The social phobia substitute will not dream of the band girl

"Hmm~ Let's do it again where we were just now~"

As the footsteps faded, Asuka Hirayobu and Uehara Himari emerged from another room. The house was large, meaning there were plenty of places to hide. Wait... Hirayobu suddenly thought, could he have his Stand, "The World," hold him up and stick to the ceiling like Didu Man? If the Stand's range was based on the radius of its owner (the Stand user), could he "step on his left foot" and soar into the sky? So that's why DIO and Jotaro were fighting in the sky during the final battle...

"...Brother Pingxin, do you know what 'that' just now was?"

"...Sa, who knows?"

Ping Xin is a rational and cautious person, but he's also prone to impulsiveness when it comes to the people and things around him—otherwise, he wouldn't have given up the comfortable family conditions of his second life and instead sought out some kind of supernatural power. Therefore, when he can't offer a definitive answer with over 98% accuracy, he often adopts a riddle-like attitude, like a version of Sherlock Holmes, who won't reveal his "half-baked knowledge" to mislead others until all other possibilities have been eliminated.

This attitude, however, irritated the straightforward Himari. "I treated you like a trustworthy, neighborly brother, but what are you talking about? Not only are you unwilling to share information, but you're also unwilling to offer even superficial comfort (a lie)?!" But she was kind enough to give Hirayukoshi another chance, so she asked directly.

"Please tell me, Hirashin-kun. Mizukuri is not only our childhood sweetheart, but also your friend, right? Why don't you trust us a little more?"

Friend...ah, I always feel that this word is too dazzling for me - Pingxin remained silent.

Seeing his attitude, Fei Ma Li gave up asking questions in disappointment and said in a firm tone: "Even if you don't tell me, I will ask myself. Lan's matter is the matter of the five of us, and we will definitely not ignore it!"

After saying that, she walked away angrily. Perhaps Ping Xin's attitude this time really hurt the heart of this straightforward girl.

"...It's better not to ask, because this is Mizukari's 'family matter'. If you want to help her, then just get along with her as usual. Trust that she can handle this matter on her own. After all, she's a very capable person, isn't she?"

Hearing Ping Xin's words, Fei Mali paused but didn't stop, and her steps became much lighter. As expected, he was still as "easy to deal with" as before. After all, Ping Xin cared more about others than herself.

With his whole body immersed in the dark corridor, Asuka Maheishin just watched Himari's figure return to the light and return to the group of his companions.

There are pictures here, which can be viewed after the updated version

Chapter 4000 Who is Right and Who is Wrong ()

"...When you say I did something wrong? I told them I had faith in our feelings and our bond, but I was a liar who never believed in anyone from the beginning. I'm a despicable person who talks about morality but is actually hypocritical."

"..."

She didn't respond, but simply stood quietly behind Asuka Hirayobu, watching his back. What Hirayobu needed at that moment wasn't a response from someone, but the courage to move forward. So... this last chance would depend on her, but she didn't know what the final outcome would be...

On the other side, Scarlet Mari has returned to her companions—

While Hirayuko's words didn't completely convince her, she understood their meaning. The naive Himari often made mistakes due to her inability to read the atmosphere, but past failures weren't a reason to ignore her friends' troubles! She'd ask Moka later; after all, even among these five childhood friends, she and Ran had a particularly close relationship.

Okay, here we need to work harder and use the power of music to dispel our worries!

Hmm? Today's Feimary is really exciting, so I have to step it up too. Whoosh, whoosh!

Hmm? Everyone's so motivated today, so I'll take a moment to get serious, little Mocha.

Huh? Everyone seems so energetic today. Okay—I'll try harder too!

Midway through her song, Mizukami noticed her four childhood friends were training incredibly hard. She forgot her own worries and immersed herself in playing the guitar and singing the song. Backstage, Pingxin observed the four people's expressions and movements through a monitor, listening to the performance through headphones...

The performance techniques have not changed much from last time, but the emotions among the five people are condensed together, and the cooperation between each other can be said to be perfect. Even Lan's singing is more devoted than before.

"...They are so dazzling, they—"

As a despicable adult, am I truly worthy enough to be with them? Even just being near Ping Xin makes me worry that my negative energy will rub off on them, tainting their pure emotions. Compared to an innocent child, he has far more to worry about every day. For him, nothing is more foolish than entrusting one's needs to outsiders—because making the same mistake once is enough.

