Chapter 46: Shinomiya Oko's Slap
Mutsumi Wakaba actually hated these performance settings.
It was because too many people would invariably compare her to her father and mother.
As soon as she appeared in public with her parents, she would receive all this static.
"That's the Wakaba's daughter, right? Why is her personality nothing like her parents?"
"She doesn't even greet people."
"It's such a shame. I guess the Wakaba family's career won't have an heir."
"You know, acting in pantomime would probably suit her well."
Mutsumi Wakaba was Mutsumi Wakaba, not a substitute for her parents.
Though Mutsumi felt hurt inside, people could say what they wanted, and she couldn't control it.
Adhering to the mindset that playing the piano was always right, the obedient tool-person Mutsumi had been silently playing, serving as an organic sound system since she arrived.
The pieces Mutsumi Wakaba played were deeply ingrained in her memory; she could play them with her eyes closed. She only needed to focus briefly when changing pieces, otherwise, her mind was blank, blocking out the noise.
'So tired. Just hold on a little longer. Ten more minutes and it will be time for the replacement.'
Mutsumi Wakaba told herself.
But what Mutsumi Wakaba hadn't expected was a warm voice speaking close to her ear.
"Mutsumi."
Mutsumi Wakaba raised her head and immediately saw Hikigaya Hachiman standing in front of her.
Hikigaya Hachiman, holding a glass of mango juice, walked up to greet her.
Hikigaya Hachiman had initially thought of deliberately hovering in front of Mutsumi, pretending to see her but not recognizing her, and wondering what her reaction would be.
But he decided against it. Mutsumi, though outwardly quiet, had quite serious emotional issues.
Seeing the surprise in Mutsumi's eyes, Hikigaya Hachiman raised the mango juice.
"A comfort offering."
Hikigaya Hachiman noticed a look of difficulty in Mutsumi's eyes, and the girl glanced down at the piano in front of her.
If she left now, her father would definitely scold her.
Her playing the piano here was an opportunity her father had fought hard for.
Hikigaya Hachiman understood Mutsumi Wakaba's meaning: she couldn't leave right now because she was playing the piano.
"No rush, I can wait."
Hikigaya Hachiman shook his head. Besides Mei Mei and the others, the only person he knew here was Fujiwara Chika.
"Sir. Are you experiencing any trouble?"
Just as Hikigaya Hachiman and Mutsumi Wakaba were exchanging glances, Yukinoshita Haruno, who had changed into a pure white evening gown, quickly walked over from the side.
Yukinoshita Haruno's smile was flawless, with a perfectly measured curve that made her appear extremely warm and highly approachable.
"How may I help you?"
Yukinoshita Haruno had been ordered by the Shinomiya family to entertain these guests as best as possible.
Any difficulties or problems that arose were to be handled directly by Yukinoshita Haruno.
"It's nothing, Miss Yukinoshita."
Hikigaya Hachiman wasn't in the habit of troubling others.
Yukinoshita Haruno naturally didn't leave foolishly but instead offered a thoughtful suggestion.
"I also play the piano at a concert level, so I can fill in for Miss Wakaba."
After hearing this, Hikigaya Hachiman looked at Mutsumi Wakaba, giving her the right to decide.
Seeing the flicker of change in Mutsumi Wakaba's eyes, she seemed to be moving to agree but was still hesitating. Hikigaya Hachiman decided for Mutsumi Wakaba.
"Then, thank you, Miss Yukinoshita."
Yukinoshita Haruno shook her head and said warmly.
"It's no trouble, it'll only be for a moment. I believe Miss Wakaba's performance time should be ending soon."
So, Yukinoshita Haruno took the opportunity at the end of Mutsumi Wakaba's current piece to take over the performance for Mutsumi.
"Here."
Hikigaya Hachiman handed the mango juice to Mutsumi Wakaba, who hurried toward him.
"Thank you."
Mutsumi Wakaba was actually a bit thirsty, but with the high-intensity piano playing, she hadn't had time to drink water.
Mutsumi Wakaba took the mango juice with both hands and drank through the straw. The girl looked extremely well-behaved.
