Company for Dinner
Fumi:There, that looks about cooked.
Fumi:Mmm, that smells nice. There's nothing quite like pork belly and napa cabbage mille-feuille nabe.
*ding dong*
Fumi:Huh... Yes?
????:
"Ms. Fumi Yumeoji? Ponzu delivery! I just need your signature or stamp here!"
Fumi:(Ponzu delivery? That's odd, I don't recall ordering any...)
Fumi:(Unless... Did I win that sweepstakes for a year's supply of ponzu!?)
Fumi:Coming! I'm coming! I just need to grab my stamp--
Ichie:Ta-da-da-DAA! Rinmeikan's very own idol, Ichie-chan, is here with a special ponzu delivery!
Fumi:...Well, it was a nice dream while it lasted.
Ichie:Wait, what? Why do you look so disappointed!?
Ichie:Ponzu's your favorite, Fumi! And this is the real deal. I didn't swap it out for soy sauce or anything this time!
Fumi:Thank you. Don't mind me, I just got a bit ahead of myself.
Fumi:Still, it's rare for you to come calling.
Ichie:Ooh, about that! I... Hm? *sniff sniff*
Ichie:That smells amazing! Were you cooking dinner?
*grrrowl*
Ichie:Uh...
Fumi:That was impressive.
Ichie:What can I say, I'm a growing girl.
Fumi:It's nothing fancy, but do you want to eat while you're here?
Ichie:Ooh, can I!?
Fumi:If you'd like, though the dorm would probably serve you a more proper meal.
Ichie:I want to try your cooking! But ooh, let me call the dorm and let them know I'm eating out tonight.
Fumi:Okay. I'll finish up, then. Once you're done, can I get your help with the rice and miso soup?
Ichie:Roger!
Ichie:Sooo yummy! The tender cabbage and meat go perfectly with the ponzu, and I can't stop wolfing down rice. Can I get a refill?
Fumi:Fine, fine.
Fumi:But don't tell me you came here just to eat all of my dinner!?
Ichie:Wh-What? No way! I actually wanted your advice on something.
Ichie:It's almost White Day, yeah? So I'm trying to figure out what to do to thank Tamao for the Valentine's chocolates.
Fumi:Is it that hard a choice? Why not cookies or candy or something?
Ichie:Cookies and candy are... Eh, they're fine, but like...
Ichie:Rui and Yuyuko are both making sweets, so I'd like to do something different, you know?
Fumi:I suppose I do. I wasn't planning on giving Tamao sweets, either.
Ichie:Really!? What are you giving her, then?
Fumi:Well, considering it's White Day, I thought I'd cook her an all-white dinner.
Ichie:A whole white dinner? Lucky! Man, I should have given you chocolate, too!
Ichie:I could have made ponzu bonbons or something!
Fumi:I'm not convinced you could. And I would be very cross if you wasted perfectly good ponzu.
Ichie:Rgh, I wish I could say you're wrong...
Fumi:In any case, I'm a better cook than I am a baker, so I figured if I was making something for her, I'd do dinner.
Ichie:Do you mind if I join you in making her a white dinner, too?
Ichie:It's an unexpected choice, and it sounds really fun!
Fumi:I have no objections, but I don't think I've ever seen you cook before...
Ichie:I humbly await your tutelage, Professor Fumi☆
Fumi:I guess it's going to turn out that way...
Ichie:In return, you can leave the dinner entertainment to me! I've got an AMAZING idea!
Fumi:Entertainment? That's entirely ominous... Just what are you plotting?
Ichie:Mine's a play on the color white, too. ...*whisper whisper*
Fumi:WHAT!? No! That's too embarrassing!
Ichie:Whaaat? Come onnn! You'll look so cute, Fumi!
Fumi:Absolutely not! Plus that sort of thing takes time to rehearse!
Ichie:Pleeease? I'll come up with the schedule! Rui and Yuyuko are already on board, so please!? Fumi-sama!
Fumi:That still doesn't change...
Ichie:You want to make Tamao happy, right!? It'll be a huge hit, I guarantee it☆
Fumi:Of everyone in the world, your guarantee is the least convincing. You really think Tamao will like it, though?
Ichie:For sure! It'll be a success... No, I'll MAKE it a success!
Fumi:*sigh* ...Fine, then.
