"紫雲劇場" (Murasakiun Gekijō) stands proudly as a renowned landmark in the bustling district of Shibuya, Tokyo. This illustrious Broadway stage has captured the hearts of theater enthusiasts and performers alike, showcasing captivating productions that leave audiences spellbound.

As its name suggests, 紫雲 (Murasakiun), meaning "purple clouds," symbolizes the theatre's ability to transport spectators to a realm of imagination and wonder. The enchanting atmosphere within Murasakiun Gekijō sets the stage for extraordinary performances that push the boundaries of creativity and artistry.

With a rich history dating back several decades, this Broadway building itself has witnessed countless theatrical masterpieces, from grand musicals to thought-provoking dramas. It has become synonymous with excellence in the performing arts, attracting top-tier talent from around the world.

The theatre's architectural grandeur is a sight to behold. Adorned with elegant décor, shimmering chandeliers, and plush seating, creating an ambience of sophistication and refinement. Its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems ensure that every product is delivered with utmost precision, immersing the audience in a multisensory experience.

Under the guidance of visionary directors and producers, the venue has hosted a diverse range of shows that cater to all tastes and interests. From classic musicals that celebrate the golden age of Broadway to groundbreaking contemporary performances that push artistic boundaries, the theatre continuously evolves to captivate and engage its audiences.

The stage has witnessed the rise of many legendary performers, whose talents have left an indelible mark on the theatre's legacy. Countless actors, singers, dancers, and musicians have graced its hallowed boards, leaving audiences awestruck by their skill, passion, and charisma.

Beyond its artistic contributions,  Murasakiun Gekijōis deeply ingrained in the Shibuya community. It serves as a cultural hub, fostering creativity and nurturing aspiring talents through workshops, auditions, and collaborations with local artists. The theatre's outreach programs aim to inspire the next generation of performers and cultivate a love for the performing arts in the hearts of all who enter its doors.

Standing tall as a beacon of artistic brilliance, it celebrates the power of storytelling and the magic of live performance. It is a place where dreams come to life, where emotions are evoked, and where memories are etched into the collective consciousness of those fortunate enough to experience its captivating productions.

Which is why for an actress like Nakamura Ayame, it was a perfect place for her stardom to shine.

In the kitchen of a mansion she purchased not long ago, the 27-year-old stared at the morning newspapers and sighed. 

Once more, she has been photographed leaving an exclusive nightclub at four o'clock in the morning. It was the fifth time this month that her face had been splashed across the front pages.

Now, normally for anyone in her shoes, if one is to be caught leaving the club, and usually if there is general knowledge within the entertainment industry that an actor or actress is out filming a high-profile project, but then such news comes out of the paper, it would give anyone a bad name, that the person isn't worth working with because they ain't punctual in arriving to set on time to film. Most actors in their shoes would weep, thinking that their days as an actor or actresses are over.

But for someone like Nakamura Ayame, she was sad for a different reason: She wish this news was the no.1 trend.

Nakamura Ayame longed for her name to be the talk of the entire world. It didn't matter if it wasn't associated with something less substantial and less meaningful, she would do just about anything to get more attention. This is why many of the crew she worked with were surprised whenever she arrived on time to whichever set she is booked to film in. 

And no, she didn't do that out of obligation and responsibility, but rather, did it because she seeks attention. No matter the cost.

Nakamura Ayame had always dreamed of being in the spotlight. From a young age, she had a burning desire to be adored and admired by the masses. Her journey into the world of acting was fueled by this insatiable thirst for attention.

She auditioned tirelessly for various roles, landing small parts in local theatre productions and commercials. But it wasn't enough for her. Ayame craved fame on a grander scale, and she knew that to achieve it, she had to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.

When she heard about the illustrious Murasakiun Gekijō, she felt a surge of excitement. This renowned Broadway stage in Shibuya was known for its captivating productions and ability to capture the hearts of audiences. Ayame saw it as her golden ticket to stardom.

Determined to leave a lasting impression, Ayame devoted herself to perfecting her craft. She enrolled in acting classes, honed her singing and dancing skills, and tirelessly practised for auditions. Her hard work paid off when she finally secured a role in a high-profile movie, and soon, the number of followers on her social media began to increase.

Though she was cast in a supporting role, it left a memorable impression on both the audience and the director. Her talent and dedication shone through, and she received rave reviews for her portrayal. 

