[ Before he's even done speaking, Ai cuts across him. ]

Is this some kind of joke?

[ Her voice trembles, as does her breath on a shaky, wet inhale. Even without being able to see her, it's clear why this was an audio call and not video.

She's crying. ]

If this is supposed to be f-funny, I don't— [ Another sharp intake of breath. ] What's wrong with you!? Was messing around with my phone not good enough? I haven't done anything wrong, I haven't done anything at all since I got home and— Is that what this is? Are you angry? Is this some kind of threat, if I don't go back to B-Komachi, you'll—

[ Once again, her voice cracks. Her composure has fractured to pieces, too. In its place is a gruesome blend of ugly emotions — anger, humiliation and fear all bleeding together into something that can only make its way out of you in tears. ]

I didn't do anything wrong! [ Again, louder, even as her voice breaks: ] I didn't do anything wrong! You and Ryosuke-kun and all the rest of them, why can't you— why can't you just leave me alone?!

[ Finally, she runs out of breath. The words stop pouring out.

But if the sharp, breathy noises on the call are anything to go by, she hasn't stopped crying. ]