Title: Heartfelt Prop Making
Characters: Rui, Tsukasa, Nene, Emu, Miku (Wonderland Sekai version), Rin (Wonderland Sekai version), Len (Wonderland Sekai version)
Part 1
Rui's Room
*Parts moving around*
Rui
(…All that's left is to tighten the screw and I'm done.)
(The Cursed Flower prop which will be the key item for this performance-)
(Its bud, shut so tightly as if it's frozen, represents the prince's heart which was seized with despair.)
(…Yes. If it's this fine, I'm sure that Tsukasa and the rest will also like it.)
*Parts moving around*
Rui
…Alright. It's done.
???
"Hey, hey! Apparently, it's done! ♪"
???
"Wow! I wonder what the flower's used for~?"
Rui
Hm…?
Ahh, so you three were here. I didn't notice.
Rin
"Ehehe! We got spotted~"
Rui
What's the matter today? Did you all need me for something by any chance?
Len
"So like, we're here to cheer you on, Rui!"
Miku
"Since you're working so hard for the contest every day, we decided to cheer you up! ☆"
Rui
I see. I appreciate that.
Rin
"But since you were focused on your work, we ended up staring the whole time instead."
Rui
Aw, but I wouldn't have minded even if you'd just called out to me.
Len
"Yeah, but we like watching you as you make props too, Rui!"
Rin
"You look like you're having loads of fun when things go clink-clank while you're making them ♪"
Rui
Huh. I didn't think I'd appear that way.
I genuinely love the time I spend on work like this.
The spectacle of the effects unveiling on stage… The looks of pure astonishment that show on the audience's faces…
I love the time I spend imagining what these devices will show me as I keep my hands moving.
The moment this flower takes the stage and embellishes it…is something I look forward to starting from now.
Rin
"Ah, right! We were wondering how that flower was gonna be used~"
Len
"Hey, hey, what kinda scene is it used in? It's been rigged in some way, right?"
Rui
Oh, are you curious to know?
Then, I'd like you all to guess what it was rigged to do.
Len
"Hmm, what could it be?"
Rin
"Maybe it's gonna be used for a fun scene? I think the flower will dance merrily to the song or something!"
Miku
"Wow! That sounds soooo fun~! That's gotta be it!"
Rui
Hehe…
Len
"Ah, or maybe it'll glow and stuff? I have a feeling it'll look real pretty if it lights up during a pitch black scene!"
Miku
"Ah~! That might be it!"
Rin
"Rin wants to see that too~♪"
Rui
They're all brilliant ideas. Maybe I'll try creating those as well for another time.
Rin
"Yay~☆"
"…Huh? If you're gonna try creating them, does that mean we're wrong?"
Miku
"Then, then! What's the correct answer?"
Rui
The correct answer is…
-Actually, I think I'll let it remain a secret after all.
Rin
"Whaaaat? But why?"
Rui
I just wanted you all to see how this flower performs during the actual show itself since we have the opportunity.
I would be happy if you're able to enjoy the surprise packed into this device at the ideal moment I envisioned.
Len
"Aw, I really wanna know~"
"But it's true that the best time to see it in action is during the performance itself."
Rin
"Then, Rin will be patient too!"
Miku
"Yeah, yeah! Do your best for the contest, Rui! 'Cuz Miku and the rest will definitely, definitely come over to watch too! ☆"
Rui
Thank you.
This play is packed with everything we are currently capable of. It'd be wonderful if all of you could enjoy it, too.
Part 2
Wonderland Sekai
Tsukasa
-Alright! It's pretty late already, so let's end tonight's practice here!
Rui
Goodness. It's already this late before we knew it.
Nene
You're right…! I need to get back quick and take a bath…
Emu
Ah, I was supposed to discuss with my big bros about tomorrow's meeting today, too~! I gotta hurry!
Tsukasa
Yeah. We really strained ourselves today, so make sure you all get plenty of rest.
Nene
Yeah! See y'all tomorrow.
*Emu and Nene leave the Sekai*
Rui
…Well then. See you too, Tsukasa.
Tsukasa
Yeah! See you!
Rui & Tsukasa
……?
Rui
See you at school, then.
Tsukasa
Yeah! Make sure you rest well!
Rui & Tsukasa
……
Tsukasa
Wait, why aren't you going home?!
Rui
We fell into a rather awkward silence there.
I was planning to return after editing the script. I wanted to commit the ad-libs made today while they're still fresh in my mind, you see.
What were you planning to do, Tsukasa?
Tsukasa
I wanted to do some self-practice.
There was a part from practice just now where I might be able to delve deeper into the acting for, so I wanted to brainstorm the image for that for the sake of tomorrow too.
Rui
That's certainly something one would like to do by today. Why don't we work on our respective tasks afterwards then?
Tsukasa
Sure. But still- Gathering at night as well has really become a completely natural thing for us to do now.
Rui
That's despite us deciding to set nighttime aside for self-practice, too.
Tsukasa
Ever since the day you guys gathered here out of concern for me, things just fell into that same rhythm somehow.
All of you really saved my skin that day. I'm grateful for that.
Rui
Tsukasa…
Tsukasa
Reliable teammates truly are a must-have.
Thanks to all of you sharing your thoughts with me, I feel that I'm able to overcome the barrier towering before me.
Rui
I'm glad to hear that, then.
Tsukasa
Mmhmm. I want to repay you guys in some way after the contest comes to a close.
Rui
Then I think something like yummy barbeque would do. Thanks for the treat, Tsukasa!
Tsukasa
Oi! I haven't even said a single word about treating you guys!
Rui
Hehe…!
But- If you're going to express your gratitude, then I think I must express mine too.
Tsukasa
Hm? What do you mean?
Rui
What I mean is, I'm also thankful for my teammates' presence.
Each time all of you take a step forward, I strongly wish to advance further as well.
The three of you getting closer to your dreams is tied to me getting closer to mine.
And…if I grow and get closer to my dream, then all of you can also get even closer to your dreams.
I feel that that's how we're all connected.
Tsukasa
Yeah…
If that's the case, then we have to take one step forward with this contest so that we can all get closer to our dreams too!
Rui
-Yeah.
Let's take a huge step forward for the sake of our dreams.