Part 30: June 12 - June 14: The Magic of Show Biz

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Junes food court...You accompanied Yukiko on her shopping trip.


Then the furniture department. I want to look at the desks. Those and the lamps...
What's all this for?
*giggle* Studying!

> Yukiko is full of energy...

I'm thinking of studying seriously for a job license...Though I haven't decided on exactly which one I'll pursue. But I was thinking of trying for all the ones I feel I can earn. I've started working at night, you see. Remember the job you told me about? Thanks to that, I have some money...


Suited man: Or should I say, the manager-to-be.

-Who's There?-

...I see you haven't gone home yet.
Suited man: Well, I can't very well go anywhere until the next bus or train departs. This really is the boonies. Stuck here with nothing to do...Man, the countryside is the dumps.
...I beg to differ.
Suited man: Turning down sweet deals is part of country life, too, is it? Hahaha.

-Like A Dream Come True-


Those people are from some TV station. They wanted to cover the Amagi Inn...
You said no?
Yes...

> Yukiko seems embarrassed...

It's a "news of the weird" show...It isn't real journalism. You know that our inn was associated with Ms. Yamano's murder, right? They want to make a special called, "Hot Springs Getting Too Hot for the Amagis!?" It was an abhorrent title. Mother turned them away.
But maybe she shouldn't have declined...I mean...If it gets a bad reputation...We'd lose customers, and the inn really would close its doors. Then...I'd feel better about leaving.
Are you serious?
I'm serious...

> Yukiko muttered darkly...

But you're right, there's no real point in saying things like that. I'm leaving under my own power...My life is in my hands now. And of course, I want to help everyone. You too, for being such a patient listener all the time.

> You can sense Yukiko's iron will...


W-Well, let's go shopping. First is...the stationery department...

> You helped Yukiko with her shopping and walked home partway together.

-Tanaka's Amazing Commodities-


Now, let's introduce the products available for the next three days! It's Fire Suppressor x 1! Say goodbye to your fear of fire! Oh my goodness! I can't believe its wonderfulness! I'll add Herbal Pill x 2 to your Fire Suppressor, all for the low price of only 4980 yen! We've got another fantastic product on sale today! Balm of Life x 1! Supernatural encounters in 3 easy steps! On top of this, I'll add Curse Paper x 4 to your Balm of Life for only 2980 yen!

> You bought the Balm of Life combo, including Balm of Life x 1 and Curse Paper x 4.

Singers: Here comes Tanakaaaaa Over the airwaves to youuuuu

-Like A Dream Come True-

> You talked with Dojima about various things...


Hm? Oh, it's this late already? 'Night...What?
You said you would read me a book before bed.
Oh...Ohh, that's right...
I got it, I got it. Just a few pages.
Yay!!
Cell phone: *RING RING*
Hold on. Dojima here...Ichihara-san! Yes...Yes...Then that means...Well, if it's okay with you, I can be there in just a few...
...I understand. Goodbye...
Dad...? Are you leaving?
It's...my job.
But you said you'd read me a book...
I can do that anytime...
This is more important, huh?
...Of course not...

> Dojima sighed quietly...

Are you two fighting...? Y-You can go, Dad.
No, that's not it...I'm sorry, Nanako. What book do you want?
...It's okay?
I promised. C'mon, let's go, Nanako.
Yeah!

> Nanako went to her room with Dojima...


Let's talk.

-Traumerei-


I'm having him run tests for Chisato's hit-and-run investigation. He was calling to tell me that the test results are in...
...Judging by his tone, he didn't find anything the police haven't already come up with. I know going over there won't change the test results, but...

> Dojima looks severely disheartened...

It was a white sedan. Most likely large and American. As expected, no such car is registered in Inaba. No records of one being repaired or scrapped, either...Worst case scenario, the car's out of the country by now.
It scares me...That I couldn't catch the perp...That I'll never have an outlet for this sick feeling...That I'll just have to swallow it...! Every time I look at Nanako...Every time I notice ways she looks like her mother...I feel like...my face is being pushed down into reality...And it scares me...
Hah...I never thought I'd be talking to you about this...

> Dojima confided in you...


I know I can't stay this way forever...While you're still here...I need to face myself.

> You sat with Dojima for some time in silence before going to your room.





-New Days-

> You overhear students talking...


Athletic girl: So refreshing! I hope it's not going to get cold again with all this rain...
Dark-haired girl: I don't think we'll have to worry about that this year. I heard there's going to be less rain than there was last year.

-Specialist-


Mr. Kondo: June in Japan can be pretty tiring, thanks to all the humidity and heat! But don't waste your days away with laziness! Summer is very near, my friends! Speaking of mold, lactic acid bacteria are effective in treating mold! The lactic acid they produce guards against mold! That's why foods containing lactic acid bacteria don't get very moldy! Your bodies also produce lactic acid when you exercise! All right, Genjo! Tell me what kind of exercise builds up lactic acid in the muscles!
Anaerobic exercise.
Mr. Kondo: That's right! Anaerobic exercise, like strength training, builds up lactic acid in the muscles! Aerobic exercise, such as jogging, uses lactic acid as energy, so it is hard to build up! All right, now that we've learned about lactic acid, everyone do 10 dashes! It's time for some anaerobic exercise! If you produce lactic acid with anaerobic exercise, your body will be clean and mold-free!



