Epilogue Beyond the Mask/Story

* Part 1
* Part 2
* Part 3
* Part 4
* Part 5
* Part 6

A Tale of Love and Loneliness

 **Junna:**"To be, or not to be, that is the question."

 **Junna:**"Whether 'tis better as is or not, that is the greatest question facing me at present."

 **Junna:**\*sigh\*

 **Junna:**("Hamlet"... One of Shakespeare's four great tragedies. Its full name is "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.")

 **Junna:**(It's set in a spectacular palace full of royalty and nobles, but beneath the surface, the story seethes with vile jealousy, intrigue, and revenge.)

 **Junna:**(I'm moved in new ways each time I read it.)

 **Junna:**(Someday, I, too, hope to stand upon such a glamorous stage.)

 **Junna:**(...Okay, I've made up my mind.)

 **Junna:**(Today, I'm going to boost my motivation by reading a spectacular play!)

 **Junna:**(Shakespeare's plays could definitely be considered spectacular, but...)

 **Junna:**(How could I pass up "The Phantom of the Opera"?)

 **Junna:**(The Paris Opera, a beautiful singer... It's the tale of love and hate that unfolds on a glamorous stage.)

 **Junna:**(I've been fascinated by its dazzlingly beautiful story since I was a little kid.)

 **Junna:**(I want to absorb that brilliance and take another step toward becoming a star!)

 **Junna:**(Nope... It's not here.)

 **Junna:**("The Phantom of the Opera" play has been checked out, along with the novel and even the study guide.)

 **Junna:**(I wonder if someone is researching it. I might have to go visit the library in town.)

 **Junna:**Hm?

 **Nana:**...

 **Junna:**(She looks really serious. What is she reading? ...Ah, isn't that...?)

 **Nana:**...

 **Junna:**Nana.

 **Nana:**Oh, Junna-chan.

 **Junna:**So you're the one researching "The Phantom of the Opera."

 **Nana:**Oh, were you looking for these? Sorry, I didn't mean to hog them all.

 **Junna:**Why do you need so much reference material? Are you going to write a script based on "The Phantom of the Opera"?

 **Nana:**Heeheehee, bingo, Junna-chan!

 **Nana:**My drama teacher from junior high school asked me to.

 **Junna:**You mean the teacher who recommended this school to you?

 **Nana:**That's right. My former teacher is still working hard to keep the drama club going. It's still small, but it's growing slowly.

 **Nana:**They want something for the club that would motivate them and become a tradition.

 **Junna:**So that's where you come in.

 **Nana:**Yep, my teacher remembered that I used to write scripts.

 **Nana:**It's because of that teacher that I'm here and got to meet you and the others.

 **Nana:**So, I wanted to give something back.

 **Junna:**What a wonderful story. You have to give it your best shot, then!

 **Nana:**Yeah. Plus I've always had an interest in "The Phantom of the Opera," so I wanted to try writing my own script for it.

 **Junna:**I never knew you were interested in it, Nana.

 **Nana:**I probably haven't told anyone before ♪

 **Nana:**The suffering and loneliness of Erik, the Angel of Music, and Erik's love for Christine...

 **Nana:**It may be sad, but it's also full of passion... I just love it.

 **Junna:**Yeah, me, too, I love it.

 **Nana:**You do, Junna-chan?

 **Junna:**I saw the musical when it came to Japan, and for a while after that, I was obsessed with "The Phantom of the Opera."

 **Junna:**I read the original book and saw the movie version. I even watched a video of an older musical.

 **Nana:**Wow, you're like an expert.

 **Junna:**I wouldn't say that, but if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know.

 **Nana:**Junna-chan... Thank you.

 **Nana:**Actually, I've hit a bit of a roadblock, so I was thinking about asking you for help when I got back to the dorm.

