The door closed softy and Hotaru leaned her forehead against it. Another potential date, ruined before it had even begun. She'd been planning all week, had bought a new dress and everything. She really liked this girl, too! She was pretty, and funny, and also had an inhuman fondness for lamps.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and violently shook it off. When she whirled on her father, her eyes were already swimming with tears. "Haruka-papa!" she accused. "You always do this!"
Haruka took an involuntary step back. Her expression was contrite, but genuinely confused. "I only said 'hi'!"