Tuesday.
Early in the morning.
End Band group chat.
Nijika sent a message saying she was sick and reminded Hotaru and Ryo to take care of themselves.
Also, End Band's practice might need to be postponed for a few more days.
After seeing it, Hotaru replied with concern:
Nijika, please rest well at home. If you need any help, you can ask me.
He earned a wave of Nijika's goodwill.
Ryo, on the other hand, asked Nijika if she wanted to go to her family's hospital.
Bocchi secretly wondered if she had infected Nijika.
After school.
Planetarium.
To cheer up the dejected Tomori, Hotaru invited her here.
Originally, Yui also planned to come along, but after discovering that she couldn't even read sheet music, Mio had no choice but to personally teach her.
And Tomori was also planning to go to the Planetarium. When she was in a bad mood, she usually went to the Planetarium or the aquarium.
She had intended to invite Hotaru too, which could also serve as an Astronomy Club activity. Of course, she would handle writing the club report.
However, the sensitive Tomori was particularly worried that Hotaru might not have time, since he seemed quite busy, so she hesitated.
Fortunately, Hotaru spoke up first.
The two hit it off immediately.
Now, Hotaru was buying tickets.
Tomori waited obediently beside him like a small animal.
She had an annual pass, allowing her to enter anytime within the year without needing to buy tickets repeatedly.
A rare, faint smile graced Tomori's face. This was the first time someone had been willing to accompany her to the Planetarium.
"Let's go, Tomori."
After buying the tickets, Hotaru smiled at her.
"Mm, okay…"
Tomori nodded hesitantly, then clung to Hotaru's side like a small penguin.
Inside the Planetarium.
Since it was a weekday, there were very few customers.
This suited Hotaru's preferences perfectly.
He liked going to the cinema when there were few people, as it felt like having the whole place to himself.
The environment inside was dim, with only the oval projector and some star-patterned decorations emitting faint light.
Led by Tomori, Hotaru arrived at her usual seat.
Tomori sat on the aisle side, and Hotaru sat to her left.
With Tomori's help, Hotaru learned that the soft chairs here could recline until the whole body was lying flat.
Slowly opening his eyes, the vast starry sky above came into view, with stars twinkling faintly.
At this moment, it was as if the entire universe was sparkling just for him.
In addition, pleasant light music occasionally played, and sometimes there were narrations about astronomy.
"Thank you, Tomori."
Hotaru turned his head and said softly.
Tomori's cheeks were slightly red, and she shook her head gently.
"I'm very happy that Hotaru-kun came here with me."
"That's good."
Hotaru smiled contentedly. Coming here with Tomori had been the right choice.
Just then, a broadcast announced that the program was about to begin.
The two stopped talking and focused on the starry sky.
At that moment, another person wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses entered.
There were many empty seats, but she walked directly toward a certain row as if with purpose.
Then, she arrived at Hotaru's row of seats.
Chuhua frowned slightly—there seemed to be one more person than usual.
The dim light made it hard to see clearly. She didn't pay much attention and sat to Hotaru's left.
But the chair here seemed broken.
No matter how she tried, it only made clicking sounds and wouldn't recline.
The noise caught Hotaru's attention.
"This chair is like this…"
Hotaru leaned over and turned the knob, just as Tomori had taught him.
Instantly, the chair reclined smoothly.
Their eyes met.
The light from the projector happened to sweep across their faces.
Gray-black eyes met deep violet eyes.
Breaths brushed against each other's skin.
It's that person from last time!
Both froze, hearts pounding.
Hotaru, new here, couldn't help but think—why were the seats so close? What was the difference between this and lying together? Couldn't they give people a little privacy?
Fortunately, the light shifted away quickly, and their faces fell back into shadow.
"Thank you…"
"I'm sorry…"
They spoke almost at the same time, then turned away awkwardly.
As if nothing happened, they gazed at the stars.
Hotaru took a deep breath to steady himself. The last time his heart had pounded this way was when he met Sakiko while buying his keyboard.
He glanced to his right. Tomori was immersed in the starry sky, unaware of what just happened. He felt oddly relieved.
Chuhua, though appearing calm, couldn't focus anymore. Her chest still thumped with that strange, familiar rhythm… a feeling that only came when she was with Aki.
About an hour later, the program ended.
"This stargazing session has concluded. Please exit in an orderly fashion…"
The side lights flickered on.
Tomori turned to Hotaru, her eyes sparkling.
"Hotaru, it's the story of Altair and Vega. Just like you told me last time!"
Perhaps because she was excited, her cheeks flushed faintly.
"Of course, I'm a professional."
Hotaru replied with mock arrogance. Being Chinese, he could tell countless versions of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl story—certainly more detailed than anything the Planetarium offered.
Then he smiled.
"Tomori, let's go out and talk."
Tomori nodded quickly, following him toward the exit.
Neither noticed that behind them, Chuhua stared after their retreating figures, stunned.
What did she just call him? Hotaru…? Could it be him? The same Hotaru I know?
She also knew Tomori—after all, Tomori used to sing in Xiangzi's band, and Chuhua had followed Crychic closely.
And that story of Altair and Vega… Hotaru had told her that before too.
Watching their figures disappear, Chuhua clenched her fists tightly, unable to calm her racing thoughts.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/DaoistRoeoNQ
If you guys wanna check it out.