Chapter 102

"Whether I become a stay-at-home dad or not, it doesn't seem to make much difference whether I finish high school or not. After all, it's all just basic education before university, isn't it?" He yawned, feeling inexplicably sleepy, as if he were listening to his mother nagging in a traditional family.

Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 137 When Will You Pay Back the Money You Borrowed From Me?

He had only heard of this feeling, whether in his past life or now; he had never experienced it.

Needless to say, their family circumstances in their past lives were terrible. Let alone this kind of heart-to-heart talk and care, it would be good enough if they could just stay alive without becoming depressed.

His current family... is too gentle and open-minded, and because he is so talented and hardworking that he doesn't need any supervision, they basically adopt a hands-off approach to raising him, letting him arrange his own time, and they have absolutely no experience in this area.

In addition, because he had Strange Illness since childhood, he was unconsciously cherished by those around him. Although he did not often use this privilege, his wishes and requests were generally fulfilled by his family Relatives whenever he asked.

In both families, he was probably the only one, besides his own father, who was loved by everyone.

Even his aunt, who was both an enemy and a friend to his mother and whose love was stolen by her—the current president of the Okura Family —has, through his own little schemes, developed a different kind of complex and mischievous relationship with him than in the original work, and now admires him greatly—even though he looks very much like his mother.

Therefore, this was the first time I had truly experienced it, and I exclaimed, "So this is what it feels like..." Although the person to whom I said this made him very difficult to comment on.

"Anyway, I've already finished learning everything I needed to learn on my own, so whether I have the certificate or not doesn't matter; it won't affect my work."

"Besides, I know a few kids who dropped out of school to pursue their dreams, so I don't think it's that unusual, right?"

You're right, aren't you? Those Kawasaki girls in bands who are dragging down the industry's average education level.

However, once school starts, I, as the manager, will finally be able to stand on the same starting line as them.

"You bastard..." Hiratsuka Shizuka was speechless for a moment. She had no good way to deal with this bastard who was difficult to discipline in any way.

He wasn't my student, and his mindset was completely unlike that of a young person his age. He didn't seem to have the worries that a person should have at this stage. What's most infuriating is that he actually had the means to support his willfulness.

"I just want you to at least make more friends your own age at school, to help you curb your eccentric personality!"

"Huh? In your eyes, I'm actually that kind of person? Really?" Sakurakoji Talent pointed at himself, frowning in self-reflection. "Do I look like someone who doesn't have many friends?"

"Hehe, yeah, you really do look like a very popular, Normie."

"Since that's the case..."

"But you don't seem like someone with a normal gender ratio when it comes to friends. Besides the opposite sex, do you really have any same-sex friends?" Hiratsuka Shizuka stared into his eyes, posing Soul-searching Question.

He fell silent instantly.

Thinking about it carefully, it seems he doesn't actually have that kind of thing yet. Although he has quite a few people he could call friends, they all seem to be women... Why is that?

Is it because all the characters I've encountered so far have been women, or did I make this choice unconsciously?

"Did I hit the nail on the head? As expected, you don't have any male friends at all, do you?" Taking in his reaction, Hiratsuka Shizuka became even more certain.

Seemingly very interested in this topic, Ichiji Hoshika and PA, who were listening in, also looked over.

"How can you say that? I'm quite popular. For example, I get along well with regular customers and the male members of the band." He glanced away, trying to defend himself.

"Really? But you were wearing a mask when you talked to them, right? They didn't even know what you looked like, did they? Can you call that friends?" Hiratsuka Shizuka scoffed, shattering his illusions.

"Besides, you have long hair, so there must be quite a few people who mistake you for a woman, right?"

"..."

"Stop talking, stop talking..." A pang of guilt welled up in Sakurakoji Talent's heart. Was it really his fault?

The teasing and warm gazes from Ichiji Hoshika and PA made him feel even more ashamed, experiencing a rare setback. He almost squatted down on the spot, burying his face in his hands, reflecting on his behavior so far.

Fortunately, this unbearable atmosphere didn't last long before it was broken by a loud voice.

"Hello everyone! I've brought Ryo and Rakuna with me!"

The Archangel of the Starry descended upon this place at just the right time!

"Wow~ Uh! Mr. Talent, what's wrong with you? Why are you looking at me like that?" Ichiji Nijika was startled, stopped in her tracks, and asked in confusion.

"... It's nothing, I just suddenly feel very grateful to you."

"Huh?" Ichiji Nijika was puzzled, but didn't think too much about it. "What were you all talking about just now?"

"Let's talk about how this outrageous guy is finally going to be locked up in school," Hiratsuka Shizuka replied with a smile, having won the debate earlier.

"Going to school? Mr. Talent?" Ichiji Nijika was taken aback.

"So, Talent is finally going to school too?" Yamada Ryo nodded repeatedly, looking quite pleased with the growth of his junior.

