Chapter 2: A Wish Entrusted to You

I knew it…there’s no one here…

(…I wonder what Mizuki is doing now…)

(I wonder if she’s contacted anyone besides us…)

(Or…if she’s been alone all this time…)

(If she doesn’t talk to Niigo again, or if she doesn’t come back to the Sekai…)

(Will I…ever see her again…?)

(But, still…)

…I’m worried about you… Mizuki…

So you showed up today, too.

Ah…

MEIKO…

…Yeah… I was wondering if I’d run into Mizuki.

I see.

MEIKO… You haven’t seen her, have you?

…I haven’t.

…I went to see her a few times at first and I was able to see her face, but…

I wonder if she put her smartphone somewhere else. Whenever I try to go see her, it’s pitch-black.

I see… …

… …

Hey, MEIKO…

Back then…did you know it would turn out like this?

…Not at all.

No one could have predicted this outcome.

But…

I don’t think Mizuki wanted this to happen.

…Really…?

(…The only thing Mizuki wanted was…)

…All she wanted was for us to stay as we are.

Talking about useless stuff, laughing together… That kind of mundane life…

… …

But, I…

When I found out about Mizuki’s secret, I was so shaken.

I couldn’t find the words…

Ena…

I can’t help but think about that day…

Like, what if I was more prepared? Or what if I heard it from Mizuki herself…

But…

It’s pointless, in the end.

If I just said something like, “Is that how it is?” “Thanks for telling me”…

Mizuki would laugh it off, then we’d return to our usual routine of talking with Niigo and going shopping–

But… I wouldn’t be able to stop worrying about it.

Is it really okay for me to talk about this? Or is this hurting Mizuki?

I know that… I’d start thinking things like that…

And…that’s the number one thing that would hurt Mizuki…

…

Hey, MEIKO… Even then…

If you see her again–Tell her want to try to talk to her again.

Tell her that I want to still be friends with her…

But would that just hurt her more…?

I… I don’t know what I’m supposed to do…

Ena…

If you want to talk to her, then I think it’s okay to talk to her…

No, actually…

I feel the same way as you.

Eh…?

…I also don’t know what I am supposed to do now.

I don’t think anyone would have the answer… …Really, even if we look for it, we couldn’t find it.

… …

I’m sure that she’s feeling fragile now; even the slightest touch would break her.

She probably doesn’t want anyone to talk to her at all…

But…

If things carry on like this, I’m sure the end will be… …

…For me, your feelings are a guiding light.

MEIKO…

…Is it really okay…?

I think you should do what your heart is telling you to.

Yeah…you’re right…

I’m…going to find Mizuki.

I’ll find her… And think about how to convey my feelings.

I want to tell her… That I want to be her friend.

So, MEIKO, if you find out anything… Can you let me know?

…Yes, of course.

Thank you.