Karen:Ngh! That was a productive day! Hikari-chan, Mahiru-chan, let's head back!
Mahiru:Sure, Karen-chan.
Hikari:...I'm hungry.
Junna:Hold on a minute!
Karen:Whoa, Jun-Jun!?
Junna:Karen, you were supposed to hand in a 50-word personal statement for the Performance Festival by today. You haven't done that yet!
Karen:Huh? Oh... Oh! I completely forgot!
Hikari:You're a lost cause, Karen.
Junna:You haven't submitted yours either, Kagura-san.
Hikari:Up...
Kaoruko:You're both so forgetful, sheesh. And Karen is too scatterbrained for her own good. Well, let's get going, Futaba-han.
Junna:Hanayagi-san, yours is also overdue.
Futaba:Say what!? Didn't I tell you to get it done last night, Kaoruko!?
Kaoruko:Oops... You got me.
Junna:Come on, guys... I know you're all busy with practice, but make sure to submit things by the deadline!
Okaaay...
Junna:Here I was thinking that you've made good progress, but some things never seem to change...
Nana:Teehee! You know, everyone's statements will be included in the Performance Festival pamphlet. With photos!
Kaoruko:Our photos will be in it, too!?
Karen:Does that mean it'll be...our debut as Stage Girls?
Futaba:A debut? I guess you could call it that. Maybe I should rewrite my submission...
Karen:Hey, what sort of stuff did you guys write?
Claudine:"Bonjour! Je suis Claudine Saijo. I've been chosen to represent Seisho Music Academy for the second consecutive year."
Claudine:"I will deliver top-class entertainment, making use of my abilities cultivated through many years of experience as a child actress."
Claudine:That's what I wrote. Does it sound too formal? Show me yours, Maya Tendo.
Maya:"My name is Maya Tendo. Year to year, day to day, I strive to shine ever brighter as a star."
Claudine:That's even stiffer than mine... Kind of expected it, though.
Karen:Your statements are so slick. How about you, Mahiru-chan?
Mahiru:"I'm Mahiru Tsuyuzaki from Seisho Music Academy. I was really surprised to be chosen for the National Student Drama Performance Festival."
Mahiru:"I promise to do my best!" That's it.
Karen:That's nice, and so totally like you!
Mahiru:Oh... You're making me self-conscious...
Junna:Just for your reference, mine goes like this.
Junna:"Greetings. I'm Junna Hoshimi, class representative and a second-year Group A student at Seisho Music Academy. There is a quote dear to my heart, which has guided me in my stage arts aspirations."
Junna:"The quote is 'Be prepared. An opportunity will eventually present itself,' by William Shakespeare."
Junna:"With this quote in mind, I've been working hard every day, and the culmination of my efforts is this year's National Student Drama Performance Festival."
Junna:"That I am part of this brilliant performance is proof that my endeavors have led me in the right direction..."
Nana:Uh, Junna-chan... Isn't that way over the word limit?
Junna:Really!? Oh no, which partdo I leave out...?
Kaoruko:And what did you write, Futaba?
Futaba:Doesn't really matter.
Kaoruko:You submitted it without showing me... I guess it was just that good?
Futaba:All I wrote was "I'm Futaba Isurugi. It's my first time in the Performance Festival. I'll do my best!"
Kaoruko:...Seriously? How boring can you get? You should've made it a bit more, you know...
Futaba:You're one to talk. You haven't even written yours!
Kaoruko:Oh! Eureka! It just came to me.
Kaoruko:"I'm Kaoruko Hanayagi of the Senka-ryu School of traditional Japanese dance. I hope you will enjoy the play I will be starring in."
Futaba:How's that supposed to be better than mine? Besides, the roles haven't been decided yet.
Karen:And yours, Banana? Tell me, tell me!
Nana:Well...
Nana:"I'm Nana Daiba from Seisho Music Academy. This year, nine Seisho Music Academy students have been chosen for the festival!"
Nana:"I hope everything goes well and we can put on a wonderful show." Do you think it's weird?
Karen:Not at all! And it suits you perfectly, Banana!
Karen:All right, I feel ready to write my own! Right, Hikari-chan?
Hikari:I...can't. I'm not good at this.
Karen:Whaaat!?
Mahiru:How about we all help you with it, Hikari-chan?
Maya:Don 't think too much about it. Just be true to yourself.
Hikari:True to myself...
Claudine:That's right. Write your own thoughts, whatever pops into your mind.
Hikari:.....
