The Stars Press Onward!
Ramona
I can remember how Gingaza was when I first arrived as if it were yesterday.
Ramona
A strict meritocracy...that much hasn't changed.
Ramona
But everyone was...shackled by those unspoken rules. I can say that now.
Ramona
Solely fixated on climbing higher, living in fear of being cut. Naturally, unity was out of the question, and those who fell behind simply left.
Ramona
Hikari performs lead roles now. But back then, I remember how she was intimidated by Gingaza's atmosphere.
Ramona
It's been...quite a long time since then.
Ramona
Becoming an actor who could stand alongside Koyomi at Gingaza. And someday, surpassing her...that's what I've been working toward.
Ramona
I've built solidarity with my companions, and my abilities have been recognised. The atmosphere has changed dramatically.
Ramona
Mm...morning, huh. Fwahh...
Ramona
Today's rehearsal is with 'Nebula'...
Ramona
(The troupe entrusted to me-Nebula. A so-called innovative stage, unbound by Gingaza's existing conventions.)
Ramona
(Being entrusted with this is an honour. But at the same time, I need to stay focused.)
Ramona
(At the World Theatre League, I led the troupe while Koyomi was absent.)
Ramona
(I did what I could, and while we didn't win the top honour, the result wasn't bad.)
Ramona
(But the pressure at that time. The feeling that my path...was the compass everyone else was following.)
Ramona
...Koyomi must have felt that sensation all along. Ever since before I even joined this troupe.
Ramona
(That's the weight of responsibility...the weight of carrying a troupe on your shoulders. Even while feeling that pressure at her back, Koyomi shone the brightest on stage.)
Ramona
Honestly...I'm still nowhere close to catching up with you.
Ramona
(Standing above others...I need to think carefully about what that means.)
Ramona
...Right, let me wash my face! Can't sit on the edge of my bed forever!
Ramona
(I'm anxious, but...that's not a bad thing. It means there's still room to aim higher.)
Ramona
All I can do is do what I can.
Hikari
Huh~, the Nebula rehearsal space isn't that different from Gingaza's~!
Xue
Obviously-it's the second troupe, even if they're separate. It's still part of the same organisation.
Xue
Nebula is effectively within Gingaza. It's basically a division for doing the kind of productions the main troupe can't, right?
Lilja
I heard the designer is the same...for consistency and aesthetics.
Hikari
Oh really, you know a lot, Lilja-san! Anyway, this is our first rehearsal, huh.
Hikari
I can't believe you're here too, Xue..looking forward to working together in Nebula from now on!
Xue
Haah~, you say that so casually. We're being tested here, you know?
Hikari
Huh? Tested...?
Xue
You really hadn't noticed...think about who's been assigned to perform this time.
Hikari
The performers...? Well, first there's Ramo-san as the leader, right? Then me, Xue, Lilja-san, and...
Lilja
Everyone from the scouted group.
Hikari
Oh, now that you mention it...you're right.
Xue
Exactly-everyone except Koyomi-san and the home grown members.
Xue
On top of that, Nebula members are normally supposed to double up with Gingaza productions, but this time we've been told to focus exclusively on this one.
Hikari
That's...true? I just thought they were putting a lot of effort into making the show, you know? Right, Lilja-san!
Lilja
Hikari and I talked about that too, but...is that wrong?
Xue
No, what Hikari and Finland are saying isn't wrong, I think. It's just...this is Nebula's very first production.
Xue
Meaning, if we mess this up, the backlash against Nebula could come down hard. That's a real possibility.
Lilja
Backlash against Nebula...?
Xue
Right-the executives who believed in Germany's abilities were the ones who established Nebula. But that doesn't mean the conservative faction within Gingaza has disappeared.
Xue
For those people, a Nebula failure would be the perfect target to attack.
Xue
Right now, it's still being treated as a troupe for doing alternative productions, but worst case...it could end up being treated like a 'B-team' where they dump the people they don't have use for.
Xue
The atmosphere of the troupe changed after the scouted group-starting with Germany-joined. There might be a reason they're concentrating the scouted members here...
Nebula Actors
"B-team..." "But Ramona-senpai worked so hard..." "What if we do fail..." "It could basically become the equivalent of being cut..."
Hikari
No way...!? But Nebula only exists because of how hard Ramo-san and everyone worked...
Lilja
Could Xue be...overthinking it?
Xue
...Maybe I am overthinking it. But it's also true that we can't afford to fail, right?
