The girl's violet eyes had just now been soft as water, yet in the next instant they narrowed with a glint as sharp as a blade. That gaze fell cold as winter snow upon the nape of his neck, her discontent practically written across her face.
She had thought he came especially to see her, only to turn and ask about where to find Tomori instead?
She believed she had hidden that faint sting of disappointment well, but of course it could never escape Haru's eyes. He slowly reached out, draped an arm over her shoulder like a teasing friend, and spoke with a sly half-smile.
"Jealous?"
"Hah? Who are you talking about?"
Shiina Taki only made a token attempt to shrug him off, then folded her arms in resignation when she realized she could not break free.
But Haru, who had just been teasing her, suddenly fell silent. The abrupt shift made her restless all over, her pretty face, like something out of a painted scroll, blushing furiously. Even her gaze turned sharp, though it held more fluster than malice.
She shot him a fierce look, then pointed off in a direction with a pale fingertip.
"Tomori's already here. Just go to the practice room and you'll find her. If there's nothing else, let me go. I still have work."
She turned her face away, refusing to look at him. Her long black hair shimmered like cool satin as it fell past her waist, the ends slicing arcs in the air as she moved, betraying her mood more than words ever could.
Haru could only shrug helplessly.
He had actually been looking for a chance to invite Taki out on a date. But every day she was either practicing, composing with intensity, or busy with logistics.
If Haru wanted to see her alone, he would probably have to ambush her at her front door.
As Umiri had once hinted, expecting Taki to take the initiative to ask him out or act spoiled was asking too much. Only when the two of them were truly alone could he glimpse the shy tenderness buried deep inside her.
"Sorry, Taki. I really do have something to talk about with Tomori today."
"I know. Just go already."
To his apology she only gave a soft snort. To others, Taki was a sharp-tempered girl, hard to approach, her tone always pressed with authority. But in truth, she was someone who understood things very well.
Otherwise, she would never have become one of the people Haru trusted most.
The black-haired girl stood tall and cool, arms folded across her chest, pretending she wanted nothing to do with him. Yet her long hair shifted just enough to expose the flushed tip of her ear.
How could anyone resist that?
"Wait—"
Taki's eyes widened in shock as Haru suddenly leaned down. The faint scent of flowers brushed against her as his lips pressed gently, sweet warmth spilling over her own.
By the time the mischievous kiss ended, Haru only winked, waved, and darted off in retreat.
"Thanks, Taki. You're as beautiful as ever today."
"Idiot—!"
Her face was burning red as she shouted after him, then pressed her hand to her lips, standing frozen for a long moment before remembering her job.
"Really, now my lip gloss is all smudged…"
Her words carried complaint, but not a hint of real anger.
Her brows, usually sharp as blades carving through first snow, had softened as her lashes lowered. A sweet curve touched her lips, honey-sweet, lending even more allure to her flushed face.
Too much time wasted already. She had to get back to work.
But when she turned toward the bar counter, she spotted Matsugi Ririko propping her chin on one hand, watching with a knowing smirk. Her gaze seemed to say, "It's fine to take a half-hour break, you know?"
In an instant, white smoke practically burst from Taki's head.
She...she saw everything?!
At the practice room entrance, Haru could almost feel the sharp gaze stabbing into his back. Pretending not to notice, he slipped inside quickly, only to find Tomori sitting quietly in a corner, something cradled in her hands.
"Hm?"
A flicker of surprise passed through his eyes, but he held his tongue.
As he approached, he noticed the little penguin was holding a notebook, its pages filled with line after line of lyrics. The words were familiar enough to make his brows rise.
"Haruhikage?"
"…!"
Tomori's small body jolted in fright. In a panic, she snapped the notebook shut and started to stand, but Haru's hand was quicker, brushing gently along her back to steady her, helping her calm down.
Still, her eyes carried a trace of unease as she asked softly, "Haru, why did you come to the practice room today…?"
"Because I noticed you seemed a little absent-minded these past few days. I couldn't help but worry. Sorry for being the type who fusses too much… Maybe someday even my daughter will find me annoying."
Ignoring the cold floor, Haru sat down beside her, lips tilted in a self-mocking smile. When she lowered her head, flustered, he reached out to stroke her soft gray hair with gentle fingers.
The familiar warmth of his touch made Tomori close her eyes, her tiny body leaning against his shoulder. Breathing in his comforting scent, the faint loneliness in her chest slowly melted away.
"If something's bothering you, talking about it helps. Keeping it locked inside won't solve anything."
He smiled softly, then coughed, feigning seriousness.
"Of course, if you'd rather not say, that's fine too. Just staying here like this with me is pretty nice."
"Mm…"
Tomori looked up with amber eyes, hugging the notebook. She nodded, uncertain but determined, her small hands balling into fists as if gathering strength.
Perhaps for her, the courage she thought she lacked was already there. When she finally steadied her heart, she was able to take that step forward.
"If it's with you, Haru… I don't mind."
Haru took a deep breath, gazing at her with calm intensity.
"I'm listening."
The notebook contained the words of CRYCHIC, their past. But that band had been dissolved abruptly by Sakiko's reckless decision. It vanished, leaving only unfinished business in everyone's hearts.
Though Sakiko and Tomori had since reconciled, apology and forgiveness softening their distance, watching Ave Mujica's performance had stirred a faint sorrow in Tomori.
Because they could never play together again.
"…."
Haru gently lifted the lyrics notebook, the words of "Haruhikage" that carried her heart. Closing it was like shutting a door between past and future. He took Tomori's small hand, as if holding the cradle of memory itself.
"Tomori, how do you feel about CRYCHIC now?"
His question made her pause. Resting in his arms, her brows knit faintly with lingering sorrow. After a moment's hesitation, she whispered,
"…I still love everyone from CRYCHIC. But CRYCHIC is gone now. What I want more is to treasure MyGO. I want to be with Anon, Taki, Soyo, Raana… and you, forever in our band."
Her soft words carried a quiet conviction, enough to make Haru smile, eyes closed. He returned the notebook to her hands.
"You're right."
The black-haired boy rose, stretching lazily.
"I think Sakiko feels the same. The knot from CRYCHIC is still binding her too. Since she once chose to create it, she should also take responsibility to bring it to a proper end."
"Hm?"
Tomori blinked in confusion, not quite understanding. Seeing her like that, Haru only smiled in satisfaction and reached out his hand.
"Tomori, let's hold a Live."
"A… Live?"
She blinked, dazed, then her eyes widened in realization. Haru nodded gently.
"Let's say goodbye to CRYCHIC."
Goodbye.
Tomori understood the weight of that word. Her heart throbbed with its meaning. Even if she felt lost, she remembered the promise she made when MyGO first began.
Even if lost, press forward.
"I… understand."
Their palms met.
Her eyes glimmered like spring streams, lashes trembling like wings.
If she did not know what to do, she could sing. If she did not know how to go on, she could step forward.
Haru's hand was already extended toward her. How could she not respond?
By his side, she would never be afraid. By his side, her voice could reach out from the depths of her heart.
Through song.