♪♪♪

That wasn't any good either. I need to modulate my voice better...

Nene, how much longer do you plan on singing? We have other scenes to rehearse, you know.

♪♪♪

Argh! Did you even hear what I just said?

Rui, I'm worried about Nene.
She's been practicing that song all morning...

Yes...

Nene, would you mind coming over here for a moment?

What is it? I'm busy now...

I may have an idea regarding what's missing in your songs.

Y-You do?
What is it...?!

Before I tell you, would you mind singing once more? I need to make sure my suspicions are correct.

Okay...
Then I'll sing on the stage.

*Inhales*

♪♪♪

Hmm... I think she sounds as good as she always does.

Yes. Nene's falsetto and vibratos were terrific. She didn't miss a note anywhere either...

It's exactly as I thought...

Thank you, Nene.
That will be enough.

What am I missing?
What should I do...?

Your problem is that you're holding back your emotions.

That's it...?

Yes. She's the exact opposite of extroverts, such as the Phoenix Stage singer or you two.

Nene, you may not realize it, but you're being too careful with how you express yourself.

This is not to say that being in control is not important, but putting your genuine emotions into a performance is at the top of that list.

You should allow your feelings to flow into the song, so that your audience will feel them too.

In this case, your serious and focused approach is preventing you from doing that.

Your technique is perfect. I believe this is the only factor which gives your rival the edge.

So... You're saying Nene just needs to relax more?

To put it simply, yes.

But it's not simple at all...

I don't know how to be more emotional when I sing. How can I do that?

Well... There must be a reason you're holding back.

...

But... I thought I got over that a long time ago...

Maybe you haven't quite...

How did you sing before what happened?
That might give you a clue as to what to...

Before...?

I don't know if that's going to help...

Alright, we're done for the day!
Time to go home!

...

Nene...

What are we to do...?
If Nene is in this much of a slump...

Nene will find her way...

She's capable of pinpointing what's nagging at her deep down and confronting it on her own.

But... I just can't help worrying about her... Hm?

Huh? Whoa! My phone lit up!

<Hello, everyone! Miku here♪ How is everyone doing?>

It's Miku...

Hi, Miku! It's great to see you again!
It's been a while since you last visited!

<Great to see you too! I came to invite you all to see our brand new show!>

A new show?
What've you come up with this time?

<A festively fun Christmas show!>

<And! It'll feature our new member!>

Someone new?! I can't wait to see who!

Who is it?!
Tell me, tell me!

<Hehehe♪ You'll have to come to SEKAI to find out♪>

<Shall I teleport you all to SEKAI now...?>

I'm sorry...
I don't feel like it right now...

I'm going home...

B-But...!

<Oh no... Did something happen to Nene?>

Kind of... We're working on a new show ourselves, but Nene has hit a bit of a roadblock...

How I used to sing before...

It's not like I can just flip a switch...

Well, well. If it isn't Kusanagi from the Wonder Stage.

Oh... Seiryuin...

Why are you moping around with that pitiful look on your face? Have you realized that your troupe cannot hope to ever surpass mine?

Don't be so sure of...!

Don't...

Oh dear... At this rate, your show might not even be worth seeing.

Would you do everyone a favor and just give up instead of ruining Phoenix Wonderland's reputation with your embarrassing attempts at entertainment?

...