"Does Talent also require schooling?" Kanau looked at him.

That's it.

"Really? Which district and which school? Is it near Shimokitazawa?!" Ichiji Nijika exclaimed excitedly. "Ah~ I wish it was in Shimokō too! That way we could go to and from school together every day!"

"Could it be that we go to the same school?"

"No, no, Rakuna, your guess is way too far-fetched. Isn't Hanasakigawa an all-girls school? And you're in the junior high, right?" Ichiji Nijika's eyes turned into little beads as she waved her hands in denial.

"It seems so." After hearing her say that, Kanau nodded, realizing what she meant.

"I'm sorry, but please allow me to keep the exact location a secret. However, it's possible that I'll be troubling you more often in the future." He glanced apologetically at Nijika Ichiji Nijika.

"Ah, you're right, things will get even busier after school starts." Although she had a lot to do, she readily agreed, "I understand. If Mr. Talent is too busy, just leave it to me!"

"Thank you, you've been a huge help. As a way of repaying you, if you need anything musically, just let me know, and I'll do my best to help." He returned the favor, "Especially after you find the remaining members when school starts."

"Okay! Then I won't be polite!" Knowing his strength Ichiji Nijika didn't try to be brave and readily agreed, the potato chips on her head swaying happily.

It was already evening, and it was a bit too early to have dinner now, especially since Hiratsuka Shizuka and the others might be drinking later, so everyone decided to stay at the Starry a little longer.

Due to our respective work and tasks, we rarely have the opportunity to relax and have a slow-paced conversation. At most, we can only chat when we meet or take a break in between.

Therefore, Sakurakoji Talent had almost forgotten some things, only remembering them today.

He stepped forward and patted Yamada Ryo on the back, putting his arm around her shoulder to prevent her from escaping.

"Hey Liang, when are you going to pay me back the money you borrowed from me?"

Yamada Ryo, whose body had stiffened from the sudden touch, felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave upon hearing this devilish whisper, and his whole body turned into ice.

If it weren't for having some free time to think today, and then seeing her by chance, Sakurakoji Talent would have almost forgotten that he had lent Yamada Ryo money. How long has it been since he last lent her money?

It had been a long time since he'd had a deep conversation with her, so he came specifically to take this opportunity to "deepen" his relationship with her.

"I will... I will pay it back..." Yamada Ryo answered weakly, lacking confidence, "It's just that it's the end of the month now, and I've spent all my money."

"Really? When exactly? Would early next month be okay?" Sakurakoji Talent asked with a smile.

"I... I guess so?" Yamada Ryo answered weakly, his body trembling and frozen. To him, the expression was as if Bocchi-chan had possessed him.

If you were to ask Yamada Ryo who the person she fears most in the world is, there might not have been an answer before, but now, it is undoubtedly Sakurakoji Talent, who is demanding repayment of a debt from her.

Although he was usually kind, sunny, and gentle, at this moment, she felt he was more terrifying than Satan from hell!

Although he wasn't the only person she owed money to, he was undoubtedly the one she owed the most to.

Since he promised her that she could borrow as much as she wanted as long as she could pay it back, she has asked to borrow two or three more times.

If you do a rough calculation, the amount she borrowed from him has easily exceeded 200,000 yen. Even if she gets her allowance next month, she won't be able to pay it back, not to mention that the price will be that she has to eat grass for one or two months.

With a large sum of money in hand, she had already used it to buy a newly manufactured limited edition guitar that she had been longing for, and now there wasn't much left.

"Please, please give me some more time." After realizing the reality, Yamada Ryo pleaded humbly.

This made Sakurakoji Talent laugh. Good heavens, he actually used honorifics to ask for a delay? Haji Ryo, you bastard!

"Really? Then there's nothing we can do." Seeing the hope gradually rising in her eyes, he added, "But this isn't a small amount of money. You know, we working-class people aren't wealthy, and our ability to withstand risks is very limited..."

Yamada Ryo's hopeful expression instantly crumbled, as if the sky had collapsed amidst a raging storm.

"So if you really run into trouble then, you know what I mean?" He narrowed his eyes and made a coin gesture with his hand, "If you can't pay it back then, don't forget our agreement."

"A... agreement?" Yamada Ryo looked somewhat confused.

"Have you forgotten?" Sakurakoji Talent's voice was slightly cold, and the arm on her soft shoulder tightened slightly as he felt her body pressing against his.

"H-How could that be! It was a promise, right? I remember!" Yamada Ryo crossed his arms and nodded seriously.

"Then tell me exactly what it is."

"Uh..." A few beads of cold sweat involuntarily appeared on her forehead. "Could you please give me a hint?"

"I just can't do anything with you, so I'll say something," he whispered close to her earlobe, "Anything but Bass and guitar."

