Aspiring to be a girl in a band

"Huh? That's no problem..."

The student by the window was clearly surprised that Xiangzi would actually take the initiative to talk to her.

While the teacher turned around to write on the blackboard, she quietly closed the window.

Phew... The cold feeling finally disappeared, which made Xiangzi feel a little better.

"Thank you."

Xiangzi forced a smile and thanked the classmate.

"Um... Syouko-kun? You look terrible, are you feeling unwell... or should I ask for a day off for you?"

Seeing Xiangzi's extremely pale face, the classmate immediately showed concern. She even thought that Xiangzi might be in so much pain that he didn't even have the strength to stand up and ask for leave.

But Xiangzi just shook his head.

"Thank you...but this is enough."

……

Finally, I made it to the end of the school term.

Although Xiangzi herself didn't know how she got through it, she was in a daze for most of the day.

If I had known... I should have brought some medicine.

Xiangzi overestimated her physical strength. She thought she could rely on willpower to persevere, but as time went by, her physical condition deteriorated.

She almost couldn't stand up from her seat by the time school was over.

Fortunately... it will be over soon.

With a sense of relief, Xiangzi slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out of the classroom. She needed to get to her workplace immediately.

However, as soon as she stepped out of the classroom, she saw... that jerk she both wanted to see and didn't want to see.

Book 1: Chapter 74 Bitter Fruit

...Just ignore it.

Xiangzi said this to himself.

She acted as if she hadn't seen Arakawa Kirika at all, intending to simply brush past her.

But Arakawa Kirika clearly wouldn't do as she wished.

The instant Xiangzi passed by, Arakawa Kirika grabbed Xiangzi's wrist with her backhand.

As expected... it didn't work.

Xiangzi thought to himself.

Why... can't you just let me go? I'm so tired right now.

Xiangzi could only manage a bitter smile.

"Please, let me go... I'm really in pain right now. Could you please come and torture me again in a few days?"

Xiangzi could still only make hoarse sounds.

Xiangzi could see that Arakawa Kirika's face clearly showed a look of surprise.

It was as if he was startled by his own voice.

And the hand that was gripping his wrist loosened its grip.

Shoko successfully avoided Arakawa Kirika and walked towards the stairwell without looking back.

"Aren't you going to practice the piano today?"

Arakawa Kirika's voice came from behind.

But Xiangzi didn't want to pay any attention to her.

……

Xiangzi finally managed to catch the tram, but it was rush hour after school, so he couldn't get a seat.

She gripped the handrail of the tram, but her body felt shaky, as if she would collapse into the carriage at any moment.

But obviously no one would notice her physical condition, and no kind person would offer her a seat.

It must be said that Xiangzi's willpower was indeed very strong.

Despite being in extremely poor health, she forced herself to come to the company.

But soon, Xiangzi, who had only been working for a short time, was called to the boss's office.

“Ms. Toyokawa… what’s wrong with you today? You’ve only been at work for less than an hour, and I’ve already received three complaints.”

The department head gestured for Xiangzi to sit down, somewhat helplessly.

Xiangzi apologized repeatedly, and thought to himself.

I tried my best to appear energetic, but... it still didn't work.

"The three complaints are basically about how you seemed listless during the call, and the customers felt disrespected... You know what I mean."

"Feel sorry……"

Xiangzi knew, of course, that it was all her fault, so besides apologizing, she really didn't know what else to say.

"Hey……"

The supervisor sighed softly.

If it were anyone else, he might have cursed them out, but he didn't dare say a single harsh word to "Ms. Toyokawa," who had been named by the higher-ups.

Although he didn't know why his superiors had specifically instructed him not to offend the girl in the slightest, he was, after all, just an employee, and he could only obey their orders.

After thinking for a moment, he said to Xiangzi.

"Well, I'll let it go this time. You look unwell, Ms. Toyokawa... How about this, I'll grant you two days off, pay you as usual, and don't deduct your performance bonus. Come back to work when you've rested up."

Eh?

Xiangzi froze on the spot.

She was fully aware of her mistake today, and even if her boss docked her pay, she had nothing to say...

But... the reality is that she not only didn't receive any punishment... she even got a free vacation, not to mention her full salary and no performance bonus deductions...

Is there such a good thing?

Toyokawa Shoko wasn't a rigid or pedantic child; in a situation like this, she wouldn't say, "No, today's mistake is entirely my own fault, so my salary must be deducted..."

Since the leader had said so, she naturally accepted the proposal happily.

Besides... she really needs rest right now.

The unexpected surprise cheered Xiangzi up a bit.

But... just as she stepped out of the company gate, she received a LINE message.

"No matter what you're doing right now, come see me right now."

That forceful and domineering tone makes it obvious who it belongs to.

……

Xiangzi felt something was strange.

The timing of Arakawa Kirika's message was too coincidental.

I had just been granted a vacation... when I immediately received a message from Arakawa Kirika.

Should we go...?

If he were to follow his own heart, Xiangzi would never want to go back to the person who had repeatedly hurt him.

Moreover, it's not the weekend, not her "working hours".

but……

She couldn't really ignore Arakawa Kirika's message.

If I really disobey her and make her angry, all my plans will come to naught.

The little bit of energy I managed to muster quickly vanished without a trace.

Xiangzi's expression turned somewhat melancholy. How could he possibly gain "freedom"?

After standing there for a long time, Xiangzi finally let out a deep sigh.

She really wanted to go home and snuggle into bed for a while. But she had to temporarily change her destination.

……

Push open the door of the manor villa.

Xiangzi spotted Arakawa Kirika sitting on the sofa at a glance; she had clearly been waiting for her for a long time.

Arakawa Kirika didn't turn to look at her, but questioned her in a somewhat cold tone.

"Why are you so slow?"

Xiangzi tried to open his mouth, but couldn't form a complete sentence.

Already suffering from illness, the continuous travel left her utterly exhausted.

All she wanted to know was what important thing Arakawa Kirika had to do to call her here when she was in so much pain.

She had pleaded with him while they were still in school... even if he wanted to torment her, he should have done it at a different time.

All I want is to get some rest, why is that so difficult?

cough……

Clearing his throat, Xiangzi was finally able to speak with difficulty.

"What...is it that you want?"

Xiangzi could see clearly that Arakawa Kirika was looking at her impatiently.

It was as if she were questioning Xiangzi, asking how he dared to face her in such a terrible state.

I'm really sorry.