Transcript
Interviewer
What does the word "dramatic" mean to you?
Kaoru
What a most vexing question. But I shall dare to answer. For you see, my entire being is "dramatic."
Interviewer
What exactly do you mean by that?
Kaoru
It is—
Kaoru
I, Seta Kaoru, rise early. Long before my alarm, I awaken to the sweet song of birds.
Kaoru
"Ahh, my little birds. To think that you have opened my heavy eyelids with your pleasant song... What a dramatic awakening."
Kaoru
I have coffee and a croissant for a warm, fragrant breakfast.
Kaoru
My path to school shimmers brightly in the morning light.
Kaoru
I take a moment to exchange greetings with my little kittens.
Kaoru
Pure, white chalk dust settles on my wrist as I write upon the blackboard. Yes... every aspect of school life makes my heart flutter. For it is all so dramatic and fleeting...!
Maya
Ah, hi, Kaoru-san.
Kaoru
Her name is Yamato Maya. A name so nice I may say it twice.
Kaoru
Not only is she the reliable stage manager of the theater club, but she also takes to the stage herself as an idol. She is a delightful, sagacious young girl—
Maya
Erm... Kaoru-san, what are you doing?
Kaoru
What does she mean by this? I shake my head, unable to comprehend her question.
Maya
Um, that's what I mean. That, just now. Why are you narrating everything?
Kaoru
Fufu, how shrewd of you, Maya. That perceptive side of you has not changed since middle school.
Maya
Uhh, in this case, I think anyone would notice. Why were you talking like that?
Kaoru
There is a deeper meaning behind my actions. Do you recall the theater club's assemblage yesterday?
Maya
Yes. We had a meeting to discuss our next performance... How is that related to this?
Kaoru
Fufu, my, you are quite the impatient little kitten. We decided to stage an original piece, did we not?
Maya
Yes. Since we've never written our own script before, it will be a first for our theater club.
Maya
But I was a little surprised. Are you really okay with not doing Shakespeare, Kaoru-san?
Kaoru
Yes. My love for Shakespeare is unwavering, but there is an exception for everything.
Kaoru
Experiencing a wide range of plays will undoubtedly lead to the growth of our club's members. I am willing to change my ways for my little kittens.
Kaoru
And besides, with this new adventure laid out before me, my heart has begun to soar...!
Maya
Right?! A script about the daily lives of high schoolers... Even I'm excited for this new challenge!
Maya
However... it's our first time doing this, so it's not going to be easy.
Kaoru
No. Our little playwright kitten is clutching her head over it. She claims that more dramatic developments will make for a superior script.
Maya
Yes. That's how we ended up brainstorming our ideas out loud, but... how exactly are we supposed to make it more dramatic...?
Kaoru
Yes, that is where we reached an impasse yesterday. That is why I decided to first explore what I find to be "dramatic."
Kaoru
I have been spelling out the dramatic happenings in my life from the moment I wake up, but... Ahh, how can I put it? I found that the entirety of my daily life is dramatic.
Maya
Ahaha... I see. Well, that finally solves that mystery.
Kaoru
We are all but actors, and the world is our stage. Thus, our daily lives are nothing but dramatic...
Maya
That is a very you thing to say, Kaoru-san. But I think you're the only person who considers their day-to-day life to be dramatic.
Kaoru
On the contrary. Anyone can live a dramatic life if they can grasp but a few meager tricks. Just as I have.
Maya
I-I'm not too sure about that.
School Intercom
It is time for the lunchtime announcements...
LOCK
B-breathe in, breathe out... Alright. I've got this! ... Huh? I-I'm live already?! Eek~! S-sorry!
LOCK
Mm! Ahem! Uhh... H-hello, everyone. This is the Clean Up Committee...! N-next month, we will have a School Cleaning Day where every student will help clean the school.
LOCK
... E-everyone! Let's do our best to sweep the school and sweep the nation! Ehe...
Students
...
LOCK
Ah, that was supposed to be a pun just now... Um... Th-that is all...
Kaoru & Maya
...
Maya
What was up with that announcement just now...?
Kaoru
It was like a tempest. It disappeared almost as quickly as it stirred up our hearts.
LOCK
... Hngh... I'm done for...
Maya
LOCK-san?! Are you okay?
Kaoru
What happened, little kitten? You hang your head so low... like a puppy drenched by the rain.
