"It's been a while since we've gone out like this."
Amidst the gentle flow of people, Mio's voice was noticeably more upbeat than usual.
"Yes... that's true."
In contrast, Saki's voice was low, clearly tinged with fatigue.
The two girls, displaying such contrasting reactions, had come to a shopping mall near the station right after returning from school.
"Saki, are you really tired? I'm sorry for dragging you out like this."
Though they appeared to be walking side by side, the black-haired lady was slightly behind Mio.
At a pace that would normally be fine, they could easily converse face-to-face if they turned to look at each other.
Mio understood her best friend's breathing, having done this countless times before. However, today felt different.
No, it was precisely because it felt different that she had invited Saki out for a change of pace.
"N-no, I'm fine. I am a bit tired, but I'm actually grateful..."
Yes, Todoin Saki had been forcibly brought to this place by her best friend today.
Even with a legitimate reason of having student council work, when Mio insisted, "No way! We're going out to have fun today!!" with a forcefulness she usually didn't show, Saki had no choice but to nod in agreement.
The fatigue from the daily torment and lack of sleep was already at a level that could not be concealed, both physically and mentally.
Yet, only a few close acquaintances would notice. She was well aware that Mio would definitely pick up on it.
However, rather than being worried, she had never anticipated being so forcefully taken out of school, which made her yield even more to the momentum.
(She probably wouldn't have been able to concentrate on student council work anyway...)
It was clear that even if she had stayed at school, she wouldn't have been able to do her job satisfactorily, so in that sense, a change of pace was indeed necessary.
"Ahaha... I knew you were tired. I saw you with a gloomy face, so I just went with the flow and brought you here, but well, rather than playing, let's just have something sweet... okay?"
The words of gratitude were sincere, and knowing that made Mio reflect on her impulsive actions with a troubled smile.
"Hehe, then shall I let you take me to your recommended shop?"
Seeing her best friend act for her sake made Saki smile warmly, feeling a deep affection.
There was a great deal of anxiety regarding Dark Crime. But for now, just for this moment, she would forget about it and lean on her friend's kindness.
"Leave it to me! I know a great place for delicious crepes."
Their hands clasped tightly. It was warm, a hand that always had the strength to pull her along.
Even without Sacred Energy, it gave her hope. Being pulled along by this hand made her feel invigorated, as if energy was bubbling up inside her.
Thinking about the present and the future, her heavy legs naturally felt lighter, and matching her pace with Mio's became enjoyable.
The gazes that had originally gathered around the stunningly proportioned beauty that was Todoin Saki only intensified as she began to run, but she didn't mind.
All she could see now was Mio Tsukahara and the scenery that this girl revealed to her.
"Mmm!! This is delicious!!"
After purchasing their desired crepes, the two sat side by side on a bench. Before Saki could even gaze intently, Mio took a bite and exclaimed in delight.
With a generous amount of whipped cream and two halves of strawberries, plus chocolate ice cream and a small cake, it was a visually impressive and indulgent set. A drizzle of chocolate sauce made it irresistible for sweet lovers.
Watching Mio happily savoring her treat brought a smile to Saki's face, and she adjusted her bite to keep it clean as she took a nibble.
"Mmm... sweet."
Though she hadn't reached the ice cream yet, the whipped cream melted on her tongue, instantly flooding her mouth with sweetness and filling her brain with happiness.
It was delicious. Not just sweet, but a flavor that made her want to keep bringing it to her mouth. As she opened her mouth a bit wider for both the whipped cream and the ice cream, she felt a gaze and turned to see Mio staring intently at her.
"W-what is it? Did I get whipped cream on my face...?"
"No, I'm just really happy to see you enjoying it."
She instinctively reached for a handkerchief with her free hand, but Mio's words stopped her.
"It's the shop you recommended, after all. It's really delicious."
After her sincere words, Saki took another bite of the ice cream, as if to prove it. The sweetness of the chocolate, different from the whipped cream, naturally made her cheeks soften with joy.
"I'm glad. But was it okay to get the same as mine? It seemed like you could choose different flavors for the ice cream."
Saki had ordered the same thing as Mio. There were parts that could be changed, but she chose not to alter anything.
"It's perfectly fine. I wanted to eat the same thing as you."
Yes, there was happiness in eating the same thing as Mio.
Being with Mio. This held particularly significant meaning for Saki at that moment.
"Thank you. Hearing that makes me happy... I think?"
As Mio blushed and smiled shyly, Saki returned her gentle smile.
For the two girls, this space was undoubtedly wrapped in happiness.
After that, Saki was led by Mio, visiting various stores for clothes, accessories, and books, all while listening to Mio's explanations.
The only time she hesitated was when they reached the game center and Mio suggested taking purikura. The memories of Kuroda's training flashed in her mind, causing her to momentarily falter.
However, the presence of Mio beside her, that smile, purified Saki's tainted memories and transformed them into something pure.
"Thank you for today, Saki. I know you're tired, but thanks for going along with my unreasonable request."
"No, thank you, Mio. Thanks to you, I had a great change of pace."
The two sat back down on the bench. Though their reasons differed, they expressed gratitude to each other as they checked the time, noticing the hour hand had just passed six.
"Shall we head back soon? It could get dangerous if it gets too late."
"…Yes, that's true."
Dangerous. At those words, Saki's expression darkened slightly.
"Before that, I'm going to the restroom, so wait for me a moment."
Confirming Saki's nod, Mio clasped her hands in front of her mouth apologetically and hurried away.
Saki watched her retreating figure with a lonely gaze.
"It really is dangerous... isn't it?"
As Mio's figure disappeared from view, Saki lowered her head weakly.
The two defeats and training before the people of Shine Mirage.
The absolute trust she once had was no longer there, and the light of hope was growing dimmer.
Rumors had reached her ears today as well. The fear of Dark Crime in the school and the city, and the end of the Metamorphosis Princess.
Mio surely must have thought about it too, yet it had never come up in conversation.
"We have to do something... somehow..."
She didn't know how. She couldn't even count how many times she had repeated the same words or how many times they had crossed her mind.
But she thought again. She must not lose.
If she completely lost, this world would belong to Dark Crime. That was a future that must never come to pass.
"──!?"
As Saki lifted her head from her thoughts, she caught sight of a black-haired girl in a gothic lolita outfit in a nearby square.