RINA: "Um, there's something I want to talk to you about... Do you think what I'm doing seems unfair to other people?"

AKI: "Huh? Rina, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

RINA: "Oh, um, I'm not down or anything. It's just...I can't help but wonder what other people think of me.
Thanks to you and Ai. I have more followers on social media. I'm really happy about all the comments.
There are some people even saying they want their own Rina-chan Board."

AKI: "That's an interesting idea, maybe we could make an app for that or something?"

RINA: "You see...My Rina-chan Board is a magical tool that let's me convey my feelings to the world.
But people don't know about that part, so they think it's just my gimmick as a school idol."

AKI: "I see...I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions there."

RINA: "It's okay. Maybe it's unfair for me to hide my face behind my board..."

AKI: "No, I don't think so at all. It's an important invention made by you and Ai."

RINA: "But...everyone wants to see my face. I like looking at someone's face when I talk with them, too.
I used to be able to talk normally, you know. Seriously. I don't know when it started, but I eventually couldn't figure out what facial expressions I should be making."

AKI: "Do you know why that happened? Would you be okay talking about it? I don't want to force you to do anything you're uncomfortable with, Rina."

RINA: "There's no particular reason, I don't think. I think it's a problem with my heart."

...?!

AKI: "What do you mean?"

RINA: "My parents have always been busy with work, and as I got older, they were at home with me less and less.
But they called me, texted me, and wrote me letters and stuff. Even though what I wanted most was to just have a meal with my family.
My parents have really important jobs. Jobs that help people. So I feel like I have to work really hard, too.
I have to show them I'm self-sufficient so they don't worry about me. I even taught myself how to be alone on nights and weekends."

AKI: "..."

RINA: "So I'm fine with being alone, but no matter how funny a TV show is or how good a book is, I've grown unable to smile. I can't even do it when I'm having fun talking with friends at school.
That made me lose my ability to talk with my friends, and then I lost my ability to make facial expressions."

AKI: "..."

RINA: "No matter how much I want to be friends with someone, everyone always thinks I look angry, or that my blank expression makes me seem fake, or that they can't read me. It's hard."

AKI: "I..."

RINA: "But then I met Ai and we made the Rina-chan Board. I became a school idol and I have an amazing support network. I'm really happy now."

AKI: "I...had no idea. For you to go through such loneliness...it's... I don't know what to say. I just..."

RINA: "The nights alone were really tough at first. But not being able to talk to anyone really took a toll on me."

AKI: "It's just... It's really tough, being alone. I'd say I know that feeling, but... Nothing I went through compares to that. When my parents gained promotions they spent less time at home, now I only see my Dad once a year. But I always had Ayu to keep me company... Having nobody at all, I...I can't bear to imagine what that was like for you."

RINA: "I'm sorry, I forgot about your situation."

AKI: "No, don't worry about it. I'm just worried about you is all."

RINA: "Don't worry, after all the help and love everyone has given me... It's why I want to connect with more and more people. But if my Rina-chan Board is unfair, then I shouldn't use it."

AKI: "If you choose to stop using it, I'll support you. But like I said before, I think it's a part of you.
Your fans and followers like you for you. They can connect with you, with or without your Rina-chan Board.
And as for the people who think it's just a tool? They probably haven't seen you perform live. Probably got all their info from that TV segment...
So today, why don't you post a video from one of your solo events? I have one I can send to you."

RINA: "A video?"

AKI: "If they watch the video, they won't think it's just a tool."

RINA: "You think so? Alright, I'll give it a shot."

AKI: "After that, you can decide if you really want to stop using your Rina-chan Board.
There's nothing wrong with seeing their reactions to your show before making a decision."

RINA: "Yeah... Let's do that. Thanks."

AKI: "Now that I think about it... I've never seen your face, Rina."

RINA: "I-I don't think I'm ready for that yet..."

AKI: "Don't worry about it. With or without the board, you're amazing."

RINA: "...?!"

AKI: "Are you okay?"

RINA: "I-I'm fine... Rina-chan Board says 'all smiles'."

AKI: "I'm happy to hear that."