Chapter 8: the rainy day

When Hikaru looked up and saw the rain pouring down from the sky, she hesitated. Should she wait until the rain stops or brave the weather and walk through it? But she had to go, especially with the launch time approaching. "That guy would be worried if I was a latte. He's probably going to run under the storm to search for me," she thought to herself as she made her way outside. "Oh, leaving so soon, young lady? It's raining so hard outside. That could be dangerous for you," the librarian warned. "Don't worry, sir. There's someone who's going to pick me up," she replied. "Very well, take care, young lady. And make sure to come back. It's rare for a girl your age to come to the library," the librarian said while waving to her. "I will. Have a good day, sir. And thank you for your hard work," she said as she lowered her head to him. As Hikaru stepped out of the library, the rain welcomed her with its gentle touch. The cool droplets landed on her face, hands, and clothes. The sensation was refreshing, and she took a deep breath, inhaling the earthy smell that filled the air. "Let's take this opportunity and experience something new," she thought while looking up at the sky and watching as the raindrops danced down from the clouds. The clouds were a deep gray, contrasting with the bright green leaves of the trees around her. The world around her was painted with a watery sheen that added a touch of mystery and beauty to everything. The sound of raindrops was all around her, tapping on the roofs of the houses and the ground below. She closed her eyes and let the sound of the rain envelop her. It was like music to her ears, a soothing melody that made her forget all her worries and stress. "That's a great vibe," she said as she walked along the street, feeling the wet pavement under her feet. The rain washed away the dirt and grime, leaving everything clean and renewed. The world around her seemed to come alive under the rain, with colors and shapes becoming more vibrant and pronounced. As Hikaru continued walking in the rain, feeling refreshed and invigorated, she stumbled upon a peculiar sight. A small girl, no more than 13 years old, was frantically searching through the bushes along the side of the path. Her outfit caught Hikaru's attention, as she was dressed in a green bunny costume that seemed out of place. As Hikaru approached her, the little girl looked up with wide, frightened eyes. Her fear was palpable, and Hikaru could sense that she was struggling to communicate with her. "Don't be afraid," Hikaru said gently, trying to put her at ease. "What are you searching for?" The little girl hesitated for a moment, still unsure of Hikaru's intentions. But as the rain continued to fall, she seemed to grow more desperate. Finally, she spoke up in a soft, timid voice. "I've lost something very important to me," she said, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rain. Hikaru could see the distress in her eyes. Trying to sound as reassuring as possible, she asked, "What is that thing?" The little girl replied, "Yoshinon. He's my friend and my hero." "And what does he look like?" Hikaru asked before being interrupted by an unwanting newcomer. "Commander, we are getting a signal from this area," Hikaru heard as she looked up to see the AST above them. "What are they doing here? Shoot, I have to hide," she said to herself before telling the little girl to come with her. But the little girl suddenly disappeared, leaving Hikaru confused. "Where did she go?" she asked herself. The AST had already landed on the street, trying to find what they were looking for. "Commander, the signal suddenly disappeared. It seems the spirit ran away," one of the ASTs said. 'Spirit, huh? No wonder she gave me that odd feeling,' Hikaru thought as she stood behind them, invisible. "Tch, let's back up for now. Keep your eyes on the device in case she appears again," the AST Member said. "Yes!" the other members shouted. As they were flying, Hikaru noticed that the rain had stopped and the clouds had started to disappear. "So that was caused by a spirit, huh?" she thought as she continued her walk home. "Should I tell them about the spirit? I think they would help her," she said to herself. "Well, let's decide after I arrive home, i am wet as hell right now." --------------------------------------------------- "I am home", As Hikaru opened the door, her dog jumped on her, causing her to fall on her butt. Laughing as she played with her dog and tapped its head. "Did you miss me? Haha, sorry about that, Dogi, I did have something to do." The dog barked, wagging its tail. "Oh, Hikaru, welcome ba-" Shido attempted to greet her, but he paused as he noticed that she was soaking wet. "What happened? Why are you wet?" he asked. Hikaru raised an eyebrow and glanced at him. "It was a storm outside. Didn't you notice?" she replied. "Storm?" he repeated as he peered out