After the train pulled into the station, Bai Qiu and Nagasaki Soyo stood beneath the shelter and looked out toward the station exit.
Then, almost in unison, they let out a long sigh.
The rain was still falling steadily, with no sign of stopping anytime soon.
Bai Qiu glanced around the platform.
Aside from the rain-soaked ground, there wasn't a single piece of litter in sight.
Wasn't Japan supposed to have cheap transparent umbrellas lying around everywhere?
Why couldn't I find even one?
Have they all already been taken because of the rain?
"Looks like we'll have to run back in the rain."
Soyo said helplessly.
She didn't want to keep waiting here any longer. There was no telling when the rain would finally stop.
Fortunately, the high-rise apartment building where they both lived wasn't far from the station.
Rather than waiting endlessly, it would be quicker to just make a run for it.
"Sounds good," Bai Qiu agreed.
"Achoo!"
Soyo suddenly sneezed. She instinctively wrapped her pale arms around herself as the relentless cold wind made her shiver.
Seeing that, Bai Qiu frowned.
"I don't think you should be getting soaked in your condition."
Soyo shook her head.
"It's fine. I'll just take a hot bath as soon as I get home."
Then she urged him,
"Come on, let's go."
But Bai Qiu remained where he was.
He glanced at the bass guitar case strapped to his back.
Unable to find an umbrella, he set his sights on the case instead.
As Bai Qiu took the bass case off his shoulder, Soyo assumed he was worried about the instrument getting wet.
After all, musicians treasured their instruments.
Then Bai Qiu said,
"Let's use this as a temporary umbrella."
"Huh?"
Soyo blinked in surprise.
"But... your bass?"
Bai Qiu explained,
"Even if I keep carrying it on my back, the case is still going to get rained on."
"So we might as well put it to good use."
"Besides, this case is highly waterproof."
Soyo blinked suspiciously.
Is... he worried about me getting sick?
"Come on, don't hesitate."
This time, it was Bai Qiu urging her.
Please... protect the bass from getting wet, Kita.
He silently prayed in his heart.
The two of them dashed into the rain.
Holding the bass case over their heads like an umbrella, Bai Qiu tilted its wider side toward Soyo to shield her as much as possible.
Their clothes still became soaked, but it was far better than having the rain pour directly onto their heads and faces.
As they ran, Soyo secretly glanced at Bai Qiu beside her.
Without realizing it, the corners of her lips curved into a faint smile.
Suddenly...
The heavy rain didn't seem so unpleasant anymore.
Lost in thought, she stumbled and bumped into Bai Qiu.
"Watch where you're going."
"I know already!"
...
After taking the elevator upstairs, the two arrived outside their apartments.
"We're finally home."
Bai Qiu sighed as he took out his key and unlocked his door.
Just as he was about to step inside, Soyo was suddenly overwhelmed by an unexpected feeling of reluctance.
Before she knew it, she reached out and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt.
Bai Qiu turned around with a puzzled expression.
Soyo hesitated for a moment before saying,
"The bass..."
"I have a hair dryer at home."
"Would you like to come over and dry it?"
"No thanks."
Bai Qiu shook his head.
"I've got one at home too. I'll dry it myself."
"I see..."
Soyo's expression became rather subtle.
Why would a guy living alone even have a hair dryer?
Seeing the look on her face, Bai Qiu couldn't help asking,
"What's with that expression?"
"Are guys not allowed to own hair dryers?"
"I understand."
Soyo lowered her head, unable to hide her disappointment.
She would have to return to that enormous house... all by herself.
"Alright."
"You should head inside too."
"Your clothes are completely soaked."
Bai Qiu's words carried an obvious hint.
Soyo nodded.
Unable to meet his eyes, she quietly murmured,
"Thank you... for today."
Bai Qiu waved his hand casually.
"I promised Wakaba I'd look after you."
So... it was only because of Mutsumi's request?
The thought crossed Soyo's mind.
But she didn't ask.
Back in her apartment, Soyo immediately started preparing hot water for a bath.
As she changed out of her clothes, she noticed that the entire area across the front of her shirt was soaked through.
It had happened while they were running through the wind and rain.
A realization suddenly struck her.
Wait...
Doesn't that mean Bai Qiu might have seen it...?
Instantly, her cheeks flushed bright red.
Her face burned with embarrassment as she hurriedly slipped into the large bathtub.
Warm steam soon filled the bathroom.
After finishing her bath, Soyo changed into a comfortable set of loungewear.
She was just about to start making dinner—
When her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen.
It was...
Her mother.
A look of delight immediately spread across her face.
Soyo took a deep breath and carefully composed herself, making sure her mother wouldn't notice anything unusual about her mood today.
Only then did she answer the call in her usual gentle voice.
"Hello, Mom..."
...
Some time later...
Reluctantly, she ended the call.
Her hand holding the phone slowly fell to her side.
Her mother's words echoed in her mind.
Because of the heavy rain...
She wouldn't be able to come home this week either.
The next moment, tears of frustration and loneliness slid silently down Soyo's cheeks.
Her lifeless eyes drifted toward the massive floor-to-ceiling window.
Outside...
The night was pitch-black.
The rain poured even harder than before, while thunder rumbled continuously through the sky.
"...I really..."
"...still hate rainy days."
Leaning against the wall, Soyo slowly slid down until she was sitting on the floor.
She wrapped her arms tightly around her knees.
Burying her face between them...
She quietly cried alone.