Actually... Mutsumi hadn't sent a message to Shouko today.
Instead, she had come directly to Minato Academy out of the blue, wanting to catch her off guard.
She hadn't expected to run into Soyo on the way, which was why the two of them had come together.
And once they met up with Shouko, the entire rhythm of the conversation was directly controlled by Shouko.
Mutsumi knew very well that today was no longer appropriate.
So, she would wait for another chance later to ask Shouko out alone.
But... Shouko is truly amazing.
Not only did she handle Sakiko, but she also successfully handled Soyo last night.
The originally quite indirect Soyo had suddenly changed into a different person in just one night.
So, Shouko, what exactly are your thoughts??
While Mutsumi... was immersed in her own world, constantly observing and thinking...
Shouko and Soyo boarded the train, chatting like good friends.
Due to the 'education' from last night, Soyo was somewhat afraid of Shouko.
But because of the experiences late at night and this morning, Soyo also felt an inexpressible sense of dependence on Shouko.
Coupled with being on the train this morning... Soyo hadn't gotten any information about Sakiko from Shouko, and she still felt a strong sense of need.
This made Soyo herself unaware of her own changing state.
But this point was caught by Mutsumi's eyes next to her.
Mutsumi didn't know exactly what happened last night.
However, she knew something must have happened.
If she tried to get information directly from Shouko, it might not be very intuitive.
During this period, she would gradually get closer to Soyo.
She would try to learn as much as possible about Shouko from Soyo.
It just so happened that Soyo wanted to know about Sakiko... while she wouldn't expose Saki's matters, she could use that as a medium to fish for more information from Soyo's mouth.
Once she understood enough, she could turn her passive position into an active one and make a move on Shouko.
After all, Sakiko was someone she cared about very much.
Regarding the issue of Sakiko, it had to be handled clearly.
After figuring out her general path forward... Mutsumi continued to quietly observe the conversation between Shouko and Soyo from the side.
Perhaps she might get some useful information from the dialogue before she left.
Unfortunately... Mutsumi had no idea that her every word and action were completely within Shouko's sight.
The ability of mind-reading allowed all of Mutsumi's inner thoughts to be known by Shouko.
Under such circumstances, it was naturally even more impossible for Shouko to let Mutsumi get any useful information about her.
So, all along the way, she deliberately spoke some meaningless words.
And as someone who could hold a conversation with thin air, Soyo naturally responded perfectly.
This resulted in a journey where it seemed like some things were said, yet also seemed like nothing was said at all.
It wasn't until they reached the train station that Mutsumi suddenly snapped out of it.
"I still have some things to do, you guys go ahead."
After saying that, she picked up her bag, turned around, and got off the train.
She left behind a confused Soyo and a smiling Shouko.
She hadn't expected that after she sent that deliberately provocative message to Mutsumi last night...
Mutsumi not only didn't get angry or tell Sakiko, but instead came to his school for a surprise attack.
What a scary Mutsumi... sighing inwardly, Shouko continued chatting with Soyo, who had turned back.
Since Mutsumi wanted information about her, she would say a little bit here and there.
It was perfect to feed Soyo some bait, and by extension, feed Mutsumi some bait as well.
She, who couldn't bear to see everyone sad, was truly too kind.
"Shouko, we're at the station. Let's go."
"Okay..."
Looking at the opening station doors, Shouko nodded with a smile and walked with Soyo toward the latter's home.
It had to be said, these high-rise buildings at a glance were high-end residences.
Compared to the dilapidated small houses where Shouko lived, they were simply from two different worlds.
"Soyo, what kind of work does your mother usually do? This apartment must not be cheap."
"Yes, it's quite expensive..."
Soyo nodded but didn't state the specific amount.
After all, considering Shouko's family situation, stating the amount directly would seem too much like showing off or being overbearing.
And she wanted to please Shouko to get news of Sakiko, and even to revive the CRYCHIC Band.
"My mom, she's actually in the real estate business."
"She usually has no time to come back. I basically live in the house by myself."
"Although that business can make some money, it's really quite busy."
When mentioning her mother, Soyo's expression couldn't help but show a hint of hardship.
This was her deliberately showing her vulnerability, and also a true revelation of her experiences over the years.
With closer contact... Soyo knew very well that Shouko responded to kindness but not to force; she could only better gain the other's sympathy by showing her weak side.
And only if Shouko sympathized with her would the things she hoped for be easier to achieve.
"Is that so? Your mother is so busy, it must be quite hard for you to be all alone."
Shouko quietly felt the drama in Soyo's heart, struggling not to laugh while putting on an expression of lamentation.
Soyo naturally nodded in agreement... continuing to talk about her past experiences, further deepening her image as someone struggling and weak.
While responding to Soyo, Shouko couldn't help but feel quite impressed that the other's mother had caught the trend of the times.
Here in Japan, because of decades of restoration, the real estate economy had basically reached its peak.
While the real estate market in neighboring Shia had just reached the rooftop and was preparing to leap off.
This led to a large number of wealthy people from Shia purchasing property here in Japan.
When such a trend arrived, it just so happened that Soyo's mother caught it, achieving a leap in social class.
Otherwise... a leap in social class, how could it be such a simple matter?
But even when standing at the vent where even pigs can fly, it's very hard to manage without diligence.
Just looking at how busy Soyo's mother was, one could tell how large the profits were.
But in any case, being able to stand there, even if a bit busy, was far, far stronger than those who couldn't.
Soon... under Soyo's lead, the two successfully entered Soyo's home.