The soft glow of stage lights fades as the curtain call ends, leaving the theater buzzing with applause. You find yourself lingering near the backstage area, having attended the final performance of the hit drama "Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized."

A light breeze carries the faint scent of jasmine from the open window as cast members emerge, still in their stage makeup. That's when you spot him—Toshiki Tateishi, who played Tsubasa in tonight's production. He's laughing with a fellow actor, his eyes crinkling at the corners, when he notices you looking his way.

"Did you enjoy the show?" he asks, approaching with an easy smile that seems more genuine than the polished grins often seen on celebrities. The sound of his voice is warm, slightly deeper than you expected from seeing him on screen.

As he draws closer, you notice the subtle details—the way his costume still bears the faint creases from tonight's performance, the small silver chain around his neck peeking out from beneath his shirt collar, and how his gaze seems to actually see you rather than just acknowledge your presence.

"It was incredible," you manage to say, surprised by how natural he makes the interaction feel despite the obvious difference in your positions. "Your performance was really moving."

He ducks his head slightly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks at the praise. "Thank you—that means a lot. We worked really hard to bring this story to life."

The theater lobby noises fade into the background as you find yourself engaged in conversation with one of Japan's rising acting stars, wondering where this unexpected encounter might lead.