Hikari:"I'm Hikari Kagura. Inspired by 'Starlight,' which I saw as a child, I'm aiming to become a star myself."
Hikari:"I feel honored to be chosen for the Performance Festival." Would that be okay?
Karen:That's amazing! Okay, my turn...
Karen:"I'm Karen Aijo from Seisho Music Academy!" Er...
Mahiru:...Karen-chan?
Karen:I don't know what to write next! It's so hard! How do I talk about my moderation!?
Mahiru:I think it's "motivation," Karen-chan.
Karen:Motivation, huh... Okay!
Karen:"I'm Karen Aijo from Seisho Music Academy. I'm super excited about the play!"
Karen:"Stage Girls get better day by day! We're going to put on a show full of brilliance!"
Mahiru:Wow, Karen-chan, that's really great!
Hikari:Yes. It's very good.
Karen:Okay, I'll go with this then! Here you go, Jun-Jun!
Junna:Ugh... It's still too long... Maybe I can shorten this... No, I should remove this bit...
Karen:Jun-Jun, are you listening!?
Junna:Huh? Oh, your statement! Okay, now I have everyone's.
Junna:I'll take them to the event staff. Look forward to seeing them in print!
Karen:Yeah!
Nana:Junna-chan, make sure yours is within the word limit!
Junna:I don't need you to tell me that!
Hahahahaha!:
Karen:What are we going to do about our winter break assignment?
Mahiru:No wonder we've been told to build up stamina... I can barely stay on my feet after fighting practice...
Mahiru:But let's work on it together, Karen-chan! Oh, I know. How about we mark each completed day with a sticker?
Mahiru:I have Jagahiru stickers!
Karen:Jagahiru's the mascot character of your hometown, right? In Hokkaido? It's adorbs! Kinda resembles you!
Mahiru:Hehehe... Grandma says so, too!
Karen:All right, what do we do for starters?
Karen:Huff... Huff...
Mahiru:Ugh... Huh...
Karen:Huff... Huff...
Mahiru:Huff... Sorry, Karen-chan... I'm spent!
Karen:That's two laps around the park. Let's call it a day! We've powered up!
Mahiru:Two laps isn't very far. I don't think it's enough...
Mahiru:One! Two! Three! Four!
Karen:Five! Six! Seven... Eight... Ugh.
Mahiru:Are you okay, Karen-chan!?
Karen:I tripped... Lemme try this again!
Mahiru:Let's take it slower this time. One, two, three, four...
Karen:Five, six, seven, eight... Ugh.
Karen:I'm not cut out for skipping rope.
Mahiru:No, that's not true! Your shoelace got caught, that's all! But we don't want you getting hurt, so let's try something else!
Karen:Something else? Oh, I have an idea!
Mahiru:What is it, Karen-chan? Why did we hurry back to the dorm?
Karen:Over here! Ta-dah!
Mahiru:What are we going to do in the kitchen?
Karen:Well...
Mahiru:Okay, it's ready!
Mahiru:Here come German fries, made with potatoes grown by my parents back home!
Karen:I'm digging in!
Karen:*munch munch* Mahiru-hyan, ith delifus! Powew wup!
Mahiru:I'm happy you like it!
Karen:It's so good, and fortifying! That's a win-win!
Hikari:...You're going to put on more than just muscle mass from that.
Mahiru:Oh, Hikari-chan! You're welcome to have some, too...
Hikari:I'm full, thanks.
Mahiru:Oh... She's gone.
Mahiru:She's right, though. If we don't exercise, we won't be Stage Girls... We'll be Stage Potatoes!
Karen:Um, yeah! I'll work out when I finish my food!
Karen:You ready, Mahiru-chan? Here I go! Hyah!
Mahiru:You're really good at badminton, Karen-chan! Back to you!
Karen:Oh, sorry! It went too far to the right!
Mahiru:No worries, I'll get it! There!
Mahiru:We're in perfect sync. And it's good exercise!
Karen:I'm loving it! This I won't be getting tired of so easily. Take that!
Karen:I'm still going strong! It's a home run!
Mahiru:Your smashes are amazing!
Mahiru:(I think she might have some hidden talent at this!)
Karen:Ninth inning with two outs... It's a walk-off home run!
Mahiru:Karen-chan, that's baseball, isn't it?
Futaba:Kaoruko! Hurry up, Kaoruko!
Kaoruko:Just give me a moment!
Futaba:Come on, get a move on. If we don't make it there fast, all the limited edition candy will be sold out.
Kaoruko:I know that...