Ichie:You'll do it!?
Fumi:If Rui and Yuyuko have agreed to do it, I don't see how I can say no.
Fumi:But I do have one condition.
Ichie:A condition? Uh oh...
Fumi:If you're going to be cooking with me, I'll have you learn properly, from the fundamentals.
Fumi:Knife skills, prepping ingredients, making the stock, the five seasonings, the works!
Ichie:There are only five seasonings!?
Fumi:...Quick question. Don't tell me you never so much as cooked white rice before?
Ichie:Whaaat!? C'mon, I... I love rice! Of course I... I've totally, um... Yeah, no. Sorry!
Fumi:This is going to be rough... You're spending the night here. If I don't start drilling this stuff into you now, we'll never make it by White Day!
Ichie:Wait, I'm sleeping over? And when you say "drilling"...
Fumi:Apron on! Let's go! The first lesson starts as soon as the dishes are washed!
Fumi:Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong! That's completely off!
Fumi:How many times must I tell you? Curl your fingers like a cat's paw when chopping! You want to be a Stage Girl with no fingers!?
Ichie:I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
Little Winged Witnesses
March 14th, White Day?
Rui:"Dear Tamao-senpai. The days are growing warmer with spring's advance. I trust you are keeping well."
Rui:"I write to you in sincerest thanks for the selfless aid and constant friendship you provide."
Rui:"Nearly a year has passed since I enrolled in the Rinmeikan Girls School."
Rui:"Looking back upon it now, so much has happened, and I've met so many wonderful people."
"When I first got here and didn't know my way around campus, I was looking for you when Ichie-senpai approached me.":
Rui:"Despite us just having met, she spoke to me as she would a close friend, and I opened up to her immediately."
Rui:"Perhaps she was trying to hep me shake my nerves when she offered me a glass of 'barley tea.' ...It was actually noodle sauce."
Rui:"But she patiently put up with my shy, awkward way of speaking, and guided me to the classroom where you were."
Rui:"I met Yukko when I entered the dorm for the first time, both of us new students. Before I knew it, we were friends."
Rui:"Maybe I admired her so much because our personalities are opposites."
Rui:"She may be off in her own world and have trouble waking up in the morning, but she's my classmate and closest friend. Although...
Rui:"Recently, she asked Fumi-senpai for a personalized training regimen. As my closest Stage Girl rival, I can't let her leave me in the dust."
Rui:"Our studies in the dramatic arts have gotten much tougher since Fumi-senpai transferred into the department, but also much more rewarding."
Rui:"She chews us out a lot, but her critique is always on-point, and she gives amazing demonstrations of proper technique."
Rui:"When I first heard there was a transfer student from the Siegfeld Institute of Music, they said she'd been one of the top performers there."
Rui:"I don't doubt that for a moment. I can feel myself growing each and every day, and that's thanks to Fumi-senpai."
'''''
Rui:"And you, Tamao-senpai..."
Rui:"I would like to tell you the rest in person. Could I ask you to come to Room 1-1 in the old building after classes let out on March 14th?"
Rui:"I know it's a lot to ask, but I'll be waiting for you there. Yours sincerely, Rui."
Rui:............
Tamao:Have you been waiting long, Rui-chan?
Rui:Ah, Tamao-senpai. Sorry for calling you out here...
Tamao:Not at all. I was happy to get a letter from you. So, what is it you'd like to tell me in person?
Rui:R-Right. The truth is...
Rui:(You can do this, Rui. Today's the day you tell her how you feel!)
Tamao:Rui-chan?
Rui:E-Er, I... Thank you again for last month! Th-The chocolates, I mean!
Tamao:Chocolates? Oh yes, for Valentine's.
Rui:I... I baked you some cookies, to say thanks. Here!
Tamao:Thank you, Rui-chan. I'll be sure to savor them.
Rui:(Now's your chance, Rui! Don't just thank her for the chocolate, tell her about the feelings you've been holding inside!)
Rui:T-Tamao-senpai!
Tamao:Yes, Rui-chan?
Rui:I... I'm...
Rui:(I know I've got to just be brave and say it, but the words won't come!)
Tamao:Say, Rui-chan?
Rui:Y-Yes!
Tamao:If you can't say it, why don't I? I am your senpai, after all.
