Weekend Lesson Stage Script (EN)
This is the full Stage Script from the game menu for Weekend Lesson. (Apologies if there are typos, especially one's not already in the game menu version).
There is one part early on where the EN game script mixes up a few lines that I tried to put back in order (Hasekura's 'monologue' about Shiroma at the end of act one). Otherwise I tried to keep things as they are.
As with the others, there are lines and details in the stage script that are not in the performance you see in game, where they are shown only as text-over summary.
Also, as with the others, any ad-libs and such would not be here. The last-minute changes for Weekend Lesson are in line delivery, mostly, rather than lines, so it may not be as noticeable. Of course, you can access it from the game menu, if youāve got it, but this version is searchable! Because someone else beat me to this project for Sleepless King here [x] that makes this the last of the stage scripts for the collection. You can find my transcription of Mary Jane here [x], of Oh, Rama Havenna here [x], and of all versions of Sissia of the Central Nation here [x].
Weekend Lesson
By Neji Kokuto
(1) Chapter 1
ā¢Outside the Great Galleon
Two women walk together through a business plaza along the shoreline.
They notice a peculiar-looking building in the shape of a ship.
Kanna: Ms. Ando! Thereās a ship right in the middle of the business plaza. It looks as if itāll set sail any moment!
Ando: Oh, Kanna. Thereās no way there would be a ship on land.
Ando: Thatās a building designed to look like a ship. And there are no sailors in it, but office workers.
Kanna: Really? What a very unique building it is. It must be a new company.
Ando: That companyās much older than we are.
Kanna: Whaa?!
Ando: I believe you may have heard of it. The companyās name isā¦
Louis exits the building.Ā
Louis: Good morning! Good morning!Ā
Louis: From space exploration research to selling food and beverages, Great Galleon SJB is here!
ā Dance
"We Are the Great Galleon"
Louis: Allow me to explain what our company is!
Louis: Itās been 200 years this year since our founding. An old company whose founder built up our assets through trade and said, āIf you set sail, head for Acapulco!ā and always, always, challenge yourself!
Though Iām not sure what that meansā¦
Louis: Our business has expanded to over a hundred countries. Our sales are on the level of national budgets, and our stocks have only been rising. Prime ministers and presidents are nothing compared to our president. Oh, but I kid. Well, probably.
Louis: Our pay? Itās good, of course. This suit is tailor made Paul Louis. ALL my personal belongings are Paul Louis.Ā
Louis: The work environment? Our employee benefits are perfection. Our company bistro serves nutritionally balanced, healthy meals, and our employee gym is always bustling with invigorated employees working up a sweat!
Louis: āOvertimeā? What is THAT? Oh right, that evil concept Iāve heard so much about. Our company is nothing but wholesome, with abundant vacation time.
Louis: Recreational leave, maternity leave, family leave, confession leave. Even our crew who might get rejected from a love confession can feel at ease.
Louis: When you feel fulfilled in your private lives, your motivation to work rises. And we donāt neglect upskilling our employees, either. That all comes back in contribution to the company.
Louis: What do you think? Amazing, isnāt it? The Great Galleon SJB!ā
Louis finishes his line. Everyone disperses.
Next to Louis, Hasekura hurriedly exits the building.
Hasekura: Documentsā¦ Documentsā¦
Louis: Hasekura? If it isnāt Hasekura! Good morning my friend, my colleague!
Hasekura: Ahā¦ Good morning, Louis.
Louis: You werenāt at dinner with our group the other day. Whatās the matter? We go out every month, remember?Ā
Hasekura: I thought Iād bring down the mood if I went, so I didnāt go. Once a month is pretty frequent, tooā¦
Louis: What are you talking about?! Everyone missed you. Itās ONLY once a month!
Hasekura: Iāll try and join next time. Well, I have to go turn in these documents.Ā
Louis cuts off Hasekura as he tries to get away.
Louis: We were talking at the dinner, you know.
Hasekura: Y-Yeah? About what?
Louis: You see, Iāve actually been entrusted with a big project coming up.
Hasekura: You really are amazing. Youāre the star performer out of all of us hired that year. Tell me more about it at the next dinner. Iām just going to turn in these documentsā¦
Louis cuts off Hasekura as he tries to get away.
Louis: Iām being told a promotionās just around the corner for me, but I really like not having the responsibility, so Iām in a bit of a tough spot.
Hasekura: Oh, I see. I can understand that.
Louis: Though I know I should happily accept being able to be part of a new project as the result of my hard work.
Hasekura: Right yeah, thatās true. So, Iāll just be submitting these documentsā¦
Louis grabs Hasekuraās shoulders as he tries to get away.
Louis: itās just, I canāt handle this project alone.
Louis: The shipās captain, no matter how skilled he is, canāt overcome stormy waters without a crewā¦
Hasekura: Yeahā¦ I got caught in another long talk with Louis.
Hasekura: Iām at fault. Iām at fault for trying to walk past himā¦
Louis: ā¦In other words, I want you to help me. Youāll do it, wonāt you Hasekura?
Hasekura: Huh? What was that?
Louis: Iām saying I want you to join the project that was entrusted to me!
Hasekura: Me? I canāt, Louis! Iām not as talented as you. Iāll just get in everyoneās way.
Louis: Hasekuraā¦ you gotta aim higher. āIf you set sail, head for Acapulco!ā Right?
Louis: Your guardian angel canāt help you fly if you stay curled up and looking down like that all the time. You gotta change, Hasekura!
Hasekura: S-Sureā¦
Mukai: Hasekura, there you are.
Mukai: Our boss was making a fuss about not having the documents they needed first thing in the morning.
Hasekura: Mukai, Iām sorry. I got to work early today, butā¦
Louis: Oh, if it isnāt Hasekuraās subordinate, Mukai. How are you this fine day?
Mukai: Louis, I see youāre the culprit.
Mukai: Hasekuraās supposed to get the negotiation documents for Europe to our boss. Please donāt hold him up.
Hasekura: Er, no Mukai, Iām the one at fault.
