Kaede was relieved that it was the weekend. No school, no early wake-ups—just a day to sleep in a bit longer and prepare for another day of training at the agency. As she lay in bed, she couldn't help but laugh to herself, remembering how she and Mirei had nearly missed the last train last night. The two of them had sprinted like maniacs to the station, laughing hysterically once they finally made it. It was a funny end to a memorable day. She rolled over, stretching before finally getting out of bed.
After getting dressed, Kaede headed downstairs, but to her surprise, she found Mirei already sitting at the kitchen table, eating breakfast with her mom.
"When did you get here?" Kaede asked, her eyes wide in surprise.
Mirei turned to her with a mischievous smile. "Oh, I knocked, and your mom let me in," she said, glancing at Kaede's mother. "She even made me an omelette. Your mom's cooking is amazing."
Kaede's mom smiled warmly, placing another omelette on the table for Kaede. "Mirei's welcome anytime, dear. You two are practically family."
Kaede sat down, still processing Mirei's early arrival. As they ate together, Mirei casually teased Kaede, playfully adding, "You should wake up earlier, you know. I might take your breakfast next time."
Kaede rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh. After breakfast, they grabbed their bags and headed out to the agency.
As they walked, Kaede decided to bring up the elephant in the room. "So... when are you planning to expose the bullies?"
Mirei paused for a moment before answering, "Today, I think. I can't take it anymore," she said with a pout, her expression so cute that Kaede couldn't help but laugh.
"Do you need any help?" Kaede asked, trying to sound casual but feeling a surge of protective instinct rise up.
Mirei turned to her, her eyes soft but teasing. "No need, but thanks," she said, adding in a gentle but playful voice, "I just need you to stay by my side today."
Kaede's face turned red. Why was Mirei always so effortlessly cute? Trying to regain her composure, she turned away, but Mirei laughed at her reaction.
"Kaede, you're too easy to tease!" Mirei giggled, her laughter light and infectious. "I'm sorry, but it's so much fun."
Kaede grumbled under her breath, but her heart was racing.
When they arrived at the agency, the day's practice was intense as usual. Mirei stayed focused, her usual charm and energy drawing everyone's attention. Kaede, on the other hand, was hyper-focused on her promise. She kept an eye on Mirei the whole day, determined to protect her from any potential run-ins with the bullies.
But her over-vigilance didn't go unnoticed. Yukina, one of their fellow trainees, sidled up to her during a water break and smirked. "Hey, Kaede... you're really glued to Mirei today. Should I call you her bodyguard or... maybe her stalker?" she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.
Kaede flushed and shook her head vigorously. "I-I'm just making sure she's okay," she stammered, but Yukina's teasing grin didn't fade.
"Sure, sure," Yukina said, laughing as she walked away, leaving Kaede flustered but trying to stay focused.
After practice, the studio began to clear out. Mirei signaled to Kaede to go ahead without her, explaining that she needed to talk to the producers about the bullying situation. Kaede, however, wasn't ready to leave just yet. She decided to wait in the lobby for Mirei to finish up. She didn't have anywhere else to be, and besides, she felt better being nearby.
After a while, Kaede realized she needed to use the bathroom. She quickly made her way to the restroom, relieved to have a moment to herself. But as she entered one of the stalls, she froze.
A soft moaning sound echoed through the bathroom. Kaede's heart pounded as she realized what she was hearing. From the corner stall, she could see four legs, two sets of panties discarded on the floor. Her face turned beet red as she pieced together what was happening. She'd read enough comics and novels to know what this was, but she had never encountered something like this in real life.
Her mind raced, and her body felt like it was on fire. Without thinking, she hurriedly finished her business and bolted out of the bathroom, too flustered to even glance back.
Outside, she leaned against the wall, her heart still hammering in her chest. "Well, that's... something," she muttered to herself, her face still burning. This world was wilder than she'd ever thought.
As she made her way back to the lobby, she saw Mirei standing there, looking slightly concerned.
"Kaede, you're still here?" Mirei asked, surprised. "I thought you would've gone home already."
Kaede, still flushed from her bathroom encounter, fumbled for an excuse. "Uh, yeah... I just... didn't have anything else to do," she said awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.
Mirei raised an eyebrow, noticing Kaede's red face and slightly labored breathing. "Are you okay? You look a bit... off."
Kaede's mind flashed back to the scene in the bathroom, and she quickly shook her head, trying to dispel the embarrassing memory. "I'm fine!" she blurted out, but her voice betrayed her.
Mirei didn't push her, though. She simply smiled and let it go, sensing that whatever was bothering Kaede wasn't something she wanted to talk about right now.
"So, how did it go with the producer?" Kaede asked, trying to change the subject and regain her composure.
Mirei sighed, crossing her arms. "I told them everything and gave them the evidence. I don't know what they'll do with it yet, but... I hope they handle it properly."
Kaede nodded, her concern for Mirei returning. "I'm sure they'll do the right thing. You've done everything you can."
"Yeah," Mirei said quietly. "I just hope this all blows over soon."
As they prepared to leave, Mirei seemed lost in thought. Kaede stayed close by, still feeling protective. As they headed out together, Kaede spoke up one last time before they parted ways.
"If anything happens, promise you'll talk to me, okay?" Kaede said, her voice firm but caring. "I don't want you to go through this alone. I'll help you however I can."
Mirei smiled at her, her eyes soft and grateful. "I promise, Kaede. And... thank you. For everything."
Kaede felt her heart swell with warmth at Mirei's words. As they walked home together, she couldn't help but feel that despite all the chaos, she was exactly where she needed to be—right by Mirei's side.