did you do that?" He asked the younger director before him.

Did he? He tries to recall what happened yesterday.

Rui shook his head, "No... I didn't. I rushed ahead into making the script without putting much thought into it."

"Come to think of it, I never really modified the script to fit the theme of the anniversary show..." Rui thought to himself, causing his eyebrows to curve upwards, showing a hint of dismay in his own words.

The director nodded, "Well, there is your reason. All of these scripts that you used to make were all beautifully crafted because you made it with your troupe mates."

"But at your current script, I didn't feel that same energy. It feel lifeless."

"Copying another person's style or writing isn't a bad thing as you could learn a lot when you try to mimic certain writing styles. However, both of your styles are different. Tomomi-chan's script can only be used on media such as film making. On the other hand, you are trying to mimic the same writing style... for theater." he added as he gestures his hands, pointing at different scenes in Rui's scripts/

Rui cupped his chin, he never really thought about it that way. "I see... Thank you for your insights, director." Rui bowed to show his thanks/

"It's nothing. Besides, you still have plenty of time to create the script." the older director replied.

"Also, don't take any of my words too seriously. Besides, you're just a stage director, not a playwright."

"...!" Rui was caught off guard from his words. Although judging by his tone, he seems to be saying it in a humorous way-- perhaps to lighten up the stifling atmosphere?

"That is... irrelevant, director." Rui crosses his arms as he gradually softened his previously brash tone. Maybe his anger towards the director's critiques went too far?

I really should take notice of my multiple outburst of anger, especially towards a professional director like him...

...Maybe a break would be ideal for me.

The director chuckles as he patted Rui's shoulders, "I know, I know. I'm just spitting nonsense." he turned around as he headed towards the gates, "Now, I'll be returning to the stage to dismiss everyone early. Besides, there is no reason for them to stay here as the script is not yet finished."

Rui's eyes widened as he felt his chest tighten from nervousness.

If he continues to act like this, he might risk delaying the entire show because of the script.

 

No. Today's supposed to be the day where the director will cast the actors and actresses. He already failed his job.

"Understood..." Rui responded half-heartedly. At last, the director waved at the younger man, leaving Rui at the site.

Rui let out a deep exhale as soon as he left the site. He sat down in one of the audience's seats to ponder on what just transpired.

 

        "However... I need to give you an important reminder.--"

        "You are writing for a different stage-- for Phoenix Stage, that is."

 

Those words still lingered at the back of his head.

He sighed to himself as he looked at the afternoon skies. He used to look at the sky whenever he felt hopeless.

He shook his head as an attempt to shake off his heavy thoughts. "This is not good, I shouldn't be sitting around feeling all anxious and sad." He walked towards the backstage to avoid the probability of a stranger spotting him, he cautiously pulls up his phone and presses the Untitled music on his media player.

[Wonderland SEKAI]

As a bright flash of white light illuminated the dim backstage, various colored triangled enveloped him- potentially blinding him if he keeps staring at it for too long. After a few seconds, he was transported to the magical world of Wonderland SEKAI. Rui walked around the area as he tries looking for a certain VOCALOID, he arrived at the park, the carousel, even the flying train tracks on the sky where Miku and Rin often use as a hiding spot-- still not a single VOCALOID were in sight. Eventually, he reached the only place he hadn't checked, the stage of SEKAI. 

Rui opened the curtains to check on anyone in sight. Upon scanning the place, he spots a blue haired man wearing a white top hat to pretend to the the taller one in the group. As Rui began to walk closer, he noticed that KAITO is busy arranging scattered books on the floor.

"Ah, KAITO-san! I'm glad to see someone present in this SEKAI... I was worried that everyone might have gotten lost or something." Rui approached the man with a worried and exhausted look on his face.

"Oh my, you look like you've ran a couple of laps. Also, you don't need to worry about Miku and the rest. I believe they are exploring the Ship near the port."

"Ah... so that's where they've been, huh?" Rui muttered as he curved his eyebrows upwards, forcing a smile on his face.

On the other hand, KAITO did not miss this sudden change in Rui's actions. "Mhm... You don't look so good Rui-kun. Is anything bothering you?" The older man asked him. In response, Rui nodded to him.

