Till Our Lives Burn Out


Chapter 2: The Quality of Mercy

(Part 1)


Epigraph:

The child wonders at the mature adult.

The quest, however, which is at the core of her wonder,

is painlessly fulfilled when the child grows into a mature adult.

-Franz Rosenzweig


Mid-July, present age:

"Hotaru?"

'Who is that? Someone fighting? Why?'

The littlest Senshi sat perfectly still, her eyes as blank as the sky on a starless night.

"Hotaru?"

'She's so far away, but … who is that? Why is she …? I've got to get to her … '

Nothing.

"Not good," said Haruka Tenoh, as she picked Hotaru up and carried her out of the classroom.

"We've got to figure out what is causing this," said Michiru Kaioh with quiet urgency, once they were out of earshot. "Do you think we should take her to a hospital?"

"She came out of it the last two times soon enough," Haruka replied. "Let's get to the house. When Setsuna gets home from classes we'll decide what to do."

Michiru got into the back seat of Haruka's convertible, and then Haruka handed the cataleptic Hotaru to her.

"Drive carefully, Haruka."

"When don't I?"


Setsuna Meioh walked out of class with her book bag slung over her shoulder. She was going to stay afterward to talk to her professor about her term paper, but first she needed to check with Haruka and Michiru about Hotaru's test that day. She got out her cell phone, saw she had a message from Haruka, and sensed immediately that it boded no good. She checked it. The term paper would have to wait.

She called Haruka.

"This time she didn't get through half the test," said Haruka gravely.

"Has she come to yet?" Setsuna asked.

"Nope. That's what's worrying me most. Should I come get you?"

"No, I shall take the bus, and be home in about forty minutes."

"Should we take her to a hospital?"

"Is she in any distress?" asked Setsuna.

"No, vital signs are fine, but she shakes now and then like … wait, what's that, Michiru?"

Setsuna heard Michiru yelling something but couldn't understand it.

"Michiru says she coming to now," said Haruka with relief.

"I shall head home right away."

"Okay, I'll start dinner."

"No, your cooking is substandard to put it charitably. Just get the casserole I made up this morning out of the freezer. Preheat the oven to 220 (C) and when it reaches temperature, put it in for exactly 57 minutes."

"Okay."

Haruka started the oven and then went upstairs to see Hotaru. She was chatting quietly with Michiru. When Haruka came in, she looked at her with worry and sadness etched into her face.

"Haruka-poppa, what's wrong with me this time?"

"Uh, … we don't know."

"Maybe I should see a doctor?" she said hesitantly. The last time this happened, she had insisted she was just tired.

"Yes, ultimately we may have to do that," said Michiru. "But that's a bit problematic."

"How?"

"Uh, well, … Haruka?"

"Umm, we're worried about inadvertent revelations."

"Because I am a Senshi."

"Yes," they replied together.

"We have to keep that in mind in everything we do," said Michiru. "Examinations and healing injuries usually aren't anything to worry about, but this could involve other kinds of examinations, specialists, and maybe even medications. We're not sure how those things might affect you, or what outsiders might learn."

"I know. But I really think I need to see a doctor."

"Well, Setsuna will be here soon," Haruka said, "and then we'll talk about what to do next. We most likely will take you to a doctor. But give us some time to find someone we can trust. Or fool." She patted Hotaru on the shoulder with a sneaky look on her face. "You okay now? Good enough to eat something?"

"I'm fine, now," she nodded.

"Go wash up. We'll stay home from school tomorrow."

"Haruka-poppa? Tomorrow is Saturday."

"Works out well then, doesn't it?" she said, winking at her.

"Michiru?" she asked as she watched Hotaru go into the washroom.

"Yes?"

"Is there something wrong with my cooking?"

"Oh, um …well, now's not the time to go into that."


Setsuna was half way home. She'd paused in her thoughts to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to the leaders of both Tokyo and the City of Kisarazu on the Chiba Peninsula for building the new Tokyo Bay Express, which connected the two cities. It was built, in part, because the Tokyo Bay Aqualine Bridge / Tunnel had not garnered the amount of cross bay traffic the builders had hoped. The Aqualine was quite a feat of engineering, and beautiful to look at, but the fairly exorbitant toll made it difficult for most working class people to travel it, so a cross-bay tunnel line was added to the subway system. In a nice bit of timing, it opened for business just two weeks before Setsuna, Haruka and Michiru purchased the house in which they now lived, as a part of their promise to raise baby Hotaru.

