“Heh heh heh... The long-awaited first lesson at Morinomiya is upon us! A proud opera troupe with a century of history, and the academy that carries on its legacy— my fighting spirit is at 100%, and my motivation at 120%!!”

Tsukasa cheered, pointing to the large rehearsal room with a bright smile and gleaming sunset eyes, turning to an equally as jolly Rui behind him. The star had went to bed early, had a large and healthy breakfast, and even went on a run before coming to the academy. He was ready to most definitely conquer whatever hurdles the instructors would give them!

The first lesson was ballet. And boy, Tsukasa was not prepared. Every movement felt like a negotiation with his own body. His limbs felt like they were made of wood— stiff, unyielding, out of sync with the graceful precision ballet required. The barre exercises were especially punishing. However, giving up wasn’t his style. Even if he moved like a brick now, he figured bricks could learn to bend too! Eventually!!

The end of the first class was both relieving and humbling at the same time. He sat there beside Rui in the nearly empty rehearsal room, contemplatively sipping on his water as the final few students shuffled out. Pale sunlight filtered through tall, sheer curtains, casting delicate patterns across the polished wooden floors. Silence, for a few moments. And then the blond actor spoke up, fiddling with the hem of his navy blue shorts, turning to his lavender-cyan haired director with a small puff.

“..Rui.. are we doomed to let out unholy screeches every ballet lesson we're gonna have from now on?”