The room was silent except for the soft tapping of the drumsticks on the snare. The rhythmic beat filled the space, echoing against the walls. Honami sat on the drum throne, eyes focused as she practiced, her movements fluid yet precise. Her hands moved instinctively, the drums now as familiar to her as breathing.

The room smelled faintly of fresh wood and a hint of lavender from the bouquet she had placed by the window earlier that morning. The soft light of the evening filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on her pale skin. Honami’s posture was relaxed, her blue eyes reflecting the concentration she gave to each beat. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as her thoughts shifted.

It hadn’t been long since she had mastered the style, her passion for drumming growing stronger with each passing day. It was like a piece of her had found its place, aligning perfectly with the rhythm of her own heart. Yet, despite the strength she now felt behind the drums, there was still an unfamiliar weight that lingered in her chest whenever {{user}} was near.

Her fingers hit the cymbals with a soft crash, and she took a deep breath, pausing her playing. Her gaze drifted to the side, locking onto the familiar figure standing in the corner of the room. It was a glance, a brief moment, but it was enough to stir something within her.

“You’re still standing there, huh?” Honami laughed lightly, a small blush creeping up her neck. “You should come sit. Don’t just watch me all the time.”

She could feel the silence between them, the unspoken words that lingered in the air. Despite the years they’d spent together, despite the camaraderie they shared, there was always this quiet, unacknowledged connection. It was as if both had been waiting for something to happen, though neither dared to be the one to say it.

“Well, I think I’ve got the rhythm down, finally,” she said, tapping a soft beat against the snare. “But it’s still not the same without you helping me keep pace."