Eli is deep in thought by herself again.

I wonder if there's anything I can do for her.

I've got it! Maybe I could—

[Fade in/out.]

Hey, Eli. Would you mind helping me out with my theater practice?

Of course! A certain girl told me you were having some trouble, Shizuku.

I know that you've been stressed recently, so I want to tell Eli about it. Is that okay?

Yes, I'd love the help!

I'm playing the part of a young girl who is secretly in love, but I'm not sure whether I'm expressing that well in my performance. I'd be really glad to get some advice!

[Fade in/out.]

…And that's how I'm doing it now. What do you think?

I feel like you're not really changing your expression… Is it not supposed to show on your face very much?

It's a secret crush, so I've been trying to not let my expressions show how she feels.

I see. Even so, I think emotions that you can barely keep in check should come through just a little bit more than that.

Maybe you could express the internal conflict of how you're suppressing your own emotions so that you don't give away how you feel.

Oh, yes, that makes sense!

I would never have thought to express it that way. That's really helpful! I'll work on my portrayal right away.

I was actually planning to think it over some more by myself. I'm glad I got to hear your thoughts like this instead, Eli.

My answer isn't guaranteed to be correct, so I do think it's something you should decide for yourself. But I'm happy if my outsider's perspective was helpful.

And Shizuku, you don't need to be so hesitant to ask for a second opinion. That doesn't just go for me; I'm sure your other friends feel the same.

Okay, I will! That's so like you to solve any problem that comes up, Eli!

I'm not that amazing. I mean, I myself am in the middle of some troubles with the choreography for the dance in the BiBi sub-unit show.

Oh, I didn't realize…

Have you talked to Nico and Maki about it?

O-Oh! Not yet, no…

I'm sure they'd both like to discuss your troubles with you exactly like you did with me just now.

True! Thank you, Shizuku. I'll respect your advice as well.

[Fade in/out.]

Thanks. I got some good advice from Shizuku because of you.

This was all your idea, wasn't it? You knew it would turn out like this, so you got me to help out Shizuku, right?

I did.

I need to try even harder now, just like Shizuku taught me!

Let's hurry back to school. There's something I want to talk to Nico and Maki about!

Okay!