Louis: Mukai, can you convince Hasekura here? He really should join my project.
Louis: If he does, you can join the project, too. We can open a path to success together. You ever heard this before? āIf you set sailāā¦
Mukai: Where Hasekura needs to head isnāt Acapulco, but our bossās desk.
Mukai: Besides, if you have that big of a project, shouldnāt you be busy as well?
Louis: Ah, thatās right! I had a meeting first thing in the morning. Sorry, Hasekura, Mukai, Iāll take my leave now!
Louis leaves.
Hasekura: Iām sorry, Mukai. I caused you trouble.
Mukai: A project, huh? Isnāt there a possibility heāll just use you however he needs and take all the credit himself?
Hasekura: I think he really just wants to give me a chance, since Iām so hopeless.
Mukai: Do you want to do that project?
Hasekura: Iā¦ Wellā¦
Mukai: For now you just need to get those documents submitted. Please get going.Ā
Hasekura: Yes. Understood.
Two employees pop out of the shadows.
Employee A: What a fun Friday it is. The golden glittering of the world after 5 PM
Employee B: The things we want to do are as countless as the stars. What should we do today?
Employee A: Oh my, Hasekura. How are you today? What sort of fun are you going to have today?
Hasekura: Er, no, Iām justā¦ going to go home and do nothing, I guess.
Employee A: Oh my, what a lazybones!
Employee B: Then what about tomorrow? How do you spend your days off?
Hasekura: I sleep until noon on my days offā¦ And then do nothingā¦ And then sleep when itās nighttime, I guess.
Employee B: Ohhh, how dreadful!
Employee A: You need to sparkle more!
Employee B: Sheās right, how about you come out with us?
Hasekura: Er, uh, wellā¦
Employee A: Weāll find a way to bring your life to life!
Mukai: Stop.
Employee A: Oh, if it isnāt Mukai! What are your plans today?
Mukai: Weāre in the middle of work right now, so we canāt talk.
Employee B: Well, arenāt you all business. I see a hint of a cool sparkle in your eye.
Mukai: Hasekura, letās go.
Hasekura: R-Rightā¦ Excuse us.
Hasekura stops after walking for a short while.
Hasekura: Iām sorry, Mukaiā¦
Mukai: This company has a lot of people who love themselves and want to make others their little clones.Ā
Hasekura: I feel like Iām being targeted because Iām such a boring personā¦
Mukai: How about picking up a hobby? Itāll be a good shield for you, too.
Mukai: Is there anything youāre interested in?
Hasekura: Thereās nothing I can think ofā¦ Ah.
Mukai: Itās Shiroma from reception.
Shiroma: Hasekura, Mukai. Hello.
Mukai: Hello.
Hasekura: ā¦
Shiroma: Well, goodbye.
Hasekura watches her walk away, unable to say anything.
Mukai: Are you okay not saying hello to Shiroma?
Hasekura: I didnāt?!
Mukai: I certainly didnāt hear it.
Hasekura: Damn itā¦
Mukai: Letās just get those documents submitted. Iāll come with you.
Hasekura: Sorryā¦
Monologue
Hasekura: Romeā¦
Hasekura: Our company is a large corporation where anyone would want to work. It must have been due to some mistake that I was able to get in.
Hasekura: I have no place here. All my peers are climbing higher into the distance as I continue to cause trouble to my subordinates.
Hasekura: Throughout it all, she is my only source of peace. Her gentle smile comforts me.Ā
Hasekura: She is a faraway land to me. My Rome. A beautiful capital, just out of reach.Ā
(2) Chapter 2
ā¢Bistro
Mukai: Excuse me. Two iced coffees please.
Mukai: Hasekura, weāve finished putting together the project overview.
Hasekura: Sorryā¦ I somehow got you involved in Louisās project.Ā
Mukai: Itāll help me develop my skills, so itās no big deal.
Mukai: Are you sure youāre all right being a part of the team?
Hasekura: Someone like me is being allowed to join on a big project. I should be grateful for the opportunityā¦
Mukai: Butā¦
The door opens
Mukai: ā¦Hm? Speak of the devil. Itās Louis.
Louis: ā¦
Hasekura: Oh, youāre rightā¦!
Shiroma: ā¦
Hasekura: Shiroma! Why is she with Louisā¦Ā
Hasekura: ā¦
Hasekura: Mukai, Iām heading back to the office.
Mukai: But the iced coffees arenāt here yet.
Hasekura: B-Butā¦
Louis: Arenāt I lucky to find you here during lunch? Having lunch with you would make the food even more delicious!
Shiroma: Oh, Suzuki. Youāre such a sweet-talker.
Louis: Call me Louis. Thatās what everyone calls me. Also, I really meant what I said.Ā
Louis: How about dinner sometime? I know a good place.
Shiroma: Sure, if the opportunity comes up.
Hasekura: ā¦
Mukai: The star performer of the office and its most captivating beauty having lunch together. A pair that would stir the hearts of anyone who laid eyes upon them.
Hasekura: Hahhā¦ Youāre rightā¦
Mukai: ā¦
Mukai: Are you sure youāre all right with this, Hasekura? This work, the accolades, and the woman you admire are all in your coworkerās sights.
Hasekura: Huh?! Itās not like Iā¦
Mukai: How about you try going after them yourself? Some things can change with just one word, just one step.
Hasekura: Erā¦
Hasekura: I donāt have that kind of strength.Ā
Mukai: Hahh. Letās go. We can still get out now without having to talk to them.
Hasekura: O-Okayā¦
Fade out
ā¢City (Night)
Hasekura: ā¦Hahh.
Hasekura: The cityās bustling tonight. It is a Friday, I guess.
Hasekura: Maybe I should wander around a bit.
Shiroma: ā¦
Hasekura: ā¦?!
Hasekura: Thatāsā¦ Shiromaā¦ Oh no, sheās coming this way!
Footsteps come closer, then fade away.
Hasekura: Oh good, she didnāt see me. Er, no, wait, why did I hide? I should have just greeted her!
