Starlet Reincarnate

Opening ◇ Ruins (Night) A woman flees through the darkness.

Hah . . . hah . . . hah . . .

A woman ran desperately through the ruins. Her once-neat clothing was torn to shreds, with dark red bloodstains seeping through the fabric in several places.

Why . . . ? How could this happen . . . ?

Breathing heavily, she covered her limp arm and recollected with a pained groan.

Hiroshi, Akira, Emiko—they're all dead! Isn't that enough to satisfy your grudge?!

She screamed. She grieved. But eventually, even that anguish reached its end.

A dead end . . . ? No way . . .

When a black wall blocked her path, the woman weakly beat her fists against it. An unpleasant sensation crawled up her spine. Her body once burnt hot from her frantic escape, now grew cold and stiff in the face of this inescapable reality.

Tap, tap, tap.

. . . !

The sound reached her ears, and she let out a voiceless scream, knowing it was already too late.

Tap, tap, tap.

She shook her head, clinging desperately to the wall as she pounded against it, blood dripping from her broken nails.

Tap, tap, tap.

No, no, I don't want to. No! I don't want to die like them! I don't want to die!

Eyes wide with despair, she turned toward the sound. In the moonlit ruins, there was no human silhouette to be seen.

Yet something was drawing near. She could feel it.

Tap, tap, tap.

Aaa-aaah! Nooo! Don't come, don't come near me!

The sound grew closer.

Tap.

And closer.

Tap.

And closer.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Aaaah! . . . Huh?

Eventually, the sound stopped.

As if there had never been such a sound at all.

Huff, huff.

Only her own breathing filled the quiet space.

Did you . . . forgive me?

The woman collapsed against the wall, and sighed in relief.

Her voice gradually regained its composure.

Then, something appeared . . .

On her shoulder.

Gaaah!

Eeeek!

An otherworldly voice echoed.

Cuuuut!

◇

Ruins (Night) The lights come on. Tsugumi Kirio runs her fingers through her black hair.

The set lights illuminated the stage. With my usual smile, I held my hand out to my fellow actress, who was still catching her breath in front of me. She accepted it with a strained expression, perhaps not quite out of character yet.

Good work.

Y-yes, you as well, Tsugumi.

Dropping character the second filming wrapped was a defense mechanism I had developed through a rough experience. The one time I failed to do this, my co-star ended up hospitalized for insomnia, and everyone blamed me for it.

While I took pride in establishing myself as a horror actress, I didn't actually want to become a real evil spirit.

Ah, excellent work today as always, Tsugumi!

Thank you, Director.

After greeting the staff, I headed to my next location. It had been seventeen years since I'd entered the world of acting as a teenager. I had established myself as a horror actress known throughout the industry.

Since I'd always loved horror from the start, I had no complaints about my current situation. Sure, I sometimes felt conflicted about only getting roles in horror genres, but in a way, it was exactly what I'd hoped for.

While I preferred Japanese horror, my philosophy was to take on any role that came my way. My goal was to be the source of people's fear in Hollywood. So no, I didn’t have complaints—but I wasn't satisfied either.

Tsgumi, we'll be taking the car to your next location.

Okay.

At my manager’s prompting, I got into the black car. The long black hair I’d grown for this role would need to be tucked under a wig at the next location. After all, I was playing a walking, burned corpse.

On the way, I spread the script open for one last review. Even if I didn’t have any speaking lines, I still needed to understand the other actors’ dialogue. I thought I had the setting down, but since there was time, I wanted to double-check. Oh, that’s right—I’d be working with Sakura next. It had been a while. I wondered how she was doing.

Oh.

I’d been so focused on the script, my reaction came a beat too late. In the rearview mirror, I saw my manager’s face twisted in terror. Up ahead, a taxi driver sat slumped over the wheel.

This is definitely going to be rumored as a curse of horror films.

The screech of metal crumpling came with the violent crash. Then came the searing pain.

What flashed through my mind, even in my final moments, was something related to horror movies.

Scene 1 ◇ Interior (Day) Fluorescent lighting. Five child actors lined up. At the end—a silver-haired girl sighs.

What was fear? What did it mean to enjoy fear? These were questions I kept asking myself ever since I started acting in horror genres. And though this was just my personal theory, I’d come to believe the two were opposite sides of the same coin.

Fear was the rupture that broke the flow from yesterday into today—when the familiar suddenly turned strange. Enjoying fear meant recognizing that today still followed yesterday, even though something about it had fundamentally changed.

What I was trying to say was this:

Hi! I'm Juria Asashiro, and I'm six years old! Nice to meet you!

I'm Mimi Yugao. I'm six years old too. Um, I'll try my best. Nice to meet choo. Oops.

