Let Me Take a Close Look at Those Eyes (Part 1)

Hatsumi
Right, that's enough practice for today! Meet at the same time tomorrow. Don't let the fatigue linger!

Everyone
Yes!

Iruru
Phew, today was tough too. My body's creaking all over.

Shigure
Eww, Iruru-senpai sounds like an old person. Please don't injure yourself right before the performance?

Iruru
I'm being careful, so don't worry. I don't want to have to step down from this role because of an injury either.

Nikako
Irurun is really fired up this time!

Daikoku
Yes...she's starting to have an expression befitting the lead role...

Iruru
Well, I've made my resolve too. I can't exactly drag down Hatsumi's reputation after she chose me for Salome.

Daikoku
My Lord's judgment is never wrong...I'm sure it will go well.

Hatsumi
...

Daikoku
My Lord...?

Hatsumi
Oh, did something happen?

Iruru
No, it's nothing major... But what about you, thinking about something?

Hatsumi
Iruru's acting exceeded my expectations. I was considering revision plans for the direction. I'd like to try them in tomorrow's practice if possible.

Iruru
Today's practice was already hard, and you're already thinking about tomorrow. Maybe Hatsumi is more fired up than I am...

Daikoku
My Lord...at all times, you dedicate yourself to the stage...!

Nikako
We need to work hard too, so we don't fall behind Irurun and Ren-san!

Hatsumi
Hahaha, feel free to praise me more. Your admiring gazes fuel my strength.

Shigure
But is it really okay to focus so much on direction?

Daikoku
What do you mean...?

Shigure
Hatsumi-san is performing too, you know? What if you get so obsessed with directing that your acting becomes sloppy?

Daikoku
You brat...! I won't let you mock my Lord...!

Shigure
I'm just showing normal concern as an actor!

Hatsumi
...Do you think I need such concern?

Shigure
Eek...t-that's...

Iruru
Alright, alright, let's call it a day! We should head home before it gets too late.

Hatsumi
You should. I'll stay a bit longer.

Hatsumi
Shigure, sorry for scaring you.

Shigure
I wasn't scared at all!? Don't worry about me unnecessarily!?

Hatsumi
Good then. Everyone, be careful on your way home.

Nikako
Ren-san, please don't push yourself too hard either?

Hatsumi
...I told you already. There's no need to worry.

Nikako
I understand. Well then, see you tomorrow!

Daikoku
...

Hatsumi
Phew...finally quiet. It seems I made Iruru worry again...

Hatsumi
Fufu...as expected, the complete opposite of Salome's image. But there are things only someone like Iruru can portray.

Hatsumi
The image in my mind is already solidified...the question now is how Iruru herself will surpass it...

Hatsumi
That's when my directing skills will truly be tested. Ah...how shall I make her shine...!

Daikoku
My Lord...that expression is wonderful too...!

Hatsumi
Daikoku...?