A guide to survival in a heavy girl's world

"We're all in the same band, so it's okay to use it together, right?"

Chihaya Aine said in a matter-of-fact tone:

"And then I looked it up. Although there's usually only one lead singer in a band, there are occasionally guest vocalists from other positions! I also wanted to take this opportunity to try out backing vocals, so it's like killing two birds with one stone!"

"..."

A bandmate?

Chihaya Tetsu couldn't help but feel complicated when he heard this.

Shoko Toyokawa's reminder has made him realize that the band Aine is in is not as simple as she thought. Once things really develop as Toyokawa said, all the expectations and positivity that Aine has at this moment will eventually become a meaningless waste.

As for Aine, who has not yet fully recovered from the shadow of her failure in studying abroad, Chihaya Tetsu does not want her to experience the pain of failure again.

However, based on Chihaya Tetsuya's understanding of his sister, even if he really told Chihaya Aine the whole story of "CRYCHIC", she probably would not back down easily.

Not only that--

"I remember that Takamatsu-san was in the same class as you, right?"

"Yes, sit at the table in front of me!"

Chihaya Aine nodded.

"Although I was a little confused about what she was thinking at first, we have become super good friends now!"

"…………"

This is the second level of trouble.

Although Chihaya Tetsuya hopes that Chihaya Aine can cut ties with this unstable band as soon as possible, there happens to be a classmate in the band with whom she has a close relationship.

Once she quits the band, the relationship between her and Takamatsu will probably become quite delicate.

For Chihaya Aine, who has always valued atmosphere and interpersonal relationships, this situation would probably make her quite troubled.

……

By the way, the person that Toyokawa has always mentioned wanting to reorganize [CRYCHIC] seems to be only Nagasaki Motoyo.

It is still unknown what the purpose of Takamatsu Touma and Shiina Riki was in forming this band.

If the goals of these two people were not consistent with Nagasaki Suyo, then there might not be any need for Aine to quit the band.

On the contrary, perhaps they could ask Nagasaki Suyo to withdraw on her own.

if it is like this……

"I understand."

After thinking for a while, Chihaya Tetsuya nodded.

"Since you're Aine's friend, of course you can come visit us."

"great!"

"But you have to tell me the specific day she wants to come."

Chihaya Tetsuya said calmly:

"I'll take the day off early that day... to treat her well."

........................

"That's what my brother said."

The next day, Chihaya Aine repeated her brother's words to Takamatsu Touma:

"Well, after all, I haven't had friends over for a while, so he probably thinks it's important for him to have you over."

Gao Songdeng was shocked when he heard this:

"...In that case, is it really okay to invite someone like me?"

"What are you talking about? I invited you because you're a lamp."

Chihaya Aine said in a normal tone:

"Is the light okay? Would you feel uncomfortable if my brother were around?"

In her opinion, Takamatsu Deng, who is extremely introverted and shy, is likely to become extremely nervous because of his brother's presence.

However, the next second, Gao Songdeng's answer made her feel relieved.

"Well... that's not the case."

Gao Songdeng shook his head slowly.

"Chihaya-san is a very gentle person who is considerate of other people's feelings, so...it doesn't matter if he's here."

"Really? After all, Deng can understand his brother's gentleness, right?"

Hearing Takamatsu Touma's praise for her brother, Chihaya Aine nodded in agreement and said:

"Although his tone and expression don't change much, he's always very considerate of others' feelings. He's neither overly enthusiastic nor feigned indifference... Let me tell you, compared to those overly doting older brothers in shojo manga, those who truly appreciate his character will definitely prefer my brother's mature and calm style."

"Yes."

"Come to think of it, even though my brother said he'd stay to entertain you, his housework skills are just so-so. He can clean and stuff, but he's basically relying on takeout for cooking. So don't expect him to prepare anything amazing that day."

"I never expected such a thing!"

"Rather than that, I'd really like you to see my brother's workbench and blueprints. They're truly amazing! Even an amateur can see them!"

"oh oh!"

"Also, my brother..."

Chihaya Aine naturally began to launch an endless "brother" offensive against Takamatsu Touma.

Instead of showing any annoyance, Gao Songdeng took all of this to heart.

In this way, under the constant recommendation of Chihaya Aine, Takamatsu Deng began to look forward to the arrival of that day involuntarily.

Chapter 9: Unequal Tenderness

In the end, Takamatsu Deng's visit was scheduled for Saturday of this week, and Chihaya Tetsuya, as he had said before, asked Hasegawa Shin for a day off in advance.

