If Kanade picks up on Shiro's family issues, she doesn't show it. Damn actresses.
"Well, by your logic, I shouldn't be helping an Akari. But here we are." "I see someone in need of help, I want to help them. Even if they do kinda have a hate-on for me, have been looking at me like they kinda want to strangle me and suspect me of having ulterior motives. It's that simple."
Kanna looks between Yui and Akihiko.
"....tell us what, Sakurajima?" "You promise not to tell Otoya, right? It'd kill him if he found out." "Sakurajima....you had my back after that thing with Sasanuma. You, Tadano, Miyazono and Koga. If there's anyone I owe after Saya, it's you. I swear I won't say a thing. What is it?" "..." "...so, you know that tournament Otoya and I did?" "It was the big one, right? The Eastern Japan Duet Tournament?" "This is what happened..."....
A few days ago...The roar of applause sounded through the auditorium. Beads of sweat ran down Otoya's forehead as he stood, taking a bow, cello in hand.
He looked over at Kanna, sitting at the piano, mouthing something.
"Do you think we did it?"Kanna slowly nodded. She felt....exhausted. Unnaturally so. Maybe it was just the stress of playing in front of an audience. Or maybe-
No. Not yet. Please. I haven't done it yet. A little longer, then I can rest.Her limbs were numb, and all she could feel was tingling. Still, the audience was applauding, and it was only right to bow.
I just need to take a bow, then I can get backstage and rest. It'll be fine. Miyazono doesn't need to worry about me.She pulled herself up. Her legs, numb as they were, had enough strength in them to let her stand. She was thankful Otoya was looking back to the audience; she could get up in peace without him worrying.
It was like moving through a thick jelly. She stumbled towards Otoya, trying to maintain her composure, maintaining a smile on the way. Otoya was turning to face her, a smile on his sweet, sweet face. If she could reach him, so long as she could, it was okay, it was all worth it.
Then, something gave.
Her body fell towards the floor, and the world began to spin.
Ah.As she lost consciousness, the last thing Kanna remembered, falling to the floor, was Otoya's eyes widening in fear.
....
Akihiko just stared at her. Kanna sighed.
"I told him I was just dehydrated, but....I don't know-" "Is it serious?" "....I don't know how long I have." "Shit.""Do you know them, Sakurajima?"Akihiko turns to see none other than Tsukasa Kazami, clad in the red Amamiya uniform, approaching them.
"Kazami-senpai! I....these are some people I know from school." "I know two of you. Sawatari, you're working with Kanade. And Kasuga...."Kazami looks him up and down.
"I know your reputation. Kanade respects what you did. So do I." "Thanks, I guess?" "Kazami-senpai knows already. I...uh, I know since...is it okay if I explain?" "Someone close to me is staying here."Mori notices the cogs spinning in Akihiko's head, however.
"Well, as Sakurajima's out, maybe Miyazono should be in the cafeteria! Let's go!"Saya leads the way.
...
After a bit, Masaru receives a text.
Heading to cafeteria now. Miyazono-kun should have something on Tadano-kun's problem?