"To be honest... yeah." Rui gave in as he let out a sigh. His eyebrows gradually curved into a dismayed look, an expression that KAITO has only seen when the director was in a tough situation.

KAITO cupped his chin, "Oya, it's very uncharacteristic for Rui-kun to have a serious problem. I am all ears." KAITO offered him to sit down in one of the seats. 

Rui thanked him for offering the seat. As he sat down, he let out a sharp exhale as he's about to share what had unfolded over the past hours. "Okay, so...."

[Moments later...]

"I see... you're having trouble with your method of scriptwriting..." KAITO continued to process the events that Rui had encountered with the director.

Rui nodded, "Not to mention, the words that the director uses on critiquing my scripts are... harsh."

"Harsh? I've never heard you describe someone's words like that before. You usually tolerate harsh words pretty well." KAITO pointed out.

"Well... The way he says those words..."

 

          "...It doesn't feel unique. This feels bland."

          "Do you think the audience would enjoy listening to a play that has... a predictable plot?" 

 

          "..."

 

          "You are writing for a different stage-- for Phoenix Stage, that is."

 

"it hits.. certain parts of my childhood memory." His eyes started to wander away from KAITO as he stares at the floor.

"Rui-kun's... childhood memory?" KAITO repeated his words.

Rui nodded, "Yes. I loved theatre ever since I was a little kid... I wasn't afraid to show it to my classmates when it comes to group plays."

"However...--"

            ???: "Haaah? Isn't that dangerous?" One classmate of his expressed her fear with Rui's directions. It seemed unsafe, despite Rui saying that he made sure to add safety precautions.

            ???: "You're weird." Another classmate expressed his hatred from the odd theatre kid.

 

            "Ah... but..." Rui stuttered. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't speak up. He wanted to run.

 

      One by one, every kid in the park walk out away from him, leaving Rui alone.

 

      As he was about to shed his tears, he realized that he still had someone to talk to-- someone he could rely on.

      He stood up from his fetal position and ran towards Nene's house. However, he didn't expect to see a familiar figure standing near the swings.

 

 

            "Nene...? What are you doing here? I was supposed to meet up with you at your house..." 

 

            "Oh... nothing. I just like playing here at the swings every once in a while."

 

            "Hey, you look worried about something. Do you want to talk about it?" Rui offered her.

 

            "Ah... this is nothing." Nene denied his words.

 

            "...Don't tell me you are still thinking about my classmates saying those things to me..." Rui gently looked at Nene.

            "Trust me, I am fine." Rui held her shoulders as he forced on a smile at Nene. 

 

"Rui-kun...?" KAITO tilted his head to the side, seemingly unaware of Rui's thoughts.

"Ah, I'm sorry. I got caught in a trance again." he replied half-heartedly.

KAITO cupped his chin as he furrowed his eyebrows. "I can sense that... by the way, would you mind showing the the script?"

"Oh? Well, if it's with KAITO-san, then I'd be happy to show it." Rui handed his spare copy of the script to the VOCALOID. "Please tell me your insights, you can be honest with me."

KAITO nodded as he carefully flipped through the pages, his eyes widened as he sightread a couple of lines. "Rui-kun. Could it be that you are exploring a different style in script writing?" He asked him, which he nodded as a response.

KAITO curved his eyebrows upwards, showing a worried expression.

 

"Indeed, it is good to explore different techniques in writing a script. I can see a major difference with his style."

"However... I doesn't feel like something Rui-kun would write. Rui-kun as a distinct style that catches everyone's attention."

"But this is..."

"Rui-kun." KAITO firmly enunciated his name, catching him off-guard.

"Yes, KAITO-san?"

"Don't push yourself to become different." 

"...Eh?" Rui tilted his head as he processed the words that KAITO muttered. Somehow, the air around him changed to something that he had never felt before, as if his voice changed to a deeper tone. Has he always been this straightforward?

KAITO gestures his hands. "Sure, seeing others works and mimicking them could potentially increase your understanding on how that piece was made."

"However, please understand to yourself that..."

