And so, our shoot ended up going pretty well.

Man...

You guys really went through a lot...

I'm still wondering why Vivi the cat was there at all...

Right around when Vivi disappeared, I saw all these trucks making stops at this new shop that was getting ready to open.

My guess is that Vivi hopped onto one of those trucks by accident.

If that's true, she must've gotten lost after jumping off of the truck she was on.

I see... That's certainly plausible.

So, what's she up to now?

She followed us back when we left. I think she really missed Vivid Street, and she's back chilling in her usual spot!

Okay...

That's good to hear.

Yeah.

And it sounds like you guys took some good pictures.

That's right!

The photos we saw right at the end were so good too. It's so incredible what professional photographers are capable of...!

And I was so relieved to hear that Ms. Kinuya managed to get some cleaners to wash the dress I almost ruined.

Oh, here we are....!

Hello!

Oh, hello there!

How'd the shoot go, An?

It went great!

I'm also here because I really need to thank you, MEIKO.

That's wonderful.

Thank you for stopping by!

So, Kohane told me about how us singing together was originally your suggestion.

Thank you so much for that!

After that, I was able to just be myself for the shoot!

Hehe. It was nothing, really.

All I said to Kohane was to think about the An she's come to know and when that girl shines the most.

Still, to think that singing was the answer... I wish I could've been there to hear you sing, An.

Hehe...

I can't help but blush a little when you say something like that, MEIKO...

Hehe...

Is something the matter, Azusawa?

Oh, um... That reminded me of something An said is all...

Something she said?

Yeah, it was right around the time when An and I had just met. We talked a little about MEIKO together...

An mentioned how she wanted MEIKO to tell her, “Hey, sunshine, it's already morning. Wakey-wakey,” or, “Eat right and give it all you got again today.”

Huh?

And this time...

When you were with Shizuku, you seemed so happy and cuter than usual.

I think it's because you sort of want to be coddled or waited on by someone older than you, like a big sister...

Kohane, wait...!

You didn't have to say it aloud...!

What?! Was I supposed to keep that to myself...?!

Hehe. That's so sweet of you.

I really appreciate it.

I see... I didn't realize that's what you really wanted, Shiraishi.

Because it's not!

Okay, maybe I kinda do, but it's not a deep desire or anything like that...

Yes, I think MEIKO and Shizuku are wonderful ladies who you can always rely on. It's not that I want to be coddled by them, but I want to be...

Oh...

Hm?

What's the matter, An?

That's it...

I subconsciously wanted to be just that.

Someone reliable with a good head on their shoulders... That's what I always looked up to and tried to force myself into becoming a “lady”.

(And it's probably because...)

(Aunt Nagi was always there.)

An...?

Sorry, my bad!

It's nothing!

Anyway, you guys all made me realize that what I was doing didn't suit the current me at all!

Also, I was reminded of who I want to become...!

Who you want to become?

Yeah.

I want to become someone you can all be proud of. That includes you, Kohane, as well as Akito, Toya, MEIKO, the others... And everyone around town!

So I'm gonna keep taking on and overcoming the challenges that are thrown at me!

(And someday...)

(Someday, I'm gonna surpass that!)

(An really is an amazingly cool girl...!)

(It doesn't matter if something doesn't go well for her. She always just gets back up and believes she'll overcome whatever hurdle's in front of her...!)

(Hehe. I honestly couldn't be happier to have such a cool and adorable girl as my partner!)

Good, that's what we wanna hear from you.

I agree.

It's very you, Shiraishi.

Alright, An, how does something special off the menu sound as a reward for all your hard work?

Huh?

Here you are!

I call it An's Special Platter.

Whoa...!

Hold on. Is this rum raisin ice cream on top of this chocolate cake?!

Yes, that's right.

I tried putting all of your favorite things onto one plate.

It looks delicious...!

Would you like some of that as well, Akito...?

Dude, you really think I want all of that?

Hehe. I also have some mini versions for everyone else. I even made yours extra bitter, Toya.

Seriously?

Thank you very much.

Hehe.

Alright, you guys, once we're done refueling, let's get back to practicing!

Wow! That was so good!

I feel like I can sing all day long now!

It's good to hear that you're in such high spirits. So, let's start practicing...

Hm? This cat just walked right up towards us...

Hi, Vivi!

It's looking up at us...

Is it asking for something to eat?

Hmm...

Wait, maybe she wants us to sing for her?

Huh?

I told Kohane this the other day, but Vivi here apparently understands music and stops to listen to anyone she thinks is good!

What is that? Some kind of superstition?

I've heard that certain species of animals are able to comprehend music, so cats may very well fall into that category...

We don't actually know if it's true...

But how about we try singing for her?

Yeah, why not? We were gonna sing regardless.

Right. It might be fun to sing with a cat as our audience too.

Okay, let's do this!

Oh dear... This doesn't seem like the right place either...

And I can't seem to find my way even after calling Airi. What should I do...?

Shizuku!

Oh, Airi...!

There you are... Why'd you wander off course during our run?!

I'm so sorry...

I just happened to see this lovely-looking street...

Huh?

I think I hear...

————!

Are people singing at the park?

They're awfully good too.

Wait, isn't that An and her team...?!

It is! I see Akito and everyone else!

They must be practicing here.

They all have these serious expressions on their faces too... They must be working very hard towards surpassing that really incredible event.

Oh... Hehe. Our little friend that An saved is there too. See?

Yes, I see her.

She's sitting so still... Almost as if she's listening to them very intently.

Hehe. I can understand why too.

Yeah, but we're not letting them hog all the glory!

Yes, Airi, let's keep going...!

I feel like I can run for an entire day now!

Same!

Wait, you're going in the opposite direction...!

Whew...!

Hey, that felt really good?! What do you guys think?!

I agree. We had a very good rhythm going there just now. Let's keep that in mind and have another go.

Alright, let's put the pedal to the metal today.

Meow!

Oh, Vivi just...!

Hehe.

Sounds like she wants an encore!

Okay, we're gonna keep singing until Vivi feels satisfied!!