She genuinely looked thirsty.
After finishing half a glass of mango juice, Mutsumi Wakaba's expression visibly relaxed.
"Hachiman, how did you know I like this?"
"I guessed."
Hikigaya Hachiman had simply picked the color that appealed to him most.
Mango juice's yellow color was Hikigaya Hachiman's favorite, just like his Primarch, Sanguinius.
"I took a look around the catering area just now, and some of the cakes were quite good. Want to try some?"
Hikigaya Hachiman had just had dinner, so it made no sense that Mutsumi Wakaba, who arrived earlier as staff, had already eaten.
"Yes, I'll follow Hachiman's lead."
Mutsumi Wakaba pondered for a moment, then chose to listen to Hachiman.
"Let's go then."
Hikigaya Hachiman let Mutsumi Wakaba choose what to eat herself.
"Hachiman, aren't you eating?"
Mutsumi Wakaba's appetite seemed genuinely small. She only chose vegetable salad for dinner, and Hikigaya Hachiman saw that cucumbers made up most of the proportion on the girl's plate.
"I already ate.
By the way, Mutsumi, the cucumbers you gave me were delicious."
After sharing the cucumbers with Nagasaki Soyo and her mother, and Yukinoshita and the others, the small portion Hikigaya Hachiman ate himself was gone quickly.
"Mhm."
Mutsumi Wakaba's face was visibly happier than before, and the corners of her mouth slightly curled up.
"I have more at school. I'll bring some next time I visit Hachiman's school."
Mutsumi Wakaba didn't especially love cucumbers, but cucumbers were the only thing she truly possessed.
Cucumbers were the most precious gift Mutsumi Wakaba could imagine giving.
Hearing Mutsumi Wakaba mention visiting Shuchiin.
Hikigaya Hachiman thought for a moment and said,
"Mutsumi, come on Friday. We have exams this week, so we might not be able to host you."
If Mutsumi came on Monday, Yukinoshita's Service Club classroom wouldn't even be approved yet.
"Okay."
Mutsumi Wakaba was no longer anxious about Soyo and Sakiko.
Because Hachiman was here, he would surely be able to resolve their conflict.
"Sir, excuse me."
Hikigaya Hachiman turned around. It was Yukinoshita Haruno, who had been playing the piano for Mutsumi Wakaba.
"Mr. Seiryu's planned artist performances are about to begin. Mr. Oko asked me to invite you to the special box seating to watch."
Yukinoshita Haruno's casual remark instantly made Hikigaya Hachiman realize who was targeting Uika. It seemed to be Shinomiya Oko's second younger brother.
Yukinoshita Haruno was also very thoughtful, not wanting to put Hikigaya Hachiman in a difficult position.
"Miss Wakaba, please join us too."
Since it was with Hachiman, Mutsumi Wakaba didn't refuse.
"Thank you, please lead the way."
As they walked, Hikigaya Hachiman asked,
"Miss Yukinoshita, is your sister a student at Shuchiin?
I recall the transfer student last week was named Yukinoshita."
Upon hearing the question, Yukinoshita Haruno immediately admitted,
"She is my younger sister."
Yukinoshita Haruno had actually recognized Hikigaya Hachiman the moment she saw him; he was clearly on the VIP list she had carefully compiled for her sister at Shuchiin.
Now that even Shinomiya Oko, the second most powerful figure in the Shinomiya Group, was treating Hikigaya Hachiman with respect, Yukinoshita Haruno was even more careful not to slight him.
She simply hoped that through her goodwill, she could ensure he wouldn't hold any unwarranted malice towards her sister, rather than asking him to specifically look after her at school.
It was an older sister's earnest consideration.
"So, you are also from Shuchiin, sir."
Although Hikigaya Hachiman was dressed very maturely and steadily, he was still young, giving the impression of a student.
"Yes."
Yukinoshita Haruno led Hikigaya Hachiman and Mutsumi Wakaba to the second floor, to a balcony-like area that extended outwards.
It offered a direct view of the stage from above; the visual viewing position was excellent.
Hence, it was called the VIP viewing area.