Kaoruko:Meh, it's cold today. I don't want to go any more.
Futaba:Look, I'm not going on my own. YOU told me to get the bike out.
Kaoruko:I just wanted to complain a little, that's all. You carp about everything like my grandma...
Futaba:Huh? What was that?
Kaoruko:Never mind!
Futaba:It's unusual for you to get gifts for your family, though. But it's nice that you're kind to them sometimes.
Kaoruko:I'm just hoping that giving them a little attention will pay off, that's all.
Futaba:Ah, I get it now.
Kaoruko:Oh, Futaba-han. I left my phone at the dorm.
Futaba:I asked you so many times to make sure you had everything... Sheesh. Okay, just keep close to me.
Kaoruko:No need for that, it's not like I'd get lost.
Futaba:It'll be a pain in the neck if we get separated. Come on, Kaoruko.
Kaoruko:What, you want to hold hands?
Futaba:Easy to get lost in the crowd.
Kaoruko:That's embarrassing! I'm not a child! But if you really insist, I guess I can do it for you. There.
Futaba:I just don't want you to get lost, that's all!
Futaba:Okay, here we are.
Kaoruko:Oh, how cute. Look at this camellia key ring.
Futaba:Yeah, these handmade fabric flowers are really well-made.
Kaoruko:And where's the shop we're going to?
Futaba:It's in the food area in the basement. Let's go down the escalator over there.
Kaoruko:There it is, Futaba-han! That's the shop, Mangetsu-do!
Kaoruko:Excuse me... Can I get as many of the limited edition Mangetsu Uguisu Mochi as you have?
Clerk:
We have only one box left, is that all right?
Kaoruko:Futaba-han, that's the last one!
Futaba:Yes, we'll take it!
Clerk:
Thank you. Come again!
Kaoruko:We made it in the nick of time...
Futaba:I'm glad we managed to get it. Your grandma is crazy about this mochi.
Kaoruko:Look, they sell yummy-looking glazed dango over there. I think it's time for a snack, don't you think, Futaba-han?
Futaba:I knew this would happen...
Futaba:Hello. Two glazed dango, please.
Kaoruko:The monaka over there looks good, too. Let's buy some for Tendo-han and the others.
Futaba:Excuse me, can we have a box of ten monaka, please?
Kaoruko:And that too...
Futaba:We're buying too much stuff... Are you still going to buy more? Wait, Kaoruko? Ka-o-ru-ko!
Futaba:Drat, she's gone!
Kaoruko:We have to get that yokan, too... Huh? Futaba-han? Where's she gone?
karouko:
Why did you have to get lost in the crowd, Futaba-han? The things I have to put up with for you!
Lost Child Center:
Customer announcement... Futaba Isurugi-sama, please come to the lost and found desk. Kaoruko Hanayagi-sama is waiting for you.
Futaba:Wait, me!?
Futaba:The lost and found, huh? She's getting smarter.
Kaoruko:Lost and found? Why are you making it sound like I got lost!? It was Futaba-han who got lost!
Futaba:Hey, Kaoruko! Hey, don't get so mad, you're being a nuisance to the staff.
Kaoruko:They damaged the reputation of my family with their insinuations. You're the one that got lost, Futaba-han.
Futaba:*sigh* Yeah, sure, all my fault. Let's go now. There's another place I want to stop by before we go home.
Kaoruko:...The shop with the camellia key rings?
Futaba:Yeah. I thought we might get matching ones.
Kaoruko:Hmph. Fine, I suppose.
Kaoruko:We'll be like Karen-han and Kagura-han.
Futaba:I'll take this purple one.
Kaoruko:I'll get...the pink one.
Kaoruko:Let me pay for both. I don't mind doing that sometimes.
Futaba:Huh? Are you sure, Kaoruko?
Kaoruko:You helped me out today, after all. Thanks, Futaba-han.
Claudine:Ugh, it's so chilly! But I've got to practice, even if just for a bit...
Karen:Clau-chan! Poncho!
Claudine:Bonjour... Something wrong, Karen? What are you doing at 5 in the morning on a day off!?
Claudine:Are you sick?
Karen:Nope! Winter break starts today, and I got so excited about going home that I couldn't sleep. Teehee!
Karen:So I got up early, but the trains aren't running yet.
Claudine:Seriously? I got worried for nothing. I thought we still had classes or something.
Claudine:Have a safe journey home, Karen. Take care. Bon voyage!
Karen:Yeah, and Happy New Year!
Claudine:Today... Huff, huff...