Maya
Uh, Kaoru-san, is she a cat or a dog? ... Wait, that's not- LOCK-san, did something happen?
LOCK
Kaoru-senpai, Maya-senpai... I-I'm fine. Please don't worry about me.
Maya
You don't seem fine. You can talk to us about it if you want.
LOCK
Ngh... Maya-senpai...! What am I going to do...?!
Maya
LOCK-san, c-calm down.
Kaoru
Fufu, behold, Maya. Is it not as I said?
Maya
Huh?
Kaoru
Is this situation not profoundly dramatic? It takes only the slightest impetus to make the world dramatic.
Maya
Ah, you're right. Wait, no~!
Kaoru
If this were the stage... It would be at the end of Act One Scene One, and followed by a moment of darkness, I suppose.
Maya
Ugh~, this is not the time to be talking about that~!
Kaoru
Now, let the scene fade to black.
Transcript
LOCK
Sigh...
Kaoru
Now, does my beloved grape juice agree with your taste buds? Have you calmed down a fraction, Rokka-chan?
LOCK
Yes, thank you. I'm sorry you had to see me like that.
Maya
It's fine. Anyhow, LOCK-san, what exactly happened back there?
LOCK
Well...
Hina
Okay, Tsugu-chan, take it away♪
Tsugumi
Then let us begin the joint meeting between the Student Council and the Clean Up Committee. Thank you for coming.
LOCK
Th-thank you for having us!
Hina
Ahaha. Rokka-chan, you're so stiff!
LOCK
S-sorry. It's my first time participating in a joint meeting...
Hina
It's nothing to get so nervous about. Just relax and let your opinions out♪
Tsugumi
Erm, today we need to discuss the School Cleaning Day.
Hina
I love this kinda event~♪ Every student taking a whole day off to clean the school? It's so funny!
Hina
Okay, let's start by choosing our spirit captain.
LOCK
U-um, excuse me. What is a "spirit captain"?
Tsugumi
To put it simply, they're the promoter. Their job is to do schoolwide announcements leading up to the event, kind of like a countdown to get everybody excited about it.
Hina
Thanks to last year's spirit captain, it was a really fun day. We need someone who will get everyone super hyped up this time too.
Tsugumi
Please raise your hand if you're interested. Or if you want to nominate somebody.
Clean Up Committee Member A
Yes! I want to nominate Asahi-san!
LOCK
Huh, m-me?
Clean Up Committee Member B
I also think that Asahi-san would be good for the job! She always cleans so properly and looks like she's having fun as she does it.
Clean Up Committee Member C
Yeah! Watching Asahi-san clean makes me want to work even harder!
LOCK
Y-you do? I'm just used to it because of my part-time job... but I didn't know you all thought of me in this way...
Tsugumi
Rokka-chan, everybody is nominating you, but are you okay with that?
LOCK
I want to live up to everyone's expectations. I will do it! Please let me do it!
Hina
Ohh, that's the spirit! We're counting on you, Rokka-chan♪
LOCK
Okay! I will do my best!
Maya
So that was your first announcement just before...?
LOCK
Yeah~. I made a complete mess of it~! I'm so stupid~!
LOCK
Ngh... I wonder how I can do it more like the last person.
Maya
The last person?
Kaoru
Do you mean last year's spirit captain, perchance?
Maya
Ahh! I do remember that they had a way with words.
Kaoru
They had a magnificent, echoing, bright voice. They also sprinkled the odd jest throughout their announcements... They were exceedingly enjoyable.
LOCK
I know~! I listened to the recordings when I was learning about the role, and they really sounded like a pro...
Maya
How to be more like them, huh...? Hmmm. That's kind of hard.
Kaoru
Rokka-chan, it is as Shakespeare once said.
Kaoru
"Let me embrace thee, sour adversity..."
LOCK
Th-that's so cool... Although I don't know what it means...
Maya
Ahaha... If you were spirit captain, Kaoru-san, you'd just get up there and be your usual self.
Kaoru
Fufu, perhaps. I will perform it for you. My one and only spirit captain.
LOCK
...!
LOCK
Um, Kaoru-senpai...! Could you please teach me how to act like a spirit captain?!
Maya
I guess if Kaoru-san teaches you, you might be able to become a really good spirit captain!
LOCK
Everybody nominated me, so I can't let it end like this...! Please teach me!
Kaoru
Of course I will. I cannot leave a little kitten in distress.