 **Nana:**Would that be okay?

 **Junna:**Of course! I'd be glad to help you and your teacher.

 **Nana:**Thanks. With your help, Junna-chan, anything is possible!

 **Junna:**In that case, I better brush up by going over the play and the original story once more.

 **Nana:**After seeing the musical, I was inspired all over again. You don't see such glamorous stages that often.

 **Junna:**I know, right? It's a timeless masterpiece of the musical world!

 **Junna:**Oops, I should lower my voice in the library.

 **Junna:**So, what sort of script are you aiming for? Since it'll be performed by junior high students, the stage can't be too elaborate.

 **Nana:**Right, it needs to be something the students can perform, while still resonating with the audience. That's the kind of script they asked for.

 **Junna:**I see... Sounds hard but totally worthwhile.

 **Nana:**Yeah. My biggest struggle right now is how to write the leading role--the Phantom.

 **Junna:**You have a point there. The way you write that role changes depending on how you view the Phantom.

 **Junna:**"Phantom of the Opera" plays have been staged countless times by different directors.

 **Junna:**And it seems like each time, the Phantom has been portrayed in a slightly different way.

 **Nana:**In the original novel, the character is portrayed as a mysterious figure.

 **Nana:**In another play, the story is told through the heroine Christine's eyes... The more I think about it, the more confused I get.

 **Junna:**It's because you're trying to digest too much material at once.

 **Nana:**I know, but they want to perform the show at the welcoming ceremony for first-year students, so I'd like to finish writing it as soon as possible.

 **Junna:**Yeah, but you're pushing yourself too hard.

 **Junna:**I know this is your first time, so you're all fired up, but still...

 **Nana:**Junna-chan...

 **Junna:**So, let's get started. But if we're going to do this, let's make it the best! Right?

 **Nana:**Okay! Now, where to start?

 **Junna:**How about the Phantom for now? How did you plan on writing the character?

 **Nana:**Um, for the Phantom, I was thinking a lonely but brilliant musician.

 **Nana:**But what does the character feel as they hide their face and live under the Paris Opera? And where does the character's talent for music come from?

 **Nana:**I tried to figure it out by reading the reference material, but there's just too much.

 **Junna:**There's a simple reason why there is so much material. It's because it's a classic tale beloved by countless people for so long.

 **Junna:**But what you want to convey right here, right now is more important than what some dusty old book says.

 **Nana:**Oh!

 **Junna:**So, you should probably start with clearly defining your theme.

 **Nana:**My theme...

 **Nana:**Hm, you're right, Junna-chan.

 **Nana:**What I want to convey to my teacher and everyone else through "The Phantom of the Opera"...

 **Nana:**...

 **Nana:**I want the performers to be able to put their heart and soul into their roles, and I want the audience to be left with something in their hearts.

 **Nana:**I want to write a script like that. That just might be my theme.

 **Junna:**Yeah, I think that's a wonderful, priceless theme! Bana-nice!

 **Nana:**Junna-chan...

 **Junna:**Since I'm going to help you, I need to take this seriously, too! Let's try our best, Nana!

 **Nana:**Yeah!

 **Karen:**Banana, Jun-Jun! Are you writing a script!? Are you staging a play!?

***Yikes!***

Everyone's Favorite Banana

 **Nana:**K-Karen-chan!?

 **Karen:**Well? Well? Are you writing a script?! And staging a play!?

 **Mahiru:**Karen-chan, we have to speak quietly in the library.

 **Karen:**Oh, right. Sorry...

 **Junna:**Karen, I don't see you here very often. Did you come with Tsuyuzaki-san?

 **Karen:**Hey, I've been known to visit the library from time to time!

 **Karen:**But today I'm just here with Mahiru-chan because she had to return a book.

 **Junna:**I figured as much.

 **Karen:**Anyway, so what's this I hear about a script? Huh?

 **Mahiru:**Umm... Is it okay for us to ask about it? I mean, if it's supposed to be a secret...

 **Nana:**It's all right, Mahiru-chan. I'll tell you all about it.

 **Karen:**...Oh, so that's what's going on.

 **Mahiru:**That's amazing, Banana-chan. That teacher must love your scripts.

 **Nana:**I hope so. But I still have a lot to learn!

 **Mahiru:**"The Phantom of the Opera"... My grandma loves it. I've watched it with her so many times.

 **Mahiru:**At first, I identified with the Phantom so much that I didn't understand why Christine chose someone else instead.

