Sparkles Behind the Curtains [Xiao x Hu Tao]

Chapter 8 - Winter Whirlwind

The days flew by without too much mishap, rehearsals progressed and the play gradually took shape, partly thanks to Hu Tao's contribution of course. If there was anything new, it would be the casting of the roles in the play. Obviously, Xiao was given the main role of the lonesome demon who seeked inner peace but was struggling with his past sins, quite fitting for his character.

Xingqiu was selected as the embodiment of darkness following the demon, always whispering in his ear in order to break his resolve and further destroy his mind. Fischl would be the sorceress helping the demon and for the last act of the play, Ayaka would then appear as the virtuous goddess granting the demon's wish after all the trials he went through.

In all of this, Hu Tao was surprisingly granted the second main role.

Even if they had grown somewhat closer these past weeks, a big wall still remained between her and Xiao and she was a newcomer, so she expected to get a small role or even just being in charge of the effects or the likes. Everyone had similar thoughts too but all ended up double checking whether or not it was really their club president when he made the announcement. That stinky and arrogant man finally let go of his childish resentment, praised Hu Tao in her mind.

At last, the final details were taken care of and the big day was coming. The theater got much more lively during that period since there was a limit to how much the small troupe could do by themselves, in the end they were just students so they needed the help of professionals regarding things like lightning and the likes to ensure the actors as well as the public's safety.

Hu Tao wasn't totally her usual cheerful self too, she was good at hiding her true feelings but deep inside, she couldn't help but feel slightly anxious. It was the first time she would participate in such a big project of her own volition and they all worked so hard for this play that she wouldn't forgive herself if she didn't answer to the expectations they had of her as the second main lead. She knew she could do it, and she had to.

"There's about an hour left before it starts, let's redo a quick rehearsal." stated Xiao.

They all agreed and got into place, with the girls waiting behind the curtain for now as their part came after, which left only Xiao and Xingqiu on the stage.

"I'm starting to get a bit nervous..." whispered Ayaka.

"Take a deep breath and imagine yourself under a waterfall, the pressure of the water falling on your shoulders and soaking you from head to toe, then your mind will..."

Hu Tao slipped next to Ayaka and discreetly got her attention while Fischl kept rambling about whatever she was trying to say.

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do well!" she cheered with a bright smile.

"Thank you, Hu Tao... I'm a bit embarrassed I must say," she replied with a blush, "Your role is even more significant than mine and here I am losing my cool when you're able to remain so calm..." Hu Tao laughed awkwardly. It was great if Ayaka thought so, because the truth couldn't be more opposite. "By the way," Ayaka looked around briefly as if to make sure no one would be eavesdropping, but everyone had gone on a break and Fischl was still caught in her monologue, "How do you feel about the last scene?"

Hu Tao let out a small gasp of surprise.

"I'm good, don't worry, I'm a professional after all!" she said with a giggle, trying to sound as confident as she could.

"I'm glad then, I honestly can't wait to see it enacted for real! It gave me butterflies just reading the script and watching you during rehearsals..."

"Ha ha ha..."

Right, that scene especially was perhaps a bit of an issue but the best thing to do for now was to ignore it, thought Hu Tao. She would care about it on the stage, it should go well, probably.