Emboldened by the positive response, Ayame set her sights on going big.

But it wasn't out of the sake of ambition, but rather, attention.

Ayame knew that if she wanted to make a name for herself and become the talk of the town, she needed to create a buzz. She started attending glamorous events, ensuring that she was photographed by the paparazzi at every opportunity. Rumours and scandals began to circulate, and Ayame's name started appearing in gossip columns regularly.

Her calculated pursuit of attention didn't go unnoticed by the industry. Some criticized her for seeking fame at any cost, while others admired her determination and audacity. Regardless of the opinions, Ayame's name was on everyone's lips, and the media couldn't get enough of her.

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To understand how Nakamura Ayame became the person she is, one has to go back to her roots.

Ayame was born in the Tosa Province of Japan, an old province which is currently situated in the Kochi Prefecture, located in the southern portion of Shikoku, a largely rural area known for its mountains, rivers and Pacific beaches.

And like most children, grew up in a modest family in a place that is a cross between a city and a small town. But she grew up in an environment where attention was often scarce.

She didn't lack parental love, but Ayame craved validation and recognition a bit more since their busy lives left little time for her. This led her to seek attention in other ways, often resorting to mischief and misbehaviour to capture even a moment of her parents' focus.

The mischief she would do in elementary school includes ranged from harmless pranks to attention-seeking acts. She would often find herself in the centre of classroom disruptions, pulling practical jokes on her classmates or teasing them to gain their attention.

One incident that stood out was when Ayame orchestrated an elaborate prank during the school's cultural festival. Determined to make herself the centre of attention, she convinced her friends to help her create a fake ghost story. They set up spooky decorations, rigged sound effects, and even dressed up in ghost costumes.

When the time came for the ghost story performance, Ayame and her friends unleashed their prank on the unsuspecting audience. The lights dimmed, and eerie music filled the air as they shared their tale. Screams and gasps echoed through the room as Ayame's friends jumped out from hidden corners, scaring their classmates.

While some found it entertaining, others were not amused. The school authorities reprimanded Ayame and her friends for causing disruption and scaring fellow students, though later released them with a warning since they are all elementary school kids at that time. And her parents ever dotingly scolded her.

Now most children in her shoes would've felt a mix of satisfaction and disappointment, and then won't do it ever again.

But for some odd reason, it gave her the thrill and encouragement to push further boundaries.

Ayame's mischievous antics continued throughout her school years. She discovered that these acts, however disruptive or attention-seeking, brought her a sense of exhilaration and a fleeting taste of the recognition she craved. It became a pattern, a cycle of seeking attention through misbehaviour, and it only fueled her desire for more.

The older she got, her mischievous nature intensified. She became the class clown, always eager to entertain her classmates with outrageous pranks and comedic performances. Whether it was imitating teachers or creating elaborate schemes, she revelled in the laughter and attention she received.

In some odd way, Ayame's desire for attention surpassed any fear of punishment. She was willing to take risks and push boundaries to capture the spotlight.

The last straw that her parents realize something was really off with Ayame, was that incident.

One day, Ayame's parents received a call from her form teacher. Ayame had been acting particularly mischievous in class, and her behaviour had escalated to a concerning level. The form teacher then explained that Ayame had orchestrated a disruptive incident during a math lesson, causing chaos and confusion among her classmates.

According to the events that had taken place, Ayame had smuggled a bag of colourful marbles into the classroom that day. When the teacher turned her back for a moment, Ayame seized the opportunity to scatter the marbles across the floor. As soon as the marbles hit the ground, they began rolling in all directions, causing her classmates to slip and stumble.

The chaos that ensued startled the woman, who quickly intervened to ensure everyone's safety. Ayame's classmates were upset and shaken by the incident, and the disruption disrupted the entire lesson. It was evident that Ayame's behaviour had crossed a line, and her teacher felt it necessary to involve her parents.

Concerned, Ayame's parents, Mr and Mrs Nakamura, rushed to the school to meet with the teacher. They were greeted by a worried teacher who expressed her genuine care for Ayame's well-being.

Then the teacher explained that while children often engage in mischief to seek attention, which is pretty fairly normal, for the past 20 years of her teaching career, she did not encounter a student with such an intense and persistent need for attention as Ayame. She expressed her concerns about Ayame's emotional well-being and suggested that seeking professional help might be beneficial.

 Finally,  the parents took her to see a child psychologist to understand the underlying reasons for Ayame's constant need for attention. 