Ramona
I understand why everyone's feeling anxious...but it'll be fine. All we have to do is perform the way we always do...right?
Hikari
That voice...Ramo-san!!!
Ramona
Hikari, Xue, and...good. Everyone's gathered at the rehearsal space.
Lilja
Ramo, good morning.
Hikari
Morning, Ramo-san.
Ramona
Morning, everyone. ...Xue.
Xue
...What.
Ramona
I made you say something that was hard to say. I'm sorry...and thank you.
Xue
Huh? ...I didn't do anything special.
Ramona
Even so, I appreciate it. I'd been thinking I need to stay sharp too.
Abigail
So does that mean...maybe someone said something like what Xue was talking about to you too, Ramo...?
Ramona
No, that's not quite it. But I do think what Xue said isn't wrong.
Ramona
Nebula is, in essence, a new experiment.
Ramona
And precisely because of that, what's needed is a track record proving the decision was right. ...Which is nothing other than a successful production.
Hikari
Yeah...you're right...
Ramona
If we don't produce results, we could be treated as a B-team-harsh as that sounds-and it could even threaten Nebula's very existence.
Lilja
I see...
Nebula Actors
......
Ramona
But this is no reason to lose heart. After all, what we need to do is no different from when we were in Gingaza.
Claire
No different...you mean?
Ramona
That's right-we've been proving our worth at Gingaza all along.
Ramona
Training relentlessly, giving everything we have on stage. Continuously showing that we belong as actors in this troupe.
Ramona
Nebula is no different. There's no one here who hasn't wanted every performance to succeed...am I right?
Hikari
Y-Yeah! Even during Benkei on the Bridge, and long before that, I've always worked hard to make every show a success!
Lilja
I've been thorough about it too...competing with my aesthetics on stage.
Xue
Of course — that's the whole reason I'm in Gingaza!
Claire
That's right...! I've been working hard to keep my place in Gingaza, and every time, Ramona-senpai gave me advice...!
Abigail
Right, as actors, what we do hasn't changed. When you think about it, it's really not that different~.
Nebula Actors
"Ramona-san's right!" "What was I even worried about..." "Even without Koyomi-san and the others, we'll show them...!"
Ramona
That's the spirit! We're going to create a great production! And to that end, let's throw ourselves into rehearsal!
Ramona
First, before the director arrives, let's go over the script. It never hurts to review ahead of time. Everyone, open up 'Complete Social'.
Ramona
This piece is based on a classic science fiction novel. The protagonist, Chris, begins to question a perfectly controlled society.
Ramona
Falsifying historical records and rewriting them-that's his job, and he starts to have doubts about it. He begins to struggle within the system.
Hikari
You're playing the protagonist Chris, right, Ramo-san? And the one who falls for Chris is Carmen.
Lilja
My role...a character with a mysterious beauty. I like it...
Xue
And I'm Stefan-the one who triggers Chris's doubts about the system, while secretly working to expose Chris and Carmen.
Xue
A member of the secret society, yet also thought police...as a practitioner of doublethink, it's the most iconic role in the entire work.
Hikari
You look happy, Xue!
Xue
Obviously...it's a role with real substance. I'm on stage from start to finish!
Hikari
I'm playing the role called My Friend, right?
Xue
It's a name meaning 'Dear Comrade', isn't it? The leader of Tortorji, where the protagonist lives.
Hikari
Appearing through the city's television screens, delivering speeches. The footage is recycled from the past, and nobody knows if they even really exist...
Ramona
The greatest mystery in the source material.
Hikari
Ughh...it's tough. How am I supposed to play this?
Ramona
It's certainly a challenging role...but you'll be fine, Hikari. Besides, rehearsals are just beginning-let's figure out the character together!
Hikari
Ramo-san...yeah!
Ramona
Alright then, until the director arrives, let's do a read through together! It never hurts to come prepared!
Everyone
Yes!
Director
That's it for today's rehearsal. Everyone, remember today's guidance and internalise it before the next session.
Everyone
Thank you very much!
Director
Also, Wolf. I need to speak with you. Come with me.
Ramona
...! Understood!
Director
The rest of you are dismissed.
Lilja
Ramo got called in...
Hikari
What could it be about...?
Xue
Well, she's the leader. There's probably something that needs to be communicated.
Xue
......
Director
The following performers showed acting that was inconsistent with the production's direction.
Ramona
I see...
