A guide to survival in a heavy girl's world

"Mu, folding clothes like this will easily cause wrinkles. You need to lay them flat before folding them."

"..."

Wakaba Mu, who had been living under the care of others before, nodded immediately, and then carefully folded the uniform skirt in front of her again.

While watching Wakaba Mu's unskilled movements, Nagasaki Suyo couldn't help but think of the person downstairs.

"It seems Mu's housework skills are only slightly better than Tetsuya's."

"...?"

Ruoye Mu turned around curiously after hearing this:

"Chihaya-san...isn't he good at housework?"

"Not only is he not good at it, what he does is not even called housework, he is simply making things more chaotic!"

Nagasaki Suyo couldn't help but complain.

"He carelessly throws away books he's read. He gets a fresh cup from the kitchen even though there's already a used cup on the coffee table. He can't even brew tea bags or instant coffee properly... Aside from being incredibly careful with his clothes, he's incredibly clumsy in everything else!"

"..."

After listening to Nagasaki Suyo's complaints, Wakaba Mu thought for a moment and then said:

"That's Su Shi's favorite type."

"Huh? Was there even a sliver of 'like' in what I just said?!"

Facing Wakaba Mu's thoughts, Nagasaki Suyo was like a cat whose tail was stepped on, and said:

"I'm the one who's saying all the bad things about him, right?!"

“…Is that so?”

Ruoye Mu tilted his head as if he understood something.

"I thought Su Shi liked the type who was reliable in critical moments, but unexpectedly needed to be taken care of in private..."

"Goo-"

Hearing such a precise and correct description, Nagasaki Suyo suddenly showed an expression as if she had been shot in the chest.

"... Saying 'I just like this type' is a bit too much. I just simply think that people with these little flaws need me more."

Nagasaki Suyo cleared her throat and said:

"Mu, wouldn't you think so? Compared to those who are perfect and can solve all problems on their own, people with a few flaws are more concerned..."

"I do not know either……"

After hearing this, Ruoye Mu shook his head in confusion.

"Because I'm a person full of flaws myself. I haven't even figured out my own affairs yet, so I don't have the luxury of caring about others."

"Mu..."

Although Ruoye Mu's tone remained as flat as ever, the loss in his words could not be concealed in any way.

So, during the [CRYCHIC] period, I didn't get to know this taciturn companion well at all.

If she had not heard about the unpleasant meeting from Xiangzi and Zheya that day, she would probably never have imagined that the famous actor was so arbitrary and domineering at home.

But...it is precisely because we know her family background that all her behaviors before this have reasonable explanations.

Her silence, her clumsiness, and her helplessness in leaving home and choosing to stay here temporarily have now become traceable results.

"Our situations...are completely different."

Nagasaki Suyo couldn't help but sigh:

"I was abandoned by my father at a young age and left to my mother's care, while Mu was disciplined so intensively that he didn't even have the slightest freedom. No wonder we never got to talk to each other after CRYCHIC disbanded... Well, although this may be a bit harsh, I'm actually quite glad that Tetsuya and Xiangzi met your mother that night."

“…Lucky?”

After hearing this, Wakaba Mu looked at Nagasaki Suyo with some confusion.

"Why would Su Shi feel lucky?"

"Because if we hadn't met that time, I'm afraid it would have been difficult for me to learn about your past, let alone become your roommate."

Nagasaki Suyo smiled and said:

“Like I said before, I still have no intention of giving up on CRYCHIC, so it’s a really strange feeling to be able to connect with my former band like I am now.”

"..."

After hearing what Nagasaki Suye said, Wakaba Mu suddenly felt that the uneasiness in his heart had dissipated a lot.

Although she and Nagasaki Suyo had already resolved the knots and misunderstandings between them, Ruoye Mu was still worried that her arrival would disturb Nagasaki Suyo or provoke her unhappiness in other aspects again.

But now it seems that Nagasaki Suyo not only did not reject her, but instead showed tolerance and welcome beyond her imagination...

"Sushi... really likes [CRYCHIC]."

"Well, that's right."

Nagasaki Suyo admitted generously:

"After all, people always cherish 'first times', and for me, CRYCHIC was my first spiritual home after my parents' divorce... However, for those of you with more profound pasts, CRYCHIC probably isn't that important."

"..."

Wakaba Mutsu didn't answer.

Just as Nagasaki Suyo said, [CRYCHIC] is indeed a very important and cherished memory for her, but it was ultimately just an experience she passively gained by following Xiangzi's footsteps. For her, who is emotionally closed, the uniqueness of this experience is probably only concentrated on Xiangzi and Suyo.

Shoko is probably the same. Her grudges with her family and the burdens of the future already preoccupy her mind, so CRYCHIC probably isn't as important to her as it is to Suyo. That's why Nagasaki Suyo said those words to Shoko when they met again...

"Don't worry, Mu. At this point, I no longer feel this is 'unfair'. After all, people have different ways of thinking due to their different experiences."

Nagasaki Suyo also remembered the words she complained to Xiangzi and Mu that day.

"Since meeting Tetsuya, the most valuable growth I've gained is probably this ability to understand others from their perspectives."

Nagasaki Suyo continued:

"Just like he always considers the clothes he designs from the wearer's perspective, I have gradually learned how to look at problems more comprehensively, so... Mu."

