Are you alright, Mafuyu?

Kanade...

Thank goodness we found you, Mafuyu!

Seriously, we searched all over for you! It's amazing just how much of a handful you always are...

And just saying, “I think I'm lost,” isn't exactly the best way to tell someone where you are, you know?

Sorry...

But I'm glad we found you so quick!

Me too. We're back together now and it's a relief to see that you're safe.

Honestly, she isn't a little kid, so there probably was no need to worry so much about her.

Sorry for leaving you all alone like that, Mafuyu. It must've been very uncomfortable for you.

Huh...?

But you'll be fine now.

...

<I'm glad for you, Mafuyu.>

*Nod*

(What is this I'm feeling...?)

(I felt so cold just a second ago...)

Is it me or are there more people here now...?

Oh, probably because the night show's gonna start soon. Everyone's probably moving somewhere they can see it, right?

Yeah, it's about that time already.

Let's make sure not to get separated again...

Yeah... Hold on, Mafuyu!

You're gonna run into someone if you keep spacing out like that!

Huh...?

Oh...

Mafuyu...!

Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?

No, I just grazed them a little...

But...

Is something the matter?

Kanade, your hand...

Oh, I'm sorry...

I thought you were about to fall, so I reacted by grabbing yours...

I don't mind that...

...

(Kanade's hand... It feels a bit cold...)

(But warm at the same time... Why is that...?)

(And it isn't just her.

Ena, Mizuki, everyone... Whatever they're giving me feels... Nice...)

(What is this...?)

You two okay?

Yes, I think so.

I'm okay too...

(My chest still feels warm...)

(What's causing this...?)

<Um, Mafuyu...?>

Yes...?

<D-Do you still feel cold...?>

No, not anymore...

But I can't say why...

<Okay...>

<If you feel that way, Mafuyu, then I'm happy...>

<It's probably because you're here with everyone.>

What...?

<I mean, being with everyone makes me feel all warm inside too.>

Being with everyone...?

(Is that it...?)

“This place” is what's so warm...

Anyway, about the night show...

Are we gonna stick around to watch it together?

I wanna see it! Oh, wait... Mafuyu, do you need to start heading home soon...?

Head home...?

(Oh, my curfew's soon...)

(I won't make it home in time if I stay to watch the night show. I should go home...)

(But...)

...

Since I'm here...

I think I'll watch some of it before I go.

...!

Alright, that means we should get a move on! We'll need to hurry if we don't wanna get stuck watching it from really far away...!

Yeah, we should find a good spot since we've come all this way.

Let's go, Mafuyu.

Okay...

<Mafuyu seems much better now.>

<Yeah, she does...!>

(This place is warm...)

(And “everything they're giving me” feels warm...?)

(I still don't understand what this feeling is...)

But it's very soothing...

(So...)

(What separates Mom from Kanade and the others...?)

(Why do I feel so cold whenever I'm around Mom...?)

(I should stop. Just thinking about it's painful...)

(For now...)

(I'll keep enjoying this “warmth” a little longer...)

Your practice exam... You didn't feel well, so...?

I see... And you feel better now?

Can you make it home on your own? Do you need me to come pick you up?

Oh, you're going to stay at a friend's house...? Understood. Please be careful on your way back.

Also, after you've returned, I'd like to hear more about this friend so that I can thank their parents later.

Hehe. It's only natural to do so since they'll be taking care of you, right, Mafuyu?

Yes, please let me know once you feel settled. I'll be waiting until then.

<Thank you, Mom.

Also, I'm sorry...>

(Did she push herself too hard...?

To be fair, she's always been a hard-working girl.)

(But it took her so long to contact me. I suppose she needed time to rest...)

(And she's never broken curfew before.)

What if...?

...

<Hello? This is Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy.>

Hello. This is the mother of Mafuyu Asahina from Class 2-B. There's something I'd like to ask, so would you mind if I have a word with her teacher...?