The psychologist recognized that Ayame's behaviour was abnormal enough to be a serious cause of concern, but as they were not medically advanced, they couldn't really pinpoint what was truly wrong.

Even so, they began through therapy, they inform her parents that they should explore healthier ways for their daughter to seek attention and channel their daughter's energy. It appeared that, unlike most children, she is a bit too bold to notice the right and wrong ways of getting attention.

That is when the psychologist suggested one activity that would ultimately give her the attention she craves.

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Acting, the art of performing and captivating an audience, seemed like a perfect outlet for Ayame's energy and desire for attention. 

The psychologist explained to Ayame's parents that acting could provide a structured platform for her to express herself, receive validation, and channel her mischievous nature in a more positive direction.

Intrigued by the idea, Ayame's parents decided to enrol her in the drama club in her school. Ayame eagerly embraced this new opportunity, finding solace and excitement in the world of acting. She discovered that the stage allowed her to be bold, expressive, and larger than life.

Under the guidance of experienced theatre professionals, Ayame learned the art of storytelling, character development, and stage presence. She honed her comedic timing, improvisation skills, and ability to connect with an audience. With each performance, she gained confidence and a deeper understanding of herself.

Through acting, Ayame found a way to command attention and receive validation through her talent and hard work. The stage became her playground, where she could unleash her mischievous spirit within the boundaries of a script and performance.  Kids in her school would stare at her in awe, while the director is pleased with her performance.

At that time, Ayama felt like she finally felt fulfilled.

But then, the arrival of the new girl changed everything.

7-year-old Kudo Yukiko who had recently moved to Ayame's school, had a natural flair for acting that caught everyone's attention, including Ayame's. Yukiko's talent and charisma on stage quickly made her the centre of attention, overshadowing Ayame's own achievements. Aside of also being cute and bubbly, Ayame was stunned to learn that Yukiko is also attention-seeking as well. She always seemed to effortlessly capture the spotlight with her natural talent and charm, and Ayame couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and jealousy. She realized that her own mischievous antics and comedic performances were no match for Yukiko's innate talent.

At first, Ayame struggled with feelings of insecurity and the fear of being overshadowed. She questioned her own abilities and wondered if she would ever be able to stand out again. 

But deep down, Ayame knew that jealousy is a path to ruin, too many drama scripts had reminded her it won't end well.

The only solution to surpass Yukiko was merely through one motivation: Attention.

She concocted a plan, a diabolical scheme that would leave everyone in awe. She would perform the most audacious, jaw-dropping act the school had ever seen.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Ayame set her plan into motion. She secretly gathered supplies, recruited a group of loyal friends, and plotted her grand performance.

The day of the drama arrived, and the auditorium was buzzing with anticipation. As the curtains drew back, Ayame took centre stage, ready to unleash her masterstroke. The audience held their breath, unaware of what was about to unfold.

Her role is meant to play a supporting role of a magician's apprentice, Yukiko is also a supporting role, but she'll see....there can only be one actress who stands at the top.

Ayame's performance began innocently enough, with a simple magic trick. But as the trick progressed, it escalated into a spectacle of madness and chaos. Rabbits popped out of hats, cards flew through the air, and flames danced around Ayame, seemingly defying the laws of physics.

The audience was captivated, unable to tear their eyes away from the spectacle before them. Ayame's performance had surpassed all expectations, leaving even Yukiko in awe. The once-overshadowed actress had reclaimed her place in the limelight.

As the applause thundered through the auditorium, Ayame bowed, deciding that from this day onwards, this way would be her path to becoming the no.1 actress in Japan.

Her motivation for getting the most attention in the world will be the no.1 goal to defeat girls like Yukiko by making her feel things she shouldn't feel ever again. Before, she never delved deeper into acting, but to prevent Yukiko from hijacking her spot, it seems as though she is going to put the intense effort from now onwards.

Ayame's newfound determination sent shivers down the spines of her classmates. They saw a fire burning in her eyes, a fire that whispered tales of ambition and obsession. Little did they know that Ayame's hunger for attention had transformed into a twisted obsession for supremacy.

She would stop at nothing to ensure that her name echoed through the corridors of fame, even if it meant sacrificing her own sanity. The applause had become her drug, and she craved it with every fibre of her being. Ayame's mischievous spirit had morphed into something darker, something that danced on the razor's edge of madness.