Kaoru
However, Rokka-chan, my teaching methods are considerably fleeting. Are you prepared for that?
LOCK
Um, fleeting... you say?
Maya
Ahh, she probably means "strict," right? Kaoru-san?
Kaoru
Yes, it is... but that.
LOCK
O-of course I am prepared! I want you to be strict, actually! Please help me!
Kaoru
Yes, leave it to me. Maya, won't you assist me?
Maya
Sure. I will interpret your fleetingness as best as I can! Let's do our best, LOCK-san.
LOCK
Thank you very much! Maya-senpai!
Kaoru
Now, follow my lead, little kitten...!
Transcript
Ako
It's finally lunchtime~! Asuka, Rokka! Let's eat~♪
Asuka
You're way too excited about lunch. Rokka, could you move that desk over?
LOCK
Sorry, everyone. I have a special training to go to...
Asuka
Ah, right. You did say you had training with Kaoru-senpai.
Ako
I'm gonna miss having lunch with you, but good luck with the special training! I'll be cheering for you!
LOCK
Thanks, Ako-chan.
Asuka
But wow... one-on-one training with the prince of the school? Her fans might get jealous if they find out.
LOCK
What~? D-don't say such scary things~! And Maya-senpai will be there too, so it's not one-on-one~!
Asuka
Sorry, sorry, I was just kidding.
Ako
You're right though. Kaoru is super popular-
Kaoru
Pardon the interruption, fair students of 1A. The owner of this glass slipper... My princess, is she here?
LOCK, Ako & Asuka
...?!
Students
K-Kaoru-sama?!
LOCK
K-Kaoru-senpai?! Weren't we meeting in the club room...?!
Kaoru
Ahh, there you are, my Cinderella. I just couldn't wait and came to retrieve you myself.
Student A
Kaoru-sama came for... Asahi-san?!
Student B
Huhhh~?! Wh-why?! Explain yourself, Asahi-san~!
LOCK
E-eek~! Um, thhere is a proper reason behind this~.
Kaoru
Why I am simply assisting my little kitten. All of you, please do rely on me if something happens. I am an ally to all of my little kittens.
Students
Kyaaa~! Kaoru-sama~!
LOCK
K-Kaoru-senpai, let's head to the clubroom, quickly!
Kaoru
My, my. No need to tug on my arm so vigorously. Fufu, what an aggressive little kitten.
LOCK
K-Kaoru-senpai, you are moving too slowly~!
Maya
Ahaha... That must've been a bit of a pickle.
LOCK
It was more than that~! The whole class was going crazy~.
LOCK
I always thought that Kaoru-senpai was a cheerful, showy person, but... I didn't think it was to that extent...
Maya
I've known her since middle school, but even I didn't think she'd get that much of a response. Kaoru-san is still a mystery to me...
LOCK
Ahhh~, my heart was beating so fast~!
Kaoru
I apologize for putting you in a difficult position, Rokka-chan. However, they say that the beginning is crucial, do they not?
Kaoru
And so I thought that the first day of your training should be a dramatic one.
Maya
I see, so that was your intention. And you even changed outfits for it... That's so like you!
Kaoru
Fufu, naturally. I always endeavor to give my best performance. That is what it means to be Kaoru Seta.
LOCK
(Kaoru-senpai really is an odd person... Ah, no, no! I can't think such rude thoughts about my upperclassmen...!)
Kaoru
Now, shall we put an end to this chit-chat? Let us commence forth.
Maya
Yes. Okay, LOCK-san, why don't you start by telling us how you felt about your first schoolwide announcement?
LOCK
Erm... Well, I wrote a script in my own words and thought I could just read that, but when I thought about how the whole school was listening to me... my voice started shaking...
Kaoru
My, it is peculiar that you felt nervous. After all, you perform onstage on the regular.
LOCK
It's not the same...
LOCK
I don't know how to explain it, but I'm okay on stage because I'm in a band... It's completely different with a band. But if it's just me, then it's absolutely impossible.
Maya
I more or less get what you mean, LOCK-san.
Maya
When I first joined Pastel*Palettes, I would get so nervous whenever we had a recording or an interview.
Kaoru
You did seem excruciatingly nervous yesterday, Rokka-chan.
Kaoru
In that case, let us begin with the joy of reading a script.
LOCK
The joy of reading a script?
