Aunt Xiangzi, how did you manage to live?

But if Lena can do it, maybe she can too...?

Chu Hua raised her head, her eyes still slightly uneasy as she gazed at the boy, but this was gradually being replaced by excitement and nervousness.

If Aunt Renai can do it... then of course Aunt Hatsune Miku can too, right?

Chu Hua did say she didn't want Xiao to treat her like an aunt, but if that could create more opportunities for close contact...

Why not use the aunt's name to get closer to the nephew?

While Chu Hua harbored this "wicked thought," Li Xi looked at Kazama and Rakuna, who had suddenly become so close without warning, and felt a mix of mixed emotions.

No, why am I suddenly feeling conflicted because Lena is showing him unprecedented closeness?

Shiina Tatsuki shook her head violently to banish the thought from her mind, then continued to play the mature, reliable, and rational person she always was, steer the conversation back on track while not forgetting to make a few sarcastic remarks about Kazama.

"Getting back to the point, Mujica will have to put in a lot more effort to prepare for the performance. Kazama, you actually managed to find time to take care of the stray cat. You are indeed a high-energy time management master."

Although there's a hint of irony, Li Xi's slightly awkward little thoughts are actually quite easy to understand.

Kazama blinked, and instead of showing any embarrassment or helplessness, he smiled and threw the question back at her.

"Lixi, if you want me to take some time to take care of you, you can just say so. Or is it too embarrassing for you to state your needs directly?"

"Ha—who, who said I had that idea!"

No matter how much you breathe on your face, the blush that reveals your innermost thoughts won't lie, Miss Lixi.

"Okay, then I'll take it as you don't have that idea. From now on, besides taking care of Rakuna-chan, I'll put all my energy into preparing for Mujica's performance."

"what?!"

Sure enough, Li Xi, who had been pretending to be calm, immediately lost his composure upon hearing this.

"Wait, the care that should be shared with our companions, at least... at least give it to me...!"

Oh my, this guy's thoughts are so easy to understand.

"I'm just... cough, I'm just a little worried and curious at the same time. Kazama, since you've already decided to help Hatsuka-san, and even joined Mujica..."

Realizing that she had indeed lost her composure, Li Xi quickly cleared her throat and regained her calm and rational demeanor, glancing at Chu Hua, who had been smiling silently.

"...I'm just worried about whether you can manage all that."

In the end, she condensed her worries into this one sentence: maintaining the proper boundaries between friends.

"There's no need for Lixi to worry about that. Actually, Xiaojun didn't 'join' Mujica... rather, he and Xiaoxiang created this team together."

Chu Hua's faint smile remained dignified, but she was also subtly rejecting Li Xi's cautious concern and protecting her own "territory."

Kazama Akatsuki now belongs to Ave Mujica, and this is the result of his own active choice.

"Who knows, we might even perform on stage together someday."

She hoped that Lixi could understand this.

"That's true... but I never imagined I'd be performing on stage with you guys as a full member of Mujica."

Kazama, feeling a bit of a headache, snapped out of his obsession with the matcha parfait. His cooking partner, Rakuna, also stopped indulging in the parfait when he expressed his opinion and instead looked up, staring intently at the boy.

"Even if we take a step back, Xiangzi has only come up with code names for Chuhua and the others, such as Doloris and Amoris... I, who don't fit the concept, don't even have the identity to stand on the stage and perform with you."

"If it's just something like that, of course I'll take care of it for Xiaojun!"

Seeing that the young man had actually considered a second option besides stepping back from the spotlight, Chu Hua immediately slammed her hands on the table to express her stance, her eyes shining brightly.

“Even if Xiaoxiang doesn’t have to handle it, I’ll come up with a role for Xiaojun that allows her to stand on stage! Besides, I’ve already written the lyrics for a song for Xiaojun—even if Xiaoxiang disagrees, Xiaojun has already become a part of Mujica and is appearing on stage, hasn’t she!”

The usually calm and reliable Chu Hua suddenly becomes a bit too eager whenever the topic of performing on the same stage as Kazama comes up.

Lixi noticed this and was somewhat bothered by what Chuhua had said.

They were partners who recruited together, but they were the kind of partners who would never perform on stage—even if they did appear on stage, they would probably only serve as a source of inspiration for the songs.

It seems the conflict between Kazama and Shoko remains unresolved for the time being.

Even if we set aside Xiangzi's prior comments, just as Chu Hua's feelings for Li Xi were somewhat subtle, Li Xi's feelings for her were not entirely positive either.

