The time that followed became Tomori's shining moment.
Hotaru and Anon only then realized that Tomori could also smile so brightly!
Now, Tomori wasn't a closed lantern anymore; she was a cheerful lantern.
After deciding to become Anon and Aki-kun's lead vocalist—yes, in Tomori's heart, she included Hotaru too—Tomori resolved to practice singing well this time.
She couldn't disappoint Anon and Hotaru's expectations.
She couldn't repeat past mistakes.
Looking at Tomori, who was holding the microphone and singing with effort, Hotaru couldn't help but wonder if this was the power of "a lifetime"?!
Could it be that he had overdone it?
No, no… Hotaru shook his head.
In contrast, beside him, Anon's mood was somewhat complex.
Her gaze lingered on Hotaru, and Anon decided that she absolutely had to get to the bottom of this later!
If it wasn't to cooperate with Hotaru, she wouldn't have said such words just now.
...
Another hour passed.
The KTV battle ended.
The three of them packed their belongings, ready to leave.
Before leaving, Hotaru glanced at Yoyoko next door again; she was still diligently practicing, with a lot of food left on her table.
Walking towards the station.
All the way, Tomori's lips curved slightly upwards; perhaps she didn't even notice it herself.
At the station,
"Aki-kun, Anon-chan, bye-bye."
Tomori waved goodbye to them with a hint of reluctance.
"Bye-bye." x2
Hotaru and Anon also waved.
Tomori's figure gradually disappeared.
"Uh, I still have something to do, so I'm leaving too."
Hotaru spoke first, then took a step, about to leave.
However, Anon's slightly cool fingers timely grasped Hotaru's wrist.
"Wait a moment!"
Anon's overly sweet voice reached Hotaru's ears.
Feeling the slight pressure from the girl on his wrist, Hotaru was forced to stop.
He turned his head, blinked, and spoke calmly, "What's wrong, Anon?"
Seeing Hotaru still acting as if nothing had happened, Anon was furious, gritting her teeth and saying, "Hotaru, is there something you forgot to tell me?!"
Clearly, Anon was referring to Hotaru's request for her cooperation earlier.
"Or, is Hotaru going to take responsibility for my lifetime?"
"Huh?"
Hotaru looked at Anon in horror, then took a few steps back to maintain distance.
"Your lifetime?"
"I didn't say that!"
Anon was slightly stunned.
Then, she belatedly realized that she had said something very misleading.
Anon's pretty face immediately flushed red, and she stomped her foot in shame and anger.
Did he really need such a big reaction, making it seem like she was being disliked?
"Then explain it clearly to me!"
"Well, this…"
"Please look at me."
"…I understand."
"That sounds a bit familiar!"
Hotaru mumbled, he had said the same thing to Hitori.
However, he wasn't Hitori; he wouldn't back down.
He met Anon's delicate face directly.
At this moment, she revealed sharp little fangs; if Hotaru couldn't give a clear explanation, Anon planned to punish him with her little fangs.
"Alright, I was just kidding with you."
Hotaru waved his hand, signaling Anon to calm down.
Then he continued, "But there really is something going on."
He still had to go to Starry for training.
"Hmph!"
Anon snorted softly; she didn't believe this guy's nonsense.
Changing the subject, Hotaru smiled and said, "Isn't this me helping you and Tomori get along?"
Anon's eyes widened as she looked at Hotaru and retorted, "When did I say I wanted to get along?"
"Don't you want to get along with Tomori?"
Hotaru said unhurriedly.
"You… how did you know?"
"It's obvious, isn't it?"
Seeing Anon's surprised expression, Hotaru seemed a bit helpless, and also found it a bit amusing.
"It's usually written all over your face."
Although Anon had only been there for two days, she would immediately try to get close to Tomori after class.
What else could that be if not wanting to get along?
So it was seen through… Anon felt a bit awkward, but still retorted, "Even if that's the case! I can't just give away my lifetime so easily!"
"Of course, I know that, don't worry."
Hotaru patted his chest, saying confidently.
Then, Hotaru told Anon about how he had also been invited by Tomori to spend a lifetime in the Astronomy Club.
Anon was very shocked; in her eyes, how was this any different from a confession?
Fortunately, after listening to Hotaru's explanation, she inexplicably let out a sigh of relief.
Hotaru then seriously explained that Tomori had experienced a band breakup, so she had some gloom and shadows in her heart.
And because of her inherent personality, she was quite… no, very heavy-hearted when it came to emotions.
Her concept of time was also different from everyone else's.
That's why she would say things like "a lifetime".
In short, it was Hotaru's analysis, and also the solution.
A moment later, Anon nodded, half-understanding.
After hearing Hotaru's words, she also let out a sigh of relief in her heart.
Simply put, it wasn't really about needing a "lifetime" band!
"So that's how it is! So we just need to make Tomori realize that a lifetime is not very practical, and at the same time not hurt Tomori, and also help Tomori overcome her band-forming trauma!"
Anon clapped her hands, saying excitedly.
Hotaru nodded, "I'll help too."
"Really?" Anon was a bit surprised, "No, you're supposed to help anyway."
"But you made me promise a lifetime!"
She added.
Hotaru, however, shrugged indifferently.
Anyway, he had already told Tomori he would help, so it wasn't a big deal.
"Then I'm leaving?"
"Mm… okay."
Anon replied.
"Ah, no, wait a moment!"
Hotaru had only taken two steps when she hurriedly waved again.
Hotaru turned back, looking at her in confusion.
Anon looked flustered, saying somewhat shyly, "Um…"
"By the way, I have a question."
"What other members does a complete band need?"
Hotaru was slightly stunned; he was a bit surprised that Anon didn't even know this. Was she really going to form a band?
"You don't know this?"
Anon gave a sheepish laugh.
"Just tell me!"
Hotaru looked at Anon suspiciously, but still patiently explained, "A guitar, drums, and bass are enough to form a traditional 3-piece combination.
So now you just need to find a bassist and a drummer."
Although he said that, Hotaru couldn't help but doubt Anon's motive for forming a band in his heart.
Had he chosen the wrong person for this "lifetime"?!
"Oh, oh!"
Anon listened patiently, thinking to herself, it really is necessary to have someone with band experience to help!
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