After a brief chat, Ijichi Seika and the others learned about the relationship between Yuki and Ryou Yamada. Learning that the two had met through an online game, they marveled at the wonderful fate.
As for Ryou Yamada frequently borrowing money from Yuki, under the tacit understanding of both Yuki and Ryou Yamada, it was not disclosed.
When the conversation turned to gaming topics, PA on the side clearly showed some interest. It seemed she was quite interested in this topic. Having seen the original work, Yuki naturally knew the reason. This outwardly aloof, actually gentle-natured woman, besides working here, also livestreamed as a virtual streamer playing games. That's why she was somewhat interested in topics like gaming.
Of course, she was also quite interested in music. Otherwise, she wouldn't be a decent sound engineer.
After chatting for a while, it soon became business hours.
They each returned to their posts—selling entrance tickets, checking tickets, and working at the bar making drinks.
The bands that had booked the venue today also started entering the venue, adjusting equipment, preparing to start their performances.
Yuki sat there, on one hand drinking his beverage and watching others perform, on the other waiting for Ryou Yamada's shift to end. Occasionally, Ijichi Seika would come over to chat with Yuki, teasing him about whether he could understand. But Yuki always left her speechless with his very professional terminology.
"You actually know this much?"
Ijichi Seika was surprised. She hadn't expected Yuki to truly understand knowledge in music.
"Of course! Did you really think I was some idle, good-for-nothing tycoon who just lounges around waiting to die? My talent is beyond what you can imagine! Seika."
A light smile appeared on Yuki's face as he raised his head and eyebrows and said calmly.
"Tch! Boasting!"
Although Ijichi Seika's face showed disbelief, inside, she chose to believe. Otherwise, she couldn't imagine how someone as young as Yuki could become a tycoon and buy up several streets nearby if he were a mediocre person who knew nothing.
Of course, she had also suspected whether Yuki came from a wealthy family, a second-generation rich. But after learning more, discovering that Yuki's parents were long gone, that he had many assets under his name, and that he made money from stock trading, she realized he hadn't relied on his parents at all; he had completely built everything from scratch. This made her deeply admire him.
"Hehe, it's fine if you don't believe me. But you'll understand in time."
Yuki's words hinted at Ijichi Seika.
Ijichi Seika pretended not to hear, her face turning red as she looked away.
"I'm done talking to you; I'm going back to work!"
Then, with a hint of shyness on her face, she ran off.
Seeing this, Yuki smiled faintly, thinking that after a few more times, he could finally enjoy this ripe honey peach! {^Wtf}
Time passed very quickly. Soon, one performance ended, and Ryou Yamada also finished her shift for the day.
She came to Ijichi Seika, collected her wages, then looked around but didn't see Yuki's figure. She checked her phone and found Yuki had sent her a message. It said for Ryou Yamada to come outside to find him.
Seeing this, Ryou Yamada knew that this day had finally come. Although she had prepared for it long ago, at this moment, she still felt a bit nervous.
"Ryou, what's wrong?"
Nijika Ijichi looked at Ryou Yamada, who was staring blankly at her phone, and asked with great concern.
"Nothing!" Ryou Yamada hurriedly put her phone away and shook her head. "Oh, I have something to do today, so I'll head back first."
Ryou Yamada directly stated she was leaving and wouldn't be participating in band activities anymore.
Nijika Ijichi on the side didn't think much of it and just nodded gently. "Okay, then be careful on your way. Oh, do you want me to walk you out?"
Nijika Ijichi then asked.
"No! Not necessary!"
Hearing the other wanted to see her out, Ryou Yamada naturally refused. Because wouldn't that let the other discover the deeper relationship between her and Yuki?! That wasn't something Ryou Yamada wanted yet.
Then, Ryou Yamada packed her things, slung her bass over her shoulder, and hurriedly left.
Although Nijika Ijichi was puzzled by Ryou Yamada's unusual behavior today, she didn't press further. After all, if the other didn't want to say, it might involve her privacy, so it was better not to ask.
After leaving STARRY, Ryou Yamada saw Yuki leaning against the side at first glance.
"Work finished?" Yuki asked with a smile.
"Mhm..." A faint blush appeared on Ryou Yamada's cheeks as she nodded gently.
"Then let's go!"
Yuki then took the lead, with Ryou Yamada closely following.
After walking a distance, when passing by a love hotel, Ryou Yamada's heart tightened, thinking Yuki would take her there. Looking at the neon-lit and colorful decorations and those explicit posters outside, Ryou Yamada felt immensely shy.
But clearly, Ryou Yamada was wrong; Yuki didn't take her to the love hotel. Instead, he chose a nearby luxurious five-star hotel.
After checking into a room, Yuki smiled at Ryou Yamada, who was putting her things down.
"Ryou-chan, earlier, did you think I'd take you to that kind of love hotel?" Yuki teased.
Hearing Yuki's question, Ryou Yamada's heart tightened, then she nodded gently.
"Haha, you thought too much! How could a place like that be worthy of where I take you?"
Yuki slowly walked up to Ryou Yamada, his hand gently circling her slender waist.
"Ryou-chan's first time certainly wouldn't be in a place like that!"
Hearing Yuki's words, Ryou Yamada couldn't help but feel a bit touched. But then, recalling how Yuki had lent her high-interest loans before and how she couldn't repay the interest, he had made her film many of those embarrassing videos.
It made Ryou Yamada feel as if she had been trained by him. Clearly knowing this man was a loan shark, she still borrowed from him every time, letting him earn interest from her. Gradually, she felt like she had fallen into this man's clutches and couldn't escape.
"Would a devil like you be this kind?!"
Ryou Yamada's breathing became somewhat rapid as she teased dazedly.
"Is that so? But it just so happens that this devil still lingers in your thoughts. Even though I set a trap, you still jumped in, step by step falling into the abyss. And in the end, like today, completely unable to extricate yourself."
Yuki chuckled lightly and lifted Ryou Yamada's chin as he spoke.
"Isn't it just because you're like poison, making people addicted!" Ryou Yamada coquettishly snorted, her cheeks flushed with red.
"Haha, don't worry. When it comes to my own woman, I'm very gentle!"
Yuki laughed heartily, directly picking Ryou Yamada up and slowly carrying her into the bathroom.
....
Early the next morning, Yuki was awakened by Ryou Yamada, whose sleeping posture was somewhat unsightly. After waking up and finding Ryou Yamada sleeping like a pig, he felt somewhat helpless.
Then, he shook her awake, signaling it was time for school.
She immediately flusteredly started packing her things. However, due to being rather tired from before and her 'injuries' not yet healed, her hands and feet weren't very active. So, Yuki had to help her pack.
After packing up, the two left the hotel and headed towards the school. On the way, Ryou Yamada needed Yuki's support, making passersby very envious that Ryou Yamada had such a caring boyfriend. This made Ryou Yamada feel somewhat embarrassed.
To ease the awkwardness, Ryou Yamada started chatting with Yuki about band matters.