Hasekura: I wonder where sheās going? Itās dangerous for someone as pretty as her to be walking the streets aloneā¦Ā
Hasekura: ā¦
Hasekura follows behind Shiroma
ā¢Outside the Ando Dance Studio
Shiroma: ā¦
Shiroma walks up the stairs.
Hasekura: Is this where Shiroma was headed?
Hasekura: Thereās a signā¦ āAndo Dance Studioā?
Hasekura: Is she learning how to dance? I wonder what style of dance it isā¦
Ando: Theyāre social dances.
Hasekura: Huh?
Ando: Good evening.Ā
Hasekura: A, h-hello! Er, I was just interested in dance, soā¦
Ando: Then would you like to observe a class?
Hasekura: Aaaahh, no, no! Iām sure it would be a bother to the instructor and their students. Iām a beginner, Iāve never danced beforeā¦
Ando: Oh no, beginners are more than welcome. I can assure you that these are the words of the dance instructor.
Hasekura: The dance instructorā¦? Er, are you the one teaching the class?
Ando: Yes. Come on in.
Hasekura: Ahā¦ Okayā¦
ā¢Inside the Ando Dance Studio
Ando: Iām back.
Kanna: Welcome back!
Kanna: Oh? Whoās the new guy?
Ando: This person isā¦
Shiroma: Hasekura?
Hasekura: ā¦Shiroma.
Ando: Oh, Shiroma, do you know him?
Shiroma: Yes, heās a coworker of mine.
Kanna: A coworker? So he works at Great Galleon SJB?!
Kanna: Then heās part of the corporate elite!
Hasekura: I just happened to get in on a fluke.
Shiroma: But still, why are you here, Hasekura?
Hasekura: Er, wellā¦
Ando interrupts to help him.
Ando: You mentioned you were interested in dance, right?
Hasekura: Ah, yes, thatās right. Are you learning dance here too, Shiroma?
Shiroma: No, Iā¦
Kanna: Shiroma occasionally comes to watch me dance! She used to do social dancing during college.
Shiroma: I donāt anymore, though. Do you have any experience dancing, Hasekura?
Hasekura: Iām a complete beginner, actuallyā¦
Shiroma: Youāll be able to dance right away under Ms. Andoās guidance.
Shiroma: All right, Iāll be leaving nowā¦ Hasekura, do your best, okay?
Hasekura: R-Right!
Sounds of footsteps leaving and the door closing.
Hasekura: Shiromaā¦
Kanna: Hasekura. You didnāt come here chasing after Shiroma, did you?
Hasekura: Wha-?!
Kanna: There were people like that during college, too.
Kanna: Are you sure youāre interested in dance and not Shiroma?!
Hasekura: I-Itās not what youāre thinking!
Ando: Kanna, donāt be rude now.
Kanna: Shiroma hates people like that!
Hasekura: Iām joining!
Ando: Oh?
Hasekura: Please let me join your class!
Ando: Are you sure?
Hasekura: Please.
Ando: ā¦All right. Well, since weāre here, how about we start the lesson.
Hasekura: O-Okay.
Hasekura: Oh, noā¦ Am I going to be okay? Iāve never danced before.
Hasekura: And this is social dancing at that. The thought of dancing with women is just too much for meā¦
Ando: Letās try walking first.
Hasekura: Walking? In a dance class?
Ando: Yes. Try walking straight and coming back here.
Hasekura: All right.
Hasekura: ā¦I should be able to manage this much.
Sounds of footsteps retreating and then approaching.
Ando: I see. I got it now.
Hasekura: Got what?
Ando: I have an idea of how youāll improve, Mr. Hasekura.
Ando: Posture is important in social dancing. Mr. Hasekura, can you try walking one more time?
Hasekura: Like this?
Ando: Stop!
Hasekura: Okay!
Ando: Hasekura, look in the mirror. How would you describe your posture?
Kanna: Heās slouching forward with a tilted pelvis!
Hasekura: ā¦What she said.
Ando: Ugh, Kanna!
Ando: Hasekura, letās start with shoulders back.
Hasekura: Like this?
Ando: Yes. From there, hold your head upright with your chin parallel to the floor. Make sure your line of sight doesnāt drop to the floor.
Hasekura: Rightā¦
Ando: Look again in the mirror.
Hasekura: My postureās better.
Ando: Right? Now letās try walking again. Push off your back foot and land on the heel, rolling forward to the ball.
Hasekura: Push off my foot and land on my heel, rolling forward to the ballā¦
Hasekura wobbles along unsteadily.
Hasekura: Huh? This is hardā¦ Iām only walking.
Ando: Itāll get easier if you count while walking. One-two, one-two.
Hasekura: Oneā¦ two, one, twoā¦
Hasekura continues learning to walk.Ā
Fade out.
Ando: All right. Thatās it for todayās class. Good work, everyone.
Hasekura: Itās over already? All I did was walkā¦
Ando: But youāre tired, right?
Hasekura: Wellā¦ yes.
Ando: As you go about your day, keep an eye on your posture in any reflections that you pass by.
Ando: All right then, Iāll see you next Friday!
ā¢City (Night)
Hasekura: Iāve gotten myself into a predicamentā¦
Hasekura: Iāll just make some excuse and drop out after a whileā¦ Hm?
Hasekura: I can see my reflection in a showroom window.
Hasekura: The posture I learned in classā¦ was like this, I think.
He fixes his posture in front of the glass, which worsens again as he starts walking. He fixes his posture in front of another pane of glass. He exits the stage with his posture somewhat improved.
(3) Chapter 3
ā¢Dance Studio
Ando: Good evening, Hasekura. Letās begin today by practicing how to walk again.
Hasekura: Okay.
Hasekura walks.
Footsteps.
Ando: Much better than last week! I see youāve been practicing.
Hasekura: Thereās just a lot of mirrors and glass around townā¦
Ando: But there are people who improve and those who donāt. Youāre clearly the type to apply yourself and get results, Hasekura.
Hasekura: Oh, no, itās notā¦
Ando: Now then, letās add something else to the walking today.
