The sun had already dipped behind the Tokyo skyline, casting golden-orange rays across the windows of the practice studio. Just one week remained before Chasing Stardust’s very first solo concert in Tokyo — their debut tour stop. The excitement and pressure pulsed through the air like electricity. Inside the studio, Kaede, Yukina, and Risa were hard at work, rehearsing the setlist with unwavering focus.

The beat of the drums, the strum of Kaede’s guitar, and the synchronized dance moves echoed in perfect harmony. They were tired, sure, but determined — this was their moment, and none of them wanted to fall short.

Suddenly, Kaede’s phone buzzed loudly against the floor.

Beep-beep. Beep-beep.

She didn’t even glance at it. Her fingers continued dancing over the strings of her guitar, completely immersed in the rhythm.

“Kaede, answer your call first,” Yukina called out, slightly breathless. “It might be something important.”

Risa nodded in agreement, sweat glistening on her forehead. “Yeah, take your time. We can take five.”

Kaede blinked, finally noticing her phone vibrating with a familiar name on the screen — Mirei.

Her heart skipped.

“H-hey…” Kaede answered quickly, stepping away from the practice space. “Sorry, I took a while to answer.”

On the other end of the line, Mirei’s voice came gently through. “It’s okay. Sorry, I didn’t mean to distract you — you must be busy.”

Kaede sighed, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “It’s alright. Did something happen?”

Mirei hesitated for a second before her voice turned warm. “No, nothing happened. Just… I was wondering if you might have a little time tonight. Even just a bit.”

Kaede furrowed her brows slightly. “Tonight? Hmm… I’ll let you know soon.”

“Great,” Mirei replied sweetly. “I’ll wait then. Good luck with your rehearsal, my love.”

Kaede nearly dropped her phone.

“M-My… love?” she whispered under her breath, heart fluttering.

She cleared her throat awkwardly. “T-thank you.”

She hung up with a flushed face.

“Eyy, another date, huh?” Risa teased, grinning as she sipped her water.

Kaede shook her head, cheeks crimson. “I-I don’t even know if I can go.”

“What do you mean?” Risa frowned. “You have to go.”

Yukina placed her towel around her neck and nodded with a smile. “Yeah. We’ll make time for you. It’s Mirei. That’s worth it.”

“But we’re still polishing the choreography, and the lighting cues—”

Risa cut in. “And your relationship is important too. You don’t get many chances to spend time with her. Not with her schedule. Not even once a month.”

Kaede paused. She wanted to go — badly. But responsibility weighed on her like an anchor.

“Don’t worry, Kaede,” Yukina said firmly. “We’ve done great today. We’ll go home early tonight and start earlier tomorrow.”

Risa smiled. “We’ve got your back.”

Kaede looked between her two bandmates, deeply moved. “Really?”

“Yeah,” they both replied in unison.

She grinned, her heart swelling. “Thank you… so much.”

With that, it was decided — they'd wrap up by 8 PM.

Kaede quickly texted Mirei:

“I’m free from 8pm onwards.”

Mirei replied half an hour later, sending a map pin to a private café tucked away in a quieter corner of the city.

“Can’t wait to see you.”

Just that one sentence sent butterflies fluttering through Kaede’s chest.

---

By 8 PM, Kaede was hurrying through the dim Tokyo streets, the city lights painting the sidewalks in hues of blue and gold. She clutched her guitar case in one hand — there hadn’t been time to stop at home. Her heart pounded not from running but from anticipation.

When she arrived at the café, she spotted Mirei immediately through the window.

Waving enthusiastically.

Smiling like sunshine.

“God… Mirei is so beautiful,” Kaede thought, her breath catching.

It didn’t matter how many times she saw her. Mirei always looked even more radiant than the last time — as if time just made her shine brighter.

Kaede pushed the door open.

“H-Hi…” she said shyly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mirei laughed gently. “Why so awkward? I’m your girlfriend, remember?”

Kaede turned red. “W-Well… It’s been months since we last met in person…”

Mirei’s smile softened. “You’re right. I wish I could see you every day.”

Kaede's chest tightened. “I… wish it too.”

“Come on, sit,” Mirei said warmly. “The pasta here is amazing, trust me.”

Kaede nodded and sat across from her. “Alright. I’ll try it.”

They placed their order, the quiet murmur of the café giving them a gentle cocoon of privacy.

“Mirei…” Kaede began hesitantly.

“Hm?”

“Why did you want to meet me tonight? Is something wrong?”

Mirei gave a mischievous grin. “I can’t ask to see my girlfriend for no reason?”

Kaede flinched slightly. “I-I didn’t mean it like that…”

“You’re so easy to tease,” Mirei chuckled. “Too cute.”

“I am not cute!” Kaede protested, flustered.

“You so are.” Mirei grinned, clearly enjoying every second of Kaede’s red face.

After a moment, Mirei pulled out a small box from her bag and handed it over. “Here. This is for you.”

Kaede’s eyes widened as she accepted it. “What? For me?”

“Open it.”

Kaede gently lifted the lid — inside was a beautifully designed guitar pick, shimmering slightly under the café light. It bore the Chasing Stardust logo on one side and Shine Through the Skies Tour engraved on the other.

Her breath hitched.

“Mirei… this is amazing…”

“I had it custom made for you,” Mirei said softly. “I thought… maybe it could bring you some good luck during the concert. And remind you that I’m cheering for you — even if I’m not right beside you on stage.”

Kaede stared at the pick for a long time before looking up, eyes misty. “I’ll treasure this. I really will.”

Mirei’s smile turned gentle. “I know how hard you’ve been working. I’m proud of you, Kaede.”

Kaede bit her lip, heart swelling. “I’m glad… you’re mine.”

Mirei reached out across the table, brushing Kaede’s hand with hers. “And I’m glad you’re mine.”

---

The rest of the evening passed with quiet laughter, soft words, and stories of their hectic days. When it was finally time to leave, they stepped outside together into the crisp Tokyo night.

Kaede stopped just outside the café.

Mirei turned to her. “I can’t wait to watch you on stage. I’ll be in the front row. So you better look my way at least once.”

Kaede grinned. “Only if you promise to cheer louder than anyone else.”

“I always do.”

They hugged tightly, neither wanting to let go. For a moment, the world around them melted away — the city sounds, the distant traffic, even the worries of the upcoming concert.

Just the two of them. In that quiet moment.

Kaede whispered, “Thank you… for tonight.”

Mirei replied, soft against her ear, “I’ll always make time for you.”

They shared one last look, then went their separate ways, Kaede clutching the pick tightly in her pocket, already counting the days until she could play for Mirei.

The countdown to their first solo concert had begun—and Kaede had never felt more ready.