'Baby Hotaru,' Setsuna smiled a little. 'She did not remain a baby long.'

As the subway thrummed quietly and efficiently along, she spent the time fretting about Hotaru's problem. She was more and more certain those forced growth spurts had something to do with it. Hotaru started public school in April, the beginning of the academic year in Japan. She was a flawless student, always on time, homework always done. She still struggled with physical education, and that was one area where her guardians had proven quite inept. A shy, troubled girl, she had never made friends well, and that had not changed. There was still, Setsuna assumed, an aura around her that, understandably, put her peers off, and in this area, the brilliant little Senshi nor her guardians had any clue how to alter that. Perhaps it wasn't enough of a priority for her, and her time with Small Lady was enough to sustain her through social outsider status for now.

Setsuna left the subway and got one of several waiting buses. This was, for her, an eminently practical way to get around. As the Senshi of Time, she had an excellent grasp of where she needed to be and when. A car –which she could have readily afforded- might have seemed more convenient, but the transit authority had proven competent enough in punctuality for her to better use the time studying for classes or thinking about what she needed to do next in her highly ordered existence, while en route to and fro. Where a car was more practical, she always had leave to borrow one of Haruka's small fleet of Ferraris and other European sports cars. This removed the burden of having to maintain a car. Since anywhere from one third to half of Haruka's taxi service was usually in the shop for some reason, this seemed a double blessing. Only once had Setsuna borrowed one of them and then had it break down on her, but that was enough to make her wary of overusing the generosity of her housemate and long time friend. The bus pulled out, more or less on time –less, much, as far as Setsuna was concerned- and headed up the hilly spine of the Boso peninsula to their secluded house.

This was the third time since Hotaru started public school that she'd frozen during a test. The first time was during a short review test in mathematics. She was still able to walk and, with a little coaxing, the teacher was able to lead her to the nurse's office where she regained full control of herself just ten minutes later. The school had tried to get in touch with her guardians, but by the time they got a hold of them, Hotaru was already back in class and acting so normally that there was no reason for anyone to go get her. Haruka picked her up after school, and after a brief discussion with the teacher and the nurse, she seemed satisfied that Hotaru was fine, and that it was just a freak occurrence.

The second time was much worse. It was during midterm tests. Almost through her last test of the day, Hotaru was plowing through an essay question in world history, when she locked up completely. No one noticed until it was time to turn in the exam papers, but this time she was frozen stiff, pencil in hand, in the midst of completing her answer. It was the end of the day and Haruka and Michiru had just arrived to pick her up. Both of them were summoned from the parking lot by the principal and came running. The school nurse was taking her vital signs as they came in. She was fine physically, her eyes responded to the light, and everything else was normal, but she wouldn't move. Haruka carried her out to the concerned looks of several students and faculty. She regained consciousness at home forty minutes later and wondered how she'd gotten there. She remembered absolutely nothing during the seizure. They did consider taking her to a doctor, but, always trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy in her life, Hotaru insisted that she was just tired after so many tests, and she had finished enough of the last test that she was sure she wouldn't need to retake it. This third occurrence meant something was surely wrong.

The bus slowed to wend its way a hard bend in the road in this hilly region. Setsuna took note of the sign that said "Scenic View Ahead." The sign was her cue to signal the driver to let her off at the next stop. As they passed it, she did so, and then took in the scenic view. It was pleasant to live in so nice an area. Pooling their resources was a fine idea for the Outer Planet Guardians. She could have never managed this on her own. Not yet at least, but maybe one day, when she was a world famous fashion designer … the brakes squeaked as the bus came to a stop. Setsuna got out. The house was only a brisk three minute (and 34 seconds) walk away. It was good exercise. She saw a figure in the distance. It was Hotaru, who saw her from afar, ran to her, and hugged her.

"I'm glad you're home, Setsuna-momma."