Ando: And that will be me.
Hasekura: What do you mean?
Ando: Iāll walk alongside you, Hasekura. Try walking while adjusting your pace to mine.
Ando: All right, letās go.
She begins teaching blues dancing for beginners.
Ando: Front, frontā¦ side.
Hasekura: Side? L-Like this?
Ando: Yes. Next, back, backā¦side!
Hasekura: Like thisā¦
Ando: Now just repeat those steps. Front-front-side, back-back-side.
Hasekura: Front, front, side, back, back, sideā¦
Ando: Yes, not bad. Now letās use our hands.
Ando: Hasekura, try stretching your right hand out straight forward.
Hasekura reaches his right hand out forward.
Ando: Gently curl your hand as if youāre carrying a ball.
Hasekura slowly curves his right hand.
Hasekura: Like this?
Ando: Yes. And now your left. Stretch out your left arm to the side and bend your joints upward.
Hasekura: Likeā¦ this?
Ando: Yes. Now letās incorporate the steps. Front, front, side. Back, back, side.
Hasekura: Ahā¦thisā¦ makes me feel like Iām dancing.
Ando: You are dancing, in fact.
Hasekura: Really?!
Ando: Social dancing looks difficult at a glance, but itās easy once you get the hang of it.
Ando: All right. Lastly, clasp your left hand with mind and put your right arm around my waist.Ā
Hasekura: Huh?!
Ando: Now, letās dance! Front, front, side. Back, back, side!
Ando: Say it with me, Hasekura!
Hasekura: R-Right. Front, front, side! Back, back, sideā¦
Ando: Youāre dancing!
Hasekura: Dancingā¦ Iām dancingā¦
The two of them dance.
Fade out.
Hasekura: Even someone like me can danceā¦
Hasekura: Er, no, itās just because youāre a good teacher. I didnāt really do anything.
Ando: Youāre able to dance because you took this practice seriously.
Hasekura: Th-Thank youā¦!
Ando: Letās learn a new step while youāre still in that mindset of success.
Hasekura: O-Okay!
(4) Chapter 4
ā¢Office
Employee A: Another Fridayās come again at last.
Employee B: A golden spark to set off our weekend.
Hasekura: ā¦
Employee A: Oh dear, Hasekura. Where are you off to in such a rush?
Employee B: Will you be getting into some mischief this weekend?
Hasekura: Er, no, I donāt have any plans in particularā¦
Employee A: Ever the layabout! Why not come out with us, then?
Employee B: Sheās right, Hasekura. Let us share our sparkle with you.
Hasekura: No, Iā¦ E-Excuse me!
Employee A: Aww, a pity what a sloth he is! That Brian Hasekura!
Employee B: Friday after five is when we come alive! Enjoy yourself amongst the living, Brian!
Mukai: ā¦
Mukai: Itās pretty unusual for Hasekura to turn someone down so firmlyā¦
ā¢Dance Studio
Hasekura: I got here earlier than usual. Iāll practice the steps I learned from last timeā¦
Kanna: Hey, Ms. Ando. Are you really not entering competitions anymore?
Hasekura: ā¦?
Ando: Not this again, Kanna.
Kanna: but you studied dance abroad and even joined an international competition!
Kanna: You were the one who inspired me to dance, Ms. Ando!
Kanna: I want to see you shine in the spotlightā¦!
Ando: Forget about that. Itās all in the past nowā¦
Ando: Ah! Hasekuraā¦
Hasekura: G-Good eveningā¦ Um.
Kanna: Iām going home for today.
Ando: Kanna!
Footsteps of Kanna leaving.Ā
Ando: ā¦Hahh.
Hasekura: Ms. Andoā¦
Ando: Iām sorry. Letās begin practice.Ā
The two of them dance awkwardly.
Hasekura: Ms. Andoā¦ Should we end the lesson for today?
Ando: no, itās fineā¦!
Ando: Iām sorry. I really am no good.
Ando: Hasekura, would you mind if I asked you to join me for a moment?Ā
Hasekura: Iāll do what I can.
Ando: All right then, letās go!
Hasekura: Huh? Where? Whoa!
Ando rushes out of the studio, pulling Hasekura by the hand.
ā¢Piano Lounge.
Hasekura: Is thisā¦ a bar?
Ando: Itās a piano lounge.
Sound of the door opening.
Piano music can be heard playing.Ā
Hasekura: I see. Everyoneās dancing to the music.
Ando: You can dance with anyone you find interesting. Just approach whoever you like.
Hasekura: Er, ah, no, umā¦
Ando: Hehā¦ Then may I have this dance?
ā Song
āMs. Robinā
Hasekura: Itās really difficult to dance with other people around! I keep bumping into everyone.
Ando: A bit different from the studio, isnāt it? You have to find an open spot. Over there, look.
Ando leads Hasekura
Hasekura: Wow, we got through.
Ando: Hehā¦
Ando: ā¦
Ando: Hasekura, do you enjoy dancing?
Hasekura: Huhā¦?
Ando: The truth isā¦ you came to the classroom because you were curious about Shiroma, werenāt you?
Hasekura: ā¦!
Ando: I apologize if Iām mistaken.
Hasekura: ā¦What got me started, was exactly what you said.
Ando: If dancing is challenging for you, thenā¦
Hasekura: Ahā¦
Hasekura: I was surprised that even a person like me could dance.
Ando: Huhā¦?
Hasekura: I canāt accomplish anything at all, so it made me happy to be praised for being able to dance.Ā
Ando: But you work for a famous company with so much history.
Hasekura: Thereās no overtime and itās easy to take paid leave. It encourages a good work-life balance. Itās the perfect place to work.
Ando: That sounds lovely.
Hasekura: Iām sure it would be for normal people. But I want to work overtime, and I donāt want to go on vacation.Ā
Ando: Huh?
Hasekura: Iād rather work at my own pace than rush myself just to get out on time, even if it means working overtime.
Hasekura: I feel worthless, having nothing to do when I have so many empty days off. I would rather work in that case.
