The train arrived at the station.
Hotaru and Soyo stood under the shelter, looking at the platform, sighing in unison.
Rain poured, unrelenting.
Hotaru scanned the platform.
Wet ground, no debris.
Where were Neon's cheap transparent umbrellas?
Had everyone adapted to the rain?
"We'll have to walk back in the rain," Soyo said helplessly.
She didn't want to wait; home wasn't far.
Better to run.
"Okay," Hotaru agreed.
"Ah-choo!"
Soyo sneezed, hugging her pale arms, chilled by the wind.
Hotaru frowned, "Not good to get more rain."
Soyo shook her head, "It's fine, I'll shower when home."
She urged, "Let's go."
Hotaru stayed put, eyeing his bass bag.
No umbrella, so he targeted the bag.
Seeing him remove it, Soyo thought he worried about the bass.
Musicians cherish instruments.
Hotaru said, "Let's use this as an umbrella."
"Eh?" Soyo was surprised, confused. "The bass?"
Hotaru explained, "Bag'll get wet anyway. Better use it. It's waterproof."
Soyo blinked suspiciously.
Was he worried she'd get sick?
"Don't hesitate," Hotaru urged.
Bless me, Ikuyo, keep the bass dry, he thought.
They ran into the rain.
Hotaru held the bass bag above, tilting it toward Soyo.
It didn't stop their bodies from getting wet, but spared their heads.
Running, Soyo glanced at Hotaru.
Her lips curved upward.
The rain didn't seem so bad.
Distracted, she stumbled into Hotaru.
"Watch where you're going."
"I know!"
...
They reached their doorstep via elevator.
"Finally home," Hotaru sighed, unlocking his door.
As he stepped in, Soyo felt reluctant, grabbed his sleeve.
Hotaru looked back, confused.
Soyo suggested, "The bass... I have a hairdryer. Want to dry it at my place?"
"No thanks," Hotaru shook his head. "I have one too."
"Is that so..."
Soyo's expression dimmed.
Why would he have a hairdryer?
"What's that look? Can't a guy have a hairdryer?" Hotaru asked, puzzled.
"I understand."
Soyo lowered her head, disappointed, facing her empty house.
"Go in, your clothes are soaked," Hotaru reminded.
Soyo nodded, avoiding his gaze, whispered, "Today... thank you."
Hotaru waved, "I promised Mutsumi to look after you."
Just because of Mutsumi?
Soyo thought, but didn't ask.
At home, Soyo prepared a hot bath.
Changing, she noticed her chest was wet from the rain.
Hotaru might've seen!
Her cheeks flushed; she hid in the bathtub.
White mist filled the bathroom.
After bathing, Soyo changed into loungewear, planned dinner.
Her phone rang.
Her mother.
Surprise lit her face.
Soyo took a deep breath, steadied her emotions, ensuring her mother wouldn't notice her mood.
She answered gently, "Hello, Mom..."
...
After hanging up reluctantly, Soyo's hand dropped.
Her mother said the rain kept her away this week.
Tears of grievance fell.
Her vacant eyes stared out the floor-to-ceiling window.
Pitch black outside, thunderstorm roaring louder.
"Sure enough... I hate the rain..."
Soyo leaned against the wall, squatted, hugged her knees, buried her head, sobbing alone.
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