The social phobia substitute will not dream of the band girl

Lisa Imai is to Yukina Minato what Kadodate Hana Rin is to Asuna Ichinose, both serving as a neutralizing force, allowing Hirayobu to manage a normal conversation. Though she may appear closed off, Yukina Minato possesses an unconscious radiance that makes it difficult for Hirayobu to connect. Now, only with Lisa Imai's soothing presence will she let down her guard, a measure of her own. This is the only way for them to connect.

"...so what?"

As soon as the topic of music came up, Yukina became visibly serious.

"It's just... it might be a little offensive to say this... Although I don't know what you've been through or what you're carrying... I'm really curious about what's driving you and what's chasing you."

As mentioned before, the only two topics that can make Ping Xin really serious now are "music" and "family and friends", and it is obvious that now is the time related to the former.

"..."

"...your voice is beautiful and your singing technique is impeccable, but...it always gives the impression that you're unhappy...in short, it's just that you're suppressing your emotions. If...you're unwilling to satisfy my curiosity, then so be it. You're just a stranger I've only just met. But if you have any troubles, why not talk to your friend? Maybe she can help you—that's all I have to say."

After saying this, Ping Xin let out a long sigh, then lowered his head and began to stroke his cat to relieve his stress. As expected, it's really difficult to talk to a strange beautiful girl... I want to die...

"Lisa, I—"

"Yukina..."

Seeing Yuki's hesitation to speak and then her silence as the two of them stared at each other in silence, Lisa Imai felt sorry for her. She used to be a cute, smiling little girl, but now...

"...It's so troublesome—you say you're some aloof diva... but in the end, you're just a melancholy young lady... Let me ask you, how long has it been since you've really seen the world and gotten to know your friends?"

Pingxin put down the kitten in his arms, who was in ecstasy, and the kitten looked at him in confusion and glared at him.

"...What do you know about me?!"

Suddenly being accused by a strange man, the desire to confide in Youxi instantly turned into a desire to "confront" -

You clearly don't know anything about my friendship with Lisa, or my father's past experiences... At this moment, Yukina is just like an ordinary adolescent girl, full of emotions and rebellious spirit (rebellious heart). It's a pity that the old man is still more stubborn——

"...I don't understand you, but your friend who cares about you, doesn't she understand you too?!...I don't know much about fashion, but this lady named Lisa must really cherish her manicure, right? Such precious nails are full of scratches. Have you ever noticed that?!"

Ping Xin retorted, and at this moment he was also a little angry. After all, this little brat who always thought "I am the only one who can understand" and "I have to bear everything alone" really annoyed him.

It's like seeing my past self, it's unbearable to look at!

And yet you clearly have your parents, family, and trustworthy friends around you, yet you would rather cry alone with the blanket over your head than ask for help. Do you know how many people don't even have the qualifications to ask for help?!

Facing Hiranobu's intense gaze, Minato Yukina retreated. She subconsciously glanced at Lisa's hand beside her, only to find that it was hidden behind its owner's back. This made it seem like it must be true.

"Lisa...you—"

Seeing Lisa Imai like this, even someone like Yuki who is emotionally closed and insensitive can understand that what Pingxin said is the truth. She really hasn't cared about her friend well during this period of time, and hasn't even gone out to play with her properly.

"Hahaha—it's okay, Yuukina... Oh right! I was just about to go to the newly opened jewelry store, Yuukina, can you come too?" Although I am very grateful to Pingxin, this kind of vision that can clearly see the nail art on people's hands from several meters away always makes me feel a little... Is this someone with a special fetish? Hahaha—

Imai Lisa winked at Hirayuki in thanks, but he looked away. As expected, this cute and sexy hottie, judging only by her appearance, was a bit too much for a "novice hunter" like him...

Just like that, the two people who should have had a good impression of each other subtly chose to keep their distance. It really makes people have to admire Ping Xin's communication skills (real)

"Sorry... Lisa, I have to go to LiveHouse later. Today's admission time is almost up."

After a brief struggle, Yukina finally decided to say no to her friend. For Yukina now, she only wanted to do her best and at all costs to get on the stage of FWF (Future World Fes).

To fulfill her father's wish, she abandoned all unnecessary "impurities." To this day, Lisa Imai is her only friend. Every day, whether waking up, going to school, eating, or sleeping, she's obsessed with honing her singing skills. Recently, Yukina has become increasingly anxious, feeling the inability to achieve her dream through her own efforts. To escape the feeling of futility, she's redoubled her practice and performances, pushing herself even harder.

As for why I chased the cat here again and again...

It can only be said that these are mistakes made by young people (?)

There are pictures here, which can be viewed after the updated version

Chapter 4000 Heart Knot ()

"I'm sorry... Lisa, right now I don't want to spend my time on anything other than singing and music."

Although Minato Yukina apologized, the way she spoke sounded like she was "informing", or a one-sided "explanation".

"...Yeah, that's it... It's okay! I'm used to being left alone by you."

Lisa Imai smiled, but her expression was filled with loneliness. She felt hurt by the feeling of something between them, but she couldn't say anything. After all, it was she who had let go of her hand, who had felt she couldn't keep up...

