Did I come too early?

...

Hey, Yuki... I mean.
Mafuyu. Over here.

You're alone?

Yes. Ena and Mizuki aren't here yet.

I see.

...

...

Umm...

I'm heeere!
You're both so early!

Mizuki, don't just run off like that so suddenly.

You came together?

Nah, we just bumped into each other on the way here. I'm utterly flabbergasted that Ena didn't oversleep today...

Are you trying to say that I'm always late?

Anyway, let's go to that doll exhibit!!

Wow. This is a pretty big venue.
I thought it'd be a lot smaller.

Yeah, I'm surprised.
This place is very impressive.

Whoa...! The dolls are so cute!
Look! This one even has furry ears!

How do you even make puff sleeves so tiny?! Hang on, this dress would look perfect on Kanade!　

Me...?

Pipe down, Mizuki. We don't need a running commentary on everything you see, okay?

Yes, ma'am! As you wish!

For crying out loud...

They're amazing... Each doll has its own world.

World...?

Yes. You can tell what sort of world they live in just by looking at them.

Oh...

Umm...

What's wrong, Kanade?

Mafuyu's expression changed slightly just now.

Did it? Looked the same to me.

Anyway, hurry up and let's keep going.

Yes...

(Why did she have that look on her face just now?)

(I need to understand her feelings better, as well as what's on her mind.)

But how...?

Why does this doll look so lifelike...? Is it its complexion?

Hm, looks like a lot of work went into the eyes too. The way they sparkle when the light hits them...

Hey, I found more by the same artist over there.

Let's go see! Oh, there's a shop here too! I'll go take a look inside later♪

Is there anything that catches your eye, Mafuyu...?

Not really.

I see.

I'm going to use the restroom.

Oh, okay...

...?

(There are dolls over here too.)

(But this doll looks different...)

(Oh... It's being held up by strings.)

(So, it's a marionette?)

(Hmm... Why does this doll seem so...?)

You're such a good girl.

Gasp!

Mafuyu's taking a long time. Is she okay?

The restroom should be that way... Huh?

Huff... Huff...

Mafuyu...?!