Takashi and Mika returned to school, walking side by side in silence.
"Well, Mika," he said finally, "I guess you really want to be an actress."
Mika gave him a teasing look. "This was just a favor I owed you, Takashi. I don't want to be an actress. What about you? Fame might suit a literary man like you."
Takashi looked up at the sky. "Maybe, but I don't like acting. Having to repeat every scene over and over—it's not for me. Still, I'm glad Arthur asked me to do it. And that you helped me."
"Arthur asked you?" Mika said, surprised.
"Yeah, but it was fun. Who knows, maybe we'll help him again someday."
"You know," Mika said softly, "that story of Arthur's opened my eyes. It made me realize that if I don't try now, I'll never know what could've happened."
Before Takashi could react, Mika leaned closer. He froze, watching her face draw nearer—her eyelashes fluttering—until she kissed him.
He thought it was a prank, but the warmth on his lips told him otherwise. Time stopped for a moment.
Then Mika wrapped her arms around him and whispered, "Why is it always me who has to take the first step? You're such a coward."
Takashi was speechless, but he held her back.
After a while, he looked at her, bewildered, as she took his hand.
"So… does this mean we're dating?" he asked.
Mika rolled her eyes. "For a man of letters, you sure are slow. Come on—I found a new restaurant."
Takashi barely had time to react before Mika was already pulling him along.
Later that night, Arthur stared at the film, already edited, his eyes bloodshot from staying up too long. He realized he needed someone to handle editing—he couldn't do everything alone.
Masato entered the room carrying a juice box. "You should sleep, AOI."
Arthur looked at his uncle. "Yeah, I'm done here. Take me home, please."
"Gladly," Masato said, chuckling. "Your mother called—she's worried sick."
They left the office, saying goodbye to the employees.
"They'll have more work soon," Masato joked.
"That's what they're paid for," Arthur replied with a faint smile.
"You're still young, AOI," Masato said as they got in the car. "You'll learn that practice matters more than theory."
As they drove, Arthur asked, "When will the movie premiere?"
"Don't worry," Masato said. "I'll handle it. Your father already gave me the contacts of theaters that are interested."
Arthur frowned. "I'm really sorry, Uncle. You're doing so much to make my dreams real."
Masato laughed. "Don't worry about it. Oh—by the way, the Mario Bros. game is already in the arcades. You can try it anytime."
Arthur nodded.
As the car rolled through the quiet streets, he thought about the challenge of creating original games. It wasn't practical to replace the minds behind those ideas. It would be better to find them, hire them, and let them work freely—so he could focus on movies and series instead.
When they arrived, Masato pointed toward a nearby building.
"This is where the magic happens, Arthur."
Arthur looked at the large CAPCOM sign promoting Tetris and Mario.
"Some companies already reached out for collaborations," Masato continued, "but your father declined most of them. Thankfully, we're not short on funds."
Arthur gave him a steady look. "Good. I know I can trust you, Uncle."
Masato smiled, patting his shoulder. "Not just me, Arthur—us. What we'll build together."
He dropped Arthur at home, saying, "I have to meet with the Yakuza. They're probably thrilled with the success of those two games."
Inside, Yumi handed Arthur the phone.
"Hello?"
"Arthur," his father's voice came through, "what you're doing is impressive—but don't you think you're moving too fast? You're missing out on your high school life, trying to act like an adult too soon."
Arthur stayed silent as his father kept talking—until his mother, clearly tired of the scolding, took the phone.
"Enough, William! Be grateful our son can follow his dreams. Not like you, who gave up yours at the first setback."
Arthur listened to the argument, smiling faintly.
When Yumi hung up, she looked at him and said warmly, "Your father's stubborn, don't mind him. We want you to enjoy your youth—but also chase your dreams. We'll support you in everything."
Those words stunned Arthur. He had never known that kind of support before. In his old life as a white-collar worker, he'd had no one—just endless deadlines and a phone that never stopped ringing.
He hugged his mother tightly.
Yumi hugged him back.
Later, in his room, Arthur lay down, thinking about a series he wanted to remember—but a sharp pain struck his head.
He closed his eyes, drifting into sleep.
In the dream, he stood in a white hallway lined with doors. Each had a poster and his name written on it. Every door seemed sealed—until he reached for one, and suddenly woke up.
"What a strange dream…" he muttered.
But before he could think further, flashes of a film filled his mind—17 Again. The very one he'd wanted Daichi to star in.
Arthur sat up, shocked. "This is… too weird."
He dressed for school, took the screenplay with him, and began making notes from memory as he walked.
At the gate, Daichi patted him on the shoulder, startling him.
"You were really focused, Arthur. What's that?"
Arthur looked down at the script. "I'm editing the screenplay for the movie I want you to star in."
Daichi's eyes lit up. "I took acting lessons, you know. My dream's always been to be famous. I tried sports, but I didn't make it into any youth teams. At least I've got the club."
Arthur raised a brow. "You really want to be famous that badly?"
"Of course! Who doesn't want fame—money, girls?"
Arthur frowned. "Then you'll have to practice a lot. My scripts are top quality—I promise they'll be a success. Though I can't direct yet, I know someone who can."
"Who's that?" Daichi asked.
"A man named AOI," Arthur said, smiling faintly. "He's… interesting. Trust me, he'll make you famous."
Daichi grinned. "I hope so, Arthur."
Later, in class, Arthur poked at his soup absentmindedly.
Mika watched him curiously. "What's wrong, foreigner?"
Arthur stayed quiet.
"You know," Mika went on, "that director AOI was kind of strange. It was like he already knew us."
Arthur looked at her, hiding a smirk. "So, you and Takashi aren't dating?"
Mika leaned closer, teasing. "What, the foreigner's in love with me now? I knew you couldn't resist my charm—but that ship's sailed. Takashi and I are together."
Arthur was taken aback. "Really? I thought you two were more… love-hate."
"Were we that obvious?" Mika laughed.
Arthur nodded.
"Well, I liked acting. Too bad we're still amateurs. Takashi and I are taking lessons now. So if you ever have another script, don't forget—we're friends."
Arthur smiled faintly. "Of course, Mika. We're friends."
With that, he stood and left the cafeteria, the hum of voices fading behind him.