The early morning light filtered through Kaede's bedroom curtains, casting a warm glow over her as she stirred awake. Her mind immediately drifted to Mirei and what she had to face today. It was the day Mirei had decided to confront Kouki about his betrayal, and Kaede couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in her chest.
When Kaede arrived at school, her eyes quickly scanned the classroom for Mirei. She found her at her desk, looking calm—too calm. Kaede could tell something was off. Mirei's usual cheerful spark was missing, and her expression was carefully neutral.
As if sensing Kaede's gaze, Mirei looked up and walked over. "I'm going to confront Kouki after school," she said, her voice low, almost detached.
Kaede's heart sank a little. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" she asked, concern lacing her words. "I can take the day off from the café. You shouldn't have to deal with him alone."
Mirei shook her head, managing a small smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I need to do this by myself, Kaede. It's something I need to end... in my own way."
Kaede sighed, understanding but still worried. "Alright. But if you need me, for anything, you call, okay? I'll be waiting."
"I will," Mirei promised before heading back to her seat.
---
The day felt endless as Kaede went through her usual routine at the café. She wiped down tables, served drinks, and exchanged polite small talk with customers, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Mirei. Every time she looked at the clock, her heart clenched. Was she okay?
By the time her shift ended, Kaede was both mentally and physically drained. She packed up her things, slung her guitar case over her shoulder, and stepped out into the cool evening air.
Lately, Kaede had been practicing her guitar more, picking up old songs she used to play as a hobby. It had always been a way for her to relax and unwind. As she walked home, an idea came to her: What if she asked Mirei to sing while she played?
Even though Mirei wasn't an idol anymore, Kaede knew her voice was still just as beautiful as ever. She missed hearing that sweet, honey-like tone, the way Mirei could bring a song to life with her voice. The thought of playing guitar while Mirei sang filled her with a sense of excitement she hadn't felt in a long time.
But as the hours ticked by and the sky darkened, her excitement gave way to worry. It was already past 8 p.m. and she hadn't heard a word from Mirei. Kaede's stomach twisted in knots. Had the confrontation with Kouki gone that badly?
Unable to sit with the uncertainty any longer, Kaede headed over to Mirei's house. She rang the doorbell, waiting anxiously for a sign of life inside. But there was nothing. No movement, no sound. Had Mirei not come home yet?
Kaede frowned, glancing around. Maybe Mirei needed more time to process things. She decided to head back home and check again later. But just as she was about to unlock her front door, she saw Mirei walking down the street toward her house.
Kaede's heart dropped at the sight of her. Mirei's face was pale, her eyes red and swollen from crying, and her shoulders slumped in defeat. Kaede immediately rushed over to her, her voice soft but filled with concern.
"Mirei..."
Mirei's eyes met Kaede's, and in that moment, she looked so vulnerable, so broken. Without thinking, Kaede pulled her into a tight hug, wrapping her arms around her friend as if trying to shield her from the world. Mirei stiffened at first, clearly surprised by the sudden embrace, but then she let out a soft, shaky sob and collapsed into Kaede's arms, burying her face in Kaede's shoulder.
Kaede held her tightly, not saying a word, just offering the comfort of her presence. She could feel Mirei's body trembling with each sob, and her heart ached for her friend. How much had she been holding in?
For a long time, they stood there in silence, the only sound being Mirei's quiet crying. Kaede didn't ask any questions—she knew this wasn't the time for words. Mirei needed to let it all out, and Kaede was more than willing to be the one to catch her tears.
Eventually, Mirei pulled back slightly, wiping at her tear-streaked face. "I'm sorry..." she whispered, her voice hoarse. "I didn't mean to—"
"Don't apologize," Kaede interrupted gently. "You've been through a lot today. It's okay to cry."
Mirei sniffled, her eyes still brimming with tears. "I broke up with him... I broke up with Kouki."
Kaede's breath caught in her throat. "You did?" she asked, her voice soft but steady.
Mirei nodded, her lips trembling. "I confronted him... I asked him if it was true—if he'd been seeing someone else behind my back. He didn't even try to deny it, Kaede. He just admitted it, like it didn't matter. Like I didn't matter."
Kaede's chest tightened with anger, but she forced herself to stay calm. "He's an idiot, Mirei. You don't deserve that."
Mirei let out a bitter laugh, wiping at her eyes again. "I told him it was over, right then and there. I couldn't stand to even look at him."
Mirei's lips quivered, and her eyes filled with tears again. "I feel like such a fool," she whispered. "I trusted him... and he betrayed me."
Kaede shook her head, gently brushing a tear from Mirei's cheek. "You're not a fool. You're strong, Mirei. You had the courage to walk away when you realized he wasn't who you thought he was. That takes strength."
Mirei sniffled, her voice barely audible. "But what do I do now? I feel so lost."
Kaede smiled softly, her heart aching for her friend. "You take it one day at a time. You don't have to have all the answers right now. And you don't have to go through this alone. I'm here for you, whatever you need."
Mirei looked up at Kaede, her eyes filled with gratitude and a hint of something else—something deeper. "Thank you, Kaede"
Kaede felt her cheeks flush slightly but smiled warmly. "Get some rest tonight, and if you want to talk more later, I'm just next door."
Mirei nodded, a small, tired smile tugging at her lips. "I will... Thank you. Really."
They stood in the quiet of the night for a few more moments, the tension between them easing slightly. Finally, Mirei turned and headed inside her house, her steps heavy but a little more assured than before.
Kaede made her way back to her house, her thoughts swirling. As much as she wanted to help, she knew Mirei needed time. And she would be there, no matter how long it took.