Rāna Kaname and Taki Shiina

It's really raining now. Exactly like the forecast.

Good thing I brought a folding umbrella.

Hm? The girl over there is...

...

What are you doing here?

Playing with cats.

Do you have an umbrella?

No.

The weather forecast said it was going to rain.

I didn't watch it.

I thought so.

You probably don't have a handkerchief either, do you?

No.

Then what do you have...?

Guitar.

*Sigh*... Never mind.

Come on, let's go home.

...

You'll catch a cold if you stay like that.

Cat.

Oh... There it is.

This cat is alone.

So you were here with this kitten, because you were worried about it?

Yes.

Sure, it wouldn't get wet if you acted as its umbrella, stray cat... But you could take it under a roof or something instead, too.

...

Well... I suppose that's typical of you.

Anyway, staying here will just get you wet. Why don't you take the cat somewhere warm...

Oh, another cat...?

Its mother.

Huh? Oh, it's true. Same fur color.

Bye-bye.

Well, the kitten was picked up, so that's good, right?

Yes... *Achoo*...

Told you. Hold the umbrella for a sec.

Here, I have a towel. Just stay still.

Ugh~

Don't make strange sounds.

Okay, do the rest yourself. Let's go, I'll walk you home.

Rikki.

What?

I want matcha. A warm one.

You're so spoiled...

It's nice outside, so maybe I'll eat here today... Wait, huh?

...

Stray cat... and the girls from my class...? Why...?

Wait, could it be that she did something wrong...?

Hey, stray... Rāna. What are you doing?

I got some snacks.

Huh, snacks?

Oh, it's Shiina-san. You have to hear this. We made cookies in cooking class today, right?

We were about to eat them here, and then this girl was staring at us from the bushes. So I asked, "Want some snacks?" And she just came right over!

I got some.

(This girl... Isn't she way too cat-like...?)

Cookies are tasty.

I've got many things other than cookies, want some of those too?

Yes.

So cute~! She's such a quiet and nice girl~

(Everyone's treating her like she's a real cat... Wait!)

(Stray cat's a nice girl!?)

Shiina-san, do you know this girl?

Ah, yeah. I'm in a band... And she's a member...

Huh~ Such a quiet girl in a band, that's kind of surprising!

(Quiet... Well, I guess she's quiet in the sense that she doesn't talk much, but...)

I could be in a band with a girl like her, it'd be so much fun~!

(No, it's totally not fun, because She keeps dragging me all over the place...)

I finished the snacks.

Huh~ What else do we have... Oh, do you want some gummies?

Yes.

(Now that I think about it, I've heard that stray cat gets snacks and much care from the handicrafts club too...)

(And I feel Ririko-san really looks after her, not just because she's the owner's granddaughter...)

(Maybe this girl is the type that gets spoiled by older people, unexpectedly?)

Oh, by the way, Shiina-san. Did you have business with this girl?

Oh, no. I was just wondering if she was causing any trouble.

(Well, if there's no problem, then it's fine.)

Okay then, I'm gonna go now.

Shiina-san, please tell us more about your band sometime!

Hey, is there anything else you want to eat? I'll give you anything.

No need. Bye-bye.

Huh!? She's gone...

Why are you following me? You could probably get more snacks.

No need.

Oh, I see. Just so you know, I'm not gonna give you my bento box.

I don't need it.

Then, why...

*Sigh*...

(Honestly, I really don't get her. Stray cat...)

Stray cat, are you still following me?

Yes.

(I was lucky to happen to spot her. She was headed in a completely different direction from RiNG...)

Rikki.

Hm, what?

Music store.

Huh? You want to stop by?

Yes.

Now that you mention it, I was thinking about buying some spare sticks.

I want a string.

Well... There's still time before practice, so...

Stray cat! Run faster! We'll be late at this rate!

Rikki's in a panic.

Of course I am! I'm telling you, we're in a hurry!

Anon's message said everyone's already there. If we're late, what would she say...!

I'm tired.

No, you're not!

I mean, it's all your fault, because you wouldn't leave the guitar corner...!

There was a newcomer.

Newcomer... You mean a new guitar that just came in? Do you actually remember every guitar in that store?

Not everyone. Just the ones I know.

Still, you didn't have to try it out...! That's exactly why...

Rikki, you too.

What!?

Rikki, you were talking a lot about drums too.

Ugh...!

And that's why we are late.

No, that was because you kept asking questions, so...

Well, I guess I'm also at fault for not paying attention to the time...

Ah...

W-What...!?

Red light.

It's true... *Pant*... *Pant*... I'm tired...

Checking the time... At this pace, we might just make it in time...

Hmm.

You act like it's not your business... Wait, stray cat, why aren't you out of breath...?

Hehe...

Stray cat, are you in a good mood?

Yes. The music store, it was fun.

Huh?

So many instruments are waiting for someone to play. That's why it's fun.

Oh... I really don't understand though.

Rikki.

What?

The light's green.

Why didn't you say that sooner!? Hurry, run! Stray cat!