CHAPTER 207: V5 CHAPTER 35: AN EASY WOMAN TO HANDLE

"..."

Faced with Misumi Uika’s sudden invitation to "go home," Wakaba Mutsumi, who had been about to say something more, narrowed her eyes slightly. She turned and cast a sidelong glance at Kazami Haru with her pale golden eyes.

After weighing things silently for a moment, Mutsumi finally gave a gentle nod toward Uika-san.

Seeing her nod in agreement, Misumi Uika visibly relaxed, the tension that had gripped her slowly easing.

This was her chance to have a proper talk alone with the always quiet, doll-like girl. She needed to discuss the situation between Togawa Sakiko and Kazami Haru.

"Huh?! Everyone’s already picking ’partners’ to go home with? Then who should Nyamu-chan go with...?"

Seeing Uika and Mutsumi immediately pair up for the walk home made Yuutenji Nyamu feel a bit anxious. Her bright, jewel-pink eyes scanned around until they landed on Kazami Haru not far off, and her lips curled slightly into a grin.

Then, with a teasing smile, she said, "Mhm~ In that case, I suppose Nyamu-chan will reluctantly team up with Haruko to head home! After all, Haruko is the only boy in Ave Mujica~ So just to be safe, the most mature Nyamu-sis will—"

"Nyamuko, go with Togawa-san instead. I think this is a good chance for you to have a proper talk with her."

In her knight-like stage costume, Yahata Umiri casually pulled off her gloves and replied to Nyamu in an offhand tone.

"Nyam?"

Umiri’s unexpected comment struck with a kind of unquestionable finality, leaving Yutenji momentarily speechless.

And strangely enough, Nyamu even felt like Yahata made a bit of sense. Her gaze drifted toward Togawa Sakiko nearby, and she began to mutter under her breath, wondering if that woman really was that petty.

Wait, hold on...

Nyamu’s eyes widened like a detective who’d just cracked the case.

If she teamed up with Togawa Sakiko, then that would leave only Kazami Haru and Yahata Umiri to pair off. Just the two of them.

At that moment, dressed in a black formal outfit with a striking red cape, Yahata Umiri had already removed her black lace-trimmed mask, tapped the heel of her over-the-knee boots, and turned toward the dressing room.

Her actions clearly signaled she was getting ready to leave with someone.

"Eh~ Wait a sec! Nyamu-chan hasn’t—"

"No need. Haru’s coming with me."

The calm, cool voice reached Nyamu’s ears, and she turned her head to meet Togawa Sakiko’s sharp gaze.

Back when Nyamu first opened her mouth, Togawa’s expression had already soured, and when it looked like Nyamu wasn’t going to stop her meddling, the joy Togawa had felt from Mujica’s successful show dimmed considerably.

"Haru is the band’s composer. Aside from myself and Uika, who writes lyrics, the rest of you should try not to get too close to him."

"Don’t forget, Ave Mujica is a masked girl band. Don’t bring your personal feelings and relationships into the group."

With her hand lightly tugging her bag strap, Togawa Sakiko’s eyes swept slowly over the group, lingering slightly longer on Misumi Uika before she turned and walked off after dropping those frosty words.

That last glance (clearly aimed at Haru) seemed to say: If you don’t follow me now, I’m going to be really mad.

Kazami Haru caught the obvious displeasure on Togawa’s face and raised an eyebrow.

Seriously? What about his opinion?

Saki, the dummy! She must be secretly crushing on him and getting jealous!

She used to ask for his input, but now she didn’t even bother. What’s next? Using those dainty feet of hers to stomp on his face?

As his thoughts spun wildly, Kazami Haru looked at the retreating figure of Saki heading toward the dressing room. Knowing her personality all too well by now, he just sighed inwardly, then turned to the other four girls.

"Well, I’ll head out too. You all get home safe."

"Mm!"

Misumi Uika raised her fingers in a gentle farewell, a faint smile on her lips, but when she saw Kazami Haru quicken his pace to walk alongside Saki-chan, a tangle of mixed feelings. Part disappointment, part relief wrapped around her heart.

That subtle shift in her expression didn’t go unnoticed by the doll-like girl beside her.

...

Togawa Sakiko was in a bad mood.

By all accounts, the success of Ave Mujica’s debut show should have left her feeling proud and thrilled, especially after pouring all her energy into it.

But thanks to Yuutenji Nyamu’s constant teasing remarks, her good mood had soured, and realizing how the others were getting closer and closer to Haru only made her... jealous.

