JUVENILE DAYS

That's all for today, everyone.

Thank you, Teacher!

*Yawn*

These theory lessons always bore me to tears.

Don't you think so, Rei?

Huh?

Nuh-uh, I actually found it quite interesting.

Ha! You can't be serious.

I saw you sawing logs halfway through class. You've still got drool on your cheek!

It's actually kinda cute!

*Slurp!*

I-I don't know what you're talking about.

As for what we learned today, it... er...

Whenever you go up on the surface, you...

S...

Sn...

Snack?

Yes! You have to find ways to make delicious snacks!

Pfft!

... Was that not it?

Not at all.

Huh? Are you guys leaving already?

Yeah.

There are a few parts in today's lecture that I didn't quite understand, so I should review them.

Naru is feeling a bit tired, so I'm gonna go as well.

I could use some sleep myself.

Naru.

Tired?

Zzzzzz...

Oh, really?

But there's a place I wanna go...

You're not trying to get us all to go to karaoke again, are you?

I'm not really into that.

Have fun!

As for me, I'm so sleepy.

Let's go, Naru.

Ugh...

...

What is this?

Do I not have any friends?

Teacher.

I have something to ask you.

Yes, Ein?

What is it?

Am I a victim?

Excuse me?

I'm not quite sure I understand the question.

That's exactly as I said.

I was wondering if I'm being bullied.

Hmm...

What brought this on all of a sudden?

I feel like I don't really have any real friends.

No one ever bothers to ask me to hang out first.

Sure, they show up when I invite them,

but they all have close friends of their own,

and I don't.

I had no idea you felt this way.

I didn't either until yesterday.

It got me thinking about what even makes someone a friend.

Like, how much do you really have to do for each other

to count as friends?

Hmm...

Hold on a moment.

You left the "Close Friend" section blank.

No one came to mind.

Also...

Yes?

If I wrote someone down, and it turned out they didn't feel the same way about me...

That'd be pretty embarrassing, don't you think?

... I see.

To put it simply, Ein, you're not a victim.

However,

it means that you don't have a close friend to open up to.

Isn't that the textbook definition of a victim?

Ein.

I know someone who has a lot of friends,

so I'll introduce you to him.

Oh, really?

Do you think that person will want to be friends with me?

Well, I'm not entirely certain.

You may end up becoming friends,

or perhaps you'll learn how to make friends with others.

I believe it all depends on how you approach it.

Hmm...

Sounds like a real pain.

You won't regret it.

I'll get in touch with him, so you can meet him after school tomorrow.

Okay!

...

Friends...

Although this place is merely disguised as a school,

these counseling sessions are always pleasant.

It feels as if I'm capturing a glimpse of youth, even if just a little.

Teacher!

Long time no see!

What are you doing here?

Really?

Oh!

So the sociable person she was talking about...

is you?!

Hell yeah! Score!

I was worried that it'd be awkward interacting with someone I didn't know.

But if it's you, I'll be way more comfortable!

Sorry, what was that?

Anyway,

what are we doing today?

Whoa!

How'd you know that's the happenin' place to be?

Have you hung out with a bunch of high schoolers before?

Perfect timing! I was totally craving some sugar anyway!

Lead the way!

Welcome!

Is it just the two of you?

Very well.

Eh? We're meeting someone?

Who are they?

!!

Naga and Tia?

That's a great idea!

They're super popular at school.

Gotta hand it to you, Teacher, you really went all out for this, huh?

Oh... is that the only reason...?

Teacher! Ein! Over here!

Tia, you've got some cream on the side of your mouth.

Oh, here?

A little more to the left.

Come here, let me wipe it off for you.

Hehe, thanks.

Okay!

Bleh, they're sickeningly sweet.

Oh my gosh, Tia! You've polished off five plates of them?

I sure did! I was actually gonna order more.

Naga suggested I wait until our chat ends, so I'm just slowly enjoying my last piece of cake.

Ah...

Are you into sweets as well, Naga?

Not enough to actively seek them out, no.

Then how come you two decided to meet here?

Because Tia is a fan.

Hehe.

I like Naga the most!

...

