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Hagumi
We're shopping together! Yay!
Misaki
I never thought I'd have to go on a shopping run for my own birthday party...
Kanon
Sorry, Misaki-chan.
Misaki
Oh, it's totally fine! It's not like I don't want to or anything!
Kokoro
Yeah, Kanon! We can't let Misaki be the only one who gets left behind while we have fun shopping!
Kaoru
Fufu, it is... but that...
Misaki
I hate to agree, but there you have it.
Misaki
At least the end product is sort of being kept secret. Although it's not too hard to figure out from this grocery list.
Misaki
Apples, pie crust, eggs, sugar... Which probably means apple pie. So, we should start with the apples then...
Kanon
...? What's wrong, Misaki-chan? Did you find something that you want?
Misaki
Oh, no. I was just thinking about how I don't recognize that fluffy mascot stuffed toy over there.
Hagumi
You don't know who that is~, Mii-kun? That's Ruty-kun!
Kokoro
It says here that they came to visit from Fruit World! They're supposed to be super nice~!
Misaki
O-oh.
Misaki
(Ruty-kun...? Ah, maybe it's from "fruity.")
Misaki
It's a bit on the shallow side, but I guess simple is better for something like this.
Kanon
"Misaki"-chan, are you interested in the fluffy mascot, by any chance? You did say you've lately been finding yourself coming up with your own mascots sometimes.
Misaki
Huh?! Well, er~... I guess you could say that.
Kanon
Fufu. If you want, I'd love to hear what you've come up with.
Misaki
No, no, it's not like I've been thinking about it that seriously!
Misaki
(... Hm? You know... I don't think I've ever heard of a shopping cart fluffy mascot...)
Misaki
(Can't say I've seen a register or shelf mascot either. If they are made into mascots, I wonder if they should be the type that excels at supporting roles...)
Misaki
(Whoa, whoa, whoa... I need to get a hold of myself! All I've been thinking about is fluffy mascots...)
Kanon
M-Misaki-chan...? Are you sure you're okay...? You've been muttering this whole time...
Misaki
What?! Oh, um, it's nothing! Come on, let's go!
Misaki
(Ugh, everything's starting to look like a fluffy mascot!)
Misaki
(At this rate, even my birthday cake might look like one. There's no way that'll happen... Right...?)
Transcript
Himari
Ah, there you are! Hey~! Misaki-chan!
Misaki
Uehara-san. Uh, what's up?
Himari
I'm here to practice on my own, but I heard from Marina-san that you're also here for the same reason.
Himari
It was your birthday the other day, right? Well, I realized I haven't even celebrated it yet, so I came looking for you!
Misaki
You really didn't have to... but thanks.
Himari
No problem. So anyway, I also have your present!
Himari
Ta-dah! An original fluffy mascot by yours truly!
Misaki
An original mascot?
Himari
I've fallen in love with fluffy mascots ever since I got to be Marie~.
Himari
Lately, no matter what I see, I find myself wondering what things would be like if they were a mascot...
Misaki
...! You too?!
Himari
Too...? Does that mean you also come up with your own mascots?!
Misaki
Shhh! Not so loud, please!
Himari
Oh, s-sorry...!
Misaki
It's alright, it's not like there'd be a problem if people found out... I just haven't told anyone because it's kind of embarrassing.
Himari
Huh, really? I ask Moca and Tomoe for input all the time!
Misaki
You can get away with it because of the kind of person you are.
Himari
What~? It's not that different for you, either, I think~.
Misaki
Anyway, is it just me, or is the mascot actually handmade? Are you sure it's okay for me to have it?
Himari
Of course, it's okay! That's why I made it!
Himari
By the way, the mascot's name is Turny because they're based on a turntable!
Misaki
Fufu, it even has a bag that's shaped like a record. It's really well-made.
Himari
Right~?! I had such a hard time with the stand, you know?
Himari
I have to say, though, I had no idea you were also into original fluffy mascots...
Himari
... Oh! Want to go grab something to eat right now?
Misaki
I don't mind... but what's with the sudden invitation?
Himari
It's so that we can come up with a super popular mascot over some food!
Himari
My treat, of course, since we'll celebrate your birthday while we're at it!
Misaki
Normally, the celebrating part would be the primary reason... Well, whatever.
Misaki
Part of Uehara-san's charm is her ability to stop people from feeling bad when she offers to do something nice.
Misaki
Alright, then. Let's go brainstorm some mascots while we celebrate on the side.