Rinmeikan Girls School/School Story

Tamao:

Hmm... Cutting it close again today.

Ichie:

Good morning, Tamao!

Tamao:

Morning, Ichie.

Tamao:

Rui-chan and Yuyuko-chan aren't with you?

Tamao:

Don't tell me they're still in bed.

Ichie:

Rui got up, but Yuyuko was still asleep.

Tamao:

I knew it... Are they going to be okay?

Ichie:

Rui said she'd wake Yuyuko up, but Yuyuko just isn't a morning person.

Tamao:

I better check on them. You go ahead, Ichie.

Ichie:

Huh? I'm coming with you!

Ichie:

Even if we can't get Yuyuko out of bed, at least we'll all be late together!

Tamao:

There you go again...

Ichie:

I'm kidding! Anyway, let's go—

Ichie:

Ah, there they are!

Rui:

Tamao-senpai! Ichie-senpai! Sorry we're late!

Rui:

I can't bear to think of you being late because of us!

Tamao:

Morning, Rui-chan. Don't worry, we can still make it on time.

Ichie:

Yeah, based on my extensive experience, we can afford to goof off for three more minutes.

Tamao:

So you say, but last time I trusted you we were almost late.

Ichie:

Really? Maybe I made a miscalculation.

Yuyuko:

*yawn* Good morning...

Tamao:

Morning, Yuyuko-chan. Oh, your ribbon's twisted.

Yuyuko:

Ah... Thanks...

Yuyuko:

I was only half-awake when getting dressed, so I didn't notice.

Tamao:

Heh. Typical Yuyuko-chan.

Rui:

Ngh... I'm so jealous...

Tamao:

Something wrong, Rui-chan?

Rui:

N-No, it's nothing!

Rui:

More importantly, you should apologize too, Yukko!

Yuyuko:

You're so conscientious, Rui. It's human nature to be sleepy on a glorious day like this.

Ichie:

I totally agree! Can't stop yawning on warm, sunny days.

Yuyuko:

I know, right? You so get me, Ichie-san.

Rui:

You're enabling her, Ichie-senpai! That's why she always oversleeps!

Yuyuko:

You know, it's not that I overslept. I just fell asleep a second time.

Rui:

The result's the same!

Tamao:

That's enough, girls. We've got to go now.

Rui:

Oh! I...I'm sorry, Tamao-senpai.

Ichie:

Don 't sweat it! According to my calculations, we've got five more minutes before we have to hurry.

Tamao:

How come it's five minutes now when it was three before?

Yuyuko:

Huff... I can't do this... Ichie-san, where were you getting those numbers from?

Yuyuko:

Huff... Huff... We don't have any extra time at all!

Ichie:

Whew... Huff...

Tamao:

We... We may still make it... Don't give up!

Rui:

We made it!

Ichie:

What a relief!

Ichie:

Huh? Why is there a crowd outside?

Yuyuko:

Maybe a kawaraban seller's here with woodblock newspapers.

Tamao:

Yuyuko-chan, our school may be old but this is the twenty-first century.

Tamao:

They're looking at the information board. What's on it?

Ichie:

Excuse me! Let me through! Yuyuko, you come, too!

Yuyuko:

Wha? Who, me?

Ichie:

Let's see what it says...

Ichie:

...Huh?

Yuyuko:

I thought I was just sleepy, but it looks like I'm still asleep and this is all a dream.

Ichie:

Oh, that's it! I'm dreaming, too!

Yuyuko:

...You're not, Ichie-san. We've got to face reality.

Ichie:

What!? It was your idea, Yuyuko!

Tamao:

Ichie? Yuyuko-chan? What was on the board?

Ichie:

Tamao... It... It's about the Performance Department.

Tamao:

Yes? What about it?

Ichie:

It's going to be shut down...

Tamao:

You're joking, right?

Yuyuko:

That's why I thought I must be dreaming this...

Yuyuko:

But it's there, "Rinmeikan Girls School Performance Department Closure Notice."

Rui:

Huh!?

Rui:

Yuyuko! What does it mean?

Tamao:

The Performance Department will be closed...

Tamao:

I can't believe it! They can't just close our Performance Department!

Tamao:

*sigh*

Ichie:

Cheer up, Tamao! Come on, turn that frown upside down!

Tamao:

Ichie... How can I smile at a time like this?

Yuyuko:

The school assembly this morning was about the closure of our department after all.

Yuyuko:

I knew that it wasn't really popular any more, but still... I guess all good things come to an end.

Ichie:

Whaaat? The Performance Department wasn't popular!?

Rui:

The number of students is much smaller than it used to be...

Ichie:

But how can they close it when there are still students in the department!?

Yuyuko:

Speaking of which, what happens to us? Do we have to move to another department?

Ichie:

But which one?

Yuyuko:

Maybe we'll each have to pick where to transfer. Generally, we'd go to General Education, maybe?

Ichie:

Generally...to General Education?

Yuyuko:

Ichie-san, don't repeat it like it's something hilarious.

Ichie:

Then what about our dorm? Does it get closed, too?

Rui:

What!? That'd be awful!

Rui:

My days with Tamao-senpai will be over with the dorm gone...