The lyrics that Hatsuka mentioned she wrote for Kazama... I have a feeling the lyrics are going to be really bad.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Companions, Just Companions

"To be honest, I was a little surprised."

In the afternoon, only a few customers remained in the beverage shop. The coffee grinder behind the counter hummed softly, and the air was filled with the aroma of coffee and milk mingling together.

Lixi, dressed in a shop assistant uniform with the ribbon tied at the collar meticulously, carefully placed the cappuccino and pudding that Chuhua had just ordered on the table. Then, in a casual tone, she began her unique probing of the girl with a faint smile on her lips.

"While I'm not particularly interested in the internal conflicts within your Mujica, since Kazama and Shoko are irreconcilable enemies..."

Li Xi shrugged. There was another worker taking care of things at the front desk, and having finished her work as a waitress, she could now speak to Chu Hua on an equal footing.

"I originally thought that you, Chuhua, would definitely side with Xiangzi."

When Shiina Tatsuki makes a move, it's always a sharp and insightful critique.

She knew, of course, that it was a little inappropriate to say such things, but for some reason, she could always detect a hint of unusual hostility in Chu Hua’s seemingly kind and friendly smile.

Shiina Tatsuki is not the kind of coward who backs down when faced with difficulties.

She was genuinely curious, and it was one thing for Ruoye Mu to switch sides at the last minute because of her special relationship with Kazama… but why would Chu Hua, who had always harbored resentment and concern for Xiangzi, choose to side with Kazama in their power struggle?

Kazama let out a long breath, knowing full well that he had once again been forced into the tense atmosphere between the two girls.

But how should I put it, Kazama, who grew up in such a sweltering environment, didn't feel like he was sitting on pins and needles—on the contrary, he calmly stuffed another spoonful of matcha parfait into his mouth.

If the girls in the band really stay in a band for life, then even when they reach middle age, they will still have conflicts and even have a big fight over various things.

If he had never even witnessed such a small scene, he would feel somewhat ashamed of being the child these aunties had raised.

Furthermore, this is also a perfect opportunity for Chu Hua and Li Xi to open up and have a proper conversation. These two girls, who have always revolved around Aunt Xiangzi, might now have the chance to forge a new bond and rewrite their life trajectories.

"...Because there are many things that Lixi doesn't even know yet."

The words that came out of Chu Hua's mouth the next second completely shattered Xiao's unrealistic fantasy.

"........."

Lixi silently frowned, and Kazama also seemed to feel the suppression of his bloodline and shrank his shoulders.

Was it his imagination? He felt that Chu Hua's attitude was unusually tough on some unexpected matters today—so tough that it made Kazama look at her with new respect.

This seemingly friendly atmosphere, which was actually rife with undercurrents, inevitably brought back memories of the days when the aunties would argue or tease each other over things big or small.

Generally speaking, conflicts between women begin with seemingly insignificant tests. Even a casual, perhaps unintentional joke can become the spark that ignites a conflict like the Sarajevo assassination.

"I'm sorry, but these are things that only members of Ave Mujica should know. It was inconsiderate of me to bring up creative matters in this setting."

Having achieved her goal of intimidating Lixi, Chu Hua was satisfied and made a quick breakaway. She smiled and turned to look at Kazama, who was caught in the middle with a subtle expression.

"As for the lyrics I wrote, let Xiaojun review them privately. Or it would be nice to keep them a secret of Mujica and let you hear them on the day of the official performance."

Uh... Although Chu Hua's gaze was sincere and intense, Kazama also keenly realized that there was something frightening about the underlying intensity.

The familiar, almost identical super gravity field to that of Hatsune Miku from before, reappeared on Chu Hua's body.

Although Li Xi is not a gravity-type girl, she still manages to show her strength to the fullest.

"...Anyway, this guy isn't a formal member of your group. If anyone gangs up on him and tries to ostracize him, I'll stand up for him."

Li Xi may seem like a tough guy, but he rarely speaks ill of others.

Perhaps it was because Xiangzi's previous actions hadn't left a good impression on her, or perhaps it was because Chuhua's admiration for Xiangzi was too deeply ingrained in her mind—

In short, Shiina Tatsuki was worried that Kazama Akira would give herself completely to Ave Mujica and the members of Mujica without reservation.

This naturally includes Chu Hua, who, from her perspective, likes to act mysterious and pretentious.

"I won't let that happen, absolutely not."

Chu Hua responded to Li Xi's speculation with a calm and subtle approach, of course understanding what Li Xi meant.