Shinomiya Oko, Seiryu, and the third son Unyō, as well as Mei Mei and the others, were already there. They were just waiting for Hikigaya Hachiman.
When their gazes turned toward him, Hikigaya Hachiman said,
"My friend."
Only Todo Aoi looked at Hikigaya Hachiman with disappointment, heartbroken as if he had discovered a brother who had gone astray.
"Brother, cuteness can't feed you. Big butts and tall women are the best women in the world."
Hikigaya Hachiman ignored the idiot's opinion.
Shinomiya Oko looked at the emotionless girl and quietly asked Shinomiya Un'yo next to him,
"Which family's girl is that?"
Shinomiya Un'yo replied,
"She's the daughter of the comedian Wakaba."
Hearing that she was merely the daughter of a comedian, Shinomiya Oko immediately lost interest.
So that kid liked this type of demeanor.
Shinomiya Oko rubbed his chin, suddenly thinking his own sister might appeal to him.
After all, his sister also had an emotionless expression, though hers might look a little fiercer.
The Shinomiya family's banquets, which typically adhered to strict rules and only allowed classical arts, shouldn't logically be modern enough to feature a performance by a new generation idol.
But Shinomiya Seiryu was keen on boosting the reputation of the artists under his management, so he seized this opportunity to create some pre-event buzz.
The first to take the stage was naturally the national comedian Wakaba and his partner, presenting a comedy routine.
The VIP seats offered such an excellent view that the performers could essentially observe the audience above them directly.
As Wakaba bowed to the surroundings,
He suddenly saw an incredibly familiar figure in the VIP box, apart from the three Shinomiya brothers.
Wasn't that Mutsumi?
Why was she sitting in the VIP section where the three Shinomiya brothers entertained esteemed guests?
But when Wakaba saw the young man he had met once before, he immediately understood.
Sure enough, Wakaba's hunch back then was correct: that young man was indeed a very important person.
Even the Shinomiya family, who usually looked down on others, had to treat him as a distinguished guest.
The young man had even brought Mutsumi with him.
Wakaba's face was struggling to contain his joy; he was simply ecstatic.
The Wakaba family's status had only risen in his generation, their qualifications were still shallow, and his identity as a comedian created a barrier preventing him from entering true high society.
Wakaba often worried about the family's future. Now, he saw it.
Hikigaya-kun was the benefactor of their family.
Thinking this, Wakaba performed with even greater effort on stage, maximizing his comedic skills. Waves of laughter echoed through the hall.
"Mutsumi, your father is very talented."
Hikigaya Hachiman regretted not bringing Komachi.
But strangely, Mutsumi Wakaba's expression dimmed slightly when she heard Hikigaya Hachiman praise her father.
Because Mutsumi Wakaba was afraid Hachiman would compare her to her father, just like those people, and conclude.
Mutsumi was a flawed product, so Mutsumi Wakaba's mood wasn't very good.
While Wakaba was performing, Misumi Uika, who had changed into her performance outfit backstage, had her electric guitar strapped on and was completing her final preparations before going on stage.
When she went on stage later, Misumi Uika would be playing the role of the guitarist in the band.
Misumi Uika had re-signed a contract and was now an artist under the management agency of Seiryu Entertainment.
Although she was disgusted by the Shinomiya family's tactics, this was the best outcome, and Misumi Uika felt helpless.
She was originally supposed to pay a huge penalty to break free from her former agency, but because the president feared the Shinomiya family's immense power, he didn't even make Misumi Uika pay the penalty.
Besides, giving up the idol career Misumi Uika had worked so hard to build felt somewhat disheartening.
Most importantly, Misumi Uika saw the short message Hikigaya Hachiman had sent on her phone screen.
"I really like Uika's performance on stage."
Misumi Uika hugged her phone, feeling incredibly happy. She even felt that enduring the hardships of being an idol was all worth it.
"Uika, cheer up. At least our agency has more resources."
Another cute girl with pigtails, whose height was exceptionally tall compared to most female idols, affectionately draped her arm over Misumi Uika's shoulder.
This was Takada, Todo Aoi's favorite idol, a cute girl standing over 180 cm tall.