Rui:S-Say... Say what?
Tamao:As if you don't know.
Rui:Huh!?
Rui:(As if I don't know!? Then, does she also...!? No way! I-I don't know if I can handle this!)
Tamao:Rui-chan...
Rui:Gah!? T-T-Tamao-senpai, we an't! We're senpai and kohai, and...
Tamao:Yes, you're my dear little kohai, so why don't you just sit back and let your senpai handle everything--
????:
Rui? Hellooo?
Rui:Tamao-senpai, we mustn't! The... The birds are watching us...
????:
Sheesh. Using rakugo as an alarm clock seems like a waste, but here we go.
"A god is a glorious thing, but gods of misfortune and even death are counted among our vast pantheon."
Rui:Yikes!
Yuyuko:Welcome back from the land of dreams.
Rui:Uhh... Yukko? I didn't say anything...funny, did I?
Yuyuko:"The days are growing warmer with spring's advance. I trust you are keeping well..."
Rui:Waaaugh!
Yuyuko:Same old Rui... I know you're just practicing, but it's a bit dangerous to daydream while baking a cake.
Yuyuko:In more ways than one.
'''''
Rui:Please tell me there's a hole I can go crawl into...
Yuyuko:I'm starting to worry about leaving you alone here when I head home.
Rui:Oh right, you were going back soon. Something about a famous rakugo performer coming to town?
Yuyuko:Right! Next Sunday. It's a rare treat, plus I haven't had the chance to see the family in a while, either.
Rui:Well, have fun. Oh, but be sure you keep up with practicing for the big show.
Yuyuko:Shhh! You never know if Tamao-senpai could be listening.
Rui:Ah, fair point. Sorry.
Yuyuko:I don't really care if it isn't a surprise, but Ichie-san is really sold on the idea.
Rui:Yeah, but I think Ichie-senpai only cares because she thinks it'll be more fun for Tamao-senpai that way.
Yuyuko:I feel like she just wants to surprise her. Either way, I'll help with the cake once I'm back. Let's make it a nice one!
Rui:Okay, I'll get as much practice in as I can until then!
Rui:I want to bake her something that's more than just payback for the Valentine's chocolates. I want to put all my gratitude into it...
Yuyuko:Don't worry, you will. And no birds will be watching.
Rui:Can we please forget that already!?
Birth of the White Day Alliance
Fumi:Ichie, you've got a copy of the shopping list, don't you?
Ichie:I do! But I don't see any reason to split up. Let's enjoy being shopping buddies☆
Fumi:Veto. If I'm teaching you to cook from the ground up, we need every second we can get.
Fumi:If you're going to do this, surely you want to do it right?
Fumi:Let's squeeze in as much practice as we can to make sure Tamao gets the feast she deserves.
Ichie:Yeah... You're right! Tamao is always feeding us, after all☆
Ichie:I'll do it for her! Now, I've got some shopping to do!
Ichie:Bouillon, bouillon, where are you hiding?
Karen:Huh? Wha-Wha-Whaaa!? Ichie-chan!?
Ichie:Ahh, it's Karen-chan☆
Karen:What a coincidence! How are you!?
Ichie:Super duper awesome☆ And you seem fantabulous as ever!
Karen:Oh, VERY fantabulous ♪ You out shopping too, Ichie-chan?
Ichie:Yup! Tamao gave out chocolates on Valentine's Day, so now we're planning a surprise dinner for her!
Ichie:I'm here to buy groceries for that now. How about you?
Karen:Whoa, same! I'm doing a surprise thing as a thank-you for Valentine's Day, too!
Karen:Still not sure what I want to do, though. I figured maybe if I came out shopping something would hit me.
Ichie:Oh, is this a surprise for Hikari-chan?
Karen:Whoaa, how'd you know!?
Ichie:Heh heh heh ♪ Curious? It's because I'm secretly Ichie, GIRL PSYCHIC EXTRAODINAIRE!
Ichie:...That, and anybody with eyes could tell just from looking at you two☆
Karen:Haha, I guess so!
Ichie:I think it's great. So, did you sneak out alone today?
Karen:Nope, Banana's with me! Oh, sorry, that name probably doesn't help much.
Ichie:Heh heh heh ♪ Never underestimate my powers of observation. You mean Nana-chan, right?
