A few years later
Tenma Household - Living Room
Junior High School Tsukasa
Wait, is it finally here...?!
Junior High School Tsukasa
Hello?! This is the Tenmas!!
Elementary School Saki
<Tsukasa!
I got into Miya Girls Junior High!
Ichi and the girls all got in too!>
I got into Miya Girls Junior High!
Ichi and the girls all got in too!>
Junior High School Tsukasa
R-Really?!
That's great, Saki!!
That's great, Saki!!
Elementary School Saki
<Thanks! This means we can keep hanging out and having fun together! Plus, I feel great!!>
Junior High School Tsukasa
This is wonderful!! I'm so happy for you...!
Junior High School Tsukasa
We should throw you a party today! Why don't you invite Ichika and the others over?
Elementary School Saki
<Okay, I'll try asking them!
Talk to you later!>
Talk to you later!>
Junior High School Tsukasa
Yes, bye!
Junior High School Tsukasa
Good for you, Saki...!
You get to be with your friends again...
You get to be with your friends again...
Junior High School Tsukasa
Hah hah hah!
I feel like I can play anything right now!
I feel like I can play anything right now!
Mother
Yes, this is the Tenmas.
Wait, what happened to Saki...?!
Wait, what happened to Saki...?!
Hospital
Doctor
I know it's quite a ways away, but based on her condition, I recommend transferring her to the hospital in the other prefecture since they have a specialist in-house.
Father
I see...
I understand.
I understand.
Mother
Thank you...
Junior High School Tsukasa
Saki...
Saki's Voice
...
Junior High School Tsukasa
She just got into Miya Girls...
But she's being ripped away from it now...
But she's being ripped away from it now...
Saki's Voice
...
Junior High School Tsukasa
...
Junior High School Tsukasa
(But I'm sure Saki will be fine...
She'll be back.)
She'll be back.)
Junior High School Tsukasa
(And I'll be waiting for her right here...)
Tsukasa
“I know. In times like this, it's always nice to look at the stars...”
Tsukasa
Alright, in times like this, there's but one thing for me to do!
Tsukasa
So that's the answer...
Toya
Tsukasa...?
Saki
Thanks for waiting!
Everything okay, Tsukasa?
Everything okay, Tsukasa?
Saki
Here, drink this!
Tsukasa
S-Saki?!
What is this? Water...?
What is this? Water...?
Saki
Toya got worried because you were staring off into space like that, so he asked for it.
Tsukasa
I see... Thank you, Toya.
Toya
You're welcome. But more importantly, is everything okay...?
Tsukasa
Yes...
I think I know what those stars mean to Thorpe now.
I think I know what those stars mean to Thorpe now.
Toya
...!
Saki
Stars? What are you talking about?
Tsukasa
Oh, we were just...
Tsukasa
Wait, that's it...
Saki, you were the one who said that...
Saki, you were the one who said that...
Saki
Huh? Said what?
Tsukasa
“Seeing stars makes me feel better.”
Didn't you say that to me once when I visited your hospital room all those years ago?
Didn't you say that to me once when I visited your hospital room all those years ago?
Saki
Huh? Oh, now that you mention it...
Yeah, I did used to say that!
Yeah, I did used to say that!
Saki
Every time I felt scared... Every time I had to go in for another test or surgery, I wanted to look up at the stars... But I also got scolded a lot for staying up too late.
Saki
But...
Saki
I kept looking because they reminded me of all the fun things I did with Ichi and the girls, and the shows you put on for me, Tsukasa.
Tsukasa
I see...
The answer was right under my nose this entire time.
The answer was right under my nose this entire time.
Tsukasa
Well, I guess I still have a long way to go...! However, accepting that is always the first step towards growth!
Tsukasa
Toya, Saki, thank you both very much! I believe I have a way out of this conundrum now.
Toya
You do?
Tsukasa
Yes, I do!
You two have been a massive help.
You two have been a massive help.
Tsukasa
Especially since talking like this reminded me of some very precious memories. I have a feeling our show is going to turn out beautifully...
Toya
Really...?
I'm glad I could help.
I'm glad I could help.
Tsukasa
Me too. Again, thank you!
Tsukasa
If you'd like, why don't you and your friends stop by for a showing? I promise to make it a great one!!
Saki & Toya
Okay!
Of course!
Of course!
A few days later
Wonderland SEKAI
Emu
“Congratulations, Mr. Pianist!”
Nene
“And so, the animals all celebrated Thorpe's triumph as he was welcomed in as the band's new pianist. The end.”
Miku
Woohoo!
That was awesome♪
That was awesome♪
Emu
Thanks, Miku!
Nene
But we're still missing Tsukasa...
Rui
(There isn't much time left until we open...)
Rui
(If we wait any longer, we won't have a chance to put a polish on our show.)
Rui
(But I...)
Miku
Tsukasa's gonna be fine! I'm sure of it!
Nene
Miku...
Tsukasa
Sorry for the delay...!
Rui
...!
Tsukasa!
Tsukasa!
Tsukasa
I apologize for taking so long...
I'm sure I had you all worried.
I'm sure I had you all worried.
Tsukasa
But I finally figured out what I have in common with Thorpe and know how to get into character now!
Nene & Emu
...!
Miku
See♪
Rui
Yes, you certainly had us worried there for a second, oh dear troupe leader...
Rui
Anyway, are you ready...?
Tsukasa
Yes!
Ready whenever!
Ready whenever!
Rui
Okay, let's start from the top.
Rui
By the way, Tsukasa, we have everything just about nailed down, so it'll be up to you to keep everything going.
Tsukasa
So be it!
I feel completely invulnerable right now!
I feel completely invulnerable right now!
Rui
Hehe. You sure sound ready!
Tsukasa
But I have a suggestion regarding the part when I'm on the piano...
Rui
A suggestion? Alright, let's hear it.
Miku
Thank goodness Tsukasa managed to figure out how to play Thorpe!!
KAITO
I'm just as glad.
I think he's taken a major step towards making his dreams come true.
I think he's taken a major step towards making his dreams come true.
Next Chapter: That Sparkling Stage