Teacher, is this how friends usually act with each other?

Really?

Hmm...

Anyway,

I heard you've got questions for us?

Oh, um...

It's just... Lately, I've been stressing over not having many friends.

Oh, really?

You don't have any friends at all?

Nope...

What about Zwei and Rei?

You three are practically joined at the hip.

Well...

I'm not sure I'd call them friends.

We're in different grades, and our personalities are like night and day.

I doubt they'd consider me their friend.

Yikes...

How did you two end up being friends, anyway?

Us?

Hmm...

It's a bit of a long story.

We agreed to meet every single day,

and before we knew it, we'd become good friends.

Huh?

But don't you see each other every day at school?

That's right!

The reason we became friends is that we kept meeting day after day.

If that's the case, wouldn't you consider your teachers your friends too?

I mean, you see them every day.

You see, students and teachers play different roles.

Having friends who are a constant presence

can help make your life much more grounded.

Wow...

That sounds pretty deep... but I'm not entirely sure I understand.

Give it some thought, and I'm sure you'll understand in no time.

We're all students from the same school, after all.

Aw darn, I dropped my fork...

You're so clumsy sometimes, Tia.

Did anything get on your clothes?

Yeah, I think so...

...

Teacher.

Even if I do make friends, I doubt I'll end up like those two.

Maybe that's why...

I'm a little envious.

Today was fun, Teacher.

Since I don't have school tomorrow,

do you wanna meet up?

Oooh, okay!

See you tomorrow!

Hi, Teacher!

Whoa, so this is where you chill all the time.

Actually... it looks kind of plain.

You should totally jazz it up a bit.

So, what are we doing today?

Are we meeting someone again?

Oh? What then?

Hmm? This is starting to feel like a counseling session.

Hmm...

To be honest, I never really thought about that.

Karaoke and cafes are the go-to hangout spots for students after class.

But honestly, even on my own, I can have a blast too.

Hmm...

Oh!

I thought of something!

Do you know Rushae?

Oh, you do know about it!

I've always been really into fashion design,

and Rushae will be holding a fashion show in a few days.

I've never managed to snag tickets, but I'm dying to go.

So would you like to join me?

Actually...

I was going to ask Zwei and Rei, but...

It's just...

we're not really that close,

and I doubt they'd be interested in something like this.

So I never asked.

If I actually had friends, I'd totally go for Rushae Fashion Week with them.

Huh? Who?

Is...

I-is this... for real...?

Is this really Miss Rupee I'm looking at?

Hello, Sweetie!

And hello to the adorable student too!

O-oh my gosh! I can't believe this is actually happening!

Miss Rupee! Can I have your autograph?

A-and a photo as well?

Oh? You're a fan of mine?

No problem, whatever you'd like!

Thank you! Thank you!

My name is Ein. I'm a huge fan.

You designed those new low-top sneakers in the AA line, didn't you?

Yeah, that's right!

What do you think of them? I put a lot of effort into that line.

It was amazing!

If I had enough money, I would have bought up the entire collection and put them on display.

I do suppose that collection is outside a student's budget.

Tell you what, since today is such a special day with us meeting and all, I'll give you a pair for free!

What?!

Oh no, I couldn't possibly accept something that grand!

Please, I insist. It's the least I could do for a diehard fan like yourself.

There's no need to be shy!

Also, you can drop the "Miss"

and just call me Rupee!

Wow...

You're so cool, Rupee!

So, Sweetie,

may I ask why you brought Ein here?

Wow, really?

A favor, you say?

What is it?

Oh, really?

Let me guess:

you want a few free tickets?

Unfortunately, I don't think that will be possible.

What?

Really?

Yeah, I don't have anyone to go with.

No way!

You look like someone who would have a bunch of friends.

How about... I become her friend?

Huh?

I do?

Who are they?

Wha... what are you talking about, Teacher?

Well...

You're not wrong,

but honestly, I'd want to go with them because they're who I feel most comfortable with.

Eh?

Eh?!

Is that so?!

So, that's why I keep hanging out with them and wanting to attend the Fashion Week together?!

Wow! Are you a genius, Teacher?

