(Whatever the case, seeing Mizuki comes first...)

(But...)

MEIKO...

Can I help you?

You seem to have been keeping an eye on Mizuki for quite a while now...

The others are apparently buying into the whole “I'm busy” excuse, but I feel that you're not so convinced.

I'm not...

What happened...?

I don't know for certain.

But...

Based on Ena's recent behavior, she appears to have learned about something Mizuki's been keeping a secret in a rather unfortunate way.

Which caused Mizuki to...

Run away.

...

Ugh.

This is what happens when you leave things up in the air.

I disagree.

First, I don't even know what Mizuki was hiding.

But it's clear that it's related to something Mizuki was struggling with even before they all met.

To Mizuki, this is a very big deal.

Something like this obviously requires a lot of time to understand and resolve.

But it seems that a little too much time has passed.

Even if you were to find the solution to a problem, if it's not accompanied by the right actions and results...

This problem will go forever unsolved.

Oh, are you two fighting again...?

Stay out of this.

You were talking about Mizuki, yes?

Kanade said that Mizuki's been too busy to visit, but is that really true?

That's rather sharp of you.

I just happened to spot you talking to Ena when she was here.

And you've tried going over to see Mizuki a number of times, no?

Which is why I'm having a hard time understanding what “being too busy to visit” actually means.

Did you tell Miku and the others this...?

No.

I felt that I needed to be careful with this information. I mean, even KAITO's been walking on eggshells.

Then, why did you decide to blow your cover now?

Because asking directly was the quickest way to have my questions answered.

Also, you can't hide what's going on forever.

I know.

Kanade and Mafuyu still believe what Mizuki said, but they'll start worrying more and more as time goes on.

That also applies to Miku and the others.

They're pure at heart, but they're not fools. They'll start wondering sooner or later.

Right...

So, what do you plan on doing?

Let's say you do reach Mizuki.

The hard part comes right after that.

I...

I want to see where their feelings take them.

Where their feelings take them?

I want Ena to find Mizuki and for them to talk.

So that Mizuki gets to hear how she really feels.

Which is why...

If there's a role for me to play, it's to make sure Mizuki hears what Ena has to say.

And I plan on being there for them when that time comes.

Sounds like you've already found your answer, MEIKO.

I have.

(She might only have a tiny window, but I believe Ena will be able to capitalize on that chance.)

(And I want to be there to make it happen.)

(So Mizuki can hear what Ena has to say.)