The sweltering heat of midsummer had quietly faded.
Crisp, yellowed leaves floated down like they had ridden the tailwind of summer's end, gently landing in Kazami Haru's palm.
As the temperature gradually dropped, he donned a pitch-black long coat suited for the season. With shoulder-length black hair to match, his entire presence exuded a calm, refined air. The flowing lines of his silhouette made him the natural center of attention.
"Autumn's here, huh…"
Kazami Haru slowly closed his eyes, murmuring softly as if offering a quiet reflection.
The three-day-long Haneoka High School Culture Festival had finally come to a close, its last chapter written with the end of the bonfire night.
MyGO!!!!!, who had once tasted bitter defeat at the hands of Kessoku Band onstage, had lain dormant for days in silence, but now that silence was beginning to stir.
One might have expected the girls to need time to recover from the setback. But to his surprise, they had shown remarkable resilience. Barely taking a few days to rest, they'd already resumed intense weekly practice.
The one who had changed the most was the little penguin, the once most fragile of them all. She was the first to bounce back, rallying the others to start training anew.
Neither Soyo nor Taki, who had clashed emotionally during their last live performance, brought up the incident again; an unspoken agreement had formed between them.
Perhaps because she now knew something had shifted between Soyo and Kazami Haru, Taki had begun speaking to him with a strangely hesitant awkwardness.
Still, overall, MyGO was clearly on the rise again.
[Kita Kita: Haru-san, Haru-san~ Have you already left? I'm almost there!]
There was still time before their agreed meeting, but Kazami Haru, who was used to waiting for others, had already arrived at the spot ahead of schedule.
With the culture festival behind them, today was a rare day off, and he'd chosen to accept Kita's invitation for a date.
After all, she'd given her all during the festival, poured everything into her performance and came out shining. A small "request" like this, just a simple date, left Haru with no reason at all to say no.
[CompostKing: I'm already here. You should be able to spot me under the park's streetlight.]
[Kita Kita: Eh?! You're already there?! I'll fly over in three seconds!]
Who just summoned Konoha's Yellow Flash?
Immediately after that message, Kita sent two ridiculously cute cat stickers in rapid succession in a smooth and snappy like a perfect combo move.
Even through the screen, Haru could feel her bright, burning energy bursting through the network, that overflowing sunshine of hers reaching him like heatwaves.
He hadn't even had time to comment when a flash of red caught his eye from afar.
The spirited red-haired girl lit up the moment she spotted him, breaking into a quick trot with that boundless energy she seemed to have in endless supply. A joyful smile curled at the corners of her lips as she clasped her pale, slender hands behind her back, approaching in quiet delight.
Her nimble steps were like those of a fairy, effortlessly capturing Haru's gaze as always.
"Three seconds, huh? You really meant it?"
"Hehe~ That's because I didn't want to keep you waiting!"
Kita Ikuyo's eyes sparkled with a natural glow as she answered in a playful tone, a slightly dopey smile spreading across her face.
She wore a cream-colored wide-sleeved jacket over an orange-red long-sleeved blouse, radiating the same warmth as a flame. But as she reached him, she paused for a brief moment, only to lock eyes with him, her gaze refusing to move.
Crap. Haru looks way too handsome today!
Having spent a good amount of time picking her outfit and doing her makeup, Kita could only stare in admiration. Then she realized she'd been looking too long, and flusteredly turned away, scolding herself in her mind for being such a hopeless face junkie.
Barely two seconds of hesitation, and she spoke up, a little nervously:
"I made a reservation at this really popular dessert place that's been all over the internet lately, okay? If we don't go soon, we might miss the reservation time! Their 'couples' special set sells out super fast... if we're late, we might not get it!"
So you just had to emphasize the word "couples," huh? If you've got a crush on me, just say it, Kita-chan.
Haru, having already seen right through her intentions, raised an eyebrow slightly and replied with crisp clarity, "I don't recall hearing anything about you making reservations at the shop in advance."
