Chapter 149
"By the way, are you working or going to school? You should be about the same age as Nina and the others, right?"
"Well, more or less." He hesitated, unsure how to put it, as explaining would be quite troublesome. "Anyway, my situation is rather complicated, so just assume I'm usually busy."
"I didn't know when I'd have time, I just happened to be free these past couple of days, so I came to check it out."
He had told Inoseri Nina before that he wasn't going to school anymore, and although he is now, he doesn't know where to begin explaining it.
Besides, it was Ogura Asahi who went to school, what does that have to do with Sakurakoji Talent?
"Hmph~ How mysterious." Kawaragi Momoka put down the empty drink box. "Well, you're always like this."
He simply smiled and offered no comment.
"However, I thought you guys would have already made it to the Budokan after all this time. Looks like I was overthinking it. You really can't do without me!" He clicked his tongue and shook his head.
"What?!" Kawaragi Momoka's eyes widened abruptly, utterly astonished. "What are you talking about?! Do you think the Budokan is a convenience store, where you can just walk in and out as you please?"
"Isn't that right?"
"You my foot! Do you even understand what Budokan means?!"
"Hmm... I think it would be more challenging if it were at least the Giant Dome. Isn't the Budokan a must-do quest for beginners?" He connected this to many plot points and felt that what he said should be correct.
"Let's put aside what kind of superstar you need to be to stand on the Tokyo Dome... No matter how beginner-level the mission is, it's impossible to complete it in just two weeks!" Kawaragi Momoka covered her face, unable to bear looking at herself, and began to wonder if choosing him as the Band Manager was a mistake.
"Not to mention that for most bands, that area is more like the final boss than the tutorial. We have nothing right now, how could we possibly get there?"
"So, helping you get there quickly is my job as the Band Manager," Sakurakoji Talent smiled, completely at ease.
Saying he'd get them to the Budokan within two weeks was obviously a joke; even he couldn't do that without using his money.
"... What's your plan?" Kawaragi Momoka's gaze was somewhat suspicious.
Based on what he had said before, she was now finding it hard to believe him.
Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 191 The False and Heartless Captain
"There are many solutions, but there are still many things to resolve before that." Sakurakoji Talent closed her eyes lightly, hugged her chest, and leaned back against the cushion.
Where there are people, there are conflicts; where there are organizations, there are clashes; this is especially true in a place brimming with youthful energy like rock and pop bands.
Everyone's thoughts, dreams, relationships, burdens... each one can become a hiding place for conflict bombs.
Even within the seemingly peaceful Girl Band, turbulent undercurrents still simmer beneath the calm surface.
Take Bang Dream for example. Many people think that Girls Band Cry are special cases, but in fact, almost all the bands before them had conflicts and were on the verge of disbanding.
This is a long-standing tradition in the Bang Dream, except that Girls Band Cry are the most stimulating (and nerve-wracking) thing.
Not to mention bands like Kawaragi Momoka, whose members have very rich pasts; right now, they've only just assembled the members, and everything is just beginning.
Aside from RUPA and 486, the other three are all incredibly troublesome; any one of them could potentially cause the band to break up. Can you handle that?
The key is that he can't directly and forcefully intervene to solve everything at once. Emotional issues can't be resolved so simply and crudely; he can only let them open up to each other on their own. The more they go through together, the stronger their relationship will become.
He sighed, feeling that the road ahead was long and arduous.
"You mean?" Kawaragi Momoka, puzzled.
"That's true, how about we start with the 486?"
"Subaru...?"
"Has something happened to her these past few days? Did Nina and the others say anything?"
"Oh," she nodded, "Although Tomo is unhappy, he and Rupa are understanding. Nina, on the other hand, is very worried that she will just leave like this."
"Who told her to suddenly announce in the group chat that she was leaving the band? It really startled us."
"Yesterday, Nina dragged me to Subaru's Performing Arts School, and we ran into her grandma. You wouldn't believe it, Subaru's grandma is actually that actress Anwa Tendou!"
Speaking of this, Kawaragi Momoka got a little excited, blinking her eyebrows and showing off her teeth as she explained to him.
"Well, although it's true that it was just a joke in a panic when I found out she was leaving the team, it was really embarrassing at the time..." As she said this, a blush rose to her cheeks.