Kaoru
Precisely. If the actor does not enjoy their script, no matter how beautiful the prose may be, it will not reach the hearts of the audience.
Maya
You have a point there. I think it's the same with bands too, LOCK-san.
LOCK
O-okay! I will give it a try!
Kaoru
Now, repeat after me! "Ahh, Juliet! With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls."
LOCK
"A-ahh... J-Juliet...! With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls..."
Kaoru
More fleetingly, Rokka-chan. And project in a big, clear voice.
LOCK
O-okay! Umm... Fleetingly... in a big, clear voice...
LOCK
"Ahh, Juliet...! With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls."
Kaoru
It's still not fleeting enough. Give it more vigor! More passion...!
LOCK
O-okay! Fleetingly... in a big, clear voice... with vigor and passion...!
LOCK
"With love's light wings! Did I o'erperch these walls~!"
Kaoru
Yes, excellent, Rokka-chan! You have increased your fleetingness. Next, you must-
Maya
Wait, stop, stop! The both of you! Kaoru-san, you're getting too into this.
Kaoru
Oh dear. Perhaps I was getting a smidgen too spirited.
LOCK
No, it's fine! All of this is to help me become the spirit captain! So please let loose!
Kaoru
Oh, Rokka-chan. How very fleeting you are. Now, let us collect ourselves and continue!
LOCK
Sure, Kaoru-senpai!
Maya
Ahaha... I think this is going to take a while.
Transcript
Kaoru
That day, I was watching. The moment where you became the protagonist. You shone so brightly as you became the person you wished to be-
Maya
Earth to Kaoru-san.
Kaoru
Oh, sincerest apologies. I tend to lose myself when I read plays...
Maya
We've been searching ever since that day, but... we just can't seem to find something dramatic enough.
Kaoru
There is no need to panic. The goddess of theater smiles upon those who work tirelessly.
Maya
Right. Let's be persistent in our search!
Kaoru
Yes, needless to say.
Maya
That reminds me, LOCK-san has gotten more confident about speaking lately.
Kaoru
Yes, Rokka-chan is truly a diligent worker. She is incessantly striving to live up to the expectations of those around her.
Maya
Yes, but she still isn't up to the standard of the last spirit captain.
Maya
I'd like to give her some even better advice if I had any, but... Hmm...
Kaoru
Maya, you are truly generous. Your benevolence saves me.
Maya
Wh-what's gotten into you so suddenly?
Kaoru
You are always so considerate of others.
Kaoru
It has occurred to me once more that it is your prescence backstage that allows me to stand comfortably upon the stage. Thank you eternally, Maya.
Maya
E-enough with that. It's not like I don't enjoy it. I just do what I can... It is... but that!
Kaoru
Fufu, you're right. It is... but that.
Maya
Hey~! Kaoru-san, cut it out. You're making me blush...
Maya
Ah. Th-that's right! If it were you, how would you do it? Spirit Captain, I mean.
Kaoru
If it were I...? Let's see. Perhaps I would do a cleaning musical?
Kaoru
We could dexterously wield mops, buckets, and other cleaning apparatuses to perform a rhythmical dance! I assure you, the audience will inexplicably desire to join in.
Maya
Hold on, how would you even do a musical through schoolwide announcements~? If you were to do it, that is, Kaoru-san!
Maya
LOCK-san is aiming to be a spirit leader on par with the last one, but if it were you... Would you aim to be the Prince of Cleaning, Kaoru-san?
Kaoru
Yes, I suppose I would. And if I were the Prince of Cleaning...
Kaoru
Greetings, everyone! Next month, we will be having the much anticipated School Cleaning Day, where every student will assist to spruce up the school. Let us combine our efforts to make our campus shine!
Maya
Ohh, you certainly sound like a lively prince.
Kaoru
That is because this prince is the "Spirit Captain." I tried to imagine a peppy prince who would bring cheer to the nation. Alternatively, there is this...
Kaoru
Salutations, ladies and gentlemen! Next month, we will be having our much-anticipated School Cleaning Day for the entire student body. Combine your strength and polish the entire school!
Maya
Ohh~! That prince was overflowing with leadership and class! It's impressive you can take the same situation and act it out so differently...!
Kaoru
Fufu... This is my secret technique. The Seven Prince Transformations.
Maya
Ohh~, you're so impressive, Kaoru-san! ...! S-sorry, that was loud. I got a bit overexcited...
