Chapter 32 (Behind the Scenes!!)

**Scene 32** is the 32nd chapter of *Behind the Scenes!!* manga series.

## Summary

Ranmaru confronts Ryuuji about his scarring past, but discovers that Ryuuji wasn't actually scarred at all? Although disheartened and embarrassed, Ranmaru decides he doesn't want to give up and constantly pesters Ryuuji about making a film, along with Maasa and Tomu, who think it's interesting. Ryuuji finally admits his worries about making a new film, that it might turn out really bad. Ranmaru translates that to Ryuuji being scared, to which Ryuuji responds by getting pissed off because Ranmaru's right.

## Plot

Passionate about seeing another film directed by Ryuuji, Ranmaru gives Ryuuji a pep talk, telling him that the film that he directed spoke to him, that it wasn't disrespectful at all, and that Ryuuji should return to directing because it was too sad for him to live in regret. Ryuuji responds by simply stating that he isn't living in regret. Ryuuji dismisses the whole 'living in regret' thing as Uichiro's perception of it and explains that the film was his way of mourning his grandfather and that he's actually pretty proud of that film. When asked why by Ranmaru, he continues to explain that he chooses to work behind the scenes now because that's where he has major skills and it was fun and felt good to be able to flex his skills. Ranmaru tries one last time to ask if Ryuuji would ever direct again, and he is firmly denied.

At home, Ranmaru vents to Soh about how embarrassed he is that he believed that he had understood Ryuuji's sensitive side and that he was able to see a more human side of him that was reachable when the reality was that Ryuuji was still flying high in the sky, doing his own thing. Soh encourages Ranmaru, saying that he shouldn't give up since he really wants to see another film directed by Ryuuji, he should follow the words that Ryuuji had said before and try to drag him down from that unreachable place.

Ranmaru approaches Ryuuji again in the Art Squad club room to try to persuade him to make a movie. Ryuuji gives the excuse that they're too busy so Ranmaru immediately works on rescheduling to make time. While Ryuuji scolds him, the other members of the Art Squad are intrigued by what Ranmaru's doing. Maasa and Tomu start getting excited about it too. As Ryuuji presents issues with the idea of making a movie, the other three present easy solutions. He eventually gets fed up and storms out to attend a meeting. Ruka and Izumi only look on, worriedly. Ruka tries to explain to Ranmaru that Ryuuji doesn't want to do it, so he should stop bothering him about it, but Ranmaru remains as determined as ever, explaining that he really wants to see a new movie made by Ryuuji.

Later, Ranmaru tries again with Ryuuji, presenting the option of using a phone to film the movie if resources are too sparse. When Ranmaru shows the wrong filming technique, Ryuuji goes off and lectures him before chasing Ranmaru and Tomu off to get back to work. Maasa, Tomu, and Ranmaru all continue to pester Ryuuji whenever they can about making a new film while Izumi and Ruka continue to watch, interested but worried.

Ryuuji walks into the Art Squad's room to find only Ruka and Izumi. He sits down with them to drink some coffee and asks if they'll bother him too. They both respond that they wouldn't want to force it since it's a big undertaking. Ryuuji questions their motives, asking them if they're just saying that because they know it's personal, or if they're just being nice, or if they don't think they have a right to speak up about it.

Suddenly, the other three members burst into the room and start chasing Ryuuji again. Ruka and Izumi obverse from the window as they run, saying to each other that they see where Ranmaru is coming from too. As Ranmaru, Maasa, and Tomu manage to corner Ryuuji, he asks them why they're doing this, if it's because he's doing a bad job in the Art Squad or something. Ranmaru responds that Ryuuji has the power to touch others. Ranmaru tells the story of how he never felt comfortable anywhere but when he saw Ryuuji's film, he realized how big the world was and that in such a big world, there must be a place where he belongs. Ranmaru finishes by saying that he definitely wants to see what kind of movie Ryuuji would make now, after all these years. Ryuuji makes more excuses, saying that neither good personality nor knowledge about movies makes someone a good director. But Ranmaru argues that Ryuuji did make a great movie, so he knows that Ryuuji is capable. The real reason for Ryuuji's reluctance then comes out, with Ryuuji worrying that his talent has 'dried up' and that there would be no point getting over his past if the new movie he made turned out to be unwatchable. Ranmaru summarizes what he's heard by asking Ryuuji if that means the reason why he's so against making another movie is because he's scared. Embarrassed and outraged, Ranmaru takes off before Ryuuji can get back at him while Tomu and Maasa hold him back. Izumi and Ruka, who were still watching from the window, appear shocked as well. Ranmaru can't help but smile, thinking that Ryuuji isn't so out of reach after all, and gets excited thinking about how he'll be able to 'drag Ryuuji down.'

## Characters

* Ranmaru Kurisu
* Ryuuji Gouda
* Soh Kobora
* Maasa Rokubu
* Tomu Tenba
* Izumi Samura
* Ruka Enjoji