Aunt Xiangzi, how did you manage to live?

After this minor incident, which turned out to be a close call, Su Shi regained her composure and got the conversation back on track.

She really has no interest in anyone outside of the restored C-group... well, even if she's a little curious about Akatsuki now, CRYCHIC still has to come first.

“That Miss Hatsuka… I’m not making any malicious speculations. It’s just that I hope only Kazama-kun and I know about the alliance.”

Su Shi didn't directly expose the fact that Mitsukasa Hatsuka and Toyokawa Shoko were childhood sweethearts, but instead subtly hinted at it to Akatsuki once again.

As we agreed before, you can only be my partner.

That's what she meant.

"Don't worry, I'll definitely keep this a secret from her."

Xiao knew what Su Shi was worried about, so she quickly waved her hand in agreement.

"Don't worry, I'm very tight-lipped."

"It's not that I'm worried that Kazama-kun would betray me willingly... I just feel a little uneasy."

Although Miss Misaki Hatsuka seemed gentle, friendly, and approachable, Su Shi could sense that she was not as simple as she appeared.

It seems that Aunt Su Shi's "daughter radar" has detected its own kind.

"So, if you can't handle a girl like this, Kazama-kun..."

It would be better to be cautious and gradually reduce contact with her.

If Su Shi continues speaking, the suggestion will seem very natural and inevitable.

However, although Kazama listened to these words, he clearly did not take them to heart.

"Actually, it's alright. Don't worry, Su Shi, I know how to handle my relationship with Chu Hua."

After all, there's already Su Shi in the gravitational field, so there's no need to add Chu Hua.

“Is… is that so?”

Although Xiao didn't pay much attention, Su Shi's expression clearly became somewhat subtle.

Hearing the boy address her so intimately, Su Shi, though unwilling, could only stop there.

After all, it would be impolite to continue talking about it.

That night, Nagasaki Motoyo tossed and turned in bed, clutching her pillow for a long time, unable to fall asleep.

Even though she and Kazama were merely allies, she only wanted to use him to win back Shoko…

But why does the thought that these two people would still secretly meet at the planetarium behind her back keep her awake at night?

"........."

It must be because the hidden dangers have not been completely eliminated.

We need to ensure that Xiangzi can return to CRYCHIC without any worries.

Su Shi, who had buried her head in the blankets while hugging her pillow, raised her head, her eyes full of thought.

Since things aren't going well with Xiao... she'll have to change her approach.

That's right, it's that Misaka Hatsuka.

Chapter Forty-Four: The First Clash of the Women

Su Shi originally thought that Kazama Akira would listen to her good intentions, but he didn't expect that he would not care at all that Misaka Hatsuka might be a difficult woman, and even so, he still wanted to keep in touch with her.

If Mitsuka is the kind of beautiful woman who can deceive, then Akira must have been completely fooled by her beauty to be so lenient with her.

What a troublesome guy. It seems that as long as Su Shi doesn't stay by his side every step of the way, he risks being kidnapped by some girl who might appear out of nowhere.

Given this, Su Shi had no choice but to direct her attention directly at the heart of the problem—Triangle Chu Hua.

She wouldn't let Chu Hua take away her ally, and then take away Toyokawa Shoko.

Nagasaki Suyo made up her mind.

She will continue to "monitor" Kazama Akira's whereabouts until she gathers useful information.

Some friends might think this is obviously tailing, but can things between allies be called tailing? She just wanted to continue to observe and collect intelligence from the shadows.

And so, she once again pretended to be nonchalant and began staking out the area near Kazama's residence.

There weren't many places to hide near the residential area, so Nagasaki Motoyo had no choice but to sit in a café on the corner of the road where she could see the apartment lobby, enjoying her afternoon tea while observing the boy's movements.

"It doesn't matter if Su Shi follows me and spyes on me."

Whenever Su Shi reflected on whether her behavior was a bit too much, the boy's words of comfort would always echo in her mind.

If most people knew they were being followed, their first reaction would be to think that what she was doing was terrifying.

But he didn't care at all.

...I have absolutely no idea what Kazama's brain is made of. To say he's carefree is a bit of an exaggeration.

While Su Shi waited, seemingly calm but actually somewhat anxious, the figure she had been waiting for finally appeared.

Kazama was dressed casually as usual, heading straight towards the train platform, seemingly on his way to meet Hatsuka again.

Su Shi also finished the last bit of black tea, picked up her bag, and walked out of the coffee shop.

The route was the same as last time, and she followed Xiao to the planetarium, where she once again witnessed him meeting with Misaka Chuka in the plaza in front of the museum.

"Xiaojun always arrives on time."

Naturally, she also saw Chu Hua's gentle smile at Xiao Wan.

Mingming Chuhua had been standing expressionlessly at the door wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, but the moment Erlin Eryi saw the boy appear, a warm smile instantly appeared on her face.

The band idol, who had to pretend to be someone he wasn't and keep his distance from everyone else, would only show that golden retriever-like smile to him...

So Kazama falls for this kind of thing?