Director
I'm not saying you need to enforce the traditional Gingaza acting approach down to the letter. But we're also making directorial decisions based on the script.
Director
At a minimum, if these things aren't adhered to, the production could fall apart. That's what professional work means...you understand, don't you?
Ramona
Yeah, you're right...I'll instruct them to make corrections on my end as well.
Director
I'm counting on you.
Ramona
Haah...
Ramona
(I never imagined I'd be the one discussing the entire troupe's issues with the director.)
Ramona
(I've taken initiative before, but being called in as the actors' representative...the weight of responsibility feels even heavier...)
Ramona
So this is what being a leader means...
Xue
Why are you muttering to yourself? Finally feeling the reality of being leader, are you?
Ramona
Xue!? Why are you here...?
Xue
You looked like you were having a rough time, so I came to check on the great leader. Also...got a minute?
Ramona
Oh, sure. That's fine, but...
Ramona
(What's gotten into Xue all of a sudden...?)
Ramona
So, what's on your mind? You've got something you want to talk about, right?
Xue
Yeah...it's about what happened at rehearsal.
Ramona
At rehearsal?
Xue
...Sorry. For saying all that.
Ramona
About Nebula? I already told you-I'm grateful for it. There's nothing for you to apologise for-
Xue
I can't just leave it at that. ...My words definitely brought down the morale of everyone there.
Xue
It worked out because you showed up, but if you hadn't, they would've gone into rehearsal with that same heavy mood.
Ramona
Even so, I think they were words that needed to be said. A new rehearsal space, a new troupe...there were plenty of reasons to get carried away.
Ramona
But this isn't the finish line. ...It's the starting line. I've been thinking about what that means too.
Ramona
(This is my first production as Nebula's leader, after all...)
Xue
...I see. Being leader is rough.
Xue
I...just prove myself on stage. ...I can only think about my own performance.
Xue
And I think that's fine, honestly. So, well...that's just how it is.
Xue
Compared to you, I've got it easy. ...If you need to vent, I'll listen.
Ramona
Xue...
Xue
Sorry for taking up your time. You must be tired. Get some rest.
Ramona
Come to think of it, you've always been there for Koyomi too, haven't you...from where I stand, you think about others plenty.
Ramona
(Something I need to vent, huh...)
Ramona
(...Maybe I am anxious. Is this anxiety from the change in environment...)
Ramona
Well...sitting here brooding about it on my own isn't going to help.
Ramona
(When you're anxious, you should listen to someone who's been through the same thing.)
Ramona
(...Right-I should talk to Koyomi.)
Koyomi
"Antony, why...why!? All those days we whispered of love to each other-was every last one of them a lie!?"
Koyomi
...Phew.
Iroha
Good morning, Onee-san! Working hard at rehearsal today too!
Iroha
The production you're in this time is Shakespeare's 'Cleopatra', right?
Koyomi
Oh...good morning, Iroha-san. Yes, it's a classic masterpiece that Gingaza has performed many times over the years.
Koyomi
The show is coming up soon, so I need to get it polished...how did my performance just now look to you, Iroha-san?
Iroha
It was amazing! I could feel Cleopatra's love and her madness...I thought, as expected of Onee-san!
Koyomi
Fufu...thank you, Iroha-san.
Iroha
By the way, Nebula...is it? Ramona-san is the actors' representative there, right?
Koyomi
That's right. It's a dual role alongside her work as a Gingaza actor, but...heh heh. I think it suits Ramona-san.
Iroha
Right! Maybe I'll go see their show too~. It's 'Complete Social'...right?
Koyomi
Yes, it's a piece based on a science fiction novel written in the '90s. A story depicting a controlled society and a protagonist seeking freedom within it.
Koyomi
(A style that would never have been performed under the old Gingaza...it certainly befits Nebula's debut production...)
Iroha
Hmhmhm...this calls for some homework on the source material! I'll go buy it on the way home with Mito-chan today!
Koyomi
(I should go see it too-this new stage born from the galaxy.)
Koyomi
(Now that the World Theatre League is over, I'm being called by the upper management less often than before...)
Koyomi
(The visits from alumni have decreased too, since Ramona-san's situation...in ways like this, Gingaza has changed, I feel...)
Director A
...Uh...ah...mm.
Koyomi
(Oh, voices...are the directors discussing something?)
Director A
How are things going on the Nebula side? I heard the performers just transferred over. It must be tough, no? Is the coordination between actors coming together?