 **Mahiru:**But each time we watched it, my grandma explained it in a new way. That taught me how difficult relationships can be.

 **Mahiru:**I have a feeling that if I saw it now, I'd be better able to understand the characters' feelings.

 **Karen:**I can't wait to read your script, Banana!

 **Junna:**She hasn't even written it yet, Karen. You really are impatient.

 **Mahiru:**I bet it's hard just reading all this reference material.

 **Karen:**Yeah, but once you start writing, it'll all work out somehow, right? It's like they say, "Starting is hardly the...part?"

 **Mahiru:**That's "Starting is the hardest part," Karen-chan.

 **Karen:**Yeah, that! Banana, I'm gonna help, too!

 **Mahiru:**I want to help you, too, Banana-chan.

 **Karen:**It's settled then! We'll all help with Banana's script!

 **Junna:**Hey, Karen, that's not your decision to make. It's up to Nana.

 **Nana:**It's all right, Junna-chan. I had planned on having everyone read it when I was done ♪

 **Karen:**Yay! We get to read Banana's script!

 **Junna:**It should turn out to be a great script if we all pitch in with our ideas.

 **Karen:**Well, I'm gonna get going! I bet they're in the rehearsal room!

 **Mahiru:**Karen-chan, no running in the library!

 **Junna:**She comes and goes like a hurricane, doesn't she?

 **Nana:**Karen-chan always has so much energy ♪

 **Junna:**I just hope she doesn't cause more problems than she solves...

 **Junna:**I'll go with her just in case. Nana, you keep reading the reference material, okay?

 **Nana:**Okay, will do.

 **Junna:**I'll be back later. I mean, you'll need help with that mountain of books, right?

 **Nana:**Yeah, I can use all the help I can get!

 **Junna:**Got it. I'll see you later, then.

 **Nana:**See you later!

 **Nana:**Okay, I better get my act together since they're all going to help me.

A Tale Without End

 **Nana:**Maya-chan, Clau-chan, thanks for getting together with us today!

 **Nana:**This is the first draft of my "Phantom of the Opera" script.

 **Nana:**I wrote it for a junior high school performance, so I've made some adjustments to the number of cast members, scene changes, and things like that.

 **Nana:**But I haven't written the ending yet.

 **Claudine:**So, you want us to help you come up with some ideas that lead into the ending for the final draft?

 **Nana:**Exactly! I really appreciate your help!

 **Maya:**The pleasure's all ours. This is a valuable opportunity for us.

 **Maya:**A stage script for your former teacher... It's an honor to take part in creating something so meaningful.

 **Claudine:**Nana's "Le Fantome de l'Opera"...

 **Claudine:**Are you sure this is a first draft? It already looks quite solid.

 **Claudine:**That said, I have a lot to say about it, so brace yourself!

 **Nana:**Okay, lay it on me!

 **Karen:**Sorry to keep you waiting! I found some "Phantom of the Opera" costumes made by former students!

 **Mahiru:**So our senpais performed "The Phantom of the Opera," too? I'm impressed you knew that, Junna-chan.

 **Junna:**Heh heh, it was easy enough to find out. Well, shall we get started?

 **Karen:**Yay, we get to perform!

 **Mahiru:**Karen-chan, we're doing this for Banana-chan's script, you know.

 **Karen:**I know that!

 **Karen:**But this is the first time I've ever performed a script that's still being written! It's so exciting!

 **Nana:**Yeah, having everyone perform my play might help bring the characters to life. Sorry I had to ask for your help.