Claudine:I won't be outdone by Maya Tendo.
Claudine:Am I the first one here...?
Claudine:Well, of course I am. I left before she did for sure...
Maya:Good morning.
Claudine:Whoa! How come you're already here!?
Maya:You seemed to be having a nice chat with Aijo-san, so I came ahead.
Claudine:Grr...
Maya:Is this really what you want to be competitive about?
Claudine:Ugh, I know it doesn't matter. I just wanted to get here before you at least once before the end of the year.
Maya:Heh... I won't slack off even for a day. Shall we push each other to new heights today as well, Claudine Saijo?
Claudine:No need to ask, Maya Tendo.
Maya:Whew...
Claudine:Huff... Oh, it's so late already.
Maya:We had a good session.
Claudine:Huff... Huff... Good work.
??
Claudine:Huh? Did you hear something just now, by the door?
Maya:Don't tell me it's...a ghost?
Claudine:I'll check it out.
Claudine:Wait, what the heck!?
Maya:?
Claudine:The door's locked from the other side!
Maya:Well... We have more time to practice now, I suppose.
Claudine:Ca m'embéte! How can you be so calm!?
Claudine:What do we do if no one lets us out? I've got a flight to Paris tonight!
Maya:Ah, that's a problem. Let's contact Hoshimi-san.
Maya:Neither Hoshimi-san nor Daiba-san is picking up...
Claudine:Thanks. It's okay... If I don't make the flight, I'll figure out what to do then.
Claudine:There's still some time. I'm sure Junna will notice the call.
Maya:Hopefully. While we're waiting...
Claudine:What? Huh? Baumkuchen cake?
Maya:Voila! Please have some, Saijo-san. It's easy to become irritated when you're hungry.
Claudine:But you only have one cake...
Maya:You're welcome to it.
Claudine:Okay then, let's cut it in half.
Maya:...As you wish.
Claudine:Mmm... It's so good!
Maya:The light texture and rich taste of this baumkuchen goes very well with black tea.
Claudine:I can see that! Makes you want a cup of strong Assam tea.
Claudine:...You get talkative when it comes to sweets, don't you?
Maya:Heh... Delicious food loosens the tongue.
♪ ♪ ♪
Maya:Oh, it's from Hoshimi-san.
Maya:Tendo speaking... Yes... Yes... Thanks so much.
Claudine:What did she say?
Maya:She's coming here. Do you think you'll make it for your flight?
Claudine:Yes, if I leave soon.
Maya:I'm relieved to hear that.
Maya:Take care, Claudine Saijo. Don't let up on your practice while you're in France.
Junna:Ahh, I had a nice soak.
Nana:Ngh... Zzz...
Junna:Huh? Nana?
Junna:You can't sleep here! You'll catch a cold!
Nana:Huh? Oh, it's you, Junna-chan. Did I nod off?
Junna:This is really unlike you. Are you turning into Karen? Look, your notes are all crumpled.
Nana:Whoa, they are, aren't they?
Junna:Is something wrong? You were working at your desk until really late yesterday.
Nana:It's a secret... But I guess I can tell you.
Nana:You see... I started writing a play.
Junna:Huh?
Nana:I won't have much time when school starts again, so I'm trying to get some writing done over the winter break.
Junna:That's terrific! Masai-san from Group B was saying that you have a knack for script-writing!
Nana:I want to become a New Banana!
Junna:Nana... Yes, you should definitely keep writing.
Junna:By the way, what's this play about?
Nana:So, um... It's set on an imaginary tropical island where people live happily. I have a general idea of the plot, but...
Junna:You're stuck, huh?
Nana:Yes... When I started writing, it just seemed so unrealistic.
Junna:Ah, I see. Okay, Nana. I'm going to do all I can to help you!
Nana:Huh!?
Junna:We're going out tomorrow, Nana! We're going scenario hunting!
Nana:Uh, scenario hunting?
Junna:...And so here we are.
Nana:What are we doing at the library?
Junna:"Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven."
Nana:That's a quote by Shakespeare.
Junna:Here you can get all kinds of information like the history of tropical islands and pictures, too.
Nana:I see... To write a story, first I need to know about the setting and the people who live there.
Junna:I'll go find you some books that might help, but you can read this while you wait.
Nana:"Life in the Tropics"? When did you find this?
Nana:Hmm... There's a lot about indigenous spirituality here.
Nana:The beliefs shaped the lives of the people...
Nana:Hm?
Junna:I found some books for you. This should do for now.
