Haruna Igarashi

...Haruna?

As I'm strolling through the park, I spot Haruna Igarashi a short distance away, crouched before a sand artist's stall watching the show. Upon closer inspection, I notice that her lips are pursed. Unlike the cheering children around her, she looks terribly anxious.

What's the matter?

...Is it true that, if you tell a lie, you'll turn into a long-nose monster?

A long-nose monster?

I follow her worried gaze to the sand drawing. It depicts a boy that's remarkably lifelike apart from the exceedingly long nose...

The little puppet told so many lies, his nose grew long, now he cries and cries...!

Hearing the other children chant the nursery rhyme the sand artist taught them, Haruna anxiously covers her nose. Her eyes begin to redden.

Are you this worried... because you told a lie?

N-No...!

Her eyes dart around guiltily. "I'm lying" is practically written on her face...

I clear my throat, then attempt to repeat the rhyme I just heard the children chant.

The little puppet told so many lies, his nose... grew long... It's true, you know. Children's noses get long when they lie.

{var:Shake}*sobbing* Noooo!! I-I really am g-gonna turn into a long-nose monster... I told my mom that I finished all my summer homework, but I was lying...!

(whispers) Ah...

Waaaaah...!{var:Shake} My nose...{var:Shake} I don't wanna have a long nose...!

(whispers) Crap, I took the joke too far!

It's okay, don't cry! That only happens in fairytales.

R-Really...?

Really. But that doesn't make lying okay in the real world either. Aren't you worried your mom will find out that you lied to her about your homework?

...Yes.

*sniffle* If... If my mom finds out... I'm gonna be in such big trouble...

Then we'd better get your homework done before she does find out.

But... I was afraid she'd check it, so I hid it yesterday when I went out to play...

I see...

{var:ShakeScene} Wait, what?! Where did you hide it?

After she gives up the location, I rush us over to the "scene of the crime"--a flower bed at the mall. Sure enough, the stashed homework is gone.

{var:player_nickname}... Now what do we do?

You'll just have to fess up to your mom, say you're sorry, and make up the homework as quickly as possible...

I have to tell her...? No way, I can't do that! She'll be super mad at me!

Haruna shakes her head back and forth like a rattle drum. She couldn't embody "NO" more if she tried.

...Fine, I guess we'll just have to come up with another idea.

People are always coming and going in a place like this, I doubt we'll find it. We'll just have to buy a new workbook.

But... will we be able to finish it in time?

Where there's a will, there's a way. I believe in you, Haruna! You can do it!

I... I can do it...

I remember the answer to this one! This one too... Hm, but this one... I couldn't figure out the answer before...

Thankfully, she'd already done some of the homework before. We get through the familiar questions quickly, only getting stuck on the tough ones.

You skip ahead, I'll see if I can help you figure out this one.

Okay!

(whispers) It's only elementary school homework... How hard can it be?

Hm...

Did you get the answer?

D-Don't rush me, I'm still getting in the zone. Just give me a little more time to think and I'll have it figured out in no time!

{var:player_nickname}? I've finished everything else that I can do.

Th-That's fine. I'll keep thinking, you can move on to the next page.

I say that, but... "Ding-ding-ding, ding-ding-ding," write a multiplication equation to the rhythm... Are these really math problems and not brain teasers?!

I have a feeling that there's more where that came from... In fact, I've already caught a glimpse of another one of these weird questions Haruna has left blank: "Write an idiom based on the equation."

(whispers) Do we really need to spend this much time on these kinds of questions? Couldn't we try asking a homework helper app?

I'm sorry, Haruna, but some of these questions really have me stumped.

Huh?! What should we do then?

Don't worry! I may not be able to solve them, but a homework helper app can. Wanna try asking one?

Oh! We'll get the answers instantly if we use such an app!

R-Right, but you can't rely on the homework helper app too much! You still have to do the work to solve problems yourself, but today is a special case.

Okay! Then I'll do what you did--try my best for a VERY long time, then when I really can't come up with the answer, I'll get help from the app.

Ha... Haha... Right, like that.

She's only stating the facts... Why does it sound so harsh though...?

...Let's rethink this.

It's too soon to give up. These questions are bizarre, but they ARE just for elementary school students. Even if they are brain teasers...

(whispers) They're brain teasers that even an elementary school student should be able to solve!

{var:ShakeScene} If an elementary school student can do it, surely I can do it too, right?!

...Haruna, why don't we try using a homework helper app for the problems we can't solve?

This absolutely doesn't count as giving up! Our main objective is to help Haruna catch up on her homework quickly, and using a homework helper app is simply the most rational choice.

Right! You're so smart, {var:player_nickname}! I didn't even think of that.

Ha... Haha... You flatter me...

I know she didn't mean any offense, but somehow, her praise stings...

(whispers) Actually, just give me a little more time. I know I can solve this one!

(whispers) ...Probably.

Finished!

With Haruna's efforts, my guidance, and the magic of technology, we manage to finish all of her summer homework just before it gets dark.

Yay! Now Mom won't know I lied to her!

When I get my next allowance, I'm gonna treat you to a hundred popsicles!

Haha, thanks. But you know what would be even better? If you didn't need me to help you cover up a lie next time. Come on now, let's get you home.

Seeing her back to her happy-go-lucky self, my heart swells with a sense of achievement.

But this turns into panic when we get to Haruna's house and see her mom...

You went out today to ask a friend for help with your homework?