> Yosuke seems desperate. Junes grocery department...You agreed to help with restocking after Yosuke begged you...

-Junes Theme-


And while you're at it, how about some cheese? Direct from Italy and just 298 yen for today only...Restock this shelf, too!

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Junes food court...You came with Yosuke after work.


They decided on the sale at the last minute, and Dad was bugging me to find helpers. I told him I didn't have time for that, but he wasn't listening.
But hey, I'm glad you were there! Thanks.
It was fun.
Really? Felt like nothing but a big pain to me. You're amazing.

> Yosuke is surprised...

Gaudy student: Oh, Hanamura.


Please don't. You got a bonus for today, right?
Snooty student: Yeah, a whole 500 yen. I'm trying to save up! Gimme a raise.
Well...I don't think I can help you there...
Snooty student: What's the point, then?

> The two began talking nearby. They're talking very loudly...


Snooty student: Why don't you find a guy to pay?
Gaudy student: Haha, like Saki did?

-Traumerei-

> Yosuke is biting his lip...

Snooty student: Was it during our second year? When Saki eloped, I mean.
Gaudy student: Yep. Apparently she got with a college guy who came home, and went off with him. But she came right back, saying she'd save money and leave on her own.
Snooty student: Huh? You mean she was dumped?
Gaudy student: Who knows...She started working here to save money, didn't she? You know us high school girls can make easy money if we really want to.

> The pair's gossiping continues...


It's just hot air. I'm not letting it get to me. It's sad to be talked about like that, though...We're the only ones who can avenge Saki-senpai. We're special. We're the only ones. So...there's no need to bother with outsiders.
Man, you're mature.
Haha...I saw the kid in me inside the TV. I felt I needed to change...

> Yosuke is smiling sheepishly...

I think it's good you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it this far.

> Yosuke is nodding firmly...




*sigh* What a pain. Oh, uh, not you...I wonder what it is. I dunno...

> You spent time talking with Yosuke...

-Signs of Love-


You won't be coming home then...? But you'll be back soon, right?
Don't give him those puppy dog eyes. He'll be back the next day. Haha, you can be so spoiled, Nanako.
I'm not spoiled! I'm in first grade now!
Haha, all right, all right. Be careful while you're out there.



> You overhear students talking.


Lazy student: Ah, right...It's gonna be all work. I'm not gonna have any fun at all. Ah, there has to be some way I can ditch this stupid camp!
Guy with a backpack: Alright, let's get together and brainstorm ideas on how to get out of this!

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Yasogami High music room. The band members have been assembled before practice...


Band captain: Bad news, guys. I just got word that Takeru's been in an accident.

> The band members are stirring...

Band captain: Hey, hey! I'm still talking here! It's nothing serious. From what I've heard, he just fell off his scooter. But...He hurt his arm.
Male player: Ouch...Is it broken?
Band captain: No, but I guess it's sprained. He's gonna need some time to recuperate. Anyway, we don't know when he'll be able to come back...Which leads us to our next problem: the performance. Ayane! Looks like you'll be his replacement.
O-Okay!
Female player: Wait a second, doesn't the song we're doing have a trombone solo?
Band captain: Yeah, what of it? Maybe you'd like to switch to trombone and do it yourself? She can handle this.
Uh, umm...
Band captain: Alright, let's work in our sections today. Ayane, practice by yourself. Try to get caught up to the rest of us, okay?
A-Alright! I-I-I'll do my best...

> Everyone practiced their parts...



> As the others leave, Ayane stays engrossed in her practice...

(Talk to her)
"I really don't think just humming the notes is very good practice."
Dah-dah-dah-dahhhh-dah...
Yes!?
Oh, Senpai...! Sorry, you startled me. Practice is over, huh? I don't know the solo at all...I never imagined I'd be the one playing it...What should I do? I...

-Traumerei-

I can't do it. I'll screw it all up...I-I...I can't do anything right! All I ever wanted to play was the flute, but my parents said it was too expensive to buy one...We had a trombone in the closet, so they told me to play that instead...It's hard for a girl my size to play such a huge instrument...But I had no choice...No matter how much I practice, I don't get any better. I'm already afraid of sticking out during practice...And now...a solo...I can't...I can't do it...
It's okay to mess up.
"Just ask every last parent in this goddamn town."
I-I can't fail...
Haha...That's funny. I know I shouldn't be, but I feel...relieved.

> Ayane's smile returned...

*sigh* I'm sorry...I feel a little better now. This is all so much...
Um...Th-Thank you very much, Senpai. As long as you're here...I think I'll be able to keep on trying.

> You feel that Ayane is relying on you...


I'm going to stay here and practice a little longer. But don't worry, I won't get discouraged again!

> You said goodbye to an enthusiastic Ayane and went home...Nanako is watching TV today, as usual.



> Nanako looks bored. You might as well try a magic trick. Nanako is watching curiously...You decide to show her a magic trick. You put the rubber band on your index and middle finger...You also hook it on the ring finger and pinky without Nanako noticing.

What're you doing?

> When you open up the hand you had closed tightly...The rubber band springs off the index and middle finger, instantly moving over to the ring finger and pinky!...Nanako saw part of the trick.


Do it again! One more time!

> She seems delighted anyway.

Okay, my turn now!

> Nanako is laughing cheerfully...The night continues.