"You are not alone in this journey." 

".....!" Rui did not expect such a response from the VOCALOID.

"Rui-kun, you need to keep in mind that... You are a stage director of Wonderlands x Showtime, not the playwright." KAITO muttered firmly.

"You still have your troupe mates to rely on. Tsukasa-kun, Emu-chan, and Nene-chan. You can work together on a cohesive plan, like you usually do before."

"All of your shows in the past has always been fun and exciting because everyone had worked on it. So please, rely on them more."

Rui's eyes widened, "That is...--"

 

      "All of these older scripts that you made were all beautifully crafted because you made it with your troupe mates."

      "But at your current script, I didn't feel that same energy. It feel lifeless."

 

 

      "Also, don't take any of my words too seriously. Besides, you're just a stage director, not a playwright."

      "...!"

 

"Maybe... his words aren't irrelevant after all?" He thought to himself as he recounted the director's words.

"Maybe... I really am selfish, always planning ahead without thinking of the rest of the troupe."

A selfish director, huh?

"Fufu, I really haven't changed throughout the years, have I?"

 

His gaze softened as he realized his mistake this whole time. "I've always wanted everyone to rely on my skills..."

"...and yet, I still end up with seeking help from my friends." Rui added.

KAITO smiled at him after Rui realized how impactful his friends were to Rui's development as a director. "Rui-kun... it's not a bad thing to seek help from everyone, you are still learning after all--- everyone is."

"You're right. Thank you KAITO-san." Rui thanked the VOCALOID.

"No problem, don't hesitate to approach me or the others if you still have issues." The two continued to share a chat with one other.

 

"KAITO-san's words made me feel much better about my techniques." Rui thought to himself.

 

       "Don't push yourself to become different, Rui-kun."

       "Rui-kun. You are a stage director, not a playwright." KAITO muttered firmly.

       "You have friends to rely on. Tsukasa-kun, Emu-chan, and Nene-chan. You can work together like you usually do."

 

Rui cupped his chin, "Maybe I should...."

 

End of Chapter 4.

Chapter Text

Author-san's Update

Created as of 07/18/25

So, I have finally returned after a long break... kind of. What do I mean by this? Let me explain. Firstly, I would like to apologize for the long wait, this goes to all my unfinished works, not just on this particular story.

College life has (and will always be) been cruel. I am trying to fix my already messy life as of the moment. Along with my studies, I also tried to focus on writing bits and pieces during my free time, which is neither a lot nor is it a long one... that is until my laptop decides to unalive itself and just randomly breaks one evening. It also rained a lot that same day, quite an unfortunate day I must say.

This happened back on May, it's currently July. 

Mind you that all my chapters are written on my notepad... not Google Docs... not MS Word... but the... the built-in notes app on my laptop. *facepalms to my own mistake* I feel stupid just thinking about it again.

This means that my episode ideas and the draft for my fics are now gone... until I decide to pay for the repairs. Not too shabby, right? That is until I realize how much repairs costs, so I'll be better off just borrowing my friend's monitor to transfer the files myself since my only problem was the LCD of the screen. I won't get technical about it but it just works lol. (Atleast I hope so) Besides, why would I waste money on something I would only use in less than 10 minutes of file transfer when I am already planning to buy a new one soon anyways?

I am not using this tragedy to make up a huge excuse on why I am this late on posting, most of the chapters are already laid out and are ready for posting (minus the grammar adjustments), its just that the wait has been ridiculously long that I also start to wonder if finishing my works would even be worth it at this point lol.

(also- if you are wondering, I posted this using my phone. So, no I still haven't fixed my laptop. Plus laptop prices are no joke, so I will be using my phone as my temporary setup.)

Anyways, enough with the excuses. Now, for the million-dollar question:

What now?

Sorry to upset everyone, but the wait will be painfully longer. Alas, my fics are truly made to become a painful slowburn and have an unbearable cliffhanger after all...