"Their skills are what they are today thanks to your guidance. And whether it's technology or performance, you are still better, brother."

Asuka Matoki thought that her brother was talking about their performances and skills. Because the brother and sister both have some emotional deficiencies, sometimes they would have "cross-server chats" like this.

"Yeah... but it's only in private. After all, I can't go on stage right now. And unlike them, I'm not trying to enjoy my youth and maintain relationships with my childhood friends. I'm just having fun on my own..."

Ping Xin reminisced about his youth. His most vivid memory from his previous life was the orphanage director's fierce struggle for his life. Under his influence, Ping Xin remained undeterred by the hardships of life, yet he simply "survived." Instead, his discovery of music allowed him to openly face himself and the world. He then fought bravely, steadily accumulating wealth and fame through his own efforts. Ultimately, he helped the director live out his remaining years in peace and even saw him to his final resting place.

Aside from memories that have faded so long ago, and experiences from my world travels, the most vivid memories of my daily life are probably those of my childhood. Then there were the people I met around the shopping district. I was so grateful I didn't feel excluded because I didn't fit in. And finally, there are these five "disciples" who are now shining brightly.

"...Now that I think about it, I haven't accomplished anything completely. Even though I've taken a detour, I'm still on the right path—"

Hearing this, I was a bit shocked. After all, despite being a kind person and possessing extraordinary talent, my brother somehow still harbors a lingering sense of inferiority, even creating his own work without releasing it. It was only a few years ago that someone, without permission, used his account to post it that prevented him from missing out on the musical path he'd always loved. Hearing him express self-esteem is probably even rarer than seeing him approach a woman.

Maybe... now would be a good time to show my cards—

Thinking of this, Shi took a deep breath to calm herself, then stepped forward. While she liked to call herself the perfect maid and often said that work shouldn't be disturbed by emotions, in reality, everyone knew that the reason she worked, the reason she became a maid, was 1000% personal.

Although she looks like a complete nobody, she's just not used to showing her emotions on her face. In fact, she gets nervous every time she talks to her brother. And this time, her heart is beating especially hard. What will be the outcome of this conversation?

"Brother, I have something to tell you—"

It was already 10 p.m., and the five members of Afterglow were so excited today that they'd practiced even longer than usual, exceeding even Hirayuko's expectations. The drummers' legs and hands would ache from sitting for too long, while the guitarists, bassists, and keyboardists would feel limp from standing for too long. But the most exhausted of the group was undoubtedly lead vocalist and guitarist Mizukari. While the others might just move their hands and feet, she had been singing for hours, practically without a break.

Especially after the intermission, the other four members played with such energy and dedication that Mizukari, ever the competitive spirit, naturally gave her all to the end. After the exhilarating performance, Mizukari forgot her worries. The five members of Afterglow enjoyed the lingering music and the tacit understanding between them. This gentle warmth, between friends and family, is unique to them and a small part of their daily lives.

"...Great! Everyone performed really well just now. I was really surprised."

"Yeah, our childhood sweethearts have the strongest energy!? No difficulty can stop us Afterglow! That's it~!"

"That being said, Xiao Fei, you were 'speeding' a lot in the previous songs, huh? What's up? Why are you so excited today? I'm even excited, little Mocha~"

"Alright, alright, you played really well today, little Feimali. The bass parts on some of the previous songs were quite difficult. I was really surprised that you played so well on your first try today. Nice Bass, Feimali-chan~!"

"Himari-chan, Nice Bass~!"

“Really——!”

After the performance, Aoba Mocha started teasing Himari again, and Tomoe quickly came out to smooth things over.

"Alright, Mocha. That's about right. By the way, Lan, is your voice okay? You sang for so long today, and your voice seemed to get weird by the end."

"...I'm fine. I just need to go back and rest."

"Okay, let's start packing up. It's already late. But by the way, that performance just now was amazing. It might be our best performance yet. What do you think, Lan?"

"...Same as usual (いつも通り)"

The Takarazuka-style girl with short black hair and red highlights said this coolly, but anyone could hear a hint of hoarseness in her voice.

"It appeared, Ran's 'same as usual'!"

"Oh~oh~"

Uehara Himari, who had just been persecuted, became as excited as if she saw a voice actor performing a famous scene of her character. Even the free and lazy Aoba Moka came to support her.