Recalling the scene from yesterday where Anwa Subaru were forced to pretend to be actors and perform a skit in front of her grandmother, Kawaragi Momoka felt so embarrassed that she wanted to bang her head against the coffee table to make herself forget everything.
Forget it! Forget it now!!
"I see. But didn't Tomo and Rupa go?" Sakurakoji Talent asked, puzzled. They had both joined the team, so why were only the two of them going in the end?
"No, they're busy with their jobs and can't find the time. My part-time job is in the evenings, so it's okay." She waved her hand.
"Didn't you tell them about this?"
"Hmm~ I only told them on the phone yesterday not to worry, because everyone's schedule is different, and I haven't met them yet."
"I see." He smirked.
If Ebizuka Tomo knew about this later, she'd probably regret it so much she'd want to bang her head against a wall. Why? Because she was a huge fan of Anwa Tendou.
Of course, the reason he came here today was because he had guessed this after seeing the news of Anwa Subaru leaving the team in the group a couple of days ago.
I happen to have some free time these two days, and I can't miss the key plot points.
Counting the time, it's been several weeks since Nina first arrived in Tokyo, and more than two weeks since Subaru joined the team, so it's definitely about time.
"You don't seem surprised at all." Seeing his expression, Kawaragi Momoka rested her chin on her hand and said calmly.
"Hmm? Is there anything surprising?" Sakurakoji Talent looked over in surprise.
"Ha~" Kawaragi Momoka's expression fell, and she couldn't help but sigh, "A normal person would be surprised, right? After all, someone they know is actually the descendant of a big star or something."
"..." After she said that, he realized that it seemed to be true.
But for him, celebrities really don't feel real.
Let alone the fact that there was a perverted superstar right outside his door who was always eyeing him, even when he was in New York, quite a few Hollywood stars would occasionally visit his house.
In particular, his other uncle, who was mentally challenged, would frequently visit his home and bother him, each time bringing different famous female models and celebrities.
Thanks to him, even Sakurakoji Talent, who didn't care about the entertainment industry before, learned about many (female) celebrities.
Speaking of which, his son, born from his fling with world-renowned top model Pichino (a rather morbid name, but the unwritten surname is even more morbid), apparently enrolled at the Filia branch school in Japan this year, just like Ashiri.
It is said that neither Picino nor his son knew about their relationship until Pichino passed away two years ago and left a will.
Wow, that's some serious flair! No wonder he's a blond heartthrob who inherited his European mother's genes.
Of course, the same goes for Pichino. If she hadn't been a staunch advocate of singlehood, yet always had a man by her side, it wouldn't be so difficult to guess who the father of her child is.
He took a sip of water tactically, deciding that he must never become that kind of person.
"As expected, you must be a Young Master, right? You must be used to seeing a lot of celebrities, right?" Kawaragi Momoka narrowed her eyes, frowned, pulled down the corners of her mouth, and leaned forward to observe him.
"What's the point of saying anything now?" Sakurakoji Talent was utterly speechless.
"That's true," she said with a chuckle, retreating.
Is there any need to doubt that he's the Young Master of some wealthy family?
"Wow! Mr. Talent! When did you arrive?"
Just then, a sound loud enough to pierce the roof came from the entrance to the living room, and Inoseri Nina walked in with small, quick steps.
Wow~ Sakurakoji Talent frowned slightly, Nina- nee's voice is still so talented.
"I haven't been here long; I'm chatting with Momoka."
"I see." Wearing a blue undershirt and a black suspender skirt, Inoseri Nina nudged Kawaragi Momoka with her bottom and sat down next to her.
He was speechless at her attire.
Not to mention comparing her to Kawaragi Momoka, she's really quite unfashionable even compared to ordinary girls her age.
So that's why your nickname is "Kid Girl," Sakurakoji Talent thought to himself.
He could guarantee that at least 90% of her nickname was due to her aesthetic sense and fashion sense. Otherwise, even someone as willful and arrogant as Eriri wouldn't have been given such a nickname, right?
"What were you two talking about just now?" Inoseri Nina asked the two of them curiously.
"We were talking about Subaru." Kawaragi Momoka gave her a look of disapproval as she tried to shove her way into a seat even though there was one available next to her, but she still answered anyway.
