August 4th marked the seventh day since the official start of summer vacation and the seventh day since Kazusa had left.
Even though a week had passed, Chisato, though not outwardly showing it, still carried a faint sense of melancholy in his heart.
Being separated from the person he loved, knowing that they would have to maintain this kind of long-distance relationship for at least the remaining year, was undeniably a little saddening.
Before leaving, Youko had left Chisato a key to their house, telling him that he could use it whenever he needed.
However, the mere thought of being reminded of Kazusa through objects in that house made Chisato feel that he probably wouldn't set foot in that place again until Kazusa officially returned.
So, he placed the key deep inside the drawer of his bedside table.
On the second day after Kazusa's departure, July 29th, she arrived at her new home in Vienna and made what would be their last video call for the foreseeable future.
That night, the two of them talked until very late.
According to Youko's prior suggestion, considering that Kazusa would likely be unable to focus on her piano if she remained too caught up in romance, they had decided that, for a long time to come, they would have to rely on memories of these calls to keep each other close in their hearts.
"Haa..."
Chisato let out a long sigh. He knew that Kazusa was working hard, so of course, he couldn't just do nothing while they were apart.
At the moment, he was at a convenience store near Starry, running an errand to buy ice cream for everyone after their practice session.
There was no denying that after officially entering August, the sun's intensity had increased to another level—blindingly bright and scorching hot, heating the ground to a near-burning temperature.
Staying outside in such weather for even a little while was enough to leave a person feeling irritable from the heat.
No wonder Ryo, who was usually always late for group meetings, had recently started showing up early.
Heading out earlier meant the sun hadn't yet reached its peak, making the temperature more bearable. She wasn't stupid.
With such idle thoughts in mind, Chisato paid for the ice cream and left the store, walking briskly back to Starry with the bag in hand.
Since the distance wasn't far, by the time he pushed open the door to the performance hall, the ice cream hadn't melted.
"Alright, alright, you four take a break first."
Chisato placed the bag on the table and clapped his hands.
It was currently three in the afternoon.
Since finishing lunch, the four girls in front of him had been practicing together for over two hours—it was about time they took a break.
"I want the milk-flavored one!"
Ryo rushed over without even taking off her bass.
"Thanks for the hard work, Suzumiya-kun."
Nijika followed closely behind, giving Ryo's thigh a firm smack to stop her from rummaging through the bag too wildly. She maintained a polite demeanor.
Chisato shook his head nonchalantly.
"I can't really help much with your ensemble practice, so this is the least I can do."
It was just a casual remark, but Ryo, licking her ice cream, nodded as if it were a profound statement.
"That's true. You're tall and have long legs—perfect for running errands... Ah—ow, ow!"
"Ryo! Don't get carried away!"
This time, Nijika pinched her cheek and pulled, while simultaneously flashing Chisato an apologetic look.
Chisato wasn't upset at all. In fact, seeing Ryo getting scolded made him chuckle.
He picked up two ice cream cones and walked over to the remaining two girls.
"Ikuyo, don't rush to adjust your guitar just yet. Take a short break first."
"Ah... Oh! Thanks."
"You're welcome."
After handing her the ice cream, Chisato didn't linger and instead walked over to Hitori, gently ruffling her hair with a smile.
Ikuyo stared at the two of them in a daze, watching as Hitori practically melted with happiness in front of the person she liked.
Then, she silently pursed her lips and lowered her gaze to the ice cream in her hand.
Her eyes dimmed just a little.
Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to meet Nijika's gentle gaze.
Nijika didn't say anything, yet it felt as though she had spoken volumes.
The next moment, Ikuyo reached out and hugged her waist.
"Haha, that tickles, Ikuyo-chan! Don't get all clingy all of a sudden."
"Just for a bit… just a little while..."
While the group took their break and chatted idly, the door to the recording studio slowly opened.
A young office lady peeked in cautiously and spoke up hesitantly.
"Excuse me, may I ask..."
Before she could finish, her gaze landed on Chisato, and her eyes immediately lit up.
"Suzumiya-kun!"
She even waved at him in greeting.
The four members of Kesshoku Band all turned their eyes toward him at once.
"Sorry, you guys go ahead and take a break. Arrange your practice on your own for now—I have something to discuss with my friend."
Perhaps because it hadn't crossed his mind, or maybe because he didn't feel the need at this stage, Chisato didn't introduce the woman to them.
After releasing Hitori from his hold, he simply left the studio with her.
That left the four girls exchanging bewildered glances.
After a brief silence, Ryo shoved the rest of her ice cream into her mouth, then walked over to the studio door and slowly pulled it open just a crack, leaning down sneakily to peek outside.
"Umm... This isn't really okay, is it?"
Hitori stepped forward, feeling at a loss as to how to stop her bandmate's behavior.
Nijika also tried to pull Ryo away by her arm, attempting to put an end to her snooping, but this time, Ryo was surprisingly persistent.
She clung tightly to the doorframe, refusing to budge, and turned back to persuade the others.
"Don't you guys want to know what relationship that mature office lady has with Suzumiya?"
"Nope!"
"But don't you think she seems pretty suspicious? She appeared out of nowhere without any warning, and it's hard not to overthink things!
Not to mention, she has a proper, attractive face and is wearing an outfit that's incredibly enticing for men—a fitted blazer, a pencil skirt, stockings, and small high heels...
Doesn't that bring anything to mind for you?"
Ryo's rare moment of serious analysis made Nijika pause her actions, exchanging uncertain glances with Hitori, who was also hesitating.
While the two of them were still wavering, Ikuyo stepped forward and pressed herself against the door, watching outside with intense focus.
Her sudden action seemed to give Hitori the courage to seek the truth as well, and she, too, slowly leaned toward the door.
"...You guys... Oh, whatever, I give up..."
With that, Nijika joined them.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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