Pant... Pant... Pant...

It feels nice to be out in the sun, doesn't it, Shibao?

Oh, look. The flowers over at that house are all blooming.

Woof!

Hehe. Shibao looks like he's having so much fun.

He must've really wanted to go for a walk. I mean, while we were doing our homework, he came over with his leash in his mouth.

Yes, also... I think I made him wait a little too long.

Really?

Yes, because I've recently been spending a lot of my time practicing for that reading event...

So much so that I've been asking the others in my family to walk him for me.

I had no idea.

If that's the case, then he must be really happy about getting to go on a walk with you today, Honami.

Woof!

Speaking of which, how are things coming along for that event?

Oh, they're coming along well.

Voice acting is incredibly challenging...

But Kusanagi's been giving me excellent advice.

I see. I definitely want to hear how you sound.

Y-Yes, well...

It's a little embarrassing...

But I do want you, Saki and Shiho to hear us rehearse before the event.

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to that.

...

Is Shibao okay...?

He's kept looking at you this entire time, Honami.

Oh, you're right...

Maybe he's trying to say that he also wants to hear you read that story, Honami.

Is she right, Shibao?

Would you listen to me practice?

Woof!

Hehe. He's wagging his tail.

He really does seem happiest when he's with you, Honami.

I have a feeling that he'd also try to save you if anything happened to you, Honami...

What?

Like the protagonist from “The Star-Chasing Dog”.

Is she right, Shibao? Would you do that for me?

Woof!

I think he just said, “Yes!”

Hehe. That's so sweet of you, Shibao.

But I'm not sure how I feel about you going on such a long journey by yourself.

I mean, you tire out so quickly during our walks... I'm worried that you'd get lost and never find your way home.

Honestly, I'd rather save you instead of you having to save me...

You would?

Yes. No matter how arduous the journey is, I feel like I'd be able to take on anything for him.

I see...

Is something wrong, Ichika?

I was just thinking about how you and that dog in the story really are alike.

Especially how you'd do anything for someone you really care about.

Oh, my heart isn't nearly as big as that dog's...

But I do appreciate you saying that.

Because I've loved him and that story since I was little.

Woof! Woof!

Oh...

Is he feeling jealous that you're talking about another dog like that...?

Hehe. Don't worry, Shibao.

You'll always be the dog I love the most.