บท 92: I Just Want a Single Ending [92] [DDD!]
Last December Double Drop!
---
Togawa Sakiko took his business card and glanced at it before tucking it away.
The contact info was thorough.
He'd included everything: LINE, email, phone number.
"I think we'll work well together."
"I haven't agreed yet."
Togawa closed the piano lid, picked up her bag, and put the contract inside.
"My apologies." Kamigawa Saku apologized once more.
"Well, I'll be going."
Togawa hoisted her bag, preparing to leave.
"Goodbye." Kamigawa responded politely.
After taking a few steps, she turned back and reminded him softly, "The wind ensemble's club activities are about to start. You should leave soon too."
"Got it."
He nodded and turned back to finish packing his bag.
With the door opening and closing behind her, the music room was left silent with only him inside.
Not rushing to leave, he took a moment to mentally review everything he'd just said.
Even though he'd planned every word, he wanted to double-check for any missteps.
The way he'd presented himself wasn't by accident—he'd wanted Togawa to see that he wasn't acting out of attraction or some blind fanboy loyalty. His interest in her was purely for her unique knowledge and experience.
This approach should appeal to her pride.
Togawa valued her dignity deeply.
The blunt way he'd phrased things was intentional, too.
He wanted her to understand that she was useful and valuable to him, and that his interest in her was purely practical, free from any ulterior motives.
And just as he'd anticipated from his research, Togawa was indeed incredibly kind-hearted.
Despite his bluntness, she'd merely called him "rude" instead of taking offense.
It seemed that even after her family's troubles, her basic character hadn't changed.
Of course, this would likely leave her with the impression that he was a money-driven opportunist.
Which was exactly what he wanted.
Without this pretense, she might have assumed his interest in her was personal.
But with money as the basis, everything seemed logical.
For someone who appeared money-focused, any opportunity for profit was reason enough.
The only remaining challenge would be adjusting her impression of him—if she agreed to help with his Instagram.
He could gradually show her that he wasn't as materialistic as he'd seemed today.
Three years was more than enough to become friends.
The only concern now was if she'd refuse to help.
But considering she'd taken the contract and business card, the odds were high that she'd agree.
After all, the pay he'd offered was leagues above what she made at her part-time job.
For someone who needed money, the offer had to be tempting.
With that thought, Kamigawa grabbed his bag and left the room, heading to the RiNG studio.
---
Meanwhile, near the flower beds at Tsukinomori Girls' Academy.
"Mutsumi, do you know how to properly care for sunflowers?"
Nagasaki Soyo asked Wakaba Mutsumi, who was watering cucumbers with a small can.
With her light green hair and doll-like beauty, Wakaba Mutsumi always wore an expressionless look, both adorable and ethereal.
"Sunflowers?"
Mutsumi tilted her head slightly, her face still impassive.
"They were a gift from a friend. I've never grown them before, so I thought I'd ask for your advice," Soyo explained.
"A friend from your band?"
Mutsumi was aware that Soyo had joined a new band.
She'd mentioned it before.
And that band included Takamatsu Tomori and Shiina Taki, former members of CRYCHIC.
"Yes."
Soyo couldn't help smiling, then added softly, "Even though we already have two guitarists, I'll do my best to convince them to let you join too."
"I don't know."
Mutsumi nodded slightly, answering her question about sunflowers.
"I see. Guess I'll just go by what I find online," Soyo replied with a gentle laugh, unbothered by her reaction.
"…"
Mutsumi glanced at her, curious.
Why hadn't she asked about Togawa Sakiko today?
Had she given up?
That was unlikely; it wasn't like Soyo to quit so easily.
---
At the RiNG studio.
Once there, Kamigawa asked Raana if she was interested in coming to his place for the study session.
Naturally, she agreed.
Then, they learned a surprising piece of information.
"You're in junior high? And at our school's middle division?" Shiina Taki's face was full of shock.
"Mm-hmm."
Raana, munching on a snack, nodded calmly.
"I never would've guessed. I thought you were our age," Kamigawa added, equally astonished.
"…"
Chihaya Anon sat in silence, staring at her guitar.
Gotoh Hitori was the same age as her but had already reached a professional level in guitar.
Even though her performance could be inconsistent, her skill far surpassed her own.
And Raana, a year younger, was also exceptional at guitar.
It really was infuriating how some people had such natural talent.
Wasn't there some way to instantly master guitar?
It was so frustrating.
Of course, this was just a brief interruption.
When Nagasaki Soyo arrived, they resumed practice.
Since he'd promised Togawa he wouldn't tell Soyo anything about her situation, Kamigawa continued as if he hadn't found her at all.
Practice went as usual, and then it ended.
With midterms around the corner, they didn't schedule another session right away.
Everyone agreed it was a good time for a short break after their intense rehearsal period.
---
The next day after school, Kamigawa waited just outside the school gates.
Today was the day of the study session at his place. He planned to bring Takamatsu Tomori, Chihaya Anon, Kita Ikuyo, and Gotoh Hitori, all from his school, along with him.
He'd already sent his address to the others so they could meet him there.
The reason he chose to wait here was to avoid sparking rumors.
Walking with Tomori and Anon to practice had already led to whispers of him "juggling two girlfriends" at school.
He'd already clarified that they were just in a band together, hence the frequent sightings.
But if he showed up with four girls headed to his house to "study," who knew what kind of rumors would start?
To avoid any more complications, he'd decided to meet everyone here.
---
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