Aspiring to be a girl in a band

Page 190

She had just said that Xiangzi was more important than her own life, which is why the other party became worried.

What a meddlesome agent.

Chu Hua blushed and pretended nothing was wrong, continuing to look out the window.

However, it remains to be seen how much of the scenery that keeps sliding past the window actually catches her eye.

Volume 1: Chapter 181 Awakened Love (4000 words)

"I am back."

Back inside the villa, the first thing Xiangzi said as he closed the door was to relax.

But... immediately afterwards, she covered her mouth.

And he glanced nervously in a certain direction.

Thankfully... that guy didn't look over.

She probably didn't hear herself either, since she had only said it unconsciously, so the volume was very low.

Xiangzi found it all very unbelievable.

Because that phrase is a habitual expression only uttered when one returns home, to one's own warm harbor.

...Although this was indeed her former home.

But after she moved out, for Xiangzi, this place was often just a cold, impersonal property, especially since it was occupied by that wicked thing.

She never said that sentence here.

【I'm back】

That was just a momentary lapse in speech...

Xiangzi tried to force an explanation.

But... she ultimately couldn't convince herself.

Is it really just aphasia?

It is often said that what is revealed in the most relaxed state is often the truth.

She had just calmed down Chu Hualin, which made her feel relaxed, and that's why she called out that sentence when she entered the room.

This is the truth she unconsciously reveals when she's relaxed.

She didn't expect...

I've actually started to get used to this kind of life, and even... started to like it.

To live with that bad thing.

Realizing this, Xiangzi could only shake his head helplessly.

Xiangzi patted his cheeks again to clear his head, then pretended nothing had happened and walked toward Arakawa Kirika.

……

"Why did it take you so long?"

Arakawa Kirika looked calmly into Shoko's eyes, her expression showing some displeasure.

"Feel sorry……"

Xiangzi replied quickly.

Eh?

Wait a minute, why should I apologize?

Almost the instant he uttered the apology, Xiangzi's heart was filled with inexplicable turmoil once again.

"never mind."

Arakawa Kirika didn't say much after seeing Shoko apologize. She straightened up, then slightly raised her chin, gesturing for Shoko to sit opposite her.

"I have something to tell you."

...What's going on here?

For some reason, Xiangzi suddenly felt nervous.

Normally, this guy would most likely let himself sit next to her... or even sit directly on her lap.

Then he started touching himself.

But today, not only did she have no intention of doing anything bad, she even... allowed herself to sit across from him.

What's wrong with her today?

What puzzled Xiangzi even more was the tone of Arakawa Kiriyuu when she said those words.

There's something I need to tell you.

Throughout her interactions with Shoko, Arakawa Kirika has generally used a tone of pleasure, jest, and sarcasm.

This was the first time she had ever heard Arakawa Kirika speak in such a serious tone.

This made Xiangzi feel uneasy.

Because in most cases, actively using a serious tone often means actively creating distance.

What...is she trying to say?

Even though Xiangzi was experiencing intense turmoil inside, she outwardly remained calm and obediently sat down directly opposite Arakawa Kirika as instructed.

"I've been thinking about it... it seems our agreement only stipulated that you would become my maid on weekends during the school year."

"...That's right, and then what?"

Xiangzi nodded blankly at Arakawa Kirika, then waited for her to continue.

"But it's summer vacation now, so theoretically it seems... there's no need for you to come here."

Arakawa Kirika rested her cheek on her hand, speaking seemingly casually.

However, when she said those words, her eyes were clearly looking elsewhere.

Eh?

It was only then that Xiangzi realized what was happening.

It seems...that's really the case.

She herself had subconsciously felt these past few days that she had to be by this guy's side whenever it was a holiday.

But thinking about it carefully, their initial agreement...

There was absolutely no mention of what to do during long holidays...

Hmm... If it were the original her, she definitely wouldn't have reminded me of this, and might even have taken advantage of me even more.

Xiangzi thought to himself.

"So... what are you going to do?"

For some reason, Xiangzi seemed a little lost.

This should be a good thing for her.

But she always felt...unhappy.

"Hmm...so...how about you stop coming over starting tomorrow? You've been pretty busy with the band lately, composing new songs and negotiating with Ms. Chu Hua's agency. Even I...feel sorry for you. So I'm thinking of letting you rest for a while."

Arakawa Kirika looked at the wall beside her and said, but with each word she spoke, her hands, already clenched into fists, tightened their grip even more.

...What exactly happened?

The freedom I've always dreamed of is right before my eyes.

But why... can't I feel happy at all?

Xiangzi was genuinely puzzled.

That scoundrel offered to take a vacation.

And... she really needs time.

As Arakawa Kirika said.

Balancing her work as a maid, composing music, and dealing with Chu Hua's agency, the sheer volume of琐事 (trivial matters) had left her feeling quite exhausted.

She's been really tired lately.

But... should I really just leave this guy alone?

If I'm not here... what will she do in the morning... no, that's not right.

As Xiangzi thought about this, he suddenly realized something.

It seems... even without her, there would be another professional team to take care of Arakawa Kirika's daily life, so there's no need to worry about that at all.

But... the thought of not seeing that sleepy, drowsy sleeping beauty when she first wakes up during this rather long vacation...

Xiangzi felt as if he had missed something very important.

In short... Xiangzi made up his mind.

"Please... allow me to refuse."

Xiangzi raised his head and looked into those red eyes.

"what?"

Arakawa Kirika's eyes widened.

Right now, she just feels... a little annoyed.

What's wrong with this guy...?

Lately, this guy really likes to go against me.

Have they tasted the sweetness of resistance?

That's utterly absurd.