Yeah... because I wasn't sure about the answers to some of the questions... Here's my workbook.

Mrs. Igarashi looks at the brand-new workbook timidly offered up by her daughter. Without saying a word, she turns and takes out another workbook with a dirtied cover.

Then how did the janitor end up finding this?

Ah!! {var:Shake}

Crap, busted!

Now what, {var:player_nickname}...?

Still trying to get your friend to cover for you?

Hearing this, I steel myself. Avoiding Haruna's pleading eyes, I reach out and pat her on the shoulder.

The evidence is irrefutable... Time to confess, Haruna.

...I'm sorry, Mom!!! {var:Shake}

I didn't actually finish my homework and I was afraid you'd find out so I hid my homework on purpose but then I was worried I'd turn into a long-nose monster and I know what I did was w-wrong *sniffle* I-I'm s-so sorry Mom--

Haruna rushes to her mother at the speed she normally reserves for chasing stray cats up trees and, prostrating herself before her with a "plop," spills the beans without stopping for air.

!!

Wh-What are you doing?! Where did you learn to apologize like that?

I saw it on a TV show with Dad the last time you went out to play mahjong!

What is your father doing, letting you watch anything and everything...?!

Mrs. Igarashi quickly helps her daughter up. The corners of her mouth twitching, she casts me an awkward smile.

Sorry you had to see all that...

It's totally fine, haha...

*sobbing* I'll never do something like that again, Mom...

...Good grief.

Haruna, when I saw your original workbook, I more or less guessed what happened. Not only did you lie to me and tell me you finished, but you tried to destroy the evidence as well. I was going to teach you a serious lesson, let me tell you.

Mrs. Igarashi takes out her phone and opens up a shopping app. Summer workbooks of all kinds fill the screen.

See that? There's more than one kind of summer workbook, you know. I was going to order all of them and make you complete every single one. I was certain you wouldn't lie to me again after that.

Waah... No, please! I couldn't finish all those even if there were 10 of me! {var:player_nickname}...

Confronted with Haruna's pleading eyes once again, I know deep down that I'm partly responsible for this. So, I take a step forward...

Mrs. Igarashi, buying a new workbook to cover up Haruna's lie was my idea. I'm sorry. We know that what we did was wrong. Could you find it in your heart to forgive us?

Sigh... I'm angry that Haruna tried to hide this from me, but you meant well by trying to help her, so how could I blame you?

But you're not getting off scot-free, Haruna. Just finish your original workbook. You usually take your sweet time doing your homework... {var:player_nickname} must have helped you quite a bit indeed for you to finish the new workbook so quickly. This time you'll do it again on your own--think of it as reinforcing what you learned.

Since your mother is willing to forgive you, that arrangement works just fine for you, right, Haruna?

I'll get started right now!

Haruna quickly wipes away her tears, grabs her original workbook, and starts diligently working at the dining table.

But after just a few strokes of her pencil, she rests her cheeks in her hands and sinks deep into thought...

Hm... I know {var:player_nickname} showed me how to do this one...

Looks like she didn't retain the solution whatsoever...

Here, I'll explain it to you again. You can do it, and once this "homework overtime" is finished, we can enjoy the last few days of summer vacation to the fullest!

Okay!

That said, if I'd been more insistent that she apologize to her mom in the first place, we probably wouldn't have needed to do more than finish the remainder of the original workbook. Is this additional "tutoring" punishment for my weak will...?

Covering up a lie with another lie is probably asking for trouble. If something like this happens again, I'll tell her to fess up sooner rather than later.

We've gotta figure out how to get your homework back as soon as possible. Otherwise, there won't be enough time left to finish it.

Okay! Let's go! I have to find my runaway homework!

...But you're the one who hid it.

Forget it. We need to get that workbook back pronto. Her apology to her mom can wait until then.

We spend ages searching nearby and asking every shop owner along the street, but no dice.

I know I put my workbook here yesterday! We've looked everywhere, how could it just disappear?

Don't give up hope just yet. We just need a few more helping hands to speed up the search.

...What about a few helping paws?

Paws?

Without waiting for me to finish, Haruna dashes off to borrow a pen and paper. On it, she scrawls "Lost Homework," then shouts for all to hear:

Nyaa! Kitty Warriors, assemble!

On command, shadows spring out from the roadside, bushes, and trees--it's the Kitty Warriors.

Were they hiding nearby just ready and waiting...?

Gather around, everyone! This is my workbook. I need you to find it and bring it back to me!

Nyaa!

Good luck! The first to find it will get a super tasty treat later!

Now go!

With a confident wave of her hand, the stray cats scatter.

The cats may be brimming with energy, but I don't know if I'd count on them to find the missing homework.

Nyaa!

{var:player_nickname}, look! We got something!

Really?! Let me see...

A little white cat has brought a notebook with a white cover back in its mouth. Its pages are also snow-white--they're completely blank.

It's a notebook, sure, but it's not your workbook.

Aw... Wait, {var:player_nickname}, look! We got something else!

Nyaa!

An orange tabby has returned with a brown notebook. I flip through it--it looks like a shop's ledger.

This isn't it either... Wait a minute! This ledger is clearly still being used! I need to go return it right now!

Wait here, Haruna. I'll go ask around and see who's missing their ledger...

By the time I get back from returning the ledger, the cats have brought back a heap of objects. Apart from a variety of notebooks, there is also a bunch of useless junk like worn-out socks, broken teacups, and torn newspapers.