However, when Chihaya Tetsuya explained the reason for his leave to Toyokawa and told her that he wanted to take this opportunity to confirm Takamatsu Tomo's thoughts, Toyokawa Shoko hesitated for a moment and then made a similar request to Chihaya Tetsuya -

[Deng is a delicate child, so... please don't make things too hard for her, Chihaya-san.]

In response to this request, Chihaya Tetsuya's answer was very simple.

"……I try my best."

If possible, Chihaya Tetsuya didn't want to hurt anyone, especially if the other person was Aine's classmate and friend.

But at the same time, Chihaya Tetsu was more worried that Aine would suffer injustice for no reason because of these things that should have nothing to do with her.

This is his responsibility as an older brother, and also his principle.

Chihaya Tetsuya may indeed be considered a gentle person, but that doesn't mean that everyone can be treated gently by him as a matter of course.

If Takamatsu Touma, like Nagasaki Soyo, deliberately approached Aine in order to reunite with [CRYCHIC]...

Then, even if doing so would hurt Aine, he would definitely cut off Aine's connection with them.

........................

"Eh? Want to order sushi? Okay, sure, but don't order anything with fish roe."

"Why? Is she allergic to fish roe?"

"Because Deng said that it would feel like eating 'a living thing'."

"...That's it."

Although he didn't quite understand, Chihaya Tetsuya still followed his sister's instructions and started to make reservations in advance to entertain Takamatsu Deng.

"That's right, brother."

On the other side, Chihaya Aine, who was tidying up the living room, suddenly spoke again:

"Although we will be practicing singing in the room, it will inevitably be a bit noisy. Will it affect you?"

"Don't worry, I wasn't planning on working today."

Chihaya Tetsuya shook his head.

"In order to free up time today, I've already finished today's work ahead of time. You two just have to have fun."

"Really? That's great!"

An extremely bright smile suddenly broke out on Chihaya Aine's face.

"Hehe~ I didn't expect that my brother would take my friend's visit so seriously! I'm so happy!"

"nothing."

Chihaya Tetsuya, who was clearing the table at the moment, turned his back to Chihaya Aine and said in a tone that was hard to tell whether he was happy or sad:

"That's my duty as a brother."

However, although he did have other purposes in entertaining Takamatsu Deng at home, he did not intend to neglect the most basic hospitality.

Whether it was the high-end sushi he had just ordered or his unprecedented act of getting up early to do housework, it was enough to show his sincerity.

But while he was fully prepared for the reception, he was also mentally prepared to have a falling out with her.

(Hopefully, it won't come to that.)

Chihaya Tetsuya thought so in his heart while wiping the table carefully.

........................

Time soon arrived at the agreed time between Chihaya Aine and Takamatsu Touma.

When Chihaya Aine picked up Takamatsu Touma from the station and brought her home, Chihaya Tetsuya was first surprised by her appearance.

"...Takamatsu-san, you're the type who wears a uniform even on your days off."

"Well, that's not the case..."

Takamatsu Deng, who was wearing a uniform, lowered his head embarrassedly.

"Because Chihaya-san is a great fashion designer, so... well, I don't want to pollute Chihaya-san's eyes with my low-level aesthetic..."

After hearing this, Chihaya Tetsuya looked at Chihaya Aine who was standing next to her speechlessly.

“…Aine, how did you introduce me to her?”

"Eh? It's just like what Deng said. I told you, brother, you're an incredible fashion designer. The styles you design can easily lead the trend of the season!"

"Exaggerating your words will only lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. Next time, remember to draft your boast beforehand."

Chihaya Tetsu felt helpless about his sister's mindless bragging.

But in addition to this, Takamatsu Deng's remarks also made Chihaya Tetsuya deepen his understanding of her again -

This is a child who cares a lot about what others think. At the same time, in order to avoid any possibility of offending others, she will "give in" and "compromise" to a great extent.

So... would such a timid and cowardly child really regard Aine as a "sacrifice" or a "substitute"?

……

(Until I hear her answer, I can't make any conclusions.)

"It just so happens that the sushi I ordered will be delivered soon. Takamatsu-san, please take a rest in the living room for a while."

Chihaya Tetsuya said in his usual calm tone:

“Just tell me and Aine if you need anything.”

"Ah, yes!"

Gao Songdeng, who had just sat down on the sofa, straightened his back subconsciously after hearing this.

"Thank you very much for your care!"

"So, Deng, you don't have to be so reserved..."

Seeing this, Chihaya Aine couldn't help but laugh and said:

"My brother isn't some scary monster, just relax and act like you're at home!"