Time Loop: Doing Whatever I Want

Ichika picking a fight with Yukino so smoothly now was all because that night's argument had her burning red with frustration.

"I started it, I lost it, what more can I say?"

She had performed excellently during filming and interacted naturally with Yukino—nothing to nitpick at all.

But this was break time.

Break time meant free time, and she decisively took the chance to strike.

What she hadn't expected was that once she started, Yukino uncharacteristically went quiet.

"Yukinoshita, why aren't you saying anything?"

Ichika carefully observed Yukino's expression, looking for any clue.

But Yukino didn't respond. Instead, she suddenly turned and looked toward Makoto and the others.

After a few seconds, she turned back and asked, "So now you can play the catgirl role with a straight face? If that's the case, congratulations."

Bullseye!

Ichika got excited. "What are you congratulating me for?"

"Congratulations on taking another step toward being shameless."

"Ehehe, I happened to hear someone say that if you want to become a top-tier actor—no, if you want to act well—being thick-skinned is essential. You have to be bold enough to ask questions and learn."

She corrected herself just in time—Itsuki was still listening.

Yukino nodded. "Makes sense. But unfortunately, I know that's not how you really think. If this keeps up, I worry for your mental health, Ichika."

Itsuki instinctively nodded. "Yukinoshita's right, Ichika. Mental health is important too."

Wait, whose side are you on? Why are you helping the outsider?

Ichika couldn't help but glance at her.

Itsuki stayed calm. "I'm not siding with Yukinoshita. 

It's just that your constant arguing has started affecting my studies. Still, what she just said makes sense—not just for you, but for all of us."

Ichika clutched her forehead in mock agony. "That was such a hard-hitting lecture…"

Yukino smiled approvingly. "I disagree. Itsuki's serious attitude toward important matters is exactly what you should learn from."

Itsuki blushed slightly and smiled.

Meanwhile, Makoto and the others had figured out why Aizawa was so nervous and underperforming.

Yukino was too strict and serious.

From the start of filming, she had treated everyone with equally high expectations.

On one hand, she truly wanted this film to be a success—to prove herself to her mother and sister.

On the other hand, Ichika's acting skills were more than sufficient for a short film, which sparked her pursuit of perfection.

Itsuki was a complete novice too, currently helping with sound recording under Makoto's guidance.

As for lighting and filming, they were mostly handled by Makoto and Yukino.

Fortunately, a short film wasn't as demanding as a TV series, and thanks to Makoto's experience from the time loop, he could juggle multiple roles and excel at each one.

And if he got tired, he'd just grab a bottle of Ultra Red Bull.

"You can try to relax yourself—think of happy things, or someone or something you really care about…"

Hayato was helping out and smiled as he added, "Like, do you have a girl you like? Thinking about her might ease your nerves."

Makoto silently nodded. They were at that age—liking someone was perfectly natural.

But Aizawa blushed and said shyly, "I don't have a girl I like."

Hayato thought for a moment. "Then do you have a favorite celebrity?"

"No." Aizawa shook his head again, then quickly added, "Wait, I mean… I do…"

And then he actually blushed and smiled bashfully.

But the more he smiled, the weirder his smile became.

Makoto suddenly had a familiar feeling.

Hayato and the others were confused. "What's with that expression?"

"It's nothing." Aizawa quickly shook his head.

Makoto lowered his voice. "Is your favorite celebrity a female idol?"

"…Yes."

"Fukada? Shinoda? Hatano?"

"Hiss!"

Aizawa smiled even more awkwardly.

Makoto thought, Knew it.

So many teachers here worked so hard. Even if students couldn't officially criticize their work, they'd always find a way to watch it.

"Oh~ so that's the kind of celebrity."

Hayato and the others understood now.

"Uh, let's change the topic…" Aizawa couldn't handle the vibe anymore.

Makoto thought for a moment and decided to take over.

The Gift from Nino.

To activate this buff, he needed strong emotions.

That meant adjusting his state of mind.

In other words: I have to deceive even myself.

After more than ten seconds of preparation, Makoto's expression grew resolute. "Aizawa, I don't know if I should say this…"

"Huh? Just say it. You were the first person to talk to me after school started—we're already friends."

"Good. Then as a friend, I'll tell you a secret. I'm actually using this short film to build a name for my club. I want to become the new Film Club at our school."

"What?!"

Hayato and the others were shocked.

Everyone had assumed Makoto was filming for fun or as a hobby—using a club activity to pursue his interest.

They hadn't expected he was harboring such grand "ambitions."

"You're seriously going to form a new Film Club?"

Hayato was the most surprised. He and Makoto had joked about it before, but neither had taken it seriously.

"That's right. I'm going to replace them and become the new Film Club." At that moment, Makoto's aura was like the legendary D from a movie.

The growing commotion caught the attention of Yukino and the others.

And since Makoto made no effort to lower his voice, everyone present could hear him clearly.

"I know you're afraid of messing up, of lacking confidence because you're a beginner. But do you know? 

Itsuki was also participating in this kind of activity for the first time. 

When I first brought it up, she was scared too. But later, she practiced every day, and today, she did the sound work perfectly."

Itsuki's mouth hung open in surprise. She didn't know why she was suddenly mentioned and felt a little shy.

Makoto continued, "You all know Yukinoshita. She's outstanding in both academics and appearance. She never cares about other people's doubts. 

This is also her first time doing something like this, yet she used all her free time to practice seriously over and over. 

And today, her performance was just as flawless."

Not far away, Yukino's eyes sparkled. What are you, spying on me at home?

Ichika, on the other hand, thought eagerly, My turn's next!

But then Makoto shifted his tone, speaking gently:

"It's normal to feel fear and self-doubt. If you asked me to do something I've never done before, I'd be scared too. But if you bravely give it a try and keep practicing, you'll definitely gain something."

He was like a kind elder encouraging a timid junior: 

"Being brave doesn't mean you're fearless—it means moving forward despite the fear. Just like a flame swaying in the wind but never going out, true courage shines brightest under pressure."

Though his tone was gentle, it was filled with resolve. Even passersby near the building stopped in their tracks.

Hayato and the others were completely stunned.

They couldn't believe how seriously Makoto was taking this.

More importantly, they could feel their fighting spirit stirring inside.

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