Immediately after.
Kikuri smiled, turning her gaze to Hotaru and Hitori.
"Don't look at me like this, but actually, I'm in a band... a person..."
Before she could finish, Kikuri fell to the ground.
A 'thump' went off in their hearts.
Hotaru and Hitori were startled.
Could she have drunk too much and gotten into trouble?
Some rock band members had drinking problems.
Kikuri raised her head, extended a hand.
"Water... give me water..."
"I'll go buy some!"
"And a hangover cure."
"Yes!"
"Clam miso soup."
"I also want porridge."
"Preferably, a bed with sun-dried futons."
Hitori, originally worried, said,
"That's too many demands..."
Hitori looked at Hotaru, unsure.
Hotaru rolled his eyes.
The drunkard seemed fine.
He said grumpily,
"Impossible to fulfill all her wishes."
They helped Kikuri to the wall, gave her mineral water to sober up.
After dealing with Kikuri.
Hotaru checked the time.
Nearly twelve.
Fewer pedestrians; likely gone to eat.
Hotaru called to Hitori, "Let's eat too."
"Okay."
Hitori sighed in relief; she worked hard today.
She tidied her belongings to leave.
Hotaru felt his sleeve tugged.
He looked back.
"Hungry."
Nijika had come over, eyes fixed on him.
Hotaru was stunned, thinking, 'Couldn't find anyone, so you came to me?'
"Then come with us?"
Nijika snorted softly.
Hitori hid behind Hotaru, scared.
Hotaru understood.
Normal for a shy snake to fear a wildcat.
But Nijika seemed genuinely hungry, only glancing at Hitori, not bothering her.
Many restaurants nearby.
Hotaru set off with one cat, one snake.
Hitori and Nijika were quiet.
No opinions expressed.
Hotaru chose.
He found a restaurant.
Yoshinoya Beef Bowl.
Entering, the air conditioning refreshed them.
A familiar figure caught their eye.
Ryō, waving.
Ryō?
Hotaru's expression changed.
Mischievously, he thought, Bass Day?
Or a den of bassists, meeting so many?
He walked with Hitori and Nijika to Ryō's table.
"Great."
Ryō pressed her palms together, like seeing a savior.
Seeing clean bowls, Hotaru guessed,
"No money to pay?"
Ryō nodded rapidly.
"If no money... why eat out?" Hitori asked.
"Pawn my bass," Ryō said expressionlessly.
Hitori: "..."
Nijika looked at the menu.
Hotaru sighed, advised, "Don't give up your bass; wash dishes."
Ryō looked pitiful.
Hotaru smiled, "I'll pay."
He looked at the menu.
Asked Nijika and Hitori.
Called the waiter, "One large, one medium, one small. Thanks."
"Add another large," Ryō raised her hand.
Others looked at Ryō, expression unchanged.
"Still eat that much?"
"No problem!"
...
After the meal.
They rested in the restaurant.
Hotaru asked Ryō, "Busking with us this afternoon?"
Ryō was surprised, shook her head: "I have to compose."
"This afternoon too?!" Hitori exclaimed.
"Yes!" Hotaru nodded, smiling, "Tomorrow too."
Hotaru's gentle smile looked devilish to Hitori.
"What about lyrics?" Ryō looked at Hitori.
Hitori didn't dare look at Ryō's indifferent face, shook her head guiltily.
Ryō's lips curved, "Don't worry, I haven't touched mine."
Hotaru's mouth twitched, glad they'd finish eventually.
...
Afternoon.
Hotaru brought Hitori and Nijika back to the morning spot.
Three performing together.
No fan bonus, and with Nijika nearby, Hitori's performance was off.
Nijika felt it strange.
Hitori tried to adapt.
Until after five.
After playing a song together.
"Satisfying."
Nijika stopped, wiped sweat, pleased.
Hotaru and Hitori had sweat too.
Performing was exhausting!
Hotaru said, "Call it a day?"
They nodded.
Nijika left.
Hotaru looked at Hitori, relieved.
Busking all day was a huge challenge for Hitori.
She persevered.
"You worked hard, Hitori."
"Take you to the station?"
Hitori shook her head, hesitated, said,
"I... have inspiration for lyrics."
"That fast?"
Seeing Hotaru's surprise, Hitori was delighted, "Mm!"
"Good luck, Hitori."
Handing her the guitar bag, Hotaru encouraged her.
After parting with Hitori.
Hotaru remembered the Yoshinoya beef bowl's taste.
No wonder Ryō ate without money.
Hotaru bought another for dinner.
Leaving Yoshinoya with his bag.
He saw another familiar blue-haired figure.
Long-haired.