Chapter 3: Wavering Heart

(What should I do…?)

(I want to talk to her, but I can’t get ahold of Mizuki… And she isn’t coming to the Sekai…)

Hey, why are you spacing out in front of the fridge? You’re blocking it, so move.

Ah…sorry.

That’s weird. You didn’t talk back.

…Are you still not able to get in touch with Akiyama?

… …That’s right.

She’s still not at school, right?

Yeah… … We aren’t in the same class, so I had to ask Touya about it in the afternoon. He said she wasn’t there.

I told him to let me know if she talks to him, but…he hasn’t mentioned anything.

I see…

…Of course he wouldn’t…

Maybe we should ask someone that knows her better?

Huh?

The one I know best in her class is Touya, but it’s possible that she’s talked to someone she’s closer to.

If you want, I can have you two meet.

Yes, please…!

Mizuki?

Hm… I haven’t heard anything from her specifically…

Really…

Though…did something happen to her?

Huh?

I was thinking she was skipping class a bit more often than usual, but…

When I texted her, she just said, “I’m feelin’ kinda lazy so I’m gonna skip for a bit more,” or something like that, so I thought she was okay.

(Ah… …)

(Thank goodness… So she has talked to someone…)

Though… Is she not responding to you, Ena-san?

Ah…well… Honestly, yeah…

…I see…

Um…If it’s alright with you, do you want me to try sending her a message in your place?

R-really…?

Ah…

(But…if she puts my name there…)

(She might not reply to Shiraishi-san’s messages…then…)

…Sorry, can you give me some time to think about it?

Sure. If you need anything else, just say the word, ‘kay?

Yes, thank you. Sorry for causing such a fuss.

No prob! I’ve also been worried about Mizuki.

Anyway, I’ll be going now!

… … …

(…If she hasn’t replied to my messages, then…)

(That must mean she doesn’t want to talk to me…)

(But…if this keeps going…)

–Oh? I spy with my little eye…

Eh…?

Hello there, Shinonome-san. It’s unusual to see you at school.

Kamishiro-san…

…Is something wrong?

Ah…

Well, it’s just…about Mizuki…

Mizuki?

…I’m thinking of telling them everything… Everyone in Nightcord… Tell them about…me…

… …

If you don’t mind, I’d be willing to lend an ear.

Huh…?