A few minutes later
Honami
Thank you all for sitting down.
Now, let's get into the story.
Now, let's get into the story.
Nene
It's titled “The Star-Chasing Dog”.
And it's about...
And it's about...
Children
Hey, let's play a word game.
Children
No, we should thumb wrestle!
Honami
Oh...
Nene
They really can't stay still...
Honami
*Nod*
I wish there were some way for us to get them to focus on the stage...
I wish there were some way for us to get them to focus on the stage...
Honami
Oh, Kusanagi, what if we...?!
Nene
Yeah, okay.
Let's give it a try.
Let's give it a try.
Association Executive B
Settle down, children! What happened to the zippers on our mouths?
Children
Hey, did you watch that anime?
Children
Yeah, it was awesome!!
Honami
Wait, did you hear something just now?
Children
Huh?
Nene
Yeah, I heard it!
Nene
What was that? It sounded like a dog...
Can you guys hear it?
Can you guys hear it?
Children
A doggy?
Children
I'm not hearing anything...
Honami
That's strange. I could've sworn I heard one just now...
Children
What would something like that be doing here?!
Nene
I don't know, but... Oh, there it is again!
Nene
Listen closely, everyone.
Children
Hm?
Honami
(Okay, they're all looking at Kusanagi now.)
Honami
(Now I just need to hit the remote...!)
Dog's Voice
<Woof! Woof!>
Children
Oh, there it is!
Children
Where's the doggy?!
Dog's Voice
<Woof!>
Children
Huh? Now it's coming from over there!
Honami
Can you all see where the doggy is?
Children
No.
I can hear it, but I can't see it...
I can hear it, but I can't see it...
Dog's Voice
*Howl*
Nene
Oh, there it is again.
But where could it be...?
But where could it be...?
Children
Hey! Look at the screen...!
Nene
Huh? Where? Hmm... I'm still not seeing it...
Children
Look behind you!
Children
Behind you!
Nene
Behind me?
Children
There!
Honami
Oh, the doggy's tail is making a shadow on the screen!
Nene
Hey, you're right!
What's it doing here?
What's it doing here?
Honami
What if...?
Was he so excited that he decided to jump out of the book?
Was he so excited that he decided to jump out of the book?
Nene
Maybe.
Nene
We're really sorry!
It'll be your turn soon, so just bear with us for a bit longer, okay?
It'll be your turn soon, so just bear with us for a bit longer, okay?
Dog's Voice
<Woof!>
Children
No, the doggy went away...
Honami
Don't worry.
He's waiting very patiently for us in this book.
He's waiting very patiently for us in this book.
Children
In that book?
Honami
Yes. It's a story about a very kind dog with a very fluffy tail.
Honami
Don't you all want to see him again?
Children
Yeah!
Nene
Great.
Then, can you all listen quietly while we read this story to you?
Then, can you all listen quietly while we read this story to you?
Children
Okay!
Nene
We've somehow managed...
Honami
Yes. Your acting was so convincing, Kusanagi.
Nene
I wouldn't call what I did just now acting...
If anything, your quick thinking is what saved us.
If anything, your quick thinking is what saved us.
Nene
I never would've thought to use the sound recordings and the shadow trick we prepared to get the kids' attention.
MEIKO
<As with any live performance, it's normal to have a lot of things go through your mind...>
MEIKO
<Chiefly, whether or not all the hard work you put in is going to pay off.>
MEIKO
<But I'm sure you two will do just fine.
So, go out there and have as much fun as the children are about to.>
So, go out there and have as much fun as the children are about to.>
Honami
Somebody told me she was sure we'd do a good job...
I think we have her to thank.
I think we have her to thank.
Next Chapter: A Truly Happy Ending