Hello, Hanamaru? It's been a while.

Hello! It has been a while, zura. How have you been?

I'm good. Hey, you know the novel you recommended to me the other day? I borrowed it from the library and blew through it. It was really interesting!

Really? I'm glad you liked it! The author's actually written a lot of books. You should read some of the others too, zura!

Oh, I do kinda remember a lot of other books on that same shelf. I'll borrow some more next time I go. Do you mind if I call you again after I'm done to share my thoughts?

[Fade in/out.]

Of course not! I can't wait to hear your opinion.

Speaking of the library, did they remove the library anthology from the featured corner?

Yes. There's a new special feature going on now, so there are different books on the shelf. They'll still bring it out for you if you ask for it at the counter, though.

That's a relief. There were so many beautiful works in it; it'd be a shame if no one could ever read it again.

I really wanna get everyone else to read it at some point, so I'm glad it's still available.

By everyone, do you mean all the Nijigasaki girls?

Yup! When I told them you wrote one of the short stories featured in the anthology, they were all fascinated!

Everyone says they want to read it, and even Setsuna has started to come up with ideas for her own story.

Wh-Whaaat?! My little story doesn't warrant such high expectations!

Aww, don't say that. I felt so excited and enthralled reading your story. It went straight to being one of my all-time favorites.

That's why I wanna get more people to read it, the same way you give me recommendations for books.

Wow. Thank you. I really appreciate you saying all those nice things. It really makes me glad I wrote it, zura.

Hanamaru, are you gonna write more stories at some point? It feels like such a waste for the great author Hanamaru Kunikida to only write one tale for the library anthology.

I-I'm not a great author, zura! But…I actually have been writing some more.

I've honestly just been writing whenever I feel like it, zura. I haven't written anything worth showing people yet.

Aww, really? Well, that's a shame.

But the experience of writing with you and Ruby there to help is something I've come to treasure.

Now, I find just writing stories really fun. No matter how short or light the content might be, it makes me excited to see the worlds in my head take shape on paper.

I see. I can still remember how energetic you were while you were writing for the anthology.

*Sigh* Hearing you say all that makes me want to read your stuff even more. Is there anything I can say to convince you? Can't you let me read a tiny bit?

N-No, zura! When I want you to read my work, I'll make sure it's something worth reading!

Really?! Yay! I've got dibs, then. I'll be the first person to read the great author Hanamaru Kunikida's next work! That's a promise.

I told you, I'm not a great author, zuraaaa!