Maya
Kaoru-san, how were you able to become those characters so easily? Is there some sort of trick to it?
Kaoru
A trick...? Not exactly, but I have a definite image in mind for each of my characters. Their personalities, the ways in which they think... even their smallest of habits.
Kaoru
Aside from that, I just let the image of that world come to me.
Maya
I see~. So you can act them out because you have a clear image of them in your mind...
Maya
... Ah, that's it!
Kaoru
Oh, have you had an epiphany of sorts?
Maya
Yes! I think it would be perfect for LOCK-san! Ah. S-sorry. I yelled again.
Kaoru
Fufu, that part of you is marvelous, Maya... But this is a library, so perhaps we should keep it down.
Maya
Yeah.
Kaoru & Maya
... Fufu.
... Huhehe.
... Huhehe.
LOCK
Everybody! Are you enjoying your lunch? This is a message from your Clean Up Committee!
LOCK
Next month, we'll have a School Cleaning Day where we all help clean the school! If we can make every nook and cranny of this school shine, I think our daily lives will be even more thrilling♪
LOCK
So let's work together on that day, okay?! That is all from the Clean Up Committee~! Bye-bye!
Ako
Ohh~! That was awesome, Rokka~!
Asuka
Yeah. It was nice to listen to, so I think it was good.
LOCK
R-really?! Thank goodness~.
Maya
Yes, all of that practice really paid off.
LOCK
It's all thanks to the advice you two gave me! Because you told me to imagine how Kasumi-senpai would do this.
Asuka
Ah, I had a feeling you'd picked my sister.
Ako
Huh? Really? I didn't realize at all.
Asuka
It wasn't the vibe exactly, but more the way she said things.
LOCK
S-sorry! I know that it's really rude of me to copy Kasumi-senpai, but...
LOCK
Kasumi-senpai is... deeply engraved in my soul. I find her very easy to picture in my mind.
Asuka
No, I don't think you have anything to worry about. It's my sis we're talking about, so I think she'd actually be happy you did that.
Ako
Yeah, yeah. That's true~. After all, you did such a good job! Kaoru, Maya-san, thanks so much~!
Kaoru
Alas, I just did what was proper.
Maya
I'm sure you'll do just as well in the real announcements, LOCK-san! Good luck.
LOCK
Ngh... Thank you both very much. I feel like I might be okay tomorrow!
Maya
Ohh~, excellent~! That's the spirit, LOCK-san!
Kaoru
Take deep breaths beforehand, and remember to relax as much as possible.
Kaoru
Now, the curtain is about to rise on Rokka-chan's new beginning. Make the audience fall at your feet!
Transcript
Maya
Oh, Kaoru-san. Hello.
Kaoru
Dear Maya. May I escort you back to your classroom, fair princess?
Maya
Yes, of course.
Maya
Ah, that's right. Listen to this, Kaoru-san. Just now, some girls in my class were talking about how good LOCK-san's announcement was.
Kaoru
How tremendous. She was exceedingly bright and lively in today's announcement, just as we rehearsed.
Maya
Yeah! I'm glad picturing Toyama-san worked out for her!
Kaoru
Indeed. There is no greater joy than that which comes from expelling a little kitten's sorrows. I hope the same can be done for the theater club.
Maya
Yeah. We really have to decide the direction of our script today... Oh? Isn't that LOCK-san over there? LOCK-saaan!
LOCK
Ah, Kaoru-senpai, Maya-senpai. Hello.
Maya
LOCK-san, your announcement was so good! All of your hard work paid off!
LOCK
Th-thank you. It really is thanks to you two.
Kaoru
Rokka-chan, did you enjoy yourself?
LOCK
Huh...? Did I enjoy myself? Y-yes! I think so!
LOCK
I mean, everyone told me it was fun to listen to!
Maya
LOCK-san, you don't look too happy about it.
LOCK
No, I am. I really am!
Kaoru
Rokka-chan, we have taken on the roles of your guardians. If there is something that unsettles you, we would like you to speak your mind.
LOCK
Well, I can't really put it into words... But I feel kind of down.
Maya
Down?
LOCK
Yeah, you see...
LOCK
It happened today at lunch. I was in the broadcasting room, feeling relieved that I was able to do the announcement like I had at practice, like Kasumi-senpai would have done it.
