Dissonance

Noah: Well done. Now a ten-minute break. Then you’ll play it all through from scene 12.

Everyone: Understood!

Kathrina: Pant… Pant…

Kokona: Kathrina-chan, are you okay? Shall I bring you some water?

Kathrina: No, I’m fine… Go rest up, Kokona. I’ll join you in a moment. Just need to catch my breath…

Kokona: Alright! If you need anything, let me know!

Hana: Just look at Kathrina, she is so motivated. “I’m the leading actress” is written all over her face.

Noah: Yeah, that’s true…

Hana: Are you concerned about something?

Noah: Probably I’m just worrying too much, as usual.

Kathrina: Is something the matter?

Hana: Kathrina…

Kathrina: Go ahead and say it. If you have any issues with my acting――

Noah: No, it’s not about your acting. I was thinking about the stage directing.

Kathrina: Is that true?

Noah: Yes. I was considering various ideas on how to make it better suit your performance.

Kathrina: I see… Fine then. No matter what you decide upon, I’ll give you my best performance.

Noah: …

Hana: I’m done with cleaning up the rehearsal room. Everyone has already returned to the dormitory, so I guess we should head back too.

Noah: Yeah…

Hana: So you’re worried about Kathrina after all. Please, tell me what’s on your mind.

Noah: Ever since she was chosen for the leading role, her enthusiasm has been tremendous. She possesses an unyielding will, and her acting skills are getting even better.

Noah: If possible, I don’t want to put a damper on that. However… It seems like Kathrina is too absorbed in preparing for the role now.

Hana: That’s certainly a reason for concern… But it doesn’t necessary mean things will go south, right?

Noah: It would be good if that didn’t result in any trouble. Both for the play and for Kathrina…