"Don't tell me that did you already plan out the entire course of today's date, and now you're just following each step in order?"
A strange two-second silence followed.
"Ahaha~ What are you talking about, Haru-san? Is that some kind of jojo reference?"
Don't think a pretty girl can just laugh her way out of everything.
But judging from her reaction, it was likely that Kita Ikuyo really had prepared the whole date in advance. With her powerful drive and initiative, she probably had this all planned for a while now. It wouldn't be surprising if the schedule smoothly stretched all the way through to dinner.
"Ikuyo-san, don't tell me you've even planned what we're doing after dinner?"
"..."
Just moments ago, her face had been full of bright, sunny smiles. But now Kita's expression froze, the sweetness of her smile stiffening in a way that felt just a little unnatural. Haru, who had only asked out of curiosity, instinctively leaned back as if in tactical retreat.
And then, a terrifying possibility struck him...
She didn't go so far as to reserve a hotel too… right?
But no, she probably wouldn't have the guts for that.
If today's date were with Yamada Ryo, then maybe. That girl acts on impulse without a shred of logic.
Compared to someone like Ryo, who could hatch a wild plan at any moment, this sunny and cheerful Kita seemed far more innocent and endearing.
"Don't just space out, Haru-san! Anyway, let's get moving already!"
So she dodged it after all.
…
The clattering of the train echoed in their ears, the car lightly swaying as it sped along the curved tracks.
Seated inside, Kazami Haru stared out the window at the constantly changing scenery. His face was blank, but inwardly, his thoughts were anything but calm.
Maybe it was because it was a holiday, the train car was more crowded than expected.
Holding onto a stainless steel rail, Haru braced himself to shield Kita in a corner. Their proximity made Kita lower her head slightly, her cheeks flushed.
At this distance, she couldn't help but rest her face against Haru's chest.
With each moment of closeness, she could faintly feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and his slightly uneven breath. Her cheeks had already turned a bright red, the heat almost unbearable, and a quiet whimper escaped her lips.
For the first time, she was really thankful for being petite!
"Are you okay like this?"
"Y-yeah, I'm fine! I just didn't expect this car to be so packed. I guess everyone's out having fun on the holiday."
Kita glanced around the crowd. A quick scan revealed a striking number of couples. Clearly, a lot of people had chosen this day for dates.
Wait… don't Haru and I look like a couple to everyone else too?
Haru had no idea what she was thinking. He only knew that if they stayed this close, it might not end well.
Kita had a tendency to sweat easily. But what Haru hadn't expected… was how nice she smelled.
Despite the thin layer of sweat forming on her delicate neck from the crowd and heat, the subtle scent of her skin from somewhere between a girl's fresh perspiration and a soft floral perfume was somehow refreshing and pleasant.
He felt a little ridiculous thinking it, but...
He was starting to get curious. After a full day out on this date, what would those cute, clean white socks of hers smell like once she took her shoes off?
It had to be Rudeus's fault. The guy was rubbing off on him.
"Your last performance was really impressive. I know I've already said this a bunch of times, but… on stage, Ikuyo, you were absolutely glowing. You've really come a long way from where you started."
To keep himself from spiraling deeper into his thoughts, Kazami Haru quickly pivoted to another topic. He hadn't expected it to fluster her so easily, Kita Ikuyo immediately lowered her eyes shyly.
"N-no way! I don't deserve that much praise…"
But if she really thought about it, her motives hadn't exactly been pure.
She had only worked that hard because she wanted to stand beside Kazami Haru. That's why she made that wild bet with Chihaya Anon. It was in the name of pushing herself forward, even if it meant declaring war on her own fears.
Haru didn't hold back with his compliments. For a girl who had fought so hard, there was no such thing as too much praise. So, with a gentle smile, he looked at the red-haired girl in front of him and said:
"And since there's praise, there should be a 'reward' too. Is there anything you want, Kita?"