Rui:

And if the department shuts down, I won't get to see her at all!

Yuyuko:

Rui, chill.

Tamao:

But really, how can they do this out of the blue?

Rui:

Well, our department hasn't taken part in the Performance Festival in the last few years...

Ichie:

Performance Festival? Ah, the one where different drama schools put on shows together?

Rui:

Yes. Rinmeikan used to be a regular at the Performance Festival, but we haven't been invited to participate in years.

Tamao:

Lately Siegfeld Institute of Music has become the new regular, after Seisho Music Academy.

Ichie:

Oh yeah, I heard about them! That's the super elite school, right? Where they're all fiercely competitive and the classes are crazy hard. I saw it on TV.

Rui:

Yes... But despite that reputation, lots of students have been applying there.

Rui:

They're on par with Seisho now.

Tamao:

Many girls decide to apply there because of their record at the Performance Festival.

Yuyuko:

*sigh* Compared to them, we've got... Well...

Ichie:

Tamao! Isn't there any way we can save our department?

Tamao:

I don't know if there's anything we students can do...

Yuyuko:

Yeah... Tamao-senpai, it was only a short while, but it's been nice knowing you.

Tamao:

Yuyuko-chan! Is this... Is this the end...?

Rui:

No, hold up! Don't take what she says seriously!

Rui:

It's just a joke. Yukko, you dummy! This isn't the right time for this!

Yuyuko:

I couldn't help myself... The doom and gloom was too much for me to bear. I'm sorry.

Tamao:

It's all right. I'm sorry I didn't realize you were joking.

Ichie:

It just stinks, though! I joined this department because I love theater.

Ichie:

I don't want to transfer to some generic department!

Rui:

I don't want to, either.

Yuyuko:

Not like I want to. But if the decision's been made, there's nothing we can do.

Tamao:

That's true... But still...

Tamao:

I can't give up so easily. Isn't there something we can do... ?

:

Hmm...

Ichie:

Tamao, are we all going to go our separate ways when the department closes?

Tamao:

We're all Rinmeikan students, so we'll still see each other.

Tamao:

As for performing together, though...

Yuyuko:

We won't share the stage again.

Rui:

Oh, no...

Yuyuko:

Hey, even without the department, we can start a performance club or something.

Yuyuko:

It won't be the same as before, though.

Ichie:

Ugh, I hate this!

Ichie:

What am I going do when the department shuts down!?

Tamao:

Calm down, Ichie.

Ichie:

I can't calm down!

Rui:

I'm also very unhappy with this situation.

Yuyuko:

Hmm... Is there really nothing we can do?

Yuyuko:

How about we boycott the school until they change their decision?

Rui:

You just don't want to get up in the morning!

Yuyuko:

Oops, you saw right through me.

Rui:

Can't you be serious this one time? Tamao-senpai is so worried about this.

Yuyuko:

You're so loyal to her, huh, Rui?

Ichie:

How about a petition? We could all gather signatures!

Yuyuko:

Give it up. That's a desperate attempt, and who knows if it would work? I'd rather—

Ichie:

Sometimes you have to get desperate!

Tamao:

Yuyuko-chan, were you were saying something else?

Yuyuko:

Yeah, instead of clinging to an unrealistic hope...

Yuyuko:

I'd rather spend the time we have left having fun.

Yuyuko:

We don't have that much longer, so instead of going around with a petition, wouldn't it be better to put on a play?

Yuyuko:

Besides, I don't want to nag people to sign things.

Rui:

It's... It's not that I totally agree with Yukko, but maybe we could try to participate in the Performance Festival?

Rui:

I've never been on a big stage like that... So I thought it'd be nice to perform on one with Tamao-senpai, just once...

Ichie:

That's it, Rui! Remember what I said?

Ichie:

Things started going well for Siegfeld when they appeared at the Performance Festival!

Yuyuko:

Oh yeah, they got lots of new applicants after that, was it?

Ichie:

Right! So if we perform at the festival, hordes of people will apply to our department and it won't be closed! We'll all live happily ever after!

Yuyuko:

...You're so clever, Ichie-san. That's impeccable logic.

Ichie:

Right? Go ahead, you can praise me some more!

Rui:

Yukko, don't tell me you're just making fun of— No, don't answer that.

Tamao:

Rui-chan... Everyone... I want to try for the Performance Festival, too.

Ichie:

Good call, Tamao!

Rui:

I'm so happy, Tamao-senpai! Let's do this!

Ichie:

We'll show everyone in Japan what Rinmeikan's Performance Department can do!

Tamao:

Yes, let's do our absolute best.

Yuyuko:

You're really going to roll with this idea? Meh, I guess I'll play along, since we're a team and all that.

Yuyuko:

But I don't intend to work too hard.

Ichie:

What's your problem? You're the one who said putting on a show's better than doing a petition!

Ichie:

...Oh no, look at the time! I've got day duty today! Gotta go!

Yuyuko:

See ya!

Yuyuko:

By the way, I didn't want to say this in front of Ichie-san...

Yuyuko:

But are you serious about this? You really think participating in the festival can save our department?

Tamao:

Well... I hope it will. But besides that...

Rui:

..........?

