Here we go.

Um...! G-Good morning.

Good morning, Kusanagi. You're here bright and early!

Morning, Kusanagi! Are you also here to get in some solo practice?

I am. Also, I was wondering...

Could I join you for stretches?

Certainly, be our guest! By the way, how is practice going? We don't have any scenes together, but I'm curious to hear about your progress.

Yeah! So am I.

O-Okay...! Also, could I ask later about how things are going with your scenes?

Of course! Ask away!

Thank you! I will.

That concludes our ensemble run-through! Once again, the rest of our time will be for individual practice.

Okay!

(Now's my chance!)

Excuse me!

Oh, Kusanagi! We were just about to come over to you.

Could we work on our scene together again?

That's what I was coming over to ask about, so yes, I'd like that.

Also... I'd like your opinions on something...

This was such a productive session, Kusanagi! Thank you so much.

You wanted our opinions on your canary, right? I think you're taking the right angle.

*Gasp*

Thank you.

That just leaves the question of how realistic you can go. I'm sure a human and a bird will move differently when cowering...

But there's more to it than just realism.

That aspect is meaningless if you don't get through to your audience.

That's true. Some actors even purposefully do things that a real animal wouldn't in order to make their performance more evocative.

I see what you mean. I'll consider a wider range of ways to portray the character.

(They seemed to like my ideas for my portrayal.)

(If I factor in their advice and keep developing the role...)

Hey, Nene!　

Neeeneee♪

Oh...

Hello, Nene. Nice work there.

We were watching your practice! It seems your preparations are going well.

Wait, you were watching? Since when...?

Hehehe. Nene, lately you're all powered up and glowy☆

Powered up and glowy...?

We've noticed you approaching the rest of the cast more frequently.

Oh, that's what you mean...

We'll be going on stage together, so it only makes sense to share our opinions and what we have planned for our roles.

That's natural. However, I think you've become even more proactive these last few days.

Has there been some kind of positive change in you?

There...

Hehe...

Actually...

Whoa, a session with Shiraishi and Shiho?

You got to join in on a street performance? That sounds so, so fun♪

Yeah, it really was.

(The anxiety I was feeling before we sang kinda just melted away. Also...)

(I think I learned to push through my worries and just try something.)

Hehehe, Nene's all super smiley!

Hey, don't stare at me like that. It feels really awkward.

More importantly, do you guys wanna practice since we're all together now?

Ah, that's a good idea! Then let's run through the scene where Rio enters the forest to meet the Phoenix.

Okie dokie♪

Let's jump right in then, if we're all ready?

Ready when you are.