Act 3/Episode 20

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Act 3
Episode 20: Portrait 4 / Fushimi Omi

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Omi —Since that day, I’ve been living in his stead. I had a partner back in my bosozoku days. At the time, we were known as the strongest in West Tokyo—the double leaders, “Wild Wolf” Omi and his buddy, “Wild Fox” Nachi. Amidst all the fighting, where it was impossible to tell friend from foe, Nachi was the one person I could trust to have my back. He was my one and only partner. One day, Nachi—blushing, uncharacteristically—told me that he’d had a dream since he was a kid. “I know someone like me shouldn’t have this sorta dream. But I just can’t give it up.” I asked him what it was, but he wouldn’t tell me. I thought, one day I’ll make him spill—but soon after that exchange, something happened. We were attacked by an enemy team while out riding. Our bikes flipped over. I was thrown off, suffered an injury that took a full month to heal, and gained a scar on my jaw. And Nachi—he suffered a fatal blow. He died from blood loss after being sent to the hospital. Once I could move again, I waged an avenging battle on my own. After destroying the team that attacked us, I quit “Wolf” and severed ties with the bosozoku. I quit fighting, stopped riding my motorcycle, and spent my days as a normal student. But no matter what I did, I couldn’t feel alive. Unconsciously, I had come to feel guilty about being happy. I visit Nachi’s grave every year on his day of passing, but this year, I ran into his parents. The last time I met them was at his funeral. I didn’t know what to say to them—but they nostalgically spoke to me. “If Nachi had gotten his life on track like you did, Fushimi-kun, he might’ve been standing on stage now.” “Eh...?” “Oh, didn't you know? He’d wanted to be an actor since he was a child.” “He went astray, but he still loved plays and went to watch them all the time.” The moment I heard that, I recalled Nachi’s embarrassed expression from that day. I survived, and spent my days living pointlessly. Nachi had hopes and dreams for the future—but he died. That devastated me. After thinking it through, I decided to become an actor. In his stead. I hoped that it would help him rest in peace, even if just a little. Omi ...That’s why. This dream isn’t mine. It’s a dream I’m chasing in his stead. But watching Juza makes me feel guilty about that. Izumi ....Why? Omi He’s truly, straightforwardly counting on acting. He’s more earnest and diligent than anyone else. What if he finds out that I’m acting in someone’s place—as a way to clear my guilt.... I’m scared of Juza hating me. He reminds me of him—maybe that’s why I’m kind to him. Izumi ...I wonder if that’s really true. Omi Eh? Izumi It might have started out as your best friend’s dream, but is that the only reason you’re acting now? Omi ..... Izumi Omi-kun, you look like you’re earnest about acting, too. Isn’t that because you think acting is fun? Omi I.... Izumi Even if you started acting to clear your guilt, if you’ve found your own feelings about it, then it’s not just your best friend’s dream anymore. That dream belongs to both of you—and one day, it’ll become your own dream, Omi-kun. Omi ...That might be true. It’s no longer just his dream, but mine as well. I’ll include my best friend in my “portrait”... I think it’ll help me take a step forward. Izumi Yes; I’m sure you can do it, Omi-kun. Omi Thank you, Director. I feel a little better. Izumi You’re welcome. Omi ...Looks like the scones are ready. Izumi Ah, it smells good! They look delicious!
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