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Fleeting Game of Old Maid |  |
Kaoru
Oh my, a pebble. Be careful not to trip on it, my dear Misaki.
Misaki
Kaoru-san... Don't you think you're going a bit overboard?
Kaoru
You're carrying in your arms a very precious treasure, no? Therefore we must take the utmost caution on our journey.
Kaoru
By the way, this was the first time I'd ever ventured into the storage room of a library.
Misaki
Ahaha, same here. They sure had a lot of books, didn't they?
Kaoru
Indeed. 'Twas comparable to diving into a pool of knowledge. My only hope is that I may visit again someday.
Misaki
Ah, I know what you mean. Imagine all the interesting books locked up in there.
Kaoru
And what's more, there's a novel I've been searching for. That storage room seems like just the place it would be slumbering in.
Misaki
Really? What kind of book is it?
Kaoru
It's by a certain playwright. I thought perhaps I could use it in my theatrical studies.
Misaki
If you want, I can help you look for it. You helped me find my book, after all.
Kaoru
Will you? Fufu, I'll have to take you up on that offer then.
Misaki
So what's the title? Or do you know what the cover looks like?
Kaoru
My apologies... All I remember is that it's a very fleeting book...
Misaki
That doesn't really narrow it down at all...
Schoolgirl
Uhm, Seta-san!
Kaoru
Oh my, it's you... Pardon me, Misaki. Would you mind if I left you for a moment?
Misaki
Ah, no problem. Go right ahead.
Kaoru
My deepest apologies, princess. I didn't mean to make you wait.
Misaki
It's fine. What did that girl want? It looked like she was trying to thank you for something...
Kaoru
It seems she was able to secure the lead role in an upcoming performance of ours, and came to inform me of the news.
Misaki
Oh, so she's from the theater club. Why would she want to tell you that, though?
Kaoru
I found her practicing here the other day. She seemed slightly distressed, so I called out to her.
Kaoru
After talking with her, I learned that she'd lost her confidence in her own abilities.
Misaki
Gotcha. So you gave her a little advice on performing, right? That sounds like you.
Kaoru
No, I did nothing of the sort.
Misaki
Huh?
Kaoru
I simply watched over her as she rehearsed the part. In actuality, there was really no need to thank me.
Misaki
You know, for being such a nice person, you don't really ever cheer people on directly. It's more like you watch over them...
Misaki
Personally, I feel like it'd be easier on you and the person you're talking to if you just came out and gave them some encouragement...
Kaoru
I suppose you're right.
Kaoru
However, words of praise aren't the only kindness one can offer others.
Kaoru
Rather than speaking, are there not times when you just need someone to be by your side? I certainly think there are.
Misaki
Well... Yeah, I see your point.
Kaoru
Besides, I truly believe that girl would have passed her audition even without me.
Misaki
Is that... because she already knew what she had to do?
Kaoru
Fufu, precisely, my dear Misaki.
Misaki
(I get it... Instead of doing something, she helps people by believing in them with all her heart.)
Misaki
(And since those emotions come across, it gives those people the confidence they need to take a step in the right direction.)
Kaoru
Is something the matter?
Misaki
No, I was just thinking you're pretty cool after all.
Kaoru
Fufu, I'm not sure what could possibly make you say such things...
Kaoru
However, I am honored by your praise. Thank you.
Kaoru
So even Misaki has fallen under my spell... My charms are truly terrifying...!
Misaki
Yup, now there's the Kaoru-san I know.
Misaki
Still, try not to change too much, got it? Just keep being you.
Kaoru
But of course. I have no plans to act otherwise.
Misaki
Ah, we're almost to my house, so I can walk home from here. Thanks for today, Kaoru-san. I really appreciate everything.
Kaoru
If it is to guarantee that I might see your smiling face in the morning, 'tis but a trifle, my dear.
Transcript
Marina
Ah, hey, Kaoru-san. Are you here by yourself?
Kaoru
Hm? Ah~, if it isn't Marina-san and BanG Dreamer-san. No, my mother and I are here doing some shopping.
Marina
I see, are you getting some new clothes?
Kaoru
Well, we've certainly looked at clothes as well... However, we're mostly here to purchase dinnerware for everyone.
Marina
Everyone? Are you talking about your bandmates...?
Kaoru
Precisely. For you see, Hello, Happy World! came to my humble abode for a sleepover the other day.
Marina
A slumber party, huh? I can only imagine what that'd be like with Hello, Happy World!
Kaoru
Yes, to be surrounded by friends at the dining table, to converse with them through the night... 'Twas a marvelous time indeed.
Kaoru
It seems my mother was quite pleased as well. She suddenly proclaimed that we must buy new dishes for everyone, which is why I'm here before you.
Kaoru
She insists that we pick out dishes perfect for each of my bandmates. She's been asking me all sorts of questions about them.
Marina
Fufu, sounds like your mom was pretty happy.
Kaoru
Most likely it's because I hardly ever bring friends around to the house.
Marina
Ah~, yeah, that makes sense. I suppose you couldn't really have all your fans over to your house.
Kaoru
I certainly wouldn't mind if they came though. I've just never had the opportunity, that's all.
Marina
Really? So then why did they stay over this time?
Kaoru
It appears that Misaki had a fight with her mother. As a result, she asked to stay at my place. Once the rest of the band heard the news, they too rushed to my home post haste...
Kaoru
What's more, by the end of our time together, Misaki was smiling like she used to. While I did nothing to help, I was certainly glad to see such an expression return to her face.
Marina
What do you mean? I'm sure you were very supportive and gave her tons of advice, right?
Kaoru
Not at all. I did absolutely nothing of the sort.
Kaoru
Besides, even if I did say something, the one who decided how to move forward was Misaki herself.
Marina
Fufu, so that's how you see it, huh? Typical Kaoru-san.
Kaoru
Oh? I merely wish to see my little kittens smile.
Marina
Still, staying at your place, huh~? I'm so curious!
Kaoru
I see no problem with you stopping by. You're always welcome.
Marina
Really?! Then maybe I will drop by sometime. Would that be alright?
Kaoru
Fufu, I shall be waiting... Ah, it seems my mother has finished checking out. And with that, I must bid you adieu.