The moment Sato creaked the door open, Producer Fukuoka's voice suddenly traveled to his ears. The man's words caused him to stop dead in his tracks.
"This time we were very fortunate to have found such an amazing main lead."
Director Mayama nodded in agreement.
"Yes, I am quite pleased with Imamura-kun's performance. In the short amount of time he was given to prepare, he had grasped the role almost perfectly."
"Very true. Also, think about his appearance. Just imagine how he will look when dressed in those white robes. I believe he will appear out of this world with long, black hair flowing over his back and a sword hanging at his waist. Truly a magnificent sight!"
"You really have a thing for beauty." Director Mayama sighed and shook his head. "But I can't deny that you are indeed right. Imamura-kun doesn't just look the part, he IS the character. It's as if Masato-sensei wrote Oinuma Zetsu especially for him."
"Unfortunately, we still haven't found someone suited for the role of Arita Isei." Producer Fukuoka sighed despondently.
"The antagonist? Yes indeed, we have yet to find someone who can really portray that peculiar cunningness and viciousness belonging to an evil sect leader."
All this while, Sato continued to listen, quietly wondering when it would be a good time to make his presence known. He was beginning to feel awkward staying behind the creaked door like an eavesdropper. Also, listening to them talking about him like that, just made Sato want to keep hiding until the subject was changed.
"What about the guy that was recommended to us the other day?" Producer Fukuoka suddenly asked, startling Sato from his ponderings.
"Hm, you mean that Kishi Touma?" Director Mayama inquired pensively.
When Sato heard that name it was like a thunderbolt had fallen on top of his head.
The very mention of that person shocked Sato to the core, rendering him frozen on the spot. As he tried to take a lungful of air, his breath caught in his throat and his entire body shook.
However, despite feeling on the verge of fainting, Sato continued to stand behind the slightly parted door. Even though each word filled him with an indescribable pain and apprehension, he continued to listen to the ongoing conversation.
A moment later, Sato heard Director Mayama inquiring casually.
"Wasn't Kishi Touma busy with another project right now, though? Moreover, do you think he fits the role? To me, he seems more like a pretty boy best suited for school dramas."
"Still, he is young and talented. Furthermore, I heard he's finished working on his latest project. Apparently it was another historical drama that will begin airing next week." Producer Fukuoka reasoned, then continued in a secretive tone. "Additionally, he was recommended by director Kayashima."
"That picky Director? The one they all call 'The Devil of historical productions'?"
"The one and only. I heard from someone who was part of the production team that Director Kayashima was very impressed with Kishi Touma's portrayal of his character. He even went as far as to praise the young man publicly."
"Is that so?" Director Mayama sounded slightly impressed.
"Mhmm."
Producer Fukuoka nodded, then began to speak more animatedly.
"So, you see, we're talking about a rare young talent here. Kishi Touma is a true rising star. Haven't you read what the magazines have been writing about him recently? I'm telling you, if we have him on board, our production is sure to be on the awards nomination lists at the end of the year."
At this, Director Mayama simply shrugged.
"If you say so. I don't mind as long as he does a good job at portraying his character."
Just then, a very familiar voice suddenly rang inside the office.
"What are you two talking about?"
Asakura had just returned from having a smoke. As he walked inside the room he caught the other two men engaged in what appeared to be an animated conversation. Curious by nature, he couldn't help but inquire after the matter.
"You two seem unusually hyped." He continued with an amused tint in his voice.
"Ah, Director Asakura-san." Producer Fukuoka chimed in enthusiastically. "You've come at a perfect time. We were just discussing the new possible addition to our crew."
"Oh? And who might that be?"
Asakura's sword-like eyebrows rose high on his forehead, showing his surprise. He had left them alone for a few minutes. When exactly did they have time to find new members for the crew?
"We are thinking of calling the young actor Kishi Touma to audition for the role of evil sect leader, Arita Isei." Producer Fukuoka stated proudly.
"Kishi… Touma?" Asakura repeated the name slowly.
'Touma? This name sounds familiar. Could it be the same person I know of, or is this simply a coincidence?'
As he mused this silently, a frown gradually appeared between his eyebrows.
He was just about to ask for more details about this matter, when a loud thud came from the door.
The unexpected sound startled the excited producer Fukuoka, who almost jumped up from his seat. Even the usually passive director Mayama showed a rare glimpse of emotion flashing through his eyes. As he looked around for the source of that sound he seemed slightly apprehensive.
Asakura turned his head in the direction of the door. The scene that met his eyes instantly rendered him speechless.
Imamura Sato was standing in the doorway. He was holding a coffee in one hand, while a second cup was rolling on the floor, leaving a trail of dark brown liquid behind it. Asakura noticed the empty hand trembling violently, then saw the young man's face looking ghastly pale. Even his lips had lost all color and resembled those of a terminally ill person.
"Sato-kun..." Asakura whispered and took a few steps towards the door. "Sato-kun! Sato-kun what's wrong? Are you feeling alright?"
Asakura called out to him again and again, trying to gain the young man's attention.
The sound of the man's voice reached Sato, but was distorted, as though some kind of barrier had been placed between them. It sounded like static in Sato's ears, and his mind had a hard time focusing on the words. He could hear the individual words, but couldn't comprehend their meaning when put together.
After a short while, Sato lifted his head slowly and looked up. He stared blankly at the man in front of him.