Can Lixi look at me alone?

I still have questions I want to ask, but why can't I bring myself to ask them?

I want to ask... why did Chihiro forbid me from kissing people so easily? Why can't I bring myself to ask? Is it still because I'm shy?

Is the world of normal people really like this?

The bell rang sharply, and several students, just like those from the previous break, surrounded Yuzuki.

Despite being in a bad mood, the girl tried her best to maintain her composure and make her smile appear gentler.

"Upon closer inspection, Chika-san is truly an incredibly beautiful girl!"

How am I supposed to respond to that? Can't you guys think about how I'm supposed to respond before you say something like that?

"Thank you, you're cute too."

Her popularity, which was suppressed during junior high school due to the protection of the 'yakuza heiress' Shiina Ritsuki, exploded completely in high school.

After all, the story of Yugaoka could not be passed on to Hanasaki River.

With her gentle smile, delicate features, and elegant demeanor, and especially the fact that it was very comfortable to talk to her... all these factors combined to make her the beloved Qianhua in the eyes of her classmates.

Compared to the somewhat fierce-looking Riki, the always-skipping-school Chuka, and the always-keeping-a-safe-distance Hailing, it is definitely the personality of Yuzuki that makes them want to get closer.

"Does Yuzuki-chan wear makeup? You have such a great natural look! You'd look absolutely gorgeous with makeup... Ah, sorry, I didn't mean Yuzuki-chan isn't pretty without makeup..."

With a slightly stiff smile, Yuzuki pretended to be thinking, buying herself a few seconds of rest.

So what am I supposed to say after you've already said everything? And why did you call me by my name? Have you no manners at all…

The pink-haired girl, who was getting impatient and wanted to attack her, put her hands under her chin.

"Hmm... I feel like applying makeup would be a bit of a hassle. But it's not like I'm completely uninterested; maybe I'll give it a try if I have the chance."

Jieyue tried to phrase things tactfully, but all she got in return was the other party's 'misunderstanding'.

"Charm." After all, tact and gentleness alone cannot solve the problem...

"Hey! I knew it! How could any girl not care about her appearance? See? I was right! Of course, Yuzuki-chan feels the same way~"

Yuzuki watched as the somewhat annoying girl in front of her pulled over a few people beside her and proudly puffed out her chest, as if she had done something worth showing off.

The girl, who had previously thought that Yuzuki wouldn't pay attention to her, scratched her head awkwardly and then forcefully pulled her aside.

Yuzuki breathed a sigh of relief, not caring what they might say. They could say whatever they wanted, as long as... they didn't bother her.

But the problem is always like the sieve she uses to wash vegetables; it can only remove water droplets and dust. The truly spoiled vegetables can only be disposed of by her own hands.

"I wonder what kind of girl Yuzuki-chan likes?"

...?

Although it was only for a moment, she still remembered a certain black-haired drummer.

The suppressed desires also reminded her of... the memory of kissing Riki-chan in a secluded place. Ultimately, almost inevitably, her cheeks flushed in front of them.

While trying to figure out how to answer, Yuzuki felt ashamed and wanted to calm down quickly, but she fell into a trap.

"So Chika really does like girls..."

Completely unsure how to answer the question, the girl chose silence over flipping the table; after all… it wasn't a very serious mistake. She shouldn't hurt others so easily.

"Yuzuki-chan's face is blushing so badly..."

"That's probably because Chika's skin is just too fair..."

The chatter around her made Yuzuki's mind go numb. For a moment, the girl, unsure of what to say, gently played with her long hair.

Should I deny it or affirm it? Which issue should I deny or affirm...? Is it impolite to remain silent? What is the... correct course of action?

"Hmm... well, this question is..."

The girl, who was answering softly, heard a familiar voice.

"That's enough, isn't it? Can't you see she's unwilling to answer your questions anymore?"

She cut directly between the group, separating Yuzuki, who was sitting in a chair, from Riki, and grabbed her arm.

"Eh...is that so? I'm sorry, Yuzuki-chan! I didn't mean to, please don't hate me!"

Suddenly relieved, the pink-haired idiot nodded, and only spoke after realizing that the impolite classmate outside couldn't see her actions through Lixi.

"Saying 'I hate you' is a bit too much... It's just that I didn't know how to answer that question..."

Yuzuki saw the nameplate on her chest clearly.

Seeking peace in midsummer.

Volume 2 Mygo!! Chapter 17: Saki, the scapegoat

That slender figure shielded her from the gazes of those strangers, allowing Yuzuki to move her features, which had become somewhat stiff after a long period of faking a smile.

The good news is that she is very popular.

The bad news is, she doesn't really like being so popular.

Does social interaction among these normal humans really have any meaning?

"Hello~"

If someone says that to me, I need to return that sentence to them verbatim.

"The weather is really nice today!"

Is this what you want to hear me say? What am I supposed to say in response? What's the difference between this and nonsense?

Their social interactions are like this... basically just a lot of completely meaningless conversations. But why do they still insist on coming to me and talking about these pointless things?

Yuzuki couldn't understand it, but her manners and upbringing prevented her from hastily asking these seemingly 'impolite' questions to these normal people.

"Yuzuki? What are you thinking about?"