LOCK
When I left, I ran into a few of my upperclassmen from the Clean Up Committee in the hallway and asked them what they thought. They said, "it was good, but it didn't feel very you."
Kaoru
...
LOCK
I supposedly did a good job, and they even praised me, but I started feeling kind of down. I've been thinking about it ever since then...
Maya
And you're not too sure why you're feeling this way?
LOCK
Not really...
Theater Student
Ah, there they are! Kaoru-senpai, Maya-senpai! Our club meeting is about to start, so please come quickly!
Maya
Huh, is that the time already?!
Kaoru
My little kitten, thank you for searching and calling for me until your final breath. However, I am currently engaged with this little kitten here.
LOCK
Um, it's fine! The special training you gave me was more than enough, so I really shouldn't depend on you two anymore!
LOCK
I will do something about my mood on my own! Thank you for listening to me. Good luck at theater club!
Maya
Ah, LOCK-san!
Kaoru
Let's go, Maya. First, let us do what we must do.
Maya
Ah, okay.
Kaoru
It's growing rather late. The passage of time is oh so cruel.
Maya
In the end, we couldn't even decide on the script...
Maya
I'm worried about the script, but I'm also worried about LOCK-san. She was doing so well, so I'm not sure what happened.
Kaoru
Perhaps it was not her true aspiration.
Maya
What do you mean?
Kaoru
Standing on a grand stage, it is easy to get caught up in one's role.
Kaoru
Pressure and responsibility can blind one from seeing one's true aspirations.
Maya
I see. I think I more or less understand that feeling.
Kaoru
It reminds me of a certain somebody that I used to know.
Maya
...? Who do you mean?
Kaoru
Fufu, do not worry yourself. I simply know of a friend who had a similar experience an eternity ago.
Kaoru
Oh my, someone appears to be on the roof.
Maya
Ah, you're right. Huh, isn't that LOCK-san?
Kaoru
Yes, undoubtedly. Alright, let's go, Maya.
Maya
O-okay.
Kaoru
We mustn't let Cinderella leave with that forlorn look on her face.
Transcript
LOCK
... Sigh.
Kaoru
Sighing doesn't become you, Cinderella.
LOCK
Kaoru-senpai?! And Maya-senpai too. What are you doing here?!
Maya
We saw you from down there, so we came to say hello.
LOCK
Just to see me...? Thank you both. Um, I came up here to cool my head, and after thinking a lot, I think I understand now!
LOCK
Everyone who tuned in said it was my best announcement yet, so this gloomy feeling must just be my imagination. I think I'll feel better once I sleep it off!
Kaoru
Rokka-chan, did you enjoy my special training sessions?
LOCK
Huh? Yes. They were difficult... but it seems like I was able to make another version of myself, and that was fun.
Kaoru
Then let us continue with our special acting training. Close your eyes gently and picture this.
LOCK
Huh?
Kaoru
Rokka-chan, you are in the audience of a theater. There is nobody there but you.
Kaoru
Oh my. Somebody is standing on the stage. It's... another you.
Maya
(Huh?)
Maya
(I feel like I've heard this somewhere before...)
Kaoru
Now, Rokka-chan. Close your eyes and imagine.
LOCK
I am in the audience, and another me is standing on the stage...
Kaoru
Yes, but she is different. She is the you from not too long ago; the you who just finished today's lunchtime announcement. Observe her as if you are a member of the audience.
LOCK
O-okay. I am watching her.
Kaoru
What kind of face is she currently making?
LOCK
Well, she looks... like she is troubled...
LOCK
Even though the announcement went well, she looks down. She isn't sure what to do with that feeling.
Kaoru
It troubled you to be told that "it didn't feel very you," did it not?
LOCK
Yes. But of course it wasn't... because I'd been trying to do it like somebody else this whole time.
LOCK
And because of that... I feel like there was no point in "me" being picked for the job.
Kaoru
I see. Then what shall we do now? How do you think we can lead her to a happy ending?
LOCK
She should be herself instead of somebody else... But then... all of the effort her upperclassmen put into thinking of ways to help her will be for nothing...
Kaoru
My feelings have not changed in the slightest since this all began. That is to say, I wish only to fulfill your desires. We are merely here to help you find a way to do so.
Kaoru
So, Rokka-chan, what do you truly desire?
LOCK
I want to live up to everyone's expectations as myself...
Maya
(...! That's it. It's just like that time!)
