Panda
As much as the protagonist...no, even though it's a role that demands more than the protagonist. That acting didn't show the difficulty at all...

Kokona
I was just overwhelmed the whole time.

Yae
It made me recognize Hiiragi-san's greatness again. She had such a strong presence...but at the same time, she wasn't overdoing it...

Yae
I want to be able to do such cool acting too.

Panda
Partway through, I was thinking about what kind of acting I would do...ah, like this scene here.

Noa
"Melos, strike me. Strike my cheek with an equally loud sound!"

Noa
"During these three days, just once, for a moment, I doubted you. For the first time in my life, I doubted you."

Yae
That's the famous scene near the end. Even though she's not raising her voice, the weighty delivery was impressive.

Kokona
Yeah yeah! That's right! It's like, it resonates deep in your heart!

Yae
That's why I always think Hiiragi-san is such an amazing actor. She's my aspiration.

Kokona
Acting really has as many answers as there are performers, but I bet Hiiragi-san has her own answer within herself.

Panda
That's probably true...actually, this is a sudden suggestion, but why don't the three of us do an etude right now?

Yae
Wow, that sounds fun! Could the program be 'Run, Melos'?

Panda
Of course! So, about the casting...

Yae
Um...if you two don't mind, could I play Selinuntius?

Panda
Panda's totally fine with that! Then Panda will be the tyrannical and cruel king, Dionysius.

Kokona
Huh, then I'm Melos!? I-I wonder if that's okay...

Yae
Of course it is, Kokona-san. This is my selfish request after all.

Panda
Then let's start right away...the scene will be the final moment we just watched. Here we go! Ready, start!

Kokona
"If you don't strike me, I won't even have the right to embrace you. Strike me."

Yae
"Melos, strike me. Strike my cheek with an equally loud sound!"

Yae
"During these three days, just once, for a moment, I doubted you. For the first time in my life, I doubted you."

Yae
...How was that?

Panda
Hmm, how should I put this...

Kokona
It was wonderful acting that's so like Yae-chan, and I think it was really good! But...

Yae
Something bothers you, doesn't it? I'm fine with it, so please don't hold back.

Yae
I want to hear honest opinions. That will also be nourishment for me going forward. Please.

Kokona
Y-Yeah...um...Yae-chan's Selinuntius is really earnest, but just a little bit...cute, maybe...?

Yae
Cute...

Yae
...I see. You might be right, Kokona-san. When I do it, everything becomes 'Niizuma Yae'.

Yae
I was vaguely aware of that myself...that's exactly why I wanted to try playing a role like Selinuntius.

Panda
Huh, that's kind of surprising. I haven't really seen Niizumacchi worrying about things like that.

Yae
Come on, Panda-san, did you think I was a superhuman or something? I worry and have doubts too, you know?

Panda
Ah, sorry! I didn't mean it in a bad way! Niizumacchi is, how should I say...stable, I guess.

Panda
I think you're reliable! As expected of a Dai Star.

Yae
Heh heh, thank you. Then I need to work even harder!

Yae
To become even better than I am now, I'll practice acting a lot and become an actor who can play all kinds of roles.

Yae
As Sirius's Dai Star.

Panda
Ooh, you're really saying it~! Kokochi, we can't lose to this either!

Kokona
Yeah, you're right, Panda-chan! I'll practice acting so much I won't lose to Yae-chan either!

Yae
Yes, bring it on. I'll work hard so I don't get left behind by you two either!

Edit

Pub: 05 Nov 2025 18:55 UTC

Views: 7