*Huff* *Huff* *Gasp*

Got. You. Now!

Eeek!

[Fade in/out.]

*Huff* *Wheeze* O-Okay… I give up… I'll be your true friend or whatever, just give me a break…

Yay! Now you're coming along with me to the new world as well!

So, how's coming up with lyrics going? Any ideas?

Hmm… When I was about to fight with Setsuna, right as Kotori interrupted and then hugged us, I felt like I was hit with some kind of jolt.

I'm thinking I need to find something that'll give me that final push right now.

You're always like that, huh?

What do you mean by that? I'm always like what?

You're always thinking on your own. If you can't figure something out on your own, you should seek help from others. You have so many people close by who can help.

Urk… But I've gotten so much help from Aqours with songwriting, choreography, tutoring before tests, and other things. I couldn't bear being more of a burden than I already am.

*Sigh* I think you're way more of a burden when you get stuck in a rut on your own. You really pick the strangest things to over-think in the strangest ways, you know that?

Aww, stop throwing the word “strange” around everywhere!

Anyway! When you go home today, make sure you talk to everyone in Aqours. If you find it hard to suddenly tell everyone, why don't you try Riko first? She's really worried.

She was? Do you keep in contact with Riko?

Sometimes, yeah, for songwriting. But half of the time she's talking about you. I heard about how you ate your boxed lunch while you were asleep. Aren't you sleeping enough?

Ahhhhhhh! Th-Th-Th-That was when I practiced until late because I couldn't master a part of my dance…

When something about writing lyrics or choreography is on your mind, don't hesitate to talk to someone. No one's going to feel burdened. That's what friends are for.

Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Maki. I'm definitely gonna talk to everyone when I get back.

Make sure you do. Also…

Hm?

I'll lend you my ear, as well. For a bit, that is.

Aww, Maki!

Ack! Don't latch onto me! Gahhh!