Days passed in a blur as Mirei's schedule grew even more intense with the release of Shine On!. The new album was Celestial's biggest hit yet, but the relentless pace took its toll. Celestial appeared on countless TV shows, festival stages, and interviews—all while Mirei and her bandmates barely had a chance to catch their breath. Kaede followed all the announcements and cheered them on from afar, yet every passing day without hearing from Mirei left her feeling more worried and lonely.
Then, in late January, an announcement appeared on Celestial's official page: Mirei had fallen sick and would be taking a brief break. Kaede's heart sank as she read the notice. She immediately wanted to see Mirei, to be by her side and care for her, but she knew she couldn't just show up at the dorm where Celestial lived under supervision. Besides, Mirei hadn't even texted her, which only added to Kaede's sense of helplessness. With a sigh, Kaede put her phone away, staring blankly out her apartment window, wishing there was something she could do.
Chasing Stardust, meanwhile, had their own busy schedules. They were preparing for the release of their second album, Second Chance, and were performing at various small venues to build up excitement. The work kept Kaede occupied, but every quiet moment reminded her of Mirei. Her sighs grew louder, catching the attention of her bandmate, Risa.
"You've been sighing all day, Kaede," Risa said, plopping down beside her with a curious look. "What's on your mind?"
Kaede forced a smile. "Oh… nothing. Just, you know, thinking."
Risa raised an eyebrow. "Yeah? I don't buy it. Spill it, or I'll start guessing!" She grinned mischievously, clearly ready to tease.
Kaede hesitated, then shook her head. "It's really nothing, Risa."
"Well, that's just too bad," Risa said, pretending to look disappointed. "Because I thought you might need some cheering up. And who better to do that than me?" She struck a dramatic pose, making Kaede laugh in spite of herself.
"Oh? You think you're that funny, Risa?" Yukina joined them, giving Risa a mock skeptical look.
"Funny? Please, I'm hilarious," Risa said, puffing her chest with mock confidence. "Why do you think they keep me around? My stunning good looks? My natural charm?"
"More like your natural ability to drive everyone up the wall," Yukina quipped.
Kaede laughed, grateful for their banter. "I don't know, I think Risa does have a unique charm."
"See, Kaede gets it!" Risa said with a playful wink. "Honestly, though, Kaede, if you're that down, I have an idea to brighten up our spirits. How about a quick game of 'What's the Most Embarrassing Thing You've Done on Stage?'"
"Oh, no, we're not doing this again!" Kaede groaned, though she was smiling.
"Come on, it's tradition!" Risa insisted. "Yukina, you start."
Yukina rolled her eyes but played along. "Fine, fine. Remember that time I tripped over the mic cord during our first concert and tried to cover it up by pretending it was part of the dance? Smoothest recovery ever, right?"
Risa and Kaede burst into laughter, vividly recalling the awkward yet endearing moment. Kaede felt her spirits lifting, her friends' humor working its magic.
The three of them continued trading stories and jokes until Kaede's mood had lightened considerably. She was grateful for her friends and the small escape their laughter provided. But even as the day came to a close and she headed home, her thoughts returned to Mirei.
---
The following morning, Kaede woke to a message notification. She quickly reached for her phone and felt her heart leap as she saw it was from Mirei.
"Hey! I'm so sorry for replying late, Kaede. Things have been nonstop, but I miss you so much. Do you want to call?"
Kaede's fingers flew over the screen, her excitement too great to contain. She practically jumped out of bed and dialed Mirei's number, her heart pounding as she waited for the call to connect.
When Mirei's voice finally came through, a warmth flooded Kaede's chest. "Kaede?" Mirei's voice was soft, and Kaede could hear the weariness in it. Mirei sounded like she was still sick, coughing lightly as she spoke.
"Mirei! Are you feeling any better?" Kaede asked, worry filling her voice.
"I'm getting there," Mirei replied with a weak chuckle. "I just overdid it a little. Sorry for not reaching out sooner. I've missed you so much."
Kaede's heart ached. "Don't apologize. I get it… our schedules don't leave much room for anything else. But I was so worried. I wish I could take care of you."
There was a pause on the other end, and Kaede could almost feel Mirei's smile. "You'd be the best nurse, I'm sure of it. But you know how it is with the dorm rules… I can't exactly have a visitor here. Hikari's keeping an eye on me too, which makes it even harder."
Kaede let out a resigned sigh. "Yeah, I understand. Just promise me you'll get some rest, okay?"
"Of course. I'll be fine soon, I promise." Mirei's voice softened, turning playful. "But I really do miss you. A lot."
Kaede laughed, feeling her cheeks heat up. "You're not making this easy, you know. Here I am, trying to be all serious, and you're just… too cute."
Mirei giggled, then lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone. "You know, everyone's going to be out today until 9 p.m. Maybe you could… sneak into the dorm?"
Kaede's eyes widened. "Mirei! Are you serious? That's dangerous."
"I'm totally serious! I'll take all the responsibility if we get caught," Mirei replied, sounding mischievous. "Besides, you're an ex-trainee. I could just say we're friends catching up."
Kaede hesitated, her pulse racing at the idea. "You're insane, but… alright. I'll come by after my schedule ends at three."
"Perfect," Mirei replied, the excitement clear in her voice. "I can't wait."
---
When three o'clock finally came, Kaede finished up her schedule and left the studio. She stopped by a convenience store first, picking up a bag of fruit, a few packs of cold medicine, and some other essentials Mirei might need. It was a short walk to the dorm, but her heart was pounding as she approached the entrance, feeling like she was on some kind of secret mission.
Kaede pulled out her phone and called Mirei. "I'm here," she whispered. "Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," Mirei whispered back with a giggle. "Hurry up before someone sees you!"
Taking a deep breath, Kaede made her way through the dorm entrance, moving cautiously and keeping her head down. Every creak of the floor made her heart race as she approached Mirei's room. She knocked softly, and within seconds, the door opened, revealing Mirei's bright, albeit slightly tired, smile.
"Come in, quick!" Mirei whispered, pulling her inside.
Kaede kicked off her shoes, carrying them into the room with her before Mirei closed the door behind them. The moment they were alone, Mirei wrapped her arms around Kaede and gave her a quick, warm kiss.
"I missed you so much," Mirei murmured, her forehead resting against Kaede's as she held her close.
Kaede's cheeks flushed, her heart pounding. "I missed you too. This is… kind of crazy, you know."
Mirei grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You love it, though, don't you?"
Kaede laughed, brushing a strand of Mirei's hair behind her ear. "I do. But more than that, I just wanted to see you."
They sat down together, and Kaede took out the things she had brought, handing Mirei a bottle of water and some fruit. "You really should be resting," Kaede chided gently, though her tone was warm.
"I know, I know," Mirei said, pouting a little. "But I had to see you. It's been too long."
Kaede's heart melted at the look on Mirei's face. "Well, I'm here now. So no more running yourself ragged, okay?"
Mirei smiled, resting her head on Kaede's shoulder. "Okay. As long as you stay here with me."
For a while, they sat in peaceful silence, just enjoying each other's presence. Kaede's heart was full, grateful for this stolen moment together. It had been far too long since they'd been able to share a moment like this, and she held onto it tightly, knowing how rare these chances would be in their busy lives.