Director B
On that front, there's not much to worry about. It's true that when rehearsals first started, things weren't exactly cohesive.
Director B
But now they've come together to a level on par with Gingaza's main stage productions. Ramona Wolf must have put in a great deal of effort.
Director B
I intend to proceed without any oversights on my end as well. A botched debut would be a stain on my career, after all.
Koyomi
(...Ramona-san is working hard, it seems.)
Director A
Oh, Senju. We were talking and didn't notice you...my apologies.
Director B
Well then, I'll be on my way. Sorry about that, Senju.
Koyomi
Not at all, please don't worry about it. I only just arrived myself.
Koyomi
(I must attend to my own duties as well. Otherwise, I can't face Ramona-san.)
Students
"Oh, look!" "It's Senju-senpai!!!" "Wait, a Dai Star goes to our school for real?" "Her little sister was at the World Theatre League too, right? As expected of a prestigious family...!"
Koyomi
Somehow, I've gotten used to this too...
Koyomi
(This happened before as well, but...since the Dai Star Festival, the numbers seem to have grown even more...)
Koyomi
(Still, it's something to be grateful for. They're only watching from a distance-it's not causing any problems.)
Koyomi
(And Iroha-san's name comes up at times like these now too. As a sister, that makes me simply happy...)
Ramona
Koyomi, there you are.
Koyomi
Ramona-san? What brings you here?
Ramona
No, it's nothing major, but...there's something I'd like to talk about.
Koyomi
Something you'd like to talk about...?
Ramona
There are too many eyes here. Let's move somewhere else.
Koyomi
You've brought me all the way to an empty classroom...are you about to throw down a challenge?
Ramona
...!? I'm surprised-I never expected a joke like that from you, Koyomi.
Koyomi
Heh heh, good things have been happening lately. Perhaps my spirits are lifted too.
Ramona
I see...that's good to hear.
Koyomi
So, shall we get to the point? You weren't making that serious face just to have this kind of chat, were you?
Ramona
Right, of course. What I want to talk about is...being a leader.
Koyomi
(Being a leader...)
Ramona
During the World Theatre League, while you were at the Dai Star Festival, I led everyone in Gingaza and took on the performance.
Ramona
And now, I'm the leader of Nebula...Gingaza's new troupe.
Koyomi
Yes, I've heard plenty about it. The directors were talking about you.
Koyomi
That you've brought the Nebula actors together and are keeping rehearsals running smoothly. It sounds like things are going well-I'm glad to hear it.
Ramona
To receive such high praise from you, Koyomi-I'm truly humbled. I had no idea the directors were saying that too...
Koyomi
There are always people watching. ...Especially when you're helping others the way you do.
Ramona
Helping others...huh.
Koyomi
But that's other people's assessment. ...Your own self assessment is different, isn't it?
Ramona
Koyomi...!? ...Heh heh, I really can't win against you.
Koyomi
You're simply too easy to read.
Ramona
I feel like you've told me that before.
Ramona
In any case, I think I'm feeling anxious right now.
Koyomi
Anxious...?
Ramona
Yeah. During the World Theatre League, leading everyone...I felt the pressure, the weight of it.
Ramona
And at the same time, I thought...Koyomi must have been feeling this all along.
Ramona
And it's the same now. Constantly keeping an eye on every troupe member, sometimes having more discussions with the director.
Ramona
A change in environment...that's one way to put it. But lately, I keep thinking about it.
Ramona
What it means to stand above others...what that really entails.
Koyomi
Ramona-san...
Ramona
I'm certain that without understanding that, Koyomi-I won't be able to shine on stage the way you do.
Ramona
Koyomi, what do you think it means...to stand above others?
Koyomi
I...I think it means living up to the trust placed in you.
Ramona
Living up to trust...
Koyomi
The Gingaza management that trusts me as the actors' representative. The fellow actors who trust me as a performer.
Koyomi
The Senju family, Iroha-san...even the fans. Continuing to answer that trust-I believe that is the duty of one who stands above others.
Koyomi
There are people who entrusted things to me, people who walk forward using me as their guiding star. And on the path I walk, there are generations of family heads who laid the foundation.
Koyomi
It's because of so many people's feelings that I exist as Gingaza's representative.
Ramona
So many people's feelings...
Koyomi
...Ramona-san. Think back.
Koyomi
Xue-san, Hikari-san. Lilja-san and everyone in the troupe. They all follow you now because they trust you.
Koyomi
Isn't that trust born from everything you've done since coming to Gingaza-and from who you are as a person?