Whew... They brought back a ton of notebooks, but...

My workbook still isn't here...

Nope... And we can't leave all this junk for the janitor to deal with, we'd better clean this up first... Oh, right!

Haruna, let's go ask the janitor if they found your workbook!

Gasp! You're so smart, {var:player_nickname}!

...A school workbook?

You know... I think my coworker who was on the night shift yesterday said that he found one... I'll give him a call now and ask.

Thank you so much!

We'll definitely find it now! God of Popsicles bless you...

...He's not answering, and I'm not sure where he is.

Oh no...

Don't lose heart! Let's go ask around somewhere else.

Nyaa!

Huh? Is that cat over there calling out to us?

Nyaa!

...That's Calicoco! She's telling us to follow her. Maybe she found my homework!

Then... I guess we should go have a look?

After taking our leave of the janitor, we follow the calico through a series of twists and turns until finally coming to a stop before a trash can.

I lift up the weighty lid, and the calico leaps inside. She then emerges with a notebook in her mouth, her tail sticking straight up as she purrs happily.

Is this it, Haruna?

Yes! This is my workbook! Yay!! Thank you, Calicoco! I'll bring you something nice to eat tomorrow!

Not at all minding that the calico just came out of a trash heap, Haruna joyfully pets her. The cat lies down to enjoy the pets for a moment, then runs off to play.

It's only then that Haruna picks up the workbook and flips through it... Her face instantly falls.

Oh no... It's the same workbook, but it's someone else's... And I thought we finally found it...

I see...

I give her a consoling pat on the head. Just when I think she'll put the workbook back in the trash in frustration, to my surprise, she continues reading through it.

Haruna?

I'm checking to see if there's a name inside. Maybe whoever threw it away is looking for it too.

Haruna and I search through the workbook and find no name inside. The answers are basically a jumble of words as well... Looks like this is a mystery we won't be able to solve.

It'll probably be a waste of our efforts if we keep looking around aimlessly like this. Maybe we should buy a new workbook and start from scratch.

(whispers) It's already the afternoon. If we start from the beginning, will we finish in time?

Haruna, why don't we just buy a new workbook and do your homework over?

Right! I didn't even think of that.

But there were a bunch of questions I couldn't answer. Will we be able to finish in time?

Don't worry, I'll help you with any problems you can't solve.

Okay! Let's do it then!

...On second thought, maybe not.

A whole workbook's worth of homework is too much. If she can't finish in time, she'll still be in trouble when she gets home.

Besides, I'd rather that she go home and own up to her mistake than get a new workbook to cover it up.

Haruna, we may not be able to get your workbook back. Why don't you go home, tell your mom the truth, and apologize?

She'll probably still be angry, but if you tell her how sorry you are, I'm sure she'll forgive you.

No... I don't wanna. You have no idea how mad she'll get, I'm scared...

I'll come with you, so it won't be as scary.

With me there, your mom might even go a little easier on you.

But...

Nyaa!

A few familiar stray cats have appeared out of nowhere and gathered around Haruna, their cries rising and falling.

What's the matter, guys?

Maybe they're here to encourage you? Even the stray cats are cheering you on--as their "leader," you can't let them down.

Otherwise, they might not play with you anymore after this.

N-No way! I can't let that happen...

Looking at me, then the cats, then back to me again, Haruna lowers her head and clenches her fists... a few moments later, she stamps the ground resolutely.

I'm no coward! I'm going home right now! And I'm going to tell Mom I'm sorry!

That's the spirit, Haruna!

...{var:player_nickname}, would you hold my hand on our way back?

Of course.

Haruna's hand is a little clammy. I grab it tightly, trying my best to give her courage.

When we arrive at her house, Haruna lowers her head and comes clean to her mom.

I'm sorry, Mom... I didn't actually finish my homework. I was afraid you'd find out, so I hid my workbook... and now I can't find it anywhere...

...School starts in just a few days. What are you going to do without your workbook?

Um... I'll use my allowance to buy a new one, and I'll finish it before school starts.

Please don't be mad at me, Mom. I promise I'll never lie to you again... and I'll do all my homework...

Haruna's head gets lower and lower and her voice gradually starts to break.

Mrs. Igarashi, Haruna knows that what she did was wrong. She did everything she could to try and find her workbook before coming back here to apologize to you. Do you think you could forgive her?

...Sigh, from the looks of her filthy clothes, she really did do everything she could.

Fine. Chin up now, Haruna. Don't worry about your workbook.

Saying this, Mrs. Igarashi takes a slightly dirtied workbook from the drawer next to her. Haruna's eyes widen in disbelief.

My workbook?! H-How did it end up here?

A janitor found it and went to the trouble of bringing it here after finishing work. Don't forget to go and thank him later.

So the janitor really did find it...

When I saw the state of your notebook, I more or less guessed what had happened.

Did you think you could get away with pretending to lose your workbook so I couldn't check it over? Or that I wouldn't just buy a new one for you to complete?

Um... Th-That's right...

Feeling ashamed now, are you? At first, I was going to have you finish your original workbook as well as a whole new one as punishment when you got home.

No! Mom, no, please! I know what I did was wrong--{var:Shake}

I know. Seeing as you tried your best to find it and you owned up to your mistake, I'll let it slide this time.

...Really?! I'm so happy! {var:player_nickname}, Mom forgave me!!!

