Is it that time already? I'd better get going.

Hm? A message...

It's from Mom.

Let's see... She wants me to stop by the store?

She must've forgotten to get something for dinner. Oh well, what're you gonna do...

Well, I don't have any other errands, so I can get this done quickly and go home.

Hmm... We use a mild curry roux, right? I think I recognize this package.

Now for the honey... Where would that be?

Ooh, these look so fresh...

They're not the cheapest, but I think I'll pick these.

(Hm? Is that...?)

Oh, it is you, Shiraishi.

Huh, Hinomori?! Who would've thought I'd run into you here!

Are you buying things for your dinner?

Yeah. My mom asked me to.

Oh, then we're in the same boat. I'm here because my dad asked me to help restock.

Restock?

Yup!

You know—peanuts, sugar, sandwich fillings—stuff like that!

We usually order them wholesale, but we happened to run out today.

This place always delivers on quality and the range of options, so it's our safety net when we run out of stock.

There are plenty of options alright. They're so plentiful that I've been getting lost trying to find anything.

What are you looking for?

Um... Honey, miso and...

Oh, those'll be on the shelves at the back, I think.

This way! Follow me!

Huh? Uh, okay.

Phew...

That's everything. Thanks a lot, Shiraishi.

But also, sorry. I know you're busy helping your dad.

Don't worry about it! He told me I can take my time as long as I'm back before the bar opens.

Really? If you say so, then...

Speaking of which, Weekend Garage is a really nice place. I think I get why people like it.

Your customers are a nice crowd, and you have a really good audio setup.

Hahaha, that's Dad's high standards for you.

Also, I didn't realize you know a lot about sound equipment.

Well, I work at a live house, so I'm around it all the time.

I see! I don't really know much about that stuff. I'm a singing specialist!

“Singing specialist”? What's that supposed to mean?

Well, you are a really great singer in any case.

(Oh yeah. Singing...)

(Why was she singing so differently the two times I heard her?)

(Why, when the first time she was so incredibly powerful that my heart ached?)

(Could it be that something unusual had happened the first time? If so, what could bring on something that intense?)

(Maybe I'll ask her...)

Hm?

Hey, look at that!

Huh, what?

Look, there's an event going on!

It says it's a “Flower Viewing Goldfish Exhibit”!

A Flower Viewing Goldfish Exhibit? I didn't know that was a thing...

“Admire the cherry blossoms and goldfish on display with the theme of flower viewing picnics.” Apparently, it's an installation set up by that aquarium near the station.

Hmm... This looks like it could be interesting!

Hey! It's even free. Do you wanna check it out for a bit?

Huh, like together?

Yeah! I bet it'll be more fun than going alone.

(I guess a quick visit won't hurt. Mom's not in that big of a hurry.)

Okay. Let's go then.

Woohoo! Off we go!

Whoa, so this is what it's like! It's so pretty!

I associate aquariums with dim lighting, but it's pretty bright in here.

Yeah. And there's a nice smell. It's...cherry blossom?

You're right. Now that I smell that, it really feels like a flower viewing picnic.

I know what you mean! I was just thinking how nice it feels.

And there are all these types of goldfish.

Hey, let's take a look at that big tank in the middle!

Sure, let's go.

...

Wow. I wonder how many fish are in here.

This tank has a lot of different ones too. Some of them even have cool patterns!

Oh, Hinomori! Those fish there, look at them!

“Those fish” doesn't exactly narrow it down... I wouldn't know one goldfish from another.

Whaaat? Look, those two being all buddy-buddy! Aren't they cute with their big round eyes?

Buddy-buddy...? Oh, those two?

Yeah, now that you mention it, they are cute.

Hehe. It's sweet how they're so inseparable. Do you think they're a mom and her kid? Or maybe two friends?

I don't know... But they do look sweet.

Oh. Shiraishi, is that you?

Oh, Ena!

It is you. I didn't realize you were here too.

Um... Is this your friend?

Yes! We bumped into each other at the supermarket.

(I recognize her. I think she was in that group photo Honami took at the kindergarten.)

(Wasn't she the person who taught Honami to draw?)

My name is Shiho Hinomori. Pleased to meet you.

Hinomori...?

You...wouldn't be Shizuku's sister, would you?

Huh?