"Subaru-chan?" Inoseri Nina's voice was startled, then she remembered something, "Oh right! Last night she asked me if I had time today, and I said yes!"
She quickly took out her phone and opened her chat with her. "I was initially very angry and wanted to say no, but then I thought I couldn't do that, so I agreed."
"Hey~ Isn't that great? Have you decided on a date yet?" Kawaragi Momoka was pleased with her progress.
"I said this afternoon," Inoseri Nina, looking at the two of them. "Would you like to come along, Miss Momoka and Mr. Talent?"
"I'll pass," Kawaragi Momoka stood up and stretched. "Whatever decision Subaru makes, I'll support her."
"Miss Momoka!" Inoseri Nina puffed out her cheeks and glared at her.
"I told you yesterday, this happens all the time in bands." Kawaragi Momoka gave her a complicated look, then walked towards the restroom. "Everyone has their own troubles and unspeakable difficulties. You don't want to be asked why you came here, do you?"
After saying that, she walked out.
Sakurakoji Talent stared thoughtfully at her retreating figure—"So you didn't brush your teeth or wash your face before drinking milk?"
Inoseri Nina grew even more dissatisfied, letting out a low growl as she pinned her remaining hopes on him, "What does Mr. Talent think!?"
"Hmm..." He looked away and met her gaze. "Although I believe 486-chan won't just leave like that, I don't have anything to do this afternoon anyway, so I'll go with you."
"Really?!" Inoseri Nina's anger instantly turned to joy, her Hands clasped in front of her. "As expected of Mr. Talent! You really are the core of this band! Completely different from that fake, heartless captain who doesn't care about his teammates!"
After saying that, she glared in the direction where Kawaragi Momoka had left.
"I'm so sorry I'm a fake, heartless captain who doesn't care about my teammates," Kawaragi Momoka said indistinctly as she walked to the entrance of the living room, brushing her teeth.
"Hehe~~~" Inoseri Nina made a face and raised Hands, giving her a pinky.
Kawaragi Momoka made a blank expression, seemingly unconcerned, and turned to walk back.
"Hmph!" Having vented her anger slightly, Inoseri Nina stood tall with her arms crossed, looking arrogant and haughty.
"Well, let's not talk about that for now. Let's think about where to have lunch. It's on me."
"Really?!" Inoseri Nina's anger vanished instantly, replaced by immense excitement.
"I want to eat barbecue!" came a voice from outside the living room.
"Miss Momoka, you're so shameless!!"
"Since we're going to eat, let's call 486-chan over too. We can go directly to her place later."
After lunch, Kawaragi Momoka, who had no intention of getting involved, went home.
Sakurakoji Talent and Inoseri Nina followed Anwa Subaru to her apartment.
This is a tall, square apartment building with about twenty floors, and one corner of the first floor serves as the building entrance.
The exterior is bright and clean, and each floor has a neatly arranged exposed balcony, plus each room has more than one—that alone makes it very upscale.
"Wow~ Where am I?" Standing downstairs, Inoseri Nina opened her mouth wide and let out a low exclamation.
"Huh? This is my house! Come on in, come on in!" Anwa Subaru walked into the foyer first and waved to her.
P. S.: I had some things to do today, so I'll only be posting two chapters for now. I'll post the remaining chapter tomorrow. (Oh no, it seems like I'm accumulating more and more chapters.)
No, but I'll definitely make it up tomorrow! Trust me!
Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 192 The Drummer Who Won't Run Away
"Wow~ This is amazing~"
Stepping into the high-rise duplex apartment in Anwa Subaru, and gazing at the spacious interior with its high ceilings and staircase, Inoseri Nina, seeing a duplex apartment for the first time, gaped in amazement once again.
How much would the rent be for an apartment like this in Kawasaki per month?
"But it's easy to get bored." Anwa Subaru stretched casually, walked to the refrigerator, and asked, "Would you two like some tea?"
"Uh-huh, uh-huh." Inoseri Nina nodded.
"It's up to you now."
"Please make yourselves at home." She opened the refrigerator, preparing to take out some tea leaves.
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the sound of particles colliding was heard, followed by a comfortable groan.
"Hmm?" She turned her head in confusion to look at the living room inside, where she saw that Inoseri Nina was already lying comfortably on the beanbag chair filled with foam particles, Sakurakoji Talent was already sitting on the leather sofa.