Tsukinomori Academy, lunch break, courtyard
Mutsumi watered her cucumber and tomato seedlings, relaxed.
Soyo, in Tsukinomori's green dress, approached. "Xiao Mu, watering again? Cucumbers look great."
"Mmm…" Mutsumi responded.
Silence. Soyo rubbed her nails, then said, "I formed a new band."
She watched Mutsumi's face, expecting a reaction.
Mutsumi, already informed, nodded calmly.
Soyo, disappointed, forced a smile. "Xiao Mu, join us later?"
Mutsumi's watering paused. Soyo hasn't given up… trouble for Xiangzi, Hotaru.
She stayed silent, focusing on her plants.
Soyo took it as consent, laughing, "Eat together?"
Mutsumi nodded.
Sakuragaoka Shuka Academy, Second Music Room
Tomori, flustered at the door, pained Sakiko. She glanced suspiciously at Hotaru. His plan?
Hotaru's mouth twitched, I'm innocent.
"Saki-chan…" Tomori's soft voice echoed.
She knew Sakiko avoided them, hadn't told Rikki or Soyo they shared a school.
Following piano sounds after a lyric-writing block, she stumbled upon Hotaru and Sakiko.
Does Qiu know Xiangzi? Can he bring her back?
Sakiko, face tightening, wanted to leave.
Tomori, hurt by her coldness, moved to flee.
"Tomori, don't run!" Hotaru shouted, grabbing Sakiko's wrist.
Sakiko's eyes widened, confused. Why me?
"Sorry, grabbed the wrong person," Hotaru whispered, loosening his grip. "Xiangzi won't run, right?"
Sakiko's indifference faded, lips bitten pale. Run now, look weak? She stayed.
"Isn't this a chance? Tell Tomori," Hotaru urged. "Can't hide forever."
Sakiko clenched her teeth, knowing she'd face Tomori for three years unless she transferred—impossible now. Cold shoulder forever? I can't.
Tomori's innocent, moving forward.
Hotaru released her wrist. Sakiko felt a strange loss.
"I haven't eaten, leaving with Tomori," Hotaru said, awkward.
Lame excuse, Sakiko thought. You made me stay.
She sighed, brows relaxing. "Wait."
Hotaru paused, relieved.
"You're right," Sakiko said, bitter. "I'll talk to her."
"No, I'll call her," Sakiko insisted, resolute.
She called softly, "Tomori, can we talk?"
Tomori, surprised, hesitated.
Hotaru approached, "Tomori, Xiangzi's waiting."
He ruffled her hair, encouraging.
"Mmm," Tomori nodded, gathering courage.
Hotaru closed the door, leaned on the railing, leaving them.
Sakiko felt guilty; Tomori was blameless. She approached, tidying Tomori's hair.
"Saki-chan…"
"Mmm… Tomori…"
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