The hotel lobby hummed with the quiet energy of morning as the band gathered around their booth table. Kid sat in the booth seat, sipping his black coffee and cutting into a plate of waffles, while Urara leaned onto the table, her chin resting in her hands, staring sleepily at her cereal. Reyn joined them, sliding into the booth next to Kid with a plate of eggs and toast.

Urara groaned, still half-asleep. “How can you drink that bitter bean water first thing in the morning?”

Kid smirked, raising his cup toward her. “Keeps me goin’, love. Someone’s gotta have the energy t’ deal with you all day.”

Urara flicked a stray cereal puff at him, missing spectacularly. “You’re the worst.”

Reyn, cutting into his sunny side-up eggs, chuckled. “Manager just texted. Bus should be here in about thirty minutes. No need to rush.”

“Good,” Kid muttered, taking another sip of his coffee. “Means I’ve got time for another cup before we hit the road.”

Urara yawned, leaning her head onto the table. “You drink any more of that sludge, we’ll have to scrape you off the ceiling.”

Before Kid could retort, the sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention. They all turned toward the lobby entrance just as Miura stepped in, her black coat flowing behind her. As always, her presence gained their attention, but something—someone—at her side made Reyn pause mid-bite.

“Mornin—” Reyn started, but his voice faltered as his eyes landed on the little girl walking beside Miura. Sona clutched Miura’s coat with one hand, her other arm wrapped tightly around her stuffed animal. Reyn blinked, utterly confused. “Wait… what?”

Kid, noticing Reyn’s reaction, furrowed his brow and followed his gaze. “What’re you—” He froze as soon as he saw Sona. His cup nearly slipped from his fingers, and he choked on his coffee, sputtering as he coughed violently. “What the bloody hell is—who—what is this?!”

Urara, still leaning on the table, blinked groggily. “What are you guys—” Her eyes widened as she spotted Sona. Her jaw dropped, and she practically jumped out of her seat. “Miura! Who is that?!”

Miura stopped in front of the table, her purple eyes calm and unwavering as she met their stunned stares. “This,” she said, her voice steady, “is Sona.”

The silence that followed was broken only by Kid’s wheezing as he tried to catch his breath. Reyn leaned back, his brow furrowed. “Sona?” he repeated. “Who is she?”

Miura’s tone remained composed. “I adopted her last night.”

The words hung in the air, and everyone froze as they processed what she’d just said. Kid finally managed to find his voice. “Wait—you adopted her? Like… officially?”

Urara crouched down to Sona’s level, her initial shock giving way to excitement. “Oh my gosh, you’re adorable!” she said with a grin. “Hi, Sona! I’m Urara! Don’t let these guys scare you—they’re just loud.”

Sona hesitated, pressing closer to Miura, her wide red eyes darting nervously between the unfamiliar faces.

Reyn broke the tension, his tone measured but curious. “Miura… why didn’t you tell us? When did this happen?”

“Last night,” Miura replied simply. “I found her, and she needed a home. So I gave her one.”

Kid, still trying to comprehend the situation, shook his head. “You found her? And decided to just—what, bring her into this chaos?”

“She’s not a stray, Kid,” Urara snapped, shooting him a glare. “She’s a child.”

“I know that!” Kid threw up his hands in exasperation. “It’s just… Miura, this is a lot. Are you sure about this?”

“Yes,” Miura said firmly. “She’s family now.”

The weight of her words silenced any further protests. Reyn finally nodded, a hint of respect in his expression. “Alright. If that’s your decision, we’ll make it work.”

Urara beamed, reaching out a hand to Sona. “Don’t worry, kiddo. You’re in good hands. We’re like the coolest family ever.”

Kid let out a soft laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. “Family, huh? Guess that makes us her weird rock n’ roll aunt n’ uncles.”

Urara laughed, and even Reyn smirked. Sona hesitated for a moment before reaching out and taking Urara’s hand, her grip hesitant but trusting. Miura’s lips curved into the faintest smile as she watched.

The tour bus announced its arrival with a screech of brakes outside. Their manager stepped off first, clipboard in hand, his usual air of efficiency about him. He scanned the group, already preparing to remind Kid not to lose his gear again, but his steps faltered as soon as his eyes landed on Sona.