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With each passing day, her performances grew more elaborate and more daring. 

In middle school, Ayame's passion for acting continued to burn brightly. She stepped onto the stage with an air of confidence and excitement, eager to explore the depths of her talent. Each performance was a new adventure, a chance to push the boundaries of her abilities.

She fearlessly tackled complex characters, delving into their emotions with an intensity that left her audience spellbound. Whether she portrayed a tormented soul or a vivacious spirit, Ayame poured her heart and soul into every role.

Her dedication to her craft was unparalleled. She spent countless hours rehearsing, perfecting her lines and honing her skills. The drama club became her second home, a place where she could fully immerse herself in the world of theatre.

In high school, Ayame's reputation as a formidable actress spread like wildfire. Directors clamoured to cast her in their productions, knowing that her presence alone would elevate the quality of their shows. Her performances became the stuff of legend, whispered about in hushed tones among aspiring actors.

Ayame's talent for transforming herself on stage was uncanny. She could seamlessly transition from a tragic heroine to a comedic force, leaving her audience awestruck at her versatility. The stage was her canvas, and she painted it with vivid strokes of emotion and intensity.

The lines between reality and fiction blurred as Ayame delved deeper into the realm of theatrics. She pushed herself to the brink of exhaustion, seeking perfection in every gesture, every word uttered on stage.

Gradually, her rivals watched in awe and terror as Ayame's performances became a kaleidoscope of emotions, a whirlwind of chaos and intensity. She had become a force to be reckoned with, a ticking time bomb of ambition that threatened to consume everything in its path.

Beneath the dazzling facade, however, her craving for attention grew further.

Still, in the beginning, it wasn't as bad as it was. Her ever-doting parents were present, and so were her hometown friends who became her manager, and her personal assistant, basically every staff member who was her loved one was at her disposal to check on her emotional welfare.

Which is why when she began working overseas, she remain as sane as she is.

The happiest day of her life was when Kudo Yukiko, who too began as a professional actress and was on her way to stardom, suddenly abruptly retired to marry Kudo Yusaku, at around the age of 19 or 20. Then started a family and had Shinichi. Not out of happiness for her rival, but rather, she is not likely to return to the silver screen anytime after that.

In Japan, the chances of an actress who is married and settled down to have children returning to the acting scene at around 5 percent rate. It ain't full proof, but Ayame knew that the absence of Yukiko would open up millions of windows of opportunity for her.

With her rival out of the picture, Ayame saw a chance to reclaim her throne and solidify her position as the reigning queen of the acting world.

She dove headfirst into auditions, casting calls, and endless rehearsals. Her determination was unwavering, fueled by the desire to prove herself once again. The industry took notice of her relentless pursuit of success, and doors began to open.

Ayame landed leading roles in critically acclaimed films and theatre productions. Her performances were hailed as masterpieces, each one showcasing her range and undeniable talent. She became a household name, gracing magazine covers and captivating audiences with her magnetic presence.

Then, around the age of 24, that is when things took a dark turn.

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It started with a phone call when she was in Los Angeles when the caller revealed her parents are in a severe car accident.

A drunk driver allegedly crashed into their car, leaving them with life-threatening injuries. Ayame's world shattered in an instant. She dropped everything and rushed back to Japan, her heart heavy with dread and fear.

Days turned into weeks as Ayame stood vigil by her parents' bedside, praying for their recovery. The guilt gnawed at her, knowing that she had been consumed by her own ambitions while her parents faced the consequences of a reckless driver's actions.

Eventually, her parents' conditions stabilized, but it was short-lived.

Within minutes, Ayame received another call, this time from her manager. The news was devastating. Her parents had succumbed to their injuries, leaving Ayame alone in a world that suddenly felt cold and cruel.

Grief engulfed her, drowning her in a sea of despair. The weight of her parents' absence pressed upon her, suffocating any remnants of joy that had once flickered within her. The pain was unbearable, a constant ache that echoed in her every breath.

So she threw herself into acting to distract herself from the pain, and for a while, that worked. The attention from her fans who sympathized with her plight did ease the pain a lot.

Then her long-time manager who is also her long-time high school friend had a terminal illness: Pancreatic cancer.

The news hit Ayame like a sledgehammer to the chest. She couldn't fathom losing yet another person she held dear. The thought of facing the world without her manager, her confidante, was unfathomable.