Rin Yoruhata, six years old. Nice to meet you.

Three girls introduced themselves enthusiastically next to me. An energetic one, a shy one, and a composed one—each with a completely different personality. While there were plenty of other kids here, these three seemed to be the only ones who actually understood why they were here.

Well, at this stage, we were all average, standing at a similar starting point. I found myself impressed at how mature they were and how cute they were, but that was about it. If I had to complain about anything, it would be this.

Now, can you also tell us about yourself?

He was a bearded man with the kind of warm smile that put children at ease. The facial hair made him look older, but he was probably still considered young and was actually a celebrated director. His intensity wasn't showing at the moment, but I could feel it.

After all, everyone I had worked with over the years had that same unextinguishable fire in their eyes. Of course, I'd made every single one of them shake with fear at least once . . . but anyway.

I stepped forward just like the other participants had. I wasn't a horror actress anymore. Now, I was just an inexperienced little girl carrying all her parents' hopes and dreams.

I'm Tsugumi Sorahoshi, and I'm five years old. Nice to meet you.

I bowed politely. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted my parents getting way too emotional as they watched. They were still the same doting parents as ever. Honestly, it worried me a little. But since I couldn’t exactly wave at them, I settled for a quick glance in their direction.

Tsugumi Kirio, now Tsugumi Sorahoshi.

Seriously, how did I end up in this situation?

The actress instincts I'd honed over so many years held back my quiet sigh.

◇

Hospital Room (Day) On the bed. Tsugumi Sorahoshi's monologue.

When I woke up, I was surrounded by a familiar smell. White sheets, beige curtains, a white ceiling, and an IV bag hanging at the edge of my vision. This never happened after I became famous, but when I was younger, I used to collapse from overworking. I was dirt poor back then—malnourished and constantly exhausted.

Looking around blearily, I saw all kinds of things piled up around the bed—paper cranes, fruit, dolls, you name it. Who could have sent all this? That doll might be from the Japanese horror project.

The nurse call button is . . . wait, what?

As I reached for the edge of the bed, I suddenly noticed something completely wrong. Hold on—I was a woman who had worked alongside that dark entity if it were for horror films. Why was I trembling over something like this? My thoughts were in such chaos that I couldn't pull myself together.

Just think about it. My familiar arms—which had honestly started losing their firmness—had become small, pure white, chubby little hands.

Why is this . . . no. First of all, how . . . ?

I remembered looking at the script.

Then the taxi.

The headlights.

And then, what happened?

If this were a horror movie, would this be the one where death hunts you down . . . ?

The sudden flashes of memory gave me a slight headache. Without a doubt, I must have died. So was this my childhood self? Did I really have such beautiful, white skin? I remembered being malnourished and thin as a rail.

But what about my current body? It was fair and soft. Maybe a bit on the thin side, but nothing concerning. Could this be . . . reincarnation in the Buddhist sense? But I was an atheist who made a career playing blasphemous evil spirits and vengeful gods. That would be absurd. The irony alone would be horrifying.

. . .

. . .

. . .

Then, suddenly, I heard voices. Whose voices were they? It was a strange sensation—like I recognized them but didn't at the same time. I didn't know them. But somehow, my body seemed to remember.

As I listened in a daze, the curtain was suddenly pulled open. There stood what could only be described as a stunning couple—a beautiful man and woman. The woman was the picture of Japanese beauty, with glossy black hair framing her lovely face and translucent white skin. Her tear-stained cheeks made her even more striking. The man was handsome in a completely different way. Silver hair and blue eyes. A straight nose and tall frame. He looked like a foreigner who had stepped out of a sculpture.

Hmm, who are they again . . . ?

Daddy, Mommy?

Before my thoughts could reach a conclusion, a sweet voice like chiming bells came from my throat. Could this possibly be my voice? Hmm, with such a beautiful voice, delivering horror dialogue would be effortless . . . no, that wasn't the point.

Hearing my voice, my apparent parents' eyes widened in surprise. Then they rushed to the bedside, practically throwing themselves against it as they placed their pale hands on my cheeks.

You're awake?! Oh, thank goodness. My Tsugumi.

Tsugumi . . . I was so worried. I couldn't bear the thought of my angel leaving this world.

My supposed parents shed tears like scattered petals as they spoke. Even when crying, they were absolutely beautiful. Incredible.

I . . . what happened to me?

Tsugumi, you slipped and fell down the stairs. Thirteen whole steps!

I wouldn't have minded falling down ninety-seven steps like that famous movie. Wait, but that definitely would have killed me.

After that, you slept for three whole days. Look, your mother was so worried she folded all these paper cranes.

So those paper cranes were made by Mom. That's incredible.