Setsuna smiled at Hotaru, and let her carry her book bag. In the time since Chaos was exorcised from Sailor Galaxia, Hotaru had drawn much closer to Setsuna. She and Setsuna were naturally close anyway. Sailor Saturn and Sailor Pluto were closely linked by their powers and this was simply the natural flowering of an already contingent relationship. Another part of the reason was the way that fight with Galaxia had gone, and the actions of Sailors Uranus and Neptune in the battle. The Outer Planet Senshi were tough minded and fatalistic in a fight, and yet, when the battle was over they had to go back to living, day by day, like ordinary people, and their civilian sides had time for reflection upon the inevitable consequences of what happened in their battles. One consequence of the feigned betrayal in which Uranus and Neptune had slain Pluto and Saturn as proof of their new loyalty to Galaxia / Chaos was that Setsuna became firmly fixed in Hotaru's mind as the one of her three guardians she most wanted to be like.

The two of them entered the house to the wonderful smell of the casserole. Hotaru set the table while the others washed up, and then they all sat down to dinner, and ate quietly and pensively until about halfway through when Hotaru suddenly spoke up. Though she spoke softly, the preceding silence made it seem like an unexpected thunderclap.

"I've been thinking about what happened today," Hotaru said as she picked at dinner moodily. "I guess it's not that big a deal. I mean, why do I even have to go to school anyway? They haven't really taught me much you hadn't already. I don't want to create problems for …"

"Hotaru," Michiru interrupted, "You were out for over two hours; that's a big deal. Whatever is causing this, it's getting worse. We're going to find out what's wrong. We just have to be careful how we go about it."

"It is very important," said Setsuna, "that you continue your education. We have taught you nearly everything we can, but there are gaps in your learning, and you need to be able to prove what you know to the proper authorities."

"Maybe we're pushing you too hard," ventured Haruka, "and you're feeling overwhelmed?"

"No," she replied quietly. "I can handle the material."

"Is there anything that happens when you start to take a test that is … different from any other school work?" asked Michiru.

Hotaru thought for a minute.

"I do try to concentrate a little more. A lot of the stuff is pretty easy. But a test is a test, and I'm always a little worried at first that there'll be something on it I'm not ready for."

"Did that happen today?" asked Michiru.

"Yes. A few times. Some of the questions were oddly worded. One of them was so strangely put, I wondered if I had missed a lesson or blacked out during an important moment in class. So, I really concentrated and I think I started it, but … no, I don't remember finishing."

"You do not recall anything that happens during one of these black outs?" asked Setsuna.

Hotaru thought for a minute.

"Just …"

"Yes?" said all three of her guardians.

"Just when I come out of it, I have this terrible sense that something bad was happening. Or maybe going to happen. But I can't remember what and when I come to, it goes away."

"Could be just residual feelings from past events," Haruka offered.

"So I don't remember anything because there's no need to? I already know it," Hotaru said mechanically, not very convinced of this.

"Now that you're taking such advanced classes, maybe you just suffer from test anxiety," offered Michiru.

"Why is there always something wrong with me?" she blurted out.

Her three guardians looked at each other.

"Whatever it is," said Michiru softly and calmly, "we'll get you through it. Together."

"Yes. Now it is time to go upstairs and take your bath," said Setsuna.

"Yes, Setsuna-momma," she said, and left the table.


"We're grasping at straws here," said Haruka, as she cleared the table. "She needs a doctor. At least to find out if it's something physical."

"I wish we, or at least one of us, could formally adopt her," said Setsuna, with some frustration. "It is always such a problem when we have to explain how she comes to be with us."

"You could lie about your age," said Haruka.

"I am always lying about my age," said Setsuna.

"Yeah, you should be grateful you always look young," Haruka chuckled.

"We don't want Hotaru to think we care more about our secrets than about her problem," said Michiru who was helping Setsuna rinse the dishes. "She's gotten a little too good at saying 'Oh don't worry about little me' things that cut right to the heart."

"I am certain that she understands the importance of secrecy," said Setsuna. "It would be well if we could avoid a doctor. I do not see how we can though. Ordinarily, the concealment aura would be enough to cover our actions, but in this case, it would probably involve specialists and a few weeks of diagnosis."

"Yes," said Michiru, "the aura is always much less effective at removing things that get into someone's long term memory. I'm pretty sure some of Usagi-chan's closer, non-Senshi friends have at least a vague idea of who she is."

"Tsukino-san makes friends easily, and is hardly the soul of discretion," said Sestuna slyly and then got back to the point. "Perhaps this is simply a result of Hotaru growing up."

"Or of her growing up too fast? You don't know of anything that is 'supposed to happen,' do you?" asked Michiru.

