Stage SEKAI
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Airi
We're still friends.
We still greet each other when we pass by in the corridor and stuff.
We still greet each other when we pass by in the corridor and stuff.
Airi
I don't think there's anything I could've done about all that. At the same time, it still hurts to think about it...
Airi
It's why I'm afraid that Minori's also going to start drifting away from her friends...
Airi
Of course, I'm not saying that's the only possible outcome. I mean, I still hang out with some of my friends from junior high...
KAITO
Yes, I agree that being a busy idol means not being able to spend as much time with your friends...
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KAITO
Yes. When people form relationships, they always do so by developing some manner of feelings for one another...
KAITO
What those feelings are depends on their situation... For example, two friends may want to be kind to each other...
KAITO
Once those feelings have been firmly established, it seems unlikely that they'll fade easily, even if you were to wish to get rid of them.
KAITO
See? That's why I believe the bonds you forged with your friends are just as stubborn.
KAITO
Just as you still possess feelings for them, Airi, I'm sure they also still feel the same way about you.
Shizuku
Because how wonderful would it be if you found a way to rekindle the friendships with the people you've become estranged from after all these years...?
Shizuku
Also, even if something were to happen that meant you and I ended up drifting apart...
Shizuku
Even if I were to forget all about it, I know I'd remember in time. So, I think things are going to turn out just fine...
Airi
KAITO, everyone, thanks for listening to my story.
I'll take what I just learned and try thinking about this some more.
I'll take what I just learned and try thinking about this some more.
The next day - Lunch break
Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy - Courtyard
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KAITO
See? That's why I believe the bonds you forged with your friends are just as stubborn.
KAITO
Just as you still possess feelings for them, Airi, I'm sure they also still feel the same way about you.
Airi
(There's no way I'd be filled with so much regret if those feelings were gone from within me.)
???
Then, I'll be waiting in the courtyard! Don't take too long with whatever the teacher asked you to do, okay?
Airi
(No, we go to the same school...
It's completely normal for us to spot each other from time to time.)
It's completely normal for us to spot each other from time to time.)
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Shizuku
Because how wonderful would it be if you found a way to rekindle the friendships with the people you've become estranged from after all these years...?
Shizuku
Also, even if something were to happen that meant you and I ended up drifting apart...
Shizuku
Even if I were to forget all about it, I know I'd remember in time. So, I think things are going to turn out just fine...
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Ayumi
Huh...?
Ayumi
A-Airi...?
Ayumi
Oh, um... Yeah, it's been a while...
Ayumi
But... What's gotten into you all of a sudden?
Airi
(I called her name without really thinking... What am I supposed to talk about with her...?)
Ayumi
Airi...?
Ayumi
How I've been doing...?
You know, the same old, same old...?
You know, the same old, same old...?
Ayumi
No, that's okay.
Ayumi
...
Ayumi
Um, so... Airi, how have you been?
I know you've been really busy lately. Are you holding up okay?
I know you've been really busy lately. Are you holding up okay?
Ayumi
I watch your streams from time to time. Everyone's been talking about MORE MORE JUMP!
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Ayumi
Yeah, my friends told me about them.
You always look like you're having so much fun, Airi, and it really puts a smile on my face...
You always look like you're having so much fun, Airi, and it really puts a smile on my face...
Ayumi
Of course! Also, I'm really glad for you...
Ayumi
Remember how you took a break from being an idol? I was so worried for you then.
Ayumi
But I guess that's too little, too late...
I really couldn't do anything for you back then.
I really couldn't do anything for you back then.
Ayumi
Yeah. I mean, we're friends, aren't we?
Ayumi
But that also sounds like just words... Before I knew it, we sort of stopped talking to each other...
Ayumi
*Nod*
I didn't want to feel like a bother to you...
I didn't want to feel like a bother to you...
Ayumi
But that led to talking to you less and less, which only caused us to drift apart more and more... Eventually, I felt awkward even just trying to start a conversation with you.
Airi
You were never a bother...
I was afraid of disappointing you by making promises I couldn't keep. It's my fault for not being more honest...
I was afraid of disappointing you by making promises I couldn't keep. It's my fault for not being more honest...
Airi
Even back then, I kept wishing that I could hang out with you and the others more...
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Ayumi
You did...?
Ayumi
No, please... You don't need to apologize.
Ayumi
I mean, Airi, you're here talking to me again, aren't you?
Ayumi
Because you decided to come over, we're having a real conversation now.
Ayumi
You worked up the courage to do what I was too scared to...
Ayumi
I've been wanting to talk with you forever too, Airi.
Ayumi
We don't have to eat lunch or hang out together like we used to. I just want to stay friends with you.
Ayumi
Really? Thank goodness...
Ayumi
Um...
Would it be okay if I started messaging you again?
Would it be okay if I started messaging you again?
Ayumi
I know we won't be able to hang out much and that I might be interfering with your work...
Ayumi
But I want to go back to having a real friendship with you, Airi...
Ayumi
Yeah...!
Airi
(I didn't think it'd be this easy to see if there was anything left of our old friendship. But all I had to do was talk to her...)
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Minori
So, Airi, did that happen to you...?
Did you and your classmates become more and more distant because you were credit-based...?
Did you and your classmates become more and more distant because you were credit-based...?
Airi
(Yes, there's going to be some distance or awkwardness between you and your friends if you go credit-based...)
Airi
(All you need to do is work up a little courage and tell them how you really feel...)
Next Chapter: A New Step Forward