If the Shadow is Bathed in Light
Kokona
Ah, it's from Chika-chan.
Shizuka
Is it about the trip we talked about the other day?
Kokona
That might be it! Well... Oh, they said there's a room available at the inn. It looks like there are other people's there at the same time too though.
Shizuka
That's good. Then we'll go on a trip to Uchiura in Numazu this weekend.
Kokona
Hmmm, a trip with just the two of us, Shizuka-chan...I'm looking forward to it.
Shizuka
Really? It's not always just the two of us, even when we go back to Aomori.
Kokona
That's true, but going home and going on a trip are different!
Kokona
It's rare for us to spend the night alone together in the dorm we're living in now, and I think there are things we can talk about only on a trip.
Kokona
Plus, I get to go out with you. I want to make some fun memories.
Shizuka
If you put it like that...I understand. I'm looking forward to it too.
Kokona
Yeah! Let's go shopping for travel goods together next time!
Kokona
snore... mumbling...
Shizuka
...As usual, she looks like a child when she sleeps.
Shizuka
Hmmm... 'The Demon’s Friend' is coming to an end soon, isn't it? It seems like ages ago that I was planning my debut.
Shizuka
'The Demon’s Friend' is a story about a normal high school girl, Hiyori, who meets a demon who becomes friends with her, who then sacrifices herself to protect Hiyori, whose life is being threatened.
Shizuka
I thought that the relationship between the two of them was like that between Kokona and me, so I ran with the role of the demon Asmodeus.
Shizuka
The story is set in a seaside town. It starts with a scene where they're picking up shells on the beach. So it's nice to be able to go and see the sea before finishing the performance.
Shizuka
...It all seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.
Chika
The farewell scene was really sad, but Shizuka's expression was so heartbreaking!
Riko
Oh, me too! I almost cried during that scene too. I really felt the desire to protect her one and only friend...
Chika
I know, right! I didn't know it the last time we met, but you two are both amazing actors!
Shizuka
...I know in my head that there are people who have seen me perform on stage, but I can't believe it at all.
Shizuka
Up until now, all I've thought about was Kokona. I've been thinking about how Kokona can give a good performance.
Shizuka
Because I am...Kokona's Sense.
Shizuka
A being created by Kokona’s special power, for Kokona’s sake. And a being that took on what Kokona had lost.
Shizuka
I am Kokona’s Phantom. I was born to make her shine on stage.
Shizuka
If Kokona could shine on stage, like Asmodeus disappearing and Hiyori surviving, then I would have been happy to disappear.
Shizuka
If Kokona was recognised, I would have been happy. ... I thought.
Shizuka
At some point, I began praying that I wanted to be on stage, and Kokona guided me.
Shizuka
Now, I am praised as an actor, ‘Shizuka’, independantly of Kokona.
Shizuka
I've always wanted to be like this. I've always wished for it, and Kokona made it come true.
Shizuka
...Hey, Kokona.
Kokona
...
Shizuka
I've become an actress. ... Is it okay to be happy about this?
Kokona
...Shizuka-chan.
Shizuka
Wait, were you awake...?
Kokona
Honestly~…Shizuka-chan, you can't take a bathtub on a trip...
Shizuka
...Are you talking in your sleep?
Shizuka
Hehe, are you looking forward to it so much that you’re dreaming about it?
Shizuka
...I guess that goes for me too. It's a special trip, so let's just enjoy it.