[ He's not at all surprised by the intensity of her reaction - and it even gets a small and brief sad smile out of him. In the back of his mind, he wonders what it would've been like to have a friend like Minako back home. Maybe he would've been better off, having such a vocal supporter. Maybe he'd have more of that confidence he so clearly lacks. ]

It was after my audition for his troupe. [ So not completely out of left field, but still. ] I'd gone with my childhood friend, who I'd always acted beside, but only he passed the auditions. That was difficult enough, but to then be told I didn't have any talent... I couldn't handle it.

So I ran away. [ His voice wavers. ] I tried to leave theater behind me, and start over completely... but even after he rejected me, my love hadn't died. I couldn't stop dreaming of being on stage. It was all I wanted. [ It's still all he wants.

His grip tightens, hand shaking. ]

That's why I- I have to face him. I can't run away. [ Not again. ]