No, wait, that wasn't what I should have been focusing on. My thoughts kept scattering from all this confusion. Though maybe I had no choice but to accept it at this point. When I closed my eyes and remembered, I definitely had memories of this body. In fact, this child's preferences and personality were almost certainly mine. I must have reincarnated as myself and lived as myself even without my memories. I could only feel grateful to the parents who loved me properly despite what a strange child I must have been.

Now, does it hurt anywhere, my angel?

U-uh-uh.

Thank goodness. I'll go call the doctor.

But what was wrong with me? Something wasn't right—my head just wouldn't work properly. Maybe it was the backlash from remembering everything, but I was starting to feel feverish.

Tsugumi?

Sleep . . . y.

Just one word, so I won't make them worry. With that as my final message, my consciousness sank into warm darkness and faded away.

◇

Hospital Room (Day) The father, Maxwell, answers the mother, Minako.

Darling? How is Tsugumi?

She's sleeping. She seems to have a slight fever.

I let out a quiet breath as I watched our angel sleeping peacefully on the bed. Despite everything that happened, seeing Tsugumi look at us and smile so bravely made my chest ache.

She's always been such a perceptive child. She was probably trying to cheer us up.

You're right, darling. Why did this have to happen to Tsugumi, to our angel?

Please don't torture yourself, Minako. I can't bear to see you suffer over this. You're my goddess.

Just as I kissed Minako's forehead to comfort her, the doctor finally arrived. This elderly man was someone we trusted the most. I bowed silently, explained the situation, and stepped back to the corner of the room.

Now that she's awake, she should be fine. However, I'd like to keep her hospitalized for the rest of the week to monitor her condition.

Yes. Thank you very much.

After seeing the medical staff out, I sat close to Tsugumi. Her features closely resembled Minako's and were quite adorable, but her hair and eyes were like mine—platinum blonde with sapphire blue eyes. To us, she was an adorable angel, but apparently to others, she appeared rather bewitching.

Her beautiful, delicate features, combined with her pale skin and striking eyes, created an almost ethereal quality—as if she might dissolve at a touch. It captivated anyone who saw her. Like moths drawn to moonlight, people lost themselves.

I should never have chosen a tutor based on academic credentials alone. I thought there would be no trouble with someone of the same gender, but to think she would actually push Tsugumi down the stairs . . .

From now on, let's only hire staff through people we trust.

Should we arrange it through the Sorahoshi main family then?

Yes. We'll use connections from both sides—your family and mine. It's for Tsugumi's sake.

Yes. Let's do everything we can to make sure this kind child never has to suffer again, darling.

Absolutely.

So please, Tsugumi. I want you to keep smiling innocently, forever. I would get you anything you desired to make that happen. No matter what it takes.

When I stroked her hair, she moved happily.

May there be only happiness in your future.

Scene 2 ◇ (Flashback) Western Mansion (Evening) A middle-aged woman with her face hidden in the evening backlight. Tsugumi being chased by the woman. (End flashback) → Hospital Room (Evening)

How adorable.

How precious.

How lovely.

How . . .

How . . .

Oh, this was a dream.

Oh, my dear Tsugumi. Please become mine!

What should I do? How can I make you smile just for me?

Ah, I know. I just need you to live in my private world!

A woman with a crazed smile chased after me—me, who understood nothing. When she finally cornered me at the stairs, she shoved my body forward. That insane smile of hers was really something. She'd have real talent playing a mentally unstable character on screen.

She was . . . that's right . . . the tutor. The one Father had hired for me. A teacher to prepare me for something called elementary school entrance exams—an event I'd never heard of in my previous life. A veteran tutor with thirty years of experience and a degree from a prestigious university. Apparently, she had latent pedophilic tendencies and fell in love with the utterly adorable Nordic-type beauty, Tsugumi Sorahoshi. It drove her completely mad. The psychological strain must have been too much for Tsugumi's young mind to handle, so memories from her past life awakened as a result. How unfortunate.

Thanks to the fever and sleep, my memories seemed to have sorted themselves out properly. I opened my eyelids with the feeling of waking from a long daydream, and the white ceiling came into view for the second time.

Mmm . . .

When I yawned widely, the IV got in the way. I was pretty good at doing a bridge even with an IV attached, but it would mean trouble if I got caught doing that. I decided to skip the light exercise for now.

Calling for a nurse would be inconsiderate at this hour. With no choice but to look around from my bed, a cute calendar caught my eye. It seemed my past self and this current life's girl shared the same favorite animals—I saw adorable prints of snakes, crows, and frogs. Sorry for liking such ominous creatures, dear parents.

Come to think of it, what year is it now? 2020 . . . huh.

