...

(I can't go back and change what happened that day...)

(There's no use in wanting to...)

I have to keep composing.
That's all I can do now...

<Huh? K?
You're still working?>

Oh...

<Did you already take that bath?>

<Yeah, I feel pretty refreshed now.
I might actually be able to finish one of my illustrations.>

<Okay. I'll be working like normal, so let me know if anything comes up.>

<Okay, I will.>

<Hey, K, I wanna ask you something...>

<My illustration for the post-chorus feels kinda dark at the moment, but I'm wondering if I should add a little more light... What do you think?>

<Well...
...>

<K...?>

<Oh, sorry...
I was thinking about something else, so I couldn't gather my thoughts properly.>

<Oh, are you talking about your future...?>

<It's not bothering me that much, but it does keep nagging at me.>

<Right...>

<But I'm okay...
I feel a lot better after talking with Rin just now.>

<Wait, with Rin?>

<Yes...>

<I tried thinking about what I want to do, but I couldn't come up with anything...>

<However, there was a time when I really loved music more than anything else...>

<Really...?>

<Can you tell me why...?>

<Sure. My happiest memories all seem to involve music in some way...>

<My mom and dad always smiled whenever they heard a song that I composed.>

<I really loved those moments...>

<I see...>

<That explains why your songs feel so warm, K.>

<What...?>

<The memories you just mentioned might be the source of the warmth I feel in your songs. It makes so much sense now.>

<So, are you gonna keep composing after you graduate?>

<Oh, um... Yes.
I plan to keep on composing.>

<Especially... Since that's what I need to do...>

<What...?>

<Wait, what do you mean...?>

<...>

<I realized something while talking about this...>

<No matter how many songs I do compose, I'll never be able to feel the warmth I did back then ever again...>

<Oh...>

<I know there's nothing I can do about that now...>

<But my dad losing his ability to compose is still my fault...>

<That's why I need to keep composing. For him. For everyone.>

<S-Stop right there for a second!>

<Huh...?>

<What about...>

<What about your happiness, K?>

<My happiness...?>

<If I can compose songs that save others, then I'll...>

<Kanade, listen.>

<Huh...?>

<I know you feel awful about what happened to your dad, but there's no point in beating yourself up...>

<What I'm trying to say is... I think your happiness is a separate issue.>

<Personally, I don't want those two things being so closely tied together...!>

<I mean, you're working so hard for the sake of others...! You deserve to be happy too!>

<Oh...>

<But...>

<I agree with what she's saying.>

<Huh?>

<KAITO...?>

<You tried to suppress whatever you were feeling just now...>

<What I was feeling...?>

<Yes...>

<You believe that you're not allowed to be happy. That you have no right to.>

<Am I wrong...?>

<I...>

<What are you always telling Mafuyu...?>

<To cherish her feelings.>

<I'm okay with you composing songs in order to save others and make them feel happy.>

<But I'm not okay with you turning a blind eye to what you're really feeling...>

<What I'm really feeling...?>

<B-But...>

<Actually, Kanade...>

<Huh...?>

<Before you formed N25, and even now... The songs you've composed have helped me so much.>

<Every time I listen to one of your songs whenever I'm not feeling great... Whenever I wonder if I should continue drawing, the thought of creating art for N25 keeps me going.>

<Ena...>

<Yeah, I feel pain sometimes when I'm working on an illustration... But I want to keep drawing.>

<Plus, I've actually started thinking about what I wanna do after I graduate.>

<I doubt I'd be giving that any serious thought if I hadn't joined N25...>

<...>

<I mean, Kanade.>

<You're the reason why I'm even thinking about my own future.>

<It's a small step, but I have something to work towards now...>

<So, Kanade...
I think you should also do what makes you the happiest.>

<If there is something you wish to do, you shouldn't fight against it.>

<Because there's no way you'll be able to save her if you don't cherish your own feelings.>

<Oh...>

<KAITO, wait!
Ugh. He always storms off after saying whatever it is that's on his mind...>

<...>

(Is it really okay for me to do that...?)

(Am I allowed to feel the way I did back then...?)

(But I robbed Dad of his future...)

(Still...)

(If....it's okay...)

If it's actually okay, then...