Ichie:Nana Daiba, alias "Banana!"
Karen:Bingo! Also, wow, I love the idea of a surprise dinner!
Karen:Back at Christmas, Hikari-chan saw the Mr. White cake Banana made and absolutely adored it.
Karen:I'd love to be able to make her something tasty like that.
Ichie:Mmm, but it turns out dinner's just the start. We're also gonna... *whisper whisper*
Karen:Whaaat!? AWESOME! Seriously!? See I was thinking of... *whisper whisper*
Ichie:Wow☆ Love that idea! Hikari-chan's gonna go nuts for it!
Karen:You think? I hope so! Aww, why can't it be White Day already!?
Fumi:(Okay, napa cabbage, potatoes, white cap mushrooms, onions... Now I just need some mixed seafood.)
Nana:Fumi-chan ♪
Fumi:Hm? Oh... Daiba-san.
Nana:I thought that was you ♪ Out getting stuff for dinner?
Fumi:Not today. This is all... Hmm, how to describe it? It's for a cooking workshop. For White Day.
Nana:A cooking workshop?
Fumi:Ichie and I decided to cook a dinner as a Valentine's Day thank-you, but...
Fumi:She's got zero cooking experience. So I'm teaching her from square one.
Nana:Ahh, fun ♪ So, what's on your White Day menu?
Fumi:A bit of a spin on white stew.
Nana:A White Day stew, huh? Sounds like it'd warm you up, body and soul. How wonderful ♪
Fumi:Er, thanks.
Nana:We're actually trying to figure out what to do about White Day, too...
Karen:Ah, there she is. Heyyy, Banana!
Karen:Oh, and Fumi-chan too! Hello!
Fumi:Y-Yes, hellow, Aijo-san.
Ichie:Aww, are you blushing, Fumi-chan?
Fumi:Wha-- NO, I am not!
Fumi:(I'm just...not used to being called "Fumi-chan." It's throwing me off a bit.)
Karen & Nana:
Hm?
Fumi:A-Anyway! If you two are having trouble deciding what to do, maybe consider throwing a dinner as an option?
Karen:Oh wow, you guys were talking about that, too! I think a White Day Dinner sounds awesome!
Nana:Seconded ♪ But if we cooked in our kitchen, it wouldn't be a surprise for very long.
Ichie:Oh, right. The two of you are in the dorms. Why don't you just come cook at Fumi's place? Problem solved!
Fumi:You're not even going to ask!?
Ichie:We're already cooking there, plus this way we help them out. It's two birds with one stone☆ Hmm, it might be tough getting the food from there to Seisho, though.
Fumi:Well... If it's stew, you could just freeze it for easy transport. And that way the smell wouldn't tip anyone off, either.
Ichie:Whoa, LIFE HACK! That settles it, then!
Ichie:You might not guess it, but Fumi here's got her own place.
Karen:Whoaaa, you live alone!? That's so grown up! I wanna see!
Nana:Dinner is a great idea, and if we could borrow your kitchen that solves our problems. Are you sure it's no bother?
Fumi:Huh? I wouldn't call it a bother, no...
Fumi:(Ugh, now they'll think it IS and I'm just being polite. I didn't mean for it to come out like that at all...)
Ichie:You're a pro at cooking, right, Nana-chan?
Karen:She so is! Banan's our mom!
Nana:I'm hardly a pro, but I do enjoy cooking and baking ♪
Karen:She says that, but everything she makes tastes amazing!
Fumi:W-Well, then! You're a welcome addition. Maybe you can help teach Ichie?
Ichie:Ooh, yeah! Fumi's a rabid drill sergeant, so please be gentle with me☆
Fumi:HEY! I've been every bit as gentle as I've been thorough!
Fumi:Whatever. So we'll practice at my place until White Day, and if you bring the frozen stew back to Seisho on the 13th, you should be able to keep it a surprise, yes?
Nana:Yes, that sounds perfect! Thank you, Fumi-chan ♪
Fumi:Y-You don't need to thank me.
Ichie:Now that that's settled, let's head back to Fumi's place to get cooking☆
Karen:Yeah! Let's get cooking☆
Nana:Karen-chan, Ichie-chan, Fumi-chan and me are all set to start this secret cooking workshop ♪
Fumi:What are you photographing, Daiba-san?