But... if that's the case,

how do I make it official?

Do I just go in for a handshake and ask to be friends?

...

That's it! I've got it.

I know what I need to help with!

Both of you, come with me.

Whoa, this place is freaking awesome!

What even is this?

This is my workshop.

It's where I create all my designs.

Wow... I want to graduate straight away so I can work here!

I just had a great idea!

Let me ask you something, Ein.

What do you think makes someone a good friend?

If you ask me...

Uh...

I'm not really sure.

I used to think those I can kick back and hang with are my friends, and I had plenty of those.

But somewhere along the line, I started feeling lonely.

That's when it hit me that I don't have any real friends.

I see.

Well, to me,

a friend is someone I can count on when I'm feeling down, someone who shares in my joy and laughter when I'm happy,

and someone I can be completely myself around, where I don't have to hide any part of who I am.

Sweetie is the perfect example since he's that friend I just adore to bits!

I've got something I'm curious about, though.

I met Naga and Tia yesterday, and they told me that they became friends 'cause they promised to meet each other every single day.

What's your take on that?

It sounds like...

they're the kind of friends who are always there for each other, lifting each other up.

In doing that, they can face whatever comes their way and greet tomorrow with smiles.

Hm...

Everyone sees friendship differently.

That's why I think it's key to discover what a friend means to you first.

You said you used to think of friends as people you could relax and have fun with, right?

So back then, you must have considered loads of people to be your friends.

But things have clearly changed now.

That means you've started to desire deeper and more meaningful relationships.

So... what a friend means to me?

That's right!

Let's not stress over it.

How about we keep it nice and simple?

Right now, you're looking for someone to go to Rushae Fashion Week with, right?

Wouldn't you say those with whom you want to share the things you love are your friends?

...!

You're right.

Actually, I wouldn't mind going to the Fashion Week alone.

But as soon as the dates were out, I immediately thought about going with Zwei and Rei.

Zwei's so pretty, so I couldn't help but think about all the cute outfits that'd suit her.

As for Rei, she can pull off anything cute,

so it's always a blast to check out stuff like that with her!

Awesome!

Now's the perfect time to be friends with them!

That's why I brought you here.

Do you know anything about fashion design?

Of course!

It's a big hobby of mine, and it's what I'm aiming to do professionally, too.

It's perfectly okay to simply reach out and ask someone to be friends like you said earlier.

It also doesn't hurt to surprise them

with a gift too while you're at it!

A gift?

But I've never made anything for anyone before...

What if they don't like it?

What if they don't want to be my friend?

Wha?!

Of course, I did! I'd have to be crazy not to like it!

The person I like is giving me a gift!

I couldn't be more grateful!

!!

!!

Do you really think so?

Of course!

And you know what?

Having the guts to ask someone to be your friend is super cool!

Okay, sounds like a plan!

Can I use this table here?

Certainly.

Hmm... what should I make?

Would've been cool to do different designs for each of them,

but time's tight. I'll just stick with one design for them, for simplicity's sake.

Oh!

I guess I should keep this a secret from them for the time being, right?

I can't wait to see their faces!

I gotta get that on video, hehe!

Yeah, totally! She's just too adorable.

Don't mention it.

I really hope she manages to finish it as soon as possible!

All right, everyone. Class is dismissed.

Thank you, Teacher!

Hey, Ein!

Yeah?

Why haven't you suggested we go to karaoke lately?

That's right.

You always run off right after class is over.

Do you have a boyfriend or something?

What are you talking about?

Making friends is hard enough, let alone a boyfriend.

I'm busy, so let's leave it at that.

If you want someone to hang out with, I suggest you find someone else.

Just a second, Ein!

Oh, Rei...

I... er... I have somewhere to be.

See you tomorrow!

...

...

Do you think the rumors are true?

What rumors?

Apparently, Ein met up with Miss Marciana a few days ago.

Ein's never been a real troublemaker,

so it's odd for her to be talking to Miss Marciana like that all of a sudden.

So, some students went to eavesdrop.

On the meeting?

Isn't that going a bit far?

Unfortunately, the soundproofing in the teacher's office is really good, so they didn't hear much of it.