Caught off guard, Li Xi touched her head. Realizing what had happened, the pink-haired girl, whose face flushed again, quickly lowered her head and used her long hair to cover herself.

"Ah... Riki-chan, thank you."

Seeing that she seemed reluctant to explain what had happened last night, Lixi gave up asking. She simply placed the drink she had just bought on Jieyue's table with some concern.

Could it be because I came back late and didn't help her fend off these people in time... that made Yuzuki angry with me?

Lixi, who casually shoved another drink into the back of Hailing's neck, returned to his seat and waited for the teacher to begin the lesson.

Hai Ling, startled by the cold drink, quickly took it off her clothes and rolled her eyes at the drummer behind her.

Why do something like this? Wasn't he showing such strong boyfriend-like qualities when he was protecting Yuzuki behind him just now?

Tch... Anyway, I'm not needed, right?

Yuzuki hasn't directly said she doesn't need me yet, but that's only because... she's too embarrassed to say it outright, so she hopes I'll bring it up first.

This guy has always been like this, so soft-spoken… He has absolutely no social skills. He always likes to put himself at a disadvantage and make sacrifices where no one can see.

At times like this, don't worry about my feelings anymore. Just tell me directly... you don't want to continue anymore, right?

After waiting all night without receiving a goodnight, the support musician slumped over the table and started catching up on sleep.

It's just that Yuzuki has always had something more important to do—to figure out why she's so easily embarrassed. So Yuzuki hasn't realized what kind of harm she's unintentionally caused Hailing.

Things would be very simple if she were willing to make amends.

Hai Ling simply didn't want to be a 'support musician' who could be replaced at any time and was only remembered when needed.

She really wanted a stable life and friends, and Yuzuki... truly gave her those things.

Although it was only temporary, she was still very happy... At least every day before she went to be a support musician, a girl would cook her lots of delicious meals and quietly ask her to come back the next day.

I even thought that Yuzuki couldn't live without me...

……yes.

As long as I'm irreplaceable to Yuzuki... isn't that enough?

Hai Ling had some terrifying thoughts, but thankfully she quickly banished them from her mind.

That's impossible. For Yuzuki, the only irreplaceable one is Ritsuki.

That's enough, stop thinking about her.

There's no need for that; to her, I'm just a substitute anyway.

This is so troublesome. Why didn't you just tell me you didn't want to see me again? Considering I've been helping you all along, it shouldn't be too difficult for you to say that, right?

Hai-ling, who was clearly complaining that Yu-yue wasn't decisive enough, also showed the same flaw as Yu-yue at this moment...

All you need to do is type a dozen or so words on your phone and send it.

But why don't I want to do it? Do I... like her that much?

Hai Ling changed her position to try and fall asleep faster.

At the same time, Yuzuki, who had been wondering whether she had become human or not, felt something touch her calf.

Lixi, who wanted to hold her hand but accidentally touched something else, immediately pulled her hand back, her cheeks flushed, and dared not turn around to look at Jieyue's expression.

She was afraid to see Jieyue's angry face.

She really didn't want Yuzuki to leave her again because of her.

So, whatever the reason... Yuzuki suddenly distanced herself from her.

She had to find out the reason.

The pink-haired girl, who hadn't realized that she had actually been harassed by the student in front of her, touched the spot where she had been touched.

Is it an illusion?

Oh no... I forgot to prepare lunch last night... Xiao Xiang probably won't have lunch either!

Why didn't Xiaoxiang remind me when he ate the breakfast I made this morning?

Really…

Having found a reason to vent, Yuzuki immediately opened Line. Shoko, who was listening to the lesson, felt a vibration in her pocket and carefully took out her phone to check Yuzuki's messages where the teacher couldn't see.

Still in class, and she sent four or five messages, it must be something very important, right? Was she being bullied at school...? Lixi really can't take care of her...?

"Are you stupid?"

"Is it fun to starve yourself at noon? Or do you not have money to pay for my lunch?"

"Did I ask you for money, otherwise I wouldn't make you lunch? What's the point of whipping yourself to work?! Do I need your money? Why is it so difficult for you to live in my house and eat my cooking?!"

"If you dare not eat lunch today, I dare to make you sleep in the bathroom all day."

Xiangzi's vision went black, and the familiar Jieyue returned.

The number of messages criticizing her kept increasing, but she no longer had the energy to read them.

The pink-haired girl clapped her hands happily, having vented all her resentment at once.

As for the possible consequences?

"It's okay, Xiao Xiang won't even look at it. I'll just call her after class."

Yuzuki, who knew her childhood sweetheart very well, guessed Shoko's reaction.

The little blue octopus, having been scolded, took a deep breath, then put its phone back on the table after switching it to silent mode.

There's no need to argue or explain anything. Yuzuki's mood is off right now; nothing she says will make a difference. Normally, if she's about to lose her temper, she'll at least explain her reasons first…

If we wait a little longer, we should be able to hear the news of Yuzuki's apology.

But what does "lunch" mean? What does "kizuki" refer to...?

Tsk... Why get so angry over something like this? It's just skipping lunch, what's the big deal?

Bathroom... wait, let's go buy some bread first.

Volume 2, My Go!! Chapter 18: Sweet

After waiting for about half an hour, Yuzuki, who was a little reluctant to hear Xiangzi's voice, sent a few apologies in a flustered manner.