"Eh? That's so sudden…"
Kita lightly pressed her lips together. This kind of temptation, how was she supposed to say no?
And what exactly did "reward" mean for someone like Haru? Did any request go?
No, stop... If she kept thinking like that, her head really would start to overheat…
After a moment of quiet thought, she came up with an answer. But it wasn't something she could say out loud just yet. So, cheeks tinged pink, she replied seriously:
"I haven't decided yet! Can I tell you later?"
"That's fine… but if I forget, then it's off the table, alright?"
"Ehh! That's not fair!"
Kita Ikuyo looked up quickly, a hint of panic in her voice. But what met her gaze was Haru's teasing smirk. Clearly, he was just messing with her to see her reaction.
Kita, flustered and annoyed, puffed up her cheeks slightly and muttered, "Haru can be so mean sometimes…"
Still, she was happy.
Maybe it was that happiness that brought something else to mind, and a small crease formed between Kita Ikuyo's energetic brows.
"By the way, Haru-san, is it really okay for you to be out on a date with me right now? I remember MyGO had some conflicts after the last performance, didn't they?"
Something about the thought seemed to stir unease in her heart. Her mood shifted, and she instinctively placed a hand over her chest. In her yellow-green eyes, a faint shadow of concern began to surface.
Recently, Haru had told her a bit about the situation with MyGO.
Even though Kessoku Band had pulled off a stunningly successful live show, MyGO had stumbled into a major failure and suffered a crushing defeat.
Kita could still recall the vacant look on Anon's face during the performance, and it worried her deeply.
Even though their battle had been fought honorably, for one side to lose that badly…
"I think I asked Nijika to let you all know, didn't I?"
"I said I might be tied up helping MyGO for a while, so I might not be able to join band activities or meetings. Even though you girls worked so hard to put on such an amazing performance… All I could do was offer a few words of congratulations. I imagine that must've been disappointing."
Kazami Haru offered her an apologetic smile.
He truly couldn't spare the energy to focus on Kessoku Band right now. Even someone as kind and understanding as Nijika was probably a little let down. Let alone Kita, who had poured her soul into that live performance.
He still owed all of them a proper apology, and a real celebration for their success.
"That's not true at all!"
But Kita Ikuyo wasn't having it. Her usual beaming smile was tinged with a hint of frustration. Pressing her right hand against her chest, she looked up at him with bright, resolute eyes.
The next moment, without hesitation, she bumped her forehead lightly against Haru's chest.
Headbutts again? Are all redheads secretly exorcists?
"Sure, it's a little sad we can't celebrate the performance together… but we all understand that Anon and the others need your help right now!"
"Even if it's just as a 'friend,' I definitely don't want to see Anon and Tomori's band falling apart. Besides…"
Besides, he had come out on a date with her today.
That last thought made Kita recall something from the live show. While Nijika and Bocchi had clearly been worried about MyGO's performance, Ryo-senpai had watched the stage in her usual calm silence.
Even after MyGO left the stage, she hadn't looked away once.
Later, she even asked where Haru was, but stopped asking once she learned he was helping MyGO.
Still, Kita couldn't shake the feeling that something was different about Ryo-senpai that day.
There had been something off about her, and even during the after-party, she seemed distracted, staring at her phone. She hadn't messaged anything in the band's Line group for days, even with no practice sessions.
"At the time, yeah, things with MyGO were kind of 'complicated.' But over the last two days, they've mostly recovered and found their rhythm again. Tomori and Anon have started practicing once more."
"If your group slacks off now, they'll probably come back and crush you at the next live."
"We're not losing to anyone!"
Kita straightened her posture with serious determination, which brought Haru's mind back to that night.
The first to slip up and spiral into guilt was Anon. She'd left the venue first, unlike Taki, who exploded like a grenade, or Soyo, who started acting weird and passive-aggressive.