They were, however, able to clearly make out one word.

What word?

Bully.

Oh my gosh!

Do you think Ein is bullying someone?

Lower your voice! Someone might hear you.

Anyway, that's the rumor that's been going around.

That's apparently why she's been on her own for the past few days.

Oh my gosh...

Hey, you two.

What were you talking about? Care to run that back for us?

Eeek!

Z-Zwei, Rei...

Teacher!

I've decided

what I'm gonna make for Zwei and Rei!

Ribbons!

They should be able to match them super easily with their uniforms,

and once I nail down the design, it won't take me long to make them.

What do you think?

I knew you'd get it!

I'd love to make them an outfit,

but I don't have much time and don't even know their sizes.

I want to start with something small first.

That way, I can afford to be more ambitious once I'm friends with them.

This is something I enjoy doing,

and I really like them both.

So it's only natural for me to give this my all!

Now, I better get started on that design!

Hmm.

Class finished a while ago,

but Ein is still zonked out.

Yeah, she's really sawing logs.

We ought to wake her up.

You do it.

I don't know, waking her up might be a bit...

No, you do it. You're a junior.

What? Why do I have to do it?

You're older! It makes sense for you to do it.

Mmm...

So loud...

Ah!

Ein, are you awake?

Zwei talked last, so blame her for waking you up.

... Yeah, whatever you say.

Zwei? Rei?

What are you two doing here?

*Gasp*

How come it's so dark in here?

What time is it?

It's 8 PM.

It didn't seem like you were getting up anytime soon, so we came to wake you.

Oh no, this is bad!

I've got to start work tonight!

Thanks for waking me! I've gotta go!

Ein, wait!

What is it?

I'm really busy.

Where have you been going after class?

Me?

Um, that's... a bit personal, so I can't tell you.

In other words,

you don't want to tell us?

I guess you could put it that way, yeah.

Fine, I won't mince words.

There have been some strange rumors going around about you.

Rumors? What kind of rumors?

Something along the lines of

you being punished for bullying someone

or you are bullying someone after school.

What?!

How did a ridiculous rumor like that start?

Who in the world would buy into the idea that

I'm the one doing the bullying

instead of being the bullied?

Believe it or not,

more people believe it than you think.

...

What about you guys?

Do you believe it?

No, we don't.

Hehe, I knew I could count on you both.

That's why we wanted to know

what you've been up to after class.

We've also been wondering...

...

why you keep avoiding us.

I...

I know this may not make much sense right now,

but I can't tell you where I'm going after school.

As for why it seems like I'm avoiding you...

there's an explanation for it,

but I can't tell you just yet.

Really?

I see.

Very well. I guess we should just trust you,

even though we know nothing.

Th-that's not...

You said you were busy?

Go on, then.

... See you tomorrow.

Let's go, Naru.

...

I haven't bullied anyone,

and I didn't lie to Zwei and Rei.

I'd say I did good!

...

*Sigh*

But why do I feel so awful?

Next up are electives.

Don't be late.

Yes, Miss Marciana!

Ugh, I hate electives.

Where do we need to go?

...

Let's go together!

Okay!

Where do we need to go again?

The Simulation Room.

Zwei, Rei, did you not hear me?

... Anyway, I heard the others say it's in the Simulation Room.

We should get going...

...

There have been some strange rumors going around about you.

Something along the lines of

you being punished for bullying someone

or you are bullying someone after school.

Believe it or not,

more people believe it than you think.

What's going on here?

I don't remember it being like this before.

Rei, we've got to go to electives.

Hold on, let me eat a few more snacks.

...

I haven't bullied anyone,

and I didn't lie to Rei and Zwei.

So why...

can't I call out to them?

Ein.

Huh?

How come you're just standing there staring into space?

Aren't you coming?

We've got to go to the Simulation Room.

Oh.

Y-yeah, let's go.

...

Hmm...

I don't understand...

Why did it feel so uncomfortable being around Zwei and Rei today?

I didn't start to dislike them all of a sudden, did I?

Hmm... No, that's not it.

Hey, that rumor you mentioned about Ein being a bully.

Is it really true?