Yamada Ryo shifted her head, which was covered by blue hair, feeling a little itchy. After hearing the explanation, her eyes widened suddenly, and she instantly remembered what had happened. Her delicate body trembled uncontrollably.

Image: "Haven't posted in a while, here's a nice picture," Location: "Images/1759154573-100446961-113910919. jpg"

Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 138 Are You Good at Playing Video Games?

She remembered; it seemed like there was such a thing...

She thought she could pay off the debt quickly, but she clearly overestimated her self-control. Or rather, she overestimated her allowance and underestimated her ability to borrow and spend money.

If the other party doesn't press her, she... definitely won't pay it back; if the pressure is slow, she might be able to pay off the debt intermittently over a few months; but if the pressure is intense, she really doesn't have much of a solution...

Even if she borrowed from her best friend Nijika, she wouldn't have that much pocket money to lend her—or rather, Ichiji Nijika knows her personality well, probably wouldn't lend her any at all.

Is there no way out, no other option? How tragic!

"Hey, don't make that face, it makes me look like some kind of bad guy." Sakurakoji Talent lifted her delicate chin, turning her face towards him, and looked at her teary eyes that had turned into irregular shapes with a smile.

"After all, I'm not some kind of demon. I'm just giving you a heads-up, not asking you to pay me back right now."

"Really?!" Although he felt a little embarrassed by the position, Yamada Ryo quickly grasped the key point and asked.

"Of course, after all, we're partners under the same roof, right?"

"Yes, yes!!" Yamada Ryo nodded quickly, then grabbed his sleeve, deeply moved. "Talent! I knew you were a gentle person, you wouldn't be so cruel to me!"

"Of course. As long as you remember our agreement, I will always be your partner." He gently pinched her moist cheek, collecting a little interest for now.

I must say, it feels bouncy, smooth, and very comfortable to the touch.

No wonder she's a pampered young lady from a family that owns a hospital; her body is full of collagen and moisture.

"Well, it's about time. I'll go ask the manager when they plan to leave." Feeling he had teased her enough, he turned and left, letting her go, and headed towards where Ichiji Hoshika was.

At 7 p. m., the group appeared in a private room at a nearby izakaya.

At the long dining table, Sakurakoji Talent, Yamada Ryo, Ichiji Nijika, and Kanau, four young men and women under the age of 20, sat on one side, while Hiratsuka Shizuka and Ichiji Hoshika, two old women who were drunk, sat on the other side. In the middle Black Long Straight Hair between the two sides.

PA was sitting to his left, Ichiji Nijika to his right, and Yamada Ryo across from him.

Some people might find it hard to believe that a group of seven people at a table, who are not from a girl group, are all handsome, beautiful, pure, mature, cute... These are the high-value men and women who embody these qualities, such as the shop owner and customers just now, as well as the passers-by on the street when they came.

He wondered if they were wearing spotlights, because wherever they went, they attracted attention. He was worried that some thugs might try to chat them up, but thankfully, that didn't happen.

If that happens... he believes Hiratsuka Shizuka will make the first move before he can.

He glanced furtively at the woman on his left, their eyes meeting. He remained impassive, continuing to stare into her eyes—and received a warm, shy smile in return.

"..."

To be honest, he doesn't talk to her as much as he does to the Ichiji Hoshika in the shop. Although sometimes she would take the initiative to share her tips and experiences on beauty, hair styling, and dressing with him.

This was partly due to her reserved personality, and partly because he didn't know what to talk to her about.

Aside from things like makeup, it seems like we don't have much in common. Talking about music is too boring, and I don't actually listen to much rock music.

If it were a normal guy, he might actually have a lot in common with her—because her hobby is actually streaming video games as Virtual Streamer.

Although it sounds a bit awkward to say it like that, as a young man in his prime, he has hardly ever played video games... His mother and aunt, on the other hand, used to enjoy playing online games when they were young, and each became Guild Leader thanks to their wealth, possessing a bunch of top-tier weapons.

This may be related to the fact that he used to ignore his health problems and spent most of his time studying, and now he has even less time to play.

Sakurakoji Talent observed PA today. She was still wearing a gloomy, dark-colored silk dress, which perfectly accentuated her beautiful figure. The open shoulder design made her originally snow-white shoulders even more alluring, and the wide long sleeves completely encased her delicate hands.

The few eye-catching earrings on his ears still draw attention, but incredibly, they don't evoke discomfort or aversion. Every time I see him, I want to ask: Doesn't it hurt?

The brass-colored ring around his neck, held up by Black Stockings, always reminded him of some less-than-ideal uses.

Her emerald green eyes were deep yet dazzling, and every smile she gave exuded boundless charm. Up close, he could also smell a faint, elegant fragrance emanating from her, which was quite rare amidst the complex scents of the izakaya.

No matter how you look at it, she is a young woman who embodies the full range of mature sexiness—that is, if you don't know her usual demeanor.