Staring down at her small collection of garments, 21O sighed. The selections were not vast, yet she struggled to pick out a suitable outfit. '"You don't have to worry much about it. Just pick out a casual one, but not too casual,"' 9S's words rang through her ears.

What does "casual but not too casual" even mean? 21O pondered to herself. If only she could wear her uniform. In the bunker, the androids' uniform differed by their classes. Nobody wore anything other than their assigned outfit. One less thing to worry about.

Finally, she decided on a crisp white dress. Remembering the flower crown Sanna gifted her a while ago, she deduced that it would complement her dress well. Upon receiving the flower crown, 21O was concerned of its short lifespan, and relentlessly looked for an alternative to preserve it. She finally arrived at the conclusion to dry the flowers. Indeed, the flowers had lost their previous lustre, but there was a new, solemn air to them.

Glancing at the clock, 21O was stunned by the speed time went by while she was busy picking out an outfit. She reminded herself to be quick.

-

Popola stared in marvel at her dress. "This is certainly magnificent,"

"I'm so glad you like it," said Shauna, sighing in relief. "I was worried that you'll think it's bad or something,"

"I couldn't possibly say that for this! Give yourself some more credit; you made all this in just a week's time, after all,"

"What about me? I wanna see my costume," chimed in 9S.

2B handed him a hanger. Romeo's costume hung from it, tailored to suit 9S's frame. He was speechless.

"You mean this is my costume?" he said, a moment later.

"Yes,"

"Well, I absolutely like it! Can I put it on now?"

"The show is almost starting, 9S. You should wear your costume as soon as possible," responded Popola. "Besides, we haven't had our makeup done yet, "

Realizing this, 9S rushed off to the changing room, eager to try on his costume.

-

9S tried his best to hold in a sneeze as a brush tickled his face nonstop. When was the makeup team going to be done with him anyway?

"Stop twitching, Nonus. I might slip up," said the girl as she loaded up her makeup brush with some foundation.

"I'm sorry, but this is making me feel very itchy," complained 9S.

"Just grit your teeth and bear it, I guess. It's going to be over soon anyway,"

9S took her advice, wishing the ordeal to be over.

-

"Who's that?"

"Is she a celebrity?"

"No, she looks more like a goddess,"

21O tried her hardest to ignore the scrutinization. It was rather overwhelming, the way everyone gawked at her. Was it really that obvious, her being an android?

"21O! Over here," called a voice.

She was ultimately relieved as 2B approached her.

"Come along, you're just on time," said 2B as she ushered 21O to the school hall.

"Why are so many people staring at me like I'm some kind of curiosity? Have they not seen an android before?"

2B regarded her companion, a ghost of a smile dancing on her lips. "No, it's just that you look rather... ethereal, is all,"

"Is that so?"

2B opened a pair of great doors. "Just go ahead and look for an empty seat. I recommend the ones in front,"

Before 21O responded, the battle android had vanished. She walked into the hall and found a vacant seat. The stage curtains raised as she sat down.

"Two households, both alike in dignity; In fair Verona, where we lay our scene; from ancient grudge break to new mutiny..." boomed a disembodied voice. The play has begun.

-

Feeling Juliet's body slump against his, 9S knew the play to be over. He was happy about how everything turned out.

The announcer indicated that the play was at its end. 9S got up, along with Popola, and bowed deeply at the audience. The deafening applause was, to 9S, invigorating. He wondered if this was how Beauvoir felt when she stood upon the stage, poised to devour him and 2B. All just for beauty.

He spotted 21O, who was mesmerised by him. It was understandable; the Bunker did not offer any form ofnentertainment. Unless you count the YoRHa flight units as "entertainment", 9S thought. Even so, an android may only use them during important missions.

Everyone congratulated each other as the main cast returned backstage. The play was, after all, a smashing success.

"I thought you'd drag everyone down, but what you did was adequate," said Devola.

"Come on, Devola, just admit I did great," retorted 9S. "You did real good too, Popola. I'm thankful for your guidance in the past few days,"

"It's not much, Nines. You also put in a lot of effort yourself,"

Someone handed 9S some makeup wipes. He was glad to be able to remove the makeup caked in his face. It felt like mud to him, reluctant as he was to admit that to his makeup artist. He was sure she'd put in a lot of effort for his look, too.

Approaching the school gates, two familiar figures waited for him.

"You were amazing, 9S," was all 21O managed to say.

"Good work, 9S," added 2B.

"Well, let's go home and celebrate," said 9S as the trio began to head home.