Kokona's Question

Shizuka
...This place bring back memories.

Kokona
Yeah, nothing has changed since then. The sounds, the wind, the sun—everything is the same as it was back then. It feels great.

Shizuka
I didn't expect to come to the beach so soon after getting back. You saw it, didn't you? Mom's surprised face.

Kokona
"Are you leaving already?!" she said. Haha...

Kokona
Because we're going back tomorrow, I have to breathe the air as much as I can before I leave!
I wish I could take some of Aomori's air back with me. With vacuum-packed or something.

Shizuka
Kokona, do you know what a vacuum is?

Kokona
...Oh, you're right!

Shizuka
Hehe. That's so Kokona.

Kokona
Ugh~ Don't laugh, it's embarrassing...

Shizuka
Sorry, sorry.
But I understand why you wanted to come here first.

Shizuka
Going back to starting point, right? This is where Kokona's theatrical life began.

Kokona
Shizuka-chan can see right through me, can't you?

Shizuka
Of course. Kokona's Sense isn't for nothing.

Kokona
...It's strange, isn't it? Coming here brings back memories. The time when I didn't have any friends, the time when I kept failing auditions.

Kokona
But the memories aren't just sad ones.
This is the place where I met my best friend.

Shizuka
...I see.

Kokona
She's cute, cool, and kind. She's such a talented actress that I'll admire her the moment you see her.

Kokona
I really love that girl. ...Right, Shizuka-chan?

Shizuka
...Wait. That was a little embarrassing.

Kokona
Haha. I won today's heart-fluttering contest!

Shizuka
Seriously, what was that all about? And on top of that, my turn wasn't even there.

Kokona
Okay, now it's Shizuka-chan's turn.

Shizuka
Should I say something that will make you feel a flutter in your heart?

Kokona
Yes, something that makes me blush!

Shizuka
Let's see...

Shizuka
...Kokona has become so reliable lately. All the experiences she's had at Sirius are really showing in her acting.

Shizuka
Watching Kokona on stage, I get so envious because she looks like she's having so much fun.

Kokona
Wow, that's too much praise!

Shizuka
Well then, I win in this turn.

Kokona
Hey, that's not fair! That wasn't a heart-fluttering moment!　

Shizuka
It's not unfair. You were just embarrassed, weren't you?

Kokona
Ugh!

Kokona
—But I'm glad you're envious. I really hope that I can do that someday.

Shizuka
...You mean the promise?

Kokona
That's right. We've decided that one day, we'll stand on stage together. Not backstage, but as the lead actors.

Shizuka
...

Shizuka
...I hope I can do that someday too.

Kokona
Yeah. Hey, if I ask Hiiragi-san and the others next time, do you think they might say "Okay" without hesitation?

Shizuka
Well, who knows? Maybe it's better to hold off for now?

Kokona
Really?

Shizuka
Yeah.
Because, realistically speaking...it's not easy.

Kokona
But Shizuka-chan—

Shizuka
Of course, I know you wants to keep your promise.
I know, but...

Kokona
Shizuka-chan...