The name of the era was . . . Reiwa? What happened to Heisei? Then I remembered thinking the TVs looked unusually thin and cell phones seemed so small in my current life . . . Apparently, it had been twenty years. If that much time had passed since the era I'd lived through, my old acquaintances and friends were probably well into their elderly years by now. I wasn't exactly young myself back then, after all.

But what happened to the horror industry? If I said I liked the horror that was popular in my time, would people just dismiss me as some nostalgic old-timer?

I want to watch TV . . .

Not just horror films—what about cell phones? The Internet? VHS tapes? This world was completely unfamiliar. If entertainment had evolved this much . . . if the media landscape had continued developing without me . . . Just how incredible would it all be?

I looked around the bedside and spotted a small stack of picture books. Grimm's Fairy Tales, Andersen, Shakespeare—all were masterpieces that were known in my last life as well. I picked one at random and opened it. Nothing settled this restless excitement quite like the rhythm of theater.

Sleeping Beauty. Yes, that's perfect.

Though I was hesitant to call myself a beauty, I had been sleeping constantly. I was already skilled at getting into character, but when the situation made it even easier to immerse myself, all the better.

I was the sleeping princess. Cursed by an evil witch who appeared on my birthday, I fell into a hundred-year slumber. Then a prince appeared and awakened me with his beautiful kiss.

Was it you who gave me that kiss?

When I placed my hand on the prince's cheek, he took it in return.

I was under a sleeping curse cast by a witch.

I spoke with that gentle gaze, small and pleading.

A lonely, ice-cold curse.

The prince showed concern at my words, then spoke.

You need not worry anymore. From now on, I shall protect you.

Yes.

My lips trembled, I surrendered to joy and affection as I spoke to the beautiful prince. As happiness filled my heart like a ray of light piercing through the darkness that covered it, I embraced the dawn.

Truly . . . an angel.

Suddenly called out to, I snapped out of character. Before I could even process that playing heroines really wasn't my strong suit, I spotted the familiar handsome man kneeling before me.

Oh, Tsugumi, my angel. Who are you trying to captivate with such an adorable gaze?

This felt like one of those situations where naming the wrong person could spell disaster. My instincts told me to play it safe.

Daddy and Mommy!

My, my, I'm already captivated by you, Tsugumi! Here, come give me a hug!

Mother stepped out from behind Father and embraced me. Though Father was taken aback, he quickly got up and joined our circle.

Am I dreaming? My goddess and my angel cuddling so adorably together. Could I join in too?

Hehe, what should we do? Tsugumi, what do you think?

Hehe, I'll give you a special permission!

Oh my, what kindness you show even to someone like me . . . Now, won't you give your angel's embrace to me as well?

Yeah!

I wondered if this was how innocent children acted. I asked myself this, but it wasn't all an act. While I was putting on a performance to hide my embarrassment, the desire to interact with these warm parents welled up from deep in my heart.

After all, in my previous life, I was an abused child. Just when I thought the violent father was gone, I was abandoned by my mother. I would have died if my grandparents hadn't saved me. Just when I discovered theater and wanted to support my grandparents, they peacefully passed away together. I truly longed for family.

But truly, that was wonderful acting. Tell me, Tsugumi, do you want to do theater by any chance?

I thought for a moment. I certainly had far more choices available than in my previous life. Wouldn't it be a waste not to experience them?

But even those thoughts were overwhelmed by a stronger impulse. I definitely still wanted to act. I wanted to fulfill the dream I couldn't achieve in my previous life—to become an actress who brought fear into people's hearts in Hollywood.

Yeah!

So I had no regrets about answering that way. They would probably arrange theater lessons for me. If I studied and trained from now on, how much skill could I develop? Just thinking about it made my heart race with excitement.

◇

Hospital Room (Evening) Father watching the bed through the door gap. Evening light falls on Father's profile as he gazes at Tsugumi.

Was it you who gave me that kiss?

The hospital bed now looked like it was covered in thorns.

I was under a sleeping curse cast by a witch.

Her eyes were wet with tears as she spun her words. I almost found myself empathizing with her heart-wrenching pain.

A lonely, ice-cold curse.

I couldn't hear the prince's voice. Yet somehow, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a beautiful prince taking her hand.

You need not worry anymore. From now on, I shall protect you.

The voice I shouldn't have been able to hear echoed through me as if to caress my resonating soul.

Yes.

Those long-awaited words were sweet and electrifying.

What a foolish witch—trying to bind our child with sleep to keep her close.

. . . In the story, I don't think that was the witch's intention, Minako.

Standing in the shadows of the hospital room, Minako’s words, as we watched together, snapped me back to reality.

The witch was jealous of Tsugumi’s beauty.