After all, it was her, Togawa Sakiko, who first met Kazami Haru and formed a bond with him!

She was the one who got there first!

Seeing someone she liked interact with other girls, how could she possibly be okay with that?

Even so, no matter how frustrated Saki felt, she couldn’t take it out on Kazami Haru.

Their relationship didn’t even qualify as romantic. As someone who was "just a friend," Togawa-san had no right to say anything. All she could do was swallow down the jealousy and irritation rising in her chest.

The twin tails of her pale blue hair swayed as she gently turned her delicate face to the side. Slightly anxious, she unconsciously began fiddling with her hair ends. Her previously stern and cold voice began to soften, becoming more tentative and warm.

"Haru, are you free later?"

Wh-What’s going on?

Did she see him being too friendly with Wakaba Mutsumi just now?

If Sakiko Togawa found out that Kazami Haru had stolen her "better half," knowing her temperament, she’d probably go full scorched earth. The thought made Haru stiffen a little, lifting his chin with subtle wariness.

"With the semester starting soon, I’ve got nothing going on. Is there something you needed from me, Saki?"

"Can’t I come to you even if there’s nothing?"

Togawa Sakiko’s brows knit slightly as a trace of disappointment showed on her face. Clutching the strap of her shoulder bag with one hand, she turned her head, lips pursed like delicate cherry blossoms. Watching her so closely, Haru couldn’t stop his mouth from twitching.

Seriously? These overly emotional girls were something else.

They could’ve picked up any habit, and they chose this one?

"Of course~ that’s not what I meant. I’m at your service, anytime."

"...Geez! What’s with that weirdly formal tone?"

Seeing Haru clasp his hands together in a sincere apology pose, Saki lightly tapped her bag strap with a fingertip, her face flushing slightly as she chided him.

Her earlier anxiety from seeing the other band members getting close to Haru seemed to melt away, leaving her feeling as light and fluffy as if she were walking on clouds.

"After all, I already signed a contract. If Lady Saki says go east, I’d never even think of going west."

"That contract was just for the band! It’s not like we’re—"

Whoa. Better stop right there.

Togawa Sakiko’s soft blue hair swayed as she gave a subtle side glance, her ears (half-hidden beneath her glossy locks) already burning bright red. She had nearly blurted out "married," and now she felt like her whole body was buzzing with embarrassment, her heart pounding with fiery heat.

This was Haru’s fault!

If he hadn’t joked about a "marriage" last time, she wouldn’t even be thinking about it!

And wasn’t she being a little too easy to fluster? She knew Haru was just teasing her, and yet...

"I just... I just wanted to ask if you had time later, that’s all. I suddenly realized that we’d both just come from the theater, and we probably haven’t had breakfast, let alone lunch, so..."

Twisting her fingers through her deep blue hair, her voice was soft and hesitant. Her eyes kept sneaking glances in his direction.

The meaning behind Saki’s words couldn’t have been clearer.

Haru immediately saw through her intent. He found it so cute, he nearly laughed. Pretending nothing was out of the ordinary, he gave his stomach a little rub, then frowned lightly and turned to her.

"Saki, want to grab dinner before we head back?"

Her amber eyes lit up ever so slightly. Clearly delighted, she replied with an airy, pleasant voice that lifted the mood like a spring breeze.

"Mmm... You’re right."

"After playing so many pieces back-to-back on stage, I’m feeling a bit drained. If I skip dinner, I might not have the energy to keep going."

Miss Saki, at this moment, seemed to have completely forgotten everything she said earlier.

An easy woman to handle.

Watching the cheerful expression on her face, so different from the cold one she had worn minutes before, Haru couldn’t help but mentally tease her.

"Let’s hit that ramen place from last time. It’s reasonably priced and tastes great."

More importantly, Haru knew the owner there really well. He could have the bill discreetly charged to his card, and then just split a small part of the total with Saki so it felt like they were going dutch.

That way, he could secretly treat her using her [Wife’s Payroll Card], while still making sure she felt respected.

Having been to that ramen shop with Haru a few times before, Saki knew the way perfectly. With her leading, they arrived at the storefront in just over ten minutes.

But the moment they stepped inside, Haru’s eyes locked with those of the blonde-haired waitress with braided pigtails. After a quick glance, Haru subtly pulled out his "membership card" and gave a knowing look.

She got the message instantly.

"Right this way!"

Flashing a discreet "OK" gesture, the pigtail girl grinned brightly and led them to the deepest booth, but just as Haru stepped into it, his instincts picked up a strange vibe.

