Let's dig in!

Hehehe... It feels like it's been so long since the four of us had lunch together like this!

We were all so busy practicing for the recital and didn't have any time to meet.

Right. But now that it's over, we can finally get together for lunch again.

Yeah! Especially you, Hona! You did such a good job!

And I was thinking... Why not throw a Job-Well-Done Party at my house for your reward!

A Job-Well-Done Party?

Don't be fooled. She just wants an excuse to have fun is all.

N-No way! I would never dream of using Hona for my own purposes!

Hehe. Seems suspicious.

Hehe. Actually, I don't mind.

It's been a while since we all hung out too.

Yesss! Okay, after we finish band practice this weekend, we'll head straight to my house!

Let Hona's Job-Well-Done Party begin!

And to start off, allow me to say...

Great job on the choir recital, Hona!

Thank you. You all did great too.

Alright, let's do this... Cheers!

Cheers!

A lot did happen, but the recital sort of just breezed by in the end.

Yeah. We didn't win the gold either, but at least we all got to work together on something again!

But I wish we could look back on the recital like we did with all the pictures everyone took during the Sports Festival.

Only choir recital committee members were allowed to film the actual recital so...

Actually, I have a few photos. I asked a friend on the committee to take them for me because I really wanted something memorable.

I knew we could count on you, Hona!

Don't worry, all of you are in the photos.

Let's see... Oh, here!.

This is Shiho's class singing.

Yeah it is! And there's Shiho!

You seem really into it too!

What do you mean seem?

Everyone would know if we lip-synced.

Oh, this is our class!

Hehe. Saki was trying so hard...!

I really wanted to win gold!

But Hona's class was way too good.

They really were something else.

I agree. They definitely deserved to win.

Hehe. Thanks, everyone!

...

Whoa... It's pretty late.

I have to go to work soon.

Shall we call it a day?

I wish we could keep going, but I guess we should.

Oh, I'll take care of cleaning up too.

Just leave your cups and snacks wherever.

We can't make you clean up by yourself.

I'll take the cups to the kitchen.

I'll help too.

Okay. Saki and I can sort out the remaining snacks.

And we can split the leftovers between us!

Hehe. Good idea.

...

Um, Hona?

Hm? Yes?

This may sound weird, but...

Did I help?

What?

Remember how I kept going on about you not being alone because you have us...?

But it feels like I couldn't really do anything to help you in the end...

And I wasn't there for you for most of junior high because I was in the hospital.

Saki...

Did you throw this party for me because of that?

Well, um... I really can't hide anything from you, can I? Does that mean Ichi and Shiho knew too?

Yes. I'm pretty sure they did.

But you don't have to worry, Saki.

You were a big help by just being yourself.

The same goes for Ichika and Shiho. I was able to face this problem head-on because you were all there for me.

Hona...

So that's what was bothering you?

I thought so.

Hey! You two heard all that?!

And what do you mean, I thought so?

You were all onto me...?!

How long have we known each other?

But you might be giving us too much credit too...

B-But I had to know if I was at least able to contribute a little after talking so big...!

Yeah, it's that! I'm just trying to take responsibility for what I said!

Hehe. I appreciate that, Saki. And thank you too, Ichika and Shiho. I couldn't have done this without all of you.

Hona...

Hehehe. You're welcome...!