I can't imagine Zwei and Rei would keep hanging out with her if it was.

Hey, you can't judge people

based on appearances alone.

What? Why? Is something going on with those two as well?

Don't you find it strange how they've always been so close with Ein?

Those two...

might be bullies themselves as well.

Gah!

Who the heck slammed the door so hard?!

I did, you little shit!

Oh, Ein... hi.

What's going on?

Are you finished talking trash?

You go around confidently spreading such ridiculous rumors.

Huh?

Do you really think that

I would be friends with those two losers?

If anything, I'd be the one bullying them.

I don't need to hire anyone else to do my dirty work.

That's true.

If you want to talk smack,

focus on me and leave the others out of it.

O-okay.

Hold on...

Does that mean you really have been bullying other people?

*Sigh* Think whatever you want.

Also,

if you can't say it to their face, then keep your mouth shut,

losers.

Ugh, why does she make so much noise? She does it every time class ends.

I get it, she's in a bad mood. That doesn't mean she has to announce it to the entire school.

By the way, have you noticed that

Ein hasn't been hanging out with Rei and Zwei as much lately? What's up with that?

Beats me. Maybe they weren't as close as we thought.

...

...

...

...

Huh?

Were you calling me, Teacher?

What is it?

Oh, I haven't?

Hehe, it's just that all the ones Rupee chose are so great.

I'm having a hard time figuring out which one to choose.

I don't want a fabric with too much sheen,

so maybe a matte one would be better?

I did?

...

*Sigh* I've been focusing on this really hard for the past few days, so I'm a little tired.

What time is it?

Hmm...

I don't think I'll be able to focus anymore today,

so I should call it a day and get some rest.

Thanks for waiting, Teacher.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Yes?

C'mon, Teacher! Why are you being so persistent?

What could possibly be wrong?

We're not having exams right now, so all I've been doing is coming here after school.

I'm just tired, so back off a bit.

I'm leaving.

*Sigh*

Why did I snap at Teacher?

He's just worried about me is all.

I'm so pathetic.

*Sigh*

Hmm?

Hi,

Ein.

Oh,

Hi, Tia.

What are you doing here so late?

Just heading out for some dessert after school.

By yourself? What about Naga?

I feel bad roping her in every time.

Oh, I see.

Then, enjoy.

Hmm...

If you have time, do you want to come with me?

My treat.

Oh, I'm okay, thanks.

Come on, I insist.

You look like

you could use something sweet.

Uh...

...

Okay, let's go together.

That's more like it!

Come on, I'll buy you something delicious!

You really can pile away a bunch of sweets.

You bet I can! I've got a huge sweet tooth.

Anyway, what do you want to talk about?

Huh?

Why are you asking me? You're the one who invited me out.

I did, and you want to know why?

Because you look like you've got a storm cloud over you.

I was wondering what was wrong.

...

It's nothing.

Talking about it won't change anything, anyway.

Hmm...

How's that whole making-friends venture of yours going?

So-so.

Did you find any suitable candidates?

I guess so.

Zwei and Rei, I presume?

...

That's what I thought,

but I've changed my mind.

Oh? How come?

We're not a good fit.

We're different people.

I see!

You really seem to care a lot about those two.

...

I'm not a good person.

If I was friends with them, they'd only get dragged into all these malicious rumors about me that are swirling around,

so it's best that we not be friends.

They don't deserve to

have bad things said about them just for associating with me.

Hmm...

Zwei and Rei will be hurt.

Huh? What do you mean?

Why do you think the three of you are so close?

Because...

We're classmates, and we talk often?

You have plenty of other classmates.

What makes those two so special?

Here, let me rephrase the question.

How did you end up becoming close with those two?

Hmm...

Because I don't sugarcoat anything, I can come on pretty strong to some people.

Despite that, Zwei accepted me right from the beginning.

I also think she's stunningly gorgeous!

As for Rei, she's as cute as a button. I just wanna gobble her up!

She also approached me without any preconceptions or judgment.

From the very beginning, I felt very much at ease with both of them.

That's it.

Just like you saw the good in them, they also saw the good in you.

So why are you calling yourself a bad person?