 **Karen:**No worries, Bana-nice!

 **Junna:**Remember, we're here to help finish the script. So, Karen, none of your ad-libbing, okay?

 **Karen:**I know, Jun-Jun! So, who plays what role?

 **Nana:**Hee hee... Karen-chan, I'd like you to play Raoul, Christine's beloved!

 **Karen:**Oh, Raoul! Um, my first choice would've been the Phantom, but no worries. I got this!

 **Karen:**So who's going to play my sweet, sweet Christine?

 **Nana:**That would be Junna-chan!

 **Junna:**Who, me?

 **Nana:**Yeah, you're perfect.

 **Karen:**Let's see what you would look like in Christine's dress. Yep, it would look great on you!

 **Mahiru:**It would. Junna-chan always has good posture, so she even looks like an opera singer.

 **Nana:**Yeah, I was sure she has what it takes to play Christine both inside and out.

 **Junna:**Nana...

 **Junna:**Okay, it's a big role, but you can count on me.

 **Claudine:**So after Christine, next would be the Phantom?

 **Nana:**About that... Would you mind if I did that one?

 **Nana:**I want to try to better understand the role by playing it. I think it might help me write the last scene.

 **Karen:**Yeah, I think that's a great idea! After all, it's your script, Banana!

 **Mahiru:**I agree. And I want to see Banana-chan's Phantom.

 **Maya:**This is your script, Daiba-san. We'll play whatever roles you give us.

 **Claudine:**In this play, the supporting roles are fun, too. I'll play whatever part I'm given with all my heart!

 **Nana:**Thank you, everyone. Okay, here are the rest of the roles...

 **Nana:**Huff... Huff... All right, let's take a ten-minute break.

 **Karen:**Phew, the lines are really hard! And there's a lot of singing scenes, too, so I'm beat.

 **Mahiru:**Nice work, Karen-chan. I made sports drinks for everyone, so please take one.

 **Karen:**Yay, you're a lifesaver. I'm so thirsty!

 **Maya:**Saijo-san, can we go over the scene where we meet again?

 **Claudine:**How could I refuse you, Maya Tendo? Let's do it.

 **Junna:**Nice work, Nana. Your Phantom was great.

 **Nana:**You, too, Junna-chan. I could really feel Claudine's anguish.

 **Junna:**Thanks. But during rehearsals, I'd like to dig a little deeper into the character.

 **Mahiru:**Should we get the costumes ready now? Junna-chan, I got Christine's dress ready for you.

 **Junna:**Thank you, Tsuyuzaki-san.

 **Junna:**It's been ages since I wore a dress. I can't let the costume overpower me.

 **Karen:**I brought Banana's Phantom costume, too!

 **Karen:**And...I have a favor to ask you, Banana ♪

 **Nana:**Hee hee, you want to try the Phantom costume on, don't you, Karen-chan?

 **Karen:**Whoa, how could you tell!?

 **Nana:**I never miss a thing!

 **Karen:**You're amazing, Banana...

 **Junna:**You had "I want to try it on" written all over your face. Anyone could see that.

 **Mahiru:**I want to see Karen-chan's Phantom too.

 **Nana:**Okay, then, Karen-chan, try it on.

 **Karen:**Yay! One second! Let's see, first the cape and then the mask. Is this how it goes?

 **Karen:**Behold, the Phantom who haunts the opera's basement!

 **Mahiru:**Wow, Karen-chan looks so cool!

 **Claudine:**The other characters would laugh if there were a Phantom with such a sunny disposition.

 **Karen:**Hmph! Let's see if you still think that after you see my performance!

 **Karen:**"I am the Phantom of the Opera, the most hideous creature to walk the Earth! Though the flames of Hell burn my body, still I dream of Heaven!"

 **Nana:**Yeah, that's really cool! But since you're playing the role, Karen-chan...

 **Nana:**Let's have a different interpretation. How about the sunny Phantom again?

 **Karen:**Uh, the sunny Phantom!? Oh, umm...

 **Karen:**"Hahaha! Christine, what fine weather we have today! Of course, it's never sunny down in the opera's basement!"

 **Nana:**Ahaha! Now work in the word "banana" into it!

 **Karen:**B-banana!? Umm.. uhh...

 **Karen:**"For I have taken the banana peel that had fallen on stage and thrown it away! Now you may sing to your heart's content!"