"Anyway, the jewelry store is right in front of LiveHouse, so let's walk a little together! Oh, and let's stop by to see Yuki. How was your performance... Nani Nani? Why are you blushing? Are you shy, YKN-chan?"

Lisa Imai's unilateral teasing of Yukina Minato made the latter a little shy, but to Hirashin, it felt more like teasing a cat.

"..."

Youxi blushed, and her fair skin was a healthy baby pink, just like a tender and juicy fruit.

"But always leaving your childhood friend behind is a bit too much, isn't it? Hmm... You've probably left me behind close to 100 times, hahaha~"

What? He actually abandoned his childhood sweetheart...his childhood sweetheart? Anyway, he'd been abandoned so many times since childhood. This wasn't just a pigeon spirit and a rebellious daughter anymore. He had to take drastic measures!

Mr. Minato, the music department's "scumbag" who is very cold to his childhood sweetheart.jpg

"But I didn't expect Asuka-kun to go to LiveHouse too. Do you go there often? Then can you tell me about Yukina's situation there? Because she usually refuses to tell me."

Wouldn't you have followed her if she hadn't told you?

You are so gentle, Mom Lisa!

"...Mr. Asuka-san sounds a bit strange... I'm a freshman like you guys, so just call me Hirayukin-san, Ms. Lisa."

Sure enough, this trousers, white shirt, and windbreaker outfit—a powerful aesthetic—is still too advanced for the people of this world? How old do I really look now? Ping Xin looked up at the sky.

*Are you completely unaware that your condescending demeanor and air of judgment, likened to an adult educating a child? Although once you get to know someone better, you'll discover your true mental age...

"Eh—you're calling each other by name on the first day? Hahaha..."

It seems that she is the same type as Yuki who doesn't understand what social distance is, Lisa Imai thought.

"Then do what you like... After all, getting along with people ultimately comes down to personality compatibility... After all, titles are just code names."

Although Ping Xin acted like everyone was familiar with him, he kept a distance of about one and a half steps away and was unwilling to get any closer, standing still like a vampire encountering sunlight.

God said: You can only go this far and cannot go beyond.

During the few minutes of the journey, Pingxin spoke to Lisa Imai intermittently several times, while Youxi remained silent. In a somewhat awkward atmosphere, the three of them arrived at the door of LiveHouse CiRCLE together.

"...From the distant past, you wizards who have fought alongside me—"

What's that voice? Ping Xin felt it sounded familiar.

"Tonight, from the dark land where the seals of fire and darkness are unsealed, quickly appear before me. Come quickly—!"

Looking in the direction of the voice, Ping Xin indeed found the familiar little girl with twin ponytails.

"...Ah! Just in time! Sorry to have kept you waiting, RinRin. As expected, RinRin's lines are really cool!"

"Hello, Xiao Yazi... well... you look very handsome today too."

Where's the cool factor? This kind of Gothic-style private clothing looks cute on her 148cm body. Is it that the aesthetic taste of an old man like me and the beautiful JK girl is too far apart...

"Sorry, we're going to separate here when we see someone we know...Ako, why are you here? Did you bring Rinko here to watch a show?"

I thought it was just an impromptu performance by a middle school girl, but I didn't expect that she would actually sing in front of acquaintances.

Ayako Udagawa, awesome!

"..." Even though Ako's best friend was being called by name, Shirogane Rinko felt visibly uneasy. Both the surging crowd around her and this strange man, who had only met her once (offline), and yet he was calling her by her first name, made her feel uneasy. She was the type who felt uncomfortable just being out in the street...

"Brother Hirashin, why are you here too? Are you here to see Ms. Yukina's performance? By the way, you look so handsome today!" Ako Ueda, a super second-year middle school girl in her grade, excitedly looked at Hirashin's windbreaker, which was the same style as the magnetic field strongman, and resonated with her "handsome" aesthetic style that was close to that of elementary school boys.

"Really? Yeah—actually, I quite like this style, but it's a shame it's not in season anymore."

Ping Xin stroked his windbreaker. After all, which man hasn't imagined the cool scene of riding a super cool motorcycle with the corners of his super cool windbreaker fluttering in the fast airflow?

"...Sorry, did my box hit you just now?" said a beautiful girl with long blue hair (light blue) and drooping eyes, whose green eyes were brighter than Lisa's.

Seeing as she's holding her instrument case, she's probably a band member practicing in the studio, or perhaps a high-level amateur about to perform on stage. She's the kind of cold beauty who gives off a cold, aloof vibe, but she's surprisingly gentle...

Wait, why are they women again?

Is there no band man in this huge livehouse who can compare to these women in terms of purity (annoying)? !

"Sir? Are you okay?!"

Seeing Ping Xin's expression suddenly twisted, the cold beauty holding the instrument case also panicked a little -

Was it such a coincidence that he'd hit a vital spot, dealing triple the damage of a kidney shot? Or was it that this stranger in a trench coat, though seemingly muscular, was actually just a facade, scarred and wounded?

"..."

