“After the dog decided to go on his journey, he told the boy this as he lay in his bed.”

“Just wait.

I promise to find a star that will grant my wish.”

“And we'll go to that big field again after you get better. We can spend the entire day in the sun playing tag.”

“So, just wait...”

(I can read it without stuttering or hesitating now... But I don't feel that I've become all that skilled.)

(I need to keep practicing and get better at this.)

(Also...)

(Around twenty first and second graders are supposed to join us for this event.)

(Are there any special considerations that I need to keep in mind when reading to small children?)

Thanks for having me over!

Hey, wait! You gotta wash your hands first!

Okay, okay! Where's the bathroom?

(Oh, that's right.

Haru said he'd be bringing his friend over today.)

That's it!

“And they lived happily ever after.”

What did you two think...?

That was great!

Yeah, it wasn't bad.

But...

But?

Hmm... You're too relaxed, you know...?

You said you're gonna be reading to first and second graders, right?

It's a pretty long story, so some of them might get bored partway through and start fooling around.

Yeah, he's right!

The first graders never sit still during assemblies and stuff.

G-Good point...

(I ended up listening very intently because I'd fallen completely in love with this story. But not everyone is going to respond the same way...)

(And I'm still a novice in terms of storytelling...)

Also, some kids might not actually like these kinds of stories. What if their parents are making them be there?

You're gonna have to try really hard to keep their attention. To be honest, you're so nice that some kids probably won't take you seriously.

Oh...

Whoa, that's pretty harsh. She's your big sister. Are you going through a rebellious phase or something?

What are you talking about?

If I don't give it to her straight now, she might end up paying for it later.

He's right...

I really appreciate the advice, you two.

I'll try seeing what I can do to sound more captivating. Thank you both very much.

Hm? You're welcome...

(I need to keep on practicing.)

(Come to think of it, what was the reading I went to like...?)

(I remember the characters really coming to life. It was almost as if I got to be a part of the story... Oh...)

(That's it...

By improving my voice acting skills, I might be able to keep the children from getting bored.)

Okay. Then, I'll start by looking into that.

(“Fundamental Vocal Projection Exercises”, “Want To Become A Famous Voice Actor? Here's How”, “Modern Acting Methods”... So many books on the subject.)

(I came to see if they had any that would help with voice acting, but I'm not sure where I'm supposed to start now...)

Huh? Mochizuki...?

Kusanagi...! Hello!

Uhh, hi...

Is this a bad time? Do you need a rain check?

Huh?

I saw you standing in front of this bookshelf looking kind of troubled. Is everything okay...?

Oh...

I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry or anything.

The thing is, my neighborhood is holding...

I see. And you're here to find a good book on voice acting...

Yes. I'm a complete novice, so I felt that I should learn from a reputable source instead of going it on my own.

Unfortunately, now I don't even know where to begin...

Oh...

Voice acting does involve a lot of different things.

There's all these facets to it, like different acting and practice methods...

Kusanagi?

I was just trying to remember if I have any books that you could use...

But most use really technical language, which might end up confusing you even further...

Thank you for taking the time to try and help me, Kusanagi...

Huh?

No, you don't need to thank me...

If anything, Mochizuki, you're the one who's always helping me out.

Me...?

Not only did you teach me how to make scented candles, you even lent a hand during Shibu Schools Fest.

So, I'd like to take this opportunity to repay the favor somehow...

Kusanagi...

Plus, I should be able to help at least somewhat when it comes to acting.

Then...

Can I ask you to be my acting coach?

Wait, me? Are you sure...?

Yes. If it isn't too much trouble, I'd love to get whatever advice I can from you, Kusanagi.

Okay, I'll do what I can...

...!

Thank you so much.