"No," said Setsuna, who was known to keep her own council about that when the situation warranted it, but in this case seemed as perplexed as everyone else. "Have you foreseen anything?"

"No, nothing at all. We must do something, but I wish we could solve this ourselves."

"Yes," said Setsuna, "we must always be on our guard."

"I'm more worried that she might freeze up in the bathtub and drown," said Haruka casually.

Setsuna and Michiru looked at each other and suddenly bolted up the stairs. Haruka smirked and followed along.

"Hotaru?" called Michiru and Setsuna urgently as they knocked on the bathroom door.

"Yes?" came her voice from the other side of the door.

Michiru poked her head in and said, "Just checking to see that you're okay."

"I'm fine."

"I think my point is made," Haruka smiled as she loped up the rest of the stairs. "She needs a doctor."

"Yes, well," said Michiru, "we still need to find someone we can trust."

"Very well," said Setsuna. "I have an idea. I shall talk to Miyuki-chan."

"Your friend, the psych major?" Haruka asked.

"Indeed. In fact, before we try to find out if it is something physical, she might be just the person to take a look at Hotaru. She is only a few months short of her doctorate. She has field experience and a job with a respected clinic already waiting for her. I can explain a little of the situation without revealing anything of importance, and I am certain we can expect the appropriate discretion from her. I shall call her and see if we can meet sometime this weekend."

"Setsuna Meioh has friends?" Michiru asked, winking at Haruka. "Outside this house, I mean? Who aren't Sailor Senshi?"

"Yeah, a few," Haruka chuckled, "but they're all girls."

"All of your friends are girls too, are they not?" Setsuna said, looking pointedly at Haruka.

"This is this and that is that," Haruka chuckled. "My reasons are opposite of yours."

"She's not that way for lack of opportunity, Haruka," Michiru smiled, "Setsuna does have plenty of admirers."

"By the way," Haruka smiled slyly, "this Miyuki: she cute?"

Setsuna walked away without further comment.

"I think we're making progress in awakening a sense humor in her," said Michiru after Setsuna's bun bobbed below the stairs. "She actually came back at you once there."

"Yeah, but even if we're not," said Haruka, "it's fun tormenting her."


"Also, Hotaru's legal status is somewhat problematic," Setsuna said to the pert, sharp-eyed, butter blonde woman sitting across from her the following afternoon. Their tea had arrived, and Setsuna had spent the last ten minutes explaining Hotaru's difficulties.

"Hmm, that's quite a problem. You were able to get that provisional guardianship, weren't you?" asked Miyuki Mayamura, who was one of the top five clinical psychology students at K.O. University.

"Yes, and that has helped, but … well, we were hoping you might consider examining her yourself."

"Oh," said Miyuki sounding a little flattered. "Yes, I see, to avoid unnecessary complications. Well, I'm flattered that you think so highly of my abilities. I certainly can take a look at her, unofficially, and then recommend who you should see."

"That is what we were hoping," said Setsuna, relieved that Miyuki was so quick on the uptake.

"What would be a good time for you?"

"Are you busy at present?"

"You are always so right-to-the-point and businesslike," Miyuki laughed. She genuinely liked this odd but admirable young woman. "I'm afraid I only have half an hour right now. What about tomorrow afternoon?"

"Where shall we meet you?"

"I could come to your house. I would enjoy the drive."

"That would be wonderful, thank you," Setsuna said warmly.

Setsuna explained how to get their house, and they agreed upon a time tomorrow afternoon.


The next day, Miyuki arrived and talked privately with Hotaru for over an hour. When she was done, Hotaru went outside to play in the garden, and Setsuna served Miyuki refreshments.

"What do you think?"

"I think you have a lovely house, Setsuna," said Miyuki as she looked around.

Setsuna smiled and said, "I mean about Hotaru, of course."

"Setsuna-san, don't you ever just … talk to people, for the mere sake of it?" said Miyuki. "I have some time left. I could psychoanalyze you. Figure out why you're so aloof?"

Setsuna sighed, but with a tiny smile. "I am not standoffish. I am merely focused."

"I know," she smiled. "You always look like you're on some kind of mission. When you're not looking depressed, that is. You're an odd woman, Setsuna-chan. So unapproachable. Were you to ever show any interest in dating, I know, or know of, fifteen people dying to go out with you. That is, if they can work up the nerve to ask."