Nana:One, two, three... Eleven books? That's going to take me some time to read through.
Junna:Here you have a photobook, this covers ethnohistory, and this is modern history. And a fantasy novel set in the tropics, in two volumes...
Nana:Thank you, Junna-chan! You're amazing.
Junna:You were really concentrating, weren't you? We'd better go back pretty soon.
Nana:Yes. Thanks to you, I feel like I can write again!
Junna:Then the scenario hunt was a success!
Nana:Thank you, Junna-chan. You spent so much time helping me.
Junna:You don't have to thank me for that.
Junna:It's always you supporting me all the time...
Nana:Huh? Sorry, I didn't catch that.
Junna:Ahem... You've helped me a lot too, so I'm just repaying the favor.
Junna:I want to be of some use to you, too.
Nana:But I haven't done much for you...
Junna:Just you being here makes a huge difference to all of us. You have this good energy.
Junna:I really appreciate that you shared your secret with me.
Nana:And I'd like to thank you for making me realize I don't have to go it alone.
Nana:I understood that I'm not all on my own thanks to all of you. But please don't tell anyone else about the play yet!
Junna:Sure. It's our secret.
Karen:Hey, Jun-Jun! Banana! Helloes! Karen Aijo is back from her trip home!
Karen:And where have you two been?
It's a secret!
Karen:Whaaat? Why? No harm telling me where you went, come on!
Mahiru:Karen-chan and Hikari-chan, are you done changing yet?
Karen:Ngh... Banana... I'll have another bowl of rice... Nom nom... Zzz...
Hikari:Karen, you've got rice stuck on your cheek... Zzz...
Mahiru:Yikes, they're both asleep again!
Mahiru:Gosh, your school uniforms will get all crumpled! Get up already! New Year's over, you know!
...Oh!
Mahiru:Are you awake now? I want to air the bedding and clean the room. You two are always making a mess...
Karen:You're like our mom, Mahiru-chan!
Hikari:Mamahiru...
Mahiru:I'm not your mom!
Mahiru:Weren't you supposed to go out today?
Karen:(Oh yeah, that's right!) How could I forget? Come on, Hikari-chan. Let's go!
Hikari:Huh? Were we going somewhere today, Karen?
Karen:Don 't think about it too much!
Mahiru:I hope she can pull it off... It won't be easy, but use those acting skills, Karen-chan.
Hikari:Where are we going, Karen?
Karen:To the rehearsal room! I got all rusty over the winter break. Let's get some practice in!
Hikari:I'll need to go back and get my leotard then.
Karen:Okay, let's head back to the dorm...
Nana:Remember I'm going to be using the kitchen until evening.
Karen:Aaactually, no! We can't go back! I mean, it's too much trouble. Let's go somewhere else!
Hikari:Oh?
Karen:I just remembered I wanted to go shopping.
Hikari:So we're going to the mall?
Futaba:Karen, you absolutely must not come anywhere near the shopping mall on that day.
Karen:Oh! We can't... She said we can't go near the mall today!
Hikari:Who said that?
Karen:I umm... I read that in my horoscope! It's a big non, non!
Hikari:That was an even bigger "non, non" than usual... How about we go to the aquarium?
Karen:Good idea, we can get there by train easily--
Claudine:We'll be going to the variety store in the station building, so don't use the station.
Karen:That's a non, non...
Hikari:...Let's go to the park.
Karen:The park? The park is... Absolutely okay!
Karen:What are they doing over there?
Performer:
Here we have a completely normal balloon! Now I twist it this way...and that way... Voila! A doggy!
Karen:Wow! Hikari-chan, this guy's incredible!
Karen:Excuse me! I'd like to become your apprentice!
Hikari:Ah, Karen! She's doesn't hesitate, that's for sure.
Performer:
First, this is how you inflate a balloon...
Karen:Inflate the balloon...
Karen:Sorry to keep you waiting! Here, this is for you!
Hikari:Mr. White balloon art?
Karen:I made it for you, Hikari-chan. All yours!
Hikari:Huh?
Karen:My master's sample was much better than mine... Next time I'll try harder to make it even nicer!
Hikari:Karen...
Karen:Did you get bored, Hikari-chan?
Hikari:No, it was fun watching you. And I got this Mr. White.
Hikari:Thank you, Karen.
Karen:You're welcome!
Karen:It's evening already. Let's go back, Hikari-chan!
Hikari:You sure it's okay now?
Karen:Yeah, probably!
Hikari:All right...
Hikari:(Karen is terrible at hiding things...)