I give up... Pancakes & Stargazing and STAR*Struck™️ was meant to be a slowburn anyways, *rolls eyes* and I created Dramatic Direction to make Rui suffer the same way Mizuki did on Mizu5 /j (ragebait)

Jokes aside, if I do decide on re-writing the chapters from scratch (again), it would take an extra long time since I don't have the necessary material to complete it AKA the aforementioned files I made on said broken laptop.

Once again, I apologize for this. I know that this is not the update that everyone is looking forward to, neither do I- but I am trying my best to resolve this, although it might take some time.

Thank you for your patience.

A Dramatic Direction to Theatrics, STAR*Struck™️?, and Pancakes & Stargazing

will resume as soon as I am ready. Also, if you haven't read them yet, now is the time to read it~

P.S.: Yes, I am aware that I missed a lot of events as I also quit PJSK the same time... the Ena5 release, the ENStars crossover, the MIKU MOVIE, Tsukasa's birthday, Worldlink of all 4 groups + Vocaloids, and most imporantly... Rui5 was now released in JP servers a few months ago. I missed out on a lot of good events and ways to far, but as long as I finish my rendition on Rui5, I'd be satisfied.

 

Chapter Text

[Phoenix Stage]

"....and with that, that concludes our first orientation. Our next meeting will be moved on Monday, use your weekends to rest. Everyone's dismissed." The director swiftly ends the troupe's first general orientation which was fruitless due to a key component still lacking— the script.

"Yes, director!" Everyone said their goodbyes to everyone as soon as the director dismissed them. Some members gathered around to decide where to eat their lunches, while others left by themselves. Meanwhile, the director-less troupe that is Wonderlands x Showtime are still wondering what happened to Rui.

Tsukasa paced back and forth the hall, with each second passes stripping his patience. "Where could Rui be at right now? The orientation just ended without him showing up..."

"Uuuuunnnnn... Will he be okay?" Emu worriedly hums.

Unlike the two worried people in front of her, Nene knows the type of guy Rui is. "It's still too early to worry for him. But that being said, he isn't the type of person to be in this position."

Her words was enough to put Tsukasa's feet to a full stop. He walks closer to the group, "What do you mean?" 

"I'm not sure how to put it, but Rui has a... specific mannerism that is difficult to not notice. He is a person that acts boldly with his creations, especially to his scripts."

"...and that definitely wasn't the case when he presented his script recently." She added.

"Oh..." Emu's eyebrows curved upwards, forming a saddened look on her face. "Is there any way for us to help him?"

"Emu...." Nene and Tsukasa said in unison.

Tsukasa took a deep exhale as a light bulb lit up on his head. "....I have an idea." Nene and Emu sparked up upon hearing those words, leaving a shocked expression on their faces.

"Eh? What do you have in mind, Tsukasa?" Nene asked him as she tilts her head.

"Just bear with me on this..." Tsukasa lets out a heavy breath as he gathered Nene and Emu in a circle, as if they are whispering about their plan. For a short while, the group left the auditorium with a smile after discussing their plan.

The group left the room briefly, leaving a few of Phoenix Stage's staff left inside the auditorium— Those people include Sakurako and Director Sakaki. As soon as she notices the director sitting idly in one of the audience seats, she lets out a audible cough to signal her presence which caught the director off-guard.

"Oh, you're still here Seiryuin. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be headed out with your fellow troupe members?" He says as he jolted, almost falling off from his seat.

"I would, but I couldn't help but notice the director is sitting here idly for 10 minutes. Is something bothering YOU, Sakaki-Kantoku?" She asks as she redirects the director's question back to himself.

The director sighed as he hears this. He adjusts himself to his seat as he tries to find a more comfortable position, "It's a bit of a rough week lately."

"Listen, if this is about your problems with Oohara-Kantoku then I won't listen. Just confront him directly and everything will be sorted out."

He let out a soft chuckle upon hearing Sakurako, "Fufu, you sure know me too well, but sadly this isn't about Tomomi-Chan. This time, It's about... Kamishiro." 

For the first time, Sakurako was shocked to hear that the director isn't babbling about his fellow director friend. This intrigues her to listen further. Besides, it relates with the park's most imporant event. "Rui-san? What happened to him?"

