(I'm glad that Dad was doing okay.)

(We actually got to talk a little today...

So, once I get home, I'll keep working on that song.)

(But...)

A warm memory...

<Kanade.>

Huh...?

Rin? What brings you here?

<I was bored, so I decided to see how you were doing. Remember how you talked about composing that song for Mafuyu?>

Right.

I'm going to start on that song once I get home.

<Oh?>

<Did something happen, Kanade?>

Huh?

<You seemed a little worried just now.>

Oh...

You're right.

The song isn't really coming together well.

I just can't get a clear vision of it...

<A clear vision...?>

Um... I have a better understanding of what the warmth Mafuyu has been feeling involves.

But I just can't tie that together with her mother.

Because she feels like the complete opposite of that to me.

<The complete opposite?>

Yes. When I actually met her...

She felt so cold.

<Cold...>

Yes... I can't really put it into words, but she felt like an icy shiver down my spine.

Also, during our conversation, I got the distinct feeling that she wasn't really thinking of what was best for Mafuyu at all.

So... I just can't picture that person as the source of the “warmth” Mafuyu feels.

That's likely why I'm struggling right now.

<This is hard...>

It is. I don't know what to do...

<...>

<I don't really understand these things...>

<But if Mafuyu feels that “warmth” from her mother in her memories...>

<Then it must exist inside her somewhere, right?>

Good point...

(She's right. I don't actually know that much about Mafuyu's mom. But...)

(That frigid gaze...)

Ms. Yoisaki?

Huh? Oh...

Hello.

What a coincidence to see you here.

Um, yes, it really is.

Are you doing some shopping, Mr. Asahina?

Yes, I'm buying things for dinner.

We're having hot pot tonight.

Hot pot...

That sounds like a nice way to stay warm.

Maybe Mafuyu and I can also have that tonight...

Yes, please do.

How has Mafuyu been lately?

Huh?

Ah, forgive me. I want to believe that I have a good idea of how she's doing, since I've been seeing and talking to her each week...

But I imagine she still doesn't feel comfortable telling me certain things.

I just hope she isn't pushing herself too hard...

Oh...

Ah, of course, you don't have to tell me if you don't feel comfortable. But any information would be greatly appreciated...

Mafuyu seems much more at ease compared to before.

Before, she was always withdrawn, and constantly worried about her family...

But she's seemed much more stable lately.

And I believe you've played a big role in that, Mr. Asahina, since you've made a genuine effort to understand what's been going on with her.

...

I see...

I really have to compose that song...

Compose?

Oh, I'm sorry...

So, I'm trying to compose a song for Mafuyu right now.

A song? For Mafuyu?

Yes.

She's actually smiled several times after listening to my songs.

I know a single song won't be enough to turn this current situation around...

But if I can write a song that will lessen Mafuyu's burdens, even a little...

Then I want to.

I had no idea...

Thank you very much.

You really have done so much for her.

I wish I could repay your generosity somehow...

No, I don't need...

Oh...

Actually, if possible...

Could you tell me more about Mafuyu's mother?