[A3!] Another Universe _ Story Mode

❀ EP 06

EPISODE SIX _ Her Comeback Stage

She sighs for the second time on one Saturday afternoon. The daily task as the company's director has settled and Izumi turns her attention on skimming a proposal. In between plays, they received offers to perform elsewhere and assist in promoting events. Usually, Ayaka would snap her fingers and easily those proposals would appear on the director's table only for her to sign.

With that aside, Izumi walks out of her room for lunch. She naturally greets Tsumugi and Guy who are gardening under the sun in the courtyard. The kitchen space is occupied by Omi as per usual and Kimi deliberately uses her weekend off to swing by and acts as his sous chef. Sakuya and Banri are already on table-setting duty.

All in all a perfect Saturday afternoon. And the day is about to get more perfect.

"Oh," The autumn troupe leader paused which catches the spring troupe leader's attention. The pink haired boy turns his gaze from the plates and follows his same-aged friend's eyes, only to beams a bright smile. Banri announces, "Ayaka-chan's here."

"What?" Izumi peers from the kitchen area and as spoken by the fellow, it is no other than Mori Ayaka herself. The director turns to see the red haired girl for confirmation. "Do you know?"

"Of course, we live in the same house after all." Kimi said as matter-of-factly but the smile on her face shows how happy she is to finally see Ayaka in the boys' dorm after such a long time.

"I was planning to stay quiet for much longer but Banri spoiled it." Ayaka walks towards the lounge to plop her bag and joins them at the dining area.

"Can't help it. I thought I was hallucinating." He admitted.

"How are you doing, Ayaka-san?" Sakuya chirped and puts his full attention on her. "It has been a while since you came here after the work ban. Has director lift it?"

"No," The girl shakes her head, "The ban is still on. I just think about what Citron said and I figured there's no real reason that I can't do my assignments here."

"But you don't do anythin' uni-related on Saturdays." Banri took over Sakuya's remaining task when the fellow stopped. "So, why are you here?"

"Can I not be here for no reason now?"

"You are a person of reason, Ayaka-chan."

Ayaka laughs light-heartedly and the mere gesture spreads to her troupe leader. She really does feel a tad better after her many talks. Though, the only ones that know about her unspoken plan are the two gamers of Mankai. Judging on the reactions, they have not told the rest about it. She is glad.

"Director-san, how is Matsukawa-san doing?" The troupe manager kindly asked because she has not been in contact with the general manager ever since Izumi told her not to question on that matter.

"Don't worry about him. He's doing just fine. Banri-kun actually helped a bit here and there." Izumi answered and that makes Ayaka's eyes widen as if it will help her understand the situation.

"Banri?"

"Eh, you didn't tell her?" The director points directly and seeing that the person shakes his head, she shares, "Banri-kun volunteered to act as the assistant troupe manager until the end of spring troupe play."

"It's fun. Kinda reminds me of the work you tend to give out when we're in the same production in the previous uni event." Banri spoke with a shrug. "Not that I haven't help everyone whenever I can in this company anyway."