In a good mood, she turned off the computer.
She glanced back at Soyo, who was sleeping soundly.
There was no snoring; even her breathing was quite soft.
Even in her dreams, Soyo, with her people-pleasing personality, was afraid of being disliked by others.
With a sigh of emotion, she took off her clothes... Shouko crawled straight into the covers.
Due to her habits from her previous life, she wasn't used to small quilts and futons.
This resulted in the quilt and futon being spread out so wide they almost filled the entire room.
Therefore, it was very spacious for one person, allowing her to move however she wanted.
Even with two people, it didn't feel crowded at all.
This was also why Shouko felt there was absolutely no need to ask her mom to bring another quilt.
After all, the whole room was only this big; whether another one was brought or not made no difference.
As for the cleanliness of the quilt, she felt it was acceptable.
Besides, Soyo was only staying for one night, so it wasn't a big deal.
Lying under the covers... listening to the soft breathing beside her, Shouko also quietly reflected on the matters concerning CRYCHIC Band.
"CRYCHIC Band only appeared once in a live performance; they don't actually have much popularity."
"People's attention is mostly driven by curiosity."
"But with my pushing things along this time, I'm afraid the matter of CRYCHIC Band won't cool down anytime soon."
"And as long as I don't say anything, the mystery surrounding CRYCHIC Band will make the controversy even more explosive."
"Those who read books aren't necessarily all idol fans, but in this era of great girl bands, people will naturally go to lives for fun."
"Songs and music are inherently expressions of the heart, as well as outlets for emotional release and empathy."
"The song Haru no Kage was composed by the exceptionally talented Sakiko, with lyrics based on Tomori's inner voice."
"Its inherent excellence will surely trigger a small wave of hype."
"Then, everyone seeking the truth will learn of the band's dissolution from the CRYCHIC Band members, creating another explosion of interest."
"After a while, when the hype starts to die down, I'll set up the formation of a new group."
"The sword art online novel, CRYCHIC Band, and the new band will all blow up together."
"Oho, a win-win. Well, it should be a triple win..."
"I wonder what kind of convoluted stories everyone will make up then, haha."
The more she thought about it, the more the smile on Shouko's face became so brilliant it bordered on perverted.
"I really am a great philanthropist, arranging everyone's future so early on."
"As for the readers and the caring good people, this is all so they can bloom even more radiantly after a brief moment of pain."
"So, it's practically a quadruple win. Ying Zheng touching an electric wire—winning until numb."
Although she was muttering to herself like this, the smile on her face became even more perverted.
"Tonight is also destined to be a sleepless night."
...In the dilapidated home of Saki's father.
Sakiko, having brought her father back, looked at him as he fell asleep immediately, and she felt truly frustrated.
It was bad enough that he was decadent, but he was also causing her so much trouble.
However... feeling her stomach growling, Sakiko set aside her complaints.
She rushed to the kitchen and quickly began to cook.
As a former young lady of a wealthy family, she had only recently started learning how to cook.
Although it was difficult at first and she wasn't particularly talented at cooking...
But at the very least... after these days of practice...
Her cooking didn't taste bad and could fill her stomach, which was already quite good.
While cutting vegetables, she accidentally bumped into the bruised spot on her thigh.
Sakiko couldn't help but frown, leaning over slightly to catch her breath.
In her mind, she couldn't help but recall the overbearing Shouko from this afternoon.
"That hateful person... hateful, hateful, hateful..."
"Couldn't she have used a little less strength? It's really bruised."
"Tomorrow at school, if others see a clear bruise on my white thigh, they'll think something happened."
"But..."
"The school uniform doesn't have a knee-length skirt..."
"In that case, I'll wear the black stockings I bought in advance."
"It just so happens that it rained today, so tomorrow will surely be quite chilly."
"Hmph, what a truly hateful person!!!"
In the end, Sakiko couldn't help but curse Shouko under her breath again.
However, there wasn't a trace of hatred on her face; instead, it carried a hint of sweet warmth.
She, who had always moved forward alone... in truth, wasn't really alone.
So, you have to work even harder, Saki-chan!!!
Chop, chop, chop... Sakiko couldn't help but hum the song Shouko gave her before leaving: To My Ten-Year-Later Self.
She didn't know if she could truly succeed and live up to her Grandfather's expectations.
She didn't know if she could become the successful woman who controls everything that Shouko spoke of.
But... she would work hard, she definitely would!!!
Just watch, Shouko. Her pride as a young lady was stripped away this time, but she would regain it bit by bit.
She is the young lady of the Toyokawa Family!!!!
...In Mutsumi's spacious home... even as it approached the early hours of the morning, Mutsumi was still quietly sitting there, holding her guitar.
Her phone lay in front of her, displaying the message Shouko had sent her.
"Mutsumi, in CRYCHIC Band, you are the most special one."
"Others might think you're Sakiko's follower, or Soyo's follower."
"But I know you have your own thoughts, and you've always played the role of Sakiko's older sister."
"Did you know? Sakiko really wants to call you Onee-sama."
"But you probably wouldn't want that, right?"
"And facing the mischievous, proud, yet stubborn and conflicted Sakiko, you're very afraid of saying the wrong thing, aren't you?"
"So, let go. From now on, I will be the one controlling Sakiko."
"Just like how your celebrity parents control you for their own ideas, regardless of what you think."
"Are you looking forward to it? I'm quite looking forward to it, dear Mutsumi-chan."
"Oh, by the way, you won't show this message to Sakiko, will you? Haha."
Regarding the dissolution of CRYCHIC Band today, Mutsumi thought about it over and over again.
Regarding the message from Shouko before her, she read it over and over again.
Regarding Shouko's situation in the group all this time, she reflected on it over and over again.
In fact... while she was looking at Shouko's messages, she kept jumping back and forth to Sakiko's information, browsing them alternately.
However, after looking for so long and thinking for so long, she couldn't grasp Shouko's inner thoughts at all.
Shouko said she was the most special existence in the team.
Actually, she felt that Shouko herself was the most special existence in the team.
Still, she had to admit that Shouko was indeed impressive.
Regarding her situation, with just a simple understanding, Shouko had already seen through her quite thoroughly.
So... what was Shouko's stance? Why did she provoke her??
What on earth happened between Shouko and Sakiko??