Chapter 196

Hachiman Kairin glanced at her and answered directly, "I'm currently working part-time as Bass in some bands."

"Is that so? That's amazing, Kairin- chan!" she praised sincerely.

"Kairin -chan..." Although she remained calm, a hint of helplessness flickered in her eyes. It felt different from when her mother called her; it was truly strange.

Sensing the subtle tension between the two, Yamabuki Saya tugged at Toyama Kasumi, signaling her to stop. "Alright, don't forget your work."

"Ah, right!" Toyama Kasumi blinked, then quickly held up her notebook. "What would you like to order?"

"A latte, please." While they were talking Sakurakoji Talent had taken the opportunity to glance at the menu, smiled and handed it to her.

Hachiman Kairin and Shiina Rikki simultaneously leaned forward slightly, peering at the order form they were seeing for the first time.

The selection was quite extensive, including various regular drinks, common cakes and cheeses, and even hot dogs, pizzas, salads, French fries... and even fried rice.

The drinks are all 600 yen, which is expensive considering the location.

But the price, which is higher than all side dishes, reveals a little Kokoro by the person who wrote the menu—you can come here without ordering food, but you'll almost certainly order a Drinks to pass the time.

"I'd like a Darjeeling."

"A hot cocoa, please."

"Hi! I got it!" Toyama Kasumi jotted down the names of three Drinks, then with a flick of her wrist, asked, "Anything else you need?"

"No, no need. Right, Ogura-kun?" Hachiman Kairin squinted at him, slightly raising the corners of her mouth, and let out a soft hum.

"Oh, so this is where you were waiting for me?" Sakurakoji Talent, who immediately understood what she meant, frowned slightly and helplessly took out one of her bags.

"I understand. These will be the ingredients for afternoon tea today. Help yourselves to help yourselves."

He took out all the snacks stored inside. He had given a few to Miyako Shizuka earlier, but there were still quite a few left—by the way, Ogura Asahi is really becoming more and more like a little girl who carries candy with her.

While others are stuffing candy into their pockets, he just carries a whole bag with him. Doesn't that seem a bit too greedy?

"Let's take a few for Kasumi Senpai Saaya- Senpai too."

"Is that alright?!" Toyama Kasumi happily put down the banknotes and grasped his right hand.

"Sure, there's still plenty left."

"Thanks!"

"Kasumi~" Yamabuki Saya gave up on reminding her, and just sighed with her hands on her hips. What kind of business is it for a shop assistant to take food from customers?

"Don't mention it, Saaya- Senpai, consider this a celebration of our meeting today!" He turned back to her with a smile, and the gentle power of the silver Angel made Yamabuki Saya tremble slightly.

"Well, thank you too." She turned her head awkwardly, a few red lines appearing on her skin.

At this moment, Hachiman Kairin and Shiina Rikki, sitting opposite each other, stared at the scene speechlessly, both thinking the same thing: What a wicked woman.

Perhaps because they had been there for too long, the store manager, who was also the third acquaintance there, hurried over, worried that something might have happened.

"Saaya, Kasumi, what's wrong?" Shinji Rinriko light brown short hair, came over and asked.

"Ah, Rinrin-ko-jie!" Toyama Kasumi greeted her, then said apologetically, "It's nothing, I just saw some cute junior girls and chatted with them for a while!"

"I see. But Kasumi is one thing, but even Saaya?"

"I'm utterly speechless..."

Upon learning that it wasn't a big deal, Shinji Rinriko felt relieved and then looked at the cute junior girls she had mentioned.

"Hello, I'm Kasumi, Shinji Rinriko and the others' senior here..."

My gaze swept over Hachiman Kairin —hmm, she really is cute;

Looking at Shiina Rikki again, hey~ just like Saaya and the others, she'd have a big advantage if she formed a band together;

Finally, looking at the silver-haired, red-eyed girl sitting opposite me... what's going on?! Huh? A foreigner?!

Shinji Rinriko instinctively covered her mouth, her eyes wide with surprise at his appearance.

Her hair was perfectly colored, with strands combed neatly like tassels; her features were flawless and exquisitely beautiful, like those of a celestial palace, with two blazing gems that seemed to illuminate everything.

Her light, cherry-colored lips were as moist as freshly picked Sakura; her innate elegance and effortless charm seemed to automatically solve all problems... Before she knew it, she was a little mesmerized.

Even after working in livehouses for so long, and considering her previous experience playing music, she had never seen such a special child before...

There are many children with outstanding looks, but very few are truly stunning and leave a lasting impression at first glance.

