Sora no Mori Aquarium
Tomori fixated on penguins, plump yet agile, swimming gracefully. One lone penguin floated in a corner, dejected, sad eyes catching her focus.
Her hand touched the glass. "Are you lost too?"
Hotaru and Anon called her. Tomori turned, joyful, then flushed, ashamed—she'd promised to find Anon but ended up here.
"Tomorin, sorry I ran off," Anon laughed. "What's with your face?"
Tomori glanced at Hotaru, shy. "Said I'd look for you, but came here…"
Hotaru smiled, Classic Tomori.
Anon comforted, "I'm happy you chased me! Rikki was right, my fault, I didn't try hard."
Tomori grabbed Anon's wrist. "Anon worked hard! You said to keep moving forward, helped me form the band, so…"
She pulled out a paper with a maze and cryptic phrases. "Even if lost, I'll move forward!"
Her amber eyes glowed. Anon, moved, squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Tomorin."
To Hotaru, "Let's move forward, even if lost."
Anon spotted her classmates, calling, "Wait!"
She waved to them. "Chihaya President?"
They were surprised. Anon pointed to Hotaru and Tomori. "We're here too."
Hotaru smiled; they returned it, earning Anon's glare.
What's that about? Hotaru thought.
Tomori gripped Hotaru's hand tightly. "Thanks, Aki, couldn't find Anon without you."
"Just gratitude," Hotaru noted. "Writing songs for us?"
Tomori nodded. "My songs are from the heart, different views of you and Anon."
"Write for Anon first," Hotaru suggested. "You'll find the lyrics."
Tomori blinked, thoughtful. "Anon works hard… I've got inspiration. Next time, I'll write for Aki!"
Her grip tightened, eyes intense. Hotaru, caught, agreed, "Okay."
Tomori smiled brightly.
Anon, to classmates, bowed. "Sorry! Bai Qiu lied."
"What?" they gasped.
"I failed study abroad, now at Haneoka, in a band," Anon said calmly. "Come see our RiNG show!"
She ran off, spotting Hotaru whispering to Tomori. Sly!
Classmates, watching her, mused, "Does she like Bai Qiu-jun?"
"Think so."
"Compete with her?"
"Can't back down from love."
RiNG Live House
Rikki and Soyo sat by the entrance, guarding Tomori's and Anon's belongings. Rinko offered to store them, but Rikki insisted on waiting. Soyo stayed too, bored alone.
Rikki felt guilty, rethinking the live show. Maybe not. It's a team.
Soyo, guessing her thoughts, "Someone had to say it."
Rikki leaned, silent. Soyo hadn't expected Anon's exit but saw opportunity. Nika's easy, Kairin's tricky.
Anon's voice interrupted. Hotaru returned with Anon and Tomori, smiling, bathed in twilight.
Soyo stiffened, envious. He brought her back?
Her gaze shifted, but she couldn't be mad at Hotaru.
"Tomori, you…?" Rikki asked, puzzled, sensing a change.
"Sorry, I ran," Anon said, back to her puppy-like self.
Rikki, startled, shook her head. "No, it's nothing…"
Hotaru smiled at their belongings. "You took them out."
"Thanks, Rikki," Tomori said.
Anon, moved, thanked her too.
Rikki, embarrassed, tilted her head. "Too talkative," she muttered to Hotaru.
Anon's eyes shone. "Rikki, I'm doing the live show!"
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