School SEKAI
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Honami
Ichika was really trying to think things through with me. Saki saw that I was feeling down and wanted to cheer me up.
Honami
Yes. She said I'm fretting so much because I didn't want to do anything that would make people dislike me.
MEIKO
So you're afraid that people might dislike you for making a decision? May I ask why?
Honami
When I was in junior high, my classmates would come to me for advice or just rant a little.
Honami
At first, I would just listen, thinking they probably just wanted to let off some steam.
Honami
But because of that, they started questioning me, asking me whose side I was on and accusing me of being two-faced. Soon, I was an outcast.
Honami
Even though it stopped when I entered high school, the fear of that happening again is still there and sort of haunts me...
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MEIKO
Well, I don't think there's anything wrong with remaining the kind sort of person you are now.
MEIKO
But sometimes, you need the courage to become even kinder. And I'm sure you'll find that courage.
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Saki
Don't do that! A gloomy face scares off good ideas! Why don't we all go get some apple pies together later?
Honami
It means understanding how someone else feels or making them smile when they're feeling down.
MEIKO
You can empathize with someone who's troubled about something, make them smile or be somewhat direct.
MEIKO
As long as it was done with that person's best interests at heart, no matter what form it takes, it's a form of kindness.
Honami
Somewhere inside, I've always thought that respecting others' preferences was the only thing I needed to do.
Honami
To me, as long as I always went along with what they wanted and made them feel happy, that was kindness.
The next morning
Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy - Courtyard
Next Chapter: Doing What I Can