The social phobia substitute will not dream of the band girl

"Is that so... Is that really not possible?"

"The 115rd time."

He should have been happy that his subordinates' attitudes were as resolute as their loyal hearts, but at this moment he just wanted to find a way to release his emotions, then have a good sleep, and everything would be fine afterwards.

......perhaps.

"...Then I can always go for a walk, right?"

"Yes, go ahead."

"Hmm... then let's go to Shinjuku. I heard it's quite lively there. I hope we can have some fun..."

Having no worries is not necessarily a good thing, because when humans lose goals worth challenging, they tend to lose their way and fall into a state of confusion.

"If there's something unexpected... Hey~... Moshimoshi~~..."

This person seems to be completely unresponsive. Is he just lying on the side of the road?

And this posture...

"He's quite skilled. You can tell he's a veteran at first glance."

Besides the unique posture, this outfit also seems to be...

"what--"

An unexpected situation is coming!

Chapter 14 Now is the time to dream!

"Hey, are you guys-.. okay? She seems pretty drunk. Is she your girlfriend?"

"Yes, I'm really sorry for causing you trouble... Let's go, Kikuri."

In front of the patrolman, a black-haired boy hugged a woman with long purple hair. She looked really young... Is it a relationship between an older woman and a younger man?

"Hmm~~Hmm...I want to take a shower."

"Okay, I'll help you wash it when we get back... Well, we'll take our leave now."

"Um.. do you need me to give you a ride?"

But it was still a little suspicious. Perhaps the lady was drunk, so he had to make a final confirmation. Police, due to the special nature of their profession, often have a natural deterrent effect, and it is easier to have the so-called "guilty conscience" in front of them.

When someone has done something wrong, they often become anxious and uneasy, which is reflected not only in their expression, but also in their aura, movements, and even their behavior style. As an experienced patrolman, he trusts his own eyes, and now he uses these sharp eyes to make the final confirmation -

"Thank you for your kindness, but no need, as someone has come to pick us up now."

A black business car stopped by the side of the street at the right time. From the lowered window, one could see that the person sitting in the driver's seat was Delta. She nodded to Ping Xin and then waited quietly in her place.

"Well, I won't bother you anymore. I wish you a happy life."

Such a high-end car, coupled with people dressed in maid costumes, would be too conspicuous if they were a criminal gang. And with the money to buy such a car, there would be no problem finding any woman. Is there any need to commit a crime?

The patrolman waved his hand and walked away, no longer paying attention. Drunk people were everywhere in Shinjuku, and their job was to patrol the area, checking for anyone in need. In other seasons, even lying down on the street and sleeping wouldn't be a problem, but in January, the weather was incredibly cold, so extra caution was required. There was still a lot of work to do tonight.

He glanced at his watch and realized it was almost 25: PM. He sincerely hoped that there would be fewer people getting drunk today.

*Generally, when broadcasting on Dongguk TV, 1:2 AM and 25:26 AM are referred to as : PM and : PM, and that's the term used here. There are actually many cultural differences that aren't captured in translation, and I'd love to be able to convey them to everyone.

......

...

..

"Hmm... Where am I? Ah——The wine is still there, how great~..Ha~~~~"

"...Fell asleep again? Really, this is too free...Haha, I'm really envious." Ping Xin rubbed the hair of the woman who used his knees without permission. The hair was a little tangled and dry, completely different from what he usually touched. Maybe it was because its owner was a completely different type.

But isn't this also interesting? She looked so happy, yet she refused to let go of my warmth. I just wanted to take a closer look, but ended up seeing a woman who smelled of alcohol and even a little sweat grab my hand. In a sense, it was quite "fate", interesting~

It’s just that the smell of alcohol… I really don’t like drinking alcohol—

"Delta, would you also like a freer life? If that's the case, the salary you get from me would have been enough to live off the interest until you die. It would have been enough to support two, if not three, generations."

"Please don't say such things... You know it best."

"Sorry, sorry. I don't know why I suddenly wanted to tease you... Maybe we need to get to know each other better. Even people who have been together for years can't see through everything, let alone her... Never mind, let's just look at Jiumengzi nearby, my dear friends."

It doesn't matter what fate is. After all, even if you want to fight against something you can't see or touch, it's just wishful thinking. But being rejected is still very uncomfortable.

"...You too, Hiroi Kikuri?"

......

...

..

“Haa ...

A very long yawn.

"It's so warm—ah...where is this?"

"You are finally awake, Ms. Hiroi Kikuri, so please allow me to help you change your clothes..."

"...Eh?"

"It might not dry out this morning due to the weather, but it should be fine by tomorrow noon. Or is it better to dry it in the dryer?"

"Eh...that?"

"...I understand. Then, the change of clothes is here, no matter what style you choose, please feel free to use them. If you need anything, just shout loudly and the person waiting outside will come in. Now, please feel free to use this bathroom... Well, I'll excuse you first--"

"Eh... so... ah, he left."

So what is the situation now?

I'd never seen a woman with glasses wearing a maid outfit before, and she was expertly stripped naked. The warm, glittering, golden bathroom felt even more spacious than any other bathhouse I'd ever been to. There were also a series of bathrobes, pajamas, and yukatas in all different styles, and the texture was incredible.

"...So where exactly is this place? Ah, the wine is still there, that's OK~"

I have absolutely no idea, but as long as there's alcohol, it's no big deal—

"Ha~~~~ Really good..."