Koyomi
That's proof that you've been living up to many people's trust all along. ...And I trust you too.
Koyomi
When I first heard about your approach of cooperating with those around you, I gave you a word of caution, didn't I?
Ramona
Oh, right. That's true...
Koyomi
Since then, you've built up your track record, led the troupe at the World Theatre League, and delivered a major performance.
Koyomi
The next production will be no different-you'll see it through. That is what I believe.
Ramona
Koyomi...
Ramona
...Heh, when you put it like that, I can't exactly not deliver.
Ramona
If standing above others means living up to trust...then what I need to do hasn't changed.
Ramona
Keep working alongside everyone toward the success of the production. That's all!
Ramona
Thank you, Koyomi. The doubt is gone...the anxiety is still there, but...I'll be fine now.
Koyomi
Honestly, what a handful you are.
Troupe Member A
"Cleopatra...I'm sorry for what I said. Your sincere love was directed at me, unclouded and true."
Troupe Member A
"I should have known that...and yet, I..."
Koyomi
"Antony...if anything, I'm the one who should..."
Koyomi
"That day, you were deeply wounded...I should have held you close and told you it was all a misunderstanding..."
Koyomi
"And yet, I couldn't grasp your true feelings, I tested your love...and because of that, you..."
Troupe Member A
"...In the next life, perhaps. If we meet again, this time not as king and queen...without such burdens, together..."
Koyomi
"Yes...we will meet again, without fail. No matter how many lives this soul passes through...I will keep searching for you."
Hikari
Haah~, Koyomi-san's acting was incredible...watching it made my chest tighten...
Lilja
Cleopatra, one of the three great beauties of the world...Koyomi's beauty was shining just as brightly as the role demands.
Ramona
Indeed-to perform Cleopatra's tragic love at that level. ...As expected of you, Koyomi.
Xue
That's right...but we can't just sit here admiring, can we? Our show is definitely going to be compared to what we just saw.
Hikari
Yeah...you're right.
Lilja
......
Nebula Actors
......
Ramona
...We'll be fine.
Everyone
...!
Lilja
Ramo...
Xue
Oh?
Ramona
Just as I said at the rehearsal space. What we need to do hasn't changed.
Ramona
Since our time in Gingaza...no, even before that. It hasn't changed since the moment we set out on this path!
Ramona
I can say this because I've been watching all of your rehearsals. Every one of you is an actor every bit as good as the people on that stage just now.
Hikari
Ramo-san...!
Claire
You're right...! We can't just stand here feeling overwhelmed!
Abigail
Right~, if we give everything we've built up in rehearsals, we'll be fine~!
Lilja
What I need to do hasn't changed either...just captivate everyone's eyes on stage.
Ramona
Yes, that's the spirit, everyone! Let's do this!
Everyone
Yeah!
Xue
...You've got a clear look on your face, Germany.
Ramona
Yeah. There's not a single cloud in my heart.
Ramona
When I think about it...I was just as caught up in the excitement of Nebula as everyone else. Becoming leader, feeling like I had to be extra on guard...
Ramona
Even though I told Hikari and the others exactly that at the rehearsal space...honestly, it's embarrassing.
Xue
Your position changed. Can't be helped...
Xue
Given time, I'm sure Hikari, Finland, and I will all change in some way too...
Ramona
That's true. Nothing stays the same forever. ...Nebula is proof of that.
Xue
Even so, some things do stay the same. ...Right?
Ramona
Yeah...heh heh, talking with you always makes me realise what's important.
Xue
Well, you're welcome.
Hikari
Ramo-san? Xue~?
Lilja
What were you two talking about?
Ramona
Heh heh, no, it's nothing. Coming now! ...Let's go! Xue!
Xue
Yeah.
Audience Member A
I'm looking forward to Nebula's show~. I wonder what kind of production it'll be~.
Audience Member B
It's a brand new troupe, right? It probably won't be on the same level as Gingaza's last show, but apparently some well known performers are in it? I'm curious to see what they've got.
Koyomi
......
Koyomi
(Nebula's debut production...this show will determine the first impression of Nebula as a troupe...)
Koyomi
(And Ramona-san's evaluation as its leader, as well...)
Koyomi
Ramona-san...
Claire
"An important announcement from the Notification Bureau. Our valiant Tortorji forces have achieved a decisive victory over the Mizerania fleet off Toray Bay."
