Phoenix Stage
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Sakurako
Oh, did you think that you're the only one who practices on their own outside of our regular times?
Sakurako
It's clear that you've been working quite hard lately, but I'd rather not see you do anything that's going to affect your performance during the show.
Sakurako
I know you don't want to show weakness in front of the others, but you shouldn't hesitate to ask for help.
Sakurako
I, in particular, have first-rate acting skills while also being an expert singer. But you already know that...
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Sakurako
You've proven that you may be worthy of being our rivals. But you'll need to maintain this standard for your next show!
Sakurako
Yes. The difference between you and me is experience. Also, how broad our vision is...
Sakurako
I agree with what the director said about you during practice. The way you sing does stick out.
Sakurako
An old habit like this is going to prove challenging to break. I suspect that it will take quite a bit of time...
A few days later
Cafe
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Nene
(I never thought I'd get to see her again. There's still ten minutes, but my heart's already racing at full speed...)
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Nene
I-It's very nice to see you again as well...
Also, thank you for meeting with me today...
Also, thank you for meeting with me today...
Yuka
It's my pleasure.
I just happened to have some free time on my hands after coming home.
I just happened to have some free time on my hands after coming home.
Yuka
Oh, why don't we order some drinks first?
My friend actually runs this little shop. I really recommend the hot chocolate if you'd be willing to try it. What do you say?
My friend actually runs this little shop. I really recommend the hot chocolate if you'd be willing to try it. What do you say?
Nene
(And she remembered who I am...
Even though we only talked for a little bit that time. This is so amazing.)
Even though we only talked for a little bit that time. This is so amazing.)
Nene
Oh, would you mind if I asked what brings you back to Japan? I thought you were living in the United States now...
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Nene
Yes, I have.
He's currently performing at Tokyo Century Hall. I actually went to see his show just the other day.
He's currently performing at Tokyo Century Hall. I actually went to see his show just the other day.
Nene
(You don't get many chances in life to ask for advice from a star like Ms. Kazamatsuri. No, almost never do...)
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Nene
Yes, and I've been looking into what this habit of mine is. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a clear answer...
Yuka
I see.
But we all have habits. Some have nothing to do with singing and are a vital part of who you are.
But we all have habits. Some have nothing to do with singing and are a vital part of who you are.
Yuka
Oh, this place hosts concerts and stuff all the time, so don't worry. See that stage over there?
Nene
(Singing here means having all these people in the cafe hear a really rough version of my songs...)
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Nene
♪————
Cafe Customers
Huh...?
Was there a show scheduled today?
Was there a show scheduled today?
Cafe Customers
This sounds like a number from a musical.
Nene
(Forget about feeling embarrassed.
I have to accept where I'm currently at as a singer...)
I have to accept where I'm currently at as a singer...)
Nene
♪————!
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Nene
(I really doubt she was all that impressed. I mean, Ms. Kazamatsuri's an international performer, and I'm so far behind everyone from the Phoenix Stage...)
Nene
(But I'm ready to take on whatever she says...
I wanna know exactly where I am as a singer right now.)
I wanna know exactly where I am as a singer right now.)
Yuka
During your other show, the way you really let your emotions flow as you sang while setting aside all the technical stuff really left an impression on me.
Yuka
But from what I just heard, you've learned to balance those things out rather nicely.
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Nene
(You know your singing leaves a lot to be desired. You know that you have to work even harder. So...)
Nene
Please, tell me anything that comes to mind.
Even the smallest piece of advice will do.
Even the smallest piece of advice will do.
Nene
If this goes on and I end up putting on a shoddy performance, I'll never forgive myself.
Yuka
For the duration of my stay, Nene, I'm going to cram absolutely everything I have to offer into your head!
Next Chapter: Draw Strength From Everything