A guide to survival in a heavy girl's world

Nagasaki Suyo was not blind, nor was she so dull as to be unable to distinguish between lies and truth.

Especially after knowing Xiangzi's current situation, just a little thought will make you understand why Mu's behavior is so contradictory.

So before leaving, there was no complaint in her words to Ruoye Mu, she was just saying goodbye.

……

But even so, the facts are just as Xiangzi said.

Even if everyone has the same feeling, they are destined to never go back to the past.

After meeting the Chihaya siblings, Deng gained the courage to start over, and Riki was willing to unconditionally support Deng who could sing out her true feelings.

After experiencing a series of changes, Xiangzi became an apprentice of a fashion designer, and Mu was always watching over her not far away.

Just like graduates after a graduation ceremony, everyone naturally left the place that was second only to their family and set out in different directions.

In the end, she was the only one who remained where she was, hoping to relive those precious times.

It is certainly not a bad thing to be able to look forward, and our separation is not due to any irreconcilable contradictions or someone's malice.

In fact, if you think about it calmly, everyone is just going their separate ways due to ordinary practical reasons.

This meeting with Xiangzi cleared up many of her doubts and helped her understand many things.

In fact, she was not disappointed with Xiangzi and everyone's choice. During the one-year wait, she had already become accustomed to this feeling.

She simply felt extremely empty and lonely because her last bit of hope was shattered.

Of course, she can still stick to the name [CRYCHIC] and live in those beautiful yet illusory memories forever.

But at the same time, she did not forget that from this day on, she would become truly alone.

“…The extra person isn’t Aine or Rakuna, but me.”

On the overpass they often used as a gathering place, Nagasaki Suyo looked at the cars below and murmured expressionlessly:

"Where should I go next..."

Should I go home? But even if I go home, I will still be alone.

Contact other classmates? Forget it. She knew better than anyone how superficial her relationship with other classmates was.

Without [CRYCHIC], she really has no place to go.

From now on, where should she go...

"I've taken a look at the design for you. Although there are quite a few technical errors, the ideas and concepts are indeed impeccable."

Suddenly, an unexpected sound came from beside her without any warning.

When she subconsciously looked in the direction where the sound came from, Chihaya Tetsuya was in the same posture as her, holding the railing and looking at the vehicles below.

"A month ago, she was a complete novice who couldn't even identify all the sewing needle models. A month later, she's mastered the most basic pattern-making skills and has even reached the threshold of 'design'. I can't find any other word to describe her except genius."

"………………Xiangzi has always been very capable."

Nagasaki Suyo, already exhausted physically and mentally, didn't intend to dwell on his uninvited presence. She slowly withdrew her gaze and said in a flat tone:

"From academics to band, piano skills to fashion design...she excelled in everything. But now that I think about it, while we were still marveling at her talent and hard work, she must have been under pressure that we didn't understand."

Having said that, she couldn't help but laugh at herself.

"They talk about a community with a shared future, but in the end we don't even understand each other."

"But Fengchuan just said it, right? For her at that time, these words were definitely not lies."

Chihaya Tetsuya said:

"Even if you don't know the suffering and trials she went through, it doesn't prevent you from becoming one of her few comforts and companions during that time."

"So what? At this point, what's the point of this superficial happiness?"

Nagasaki Suyo asked in an extremely empty tone:

"In the end, I still couldn't offer any practical help to Xiangzi, nor could I get the companionship I needed most from her. Soon, when these memories gradually fade with the passage of time, we will surely become just old friends with a past. And since I can't even hold onto these memories, I will become a person with nothing in the truest sense."

Speaking of this, a picture flashed through her mind.

After graduating from high school, I was no longer obsessed with CRYCHIC and the band, and I accidentally met Toyokawa Shoko on the street.

Although both of them recognized each other, they did not say hello and just passed each other as if nothing had happened.

What awaits me next must be this kind of future.

"………………puff."

As a result, before Nagasaki Suyo had time to feel sad about the picture in her mind, the laughter from the side immediately interrupted her fantasy -

"Hey, what's so funny?"

"Ah, nothing much. I just think... a girl who just entered her first year of high school is actually defining her future and ending so seriously. I think it's a little cute."

"what?"

A trace of displeasure suddenly flashed across Nagasaki Suyo's face.

"What do you mean? Are you looking down on me?"

"No, no. After all, you are at the age when you are most prone to sentimentality. It is natural that you would exaggerate your current emotions."

Chihaya Tetsuya coughed twice and put away the smile on his face.

"But regarding what you just said... there is one thing I must correct."

"what?"

"That's the point about 'nothing'."