It wasn't some 52-year-old, bathroomless apartment (my own, to put it simply...someone had died there), nor was it a regular bathroom like in Shima (band member number 1) and Eliza's (band member number 2) homes. It was a gigantic bathtub I'd never seen before, like something used by an emperor in a movie. This was really nice—

"But where exactly is this place? Ah, no, no! At a time like this, I have to—ha~~ That's really good~~~~"

Kikuri drank the Demon Slayer wine, and because she sucked too hard, the paper box was completely deflated, just like her brain at the moment.

"Haaaaaaah...hot water is great, my head is starting to clear up—"

Soaking in the hot water of the pool, Hiroi Kikuri relaxed both her body and mind. Taking a bath in someone else's home was already a part of her life, but this was the first time she had experienced such a refreshing, free, open, and rock-like bath.

But if you are sober, after drinking the wine, you can't help but start thinking... No, no!

"But the wine is gone..."

The can just now was the last one, but without the wine, the happiness spiral would be——

"Ugh~~Someone come and save me!"

Ah, come to think of it, after that maid with glasses took off my clothes, didn’t she tell me to come to her if I had any problems?

"that--"

"Yes, what can I do for you?"

"liquor......"

"Wine, huh? I see. Then what would you like?" the maid continued, reading out the names of the dishes.

Wow, a long list of names she had never heard of before. Apart from the wine from the East Country, she only recognized names like the wine from the Yan Country and some famous foreign wines. Is this heaven?

"Well... then what about Kikumasamune's Black Label Junmai Daiginjo?"

"I see... then do you need some snacks? Kiku Masamune has a spicy flavor, perfect for—"

Wow, that's amazing! There are so many snacks I've never heard of. And this is the national wine. I've always wanted to try it, but my wallet...

"Besides this, there are also Gekkoku, Chizuru Shou, Dongguosheng, Romanee-Conti, Moutai..."

Not good, this is super cool, just reading the name makes me so happy.

"...I see. These should all be available nearby. If you have any special requirements for the year—"

Oh no, this is really a paradise, a paradise for wine!!!

Hiroi Kikuri is now certain——

This is a dream, and an amazingly beautiful dream!

Chapter 15 Goodnight to You

Hiroi Kikuri, now 24 years old (actually 25 according to the calendar, but after drinking...), is the bassist and lead vocalist of the independent band [SICK HACK].

If there is anything that must be added to the character introduction, it is "she is an alcoholic," and the type with a very bad drinking habit!

There are three members in the band. Besides Kikuri, there is the drummer Shima Iwashita, who has a strong and steady beat, often helps her clean up after her affairs and is even so skilled that he has a set routine. To some extent, he can even "predict the future" (foresee when she will cause trouble), and the common sense laborer.

Eliza Shimizu is a passionate, melodic guitarist from the UK who enjoys fan creation. She's especially busy around the Ghost Festival (Zhongyuan Festival) and the end of the year due to fan exhibitions, and during those times, this energetic girl's eyes can sometimes become lifeless.

The reason why they, despite being heavy drinkers and having an overly chaotic performance style, were able to become a popular indie band with only three members is definitely inseparable from the bassist and lead singer who exudes an overwhelming presence on stage at all times, because of his technical skills, singing, and stage performance that is always full of surprises and enthusiasm.

And if she were to think about why she was able to succeed, the result would inevitably be—

"Wine!..Wine!!!"

"Yes, but please put on your clothes first, and let me dry your hair while you drink."

Looking at the dazzling array of wines on the table before me, it was nothing but premium wines, premium wines I'd never tasted before, wines that only existed in my daydreams! Demon Slayer wine is just life, a compromise. Who would only want cheap wine if given the choice?

“Ha~~~~~ It’s really exciting!!!”

After taking a few sips, I tilted my head back and although my nasal mucosa felt hot due to the backflow, the taste was really great, strong and powerful!

"Try this again... Ha~~.. My head feels light and happy now, it's like a spiral of happiness~... Hey, do you want a drink too?"

Hiroi Kikuri looked at Hiranobu who was sitting across the table. Under normal circumstances, she would probably be able to sober up instantly, but because the nature of taking a bath and drinking was too intense, she had given up her last bit of thinking ability under the influence of alcohol.

Anyway, this is a dream, isn't it?

"Um, me? I'm still underage... Um, is it really delicious?"

"Haaaa... It's delicious, really great. As long as I drink this, I won't have to worry about anything. Brother, you should grow up quickly and drink with us~"

"...Well, it's worth trying later. Drinking without eating isn't good for your health. Want something to eat? There's a chef here who can make it right away. Their cooking is guaranteed—"

In addition to alcohol, there is also unlimited snacks. It really is like a dream in heaven~~

"Twig beans and peanuts?"

"Boiled edamame and fried peanuts are the basics, right?"

"...dried squid?"

"Yes, as long as you don't mind it being packaged as snacks."

"...are hot fried cartilage and fresh sashimi also allowed?"

"Well, I agree. Today everything is free. I can also do these for you~"

Ah, she's simply an angel... If you look closely, this child is super cute, isn't he?!

"There's no limit on the fine wine, delicious food, or beautiful boys. Is this a last-ditch effort?" Halfway through her drink, she suddenly remembered she was on the street before her last blackout. It's truly not easy.

As she spoke, Hiroi Kikuri took another gulp of wine, "If I could really be this 'happy', I would have no regrets even if I died—"

“…Death cannot solve a problem. At most, it can only solve the person who raised the problem.”

"That's true..." For a moment, Kikuri's mood dropped, but immediately became high again. Alcohol was a necessity for her to deceive herself and the world. Just like a famous line -

Who can survive without a drink after work?

She drinks when she has a problem, and even more when she has no problem. She can forget all her troubles by drinking, and even someone as introverted and timid as she is can become a "socially anxious" person who joins other people's celebrations and drinks profusely under the influence of alcohol.

Alcohol, it's magical, right?