The paparazzi won't be so easily thrown off. Even as Mutsumi stiffly stumbles along after Kalim, the mass of camera-toting snoops just moves to keep up with them with twice as much fervor. A secret rendezvous between supposed school friends?! The questions start to sound distant and tinny to Mutsumi, drowned out by the sound of her own heartbeat.

She knows she has to do something. The Nova Knights have a job to do, and Kalim is counting on her, too. But the situation is swiftly escaping her control. Mutsumi, overwhelmed, finally freezes in place, and the cameras swarm around them.

Hey...don't you think you're pushing yourself too hard?

She can feel a hand reaching out to her.

You're not alone, Mutsumi. So let me help, okay? I'll take care of everything!

She's frozen for a couple of moments, her breathing shallow, but then she straightens up, brushing her hair away from her face. She smiles at Kalim, turning her hands palms up.

"Can't get these guys to go away without giving them something, huh?" She links arms with Kalim and leans in cheerfully. "If they're going to take a picture anyway, we might as well smile. You'll all be fine with just one picture, right?"