.........

(...? What was that? Tenshouin-senpai chanted some weird spell and then Hibiki-senpai stopped in his tracks?)

(It's as if he's a toy that just got powered off.)

I'd like to ask you a question if you don't mind... Wataru.

.........

What do you think of SANCTUARY?

.........

Uh, um. Tenshouin-senpai?

Could you please shut your mouth for a moment, Mashiro-kun? We are in the middle of a very important discussion right now.

(...! What's with that expression just now?! He usually has a gentle look...)

(But now his eyes are just like my sister's when she's really pissed.)1

What I...think?

(Huh, Hibiki-senpai's attitude just changed! He was pretty carefree just a moment ago—)

(Now it feels like he's on stage, performing the most memorable scene of a play. I'm getting goosebumps.)

I've always conveyed "that" through actions—or rather, my entire body—instead of with words, no?

If you weren't able to get the message, then I suppose my skills are lacking. I am deeply embarrassed.

Moreover, it's a failure for an actor to speak extensively about a work's theme while he's not standing upon the stage. Oh, I cannot bear such shame!

How much more do you wish to mock me, Eichi?

...I suppose I'll accept your intentions as I see them. No, I should think of what I believe as "right."

Just like when you entrusted me with your mask before the second DDD started.2

Of course. I won't blame you with your position, but you honestly nitpick things too much, my dear⁠♪

.........

H-Hey. Uh, I have zero idea what's going on here. Could you explain it to me...please?

No.

If you're genuinely a fan of the actor Wataru Hibiki, then you should be capable of coming up with your own correct interpretation without asking him, the scriptwriter, the director, or anyone else.

You should be like me and cry and mourn and be shameful over the fact that you misunderstood his message. No, you should lament over your own stupidity.

There are frontiers where only those who have been through such pain could reach.

(Gah?! What's that? Everything suddenly got all bright! I can't see!)

(I hear a propeller overhead! Is that a helicopter? These often fly around ES, but...?!)

(Agh! There's a hole at the top of this town's walls...?! Now the helicopter's bringing a ladder down—)

See you, Mashiro-kun.

I am so sorry that I have to do this, but I'll be taking Wataru back now. I need him.

...! But... But I need him too!

You already have everything. You have an ordinary, loving family. You have friends you could play with. You have others you can chase dreams with.

I envy you. Truly envy you.3

...Since you already have everything, can't you just give this one to me?

......!

(Ah, there they go... Tenshouin-senpai just grabbed Hibiki-senpai and went on the helicopter's ladder, disappearing into the distance.)

(Spewing incomprehensible bullshit from beginning to end.)

(He envies me? But isn't he better than me in every aspect? From being the richest man in Japan to being a top idol as part of the Big Three—)

(He's always controlling every aspect of Hibiki-senpai's life.)

(No. Not just his—everyone's lives.)

(You already have everything, so stop taking whatever we have!)

(DAMMIT! He's too far! None of my complaints will reach him!)