Claire
"In celebration of this resounding triumph, My Friend has announced an increase of 30 grams of chocolate rations per household."
Abigail
"Yes! Take that, Mizerania! Our comrades' glorious advance knows no end!"
Troupe Member A
"Absolutely! And a chocolate increase, no less-it's been ages! We must be grateful for Our Comrade's generosity!"
Ramona
"I remember...another increase of the same rations, for the same reason again."
Ramona
"Three months ago-a span everyone has surely forgotten-the same news aired, and people applauded..."
Ramona
"I keep a diary...so I know. I'm good at keeping records. ...After all, I work at the Documentation Bureau."
Ramona
"Day after day, I keep records, only to falsify every last one into information convenient for the Party. ...What am I even doing?"
Ramona
"...I can't tell anyone about this. After all, keeping personal records is a serious thought crime."
Ramona
"You started wanting to meet after our letters...? How reckless! If someone saw us here..."
Lilja
"So what? What's the problem? Love cannot be bound by anyone. It's the world itself that's wrong."
Lilja
"Here I am, right now-this body, this voice, this gaze! Not even the world can stand in the way of that, can it?"
Hikari
"Hello, hello, my dear comrades. Are you living happily? Yes, happily, as you should?"
Hikari
"-As I just said, the vermin who disrupts your happy lives! That man is none other than Dario Silverstan!"
Abigail's Voice
"How dare you!!! Drop dead!!! Enemy of the homeland! Traitor!"
Ramona
"Everyone hurls abuse at the portrait of the man on the television screen. Frenzy dominates the room...it's honestly chilling."
Ramona's voice
"Human filth! With your ridiculous beard, you naked fool! Your country isn't worth the weeds in front of a latrine!!!"
Ramona
"...I joined in too, opening my mouth. Everyone living in this country did the same."
Ramona
"Doing it while knowing it's meaningless. And all the while, my heart willingly curses the man on the screen."
Ramona
"Doublethink-to survive in this world, you must simultaneously understand and worship contradictions within your own mind."
Xue
"Go to the basement of that building, and you'll find a safe house for our organisation-the Silent Reading Society. I'll send someone at five o'clock. A smuggler to arrange your escape."
Ramona
"Thank you, Stefan. ...I won't forget this debt!"
Hikari
"Stefan...you be careful too."
Xue
"They're gone...that safe house should be fine. I'm the only one who knows about it. I just hope they both make it out safely..."
Xue
"...It's me. That's right-he's in District 11, Building 5. Hiding in the basement. Send the team at five o'clock. The target will invite them in."
Xue
"...Thought criminals. Your treachery against our comrades' love will be repaid in full..."
Audience Member A
Haaaah...it was complex, but it was so good. Kind of a bitter ending!
Audience Member B
It's a different flavour from Gingaza's usual fare, but it was just as impressive. Nebula...I have to go see them again!
Koyomi
So this is what Nebula is...
Koyomi
(Direction and material that would never have existed in the old Gingaza...yet it shone no less brightly.)
Koyomi
(Surely...this troupe will lead to even greater strides for Gingaza.)
Koyomi
...The path ahead for the galaxy is bright. That's what this performance told me, without question.
Ramona
Mmmmm, haah. Fufu, nice weather.
Koyomi
Yes, the sun is quite dazzling.
Ramona
Oh, Koyomi. Early again today...practicing on your own?
Koyomi
More or less.
Ramona
Your dedication never ceases to impress me, as always.
Koyomi
...Ramona-san, I watched your production. It was a wonderful performance-I'm sure Nebula's reputation will only grow.
Ramona
Thank you for coming, Koyomi. I'm glad to say you're right-the reception has been great. The upper management gave positive feedback too.
Koyomi
Have your worries subsided?
Ramona
...No, they haven't gone away. But I think that's okay. Some things shouldn't change...and I'm sure this feeling is one of them.
Koyomi
I see...Ramona-san, I...won't lose to you.
Ramona
Huh...?
Koyomi
With this production, you and I have become leaders who will be directly compared. The way the upper management sees us will change.
Koyomi
I will deliver a performance that doesn't lose to that stage. And even if we share the same stage one day, I have no intention of losing to you as an actor.
Koyomi
Ramona Wolf-as one who stands alongside you as a fellow actor, I can't afford to let my guard down.
Ramona
Koyomi...that's...!
Koyomi
You're smiling, but you realise you've just been challenged, don't you? ...Fufu, honestly, what am I going to do with you.