| —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! |
