Oh no, she left…

That might have been a bit too much for Rin to handle right now.

You took it too far, Nico.

She'll be fine. It's better for her to be mentally prepared now than to be sent into a panic if it actually happens later, right?

It's something the rest of you should also be thinking about, you know.

Wh-Whaaat?!

Why are you so astounded?! That much is obvious!

Urk… I know, but anyone would be surprised if they had this sprung on them…

Because it's not very pleasant to think about, I know.

But it's something we'll have to face sooner or later.

It might do all of us good to think about how we'd answer that email.

Um. I'm going to go after Rin.

Me too!

[Fade in/out.]

Do you know where Rin went?

Yeah, most likely.

I think she's over there.

[Fade in/out.]

Rin?

……

Leave me alone. I look ridiculous right now.

You're cute even when you look ridiculous.

No I'm not!

*Giggle* You're finally looking me in the eyes, Rin.

I don't want to leave you… I don't ever want that! I can't even imagine it happening!

Me neither. I want to be with you forever and ever too. We'd have so much fun together.

Right? So let's be with each other always!

But even if that's what we really want right now, we don't know what the future has in store for us.

Remember when we were talking about what club to join? You said you wanted to join the Track Team, right?

If you stuck with that and joined the Track Team and I didn't end up joining any club…

Even if that happened, we'd still be best friends, right?

Obviously! I'd run straight over to your house after club and hang out with you!

*Giggle* And I think I would wait the whole day just for you to finish club.

I think our being in different clubs isn't a drastic enough example, but we'll always be friends even if we end up doing different things.

Even if we end up on different ends of the earth, there are still many ways we can meet. And distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? We'll make it grow a hundredfold.

I would rather we be able to meet every day, though.

But you know, what we mean to each other will never change no matter how far apart we are. I'll always love you.

Me… Me too. I'll always, always, aaalways love you. And we'll always be besties!

*Giggle* That makes me really happy. You should tell that girl seeking advice the same thing. Tell her that friends will stay friends no matter the distance.

And please also mention how diving into a new world is such an exciting thing.

Doing what you want requires a lot of courage. I only took my plunge into a new world because you and Maki both gave me the push I needed.

I'm having the best time of my life because I became a school idol with everyone!

*Sniff* Kayo-chiiiiiin! Waaaaaahhh!

Rin!

[Fade in/out.]

Kayo-chin… I need a tissue…

Here you go.

Wait… Huh?

What are you doing heeeeeere?!

S-Sorry. We both came running after you, but I felt awkward stepping in.

Gaaah! Please don't tell anyone I was crying!

I-I won't! I promise!

[Fade in/out.]

We're back.

There you are! How was—

Rin?! Your eyes are so red! Were you crying?! A-Are you okay? Oh gosh, we should get you some ice for that. We…don't have any ice, but here's a cold drink you can use!

Honoka…

I wasn't crying…

Ah, right. Sorry. Nope, you weren't crying. Not at all. And this drink isn't even cold anymore… Ahaha.

Since you're all back, I assume that everything has been resolved now?

*Giggle* Yep!

Rin… I'm sorry. I picked the wrong time and place to say that.

I'm sorry too. But what you said was all true, so it's fine. Plus, I now know that everything will be okay even if we end up far apart from each other!

*Giggle* That means that you have a perfect reply to the email now too.

Yeah! So um…

“Friends are friends for life, no matter where we end up. It might be a bit sad, but distance makes the heart grow fonder. I hope that gives you the strength to hold on.”

“And your friends must be worried about you too since you're the one who has to go far away. Try to keep a smile on your face so that your friends don't worry about you.”

“Go and take the leap into your new world so that you can put a big smile on your face! I'm sure you'll have no trouble making new friends either.”

“You can write to me if you still feel unsure of yourself. I'll be your first new friend from now.”

That's what I was thinking of replying with!

Such a childish writing style…

But oh well, that's what makes you who you are. I think it sounds good.