Oh, Minori and Haruka said that they'll start heading over to the cafeteria in a little bit, so let's go over and claim some seats.
Hehe. I'm very much looking forward to having lunch together.
Since we didn't have practice this morning, I got to walk to school with Shii today.
And the snow rabbits were still there, so I decided to show her. However, she already seemed to know about them.
So, she saw them on her way home?
Yes, but I learned something else while talking to her that was even more surprising.
As it turns out, Shii and her friends made those other snow rabbits!
What?! You mean those baby rabbits that we saw surrounding yours, Shizuku?
Yes! She was also surprised when she found out that we made those other ones.
Haha! Yeah, I bet.
I would've loved to see her reaction.
Oh...
Hm? Oh, it's Asahina.
Why don't you go say hi to her?
Oh, are you sure?
Yeah, I'll wait right here.
Thank you, Airi!
Then, I'll be right back!
Hello, Asahina.
Hello, Hinomori.
Can I help you? Is there something you need?
No, I just wanted to thank you again for what you did the other day.
The other day...? Oh, do you mean my umbrella?
Yes. Thank you for sharing it with me.
Remember how I broke mine after I slipped and fell on top of it? You really saved me that time.
It was nothing, really.
More importantly, are you okay? Didn't it hurt when you fell?
I'm okay. Hehe. It's nothing to be proud of, but it may be because I'm used to falling while practicing dance routines.
Oh, also...
Have you had a chance to see the snow rabbit again?
Do you mean the one you made?
I did. I was wondering if it was still there on my way to school.
And I was surprised to see that there were more.
Yes, me too!
It was so nice to see how it turned into a big family.
I didn't think about it when I made mine, but it must've felt so lonely having to sit there all by itself...
Yes...
I sort of wish that they'd never melt away.
(Oh...)
(The expression she just made. It's like the other day...)
Mafuyu! Let's start eating!
I'm starving!
Okay, be right there!
See you later, Hinomori.
Yes, of course!
See you again during archery club.
(I wonder if I helped her in the end.)
<If you do wish to help her, it might be good to actually say that.>
<There's no way for idols to know exactly what their fans are feeling or going through, but you can tell them that they have your support...>
<That sort of kindness can do wonders for a person in need.>
So, if there is something bothering you, I'd like for you to talk to me about it.
You saved me once before, Asahina.
Now it's my turn to help you.
(I don't know what I can do right now, but my feelings haven't changed...)
(So... Maybe someday...)
I should return to Airi.
Airi!
Thank you for waiting!