Track 2

……

…Mhm. Looks good.

Thanks for sticking it out until the end, Kinari. Because of you, I got to write a great speech.

(We successfully completed a script that Nishizono-sama himself is satisfied with. Although, due to proofreading all of the lines, these words seem unfitting of “his own” style.)

(Which should I have prioritized? Correctness or personal touch…?)

Kinari?

Everything is fine, Nishizono-sama. Filming will begin in a few seconds. Are you sufficiently hydrated?

Yeah! Thanks to the honey drink you gave me, my throat’s in 100% perfect condition.

Watch over me from the stage wings and listen to this celeb’s speech carefully!

“——Everyone! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy days to gather here today. I am Nishizono Renga.”

(It’s begun…)

“Today, I’d like to impart a message to all of you who are currently experiencing teenhood, an age that only happens once in a lifetime.”

(Such clear pronunciation and confident posture. He exudes immeasurable charm, capable of captivating others…)

“It’s alright to feel discouraged by your immaturity and imperfectness. There will be times where you’d feel afraid of failure and thus, never try again.”

“But, despite that——”

Ah…!

(The script got blown by the wind towards this direction…!)

(A successful catch. Checking the number of pages… All accounted for. Filming appears to be continuing regardless…)

…Urk.

(Nishizono-sama’s expression… Has he forgotten the contents of his speech?)

(Human brains can sometimes buffer when unexpected events occur, precisely because they are overly focused.)

(In any case, I must return this. But, a behind-the-scenes person like me appearing on camera is…)

…..!

(Nishizono-sama?)

*inhale* *exhale*

“But, despite that…”

That… I-I think it’s the perfect chance for you to grow! Just like what happened right now, where a wind suddenly blows away everything you’ve worked so hard to prepare!

Even so, don’t lose heart! You’ll definitely be able to make it through, somehow!

(Those were Nishizono-sama’s words that I had deleted during proofreading as it did not make sense out of context…)

I’ve made lots of friends, and I’ve started to think that I’m not alone anymore.

Even if it’s just a little… Be proud of yourselves for the people that are important to you!

That way, I’m sure everyone… will find a “real thing” they can call their own.

(His overflowing feelings of passion have reached me.)

*sighs*

Good work out there, Nishizono-sama.

M-My bad, Kinari. Even though we brainstormed that script together… I’m really sorry…

No, please do not apologize.

I was truly “moved” by your speech, Nishizono-sama.

R-Really?

Yes. However, I was not the only one. From what I have observed from the wings, several students appear to be welling up in tears or have reddened cheeks.

…! That’s great!

This may just be what I have learned—no. These thoughts are my own say in the matter¹.

I think that was what it meant to “strike a chord in one’s heart”. Thank you for the wonderful speech, Nishizono-sama.