Futaba:Is this going to work?
Junna:I don't know...
Futaba:The cooking team will be all right, but I'm worried about Kaoruko, and Karen with her diversionary mission.
Junna:Yeah, me too. Especially about Karen.
Futaba:She has to keep Hikari away from the dorm for the day, but also has to avoid the train station and shopping mall...
Junna:And she has to do that without arousing suspicion. This may be really hard for Karen.
Futaba:Anyhow, we've got our own task to accomplish.
Junna:Yes. The shop's on the third floor!
Futaba:You're so reliable, Hoshimi. Everything's easier with you around.
Junna:Hanayagi-san would get mad at you for saying that.
Futaba:But it's true. When I came here with her the other day, she got lost.
Futaba:Kaoruko better not be causing any trouble for Clau-ko and Tendo...
Kaoruko:Achoo! Someone's talking about me... I bet it's Futaba-han getting anxious because I'm not with her.
Claudine:Maybe she's happy to get a break from you.
Kaoruko:I will have none of that.
Junna:Oh no, what an oversight on my part! It's sold out!
Futaba:It must be pretty popular, I guess.
Junna:Well, we have to find another shop. All eight of us decided THAT is what we're getting...
Futaba:No worries, let's check out the station building shops.
Futaba:Let's see... I think it's on the second floor.
Junna:I can't believe they're sold out, too... What do we do now?
Futaba:We still have time. It's too early to give up. Let's check the shopping district.
Junna:You're a very positive person, Isurugi-san.
Futaba:Am I?
Futaba:Kaoruko used to be super contrary, so I had no choice but to counter that with a can-do attitude.
Junna:That makes sense... It's worthy of respect, really.
Kaoruko:...Achoo! Achoo!
Claudine:My, my. Is Futaba gossiping about you again?
Maya:They say two sneezes mean someone's bad-mouthing you.
Claudine:She's probably griping about you.
Kaoruko:Why do both of you have to be so nasty? There's no way Futaba-han would say anything bad about me!
Futaba:If any shop around here's got it, it's probably the one on the corner there.
Junna:Excuse me, we're looking for something...
Junna:I see. You're out of stock...
Junna:Oh, but you'll check which stores have it? Thank you so much!
Junna:Isurugi-san, we're going back to the shopping mall! Someone cancelled an order and they have one left!
Futaba:All right! Let's go!
Junna:Huff... Huff... You seem to be holding up well, despite all this walking.
Futaba:This is nothing compared to fighting sequence practice.
Clerk:
Thank you, have a nice day!
Junna:Yay! We finally got it!
Futaba:Whew! Good for us. Mission accomplished!
Futaba:That took way longer than expected. I didn't think it would be this hard.
Junna:Now we just need some wrapping paper. Which color do you think Kagura-san likes?
Futaba:Out of these, maybe the blue one?
Junna:Blue wrapping and a red ribbon, then?
Futaba:Let's make it fancier and go with a golden ribbon!
Junna:Oh yes, that will look good!
Futaba:It's her special day, after all.
Junna:It's bulkier than I thought. Isn't it heavy, Isurugi-san?
Futaba:Not a problem! Your hands are full anyway, so I'll carry this.
Junna:It's helpful that you're so strong. You carry Hanayagi-san's bags every day, don't you?
Futaba:Lately she's started carrying her stuff herself, actually.
Junna:Wow, that's amazing progress. I mean, for her. To most people it's normal...
Junna:Well, we've done our part. Now we pray that things are going well for the others.
Futaba:Let's hurry back, before Karen returns with Hikari.
Junna:Yes, and maybe we can help with the cooking or decorations. And we have to wrap the gift, too!
Kaoruko:*snip snip*
Kaoruko:Ugh, I can't do this! My delicate fingers weren't made for this sort of work.
Kaoruko:Holding a paper fan is the most I can do!
Claudine:You chose this yourself, because it seemed like the easiest thing to do.
Maya:You just need to cut along the lines.
Claudine:Maybe that's why Kaoruko is bad at coupés in ballet, too.
Kaoruko:What does that have to do with cutting?
Claudine:Coupé in French means "cutting."
Kaoruko:Ah. Well, the letters A, P, B, and R are the worst. How am I supposed to cut out the middle bits?
Maya:Would you prefer to make kanji characters instead?
Kaoruko:Don't be silly.
Claudine:Once you're done cutting out the letters, put them up on the wall, Kaoruko. And what are you doing? Origami?
Maya:You fold the paper many times over... Then cut it like this...