Kaoru
Maya, how do you think you, the protagonist, can be led tto a happy ending?
Kaoru
Descend from the stage and behold yourself objectively from the audience. You are the only one who can raise your own curtain.
Maya
(When I first became the lighting technician back in middle school, it didn't go so well because of all the pressure I felt.)
Maya
(I felt like I had to stick to the way my predecessor used to do the job. So even when I did well, it didn't feel like "I" was achieving anything.)
Maya
(And that's when Kaoru-san said that to me and made me feel so relieved.)
Maya
(Haha. So that certain somebody was me, huh?)
Maya
LOCK-san.
LOCK
Y-yes.
Maya
I think that would be for the best. Try and convey what you personally want to say as a member of the Clean Up Committee.
Maya
Besides, I'm sure the good parts of Kaoru-san's training will stick.
Kaoru
I doubt you will growe nervous like you did the first time.
Kaoru
You need not force it or make little jests. Simply say what you wish to convey, Rokka-chan.
LOCK
But is it okay to do something like that? I'm not funny at all...
Maya
I don't think that's too important. You wanted to do it as "yourself," so just keep that in mind.
LOCK
Okay... But what if people think it was better when I was channeling my inner Kasumi-senpai?
Maya
Actually... watching you two talk made me remember this, but... I've had a similar experience to you, LOCK-san.
LOCK
What?
Maya
There was a time when I was entrusted with an important role in the theater club and felt a lot of pressure, similar to how you are now, LOCK-san.
Maya
But then, thanks to some wise words from a certain someone, I decided to be brave and do it my own way.
Maya
I was scared about how it would turn out at first, and honestly, not everything went well...
Maya
But I am glad I chose to do it my own way back then. Because, regardless of whether something turned out good or bad, I felt like I had personally accomplished something.
Maya
If I hadn't put myself out there, I wouldn't have truly been able to say that I was happy with the result... And I don't think I would've felt like I'd accomplished anything.
LOCK
...!
Maya
So... if you are feeling the same way that I did back then, LOCK-san, I want you to believe in yourself. Because only you can raise your own curtain.
Maya
Right, Kaoru-san?
Kaoru
Fufu... Yes, precisely that, Maya.
Kaoru
And also, Rokka-chan, let yourself relax. You have some very formidable companions working backstage.
LOCK
Companions?
Kaoru
Who else but Ako-chan, Asuka-chan, and the little kittens of the Clean Up Committee?
LOCK
They're my companions...?
Kaoru
Even for yours truly, when I stand upon a grand stage, the mere memory of the faces of my little helper kittens make my trembling and nerves mysteriously vanish.
Maya
Kaoru-san.
Kaoru
So if you ever begin to tremble with nerves, you must remember the faces of your friends. The trembling will surely abide...
LOCK
Okay...! I feel a little more confident now! I will try remembering both of your faces right before the announcement...!
Kaoru
Yes, that would be sufficient.
Maya
Do your best. You can do it now, LOCK-san!
LOCK
Yes...! I will!
Kaoru
Fufu... Behold, Maya. Rokka-chan's curtain is about to rise.
Kaoru
Our little kitten is bravely attempting to take a step forward... Ahh, what a dramatic scene...!
Maya
Dramatic... Right... That's it!
Transcript
Maya
Huhehe... I never expected vegetable sticks to be put in the school lunches. That's Haneoka for you!
Kaoru
Perhaps it is a reward from the heavens for the ever-endeavoring Maya.
Maya
I'm not sure if it is a reward, but I certainly am happy about it.
Ako
Ah, it's Kaoru and Maya-san! Hi there!
Kaoru
Greetings, Ako-chan, Asuka-chan. Are you about to dine?
Asuka
Yes. They're serving baked sweet potato for dessert in one of the lunch options today, so Ako insisted.
Ako
Well, Rokka loves sweet potatoes, right? And she's working super hard on her announcements, so I wanna give it to her later.
Kaoru
Goodness, Ako-chan. What a thoughtful little kitten you are...
LOCK
... So I had work yesterday, and I realized that, whether it be at the live house or the bathhouse, I'm always gripping a mop!
Ako
Ahaha, that's so true!
Kaoru
Yes, that is our Rokka-chan indeed. She is our Cinderella who can magically turn a mop into a mic.
LOCK
And there's one other thing I realized. Cleaning something and looking after a guitar are kind of the same thing.