Hasekura: Everything about it that others envy just feels like pressure to me.Ā
Ando: Ah, Iām sorryā¦ How rude of me.
Hasekura: No, Iām just fighting against the times. Itās my own fault. Iām surpassed by my peers, I cause trouble to my subordinates, and Iām just a boring guy.
Ando: Thatās not true at all!
Hasekura: Huh?
Ando: To me, youāre a fun person to be around, Hasekura.
Hasekura: Fun? Me?
Ando: Yes. I mean, someone once so afraid of dance is now dancing out in public.
Ando: Iāve never witnessed such an incredible change.Ā
Ando: Seeing you now makes me feel proud for starting my own studio.
Ando: Yes, it was a good thing to have gone down this pathā¦
Ando: ā¦Hasekura! Letās dance with more liveliness!
Hasekura: Whoaā¦ W-Wait, Ms. Ando!
Hasekura and Ando dance together.
The song ends and the stage fades to black
(5) Chapter 5
ā¢Office
Mukai: ā¦
Hasekura: ā¦What is it, Mukai?
Mukai: Hasekura, recentlyā¦ Youāve gotten taller, havenāt you?
Hasekura: Taller? I donāt think I could suddenly grow taller at my age.
Mukai: You look more fit.
Hasekura: Youāre just imagining things.
Mukai: Other employees around us were talking about how youāve been looking more handsome lately.Ā
Hasekura: Huh?! Iām sure itās just mockeryā¦ Oh.
Mukai: What is it?
Hasekura: The social dance classā¦
Mukai: Social dance?
Hasekura: Oh, no, itās nothing.
Mukai: Did you start a dance class?
Hasekura: Yeahā¦ Itās strange for a guy like me to be dancing, huh?
Mukai: No, though it is unexpected. So thatās why your posture and movements have changed.Ā
Hasekura: My postureās just slightly improved, thatās allā¦
Shiroma: Mukai, Hasekura. Hello.
Hasekura: Ah, hello.Ā
Mukai: Hello.
Shiroma: Letās all work hard today.
Shiroma leaves.Ā
Mukai: Youāre even able to greet her now.
Hasekura: Ahā¦ Y-Yeahā¦
Mukai: Itās Friday today. How about you keep up that momentum and ask her out on a date?
Hasekura: Wh-What are you talking about?! Thereās no way I can do that. Besidesā¦
Mukai: Besides?
Hasekura: I have dance class todayā¦
Mukai: ā¦He really has changed.
ā¢Dance Studio
Hasekura: Hello.
Kanna: Oh, Hasekura! Perfect timing! Listen to this!
Hasekura: What is it?
Kanna: Shiroma will be joining us today!
Shiroma: Come on, Kanna, youāre making a fuss.
Hasekura: Shiroma!
Shiroma: Hello, Hasekura. Iāve heard your dancing has improved.
Hasekura: No, it really hasnātā¦
Ando: ā¦
Ando: We must let Shiroma see what you can do, Hasekura. Now then, letās beginā¦
Sound of a door swinging open energetically.Ā
Louis: Pardon me! The nameās Louis of the Great Galleon SJB!
Hasekura: Louis?!
Louis: I heard you were in this dance class, Hasekura! Why didnāt you tell me? Iām hurt! ā¦Oh?
Shiroma: Louis.
Louis: If it isnāt Miss Shiroma.
Hasekura: Louis, what are you doing hereā¦?
Mukai: Louis, please donāt do anything rash!
Hasekura: Mukai?!
Shiroma: Mukai.
Ando: Hasekura, Shiromaā¦ You know them?
Hasekura: We all work together at the same company. Mukai, whatās going on?
Mukai: When I mentioned you were taking a dance class, Louis said he wanted to learn, too.
Louis: After seeing how much Hasekura changed from a simple dance class, I wanted to try it out, too!
Louis: But I had no idea Miss Shiroma would be here as well.
Hasekura: Shiromaās just here to watch her friend dance. Donāt make it out to be something strange.Ā
Louis: Come to think of it, I remember talking about this at lunch the other day, Shiroma. That you learned dance in your days as a student.Ā
Louis: Iām sure Miss Shiromaās dancing must be quite lovely. Donāt you think, Hasekura?
Hasekura: What are you saying, Louis? Thatāsā¦
Kanna: ā¦
Kanna: Oh! How about this, then?
Kanna: The two of you compete against each other in dance, and whoever wins can dance with Shiroma!
Shiroma: Kanna?!
Ando: What are you talking about, Kanna?
Kanna: Thereās a dance party hosted by the Ando Dance Studio in a month, right?
Kanna: Itās an event where people young and old gather to have fun dancing.
Kanna: So Hasekura and his talkative friend can compete to see whoās better at dancing, and the one who stands out most can dance with Shiroma.Ā
Kanna: Wouldnāt it be romantic to see two men fighting over who gets to be her partner?Ā
Ando: Kanna, thatās hardly the purpose of a dance contest.
Louis: No, itās an interesting idea! I donāt have any experience with dance, though I do have confidence in my physical abilities.
Louis: Iām sure I wonāt lose to Hasekura.
Mukai: ā¦!
Mukai: Louis, youāre always like this!
Hasekura: Mukai?
Mukai: Youāre always trying to show off your superiority by looking down on Hasekura!
Louis: Youāve got it all wrong, Mukai. Iām only speaking the truth.
Mukai: Itās even worse that you donāt realize what youāre doing!
Mukai: Shiroma, this competition is just idiotic, but how about accepting his terms? I wonāt feel satisfied until Louisās arrogance is beaten down!
Hasekura: Whatās wrong? Calm down, Mukai. This isnāt like you.
Mukai: Iām completely calm!
Shiroma: ā¦All right. I do enjoy dancing. Iāll practice dancing for the party.
Hasekura: Shiroma?!
Louis: That settles it, then. I apologize for the fuss. Whoās the one in charge here?
Ando: ā¦ That would be me.