the window. "It stopped already. Anyway, I want to take a shower if possible," she said as she walked inside. "Oh, of course," he replied "I am sorry. I should've given you an umbrella before leaving you." he apologizes. "Don't worry, boy. I was the one who chose to walk under the rain. I did have other options," she said, trying to reassure him. Feeling sorry for not noticing earlier. "The launch is about to get ready. You can come after you finish your shower," he said with a warm smile. Hikaru glanced at him and returned the smile. "Okay, thank you for the kindness." During all of this, tohka was watching as she hid behind the kitchen door, "that hurt me, i don't know why" she said, lowering her head. As Hikaru enters the shower room, she takes off her clothes. This time, she doesn't clothe herself with spirit power but gets them from Kotori. Somehow, wearing clothes instead of making them feel better. She glances at the mirror, seeing her reflection in her new body. "Doesn't matter how much I glance at this body, I can't get used to it," she sighs as she sinks into the bathtub. She takes a glance at her breasts as they float above the water. "Good view but from the wrong angle," she mutters to herself before taking a deep breath and covering her face in the tub. "Should I try it..." she trails off before shaking her head. "No, that would make me lose myself more." As she struggles with her thoughts, an unexpected visitor opens the door. Full naked. "Tohka?" Hikaru freaks out and turns her face away. "What are you doing here? Can't you see I'm taking my shower here?" she asks, waiting for an explanation. "I want to take a bath too. Leave some place," Tohka says as she takes a seat and empties a bucket of water on herself. Hikaru doesn't know what to say. "Move your leg a little bit away. Make some place for me," Tohka asks as she glances down at her. Hikaru glances back at her."Tohka! That bathtub is too small for the two of us." "No, it's not. I'm gonna sit in the opposite direction, and you open your legs, while I'm gonna close them.." Tohka says as she makes her way inside the bathtub, without waiting for her to answer. A moment of awkwardness passes as Tohka keeps staring at Hikaru, and Hikaru avoids those glances. 'If she was my woman, I would enjoy the view, but she is not, and I don't like stars on the body of another man's girl,' Hikaru thinks to herself. "what with those scars on your body?" Tohka asks. "I don't know. I just found them in my body," Hikaru answers, still avoiding eye contact. "Is that so... Say, what do you think of Shido?" Tohka asks with a more serious tone. 'here we come'. "He's a friend. I think he seems to be a person worthy to be trusted, and I'm thankful for his help to me," Hikaru says, fixing her eyes on Tohka's. "So why do both of you guys act like that with each other?" "He's the one-" Hikaru stops herself. "I mean, that's just how friends act. So, don't worry, and believe me, there is nothing between us." Tohka keeps her glance on Hikaru. Hikaru sighs, "Look, I don't love him that way. He's just a friend. The reason I am around him is Because of the benefits I got from Ratatoskr, nothing else," Hikaru finishes. "Umm, okay. I'm gonna trust you," Tohka says, muted. "Good. I hope we're on the good side with each other. I think we're gonna be around each other for a long trip," Hikaru says as she leaves the bathtub. Tohka takes note of Hikaru leaving and thinks about everything. "Ah, finally, I settled the problem with her. Now, time for my lunch," Hikaru says Kotori stepped into the room and leaned against the doorway, watching Hikaru dry off from her shower. "How was your shower?" she asked, her voice filling the quiet room. Hikaru turned to face her, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Out of expectation," she replied, her voice low and calm. Kotori arched an eyebrow in response. "Is that so? So what did you call me here for?"Hikaru's smile broadened slightly as she looked at her friend. "I heard Tohka-san is going to start school tomorrow," she said, her eyes bright with excitement. Kotori's expression remained neutral as she considered Hikaru's words. "And what with that?" "I want to go too," Hikaru said, her voice laced with a hint of eagerness. "I want to experience the school." Kotori chuckled softly. "Just that? You didn't have to make that dramatic scene for it. You can go with Tohka tomorrow." Hikaru's smile widened as she listened to Kotori's words. "You have a huge influence in this city, huh?" she said, admiration clear in her voice. "I think so," Kotori replied a hint of pride in her tone. As she turned to leave, she added, "Good luck with school tomorrow, Hikaru...Yatogami" Hikaru watched Kotori disappear out the door, a sense of excitement building inside her. "I am going to go to school," she thought, the anticipation of the next day filling her with energy. She made her way to the launch table.