People in Mygo are emotional firefighters.

"Top grades, amazing music, incredible Chinese literature and calligraphy, looks cool but is actually very gentle and patient..." Mio murmured, her eyes shining brighter and brighter. "This, this isn't just a manga protagonist, this is practically a legendary perfect being!"

Seeing the almost tangible adoration in Mio's eyes, Kana couldn't help but facepalm and mutter, "Hey, your filter is way too thick... I feel like you and Aine would have a lot in common."

"Aine-kun?" Mio keenly caught the unfamiliar name and asked curiously, "Who is that? Is she also your classmate?"

“Yes, that’s right.” Kana nodded and explained, “Aine is in my class. Her name is Chihaya Aine. She transferred to our school in April.”

To make it more vivid, she took out her phone and skillfully pulled out a group photo. "Look, this is a picture we took when we went out together before."

On the screen were the smiling faces of four girls: Kana, Eri, Mai, and Aine. Kana pointed to the girl with the brightest smile and long, flowing pink hair and said, "This is Aine."

Mio leaned closer for a closer look. The girl in the photo was indeed very cute, especially her crescent-shaped eyes and infectious smile, which made one feel better just by looking at her.

"Wow! What a lovely girl! She seems to have a great personality!" she exclaimed sincerely.

However, while admiring her, her gaze unconsciously swept over Aine's figure in the photo, and then subtly and imperceptibly glanced down at her own impressive curves. A strange sense of comparison crossed her mind—well, her face is really cute and full of energy, but... in terms of figure, it seems that she still has more "capital"?

The thought flashed through my mind, tinged with a girlish, secret smugness.

“Right!” Kana nodded proudly and began to introduce her friend as if she knew her inside and out. “Aine is not only cute, but also super outgoing with perfect social skills! She became friends with most of the students in the class shortly after transferring here. And she’s amazing. In terms of grades, except for Japanese which is slightly lower than Ishikawa’s, she’s even better than Ishikawa in other areas. She even recently formed her own band with Ishikawa!”

"Form a band with Shinba-senpai?" Serizawa Mio's eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes,” Kana’s tone was full of admiration for her friend. “She and Ishikawa were classmates in junior high, I think. Since Aine came, Ishikawa seems to have become a little more outgoing than before? At least, he talks to Aine now, and he seems… less tense. Aine often takes the initiative to find him, and they sometimes hang out together during lunch break. It feels… like only Aine can approach him so naturally.”

Kana's description carries her objective perspective as an observer, but the picture she paints is vivid enough—a sunny, cheerful, and talented girl who has a special past with Shinba-senpai and is the only one who can easily get close to him.

A subtle sense of loss quietly resurfaced—so there was already such a dazzling girl by Shinba-senpai's side, so perfectly matched with him? His own budding curiosity and feelings of closeness seemed so insignificant.

But this feeling lasted for less than three seconds.

The next moment, a light even more intense than before burst forth from Mio's big eyes—a light that belonged to the soul of gossip and the soul of CP fans burning fiercely!

The adorable, academically gifted, guitar-playing, band-forming, and incredibly sociable Aine, and the seemingly aloof but kind-hearted and exceptionally talented Shinba-senpai… just imagining them standing together is incredibly harmonious. One is still, the other dynamic; one profound, the other radiant… they are simply a perfectly complementary pair!

"Eh—?! Middle school classmates?! A fateful reunion after transferring schools?! A sunny, cheerful, and talented female lead and a seemingly cold but kind-hearted male lead?!" Mio excitedly grabbed Kana's arm again, her voice trembling slightly with suppressed excitement. "This, this is practically the ultimate setup for a classic romance manga! Kana! Tell me! Sensei Mayu and Aine, are they... are they dating?!"

Her thoughts instantly shifted seamlessly from "I have feelings for my senior" to "Is the couple I'm shipping real?"

Seeing Mio's fleeting shift from brief disappointment to a face brimming with gossip-loving excitement, Kana couldn't help but chuckle. She recalled Aine and Ishikawa Mayu's interactions at school; although they were much closer than with others, but…

"I don't think...it's true yet?" Kana said uncertainly. "They seem to be quite close. Aine often goes to talk to him, and Ishikawa doesn't avoid her. But...it feels more like they're good friends? At least I haven't seen them do anything special...well, ambiguous."

"Not dating yet?! How is that possible?!" Mio's eyes widened, her face clearly saying, "I don't believe you, you're lying to me." "You've even formed a band together! You're old acquaintances! Your personalities complement each other so well! If you're not dating after all this, it's an injustice!"

She shook Chanel's arm vigorously, as if trying to shake the "truth" out of her mind: "Think about it carefully! Are there really no signs? Like, a particularly gentle look in your eyes when you make eye contact? Or any unintentional physical contact?"

