Panda
No, that was definitely going too far...
Panda
She was just worried because I was late getting back, and taking my audition failure out on the person who passed—that's not on...
Panda
Ngh, everything's gone wrong today.
Kathrina
...Maybe this is bad timing.
Panda
Oh, Katorin. Having a bath? You're taking it easy today.
Kathrina
Yes. I was doing basic practice with Shizuka. We thought rehearsals for 'Peter Pan' would start soon.
Panda
Aww, you two are such good friends.
Kathrina
Don't make fun of me.
Kathrina
What about you? It's unusual seeing you separate from Sasuga. Did you have a argument or something?
Panda
Ah, haha. Sharp as ever, Katorin.
Kathrina
Eh, you really did have an argument? I didn't know you two could even fight...
Panda
It's not really a fight... Today was more me being a bit out of order... It's always been like this since we were kids.
Kathrina
...Right.
Panda
Sassu's a natural talent as you know, and I'm obviously the super down-and-dirty effort type.
Panda
...Even though I'm the one who starts something, Sassu comes along later and easily gets better at it—happens all the time.
Panda
It's absolutely infuriating, and honestly I can't stand it. Whatever I do, I lose.
Panda
Everything Sassu does just sparkles brilliantly, so it's unbearable. So yeah, that's how it went this time too.
Kathrina
...I see.
Panda
Ever since elementary school, every time this happens I get massively wound up and can't forgive Sassu... Back then, I even used to bully her.
Kathrina
What?
Panda
Sassu never reacted much even back then, so maybe she doesn't remember it at all.
Panda
I've always thought I need to apologise. But somehow, bringing it up feels scary...
Kathrina
...Right. The feeling of regretting irreversible past mistakes... I understand that well too.
Panda
But even though... even though I think I need to apologise, I hurt Sassu again today.
Kathrina
...I see.
Panda
...
Panda
Actually, this is still secret from everyone, but I failed the Peter Pan audition.
Kathrina
What?
Panda
Kokochi and Sassu passed. Just the three of us who auditioned got told the results first.
Kathrina
Right. ...Why are you telling me this?
Panda
...I wondered what you'd think of this result, Katorin.
Kathrina
What I think...
Kathrina
I can't really say since I didn't see your performances at the audition. But it's not hard to imagine that casting.
Panda
Right. I think so too.
Panda
Sassu's perfect for the 'eternal child' and all.
Kathrina
That's right.
Panda
Why didn't you audition for the Peter Pan role, Katorin?
Kathrina
Me?
Kathrina
I'm better at roles that require delicate acting rather than those energetic types.
Kathrina
...Besides, I wanted to do Wendy because I want to engage with how gentle people think.
Panda
Engage with how gentle people think... But even if you want the Wendy role, it should be assigned later, shouldn't it?
Kathrina
Yes. So I went to negotiate directly with Hiiragi-san. But she flatly refused, saying 'We'll handle the optimal casting'.
Panda
Eh, you went to tell her to cast you as Wendy!?
Kathrina
That's right. I told her that if that wasn't possible, I'd definitely win it, so please make the Wendy role an audition too.
Panda
(Direct negotiation with Hiiragi-san... This feels familiar somehow...?)
Kathrina
I mean, chances don't come if you just wait quietly, do they?
Panda
You must have had a really strong reason for wanting to play Wendy, Katorin.
Kathrina
Well, yes.
Panda
...
Kathrina
What's this, you keep going quiet and thinking.
Panda
No, I was just thinking that I'm still not there yet...
Kathrina
What do you mean?
Panda
Do you remember how Niizumachii switched gears straight after failing her audition during 'The Demon's Friend'?
Kathrina
Yeah, that's right.
Panda
But here I am now, just moping about failing to get the lead, without the drive or confidence that you have, Katorin...
Panda
So...
Kathrina
H-hang on, I'm not good with these consoling-type situations...
Panda
Ahaha, it's fine. Being consoled would just make me feel more pathetic, so don't worry about it.