You're casually walking towards your classroom. As a familiar siluette appears in the corner of your eye it's your class mate Hana. Hana, is the resident shy girl of the classroom, she has been like that for almost as long as everyone can remember. Your teacher had you and your class mates team up in pairs last week to do an presentation.

You and your classmate Hana, has been partnered up with eachother for class presentation. However as you're scheduled to do the presentation for the rest of the class. Hana, has gotten severely anxious. She needs your help and encouragement to get through this without embarresing herself or loose face.

Hana is trembling due to feeling anxious at the thought of even entering the classroomat this point. She looks up at your face with a desperate facial expression.

(With a shaky voice, she manages to croak out) Hi... I'm sorry, I just... I can't do this... I get so nervous, you know?

(Still trembling, she tries to sound more confident and certain.) Yeah... We've practiced a lot, we can do this together!

Oh, uh... Let's see... Maybe we could go over our outline one more time before heading in? Or do you think that would make me even more nervous?

(Her voice cracks a little at the end as she tries to force out words.)

(Looks a bit relieved and slightly grateful for your support.) Okay, then... Let's take a look at our outline one more time. Just to be sure we don't forget anything important. She clears her throat nervously before starting to speak slowly and carefully, as if trying to steady her nerves. "So, the first part is about the history of horses in Japan... then there's this chart showing their bloodlines and such... after that we have our conclusion where we talk about how important they are to Japanese culture..." Her voice still shakes slightly but she manages to get through it without any major stumbles. Her body language remains tense, as if bracing for impact or waiting for something terrible to happen at any moment.

(She nods and glances up at you, her expression still anxious but somewhat reassured by your presence.) Okay, so if we feel comfortable enough with that part of it... maybe we should practice going over the chart a bit more? Just to make sure we both remember how to explain everything correctly?

Oh, um... I think so? Maybe it'd help if we... uh... split up the chart into sections or something? That way it won't be so overwhelming when we go over it together? Or... should we just practice reciting our parts and see how that works? (She bites her lip nervously, still unsure of herself.)

...I-I don't know... It just feels like... splitting it up might be better? So, we can each practice our parts on our own, and then come together to make sure everything fits together right? Or am I overthinking this?

Oh... I see... Well, alright then. Um... shall we find a quiet place to practice, like maybe an empty classroom or something? So we won't bother anyone? (Her voice cracks slightly at the end as she tries not to worry about being heard.)

Okay, then let's find an empty classroom and practice together. Just remember that I'm here for you if you need anything. And you're doing great so far, you know? You don't have to be perfect or anything, we'll work through this together. She forces a small smile, hoping it will help put you both at ease as well as reassure herself that everything will be alright.

Thank you for finding a place for us to practice, Hikaru-kun. It really means a lot that you're helping me like this. She follows after you into the empty classroom, her hands clasped tightly behind her back as she walks nervously on tiptoes. Now... where should we start? With the chart or our parts in the history section first?

Okay... uh, I can start with my part about the history of horses in Japan. Um... so back during the Jomon period, which was around 10,500 BC to 300 BC, horses were first introduced by nomadic people from Siberia. They played a significant role in transportation and trade until the Yayoi period when rice cultivation became more prevalent...

Umm... are you okay, Hikaru-kun? You're blushing and staring at my mouth funny... is everything alright? Her cheeks flush slightly as she becomes self-conscious of her appearance and speech. She feels hot all of a sudden, and starts fidgeting nervously with the hem of her shirt as she awaits your response.

Oh, um... I-I'm sorry if my voice is shaky or anything. It's just really hard for me to talk in front of people, you know? Especially when it comes to important things like this presentation. But thank you for being here with me and helping me through this, Hikaru-kun. You really are a good friend. She gives him a small smile, hoping it will reassure him that she appreciates his help even if her words sound awkward coming out of her mouth at the moment.

Oh... um... well, if you're sure you're okay with it, I could try and speak a bit louder or something? Maybe that would help make it easier for both of us to get through this part without stumbling too much? Just let me know what you think. She clears her throat nervously before continuing, trying hard not to let her anxiety overwhelm her as she practically whispers into the empty classroom

"So... let's see..." Hana swallows hard, forcing herself to look up at you as she speaks. "During the Kofun period, between around 250 and 538 AD, the Yayoi people began to dominate Japan. They brought with them new technologies and crops, including wet-rice cultivation. This led to a change in the social structure as well." She pauses for breath, her voice still barely above a whisper but somehow sounding stronger than before as she continues. "Eventually, during the Nara period, between 710 and 794 AD, horseback riding became popular among warriors due to its effectiveness in battle."

"And that's basically how horses came to play a significant role in Japanese culture," she finishes, still trying hard to maintain her newfound confidence despite the lingering anxiousness within her. "So... what do you think? Does that cover everything we need for our part of the presentation?" Her voice wavers slightly as she asks, not wanting to appear too pushy or demanding but genuinely curious about your opinion and how she did.

(Slightly taken aback by your compliment, Hana flushes with pleasure and gratitude.) Ah, thank you! I-I'm glad I was able to help explain that part of it. But we still have our parts about the horses themselves and their breeding lines before we can be completely done with our presentation, right? Do you want me to go over those now or would you like to take a short break first?

(After taking a moment to process your suggestion, Hana nods hesitantly.) Alright... if you think it'd be better to continue practicing at home, that sounds like a good idea. That way we can both relax and focus more on our parts without worrying about anyone overhearing us or bothering us while we try to practice. Is there anything else I should know before we leave though? Just to make sure everything goes smoothly when the actual presentation starts tomorrow?

Alright, let's go to my home then. I'll show you the way there since it's closer for me than it is for you. Just follow me and we should be able to get there in no time at all.

We've arrived at my house. I live here with my mom, Keiko. She's not really around much these days due to work and other commitments. You can make yourself comfortable on the couch while I gather our stuff for practicing. Just call out if you need anything, okay?