"?"

"Although I don't know what answers you came here for, but... as long as you spend more time with that guy and Zhe, you will definitely gain something."

Nagasaki Suyo said with absolute certainty:

"So, you don't have to worry about anything from now on. Just live here peacefully, observe slowly, and experience your new life."

"……Yes."

After hearing this, Ruoye Mu's face, which had always been expressionless and as delicate as a doll, finally showed a faint smile.

"I will...try my best to adapt."

……

"...Well, yes, she has come to my place."

Chihaya Tetsuya stood on the balcony and said to the phone:

"Then please continue, Ms. Minami. Regarding... the conditions for letting your daughter stay with me."

19

Chapter 19 The stage becomes increasingly noisy.

[First, I think you should be aware of commuting and safety issues even without me telling you, right?]

"Yes."

Chihaya Tetsuya's answer was decisive and firm.

“These two points are also the most basic things for me.”

[Very good. Then the second point is about her movements.]

Mori Minami said:

If she's about to make any major decisions that could determine her future, she must tell me.

"Can you tell me more about this important decision?"

A big part of the reason he wanted Wakaba Mu to stay here was to get her away from Mori Minami's control for a while. But if he told Mori Minami all her decisions, then the courage she had worked so hard to muster would be meaningless.

In order to give Wakaba Mutsu as much freedom as possible, Chihaya Tetsu is also prepared to have a good talk with Mori Minami about this issue.

However, what Chihaya Tetsu didn't expect was that Mori Minami's answer was much clearer than he had imagined beforehand -

[Right now, there are only two things I can think of: future prospects and love.]

Minami Mori's response was unexpectedly straightforward.

As for the rest, let her follow Xiangzi and experience it herself. If she really encounters an insurmountable problem, she will naturally come back to me.

"...You don't seem to be that opposed to Wakaba-san running away from home."

Chihaya Tetsuya sounded quite surprised.

"Is it because you think highly of Xiangzi?"

[Xiangzi? How could that be? If she really was just following Xiangzi, I would send someone to bring her back right now.]

Mori Minami scoffed.

【The person I’m optimistic about is actually you, Chihaya Tetsuya. 】

"Eh?"

After returning home that day, I specifically asked Mu about you in detail... I never expected that a new designer who had made a living from scratch would not only collaborate with the hottest idol group of the moment, but also have such close ties with Nagasaki Consulting and the Sakurakouji family's youngest daughter. Your abilities, background, and prospects are all excellent, and considering the changes that have taken place in Xiangzi, I think we can have some expectations for you.

Minami Mori expressed her opinion:

Speaking of Xiangzi, until that meeting, I had always dismissed her departure as a rebellious prank. After all, a newly minted high school girl, after experiencing the bitterness of life and reality, would likely return to the Toyokawa family and accept her predetermined fate... But the determination and courage she displayed that day truly surprised me. It wasn't a moment of rebellion, nor was it a blind gamble, but a serious decision made after experiencing and considering everything. Growth of this magnitude, even I have to give it my all.

Faced with this statement that was completely different from that day, Chihaya Tetsuya was immediately shocked:

"! Does that mean you don't object to Xiangzi's decision now?"

I'm just reserving my opinion for now. I still don't believe she can truly repay the debt left by her father on her own. However... her struggle hasn't been without results. From a parent's perspective, rather than completely stifling her self-esteem with forceful measures, perhaps we should wait and see what happens next.

At this point, Mori Minami paused for a moment before continuing:

Of course, excessive indulgence will only backfire, which is why I'm calling you to remind you. Remember, both Xiangzi and Mu carry far greater power and numbers than you can imagine. I hope you recognize their uniqueness and take responsibility for any impact you may have and any consequences that may result from that impact.

Minami Mori emphasized the last four words.

【That’s all I have to say, do you understand? 】

"Yes."

Chihaya Tetsuya nodded.

"I am already very clear about your change of mind and the special nature of their identities."

Although Mori Minami is indeed a person with a strong desire for control, her value system that prioritizes profit has also led to subtle changes in her thinking. While she is surprised by Xiangzi's change, she also seems to be looking forward to whether Wakaba Mu can, under her influence, achieve the same transformational growth as Toyokawa Xiangzi in a short period of time.

"Well, that's it regarding Xiangzi and Wakaba-san. To put your mind at ease... I'll be in touch with you regularly."

"Well, that's fine... This is our family's internal phone number. Even if I don't have time, the housekeeper will answer it for me."

Minami Mori also agreed with the idea of ​​regular contact.

Then, just when Chihaya Tetsuya was about to end the call, Mori Minami suddenly said:

[By the way…if Mu has anything he forgot to take from home, you can ask indirectly and then tell me. I will have the housekeeper prepare it and send it over in his name.]

"Why not in your own name?"

【Because that would undermine the dignity I have established so far.】

"..."

Rather than expressing his concern for his daughter, this person is actually more interested in maintaining his so-called dignity...

Although Chihaya Tetsu wanted to ask whether maintaining dignity between mother and daughter was truly necessary, he didn't intend to interfere since it was their family affair. Even so, the awkwardness and awkwardness that prevented even the simplest emotions from being conveyed directly still left Chihaya Tetsu with great difficulty.

"Being born into the upper class is really quite troublesome."