Chapter 3: The Date

Hotaru sat in the passenger seat of Mike's blue convertible, enjoying the ride. The top was down despite the fact that it was January, causing Hotaru's long black hair to blow in the wind. Hotaru quickly decided to tie her hair into a ponytail, not wanting her hair to look like a mess when she and Mike arrived at the restaurant. Hotaru then sat back in her seat, not having to worry about Setsuna figuring out she'd snuck out. Hotaru's designer mother had a fashion show coming up, and Hotaru knew her mother tended not to notice anything else at times like that. Hotaru figured that Setsuna probably wouldn't even leave her room unless her girlfriend, Minako, called and asked Setsuna on a date. Even if Minako did call Setsuna and ask her on a date, Hotaru knew her mother was unlikely to even think to check Hotaru's room. That's how much Setsuna-mama loved Minako-chan. Hotaru smiled just thinking about it. She liked Minako's energy, it was good for the serious Setsuna. Before Hotaru knew it, Mike was parking the car by the bay. Mike got out of the car and walked out to open the door for Hotaru. Hotaru smiled, stepped out of the car, and took her ponytail out, letting her long hair fall back down to her hips. Mike walked with her into the restaurant.

"Table for two," Mike said kindly to the hostess, who nodded and led them to a small table by the window which overlooked the bay.

Hotaru removed her red coat, revealing the long-sleeved purple dress and black leggings she was wearing underneath.

"That's a nice dress, Hotaru." Mike said, smiling kindly.

"Thank you," Hotaru replied, smiling and blushing slightly, "my mom designed it just for me." The greatest perk of having a mom who was a designer was that Hotaru got lots of one-of-a-kind clothes that no one else would ever wear. No need for Hotaru to worry about going to a party or dance and having some other girl show up wearing the same outfit as her. Mike smiled. They ordered, and while they waited for their food, they looked out at the bay, which was lit by multi-colored lights, and talked about school and family. The family part was mostly Mike. Hotaru loved her parents, but it was always awkward having to explain her three moms to people. Hotaru was a bit relieved when the food came, because it meant there would be a break in the conversation. The two sat at the table eating until Mike asked Hotaru a question.

"So your mom is a fashion designer?" Mike asked.

Hotaru paused a moment. She didn't want Mike to judge her or her mothers. She decided to go with an answer that wouldn't be questioned too much.

"Yes, my mom is a fashion. My dad's a motorcycle and car racer." Hotaru said with a smile before closing her eyes and silently apologizing to Michiru for not telling Mike about her.

Mike looked at Hotaru. "Your dad's a racer? Wow! That must be awesome!"

Hotaru regretted telling Mike that her "dad" was a racer. After all, if he asked who, he might recognize the name and know it was a woman. Hotaru hoped he wouldn't ask.

"It's pretty cool." Hotaru said, smiling. "It's nice to have famous parents."

Mike nodded. "My parents just manage a hotel. It's a nice hotel though."

Hotaru smiled at her date. It must be nice to have parents that weren't so famous, she thought. Hotaru loved her parents but it got kind of annoying that they were so busy so much of the time.

The two went back to their food. After they had finished eating and paid for the meal, they put their coats on and walked along the bay, talking. After walking for about 30 minutes, they decided that it was too cold and dark to stay outside, so they went back to Mike's car. Mike' drove Hotaru home after putting the top of his car up. During the ride they listened to the radio. When the car pulled up to Hotaru's house, Hotaru was surprised but relieved to see that no lights were on. She got out of the car, gave Mike a smile, and thanked him before going to the front door and unlocking it. As soon as Hotaru closed the door behind her, Mike drove away. Hotaru turned on the light for the upstairs hallway and tiptoed up the stairs. As she was passing Setsuna's room, the door opened to reveal Minako and Setsuna. Hotaru gulped. If Minako was there, she'd make Hotaru spill everything about her date. Sure enough, Minako took one look at Hotaru before asking where she had been.