The following afterschool had Ayane alongside Rise. It was two girls from two worlds apart having a conversation about a boy, tofu, and music. Everyone wondered what that was about.
"Isn't that Ayane Matsunaga with Kujikawa-san?"
"Weird duo for sure."
Naoto had overheard the two girls talking. They did not mean any harm, but the rumors that would spread from it would be dangerous.
Leaving her desk, she walked out of the classroom. She caught up with Ayane and Rise easily, now her hands at both of their backs. "Hey Matsunaga-san, Rise, what were you talking about?"
"Oh, you know, the usual stuff." Rise rolled her eyes. A smile was plastered on her face. "I just found out that me and Ayane are in the musical business! Pretty cool coincidence, huh?"
"Please, call me Ayane," Ayane replied to Naoto. "Just like how I'll call Rise with her given name, I'll call you yours too, um, Naoto."
"A tempting offer, and I accept." Naoto subconsciously tipped her hat toward Ayane. "However, we should move somewhere a little bit less crowded. It seems our schoolmates are eager to eavesdrop on us."
With that remark, many onlookers began to scuttle away. They were like bugs against a flashlight. The sooner they disappeared, the better.
"Now, how about we go to Junes?" Naoto suggested. It should be the most neutral of their options.
"Actually, I was thinking that we could go to my house and talk there," Ayane suggested. "Rise wanted to hear me play. Is that fine with you?"
"Yeah, Naoto. Come on, it'll be just us first year girls!"
Naoto was free today, so she had no reason to refuse.
"Very well, let me pack my things first."
Ayane gave Naoto a bright smile. Truly a formidable act from the woman that Yu had chosen. Now, she was her friend. With that in mind, she gathered her things back in the classroom for the waiting girls.