I'm trying my hardest to cheer Noriko up.

She looks at me in the passager seat and gives me a weak smile.

I can tell what Ryu did is killing her.

We're going to Hitomi's birthday party tonight.

It was my idea to get her out of the house and have fun.

I just hope it works.

She grabs my hand suddenly and holds tight when she sees Hitomi's home.

"Kouta, what if they don't like me?" she says quickly.

I grin.

"They'll love you Noriko. "