Huh? Is that who I think it is?

Oh! Hi, Prez.

You're early, Shizuku.

Um, well… I just came a little early. I'm looking forward to gazing at the moon with all of the Nijigasaki girls.

Hm? You seem a little down. Did something happen?

What? Not at all. I'm as happy as can be! See?

Really? That's good, then. You know, I thought I'd be the first one here. I wasn't expecting anyone to show up before me.

Sorry, I snatched the early-bird flag from you.

We've still got some time before the others show up.

Why don't we sit down and chat while we wait for everyone else?

Sure. It really is a great night, don't you think? The wind feels just right.

Yeah. It's perfect weather for moon-gazing.

…

Is something the matter?

You really are hiding something from me.

What?

It's written all over your face.

…

It looks like I've still got a long way to go. I didn't manage to pull off the “happy-go-lucky underclassman Shizuku Osaka” act.

Can I ask you for a favor?

Hm? Sure you can.

Please let me stay like this for a little while.

Of course. My shoulder is always here for you.

…

To tell you the truth, a lot of stuff hasn't been going right for me…so I've been a little down.

I can tell it's because I haven't practiced enough, so I just gotta put my head down and completely focus on practice.

Yet I can't seem to cheer myself up.

Your serious side is one of your assets, but I don't think it's good for you to be so hard on yourself.

I know that…but I'm just not very graceful. I can't do things very well.

I think you deserve to praise yourself for being able to acknowledge that.

Thank you. I feel a little better now after hearing you say that.

Um, do you mind if I stay like this for a little longer? I want to keep you all to myself until the others get here… Please.