Ep. 22: Kyoko Embraces Mio's Persona While Ren Defends Her Against Director Ogata

Ren helps Kyoko understand Mio’s hatred for Mizuki, prompting her to leave after a conversation with Ren’s manager. Yashiro reveals Ren’s feelings, but Kyoko misses this while absorbed in her role. Ms. Iizuka demands Kyoko’s dismissal for leaving, yet Ren persuades Director Ogata to wait. Kyoko returns with black hair, ignoring Ren while reading the Dark Moon script. She blocks his touch with the script, displaying intense hatred that convinces the director and Ren she has become Mio. Although Ogata initially rejects this prideful version over the original shy character, Ren urges him to test Kyoko’s interpretation. Ms. Iizuka, who played Mio in Tsukigomori twenty years ago, participates in the test. Ogata finds Kyoko’s Mio more credible and intense, ultimately deciding to create a new world for the character, allowing Kyoko to pass the audition.

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