A facsimile of a concert stage within SUNNY's mind, where he could've played his DUET with MARI. It has several boxes and bricks lined alongside the walls of the area. Along with that, MARI's picnic basket is right next to the stage itself. On stage contains a music stand where SUNNY can play his violin using the SHEET MUSIC.
This area ultimately serves as the point of no return since SUNNY can only save and interact with visions of his friends before fighting the final boss of the route. He can't leave through the door as the only thing left to do is to face his fears and move on.
The front of the location reveals a long row of seats and black curtains covering the stage. A single light shines down on SUNNY as he plays his violin for the first time in many years.
STORY
After reliving six of his cherished memories within MEMORY LANE, SUNNY enters the door of the BACKSTAGE. Upon entering the room, he finds the younger versions of AUBREY, KEL, and HERO waiting for him. These ones aren't the HEADSPACE counterparts seen throughout the game but the real ones that SUNNY remembers from his childhood.
Sunny playing his violin on stage, remembering his beloved sister Mari.
Each one of them tells SUNNY how much he means to them all. AUBREY recalls how SUNNY was there for her when she felt lonely, always having time to listen to her problems. KEL notes that even though they've missed out on each other for the past four years, he'll always be SUNNY's friend. Lastly, HERO tells SUNNY that he must put trust in them regardless of what happens.
All three encourage SUNNY to move forward as even though he did something bad, that doesn't mean he's a bad person, and life gets better in the future. The visions then turn into their current selves that SUNNY spent the last three days with in FARAWAY. They all tell SUNNY whatever happens next depends on the choice he makes for himself.
SUNNY can also interact with them for extra words of encouragement. Once SUNNY steps onto the stage, the visions fade away while wishing him good luck as the room becomes monochrome.
With the encouraging words of his friends, he sets down the SHEET MUSIC, readies his violin, and plays. After breaking down in tears over getting to mourn his sister's death, SUNNY is transported into WHITE SPACE for a final showdown against OMORI.
You know... Before we met, I had a lot of trouble fitting in.
AUBREY
Even after we all became friends... I always assumed you were going to leave me eventually.
AUBREY
But... when the others were busy doing things... you always seemed to have time for me.
AUBREY
You would listen to me talk for hours and hours... I could always rely on you to do that.
KEL
I know we've missed out on each other for the past few years... but it doesn't have to stay that way.
KEL
People always tell me that I'm dense of that I'm careless... but I'll always be here if you're okay with that!
HERO
SUNNY... We know that you're not someone who likes to take the lead.
HERO
This has been really hard for you.
HERO
But... you'll have to put a little bit of trust in us, too.
KEL
Just because you've done something bad... doesn't make you bad.
HERO
You've had to live with this pain for so long... and you've been keeping it all inside.
HERO
It might be easier to ignore your problems, but it's okay to cry about them too.
HERO
There's more good times to come. Life gets better... and you can be the one to make that happen.
AUBREY
Whatever happens next will be your call.
HERO
But we're here for you because you want us to be.
KEL
And... We really hope this isn't goodbye.
AUBREY
We believe in you, SUNNY.
BACKSTAGE (Interactions)
AUBREY
No matter how far you push your feelings down... they'll always come back somehow. And what you do with those feelings... That will be your truth.
AUBREY
Hey, SUNNY...
AUBREY
Break a leg for me, alright?
KEL
You can do this, SUNNY! I promise to stick with you until the very end!
KEL
Yeah... I think we'll always be best friends. That's okay with you too, right?
HERO
Whatever you end up choosing... We will always want what's best for you.
HERO
Keep us in your thoughts. We'll be cheering you on.
TRIVIA
The layout of the area almost resembles the piano room from SUNNY'S HOUSE.
The younger versions of AUBREY, KEL, and HERO are all taken from one of SUNNY's fondest memories he cherishes as seen through the MEMORY LANE and PHOTO ALBUM.
AUBREY: When she, SUNNY, KEL, and BASIL were walking together on a rainy day.
KEL: When the group celebrated BASIL's twelfth birthday party.
HERO: When the group spent time relaxing at their HANGOUT SPOT.
