A play away from freedom

Part 9 - A matter of perspective

You settled into your seat, waiting for the next pair to be announced. What exactly was Leo trying to achieve with his act? You knew he would stir up some drama, but why did it have to be so uncomfortable? And why target Subaru?

Your thoughts were interrupted as Ritsu announced the next pair: Haku and Ren, cast as Maximilian Morell and Valentine de Villefort. You bit your lip, struggling to hide a grin.

Haku strode to the center with a broad grin, while Ren approached with a hint of hesitation. "My lady," Haku greeted, his smile a blend of charm and irony. "Let's just get this over with," Ren shot back, barely concealing his irritation.

"Your scene is about trying to make each other laugh while discussing your day. Begin whenever you're ready."

Haku started with an exaggerated stretch and yawn. "Ah, Valentine, it's been such a long day. Anything interesting happen to you today?"

Ren shrugged nonchalantly, keeping his voice flat. "Not really, Maximilian. Just the usual... trying to avoid people and failing miserably."

Haku smirked. "Avoiding people? That sounds like a full-time job. You must be exhausted!"

Ren's lips twitched slightly, but he maintained his composure. "It's a talent, really. Not everyone can pull it off as well as I do."

Haku leaned in a bit, his tone playful. "Well, you do have a knack for disappearing at the most inconvenient times. But tell me, did you at least do something fun while avoiding everyone?"

Ren glanced at the other ghouls, then back at Haku, his expression still neutral. "I read a book. Quietly. In a corner. It was thrilling."

Haku laughed, a genuine, hearty sound. "A book, huh? I guess that's one way to live dangerously."

Ren rolled his eyes, but there was a faint hint of amusement in his gaze. "Not all of us need constant excitement to feel alive, Maximilian. Some of us enjoy the simple pleasures."

Haku pretended to ponder this, tapping his chin. "Simple pleasures, you say? Like making you smile. That's a challenge I'm willing to accept."

Ren raised an eyebrow, still trying to remain stoic. "Good luck with that. I'm not exactly an easy target."

Haku grinned wider. "Oh, I love a challenge. How about this – do you know why the scarecrow won an award?"

Ren sighed, pretending to be uninterested. "I don't know, what?"

Haku's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Because he was outstanding in his field!"

Ren's lips twitched again, and he quickly looked away, but not before the ghouls caught a glimpse of his almost-smile.

Haku, not missing a beat, continued. "Come on, Valentine, you know that was funny. Admit it, you're dying to laugh."

Ren shook his head, trying to stay serious. "You'll have to do better than that, Maximilian."

Haku paused, then gave Ren a mock-serious look. "Alright, I'll save my best material for later. But mark my words, I'll get you to laugh by the end of this."

Ren finally let a small smile break through. "We'll see about that."

The ghouls whispered among themselves, entertained by the playful banter. Haku's light-hearted attempts and Ren's stoic resistance created a dynamic that had everyone engaged.

Ritsu nodded approvingly. "Great job, both of you. You really captured the essence of your characters. Let's move on to the next pair."

As Haku and Ren returned to their seats, they exchanged a quick, knowing glance, silently acknowledging the fun they had just shared. The group's atmosphere lightened, the previous tension replaced by a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for the next scene.