Don't just stand there celebrating, go finish your homework. An apology alone won't right this wrong.

I'll go and finish it right now!

Phew, that's great. I'm glad everything worked out okay in the end. Well then, Haruna, Mrs. Igarashi, I'll be going now.

Wait.

Huh?

Thank you for your help. If you hadn't been with Haruna, I doubt she would have come clean to me so soon. She'd probably still be hiding outside somewhere now.

Dinner's almost ready, please stay and eat with us. But before that, could I ask you to keep an eye on Haruna...?

(whispers) At least to make sure she's actually doing her homework and not just watching TV.

Haha... Sure, I'd be happy to.

Aw... How can you yell at me and then turn around and be all nice to {var:player_nickname}... U-Umm...!! I'm sorry, I didn't mean it! I'm gonna go do the rest of my homework right now--

Stop right there, young lady!

Ooft... Haruna, all I can say is that you've earned every lesson you've been taught...

Finally, Mrs. Igarashi goes to get dinner ready, while the freshly-scolded Haruna sits obediently at her desk to do her homework.

(whispers) Hmm... I don't know about this one... I'll just go with "C"...

...

I've got a bad feeling about this...

Which problem are you having trouble with, Haruna?

Um... lots of them. Can you help me, {var:player_nickname}?

Isn't that why I'm here? Let me take a look... Um...

Well? Do you know the answer?

Th-This is an interesting problem alright, it's more complicated than it looks. I should take my time with this one...

Pfft!

Hey, don't laugh! If an elementary school student can do it, it should be no problem for me.

I wasn't laughing at that... I'm just really happy. After all, my gut was right--trusting you will bring me good luck!

Huh?

All I had to do was tell my mom I was sorry, and she forgave me. You were right after all!

In that case... the next time you have a problem, come talk to me about it first before you get yourself into trouble. Got it?

Got it! Thank you, {var:player_nickname}! You're my best friend in the whole wide world!

You're welcome. Now, let's tackle this homework.

Okay!

Haruna's smile is as sunny and bright as always. Even if I have to contend with a mountain of bizarre homework problems now, seeing that smile makes it all worth it.

Welcome to our coffee shop!

The little barista greets the never-ending flow of customers with a bright and energetic smile.

Today is Charity Day at Haruna's school. Unfortunately, her parents couldn't make it, so they asked me to accompany her. Yet just as I was about to record the little barista's dazzling performance...

Haruna, is my Heart Latte ready?

C-Coming! Heart... Heart... You can do this! It's just a heart! Easy-peasy! Steady as a surgeon... Argh! It's all weird again!

Haruna, is my toast done?

N-NOOO! It's burnt black! N-No problem! I'll make another! One second!

Relax, kiddo. Just make me any coffee you feel like. Have fun with it!

Have fun? Hehe! Haruna's got you covered!!

Haruna rushes off to the freezer to get a bag of popsicles, then grabs a shaker.

Oh? Isn't that your favorite – popsicles?

Watch closely! First, put a popsicle in the shaker, add some coffee, cover it with the lid, and then shake it just like this!

EEEEK! NOOOOOOO!

Luckily, the customers survived the "coffee bomb" unscathed. Haruna and I bowed and apologized while cleaning up the aftermath.

That was a little unexpected... Haruna?

Haruna! Wait!

Where are you going?

Waah... I tried my best, but nothing worked...

I don't want to drag everyone down with me.

Is it really all right to just leave?

I-It's fine! It's all for fun anyway! I-I don't even care!

Oh? That's not what your mother told me.

Huh?

She's been so hard at work preparing a "surprise" for the grown-ups.

It's actually quite a pity that we can't make it. If it's not too much trouble, could you film Haruna a bit? It'd mean a lot to have those memories to look back on.

Leave it to me! I'll get tons of footage of Haruna in action.

If you really didn't care, you wouldn't have spent so much time preparing, right?

Well...

So, what is it? You're not a kid who gives up easily.

It's because... I planned to attract customers at the door with my Kitty Warriors.

Oh, that's a great idea! Kitties and Haruna... Double the cuteness – what a delight!

Haruna looks down in silence, so I cautiously ask while watching the defeated figure of the little cat boss.

Did something happen to Kitty Warriors?

Waah...

They were such good kitties during training! But today... They won't even touch their cans. They're all hiding and ignoring me...

There are too many people here today.

R-Right! Everyone's so busy with all the customers today.

The kitties are super shy. They'd never touch any snacks from a stranger! O-Oh! They must be scared!

Everyone's swamped with customers today.

S-So attracting customers kinda wasn't needed anymore, and I got called over to help out with the coffee instead.

I tried my best to learn, but... Coffee, cooking... They're all such difficult tasks. And I can't take my time either...

Ah, that explains it. It makes sense that you're lacking the know-how when you were brought in so suddenly.

Training cats is much harder than learning to brew coffee. I'm sure you want the event to go well, right?

Yes! I really, really do!

Wouldn't you have regrets if we left just like this?

But I couldn't do anything. If I stay, I'll just cause more trouble.

Things might not be the way you think.

That kid called Haruna is such a cutie. I really want her to make me a cute coffee!

She's still getting the hang of it, but she's putting her heart into every drink she makes. She's so energetic! There's just something about her energy that's so lovable.

Huh?! Th-They're praising me?!

I-I didn't let everyone down?!

Nope! And they're even waiting for you to do better.

R-Really?!