But Anon, despite being the first to leave, was also the quickest to return to normal.
On the surface, she seemed fine. But having run numerous "simulations" with her, Haru felt something wasn't quite right.
"..."
He had, in fact, invited Anon to the aquarium on the day of the show. That promised date was fast approaching. If she was still hiding something… once they met, Haru would figure it out instantly.
After all, that silly pinkhead wore her emotions all over her face.
Their close contact didn't last much longer. Soon, the train came to a halt.
The dessert shop Kita had reserved was near the train station's shopping street, a trendy area lined with all kinds of stores. Young people bustled by constantly, and the scene was no different from Shibuya, where even girls in flashy makeup were a common sight.
But Kazami Haru had underestimated something. He had lowballed Kita's boldness.
"..."
The red-haired girl, her fair cheeks slowly turning red, picked up her pace. And in the process of getting off the train, she naturally slipped her fingers between Haru's in a full-on finger-laced hold.
Even the tips of her ears turned bright red, as if wisps of steam were about to rise from them.
Kita was getting awfully good at holding hands.
Maybe realizing he was watching her flustered face, the ever-sunny girl awkwardly ran her hand through her slightly tousled hair, explaining in an overly casual tone:
"The dessert place we're going to… their couples set is really, really delicious, okay? And the whole thing is only for actual couples. If the staff noticed anything off, it could get kind of awkward!"
Yeah, your real goal has nothing to do with dessert.
Maybe too shy to let Haru see how red her face had gotten, Kita started walking faster. Her vibrant red ponytail swayed behind her in graceful arcs, the scent of her shampoo subtly trailing in the air.
Anyone who doesn't find her cute has no soul.
"Welcome! Table for two?"
Soon, the pair arrived at the highly popular dessert shop. The moment they walked in, a long-haired black-haired waitress greeted them with practiced cheer.
The smooth professionalism helped Kita shake off her nervousness. She quickly pulled out her phone and answered brightly, "Hi! I'm Kita, I made a reservation for the special set!"
The waitress glanced at Haru, eyes sparkling with curiosity, and asked gently, "Oh? Which set would that be?"
"Eh? The, um, the store's signature…"
"Could you say the full name, please?"
Even the ever-social Kita Ikuyo faltered.
Her eyes flicked toward Haru with a nervous, embarrassed glint. Seeing her actually speechless for once, Haru quietly gave the waitress a mental thumbs-up.
Powerful. Utterly powerful. Respect.
Kita's lips quivered as her eyes trembled. Then, with a deep breath and a full-blown blush, she surrendered to fate and declared in one desperate breath:
"The Ten-Year Anniversary Flavored Couples Lovey-Dovey Passionately In-Love Super Sweet Eternal Romance Combo…!"
"—Wait. That's seriously what it's called?"
Even Haru, who had been quietly enjoying her reactions up to now, couldn't help himself.
Why could Kita manage to say such a ridiculously long name all in one breath?
"Got it, you're the guests with the reservation then~"
Even the black-haired waitress seemed slightly stunned as she looked at Kita, who was now covering her face. Still, she chuckled softly and led the two of them to a U-shaped booth by the window.
The seat was just the right shape and size for Kita to lean closely against him. Whoever came up with this layout deserved a medal.
"Haru, you promised me a 'reward' earlier, right? I want to use it now!"
Maybe she had subconsciously blocked out the embarrassing moment earlier, because she now held her tiny fists with determination. She pulled out her phone from the pocket of her skirt and, gathering her courage, said:
"...Can we take a photo together? I want to keep it as a memory…"
Haru blinked in surprise. Of all things, he hadn't expected that to be her reward. After thinking it over for a second, he said, "Ikuyo, are you sure you want to use your 'reward' on something like this? We could take pictures together anytime."
"Mhm! This is enough~"
Kita Ikuyo narrowed her yellow-green eyes into a cheerful smile and leaned into Haru.
