Part 61: Exchap 3

Today we'll be taking a look at Exchap 3, which is unlocked after you get chapter 4's extra ending.

Background Sound: Crickets







My, Hinoe. Your room looks so...improperly resized.

...



Your cute little face is all stained with tears! Come on over. Let's hear it.



Ayumi walks over and clings to her sister.



...I want to ask you something.
Oh? All right, then. Ask away.
It's about your work... How old were you when you decided this is what you wanted to do?
Hmmm... Good question. I guess...I was around your age, Ayumi.
Were you...sure that it's what you wanted to do?



There were certainly a lot of people opposed to the idea...heh, but I guess you knew that already, since you were there! Heehee...
You're really awesome, you know that, Sis? I...don't have a lot of faith in my own abilities. No matter what I set out to do...I can never seem to bring myself to take that first step. It just...scares me...



I know you have it in you, Ayumi, to do great things. I've seen your true potential blossoming for a long time now. It's a skill you've honed from trial after trail, hardship after hardship. All of which you've overcome through sheer force of will. But what good are your accomplishments if you don't believe in yourself?



Ayumi, the rebel...never letting Mom and Dad convince you to "choose a more stable occupation," no matter how many times they may try. Ayumi, the dreamer...continuing to draw beautiful works of art, with such excitement and fire in those cute, little eyes of yours.



Mm...
You know what I think? I think there's still another Ayumi hiding in there somewhere. An Ayumi with something bothering her.
...Mmm...
You can come out now, troubled one. Let's hear what's on your mind.
There are...



Thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of really good illustrators... It's really disheartening, you know? It's like, no matter how much skill and luck I've got, I just keep thinking...they're my competition...





And she wouldn't be where she is today if she hadn't taken some initiative. The only way to get ahead in life and achieve your dreams...is to take action.
...

Hinoe crosses the room and stands by Ayumi.



Hinoe handed a book to Ayumi.



Naho Saenoki. She's been putting out book after book just like this for quite some time now, making quite a name for herself in the process. Not only has she earned the respect of her peers, but literary circles are saying she's a strong contender for winning this term's Akutagawa award.
Wow...



Mm? Mmm...
What's more is, she didn't learn her writing or problem-solving skills from any teacher.



Fun, huh...
You need to have faith. Never forget why you got into illustration in the first place...and if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! I struggle with this sort of thing all the time. But I just keep reminding myself, this is what I was meant to do. It's what I love. Heheh.





Hmm?
You win. I'm going to keep at it...until I become a full-on professional!
That's the spirit.
And you know what else? This contemporary of mine... Naho, was it? Mark my words...



Are you, now? Well, that sounds fantastic! I'll be awaiting that day with bated breath.
I'll show your book to all my clients, and say...look at this! My little sister drew it! Isn't it wonderful?
So you'll...support me?
Of course.
...







This chapter is super short and should be over in three or four minutes, but it takes ten if you listen to all the voice overs, because Hinoe talks at a snail's pace.