"It's really quite spacious..."
Walking into Soyo's vast apartment.
Looking at how it was completely different from her own home, with every piece of furniture being very new and trendy in style.
After changing her shoes, Shouko walked through it quite enjoyably.
Saying the house was too empty? This was the kind of big house he had dreamed of in his previous life.
"How do you feel, Shouko??"
"Hmm, not bad. I'd like to stay here for a few more days, if that's okay."
"Sure, I'd love that."
Soyo very happily nodded in agreement.
The CRYCHIC Band certainly couldn't be reorganized in a short time.
And since she was thinking about reforming the CRYCHIC Band, she definitely couldn't do without Shouko's help.
It was also the perfect time during this gap period to solve the problem of her being too lonely. Perfect.
Looking at her empty home, the atmosphere had changed a bit with Shouko's presence.
The smile on Soyo's face also became much brighter.
"Shouko, this is the balcony. There are quite a few rooms here, would you like to..."
"No need, I'll just stay in your room. Oh, right, what's your room like? Can you show me?"
Looking at Shouko, who had directly interrupted her, the scenes from this morning couldn't help but flash before Soyo's eyes.
Suddenly, her face turned slightly red, and she asked very bashfully, "We... don't necessarily have to sleep together, right? My bed isn't that big."
"Ah, it's not that big? Come on, let's look at your room first."
As Shouko reached out and pulled her, Soyo helplessly and half-heartedly opened the door to her room.
It was very tidy, yet it felt warmer compared to the empty living room outside.
Every corner showed the meticulous care typical of a girl's room.
The only downside was... just as Soyo had said, the bed was a bit small, which didn't quite meet her expectations.
"Alright, then does your house have a bigger bed? Give me a larger one."
"A bigger bed... I really don't have one..."
Seeing Shouko give up without the slightest hesitation, a flicker of an inexplicably subtle emotion appeared in Soyo's eyes.
Shouko leaned her face in close, observing her carefully. "Oh, you're a bit unhappy that I gave up on sleeping with you."
"Ah, no, I'm not! Shouko, what are you talking about?"
Looking at the hurriedly denying Soyo, Shouko smiled and nodded. "Such an insincere person. Alright, go cook, I'm hungry."
"Eh!?"
Watching Shouko lie on her bed with extreme familiarity, acting like a lord ordering her to cook.
Soyo gave a soft huff but still obediently ran off to cook.
Although it was a bit early, it was true that because she had run out so quickly this morning, she hadn't eaten anything at noon.
Speaking of which, her stomach was also feeling a bit hungry.
"Wait a moment, Shouko, it'll be ready soon."
"It's fine, no rush. Just take your time, it's still early anyway."
"Mm, okay..."
Hearing Soyo's words, Shouko rolled over comfortably on the other's bed.
She took out her phone and sent messages to her mom and sister saying she wouldn't be back tonight.
She also asked her mom to tidy up her bedding from this morning.
For the next period of time, she would probably be staying here at Soyo's place for quite a while.
A big house... She rolled over again, lying on her back on Soyo's bed.
Staring at the vast ceiling, Shouko was full of expectations for the future.
In her previous life, he was just a hardworking beast of burden, lacking the ability to purchase such a large house.
But in this life, she already possessed the ability, and she also had the powerful anger value system.
Just a big house—it wasn't as difficult for her as it once was... Under the tree across from the entrance of Circle Live House.
Mutsumi, who had previously left Shouko and Soyo.
At this moment, she was quietly waiting for Sakiko's arrival.
As for the small room the CRYCHIC Band had rented for a long time, she had already helped cancel the lease early after receiving Sakiko's message.
Next, she planned to wait for Sakiko to arrive and then meet at a cafe further away to talk about Shouko.
"Mutsumi, I'm here. I've basically finished the school transfer procedures today."
"Is that so? That's good."
Mutsumi looked at Sakiko, whom she hadn't seen for a day, but whose expression was now completely different.
In her heart, she couldn't help but marvel at Shouko's prowess.
Without Shouko, Sakiko's entire face would definitely be gloomy, and she certainly wouldn't be so full of light.
After handing all the money to Sakiko.
Mutsumi hesitated for a moment before asking, "I still have some money here. Consider it a loan from me for any emergencies."
"No need..."
Sakiko shook her head and said, "With this money, it's already enough for a few days. What I'm mainly lacking right now is tuition, not living expenses. I can earn that if I work hard during this time."
Nodding, Mutsumi didn't insist.
"It must be tiring. How about we find a cafe to chat?"
"...Alright, let's go then. Quickly, though, I have a part-time job later."
"Okay."
Looking at the now completely different Sakiko, Mutsumi didn't waste any time.
She originally thought about going somewhere further away, but considering that too far wouldn't be good, yet too close might lead to running into acquaintances.
So, going somewhere slightly close but not too close would be best.
Along the way... Mutsumi paid for Sakiko's fare and drinks.
And the cash-strapped Sakiko didn't refuse out of false pride.
The two of them arrived at a secluded cafe and sat opposite each other.
They seemed to have a lot to say, but after sitting down, it seemed like there was nothing.
The two just sat there, quietly drinking their coffee.
Every so often, Sakiko would unconsciously glance at the time.
"Saki, what are your thoughts for the future? Will you first settle in at Haneoka Girls Academy?"
"Mm, yes. Next, I'll work hard to adapt first, let my life gradually improve, and strive to better myself."
"Strive to better yourself?"
Mutsumi's eyes narrowed slightly, catching the key phrase in her words.
Sakiko nodded and smiled, "Yes, I'm still too weak right now. I want to work hard to become stronger. And then, carve out a wider world!!!"
Looking at the hope filling Sakiko's face, Mutsumi asked softly, "Was all of this told to you by Shouko?"
"Eh, yes. She really is an amazing person."
Recalling yesterday's experience, Sakiko was full of wonder and longing.
"Thanks to her, I was able to quickly step out of my previous state of extreme internal conflict."
"And thanks to her, I can have a more certain goal for the future."
"So, don't be angry with her because of what happened yesterday. Actually, she did it for my own good."
"Alright, enough of that. It's time, I'm leaving now..."
After quickly saying these words, Sakiko turned off the vibrating alarm on her phone.
She waved to Mutsumi, stood up, and ran straight out of the cafe.