So, are you going to head back in there and give it another go?

Uh... Well... {var:player_nickname}, can I call on you if I need help?

Wow! Okay! I trust you, {var:player_nickname}!

{var:player_nickname}! You liar! I know you so well! You'd never say no to helping me!

Yup, there's the Haruna I know.

Hmph! I'm gonna get it done! Even if it kills me!

Uh... You don't have to go that far, right?

Hey... {var:player_nickname}... It's so strange. Why aren't there any customers?

Yeah, what's going on?

Now that she's back, Haruna is itching to welcome the challenge again. However, the coffee shop has lost most of its customers.

Is no one coming because of my failures?

Of course not. Stay positive.

I know what's going on! The milk tea shop next door is holding a performance, and almost all the customers have gone there!

Now that they've had milk tea, I doubt they'll come for coffee, right?

Ugh! We've got to figure something out! Sigh, we had such a great idea...

Haruna, are your cats still unwilling to come?

Their home, the woods behind our school, the grocery store... I've looked everywhere, but I haven't found a single furball...

Sad. I'm sure we'd get lots of customers if the cats were here!

Yeah! That performance with them waving paws was so adorable! Haruna even went to such great lengths to prepare it all...

If only I was a better boss for them...

What are you talking about? You're amazing! You had to train the cats and help out at the coffee shop!

Exactly! Everyone knows how hard you've worked!

Everyone...

I guess we have to forget the cats... Anyone else have any ideas?

The kids look at each other, yet none can provide an answer.

Looks like there's no other way.

Will we keep losing customers if this goes on?

Well... It's alright. We've done our best, so let's just keep doing our best until the end.

Okay...

Honestly, I'm just not feeling it anymore...

Well, it's not like we've got customers lining up. Might as well just wing it.

I have a question, {var:player_nickname}.

Haruna sneaks over to my side and gazes hesitantly at me.

Everyone seems so listless... {var:player_nickname}, do you think we made the right decision?

Haruna, why don't you just ask yourself?

Ask myself?

Well, if you're asking me that, it means you already have an answer, don't you?

Haruna thinks for a moment.

I just... don't want everyone to be sad.

I was feeling pretty down too. I couldn't bring the kitties here, and I failed at making coffee...

I was so down in the dumps that even the coffee I made turned out bitter and totally gross!

Don't doubt your coffee, Haruna. Maybe that's just how it's supposed to taste.

Hehe! I couldn't have snapped out of it without you and everyone!

Working together at our coffee shop makes me so happy!

See? It's not as bad as you think.

Right now, they're just like how I was before. There isn't an ounce of motivation left in them... I know how that feels.

I want to spend the time we have left enjoying ourselves making coffee together...

That's what I think. No, it's my wish!

It's a great wish. Maybe it's your turn to encourage them now.

D-Do you think I can do it?

Okay! I trust you, {var:player_nickname}!

Haruna takes a deep breath and dashes to her classmates.

Hey, guys!

Her energetic shout grabs everyone's attention – whether they are making coffee, baking desserts, chatting in groups, lost in manga, or snoozing in the corner. All eyes are on Haruna, who's standing at the center of the classroom.

Haruna, do you need something?

No... I have something to say!

Haruna looks at me, feeling the weight of her classmates' gazes on her.

I think it's too soon to give up!

Our coffee shop is awesome! It's here to bring joy to so many people! And the money we make will allow so many kids to enjoy delicious popsicles!

Our customers are happy! And all of you... Your smiles while working so hard were absolutely beautiful! I haven't had enough of them!

Please! Everyone! Even if we don't have any customers, let's keep giving it our best until the end and brew coffee with smiles on our faces! Because I love the way you smile so much!

S-So... I want us to make this wish come true together! I-I'm sure we can spread the joy to so many others!

Standing at the center of the classroom, Haruna sincerely expresses her wish to all her classmates and ends her speech with a bow.

...

Phew! That was a scare! I thought you might've done something worse than burning the toast...

At least Haruna is not bombing the classroom! Thank goodness...

Huh?!

The silence in the room was broken by a few jokes.

I see... What do the rest of you think?

Why don't we give it another try? After all, it's not every day we see Haruna getting so serious.

Well, I guess we don't have a choice. At least not after that speech.

The event isn't over until the fat lady sings! Come on! Let's hand out the flyers and "steal" their customers!

Alright, while there are no customers, let's give the tables and chairs another wipe!

Inspired by Haruna's words, the kids jump into action and get to work.

{var:player_nickname}, I did it!

Yes, you did well, Haruna.

Haruna, could you help me? I'm considering trying out some new coffee flavors.

Okay! You know, I've prepared lots of popsicles! And they come in all sorts of flavors. I'm sure they can become good friends with coffee and make lots of different combinations!

Popsicles? And coffee?!

Yup! Sounds pretty awesome, right?

As Haruna dedicates herself wholeheartedly to the coffee shop, I take out my phone and start filming her.

I knew it! Popsicles and coffee are a match made in heaven!

Haruna's new creation, Popsicle Coffee, quickly gains popularity among adults due to its novelty and unique flavor. With the help of her classmates, their coffee shop soon wins back its customers. The students, the customers – well, everyone there is all smiles. Donations are also on the rise...

Hehe! I didn't expect everyone to come together and make my wish come true! I'm so happy!

I'm not surprised at all.

Really? Then that's how I feel about you too, {var:player_nickname}!

