The Shizuka Debut Project Begins

Hana
Sorry, I made it just in time!
Huh? Noa hasn't arrived yet?

Yae
Good morning.
Kudo-san, do you know what Hiiragi-san is going to talk about?

Hana
I've heard a rough outline of it.
But I'm sure Noa herself will explain the details.

Panda
...Something smells fishy here, doesn't it?
Gathering this many people in the rehearsal space means...

Chisa
Boss has finally decided to quit drinking.

Panda
No way. It's probably just an audition for a new project.

Kathrina
Well, that seems like the most likely explanation. Right, Kokona?

Kokona
Uh, yeah... maybe so...

Kathrina
Wow, that was quick. You're already nervous.

Panda
Why are you so tense? Do you perhaps... know something?

Kokona
N-no... It's not like...

Kathrina
By the way, where's Shizuka? She was right next to you just a moment ago.

Kokona
I'm sure he'll be back soon... I think.

Kathrina
Hmm...?

Noa
Sorry to keep everyone waiting.
Oh, Shizuka, stand here. Next to me.

Shizuka
...Yes.

Kokona
.....

Noa
Everyone's gathered here. There's something I really need to talk to you about.
To put it bluntly, Shizuka expressed a desire to join Sirius.

Panda
Huh? Oshizu-chan... wants to join!?

Chisa
Is this a prank?

Shizuka
.....

Kathrina
...You knew about this, didn't you?

Kokona
B-But, because when I thought I had to keep quiet, I didn't know what to say...!　

Shizuka
Kokona did nothing wrong. I just asked her to keep it a secret until the official announcement.

Yae
I see. That explains why Kokona was so nervous.
But I was surprised...

Noa
A little while ago, they both proposed it to me: they want to make Shizuka a member of Sirius.

Panda
So, did you agree?

Noa
Don't rush things. We haven't officially approved her joining yet.

Panda
So, you're saying he simply wanted to join?

Shizuka
...I understand that some people won't agree with this decision.
I am Kokona's sense, after all.

Everyone
.....

Shizuka
Because I'm different from ordinary actors, problems might arise. I might cause trouble...
But I... I want to stand on stage. On the stage of Sirius, where everyone is... as an actor.
I know I'm being selfish and overstepping my bounds. But I just don't want to give up...!
Please, I beg you, give me a chance!

Kokona
I'd like to ask for your help as well!

Kathrina
...What is that?

Shizuka
...Go ahead and complain and criticize, you can. I'm prepared for it.

Kathrina
That's not it!
I meant, don't bow your head every single time something like that happens!

Shizuka
Huh?

Yae
There’s no rule saying you can’t stand on stage just because you are a Sense.

Panda
Besides, there's no precedent for this.

Noa
Yes. So, even though she's a Sense, we won't give her special treatment. She'll have to go through the same audition process as everyone else.

Chisa
As expected of the boss, she's merciless.

Shizuka
I didn't want to be given special treatment either. I wanted to be a member of Sirius as an actor.
So, if I don't meet the expectations of Hiiragi-san and the others...

Kathrina
You'll try again and again, right?

Panda
Of course. You're someone's sense, after all.

Kokona
Huh? What?! Why are you looking at me?

Shizuka
...Yeah. I shouldn't be feeling anxious before I even start. I'll definitely pass.

Panda
I see, so that's Oshizu-chan's resolve.
In that case, I'm fine!

Chisa
Were we really such important seniors?
We didn't make you run errands for us making somen bread, did we?

Panda
Sassu says there are no problems!

Shizuka
Thank you, everyone!

Yae
Please make sure you pass!

Panda - Chisa
Yeah, yeah.

Kathrina
That's the point. It's more annoying when people are overly considerate. Just do what you want.
...We've come this far together, so there's no way I'd refuse.

Kokona
sob... I'm so glad for you, Shizuka-chan...!

Shizuka
Wh-why is Kokona crying?

Kokona
Because... sniff... I'm so happy about everyone's feelings...!

Chisa
Kathrina, don't make Kokona cry.

Kathrina
Huh?! Is it my fault?!

Hana
I guess there was no need to worry after all.

Yae
Did Hiiragi-san and the others know this would happen?

Hana
Of course. We've been watching you guys from the closest possible distance. Right, Noa?

Noa
...That's right.

Yae
Hehe, as expected.

Panda
Oh, by the way.
What’s the plan for the actual joining audition?

Noa
I'll explain the details later.
Of course, if she fail that, Shizuka won't be joining the group.
That's all, dismissed. What you do now is up to you, Shizuka.

Shizuka
Yes. I will definitely pass!