Empty SEKAI
Ena
Hmm...
Ena
(I wonder where everyone is...
You usually don't have to go very far to find them...)
You usually don't have to go very far to find them...)
Ena
Oh...!
Ena
MEIKO!
MEIKO
Ena...
MEIKO
It's not like you to come here all by yourself.
Ena
I know.
More importantly, I need to ask you about Mizuki. Would you mind?
More importantly, I need to ask you about Mizuki. Would you mind?
MEIKO
No, I don't mind...
Ena
Something's been bothering Mizuki lately.
Ena
Or rather, something's been going on for a while now, but Mizuki looked terrible the other day...
Ena
I don't know what's going on, I haven't been able to learn anything and just don't know what to do...
MEIKO
I see...
Ena
You were talking about Mizuki the other day with Luka, right?
Ena
Did that have anything to do with what's going on now? If so, please, tell me...!
MEIKO
...
Luka
It's important to watch over them, but sometimes it's necessary to break something down or take it apart if it's stalled and won't start.
Luka
I believe that is why I'm here.
MEIKO
Break it down...?
MEIKO
...
Ena
If you're completely sure, can you tell me what you do know? Did anything seem odd to you...?
MEIKO
Even if I did know what's going on with Mizuki, I have no intention of telling you...
Ena
What? Why?
Can't you just tell me?
Can't you just tell me?
MEIKO
Because I believe that you or anyone else getting involved would not be beneficial.
MEIKO
You and the others need to face your problems on your own. I am only here to observe and see how everything unfolds...
Ena
Look, I get that but...
Ena
There's no way anyone can solve all of the problems they're facing on their own, right?
Ena
I mean, look at me. I'm here now because everyone else was there for me in my time of need.
Ena
So I'm sure talking about what's going on will help Mizuki feel a lot better!
MEIKO
Feel better through talking...
MEIKO
Would that actually work?
Ena
Huh?
MEIKO
Sometimes, talking can make things worse.
Ena
Make things worse? What do you mean...?
MEIKO
I'm simply speaking from common sense...
MEIKO
Broad solutions by definition cannot benefit everybody.
MEIKO
The simple act of attempting to help someone can in turn cause them to suffer more.
Ena
...
MEIKO
Are we done here?
Ena
N-No, we're not!
We're not, but...
We're not, but...
MEIKO
...
MEIKO
Why are you so obsessed with helping Mizuki?
Ena
Why? Because...
Ena
Because we're friends!
MEIKO
...
MEIKO
(She sincerely believes that...)
MEIKO
(And as far as I know, Ena is not one to bend to the will of others... She won't let herself...)
MEIKO
(As a result, she struggles in situations where she becomes caught between her own ideals and what reality has to offer.)
MEIKO
(This may be what Mizuki needs right now... It very well could be the most effective approach.)
MEIKO
(Then...)
MEIKO
Your ability to watch over Mizuki in this manner may be the key to helping them...
Ena
Huh?
MEIKO
I have nothing more to say.
Ena
Hey...!
MEIKO, wait!
MEIKO, wait!
Ena
What did you mean by that?!
Ena's Room
Ena
I went to ask for advice but came back even more confused...
Ena
But...
MEIKO
Sometimes, talking can make things worse.
Ena
Right...
I think I see what she means by that now.
I think I see what she means by that now.
Ena
Still, what is it that's apparently so taboo...?
Ena
Did something that bad or unspeakable happen? But I just don't see Mizuki doing anything like that...
Ena
Ugh! This is impossible...!
See?! I'm driving myself mad by running around in circles in my head!
See?! I'm driving myself mad by running around in circles in my head!
Ena
I'm so sick of feeling this way too...!
MEIKO
Your ability to watch over Mizuki in this manner may be the key to helping them...
Ena
What did she mean...?
Watch over Mizuki...?
Watch over Mizuki...?
Next Chapter: From This World To Everyone