He blinked, his brow furrowing deeply. “Uh…” His gaze darted between the little girl clutching Miura’s coat and the rest of the band, his mind racing. Why’s there a kid? Who’s kid is this?

“What’s this?” he asked finally, his voice a mix of confusion and disbelief.

Reyn stepped forward, clapping a reassuring hand on the manager’s shoulder. “Long story short,” he said with a faint chuckle, “Miura adopted the girl.”

The manager’s jaw dropped slightly, his eyes flicking back to Miura, who stood as composed as ever, her hand resting lightly on Sona’s shoulder. “She what?!” he blurted. “That’s… that’s one hell of a story.”

Reyn smirked, patting him on the back. “It sure is. Don’t worry—I’ll explain it on the ride.”

Still looking utterly baffled, the manager shook his head and let out a long breath. “Alright,” he muttered, adjusting his glasses. “Guess I’ll just… get us moving.”

As the band began loading their bags onto the bus, the manager stole another glance at Miura and Sona. The girl was clutching a stuffed animal, her small frame leaning slightly into Miura’s side. The sight tugged at something in the back of his mind—a sense that this was unlike anything he’d ever seen from Miura before.

“She’s got a kid now?” he thought, still stunned. “Didn’t see that coming.”

With a resigned shake of his head, he turned to follow them onto the bus. “This should be interesting.”

The band quickly loaded their bags onto the bus, their familiar banter filling the air as the manager lingered at the bottom of the steps, still visibly processing the whirlwind explanation Reyn had given him.

“Miura adopting a kid,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he climbed aboard. “Didn’t think I’d hear that one today.”

Inside, the engine’s steady hum greeted them as the bus pulled onto the road. Miura walked to her usual seat by the window, settling in with her typical quiet grace. Sona trailed behind her, still clutching her stuffed animal. She hesitated for a moment before climbing up beside Miura, her small frame curling up on the seat. Without a word, she leaned against Miura’s arm, her fiery red hair catching the soft morning light.

Within minutes, Sona’s breathing evened out, and she was fast asleep. Miura glanced down, her gaze lingering on the little girl’s peaceful face. A faint blush crept up her neck as an unfamiliar warmth bloomed in her chest. “She’s… adorable,” Miura thought, adjusting her arm slightly to make Sona more comfortable.

The moment of peace didn’t last long. From the row ahead, the faint click of a phone camera broke the silence. Miura’s sharp eyes darted up just in time to catch Urara hastily tucking her phone away, her mischievous grin giving her away.

“Urara,” Miura said, her voice calm but laced with warning. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing,” Urara replied, far too quickly. Her grin only widened, her green eyes sparkling with mischief.

Before Miura could press further, Urara turned her phone toward Kid, who was scrolling through memes on his own. “Hey, Kid,” she whispered, barely containing her laughter. “Check this out.”

Kid glanced over, and his face lit up the moment he saw the photo. He burst out laughing. “Oi, Miura,” he managed between laughs. “Didn’t know yeh were leanin’ into the mum role so hard!”

Miura’s blush deepened as she shot him a sharp glare. “Delete that,” she said flatly, though the faint pink in her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment.

Still chuckling, Kid opened his mouth to respond, but a small grumble from Sona stopped him. The little girl shifted slightly, her grip on her stuffed animal tightening .

Kid’s laughter cut off instantly, his hand flying to cover his mouth as he glanced nervously at Miura. “Uh… sorry,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Urara snickered, clearly enjoying the show, but even she softened her tone. “She’s got you trained already, huh?” she teased.

Miura sighed, shaking her head as she looked back at Sona. The girl settled again, her breathing steady as she nuzzled into Miura’s arm. Miura’s expression softened, and for a moment, the teasing faded into the background.

Reyn, sitting nearby, glanced back with a faint smile. “Alright, leave her alone,” he said, his tone gentle. “She’s earned a little peace.”

Urara stuck her tongue out at him, but the teasing subsided as the bus continued its journey. The band’s chatter resumed at a quieter volume, blending with the rhythmic hum of the engine.

Miura leaned her head against the window, watching the scenery blur past. Her hand rested lightly on Sona’s shoulder, the warmth of the moment grounding her. For the first time in a long while, she felt something she couldn’t quite put into words.

She didn’t feel so alone anymore.