Chapter 27 Production

No one's POV

It's now the beginning of summer break and along with the first day of shooting for the film. Nhazul had called upon some friends he had in the film club to help out, along with some other hired help, including actors, make up more technical workers, including Ruka and Leo. Once everyone had arrived, he would speak up, getting everyone's attention.

Nhazul: Alright, everyone. I'd like to officially begin filming here. I'm Nhazul Hatake, the director and producer of this project. Some of you know from college, some of you are just meeting me today for the first time. However, be that as it may, you know why you're here, and it won't be any different from the usual. So let's give it our all and make a masterpiece.

As Chizuru would be the first to start clapping, everyone else joins as well. Afterwards, Nhazul would then look towards Chizuru.

Nhazul: Now, a word from Chizuru, our lead.

Chizuru: R-Right. I am really grateful for this opportunity. Thank you all very much. I'm sure there will be ups and downs, but I intend to do my job as an actor and then some, so please bear with me.

Mimicking Chizuru, Nhazul would start clapping with everyone else joining as well, before speaking up with a smile.

Nhazul: Alright, people, let's get down business!

Once introductions were out the way, the crew would spend the entire day filming with Leo and Ruka being Nhazul's assistants, doing various tasks from cleaning the set to buying food and drinks for everyone, with Leo having so much fun. Along with Ruka, who also starts liking the set as she gets to spend time with Nhazul. As everyone had taken a short break to wait for the sunset, Nhazul was going through the script, making notes and checking things off when Leo came over to him with a drink.

Leo: Here, big bro!

Nhazul: Thanks.

Nhazul said, taking the bottle and drinking from it, when Leo spoke up.

Leo: Say, big bro!

Nhazul: Hmm?

Leo: I'm having a lot of fun. I think I want to be a director like you one day!

Hearing this would surprise Nhazul.

Nhazul: Oh?

Leo: Yeah! I remember always watching the behind the scenes parts whenever we watch movies. I never really understood why you got so excited when you watched them, but being here made me understand! Coming together to make something like this is awesome!

Hearing this, Nhazul would chuckle as he rubbed his head.

Nhazul: Well, I'm glad you're having a good time. You've been a big help. I'm sure you'll make a great director someday.

Leo: Really?!

Nhazul: Yeah.

As Nhazul said that, Leo would look over towards Chizuru and Ruka, who were talking with one of the extras.

Leo: hey, big bro....

Nhazul: Hmm?

Leo: Did you know Gradma Sayuri was a actor like Chizuru?

Nhazul: Hmm? Yeah, she told me about it awhile ago. She's who inspired to be one. Why?

Leo: No reason. It's just, looking at Chizuru acting reminded me of what Grandma Sayuri told me about acting.

Nhazul: About acting?

Leo: "Actors are made up of 99% lies and 1% truths. And the 1% is a truth they've sworn unto themselves in order to protect it. If you can bring one of them to life, then it's okay to tell 99 lies to do it. "

Leo said with a smile, causing Nhazul to just raise a brow in confusion.

Nhazul's thoughts: That's pretty random...

After their break, the crew would begin to get ready to film Scene 138, as Nhazul walked up to Chizuru.

Nhazul: Alright. We're up to where the job hunt's getting to Kyoko and she hugs her grandma's plushie and cries.

Chizuru: Right.

Nhazul: This is an extremely crucial scene for the climax of the film. So I need you to give me 120%, alright?

Hearing this, Chizuru would once again nod, feeling extremely determined.

Chizuru: Right.

Upon starting the scene, it was go on as normal, until getting to the crying scene. Chizuru, wanting to give the most realistic and authentic performance, Chizuru would imagine her own grandmother and her unable to see her in a film, tears...

Truly, genuine and real tears begin to stream down her face as she preformed the scene. As she did, it caused some of the crew members, including Ruka and Leo to cry themselves as Nhazul looked at her truly impressed, growing a smile.

Nhazul's thoughts: Truly beautiful... Her teary face, dyed in the setting sun, made it look like Kyoko is here in the flesh.

(Flashback)

Chizuru: In the end, there are plenty of 19 year old actresses stealing the show out there... Pursuing a dream comes at a price, and I take the money I get from playing a dreamy girlfriend... But the dream I keep paying for will never come true with my lack of talent.