Hehe, if we made our Tsugumi the protagonist, the whole story would fall apart. How silly to worry about beauty and ugliness. Anyone who met Tsugumi would realize they’re nothing more than insignificant ants.

Without a doubt.

Tsugumi didn’t notice our quiet conversation. So when I winked at Minako, she smiled softly and stepped back.

But truly, that was wonderful acting. Tell me, Tsugumi, do you want to do theater by any chance?

After we exchanged a few more words, I asked Tsugumi that question. Minako, understanding my intent, nodded firmly.

If she said no, I'd take her to the finest film festivals so she wouldn't get bored with the joy of watching.

If she said she wasn’t sure, I’d watch over her future so she could choose again when she was ready.

But if she nodded her head . . .

Yeah!

I’d prepare the finest stage for her, so my angel could shine on the silver screen.

Scene 3 ◇ Hospital Room (Morning) Tsugumi waking up, gazing at the hospital room ceiling.

I sighed as I stared blankly at the white ceiling. After sleeping through the night, I woke up to confirm what I already suspected—this really wasn't a dream. The hand mirror reflected a girl with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. Looking around more carefully, I realized this was a private room. An expensive one, too.

After going through the morning routine—waking up, eating hospital food, and getting examined by the doctor—I suddenly found myself with nothing to do. During this time, I tried to dig deeper into my own memories, and surprisingly, information started flowing freely.

My name was Tsugumi Sorahoshi Lowell. By pure coincidence, it sounded exactly like my name from my previous life. My father was Maxwell, and my mother was Minako. I was half-Japanese. I was five years old, blood type B, and I liked frogs, snakes, and crows. I was the kind of kid who got thrilled by ghost stories. It was strange; I felt like myself, just without any memories. I was still preschool age and had a private tutor who came to the house. Apparently, this tutor pushed me down the stairs, and that seemed to have triggered my memories from my past life.

Maybe hitting my head had triggered the return of my memories? If so, I was a bit concerned about potential brain damage, but it didn’t seem like that was the only explanation. As I was puzzling over this, I heard a knock at the door.

Come in!

Good morning, Tsugumi. You're looking much better.

Oh, Mommy! Good morning!

The woman who entered was my mother—a beautiful Japanese woman with long black hair. She sat beside me with her usual gentle smile, patting my head to check how I was feeling. Being doted on by such a gorgeous woman somehow made me blush.

Even though my memories were now those of an adult, outwardly I was still a child—their precious child. I needed to play the part and act like the daughter they loved.

Since you've been bedridden for so long, let's practice walking around the hospital to make sure you can handle going outside.

Practice?

Yes. If your feet hurt while walking or if anything feels wrong, make sure to tell Mommy right away, okay?

Okay!

Ah, rehabilitation. It made sense—if you don't use your muscles, they weaken. In my previous life, I was poor and desperate, constantly walking around searching for food. What a complete reversal from my current situation.

I slipped on my hospital slippers and started walking, guided by my mother’s hand. I was worried about whether I could maintain my balance, but despite the change in perspective, I seemed to manage just fine.

Or maybe . . .

This body actually felt like it had incredible capabilities. When I wanted to look at something, I could see it clearly—even things that were far away. When I imagined how I wanted my body to move, it responded exactly as I envisioned. Even though I should have had no muscle strength after being bedridden, I had this strange sensation that my body was constantly optimizing itself.

Just from walking, I felt aware of every part of my body, right down to the tips of my hair. If I were to run or jump, how much change would I experience? Even yesterday, during that impromptu performance, my voice had projected incredibly well . . . Could this actually be something extraordinary? I felt my expression change as the realization hit me.

How are you feeling, Tsugumi?

Really great, Mommy!

Oh, is that so? Then shall we walk out to the courtyard?

My mother led me by the hand to the hospital courtyard. I was wearing a coat over my hospital gown, but I still felt a bit chilly. Come to think of it, it was still February . . .

In the courtyard, other patients were spending their time however they liked—people in wheelchairs, elderly folks with walkers, and children around my age. Even after twenty years, scenes like this probably hadn't changed much.

Mrs. Sorahoshi.

Oh, Doctor.

Could I have a moment, if you don't mind?

My mother was approached by my attending physician. I believe he introduced himself as Dr. Kunimoto during my examination. He was an older man, but polite and kind—the type who treated even kids like me respectfully.

Tsugumi, go ahead and have fun where I can see you.

Okay!

They were probably going to discuss things like my future and money—topics that were delicate for a child to hear. I responded cheerfully and read the situation, then headed toward some children around my age.

I felt the sensation of my feet hitting the ground, the pressure transmitted through my slippers. If I started running right now, I'd probably fall—that instinct made me hold back automatically.

Huh?