"Hmm," she said indifferently, "that explains the spate of brushing-off-men I have had to endure lately."

"I never said they were all men," she said slyly.

"Please, Miyuki-chan, what of Hotaru?"

She took a deep breath and said, "First of all, it is entirely possible, as you've suggested, that Hotaru is overtaxed by her present educational level: not intellectually – she is superbly smart, but in other ways, emotionally and psychologically perhaps. I've only talked with her once, but even with what little I've seen, I would stake my incipient, but soon to be phenomenal, professional reputation on the problem being psychophysiological, or 'psychosomatic' to use the lay term, in nature. You mentioned that she'll be getting an MRI this week?"

"Yes."

"I don't think they'll find anything physically wrong with her. You should proceed, of course."

"Of course," Setsuna said, nodding slightly.

"However, this is only part of the problem. I'm almost certain there is more to it than this, but I have no idea what. It would take a lot of psychoanalysis to find out."

"I see," said Setsuna, hiding well the concern she felt. "Do you have a recommendation?"

"Yes, I do," she said, after a curious pause. "I've been thinking about your problem since we talked yesterday. Everything I've learned about Hotaru today confirms what I was thinking even then. Now bear with me here, because this may seem a little strange. I think she needs … a tutor."

"A … tutor?" It was not often Setsuna looked this surprised.

"Not just any tutor. Somebody I know. That is, if he's even still doing that."

'He?' thought Setsuna.

"You remember me telling you about my brother, shortly after we first met?"

Setsuna thought for a moment.

"Oh yes, the one with testing anxiety."

"We tried everything," she said. "My brother is a genius, but he cracked under the pressure of high school entrance exams, dropped out of school and completely withdrew from life. He was becoming a real hikkomori. Mom and dad were pretty desperate. I was too. We just didn't know what to do. But then, we found someone who really turned him around. He's really … different."

She began rummaging through her purse.

"Ah yes, I still have it," she said happily as she pulled out a card and handed it to Setsuna. It was old and faded, but the contact information still visible. She handed it to Setsuna who looked quizzically at it.

Juku PK and Private Tutoring

Peter Kuryakin, Instructor

"I don't think he does the cram school anymore, but I know he was still doing private tutoring as of a couple of years ago. We don't know exactly what he did, but we gave him a pretty free hand, and Kuryakin-san really pulled my brother out of it. He started getting his life back together, he aced his high school exams, graduated two terms early, and now he's pulling down top grades in college. I can't begin to tell you how grateful we were. It bordered on the miraculous. Kuryakin-san was that fantastic. My parents would worship him, if he'd let them."

"Why is so talented a teacher to be found in such a run-down neighborhood?" Setsuna asked taking note of the address.

"I asked him once why he didn't work in a more upscale place. He said, 'those who are healthy don't need a doctor. And the rent is cheaper.' I can assure you he's very effective, thoroughly professional. Every student of his I ever talked to said he was a great teacher, and very concerned with every aspect of their success. He was very in demand a few years ago."

"So this is your professional recommendation," said Setsuna sounding a bit disappointed.

Miyuki was normally as chatty as Setsuna wasn't, but when it came to her profession, she was very serious. She stared directly into Setsuna's eyes.

"Setsuna-san, I am fully aware that you asked me for help because you need this handled with the greatest discretion. I am very flattered, not just professionally but personally, that you turned to me. Two days ago, I would have had a hard time believing you would ever need help with anything. That you even had to ask means the situation is serious. I assure you I have taken it seriously. All the more so having met Hotaru. She is a beautiful, wonderful child, and just because I think the problem is 'psychosomatic' doesn't mean the problem isn't real. This is not the first time I've seem something like this - if you take my meaning? It could blow up into something much bigger. You should really think about it. If he agrees to take her on –and he's very selective - he will not stop until he finds a solution."

"He is that able?" asked Setsuna.

"Ask anyone in my family. Ask my brother. I'll give you his number. Even knowing all that I know now, I don't think I could have helped my brother as well as Kuryakin-san did. When I asked Shiro how he did it, he said he didn't really know, but one thing he remembered well: from the first day they met, he felt like he 'wasn't alone in this' anymore. I don't even know what, exactly, he meant by 'in this' but that's just how my brother put it. And by the way, don't take too long deciding about this because if I remember right, Kuryakin-san follows the American style academic calendar."