Claudine:It looks random to me.
Maya:Then you unfold it again...
Claudine:C'est quoi ca! How did you do that!? It's a bird!
Claudine:Your paper art is amazing. I'm making paper flowers. I finished this many already! Quick, huh?
Maya:You're getting better at it. Well done.
Claudine:You can't help sounding patronizing, huh? Well, fine.
Claudine:Huff, huff...
Claudine:How about that? The balloon I inflated is bigger! I win when it comes to lung capacity!
Maya:.....
Claudine:Hey, say something.
Maya:Wouldn't it be more visually appealing if all the balloons were the same size?
Claudine:Urgh... You're right.
Maya:A bit higher. Slightly to the left. Yes, that's it.
Claudine:This the right spot? Hey, Maya, can you pass me some tacks?
Claudine:It looks pretty now that the festoons and balloons are up.
Maya:And there are delicious smells coming from the kitchen, too.
Claudine:Yes, it's all going well. ...What's up with that quizzical look, Kaoruko?
Kaoruko:How to put it... I can't tell if you two get along or not.
Claudine:You think we get along!?
Maya:Why, don't we?
Claudine:Did you think we get along!?
Maya:I thought so, Claudine Saijo.
Claudine:Oh. Well... That's okay then.
Kaoruko:You two really do get along...
Kaoruko:By the way, I'm done cutting out the letters. See? "HAPPY"!
Claudine:That's all you've done? What about the rest?
Kaoruko:I'll get started with the next word now...
Claudine:You'll get started? Look at the time!
Kaoruko:It'll be fine. Any minute now...
Futaba:Kaoruko! I'm back!
Kaoruko:There she is. Futaba-han will do the rest.
Futaba:Say what!? You haven't finished your work? I knew this would happen.
Kaoruko:Why was I put on decoration duty, anyway? All this detailed cutting and snipping...
Futaba:Then what else do you think you're more suited for?
Kaoruko:Food tasting, maybe? Anyway, Futaba, I'll leave the snipping to you.
Futaba:...Guess I've got no choice.
Futaba:Heh! All done! How's it look?
Maya:It's beautiful... You're very talented, Isurugi-san.
Claudine:Thanks to your help, we finished putting up the decorations in time. You should thank Futaba, Kaoruko.
Kaoruko:I wasn't born for hard work. It's not that I can't do things. I just don't need to.
Futaba:Oh no, you get off your lazy behind!
Claudine:They really get along.
Maya:Indeed they do.
Nana:Flour, eggs, butter, cream, and a lot of fruit...
Mahiru:Carrots, onions, nori seaweed, and... Err...
Mahiru:My parents sent a lot of their home-grown potatoes to the dorm, so this should do!
Nana:Your family's potatoes are really tasty!
Mahiru:I'm always surprised when I get another huge load of potatoes. I'm so glad you make delicious meals out of them!
Nana:Okay, the shopping's done and we have all the ingredients, so now it's time to work our magic in the kitchen! I hope everyone will like what we make.
Mahiru:Of course they will! A home-baked birthday cake is really special!
Nana:All right. I'll take care of the cake and other desserts.
Mahiru:And I'll make something with the potatoes, and sushi hand rolls!
It's Nana-hiru cooking time!
Nana:Sift the flour and melt butter in a bain-marie... Preheat oven to 350°F.
Nana:Crack eggs into a bowl, add sugar, and mix them...
Mahiru:You're so good at this, Nana-chan. I can't bake anything without looking at the recipe.
Mahiru:I'm going to boil the potatoes, peel them, and make them into a mash while they're still hot.
Nana:You don't peel them first?
Mahiru:My grandma says if you boil them already peeled, they'll taste bland.
Nana:Bana-nice! I learned a new thing. I'll do it your way next time.
Nana:We need to keep up with doing the dishes, too. I'll wash the bowls and knives.
Mahiru:Okay, and I'll wipe them dry!
Mahiru:This really takes me back. I grew up in a big family and there was always a pile of dirty dishes after the meals.
Mahiru:My grandma would wash them, and I would wipe them with a cloth.
Nana:Heh... That's just like here! We're all like one big family.
Mahiru:You're the mom...
Nana:And you're a big sister. I used to think Karen-chan was the youngest sibling.
Nana:She's acting more grown up lately, though.
Mahiru:So the youngest would be Hikari-chan?
Nana:Heh, maybe!
Nana:We've got a sponge cake, cookies, fruit punch, sweet potatoes...
