And X=Y...

Q.E.D...

I'm finally done with homework for today...

And it's almost 25:00...

I need to log onto Nightcord.

<Is anybody there?>

No response...

Looks like they're not even logged in.

Oh, that's right...

We're supposed to meet in SEKAI today.

Kanade wanted to talk in person about the video and lyrics for our new song.

(That song Kanade made...)

(That song...)

(It started off like any other song, but something began welling up inside my chest as I kept listening.)

(Yet it felt different somehow...)

...

How did that happen?

Why did that song make me feel that way?

Why did I smile...?

...

I'm starting to get a headache...

Oh, Mizuki's here...

Okay, that just leaves Mafuyu.

Hehe. This SEKAI's quietness had a nice charm to it, but it is nice to have visitors like this from time to time.

Sorry, am I late to the party?

Yeah, you are!

Where were you? Do you know how long you kept us waiting?

Okay, I said I'm sorry. I found these really cute materials for our video and sort of lost track of time after I started playing around with them...

Also, where's Mafuyu?

She should be here soon.

She said that she just finished doing her homework.

Okay, sounds good. Time to hurry up and wait! What should we do in the meantime? How about a word game?

No way. We're not little kids, you know?

Aww, come on! Don't be like that...

I'm here...

Hey, Mafuyu, there you are!

Sorry for being late.

No, it's okay. We knew that you were busy.

So what are you actually doing here today...? You mentioned something about having a discussion.

Remember that song I composed the other day? I want to find a way to make it so it resonates with more people.

I asked everyone to meet here today to talk about what I'd like this song to do before we gave it lyrics and made a video for it.

Resonate with more people...?

If we're gonna make that happen, I'll have to up my art game!

Yeah.

It was clear to me how much effort you put into that song, Kanade.

I mean, it was so good!

Like K's reached a whole new level!

Not only that, you made Mafuyu smile. Who would've guessed that would happen?

True...

That honestly left me a little staggered.

I know, right?

I can't wait to see what kind of lyrics you write for this song, Mafuyu!

Uh, Mafuyu...?

...

Is something wrong...?

No...

Are you sure? You seem more expressionless than usual...

Did something happen...?

...

Oh, I see...

She's found the key to the door that she's been searching for, but doesn't know where the keyhole is, maybe?

The keyhole...?

I don't understand...

It's difficult to explain, but I believe Mafuyu knows what I mean.

...

I just don't understand...

Mafuyu...?

I kept running circles in my head thinking about why your song made me smile, Kanade...

Something welled up inside my chest that time. That's probably what made me smile.

But I don't understand why that happened... I just don't know.

What do you mean why? You felt that way because Kanade's song really touched your heart, right...?

It did...?

But why was I so touched by it?

No other song has made me feel this way so far. Why this song? Why did it feel so warm?

H-How am I supposed to know...?!

But you want to know why you smiled...

You might not know now, but you might find the answer you're looking for if you give it a little time, right...?

But at the same time, you probably want to know why before you start writing your lyrics, huh?

...

What do you think, Mafuyu?

I...

I want to find an answer...

Look, we get that...

But how exactly do you plan on doing that?

Well...

Then, why don't we think about it together...?

Together...?

Yes. I too want to learn more about why you felt the way you did, Mafuyu.

So let's find an answer together, okay...?

...

Okay.

Sure.

But how exactly do I...

...

Mafuyu...?!

Mafuyu, what's wrong?!

Uh oh, hold up...!

Mafuyu, mind if I feel your forehead?

Whoa, you're burning up...!

Wait, you're running a fever?!

Are you sure you're okay?!

Yes. I'm just feeling a little lightheaded...

That hardly counts as being okay.

Ugh, there really aren't any dull moments when it comes to you...

Let's postpone this discussion until after Mafuyu's fever breaks...

Please, go home and get some rest.

Okay...

Alright, let's call it an evening, and make sure to get some good sleep in, Mafuyu.

Don't forget to stay warm and hydrated too.

Mafuyu...

Thank you...

I'm sure it's just a cold, so I should be all better soon.

...

(A fever. That explains why my head felt so heavy and foggy this morning...)

(I should rest...

But...)

(I still want to know why that song made me smile... As soon as possible...)