The next day
Empty SEKAI
Len & Miku
What...?
Rin
Is that true, Kanade?
Kanade
Yes...
Kanade
Mafuyu sent us a message yesterday saying that she'll be taking a break from N25.
Ena & Mizuki
...
Len
What do you think's going on...?
Luka
She had her synthesizer and computer taken away the other day, so something may have happened...
Miku
Did Mafuyu say anything else...?
Mizuki
She said her test scores are starting to slip... She apparently thinks she needs to focus on studying in order to keep her mom from worrying even more.
MEIKO
Focus on studying...
Mizuki
Do you guys think her mom's at it again...?
Mizuki
I mean, we haven't heard many details other than this.
Ena
Ugh... After we told her to let us know if something happens...
Len
I'm really worried...
Miku
...
Miku
I'm going to see how she's doing...
Miku
If she is in pain, I want to be by her side...
Kanade
Miku...
Kanade
Yes, you're right. I'm sure she'll feel much better knowing you're there for her...
Ena
Please tell us if you hear anything.
We want to help if we can too.
We want to help if we can too.
Miku
Okay.
Miku
But I'll go tomorrow since she is probably already asleep...
Miku
I'll be sure to let you all know if I do hear anything.
Kanade
Thank you, Miku...
KAITO
...
The next day - Lunch break
Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy
Len
<So, this is Mafuyu's school...?>
Luka
<Yes, and it certainly seems like a fun place to be a student.>
Rin
<More importantly...
Luka, why'd you follow us?>
Luka, why'd you follow us?>
Luka
<Oh, there's no need to be so apprehensive.>
Luka
<I'm worried about Mafuyu. Just like all of you.>
Rin
<If you say so...>
???
Here are the worksheets you asked for.
Rin
<That voice...>
Rin
<Mafuyu...?>
Teacher
Thank you, Asahina.
I really appreciate the help.
I really appreciate the help.
Mafuyu
No, I was just fulfilling my duties as a class representative.
Mafuyu
Anyway, if you'll excuse me.
Len
<She doesn't sound like her usual self...>
Luka
<Oh, this is rather intriguing.
I'm glad I decided to follow all of you here♪>
I'm glad I decided to follow all of you here♪>
Rin
<Luka...>
Study Room
Mafuyu
*Sigh*
Mafuyu
(Things are finally calm.
I need to hurry and start today's portion.)
I need to hurry and start today's portion.)
Mafuyu
Starting with...
???
<Mafuyu...>
Mafuyu
Huh...?
Mafuyu
What are you all doing here?
Miku
<Kanade and the others were worried about you.>
Mafuyu
Oh...
Mafuyu
I see...
Rin
<So, Mafuyu...
Kanade told us that you needed to focus more on studying...>
Kanade told us that you needed to focus more on studying...>
Rin
<Is this because of something your mom said...?>
Mafuyu
No, it's not her...
It's...my own fault...
It's...my own fault...
Len
<It is?>
Mafuyu
Yes...
Mafuyu
Like I told Kanade and the others, I didn't do very well on my finals... That's why I need to do something to make sure my mom doesn't start worrying even more about me.
Mafuyu
So that I can also keep making music with N25...
Miku
<Oh...>
Mafuyu
Sorry, but I need to study. Thank you for coming to see me...
Miku
<That's okay...>
Miku
<Um, Mafuyu?
Would you mind if I stayed with you for a bit?>
Would you mind if I stayed with you for a bit?>
Mafuyu
Okay...
Mafuyu
(Next is calculus... These problems are usually fairly straightforward as long as you know what to do...)
Mafuyu
(Okay, I'm done... But that took longer than expected...)
Mafuyu
(If I don't work faster, I won't be able to check over my solutions during tests.)
Mafuyu
(I need to keep practicing these kinds of problems until I know them like the back of my hand...)
Mafuyu
(So that I can do better next time...)
Mafuyu
...!
Mafuyu
(No, stay focused...)
Rin
(Mafuyu...)
Len
(We probably shouldn't interrupt her, but...)
Miku
(She looks like she's in so much pain...)
Luka
<Um, Mafuyu? How about you take a short break?>
Mafuyu
...
Luka
<What if you went to talk to Kanade and the others? They've been waiting very patiently for you.>
Mafuyu
To see them...?
Mafuyu
No, I can't...
Mafuyu
I have to study... I have to...
Luka
<I see. I still don't quite fully understand, but studying must be very important to you, Mafuyu.>
Luka
<But in your current state, I feel that you won't be all that productive.>
Mafuyu
What...?
Luka
<As far as I can tell, you haven't been able to concentrate on your work. Doesn't that mean you should do something else instead?>
Mafuyu
Something else...?
Luka
<Yes. To take your mind off of school. To clear your head...>
Luka
<Isn't it important to do that from time to time?>
Mafuyu
But...
Mafuyu
...
Mafuyu
I...
Next Chapter: My Crumbling Mask