"...Hey, don't say it in such a weird tone."

Surrounded by Lan, her cheeks adorned with pale pink cherry blossoms, Pingxin recalled the vast cherry blossom forest he had seen when he passed by before. The wondrous sight of blossom after blossom swaying in the wind was still fresh in his memory. But...

But why did she always put pressure on me in front of me? Don't men deserve your smile? I was so angry. When will the man stand up? He forgot about it later. Thinking of this, Ping Xin pushed open the door and walked in, ready to give them a little "surprise".

"Hey, isn't this Afterglow's lead singer, Mizukami? How come she's gotten stronger after not seeing her for a while~"

Instead of the expected shy smile from the girl, his frivolous compliments were met with a glare, leaving Ping Xin deeply hurt. Sure enough, this style isn't suited to a shady guy like him. Got it, Shushu was about to return to his own sewer.

Although he himself is not aware of it, Ping Xin once stood up as a reliable senior to give advice to Mizukuri when she needed help the most; after Afterglow was established, he personally guided the five members one by one; not only did he lend them his own soundproof practice room free of charge, but he also provided them with snacks, drinks, and meals for free for more than two years. He can be said to be the omnipotent tool man (crossed out) that everyone imagined as a child, a model of the superman next door.

As the only daughter of a century-old flower arrangement family, Mizukuri has been surrounded by a few childhood friends, and her only male contacts are her father and the adults in the shopping district. She is a complete blank slate. Therefore, for a period of time, Asuka Hirayobu, a year older but far superior, was considered a reliable older brother.

Until someone gradually let go of himself in the process of getting to know each other, his image in Mizukuri's heart changed from an omnipotent cool (socially anxious) brother next door to a good but abnormal brother, and then to today's troublesome man with talent but no morals who is idle and wastes his talents.

It's a heartbreaking story about a cute, clingy little sister who grows up to be rebellious and ultimately despises you. However, even when constantly glared at and scolded, Heishin himself remains completely oblivious to his own mistakes and the quiet admonitions of the neighbor girl. Instead, he sees them as proof of his daughter's rebelliousness and independence. He's a complete and utterly straight man!

"Speaking of which, have you done your homework today? If you don't even complete your homework for the first day of school, be careful that the teacher will notice you later—"

The five of them looked at each other, and then became visibly panicked.

"Master Moka, I'll leave the math to you."

"Hey~ Hey~ Hey~, Mocha, I didn't do my homework either. I completely forgot about it~"

"By the way, you must have written down what Thrush said, right?"

Under the eager gazes of the others, Tsugumi Hanazawa shook her head.

"Sorry, I started practicing shortly after arriving here today, so I haven't written anything yet."

"Hehehe, this won't do. As a student, you don't do your homework properly. This is a student's duty."

"No way to kick!"

The despicable man showed his composure at this moment, pointing directly at Mizukuri, who responded with a kick. If nothing else, just looking at the way these two playfully playfully resembled a pair of siblings.

"What about you? Have you finished your homework?"

"I, I never do homework. What is homework? I never touch it."

"Didn't you just say that this is a student's duty?"

The boomerang was thrown back by Mizukari Ran, but this was also within Asuka Maheishin's expectations.

"Homework is meant to help students learn better, so if I just study well enough, I won't have to do homework. I'm not very talented, but last year on the national exam in my third year of junior high, I only managed to get first place in Shengxiang and the top 10 in the country. If I had known better, I wouldn't have slept during the exam. I might have gotten first place that way."

Seeing someone smug, Mizukuri's teeth nearly broke. Feeling this feeling of "wanting to hit me but unable to do anything to me," Heishin felt incredibly refreshed, unaware that his brother's points (?) had suffered another setback.

"It's already so late, why don't you tell your family and have dinner at my place? We can study together while we wait, and finish your homework early so you don't have to worry about it when you get home. After all, there's a Supreme King rank here."

After calling and messaging their families, the five of them began their pleasant study time. Shadow, the housekeeper who had been waiting in the dark, received the instructions and with a slight bow, left. Half an hour later, the homework was mostly complete. Dinner was ready, and the starving girls devoured it.

After a hearty dinner, the four people who lived near the shopping street said goodbye to Ping Xin one by one while rubbing their round bellies. Then, Mizukuri's father, Mizukuri Mei, the current head of the Mizukuri family, came to take his daughter home.

