<Comments...? Oh, did you see them?>

Yes...

We noticed that your video had quite a few negative comments...

<They're wrong!

I didn't steal anything!>

...!!

<My song isn't a copy of someone else's...!>

It's okay, Hasegawa.

We know you didn't do any of what they said.

This sort of attention can cause others to get ideas. Seriously, if I ever find the jerk that started this, they're in for some trouble!

Yes. So please try to settle down.

<Thank goodness...

I was worried that you'd be on their side...>

...

U-Um... Hasegawa!

I know you probably don't feel great right now after seeing all the horrible things those people said...

But try not to forget about everyone who supports you and liked your song!

<Huh...?>

The truth is... There was a time when I had to deal with having a target on my back...

But I still managed to find supporters in that sea of negativity...

Once I knew that was possible, I was able to muster up the courage to move forward...!

<Hanasato...>

So...

You can get back to working on our song once you've had a chance to settle down!

I, as well as all those who support you, will be eagerly waiting for you to dazzle us with your song!

<...>

<Thank you... I really appreciate it...>

<But... It's no use...>

What?

<I've tried working on that song...

But I feel totally stuck...>

Stuck...?

What do you mean by that...?

<Some people said this in the comments...>

<“Hearing this when I'm trying to focus on real problems is the worst.”>

<“I didn't want to hear it, but people started blasting it in class because it's popular or whatever. It's awful.”>

What...?!

<Lately, my body begins shivering uncontrollably whenever I sit at my desk and try to work on a song...>

<I was just trying to spread hope with my song, but I ended up hurting these people...>

<My mind wants to create, but my hands refuse to do what they're told...!>

...!!

...

<But I'm still determined to finish writing your song.>

<So... Please...

Can I have a little more time...?>

...

And this is where you're at now...?

Yeah...

I... I couldn't do anything for her...

That's not true. What you said about her supporters still being there for her must've gotten through to her...

Right... Thanks...

But isn't there anything we can do?!

We can't just leave her alone like this!

Yeah...

But we don't even know what to say at this point...

She knows she has others supporting her, but her body won't listen...

Right.

And the state she's in... It's just like...

Oh...

Yeah, you're right...

She's me... Well, past me...

What do you mean...?

There was a time when I felt so “scared” that my body refused to do what it was told.

Oh, that's right...!

It was a different reason, but you also...

*Nod*

Whenever I tried to go on stage, my legs would freeze up.

Please, try not to look so sad.

I managed to overcome that with everyone's help.

However... That's also sort of why I don't really know what to say to her right now.

Even after receiving so much support from so many people...

But even after hearing all those kinds words and seeing so many people about it, my legs wouldn't stop shaking.

...

Haruka...

We were able to give you a show, Haruka, so isn't there something we can give Hasegawa...?

There is that option.

However...

I think what she needs most right now is some sort of proof that her song can “spread hope to others”.

But Minori's already told her that...

...

This is quite the conundrum...

Yes, it's become a question of how to free someone from the “fear” that's petrifying them...

Oh...

That's it!

Huh? Miku, did you think of something?

What should we do?!

So...!

Wh-What if we tickled her?!

I see. Her reflexes will force her to...

No, that's not what we're trying to accomplish here!

What made you come up with that, Miku?

So... Luka tickled me this one time when I was feeling really nervous and it did wonders for me. I was thinking that we could try doing the same thing...

Haha! I didn't know that!

Hehe. It actually kinda worked, so it might be worth a try!

Hehe...

Oh, it's nice to hear that you like my favorite trick so much.

Haruka...

...

(I know exactly how that feels...)

(The more you push yourself into a corner, the less your body is willing to respond...)

(But as much as I empathize with her, I don't know what to do about it...)

Even when I'm the one who understands how she feels the most...

Oh...

A message from Mai.

<I hope you enjoy our show tomorrow! I'm sure you'll find the venue fine, but I'll send over a map just in case!>

Hehe. I can't wait to see Mai's show...

(But is it okay for me to go have fun at a time like this? Right when Hasegawa's suffering so much...)

<Haaaruuukaaa!>

Huh...?

<It's me, Rin♪

Here today to make everybody smile!>

Rin? What are you doing here all of a sudden...?

<You seemed really down, so I came to take a look.>

I see... I'm sorry for making you worry.

<No, don't apologize! You worry about me whenever I'm in a bad place, right, Haruka?>

<So this is your chance to ask me for help!>

<But you might not need it since you've got a good head on your shoulders. I mean, you're such a great singer and dancer...>

Hehe. I'm really not that great, but thank you, Rin...

So, Rin, what would you do?

She's going through the exact same thing I did, but I have no idea how to help her...

<Hmm...>

<If I were you... I'd cheer myself up by having lots of fun!>

What?

<How can you save someone when you aren't feeling very good yourself?>

<That's why I'd temporarily set aside whatever's bothering me and cheer myself up by having lots of fun!>

Hehe. You're right.

I'd forgotten how important that is. If things went on like this, I wouldn't have had the energy to help anyone.

That also reminds me of how my old groupmates used to say, “You worry too much because you're the responsible type.”

<But I think that's one of your best qualities, Haruka♪>

Hehe. Thanks.

<But! If you still don't feel great after taking the time to relax and have lots of fun...>

Then what happens?

<Miku and I are gonna tickle you silly!

So if that does happen, come over to SEKAI whenever you like♪>

Huh? Hehe...!

Alright, I might have to tickle you all back in return.

Oh, that sounds fun!

We can have a big ticklefest!

Thank you, Rin.

I feel much better now because of you.

Same...

After all, we're both here to spread hope.