"Mutsumi, where are you?"
"I…"
Before Mutsumi could respond, a stern voice cut in, "Piano lessons ended long ago, right? Hurry back, I haven't told your father."
Sen Mina, Mutsumi's mother, a famous actress.
Soyo whispered to Hotaru, "Mutsumi's mom."
Hotaru nodded, having guessed from the call.
Mina seemed less strict than Mutsumi's father.
She didn't scold Mutsumi for being out.
More approachable than the rule-setting dad.
Mutsumi was about to say "Yes," but Hotaru shook his head.
She hesitated.
"Mutsumi, listening?" Mina asked.
"Hmm… I don't want to go home," Mutsumi said.
"What?" Mina paused, thinking she misheard.
Mutsumi lowered her head, silent.
Hotaru whispered, "Lend me your phone."
He gestured.
Mutsumi was stunned.
Soyo's eyes widened; what was he doing?
Mina's confused voice continued.
Hotaru took the phone. "Hello, Auntie Sen Mina, sorry for interrupting. I'm Hotaru, Mutsumi's friend."
Mina paused, then replied, "Mutsumi's… friend?"
A male voice surprised her.
As an actress, she calmed quickly, wary. "From her old band?"
"No, but I know Sakiko and Soyo from it. Met Xiao Mu by chance," Hotaru explained, nearly saying "Xiao Mutou."
"We're at Soyo's house."
"I see," Mina softened, relieved he knew Sakiko and was with Soyo.
"You took her phone to say something, not just greet?"
"About Mutsumi. She's delayed by heavy rain," Hotaru said.
"Rain?" Mina was surprised; Mutsumi had said she didn't want to go home.
Second time Mutsumi rebelled—first was leaving the band.
Mina grew curious about Hotaru.
Realizing Mina wasn't home, Hotaru said, "You're not home, right?"
"Right," Mina confirmed, filming a drama.
Hotaru held the phone to the window, letting rain sounds through. "Listen."
"Hmm, I hear it."
"Rain's too heavy, with thunder. Unsafe for Mutsumi to go alone."
"You're right. Can you take her home?"
Hotaru was surprised; she wasn't playing along.
"I'd be happy to, but taxis are hard now, and she'd get soaked."
"Rain's harmful; easy to get sick."
"I'll send a driver?"
"How about Mutsumi staying at a friend's? What do you think?"
Stay over? A guy suggesting Mutsumi stay out?
Mina took a deep breath.
Hotaru added, "At Soyo's house. I won't be there."
"How will you get home?"
"I live next door."
Mina paused. Bold kid.
"What do you think, Auntie?"
"Good suggestion. I'll consider. Let me talk to Soyo."
Hotaru handed the phone to Soyo.
Soyo, dazed from fever or shock at Hotaru's boldness, reacted after two nudges.
"Hello, Auntie, I'm Soyo, Mutsumi's classmate. She visited me today," Soyo said softly, hoarse from her cold.
Mina smiled; Soyo was a Tsukinomori heiress.
"Hello, Soyo. I've wanted to greet Mutsumi's band friends."
"Old band" stung Soyo. Why assume Crychic disbanded?
"We should've greeted you, Auntie," Soyo said.
"Thanks for caring for Mutsumi. She's never out this late; I'm worried."
"Sorry for the trouble. About staying over…"
"Give the phone to Mutsumi."
"Okay," Soyo said, caving to Mina's assertiveness.
Hotaru shook his head.
Mutsumi took the phone. "Mother…"
"I understand. You can stay at Soyo's tonight. I'll explain to your father. Come home early tomorrow."
Mutsumi's mouth opened, "Okay…"
"Tell Aki-kun he's welcome at our house. Soyo too."
Call ended.
"Mom… agreed," Mutsumi said softly.
Hotaru and Soyo beamed.
Mutsumi looked bewildered, clutching her phone, inner turmoil evident.
Looking at Hotaru, a strange feeling stirred, unlike with Soyo or Sakiko.
Her heart beat faster than during heavy metal.
Unfamiliar, but calming.
Staying at Soyo's? A first.
Her eyes shimmered on Hotaru.
He'd done what Sakiko couldn't.
Soyo noticed Mutsumi's odd behavior, smiled, "Mutsumi, what's wrong?"
Mutsumi shook her head.
"You can stay tonight."
Mutsumi nodded, happy.
Soyo relaxed, overthinking eased.
"Mom said Aki-kun should visit."
"Eh?" Hotaru and Soyo exclaimed.
Mutsumi awaited Hotaru's reply.
"If there's a chance," Hotaru coughed.
Dinner was pleasant; they finished the pasta.
Soyo took her medicine.
Hotaru expected her to sleep, but she wasn't tired, wanting to watch a movie.
…
Kitchen.
Hotaru washed dishes; Mutsumi wiped them, movements slow, precise, bowls gleaming.
Her lips curved slightly.
Soyo, on the sofa, picked a movie, glanced at them.
A strange pang hit—blamed on her illness.
She chose a movie, then called hoarsely, "Done washing? Use the dishwasher?"
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