Kana was amused by her persistence and patiently explained, "Really, no. As for Aine's feelings... I can tell a little bit, she definitely likes Ishikawa-kun."

"But as for Ishikawa... I haven't had much contact with him, so I don't know much about him. Although he is definitely much more special to Aine than to others, it's hard to say whether it's really 'like'."

She paused, then offered a more concrete piece of evidence, which was also her real inner doubt: "Besides, if they really like each other, why haven't they confessed yet? If they were really together, given Ai Yin's personality, she would have already announced it to us, and maybe even invited everyone to her wedding! How could things be so calm now?"

"Wh...what?!" Mio was struck dumb, frozen for a second before collapsing in despair, clutching her head and wailing softly, "How could this happen! My favorite couple isn't together yet?! This isn't right! This plot isn't going right!"

She shook Kana's arm vigorously, lowering her voice and urgently asking, "What kind of interactions do they usually have? Tell me quickly! Any detail is fine! I hereby unilaterally declare that I am the number one fan of the 'Mayu-senpai x Aine-san' CP! I need material! Lots of material!"

“The material…” Kana tried hard to recall, “During lunch break, if Aine didn’t go to the girls’ group area, she would go to Ishikawa’s seat. Sometimes she would ask questions, sometimes she would just chat. Although Ishikawa listened most of the time, he would occasionally reply, and even… I think I’ve seen him smile?”

"He smiled?! Senpai Mayu smiled?!" Mio almost shouted excitedly, then quickly covered her mouth. "What kind of smile was it? Was it a very gentle one?"

"Hmm... it's just that the corners of her mouth curve up slightly, not noticeably, but her eyes are much softer than usual," Kana described carefully.

"Ahhh! Such sweet details! It's so sweet!" Mio felt like she was about to faint from the sweetness. "Is there anything else? Is there anything... even more special? Like... do they hang out together after school?"

"After school? Oh! Right!" Kana seemed to remember some key information, "It seems that several days a week, during the afternoon club activities, Ishikawa and Aine would bring their instruments and go to the astronomy club's activity room together."

"The Astronomy Department? They joined the Astronomy Department?"

“No, that’s not it,” Kana explained. “The president of the Astronomy Club is a good friend of theirs, so he gives them special permission to use the activity room for practice. Anyway, there aren’t many people in the Astronomy Club, so the activity room is empty most of the time.”

"A private practice space?!" Mio's eyes widened, sparkling with the light of discovering a new continent. "My best friend is the club president, so it's convenient for her... This, this is simply perfect timing, location, and people! In a quiet, private space where we won't be disturbed, the two of us can immerse ourselves in the world of music together... This atmosphere! This setting! It's just too romantic!"

"It's a two-way street! It's absolutely a two-way street!" Serizawa Mio concluded decisively, then pounded her knee in anguish, "But! Why! Why hasn't he confessed yet! I'm so anxious!"

She grabbed Kana's shoulders abruptly, her eyes burning with an almost mission-driven fervor: "No! I can't just stand by and watch my ship get stuck in the ambiguous stage! That would be such a waste of something so beautiful!"

Chanel was taken aback by her sudden sense of "mission": "N-what else can you do?"

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Chapter 133 Mio: I'm Going to Steal Your Love

Hatsuka's gentle yet clear voice rang out in the rehearsal room, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, breaking the gossipy atmosphere between Kana and Mio.

"Everyone, our break is almost over. Let's start the second round of practice and try to refine the details we just discussed."

Her gaze calmly swept over the crowd, finally lingering for a moment on Ishikawa Mayu, carrying a hint of inquiry. Mayu immediately understood, giving a barely perceptible nod to indicate that she was ready.

Seeing this, Chu Hua smiled faintly and walked towards the performance area with her guitar in hand. She adjusted the microphone height with elegant and practiced movements.

Ishikawa Mayu picked up his own zither and silently followed. As he passed Hatsuka, he paused slightly and said in a low but clear voice, "Thank you for earlier."

Sangoku Hatsuka paused slightly as she plucked the strings to test the sound, turned her head to look at him, and a knowing smile appeared in her calm eyes.

"You're welcome, Ishikawa-kun." Her voice was as gentle as the guitar she played. She paused, her gaze falling on the violin in Mayu's hands, which looked quite valuable, her tone filled with sincere appreciation.

"It's our good fortune to be able to collaborate with a musician of your caliber. The producer and I are really looking forward to the soul you bring to this song. So, just relax and enjoy this collaboration; don't worry too much about the other details."

