Chapter 5
Wonderland SEKAI
“Try to remember, Bless!”
—Stop right there.
That was better than before, but it still feels a bit forced. Try to keep that wavering tone, like you’re torn about whether to speak, and find the balance there.
Got it…!
Ah... if you see anything I could fix, just tell me. I can use all the feedback I can get.
Ooh, me me me ☆
Nene-chan, stay just like that, okay? Aaaand~~~squeeze!
Eh!? Wh-What are you doing!?
Mmm~ yep, just as Rin thought! You’re all rigidy today, Nene-chan!
Rigidy....?
Aah… I think she means your body’s all tensed up from nerves.
Yeah! When we practiced before, you were like, way more loosey-goosey!
My body’s just...
How about we all go stretchy-stretchy and loosen up together!?
Oh! Then we should try that stretch Rin and Mr. Snake Plush came up with~♪
Oh, that one’s great! It really loosens you up
That sounds good. Can you teach me?
Okay! So first, we go into the wiggly slithery snake pose—
“Try to remember, Bless!”
“The Bless I knew would never say something so cold about his own people!”
...Yeah. That feels more natural, you loosened up a bit.
But I also think you can do even better, Nene. ......What do you think?
Yeah… I think so too.
Before, my emotions just flowed naturally, but now I’m overthinking every movement, and it’s throwing off the rhythm.
So I’m trying not to think about how I should move, but…
The moment you think about not thinking, you’re already thinking about it...… That's quite the dilemma.
But but! If you keep practicing, you’ll totally get it!
Yup yup! Let’s do lots of stretches! We’ll help too~♪
…Yeah. Thanks, everyone.
(If I can’t do it now… I’ll keep going until I can.)
(I will get past this.)
(I’ll make use of everything I’ve learned so far…!)
I really appreciate you making time for me, Byakkomachi-san.
No problem at all. I’m happy to help if it’s for you and the others, Kusanagi-san.
Alright then… looks like you’ve already been trying, but let’s start with progressive muscle relaxation. Relaxation starts from the body, after all.
Okay!
*Exhales*..… relax my body… alright.
“Bless! Wait—where are you going!?”
“A place where Heart also knows! Come, let us depart!”
Hmm… It might take time, but how about building a routine to help you focus?
A routine…
That's right. It’s a common method in sports psychology, used to bring yourself back to your "usual self", keeping your composure.
Personally, whenever I take on a new role, I set a signature pose to slip into character, like spreading my wings for the Phoenix role, for instance.
I see… so that’s another way to do it. Thank you, Seiryuin-san.
My usual self… stay like my usual self…
Nene, are you ready for the next scene?
Gimme a sec. I’ll calm down in just a bit…
...Okay. I think I can do this. Let’s go!
<And then… journaling really helped me, actually.>
<Try putting your feelings into words. Just seeing them on paper helps you look at them differently. That was enough to clear my head a bit.>
Helps me look at it differently..… I think I get it now.
<Still.... what works for one person doesn’t always work for another.>
<So don’t push yourself. Try things slowly, and find your own way through.>
..........
".....I won't accept this! Not like this, Bless! Don't you dare!"
"You told me once this was over, we'd go to your special place! Row down the river together and share our hearts under the stars on that small island......"
".....You even promised to give me your everlasting love!!"
......No. This isn't hitting right....!
(I’ve tried everything I can think of… but it's just not working....)
(I’m putting in so much effort, and still…!)
.......No. I can't rush.
It’s okay. I’ve always made it through, no matter how hard things get.
Calm down… one more time!
...........
Alright, we’ll start the rehearsal now! Please do your best!
Yes! We'll give it our all!
Nene-chan…
Hey there, everyone.
Ah....
Asahi-san!
I was supposed to have practice today, but when I heard you guys were rehearsing, I thought I’d drop by. Is it okay if I watch?
...Of course. Please do.
....Hm?
Did something happen? You all seem a little down....
Ah, um…
No. Nothing’s wrong at all.
Please, stay and watch. .....We’ll give it everything we’ve got.
...Okay. I look forward to it.
.......
I still can’t perform like how I used to.
But this time—I’ll make it happen.
I have to… make it happen…!
...Nene…
(Even the rehearsal didn’t go well…)
(Just like Rui said, it’s not completely bad.)
(It works for the show.... but—)
(I’m still not giving it my all. I can feel it.)
(Everything I’ve built up until now… I still haven't been able to make use of them properly.)
<Knocky-knocky knock~>
Huh…?
<Rin knocked, so she's coming in now~>
Rin! Why are you here this late at night?
<Your big show’s tomorrow, right, Nene-chan?>
<That’s why Rin came to give you a little "you got this!" boost....>
Ah…
Sorry… I made you worry again, didn’t I? I'm always like this…..
<—Nope! Rin's not worried at all.>
<Because Rin knows Nene-chan's gonna be okay.>
<You’ve been trying so, so hard, haven’t you? Rin’s been watching, y’know~>
<And you know what? When someone works really hard, poof!—a big flower blooms!>
<That’s why—you’ve gotta believe in yourself, and in your friends! Let’s give it our all ‘til the curtain falls ☆>
…Rin…
—Yeah.
I’ll keep going ‘til the curtain falls.
Rui's Room
(…For the past month, we've tested every idea that came to mind.)
(Even so, Nene still hasn’t been able to reach her full potential.)
(If that’s the case..… there’s just one option left—)