Louis: A pleasure to meet you. My nameās Louis. Iād like to ask for your guidance.Ā
Ando: Everyone has their own personality, so I wonāt be teaching you the same way as I do him. Letās find a dance style that suits you.
Louis: Now that sounds promising. How about we get right into practice? Strike while the ironās hot, as they say.
Hasekura: ā¦
ā¢Outside
Hasekura: That was a surprise. I didnāt think youād come to the studio, Mukai.
Mukai: Iām sorryā¦ This is all because I mentioned your dance class to Louis.
Mukai: And on top of that, I made everyone agree to that stupid competitionā¦
Hasekura: Thereās no use trying to change whatās been decided. Iāll just do what I can, though I think itāll be difficult to win.
Mukai: Hasekura, youāve been practicing all this time, right? Louis is starting just today, soā¦
Hasekura: You saw him, didnāt you? He only just started and heās memorized steps and begun dancing already.
Hasekura: If he keeps getting better at this pace, heāll pass me in no time.
Mukai: Thatās not true!
Hasekura: Mukai?
Mukai: Do your best. You can win for sure.
Hasekura: Iām sure youāre just being considerate. Donāt worry about me. Iām the one at fault, not being able to do things a normal person can do.
Mukai: ā¦
Mukai: Iām sick of hearing that!
Hasekura: ā¦Urk?! Mukai...?
Mukai: Whenever anything happens youāre always saying, āItās my fault,ā āItās my fault,ā but what did you ever do that was so wrong?!
Mukai: If you keep saying how much youāre at fault, what do you want me to say?!
Mukai: Would you be satisfied if I told you that you were at fault?!
Hasekura: Mukai, I didnāt mean it like thatā¦
Mukai: Every time you demean yourself like that, it hurts me too!
Hasekura: Mukaiā¦
Mukai: Damn itā¦ Excuse me!
Hasekura: Mukai! Mukai!
Sound of Mukai running off.
Hasekura: Mukaiā¦
Ando: ā¦Hasekura.
Hasekura: Ms. Ando! Ahā¦
Ando: Iām sorry. I overheard your conversation.
Hasekura: No, itās my faultā¦ Ah.
Hasekura: ā¦
Hasekura: Mukaiās a new hire whoās always calm and considerate. I should be leading by example, but I only ever cause him troubleā¦Ā
Hasekura: heās such a strong person, I never imagined that he could be hurt by anything.Ā
Hasekura: No, I never even thought that he might feel that way.
Hasekura: That he would be hurt on my behalf. All because of meā¦.
ā¢Office
People cross paths within the office.
Hasekura is looking around for Mukai
Hasekura: ā¦
Hasekura: How am I supposed to face him nowā¦
Mukai: Good morning.
Hasekura: Mukaiā¦!
Mukai: Whatās the matter? letās get going.
Hasekura: R-Rightā¦
Hasekura: Mukai, about last weekā¦
Mukai: Letās just call off the competition.
Hasekura: Whaā¦
Mukai: Itās ridiculous to be forced into some contest because someone else wanted it, when youāre only doing dance as a hobby.
Mukai: Iāll go around and apologize to everyone.
Hasekura: Mukai.
Mukai: Iām just like all the others, trying to push their own ideals on how you should live your life.
Mukai: This was what I wanted, not you. The whole thing is my fault.
Hasekura: No, itās not!
Mukai: Hasekuraā¦!
Hasekura: I know you said it for my sake.
Hasekura: You should come to the dance party, too.
Hasekura: Iāll win against Louis.
Mukai: ā¦
Hasekura: Er, well, I donāt want to pressure you, soā¦
Mukai: Iāll comeā¦ No, I want to support you.
Mukai: I believe youāll be able to win, Hasekura.
Hasekura: Mukaiā¦ Right!
(6) Chapter 6
ā¢Dance Studio
Louis: Hasekura, Iām glad that Iāll finally get to see your A-game today.
Hasekura: Iām not sure āA-gameā is what I would call it, but I am taking this seriously.
Kanna: Theyāre totally fired up! This is so exciting!
Ando: Thereās only a short amount of time, so letās choose one type of dance for each of you and practice it thoroughly.
Ando: I believe a quick, lively step dance would suit Louis. Youāre good at them, right Kanna?
Kanna: Leave all the footwork to me! Iāll be a great partner for you.
Louis: Looking forward to it, Miss Kanna.
Kanna: Wow, heās so cool!
Ando: Hasekura will learn an elegant waltz. Iāll be your partner.
Hasekura: Thank you very much.
Ando: now then, letās all work hard for the dance contest!Ā
Everyone begins practicing.
Louis and Kanna dance with nimble footsteps
Kanna: One, two, three, one, two, three! Wow, youāre really good, Louis!
Louis: Haha, thanks!
Ando: They seem like a good pair.
Mukai: ā¦
Ando: Hasekura?
Hasekura: So thatās what Louis looks like.
Ando: You see him every day at the office, donāt you?
Hasekura: I do, butā¦ Iāve never really looked at his face.
ā¢Outside
Louis: All right, see you next week, Hasekura!
Hasekura: Right.
Hasekura: ā¦Iām not used to seeing coworkers after work like this.
Ando: Hasekura.
Hasekura: Ms. Ando. What is it.Ā
Ando: Wellā¦ I was just thinking about what you said while we were dancing.
Hasekura: Yeahā¦
Hasekura: Up until now, Iāve always looked down as if to avoid othersā attention. I never tried to look them in the eye.
Hasekura: But now that Louis and I are competing, Iāve looked directly at him for the first time.
Hasekura: He was dancing his best and breaking a sweatā¦ He might actually be a hard worker.Ā
Hasekura: It was sort of a revelation to me, after only feeling intimidated by him for so long.Ā
Hasekura: Iām starting to feel like dancing has made me notice things I wasnāt able to before.
Ando: Hasekuraā¦
Kanna: Wow, thatās so amazing!
Hasekura: ā¦?
Ando: Kanna?
Kanna: Louis and Hasekura are steadily getting better and better! My idea was a huge success!
