she'd fixed her hair and worn a dress that complimented her best features.

she stood outside the storefront, eyes on her phone as she waited for further notice.

the sun dyed the streets and buildings orange, and chihiro realized how she'd ignored the beauty of the scenery all this time.

as she received a message from the girl who invited her to the mixerー an idea she'd usually be too againstー the night before, as if in perfect alignment with her visit to the fortuneteller, she entered the building.

『perhaps you should find love. warmth and solace in a person instead of rejecting the idea of showing weakness to anyone.』

the lady's words echoed in chihiro's head as the small gathering continued.

she wasn't very much into it, and as she sat quietly to one side, she was joined by another who seemed overwhelmed.

one who'd introduced himself as yahiro.