Tsukinomori Girls Academy... Mutsumi glanced at Soyo's message on her phone.
She sighed inwardly and did not reply.
CRYCHIC Band had broken up a week ago, and the split was becoming final.
She couldn't grasp Shouko's exact thoughts, but they clearly leaned toward Sakiko's side.
Yesterday she had eavesdropped on Shouko's song outside the door; she could feel Shouko was aggressive and ambitious.
A week had passed, yet Soyo still knew nothing about Sakiko—meaning Shouko had told her almost nothing.
Tomori and Rikki would probably be hard to persuade as well.
If Soyo could recruit others for a new band, that would be fine; it would let her move on and spare Mutsumi the endless indirect questions about Saki.
And then the already-hurt Sakiko would suffer no more.
If only she hadn't taken Saki to that show that day...
Compared with ordinary schools, Tsukinomori Girls Academy—full of the wealthy and powerful—was strictly run.
Coming from Minato School, Shouko had to wait at the gate until the nurse confirmed her visit before she was allowed inside Tsukinomori.
After a quick glance at the Moon Forest campus, it was clearly on a different level from the other academies.
Every building on campus overflowed with Western aristocratic flair.
Classic, stately, elegant… the greenery was just as distinctive, nothing like what you'd find outside.
The architecture alone could fill every parent or student who walked through the gates with instant awe.
In short: the money… was well spent!
However… classes were in session, so none of Moon Forest's young ladies were in sight.
Following the directions given at the gate, Shouko reached the infirmary where Soyo was resting.
"Oh, you're from another school? That uniform's from Minato, right?"
"Yes. Soyo has some family trouble, so I came."
"Mm, your friend's asleep—keep your voice down."
With that, the doctor led Shouko inside.
Although this was a school for Moon Forest's elite daughters, the doctor—well-versed in the ways of the world—showed no disdain toward the Minato student.
Or rather, working in this aristocratic school had honed the doctor's ability to read people.
The gap between Minato School and Moon Forest Girls Academy was immense.
Yet Shouko, here for the first time, showed not a trace of timidity.
Her eyes and expression brimmed with confidence.
Most importantly, it wasn't the forced kind—it was genuine.
How could she be so fearless, so self-assured?
The doctor didn't know the details, but such poise had to come from solid backing.
After all… this was Moon Forest; the friends its young ladies made were hardly ordinary.
The older you grow, the more you realize school is just a stepping-stone—it doesn't define everything.
"This student's condition is rather serious…"
The doctor brought Shouko to Soyo's bedside.
She quietly repeated to Shouko the explanation she had given Soyo earlier.
"Thank you for the trouble."
"It's nothing. When you get back, make sure she rests—she's carrying a heavy heart."
"I understand. Thank you."
"All right, stay here and watch her. There's one more bottle; please hang it when the time comes. I need to step out briefly."
"Of course. Go ahead, I'll keep an eye on things."
With Shouko's reply, the doctor turned and left the infirmary.
Now… the not-so-small, not-so-large room held only Shouko and Soyo.
Shouko pulled a stool to Soyo's side and gently held the hand without the IV.
Sensing the touch, Soyo slowly opened her eyes in a daze.
"Sleep a little longer. When the drip's done, we'll go home."
"Thank you, Shouko…"
"Mm, sleep a bit more."
"Okay…"
For some reason, Soyo felt the hand holding hers was wonderfully warm.
All her earlier insecurities seemed to vanish in that instant.
She drifted into a deep, sweet slumber.
She dreamed her bond with Shouko growing ever deeper… and, through her efforts, the shattered CRYCHIC Band gradually reunited.
Everything was moving in a better and better direction.
Even her mother slowed down, spending time with her, listening to the band's ups and downs.
How wonderful… half-asleep, she heard voices outside.
Unwilling to leave her happy dream, Soyo only woke after being called several times.
"Soyo, the injection's done. Let me take you home."
"Mm, thank you, Shouko."
Still fuzzy, Soyo got out of bed as though in a dream.
She put on the brand-new hooded jacket Shouko had brought.
Following Shouko, she rode the train home in a daze… to Haneoka Girls Academy, Brass Band Club.
Sakiko, feeling guilty, cracked the door and peeked inside.
OK, no one there.
She clenched her small fist and glanced around.
Then, carefully, she stepped into the Brass Band room and shut the door.
She exhaled a long, slow breath and gazed at the black piano gleaming in the sunlight, a radiant smile blooming across her face.
Sure enough, no one's here—I can squeeze in a little practice.
She hurried to the piano and carefully lifted the lid.
Running her fingers lovingly over the keys, Sakiko finally sat down.
Still, she couldn't help glancing back—the door was shut.
All right, let's start. These two days I just need to pin down when the Brass Band Club shows up.
Her pale fingers danced across the black-and-white keys.
To regain her touch and stay alert for intruders, Sakiko chose a piece that was gentle and unhurried.
Time drifted by... Lost in the music, Sakiko didn't notice the door behind her ease open.