Shiroma: Jeez, getting everyone involved, tooā¦
Hasekura: Shiromaās with herā¦
Ando: The two of them are going to dinner, I imagine.Ā
Hasekura: Theyāre close, huhā¦
Kanna: Youāre so lucky, Shiroma. Iām jealous two guys are competing over you.
Kanna: Hey, so what are Louis and Hasekura like at work?
Shiroma: Louis is popular within the company and well known in general. He was recently put in charge of a big project.Ā
Kanna: And Hasekura?
Shiroma: Hasekura isā¦
Shiroma: Scary.
Hasekura: ā¦?!
Ando: Ohā¦?
Kanna: Scary? How so?
Shiroma: Hasekura seems somewhat hollow insideā¦ I donāt know what he could be thinking about.
Shiroma: I get scared every time our eyes meet. Iām always smiling awkwardly to brush it off.
Hasekura: ā¦!
Kanna: Ohh, no way! Tell me the details over dinner!
Sounds of the two of them leaving.
Ando: Hasekuraā¦
Hasekura: I-Iām sorry. Hahaā¦ I feel bad for eavesdropping on them during such an awkward conversation.
Hasekura: Just when I thought I was starting to be able to see things I couldnāt, who knew Iād also realize I wasnāt actually seeing the things I thought I did.Ā
Hasekura: I really am no good. Itās not a new problem for me. Iām at fault. Iāmā¦ Iāmā¦
Ando: Youāre not at fault.
Hasekura: ā¦!
Ando: Youāre not at fault Hasekura. Youāre notā¦
Ando: Hasekura. Letās dance.
Hasekura: But, I just donāt feel like it right nowā¦
Ando: And thatās why you should. Cast off in a stormy night and your boat will simply sink.Ā
Ando: At times like these, you need to keep warm and wait it out until the sea calms down.
ā¢Dance Studio
A waltz plays.
Hasekura: ā¦
Ando: ā¦
Hasekura: ā¦Thereās a part of me that can see why Shiroma would be scared of me.
Hasekura: Butā¦ it still made me sad to hear it.
Ando: ā¦
Hasekura: ā¦Iām going to forfeit the competition.
Hasekura: I donāt want to do anything to scare Shiroma any further.Ā
Hasekura: And I thinkā¦ I should quit dancing as well.
Hasekura: Iāll just return to my life from beforeā¦ Thatāll be fine. I donāt need anythingā¦
Ando: Are you really all right with that?
Hasekura: I am.
Ando: Then, why do you look so sad?
Hasekura: ā¦
Ando: I know I shouldnāt be talking about this right now, but I donāt think Shiroma was actually afraid of you.Ā
Hasekura: But she saidā¦
Ando: I know. I heard it too, after all. But, I just canāt believe itā¦
Ando: She was listening intently about how you were progressing. She was smiling as she said you were amazing.
Hasekura: Then whyā¦
Ando: I donāt know. But if you end things now, youāll never know the answer.
Ando: Hasekura, do you really want to stand still for the rest of your life?
Hasekura: ā¦
Hasekura: ā¦I donāt want to stand still.
Hasekura: ā¦I guess I was having fun. Dance felt like the first thing I was capable of doing in my life.
Hasekura: Yeah, thatās right. Iām having fun. I may be in pain, but even now, Iām still having fun dancing.
Hasekura: ā¦I donāt want to stop.
Ando: ā¦Ah.
Hasekura: What is it?
Ando: Itās because you smiled, Hasekura.
Hasekura: I did? I didnāt realizeā¦Ā
Hasekura: Itās hard to believe I could smile when Iām on the verge of tears.
Ando: Itās because of dance.
Hasekura: No, itās because of you, Ms. Andoā¦
Ando: Me?
Hasekura: Ah, itās nothingā¦ Is it okay if we dance a while longer?
Ando: Sure.
(7) Chapter 7
ā¢Dance Studio
Ando: One, two, three, one, two, threeā¦ Yes, perfect.
Hasekura: Thank you very much.
Kanna: Louis, youāre so good!
Louis: Thanks!
Hasekura: Heās really improved a lot.
Hasekura: I was just thinking that he might be a hard worker, but now Iām actually a bit frustrated.Ā
Hasekura: Maybe itās because I donāt want to lose.
Ando: You have your own strengths, Hasekura.
Ando: Iāll be dancing in a way that highlights those strengths, so donāt you worry.
Hasekura: Thank youā¦
Hasekura: ā¦
Hasekura: But if thatās the case, wonāt you feel held back, Ms. Ando?
Ando: Youāre the star here, Hasekura. You donāt need to worry about anything like that. Now then, letās dance.
Hasekura: Ms. Andoā¦
Hasekura and Ando dance.
Ando: One, two, three, one, two, threeā¦
Hasekura: ā¦
Hasekura: Do you ever feel like you want to stand out, Ms. Ando?
Ando: Huh? ā¦Well, there was a time in the past when I did.
Hasekura: In the past?
Ando: When I did competitions as a dancer, I would think things like, āIāll be the most dazzling person in this hall!ā
Hasekura: Thatās normal if youāre in a competition, isnāt it?
Ando: Thatās what I thought, too. Butā¦
Ando: At some point, I would only be satisfied by being commended with awards.Ā
Ando: I danced not because i wanted to dance, but because I wanted to win awards.
Ando: Maybe thatās why dance became less and less fun for meā¦
Ando: One day, I just quit and turned my back on it. I swore to never enter another competition again.Ā
Hasekura: I never imaginedā¦
Ando: I didnāt want to use dance as a way to fight.
Ando: But I think my thinking has changed a little.
Hasekura: ā¦?
Ando: Hasekura, your improvement was faster after it was decided you would have this competition, right?
Ando: I feel there are things that can improve when you compete with others.
Ando: I felt perhaps that my days competing were not a waste.
Hasekura: Ms. Andoā¦
Ando: Well, letās end here for today. Iāll see you next week, Hasekura.
Hasekura: ā¦
Kanna and Louis are about to head home.
Hasekura: Kanna.
Kanna: Hm? Yeah?
