Phew...

Why don't we take a quick break here?

Sounds good.

We seem to be doing a much better job staying in rhythm during the chorus after you worked with us individually, MEIKO.

Hehe. I'm glad to hear that.

Oh, before I forget.

I brought apple pies to have as snacks, so would you all like some?

That'd be lovely.

I was just craving something sweet.

I also brought hot tea in my thermos.

Please have some if you like.

That means we get to have a little tea party.

That reminds me. Saki and the others told me that you'd be reading a picture book for an event, Honami. Is that true...?

Yes, that's right.

It's an event that my neighborhood puts on regularly.

And you get to read that story you really love, right?

Yes! I'm a little worried that I won't be able to do it justice... But I'm also really excited.

Wow, that's wonderful!

Can you tell me more about this story?

Oh, I've been meaning to ask that as well.

Let's see... I thought I put it in my bag so I could practice...

Oh, here. It's this story.

“The Star-Chasing Dog”...?

Oh, is this dog on the cover the titular character?

Yes. The story begins with him living a happy life with his owner, an ever-so-kind boy.

But one day, the boy becomes desperately ill.

And the doctor notifies his family that there is no treatment available.

So, in order to save the boy, the dog sets out on a journey all on his own to find a star which grants wishes.

All on his own...?

He must be so worried about his owner.

Yes.

And during his travels, he encounters people with wishes of their own...

As the story progresses, he decides to help them out one by one.

Because he believes that's what his beloved owner would do...

So, what happens at the end?

He unfortunately fails to find a wish-granting star.

But all the people he helped decide to come together and repay the kindness he showed to them...

And they ultimately find just the medicine the boy needed.

A happy ending.

Thank goodness...

I was a little worried there for a second.

Hehe.

I felt the same way when I heard this for the first time.

This dog actually didn't feel all that brave in the beginning...

But he worked up the courage to set out on a journey to save his owner, and even helped those he encountered along the way.

I really love this dog's kind heart...

Which is why I found myself cheering for him the whole time.

This dog sort of reminds me of you, Honami.

Oh, I was just thinking the same thing.

It's uncanny, right?

Huh?

We're not talking about his appearance.

We're talking about the way you both work very hard for the sake of others.

Y-You think so...?

I agree.

Every time you decide to help somebody, Honami, you always go above and beyond.

Which probably comes from this powerful desire within you to help others out.

Exactly.

And you're incredibly kind.

I never thought about it that way...

But I really appreciate you two saying that.

Also, Honami, does this book belong to you...?

Yes, my parents bought it for me after I told them just how much I loved it.

I knew it.

That explains all the cute stickers on the back.

*Gasp*

Oh, look at that.

You made a star-studded sky.

Y-Yes... When I was little...

I had this habit of putting stickers on all my favorite things back then... And I think I wanted to give this dog the star he deserved...

I see...

Haha. Now I'm a little embarrassed...

Don't be embarrassed, Honami.

Huh?

I actually really like these stickers.

Because it's a great expression of just how much you love this book.

And I have to think that the dog in this story can't get enough of these star stickers.

Oh, um... Thank you, Ichika.

Oh, Honami!

Would it be alright if I snuck over to watch you read this story at the event?

What?

If it really does mean that much to you, then I'd love to see how you present it.

Of course, I'll make sure to stay hidden from everyone else.

Okay, in that case, you're more than welcome to come watch the event, as well as my practices.

Thank you! I'm really looking forward to it.

I hope your event goes well.

Me too! I'll work hard to make sure all the children go home smiling.