As she suddenly closed the distance, a soft, pleasant scent drifted into his nose. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him from the side and pressed her chin affectionately against his shoulder.
It was her first time truly embracing him.
Her quickening heartbeat seemed to transmit through her skin to him, and the heat of her blushing cheeks revealed just how overwhelmed she was with joy. Even she hadn't expected herself to act so boldly.
At that moment, the two of them had surely crossed the line from "just friends."
Click!
The shutter captured the scene. The girl smiled as radiantly as a flower in bloom.
…
Fragments of sunlight filtered through the curtains into the room. A girl with long cherry-pink hair gently placed her guitar into its case, beams of light playing off the wooden floor.
Sitting on the ground, Chihaya Anon slowly lifted her head, her pale gray eyes dull and lifeless.
Her fingers brushed across the guitar's surface, then gently glided over the muted steel strings.
"Come to think of it, the last time the strings broke, it was Haru who replaced them for me…"
Her murmured words of reluctance faded into silence. Sitting cross-legged, Anon shook her head slightly, then placed both hands on the guitar case, as if taking one final look before sealing it shut.
The moment she closed her eyes, she firmly pressed the lid down.
Like a complete idiot.
Anon bit her lip as she stood up slowly, her expression heavy. Dressed and ready to go, she grabbed the suitcase she had packed and quietly opened the door, drawing the attention of her family downstairs.
Her mother, sipping from a teacup, let out a soft sigh and asked in a slightly resigned tone, "You're really going back to study in London, just like that?"
"…Yeah. I won't 'run away' again this time."
Anon's grip on the suitcase handle tightened. She stared down at the luggage like she was clinging to her resolve, never once daring to meet her mother's eyes.
Mrs. Chihaya hadn't expected her daughter to act so decisively. The moment Anon made up her mind to study abroad again, she packed within two days and even bought the plane ticket herself.
As a mother, though, she could clearly see how reluctant her daughter really was, yet still forcing herself to follow through.
Furrowing her brows, she asked:
"Did you and Haru-kun break up?"
"That's not it…"
Anon's eyes shimmered with a quiet sorrow. She tried to raise her gaze and refute it, but in the end, she lowered her head in defeat.
Every part of her body was screaming for her to stay, begging her to stop walking. But she could only force her legs forward, clinging to the belief that this was her only way out.
She really was the biggest idiot of them all.
Haru had told her so many times, she couldn't keep running away. If she was going to leave, at least she should do it with her head held high.
"Anon, at the very least, you should say goodbye to your friends."
"…I know."
Afraid she might hesitate if she lingered, Anon turned without another word and headed out the door with her suitcase.
She opened her phone and looked at the familiar MyGO group chat. After a moment's hesitation, she quietly exited the group. Then she opened her chat with Kazami Haru.
Her finger hovered over the touchscreen, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't bring herself to type a single word.
Her eyes dulled with despair, she let out a long breath. Remembering her mother's words, she switched over to her chat with Takamatsu Tomori.
Cautiously, she typed out the message. Only after hitting send did she put her phone away like a deflating balloon.
That counted as a proper farewell… didn't it?
[I'm leaving to study in London. Please tell everyone that I'm sorry.]
...
Tomori, holding her phone, immediately noticed the notification, Anon had left the group chat. Panicked, she opened Anon's profile to message her.
Before she could type anything, a message arrived.
Her pupils contracted sharply.
Anon… was leaving?
Tomori's mind went blank. She never imagined it would end like this.
Frantic, she sent message after message to Anon. But after that one message, there was no reply.
It felt like a heavy weight had been placed on her chest, leaving her utterly powerless.
So this is how it ends? Everyone going their separate ways?
Tomori's expression stiffened, but in her eyes, a flicker of determination began to burn.
She opened Haru's chat at once and typed faster than she ever had before.
[Haru, Ano-chan is flying away!]