Another step. This time at a normal pace. Then I gradually picked up speed. People always said to bounce when you walk, but with this body that moved with such perfect balance, I could probably really bounce around. I wouldn’t try it in a place like this, but I bet I could easily do somersaults and handsprings. I might even have been able to pull off a headspring—clasping my hands behind my back, landing on my head like a rabbit jump, then bouncing back up.

All the techniques I desperately acquired in my previous life—I could probably reproduce them with this body, or even improve on them. Things like high-speed movement in a bridge position.

Just give him to me!

Suddenly, a voice cut through my thoughts. A boy in regular clothes was trying to snatch a doll from a girl in a hospital gown. I couldn't tell whose it was—but it looked like some monster made of soft vinyl. No, maybe it was some mascot character. It was an odd-looking creature with a dinosaur's tail and a polar bear's body.

The doll slipped out during their tug-of-war and rolled to my feet. When I picked it up to return it, both children visibly backed away, looking between me and the doll. What was wrong?

Ugh, a foreigner.

Wow, she's really pretty . . .

Oh, of course—they were probably not sure how to start a conversation with a foreign kid. That meant I had to make the first move if I wanted to figure out whose doll this was. Plus, if I just handed it back and they kept fighting over it, that’d be even more awkward.

Since I had the opportunity, maybe I should try something clever to break up their fight. This was exactly the kind of situation where my past life as horror actress, Tsugumi Kirio, came in handy.

Hello.

Eek! She spoke in some foreign language!

Wow!

First, I deliberately spoke in English to get their attention. Then I held up the doll to show them. There was a name engraved on the bottom of its foot—Bearasaurus.

Hi there, I'm Bearasaurus. What are your names?

He t-talked!

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!

The children jumped back dramatically, then cautiously approached me.

Could you tell me your names?

Uh, um, I'm Tatsuki!

I-I'm Kanako!

Tatsuki and Kanako, nice to meet you!

I was doing ventriloquism while moving the doll, but I was surprised by how much control I had over my throat movements. Even though these should be unfamiliar techniques, this body responded to my intentions with incredible precision. I was starting to realize that there might be something truly extraordinary about my new body.

Why were you two fighting?

Because Kanako was hogging Bearasaurus . . .

Hmph! But last week, Tatsuki got to take him home!

Wow, you're quite the popular little guy, aren't you, Bearasaurus? I guess there was something appealing about that combination of cute and cool. Now that I looked at him more closely, I could kind of see the appeal . . . Well, whatever.

What sweet siblings. The girl was hospitalized, and her big brother was here visiting. I’d love to help them share nicely, but what was the best way to handle this?

Hmm, but I really love both of you . . .

I made my voice sound dejected and small. When Bearasaurus drooped his head, they both awkwardly looked away.

If you two are fighting over me, it makes me sad . . .

W-we're not fighting!

Mm . . .

Tatsuki looked flustered, while Kanako seemed dejected.

I know!

I made Bearasaurus speak up as if to intervene. Just as I intended, both children looked at the doll.

At the same time, I noticed we'd caught the attention of people around us.

Oh.

A nearby nurse murmured.

What will she do?

An elderly man with a cane whispered to the young man holding his hand. The puppet’s movements and voice created a technique that made me, the performer, disappear from sight—creating a world inhabited only by the puppet and the children.

Tatsuki. Kanako. Why don't we take turns being together? How about it? That way, I can be with both of you all the time, and I'd be so happy!

When I announced this solution enthusiastically, the two children made eye contact with each other.

Yeah.

They both nodded.

Okay, then I'll let Kanako have him next.

Thanks, Tatsuki!

Gentle applause echoed around us. When I held out Bearasaurus, Kanako happily took him.

I can't talk anymore, but I'll always be right here with you, okay?

Mm-hmm!

With that, I quietly slipped away from the crowd—people who had watched the puppet show and the two children, siblings who had finally made up, some even applauding for me. Since I was only a backstage support, I gave a little bow of thanks and hurried away.

This body moved so much better than I expected in this new life. I could do far more than I imagined. I had a sweet, intoxicating thought that I might be able to reach Hollywood more easily now than in my previous life. But with infinite possibilities ahead of me, was it really right to chase the same dream I had before?

What would my current parents think?

Pursuing acting from now on—could that really be called normal for a child? If their beloved daughter suddenly started talking about strange ambitions, wouldn’t it hurt those two wonderful people?

In my previous life—no, from my perspective, just recently—my goal was to be in a Hollywood movie. But I've ended that life and started living as someone new, and I'm going to keep living this life. So wouldn't going to school normally, getting married normally, showing them their grandchildren . . . wouldn't being an ordinary girl be the way to repay my parents?