She stood by her friend's side, offering support and love during the gruelling battle against the merciless disease. But no matter how hard she fought, and how many doctors she consulted, the cancer proved to be an insurmountable foe.

Ayame watched helplessly as her manager's health deteriorated, witnessing the toll it took on their once vibrant spirit. The hospital visits became routine, the beeping machines a haunting soundtrack to their shared moments of vulnerability.

As the end drew near, Ayame's heart broke. She held her friend's hand, tears streaming down her face, as they exchanged their final goodbyes. The loss was immeasurable, the void left behind seemingly impossible to fill.

Once more, throwing herself to acting was the only way to draw herself out of this misery, but if she had assumed that would be the end of 3 tragedies, there would be more to follow.

Her personal assistant, who had been by her side through thick and thin, suddenly disappeared without a trace. Calls went unanswered, messages went unread. Ayame's anxiety heightened with each passing day, as she feared the worst.

Days turned into weeks, and the uncertainty gnawed at Ayame's sanity. Was her assistant safe? Had something terrible happened? The questions plagued her mind, consuming her thoughts day and night.

Then, one fateful evening, she found out the assistant was killed by a killer in Los Angeles.

Ayame's world shattered once again. The pain of loss intensified, morphing into a crippling fear that threatened to consume her. The darkness that had plagued her life seemed relentless, a relentless series of tragedies that took away those closest to her.

Haunted by grief, Ayame questioned the cruel hand fate had dealt her. Why was she cursed with such unbearable loss? What had she done to deserve this unending torment?

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As Ayame's star rose, darkness seeped into her soul. 

More deaths followed, and in a blink of an eye, the staff that surround her were no longer her hometown friends, but strangers who saw her as a mere commodity.

But Ayama couldn't be bothered anymore as she grew older, the thrill of the spotlight no longer sufficed; she craved something more. The desire to break free from the constraints of reality gripped her like a vice, whispering sweet promises of transcendence.

And so, Ayame began to blur the lines between her roles and her own identity. She immersed herself in characters that mirrored her darkest desires, losing herself in a labyrinth of personas. Her performances became acts of rebellion, an escape from the mundane existence that lay beyond the stage.

The audience, captivated by Ayame's enigmatic presence, couldn't discern where the performance ended and reality began. They were drawn into her web of intrigue, willingly surrendering themselves to the twisted dance she orchestrated.

But as Ayame's star burned brighter, her relationships with others crumbled like ashes.

Beneath the facade of her grandeur, a sense of emptiness gnawed at Ayame's core. The pursuit of attention had consumed her, hollowing out the very essence of her being. The thrill of victory turned bitter on her tongue, leaving her craving something more substantial.

The moment all of her loved ones passed away, her rivals became mere pawns in her grand production, disposable characters in her twisted narrative. She would discard them without a second thought, for they were merely distractions on her path to glory. She needs to pursue fame to feel better again, and seek more attention and that pain will go away.

Ayame's descent into darkness continued unabated. The once vibrant and compassionate young woman had become consumed by her own ambition and thirst for attention. The pain of her losses had twisted her soul, distorting her perception of reality and blurring the boundaries between right and wrong.

Her hunger for fame and adulation grew insatiable, a void that could never be filled. Each accolade and ovation only served to fuel her desire for more, leaving her perpetually unsatisfied. The temporary relief offered by the spotlight was fleeting, and the emptiness within her only deepened.

In her pursuit of fame, Ayame manipulated and discarded those around her with little regard for their well-being. Her relationships became transactional, mere stepping stones on her path to success. The people who once loved her were now seen as obstacles or tools to be used and discarded.

Her rivals, once formidable opponents, became pawns in her twisted game. She revelled in their defeat, relishing in the power she held over them. 

As the years passed, Ayame's reputation became tarnished. The industry whispered of her erratic behaviour, her questionable choices, and her disregard for anyone but herself. The roles she once coveted became scarce, as directors and producers grew wary of her unpredictable nature.

And by the time she turned 27, Ayame had become a shadow of her former self. The darkness had consumed her completely, leaving behind a hollow vessel driven solely by ambition and a thirst for attention. She had lost sight of the genuine joy that acting once brought her, replacing it with a toxic craving for validation.

Yet, Ayame remained undeterred. She clung to the fading remnants of her fame, desperate to reclaim the glory she had once tasted. The pursuit had become an obsession, a never-ending spiral of self-destruction.

The only solution to feed the attention she craves is dimming by the minute. 

