...

(That look on Mizuki's face...)

It seems that time has finally come...

Hey.

...!

What is it...?

I have a question about Mizuki.

Something didn't seem quite right.
You need to tell me if you have any information.

I'm surprised to hear you asking about Mizuki...

Mizuki's words have the power to help Mafuyu.

Mafuyu needs to hear them in order to move forward.

I agree...

I don't actually have any details...

However, as I told you when you first arrived, we're dealing with some very complicated feelings here...

And it seems that Mizuki is currently setting the stage to face those feelings head-on...

No running this time.

I see...

But I sensed quite a bit of doubt just now...

What exactly is Mizuki afraid of or running from?

I...

I'm not in a position to say...

Ugh...

...!
KAITO, wait.

Are you going over to see Mizuki...?

Yes.

Please don't.

Mizuki is trying to cross a thin sheet of ice right now.

What you're planning on saying is going to be too strong. So strong that you might make that ice crack...

So, you want me to do nothing...?

...

If doing nothing will solve everything, then that's fine by me. But do you honestly believe that's going to bring about real change?

Don't think that your solution is always the best one.

Then, tell me yours.

...

KAITO...!

Wait!!

...

(I... I still can't send it...)

(But I made the decision to finally tell her...)

I'm so scared...

<Hey.>

Huh?
Oh...!

KAITO...

What's up?
You hardly ever come to see me like this.

<I need to talk to you.>

To me...?

<What is it that you're...?>

<KAITO!>

Huh...?!

<Didn't I tell you to stop...?!>

<You have no right asking such a question!>

M-MEIKO...?

<You really feel the need to intervene like this...?>

<Fine.
But let me at least say this.>

<Mizuki.
You're stuck at a crossroads, yes?>

...!

<I have no way of knowing what's eating away at you...>

<That being said...>

<You find yourself at a crossroads because you're trying to make a choice... Because you want to make a choice, not because of anyone else.>

<But that goes without saying...>

...

<I don't care if you decide to run or move forward...>

<But just know this... In the midst of this pain, you need to choose the path that allows you to save yourself.>

<In order to keep on living...>

KAITO...

<...>

<Mizuki.>

<All I can do is watch.>

<But I've witnessed the pain you bear.>

<I've been right there.>

MEIKO...

<I honestly believe that you shouldn't try to do anything...>

<Because what you're carrying...is so incredibly fragile.>

...

<But...>

<I'll see this through with you.
No matter how things turn out.>

<Regardless of how the future unfolds, I'll be there with you until the end.>

Oh...

*Nod*

Thanks, you two.

But...

I... I just need a little bit more time...