Ayano almost had a stroke on the spot.

Wasn't Hoshi a girl?

But here he was, in his father's meek black hair, pecking Sakura on the cheek.

A child lost... a child lost...

Blabbering, she spoke. "I-I'm sorry about your loss."

Osana Najimi's glare scrunched up into a sob, whilst Sakura shot her mother a furious look.

Taro spoke, a wistful grief in his eyes. "You know about Astra Najimi, then. She had her mother's orange hair. A bit of a tsundere herself, but nevertheless, so good-natured."

"Come in." Budo's reassuring deep voice calmed Ayano a little. "We'll talk over some tea?"

Quite soon, everyone was gathered around the table, clutching steamy cups of green tea, as Taro continued.

"Astra was about the same age as Sakura," he said. "Shared a same class too." Sakura nodded quietly.

"I was carrying Astra when we met you at the Hasipeta," spat Osana suddenly. Taro nodded.

"Hold on." Ayano breathed heavily. "Sakura, didn't you say you 'lost' your senpai?"

And accused a 'Hoshi Najimi' for stealing him?

"He was in a car crash, Mom!" cried Sakura. "I thought him dead!"

"It's really been rather... rather unfortunate for our family," said Budo, his voice quivering. "When Hoshi had barely recovered, Astra was taken from us." "My baby!" Osana was shaking.

"My Astra, my beautiful Astra! She always wanted to see her brother date!"

Uncomfortably, Hoshi stood up. "I'm so sorry, Mr and Mrs Masuta, but it's a little hard for us to resume our meet-up. Thanks for the tea." With a final kiss of Sakura's hand, he brought his family out.

"Ayano? Ayano?" Budo came up to her. "It's a little shocking, but—"

Ayano's head was spinning.

"I..." Her voice was hoarse. She ran to the
bathroom.