Tamao:

It would give us a reason to rehearse together, and appear on stage together at the Performance Festival.

Tamao:

I think it would make for some wonderful memories of being part of Rinmeikan Girls School's Performance Department.

Yuyuko:

Okay. I get it then.

Rui:

You're so thoughtful, Tamao-senpai.

Rui:

I'll do everything I can so we can all make it to the Performance Festival!

Tamao:

Heh, thank you, Rui-chan. All right, girls. Class is starting soon.

Rui:

Okay, Tamao-senpai. See you later!

Rui:

Rinmeikan hasn't been part of the Performance Festival for the last few years, right?

Rui:

What do we need to do to take part?

Tamao:

The participants are selected by the festival committee.

Ichie:

A committee?

Tamao:

Yes. I had some time, so I looked into the selection criteria they used in the past.

Ichie:

Huh? When? We've been in class the whole time.

Tamao:

...During lecture. Just a little.

Ichie:

Whaaat!? You, the most serious student ever!?

Tamao:

I... I read up on the lesson in advance!

Tamao:

But, um, please don't do what I did, okay?

Tamao:

Anyway, let's get back to the selection process for the Performance Festival...

Tamao:

There's the school show in the fall, right? This year, the festival committee will be invited to that and they'll judge our performances.

Rui:

The fall school show? We don't have much time!

Ichie:

In that case, can we start practicing for it today, after classes?

Rui:

I-I'm up for it! You'll join us too, right, Yuyuko?

Yuyuko:

Well, I was planning to spend the time on rakugo storytelling, but I I have to...

Tamao:

Thanks, Yuyuko-chan!

Ichie:

Okay, I'll catch you guys later. See you after classes!

Ichie:

Get a move on, Tamao! Performance Festival, here we come!

Tamao:

No running in the corridors, Ichie!

Fumi:

.....

Ichie:

Huh?

Tamao:

Whoa, don't stop all of a sudden.

Ichie:

Tamao, did you see that girl? She was staring at us.

Tamao:

Probably because you were running and making lots of noise.

Ichie:

No, I don't think that was it... Oh, well. Anyway, let's go to the rehearsal room!

Fumi:

The Performance Festival, huh?

Tamao:

Whew!

Tamao:

That's enough voice training for today, everyone.

Ichie:

All right! It's so good to have a goal to pursue. I feel so much more motivated!

Rui:

Yes! And I get to be around Tamao-senpai more!

Yuyuko:

You're bursting at the seams with love for your Tamao-senpai today, huh?

Rui:

Wha-- It's not just "love"!

Rui:

You see, Tamao-senpai has been training to become a star performer ever since she was little.

Rui:

Even Hanayagi-sensei, the special guest instructor for traditional Japanese dance, showered her with praise!

Rui:

And being able to watch our amazing Tamao-senpai up close is just...incredible!

Rui:

I thank the gods of the stage for granting me this rare opportunity!

Tamao:

Rui-chan... Please stop, this is getting embarrassing!

Ichie:

Wait a minute, wasn't that a lesson just for second-year students when Hanayagi-sensei complimented Tamao?

Rui:

Don 't worry about the details! It was Tamao-senpai's moment of glory and I would never miss it!

Yuyuko:

Enough about that. What do we do next?

Tamao:

It's our first practice session, so why don't we do a script reading?

Rui:

I think Tamao-senpai's idea is great!

Yuyuko:

Look at Rui, so full of enthusiasm. Okay, let's do this, shall we?

Ichie:

Yeah! I'm loving this positive vibe! I'm all ready!

Tamao:

Oh, it's gotten so late...

Tamao:

Let's call it a day, everyone.

Yuyuko:

Cool beans. We practiced a lot, didn't we?

Yuyuko:

I'll sleep really well tonight thanks to that.

Ichie:

Don't you always sleep really well anyway?

Yuyuko:

Well, yeah...

Rui:

Good job, Tamao-senpai. Here, I brought you a towel.

Tamao:

Thanks. You've done well today too, Rui-chan.

Rui:

...Um, Tamao-senpai? Is something on your mind?

Tamao:

Yeah... We definitely had a good practice session...

Tamao:

But I wonder if this is going to be enough.

Yuyuko:

Yeah, if we keep doing what we always do, we're not going to get chosen for the Performance Festival.

Ichie:

Which means...we need to come up with a different way to practice?

Tamao:

Yes, but I don't know what we should do...

Yuyuko:

It's late, so let's just go home for now. Maybe some good ideas will come to us tomorrow.

Tamao:

Yes, let's do that. Good work, everyone!

Tamao:

Okay, let's wrap up morning practice.

Yuyuko:

*yaaawn* Good work, everyone.

Rui:

Thank you as always, Tamao-senpai!

Tamao:

Good job, Yuyuko-chan, Rui-chan...

Tamao:

*sigh*

Ichie:

Tamao, I'm not sure we'll be good enough at the school show at this rate.

Tamao:

I know, I'm trying to think of what we can do...

Rui:

Sorry, do you have a moment?

Tamao:

What's up, Rui-chan?

Rui:

So I... I'm not sure whether I should be bringing this up...

Rui:

Did you hear about the transfer student from Siegfeld Institute of Music?