So should I bury Tsugumi Kirio's dream—and if so, what should I aim for instead?

It was agonizing. I was born into such a happy family. But what was I supposed to do with this? Could I really give up my dreams? These thoughts clung to me like mud—chains that dragged at my feet. I still couldn’t find an answer.

Before I knew it, I'd been discharged from the hospital, gone through follow-up examinations, and was finally able to catch my breath at home. I was sitting on my canopy bed, trying to figure out how to ask about reading newspaper articles, when I heard a knock at the door.

Yes?

Hello, Miss.

Miss Mikado! It's been so long!

Yes, it has been quite some time, Miss.

The person who appeared beyond the luxurious door was the servant who had been taking care of me—wearing an authentic maid outfit, no less—Haruna Mikado. If I remembered correctly, she had returned to her hometown for family business the day I collapsed.

When she came to visit me at the hospital, she seemed so full of regret that I worried about her, but it looks like she’s bounced back.

I understand that today is the day for an outing.

Huh? It is? Where are we going?

Hehe, the location is a secret, I was told. Now, let's get you dressed up.

A secret location . . . A surprise, huh?

I'm so excited!

I responded to Miss Mikado, while I considered for a bit. Come to think of it, they did mention doing something to celebrate my discharge from the hospital. Hopefully, it wasn’t some stuffy party or anything, but I still hadn’t fully grasped just how wealthy my new life really was.

I didn't even understand the true scale of this mansion. But then again, there was only so much a child could really grasp about these things. Wherever we were going today, I should pay attention and get a better sense of what's normal in this world.

You look beautiful today as always, Miss.

Do you think so? Thank you, Miss Mikado.

When I spun around in front of the mirror, the frilled skirt of my white dress fluttered softly. There was a pink ribbon for accent, and over everything, a fluffy coat. A white wide-brimmed hat and a white purse with a flower brooch completed the look. Everything was white. Since it was a Western-style mansion, I naturally assumed we’d wear shoes indoors too, but we actually wore slippers inside. Well, Mother was Japanese after all.

With Miss Mikado following behind, I left my room and headed to the living room. When she opened the luxurious, heavy-looking door for me, I found my parents waiting, dressed in elegant suits. They were incredibly beautiful, and I was the perfect combination of both their good looks . . . I started to worry that I might get bullied at school for looking too exotic.

Oh, today's outfit is lovely as always, my angel.

You look wonderful, Tsugumi. Come, let Mommy get a good look at you.

As instructed, I spun around and let them kiss my cheeks as we played. I didn’t know what normal parent-child relationships were like, but surely this must be normal. It occurred to me now that my previous life might have been a terribly awful situation.

Come on, let's go.

Yes, dear.

Accompanied by my two cheerful parents, I walked from the entrance hall to the marble entryway. I slipped on adorable white loafers. Late February—this outfit was perfect for the chilly weather. But everything from head to toe was so girly, and I realized it suited my features tremendously, which somehow made me feel embarrassed.

We left the Western mansion and passed through a beautiful garden that one might mistake for a forest. We walked under a green arch where an elegant, large gate opened automatically. A large white limousine was parked there, and the elderly driver, Mr. Makabe, opened the door for us. Having a limousine as your family car and treating it so casually was pretty amazing . . .

Daddy, Mommy, where are we going today?

Haha, it's a secret.

But it's somewhere you'll enjoy, Tsugumi.

Sitting side by side on the limousine’s sofa, I listened to my parents’ conversation. It was definitely a surprise, but what did my parents think would make me happy? In my previous life, my hobby was watching horror movies. But since I hadn’t discovered horror movies in this life yet, I wasn’t sure what I was really interested in—I just read books all the time.

What could it be? A museum of frogs, crows, and snakes, maybe? Even though most women would be scared of those, my mother in this life seemed okay with them. I even thought it was normal to like them until my memories returned.

We should be arriving soon.

Non-alcoholic cocktails.

Available right in the car—amazing.

I was sipping one and relaxing when Father suddenly made his announcement. I quickly drained my glass and smoothed down the hem of my dress. If a wealthy young lady appeared disheveled, it would be my parents who'd feel embarrassed.

Mother gently ran her fingers through my hair to tidy it, smiling softly as the scenery outside came to a stop with barely a sound or vibration. We seemed to have arrived at some kind of entrance. Mr. Makabe opened the door, and Mother and Father escorted me out. Immediately, I felt the stares of people around us turning toward me.

The looks I caught were . . . curiosity, admiration, surprise, unease, fear. Hehe, I wonder where that fear came from? I never had this ability before, but in this life, I seemed to possess incredible talent—I could read so much just from people's gazes alone, even without seeing their full expressions. Someday, I'd make all those stares turn to fear.

