What are you doing here, Seiryuin...?

Oh, did you think that you're the only one who practices on their own outside of our regular times?

Oh...

No...
I never thought that. Honest.

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.

I mean, those bags under your eyes...
Have you not been sleeping lately?

N-No, they're just...

I know you don't want to show weakness in front of the others, but you shouldn't hesitate to ask for help.

Since we're all in this show together.

Oh...

I, in particular, have first-rate acting skills while also being an expert singer. But you already know that...

Or...
Do you believe that I wouldn't give sufficient advice?

N-No, I just...

(Yeah, wow...
The perfect person to ask was right under my nose this whole time...)

(I had to have known that...
I mean, this was my shortcut all along. And yet...)

(A part of me kept hesitating. Was I feeling too proud...?)

I understand how hard it must be for you to ask me for advice.

After all, we seem to be well on our way to becoming rivals.

Huh...?

You still see me as your rival...?

No, that's not... What I meant...
I didn't mean it that other time either...

That other time...?

(Oh, right. That's what she meant...
She didn't specifically say that we're rivals.)

(I just convinced myself that we were somewhere along the way...)

However, you certainly have what it takes to compete against me.

I have what it takes...?

Yes. The difference between you and me is experience. Also, how broad our vision is...

Minus those factors, then you would...

Likely be on the same level as me.

...!

I agree with what the director said about you during practice. The way you sing does stick out.

Largely because of this habit of yours.
To elaborate...

It's something unique to those who've been acting since they were children.

...!

(It's unique to people like me...?)

(But I thought acting since when I was little would give me a big advantage...)

How did you...?

An old habit like this is going to prove challenging to break. I suspect that it will take quite a bit of time...

I could give you some advice regarding that...

However...
The perfect teacher for this just happens to be in town.

The perfect teacher...?

Yes, and I believe you two have already met.

You should take this opportunity to speak with her.

(Ten minutes until we're supposed to meet...)

(I never thought I'd get to see her again. There's still ten minutes, but my heart's already racing at full speed...)

Oh, you're already here!
I didn't keep you waiting, did I?

Oh...

It's so nice to see you again, Nene!
How have you been?

I-It's very nice to see you again as well...
Also, thank you for meeting with me today...

It's my pleasure.
I just happened to have some free time on my hands after coming home.

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?

Oh, then... Yes, please.

Okay!

Two hot chocolates, please...
A nice helping of milk with mine as always.

(Ms. Kazamatsuri seems well.)

(And she remembered who I am...
Even though we only talked for a little bit that time. This is so amazing.)

Oh, would you mind if I asked what brings you back to Japan? I thought you were living in the United States now...

Oh, a friend of mine is putting on a show over here and invited me to come see it.

His name is Seiichi Amami...
I'm sure you've heard of him, Nene.

Oh...

Yes, I have.
He's currently performing at Tokyo Century Hall. I actually went to see his show just the other day.

Oh, you did?!
As much as I'd like to tell Seiichi what you thought...

We have quite an important matter to discuss today, yes?

Yes...

(You don't get many chances in life to ask for advice from a star like Ms. Kazamatsuri. No, almost never do...)

(I need to tell her everything and absorb all the advice that she gives me...)

So...

You're having trouble seeing your show's big picture...?

Yes, and I've been looking into what this habit of mine is. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a clear answer...

I see.
But we all have habits. Some have nothing to do with singing and are a vital part of who you are.

However, to start...

Would you mind singing for me?
I'd like to hear where you're at right now, Nene.

What...?

H-Here?
But we're in a cafe... Won't we be bothering the other customers...?

Oh, this place hosts concerts and stuff all the time, so don't worry. See that stage over there?

It may startle a few people, but it could also act as a fun surprise, no?

A... A fun surprise...?

(Singing here means having all these people in the cafe hear a really rough version of my songs...)

(No, stop...
I can't be scared of something like that.)

(I made the decision to do everything I can. So...!)

♪————

Huh...?
Was there a show scheduled today?

This sounds like a number from a musical.

(My voice sounds shaky...
This isn't how I sound when I'm practicing by myself...)

(This is so embarrassing. I really wanna run...)

(No, don't run...
That won't solve anything...)

(Forget about feeling embarrassed.
I have to accept where I'm currently at as a singer...)

(I have to sing and hear what she thinks...! I want our show to succeed...!)

♪————!

Thank you, Nene.

Thank you for listening...

So, um... How did I do?

Yes, well...

(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...)

(But I'm ready to take on whatever she says...
I wanna know exactly where I am as a singer right now.)

(I'm willing to accept anything that comes my way. I want to move forward...)

You've become such a good singer.

What...?

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.

But from what I just heard, you've learned to balance those things out rather nicely.

You've improved so much.
You must've been working very hard...

Oh...

Oh, um... Sorry, I just...

(No, stop...)

(You know your singing leaves a lot to be desired. You know that you have to work even harder. So...)

(Now's not the time to feel delighted...
This isn't why you're here right now...)

I know I have to do more.
I know I have to practice even harder...

And I only realized that recently...
Just the other day actually.

Nene...

So...

Please, tell me anything that comes to mind.
Even the smallest piece of advice will do.

If this goes on and I end up putting on a shoddy performance, I'll never forgive myself.

Please, I beg of you...
Because I...

I want to become a world-class musical actress...!

I see...

That means we're going to be rivals in the future, right, Nene?

What...?

With that in mind, I'm only going to help you out this one time.

For the duration of my stay, Nene, I'm going to cram absolutely everything I have to offer into your head!

Th...

Thank you very much!