That should do it for our read-through. I want you all to use the remaining time to practice the scenes you appear in.

Okay!

(We're really picking up the pace now that they've cast Rio.)

(I need to figure out this role soon since rehearsals will be starting.)

(I want to start by practicing for my first scene as the Cowardly Canary...)

(Uh... Where are the actors playing the scary forest animals...?)

Oh...

(The Cowardly Canary interacts with Rio too...)

(But as I am now...)

(No. I don't have time to think like that. I need to practice.)

There you are, Kusanagi! Could we practice the scene where our characters meet?

(Oh, they're playing the forest animals...)

Were you about to go ask Tenma?

No, I was just looking at him and thinking about how I should put in as much effort as he has. Um... I'd be happy to practice with you.

Great! The pleasure is all ours.

I welcome criticism, so please give me any and all feedback you have!

O-Okay!

(Everyone from the Phoenix Stage is so motivated.)

(I have so much to learn from them.)

I have to say, I'm blown away by Tenma's progress. Who would've thought he'd build his character to that extent in the few days leading up to the audition?

Right! The future's way past bright for that guy. Who knows how much further he'll perfect the role before we open?

(Oh...)

(I have to keep up with him.)

*Sigh*

(I haven't walked home alone like this in a while.)

(Rui said he had to discuss something with the director. I wonder if it's about the direction, or about his performance...)

(And it looked like Emu was tracking down everyone she has a scene with to discuss with them.)

...

(Everyone's trying so hard to make our performance of “The Happy Phoenix” a success.)

(I want to do my part too...

But I'm still not satisfied with my performance.)

(I'm not good enough yet...)

(I need to work much harder.)

(I still haven't become the Cowardly Canary. I need to deepen my understanding of the role.)

(Would it help if I put myself through the same experience as my character, like Tsukasa did?)

(The canary is afraid of the forest and the animals there that might eat her...)

(So, I could go somewhere that scares me...)

(The canary's fear is for her own life, but I won't go that far... Even so, it could be a chance to imagine how she feels.)

(Anyway, right now I just need to do anything I can!)

Alright, once I get home I'll search for somewhere to go.