Project: Zero-One

The Joint Live Festival Part 2

"Yu? Are you there?"

Aruto and Ayumu knocked at Yu's door, but there was no response.

"Yu? It's been a few days since the Live. You haven't come out of your room since then. You haven't even responded to any of our texts either."

Ayumu leaned against the door, her voice full of worry.

"...Please just leave me alone."

"Eh?"

"The live was a failure, and it's all my fault. I was naïve in thinking nothing would happen during the live. It was stupid of me to think that everything would go perfectly, especially after what happened last time."

"Hey, no one was seriously hurt during it. Kanata said she'll be fine soon; her injuries weren't that serious. And we can always rebuild the stage."

Aruto tried to reason with her, but he was only met with silence.

"...Fine, I understand. Come on, Ayumu, let's get going."

"Eh?"

"It's obvious Yu isn't in the mood to talk right now. Let's just leave her alone for now and think of something else."

Aruto and Ayumu slowly backed away from the door and proceeded to leave.

"So...she's still not leaving her room, huh?"

Karin leaned back in her seat as Ayumu told everyone what happened that morning.

"Mmmm. That President...She should really have more confidence in herself. Hmph!"

"There. There. Kasumi."

Kasumi angrily pouted as Shizuku tried to comfort her.

"I wish there was something we could do for her. She must be going through a lot of pain right now."

Emma looked down at the table as she expressed her regret.

"Things really haven't been fun as of lately without Yu around."

"Mmm. Rina-chan board: Sadness."

Ai and Rina added their thoughts as well.

"How's Kanata?"

"She's fine. She's currently just resting at home. Her leg should be okay within a few days or so."

Emma smiled at Aruto as he asked his question.

"If she keeps this up, she's just going to go further and further down this negative mindset. We have to do something about it."

Setsuna reaffirmed herself as the group began to brainstorm ideas.

Aruto's phone began to ring as he was deep in thought.

"Ah. That's my phone. Hello?"

"This is Yua. I need you back at HQ."

"More work?"

"There's someone here that wants to talk to you."

"Roger. I'll be there as soon as possible."

He closed his phone as he looked at the girls.

"Sorry, girls. I just received a call from work. I'll have to leave the rest to you girls."

"It's fine. We'll tell you if anything comes up."

"Thanks, Ayumu."

Aruto left the clubroom as he made his way to Hiden Intelligence.

"Hello, everybody."

Aruto greeted everybody as Yua walked towards him.

"Good, you're here. Follow me."