Tamao:

From Siegfeld? No, I didn't. Someone transferred from there?

Rui:

Yes... I heard some second-year students talking about it a while ago.

Rui:

And this girl used to be in the Acting Department there.

Ichie:

Really? Let's find her and say hi!

Ichie:

She came from Siegfeld, right? Maybe she knows some great practice methods!

Rui:

Yes... But do you think it's okay, Tamao-senpai?

Rui:

Bringing in someone new to help us now...

Tamao:

I'd definitely like to meet her. We can't afford to be picky about our options right now.

Rui:

I... I see. That's good, then...

Yuyuko:

But was there anyone like that in the Performance Department? We would've noticed a transfer student...

Tamao:

Yes, that's true. Rui-chan, do you know her name?

Rui:

Yes. She's called Fumi Yumeoji.

Ichie:

Fumi Yumeoji, huh? Never heard of her.

Rui:

Well, actually, that's because Yumeoji-senpai is in the General Education Department.

Tamao:

Huh? She transferred into the General Education Department?

Rui:

It seems so. I don't really know why.

Yuyuko:

General education, huh? Then it's no wonder we haven't heard of her.

Ichie:

Okay, let's go!

Rui:

Go? Go where?

Ichie:

To see Fumi, of course! We know where she is, right?

Tamao:

Ichie, not so fast...

Ichie:

Early bird gets the worm! Come on, let's all go together!

Fumi:

No.

Ichie:

Don't be like that!

Ichie:

Pretty please! Please, please, please!

Fumi:

You're being a pest...

Fumi:

You turn up all of a sudden and want me to practice for a play with you?

Fumi:

I should have a say in this, right?

Tamao:

I'm sorry, but we're desperate for your help.

Fumi:

How do you know I can help you?

Ichie:

Because you're from Siegfeld!

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.

Fumi:

Can you please tell them to stop bothering me!?

Tamao:

I would also like to ask for your help.

Fumi:

What's going on with the Performance Department here? Great, now everybody else is staring.

Fumi:

All right. I'll come and watch you practice. That's it.

Ichie:

Yay! Woohoo! Thanks, Yumeoji-san!

Fumi:

Get off me! Don't get so clingy!

Fumi:

Well... I think it's looking good.

Ichie:

Really? So maybe we'll be okay if we keep doing what we've been doing!

Fumi:

Oh, but do that part again. You weren't moving in rhythm.

Ichie:

Huh!?

Rui:

Whew, we're getting into sync, Yukko!

Yuyuko:

Yeah, it's all starting to come together.

Fumi:

Hmm... It was pretty good, but...

Rui:

But?

Fumi:

You both looked unsteady when doing the pique turns.

Fumi:

So try it one more time.

Yuyuko:

I think we've done enough for now...

Fumi:

What's that?

Rui:

Nothing! We didn't say anything...

Fumi:

Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!

Fumi:

That won't do!

Yuyuko:

Gwah... This is like boot camp...

Rui:

Huff... Huff... I never thought she would be this intense...

Fumi:

What have you been doing all this time? Have you ever actually practiced!?

Ichie:

Huh? We've been in the Performance Department the whole time...

Fumi:

I'll give you 30 seconds to catch your breath. Then you're starting again, from the beginning!

Ichie:

Waaah... Tamao!

Yuyuko:

That was brutal...

Tamao:

Yumeoji-san, thank you for agreeing to our request and helping us with practice today.

Tamao:

It was really illuminating.

Fumi:

Call me Fumi. And no need to thank me. I enjoyed it.

Tamao:

Really?

Tamao:

In that case... Would you help us again tomorrow?

Yuyuko:

Ugh, no thanks to boot camp!

Rui:

Yukko, stop it!

Fumi:

I need some time to think about it...

Ichie:

Come on, we're buddies now, Fumi!

Fumi:

We're not, and don't call me by my first name!

Ichie:

What, why? You told Tamao it was okay!

Fumi:

She's allowed to, not you!

Fumi:

I can't promise I'll do this every day, but I'll come if I feel like it.

Tamao:

Thanks, Fumi!

Fumi:

But keep in mind I'll only be watching you practice. And if I get tired of it, I'll stop coming. Is that okay?

Tamao:

Yes, of course!

Yuyuko:

*yawn* Ugh, the morning sun is blindingly bright.

Yuyuko:

And I'm sore all over... This never happened after our usual practice.

Yuyuko:

Is this what my life's going to be like from now on?

Fumi:

Sorry, I've got to go to my part-time job today.

Fumi:

I wrote up a training program, though, so do this today.

Ichie:

It's... It's so long...

Tamao:

Coming up with this much must have been a lot of work.

Tamao:

And then putting it all together into a practice program... I really appreciate it!

Fumi:

No need to make a big deal out of it. I just had nothing else to do during free study time.

Fumi:

I've got to get going. ...Good luck.

Ichie:

See you tommorrow!

Rui:

But there's so much... Can we get all of it done today?

Yuyuko:

There's no way. Let's give up.

Tamao:

Don't say that. Fumi went to all this trouble to write this for us.

Ichie:

We'll be dog-tired afterwards, but we've absolutely got to do it!