Su Shi, who was skeptical about this, watched the two walk into the planetarium together before slowing down and following them.

“I’ve been curious about this for a long time… Is Xiaojun also involved in music? Has she formed her own band?”

"I can play a few instruments fairly well... but I'm not in a band with anyone."

Their conversation sounded rather mundane, as if they were just two like-minded friends who had recently met and were trying to get to know each other.

But Su Shi felt uneasy about something while listening.

Neither Su Shi nor she had ever communicated with Xiao normally like this before.

"Several instruments you're good at? Xiaojun, that's amazing...!"

Su Shi stood quietly in the corner of the exhibition hall, pretending to admire the various exhibits displayed in the planetarium, but in fact, she kept an eye on the boy and girl a dozen meters behind her.

"Could it be that you're actually some kind of prodigy whose family hired a lot of teachers to tutor and train you, and who's been lying low for a while before making your way into the band scene?"

"Haha, you flatter me, you flatter me."

Although it was a bit too arrogant to say it out loud, Miss Chuhua surprisingly guessed it pretty accurately.

"But it is true, my teachers are the best and most dedicated teachers I have ever met in their respective fields."

When he said those words with a smile, even Su Shi, who was standing a dozen meters behind them, could feel the sincerity in his words.

To be honest, being able to master a musical instrument at their age is already considered genius among geniuses—like Yoro Nai.

To be able to handle almost every subject with ease, like Kazama, and even perfectly execute a collaboration with Renai Riki on the keyboard, which is his least favorite subject...

Who exactly were his teachers?

—Forget it, there's no point in delving into this for now.

"Oh...I see. It sounds like Xiaojun really likes her teachers."

"Yes, they are the people I love most in this world."

The boy's response was quite decisive, to which Chu Hua simply smiled dismissively.

"I see. But didn't Xiaojun tell me before that people will always encounter all sorts of possibilities in the future..."

She didn't continue speaking, as if continuing to speak would expose something that would disrupt the status quo.

Su Shi keenly noticed this, and her expression, which was still absent-minded as she looked at the exhibits, became subtle.

"Hmm... but [I like them the most] - this feeling should never change even in the future."

This time, Xiao unusually did not respond, remaining noncommittal about Chu Hua's guidance.

Did they not notice Miss Chu Hua's subtle probing, or did they notice it but choose not to take it seriously?

Su Shi wasn't entirely sure yet, but there was one thing she was certain of.

This Miss Misaka Hatsuka seems quite interested in her ally.

After observing (following and eavesdropping) for a period of time, she gradually discovered this.

Chu Hua would always look at the boy beside her with her bright, sparkling eyes, and then ask him questions about everything related to him. Or she would smile and remain silent while he shared his views, her lively purple eyes constantly darting back and forth over him.

Putting aside the possibility of Xiangzi being taken away, if things continue like this, Xiao will probably be abducted by Chuhua.

Filled with sorrow, Su Shi temporarily abandoned her pursuit of the two and went to the restroom alone.

Let's wash our faces first to perk ourselves up.

She looked at her slightly haggard reflection in the mirror. In truth, she hadn't had a single truly happy day since the group disbanded.

She only dared to show her true expression when she was alone.

There's no hope with Kazama now. How can we get close to Hatsuka and turn things around?

Su Shi sighed softly, then bent down, wet a towel with water, closed her eyes, and gently wiped her cheeks.

And when she raised her head and opened her eyes—

An unexpected figure appeared beside them, where there had just been no one.

"...?"

Nagasaki Motoyo seemed frozen in place, not daring to look away.

She calmly touched up her makeup and skillfully applied lip gloss.

Just moments ago, Misaka Hatsuka was chatting and laughing with Akira in the planetarium, but for some reason, she appeared next to her.

Chapter Forty-Five: Differences Exist Among Women

Just moments ago, Misaka Chuka was with Akira, but somehow she appeared in the restroom—and was even standing right next to Su Shi, intently touching up her makeup.

"...?"

Su Shi was completely unaware of her arrival.

Did they all get caught following and eavesdropping along the way?

Despite being startled, Nagasaki Motoyo managed to control her emotions and did not show any obvious signs of panic.

She feigned composure, shifting her gaze away from her side and nonchalantly tossing the face towel she had just used to wipe her cheeks into the nearby trash can.

Speaking of this guy...

Even without looking directly at her, Su Shi could still see the faint traces of makeup and lip gloss on Chu Hua's face through her peripheral vision.

Since he's a currently very popular idol, why would he wear makeup when he goes out in a low-key manner?

Thinking of a certain possibility, Su Shi sighed inwardly.

What? Even the most popular band idols have this girlish side.

Just as Su Shi was mentally teasing Chu Hua and preparing to leave as if nothing had happened,

The moment she turned to leave, Chu Hua turned back and gave her a gentle smile.

"I never expected to see you here again, Su Shi."

"—!"

Chu Hua's voice was very gentle, but the words that came out of her mouth made Su Shi feel a chill down her spine, and she stopped in her tracks as she was about to leave the bathroom.