Hehehehe.

You seem to be having fun, Tsugumi.

Did something catch your interest?

Oops, did it show? My bad.

No. But I'm excited to see what's here!

I see.

He smiled and patted my head. I felt like the stares around us shifted a little . . . I wondered what these emotions were. Something like curiosity mixed with fondness?

Anyway, Father quickly handled the reception and walked along with Mother and me. Father, who adjusted his pace so perfectly to match even a child's steps, must be quite the gentleman . . .

We took an elevator and walked a short distance until we could see a large door. The venue name must be posted above the door. Even standing on my tiptoes, I couldn't see it well. Mother gently lifted me up. I'm already five years old—I must be heavy. I felt bad . . .

Let's see . . . Child Actor Audition venue for New Spring's Drama Series . . .

New Spring.

Drama.

Series.

Child Actor.

Audition.

Venue . . . ?!

You read that very well. Good job.

The doors swung open before Father's words could snap me back to reality, and I could process my confusion. Inside were multiple parent-child pairs—the rivals who would be auditioning.

Should I really pursue acting in this life, too? Shouldn’t I live as an ordinary girl instead? The conflict that had been burning in my chest suddenly erupted alongside the remnants of my former dreams. At the same time, part of my consciousness instantly shifted. I was here now to win a role. The veteran days when offers poured in belonged to my past life. Now, just like in those early struggling days, I had to hunt down my own opportunities—my instincts remembered this.

Mommy.

Hm? Oh, yes, go ahead.

Thanks.

I let go of my mother's hand. Eyes were still focused on me, this moment was my time to shine. I let innocence bloom across my expression—a devastating weapon that maximized the advantage of being a child. I smoothed the hem of my skirt and clasped my hands together in front of me.

With broad movements catching their attention, the audience's gaze traveled from my hands to my waist, up from my waist to my chest, then to my face. Timing my smile to unfold with that movement, I bowed my head with enthusiasm.

My name is Tsugumi Sorahoshi! Nice meeting you all!

First, I gave a preemptive strike. What was next? Who were the power players here? Come at me from anywhere. From any angle . . .

. . . Huh?

I lifted my head and tilted it. I'd fully expected a battle for dominance to begin now, but no counterattack came from anywhere. Only gentle sighs that seemed to carry warmth reached my ears.

You've already captivated everyone . . . As expected of my angel.

That was a wonderful greeting, Tsugumi.

Maybe I overdid it? But everyone—Weren’t you all supposed to be more desperate about an opportunity to appear on TV and land a role? Besides TV and radio, there were hardly any other ways to build recognition. Even magazines didn’t have TV’s level of influence.

Or maybe this was a local program? Since there was no rehearsal and we were just showing up, it might be a small-scale station. The building was quite impressive, though.

. . . If someone accused me of being immature, I couldn’t argue with them. But somehow, I had less self-control than I did in my previous life. Emotional restraint was fundamental for any actress. Maybe this young girl’s body and mental age were influencing me. From now on, I needed to be more aware of my surroundings while I performed.

Ah, is everyone here already? All right then, we'll divide you into groups of five and move to the audition venues. The audition has two parts—interviews and practical tests. The practical portion will test dialogue delivery and vocal ability, but at this stage we're not evaluating technical skill . . . Um, hello?

The young staff member who entered gave a quick explanation, but noticed the somewhat sluggish response and looked up. Only then did everyone besides us finally start reacting sporadically, and the staff member kept tilting his head in confusion.

Uh, well then, we've organized the groups considering age and other factors. However, due to the number of participants, one group will have just four members. Since this production develops the script to match the cast from the planning stage, the number of successful candidates isn't set in stone, so we've arranged things so the children can perform freely . . . Now then, we'll hand out materials at the entrance, so please go to the booth with your name on it.

I see, so it was more collaborative than competitive. Maybe the others already knew this while I didn't, since my parents surprised me with this audition? That would explain why they didn't react to my little provocation.

. . . Good thing I didn't pick an obvious fight. I might have been marked down for poor teamwork skills.

What? It's not a competition?

Hehe, if it were a competition, the other children would be pitiful, dear.

That's true too.

I appreciate the support, Father, Mother. But it hadn't started yet, you know? Even back when I was an actress, there were occasionally incredible child actors—kids who combined adult-level acting ability with genuine childlike sincerity. That one child was the only one who didn't get scared or traumatized from filming with me, so we worked together many times.

I suppose that's the type of child actor I should aim to be now. She'd be around thirty now, wouldn't she? I should ask my parents to get me a video player soon. TV and video technology must be much more advanced now. Since we were wealthy, maybe even laserdiscs. I wanted to see how that child turned out.