Tokyo, Vienna Music Hall backstage, contestants' preparation room.
"Kao..." Kousei Arima opened his mouth, yet he had no idea what to say.
After fleeing the restaurant and arriving at the venue, Kaori, his junior, had looked troubled, forcing a false smile. This was probably all his fault. If not for him, Kaori's condition would not have become known to others. If not for him, perhaps even at the end of her life, Kaori could have shone proudly?
He had clearly known all along that Kaori did not want anyone to know about her condition. He had clearly known all along that the strong Kaori did not want anyone's pity. She merely wanted to convey her music to people. That was all...
He should have known!
Anyone could tell he was an old hand at being considerate.
"Friend A..." The soft-hearted murmur snapped Kaori out of her thoughts. She responded while forcing herself to smile.
Kousei Arima: "..."
Just as every story's protagonist had a Friend A, in Kaori's story, music was the protagonist, while he was merely an insignificant Friend A. Unlike in other stories, though, he was quite satisfied with being Friend A...
"S-Sorry, I thought Doma-senpai was the only one here..."
"Mm..." Before Kousei Arima could finish, Kaori Miyazono shook her head. "It doesn't matter anymore..."
How could it not matter?! Kousei Arima wanted to shout it out, but as he looked at the smile she was barely maintaining, he could only remain silent.
"Friend A, rather than dwelling on what has already happened, why not think about whether you're ready for the performance later?"
"Of course I'm ready!" Kousei Arima looked confident, but after answering, he lowered his head. "That's what I want to say, but honestly, all I can say is that I'll do my best..."