I'd have been long gone if you hadn't been there to encourage me, {var:player_nickname}. Now, I dub you my "Super God of Popsicles"!

Pfft! What's that supposed to mean?

The God of Popsicles is my protector!

I'm always happy knowing the God of Popsicles is there to look out for me.

But now, I have a good friend in you, {var:player_nickname}!

I haven't gone a day without being happy since I met you, {var:player_nickname}! And I've done so many new things too!

I think I'm really, really happy right now!

So, that means... You're better than the God of Popsicles, {var:player_nickname}! That's why you're the Super God of Popsicles!

Pinky promise!

I link my pinky with Haruna's.

Then it's a promise! And it lasts for a hundred years!

Well, it's like your class president said. You've all done your best.

Oh, I see...

Haruna nodded, though she didn't seem to have fully grasped the meaning of it.

Then what do you think I should do now, {var:player_nickname}?

Just focus on what's in front of you for now. I can't wait to try the coffee you brew.

Hmm, okay! I can do it!

Gradually, Haruna gets better and better at her work.

Welcome!

We hope you had a great time!

Come again next time!

Even though there aren't many customers right now, she takes advantage of every opportunity, and her coffee improves with each cup she makes.

Haruna, look. All you need is the right technique and the popsicle and coffee won't spill out of the shaker.

Wow! Okay! I'll get a popsicle!

Just as Haruna is about to rush to the freezer, the bell rings, and their teacher walks into the room.

Everyone, that's it for our Charity Day.

Huh?

It seems the event has come to an end before anyone even realizes it.

But I still wanna try making popsicle coffee!

It's already pretty amazing that you've perfected your Heart Latte so soon.

I see... But we lost so many customers to the class next door. If only I had mastered the Heart Latte sooner, maybe we'd have even more customers!

Ugh! Forget it! I'm really, really gonna show everyone on the next Charity Day!

I wonder what the theme will be next time! I want to start practicing at home already!

Hmm... Desserts? Sushi? I hope it isn't grilled fish... Well, it might be chocolate!

I don't even know how chocolate is made. Hmph! Chocolate Demon, I, the brave Haruna, swear to defeat you!

Returning to her lively self, Haruna dives into her imagination.

Okay, I'll help you ask your teacher for leave. Let's just skip this Charity Day and go have some fun instead.

Huh? Skip the event?

Yes. Your mother asked me to take good care of you.

How about we head to the amusement park? Maybe it can cheer you up a bit?

(whispering) Hmm... Having fun is better than causing trouble. Okay, let's go have some fun!

O-Oh, right! I have a wish. Could you help me with it, {var:player_nickname}?

Go ahead.

What's on your mind, Haruna?

Mmm... {var:player_nickname}. Using my allowance to buy coffee counts as helping out, right?

Of course. And thanks for the coffee too.

Did you enjoy it, {var:player_nickname}?

It wasn't bad. But I think I would have preferred a cup made by you.

Huh?! But I still can't make a proper cup of coffee...

It's alright. It's just something I'm looking forward to.

I see... Waah! I knew it! I was a complete failure today...

Your careless words have made her sad again. Haruna droops her head and falls silent.

It seems taking her out to have some fun isn't the answer to making her feel better.

{var:player_nickname}! Hurry up!

Haruna... Slow down!

Brightville is a quaint suburban village not too far from One Han City. Sheltered from the summer heat by its surrounding forests and lush greenery, with gentle breezes rustling through, it's an oasis of peace and quiet.

The reason I'm here begins with a phone call I got yesterday.

{var:player_nickname}, could you come visit me at my grandma's?

I've been on the hunt for this rainbow popsicle I had when I was little, but it's like it vanished off the face of the earth! I've never been able to find one since.

Grandma bought me lots of popsicles this summer, but none of them were the kind I was looking for... And my mom's coming to pick me up in a few days...

Please! I really want to find that rainbow popsicle! You can totally make it happen, right?

The address is No. 11 Sunflower Street, Brightville. You've got to come, alright?!

{var:player_nickname}! Look! That's Grandma's peach orchard!

Wanna go peach picking? It'll be really fun!

Oh, right! The popsicle!

If we go peach picking, it'll be dark by the time we finish trekking up and down the mountain!

Well... I remember Grandma warning me to stay away from the mountain and stick to the village instead...

Ah! The search! Argh! I almost forgot my popsicle!

Hehe! Thank goodness you're here to remind me, {var:player_nickname}.

Grandma's peaches are sweet like honey! It's too bad. Let's have some another time, {var:player_nickname}.

Then shall we... Huh? Where did she go?!

{var:player_nickname}! I see a scarecrow over there! Hurry up!

That kitty over there... It's Whitey! {var:player_nickname}, Whitey used to be a good friend of mine!

Huh? Whitey? Don't run away!

Whitey... D-Don't you remember me? We raided an anthill together, dug up loaches by the pond, and I even climbed a tree with you... Oh, if it wasn't for Grandma, that huge bee monster would have eaten both of us alive!

Whitey! Stop!

Hey! Haruna! Don't just run off after it!

Next thing I know, I'm standing in front of a snack stall.

I wanna eat them all! Which should I choose? Eeny, meeny, miny, moe...

Look! I picked all of these for you, {var:player_nickname}!

They're for me?

Because I want to see you happy!

This is a popping candy that goes off like fireworks in your mouth; this one turns your tongue a different color, and this one is the best of 'em all! Bubble gum!