Puzzled, Haru looked toward the innermost seat and found himself staring directly into the eyes of a blue-haired girl seated there.

Yamada Ryo, chopsticks in hand, was still munching on tempura. When their eyes met, she slowly paused mid-bite.

One look. An eternity.

Wait, no. I gave you my card so you could pay, not lead us straight into your territory!

"This is the seat the customer reserved. Please enjoy!"

With a bright smile, the braided waitress pointed at the stunning girl seated inside, then politely placed the menus down and headed back to the front.

Haru stood frozen, face a mess of mixed emotions, staring at Ryo.

Ryo, stone-faced as ever, stared right back.

"Haru? Why are you just standing there?"

Peeking from behind, Saki tilted her blue head inquisitively and immediately saw who was in the booth.

Togawa Sakiko: ?

"I was just thinking, ’If only Haru could magically appear right now,’ and the next moment, there he was. Ahh, what a relief."

With a delighted smile, Ryo rested her chin in one hand, her golden eyes glinting with interest as she looked up at Haru.

The truth? She was broke and couldn’t pay the bill.

"You’re... Yamada-san?"

Thinking they had simply walked into the wrong booth, Saki frowned slightly. She hadn’t expected to run into Ryo here, especially not at their usual spot.

This was herand Haru’s usual spot.

As the chill returned to Saki’s expression, Haru massaged his temples. Across from him, Ryo’s gaze sharpened with amusement.

"Good evening. I didn’t expect to see you here, Yamada-san."

Despite her wariness, Saki maintained her poised demeanor.

She tilted her body slightly, greeting Ryo with the elegance of a well-bred lady. Her innate grace and refined air made her instantly likable, except to Ryo.

"Mmm~ Well, since we’ve ’coincidentally’ met, why don’t we all eat together?"

The second Ryo saw Saki’s stunning face, her golden eyes sparked with curiosity. Rarely one for small talk, she was uncharacteristically chatty.

The "suggestion" made Saki’s expression slowly cool.

Though they had met at Haru’s place before, their relationship wasn’t exactly close. To Saki, Ryo didn’t seem like the bassist type she’d imagined.

Last time, Ryo had come over just to mooch a meal, nothing threatening. But still...

"...Since Yamada-san put it that way..."

Saki relented in the end.

Haru let out a long sigh of resignation and dropped into his seat. Squinting his dark eyes, he turned to the blue-haired freeloader beside him.

"Just so we’re clear, I’m notpaying for you this time."

"Really now? Is that what you think of me?"

Ryo raised a brow, her pretty face unreadable as she clutched her chopsticks.

"Then can you pay it back this time?"

"I willpay it back."

Watching the two of them banter, Saki’s eyes grew troubled. She had invited Haru out first, yet somehow felt completely overlooked. Her cheeks puffed slightly in frustration.

Her sharp amber eyes narrowed as she raised her voice a notch.

"What do you mean, Yamada-san borrowed money from Haru?"

What kind of joke was that? Haru worked part-time just to support himself!

"I was desperate. I’d been eating weeds from roadside patches..."

Ryo dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief as if about to cry. The pitiful sight softened Saki instantly.

"I-Is that so?"

Her gaze now carried a trace of sympathy, and her mind began to imagine the worst. Maybe Ryo’s family had fallen into misfortune. Maybe she was barely surviving, eating sprout rice when she had it, and slaving away at jobs. Maybe something terrible had happened, and she had no choice but to beg Haru for help...

Come to think of it, hadn’t she suddenly shown up at Haru’s house last time, looking for food...?

"Don’t listen to her nonsense."

Haru’s dry voice snapped Saki out of her fantasy.

"Ryo just burns through money like water. No matter how much her family gives her, she spends it all. When she runs out, she borrows, and almost never pays it back."

"Wha—?!"

Saki’s eyes flew open wide with disbelief.

She’d just fallen for a sob story! And wasn’t Ryo still eating a mountain of food here? If she were truly broke, how could she feast like this? Saki had even felt sorry for her just now...

So this woman’s just a freeloader who never returns money?

And Haru’s in a band with her? Thank god she caught this in time!

"...So embarrassing."

Ryo covered her face, cheeks flushed pink like someone being praised.

"No one’s complimenting you! Now give Haru his money back!"

Even under Saki’s scolding, Ryo stuffed a tempura into her mouth and replied in a flat tone, "I said I’d pay him back. He just doesn’t like my method."

"Method? What method?"

"With my body."

Togawa Sakiko: ?