Soyo hadn't heard what Hotaru said just now.
External sounds no longer mattered to her.
Her azure blue pupils were clouded with grey, and the sudden heavy rain brought back unpleasant memories.
When her parents separated in childhood, it was raining heavily.
The last time Sakiko left, it was raining heavily.
Now, it was raining heavily again.
Why... why is it always like this?
What did she do wrong for the world to treat her this way?
And Mutsumi, Mutsumi also left.
She said she'd stay with her.
"Liars... they're all liars..." Soyo murmured silently.
For the gloomy Soyo, this rain added fuel to the fire.
Rain hit the ground, her clothes, her cheeks.
"Soyo, it's raining, run!" Hotaru shouted, turning to the station for shelter.
He remembered her state wasn't right, looked back.
Sure enough.
Soyo stood frozen.
Rain hit her face, indistinguishable from tears.
Hotaru turned back, complained, "Hey, this isn't time to space out!"
He grabbed her wrist, ran to the station.
Her wrist was slender, soft, icy cold after the rain.
Hotaru didn't have the mind to feel it; he didn't want to stay in the rain.
"Don't mind me."
Soyo wanted to say.
But Hotaru's pull dragged her along.
With Sakiko's experience, Hotaru avoided raised stones, led Soyo into the station.
Scattered passersby also ran for shelter.
"Hoo..."
Hotaru sighed, rain dripping down his hair and face.
"Now broadcasting an announcement..."
The broadcast rang out amidst the rain, drawing attention.
"Due to heavy rain, the train is expected to be delayed. Please wait patiently, passengers."
The broadcast repeated the delay message.
Everyone looked troubled, grumbled, sighed helplessly.
Hotaru heard, turned to Soyo, said,
"Ah, bad luck. Let's find a place to sit."
Soyo lowered her head, pursed her lips, face streaked with water, expression melancholic, right hand on her drooping left arm's elbow.
To outsiders, they might look like a couple post-fight.
Seeing Soyo still unresponsive, Hotaru took her soft, cold wrist again.
Soyo showed no resistance, mechanically following.
He promised Mutsumi to get her home safely, right?
Another day of good deeds.
Hotaru thought.
Finding an empty spot, he ignored Soyo for now.
Hotaru checked his bass bag for rain damage.
His companion fought with him all day!
Fortunately.
Ikuyo's bass bag was waterproof. The outside was damp, but no water seeped inside.
The bass felt dry, cool.
Hotaru plucked the strings twice.
The deep bass sound resonated, proving it was fine.
He set the bass aside.
Hotaru offered Soyo tissues, advised,
"Here, it's not worth being this sad."
Soyo didn't react, still lost.
Don't want them?
Hotaru rolled his eyes, took back the tissues, dried himself.
Suffer then.
After a while, Hotaru asked,
"Want a tissue?"
Too soft-hearted, Hotaru shook his head.
Soyo still didn't react.
Hotaru said, "Talk, or people will think I'm bullying you."
Seeing her, he doubted she could get home safely alone.
Soyo, cried and rained on, had no color in her face, hair messily stuck to her face.
Hotaru put the tissue in her hand, reminded,
"You look a mess."
Soyo's lips moved, paused, said,
"I told you not to mind me."
"She spoke," Hotaru said, slightly joyful. "How can I not?"
Good that she can talk.
He feared she'd bottle it up, leading to foolish actions.
Soyo whispered, "They all left."
"Well..."
Hotaru pondered.
"Mutsumi-san had something to do, so she asked me."
"I won't leave casually."
"Is that so...?"
Soyo's eyes regained some clarity.
"Mhm mhm."
Hotaru nodded affirmingly. It's on the way home.
"Hurry, wipe yourself."
Soyo's fingers moved, slowly wiping water, tidying hair.
Hotaru took the chance, said,
"Sakiko-san was right. We must look forward."
"Hmm... but her words were cruel."
"Want me to talk to her for you?"
To Hotaru, Sakiko's words seemed to cut ties with Soyo.
Scary.
Hearing Hotaru, Soyo stopped, said,
"You're not allowed to badmouth Saki-chan!"
"Or bully Sakiko!"
"Huh?" Hotaru was surprised, said irritably, "I'm sticking up for you!"
"I wouldn't bully her."
"Then..." Soyo paused, tone weaker, "You can't slander Sakiko..."
Hotaru said speechlessly, "Sakiko, Sakiko. If you like her so much, why not be with her?"
"Hmph."
Soyo huffed.
"Since you like bands, form a new one?" Hotaru asked.
"Form a new one?"
"Yes, a new band."
"Crychic is irreplaceable!" Soyo reacted defensively.
"Nothing is irreplaceable."
"Crychic is!"
"No."
"Crychic is!"
...
"I see, alright."
Anon, your bassist and drummer have a long way to go.
Hotaru shook his head, grumbled,
"You're obsessed with Crychic."
Soyo turned away, unhappy.
I'm obsessed with Crychic, so what?
Forming a new one, easier said than done.
Those who haven't felt Crychic's beauty wouldn't understand.
Soyo only wanted Crychic, only wanted to band with Crychic members.
This wouldn't change!
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