Oshi no Ko: The Maestro

Chapter 38: Unexpected Twists and Midnight Conversations

Aqua cautiously entered the dimly lit theatre, a sense of intrigue and anticipation weighing on his shoulders. The flickering stage lights cast eerie shadows across the worn velvet seats. The air was thick with the history of countless performances that had graced this very stage, and he felt a shiver run down his spine.

As he walked further into the theatre, he could hear the faint echo of his footsteps on the aged wooden floor. Posters of past productions adorned the walls, capturing the essence of a bygone era. It was clear that the Lala Lie theatrical company had a rich and storied history.

Aqua's heart quickened as he approached the stage. He had come not to watch a play, but to uncover a secret about this enigmatic company. The stage loomed before him, an expansive platform where countless stories had been told. He knew that whatever he sought lay hidden within the intricacies of the company's past performances, and this stage held the key.

Aqua stepped onto the centre of the stage, his footsteps echoing through the empty theatre. He gazed out at the sea of empty seats, feeling the weight of history pressing down on him. The memories of countless performers and audiences seemed to swirl around him.

"This stage has held many different people with unique backgrounds," he murmured to himself, "but today, I'm searching for a particular one."

Aqua's quest for information led him to a small, dimly lit magazine room backstage. Shelves filled with dusty old playbills, scripts, and faded photographs lined the walls. He began to sift through the stacks of records, searching for any clues that might shed light on the mysterious history of the Lala Lie theatrical company.

As he was engrossed in his search, the creak of the room's door startled him. He turned to see a young man about his age, standing there with a gloomy yet serious expression. Aqua briefly met the stranger's eyes before averting his gaze back to the documents.

The newcomer spoke with a hint of curiosity, "What are you doing here? This is off-limits to visitors."

Aqua looked up from the pile of documents, feigning surprise as he met the newcomer's gaze. He quickly adjusted his demeanour to that of a curious tourist caught in the act.

"Oh, my apologies," he said with a sheepish smile. "I got a bit turned around in this fascinating place. The theatre is so enchanting, and when I stumbled upon all these old records and memorabilia, I couldn't resist taking a look. It's like stepping back in time."

He gestured toward the shelves of playbills and photographs, his eyes wide with faux enthusiasm. "I'm just a history buff, you see. The Lala Lie theatrical company has such a rich and storied past, and I couldn't help myself."

The stranger's initial suspicion seemed to dissipate as he listened to Aqua's explanation. A warm smile slowly spread across his face, and he extended his hand towards Aqua.

"Ah, I see," he said with a friendly tone. "You have a keen eye for history. Well, you're in luck because I happen to be a part of Lala Lie myself, and I'm one of its biggest fans."

Aqua's eyes widened in genuine surprise as he shook the stranger's hand. "You're a part of Lala Lie? That's incredible! I've heard so much about the company and its incredible performances. My name's Aqua Hoshino. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The stranger returned the handshake with a firm grip. "I'm Taiki Himekawa," he introduced himself. "You've stumbled upon quite the treasure trove of memories here. If you're interested in the history of Lala Lie, you've found the right place. I'd be happy to show you around and share some stories about the company."

As Aqua and Taiki continued to chat in the dimly lit magazine room, Taiki's gloomy exterior began to fade away, revealing a passionate and animated side to him. He eagerly showed Aqua various playbills, scripts, and photographs, each one a piece of the company's history.