Wonder Stage
Tsukasa
Okay, that should be enough practice for today!
Emu
Nice work, everyone!
That was really fun! We got so much done today!
That was really fun! We got so much done today!
Rui
Yes, we did. Also...
I believe we were able to make such strides because of you, Tsukasa.
I believe we were able to make such strides because of you, Tsukasa.
Nene
Yeah. Thanks for teaching us those tricks for improving our articulation and body language.
Tsukasa
Hah hah hah! Anytime!
I was simply sharing the fruits of my labors with all of you!
I was simply sharing the fruits of my labors with all of you!
Nene
But is it okay for you to teach us this stuff? I mean, we're not actually in that workshop.
Tsukasa
Not a problem.
We were even told to teach others these techniques since the goal of the workshop is to make the world of theatre a better place.
We were even told to teach others these techniques since the goal of the workshop is to make the world of theatre a better place.
Rui
Oh, that's very generous.
Emu
...
Nene
Emu?
You seem anxious. Is something wrong?
You seem anxious. Is something wrong?
Emu
Huh? No, nothing's wrong...!
I was just replaying what we just did in my head because you guys were so amazing!
I was just replaying what we just did in my head because you guys were so amazing!
Nene
Oh, you.
Emu
Also, we did so much during practice that I'm starting to get really hungry.
Emu
Oh, wanna go to our usual diner?
Honami told me that they just added some seasonal parfaits that are really yummy☆
Honami told me that they just added some seasonal parfaits that are really yummy☆
Nene
Really?
I'm kinda hungry too, so that might be nice.
I'm kinda hungry too, so that might be nice.
Tsukasa
Seasonal parfaits?
Actually, I think Saki mentioned the same thing. I've been meaning to try it, but...
Actually, I think Saki mentioned the same thing. I've been meaning to try it, but...
Rui
Do you have a prior engagement?
Tsukasa
So, we're supposed to put on some one-man performances tomorrow and I need to practice mine.
Emu
(Oh...)
Emu
Okay... That sounds really fun!
Nene
Then, you won't be able to come today?
Tsukasa
Sorry, but you'll have to enjoy those parfaits without me!
Emu
Okay...
Good luck, Tsukasa!
Good luck, Tsukasa!
Diner
Nene
Wow, these are all their new parfaits?
Emu
(What's going on...?
Tsukasa was clearly excited about that workshop, but now he's there and not here, I don't feel quite right.)
Tsukasa was clearly excited about that workshop, but now he's there and not here, I don't feel quite right.)
Emu
(But why? I've been rooting for him this entire time, haven't I...?)
Rui
Emu? Is everything okay?
Emu
Oh...
Emu
Yeah, everything's fine!
I think I'm a little sleepy because we did so much during practice!
I think I'm a little sleepy because we did so much during practice!
Emu
But you're right! There are so many different kinds of parfaits! Do you know what you're gonna get, Nene?
Nene
Me...? I was thinking about getting this lemon one. I don't see this flavor much and it looks really refreshing.
Emu
Oh, that's so you, Nene!
Emu
I'm gonna get the strawberry one!
It's so cute how the ice cream's shaped like stars☆
It's so cute how the ice cream's shaped like stars☆
Nene
Yeah, it is really cute.
I was actually having trouble deciding between these two.
I was actually having trouble deciding between these two.
Emu
Then, you can have some of mine!
In return, I want some of yours, Nene!
In return, I want some of yours, Nene!
Nene
What are you getting, Rui?
Rui
The 100% beef Salisbury steak.
Nene
Wait, you're not getting a parfait?
Rui
I was going to, but I started craving something that wasn't sweet after going through the menu.
Emu
Oh, then I'll take those veggies for you like I always do!
Nene
But you're getting a parfait. Isn't that gonna taste weird? Well, I guess whatever makes you both happy...
Nene
Anyway, let's hit the bell since we all know what we're getting.
Emu
Oh, I wanna press it!
Ding! Ding! Ding♪
Ding! Ding! Ding♪
Nene
You're shouting louder than it...
Waiter
Here you go!
Emu
Wow...!
The star ice cream on mine's really cute, but so is yours, Nene!
The star ice cream on mine's really cute, but so is yours, Nene!
Emu
And your Salisbury steak looks so good, Rui! Is it just me or is it bigger than usual...?!
Rui
It seems that they made some minor changes to the menu. Unfortunately, that also appears to have led to an increase in vegetables that I'd rather not eat...
Emu
That's okay! Tsukasa and I'll gobble them all up! But he doesn't like bell peppers, so...
Emu
Oh...
Emu
Right. Tsukasa isn't here today...
Rui
I understand how you feel...
It is rare for him to be absent.
It is rare for him to be absent.
Nene
Yeah, even though he's not here, it feels like he is. Talk about having a strong presence...
Nene
But didn't this happen once before when Tsukasa said he wanted to practice on his own?
Rui
Yes, for “A Pianist Named Thorpe”.
Rui
I thought I asked too much of him that time, but it seems that he's been trying even harder recently...
Nene
Yeah. He's even figured out a way to practice for both the Wonder Stage and his workshop like he said he would.
Nene
It's like he's been able to absorb everything he's learned and grow so much from it.
Emu
Yeah...
It really is amazing...
It really is amazing...
Nene
But seeing how he's been doing recently made me want to not fall behind.
Nene
To be honest, I'm scared of working with people I don't know, but learning new skills and techniques sounds nice...
Nene
So, I kinda want to try attending one of those workshops.
Emu
What...?
Rui
Yes, I think that's a good choice if it'll help make your dream come true.
Rui
We may not be able to gather together as much as we used to with Tsukasa gone and you soon-to-be, Nene. It's going to feel a little lonely without you two.
Emu
(Lonely...?)
Emu
(Wait, this feeling... Am I...?)
Emu
(Feeling lonely...?)
Emu
(I knew we'd eventually end up going our separate ways when we were stranded on that desert island.)
Emu
(I knew all that...
But I thought it was really far into the future.)
But I thought it was really far into the future.)
Emu
(Still...)
Emu
(They're all thinking about their futures already.)
Emu
(Not just Tsukasa.)
Emu
(Nene and Rui too...)
Emu
(We might have to split up sooner than I was expecting...)
Emu
(So, in order for them to pursue their dreams...)
Nene
Emu?
Emu
Huh?!
Nene
What are you spacing out for?
Your ice cream's has melted so much it's dripping onto the plate.
Your ice cream's has melted so much it's dripping onto the plate.
Emu
Oh...!
Emu
O-Oh no! You're right!
It even got on my clothes!
It even got on my clothes!
Nene
Oh, you...
Here, use this towel. It's gonna stain if you don't get it off right now.
Here, use this towel. It's gonna stain if you don't get it off right now.
Emu
*Sob*
Thank you so much, Nene!
Thank you so much, Nene!
Rui
That's the conundrum with parfaits.
If you don't eat it quickly, they start melting on you.
If you don't eat it quickly, they start melting on you.
Rui
Your stars seem to be no exception.
Emu
*Gasp*
My stars...
My stars...
Next Chapter: A Strange Sensation