The social phobia substitute will not dream of the band girl

A few minutes later, a woman with short brown hair and cyan highlights at the ends arrived. She, too, took the letter and left a reply. She pulled a crisp 10,000 yen bill from the envelope, bought some drinks and snacks, and returned home to face Higuchi Enka's suspicious gaze once again.

After all, Asakura Toru often forgets her wallet and it's always Higuchi Enka who pays for her meals (which she has to pay back), and now they've both gotten into a habit. Just now, Enka had her wallet out, ready to pay, and then the next second, she silently put it away.

Since meeting that mysterious pen pal, Toru has not only paid off his previous "debts," but also used the money to buy musical instruments and various equipment. Although Toru's bass playing now complements Enka's acoustic guitar, she's happy, but for some reason, the presence of that male pen pal always worries her childhood sweetheart, Enka Higuchi.

Although they are still just idol trainees of the agency for some reason and are currently focusing on accumulating foundation before launching large-scale activities next year, the four childhood sweethearts have already gained some fans in a small circle because of their respective charms.

Whether it's being picked up by a wealthy man, fans volunteering to pay tribute, or something worse, it's all an unbearable burden for them right now... As for a boyfriend? If she had one, her neighbor and childhood sweetheart, Maruka Higuchi, didn't think Toru Asakura could hide it from her.

At this moment, Enka thought about Asakura Tooru, who had said he was going to the supermarket earlier, but the time was obviously wrong. Feeling a little annoyed, she casually asked, "Speaking of which...pen pal of yours from last time, are you still in touch?"

"Well, do you want to see it? The letter."

"Well, okay..."

???

Wait, he actually showed it to her so easily?! She was so secretive before... Did something happen in between? Higuchi Enka took the paper that Toru had folded and put into his trouser pocket, confused, and then stood there and read it -

Asakura-san, how have you been lately? As I mentioned in my last correspondence, I've gotten over my breakup. But to say it's a breakup is a bit overconfident. After all, I've never really been in a relationship before, and this time, I simply backed off at the first sign of rejection.

But now I have been awakened by the "black roar" from the new generation. Being timid is not my style. If I want to do something, I must work hard to the end.

With my relationship situation behind me, I recently took a friend out for a relaxing outing. Her father had passed away young, and her mother was about to remarry, so I decided to take her to her hometown in Hokkaido to search for her family. Setting aside the twists and turns and coincidences along the way, we ultimately found them, though the person involved seems to have remained oblivious (laughs).

It's a little funny, but seeing her happy now makes me feel relieved. It's just that the child seems to have changed her style recently. I'm a little happy, but also a little scared and worried. Maybe there's something I can't see that requires the help of others to discover?

But through this incident, I think there really is "attraction" between people, and maybe I should wait and have hope... I'm very sorry for saying so much about my own things. If you don't mind, Mr. Asakura, you can also confide your troubles to me.

Flying Bird Horse

......

Asuka Ma? I've never heard of this last name before... but it sounds strangely familiar, like I've heard it somewhere before—

Wait, speaking of heartbreak...is it really that strange man who sang in the rain before?

Higuchi Enka remembered that day in the old park. Instead of waiting for her mysterious pen pal, she encountered a sudden downpour. She took shelter in the hut under the slide, and encountered a mysterious man strolling in the rain. At first glance, he seemed like an ordinary, kind-hearted person, but he turned out to be a kindhearted, eccentric person who enjoyed strolling in the rain.

But now that I think about it, if it was just a breakup, it's not uncommon. Enka, who often went to the movies with her childhood friend, Toru Asakura, also privately read romance-themed novels, manga, and other films, like when they went to the premiere of "To the Mars." So, while she, as an energy-conscious person, also scoffed at the so-called "pink youth," it was understandable.

Although it has now been confirmed that Toru Asakura's "pen pal" does exist and appears in the old park where they used to play, is there really someone in this world who would be so nice to a stranger?

Higuchi Enka didn't know before. She'd chosen to question and wait and see, then took action to witness it firsthand. But now... perhaps letting things take their course was also an option. But was this the attraction between eccentrics? Or, as he'd called it, "gravity"? Perhaps she could try...

"...call--"

Higuchi Enka breathed a sigh of relief. The answer to one question was followed by a barrage of other questions. It had been a long time since she felt such intense curiosity about strangers. After all, the two people in her family were already enough to give her a lot of trouble.

"Where were you, Toru-senpai? I went to the convenience store and couldn't find you!"

Hina Ichikawa jogged over from a distance and hugged Toru Asakura's arm.

