(These lyrics still need a few adjustments...)

(Based on this sound, the chorus should...)

(A message...? From who...?)

Oh, it's from Hinomori...

Is something the matter, Mafuyu?

No, I just received a message from someone from club... She wished me a slightly belated Happy New Year.

Oh, New Year's greetings...

Ms. Mochizuki and Hoshino also sent me some.

Greeting others during this time of year does feel kind of special...

...

(Special? I suppose so...)

...

Mafuyu...?

It's nothing...

I already replied to her message, so I'll get back to work now.

Oh...

Before you do, why don't we take a quick break...?

We've been working for quite a while now... Plus, I'm hungry...

Okay...

Then, let's have some of that mochi my grandma sent me for New Year's. There should still be enough...

We used up what was left when we made mochi soup this morning...

Wait, we did?

Yes.

Um...

Then, why don't we go out and buy some more?

Huh?

But it's so cold out. It's rare for you to volunteer to go out when the weather's like this...

I can just go instead and buy whatever we need.

Th-The cold might help wake me up...

So, I'll go with you.

I'm starting to run low on a few daily necessities too, so you'd probably have trouble carrying everything back all on your own.

Okay. Then, let's go together...

*Nod*

I knew that Mizuki's sister would be there with Mizuki at the New Year's sales, but I never expected to actually meet her...

Me neither...

She seemed like a nice person.

She felt a little like Mizuki...

Yes, I thought the same thing.

Speaking of which...

Mizuki gave you that really nice scrunchie.

I thought the modest color would suit you well, Mafuyu.

You think so...?

I'm not sure how it's going to look on me...

But I'll try it on later...

Okay.

They also seemed to really enjoy the sales.

They were both carrying around so many bags...that...

What's wrong?

Oof... S-So heavy...

Sorry, Mafuyu, could we stop for a second? Let me just adjust my grip and...

Should I take the rest...?

No, that's okay. You're already carrying most of the heavy stuff, so I don't want to increase your burden...

No, I think I should carry those...

I-I'm really sorry...

How have you been getting all your shopping done until now, Kanade...?

Until now...? Ms. Mochizuki's been doing all the grocery shopping... And my list of daily necessities was fairly short since I lived alone...

But I may've gone a bit overboard today since I knew we'd be carrying everything back together...

I'm sorry for making you carry all the heavy things...

It's okay. They're not actually that heavy.

Still, it may be a good idea to go to the store more often and reduce how many things you buy during each trip.

I'll go with you if you feel it's necessary...

*Nod*

Thank you.