Sounds awesome, right?

I appreciate it, Haruna. But...

{var:Shake}Oh no! We won't have enough money to get the rainbow popsicle!

{var:Shake}Oh right! We won't be able to eat the rainbow popsicle then!

Waah... I have to do it for my yummy popsicle... I'll be back, my precious candies!

By the way, what does your rainbow popsicle look like? Maybe one of the stores on this street has it.

Um... Well... I've actually forgotten.

Huh?

Hehe! You're always my lucky charm, {var:player_nickname}! Good things happen when you're around, and I have a feeling this time will be no different...

But... Hehe, we still haven't found anything after so long.

Haruna, if it's called a rainbow popsicle...

Oh, I remember how it was always so cold, sweet, and delicious... I-It was like seeing a rainbow!

(whisper) It was like... seeing a rainbow?

Wow! That grocery store has a freezer! Hurry up, {var:player_nickname}!

That's a lot of popsicles... But which one is the rainbow popsicle?

Haruna? Haruna Igarashi?

Y-Yeah? I'm Haruna! Do I know you?

Haha! Don't you recognize me? You used to call me Miss Manager!

Huh? Miss Manager?

Hmph! No wonder you've forgotten me. You have a new friend now. Hehe! Nice to meet you, Haruna's new friend.

Hi, I'm {var:player_nickname}. I'm taking care of her for the time being.

You two seem close, so you can just call me Miss Manager, too.

Oh my! I think you were six or seven back then, right? You'd always sneak out to play here when visiting your grandma.

Huh...?

Don't you remember? Your mother banned you from the TV. So whenever she started cooking, you'd sneak out to watch anime at my store until it was time to rush back home to eat!

Pfft! That sounds like Haruna alright.

Hmph! I even remember a certain someone telling me to keep it a secret from her mother because we're best friends!

Hehe. I'm sorry... I can't remember.

That's not surprising. Kids sure grow up quick. I wouldn't have recognized you if you hadn't mentioned that rainbow popsicle.

What?! You know about the rainbow popsicle?

Of course! Here, remember this anime?

The manager swipes through her phone for a while before bringing up a page.

Rainbow Valley? I... I think I've seen this somewhere...

You watched this here every day when you were young! You'd always get a popsicle to eat while watching, and you'd finish it just as the anime ended.

And that's why... You used to call it a rainbow popsicle! Because it tasted like happiness.

Huh? It tasted like happiness? Oh, right! I think I remember now! That popsicle... It's...

It's a pink, peach-flavored popsicle, and it has several kinds of peach bits on it.

{var:Shake}!! Yeah! That's it!

{var:player_nickname}! I've finally found my rainbow popsicle!

That's wonderful, and it's such a coincidence too.

Miss Manager, I want two rainbow popsicles!

Ah, well... I'm afraid we haven't been able to stock it for a few years now.

{var:Shake}... WHAT?!! Y-You don't have it anymore?!

C-Calm down... I have many new peach popsicles! And all of 'em are delicious!

Ugh... But my greatest wish on this trip was to have my rainbow popsicle...

M-Manager... Do you have any leads on where to find them? I'll try to figure something out.

Hmm... If it's Haruna's wish, then I have to help. Give me a minute!

The manager entered the store's back room to get the contact information of popsicle manufacturers. Meanwhile, Haruna and I sat on the wooden stools, waiting. Suddenly, the white cat we saw earlier strutted past the entrance with its tail held high, chasing after a butterfly.

{var:player_nickname}... I think I understand why Whitey forgot me.

Forgetting seems to be part of growing up...

If you put your heart into it, I'm sure even the rainbow tucked away in the corners of your memories will reappear when you're older.

{var:player_nickname}... You mean... I'll definitely find my rainbow popsicle, right?!

Okay! For the rainbow popsicle, I must get it together! I can do it!

Look what I've found! This old business card has the manufacturer's contact number on it. Maybe it'll be of some help to you!

Thank you!

Thanks!

The number you have dialed is currently unavailable.

I tried a few times but I couldn't get through...

...

Don't worry, I'm sure there are other ways! {var:player_nickname}, why don't we just go to the popsicle factory?

It's decided! I'll get the Kitty Warriors to help, just like they helped in the search for the missing workbook!

Hmph! It's time to bring out my "Cat Boss" ultimate! Dried fish kitty summoning technique!

Kitty Warriors? Huh? Wait up!

Hurry, {var:player_nickname}! Whitey went that way with the dried fish!

Haruna... Slow down!

Oh? I-It laid down here. Then... Is this the mysterious popsicle factory?

It's clearly a home for cats, Haruna. And it seems someone made it just for them.

Huh? There's some writing on it! Snowy's Home...

Nyaa!

Snowy?

Nyaa, nyaa!

Wow! You even have a new name! No wonder you ignored me when I called you Whitey!

I guess it makes sense. After all, even a human could totally change after so long, not to mention a cat.

Oh... {var:player_nickname}, do you think the popsicle factory has changed too?

That peach popsicle you're looking for has been discontinued. I'm happy to look through my inventory if you're interested in other flavors.

Why was it discontinued? Well, it mainly came down to the high production costs. We're currently making a range of other popsicles, and I can confidently say they're just as delightful! Feel free to contact me if you'd like to purchase some.

Yes, we won't be bringing it back into production again. Can I help you with anything else?

...

My phone is on loudspeaker, so Haruna catches every word, and even I can feel the dejection radiating from her drooped little head.

