Preparing for the Audition (Part 2)

Shizuka
"Hey, Hiyori. Shouldn't you take a bath now?"

Kokona
Uh, yeah. You're right...

Shizuka
"You say that, but you haven't moved at all this time. I don't think that's a good thing about you, Hiyori."

Kokona
...Shizuka-chan, I think it's still too early for you to call me Hiyori...

Shizuka
"I'm not Shizuka. I'm Asmodeus! The Demon King who commands 72 legions!"

Kokona
I understand that character development is important, but is it really necessary to fully embody the character now...? Isn't it a bit too early?

Shizuka
That's not true.

Kokona
Eh...

Shizuka
I absolutely want to make my debut in this performance.
It's a collaboration between Kokona and me. You feels the same way, right?

Kokona
Well, that's true, but...

Shizuka
To achieve that, I can't act in a way that leaves room for anyone to raise objections!

Kokona
.....!

Shizuka
We have to act in a way that makes everyone who sees it think that the two of us should be playing Hiyori and Asmodeus.
They were being considerate of us, putting on a perfect performance so that no one could utter any petty complaints.

Kokona
Ah...

Shizuka
That's the same thing Kokona is after, isn't it?

Kokona
Y-Yeah, that's true...

Shizuka
Besides, if you stumble over something like this, you'll never become a Dai Star.
What did you think when Yae-chan was chosen? I was disappointed.
The chance to fulfill our promise is right before our eyes.
Well, then it's only natural to do your best for that, isn't it?
If I miss this chance, I don't know when I'll get another opportunity to play such a perfect role. It might never happen again.
That's why I want to make my debut in this show. I'll be performing with Kokona... and with Hiyori as Asmodeus.
Besides, if I give a terrible performance here and fail the audition...
I may never get another chance to debut.
This might be my last chance.
That's why...

Kokona
Yeah. I'm sorry, Shizuka-chan...
—No, "Asmo-chan".

Shizuka
"A—Asmo-chan!? Your tone of voice has become more casual, and your attitude seems to lack any sense of awe!"

Kokona
"I really do respect you. As proof, I'll wash your hair for you today."

Shizuka
"If you're going to wash my back too, then I might forgive you."

Kokona
"Yes."

==========

Kathrina
...They really do feel like two people in one.
I don't think it's unfair. That's your weapon, after all.
That's what makes the fight worthwhile.

==========

Yae
"Wow, an Urashima clam! Oh! There's a Matsukawa clam and an Ohaguro clam too! Look, look! There's a Biwa clam as well!"
"Such a magnificent seashell is rare, Yuika-chan! We're lucky today♪"
...Phew.
...Perhaps I could exaggerate it even more.
I want to make a strong impression of Hiyori's character right from the start of the story... So, what kind of performance should I aim for...?

Noa
.....
...I should call Yae's house.

==========

Chisa
"Asmodeus-sama! Today I present you with a high-quality fried somen noodle bread!"

Panda
"Yes, that's it!"
"Oh, you tragic bread that writhed in agony in the boiling oil of a raging inferno! With every bite, you can hear a crunching scream!"
—Wait, don't just arbitrarily change things up! This is completely different from the original Hiyori!

Chisa
That's not true. Hiyori has no place to belong at home or at school, and she's withdrawn. That's precisely why she can let loose more than necessary in front of Asmodeus.

Panda
You're saying things that sound plausible, but I feel like you're missing the crucial point...
Oh well. I should just be grateful that you're even hanging out with me.

Chisa
If it's for Panda, I'll go with you to the very bottom of hell.

Panda
Yeah, yeah, thank you very much.

==========

Dugong
squeak! squeak squeak!

Shamo
Hehe. Looks like everyone's doing their best.
I'm really looking forward to the next performance.

Dugong
squeak!