"Now that you're an official member of the club Asahi, I won't have to worry about scaring you off! I can work you to the bone without fear!" Botan laughed, waving his club application victoriously.

"Huh!?"

"You shouldn't tease Oniwa like that, he's already worked plenty hard for us." Kaoru frowned in disapproval.

"Aw, lighten up Kaoru," she replied, pouting. "Asahi is down for a challenge, right?"

"Botan-senpai, please, my heart still hasn't calmed down from our last performance," Asahi sighed.

She laughed, "Well, maybe just for today I'll let you rest. You did so great you deserve a reward! After we pack everything up maybe I can take you out and treat you all to something?"

"No way Botan! If I'm not allowed to spend my money on costumes for the club then you can't use yours to take everyone out for food!" Kaoru protested.

"Hmm... fine, fair's fair. What if I just pay for a snack from the vending machine?"

"If you're only buying for Oniwa I'll let it slide. He deserves something for being such a reliable kouhai."

"Thanks Kaoru," Botan hooked her arm over his shoulders gleefully, pulling him close.

"H-hey! I'm going to drop all the equipment Botan!"

She released him and they made their way to the home ec room. Most of their props were stored there, although they did have to return the painting to the art club. No one really wanted to be the one to go but eventually Kaoru acquiesced, because if Imari or Asahi went they'd just be accosted by the art club president and Botan herself was more stubborn than him about not going. When everything was sorted their club advisor left them to their own devices, simply reminding them to lock the room when they were done.

"So, what do you want me to buy for you, Asahi!" Botan asked.

"You really don't have to get me anything. You guys have helped me out a lot so if anything I think I owe you. I'm really happy to be part of the club," he smiled sheepishly.

"... Now I just want to treat you even more."

"Wha-?"

"I'm going to buy you something whether you want me to or not!" Botan announced, already heading out of the room at a speed that was frankly dangerous for school halls.

"I'll go after her and make sure she doesn't go overboard," Kaoru said resignedly. "Be back in a minute."

That left Asahi alone with Imari. With Botan and Kaoru gone the room was suddenly consumed by silence. The sudden shift in atmosphere was uncomfortable and Asahi began to feel nervous. He liked Imari but he still couldn't tell if the older boy hated him. He was a quiet person by nature so it was always difficult to tell what he was thinking and Asahi never knew what to say to him. Or if it would be better to leave him in silence. He didn't like to doubt his senpai but it was second nature at this point to be suspicious of other people's outward feelings towards him.

"I thought you did well," Imari said and Asahi nearly got whiplash from how fast he turned to him. It was rare for Imari to start conversations.

"Thank you." Asahi paused. "But, you know, I think you really carried us back there! I still have a lot to learn - and I even forgot my lines!"

"You did well," Imari repeated, reaching out to pat the top of Asahi's head. His hand was large and warm, the kind of hand that made you feel safe, and Asahi couldn't help but lean into the touch even though he hadn't quite registered it was happening. "I look forward to acting more with you."

The hand withdrew and Asahi blinked. "Right! I look forward to acting with you as well Imari-senpai."

A moment later Botan burst back into the room, "Asahi! Catch!"

Asahi barely managed to swipe the object she threw at him from the air before it hit him in the face. A drink. Super-Sweet Momotaro the name read.

"Uh, what is this Botan-senpai?" Asahi stared at the eye-searing pink packaging on the bottle.

"It'll be good to help you get your energy back after the performance! Besides, I thought something sweet would suit your personality!"

What was that supposed to mean? Asahi thought. Tentatively, he undid the cap and took a sip of the drink. Well, the name certainly wasn't lying about it being super sweet. Asahi wasn't sure he'd ever drink something like it again but it didn't taste bad. And it was making him feel more energised, even if he had already drank some water after the play was over. Other than that it was a gift from his senpai and he had to make sure he didn't seem ungrateful.

"Thank you, it's really good."

"I'm glad," Botan beamed. "I want you to feel welcome now that you're an official part of the team! Working with two actors rather than just one is going to make things much more fun."

"I have been wondering about that actually. How did you three manage to keep a club going with just three people?"

An atmosphere of gloom seemed to settle over the room.

"You have no idea, Asahi," Botan muttered. "Sometimes Kaoru and I filled in for small roles if it was absolutely necessary but otherwise it was just Imari. The student council almost shut us down at least a dozen times."

"Part of the reason for that was because you kept choosing scripts like Hell Screen," Kaoru pointed out.

"I can't help it if I like dark stories! But I suppose we could try something new out next time. How about a romance?"

"No way!" Asahi interjected. "I can't play someone who's in love. Besides we only have me and Imari-senpai."

"Yes, you two would be the lovers," Kaoru stated.

"The art club would definitely enjoy that," Botan nodded thoughtfully.

"And why should we be basing what we perform on what they like!?"

"Okay, no romance just yet," Botan conceded. "Is there anything you want to do Imari?"

"I don't mind."

"Of course that's your answer. I'm going to pry you out of that shell one day Imari! But for now I'll come up with something Asahi will be comfortable with."

"You say that but I'm not sure I trust you," Asahi murmured.

"Don't stress about it! For now just celebrate you acting debut." Botan gave him a friendly punch to the shoulder. "I'll handle the planning for now. And, in the future, if you're ever feeling overwhelmed we'll be with you every step of the way. This club is supposed to be fun you know!"

"Thank you for supporting me, it really makes me feel more confident."

"That's the spirit, Asahi! You'll be competing with Imari for our best actor in no time."

"I wouldn't go that far-"

"Just let her have her fun," Kaoru's lips quirked in a fond smile. "She gets a bit worked up about these things and, who knows, she may be right."

"You guys sure have high expectations."

"Because we've already seen your potential!" Botan exclaimed. "You're amazing Asahi. And the theatre club will be here to support you no matter what."