Sunday afternoon, RiNG
Soyo's probing revealed Kairin was Rikki's classmate, and Soyo, Rikki, and Tomori were ex-Crychic members.
She stared at Hotaru, wondering why he overlooked her, a skilled bassist, for Kairin.
Not the time to ask. Relieved to join, she picked at her nails, plotting, I'll drive out the extras.
Determination flashed in her blue eyes.
[Formed band with Tomori, Anon, Rikki, Soyo, Nika, Kairin, Notes +3600]
Hotaru ignored Soyo's gaze, thinking, Not my fault. His excuse: You skipped the show, so I invited Hailing.
Rikki and Soyo joining was unexpected.
What would Mutsumi and Sakiko think? Start another band?
Rikki, eyeing Tomori, vowed, "I'll protect her this time."
Kairin, calm, anticipated playing with Rikki.
Tomori's eyes sparkled, face flushed, smiling warmly. New band, old and new friends, thanks to Aki-kun. I'll try harder!
Anon, grinning innocently, "Created a group chat, added everyone."
As she started discussing the band name, Shinji Rinko interrupted, "Rikki, your shift's starting."
Rinko glanced at Nika, relieved. Rana's found a band.
"Okay," Rikki stood, apologetic to Tomori, "Can't walk you home."
Tomori shook her head, "It's fine, I'm hitting the planetarium."
No practice today; they prepared to leave.
Entrance
Hotaru walked beside Soyo.
Anon noted, "I only know you and Tomori. She's gone to the planetarium. Walk with me?"
She grabbed Hotaru's arm, "Wait! Got questions."
Hotaru nodded, turning to Soyo, "Go ahead."
"I'll wait," Soyo said quickly, questions burning.
"It'll take a while," Anon said, twirling her hair, smiling at Soyo, "Head back first."
Soyo gritted her teeth, Damn pink-haired girl. Smiling, "Don't stay out too late, Bai Qiu-jun."
Anon blinked, "Sounds like you live together."
Hotaru rolled his eyes.
Soyo smiled, turned, face darkening as she left.
Hotaru and Anon walked another way.
Anon complained, "Rikki and Soyo were Tomori's bandmates."
"Rikki?" Hotaru questioned.
"Sounds like a monkey's cry," Anon giggled.
"Don't say that to her face, or she'll deck you," Hotaru warned.
"We're bandmates now," Anon waved off.
Hotaru sighed, "Didn't expect them both today."
"Why not recommend them earlier?" Anon asked. "Band would've formed sooner."
"Your position would've been awkward," Hotaru said. "Plus, Tomori needed a fresh start."
Anon blushed, "So considerate!"
"Don't overthink it. It's for Tomori too," Hotaru clarified. "Didn't expect this outcome."
Anon pouted, Bad at cheering up. "We still need to teach Tomori 'forever' isn't real."
"I know," Hotaru said.
Anon panicked, spotting something, "I forgot, Mom needs me to buy stuff!" She fled, pink hair trailing.
Hotaru, dazed, She called me, then ditched? Guilty conscience?
Two JK students approached, "That girl looked like Chihaya, our old student council president."
"Chihaya? She's studying in England, not vacation time."
"Same hair, back…"
"Let's ask that guy."
"He's my type," one giggled.
Her friend rolled her eyes, "Wait up."
They blocked Hotaru, eyes shining.
"Sorry to bother," one said shyly. "Know the pink-haired girl?"
Hotaru nodded, "Yeah, what's up?"
"She's like our president," one said. "Wanted to say hi, but she ran."
"She's abroad," the other added.
Hotaru pieced it together—Anon's secret. "You're mistaken. She's in my band, has social anxiety, not a president."
Anon, you owe me.
"She left for an urgent errand," he added.
"Sorry, our mistake," they said.
"Told you it wasn't her," one sighed.
Hotaru excused himself, spotting Mutsumi. "I'm off."
"Wait, can we swap contacts?" one asked, blushing, phone out.
Her friend looked hopeful.
Hotaru smiled, "If we meet again, maybe then."
He left, chasing Mutsumi, Way more interesting.
The girls sighed, disappointed, then giggled, "Let's come here often, make 'chance' encounters!"
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