Ichie:Ooh, we're taking pictures? Peace, peace!
Karen:Make sure to make me look cute, Banana! Peace ♪ Ooh, I can take one with you next!
Nana:Heh, thank you ♪ All three of you look great. Fumi-chan, let's see just a BIT more of a smile!
Fumi:L-Like this?
Nana:Perfect! Okay, three, two... Aaand, Bana-nice ♪
Secret Cooking Base: the Ponzu Stew Saga
Ichie:I'm hooome☆
Fumi:This isn't your house, Ichie! Honestly...
Fumi:Well, come on in. Sorry it's nothing fancy.
Nana:Thanks for having us ♪
Karen:Whoa, awesome! You really do have the place all to yourself!
Fumi:It's hardly anything to be amazed by...
Nana:I disagree. One look around is enough to show how fastidious you are. It's a lovely home.
Fumi:L-Let's just get to cooking already.
Ichie:Pro tip: when Fumi acts like this, it means she's reeeally happy ♪
Fumi:Quiet, you!
Ichie:Eeek! Fumi's angry☆
Nana:Haha, Fumi-chan and Ichie-chan are so close.
Karen:Right? They're in perfect sync!
Fumi:Starting today, we'll rehearse the White Day dinner so the real thing goes off without a hitch.
Fumi:I don't just mean cooking, either. That includes the plating and table decorations, too.
Karen:Ooh, hardcore! You're going all-out for this dinner!
Ichie:Wait, aren't we making stew? Is there a special way to plate stew?
Nana:If you pour the roux first, then add the goodies after, it looks nicer.
Karen & Ichie:
Huh!
Fumi:Having you here saves me so much explaining, Daiba-san. Now, let's begin.
Ichie:You can leave the chopping to me. I'll show off the skills I learned at sleepover knife camp!
Fumi:And when chopping, you remember to...?
Ichie:Curl my fingers like a kitty paw!
Nana:Haha ♪ Then I'll unveil the Banana school of potato peeling!
Karen:You got this, Banana!
Fumi:And with a knife, not a peeler. I suppose I should expect as much from Seisho's finest chef.
Ichie:Ooh, you're amazing, Nana-chan! The peel's just sliding right off it!
Fumi:And she's removed all the eyes, too. Impressive.
Nana:Mahiru-chan grew up on a farm in Hokkaido. They send a bunch of potatoes every year.
Nana:I suppose somewhere along the way I learned to peel them ♪
Karen:*sniffle*...*sob*... We call them Mahiru spuds, and... *sob* And we'd all eat them...together...
Ichie:Oh no, Karen-chan! What's wrong!?
Fumi:That onion's hit her eyes.
Karen:If I knew I'd be cutting onions, I'd have brought my goggles!
Nana:I ask Karen-chan to help me cook sometimes, and whenever she chops onions she wears a full-face snorkel mask.
Karen:That makes it... *sniff* ...not sting your eyes... *sob* ...at all. It's great!
Ichie:Goggles! That's genius.
Fumi:Let's keep going. Next, we brown the meat and chopped vegetables.
Nana:You're so good at that, Fumi-chan ♪
Fumi:It's just sautéing some vegetables. There's not much room for skill.
Nana:That's not true. If you burned them, it would muddy up the stew.
Ichie:Fumi's always modest, except when it comes to the stage.
Karen:Not about her acting, though?
Ichie:She's SUPER confident about that! And when she teaches us stuff she goes super drill sergeant ♪
Ichie:Huh? ...Wait, whaaat?
Nana:Something wrong, Ichie-chan?
Ichie:Um... Fumi, we have a problem. We forgot to buy roux!
Fumi:We didn't forget, we just didn't buy any. The recipe we're using doesn't call for it.
Karen:Whaaat!? You can make stew without those little square guys?!
Ichie:Are you pranking us? Is this a high-tier, Fumi-style prank?
Nana:Haha... All we need is a bit of flour and butter to thicken the stew. Right?
Fumi:Yeah.
Karen:Flour...?
Ichie:And butter...?
Nana:Did you decide to make the stew from scratch because it's for a special occasion, Fumi-chan?
Fumi:No, I never use store-bought roux. I'll tell you why later...when it comes time to add the secret ingredient.
