Umi: "No... I still have archery practice, so I haven't talked to her much lately. And I mentioned it to Gari, too. He also thought Kotori seemed a little off, but he's been busy with school matters and hasn't had time to talk to her."
"I think it should be fine, right?" Honoka Kosaka thought for a moment. "It must be because the concert's getting close, so she's just excited."
"...I hope that's all it is."
With her face turned away from the light, Umi Sonoda's expression was covered with worry and confusion.
Honoka: "Achoo—!"
On the other end of the phone, Honoka Kosaka sneezed again.
Umi: "All right. Tomorrow is the official performance. If you get sick now, that would defeat the whole point. Rest for today."
"Okay~"
Honoka Kosaka replied lazily, then ended the call.
After that, she switched her phone screen to the group rankings. μ's was still steady at 19th place, but the 20th-place group behind them had already been pushed down by 21st place.
Time was running out. Their ranking could be beaten down at any moment. Honoka Kosaka's fighting spirit flared up again, crushing the thought of resting once more.
A few minutes later, Honoka Kosaka climbed out of bed and quickly changed into her tracksuit, ready to go out and practice. She was already at the front door, tying her shoelaces.
"You're going out again?" Yukiho Kousaka asked worriedly.
"Mm, just for a little bit."
"It's already really late. Mom's going to get mad again."
"Sorry. I'll be back really soon."
After giving her younger sister Yukiho Kousaka an apologetic smile, Honoka Kosaka immediately stood up and headed out the door.
As soon as Honoka Kosaka opened the door, the sound of rain hitting the ground rang out all around her.
Splash, splash,