Sakuragaoka Shuka Academy, corridor outside Second Music Room
Hotaru scrolled his phone, bored, until the door stirred. Sakiko and Tomori emerged.
Their expressions suggested a smooth talk.
Sakiko squinted at Hotaru, then smiled gently at Tomori, "I'm heading back."
Tomori, flushed, nodded, "Mm… Xiao Xiang, bye-bye."
Sakiko stopped by Hotaru, earnest, "Thank you…"
"You don't need to thank me, your effort," Hotaru smiled.
Sakiko raised her arm—the one he'd held, once injured—feeling he downplayed his role. Without you, I'd stay cold, hurting Tomori, everyone.
Her situation barred facing bandmates openly, pride shielding her from pity. But she resolved not to hide forever, to tackle her debt, grow stronger, and face them fearlessly.
She took a deep breath, flashing a confident smile, "Don't overlook your contributions, or I'll be angry. See you."
Sakiko hurried off, less poised, blushing to her ears.
Hotaru paused, A succubus?
Tomori edged closer, watching Sakiko vanish around the corner.
Tomori looked disappointed.
Hotaru, puzzled—Sakiko seemed relieved, gloom lifted, unlike her tense meeting with Soyo—asked, "What did Xiangzi say?"
Tomori, open, "Xiangzi apologized, said she never blamed me."
Hotaru nodded. His and Rikki's reassurances hadn't eased Tomori's self-blame, but Sakiko's words carried weight.
"She wished the band well," Tomori added, "and… happiness."
Tomori, unsure of Sakiko's meaning, felt no true reconciliation. Xiangzi's different. Was it only because of Qiu?
She stared at Hotaru, eyes pulling like gravity.
Hotaru, unnerved, Sweating? No superpowers here.
"Wish you happiness?" Hotaru mused, A wedding blessing? Stop being cryptic, Xiangzi.
Tomori nodded, expectant.
"What did you say to her?" Hotaru asked.
Tomori froze, recalling Sakiko spoke while she only responded, saying nothing. Self-reproach hit. "I didn't say anything… wanted to thank her, apologize, invite her to see the band, meet Anon, Rana, Hailing… but couldn't."
Her fists clenched against her chest, regretful.
Hotaru nodded, understanding. "Important words are hard. Write them down for Xiangzi."
"Write them…" Tomori glanced at her notebook, thoughtful.
"You're a lyrical genius," Hotaru smiled.
Tomori blushed, shaking her head shyly, still stuck on lyrics for him and Anon.
-------------------------------
I've already posted the newest chapters on Patreon!
If you enjoy this story, come check them out and support me there too.
Here's the link: [pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your continued support!