Ichie:Oooh☆ It really did thicken up into stew! Even without the little square guys!
Karen:Awesome! You're like a magician, Fumi-chan!
Fumi:Thank you for the compliment... That's what I should say here, right?
Nana:Heh heh... All we should need to do now is simmer until done. It is time for the secret ingredient yet?
Fumi:Yes, we're ready for the final touch.
Ichie:Fumi, don't tell me...
Fumi:That's right. Ponzu!
Karen & Nana:
Ponzu?
Ichie:No way! Even a total cooking noob like me knows that stew and ponzu don't mix!
Fumi:Now, now. Just watch and see. I'll prove that ponzu is the ultimate seasoning!
Fumi:There, it's done. Everyone ready to taste test?
Karen:Student Number 1, Karen Aijo, ready to go! *nom*
Karen:...Hmmm!? It's so good! I don't think I've ever tasted this before. It's kinda...Japanese-y!
Ichie:Ooh, you're right. And the finish is really refreshing, so I feel like I could eat a ton of this. Refill, please!
Nana:Ahh, so you avoid store-bought roux to keep the flavor profile compatible with the ponzu.
Fumi:Precisely.
Fumi:It's a stew engineered to draw out ponzu's balance of crisp citrus with the umami of soy and the body of vinegar.
Fumi:It's the hidden jewel of the Yumeoji household--ponzu stew!
Nana:It's delightful ♪ That settles it. We'll have ponzu stew for White Day.
Karen:Yeah! I bet Hikari-chan will love it, too. Thanks, Fumi-chan!
Tamao's Heart
Sunday
Tamao:Girls, I'm going to clean up the living room, so can you all... Hm?
Tamao:(That's odd. No one's here, on a Sunday? Normally Ichie or Yuyuko-chan would be here relaxing.)
Tamao:Oh, but Yuyuko-chan is heading back home today. She may be in her room getting ready.
Tamao:And Ichie's probably off running around who-knows-where.
Tamao:(Still, it feels like everyone's going out more lately...)
Tamao:Probably just a coincidence. If no one else is here, I'm free to knuckle down and get cleaning.
Tamao:(Normally, I have to ask Yuyuko-chan to move, and I have Ichie's chatting to distract me...)
Tamao:(But today I've finished cleaning already.)
Tamao:(I suppose I could do some solo practice with the rest of my day, but maybe I'll go out shopping for a change.)
Tamao:(We've all been traning so hard lately. The other girls are probably out blowing off steam too.)
Tamao:(Yuyuko-chan is leaving the dorm this evening, so I want to be back by then.)
Clerk:
Thank you very much!
Tamao:(These flower seeds should bloom for summer. I can't wait fo them to sprout.)
????:
C'mon, Fumi! Hurry up☆
Tamao:(Huh? That sounded like Ichie.)
Fumi:There's no need to rush. We're still ten minutes early.
Ichie:But I'm eager to get practicing!
Tamao:(I knew it. Guess she went out with Fumi. I'm done my shopping, maybe I'll join up with... Hmm?)
Karen:Ichie-chaaan! Fumi-chaaan!
Nana:Sorry, did you wait long?
Ichie:Nope! We just got here, too!
Fumi:Shall we, then? Let's get some good practice in today!
Tamao:(Why did I hide...? That was silly of me.)
Tamao:(But that was Aijo-san and Daiba-san, wasn't it?)
Tamao:(They mentioned practice. Are the four of them doing extra lessons together?)
Tamao:(Ichie and Fumi haven't mentioned anything like that, though.)
Tamao:(It must have just slipped their mind. ...Right?)
Tamao:(I can ask them later. For now, maybe I'll head home and get these seeds planted.)
Tamao:(...If Rui-chan's home, I'd like to do that with her.)
Tamao:(Okay! Now when the weather gets warm, we'll have a flowerbed full of summer color. It'll be lovely!)
Tamao:............
Tamao:(What's this feeling, though?)
Tamao:(Loneliness, maybe? At being left out?)
Tamao:(But I think practicing with girls from another school will do them good. I don't want to but in on that.)
Tamao:(Jus,t they seemed like they were having so much fun. Seeing the four of them... It stung a bit.)
Tamao:(Ugh, but this self-pity is making me feel pathetic...)
