Chapter 27: Dancing Press Conference (2)
Translator: Soafp
— On the way, I remained silent the entire time.
The scenery around me changed as if flowing by, but my head was full of swirling thoughts.
There was also the matter I had just learned about Marin and the others, leaving a sense of unease deep within me. But more than that, the tension about the place we were headed overwhelmed me.
As I walked, carrying these thoughts, a large venue appeared before my eyes.
Inside, many people were already moving about, and the chairs arranged were packed with reporters and cameramen. They held notebooks and cameras in their hands, their eyes fixed on the stage as if eagerly awaiting something.
“We will now begin the press conference for the production announcement of the film ‘Two and One,' directed by Director Tatsumi and written by Rangaku-sensei!”
As the announcement echoed throughout the hall, a loud applause erupted.
Along with the director, the performers headed toward the seats prepared on the stage one by one.
And then, lastly, I, wearing a mask, nervously followed them.
“Nice to meet you.”
Everyone bowed their heads at the same time. I followed suit and deeply bowed my head.
Applause arose once again, and the sound of camera shutters echoed. The flashlights were so blinding that I instinctively lowered my gaze.
And then it happened.
“…Huh? Why the mask?”
A murmur spread among the reporters.
“Why is the face being hidden?”
As puzzled voices started to rise one after another, the host cleared their throat to try to calm the room.
“Sensei is a minor, so special considerations have been made, and they are wearing a mask.”
The host added an explanation, but the reporters’ interest still remained focused on the reason for the mask.
Without the murmur fully settling, the event continued.
A subtle tension filled the atmosphere, weighing heavily on my chest.
The host’s voice rang out, and all eyes focused on the stage. In the next moment, my name was called.
At last, my turn had come.
Feeling my heart race, I stood up from my seat and grabbed the microphone. The stares were all directed at me at once, and I felt as if I would be overwhelmed.
“Here we have Rangaku-sensei, the original author of the novel ‘Two and One,' which is being adapted into a film, and the youngest ever recipient of the Namiki Prize.”
Following the host’s introduction, applause rose from the crowd. But at the same time, I felt the countless flashes and sharp gazes, as if they were trying to uncover something. My throat felt dry.
“Why a rabbit mask…?”
“Does the face really have to be hidden?”
The flashes intensified even more. The host cleared their throat exaggeratedly, trying to control the situation, but it didn't seem to be very effective.
Still, the reporters didn't seem satisfied.
In the restless atmosphere of the room, one reporter finally raised their hand.
“Rangaku-sensei, you’re a high school student, right? Do you attend a school in the Tokyo area?”
My mind went blank. It was as if light had scattered before my eyes.
The reporters’ gazes pierced through me, and the sound of my heart pounded loudly in my ears.
How should I answer? Is it okay to say it? But I have to say something—!
My thoughts couldn’t keep up, spinning in circles. My throat tightened with anxiety, and my breathing became shallow.
“Uh, well… um…”
Before I realized it, my mouth moved on its own.
“Amanomiya High School!!”
—Oops.
The moment I said it, all the blood drained from my body.
A brief silence. Then, in the next moment, the hall exploded with murmurs.
—Oh no.
Hajime muttered quietly.
Ah…” I've said something I shouldn't have…!
The murmur spread quickly among the reporters.
“Amanomiya High School!?”
“Send someone there immediately to confirm the story!”
“This is a guaranteed scoop!”
Reporters pulled out their phones all at once and started making calls. The venue descended into complete chaos.
“Hajime-Sensei, please leave now!”
Hisaki-san, who had been watching from the wings, rushed over in a panic.
“We are temporarily suspending the press conference!”
The host made the announcement, but the reporters, still brimming with excitement, didn't seem to care.
As I was pulled backstage by Hizaki-san, I escaped to the wings of the stage.
“I messed up…”
I held my head in my hands. This is bad. This isn’t just a small mistake.
Behind me, reporters were frantically moving around, holding their phones like customers at a bargain sale.
“The youngest Namiki Prize winner's identity has been revealed!”
“A high school student writer attending Amanomiya High School!?”
“Quick! Get to Amanomiya High School! Ask anyone there—teachers, students, anyone—for a comment!”
“Write this article immediately! The headline will be: ‘The Genius Writer's Identity Is a Current Amanomiya High School Student!?'”
Please stop! If an article like that spreads on the internet, I won't be able to go to school tomorrow!
No, maybe this will be over by today. By now, I'm sure there's already a hashtag trending on social media: “#RangakuRevealed.”
With a sense of despair, I fled to the dressing room, like a rabbit dashing away in panic.
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5 Comments
King of cucks... Microp€ns
Is there a revenge/MC becoming happy aspect or another 'they were taken from me' again? mC is rather weak minded and I wouldn't see why the connection between the two girls and that male actor would disappear...