Having said that, Chihaya Tetsuya suddenly turned his gaze to the other side of Nagasaki Suyo——

"Miss Ruoye, have you contacted her?"

"Yes, it is……"

Wakaba Mutsuki, who appeared out of nowhere, nodded first, and then, under the bewildered gaze of Nagasaki Suyo, pressed the hands-free button on the screen.

[Hello? Sushi? Can you hear me?]

The next second, Chihaya Aine's energetic voice suddenly came from the microphone.

My brother just sent me a message saying that the thing you mentioned earlier has been completed. So, do you want to come with us to Shimokitazawa? I just saw a dress at the clothing store that would suit you perfectly—

"Su Shi, don't believe her. That's a high-slit skirt that's totally inappropriate for your age, and the color is incredibly bright. No matter how you think about it, it doesn't suit you."

Shiina Riki's voice also came from the microphone.

[And that tank top you just picked out for Deng is definitely not a good idea!]

How will you know if you don't try it on? What do you think?

[I... I don't quite understand, but I definitely wouldn't wear something like this...]

【Eh? ! 】

[See? Not even the lights are on your side this time! Sigh... Sushi, if you really don't have anything to do, come over here. I can't control this guy on my own.]

【Su Shi...】

Deng asked in a slightly expectant tone.

We're going to watch a live show together at the Livehouse here later. If possible, Sushi should come too... with Mu.

“………………Huh?”

Although she didn't see it with her own eyes, Nagasaki Suyo could clearly see the three people making a scene on the streets of Shimokitazawa.

The mischievous Chihaya Aine, the ignorant Takamatsu Touma, and the busy Shiina Tatsuki.

The noise that should have made her feel extremely annoyed inexplicably filled the emptiness in her heart.

And then, after a moment of hesitation, Ruo Yemu also spoke:

"Want to go together, Sushi?"

"Mu, didn't you hear what I just said?"

Nagasaki Motoyo's expression has changed from initial astonishment to complete helplessness now.

"I've already said it before, you and I are no longer on the same page—"

"That won't stop you from going to the live show with them. Besides, going to Shimokitazawa is definitely more fun than just watching the street from the overpass by yourself, right?"

As Chihaya Tetsuya spoke, he winked at Wakaba Mutsu again.

"Miss Ruoye, go get a taxi. I'll pay for it when the time comes."

"Yes!"

"Eh? Wait a minute, I haven't agreed yet—"

"As for Xiangzi, she's already returned to the studio with the design. Although this is different from what we agreed upon, I intend to use her design as your first performance costume. After all, our one encounter alone is definitely no match for the design that carries all her memories and emotions."

"By the way... although you just said a lot of farewell lines in one breath, you didn't leave us any time to respond. So now, I will make a supplementary response on their behalf-"

In the face of Nagasaki Suyo's stunned expression, Chihaya Tetsuya said:

"Sorry, we didn't hear anything just now."

"Chihaya-san! The taxi is here."

"Okay, Nagasaki-san, let's go."

"No, no, that's why I haven't agreed yet..."

"Driver, we're going to Shimokitazawa. Please drive faster. We're almost late for the Livehouse show."

"learn!"

"Ehehehe——!"

Amidst this sudden chaos, Nagasaki Motoyo finally utters the only meaningful line in this chapter:

"But we don't even know which livehouse they're going to!"

"Ah, I forgot to ask just now...but it's okay."

And Chihaya Tetsu also said:

"Anyway, they are all there. You can find them anytime you want."

"..."

After hearing this, Nagasaki Suyo stood still.

Can you find it anytime you want?

She subconsciously looked at Ruoye Mu beside her, and the other party was also looking at her at this time.

【CRYCHIC】…maybe it no longer exists. But Xiangzi, Mu, Deng, and Lixi are still here.

What exactly does it mean to have nothing and be alone?

What exactly is the name of this emotion that is filling her heart at this moment?

As if to shake off the meaningless entanglement and self-talking sentimentality, the taxi driver suddenly stepped on the accelerator, carrying the confused girl, and drove forward unstoppably.

Chapter 24: View from the rear of the team

【I always feel that there is a sense of unreality.】

"This band's stage presence is so mature!"

After the live ended, Chihaya Aine said with a face full of longing:

"Should I also learn from their guitarist and walk around all the time?"

"It's not just walking around, it's interacting with the musicians... And I also advise you not to imitate it casually. It's just a rhythm guitar and it feels very strange to wander around."

Shiina Riki frowned and said:

"Even if we really want to increase interaction, it should be the lead singer and lead guitar."

"Well, I can't control Lenai anyway, but as for Deng... Deng, would you consider learning their performance style in the future?"

"Eh?"