*Sigh*

Why do I have to go...?

Oh, stop being such a baby. I'm not the only one getting pancakes, right?

On top of that, you haven't properly thanked me yet for getting your shoes back, so you'll be paying for me.

Yeah, yeah...

Also, this place we're going to today is doing its grand opening or something, so we get a discount on toppings if we go as three or more.

Oh... It's a new store that I probably would've ended up going to anyway, so I'll let this one slide.

Hey, don't give me that look. You weren't exactly my first choice in terms of who to take either, you know?

I was actually hoping to go with Kanade, Airi and Shizuku.

But Kanade's busy with our next song, and Airi's busy making new videos with her group, so maybe next time.

I was even thinking about inviting Mafuyu, but she's busy with cram school on weekends, so I ran out of options...

That's why you get to treat me for rescuing your shoes.

Yeah, I know. You don't need to remind me.

Yeah, let's try to enjoy ourselves. Especially since delicious pancakes are awaiting us♪

But you're really old fashioned about returning favors, huh, Li'l Bro?

If I don't, it'll definitely come back to bite me in the butt.

And you're one to talk. Why'd you decide to come along?

Because I was bored, and I felt bad about how everyone else flaked on Ena.

I also thought it'd be fun since she said that YOU'D be here too, Li'l Bro!

Seriously...?

But I guess it's not like you were dragged out here by her.

...

Lately, it feels like Ena's been worried and trying to do stuff for me...

Hey, what are you two talking about?

Hm? About you behind your back...

Oh...

Ena? Mizuki...?

Hey, Mafuyu!

Are you on your way to cram school?

Yes. Hm...?

Hello, Ena, Mizuki.

And... Ena's brother?

Nice to meet you. My name is Mafuyu Asahina. I've been hanging out quite a lot with Ena lately.

Nice to meet you too.

I'm Akito Shinonome.

Are you from her group too?

I hope things are going well between all of you.

Yikes... Polite Mafuyu gives off this really weird vibe, you know?

I guess she has to act that way since she's never met Li'l Bro before. We haven't seen her flip that switch in a while, huh?

Oh, I guess you're right...

(After what happened with her, Miku and SEKAI, she's been herself ever since and just spouting whatever comes to mind.)

(But that probably means it's less stress for her, so I guess that's a good thing...)

Hey, maybe we should move off to the side to talk? Someone with a giant dog is coming right this way.

Huh? Oh, you're right.

Huh...?!

Li'l Bro?

I'm fine. Don't worry about me.

I'm sorry. We didn't mean to block your path.

No, I apologize too.

He's just gotten so big...

Oh, a golden retriever.

Hello.

*Sniff*... *Whimper*...

Hm?

Oh, I guess he doesn't like being touched.

That's strange. He usually loves meeting other people and wags his tail to show it.

I guess animals can pick up on it immediately. It's like they know something's wrong...

Haha. Yeah, I guess so...

If you'll excuse me.

Yes, I need to go soon as well.

Yup, alright. See you on Nightcord.

Hey, wait...

Sorry about that. This is just how she is, so if you'll just understand...

Yes, of course.

Now, if you don't mind...

Laters.

What do you mean, This is how she is?

For your information, I've been doing a ton for Mafuyu and tiptoeing around all of her problems.

Huh? What are you talking about?

Ugh, you...!

Okay, okay. Relax, Ena.

Li'l Bro just doesn't know what Mafuyu's really like.

I know, but...!

And we have delicious pancakes waiting for us up ahead, so let's get going♪

True.

And you're not going anywhere, Akito!

I know.

Also, we needed to take a left back there.

Shut up. I knew that...

You liar!

Hahaha!