Chapter 43 Missing My Friends
Saki's POV

The Next Day

Toya and I were at the train station to say goodbye to our friends before we left for a trip.

"I'm gonna miss you guys so much", I said to my friends.

"You're only going to be gone for a few days, Saki", Shiho pointed out.

"I know", I said. "But the four of us haven't spent a day apart since we formed our band!"

"I get that, Saki", Shiho stated. "But there's no need for us to do everything together."

"Shiho-Chan's right", Honami stated. "Plus, I think it's actually quite healthy to spend some time apart every once in a well."

"Oh, okay", I said in defeat. "But when I get back, we're gonna do a bunch of fun things together to make up for the time we were apart!"

"As you wish, Saki", Ichika said.

"Saki", Toya started. "Our train is about to arrive, so we should probably say our last goodbyes."

"Okay", I said sadly.

Then, I looked up at my friends, and began getting a little emotional.

I got closer, before giving them a big hug.

"I love you guys so much", I said.

"We love you too, Saki", Ichika said.

Then, I pulled away from my friends, before looking at Tsukasa.

I got closer to him, and he gave me a hug.

"Farewell, my dearest little sister", he said. "Enjoy your trip."

"I will, Onii-Chan", I said as I pulled away from him.

Then, he walked up to Toya, and put his hands on his shoulders.

"Toya", he started. "Please look after Saki."

"Of course, Tsukasa-Senpai", Toya said. "I promise."

After Toya said this, he pulled away from Tsukasa. Then, his group walked up to him.

"Bye, Toya", An said. "Have fun on your trip!"

"Make sure to take some photos for us", Kohane instructed.

"See you when you get back, buddy", Akito said.

Then, he put his hand on Toya's shoulder, before pulling him into a hug.

"Thank you, Akito", Toya said before pulling away from the hug, and looking at the rest of his group. "Thank you, everyone."

After Toya said this, the train finally arrived.

"Are you ready, Saki", he asked, as he held out his hand to me.

"Yep", I replied, before taking Toya's hand. "Lets go, Toya-Kun!"

With that, Toya and I walked onto the train. Then, the doors closed, and it began moving.

We watched our friends wave to us, until they were no longer in sight.

After this, I looked down sadly.

"Are you okay, Saki", Toya asked in concern.

"It's silly", I started as I looked up. "We're only going to be apart for a few days, and yet…I'm already really missing my friends."

After I said this, Toya began thinking.

"Saki", he started. "Do you know the saying 'absence makes the heart grow fonder.' That means that, by being apart from your friends, you're going to love them even more."

After Toya said this, I thought about it for a moment. Then, I smiled.

"You're right", I said. "When I was in the hospital, I missed my friends so much! But because I missed them so much, I decided that, when I got out of hospital, I was going to try my best to spend as much time with them as I can!"

"Exactly", Toya said. "So, instead of being sad about not being with them while we're on our trip, focus on all the fun things you'll do with your friends once we get back."

After Toya said this, I smiled at him.

Then, I wrapped my arms around his torso and burried my head in his chest.

"Thank you for that, Toya-Kun", I said, before looking up at him. "You're the bestest husband ever!"

After I said this, Toya looked at me in shock.

But then…he gave me a warm and gentle smile.