Step Zero

Chika
...Kokona-chan. Are you sure you're okay about Shizuka-chan?

Kokona
Yeah. If Shizuka-chan says that, I guess I shouldn't go with her.

Chika
...

Kokona
Ahaha, I'm sorry. I'm worrying you, aren't I?

Kokona
The truth is, I'm worried too. But...

Chika
...But?

Kokona
...Shizuka-chan never shows her weak side to me.

Kokona
...Even though I'm always relying on her.

Kokona
...Maybe that's why Shizuka-chan can't rely on me.

Chika
I see. ...iI's a little sad.

Kokona
Yeah. But if that's what Shizuka-chan wants to do, I want to respect that.

Chika
...Yeah.

Shizuka
...

Riko
I found you, Shizuka-chan.

Shizuka
Eh? Riko-chan? What's wrong? Did Kokona ask you to come and look for me?

Riko
No, I came on my own.

Riko
Sorry, I was thinking about something.

Riko
You seemed to be worried about something. I wondered if there was anything I could do to help you.

Shizuka
Ah...I just wanted to sort out my thoughts a bit. Sorry for leaving so suddenly, I know I surprised everyone.

Riko
It's okay, Kokona-chan was calm, and I've been a little worried about you since we met in Tokyo.

Riko
I thought it might be a good time, so I lied to everyone and came after you.

Shizuka
I see, thank you.

Shizuka
But I think I'm more confused than worried right now.

Riko
You're confused?

Shizuka
Yeah.

Shizuka
I made my stage debut in ‘The Demon’s Friend’. My long cherished dream was to stand on stage as an actor.

Shizuka
Every time I get a round of applause at the curtain call, I feel so fulfilled.

Shizuka
Just like today, the people around me congratulate me,and Kokona is always excited as if it were her own achievement.

Shizuka
I'm so happy that my dream has come true, that the future I'd imagined has really come true, I’m so happy-

Riko
...But?

Shizuka
...I can't help but wonder if it's really okay.

Riko
...If it's really okay?

Shizuka
I wonder if it's okay to be this happy. Maybe there's more I need to do.

Shizuka
I've been acting for Kokona for so long that I still can't really feel that I'm being recognised.

Shizuka
Sometimes I get really anxious. I didn't want to give up on my dream, and now it's come true.

Riko
...

Shizuka
I was looking at the ocean, so maybe I'm being pulled by Asmodeus.

Riko
No, don't worry about it. I know how surprised you are when your dreams come true.

Shizuka
...

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Pub: 06 Dec 2024 21:16 UTC
Views: 19