If Kazama is to be ostracized or targeted within the Mujica group, the only person who could be Shoko, with whom he inexplicably has a falling out.

Chu Hua knew that she was not someone Li Xi could trust.

"I know exactly what's truly important to me, don't worry, Lixi. I won't let the same mistake I made with Xiaoxiang happen again."

However, she simply smiled gently and spoke in a calm and composed tone, saying the words that made Li Xi's brows furrow even more.

She also sensed Chu Hua's veiled criticism of CRYCHIC's disintegration.

"No matter what, I will never let Ave Mujica become a second CRYCHIC. I will not let your tragedy be repeated on me and Xiaojun"—that must be the unspoken meaning behind Chu Hua's words.

Lixi wanted to refute something, but found that she had no right to argue and no confidence.

In fact, Chu Hua could have used her relationship with Xiangzi's former teammates to respond to Li Xi's doubts, but she didn't do so.

Whatever her past with Xiao Xiang may have been, it may no longer matter to Sanjiao Chuhua.

"...If Kazama, you're really happy."

Thinking of this, Li Xi, who no longer had the motivation to argue with Chu Hua, sighed and focused all her remaining attention on the face of the boy who was sitting obediently between the two of them with Le Nai.

"Well, you did say you wanted to form a band and debut, right? If you think being with them is the best option... then of course I'll support your decision."

If you truly support her, why did you pause for several seconds unnaturally at the end, Ms. Lixi?

As long as he feels happy and at peace...

The long-haired girl with black hair, feeling like she had a fishbone stuck in her throat, opened her mouth, but after several attempts, she couldn't bring herself to say the extremely embarrassing words.

As long as he can embark on a happy and peaceful journey, it doesn't matter who is by his side... right?

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Chu Hua, are you a fortune teller?

"Whew—that feels great!"

Just as Chu Hua and Li Xi were getting intimate, Le Nai, who was enjoying her meal, raised her head contentedly.

Having eaten and drunk her fill, she placed the empty glass back in the center of the table, completely unaware—or rather, utterly indifferent—of who was winning the current confrontation between Chu Hua and Li Xi.

"..."

Both Chu Hua and Li Xi turned their gazes toward Le Nai without prior arrangement, but the latter did not look at either of them and simply wiped her mouth.

"Xiao, you feel good about it too, right?"

She nudged the boy sitting next to her with her elbow, her eyes full of expectation that "follow me and I'll get good food, praise me!"

Lena didn't care whether Xiao stayed in Mujica or always stood by Lixi and the others.

No matter where he goes or which band he joins, Lena will always keep him close by, enjoying delicious food together like today.

"Is it more fun with me, or with Li Xi and Chu Hua?"

...Although what she said next was very problematic.

Upon hearing this, all three people present fell silent.

Chu Huali and Li Xi stopped being outwardly polite but actually started to clash, and Kazama was able to break free from the dilemma of being caught in a near-battlefield.

"I feel like saying that could lead to some really serious ambiguity, Rakuna-chan."

He really wanted to say, "If I could eat matcha parfaits with Lena every day, that would be awesome!" But since Lixi and Chuhua, the two ladies present, might punish him at any moment, he could only play the cowardly male protagonist in a romantic comedy, caught between beautiful girls and not daring to breathe.

"Of course, I think the most enjoyable thing is still getting together like this to chat and eat desserts."

Kazama glanced at Riki, who looked unhappy, and Chuka, who still had a smile on her face, and then casually began his dumpling-making plan.

Aside from Toyokawa Shoko, the aunt he didn't like, he still hoped that everyone else could live in harmony and respect, just like before he transmigrated. After all, they were all his wings—cough, no, they were all his most important mothers and aunts.

"...As long as I can be with Xiaojun, I will feel exceptionally comfortable no matter where I am or who I am with."

Chu Hua smiled and tilted her head. Among this group of aunties, she was the one who doted on Xiao the most and gave her the most face.

However, judging from the way she gripped the coffee cup tightly and refused to let go, her inner thoughts were probably far from as dignified and gentle as she appeared on the surface.

"Huh? You want me to get along with your current companions? I don't care... It's your own business, Kazama. I'll only support your decision, not interfere with it. What does it have to do with me?"

Lixi, who still preferred to use cold and sarcastic words to keep people at arm's length, turned her head away, unlike Chuhua who fawned over Fengjian. However, the slight awkwardness in her words still allowed others to perceive the fervent, magma-like emotions flowing beneath her icy words.