Ping Xin said nothing, not even daring to meet the cold beauty's gaze. As expected...without a "neutralizer," without someone to act as a bridge, he still couldn't communicate with a strange beautiful girl...but with grandmas, that was no problem.

So, after all, it's still... (whispering)

After whispering a few words in Ueda Ayako's ear, the cold beauty saw the little girl with purple twintails pat her chest and stand up, protecting the tall and strong man (Hira Nobu) and another girl with long black hair who looked the same age (Shirogane Rinko) behind her.

Ha——what a rare sight! Could it be... this is some new form of blackmail?

"I am the Holy Fallen Angel...Ah, why did Hirashin-san hit Ako on the head?"

Even a middle school student should know when to choose the right occasion. I'm so stupid.

In short, please speak in a language that ordinary people can understand!

"Just tell me I'm fine (whispering)" Ping Xin reminded her again in her ear.

How should I put it? It's quite amazing.

Looking at the interaction between the man and woman, one big and one small, Hikawa Sayo couldn't help but think that if she...

"Brother Pingxin said he was fine. How could a mere violin case harm his well-trained body?!"

Although Azi spoke politely, what she said was subtly provocative, making people want to denounce the person who taught such a cute little girl like her to say such weird things.

"...I never said that! But since he's handsome, it's OK (whispering)...I'll buy you tickets and drinks today...Sorry, I think you misunderstood."

Before fleeing the scene with the two little ones, Ping Xin, as the "victim", finally chose to apologize to the cold beauty he didn't know. After all, he made people worry because he was not good at talking... I'm sorry for being born as a human being!

"Really? Then I'll take my leave... If you feel unwell later, I will take responsibility."

What a wonderful person—

After that, the cold beauty, who didn't leave her name but insisted on taking responsibility—so much so that her conversation gave off the vibe of a jerk—carried her guitar case backstage. Speaking of which...haven't I met too many women who give off the impression of being jerkish today? Is LiveHouse some kind of dating club for women? (Irritated)!

But she's such a serious person, she doesn't know how to cheat. If I'm really a scammer, then she's doomed. Overly serious people are always vulnerable...

If we meet again later, I'll remind her.

"Hey, Hirashin-san, Rin-rin. That person just now was holding a guitar case, right? Does that mean she's in a band? That's great. Ako wants to form a band too..."

Sitting in the seats in the corner of the hall, the middle school girl and the two socially anxious boys and girls were drinking their favorite drinks, feeling completely relaxed.

"Probably." Seeing as she was heading backstage, there must be a band there who's good enough to perform on stage. But if we talk about the most famous girl band in this area right now, it has to be Afterglow."

Ping Xin was bored and blew air into the drink through a straw, with a hint of pride in his tone. It was really great to have his "child" recognized by others.

Yabai (not good)——, I suddenly understand a little bit of those fanatical fans I saw in my previous life...

"Speaking of which... Rinko, how about we do the band? If she joins Ako, we only need to find at least two more people to complete the basic requirements, right?"

"That's right, Linlin, come too! Where's Brother Pingxin?" Yazi became excited.

"No, I... I can't do it, right? Band or something..."

Because for me, playing with others is an unimaginable world... I often heard Xiao Yazi talk about her sister who formed a band. If I could play with Xiao Yazi, would I be able to do it? Change myself or something...

"...I've given up. Forming a band with a beautiful girl would shorten my lifespan. Just thinking about it leaves me speechless. By then, even just being able to move, let alone play, would be a success..."

The socially anxious duo all expressed their pessimism, and Ueda Ako was also a little disappointed. Hirayuko saw it and kept it in mind.

"...Speaking of which, you mentioned earlier that you were going to see that aloof singing diva, Yukina Minato, perform today, right? From what I've heard, she only has one close friend who plays a string instrument. Perhaps you could try to get the drums?"

As the saying goes, interest is the best teacher. I really don't want to discourage the child's enthusiasm... And the person I happened to meet today, Youxin, might be the "revelation". It's okay to be a little superstitious when it comes to things that are beneficial to me.

Hmm? Speaking of which, that's over there—

"...You two take these two tickets. I'll go say hello to someone I know when I see one... Ako, remember to stay with Rinko and don't just think about your own happiness. As a woman, she is even more fragile than I am. You should understand that, right? Since you chose to bring your friends out to play, you have to be responsible to the end..." Pingxin touched Ako's head and reminded her.

"I understand, Brother Pingxin! From now on, I will not be separated from Rinrin for even a minute!" Ako smiled and grabbed Shirogane Rinko's hand. But why did the latter seem a little embarrassed? It was only May and the store was air-conditioned, so it wasn't that hot, right?

Also, you don't have to accompany her when she goes to the bathroom...

After giving his instructions, Hirashin stood up and left, heading towards Yukina Minato and Lisa Imai. Sure enough, he still felt a bit concerned... though it was probably only something he'd occasionally think about before bed.

"...Speaking of which, how did Youxi do on that monthly quiz? Do you want to know my Chinese score~? Do you want to know~?"

"...I have more important things to care about right now than test scores."