Ishikawa Mayu nodded silently. He wasn't very good at dealing with such direct praise and thoughtfulness, but Hatsuka's gentle and unapproachable attitude made him feel a little more at ease. He raised his bow and responded softly, "...I will do my best."

The second round of joint training has begun.

Perhaps reassured by Chu Hua's earlier words, or perhaps as she gradually adapted to the atmosphere of this small work team, Ishikawa Mayu was more relaxed than before.

However, when the song reached a phrase in the latter part that required strong breath support, Mitsumi Hatsuka's singing came to an abrupt halt—she turned her head sharply to the side, covered her mouth with the back of her hand, and let out a suppressed, distinct cough.

The guitar music and her singing stopped at the same time.

Ishikawa Mayu put down her bow, her brows furrowing slightly as she looked at Misumi Hatsuka, her tone tinged with concern: "Hatsuka-san, is your voice... alright?"

She paused slightly, then raised her hand to cover her lips and coughed lightly to cover it up. When she spoke again, her voice was as gentle as usual, but upon closer listening, the hoarseness caused by fatigue had not completely disappeared.

"I'm sorry to have worried everyone." She gave everyone an apologetic smile, her gaze finally settling on Zhenyu, and explained calmly, "It's probably because besides this project, Sumimi also has some recording and promotional activities lately, so my schedule is quite full, and my voice is a little off. It's okay, let's continue, I can adjust."

As she spoke, she picked up the water bottle next to her, took a small sip of warm water, then closed her eyes, took a few deep breaths, and when she opened them again, her gaze was focused again.

Mio and Kana exchanged a glance.

"Hatsuka-senpai is really working so hard," Mio whispered to Kana, "Sumimi's schedule is so full, and she still has to come and guide us..."

“Yes,” Chanel responded softly, her tone filled with concern, “and she never complains, she always manages to adjust herself.”

The music started again.

This time, Chu Hua clearly changed her singing style, cleverly using more breathy vocals and transitions, avoiding the straightforward singing style that puts too much strain on her voice. Although she sacrificed some of the original design's power, she gave this section a unique gentleness and resilience.

The joint practice continued in a slightly cautious atmosphere until the round was successfully completed.

The second round of joint training was successfully completed thanks to Chu Hua's efforts.

"Okay, let's take a fifteen-minute break." Chu Hua put down her guitar, her voice tinged with unmistakable hoarseness. She nodded slightly to everyone, then took her water glass and walked to a quiet corner, clearly hoping to give her throat a moment's rest.

Kana and Mio breathed a sigh of relief and huddled together, ready to continue their previously interrupted heated discussion about "how to be a CP fan leader." But when Mio looked up, she suddenly noticed—

"Huh? Where's Senpai Mayu?"

Ishikawa Mayu, who was just standing in the performance area, has now disappeared.

"I don't know," Kana looked around. "Maybe he went to the restroom? Or maybe he went somewhere to get some fresh air? He never likes crowded places."

“I see…” Mio nodded, but a mischievous glint flashed in her bright eyes. She suddenly clapped her hands, a smile of determination and malice spreading across her face, and whispered to Kana:

"Shana! I've made up my mind!"

"Decid what?" Chanel was startled.

A smile, a mixture of cunning, excitement, and determination, appeared on Mio's face, much like a little devil about to pull off a prank.

"It's simple! I want to personally get involved and act as the 'catalyst'!"

"catalyst?"

“That’s right!” Mio nodded vigorously, lowering her voice as if announcing a groundbreaking plan, “I’m going to take the initiative and boldly ‘show my goodwill’ to Shinba-senpai! I’m going to play the role of an enthusiastic junior who admires and likes her senior!”

Kana was so surprised that her mouth gaped open: "You...you're serious? Weren't you enjoying shipping these couples so much?"

"Idiot Kana!" Mio held up her index finger and shook it in front of her, with a smug look that said, "You just don't understand." "I'm not really trying to steal her away; I'm just 'playing the villain' to create a little sense of crisis for Aine!"

The more she spoke, the more flawless her plan seemed, her eyes shining with an astonishing light: "Think about it, if everything stays calm and peaceful, Aine might always think that Mayu-senpai is hers for the taking, and she won't be in a hurry at all. You can't boil a frog in lukewarm water! But then, suddenly, a cute and enthusiastic junior like me appears, who also shares a common cause with Mayu-senpai, and launches a fierce 'offensive' against Mayu-senpai..."

Mio clasped her hands together, a look of longing on her face: "That way, Aine will definitely feel threatened! Maybe she'll get anxious or jealous and immediately muster up the courage to confess to Mayu-senpai! Then, my favorite pairing will become a reality on the spot! Hehehe..."

She seemed to have already seen that "wonderful" scene, and let out a knowing laugh.

