The sky darkened, and a heavy rain suddenly arrived.
Hoshino Miru had just come out of the bookstore and was about to open his umbrella when he heard crying sounds approaching from the distance.
Not far away, he saw a girl completely soaked in rain, paying no attention to the gazes around her, crying loudly while walking toward the crosswalk across the street.
She was crying very loudly. It was the first time Hoshino Miru had seen someone cry with the kind of despair that seemed like their prepared meal had been stolen.
Although she looked pitiful, no one stopped to help. People even actively avoided the crying girl, unwilling to get involved.
Hoshino Miru looked around and noticed someone holding an umbrella, standing motionless in place, watching the girl's departing figure with a gloomy expression.
Had they had a fight?
From an outsider's perspective, it was easy to reach such a conclusion.
After thinking briefly, Hoshino Miru opened his umbrella and walked over.
Only when he got close did Hoshino Miru notice that the person's shoes were quite wet with rainwater. The white socks originally hidden inside were gradually soaked, revealing the jade-like color of ankles with a sticky feeling.
However, the person seemed completely unaware.
Hoshino Miru looked away and gazed toward the crosswalk ahead. The girl's figure was almost disappearing into the crowd and rain curtain - miss her now, and she'd be gone in a blink.
"If you don't chase after her, she'll be gone."
Hearing Hoshino Miru's voice, the person finally seemed to notice his presence, glanced up at him, then lowered their eyes again and hugged the umbrella to their chest even tighter.
The person didn't speak, remaining silent.
Hoshino Miru didn't mind - many people react this way to strangers trying to talk to them.
After waiting a moment, Hoshino Miru spoke again: "Walking home soaked in rain like this, you might catch a cold."
His reminder got a reaction. The slender, fragile body trembled slightly, as if gathering courage.
Then the person's eyes grew dim again, staring blankly at the street where the girl's figure had long disappeared, showing a sad expression.
"I... I messed up again..." the person spoke for the first time, but their voice grew quieter and quieter, sounding dejected. "Everyone... the band is going to end."
Hoshino Miru almost couldn't hear what she was saying, but hearing the word "band," he could guess some of the reason.
The girl in front of him appeared to be middle school age, wearing a long dress. Her exposed skin was tender and flawless, her gentle eyebrows showed no arrogance, and her delicate lips with faint lines were slightly pressed together, looking very uncomfortable.
During adolescence, having small conflicts with band friends over trivial matters was common.
Maybe someone wasn't practicing hard enough, leading to arguments and blame among teammates, or perhaps someone frequently missed practice, making it impossible for everyone to practice and perform normally.
In any case, Hoshino Miru felt such situations were normal, especially for bands still in their adjustment period.
"If you don't mind, I can help you give her the umbrella," Hoshino Miru actively extended his hand. "It just so happens that her direction home is also my way back."
Perhaps not expecting this stranger to offer help, the girl stood there stunned.
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