Ichie:

All right, bring it on!

Yuyuko:

.......

The next day...

Yuyuko:

*yawn*

Yuyuko:

So tired...

Ichie:

Yuyuko! It's morning! Hi!

Tamao:

Morning, Yuyuko-chan. Huh? Where's your bag?

Yuyuko:

Oh... I don't have it... Must have left it in my dorm room.

Rui:

Yukko, hurry up and get it. We're losing precious morning practice time!

Yuyuko:

Yeah, sure... Will do.

Yuyuko:

*sigh*

Tamao:

Yuyuko-chan, are you okay? You don't seem well.

Ichie:

What? Are you sick, Yuyuko?

Yuyuko:

No, I'm fine. I'm doing amazing, so don't worry.

Tamao:

Well, if you say so.

Yuyuko:

I'll go and get my bag. Don't wait for me.

Yuyuko:

*yawn*

Fumi:

Tighten your core muscles and relax your neck. Yuyuko, you seem spaced out. Are you listening?

Rui:

Hey, Yukko, pull yourself together.

Yuyuko:

Huh? Were you talking to me?

Fumi:

If you don't want to do this, then there's no point.

Tamao:

Hold on, Fumi. She's just tired. Let's wrap up morning practice for today.

Ichie:

What? The school show's just around the corner and we should be practicing as much as we can!

Yuyuko:

Um, we're done here, right? I'll be going then.

Rui:

Wait, Yukko! They're not done talking yet!

Yuyuko:

Do they need me to stay here and listen or something?

Rui:

Yukko!

Tamao:

Don't get so worked up about this, Rui-chan.

Rui:

But she's being rude!

Yuyuko:

Well... I hate to be saying this, but I guess I should.

Yuyuko:

This is seriously too much.

Tamao:

Do you mean the practice? But the school show is so soon, and...

Yuyuko:

And we won't be ready in time?

Yuyuko:

I see how this is really bothering you guys, but it doesn't matter all that much to me.

Ichie:

Huh, what? What do you mean?

Yuyuko:

It's not like I joined the Performance Department because I love this school.

Yuyuko:

I chose this department because I thought it was kind of related to rakugo storytelling, which is my passion.

Yuyuko:

Sure, acting is fun.

Yuyuko:

And Tamao-senpai and Ichie-san have been good to me, so I figured I may as well take part in this if it helps them.

Yuyuko:

But now I have to undergo this ruthless training? Give me a break, really.

Yuyuko:

Besides, it will go smoother without me holding you back.

Yuyuko:

Just my boring thoughts on the subject, sorry.

Rui:

Ah! Yukko, wait!

Fumi:

What are you going to do?

Tamao:

We can't just leave her like this. Yuyuko-chan is our friend.

Tamao:

But I feel bad that I didn't notice we were forcing her to do something she didn't want to do.

Rui:

Yukko...

Yuyuko:

Looks like Tamao-senpai and the others have gone home.

Yuyuko:

I've got the rehearsal room all to myself. *yawn*

Yuyuko:

Feels much bigger when it's just me in here.

Yuyuko:

I haven't had time for this lately because of all the training, but finally...

Yuyuko:

I can practice my rakugo.

Tamao:

That was terrific, Yuyuko-chan. It's an old classic called "Reaper," isn't it?

Yuyuko:

Wh-When did you come in?

Tamao:

Right around the time you started. I heard your voice.

Tamao:

You were so good, I didn't want to interrupt you.

Tamao:

You're really talented at this.

Yuyuko:

I don't really do it in front of people, though.

Yuyuko:

But to be honest, I surprised myself.

Yuyuko:

My rakugo has gotten better. Better than before, at least.

Tamao:

Maybe that's partially thanks to the training with Fumi?

Yuyuko:

It's not easy to admit, but that's probably it.

Yuyuko:

I got better at projecting my voice and conveying emotion, and my stamina improved, too.

Yuyuko:

The way I speak has become somewhat theatrical, though, and that drives me nuts.

Tamao:

I think it works quite well, actually.

Tamao:

So, is the practice really so hard on you?

Yuyuko:

Sure is.

Tamao:

I see...

Yuyuko:

But if I get something out of it, maybe I can keep it up. You know how I have an aversion to hard work.

Yuyuko:

But if this is going to benefit both my acting and rakugo at the same time, that's not a bad deal.

Yuyuko:

Besides, it's not like I don't like you guys.

Tamao:

So will you come to practice tomorrow?

Yuyuko:

Just to be sure, let me think it through tonight. I don't think my answer will disappoint you.

The next day...

Ichie:

Yuyuko's not here today...

Tamao:

Don't worry, she's coming.

Fumi:

You sound very confident about that.

Tamao:

I'm sure she'll come. That's just my feeling, based on how she was yesterday.

Rui:

Yuyuko didn't show up, did she? Tamao-senpai, classes are starting soon. We should go...

Tamao:

I don't understand...

Yuyuko:

Morning... Sorry... *yawn* I overslept.

:

Yuyuko-chan!

Yuyuko:

Really sorry about everything I said yesterday. I'd like to keep practicing with you.

Yuyuko:

*yawn* Something wrong, Tamao-senpai? You look really tired.