"Well..." The director narrates to Sakurako what unfolded between him and Rui at Wonder Stage. As she listened to the director's words, Sakurako showed her worry about the teenager's situation.

. . .

"I see... This is definitely different from his usual antics. I am surpised that Tenma-san and the others still haven't caught up into this." Sakurako crossed her arms as she furrowed her eyebrows.

"You seem to know the Wonderlands Troupe well, Sakurako."

"Of course, I've worked with them a handful of times." Sakurako was not sure whether to feel boastful of this achievement of hers or to feel tired with their antics.

The director feels the same judging from how she currently looks as she faces Sakaki, further piquing his interest with the troupe. "Fufu, then... can you tell me more about them?"

Sakurako's eyes widened with the Director's sudden request. "Now you are intrigued with them?" She chuckled. Sakurako proceeded to tell Director Sakaki the traits that Wonderlands x Showtime possesses. 

While this is happening, a bright flash suddenly emerges from the opposite side of the Phoenix Stage's grand hall. They couldn't who the person is from a far, but as they wall closer...

???: Ah, did I miss the orientation?

[Wonderlands SEKAI]

A bright flash of light emerges from the tent of  Wonderlands SEKAI, colorful triangles envelop Tsukasa, Emu, and Nene as they land on the floor. This flashbang doesn't get unrecognized by KAITO, who us sitting alone at the audience seats.

"KAITO-san! We need your help!" Emu yells as she runs towards the vocaloid, hugging his waist tightly.

"Oya, is this about Rui-kun?" He asked, despite already knowing their answer.

"Yes. I assume that he already came here?" Nene asks him, to which the vocaloid nods as a response.

"He was here a while ago, then he suddenly left to rest." Kaito sighs.

[Previously...]

 

       "Don't push yourself to become different, Rui-kun."

       "Rui-kun. You are a stage director, not a playwright." KAITO muttered firmly.

       "You have friends to rely on. Tsukasa-kun, Emu-chan, and Nene-chan. You can work together like you usually do."

 

Rui cupped his chin, "Maybe I should...." Before he can form his words, KAITO stopped him.

 

"Hey, maybe take a short break from this? I can sense that you are overworked." 

 

"Overworked...?" Rui repeats. Him? Overworked? He lets out a soft chuckle. "I don't think I am overworked, but thank you for worrying for me KAITO-kun."

 

"—Besides... all of my work is not nearly enough to show how much I appreciate them."

 

"...Guys, I think it's time for you three to take in charge while he is away." he added.

"Take charge? Being a director? But... " Nene repeats KAITO's words, which was followed by Tsukasa.

"How could we do that? He is important to keep the troupe moving! Without him... the three of us will be left with no direction." Tsukasa remembers the words he shared with Rui years ago. Whenever Rui makes a direction, Tsukasa has to follow it– because he knows that Rui can be trusted with his directions, despite the level of danger it poses.

"Tsukasa-kun, let me ask you something. Let's say you have a robot. This robot couldn't stop moving because it doesn't have the switch to turn it off. It keeps on walking in circles and moving his hands with the same energy everyday, but it also does things that you wouldn't expect from a toy robot.

Tsukasa grunted as he becomes invested with the story KAITO had come up, "Hoh... Like what?" 

"The robot would clean his owner's things, arrange books, and fix their bed. He does this everyday until it suddenly stops working one day. What do you think happened to him?"

"Hmm... the robot's batteries died?" Emu answers KAITO's riddle, but he shook his head.

"Emu-kun has a fair point, but the toy can be powered again through solar energy, so that can't be the reason."

"Maybe the robot has charging port?" Tsukasa jumps in. KAITO also shook his head.

"It doesn't have one because it relies only at the sun." KAITO replied.

Tsukasa was astounded. "WHAT? HOW ABOUT WHEN ITS NIGHT TIME?" This made Emu giggle.

"Good question, Tsukasa-kun. He still works even at night." He simply answered the man.

Nene sighed at the sight of the two airheads trying to answer the vocaloid's riddle. "I am much more worried about why a robot would do such things. Besides, robots aren't supposed to do those chores."