Tamao:No. This is an important time. I can't be thinking like that.
Tamao:I need to get it together. If it's bothering me, I should just ask them directly.
Tamao:(Maybe I will do some training today.)
Tamao:(For everyone's sake, and for Rinmeikan... And for me. I need to get better!)
Rui:Ah! T-Tamao-senpai!
Tamao:Oh, hi, Rui-chan.
Tamao:I was thinking of doing some training. Care to join me?
Tamao:I think Yuyuko-chan is stil getting ready, and Fumi's out with Ichie, so it'd just be the two of us.
Rui:Training with just you and me, Tamao-senpai!? I'd love to!
Tamao:Wonderful. Then let's--
Rui:Um! B-Before that...
Rui:There's... There's something I need to tell you!
Tamao:Is something wrong?
Rui:This is something I'd thought to keep locked up inside, but as the 14th approaches, these feelings keep growing...
Rui:O-Oh! But just because its' the 14th, that doesn't mean it's, um, got to do with White Day or anything!
Tamao:Breathe, Rui-chan.
Rui:R-Right. Well... You see, I...
Rui:...I'm sorry, Tamao-senpai. I don't...
Rui:It's nothing. I'm sorry to bother yooou!
Tamao:Oh!
Tamao:(Whatever it was, it must really be bothering her. I wonder if it has something to do with how busy she's been lately.)
Yuyuko:Oh, Tamao-senpai. i'm about ready to head home here.
Tamao:Hi, Yuyuko-chan. Is it that time already?
Yuyuko:Just about. Also, Rui just sprinted by at the speed of sound. Is everything all right?
Tamao:Good question. i'd like to know myself...
Tamao:It seemed like she had something to tell me. ...Do you have any ideas, Yuyuko-chan?
Yuyuko:Oh right, she was mumbling something before, eyes glazed over and staring at the celiing. About the birds watching.
Tamao:Birds?
Tamao:I want to help her if I can. But how do I bring it up with her?
Yuyuko:Er, yeaaah... I think maybe she just needs some time right now.
Tamao:R-Right...
Tamao:(I can't even help my kohai when she needs me.)
Yuyuko:Tamao-senpai?
Tamao:Oh, sorry. It's nothing. I don't mean to keep you here.
Yuyuko:No sweat. Um, I'll be going, then.
Tamao:Okay. Once you know when you're getting back the day after tomorrow, let me know. I'll have a tasty meal waiting for you.
Yuyuko:I'll be looking forward to it. Till then...
Tamao:Have a safe trip, Yuyuko-chan.
Tamao:............
Tamao:(Now to get started with practice!)
Tamao:(I'm through feeling helpless. Time to get stronger!)
Five Lights Shine Together
March 14th
Tamao:(We were all in perfect sync in practice today. I need to keep this up tomorrow and the day after!)
Tamao:(But the others all got changed and left already. They said they had plans... I wonder what they're all doing.)
Tamao:(...I should really just ask them. It's silly to keep feeling left out and lonely like this.)
Tamao:(Okay. I'll ask them at dinner tonight. If it's bothering you, you just gotta ask, Tamao!)
Tamao:(Huh? The living room lights are off. Is nobody home yet? Where's that switch...?)
Ichie, Rui, Fumi, & Yuyuko:
HAPPY WHITE DAY!
Tamao:Huh?
Ichie:Welcome home, Tamao☆
Fumi:Took you a while. Did you take a detour along the way?
Rui:Come over here, Tamao-senpai!
Yuyuko:VIP seating is right this way!
Tamao:Girls...? Um?
Fumi:It's a White Day surprise dinner. Go ahead and have a seat.
Ichie:Fumi and I made dinner, and Rui and Yuyuko made dessert! For the occasion, we made it all as white as possible!
Fumi:The Valentine's Day chocolates you gave us were so tasty, we all wanted to do something to thank you.
Ichie:Look! Look! Me and Fumi made it!
Tamao:Ooh, this stew looks wonderful!
Fumi:Go on, Tamao. Have a taste.
Tamao:A-All right... Down the hatch.
Ichie & Fumi:
............
Tamao:...Mmm! It's delicious.
Ichie:Yesss! Okay, Fumi, let's do the thing!
Fumi:What!? We're not saving that for the end?
