"So! Slow! Haru, you're way too slow!"
"Making two beautiful girls wait ? He better at least treat us to tea as an apology!"
Arms crossed, Chihaya Anon wore a stylish, ultra-girly outfit, pouting as she glared at the park entrance. Next to her, Takamatsu Tomori stood timidly, like a frightened woodland creature.
Tomori looked helpless in the face of Anon's frustrated muttering.
It was the weekend, and since the band had officially formed, the group had planned to hold their "First Official Band Meeting" at RiNG.
Anon had decided to gather three of them first, then head to RiNG to meet up with Shiina Taki, who was working today. She also had big plans, brainstorming the band name, designing uniforms, and other fun things.
But here they were, ten minutes past the meeting time, and Kazami Haru still hadn't shown up.
Late to the very first band meeting?! What a slacker!
Anon could only mentally punch Haru's dumb face twice. When she saw him later, she was definitely going to get money's worth like a gacha whale.
"I-I'm sorry... It's all my fault."
"Eh? Why are you apologizing, Tomori? He's the one who's late!"
"Haru went back to school to get my notebook... if it weren't for me..."
Tomori's voice got smaller and smaller. Her expression darkened. She blamed herself for Haru going out of his way and now being misunderstood by Anon. Her guilt almost brought her to tears.
The heavy aura she gave off made Anon's head throb instantly.
Panicking, Anon rushed to correct herself. "N-no, of course it's not your fault, Tomori! If there was a reason, then fine—just this once, I won't blame him!"
Her reassurance worked, and Tomori's mood gradually brightened.
Having spent the last few days with Tomori, Anon had started to get a sense of her personality. Just one careless word could send her into a depressive spiral, especially when it involved Kazami Haru.
Just as Anon pulled out her phone to check the time, a LINE message from Haru popped up and instantly lifted her spirits.
"Huh? Haru just sent a message!"
"Let's see... [You two go ahead. I'll be there later.]"
Anon's jewel-like gray eyes went wide. A certain phrase was just about to burst out of her mouth, but when she remembered Tomori was standing right next to her, she bit her tongue and forced it back down.
Damn it, this pretty-faced trash!
If they were closer, she would've definitely grabbed his cheeks and stretched them into a punishment pancake.
"Geez, fine, whatever..."
"Tomori, he says he'll come later, so let's go meet Taki at RiNG first."
Sighing, Anon took Tomori's hand and led the way. In her head, she was already plotting out all the ways she would complain to Haru once he showed up.
It was peak weekend hours—everyone wanted to make the most of their time.
That included a certain refined young lady from Tsukinomori, who had decided to use her break to visit RiNG.
"Mutsumi is definitely hiding something..."
Nagasaki Soyo, elegant and poised, narrowed her eyes slightly as she walked down the street in a light, mature-style dress that didn't quite suit her age. A gentle, composed smile rested on her face.
Her striking figure and refined aura immediately marked her as someone from a well-to-do family.
Her grip on her shoulder bag tightened.
Until now, she had never seen Wakaba Mutsumi hesitate.
Even though Mutsumi was always quiet and expressionless, she also couldn't lie to save her life.
And Soyo, who had known her for so long, could tell instantly when something was off.
Had Mutsumi already managed to contact Sakiko?
If so, why didn't she say anything?
Or... was there something she couldn't say?
A sharp glint flashed through Soyo's eyes as she quickened her pace.
If she remembered correctly, Shiina Taki was working today.
Taki, another former CRYCHIC member, would definitely be at RiNG as usual.
Soyo planned to use this chance to feel her out, maybe Taki also wanted to restart the band.
No, she was sure Taki wanted to.
As long as Tomori is still around—
Suddenly, a flash of vivid pink streaked past the crowd ahead.
Even in a bustling crowd, that bright sakura-colored hair stood out. It caught Soyo's attention. Just a quick glance, but enough to make her eyes widen and her pupils contract in surprise.
The girl walking next to the pink-haired one... looked extremely familiar.
There was no mistaking it. Soyo recognized her instantly.
What a coincidence... Maybe—
Soyo didn't hesitate. Who knew how long it would be before she had another chance to find Takamatsu Tomori?
Like someone drowning clinging to their last hope, she quickly made her way toward them.
Chihaya Anon was still chatting cheerfully with Tomori when a soft voice suddenly called out from nearby.
Hearing that familiar tone, Tomori turned her head. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw who it was.
The woman wore a soft blue lace-trimmed blouse and a beige floral skirt that reached past her knees. Even in loose clothing, her figure was impossible to hide.
With her elegant big-sister aura and warm smile, her mature charm stunned even Anon for a moment.
Seeing Tomori recognize the woman, Anon blinked in confusion.
Who is this girl who looks like some rich lady raised in luxury?
And wait, she knows Tomori?!
What is going on here?!
"I knew it! Long time no see, Tomori-chan~"
Soyo stepped in closer, eyes lighting up as she confirmed Tomori's identity. Her intelligent blue eyes sparkled with relief, and her elegant composure gave way to visible excitement.
She clasped her hands together and beamed from the heart.
It's really her. It's really Tomori.