"Italicized" = Signed

"Regular" = Spoken

Italicized = Yō typing

= Someone else typing

----- = A spoken word Yō can't understand (or at least not lip read)

...

Yō's POV:

Mari and I didn't talk while we walked. She was ahead of me, leading the way. I was only a few steps behind her. I hope she's right about Dia's father not being home. Otherwise, this won't be good for us.

He seems like just a sucky person over all. I don't like him very much. He doesn't seem like he cares about anyone but himself. That's not how a father should be.

Though, I guess my dad isn't... wasn't that much different. He always seemed annoyed to have to sign to me. He kept a smile on his face, but I could see how fake it was. I wonder if he would've ever let me join him in his work once I was old enough. I don't think he would've.

It didn't take long to reach the house. Mari rang the doorbell. We waited nervously for someone to answer it. A minute later, the door opened. Thankfully, it was Dia who answered it.

She looked between the two of us with a mix of surprise and confusion on her face. She started talking to Mari. I awkwardly stood there and waited. I wonder what exactly they're talking about. Maybe it's about what Mari is doing here. It's possible Dia wasn't aware Mari was back.

It was weird at school. A lot of the third years who knew Mari were just as surprised to see that she had come back. Mari seems like she was really popular back then. I wonder if she'll regain that now.

After a few minutes of them talking, Dia let us inside. We went into her bedroom. I guess it's as a safety measure. We don't need anyone else knowing that we're here with her. I'm sure Ruby would be just fine, but I'm more worried about her mom. I don't really know much about her either. She didn't seem bad when I met her, though.

Once we were all situated somewhere in the room, the conversation started. This time, I was able to participate and understand it.

"Why are you two here?" Dia asked.

Mari nudged me. I guess that means she wants me to do the explaining. How should I put it? I'm not sure what I should say.

"It's about that girl from yesterday." I replied.

"What about her?" Dia raised an eyebrow at me.

"She... she attacked me after school yesterday." I told her.

"Are you alright?" Dia asked.

I nodded, "Yeah. Nothing's broken. I'm just a little bruised."

"You know who we're talking about?" Mari asked Dia in surprise.

Dia nodded, "Yes. I had an encounter with her yesterday as well."

"Oh... how come you didn't do anything then?" Mari asked.

"Because, I was way too sick to do much yesterday. I'm just getting better now." Dia replied.

"I can do it for you. I just need her name." Mari offered.

Dia shook her head, "I can do it myself."

"Fine." Mari pouted.

"Is that all then?" Dia asked.

I nodded. That was all I came here for. I don't know if Mari came here for something else. I don't know much about her intentions. She might want to catch up with Dia. I'll probably leave if that's what's going to happen.

"There's one more thing." Mari stated.

"What is it?" Dia asked.

"Well, this idol group...." Mari started.

"I don't feel like discussing this." Dia sent Mari a warning glare.

Why is Mari asking about the group? Is there something I don't know? Wait. She said the name was the same as the group she was in. Maybe she thinks Dia gave them the name? Could it have been Dia? I guess it's possible.

Mari pouted at Dia. Dia didn't waver in her stance. Mari sighed. Dia wasn't going to budge. Why? Maybe she doesn't want to admit that she did do it.

"Fine. I will get you to talk about it." Mari gave up for the time being.

"I doubt that. I don't wish to talk anymore about that topic." Dia replied.

"I will get you to talk about it. Just you wait." Mari signed.

"Good luck with that." Dia rolled her eyes.

Mari stuck her tongue out at Dia. Dia didn't react at all to it. She just gave Mari an 'are you serious?' look.

"You ready to go then?" Mari asked me.

I shrugged. I'm ready whenever. Mari stood up and grabbed me by the arm. She waved goodbye to Dia and then we left. I didn't think she'd be dragging me out of the house so suddenly.

Mari seemed a little upset at the conversation. Would she answer my questions if I asked why? I don't know.

I hesitantly tapped Mari on the shoulder, "What was with that back there?"

"Well... I know she had something to do with this idol group and their name. Kanan didn't have anything to do with it. We talked earlier and that was what she told me." Mari explained, "I just wish she'd admit it."

"Maybe she didn't do it and that's why she won't admit it?" I offered. I'm probably not right at all. There must be a reason Mari thinks the way she does.

Mari rolled her eyes at me, "I know she did it."

"I don't think you'll be getting her to admit it." I replied.

"Just you wait. I'll get her to admit it." Mari replied with a smirk.

Should I be worried?

...

Later that day, I was at the hotel by myself. Mari had gone off. She didn't tell me where she was going or why. I don't even know when to expect her to return. I can't help but wonder if she's putting her plan of getting Dia to talk into action.

I was sitting in the living room watching a random TV show. I was also scrolling through some apps on my phone. There's nothing to do. I'm bored. I don't feel like bothering anyone.

I came across another post from Aqours. They were showing off one of their practices. They look like they're having a lot of fun doing it. Maybe I should give it a try.

I stood up and went to my room. I guess I'll try and see how well I can dance. I turned on a random dance video I felt like I could work with. I did my best to copy what they were doing. It was hard.

When I had finished, I was panting. That was a lot tougher than I thought it would be. But, it was fun. I... I think I can do it.

I want to join. I want to try and be a member. I don't want to just be on the sidelines. I want to be fully into it. They'll let me, so I don't have to worry about that at all.

I guess that's what I'll do tomorrow then. I'll give them my answer and join. I hope I haven't made a mistake in doing this.