Hikari
And you know, Xue sometimes falls asleep at school. She says it's "energy conservation," but...

Ramona
Oh, I'd like to see that.

Hikari
-Ah! That's right, I forgot I have homework! How depressing...

Ramona
Are you okay? If you're having trouble, I can help a little. Just let me know anytime.

Hikari
Hehehe. If I rely on Ramo-san too much, Xue will scold me for being too dependent.

Hikari
Well, thanks for listening to me~. See you tomorrow, Ramo-san!

Ramona
Yes. Good night.

Ramona
-Hm?

Ramona
Oh, it's Chris...! It's been a while since I got a message from you.

Ramona
...What?

Ramona
Hello. Chris, it's been a long time. Yes, it's me. Ramona.

Christina
Um...who are you?

Ramona
Come on, I won't let you say you've forgotten me. Think about how much we rehearsed together in Germany.

Christina
Ahaha! Just kidding. I didn't think you'd actually call.

Ramona
Of course I would! I have to celebrate my friend's set off.

Christina
Set off...? Oh, you mean "setting out" in Japanese? Rami, you really do love Japanese culture.

Ramona
This is a really good place. When I heard you were coming too, I couldn't contain myself.

Christina
Yes. I wanted to explore new possibilities as an actor.

Christina
As you probably guessed, my success at Sternlicht Theater...after that, the situation didn't change.

Ramona
I see...

Christina
But I'm not feeling down. I've moved on. I'll definitely succeed next time!

Ramona
Yes. It's a wonderful challenge! I'm supporting you with all my heart.

Christina
Thank you. You're as kind as ever, Rami. Having your support gives me courage.

Christina
I'll be going to Japan soon, so if you have time, would you like to have tea together?

Ramona
That would be great...! I have so many things to talk about.

Ramona
-Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing you again. I'll be waiting for your next contact.

Ramona
~♪

Lilja
Ramo, you seem happy? Cute humming.

Ramona
Oh, you noticed. Actually, I'm going to meet an old friend from my German theatre troupe days soon.

Lilja
Ramo's old friend?

Ramona
Yes. Her name is Chris. She's apparently trying to transfer to a Japanese theatre troupe.

Xue
Hmm, couldn't she make it in Germany?

Ramona
Haha...well, she seems to be exploring new possibilities.

Ramona
Japan also has a thriving theatre scene, especially in Tokyo. She's not auditioning for an Asakusa troupe, but-

Kathrina
-That's why you can't get lead roles, because you're so half-hearted.

Christina
That's not for you to decide!?

Ramona
-Ah.

Lilja
Ramo, what's wrong?

Ramona
No...I just remembered something from the past.

Ramona
...So that's what it was.

Hikari
Agyaa!?

Ramona
Hikari!?

Hikari
Oww...!

Xue
Hey, what happened!? Are you okay?

Hikari
Ehehe...sorry. I spilled the soup...

Ramona
Wait, I'll get something to cool it down right away!

Xue
Hm? Wait. Isn't this the midnight snack I prepared?

Hikari
Busted?

Xue
You...

Ramona
Here, Hikari. Let me treat you. I brought the first aid kit.

Lilja
So smart. Like a gentleman.

Hikari
Awawa! Thank you, Ramo-san...but the floor is all wet...

Xue
Geez!

Xue
I'll clean up here, so hurry and treat her.

Ramona
Did it really only get on your hand?

Hikari
Yeah. But it only splashed a little, and since Ramo-san cooled it down, it doesn't hurt at all anymore!

Ramona
But it's not good if something happens. Let's make sure not to touch the wound, just in case.

Hikari
Eh!? It's okay...!

Ramona
There, how's that? Maybe I went a bit overboard?

Hikari
Ah...

Hikari
...Ehehe. Thanks, Ramo-san.

Ramona
Yeah. I'm glad it wasn't serious.

Hikari
Hehehehe.

Ramona
What is it?

Hikari
I'm supposed to be the head of Ramo-san's cheer squad, but right after I said that, you ended up helping me!

Hikari
Ramo-san, you're so kind. Such a reliable senpai~.

Ramona
Fufu, I don't like to say it myself, but I was often told that at my previous troupe.

Ramona
(...Except by one person.)

Christina
Long time no see, Rami!

Ramona
Chris! Thanks for coming all this way. I'm glad to see you're doing well.

Christina
So? I heard you were going to take me to a delicious Japanese restaurant?

Ramona
Yes, this way.

Christina
Oh...so this is "anmitsu"! It looks like a parfait at first glance, but it's full of things I've never seen before...

Ramona
Right? I really wanted you to try it.

Christina
Mm, these transparent cubes have an interesting texture. The sauce on top is sweet and delicious.

Ramona
It's a uniquely Japanese sauce called "kuromitsu." It's my favourite.

Ramona
How long will you be in Japan this time?

Christina
I'm planning to stay for a while, since I have auditions. Oh, of course I'm not auditioning for Gingaza.

Ramona
Haha, that's a shame. You want to finally shine as a leading actress...

Christina
Yes. And someday, I'll become an actor who can stand alongside you, Rami.

Ramona
Hey now, am I really a good goal to aim for?

Christina
Rami, you're amazing. You were scouted by Gingaza and got lead roles. You've even co-starred with Senju Koyomi multiple times.

Ramona
Koyomi...she is indeed an incredible actor.

Christina
Well, actually I was hesitant. I heard Gingaza has fierce competition, so I decided against it because it seemed too difficult.

Ramona
Hahaha, that's true. But I think things are changing lately...

Ramona
Well, it's certainly more disciplined and competitive than Sirius.

Christina
"Sirius"...

Edit

Pub: 27 Aug 2025 14:31 UTC

Edit: 09 Sep 2025 18:09 UTC

Views: 4