A few days later
Nonogi Park

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1

Honami

Listen

“Just wait.
I promise to find a star that will grant my wish.”
2

Nene

Listen

Oh...
I really like the way you said that just now.
3

Nene

Listen

You made this dog sound so kind. The way he comforted the boy felt so genuine.
4

Honami

Listen

Really? Thank goodness...!
5

Nene

Listen

This dog really reminds me of you, Mochizuki.
I feel like your voice is perfect for him.
6

Honami

Listen

Oh, that's what MEI...
I mean, that's what Ichika and the others told me. This dog also reminded them of me.
7

Nene

Listen

Hehe. I can see why.
8

Honami

Listen

After actually giving it a try, I realized how difficult this really is...
9

Honami

Listen

And I'd probably still be lost if you hadn't agreed to coach me, Kusanagi.
10

Nene

Listen

I'm glad you're saying that, since I'm no voice acting expert myself. I'm honestly stumbling around in the dark a bit here...
11

Honami

Listen

Hehe. You gave me a wonderful explanation.
12

Honami

Listen

I know that I have a lot to learn since my acting skills are still quite poor...
13

Honami

Listen

But I plan on doing my best to make sure all those children go home smiling.
14

Nene

Listen

...
15

Nene

Listen

And I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Mochizuki...
16

Honami

Listen

Huh?
17

Nene

Listen

Because you're always working for the sake of others. Whenever you see someone in need, you never hesitate to jump in and help them.
18

Honami

Listen

Yes, my primary goal is to make sure the children enjoy this story...
19

Honami

Listen

But that isn't actually the reason I decided to do this.
20

Nene

Listen

It isn't?
21

Honami

Listen

*Nod*
I've never forgotten how moved I was when I had this story read to me for the very first time.
22

Honami

Listen

I remember being so worried when the dog decided to set out on his journey to save the boy...
23

Honami

Listen

And by the time he did save the boy, I was bawling my eyes out.
24

Nene

Listen

I see.
In other words, this story means just that much to you, yes?
25

Honami

Listen

It does. I quickly fell in love with picture books, and I discovered many more wonderful stories soon after.
26

Honami

Listen

Which is why I'd like the children to experience the same thing I did...
27

Nene

Listen

I know what you mean...
28

Nene

Listen

I remember being really moved by this show I saw when I was little...
29

Nene

Listen

I first fell in love with shows, and I subsequently fell in love with singing and acting.
30

Honami

Listen

I had no idea...!
31

Nene

Listen

At first, I simply wanted to become just like the lead actress I saw on stage.
32

Nene

Listen

But as time went on, that feeling transformed into a desire to make others feel that same sense of exhilaration.
33

Honami

Listen

That's so wonderful...
34

Nene

Listen

I mean, that's basically what you just said.
So...
35

Nene

Listen

I feel like we're in the same boat here.
36

Honami

Listen

Hehe. We are.
37

Nene

Listen

In that case...
I don't know if you'd be okay with it, but...
38

Nene

Listen

Is it possible for people from outside your neighborhood to help with this event?
39

Honami

Listen

Wait, does that mean...?
40

Nene

Listen

I feel like taking part now after hearing your story, Mochizuki...
41

Honami

Listen

Thank you! Having you there would make me feel so much better, Kusanagi!

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42

Honami

Listen

I'll need to ask the association for permission, but it shouldn't be a problem.
43

Nene

Listen

Okay, that's good to hear...
44

Honami

Listen

If we'll both be reading, should we divide up the roles between us?
45

Nene

Listen

Oh, if you wanna do that, then I have a suggestion...
46

Nene

Listen

I think you should play the dog, Mochizuki.
47

Honami

Listen

Wait, you want me playing the lead...?
48

Nene

Listen

Yes. I know it won't be easy because there are so many lines, but I really do think your gentle voice fits the bill...
49

Honami

Listen

Oh...
50

Honami

Listen

Thank you. Then, I'll do my best...!
51

Nene

Listen

Okay, I'll also help out however I can.
52

Nene

Listen

Anyway, let's start dividing up the other roles.
53

Honami

Listen

Okay!
54

Honami

Listen

Kusanagi...
55

Nene

Listen

Yeah?
56

Honami

Listen

I look forward to working with you on this.
57

Nene

Listen

Hehe. Me too...