So her desperation for attention led her down a treacherous path. Frustrated by the diminishing opportunities and the waning interest in the industry, she sought to create her own scandalous narrative to reignite the spotlight.

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For the past 2 to 3 years, Ayame had engineered controversies, staged public spectacles, and deliberately courted tabloid attention.

Manipulating the media and exploiting her own personal life had led to the blurring of the boundaries between her public persona and her private self. The lines between reality and fiction became further distorted as she crafted a persona that thrived on scandal and shock value.

Her actions shocked and dismayed many, tarnishing her reputation even further. The public grew weary of her attention-seeking antics, perceiving them as desperate cries for relevance rather than genuine artistic expression. Ayame's attempts to regain control of her narrative only served to push her further into the depths of self-destruction.

Behind closed doors, no one could've guessed that the pain and loneliness she once sought to escape through fame had only intensified. She had become a prisoner of her own creation, trapped in a cycle of attention-seeking that offered no true solace.

The industry and her peers viewed her with a mix of pity, contempt, and indifference.  Though for the time being, the scandals and controversies have their shock value, she knows it would be a matter of time before the value is dunzo. The public's interest when it comes to the entertainment industry waned easily pretty quickly the moment the next sensation arrive. This is the era of the Internet after all, any actor or actress who shines their personality can be made into a celebrity within minutes.

Which is why when this secret musical role project is about to take centre stage at 紫雲劇場" (Murasakiun Gekijō), she knew this offered role will do her wonders.

The newspapers had given full coverage of the casting, highlighting Ayame's involvement in the secret musical role project. Speculations ran wild, as the public eagerly anticipated her performance and wondered what new twist she would bring to the stage.

Strategically she has chosen to participate in this project to revitalize her career. Her agent had said that if she scored good reviews, this would be enough to send her way back to Hollywood.

Of course, there were turmoil and controversy as to why she was cast.

The public questioned the motives behind her selection, wondering if it was simply a publicity stunt or a genuine artistic choice. Critics and industry insiders debated whether her tarnished reputation would overshadow the production or if it would bring the attention it needed to succeed.

The media seized the opportunity to exploit the controversy, fueling the fire with sensational headlines and speculative articles. Ayame's past transgressions and questionable actions were brought to the forefront, casting a shadow over her casting and leaving a lingering scepticism in the minds of the audience.

However, there were also those who believed in the power of redemption and second chances. Some saw Ayame's involvement as a bold move, a chance for her to prove her talent and dedication once again. Supporters argued that her troubled past should not define her future and that she deserved an opportunity to showcase her skills and reinvent herself.

Regardless of whether the press gave good or bad coverage, the main point is that Ayame got want she wanted: Attention.

The actress smiled to herself. She knew that everything would be perfect, just as long as she had the right help. The show would sell out; she would delight critics and dazzle audiences. They'd be on their feet at the end of every performance, clapping and cheering, with tears in their eyes – she could already taste her triumph.

The whispers of controversy and scepticism only fueled Ayame's determination. This would put her back in place as the no.1 most popular actress in the world, or Japan for that matter.

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What the starlet didn't know was that someone else was looking at the papers that morning, staring at the photographs with horrid fascination. 

As the starlet's photographs graced the pages of the morning papers, a figure sat in a dimly lit room, fixated on the images before them. The air was heavy with a mixture of fascination and something far more sinister.

This unknown observer had been following Ayame's career for years, watching her ascent and descent with a growing obsession. They had witnessed her transformation, her thirst for attention, and the darkness that had consumed her soul. Ayame had become more than just a celebrity; she had become a subject of morbid fascination.

The figure traced Ayame's face with a trembling finger, their eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. They had studied every aspect of her life, delving deep into her past and present, collecting a trove of information. They knew her routines, her habits, her vulnerabilities, and her darkest secrets.

While Ayame reveled in the attention and the applause, this unknown observer reveled in something far more twisted. They relished in the power they held over her, the knowledge that they could disrupt her fragile world with a single whisper.

In their mind, they played out scenarios of how they could intertwine their own existence with Ayame's. The lines between reality and obsession blurred, as they fantasized about becoming an integral part of her life, whether she wanted it or not.

Their fascination with Ayame had turned into an unsettling fixation, a desire to control her every move. They reveled in the thought of being the puppeteer, manipulating the strings that dictated her actions. Ayame was no longer a person to them; she had become a canvas for their own twisted desires.

