Panda
(Haah. "Still incomplete," huh. I should just focus on my own work)

Panda
(...But with all this uneasiness, I can't really concentrate)

Panda
—Alright!

Noa
Yes, please come in.

Panda
...Excuse me.

Noa
Panda...?

Panda
Sorry to bother you when you're busy. There's something I'd like to ask about.

Shamo
My, you must be tired after rehearsal. What brings you here?

Panda
Ah! No, no, don't worry about me! I just had some water, so I'm fine!

Noa
So, what did you want to talk about?

Panda
Well, it's about Sassu. From your perspective... how does she seem?

Noa
You're being evasive. What are you trying to say?

Panda
S-sorry!

Panda
...I'm focusing on the play, but. She doesn't seem like her usual self, and it's bothering me...

Noa
Ah, since you've always been together, I suppose it's natural for you to worry.

Shamo
As Éponine, you don't have scenes with Jean Valjean. There are things you might not understand when you're not on stage together.

Panda
Ah, yes. Well... that's about it.

Noa
As I've said before, this isn't unusual.

Noa
Having to find an answer with no answer from within yourself. Even when you think you've found it, it might be denied the next moment.

Noa
When you keep facing such fears, you might gradually lose your humanity. Don't you have some experience with this, Panda?

Panda
...Not to that extent, but yes.

Noa
I'll speak frankly since it's just you here, but that child is a genius.

Panda
...I know, right? Since long ago, Sassu has always been able to do anything and everything quickly.

Noa
But she never really engaged with theater.

Noa
Thanks in part to the boost from the lucky Ōiribukuro, her performances have been well-received, but she never truly stood out.

Noa
But as long as she stands on the Sirius stage, we can't allow that forever. You understand that as someone aiming to be a Dai Star, don't you?

Panda
...Yes.

Noa
If Sasuga, being a genius, fully engages with her role, she will undoubtedly become someone who attracts worldwide attention. —But.

Noa
This time, we were hoping that she wouldn't just play Jean Valjean, but also develop a competitive relationship with everyone.

Noa
And as expected, the rough gems in Sirius are being polished more than ever before.

Noa
That includes you, Panda. You're aware of that, aren't you?

Panda
Yes. Thank you.

Noa
If Sasuga herself says it's painful, we would reconsider. But we don't intend to unilaterally take away the creative struggles that actors experience.

Noa
Does that answer your question?

Panda
I understand. I'll trust you and Hiiragi-san.

Panda
Excuse me.

Panda
...Phew.

Panda
(In the end, there's nothing I can do)

Panda
(If only Sassu would come to me...)

Panda
(...I'm so powerless)

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Pub: 20 Aug 2025 14:16 UTC

Views: 5