“*Sob*

*Cry*”

(Wh-What's going on?!

Why are you crying, Chocota?! I mean, Hamano?!)

(Hold on, is it possible that he banged his pinky against the corner of the table because he can't see very well out of that costume?!)

(Regardless, this is going to make the scene where “the Choco Maniac is so moved by their words that he has no choice but to withdraw” significantly harder to pull off... What do we do...?!)

(No, calm down...

I'm a future star. This is my time to shine!)

“What's the matter, Chocota?!

Why are you crying all the sudden?!”

“Ah, yes, I see...

You were just that moved by their stories, yes?”

“As was I. These people's stories have compelled me to change my ways.”

“My original intention was to devour delicious chocolates, but now, I'd rather be on the receiving end of one of these gifts...”

(Splendid! This is going great...!

Now Chocota just needs to say, “As long as you understand. We should be going.” And that'll be it!)

“A-As long as you understand, Choco Maniac...”

(Excellent! That's it, Hamano!)

“Yes, receiving such chocolates is always a wonderful thing...”

“So... Oh no...

*Sob*”

(H-He's crying again?!)

(Why's he crying like this...?!

What in the world's going on?!)

(Wait, based on what I've heard so far...)

(He's been getting hung up on how these chocolates are a special gift for someone else...)

Are you alright, Hamano?!

At this rate, we won't be able to...!

I-I'm so sorry, Tenma...!

I know that the show must go on...

But that boy's story reminded me of something and I haven't been able to stop crying since...!

It reminded you of something...?

Why's Chocota crying?

I'm not sure. Did something happen to him...?

Looks like they're in trouble, huh...?

Seems like it.

Something's going on with the guy playing the mascot.

What does Tsukasa plan on doing now...?

(Hmm... I still don't know why, but Hamano appears to be in no shape to continue... What's my next move?!)

(What can I do as the Choco Maniac...?)

“W-Wait, I know what's going on!

Chocota, you not only want to protect everyone's gifts, but you're hoping to receive one, no?”

“If that's the case... Let's see...

Why don't I steal a present for you?!”

“N-No, you can't do that!

They're not for you to steal...!

*Sob*”

(Gwah!

P-Please stop crying!)

(Y-You can do it, Tsukasa!)

Tsukasa's in a huge bind...

He's been having to ad-lib the whole time while his partner's been down for the count... How's he gonna get out of this one?

My guess is that he's trying to wrap things up... If I'm right...

Hey, Mr. Thief! Over here!

I have an idea!

What?!

(I-Is that Akiyama...?

Akito's here too! But why...?)

(Fine! I don't have time to think right now! I'll take your bait!)

“An idea? Tell me more.”

It looks like Chocota wants to receive some chocolates from someone, so why don't you make some for him...?

“What?”

I mean, you love chocolate too, right?

I'm sure Chocota will stop crying if you make some for him, and really put your heart and soul into it.

Especially since we're at the Chocolate Factory! You should be able to make him something really special♪

“Y-Yes, I see.

You certainly have a point.”

So why don't we make some chocolates for Chocota once he's settled down a bit? What do you say?

“...!

Yes! Let's do that!”

“Alright, Chocota, we're going to make you some chocolates, so please wipe off those tears.”

“Just as our guests here have done, why don't we make some chocolates for ourselves?!”

“O-Okay...”

Good work.

Heehee♪

This is sort of my wheelhouse!

(Thank goodness!

They should be able to wrap up the show now!)

(But is this really the best way to end this show...?)

(You're a lifesaver, Akiyama!

Chocota can exit stage left even if he's still crying since it'll look like a happy ending on the surface...!)

Here you are!

“Hm? What's this...?”

Everything you need to make chocolates!

You're gonna make some for Chocota, right, Mr. Thief?

“Ah, of course!

But first, we need to...”

Oh no! Chocota's still crying!

...!

C-Come back here...!

You can't just interfere like that!

But he's so sad!

I wanna make something for Chocota too!

Me too!

Let's make some together, Mr. Thief!

...

He's still crying...

“Yes, that's a wonderful idea...”

(Thanks to Akiyama, we can end this show without it being too strange. However...)

(In my book, a happy ending doesn't involve any tears.)

(Even the little ones seem to understand that!)

“Alright!

Let's make some chocolates for Chocota!”

“I mean, I won't be able to get up to my usual antics if he's going to be all weepy!”

“So how does making some chocolates with the great phantom thief, the Choco Maniac, sound?!”

You mean it? Yay!

Let's go, Mr. Thief!

Wh-Whoa, I wasn't expecting this!

What's Tsukasa gonna do next?

He's really gonna make chocolates while the show's still going? Even though his partner's not exactly back on his feet yet?

Yeah... But the kids are doing a great job of trying to cheer Chocota up, so that's been a pretty big plus.

(I don't really have a plan moving forward, but I have no choice but to do what I can...)

(Regardless, it's a star's job to make everybody smile!! So first...)

“Let's start making some chocolates... Is what I'd like to say, but I only eat them! I have no idea how to actually make them!”

“Some help would be much appreciated... You there! Why don't you help me make your idea a reality?!”

What? Me?

“Yes, you!

Your friend as well...!”

What?!

“What do you say?

Willing to lend me a hand?”

Of course...!

I'd love to help, Mr. Thief♪

Ugh...

I don't know what you're up to, but we can't really refuse at this point...

Wait, that's...

Is something the matter?

Those two... I've spoken to them before... I had no idea they were friends...

I see...

It's just one coincidence after another.

Alright, Akiyama, Akito, listen up!

I'm going to need your help with this part!

Roger that!

What do you need us to do first?

I need you to show me how to make chocolates, Akiyama! I'll follow your instructions as we go!

Okay!

Akito, you'll need to move Hamano... I mean, Chocota to the green room...

After that, you'll have to find a way to cheer him up enough to get back into acting shape.

There's definitely something bothering him, but he also understands that the show must go on...

Alright, I'll try, but no guarantees...

I have no idea if he'll be able to get himself back together in time.

I understand. There's no need to force him if he proves too challenging...

My primary goal is to simply give this show a happy ending. That includes both the guests and the cast.

So please, try your best with him!

*Sigh*

Okay, I'll try. But again, no guarantees.

Thank you!

Alright, let's give this show the happy ending it deserves!