Tamao:

Yuyuko-chan... I hate to say this, but you picked the worst possible day to oversleep...

Tamao:

I was really hoping you'd turn up in the morning, full of renewed energy and motivation...

Ichie:

Tamao! You all right?

Tamao:

Don't worry, I'm just so relieved...

Yuyuko:

*yawn* Really sorry about that. I'm just not a morning person.

Rui:

Tamao-senpai, can I ask you about this one—

Fumi:

Tamao! Your lines were better yesterday. It's good to try different approaches, but you're losing touch with the character!

Tamao:

Ah, I was worried about that, actually. I'll try to switch back to what I did yesterday.

Fumi:

And for the next scene...

Rui:

Ah...

Tamao:

What were you saying earlier, Rui-chan?

Yuyuko:

Tamao-senpai! Ichie-senpai is being a mooncalf.

Ichie:

Yuyuko! Stop saying that!

Yuyuko:

Do you even know what it means?

Ichie:

A...calf of the moon?

Tamao:

Cut it out, you two! I'm sorry, Rui-chan. If you could wait a moment...

Rui:

Ah... Yes, of course.

Tamao:

Sorry to keep you waiting. It's been a while since we got to talk without the others around, isn't it?

Rui:

We've all been busy preparing for the school show... Especially since Fumi-senpai joined us.

Tamao:

Yes, a lot has changed. Even Yuyuko-chan has become more motivated.

Rui:

Ichie-senpai seems to be in higher spirits, too.

Tamao:

Have you changed, too?

Rui:

I don't know. I just feel a little left behind.

Tamao:

I see...

Rui:

I feel like I need to change, though. What about you, Tamao-senpai? Do you think you've changed?

Tamao:

Maybe I have, thanks to everyone.

Tamao:

Seeing all of you trying your best to prepare for the school show made me think I need to step it up, too.

Tamao:

Plus I regret not trying harder before. I've been thinking about that a lot recently.

Rui:

Really? You, Tamao-senpai?

Tamao:

I don't want you and the other first-year students to have regrets like that.

Tamao:

Do you remember? You're the one who first brought up the idea of participating in the Performance Festival.

Rui:

That's just because I've never had the chance to do anything on that scale before...

Tamao:

When you said that, I got a bit excited, you know?

Tamao:

Because I hadn't even thought about it much before.

Tamao:

It was probably the same for Ichie.

Tamao:

When you said that, your dream became our dream. We all share it now.

Rui:

My dream is everyone's dream? No, no, it was just an idea I had...

Tamao:

Don't say that. It's our dream, you know.

Tamao:

Let's make it come true together. Let's give it all we've got, so we won't have regrets later.

Rui:

Yes! I'm glad I got to talk to you today.

Rui:

I will also change for the better, to make our dream come true!

The next day...

Rui:

Fumi-senpai... Can we go over the harmonizing part again?

Fumi:

Of course. Remember, you have to—

Rui:

Be mindful of the base rhythm and make sure I don't fall behind?

Fumi:

Yes, that's it! You know your stuff!

Fumi:

Rui has become more proactive than before. I think she'll improve a lot if she keeps it up.

Tamao:

Rui-chan notices and thinks about a lot more than she usually lets on.

Fumi:

So if she shares those insights with others, that would help them improve, too.

Tamao:

By the way, Fumi. There's something I'd like to ask you.

Fumi:

Sounds serious.

Tamao:

The upcoming school show... Would you like to perform in it, too?

Fumi:

Me?

Tamao:

Although you're not a member of the Performance Department, you can make a guest appearance.

Tamao:

Besides, we'd all feel reassured if you were on stage with us.

Fumi:

Thanks for the offer, but I'm going to turn it down.

Fumi:

I told you at the beginning that I'd only help you with practice.

Fumi:

I can't do any more than that.

Tamao:

Ah, okay.

Tamao:

Sorry I asked too much of you, Fumi.

Tamao:

Hey everyone, let's wrap up for now. We've got to hurry to make it for homeroom.

Ichie:

All righty!

Tamao:

Fumi, see you after school.

Fumi:

Okay.

Fumi:

I already made my decision. But...

Fumi:

*sigh*

Fumi:

I have to study, and I've got my part-time job as well.

Fumi:

And now I'm helping out with rehearsals early in the morning and after classes...

Fumi:

But I'm having so much more fun than when I wasn't doing anything to do with theater.

Fumi:

Seeing the others improve makes me happy, too.

Fumi:

Should l...return to the stage?

:

Hmm hm hmm ♪

Fumi:

It's from Ichie?

Ichie:

Hey, Fumi!

Fumi:

What's going on? Why did you need me to come here so late?

Ichie:

Yeah, well, I had to show you something!

Fumi:

I have a bad feeling about this...

Fumi:

Tamao? Why's she practicing alone at this hour?

Ichie:

Hehe! Suprised, aren't you?

Ichie:

But that's not even the most amazing part. See what she's doing?

Fumi:

Oh... She's playing two roles?

Ichie:

Yeah, that's right.

Ichie:

The play we're doing was written for five actors, right?

Ichie:

But we only have Tamao, Rui, Yuyuko, and me. So we had to cut some parts out.

