There... I'm done.

(But... It's still not good enough.)

(There's no sense of depth between these two and the fish in the background. And the perspective is a little off...)

(The shadows are...mediocre. I didn't attempt anything complex, like capturing the light bouncing off the tank.)

(But, I at least had some success depicting the water being pushed by their fins.)

It's still not enough, but...

It's an improvement... I think.

Ena! How did it go?

Oh, it's you two. How was the exhibit?

We just finished a lap of the whole floor! Every goldfish was so pretty!

I see. That's nice to hear.

I also just finished my sketch.

You must be tired since you were focusing so hard on it.

Hahaha, maybe I was. I guess I produced what you'd expect from someone at my level...

Hey, Ena! If you don't mind, could we see your sketch?

Huh? Yes, that's fine.

Here you go.

Wow, this is amazing! These are those goldfish that were swimming close to each other, right?

The water looks so real. You can tell how slowly and gently they're swimming.

Also, you even captured that bit of warmth they have.

Warmth...

Oh, well... Um, it's just that I thought those two seemed really friendly when I was looking at them.

It was nice to see, and I felt the same thing when I saw this picture.

Yeah, I know what you mean! It's like you can feel so much kindness from these two, as if they're happy to be together.

I see... Thank you, both of you.

(This sketch isn't good enough, and it's full of problems.)

(But the thing I wanted to capture...)

(The sense of gentleness and kindness I got from those two inseparable fish... They understood that from my art.)

I'm going to keep working hard.

From where I'm standing, you seem incredible already. You're so hardworking and dedicated, Ena.

You're kinda like Akito in that way.

Huh? Akito...?

As in, Shinonome?

Yeah! Oops, did I not say? Ena is Akito's older sister.

Oh, I didn't know...

I'm not sure how much I'm like Akito...

But I do take my art seriously. I wouldn't exactly call them “goals”, but there are some things I'm hoping to achieve lately.

Things you're hoping to achieve?

Yes. The thing is, I'm in charge of creating art for a music group.

Um... To put it simply, I draw or paint pictures to match the tracks that my groupmates make, and then our music videos are based on those.

Wow, that sounds hard... I've heard this already, but I can't get over how amazing it is!

I wouldn't call myself amazing.

Actually, for a while now I've had the feeling that I can't keep up with the group's music.

Huh...?

My groupmates have always been incredible creators, but lately they've been reaching new heights.

...

And so, I want to be able to express their work with my art.

With my art, I want to be able to tell the story within each song they make.

(With her art...)

So, the only thing for it is to keep practicing and improving.

...

(Oh. So, her pained, intense expression... That was all for her friends.)

(Because she wants to improve what she creates with them.)

(...

I should put in the effort too.)

You're right...

That's...the only thing for it.

Well then, I think I'm going to do some shopping and then head home.

It was a little embarrassing, but thank you for letting me talk about that stuff today.

Don't mention it. I was happy to get to hear it. It was sorta motivating actually.

It encouraged me too. I feel pushed to give better performances with my band.

Really? That's good to hear, I guess.

Well, I'll be off. Get home safe, both of you.

Thank you. Shiraishi, let's head this way.

Okay!