Mahiru:Potato salad, German potatoes, mashed potatoes, fries... And sushi hand rolls.
Nana:That's a feast!
Mahiru:And the sink's full!
Junna:I'm back!
Nana:Welcome back, Junna-chan. Oh, is it this late already? I need to hurry up and decorate the cake!
Mahiru:And we need to tidy up the table! We won't make it before Karen-chan gets back!
Junna:Calm down, it'll be okay. I'll do the dishes, so you two prepare the table and cake.
Nana:We can always count on you to save the situation, Junna-chan! You'd definitely be the oldest sister.
Junna:What are you talking about?
Nana:I think the cream is thick enough now.
Mahiru:Do I cut the strawberries like this?
Nana:Perfect.
Nana:Okay, let's decorate the cake.
Wow!
Mahiru:Banana-chan, you're like a professional patisseur! The cream roses are great!
Junna:The cream dances on the sponge cake stage... Our Stage Girl talents are tested in the most unlikely scenarios.
Junna:There's so much to making cakes.
Nana:Now, for the final touch...
Mahiru:A chocolate plate with birthday wishes...
And the cake's ready!
Claudine:Karen and Hikari should be back soon.
Kaoruko:We've finished decorating the room, too.
Junna:Let's switch the lights off and wait.
Mahiru:Everything's ready for Hikari-chan's...
Celebration!
Karen:Hikari-chan, Hikari-chan, do you know what day it is today?
Hikari:Hmm... Headphones Day?
Karen:What? I had no idea that was a thing! I mean, no, that's not it!
Karen:It's your birthday today, isn't it?
Hikari:...You remembered?
Karen:Of course! How could I forget the birthday of someone so important to me?
Hikari:Thank you, Karen. For the Mr. White balloon, too.
Karen:Let's always celebrate together. Every single one of your birthdays.
Hikari:Okay, and your birthdays, too. Even when we're adults, or old ladies.
Karen:It feels like time has flown by since we met again. So much has happened, my head is spinning like a merry-go-around!
Karen:Thanks for spending the whole day with me, Hikari-chan!
Hikari:It was fun, Karen.
Karen:We're baaack!
Hikari:Aah! Party crackers?
Welcome home!
Hikari:What's going on?
Karen:Wow! This is amazing! You really went all out with the food!
Mahiru:There's all kinds of potato dishes, and you can make your own sushi hand rolls with any filling you like.
Hikari:The decorations are cute, too. Did you all do this for me?
Kaoruko:You have no idea how hard it was to cut out the letters. But it wasn't a bad way to pass the time.
Futaba:It was all Karen's idea.
Karen:Nah, I just said, "Why don't we throw Hikari-chan a birthday party?"
Karen:Everyone wanted to help, and it turned out really awesome!
Hikari:.....
Karen:Hikari...chan? Are you crying?
Hikari:I'm...not.
Junna:Let's get started, girls. Before the food gets cold!
All right!
Kaoruko:Oof! I can't eat any more...
Maya:There's dessert coming.
Mahiru:Ah... So it's time for...
Hikari:Time for what?
Claudine:This gift is from all of us. Go on, open it.
Hikari:Oh... It's a Mr. White jacket!
Hikari:I've wanted this forever... I couldn't get it anywhere, since it's limited edition...
Kaoruko:This jacket is so amazingly uncool... I don't understand how anyone could be happy about getting it.
Futaba:If Kagura likes it, that's what matters. Although it is uncool.
Karen:Hikari-chan really likes Mr. White stuff!
Nana:Next is the birthday cake! Let's light the candles and turn off the lights!
Hikari:I never thought...you'd do this for me.
Karen:Hikari-chan...
Kaoruko:Well, you can pay me back by giving me your role of Claire in "Starlight."
Futaba:Kagura, what sort of stuff did they teach you in England? Show me your moves next time!
Junna:Next time, I'll try for the leading role with the same tenacity you and Karen showed this time.
Nana:I'm really happy I get to perform with you at the Seisho Festival and Performance Festival, Hikari-chan.
Claudine:I'd like to see you perform a passage from "Starlight" in English. I can show you the French version.
Maya:I'm looking forward to seeing you play Claire, Kagura-san.
Mahiru:Hikari-chan, I'm really happy we became friends! I hope we'll keep having fun together!
Karen:Now, everyone... One...two...three...
Happy birthday!
Hikari:Thank you, everyone...
Karen:Time for the cake cutting ceremony, Hikari-chan!
Hikari:Uh, Karen, it's not a wedding...
Hahahahaha!