Neko's eyes lit up to see she had caught her friend. She smiled and waved (she was good at that).
Hoshi looked at her mother. "Go, see your friend. I'll save you a seat," Chiyako said good-naturedly.
Hoshi stepped out of line and started towards the twins. Neko saw her and hurdled the seats between them to reach her.
"I wanted to say goodbye," she panted.
"Don't you have pole vault today?"
"I can practice anytime. I decided this was more important."
Hoshi allowed a faint smile to reach her lips. "I appreciate it. I'll miss you, Neko-chan."
"I'll miss you too."
They stood there awkwardly, neither sure what to do, since it had already been established that hugging was going to be uncomfortable for Hoshi.
"You should go," Neko finally said.
"Yeah� Neko-chan? I'm gonna try to understand, I promise."
Neko's hand unconsciously went to the necklace Hoshi had given her. She gave it a squeeze. "Arigatou. Have a good trip."
Hoshi really was going to go, but first she asked, "Is that really your favorite piece of jewelry?"
Neko nodded.
Hoshi smiled brightly at the confirmation. "I'll write," she promised as she backed up into the end of the line again. She waved to Mi-chan too.
Afterall, it was okay that she was going. They'd all see each other again someday.
Until then, the Eclipse Trilogy is on hold.
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