Once the Snow Melts (Event Story)
Chapter 3: No, I’m All Good
Xue: Argh– What’s wrong with her yesterday?!
What do you mean “Xue won’t get about it” ?
Of course I won’t if you’re not telling me.
I got a part-time job this morning so I guess there goes your free time,
But we’re both in the same theatre, the same dormitory, and the same school!!
Literally you will always have to see me around,
So you know that you can’t keep getting away from this, aren’t you?!
But alas, she’s so good to distract me away.
For the first time ever, she’s talking to her classmates as if I was not there,
And as soon as the convo ends, she’ll just fiddle around with her smartphone.
But now that I observe it, she clearly avoids any talk that involves streaming.
The same as what happened to me, she’ll end the talk and try to leave as soon as she can.
Even so, her energetic and bright manner doesn’t change.
So you’re telling me that she’s been doing it for some while now?
I mean, that “All-Peaceful Dancer Girl” ?
Xue: And I think… That’s all about it.
Kamira: Ah…… Got it. I owe you a lot, Xie-Xie.
Xue: Not a single person in Gingaza knows about the specific.
No idea what is she actually thinking about.
She didn't even let me enter her room.
And this is the Hikari who usually can just leave the door open.
Kamira: The more closed door already sounds concernin’ to me…
But yeah.., that’s a fair point of view.
Xue: I guess the reason will remain unknown for now,
But I’m certain that she’s starting to avoid seeing me.
So while I do want to help her and as concerned as you,
I have no idea if there’s anything that I can do from now on.
Especially that I can’t just involve everyone in Gingaza,
I’m sure that will be a nuisance and will make the situation worse.
The real question though: Why’s she suddenly becoming like this?
Kamira: I think……
Xue: You better tell all the details now, or else we’re never going anywhere.
Kamira: I’ll try to.
–Bein’ for real tho, even I dunno a single thing about her problem.
Xue: Huh?!
Kamira: So, there’s lot of snow in winter, right?
The three of us, Panda, Hikarin and I were goin’ outside for some video footage. ¹
Since we did a try to dance vid during autumn,
We’re plannin’ to make the 2nd round of it with pile of snows at the park.
We’re playing around, the recordings also went well. So I thought Hikarin’s doin’ fine, but then…
Xue: But then…?
Kamira: When I was tidying the shooting props…
…… Tellin’ from my guts.., she seemed different than her usual.
Xue: Oh stop going in circles now, just give me the actual details.
Kamira: B-but, even if you asked me to…
… The stuff that I have were just comin’ from my assumptions.
I feel bad if I can’t say ‘em all properly.
Xue: Not a problem. That’s enough for me.
Kamira: If you say so…
You… You see. I kinda think that I’m the one who caused her problem.
The start was at one of her streams. She seemed kinda different, so I wonder if there’s something up with her,
So I tried to ask about it during the video shoot progress.
Her answer was… “I’m all good” , then with a laugh.
But I can tell from her face that she’s definitely not doing well.
And I really felt this kind of aura from her. “She is troubled but doesn’t want to talk about it” .
It made me shiver, and I can’t let another word out.
I mean, I never thought that I’d see such a mood from her.
… And ever since that, I never brought the topic up. I thought we’re all supposed to have fun..
So, yeah… Maybe this won’t happen if I’m not bringing that up.
I don’t wanna see this kind of side from Hikarin.
But still. The fact I know that she’s troubled, that something feels so unusual,
I act like I don’t know anything, and I can only laugh beside her.
I’m sure that I’ve failed her as a friend.
And until now, I can only go this far about my worries.
Xue: ……
Kamira: … I’m really sorry about this, Xie-Xie.
By telling you all of this, I’m sure that you’re also confused.
Xue: So? Now what do you want me to do?
Kamira: … Will you help me to find a way somehow?
Xue: Knowing how long this has been, even I alone can’t handle it, so.
Kamira: Thanks a lot. … Then, this may sound irresponsible,
But… Can you save Hikarin?
Xue: Me? But why not you?
Someone’s regret’s better be resolved on their own, no?
Kamira: T- That’s certainly true, but…
Urgh;; Your words stabbed my chest straight in the middle. What a hard pill to swallow……
Xue: Hmph. Seems you’re so hesitant after all.
But more or less, I get that something happened between your gang and it bothers a lot.
Even so, not a single idea about what Hikari is actually up to.
Kamira: Right……
Xue: So then, you have any new plans to do?
Kamira: …… I think, we should ask her to come here.
Xue: Which means to directly ask about the matter. That certainly seems like the quickest way.
Judging from yesterday though, I doubt she wants to come once she knows that I’m also here.
Kamira: … I’ll be the one to call her. You can also leave the flow to me.
If something goes wrong, I’ll greatly appreciate your help.
Xue: Got it.
Kamira: Thanks a lot.
Then, I’ll make the call now.
TL notes:
[1] You can read more about this from May There Be Fluffy Snow event (translated by Lacie).