Ichie:Seeing Tamao's smile's got me in a singing mood☆ C'mon, Rui, Yuyuko! Get ready!
Ichie:Okaaay☆
Tamao:Ichie, are those costumes...
Ichie:Yup! I borrowed them from a friend of mine from my idol days!
Fumi:When Ichie told me we were dressing up as angels to sing a White Day concert I said no way, but she wouldn't hear it.
Tamao:You too, Fumi? And Rui-chan and Yuyuko-chan are playing instruments?
Yuyuko:We're barely a half-notch above rank amateurs, so don't expect much.
Rui:We'll perform our hearts out for you, Tamao-senpai!
Ichie:Listen up, Tamao! I wrote this thank-you song, and we've been practicing it just for you!
Fumi:It's called "Five Lights Shine Together"! Music...START!
Tamao:You wrote that song...for me?
Fumi:Tamao, are you crying?
Tamao:Sorry, I'm just so happy, and... And relieved.
Rui:Relieved? What do you mean?
Ichie:Tamao, I'm so sorry! I had no idea you felt that way!
Tamao:No, no, it was just me getting into my own head. It's fine now.
Ichie:No, it's not! Listen here, you never need to think you're alone or pathetic!
Ichie:None of us would be here if it weren't for you, Tamao!
Tamao:Ah...
Rui:That's right! You're the heart of the Performance Department. It couldn't exist without you, Tamao-senpai!
Yuyuko:Hmm, I thought we made that clear, even if we never said as much.
Tamao:It's not that I doubted you. It was my own wekaness that let that feeling of distance creep between us.
Fumi:And now that you've seen how silly that is, you feel relieved? Honestly...
Tamao:Urk...
Fumi:I knew you were a pushover and a worrywart who's kind to a fault. Caring for others at your own expense is your worst trait.
Fumi:But you're also the strongest woman in the Rinmeikan Girls School Performance Department.
Tamao:Huh?
Fumi:Remember when you all came to recruit me?
Fumi:I'm in the General Education Department. I'm no longer interested in acting or rehearsals.
Fumi:Get it? Now leave me alone.
Ichie:You won't have to be in the play, or even practice with us! Just come and watch us rehearse. Only once is fine!
Ichie:Pleeease!
Fumi:I don't get what you expect from me.
Rui:Please do it for us!
Yuyuko:Ichie-san is doing her best to ask for your help. Take pity on her, if you have a heart.
Yuyuko:Hmmm, did I really say that? I might have said that.
Ichie:You definitely said that. I was really glad for the backup, Yuyuko☆
Rui:That takes me back. It was so long ago, but I remember it all so clearly.
Fumi:I was completely baffled by the whole thing. You seemed like the most sensible of the lot, Tamao, but then...
Fumi:Can you please tell them to stop bothering me!?
Tamao:I would also like to ask for your help.
Fumi:I was floored. I could feel the iron will behind your words.
Tamao:An iron will...
Fumi:That was why I agreed to go watch you rehearse.
Fumi:In the end, that turned into me going on stage with you. Thinking back on it now, it was that will of yours that pushed me along the whole way.
Fumi:If anyone has any doubts about your determination, just let them talk.
Fumi:It's the strength of your will and your convictions that saw me return as a Stage Girl.
Fumi:Without you, I'd still be in Gen Ed.
Rui:Same for me! If I hadn't seen your acting, I don't think I'd be here right now.
Rui:You were so nice, even to someone as shy as me... You changed my life, Tamao-senpai!
Yuyuko:I'm sure I'd have taken off for someone else if you weren't a worrywart who's kind to a fault, Tamao-senpai.
Tamao:...Thank you.
Ichie:Hear that? You're the one tying us all together here. So I need you to beileve in all of us, and that includes you☆
Tamao:...You're right, Ichie. I want us all to support each other. I want you guys' support!
Tamao:I lose my way sometimes, and I lose my confidence. Will you guys stick with me anyway?
Rui:Forever! For! Ever!
Ichie:If Rui's gonna say it twice, I'll say it three times! I'm with you, with you, with yooou☆
Yuyuko:We're gonna have a blast!
Fumi:I want to dream together with you all.
Tamao:Yeah... I do too. Thank you all so much.
Tamao:I'll believe in myself more. Let's do it, you guys. Let's push forward together.