 **Claudine:**Heh, heh heh. Ahahaha! What kind of Phantom is that!?

 **Maya:**What wonderful ad-libbing.

 **Mahiru:**Yeah, yeah, Karen-chan's acting is one in a million!

 **Nana:**A sunny Phantom might not be a bad idea. One that's likeable and has lots of friends!

 **Mahiru:**Yeah, like "The Friends of the Opera"!

 **Junna:**That's not even "The Phantom of the Opera" anymore...

 **Nana:**Ahahaha. ...Oh, look at the time.

 **Nana:**It's about time for the rehearsal. Please change into your costumes, everyone.

***Okay!***

 **Junna:**Ugh, I lost my edge after seeing Karen's weirdo Phantom.

 **Junna:**I just hope that didn't ruin the Phantom you've been working on in your head.

 **Nana:**No worries there. I had so much fun!

 **Junna:**So, do you think you can finish the script now?

 **Nana:**Yeah, I think so. Maybe...

 **Junna:**Hm?

 **Nana:**Don't worry! I have you all helping me, after all. I'm sure it'll work out somehow!

 **Junna:**Nana...?

Some Things Change, Others Don't

 **Nana:**Nice work, everybody! For today's snack, I've got banana muffins ♪

 **Mahiru:**Wow, they always smell so good. Karen-chan, which one do you want?

 **Karen:**There's all kinds of different sizes today? But they still look yummy!

 **Maya:**Exactly. They are all delicious, even the small ones. Daiba-san's sweets are always like that.

 **Claudine:**Did you think I wouldn't notice you took the biggest one while you were saying that?

 **Nana:**Here, Junna-chan, have one.

 **Junna:**Thanks, Nana.

 **Junna:**It feels weird having someone who was the Phantom just a moment ago hand me a muffin.

 **Nana:**Heh heh heh. Wouldn't it be great if the play had a scene like that?

 **Claudine:**I don't know about muffins, but I think your script is pretty modern.

 **Nana:**Huh? Really?

 **Claudine:**I'm talking about the story development. The dialogue itself is contrived and very old-school, but...

 **Claudine:**You shortened the setup at the beginning, but when the plot gets going you dig deep into the emotions of the various characters.