!!

You said you liked them for approaching you without any preconceived judgments.

So why are you judging yourself so harshly?

Zwei and Rei would hate to see you acting this way.

...

These are precious bonds you've formed with them, through all the ups and downs of your school life.

They haven't given up on you, so the least you can do is not give up on yourself.

*Sigh*

You're right.

They both stood up for me

even after hearing all those nasty rumors.

I've let them down.

...

To be honest, Tia,

I always thought you were a vapid person who was only obsessed with eating sweets.

Clearly, I was wrong about you!

Huh...?

The reason I've been acting so strange lately

is because of how much I care about those two.

Anyway, I've sorted out my thoughts now.

Thank you.

Sure thing!

Hehe.

I'm glad you feel better.

I think your honesty is one of your most charming attributes.

I'm sure Zwei and Rei feel the same.

You can put your full faith in them, I'm sure of it.

You're right!

I should finish those ribbons

as soon as I can!

Hmm...

Is this all true?

Yes.

I've collected all the necessary evidence.

Naru tagged along and helped a lot.

I see.

Ein...

Bully...

Very well.

I'll take a look at it.

Thank you.

...

How come Ein isn't barging out like she has been?

Huh?

What the...?

Is she going over to Zwei and Rei?

Um...

Zwei, Rei.

Yes?

What is it?

Um...

are you guys free tomorrow after school?

Why do you ask?

I...

I have something I want to say to you.

And something

I want to give to you as well.

...

...

Sorry, but I don't think that works for us.

Oh...

Er... can I ask why?

Sorry, we can't tell you anything more than that.

We're in the middle of something,

and we don't know when it will be finished.

Oh...

...

Ha! Did she just get rejected?

Okay, no problem!

Once you've finished whatever it is you're doing,

let me know.

In the meantime, I'll wait.

...

...

Hmm...this must be how you guys felt earlier talking to me.

It must have been really bad.

I'm still beating myself up over how I acted before, so try not to make me wait too long!

See you tomorrow!

...

What are you looking at?

I thought you said you weren't close with those two.

And? Does that mean I'm not allowed to speak with them?

If that's the case, you and I aren't close at all,

so what are you doing talking to me?

Jeez...

What a jerk.

Hmm...

Hmmmmm...

Sweetie,

I thought you said Ein was in a foul mood.

She looks excited to me.

Hmm, perhaps we could chalk it up to the vagaries of youth.

Ein, did something good happen?

You look happy!

Oh, hi Rupee!

Nothing in particular, really.

All I want to do is finish these ribbons ASAP so I can give them to Zwei and Rei.

Previously, I cared too much about what other people thought.

Now, I want to go places that I like, with people that I like.

That's what I believe being a friend is, so I'm not going to second-guess myself anymore.

That's a great attitude!

How many of the ribbons have you completed?

I just finished them all!

Would you like to take a look?

Sure!

Hmm... they could use a few final finishing touches.

You can still see some thread ends here, which isn't terribly pretty.

Oh, right.

That part has been giving me some real trouble.

Here, I'll show you.

Here's what you have to do.

Tah-dah!

Wow!

It's so clean!

Mhmm!

It's all nice and neat now.

I'm sure your future friends will be quite pleased with it.

I'm jealous!

...

Well,

I don't know if they'll be my friends,

but I hope that they at least accept these ribbons.

Teacher!

Thank you so much for helping.

If it weren't for you, I never would have approached Tia and gotten that great advice from her.

I wouldn't have been able to meet Rupee either.

I would have gone through life convinced that I didn't have any friends.

So thank you!

I know I've already said it a bunch of times,

but thank you again, Rupee.

My dream is to learn from you and become an exclusive designer for Rushae,

and I'm gonna work hard to make that happen!

If you're ever curious about anything,

feel free to come visit me anytime.

*Gasp*

Really?

If you're serious, I may take you up on that!

I'm quite serious!

Seeing you slave away on that design for days on end inspired me.

I'd love to help you realize your potential.

Oh my gosh... is... is this the part where I cry?

I'm so touched.

If I end up making friends, I'll be sure to bring them here!