"So, Kana!" She gripped Kana's hand tightly again, her eyes burning. "Your mission as the 'insider' is extremely important! You must report all my 'suspicious actions' towards Shin-senpai, such as me asking him questions, smiling sweetly at him, trying to arrange a private discussion about music with him... In short, all the things that seem like I'm 'pursuing' Shin-senpai to Aine!"

She shook her head smugly, her long brown hair swaying with it: "I have to let her know that a formidable 'opponent' has appeared! That way she'll get anxious! Hehe, for my CP's happiness, I'm determined to be the 'villain'! This is called 'putting yourself in a do-or-die situation'!"

Kana stared dumbfounded at her best friend, who was willing to "feed the tiger" for the sake of shipping, and even seemed to enjoy it. Her mind went blank for a moment. She was completely impressed by this bizarre way of thinking.

Chapter 134 Chanel: Actually, I'm a Double Agent

Seeing the burning flame of "sacrificing oneself for the CP" in Mio's eyes, and her still practicing her sweet smile of "seducing her senior" to thin air, Kana felt her吐槽 (tu cao, a form of sarcastic commentary) power was about to burst out. She took a deep breath and made up an excuse:

"Um... Mio, I'm going out for some fresh air and to check back on a message."

"Oh, okay!" Mio replied without looking up, completely absorbed in her own script.

Chanel felt like she'd been granted a pardon and quickly slipped out of the rehearsal room. The door closed behind her, shutting out the aura of the "drama queen" inside.

She was looking for a quiet corner when she looked up and saw Ishikawa Mayu walking from the other end of the corridor, carrying a white plastic bag from a convenience store.

He saw Chanel, paused almost imperceptibly, then, as if he hadn't seen her, looked straight ahead and walked directly to the rehearsal room door, pushing it open and going inside.

Kana watched his silent retreating figure and the plastic bag, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind. So, Makoto went to the convenience store just now? What did he buy?

However, the thought only flashed through her mind; she had more important things to do. She quickly walked to the window at the end of the corridor, made sure no one was around, then took out her phone and opened her LINE chat with Chihaya Aine.

[Kana: Aine, are you there? There's something I need to tell you.]

[Kana: My new friend, Serizawa Mio, the lively girl I told you about, seems to be particularly interested in your relationship ever since she heard about your band with Ishikawa.]

Shortly after the message was sent, Ai Yin's reply popped up.

[Aiyin: Passionate about it?]

[Kana: Hmm. She said she thinks you and Ishikawa are a perfect match, a destined couple. Now she claims to be your 'CP fan leader' and has come up with an outrageous plan—to personally pretend to have feelings for Ishikawa, create a sense of crisis for you, and force you to confess to him quickly.]

With her back against the cold wall, Kana quickly typed out Mio's "doing evil for love" and "catalyst theory" explanations as concisely as possible.

Chihaya Aine, on the other end of the phone, stared at the unbelievable message on the screen for a few seconds, then her cheeks flushed a beautiful crimson.

"Confess...?!" she exclaimed softly, instinctively burying her face in the cushion next to her, revealing only a pair of shy yet strangely bright silver-gray eyes.

"Who, who's going to confess to Masahiro...!" she muttered to herself, as if that would help her hide her racing heart.

But then, a strange feeling, a mixture of smugness and amusement, welled up inside him.

This classmate named Serizawa Mio... is so interesting!

Based solely on Kana's description, she so firmly supported the pairing of Kana and Mayu, even going so far as to "sacrifice" herself to become the "villain"?

What does this mean? It means that in other people's eyes, she and Zhenyu are a match made in heaven! Even strangers can see it clearly!

The feeling of being firmly recognized and supported by strangers was like a warm current, making her feel sweet inside. The embarrassment caused by being "arranged to confess" was instantly replaced by a sense of superiority of "sitting back and fishing".

She picked up her phone again, a sly and pleased smile playing on her lips.

[Aine: Oh, I see...(￣▽￣*)ゞ]

[Aine: This Mio-kun has great taste! Hehe.]

[Aine: So, she wanted to put on a show for Mayu, and then use you to broadcast the 'battle situation' to me, to provoke me?]

[Kanna: That's right! That's exactly what she meant! She even made me report all her 'suspicious actions' to you!]

[Aine: Pfft—! Okay! Then let's play along with her! (?o?o)??]

At this moment, Aine felt as if she were watching a drama tailor-made for her, with an ending already predetermined.

[Aine: But Kana, you have to keep this from Mio, okay? Don't let her know I know everything.]

[Aine: I want to see how she 'performs' next! And... I'm also really curious to see how that idiot Mayu reacts to this 'enthusiastic junior's offensive'~ It'll definitely be super—interesting! (????)]