...and you haven't been able to get a hold of Mizuki at all?

Yes.

We spoke a little during the school festival...
But we haven't talked since then...

I see...

But Shiraishi's gotten some replies back, so I guess that means I'm being avoided...

And I have to think Mizuki doesn't want me running around playing detective like this...

...

But I can't just leave things be...

Why's that...?

Because if I do, Mizuki will...

Disappear. Completely...
That's my feeling.

That's why I want us to talk.

I see...

This is a tricky one.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'm in a position to support or stop you.

But if you'll allow me to talk about myself for a bit...

Huh...?

I've gone through a similar experience.

Someone I had tried to distance myself away from forced his way through and broke down my walls.

There was a point when I thought his persistence and pushiness were irritating. And now, we're walking down the same path...

Upon reflection, I think that was exactly what I needed.

That really happened...?

Yes.
However, at the time, I wondered why he was being so pushy.

But I'm just speaking from my own personal experience. It may not entirely apply to what you and Mizuki are currently going through, Shinonome.

...

Particularly since the old Mizuki would've told anyone who tried to help to go away and severed ties with them.

Wait, really...? Mizuki...?

Yes.

I don't know if I should be telling you this.

But the old Mizuki... The person I met was always all alone...

All alone...?

Yes, Mizuki and I went to the same junior high school. We first met up on the rooftop.

To be fair, I was also alone because I had trouble getting along with others...

And Mizuki was in the same situation.

Back then, unlike now, Mizuki did not like being around others. You could sense that there was this barrier...

We'd speak whenever we saw each other on the rooftop, but only momentarily...

Still, it was enough to give me an understanding.

I could tell that the two of us were very similar creatures.

Somewhere in our hearts, we felt this loneliness.

Mizuki...? Feeling lonely...?

(What if...?)

(What if others have been viewing Mizuki that way for years...?)

(What if people have been saying mean things or asking insensitive questions all this time?)

Just how much has Mizuki had to suffer...?

...

The old Mizuki likely would never have budged, no matter how hard you tried to help.

But now...
I honestly can't say one way or the other.

Huh...?

Mizuki has changed since meeting all of you.

I've seen real laughter. Nothing forced like before.

Mizuki even told me that...

“I've found real friends and a place where I belong.”

...!

Which is why I think Mizuki...

...hoped for a future that includes all of you.

...

...

I don't know if that's all in the past now, or if it's still affecting things in the present.

But I...

As a friend, I want Mizuki to look forward to the future.

I want to believe in your bravery and your wishes for Mizuki...

And above all else, I want to believe that Mizuki still wishes for a future that includes all of you...

Oh...

(So, I have a chance...?)

(If there's still a way for us to connect...)

(Then I don't want things to end this way...!)

(Because I still want us to be friends!)