The city sparkled in soft pastel hues as Mio stepped off the train, the afternoon sun brushing her cheeks. The warm breeze carried the scent of summer flowers and sweet crepes as she looked around the bustling shopping district.
It was rare to have a day like this — no school, no stage, and no dark dreams.
Just a promise to meet Hina after school.
"M-Mio-chan!"
Mio turned, just in time to see Hina hurrying toward her, waving both hands, her soft beige cardigan fluttering behind her.
She stopped in front of Mio, breathless. "Sorry! I—I didn't want to be late!"
"You're not late at all," Mio laughed. "I just got here."
Hina smiled shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her cheeks were slightly pink from rushing.
They started walking down the pedestrian street, past colorful storefronts and little cafés. Paper lanterns and star-shaped streamers danced above them on strings, left from last weekend's festival.
"I've been wanting to come here with you for a while," Hina said softly. "But I wasn't sure if I should ask…"
Mio tilted her head. "Why not?"
"You've been… kind of busy lately," Hina said, hesitating. "And distracted."
Mio blinked. She noticed?
"I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean to pry."
"No, it's okay," Mio replied with a small smile. "You're right. I've just had… a lot on my mind."
They passed a window filled with glittering accessories, and Hina gasped quietly. "Ooh, look at that one!"
Mio followed her gaze. Inside, a display of shimmering hair clips shaped like butterflies and crescent moons sparkled under the lights.
"Wanna go in?" Mio asked.
Hina hesitated. "Is that okay?"
Mio gave her a warm look. "Of course."
The shop was small and cozy, filled with soft piano music and pastel shelves. Hina wandered quietly, her eyes wide with wonder. She picked up a butterfly clip — rose-pink, with tiny rhinestones — and turned it in her hands.
"It's so pretty," she whispered.
"You should get it."
Hina blushed. "I don't know… Would it even suit me?"
"It'd be perfect on you," Mio said with a smile.
After a bit of gentle coaxing, Hina finally bought the clip, clutching the little bag like it was a treasure. As they left the shop, the sunlight hit the clip just right, casting sparkles along her hair.
"I've never bought something like this just for fun," Hina murmured.
"Well, today's about fun," Mio said.
They stopped for melon soda floats at a café with outdoor tables, sipping quietly as they watched the people walk by.
Mio looked over at her friend. "Hey, Hina?"
"Mm?"
"Thanks… for inviting me today."
Hina blinked. "O-Oh… Of course."
"It's nice," Mio said. "Spending time like this. With someone who's just… normal."
Hina laughed softly, tucking her knees under the chair. "I don't think anyone's really normal."
Mio laughed too, but a flicker of something passed through her mind — the memory of her transformation, of dark light clashing with dream-born wings.
The weight of her secret tugged gently on her heart.
Hina didn't know. Couldn't know.
And Mio didn't want her to be dragged into that world.
Still, as the sun began to set, she found herself smiling.
Even with everything happening… there were still peaceful days like this. Small joys. Warm hands reaching out. A soft, shy voice that reminded her of the world she was fighting for.
Maybe, she thought, this is what I want to protect most.