They were getting into the home stretch now. All he had to do for this final part, was to lay sleeping. Then, Helena played by Akiba will wake him up. Should be easy, thankfully Yogi already did most of the work for him.
His eyes were closed, waiting for his cue. While lying there, he thought about this whole festival. If you had asked him during the last year's one, that he'd be playing a major role in the theatrical production. He'd call the cops to get you thrown into a psych ward.
Yet, what weighed most on his mind, was his relationship with Erina. He never thought he'd ever admit it to himself, but he really did miss her. Maybe it was just the wait that was making him think that. All he knew, was that he wished that he could forgive her.
Arata felt a light touch. This was his cue. Slowly, he opened his eyes, to begin his lines. What he saw, almost broke him out of character.
"E-Erina?" There she was, lying beside him. Caressing his cheek.
"Just go with it." She whispered to him. Erina began to act, not letting him get another word in. He had no choice, but to follow her lead.
Standing beside her, in front of all these student watching the play. He was reminded of the May dance, where they shared the final dance with each other. Back then, with all eyes on them. That moment felt right to him, and this was no different.
Saying their lines, it didn't feel like he was acting. It was almost like pouring his feelings into the words of his character. Arata couldn't tell what exactly what he was trying to do. Except, that perhaps his words were an indirect way of showing her his forgiveness.
Hearing what she was saying. He never thought that he'd live to see the day she'd say the things she did to anyone who wasn't Yogi. Even if it was just acting, he felt like this was the most natural thing she ever did.
Soon, they were finished. He could finally say that this festival has now come to a close. The cast came out, and gave their bow. The audience so moved, that they gave a standing ovation. Even if he wasn't the type to bask in the attention, he couldn't help but smile at their cheers.
Yogi had awoken, he was the first to talk with Arata when he returned backstage. While he missed most of what he had done, he did catch the final piece of Arata's performance. The praise coming from him really meant a lot, especially to someone used to being under his shadow.
Now, he was sitting alone. Getting out of the costume that didn't fit him well. Once he was done with this, he was hoping that this would be the time to slip out in private. However, a note left in the locker he kept his clothes in, gave him different plans instead.
'Please meet me, by the big oak tree.' He read it, knowing immediately whose handwriting this was. Arata felt his heart tighten from the words on the page. What was she planning for him, he thought. After all, the last time he got this message. That was when his life got turned upside down.
Not wanting to keep Erina waiting. He quickly changed from costume back into his school uniform. Without telling anyone else, he slipped out to meet her behind the school.
Unlike last time, he didn't have to try and look for her. As soon as he got there, she was standing there, leaning on the tree, waiting for him. She had a tight grip to her school bag as he approached. Erina had her face turned down, looking at the ground.
"Hello…" He greeted her, unsure of what was about to come. She didn't bring her eyes up to meet his gaze. Instead, she reached into her bag, pulling out a plethora of pictures.
"This is everything." She simply said.
"Everything of-" He was about to ask, until he realized what he was looking at. These pictures, they were all the evidence of his dirty little secret. "Those… What are you going to-"
She didn't give him the chance to ask. In a rush, she tore up every single last one of them. Those photos were now destroyed, leaving behind the truth. Then, she threw them up, scattering them about in the wind.
Arata couldn't believe his eyes, as the scraps of papers fluttered about in the air. So damaged, that even if one stumbled upon it. They wouldn't know what the original image was suppose to be of.
"But, then... That means-" He was about to speak, but she didn't give him the opportunity. Erina rushed towards him, leaping on top of him. It caught him off guard, he fell with her now on top of him.
"I'm so sorry." She said, tears in her eyes. "I'm so sorry... everything is gone now. You're f-free now." She told him, barely able to get the words out. She sobbed into his chest, not giving him any room to move. Not that he wanted to leave this position.
"Apology accepted." he replied gently, giving her a soft hug. They stayed like this for a while, until she was able to pick herself up. With everything that had happened today, he found them a bench to sit on.
Sitting right next to each other, they were silent for a while. Not really sure how to continue this conversation. Or perhaps, were so full of relief, that they needed a moment to gather their thoughts.
"So…" He was the first to break the silence. "Why exactly were you still playing Helena?" Arata was curious about that. He was certain they agreed that Akiba was coming back in. "Did the director not allow it?"
"No." She answered. "The truth is… I asked if I could finish the play with you." What he didn't see while on stage, was Erina begging for the chance. Ichiri was against it, but thanks to Akiba, she was able to get the opportunity.
"Really?" He was shocked to hear this. He figured that she'd take the chance to be with Yogi when he woke up. After all, he knew how obsessive the love she had for him was. "I thought that you'd want to stay with him instead."
"You said that the opportunity I deserve is the one I take, right?" He couldn't deny that he said it, but he didn't know if that was good advice. Arata just figured that's what Hine would've said to him if he asked for help.
"Sure, but I was just saying it to motivate you." He admitted. "I'm not even sure if that's good advice for anyone."
"It was good for me." She thanked him. "I think I know what I deserve now."
"What do you mean by that?" He asked her, but she ignored his question. Instead, she gave him one of her own.
"What are you going to do now?" She asked. "I mean, now you're free, so does that mean you're going to return to your normal life?" He made no secret on his goals for when he had gotten her with Yogi. Without the looming blackmail over him, now he really had no reason to stay with them. Well, maybe one reason.
Arata thought about it for a moment. He always thought that once this moment came, he would do exactly what he said he'd do, with no hesitation. Except now, that was all he was filled with.
"I hope that you stay with me… with all of us..." She muttered, as her eyes slowly closed. It had been a long day and they were both very exhausted. Erina leaned her head over his shoulder for a little bit of rest.
"You know…" he whispered quietly to not disturb her. "I guess I can keep hanging out with all of you." That was his answer. Despite all that he had said before. He knew that there was no way he could just leave all this behind. Without openly admitting it, he had grown rather attached.
Arata wasn't sure if Erina had heard him, as she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. The small smile on her face was all the confirmation that was needed. He couldn't move, not without disturbing her rest, so he choose not to. He was tired as well, so some sleep didn't seem like a bad idea.
"But for now…" His eyes were slowly closing. Sleep was coming to him. "I think that I'll just stay with you."
With his final words. He fell asleep, leaning his head over hers. The two slept peacefully together.