The train back yesterday, I got a text saying that my classes were canceled. Plus, everyone will be busy with their classes...

So it wouldn't hurt if I spent some time with μ's, right?

Honoka said she would meet with me at the Homura Bakery. She said that she needs help running the store this morning before school.

That girl may be branded lazy at times, but she sure does work hard.

I have a job to do so I should get over there quickly.

There's always something about the mornings in Akihabara, there aren't as many people as usual.

Huh? That's...

HANAYO: *Pant* "Ugh, no...I...can't...do it."

*CRASH*

AKI: "Hanayo?! What's wrong? Are you okay?!"

HANAYO: "Akihiko? Oh, that's right... Honoka said you were visiting us today."

AKI: "Seriously, what made you fall like that?!"

HANAYO: "I just felt dizzy all of a sudden. I didn't mean to startle you."

AKI: "That's okay. Are you feeling unwell? Why don't we go see a doctor together?"

HANAYO: "No, I feel fine! I'm on a diet to prepare for the next series of shows. So I skipped breakfast this morning."

A diet?

HANAYO: "Then before I got to school, I got really hungry."

Nearly fainting before she even got to school? She must be starving.

HANAYO: "I was planning on getting lunch at a convenience store. I'm going to go get breakfast now, though, so don't worry about me."

AKI: "But what if you faint again?"

HANAYO: "Don't worry, I won't."

AKI: "I can't take that risk. I have some food with me that I was going to eat at the school. You want some?"

HANAYO: "N-No, I couldn't take your food!"

AKI: "But it'll be bad if you faint before getting to the convenience store. It's just some rice balls I made."

HANAYO: "Rice balls?!"

AKI: "Whoa!"

She jumped right up! I forgot that she loves rice so much.

HANAYO: "The rice looks perfect. It looks delicious! And you made this rice ball yourself?"

AKI: "I just tossed it together, so I don't know how good it'll be, but you should eat it. You'll feel better."

HANAYO: "Thanks. Don't mind if I do!"

AKI: "Oh, I almost forgot. Let me get you some dried seaweed."

HANAYO: "Whaaaaat?! You put the seaweed on after?!"

AKI: "Yeah. I like it when it's nice and crunchy."

HANAYO: "I see. You're particular about your rice balls, aren't you?
Mmmm. This is so good! Thanks for the wonderful rice ball! I feel so much better!"

AKI: "You do? Awesome!"

HANAYO: "I feel so full of energy! This must be how Rin feels like everyday."

AKI: "Hanayo, you're really funny!"

HANAYO: "Did I say something strange? I like rice balls, and knowing that you like rice balls too made me happy.
I really feel so much better thanks to your rice ball!"

AKI: "Good! Wanna walk with me to Homura Bakery?"

HANAYO: "Sorry, I already promised Rin that I'd walk with her to school."

AKI: "You two are so close! Anyway, see you later."

HANAYO: "Thanks again!"

‐-------------------------------------------------

*MEANWHILE*

HONOKA: "Morning Yukiho!"

YUKIHO: "Morning, you're up pretty early today."

HONOKA: "Yukiho, is Aki here?"

YUKIHO: "Aki?"

HONOKA: "He's the guy I told you about."

YUKIHO: "Oh, so that's who left a message saying they were running a little late."

HONOKA: "I see, thanks."

YUKIHO: "He's going to help you mind the shop this morning, right?"

HONOKA: "Yeah, I'm super looking forward to it!"

YUKIHO: *Stare*

HONOKA: "N-Need something?"

YUKIHO: "You didn't force him to come along because you didn't want to mind the store alone, did you?"

HONOKA: "N-No! He even said he was looking forward to this, too!"

YUKIHO: "He's helping you out with the shop and practice, huh?
How nice of him."

HONOKA: "Yeah! He's not just nice, either; he's very reliable!
Oh, and when he needed help writing a song, he said that my singing inspired him!" *Giggle*

YUKIHO: "Oh yeah?"

HONOKA: "He's also taken the role as chairman for the School Idol Festival. He even appointed me as a Vice-president with Chika of Aqours. It's strange, because I'm the one getting inspired with how much he's helping me!"

YUKIHO: "Sounds like that love's mutual, then."

HONOKA: "L-Love?"

YUKIHO: "Oh, not like that. Just hearing you now, I thought you two deeply trusted each other. Like things are going well between you two."

HONOKA: "What's between me and Aki is... Is love?!"

YUKIHO: "I told you, I didn't mean it like that! More importantly, how about you get ready before he gets here? I mean, isn't he due soon?"

HONOKA: "But I just got ready."

YUKIHO: "You're not running the store in your school uniform!"

HONOKA: "Huh? Oh, you're right! I must have put this on by mistake! I'll go change now!"

YUKIHO: *Sigh*

HONOKA: "Say, Yukiho? ...My hair doesn't look weird today, right?"

YUKIHO: "No, it's fine."

HONOKA: "Would it be weird if me and Aki were both wearing aprons while minding the shop?!"

YUKIHO: "I don't know."

HONOKA: "Should I give him the good apron? Oh, but won't the good apron make me look good? But I can't give him a stained apron, but I don't want to look bad! Tell me, which apron would look better on me?"

YUKIHO: "HONOKA! Don't ask me about that, ask him!"

HONOKA: "Oh, you're right! I'll go get him, then!"

...

YUKIHO: "She could just wait a few minutes, but that's my sister all right.
But I'm glad that μ's has someone now they can depend on. Good for you, Aki, whoever you are."