Omnibus Anime: Person in Music Anime, Relaxing and Happy

"I don't want to..."

Toyokawa Shoko's voice was slightly choked as she finally accepted the tissue.

She wiped the dust from her face, cleaned her fingers, and stopped her tears as well.

Bai Qiu opened his mouth. He had wanted to say that the dust on her face had already been washed away by her tears.

But he felt that might only make things worse.

Better to keep quiet.

After doing all that, Toyokawa Shoko seemed to calm down as well.

Realizing what she had just done, her cheeks flushed as she softly said, "S-sorry... and thank you."

Bai Qiu waved his hand. "No, no, I'm the one who should be apologizing."

"Then... the hospital?"

Bai Qiu looked at her tentatively.

Toyokawa Shoko refused outright.

"Alright..."

Bai Qiu sighed helplessly.

He felt that this shop clerk's emotions were a little unstable—gentle one moment, cold the next.

"Then at least... put on a Band-aid?"

Bai Qiu took out a Band-aid and pointed to the scraped arm Toyokawa Shoko had, illuminated by the streetlight.

This time, Toyokawa Shoko did not refuse. She even held out her hand on her own.

Bai Qiu tore open the Band-aid and carefully applied it for her.

You really helped me out, Tomo.

Bai Qiu felt that he could not let Tomo's thoughtfulness go to waste.

He could not just leave the Band-aids at home to gather dust.

He might not need them himself, but Goto Hitori and Ryo might have a chance to use them.

Besides, there seemed to have been quite a few people around him falling down lately.

Nagasaki Sosei, Takamatsu Tomo, Goto Hitori...

And the most outrageous was Yui Hirasawa, who would trip on flat ground at the slightest provocation.

Toyokawa Shoko also noticed the Guitar Case on Bai Qiu's back.

It was the one he had bought at the shop last time.

Even at this late hour, he was still carrying his guitar.

It seemed he had been practicing diligently.

At that thought, a bright smile appeared on Toyokawa Shoko's face.

Unfortunately, Bai Qiu had his head lowered and failed to see that lovely sight.

At the same time, Shoko could not help but feel a little envious.

Looking at the Band-aid she had applied, Bai Qiu smiled in satisfaction.

"How does it feel?"

"You're very practiced at this."

Toyokawa Shoko answered instinctively.

"Ah, no... I should be thanking you..."

Shoko's face reddened. What nonsense was she saying? She hurriedly added.

Bai Qiu coughed awkwardly.

Toyokawa Shoko looked at the Band-aid, and her expression shifted slightly before quickly returning to normal.

Perhaps Tomo would be happy to see it.

"Oh, right. Please don't do something like that again."

Bai Qiu suddenly said seriously.

"Life is precious."

Toyokawa Shoko froze for a moment.

"I wasn't thinking of doing anything foolish."

She let out a soft laugh, looking somewhat playful.

Sure enough, just like that time.

But this time, he was the one being saved.

"Huh...?"

Bai Qiu's mouth fell open as he looked at her.

Toyokawa Shoko then explained that she had merely happened to step onto the railing.

She had wanted to grab a leaf.

She firmly stated that she had no thoughts of doing anything drastic.

Toyokawa Shoko did not want to leave him with the impression that she was weak and helpless.

The two of them also learned each other's names.

"I-Is that so...?"

The corner of Bai Qiu's mouth twitched as he repeated it in disbelief.

"Yes, it is."

Toyokawa Shoko seemed a little mischievous, quite pleased with Bai Qiu's reaction.

"Even so... don't stand on the railing. It's too dangerous..."

Bai Qiu said with great difficulty.

Toyokawa Shoko watched him and blinked.

Bai Qiu looked thoroughly awkward and ashamed.

After all that, the culprit was him again.

Wait, why did I say "again"...

"Toyokawa-san!"

Shoko was slightly startled.

"Please let me make it up to you!"

Toyokawa Shoko stopped walking.

"This is far enough."

"Sorry for troubling you, Bai Qiu-kun."

"Then goodbye, Toyokawa-san."

"Mm, goodbye."

Toyokawa Shoko gave a small wave, watching his departing figure, until he had completely disappeared down the road, before turning around and walking toward the deepest part of the alley.

At the very least, I want to preserve the last shred of my dignity in your heart.

Familiar Attire and Familiar Scent

After seeing Toyokawa Shoko off, Bai Qiu came here.

There were only a few donuts left in the display case.

So Bai Qiu said generously, "Pack up all the donuts."

"Certainly. Please wait a moment."

This was his first time coming at night.

Bai Qiu could not help thinking of Donut Lady.

Since that day, he had come every morning to buy donuts for breakfast.

Mm... he was getting a little addicted.

Donut Lady seemed to be the same.

And no matter what time he left home, she always seemed to arrive just a little earlier than him.

Either one spot ahead of him in line, or several spots ahead.

Every time, she bought twenty donuts.

Fortunately, there had not been another occasion where Bai Qiu had to wait forever.

Forget it. Why am I thinking about her?

Bored, Bai Qiu started scrolling through his phone.

"Excuse me, could you spare a few donuts for me?"

Bai Qiu looked up.

A black mask, a familiar baseball cap, and sunglasses.

Bai Qiu secretly rejoiced.

Finally, I've caught an opportunity.

Damn Donut Lady!

So Bai Qiu put on his most polite smile and looked at her earnestly.

"Of course not—"

Bai Qiu's pupils contracted slightly.

"—not a problem..."

Bai Qiu's smile vanished, his expression becoming a little stiff.

He wanted to smile, to let her know he was willing.

But just now, in trying to swallow back the word "not."

He had accidentally bitten his tongue and drawn blood.

Perfect expression management was no longer possible.

The pupils behind the sunglasses contracted as well.

"Sorry, did I scare you?"

Miyako Shoka naturally pulled down her mask and discreetly took a step forward.

Her deep violet eyes carried a hint of mystery, more captivating than the stars.