[Her own quill is clenched tightly in her hair, the beautiful feather slowly being crushed as Hotaru waits anxiously for Ib's answer, swallowing when she gets it before slowly replying]

Perhaps you can? You could show me how to draw, or tell me stories about Japan. My memories are very faint. I... I am nervous too, if it helps?

[That... that scratched out word almost looks like friend. Faint bloom of hope!]

Me too. It will be nice to meet someone new.