[A3!] Another Universe _ Sandbox Mode

❄ Memory Island

I tap away on the keyboard as I keep my eyes keenly on the lines of words that are supposed to end five minutes ago. Writing a report has always been the most tiring task of the day as some recording sessions may end late and I had...no- I must inform everything upon them in great detail. It has to be done or the load will get stuck for others the next morning.

As soon as I find myself typing away the final sentence, I sigh at the sight of a stack of papers situated on the right side of my work-desk. I have no idea why it is simply draining by glancing at the cover page. I have yet dived in deep into it to complain but I already half-expected the content.

I got called by one of the company interns to meet up with the president after lunch hour. Before heading to my schedule to supervise a recording session, we talked about the upcoming project that I was assigned to. The lengthy explanation is all in the binder underneath the papers.

I flinch in surprise once I submitted the report for the day and immediately pick up a phone call without glimpsing at the screen. As if on default, I spoke, "Hello, this is Miyahara Kimi speaking."

"Good evening, Miyahara. This is Chigasaki Itaru calling."

Oh, it's just him. At least he doesn't seem bothered by the formality in my tone. Either that or he simply used to it since he is a salaryman after all. However, it dawns upon me the reason behind the phone call. It's unlike him to randomly call out of the blue. So he continues the call for us.

"I assume you're still your office?"

"Yes, I am. Is there a reason why you are calling me, Itaru?"

"Chikage is running a bit late at work so I left early. I happened to be in the area and I thought I should swing by and fetch you instead."

How convenient. As if this has been perfectly planned...

☆ ~ ☆ ~ ☆

"This is awfully weird coming from you. Not that I mind you coming here to get me." I told him instantly when I slipped into the passenger seat. Itaru laughs a little at my honest statement as if he is caught red-handed for doing some sketchy street crime. "Alright, who sent you? I did stay back longer than I supposed to after all."

"I came here with good intention but yeah, someone sent me. You can ask your boyfriends for the extra information. I will get coffee as compensation, apparently."

"Very funny, Itaru." I leaned back on the seat as Itaru swiftly makes his way down the road to the dorm. It sounds a lot like Tasuku and Tsumugi's doings.

It is the first practice day for the next Winter Troupe play after all and I agreed to have an early start since it's the first time I'll be acting as the lead. I already went through the thorough discussion with Tsuzuru for the overall plot and surprisingly he was able to get a couple of ideas on the fly.

Taking advantage of my music background and past experience, Tsuzuru suggested doing something around that concept. But I figured since the troupe already had a similar theme a few plays back, maybe we should take a different approach just like the other girls did when it was their turns.

Ayaka benefited a lot from her childhood as an actor. Doing a musical in fantasy crossed reality world sounded up to her level. Nami possesses a fresh mind and young. She has the plus point of portraying the quirkiness of a lively toy that seeks validation and future. Erika, as someone that has an emotionally scarred background, can channel her frustration through heavy actions as an active yet direct field agent.

What I lack is an element that puts me differently from the other girls in the troupe. The same can be said as an aspiring music producer. I only produced one song and that was out of nowhere. I haven't produced anything original since then. It wonders me how the director evaluated me when she planned to scout me.