"I went to the big supermarket over there for a bit. Let's eat together after we get back—"

Toru Asakura picked up the plastic bag in her hand and shook it. It was full of snacks and drinks, which made people worry about their body management.

"Ah ↑ ha ~? As expected of Toru-senpai!"

"Well, let's go... we have to hurry."

"...Asakura?"

Why did you say "go back quickly"? If it's not referring to now, then what is it referring to?!

Today is also a day for Higuchi Enka to worry about Asakura Toru.

Chapter 58: Outing is not a spring outing

November 6, Monday, sunny.

After finishing his morning run and washing up, Pingxin and his sister Xiaoshi set off for school on time. There were no problems along the way.

"Good morning."

"Master, good morning~"

"Good morning to you guys too."

For some reason, Karin and the rest of the class arrived earlier than usual today, and they were all engaged in heated discussions in class, as excited as elementary school students before a spring outing.

“Ciallo~(∠?ω<)⌒☆…Good~morning!!!”

Today, Ichinose Asuna was as energetic as ever. With a swish, she flung open the door and then, with a swift "Duang!", she embraced her friends Kadotate Karin and Murokasa Akane. Seeing her embrace them, Hirashin remembered the classic line, "You are all my wings."

"...Good morning--"

"Hey~ Good morning, Nero-chan!"

Ichinose Asuna and Miganelu were both from the next-door class, 1-B, while the remaining three were from Class 1-A. Unable to bear the loneliness, Asuna would visit almost every day before, after, and during lunch breaks. The reason Hirayuki was so excited about this ordinary greeting was, of course, Miganelu's sudden transformation a week ago.

After a week of daily interactions, the group's attitudes have shifted from excitement, unfamiliarity, and enthusiasm to familiarity. After all, Nellu has only suddenly changed her appearance, not her entire person. People are constantly changing, but they can never fundamentally change. Even Heishin's address for Megan Nellu has changed from "Nellu" and "Aibo (partner)" to the now half-joking "Nellu-chan." I wonder if this change will satisfy everyone?

Meganil didn't know, but she wanted to try to fight for her own happiness, even though she could always see that Pingxin had more feelings for other people before.

"By the way, why are you two still carrying your school bags? Don't you usually leave your bags in your B class classroom before coming here? You're not in a rush today, are you?"

"Hey~ Ping Xin doesn't know?"

Asuna blinked - although her physical contact with Pingxin had decreased drastically since a certain point in the past, for some reason Pingxin felt that she was becoming more and more feminine. Perhaps this is what distance creates beauty?

But what’s going on, this “Nobita is really uninformed” tone?

A question mark appeared above Ping Xin's head.

"...Everyone is going on an outing today. Did you miss out on the class and school chat groups?"

"..."

Ping Xin was a distinguished student at Shengxiang Middle School. He'd even suggested the school and class groups to Principal Jin Kirikiri, believing it was far superior to the "human network" of contacting everyone individually. He'd also learned about the class divisions from a message in the group on the first day of school. So, how could he not have joined?

It’s not that I didn’t join the group, it’s just blocked. It’s so funny!

"I see... But isn't it a little late for a spring outing? Thanks, Karin."

"..."

Kadotate Karin didn't answer, but just nodded.

Ever since that day, the distance between Hiraishin and Karin has become strained, their relationship like magnets repelling like poles, one advancing while the other retreating. Fortunately, he's now "reformed" and actively closing the gap, actively engaging with her during daily tutoring and instrument lessons, and filling up his weekend appointments. Unfortunately, Hiraishin is now the one taking the initiative, while Asuna and Karin are passive-aggressive. If he can't get someone to come out with just one person, he'll have to ask two, three, or even four people out.

"Master, to be precise, this isn't a 'spring outing' or a 'picnic,' but rather a study trip. In fact, most high schools in the East Country organize such activities to allow students to learn through exposure to real society. This time, we're going to a factory near Tokyo Bay."

Then, Murokasa Akane's science lesson was just a side topic; the main purpose was to torture Hira Nobuyuki with the term "Master" in front of the whole class—

Such a maid should be severely taught a lesson!

"...I understand. Thank you, Akane."

Well said, but don’t say it next time!

"Yes, Master, you're welcome. This is what a maid should do~"

After teasing him, Zhu Yin retreated to the back contentedly and continued to watch. Although she always liked to tease Ping Xin's nerves, she was also the one who had the best sense of proportion among the four. Perhaps this was the margin that adults had?

"In that case, I won't—"

"Ping Xin should come too, it might be fun! Karin thinks so too, right?"

"...Hmm? Ah...Come along, Ping Xin."