{var:player_nickname}! Wait!

Haruna?

You told me that if I put my heart to it, then I'll be able to find anything I want to find.

I want to give it another try!

A determined glow flashes in her eyes. I nod and pass the phone to her.

Hello, Mr. Manager.

Hello, um, a kid?

I-I'm Haruna Igarashi. Mr. Manager, I really, really like your peach popsicles!

When I was little, I spent every summer at my grandma's. Those days were the best – having peach popsicles, playing with the kitties and doggies, and hanging out with my parents and grandparents...

So, in my memories, those peach popsicles taste like happiness.

But after I started school in the city, and my parents also couldn't take time off anymore... Now that I'm back here, I really want to have that peach popsicle again!

If I can't buy it anymore... Then could you tell me how it's made?

You want to make it yourself?

A-Am I asking for too much?

No...

The manager's business-like tone seems to mellow down.

I'm just surprised someone still remembers our peach popsicles after all these years.

My passion for making great popsicles ultimately became a burden for the company. Handmaking them was too costly, so we had to discontinue production.

Ah... But it was so yummy!

I know! That's what I hated the most! Our popsicles shouldn't be forgotten just like that!

I haven't forgotten it! And I'll always remember it!

Ahem, you're really pumping me up here, kid.

I'll give you the recipe, but how much of its flavor you can bring back is in your hands.

{var:Shake}WOW!! Thank you!

I'll do my best! I promise I'll make the most delicious peach popsicle ever!

Grandma's peaches are the sweetest! Do it like this, then add this...

Oh, it's my favorite popping candy... Hehe! I'll add a little! Just a little!

All these ingredients really make it look like a true rainbow popsicle.

At the end of the day, the purée created from a blend of Haruna's creativity and the factory manager's recipe was poured into the yogurt bottles "generously sponsored" by Haruna's grandma.

Hehe! My beautiful popsicles! Freeze up nice and sweet for me!

Brimming with Haruna's anticipation, the rainbow-colored popsicles are carefully placed into her grandma's freezer.

The fields outside are painted a warm gold by the setting sun.

See you tomorrow, sun! And thanks for the hard work!

{var:player_nickname}, our popsicles... They're quite different from the manager's recipe! Will they taste good?

Well... Remember your popsicle coffee? A unique idea always leaves a deep impression.

That's relieving to hear, {var:player_nickname}!

Hahaha! You're here!

...Haruna?

Haha! Snowy, do you finally remember me now?

It doesn't matter if you don't. Let's start fresh and be good friends from now on, alright?

Hi! I'm Haruna Igarashi! Nice to meet you!

Snowy appears out of nowhere, circling Haruna as it tries to snatch the green foxtail she's playfully waving. Together, the girl and the cat romp around in the field. At this moment, Haruna's smile shines brighter than the sun, and I can't help but be completely captivated by it.

Her hometown, family, and the love of her friends have shaped Haruna into the lively and innocent person she is today, and she is giving back to us in her own unique way.

{var:player_nickname}!

Haruna suddenly turns around and runs toward me with her sparkling eyes.

What is it, Haruna?

Hehe! I've found my popsicle! {var:player_nickname}... Could you grant another wish of mine?

N-No! I don't want another popsicle!

Geez! I haven't even told you what I want. How could you just agree like that?!

I just... I just want to make a promise with you, {var:player_nickname}... That we'll always, always have fun together!

Right now, neither of us knows if the cold, sweet popsicle we've made together will taste as delicious as the one etched in her memories.

However, we're undoubtedly creating memories that are uniquely ours.

Why don't you try the other popsicles? Maybe you'll like them, right?

Well...

That's right, and I've made some "upgrades" to my store. Watching anime isn't the only thing you can do here anymore – now, you can play games too! How about we grab a popsicle and play together?

Games?! What games?

Hmph! Anything you could think of!

Perhaps afraid of Haruna leaving, the manager dashes into the back room and quickly returns with a large box of game cards.

Wow! This is amazing!

Hahaha! I remember worrying back then about whether I should try making it in the big city while I was still young... But in the end, I chose this life instead. I can sleep as long as I want, play games all day, binge-watch TV, and snack to my heart's content... It's a pretty good life.

After all, if a kid can treat eating a popsicle as a serious wish to fulfill, then as an adult, I can have a simple wish too, right?

I wanna play this one!

Jyanshi Party? Great choice! It has many special mahjong modes!

At the manager's passionate invitation, we soon found ourselves immersed in the game.

Did you two have fun at Grandma's? Have you found that rainbow popsicle thing?

Umm... {var:player_nickname} and I searched all day, but we couldn't find my popsicle... B-But, we still had loads of fun together!

We met my old kitty friend, and I showed {var:player_nickname} around the village... And also, we went to the... grocery store.

The grocery store? Hmm, I bet you had lots of snacks and watched plenty of anime, right?

N-N-No! We didn't watch anime!

Aha! Someone sounds guilty! If you didn't watch anime, then were you... playing games instead?!

Waah! {var:player_nickname}! Save me!

Hehe! Even {var:player_nickname} can't save you this time. Since you've used up all your playtime in advance, you'll be spending the rest of your vacation finishing the homework I've prepared for you!

NOOOO! I've got so, so many fun games I want to play with {var:player_nickname}!!

I guess it won't be that easy for Haruna to get away with playing with me for the rest of her vacation...