 **Claudine:**That makes it easier to get into the play, plus it makes the overall story easier to understand.

 **Maya:**Good point. Getting rid of all the pretentiousness boosts the entertainment value.

 **Mahiru:**Yeah, I think this script keeps getting better and better!

 **Nana:**It's thanks to the great ideas all of you have been putting out there ♪

 **Karen:**Okay, I'll give you some more, then! Let's see... Umm...

 **Karen:**Oh, yeah! You know the scene where the Phantom and Christine first meet?

 **Karen:**How about making it more, you know, like wow! What I mean is, wouldn't it be great if it was, like, whoa!

 **Mahiru:**Are you saying you want more tension?

 **Karen:**Yeah, that! They're both lonely, so I thought it would be great if they were quietly drawn to each other.

 **Nana:**I see, I see. Maybe I have them speaking too much here.

 **Claudine:**Karen, that's a surprisingly good idea for you, though we needed Mahiru to interpret.

 **Karen:**Non, non, Clau-chan!

 **Claudine:**Yes, yes, I know. Stage Girls get better day by day.

 **Karen:**Hey, that's my line!

 **Nana:**Ahaha! Karen-chan, you're going to have to come up with something new pretty soon.

 **Maya:**Anyway, Daiba-san, when do you think you'll finish writing the play's ending?

 **Nana:**Uh...

 **Nana:**I'll try to finish it tomorrow! Sorry to keep you all waiting.

 **Karen:**Are you having trouble, Banana?

 **Nana:**Yeah, just with the last scene. I can't figure out the right lines to express the Phantom's feelings.

 **Claudine:**Feelings, huh?

 **Karen:**Feelings, feelings... Hmm... If you could give me some specifics, I'll shower you with ideas!

 **Nana:**All right, thanks, Karen-chan.

 **Mahiru:**Oh, I know!

 **Mahiru:**Tendo-san, you've been to the Opera House before, right?

 **Mahiru:**Could you tell us what it's like? That might help Banana-chan.

 **Claudine:**Hold it right there, Mahiru! If you want to know about the Opera House, I'm the obvious choice!

 **Mahiru:**Huh?

 **Claudine:**Palais Garnier, the opera house that glitters brilliantly in Paris, the city of fine arts!

 **Claudine:**With its gorgeous exterior practically synonymous with Beaux-Arts architecture, and its magnificent interior in gold and red tones...

 **Claudine:**It's one of the world's top theatrical arts venues, built to be the ultimate theatrical experience!

 **Karen:**Boazart...? I didn't really get all that, but it sounded totally cool! So, Clau-chan, you're saying it's an amazing theater!?

 **Claudine:**N'est-ce pas? That's right it's amazing.

 **Claudine:**Major ballets and world-famous concerts are held there, but as it is an opera house, its operas are like no other.

 **Claudine:**Opera is like a creature that has lived hundreds of years but continues to evolve!

 **Maya:**I have to agree.

 **Maya:**Music, theater, dance, art... Opera combines them all. And it is a place designed especially for opera performances.

 **Claudine:**The Opera House is beautiful, dazzling, living witness to the history of the opera.

 **Nana:**Wow, this is really educational! Could you tell me more about the Opera House?

 **Maya:**Well, if I could be so bold...

 **Maya:**Because of its long history, people tend to think of operas as being extremely conservative.

 **Maya:**But it's filled with constant invention and stylistic innovation. It has influenced culture, or should I say, civilization in many ways.

 **Maya:**While that sometimes destroys old traditions, it's a way to bring the dramatic art form known as opera into the present.

 **Claudine:**Well said, Maya Tendo! Some things change, while others don't. That can coexist.

 **Claudine:**Even we are willing to compromise on some things in order to protect others we consider important or nonnegotiable.

 **Claudine:**That's why the opera will never die, and even as we speak, the Opera House continues to enthrall its audience!