Sounds great! I'll be waiting for you.

Ah...

They both said they were in the middle of something, so I said I'd give the ribbons to them whenever they were done.

No.

I've got to play it cool and wait until the right time.

You've been up day and night making those, so you might as well give it to them as soon as possible.

No, it's okay.

No one forced me to fashion these ribbons so quickly. I'm going to wait.

I just hope that they wrap up whatever they're busy with soon.

Oh my gosh!

It's getting late!

I've gotta go, guys.

I think I'm gonna miss the curfew for the dorms.

Be careful!

...

Do you think she's going to be okay?

We'll stop here for today, everyone.

Thank you, Miss Marciana!

*Yawn*

What should I get up to today? Am I gonna have to go to the karaoke alone again?

In a few moments, I'll be calling out some of your names.

Those who I call out, please follow me to the teacher's office.

Ein.

Hmm?

Zwei.

Yes.

Rei.

Yes!

All of you, follow me.

What's all this about?

...

Is that everyone?

I'll start, then.

Ein.

Uh... yes?

I heard a rumor that you've been bullying someone.

Is that true?

...

...

*Sigh*

No, it's not.

I have no idea how such a ridiculous rumor started.

I see.

Have any of you seen

Ein bullying someone?

...

...

Understood.

Zwei.

Okay.

No one is getting bullied here.

In order to uncover the truth, I filmed Ein.

Sorry for filming you without asking your consent, Ein.

?!

These videos show that Ein was going to places accompanied by someone I'm familiar with.

I found no evidence of her bullying anyone during this time.

Also,

I personally spend quite a lot of time with Ein,

and have never seen her bully or antagonize anyone, ever.

...!

What I have seen, however,

is someone fabricating these absurd rumors.

...!!

Naru saw everything.

When Ein and Marciana were talking,

this girl was eavesdropping.

Wh-what?!

Do you have any proof of this?

Of course I do.

Naru, bring the black box.

Black box.

Setting date...

Complete!

Darn, I can't hear anything...

What are they saying?

Friends? What about friends?

Huh?

Bully? I definitely heard the word "bully".

... Okay.

How do you explain this?

Wha...

Why did you record me?!

When I heard that Ein had been sent to the teacher's office,

I was worried, so I followed her.

When I did, I saw that you had followed her as well.

...

Once you'd convinced yourself you'd heard the word "bully",

you went around and blabbed to every student in class.

Naru saw it all,

and so did Miss Marciana.

You don't mean...

Yes.

Rei and Zwei sent me all these materials a few days ago.

A few other staff members and I reviewed it together

and concluded that the video was not edited or doctored in any way.

Is there any element of untruth in what these two have said?

I...

I-it's not that...

Everyone else agreed with me!

We all agreed that Ein's the type of person who would do something like that!

Anyone can be pushed into doing bad things.

However,

that doesn't excuse making up malicious rumors about someone without conclusive evidence.

Yeah!

Ugh...

Ein.

... Yes?

I'm sure this has been difficult for you.

I'll leave the decision regarding punishment up to you.

Up to me?

Yes.

...

Hey.

...

Hey!

... Yes?

Why did you spread those rumors?

...

I... I did it because I was jealous.

Jealous? Of what?

You have so many friends, and you're so popular.

And you did it all without doing anything. How could I not be jealous?

Hmm?

I have many friends without doing anything...

Is that what it looked like to you?

Y-yes.

Wow.

You were totally off base.

How about instead of wasting your time spying on others, you take care of the people around you?

From where I'm standing, you're the popular one who seems to have way more friends.

Miss Marciana, could we have her clean the bathrooms for a week?

...!

Hmm...

Are you sure that's enough?

It's more than enough.

I hate cleaning the bathrooms more than anything.

Very well.

Then we'll consider this matter settled.

Everyone, you may leave.

Huh?

What are you all still doing here?

...

Do you have something to say?

Umm... Sorry, Ein.

Rei and Zwei told us what really happened.

I should have known this was just a silly rumor...

...

Forget about it. These things are bound to happen sometimes.

But...

It's fine, I said.

However... if you're truly sorry...

