Part 4: In Anticipation of a Slumber Party
Koyomi: “Those who let their guard down even a little easily fall victims to the monstrous creature. That young man, Xu Xian, is but one example.”
Ramona: “So, you’re saying, no matter how the woman acts, you should never allow her to soften your heart?”
Koyomi: “The people of Suzhou aren’t the only ones to keep that in mind. You should be aware of that too. Don’t let love lead you astray and strive to live in modesty.”
Ramona: “Iʼll remember your advice, Fahai-sama. So, are you planning to keep looking for Xu Xian and the yokai?”
Koyomi: “Yes. I shall depart soon.”
Ramona: “Then, would you, please, allow me to accompany you? My strength should be more than enough to deal with such an enemy.”
Ramona: How was it? I tried to sound like an overconfident young man.
Xue: Rare to see Germany being so cheeky, isnʼt it? Not bad.
Koyomi: Yes. However, that way you downplay the character.
Koyomi: Itʼs the original character that appears only in Gingazaʼs adaptation, so the audience will be looking at him with anticipation.
Koyomi: Of course, the way you portrayed him could also work. But, in my opinion, itʼs not very fitting for a Gingaza’s play.
Ramona: Hmm. I get your point.
Ramona: I’ll try changing my approach. Could you give me a moment to think about it?
Koyomi: It’s getting late already, so we should probably continue tomorrow.
Xue: Youʼre right. If we keep rehearsing, Hikari probably wonʼt be able to contain herself anymore and start dancing or something.
Hikari: I won’t do it in this role! I should be bewitching and a little sexy! Mysterious!
Lilja: Ramo, want some tea? Ramo?
Ramona: …
Hikari: What an amazing concentration…
Ramona: Then, this line should…
Ramona: …ah, sorry. Did you say something?
Lilja: No. Let’s finish for today. How is it with the role? Does it come together?
Ramona: Yeah. It’s a bit difficult to grasp, since my character doesn’t appear in the original Chinese legend, but I think I’ll figure it out somehow.
Ramona: Like Koyomi said, exactly because itʼs an original character, I should present him in a way that would invoke the interest of the audience and make Gingazaʼs Legend of the White Snake memorable.
Ramona: However, heʼs supposed to contrast with Koyomiʼs Fahai whoʼs both ruthless and capable, so I want to make him seem more approachable.
Ramona: The key is to find the balance between these two aspects.
Ramona: I want to come up with an interpretation that is sure to impress the directors at the coming meeting. Itʼs much easier to prepare for the role when you can ask your colleagues for an opinion like this.
Koyomi: I agree. For me it was a valuable experience too. Well then, since weʼre done for the day, I’ll head to my room…
Hikari: Huh?! Koyomi-san, are we sleeping in individual rooms?..
Koyomi: What? Ah, yes. The beddingʼs been prepared too…
Ramona: Really?! And there I was, hoping weʼd have a proper koibana…
Hikari: Me too! I even brought playing cards and some other stuff…
Xue: You guys know we came to practice, right?..
Hikari: But hey, I also thought weʼd surely have some fun afterwards! Koyomi-san, letʼs build a house of cards?..
Xue: Doubt you can manage this one, of all things…
Koyomi: …
Xue: I think Koyomi-san would rather rest in a more calm environment. You guys will probably be noisy all night long.
Xue: Right, Koyomi-san?
Koyomi: Yes… But I donʼt mind spending some more time with you. Iʼll go to my room when itʼs time to sleep.
Xue: Is this really alright?
Koyomi: There are some people here, whoʼd call you a hundred times if you declined an invitation.
Ramona: Fufu, thereʼs no way Iʼll pass up the opportunity to deepen our bonds. Alright! Let the curtain rise on our memorable night!
Hikari: Yay! So what are we gonna do?
Lilja: Ramo, youʼre still full of energy, but itʼs late already.
Hikawa: I apologize for interrupting your conversation… But would you, please, let me show you to your bedrooms?
Ramona: Oh! Sorry! Guess, weʼve been rehearsing far too long.
Hikari: Everyone gets an individual room, right? Iʼd love to sleep together with everyone, though.
Hikari: But it would feel kind of wrong after youʼve gone through the trouble of preparing the rooms, I guess?..
Ramona: It shouldnʼt be a problem, if we bring the futons here ourselves, right? Hikawa-san, would that be fine? I think we could just have a sleepover in the rehearsal hall.
Hikawa: Umm, young lady, what would you say?..
Koyomi: Well, since itʼs a request from our guests. Donʼt worry, Iʼll explain everything to my grandmother myself.
Hikawa: Very well. Then, let me lay out the futons for you here.
Xue: Shouldnʼt we just do it ourselves? Weʼre the ones who’s being selfish, after all.
Hikari: Right! Weʼre always changing the bedding ourselves at the dorm too! Hikawa-san, donʼt worry about it!
Hikawa: But…
Koyomi: Please, let them do as they want. Thank you for working hard until late, Hikawa.
Hikawa: My pleasure. Then, please, wait a moment.
Ramona: Well, here I go… “Ramona-san, this is the 128th time youʼve made this request.”
Xue, Lilja, Hikari: Hah hah…
Ramona: So, how was it? Pretty close, right?..
Xue: Somewhat close, yet somewhat far…
Lilja: Ramo, try once more.
Hikari: Lilja-san… I canʼt laugh anymore…
Ramona: Alright. Letʼs do it… “Ramona-san, could you keep our discussion to theatre?”
Koyomi: Youʼve been imitating me for quite some time now… Just what are you doing!..
Ramona: Look, even Koyomi is laughing. Now my skills have been recognized by the very person Iʼve been imitating.
Koyomi: Oh dear, why are you like this. I think Iʼll go to bed now. Hope you all wonʼt stay up too late.
Ramona: Koyomi, please, wait. Itʼs still too early to go to sleep. We didnʼt even start with a koibana yet.
Koyomi: Itʼs not like we have a proper topic for a talk about romance anyway…
Koyomi: (Besides, I need to get up early for the morning run. If I donʼt go to sleep soon…)
Koyomi: (...if I donʼt go to sleep, huh?)
Koyomi: (Usually, I canʼt fall asleep no matter how much I want to, yet now Iʼm getting sleepy while not being able to go to sleep…)
Koyomi: (What a strange feeling.)
Ramona: Koyomi, are you tired? I donʼt want to let you go just yet. Will you, please, stay with me just for five more minutes?
Koyomi: Iʼve been saying this for a while, but Iʼm actually quite tired already. And could you, please, move away a little?.. Y-your face is too close!
Koyomi: (...wait.)
Koyomi: (This time I’m really getting sleepy, ain’t I?)