...

(I never imagined being given such an offer...)

(The night before our show too, no less.)

(In terms of making my dream come true, I couldn't ask for a better situation...)

(ArcLand provides the best environment for those who wish to put on or perform in shows.)

(With one of the largest troupes out there. A troupe that excels at cultivating young talent.)

(And if their actors are willing to place their faith in me as a director, there's no question that we'd be able to do some unimaginable things together...)

(But above all else...)

(They're genuinely trying to transcend beyond what it means to be a show.)

And yet...

Why was I unable to give an immediate response...?

(No, wait, there's nothing wrong with that...)

(Because... If I leave, Wonderlands×Showtime will no longer have a director.)

(Not only that, but I'd be dashing the hopes of everybody who wants to see us perform... That pains me the most...)

(And above all else...)

(Still...)

(I... I want to make my dream come true.)

(And we can't all stay at the Wonder Stage forever.)

(The time will inevitably come when I and the others will have to part ways...)

(All of us...)

(We put on shows while being supportive of each other's dreams.)

(So I'm sure they'll be willing to accept my decision if it means I get to make mine come true.)

(And I'd happily support the others if they were in a similar situation.)

(At least, I think I would...)

(Which is why I...)

Rui!!

Huh? That voice...

Emu, I didn't mean yell from the window like that! Oh, but I think we got his attention...

Are you just getting home?

Y-Yes...!
But why's Emu at your place, Nene?

We had some time and decided to go through the story together! I was actually just about to walk Emu out...

Wait here one sec...!

Okay...

Thanks for taking care of the shopping. Based on those bags, I take it you found what we needed?

Luckily, I had Tsukasa and Asahi there to help...

Okay...
Hmm... But you seem kinda tired.

I do? What makes you think that?
I feel just fine.

You looked a little unhappy is all.

Huh?

Oh, maybe it's because we've been rehearsing nonstop the past few days...

I promise to get a good night's sleep tonight. So, I'll be off to do just that...

Oh...

Did something happen while you guys were out shopping?

What?

That face you just made... It reminded me of the old you.

Like you're trying to bury away something important...

It's just...

So something did happen?
Tell us! Maybe we can help!

Yeah.
If it's really bothering you, don't try to deal with it all on your own.

We're standing here today because we've been helping each other out when we can up until now.

Yes, that's right...
Until now, we...

We...

Rui...

Oh...

It's okay. You don't have to tell us.

Huh...?

I get it. Sometimes, you just don't know how to explain what's going on...

So, you don't have to tell us right now...

You can tell us when you feel ready.

Thank you...

But I'm sorry. I really should go now.
Emu, please get home safe...

O-Okay...!
Bye bye, Rui!

Is he gonna be okay...?

I have no idea. But...

My gut tells me that it's not gonna be an easy problem to solve...

Ahh...

The dazzling scenery in the distance...
I'm never going to get tired of looking at it.

It's so soothing that I've developed a habit of coming here whenever I need some time alone to think.

(But what am I doing here? Honestly...)

(I should be telling the others about things that concern my dream...)

(I know that..
But...)

(What is this pain I'm feeling?)

Oh no!
What do we do?!

Hm...?

Uhh... Hang on... Lie down here...!
Are you thirsty? Would you like some water? No, wait, you're a plushie...

I'm okay... I can stand...

Are you sure?
You don't have to if you don't think you can.

What in the world happened here...?

R-Rui!

Um, so... Remember how Birdie wanted to do a show on top of the flying train?

Yes.
You all decided against it because it would've been too dangerous...

Yeah, but they decided to do a show all on their own.

What? Alone?

Yeah!
They ended up going a bit overboard and collapsed after their show ended...

But I'm all better now!

You did a show all by yourself?
That's very courageous of you, but it must've been very hard...

Yeah, it was!
Just setting everything up made my head hurt!

And... It was kinda lonely...

What?

Yeah, I bet...

Putting on fun shows is a really wonderful thing...

But it's gotta feel so lonely when the people you care about aren't there with you.

Oh...

(That's it...)

(Despite already having an answer ready, the reason I'm still dwelling on this is because...)

(I still want to...)

(I still want to keep doing shows with them...)

...

B-But...!

As lonely as it was, I had fun!

Huh?

I got to do what I really wanted to do, and it ended up being super duper fun!!

...!

I see...
It's too bad we couldn't put on a show together...

But I'm really glad you enjoyed doing it so much!

Me too!!
Thanks, Miku!!

Hehe. You're super welcome!

...

Huh?
Rui, what's wrong?

Oh, um...

I was just thinking about my future...

What?

Hehe. I know this is sudden...

But would you mind listening to what's going on with me for a bit?

I see...

You'd have to go work with them if you really want to make your dream come true...

But a part of me still wants to do shows with my friends.

...

I hardly ever find myself being so maudlin...

And I know that the others are prepared to accept some tough decisions when it comes to our individual dreams.

But to think I'd have this much trouble coming to a decision. I feel like a child.

No, don't say that!

Huh?

It just means that moving on to make your dream come true and wanting to be with your friends are both really important to you, Rui!

Actually, I realized just now that I really understand how Birdie felt...

As lonely as it was to do a show all alone, it must've been really fun to do everything they wanted...

So, you should think really, really, really hard about this decision! For the sake of you now and you in the future, Rui!

Because I have a feeling that you won't be happy if you don't!

Thank you...

I really appreciate how you always listen to our concerns.

I'll try giving it some more thought and see which way I should go...

Good...!

...

(It's always been my dream to produce a show that transcends shows. Something that has the power to put a smile on everyone's faces around the world...)

(But on the other hand...)

(A part of me wants to keep doing shows with them. Forever...)

(If I turn down Asahi, I'll have the opportunity to do that...)

(However...)

...

(I...)