(Present)

Nhazul's thoughts: Lack of talent, my ass. This girl is going to be a star one day.

(Timeskip)

As the week had gone by, the crew would continue to film everyday, and on the 5th day, while at home, Nhazul was getting ready to head out and pick up Leo, when he suddenly called his phone.

Nhazul: Hey, I'm just about to-

Nhazul was suddenly cut off by the sound of coughing, confusing Nhazul.

Leo: Hey, big bro...

Nhazul: Leo? Are you alright?

Leo: Y-Yeah... Mom said I got a cold...

Nhazul: Oh, is that all?

Leo: What do you mean? She won't let me go film with you...

Nhazul: Well, you can't really film with a cold little bro.

Leo: But...

Nhazul: It's fine. You've helped plenty. Just take it easy and get better, alright?

Leo: Fine...

(Timeskip)

As the filming for the movie has gone smoothly, it was time to film the final few scenes for the movie. Due to the Film club members moving on to their own short movie project, Nhazul needs to film them himself, however he soon goes to Mini's apartment to request her help.

Mini: Roger that. If you're okay with me, I'll help.

Nhazul: Thanks.

Mini: A disciple on need is a disciple indeed.

Nhazul: Uh huh...

Nhazul would then notice Mini's cosplay.

Nhazul: Another cosplay, I take it?

Mini: Yep! Miko Kurage, a VTuber who's all the rage lately! Gotta give the people what they want!

Nhazul: Right... Anyway, with Ruka, that will make four. So it shouldn't be too rough.

Hearing this, Mini would make a shocked face, confusing Nhazul.

Nhazul: What?

Mini: Nothing at all... Anyway, I got you. I'll look for a resort inn and make the booking.

Nhazul: Huh? You will?

Mini: I'll even plot out the schedule and throw it up in the Operation 203 group chat!

Nhazul just gave Mini a skeptical look.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-...I'm sensing a red flag here...

(Timeskip)

On Wednesday, Nhazul had prepared everything they need to film. He meets with Chizuru on the train station. As there are only 5 mins remaining until the train comes, Chizuru wonders were are Mini and Ruka. Nhazul then receives a call from Mini, and upon answering, Nhazul would soon get extremely irritated, as Mini informs him that nor she or Ruka were coming.

Nhazul: ...-_-... Huh...?

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... And flag collected...

Chizuru: What is it?

Nhazul: ...-_-... They aren't coming...

Chizuru: Huh?! You said this was a four person group!

Nhazul: That was the plan!

As the train arrives, he and Chizuru wonder on what to do, but end up getting on the train, as Chizuru looked over at Nhazul.

Chizuru: Hey, come on.

Nhazul: What?

Chizuru: What did Mini say? She told you over the phone, right?

Nhazul then recalls that she decided to not come so that he can be alone with Chizuru. She had also arranged things with Ruka, annoying him. Mini then sends Chizuru a message, stating that she is sick. Seeing this, she'd give Nhazul a look, already knowing what happened.

Nhazul: Yep...

Suddenly, Nhazul would get a call from Ruka, making him sigh annoyed before answering.

Nhazul: Hello?

Ruka: Hello! That sticker you sent on LIVE this morning was so cute!

Nhazul's thoughts: Well that's not right. She sounds normal...

Nhazul: Where are you right now?

Ruka: Huh? Harajuka. It's a shame, though. That the shoot had to be postponed because Mini has the flu.

Nhazul's eye would soon twitch irritated, given how Mini sent Ruka off to the wrong place to insure she wouldn't go to Nhazul's apartment while he was gone.

Nhazul's thoughts: ...-_-... This freaking bitch...

Having no choice, Nhazul and Chizuru decided to go through the shoot together. Upon reaching Iiyama Station, the two would wait for the bus to come and take them to the inn.

Nhazul: The Inn is 30 minutes away by bus ride. So once we get there-

Chizuru: H-Hey, you know....

Nhazul: Hm?

Chizuru attempts to tell something Nhazul , but blushes and walks away. As she does, Nhazul is surprised and confused, wondering what she was trying to tell him.

Nhazul's thoughts: What's up with her?