(Heartfelt thanks to Yunqi Qinggu, Chen Jiale666355, Liunian Cheng Shang love, and Xing Ming Qing Kong for their tips!)
Fuyuki City, Private Homurahara Academy Elementary School...
"Where are we going to play today?..."
"How about the arcade?"
"Sure, sure!"
"Eh? But I still have to clean up after school!"
"It's fine! We'll wait for you!"
"Then there's no problem!"
During recess, ordinary conversations like these could be heard everywhere in the classroom. Every elementary school student wore a happy expression, and judging by how restless they were, they were eagerly waiting for time to pass and for the moment school ended to arrive.
Watching this scene, Illya sat at her desk with her cheek propped on one hand. Like an elderly person in her twilight years, she let out a long sigh.
"Youth is so wonderful..."
Hearing Illya's words, Suzuka, who had been chatting nearby, turned around and looked at Illya. Then she sneakily said something to her friends.
"Why does it feel like Illya suddenly became much more mature overnight?..."
"Too mature, even..." Nanae couldn't help but remark.
"This can't even be described as maturity anymore. She's practically like some middle-aged man..."
"Is she sick?..." Ryuko tilted her head.
"Should we take Illya to see some goldfish?..."
"See... see goldfish?..." Mimi blinked in confusion.
"Shouldn't she be seeing a doctor?..."
"Still, Illya has indeed been a little strange lately..." Suzuka folded her arms and pushed up her glasses.
"She was looking so downcast some time ago, and now she's like this. The old Illya was never like this..."
"That's true..." Nanae nodded in agreement.
"Illya is like my older sister now. Every month, she spends a period of time looking miserable. My sister says it's proof that girls are growing up. Could Illya be starting to grow up too?..."