While that actress was indulging in dreams of a golden future, they saw a far darker vision of what lay ahead. That this would eventually be her final act.

But in the shadows, their presence remained unknown to Ayame. She continued her journey, oblivious to the dangerous obsession that lurked just beyond her perception. The starlet's fate was yet to be entwined with this enigmatic figure, and when their paths finally crossed, the consequences would be devastating.

For now, the unknown observer continued to study Ayame, biding their time, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal themselves. Their horrid fascination grew with each passing day, fueling a sinister plot that would bring them closer to the object of their obsession.

Before the opening night, she would have an accident that would bring her stage career to a sudden and dramatic end.

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"So let me get this straight," 6-year-old Kudo Ranran couldn't help but ask her apprentice from Tantei Association, Kudo Shinichi in disbelief as she and him packed their belongings into their respective bags, as school recently ended, "Your mother, former silver screen actress Kudo Yukiko, needed child extras for the upcoming musical play. So instead of casting for a more experienced child actor who can play the role, she decided why not you join the musical, right?"

Shinichi chuckled at Ranran's incredulous expression and nodded in response to her question. "Well, yes, that's pretty much it," he confirmed. 

Ranran tilted her head, still trying to wrap her young mind around the concept. "She lost her hearing, didn't she?" she pointed out.

This made Shinichi grow a nerve on his forehead, "No, she did not!"

"Then why would she drag her tone-deaf son to sing!? Not to mention, on Murasakiun Gekijō of all the places!" Ranran was appalled, not truly understanding what his mother saw in him.

"First and foremost, Ranran, we won't be singing, we are child extras there. Second of all, I ain't tone deaf!" Shinichi argued bashfully.

But Ranran is obviously not buying it. "Did you even hear yourself singing while you were taking a shower, Shinichi?" She crossed her arms, a sceptical look on her face. "While we were stuck on that island for 2 weeks thanks to that stupid camping trip, at Kodama Forest Camp before I ended up at the penthouse, I walked past the venue where you were taking a shower at that time. The way you sang sounded like a symphony of cats being tortured."

"I ain't that bad! You are overly exaggerating!"  He scratched his head sheepishly and attempted to defend himself, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement at Ranran's description of his singing.

Still clearly unconvinced, Ranran continued, "And what do you mean 'we'!? I didn't agree with becoming a child extra by the way."

"Unfortunately, you have no say in this," Shinichi chuckled at Ranran's insistence. "Our grandparents spoke to our family not long ago and got word about the Broadway musical project I am about to be involved in. As soon as your parents got word of it, they called my mom and decided to sign you up, cause to be fair, although they did promise not to send you on another camping trip anymore, it would do you good to be performing rather than sitting in front of the computer all day video gaming." 

"No way man!" Ranran pouted, clearly displeased with the situation. "I would rather die than do that sort of thing. I hated the days when I was an extra back in Edgewood Academy, never once getting advanced roles till I had to take matters into my own hands. Casting me as an extra there would bore me to death."

Shinichi couldn't help but chuckle at Ranran's dramatic response. He understood her aversion to being an extra, especially given her previous experiences. "Come on, Ranran," Shinichi said, trying to persuade her. "I know being an extra may not be as exciting as having a leading role, but unlike the other casts, you don't have to memorize the scripts, except the moves and stuff."

"But I see nothing but boredom ahead of me," Ranran wailed dramatically, "All of the free time I could've been spending to level up and achieve limited edition items, are going to be wasted on a freaking stage!"

It's a good thing Shinichi had mastered his poker face a lot better since becoming an apprentice, otherwise, he could've burst out laughing at her outburst.

Then again, it ain't like Shinichi wanted to be involved in the first place as well.

The moment he got word about being cast in a musical, he refused immediately.

In the first place, he knew he didn't inherit his mother's talent for singing besides acting. He had good hearing pitch, don't get him wrong, but when it came to singing, he scored the lowest in his class. Ranran meanwhile had a very exceptional singing voice, so it ain't surprising that the thought of casting Ranran a role came to his mother's mind.

Honestly, he was shocked the first time he heard Ranran singing once on a school play, even the audiences in their school were so bewitched by the little girl's voice, that they bought tickets for the second day. And it ain't surprising to Shinichi, really, since Ranran had always been a talented and enthusiastic child. Her singing had the power to move hearts, even though she vehemently denied it most of the time.