Fumi:

But that's not good enough to make it to the Performance Festival... So she's going to play two roles?

Ichie:

Fumi, please perform with us.

Ichie:

I know you've got your reasons, but when you saw Tamao just now...

Ichie:

Didn't you get excited, wondering what performing with her would be like?

Ichie:

Come on, you can't hide it from me!

Fumi:

Yes... I was honestly thrilled to see Tamao pull that off.

Fumi:

But... I'm sorry.

Ichie:

Fumi?

Fumi:

I'm doing the regular curriculum at Rinmeikan because...l can't perform any more.

Fumi:

I couldn't stand being on stage, so I ran away from it. That's why I transferred.

Fumi:

Now that I'm here it might be different, but... If I got on stage, I might ruin things for everyone.

Ichie:

What, no! It'll be fine! No matter what happens, I'll ad lib something and cover for you!

Fumi:

You'll...cover for me?

Ichie:

Something wrong?

Fumi:

No... It's just that I'd sooner die than have you cover for me.

Ichie:

How mean! You're a meanie, Fumi!

Fumi:

Shush, or Tamao will notice us. Shall we go?

Ichie:

Yeah, okay! Hey, let's go hang out and get to know each other better!

Fumi:

No way.

Fumi:

They're an interesting bunch. They cover for each other and help each other out, laughing the whole time.

Fumi:

Sometimes they're self-centered, and they always run into problems, but they try their best and never give up.

Fumi:

Maybe I could do this again, here...

The next day...

Tamao:

You're a bit late today, Fumi. Everyone's here, so shall we get started with--

Fumi:

Mind if I have a word with you first?

Tamao:

Huh? What is it?

Fumi:

Tamao, do you really think you can do dual roles?

Tamao:

H-How do you know about that?

Rui:

You were practicing for that without telling us, Tamao-senpai!?

Tamao:

Yes... I wasn't sure the play would be good enough the way it is.

Fumi:

Still, taking on dual roles is crazy.

Tamao:

But... Do you think we can impress the audience by cutting things out to make it work with four people?

Fumi:

No, that would be difficult.

Tamao:

That's why I--

Fumi:

I will play that role.

Tamao:

Wh-What?

Yuyuko:

Whoa...

Fumi:

You said I can make a guest appearance even though I'm not in your department, right?

Tamao:

Y-Yes, that's right, but... Are you sure about this?

Ichie:

Come on, Tamao! Get it together. This is amazing news!

Fumi:

But keep in mind that I haven't done this in a while. I may just be a liability in the end.

Fumi:

Will you cover for me?

Rui:

Of course!

Ichie:

Guess we have to!

Tamao:

Yes, of course! Thank you so much, Fumi! Thank you!

Ichie:

Hehe! Now we have a full cast! It's all gone according to my cunning plan!

Rui:

I can't believe one of Ichie-senpai's plans actually worked out!

Yuyuko:

Rui, I think she's only saying so after the fact...

Ichie:

You should be more respectful toward your senpai!

Tamao:

Welcome to the team, Fumi.

Fumi:

Thanks. We don't have much time, so I'll be even tougher on all of you from now on!

Speaker:

This concludes this year's school show.

Ichie:

It's over!

Tamao:

Good job, everyone.

Tamao:

I think that was the best performance we've ever put on.

Ichie:

Yeah! Definitely!

Rui:

I really enjoyed the school show!

Yuyuko:

We really did it, didn't we? I think our group got the biggest reaction from the audience.

Fumi:

Everyone did really well. You were so tense before you went on, Rui, but you pulled it off.

Rui:

My knees still feel like jelly... Tamao-senpai and Fumi-senpai, thank you for your advice.

Ichie:

Speaking of which, you did a good job, too, Fumi! Despite looking frighteningly tense before the show.

Fumi:

What does it matter? I was just getting psyched for the performance, that's all!

Tamao:

Heh, I knew you'd say something like that.

Tamao:

Thanks, Fumi. I don't want to even imagine what we'd have done without you.

Fumi:

It should be me thanking you.

Fumi:

If you hadn't invited me, I probably would never have performed on stage again.

Yuyuko:

Yeah... I probably would have watched the department close and said my farewells to the stage, too.

Rui:

I'm so thankful we put on this show together. I'm really— *sob*

Tamao:

Rui-chan, here's a hankie.

Ichie:

Rui's not the only one who likes you so much she could cry, Tamao. We all do!

Ichie:

Myself included, of course!

Tamao:

Ack! Ichie, quit it with your random hugs.

Ichie:

Come on, it's a special occasion! You've worked really hard for this day, Tamao.

Tamao:

Ichie... And everyone...

Tamao:

When I think that today might be the last time we get to perform on stage together, I...

Yuyuko:

Looks like you get emotional too, Tamao-senpai.

Rui:

Oh dear! The handkerchief! Tamao-senpai, here's your handkerchief!

Tamao:

Thanks, Rui-chan.

Ichie:

What do you mean about it being our last performance? I'm sure we've secured a place at the Performance Festival with today's show.

Tamao:

Yeah, I'm sure you're right. Thank you so much, everyone. Good work today!

:

Good work today!