"Why?"

"I think it was because quite a few of his high school level students ended up studying abroad. If they stay here for college, they're three months ahead of everyone else."

"Well, perhaps we shall try this," she said.

"If my diagnosis is even close, I think this is the answer, Setsuna," she said as she got up to leave. "But if you like, I will have another session with Hotaru at your convenience, or, if you want, recommend someone in my field. But, given all the factors, I truly think this person can help you better than I, or anyone I could recommend. Thank you for your hospitality, Setsuna. I need to go, if there is nothing else."

"Yes, it would be good for you to leave before Haruka shows up," Setsuna smiled.

"Oh, you think she'd like me?" Miyuki giggled with playful mock interest.

"No one can say, but it would be wise to not find out. Your fiancé might not approve. Thank you again."

"You're welcome. I hope you're not disappointed in me, Setsuna-san."

"Oh, certainly not. You have most generous to give of your time like this. I admit, I am a bit surprised by your recommendation. Do you recall how much this tutor charges for his services?"

"I don't remember exactly," she said, trying to remember, "but once he decides to help someone, I think he takes into account what they can afford. We could afford plenty and that's what we paid, but there are a couple of people I am almost certain he taught for free. Anyway, if it's to help the ones we love, is any price too high?"

Setsuna saw her to the door, and thanked her again.

"Oh, and one other thing …" Miyuki said as she got into her car.

"Yes?"

"He's kind of cute."

Setsuna glanced heavenward and shook her head.

'The ones we love,' thought Setsuna, as Miyuki's car headed down the driveway. How had she come to love Hotaru so?


Hotaru's MRI confirmed there was nothing physically wrong.

Setsuna talked it over with Haruka and Michiru, and they decided to see how Hotaru fared with the make up exams for the tests she had been unable to complete. On the day of the exams, Haruka and Michiru were waiting right outside the door of the classroom. It was deserted except for her and the proctor. Hotaru began. She did quite well at the beginning, but as she began to tired, the anxiety began to build. This time she felt it coming. She cried out, then froze. Her guardians quickly got her home. One final consultation with Setsuna and it was decided that they would take Miyuki's advice.

Setsuna called the number on the card Miyuki had given her and turned the speaker phone on so Michiru and Haruka could listen in. The phone was answered by a man with a deep, resonant, gentle voice, who in the conversation came across as somehow both young yet very mature, as well as good humored and kindly. From the name on the card, Setsuna knew he was foreign, but his Japanese was impeccable, in every respect. At first, he seemed a bit reluctant as Setsuna introduced herself, and began to explain the situation. Finally, he mentioned that he had intended to end his tutoring practice no later than the new year. Furthermore, he added, he only rarely took genius level students, whom he felt really ought to learn to take care of themselves, unless they were really having trouble fulfilling their potential due to some other problem. Setsuna then explained that this was exactly the case, and that he might be their last hope of a relatively simple solution.

After a brief and pregnant pause, during which the sounds of rustling papers could be heard, he said, "Oh, wait a moment … ahhhhhh, okay," and then seemed to have a change of heart. He admitted he did have sufficient open time in his future plans to take a single student for one more term, and thought it might be possible to see if he thought he could help Hotaru - for one term only. Though her voice did not betray it, Setsuna found herself relieved to hear this.

After agreeing upon a meeting tomorrow at 12:15 in the afternoon, he asked if he could speak to the prospective student for a moment. This seemed a bit strange, but after he explained that he could "hear things" in a person's voice and that he may as well start thinking about whether he could help her, Setsuna called Hotaru in to talk with him. He was jovial and paternal but without condescension. He asked Hotaru how she'd feel about having a private teacher for a term, and she thought that might be nice. Then he told her a joke about a man running around in the middle of the road, dodging cars, and then nearly being run over by a car driven by a squirrel.

"And the squirrel says, 'see, it's not as easy as it looks, is it?'" he said.

Hotaru thought it was pretty funny and that it was made even funnier by his delivery of the punch line in a really cute, high-pitched, cartoon voice. Michiru cracked a little smile, as well. After Hotaru left the room, he mentioned that he liked how she laughed and that he was looking forward to meeting Hotaru tomorrow.

"He sounds nice enough," Michiru said thoughtfully.