She was also the epitome of Todo Aoi's description of a woman with "big butt and tall."
In truth, even offstage, Takada was a very kind senior artist.
"Don't be nervous."
She felt that her agency had seriously mistreated Misumi Uika, so Takada was quite sympathetic to the younger girl.
"Takada-Senpai, I'm not nervous."
Misumi Uika and Takada had worked together before, so they were quite familiar with each other. Even though the other three artists gave her the cold shoulder, she didn't feel excluded.
After all, Misumi Uika's ranking was still a bit lower compared to these senior artists.
"I mean, before you received encouragement from love, the smile on your face was one of worry."
Takada quietly teased her in a voice only Misumi Uika could hear.
"That must have been your little boyfriend just now, you're smiling so happily."
"What encouragement from love?"
Misumi Uika was still playing hard to get when teased.
"No way! Just a friend."
"Is that so?"
Misumi Uika felt incredibly shy looking at Takada-Senpai's teasing smile, but she definitely wouldn't admit it.
"Really."
However, one thing Takada-Senpai said was true: Misumi Uika was now filled with courage.
With Hachiman's encouragement, Misumi Uika felt like she feared nothing anymore.
"Alright, I won't tease you anymore."
Takada turned to the other three artists and said,
"Everyone, it's time for us to go on stage."
They were going to sing Takada's hit song, so Takada would be the lead vocalist.
As the group walked out, the stage lights hit them, and an aura of professionalism immediately radiated from them.
Shinomiya Seiryu, looking at the five entering the stage, was all smiles. This was exactly the T0 group he had envisioned creating.
He would control the traffic flow for the entire next decade.
Shinomiya Seiryu introduced his luxurious T0 group one by one to the guests behind him.
Todo Aoi was already breathing heavily because he saw his idol, Takada.
If there weren't so many outsiders, and he wasn't afraid of embarrassing the Great Author and his colleagues, he would have taken off his coat and started cheering long ago.
Cheering was an essential skill for every passionate fan.
"Takada is the lead vocalist, the guitarist is the national goddess Hana Jun'ai... Misumi Uika—perhaps you haven't heard of her, but she's a recently very popular new-generation idol.
She has now left Sumimi and officially joined the idol agency under my management."
Hikigaya Hachiman hadn't even asked, and everything was already admitted.
But just as Shinomiya Seiryu was about to continue his introduction, Hikigaya Hachiman spoke up directly.
"Excuse me, Mr. Seiryu.
Misumi Uika from Sumimi and I are friends."
Hikigaya Hachiman stated his position upfront and continued.
"I heard from her that she was blacklisted by her former company due to certain irresistible forces, and she couldn't be an idol anymore.
How is it that now that she has transferred to the agency under your management as an artist, those former irresistible forces have vanished?
Am I to understand that the former irresistible forces were caused by you?"
Seiryu's face immediately froze. This was his usual trick. Being exposed made his expression difficult to maintain.
When the project department assessed that this artist had potential, he didn't hesitate to use the Shinomiya Group's influence to blacklist her.
This forced her into a corner, leaving her no choice but to willingly join their agency.
Shinomiya Seiryu was about to explain when he felt a stinging heat on his face. He had been heavily slapped.
The person who struck him was a dark-faced Shinomiya Oko, his hand still raised in the posture of having just slapped him.
"You incompetent fool."
Downstairs, Misumi Uika happened to look up and saw what was happening on the VIP viewing platform.
The person being hit was Shinomiya Seiryu, the chairman of their current management's entertainment company, whom Misumi Uika utterly detested.
"What's going on, a brotherly feud?"
If it was a brotherly feud, Misumi Uika secretly hoped they would fight fiercely.
'I want to see blood spilled!'
Misumi Uika's impression of the entire Shinomiya Group was negative. She wished they would tear each other apart—they were all bad news anyway.
But what made Misumi Uika's eyes widen was the person standing next to the two brothers.
It was none other than Hikigaya Hachiman, who had been encouraging her just before her performance.
Misumi Uika read Hikigaya Hachiman's intended message through his lip movements:
"I'm getting revenge for you."
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