 **Claudine:**And the tale of "The Phantom of the Opera," which is set there, continues to be told to this day.

 **Nana:**Some things change, and others don't. That's a great way to put it.

 **Nana:**I'll use what I just learned about the Opera House to write a solid ending!

 **Karen:**I'm rooting for you, Banana!

 **Nana:**Thanks, Karen-chan!

 **Junna:**...

 **Junna:**\*sigh\*

 **Junna:**(Seems like Nana can't come up with an ending. I hope she's all right.)

 **Mahiru:**Junna-chan.

 **Junna:**Tsuyuzaki-san?

 **Mahiru:**Want to head back to the dorm together?

 **Junna:**Where are Karen and company?

 **Mahiru:**They're still talking about the opera.

 **Mahiru:**And it's Banana-chan I'm worried about.

 **Junna:**Oh, you're worried, too?

 **Mahiru:**Yeah, but it's not just me. I think everyone might be.

 **Mahiru:**Banana-chan says she can't figure out the right lines to express the Phantom's feelings.

 **Mahiru:**But in the other scenes, she wrote lines that perfectly capture what's in the Phantom's heart.

 **Junna:**Yeah...

 **Junna:**Maybe she's struggling with something she can't talk to us about.

 **Mahiru:**Something she can't talk to us about?

 **Junna:**Leave it to me. I'll talk to her one-on-one when we get back to the dorm.

Riffing Off Hamlet

 **Nana:**"Even still, I cannot be with you." ...Hmm, that line is way too ordinary.

 **Junna:**Nana, I just made some coffee. Want some?

 **Nana:**Yeah, thanks.

 **Junna:**It's hot. Don't burn your tongue.

 **Nana:**Okay. I'll blow on it first ♪

 **Junna:**Heh heh, you're not a little kid, you know.

 **Nana:**Yeah. Thanks, Junna-chan!

 **Junna:**For what?

 **Nana:**Everything ♪

 **Junna:**Ah...

 **Nana:**I'll be all right now.

 **Junna:**So you thought of something for the last scene?

 **Nana:**Mm-hm, I've thought of everything now, so don't worry!

 **Nana:**...Even if I said that, you'd probably see right through it, Junna-chan.

 **Junna:**Would you like to talk about it?

 **Nana:**Ahaha, don't take it so seriously.

 **Nana:**I thought I'd be able to handle it myself, but I guess I really do need your help.

 **Nana:**So, can I ask you for advice?

 **Junna:**Of course.

 **Junna:**The Phantom is called the Angel of Music, helping and guiding Christine from the shadows.

 **Junna:**I want to be your Angel of Music, Nana!

 **Nana:**So then you'll be the Phantom and I'll be Christine? That's a total role reversal!

 **Junna:**If it will help you finish your script, I'm willing to switch up everything, whether it be roles or standpoints.

 **Nana:**I can always count on you, Junna-chan!

 **Nana:**Okay, will you read the last scene of my "Phantom of the Opera"?

 **Junna:**The last scene? What do you mean?

 **Nana:**Actually, I already wrote the ending.

 **Nana:**But I didn't have the courage to show it to everyone.

 **Junna:**So then... No, I'll read it first.

 **Nana:**Great, thanks!

 **Junna:**...

 **Junna:**This is really good!

 **Junna:**The way you wrote this, it seems completely natural that the Phantom and Christine end up together.

 **Nana:**Huh? Junna-chan, are you crying?

 **Junna:**Who wouldn't cry after that ending? You really conveyed the Phantom's loneliness and love of the stage.

 **Nana:**Thank you. I cried, too, while I was writing it.

 **Nana:**But, well...

 **Nana:**I feel like I oversympathized with the Phantom.

 **Nana:**I understand exactly how the Phantom feels. I was alone for so long, and that's why I yearned to stand on stage.

 **Nana:**It's so unfair how he's called the Phantom and forced into solitude. That's why I really wanted him to end up with Christine.

 **Nana:**For him to get what he wanted the most... I wanted to write an ending like that in a way that really made sense.

 **Junna:**That's exactly what you did!

 **Nana:**I know, but...

 **Nana:**I'm writing this for my former teacher. I'm worried I might be going too far with what I want personally.

 **Junna:**Yeah, that's a tough one. Such a happy ending IS a huge change.

 **Nana:**Right? But for me, it's the ideal ending, so nothing else good comes to mind.

 **Junna:**Hey, Nana. Do you remember what Tendo-san and Saijo-san were talking about today?

 **Nana:**Yeah, the history of the Opera House, right? Thanks to them, I was able to write character dialogue that was more realistic.

 **Junna:**And that's good, but what I was getting at was...

 **Claudine:**Well said, Maya Tendo! Some things change, while others don't. That can coexist.

 **Claudine:**Even we are willing to compromise on some things in order to protect others we consider important or nonnegotiable.

 **Nana:**Yes, I remember. What about it?

 **Junna:**It means you don't have to discard your ideal ending, Nana.

 **Junna:**Your ending and the traditional one can coexist, so you don't need to worry about going too far with what you want.

 **Nana:**They can coexist? A happy ending and a sad one at the same time?

 **Junna:**It will probably be difficult, but if we work together, I bet we'll come up with a solution.

 **Junna:**We'll arrive at a new solution, Nana.

 **Junna:**"Whether 'tis better as is or not, that is the greatest question facing me at present."

 **Nana:**Is that from "Hamlet"?

 **Nana:**I thought it went, "To be or not to be, that is the question."

 **Junna:**That's the usual way to say it, but my version fits your situation to a T.

 **Junna:**Prince Hamlet couldn't continue on as he had been, and yet he couldn't go against it, either.

 **Junna:**But we're going to have the best of both worlds in your "Phantom of the Opera."

 **Junna:**We'll find a solution one way or another!

 **Nana:**Uh, okay!

Two People's Happiness

 **Karen:**Ah, it's about to start!

 **Mahiru:**I'm so nervous. I hope it goes well.

 **Claudine:**We're not even performing, but we're still feeling like this.

 **Maya:**We're in the audience this time, so just sit back and enjoy.

 **Junna:**...

 **Junna:**Nana...

 **Nana:**I know, it's starting.

**Phantom:**"Christine, I shall steal you away to the basement of the Opera House, where none dare to tread."

**Phantom:**"Down in the darkness, the day shall one day come when you finally understand my love for you and my loneliness!"

