That was good...

Oh, I'm glad you liked it.
But what's taking your sister so long?
It seemed like she was awake...

No idea. The way she was, it might be a while before she comes downstairs.

Then I'll put some plastic wrap on it for now. I need to finish up the housework, so could you put your dishes in the sink, Akito?

Yeah, got it.

...

Dad...

Yes?

Did you say something to Ena about that contest?

I did...

It seemed like you did the same thing when she was still in middle school. Can't you do a little easier on her?

I mean, she's nowhere near your level, but that doesn't seem like a reason to...

Being an artist means being alone...

Alone...?

At times, you have to keep drawing even when no one will look regardless of talent or skill.

And making a living out of it is hardly an easy task. You'll never find it without talent or being fully committed.

But those that wish to pursue this path despite these hurdles will have to endure quite a bit of suffering...

...

It's not just about skill or technique. I simply don't believe Ena can handle that pain.

Because it's such a cruel and unforgiving path.

I thought that I needed to tell her honestly what she would be facing...

...

I get what you want to say, Dad...

In whatever field, the ones without talent have to work a hundred times harder than the ones with talent. I've even experienced that myself.

And Ena with her personality...
I get that it'll be rough...

But isn't what Ena wants to hear something a lot simpler than that?

Which is...?

She's just like you, Dad. She loves art. Of course she'd be hurt if you told her what you did.

What if you saw your daughter's art just as a father and not as an artist...?

...

It's so quiet...

(I just want to disappear...)

<——♪　——♪>

Huh...?

Is someone singing...?

(But it doesn't sound like Miku...)

(With no words either, just a melody.
But it's so soothing...)

It's a gentle but sort of sad tone...

No... I just want to forget it all...

But...

...

That voice is coming from this way...?

Oh...

<——♪　——♪>

(Is that the VIRTUAL SINGER, Rin...?
But what's she doing here?)

(No one else besides Miku's supposed to be here, right?)

<——♪　——♪>

Rin...?

Are you Ena...?
Nice to meet you. I'm Rin.

Huh? Nice to meet you...?

Hold on, why are you even here?
Miku was the only one here until now.

I heard their wish and...

Huh...?

That's why I was singing.
So that this song would reach you.

Reach me...?

I don't want this though...

I just want to forget all about art and everything.

Why?

Because it just makes me jealous and miserable...

No one looks. They don't even care when they do.

Ena...

So I want to forget it all...
That's why I came here.

But then... I heard you singing, Rin...

Ugh...

I...

Of course I don't want to quit...!
I don't want to give up!

But there's just no point in trying any harder!

No one will acknowledge my work. No recognition. As if my art didn't even exist!

Are you sure?

You really can't draw unless someone appreciates your art?

...

I just can't unless someone does...

I mean... Even I want to...

If that's how you truly feel, then that may be so...

But the others probably don't think so.

What...?

That's why Kanade and the others entrusted this song to us.

So that you'll come to realize it, Ena.

Kanade...?
Wait, realize what?

Why not ask them yourself?

But...

If you felt something real after hearing this song, you should go and talk to them.

They'll wait for you as long as they have to.

...