Hasekura: Do you have a momentā¦?
(8) Chapter 8
ā¢Party Hall
Louis: The dayās finally here, huh, Hasekura?!
Hasekura: Yeahā¦
Shiroma: ā¦
Hasekura: Shiroma is smiling in her usual wayā¦
Mukai: Hasekura.
Hasekura: Mukai.
Mukai: I know youāll be great out there.
Ando: Iām the host of this dance party, and my motto is to have fun. You have some freedom here, too. Please dance to your heartās content.
Louis: Iāll go first. Watch me.
Hasekura: Yeah, all right. Do your best.
Louis: ā¦
Louis: Hey, Hasekura, I envy you, you know?
Hasekura: Huhā¦?
Louis: No matter what happens, youāre always firmly grounded and work steadily through any sort of boring work. And you do it so well.Ā
Louis: Youāre the exact opposite of me. I respect you for that.
Hasekura: Louisā¦Ā
Louis: Thatās why I wonāt lose. All right, Iām up. Miss Kanna, may I have your hand?
Kanna: Yes!
Mukai: I never knew thatās how Louis feltā¦
Hasekura: ā¦
Music for a quick step dance plays.
Ando: Louis is much better now than when heās practicing. I see heās the type who does his best performing for an audience.
Mukai: Heās so good, even an amateur like me can tellā¦
Hasekura: Heās our star performer in our group at work, after all.
The music changes to a waltz.Ā
Mukai: The song has changed.Ā
Ando: Itās finally time.
Hasekura: I wish I could tell myself from a few months ago that Iād be dancing in a competition here.
Ando: I wonder how youād respond.
Hasekura: āI donāt really know how, but Iām sure they just let me in on a fluke.āĀ
Ando: Heh heh. All right then, letās dance.Ā
Hasekura: Yes.
Louis: I wonder what sort of moves weāll see from Hasekura.
Kanna: Iām sure youāll be surprised.
Kanna: By him AND Ms. Ando!
Ando: Letās relax and enjoy ourselves.
Hasekura: Right.
Ando: One, two, three, one, two, threeā¦
Hasekura: One, two, three, one, two, threeā¦!
Ando: ā¦?!
Hasekura begins dancing, leading Ando.
Louis: Hasekuraās leading?Ā
Hasekura dances so that Ando stands out.
Ando: Hasekura, whatās the matter? You wonāt stand out at this rate. You wonāt be able to win against Louis!
Hasekura: I realizedā¦ No, itās something I knew from the start. I just finally became aware of it.
Ando: Aware? Of whatā¦?
Hasekura: Unlike Louis, I donāt want to stand out.
Ando: Huhā¦?
Hasekura: I hated myself for being too reserved to step out in front of performative people, but thatās actually a unique part of my personality.Ā
Hasekura: Rather than stepping forward myself, I like supporting the people who are made for the spotlight.Ā
Hasekura: And Ms. Ando, there is no one better suited for it than you. Noā¦
Hasekura: Itās that I want more than anything to see you in that spotlight now.
Ando: ā¦!Ā
Hasekura: Thatās why I learned how to dance from Kanna in a way that makes you look beautiful.
Hasekura: If you set sail, head for Acapulco.
Hasekura: Thatās our company motto. I donāt know what it means, but it just sort of gives me courage.Ā
Hasekura: Please dance, Ms. Ando. For your sake.Ā
Ando: ā¦
Ando: Can I count on you to lead?
Hasekura: Yes.
ā Dance
āCompass Lineā
Kanna: Ms. Ando looks just as she did when she used to competeā¦!
Louis: Heās managed to surprise us with a brilliant strategy. No, this is Hasekura showing off his true strength. Mukai, looks like the competitionās decided.Ā
Mukai: ā¦Yes, it does.
Mukai: Everyone on the floor is watching the two of them dance.Ā
Shiroma: ā¦How lovely, Hasekura.
The song ends.
Kanna: Yes! Hasekura, it was a huge success! Everyoneās eyes are fixed on Ms. Ando!
Ando: Kannaā¦
Kanna: This is what I wanted to see! Iām so happy! And now I understand that you can shine even when youāre not competing, Ms. Ando!
Kanna: You can shine whenever it is that you want to!
Ando: Thank you, Kannaā¦
Kanna: Hey, Hasekura. Shiroma told me she used to be afraid whenever she saw you.
Kanna: She said she could never tell what you were thinking.Ā
Hasekura: Ahā¦
Kanna: But after watching you take up social dancing, Shiroma realizedā¦Ā
Kanna: That youāre a reserved, thoughtful, warm person! She told me how embarrassed she felt that she never saw you for who you were.
Shiroma: Hasekura.
Hasekura: ā¦Shiroma.
Shiroma: You were wonderful today. Ms. Ando was of course beautiful as well, butā¦ To me, you were the most dazzling.
Shiroma: Soā¦
Shiroma: Wonāt you please dance with me?
Mukai: Good for you, Hasekura, You did it.
Hasekura: ā¦
Hasekura: Shiroma. It was your smile that saved me. I was able to keep going at work because you were there.Ā
Hasekura: Thatās why Iām happy to hear you say that to me now. I really am happy.
Ando looks away.
Ando: ā¦
Hasekura: Butā¦ The person I want to dance withā¦ is Ms. Ando.
Ando: ā¦!
Shiroma: Heh hehā¦ I had a feeling.
Ando: Hasekuraā¦
Hasekura: Ms. Ando. I want to watch you, shining more brightly than anyone else, closer than anyone else. Iā¦
The volume of the music rises.
Fade out.
(9) Chapter 9
ā¢Outside
Employee A: Live through each day until the day youāve been waiting for has arrived.
Employee B: Yes, the long-awaited Friday! The most sparkling day of the week!
Hasekura: ā¦
Employee A: Oh my, Hasekura! How are you?
Employee B: Do you have any plans tonight?
Hasekura: Plans? ā¦Ah.
Hasekura: Today, Iāll be dancing.
Everyone enters to perform.
The End.
