Wait, is it finally here...?!
Hello?! This is the Tenmas!!
<Tsukasa!
I got into Miya Girls Junior High!
Ichi and the girls all got in too!>
R-Really?!
That's great, Saki!!
<Thanks! This means we can keep hanging out and having fun together! Plus, I feel great!!>
This is wonderful!! I'm so happy for you...!
We should throw you a party today! Why don't you invite Ichika and the others over?
<Okay, I'll try asking them!
Talk to you later!>
Yes, bye!
Good for you, Saki...!
You get to be with your friends again...
Hah hah hah!
I feel like I can play anything right now!
Yes, this is the Tenmas.
Wait, what happened to Saki...?!
I know it's quite a ways away, but based on her condition, I recommend transferring her to the hospital in the other prefecture since they have a specialist in-house.
I see...
I understand.
Thank you...
Saki...
...
She just got into Miya Girls...
But she's being ripped away from it now...
...
...
(But I'm sure Saki will be fine...
She'll be back.)
(And I'll be waiting for her right here...)
“I know. In times like this, it's always nice to look at the stars...”
Alright, in times like this, there's but one thing for me to do!
So that's the answer...
Tsukasa...?
Thanks for waiting!
Everything okay, Tsukasa?
Here, drink this!
S-Saki?!
What is this? Water...?
Toya got worried because you were staring off into space like that, so he asked for it.
I see... Thank you, Toya.
You're welcome. But more importantly, is everything okay...?
Yes...
I think I know what those stars mean to Thorpe now.
...!
Stars? What are you talking about?
Oh, we were just...
Wait, that's it...
Saki, you were the one who said that...
Huh? Said what?
“Seeing stars makes me feel better.”
Didn't you say that to me once when I visited your hospital room all those years ago?
Huh? Oh, now that you mention it...
Yeah, I did used to say that!
Every time I felt scared... Every time I had to go in for another test or surgery, I wanted to look up at the stars... But I also got scolded a lot for staying up too late.
But...
I kept looking because they reminded me of all the fun things I did with Ichi and the girls, and the shows you put on for me, Tsukasa.
I see...
The answer was right under my nose this entire time.
Well, I guess I still have a long way to go...! However, accepting that is always the first step towards growth!
Toya, Saki, thank you both very much! I believe I have a way out of this conundrum now.
You do?
Yes, I do!
You two have been a massive help.
Especially since talking like this reminded me of some very precious memories. I have a feeling our show is going to turn out beautifully...
Really...?
I'm glad I could help.
Me too. Again, thank you!
If you'd like, why don't you and your friends stop by for a showing? I promise to make it a great one!!
Okay!
Of course!
“Congratulations, Mr. Pianist!”
“And so, the animals all celebrated Thorpe's triumph as he was welcomed in as the band's new pianist. The end.”
Woohoo!
That was awesome♪
Thanks, Miku!
But we're still missing Tsukasa...
(There isn't much time left until we open...)
(If we wait any longer, we won't have a chance to put a polish on our show.)
(But I...)
Tsukasa's gonna be fine! I'm sure of it!
Miku...
Sorry for the delay...!
...!
Tsukasa!
I apologize for taking so long...
I'm sure I had you all worried.
But I finally figured out what I have in common with Thorpe and know how to get into character now!
...!
See♪
Yes, you certainly had us worried there for a second, oh dear troupe leader...
Anyway, are you ready...?
Yes!
Ready whenever!
Okay, let's start from the top.
By the way, Tsukasa, we have everything just about nailed down, so it'll be up to you to keep everything going.
So be it!
I feel completely invulnerable right now!
Hehe. You sure sound ready!
But I have a suggestion regarding the part when I'm on the piano...
A suggestion? Alright, let's hear it.
Thank goodness Tsukasa managed to figure out how to play Thorpe!!
I'm just as glad.
I think he's taken a major step towards making his dreams come true.