...
(That look on Mizuki's face on the train back. I wasn't just seeing things, right...?)
(But why...?)
<Enanan. I looked at the sketches you sent me earlier. I like the overall design, but this person's expression seems...>
<Enanan...?>
<Huh?! Oh, K. Sorry!
Don't worry, I heard what you said.>
<Uh oh. Was Enanan taking a little nap...?>
<No, I wasn't...>
<Also, K, I wasn't happy with how this person's expression came out, so I'll try to come up with something a little better...>
<Okay. Send it again once you're done.>
<I will.>
<Alright, I think I got everything that I wanted to do finished... I'm logging off now.>
<Okay. Bye, Amia.>
<Bye...>
<Bye, Enanan!>
<Yeah. Bye...>
(Mizuki sounded fine...)
(But was what I saw on the train real...?)
*Yawn*... Hm...?
Okay, I'm going now.
Oh! Akito, wait!
Hm? You're up already? What's up?
It's about Mizuki.
Have you noticed anything strange lately?
With Akiyama...? I wouldn't know since we might go days without seeing each other.
But last time...
Oh, I was asked to wake you up.
I mean, Akiyama's never at school to begin with so...
Right...
Did something happen...?
Not really... Aren't you gonna be late?
What? You stopped me...
Nevermind, I'm going...
Okay, bye.
(It's true that Mizuki hardly ever goes to school...)
(But even then, something feels off...)
Alright...
Oh...
Heya! Made it♪
And you actually woke up!
Good for you♪
Of course I did. I'm the one that invited you here. Just who do you and Akito think I am, honestly?
Haha! I don't know what your li'l bro told you, but it just seems natural to say, you know?
Anyways, you wanted to do some shopping?
What's on today's menu?
Summer clothes. Some places usually start selling stuff early so...
Oh, nice! I was just thinking that it's about time they did too.
Shall we♪
Yeah.
Hm, another botanical pattern? The other store had this too. Is this what's gonna be in this year?
Dunno. It might sell a little, but I doubt something like this'll catch on.
But the dull-colored ones made of satin were pretty good, right?
Yeah, I think I have to agree.
Hey! That looks nice too!
Let's take a look!
*Sigh*... I think I went a little overboard...
But we found some really cute stuff, so it's all good♪
...
(Maybe I was wrong...
But I'm still not sure...)
(So what was that then...?)
Oh, hey! Wanna take a little detour before we split?
Sure, but where...?
The crepe place by that one store we went to♪
Apparently, they have this limited-edition spring strawberry crepe with real strawberries mixed into the crepe itself. It's all pink and super cute!
What?! I need to see this!
Right?!
Let's go♪
H-Hold on! Wait for me!
(I guess everything's okay... Right, Mizuki...?)