Several days later...

Tamao:

Thank you all for coming today. We received a letter from the Performance Festival committee.

Tamao:

...They've invited all of us to take part in the Performance Festival!

Tamao:

Congraulations, everyone!

Yuyuko:

Whaaat? You serious!?

Ichie:

We did it! We've cleared the first hurdle on the way to our dream!

Rui:

This is wonderful! We're going to the Performance Festival together!

Ichie:

By the way, what about Fumi? She was chosen too, right?

Tamao:

About that...

Rui:

You 've got to be kidding! She was chosen but she can't go to the Performance Festival just because she's not in the Performance Department?

Tamao:

The committee didn't know she was a guest performer, so they selected her along with the rest of us...

Ichie:

Huh!? Well, I'm going to have a word with the committee!

Ichie:

And you, Tamao, don't just accept this. Come with me!

Tamao:

...Fumi, think it's time?

Fumi:

Really? I wanted to watch Ichie fret a little more.

Ichie:

Fumi! Did you hear what Tamao said? You passed too, but they won't let you participate in the festival!

Fumi:

Even if I'm in the Performance Department?

Ichie:

That's the thing! They're excluding you just because you're not in our department!

Rui:

Ichie-senpai, calm down! Fumi-senpai, did you just say you're in the Performance Department?

Fumi:

I just turned in the transfer form for the Performance Department.

Fumi:

It caused a stir in the staff office, but I'm sure it will work out.

Fumi:

So I'm part of your department now. I hope you'll welcome me.

Tamao:

Sure, Fumi.

Yuyuko:

Tamao-senpai, that was mean! You knew about it all along, didn't you?

Tamao:

I wanted to make it a surprise!

Ichie:

You'r horrible, Tamao!

Rui:

But it's all good in the end! All of us get to participate in the Performance Festival!

Fumi:

Tamao's dream-- No, the whole group's dream... Now it's mine, too.

Tamao:

We'll share the stage again... I'm so happy.

Fumi:

Did you hear what I said, Tamao?

Rui:

Tamao-senpai, I don't know what to say...

Tamao:

It's okay. I've gotten over the initial shock.

Rui:

It's just not fair. We got selected for the Performance Festival!

Rui:

But our department is going to be shut down anyway...

Tamao:

Yeah...

Tamao:

So much has happened... It feels like a lifetime, but it also seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye.

Tamao:

At first I just thought it would be great if we could participate in the festival as one last memory of our time together in the department.

Tamao:

The practices with Fumi, the successful school show performance, being selected for the festival...

Rui:

It was so much fun, almost like a dream...

Tamao:

Part of me started hoping that maybe Ichie was right, and qualifying for the Performance Festival would miraculously save our department.

Tamao:

That was a mistake. Everything was going so well, and I got too greedy.

Tamao:

Reality isn't so forgiving.

Tamao:

But that place filled with dreams and hope, a place where a miracle just might happen...

Tamao:

I loved that place.

Rui:

Tamao-senpai...

Tamao:

...Shall we practice? The Performance Festival is coming up soon.

Rui:

Oh, excuse me... Wait, you got it too?

Tamao:

An audition notification?

Tamao:

Huh, what on earth happened!? Everyone!?

Tamao:

Nh...

Ichie:

Tamao! You okay?

Tamao:

Y-Yeah... Why is everyone here?

Fumi:

That's what I'd like to know.

Yuyuko:

And where are we, anyhow?

Elle:

Welcome, Stage Girls of the Rinmeikan Girls School Performance Department.

Fumi:

Who are you!?

Elle:

I am Elle.

Elle:

Do you have what it takes to pass the auditions, become top stars, and stand on the stage of destiny?

Ichie:

Auditions? Stage of destiny?

Fumi:

What's this all about?

Elle:

What is the stage you dream of?

Tamao:

Are you...asking me?

Elle:

A Stage Girl made her dreams come true. She stood on the stage of destiny and found happiness repeated endlessly.

Elle:

A Stage Girl made her dreams come true. She stood on the stage of destiny and found immeasurable fame and wealth.

Tamao:

Then if I make it to that stage, any dream I have will come true?

Yuyuko:

Tamao-senpai...?

Elle:

The wish in your heart... The unfulfilled, piteous dream...

Elle:

If that is the stage you dream of...your wish will be granted.

Tamao:

My wish...

Elle:

The end of an era. Destined to fade away, forgotten...

Elle:

You don't want to let that happen, do you?

Tamao:

I will make it to the stage of destiny and stop the closure of the Rinmeikan Girls School Performance Department.

Fumi:

Tamao, what are you--

Elle:

Wonderful. In that case, all five of you Rinmeikan Girls School Performance Department students...

Elle:

Are hereby signed up for the auditions. Thank you.

Tamao:

What? We all are?

Rui:

I want to save our department just as much as you!

Ichie:

Tamao, don't try to keep us out of this.

Yuyuko:

In for a penny, in for a pound.

Fumi:

Frankly, this is insane. I don't believe a word of what she said to us... But what choice do we have? I'm with you on this.

Tamao:

Everyone...

Tamao:

These five students of the Rinmeikan Girls School Performance Department will take part in the auditions!