You can come with me to karaoke sometime!

I've been going by myself lately, but it's way more fun with a group.

Are you guys in?

Jeez,

what a mess this turned into out of nowhere.

Ugh, I'm so tired...

... Ein.

Yeah?

We want to apologize.

Yeah, sorry.

Huh?

What are you saying sorry for?

If anyone should apologize, it's me!

You wanted to keep where you were going after class a secret.

Even though it was to show you hadn't done anything wrong,

we ended up following you and filming you without your permission.

You asked us to trust you,

but it feels like we doubted you in some way.

...

I suppose this is what

you were occupied with?

Yeah.

But why?

Why would you do that...?

The rumors about you bullying someone weren't going away,

and it seems like you aren't doing anything to stop them.

We knew that you'd never bullied anyone,

so it was very upsetting to hear all that.

What am I...

...

Ein.

Remember when you asked to talk to us after class?

Now that we're done with our task,

we have some free time on our hands.

You said you have something to tell us,

and something to give us, right?

Oh, right!

This is way too sudden!

I'm totally unprepared for this!

I wanted to be cool about it!

Shall we do this another time?

No, no, it's okay.

Just a moment.

Ahem!

Well...

It's kinda cringy to say it out loud like this, but...

Zwei, Rei...

Would...

Would you two maybe wanna be friends with me?

...?!

Hmm?

...

These are some ribbons that I made for you.

I'm not trying to force you or anything,

so you don't have to accept it

if you don't want to.

No,

that's not it.

Haven't we

been friends this entire time?

Huh?

The entire reason we went out of our way to prove your innocence is that we're friends.

That's right!

Our friend was caught up in these awful rumors,

so we just couldn't sit idly by!

...

Aha.

Ha.

Hahaha.

Ahahaha!!!

You were my friends the entire time!

I never thought people as cool as you

would want to be friends with me!

Do you guys have any idea how busy I've been preparing to ask you to be friends?!

Hold on, so the reason you kept going to the Shopping Mall after class was...

To make ribbons for you guys!

I didn't wanna just ask you to be my friend empty-handed.

But then why were you avoiding us?

Well...

This is embarrassing to admit,

but just thinking about asking you two to be my friends totally freaks me out.

Also, the idea of being rejected was enough to make me break out in a cold sweat.

I felt weird making eye contact with you both 'cause it felt like I was hiding something.

So I figured it was best to steer clear of you in the meantime.

Wow, we were all being so silly!

All we had to do was tell each other that we were friends.

Exactly.

Well, now we know!

Yep!

We're all friends, hehe!

Zwei, Rei.

There's a place I'd like to go with you both.

It's called Rushae Fashion Week. You can see people in all sorts of pretty clothes!

You can also buy clothes and accessories for yourself there.

Are you interested?

Just this once?

Sure, just let me know the date in advance

so I can plan my schedule around it.

I'm in!

Do they sell snacks there, by any chance?

Hello, Commander.

Thanks for all your help.

Oh no, you were a great help to Ein.

In fact, let me tell you a little secret.

Yes, it's Ein's student record.

Look at the bottom part.

Yes.

Swipe to the next page.

That's right.

Hmm...

Or to be more precise, I'm relieved that Ein was able to confirm it.

Zwei and Rei had filled in this section a long time ago.

They always considered Ein to be their close friend.

I believe Ein simply needed some encouragement.

Yes.

She needed the courage to face the possibility of being rejected by someone she liked.

It's especially tricky for people like Ein,

who don't typically care what others think of them.

The very fact that they usually don't care means they care all the more when they do.

Teacher! When did you get here?

Did you come to see me?

Sorry, Teacher. Ein and Rei heard you were here and wanted to rush over.

What brings you here?

Since you're here, why don't you hang out with us?

We can eat some snacks!

...

If you've got some time to spare, I think it'd be a good idea.

You don't have to ask me twice!

I know a really delicious dessert shop!

You mean the one close to the school that we always go to?

That's the one!

Personally, I'm starting to get a bit tired of it, but damn, it's still hella tasty.

*Sigh* I guess we don't have much choice.

...

They all look so happy together.

... May it last forever.