They exited the Planetarium.
Hotaru and Tomori slowly walked toward the station, chatting about stars.
Seeing Tomori's excited expression, Hotaru almost couldn't bring himself to ask the next question.
However, if he didn't clear things up, Tomori might turn back into "Little Closed Lamp" tomorrow.
So, finding the right moment, Hotaru asked what was on his mind:
"Tomori, are you in a band?"
"Eh?"
Tomori looked up, startled. She hadn't expected such a sudden question.
After a brief silence, she nodded slightly.
"I… used to be in a band."
Then her head drooped again.
As expected, once the topic of a band came up, Tomori visibly sank into gloom.
[Stimulated Tomori's band memories. Music Notes +200]
…Hotaru's mouth twitched. He was running short on Music Notes lately.
But he hadn't intended to earn them from Tomori. Seeing her like this, it felt wrong—almost guilty.
Of course, it was better to have them than not, and this way he'd have more motivation to help her.
Still… when she said "used to be," did she mean she quit? Or that the band broke up?
"So, Tomori… was your bad mood yesterday also because of the band?"
"…Mm."
Her reply was soft. Remembering Xiang's cold gaze, Tomori shivered and shrank back.
A heavy aura settled around her.
Hotaru quickly reached out and gently stroked her short gray hair, comforting her like a small animal.
"Tomori, can you tell me more specifically?"
Encouraged, Tomori seemed ready to speak. She raised her head slightly—
But before she could, an uninvited voice cut in.
"Who are you?!"
"What are you trying to do to Tomori!"
A girl with long black hair suddenly stepped between them, shielding Tomori and glaring at Hotaru.
Their eyes met.
Hotaru blinked at the sudden intrusion.
The girl was only a little taller than Tomori. The tear mole beneath her left eye stood out, and like the blonde girl he'd met before, she too had rare violet eyes.
But these eyes were full of hostility.
Hotaru studied Rikki, and Rikki studied him back.
She had been wiping glasses during her part-time shift at RiNG when she noticed Tomori outside.
Tomori looked downcast, and standing in front of her was a guy.
Rikki immediately assumed Tomori was being bothered.
So she rushed over without hesitation, planting herself in front of Tomori.
Now, staring at Hotaru's handsome face, she felt an odd annoyance.
Rikki wasn't the type to swoon over looks. On the contrary—she thought this guy must be using his appearance to trick pure, kind Tomori.
And just now… didn't he touch Tomori's head?!
Her eyes darted to Hotaru's hand.
Unforgivable! She really wanted to—
Hotaru could tell she had completely misunderstood. Her hostility was obvious.
Still, since she clearly knew Tomori, he spoke:
"You've got it wrong. My name is Hotaru, and I'm Tomori's friend."
"Huh?"
Rikki blurted it out without thinking. Hotaru? That's what she calls him?
She quickly turned to Tomori.
"Tomori, is that true?"
Her tone softened at once, even tinged with nervousness—it had been a long time since she'd seen Tomori.
Hotaru stared in disbelief at how fast her mood had flipped. From her perspective, did he really look that suspicious?
Tomori let out a breath. Finally, she could explain.
"It's true, Rikki… Hotaru-kun is my friend. And also my deskmate, and club member."
Tomori glanced between the two, hoping this would clear things up.
But she didn't notice how much worse Rikki's expression grew.
"H-huh?!"
Too much to process—Rikki could only gape.
Hotaru-kun?! They're already on a name basis?! And deskmates, and in the same club? Just how far has this guy tricked her?
Hotaru looked at Rikki with an expression that said, Now do you believe me?
But Rikki just crossed her arms and gave a cold snort. Her hostility remained, though she wasn't as aggressively defensive as before.
Just as Hotaru was about to smooth things over—
"Um…"
"Tomori, Rikki, Hotaru-kun…"
Another voice joined in.
Soyo appeared, looking at the three in confusion.
"What are you all doing?"
She was inwardly surprised. She had only come to RiNG as usual to see Rikki, who worked there part-time.
Though she wasn't especially close to Rikki, Rikki and Mutsuki were the only Crychic members she could still meet easily.
By seeing Rikki, she could also ask about Tomori and gauge her feelings about Crychic.
But just now, she had spotted Tomori and Rikki together outside. And even more shocking—Hotaru was with them.
So it's true, she thought. Hotaru-kun really is close to Tomori.
From Rikki's expression, Soyo guessed there had been a small clash.
Afraid to miss this chance, she hurried closer, only slowing down once she was near.
Soyo gave them a gentle smile.
The three turned to her in surprise.
"S-Soyo…"
Tomori ducked her head again.
Rikki stayed silent, but noted that Hotaru also knew Soyo.
"Soyo?"
Hotaru looked even more bewildered. They all know each other? What are the odds?
Soyo nodded lightly, then, after a moment's thought, smiled at Tomori.
"How about we go inside the shop? It's not really the best place to talk out here."
Before Hotaru or Rikki could answer, she was already taking Tomori's hand and leading her toward RiNG.
She knew Rikki would follow if Tomori did. And holding onto Tomori also kept her from slipping away.
As for Hotaru… for now, he wasn't needed.
-----------------------------------
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