"Fufu, I am glad you caught up to that detail, Nene-kun. Why would a robot do chores when it is not his job to do it? He was not directed to do it but he still does it anyways."

Meanwhile, Tsukasa thought of a logical answer but he couldn't make any, so he says the first thing it comes to his mind, "Can't I replace the toy if it's broken?"

"Tsukasa-kun, are you implying that you are willing to replace Rui-kun once he runs out of energy to direct Wonderlands x Showtime?"

"!!" Everyone was shocked with the KAITO's remarks. Did he create this story on the spot to relate it to Rui?

"I didn't realize it's about him... I would never replace Rui." Tsukasa stutters as he furrowed his eyebrows.

KAITO knows all too well that Tsukasa is not the type of person to give up someone so willingly despite the challenges they faced throughout the years they have been together. "I know, Tsukasa-kun."

"What I am trying to tell was... If the problems you see aren't visible from the outside, then something can be fixed from the inside. Maybe not it's batteries, but something else."

"I get it now! But... what about the robot doing the chores?" Emu asked the vocaloid.

"The robot doesn't want their owners to think that it's useless, so he uses all his power to do things a robot don't normally do to prove himself as useful." KAITO narrated.

"...but now, that robot is out of energy. Now, he hopes that their owners doesn't think of him as useless, so he keeps on trying and trying depite having no energy left."

"Please, reach out to him" KAITO added. Slowly, the tone of his story about an innocent robot, shifted into another similar topic.

[Rui's Bedroom]

Rui anxiously taps his pen onto the table as he thinks back on what he said with KAITO in SEKAI.

"Don't push yourself to become different." 

"Rui-kun, you need to keep in mind that... You are a stage director of Wonderlands x Showtime, not the playwright." 

 

Maybe I am thinking of it differently. Shouldn't the director's job also revolve around scripts? I mean, I've always been the one handling the writing, so it became natural for everyone to trust me on writing them.

"Argh, just what am I thinking? I need to stop thinking about that, I should start working on the script." He says to himself, but the director's words still stuck on the back of his mind— a sharp ache throbs whenever Rui begins to think about it.

. . .

Tick... tock... Tick... tock...

Only the sound of the Grandfather clock ticking fills Rui's bedroom for about an hour, or maybe two? and a half? Rui doesn't know either because the windows in his room are blocked by a curtain. He can only stare blankly at the crumpled pages of his script. Myabe he should just give up? Perhaps another person would be much more capable of this role.

Ding—!

He is running out of options, maybe his creativity is also running dry. 

Ding—! Ding—!

Maybe he should just––

Ding—! Ding—! Ding—!

"Who is messaging at this hour...?" Rui groans as he lifts his head up from his arm. He opens his phone to check his messages. To his surprise, it wasn't the troupe's groupchat... but an unknown number.

Rui read the message carefully;

***

 

Unknown

 

???: Good evening. I got your number from your acquaintance. He seems to know you well.

???: He arrived later after I dismissed everyone from the orientation. Seems that he was looking forward to meet the Wondershow cast once again. Especially you.

???: I understand that you are upset about your creation, but please attend the orientation. This is an important event for Phoenix Wonderlands.

???: Kamishiro-san, I am expecting from you tomorrow.

 

***

As he was reading the messages, a heap of questions floods Rui's mind. What acquaintance? How does this person know him? With those questions in his head, he was sure of one thing. "Was this... from Sakaki-Kantoku?"

He was afraid to face everyone after what unfolded during the orientation.

 

"...It doesn't feel unique. It feels bland."

 

"Do you think the audience would enjoy listening to a play that has a predictable plot?"

 

"Don't you think that your script is... too plain?"

 

How will he face everyone? The director? The Phoenix Stage troupe? Sakurako? and... most importantly, his troupemates?

Tsukasa's trust to join Wonder Stage, Nene's long trust for him to show her voice on stage, and Emu's dream to spread happiness. What will happen to their wishes if he is not there?

Rui took a deep breath to calm himself down. After everything he had done today, he must do his best to prove everyone that he is worthy of a director— a director that is not a coward at mistakes. "... I won't run away this time."

End of Chapter 5.