...Jealousy...?

...Jealousy...?

Yes.

Isn't that right?

...You may be right.

In the beginning, I did what I did out of genuine concern for her...

But as I saw Chen lying and hiding things these last few days,

I started feeling sad.

I started feeling sad.

Also, at the same time, I was getting more and more anxious.

Also, at the same time, I was getting more and more anxious.

...Because Chen is coming out from under your wing?

That too.

That too.

...Yukari-sama, you may not know this, but...

It's almost that day.

The day... Chen came to me.

The day... Chen came to me.

...I see. I remember.

The day I decided to join paths with her.

To me...

that was a very... very special day.

I've always thought that Chen felt the same way.

I thought the two of us could celebrate this special day together.

I thought the two of us could celebrate this special day together.

Ho ho.

But the way things are going now,

But the way things are going now,

Chen... probably won't even be at my side on the day I treasure so much.

Ran...

...Like you said, Yukari-sama,

Chen is leaving my care and becoming independent.

Please forgive me, Yukari-sama. I'm all right now.

I'll behave myself and watch quietly from the sidelines from now on.

I'll behave myself and watch quietly from the sidelines from now on.

Hmhm, now that I think about it, I should be proud of her for growing up so nicely.

There was no need for me to get involved in the first place...

She still seems somewhat disconcerted.

She still seems somewhat disconcerted.

But this should do for now.

Everything will go smoothly as long as you keep out of it... That's the right thing to do.

I'm sorry, Ran.

I'm the one that egged on this uneasiness of yours in the first place.

I'm the one that egged on this uneasiness of yours in the first place.

I never imagined it would cause you this much suffering.

But when this is over, I'm sure you will understand.

For now... let your exhausted mind have a long, quiet rest.

*slam*