**Christine:**"You claim 'tis me that haunts you? Nay, it is your loneliness."

**Christine:**"Your tragic soul poisoned by loneliness has twisted your face most hideously!"

 **Junna:**(In previous "Phantom of the Opera" stories, this is where Christine kisses the Phantom out of pity.)

 **Nana:**(After being kissed, the Phantom is touched by love for the first time and becomes aware of what it is to love another.)

 **Junna:**(With that new realization, he releases Christine and her beloved, but...)

 **Nana:**(But in this script, Christine doesn't kiss the Phantom.)

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
I cannot accept this ring, for I cannot remain with you.

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
Oh, my sweet Christine! Why can you not be mine!?

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
Tell me in your singing voice upon which I swore my life. Tell me why my love cannot become yours!

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
No, my love is yours! It is true, I loved you, but I cannot promise it forever!

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
My body and the soul here in my bosom already belong to Raoul. Could you still love me should I betray that and choose you instead?

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
I would still love you! My love shall shine forever like the diamond in this ring, and like reflected light, take many shapes!

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
I wish not for your love! Make not this voice you so love sing an adulterous tune!

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
Ngh!

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
Christine, now I see. If you are committed to your abiding love, if your love is eternal like the diamond on this ring...

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
Then surely you will become the most beautiful and noble being upon this earth.

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
So eager was I to make you my own that I forgot what was most important.

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
By trying to claim an angel such as you, I was attempting to clip your beautiful wings!

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
Your mask...

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
Thank you, Christine. Thank you for returning this ring. It shall sparkle for all eternity like a little piece of you inside me.

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
Phantom, you are--

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
Soon your betrothed will come for you, in the name of true love.

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
Let that warmth take you, Christine!

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
Wait, where will you go? Where can you go without this mask!?

 **Nana:****(As the Phantom)**
Farewell. Promise me that you shall forever sparkle like this ring!

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
Ah... But...!

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
If you vanish with that diamond ring that shall sparkle ever more, then I...!

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
Then I shall bear this mask--this hideous mask that hid your beautiful face so that I may remember you forever and ever!

 **Junna:****(As Christine)**
And I will sing with the voice you loved... Forever... Forever!

 **Karen:**Ooh... That was great! Really great! I hope the Phantom and Christine find happiness!

 **Mahiru:**Banana-chan, that was a really good script!

 **Karen:**Yeah, you're amazing, Banana! Super amazing!

 **Claudine:**Those kids look happy, too, don't they?

 **Maya:**What a magnificent "Phantom of the Opera."

 **Junna:**The Phantom's feelings really came across.

 **Nana:**Everyone...thank you for all your help! The theater really is great, huh?

 **Junna:**Some things change, while others don't... Making them coexist is easy to say, but really hard to work into a script.

 **Nana:**But I did it thanks to your help, Junna-chan! Thank you!

 **Junna:**Don't mention it. I'm just happy I could contribute.

 **Junna:**No, that's not true. I don't think I can really be satisfied unless I can perform it myself.

 **Nana:**Then maybe I can thank you by putting together an opportunity for all of us to perform it sometime.

 **Junna:**That would be great if you could make it happen.

 **Nana:**Maybe I will ♪

 **Nana:**No, I definitely will!

 **Karen:**Hey, Banana, Jun-Jun! We won't make it back by curfew if you keep walking so slow!

 **Junna:**Yeah, we know!

 **Junna:**Come on, Nana.

 **Nana:**Okay ♪