LOCK
It's like you feel attached after working hard to polish it, and you start treasuring it.
LOCK
So I'd really like it if everybody felt more attached to Haneoka through this school cleaning. That's how I'm feeling...
Maya
LOCK-san is keeping calm and speaking quite naturally, isn't she?
Ako
Yeah, she is! She does mess up sometimes, but I like this way more than when she was pretending to be Kasumi!
Kaoru
Yes, as do I. More than anything, I am glad that she is enjoying herself.
Asuka
It's all thanks to the guidance you two gave her. Thank you very much for doing that.
Maya
No, no, it's because LOCK-san worked so hard at it.
Hina
Oh? This is a rare group♪ Are you guys all listening to the announcement?
Ako
Yeah! Of course we are.
Kaoru
Salutations, Hina. You seem sprightly as usual today.
Hina
Yeah, I mean, Rokka-chan's announcements have gotten so good! I was really worried for her at first.
Asuka
Ahah... So was I.
Hina
But now she's like, the perfect spirit captain! Even Tsugu-chan said that, thanks to her announcements, more and more students are taking time to clean up on the daily.
Maya
Ohh, that's amazing!
Hina
But it's super impressive how much she's changed since that first announcement. I was so shocked.
Kaoru
They do say that a girl can grow an astonishing amount in a brief period of time. Flowers do bloom ever so swiftly.
Hina
Ohh♪ You're like Shakespeare today, Kaoru-kun! That's pretty unusual!
Maya
Oh, Ako-san. There are quite a few people lining up for lunch tickets, will you be okay?
Ako
Ahh, they might run out of the lunch option I want! Thanks, Maya-san! Let's hurry, Asuka~!
Asuka
Hey, wait a minute. Sorry about this, see you.
Hina
Maybe I'll get that lunch today too♪ Maya-chan, Kaoru-kun, see ya.
Maya
Yes, see you at lessons.
Kaoru
Fufu, she even received the seal of approval from the student council president. Now Rokka-chan will be able to advance onward to her final performance.
Kaoru
It would be wonderful if the theater club too had bright prospects. Ahh, it is the fate of the beautiful to be incessantly plagued by trouble...
Maya
Ah, about that. Actually, we've written it already.
Kaoru
Come again?
Maya
Well, I talked to our playwright about an idea that came to mind the other day. We had a quick conversation about it and wrote a new script just like that! Here it is!
Kaoru
Hmm. Let me peruse the summary... "A group of high schoolers leading ordinary lives are influenced dramatically by a protagonist who makes everyone around them smile."
Maya
The protagonist is the most well-known person in the school, and people call them the prince. They like Shakespeare, and are kind of elusive and eccentric, but are also very cool and kind.
Maya
Huhehe, I modeled them after someone I know very well.
Kaoru
I see. I am sure a protagonist as sensational as this will make for an undoubtedly intriguing play.
Maya
Yeah! And if everyone agrees on it at today's theater club meeting, we should be able to perform this script!
Kaoru
Yes, I am positive that everyone will agree to it.
Kaoru
Pray tell, who is this protagonist based on? I too would like to meet this admirable figure.
Maya
Kaoru-san, I don'tt think you could ever meet them...
Kaoru
I-is that so? That is regrettable. I thought we would get along nicely since they too share a love for the bard...
Maya
Umm, well... Ah, whatever. Fufu, you're a very... funny person, Kaoru-san.
Kaoru
What is it, Maya-san? Why the sudden laughter?
Maya
No, it's nothing. Let's do our best with this play!
Kaoru
Yes, by all means.
Maya
Lighting, I'm going to cue a blackout next. Please shine a spotlight on the actor when the curtain opens.
Maya
Kaoru-san, standby. You ready?
Kaoru
Yes, indubitably.
Maya
Then let's do this. Three, two, one... Blackout.
Kaoru
...
Interviewer
What does the word "dramatic" mean to you?
Kaoru
What do I consider dramatic, you ask? My answer remains unchanged. My entire being is "dramatic."
Kaoru
I wanted to be strong and kind like a certain girl I know and chose to become so. It was at that time that I raised the curtain on my new life.
Kaoru
Producing, directing, performing. The life of Kaoru Seta is fleetingly magnificent. And as for the future, I will continue to tread the path of the dazzling spotlight.
Interviewer
Is that-
Kaoru
It is... but that. Ahh, how fleeting.
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