Incidentally, their family, a century-old family of flower arrangement, names their flowers in the order of "plum, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum"... Didn't their ancestors consider the awkwardness of combining them with their surnames when they established this rule? However, considering that surnames in the East are often informal, it's not necessarily surprising.

It was supposed to be a loving father-daughter moment, but the two of them fell into an awkward silence. Mei Zhulan had no intention of getting up and leaving with him, and Mei Zhumei sat down on the sofa across from her without a word, leaving Ping Xin, who was sitting between them, feeling extremely awkward.

"How about...I leave?"

After dozens of seconds of silence, it was finally Ping Xin, who was innocently injured, who broke the deadlock.

"No! This is your home, why should you leave?!"

"...Then I'll trouble you."

But at the same time, the father and daughter of the Mizuki family gave completely opposite answers.

This is a problem. What if Meizhulan runs away from home and hides in his house after the quarrel? Will he accept it or not?

Just kidding, after all, he couldn't just sit there and watch this strong-willed yet insincere (tsundere) kid break up with his father. Of course, he had to intervene in this matter, but how?

To be honest, Ping Xin didn't have the confidence to mediate other people's family conflicts. After all, even those dedicated police officers didn't want to get involved in other people's family affairs. Or... should we just take it one step at a time?

"...Since both parties are here, I'd like to say a few words. Perhaps there are indeed some conflicts between you, but what can't be discussed between family members?

Most misunderstandings in the world stem from poor communication. If you trust me, why not take this opportunity to have a good chat and get everything out of the way? If possible, I'm willing to guarantee in my parents' name that nothing will be leaked."

The father and daughter looked at each other, and then looked away tacitly. This is a typical lack of communication!

After a moment's wait, Mizukuri's father, Mizukuri Mei, spoke first. This solemn, middle-aged man, dressed in a pale blue kimono, had the same black hair and pink eyes as Mizukuri. Just sitting there, they looked like family. But he couldn't be as stubborn as Mizukuri, could he? Ahahaha...really? Hey, hey, hey?

"Lan, are you practicing with the band so late again today? You haven't been attending flower arrangement parties much lately, you're always busy with things like that... You should think more about your position..."

Asuka Maheishin felt that he was in trouble. This kind of preaching, which started from the premise of "I'm doing this for your own good" but did not take the other party's feelings into consideration at all, was something that few adolescent children would listen to. It was considered a success if they didn't start a quarrel.

As expected, Mizukuri seemed to feel that Pingxin was backing her up, so she didn't endure it as usual, but refuted it in person.

She raised her eyebrows, slammed her small hand on the coffee table, and after a crisp sound, she roared loudly.

"What do you mean by that? If that's the case, then don't bother me anymore. My affairs have nothing to do with you, Dad!"

"How can it be okay? I'm your father, the leader of the Meizhu Sect. Are you aware that you're the heir?"

Although Mizukami has remained calm, this "heartless" look may become an opportunity to stimulate Mizukami Ran to go further out of control, he continued.

"As the heir of the Meizhu School, you should be more proactive in flower arrangement. I originally planned to have you start working as an heir after you enter high school. I told you this a long time ago, didn't I?"

"You said it was after high school—"

"But your grades have been declining recently, haven't they? Your grades weren't ideal at the end of last semester. If things continue like this, I doubt you'll be able to balance your studies with your flower arrangement practice. Isn't it time to give up on this childish game of band? And..."

"That's enough! What did you just say?"

Mei Zhulan was angry.

...Just like that, with Ping Xin as the witness, the progress of their "conversation" was rapid, and in the end, the father and daughter naturally parted ways without any surprises.

Meizhumei said that he would no longer provide Meizhulan with any financial or material support until she changed her mind. This was quite fatal for a girl who was still in junior high school and had difficulty finding a normal job.

Mei Zhulan was unmoved when she heard her father's threat of "cutting off money and food" and said directly, "I don't care" and "I will leave tonight".

So the former quietly left the scene, and the latter even stayed at the Feiniao Ma family.

"...My original intention was to be considerate of the other person, so why did it turn out like this?"

In the end, Asuka Maheishin, who had been watching the awkward father-daughter exchange throughout, was left standing there in a daze. The boy, exhausted from the series of incidents on the first day of school, could only slump on the sofa, staring up at the stars like a salted fish.

There are pictures here, which can be viewed after the updated version