A few days later
Diner
Rui
I see.
Which is why you'd like me to come up with a few simple effects for this story, yes?
Which is why you'd like me to come up with a few simple effects for this story, yes?
Honami
Yes, and I'm sorry. I know this is very sudden.
Honami
After discussing this matter with Kusanagi, we realized that we need to take other things into consideration besides our acting.
Nene
A lot of children are going to be present, and some may not actually be fans of these kinds of stories... So, I thought we should come prepared from as many angles as possible.
Rui
Hehe. Yes, they could prove to be quite a handful.
Rui
I'll be more than happy to lend a hand since I don't see myself getting many other opportunities to direct reading events.
Honami
Th-Thank you very much...!
Nene
But don't get too ahead of yourself, Rui.
This is just a plain old reading event.
This is just a plain old reading event.
Nene
No cannons or anything crazy like that, okay?
Honami
C-Cannons...?
Rui
That's unfortunate.
I figured that a small bolt of lightning would be an excellent way to gather the children's attention.
I figured that a small bolt of lightning would be an excellent way to gather the children's attention.
Honami
N-No, that'd be...!
Nene
Rui?
Rui
I know.
This story has a gentle quality to it, so I'll come up with ideas which complement that.
This story has a gentle quality to it, so I'll come up with ideas which complement that.
Rui
Based on what you just said, there are going to be quite a few children there. Is the story by chance going to be presented on a projector?
Honami
Oh... Yes, that's right.
We'll have a screen set up on the stage in the gymnasium.
We'll have a screen set up on the stage in the gymnasium.
Rui
I see... In other words, you have quite a lot of space to work with.
Rui
As an example... There's that scene where the dog ventures through a snowy field. What if we make it snow as you read that part?
Honami
Make it snow...?!
Rui
Yes, I have just the device.
All I'd have to do is make some minor adjustments.
All I'd have to do is make some minor adjustments.
Nene
Yeah, I bet the children would love that.
Honami
I agree...! Taking the events in this story and bringing them into our world would make it just that much more fun.
Rui
Then, let's include that in our plan.
Rui
What else can we do...?
Oh, we could play some bug and owl sounds during the night scene in the forest.
Oh, we could play some bug and owl sounds during the night scene in the forest.
Honami
Right...
That certainly would make it feel more lifelike.
That certainly would make it feel more lifelike.
Rui
Yes. Also, stars play a significant role in this story, so we could present them by...
Honami
(Kamishiro never ceases to amaze me...
He just keeps coming up with all these different ideas.)
He just keeps coming up with all these different ideas.)
Honami
(And every effect sounds really fun.)
Rui
I think that's everything I have to offer.
Rui
Now, are there any requests that either of you would like to make?
Honami
Oh, yes...!
Honami
So, I don't know if this is actually possible...
But is there some way to make it seem like the dog from this story is sitting right next to them?
But is there some way to make it seem like the dog from this story is sitting right next to them?
The day before the event
Community Center
Honami
Thank you all for agreeing to gather here today for this rehearsal.
Saki
Yay! Hona and Nene are gonna read that story to us!
Ichika
I can't wait to see how they present it.
Shiho
Yeah. Though, it was a surprise to hear you'll be taking part, Kusanagi.
Nene
I decided to volunteer after hearing Mochizuki talk about this event...
Honami
Then, if it's alright with all of you, I'd like to get started.
Honami
“And they lived happily ever after.”
Saki
*Sob*
Thank goodness the boy ended up being okay!!
Thank goodness the boy ended up being okay!!
Shiho
*Nod*
That dog really did his best...
That dog really did his best...
Ichika
Yeah...
I actually started tearing up a little at the end.
I actually started tearing up a little at the end.
Nene
You did it, Mochizuki...
Your hard work is starting to pay off.
Your hard work is starting to pay off.
Honami
Thank you...!
MEIKO
<Hehe. Tomorrow's the big day...>
MEIKO
<They both just put on a wonderful performance, so I'm looking forward to seeing how the children react.>
MEIKO
<Break a leg, Honami!>
Next Chapter: Unruly Bunch