Ever since their missed appointment, Karin and Heishin have been avoiding each other in an endless game of hide-and-seek. Because they value each other, they care; because they care, they feel fear; and because they fear, they hold themselves back. But seeing Heishin's efforts to put aside past grudges and build a good relationship with them, Karin's emotions are stirred, too. But what will their future hold?

The unknown brings fear, mistakes bring fear, and weakness brings fear.

But as long as I have you, with you all by my side, nothing else matters to me——

"..."

"...I know, I know... Stop looking at me like that, I'll go."

But I don't know where to go -

Has the regular mail arrived?

Tathagata!

After reaching the factory's perimeter, Pingxin broke away from the group. He was more interested in a thrilling adventure than a field trip. He'd heard there were suspicious people around lately, and today he was going to investigate... Why did it sound so much like the opening line from a game? What was going on with this seemingly free-for-all vibe?!

"Brother...Brother..."

Speak of the devil, and he'll appear. With the mask, sunglasses, and windbreaker, he really exudes a suspicious aura.

"...Do you have any 'goods' here?"

Although I don’t know if there is any or what is available, I just ask once and it’s done.

All kinds of martial arts, this is the art of speaking!

"Hello... What kind do you want?" replied a suspicious figure who looked like the mysterious cereal uncle next to the school in the early days.

Although Ping Xin didn't really want it, but is that what they sell here? Although he didn't expect it at all, if he asked... After all, before justice is carried out, he always needs to collect some evidence. After that, he will let him study it slowly, hehehe~

"I want the purest kind! ...You know what I mean?"

"Hahaha... Then you've found the right person. I'm the strongest in this area."

Hmm... the best? Can this thing even have ranked games?

Ping Xin was lost in confusion, and the next second his eyes widened in surprise—

"This is?!"

Chapter 59: Once the eyes meet, it’s time to duel!

If you make eye contact, you have to duel. This is common sense among true duelists! When the mysterious guy pulled out his sister's card set of all-white fragmented cards, Ping Xin knew that this battle would not be simple, so he directly pulled out his favorite deck -

Do you like the autistic deck that keeps five covers on the field first and has three traps in hand?

I'm only happy when I win games, so I never lose (thumbs up from the robot).jpg

I don’t know if the other party has any gaming experience, but he had a lot of fun.

"I won. It was a pleasant duel~"

Ping Xin gave this duel experience a score of 9, leaving the bewildered duelist on the other side to question his life as he watched Ping Xin's backcourt fold.

Are we really playing a game?

Some battles are over before they even begin, as if some lazy author just glossed over them without any substance to speak of.

"The game has only been running for two years, but you already have such a deep understanding of it. I can tell from your builds that you put a lot of effort into it... Do you really like games... the card game 'Duel King'?"

Just like in a dark duel in a game, Ping Xin gets to take a card from his opponent's deck after winning. He's currently looking through this guy's deck. I thought it was just a little thief (crossed out) and a little dog, but I didn't expect the deck to be surprisingly well-built. Luckily, I'm a step ahead. Ping Xin is somewhat glad he brought a stronger deck today.

"The winner takes all, the loser eats dust. What's the point of having a great build if you can't win? ... Just like playing cards can't make a living—"

After taking off his sunglasses, Ping Xin discovered that he actually had squinty eyes. It seemed that without the sunglasses, he might be even more mysterious. However, his words were so obviously full of hidden meanings. He really was a typical NPC template.

"Who says it can't be used to make a living? Not to mention winning the World Championship, even winning the regional championship alone would get a pretty good prize, right? Then if I could start a livestream, promote products, or something, I'd make no less than the average office worker."

"But a scoundrel will always be a scoundrel. As long as others think you are, you will be one."

"...Does other people's opinions really matter? You obviously like it so much."

The cards in his deck were a mixed bag of rarity and wear. While he had his own unique approach to build, there weren't any powerful, expensive mainstream decks, just a few common cards at best. This deck was probably a prized one, slowly assembled from various sources, perhaps? Though he didn't say it, he paid close attention to every card, keeping a constant eye on them as he flipped through the card stack.

"Hey...young man, did you get all your cards from gambling with others?"

"Partly, huh? After all, most of them are junk cards no one wants... I don't need any pity. As the winner, just take what you want."

There were no specific gambling rules between the two parties, and no supervision from the store staff or third party. Logically, he shouldn't have had to give up his beloved cards, but he did it anyway. What a stubborn guy...

"I made a decision--"

"...Which one?"

"That's... this one!"

Ping Xin did not take his card but instead handed him a white hard card, which was his business card.

"......This is?"