This is the result of a combination of appearance, temperament, and regular grooming.

"Even Ririko-san is surprised, as expected." Yamabuki Saya wasn't surprised.

If they hadn't already witnessed its power during the opening ceremony, they would definitely have been even more out of control just now.

Pulled back to reality by her voice, Shinji Rinriko blushed. She had come here to play her role as a senior, but instead she had embarrassed herself in front of them, making her feel utterly ashamed.

"That!"

A startled shout rang out, making her jump.

"Hi!" Shinji Rinriko straightened up.

Unexpectedly, the one who spoke was not the strikingly different silver-white girl, but the girl with dark brown hair, a beauty mark, and purple eyes.

Under the watchful eyes of several people, Shiina Rikki stood up and looked at her. His slightly sharp gaze made the gentle girl feel a little scared.

Shiina Rikki took a deep breath, opened her eyes, and resolutely asked, "Can you hire me to work here?"

"Okay... huh?" Shinji Rinriko agreed, then tilted her head in confusion after realizing what she was talking about.

She looked the boy up and down; he seemed even more handsome and mature than Toyama Kasumi, but was almost the same height as her (both 156cm). She asked doubtfully, "Part-time job?"

[Note: By the way, Hachiman Kairin, who looks like she's 170cm tall, is actually only 158cm, even shorter than the married woman next door. Hey~ what's wrong with you Girls Band Cry?]

"Yes, because I just saw the sign at the entrance that said they were hiring." Shiina Rikki nodded in affirmation.

"Ah~! So that's how it is!" Shinji Rinriko suddenly realized.

Oh, so she came here to work. She thought they were here to beat her up.

If that's the case, doesn't that mean she's regained the upper hand?

Whether or not someone is accepted for employment depends entirely on her expression. As the person in charge here, she straightened her back and regained her confident smile.

"Oh, I see. Well... um..." Only then did she realize that she hadn't asked their names yet.

"Shiina Rikki, my name is Shiina Rikki desu)." Having read the other person's expression and understood their thoughts, she introduced herself, "I'm currently a first-year high school student in Hanasakigawa."

Even someone as free-spirited and unafraid to show her displeasure to anyone would feel a little nervous in this situation.

Of course, if I actually get the job, that's a different story.

"Ah, thank you. Little Rikki, do you play any musical instruments?" Shinji Rinriko clasped her Hands together, her expression gentle. "You probably saw it on the notice board, right? We give priority to children with musical instrument experience here."

"Because this place was opened to serve the kids in the band, it not only involves being up close to the live performances and preparing logistical support for them, but also selling instrument-related accessories. So, you can't do it without understanding instruments and music."

"Yes, I know." Shiina Rikki nodded understandingly. "I've learned to Drum Kit, and I used to be in a band and perform, but it disbanded."

"Oh, I see! Then there's no problem!" Shinji Rinriko clapped her hands in relief, relieved that she didn't have to politely refuse her. "Little Rikki also very cute; she'll definitely give the guests a great experience."

She didn't ask whether it was full-time or part-time, because the student couldn't possibly have a second answer.

Upon hearing this, Sakurakoji Talent, who was sitting next to him, had a strange expression. Really? How come he didn't know?

How could he not remember that she not only consistently refused to serve guests with an aloof attitude and ignored her superiors, but also initially only wanted to do simple tasks like making coffee, and even verbally abused some guests and looked at them with disdain?

Now, let's invite the victim, a Pink Milk Dragon from London, to share her feelings...

"Thank you very much." After receiving the job offer, Shiina Rikki bowed deeply to express his gratitude.

"Let's exchange contact information first? We'll let you know about the specific scheduling later!" Shinji Rinriko took out her phone.

"Okay." Shiina Rikki reverted to his usual taciturn and unsmiling self.

"Oh no, "Sakurakoji Talent looked pitifully at the Shinji Rinriko. "Your ordeal of education is about to begin."

After giving the three women, including Ririko, some snacks, they left to attend to their own work, and I also prepared tea for them.

"I never expected Classmate Shiina to get a job here so quickly. I'm really surprised. Is it because you want to earn some extra pocket money?" Sakurakoji Talent asked jokingly.

Shiina Rikki felt a little thirsty, unsure whether it was from the tension earlier or from the greasiness of the bread and pastries. She was about to pick up her teacup when she remembered that the Drinks hadn't been served yet, so she had to give up in disappointment.

She glared at him and snorted, "I'm not like a rich girl like you; I don't have that much pocket money."

Although no one knows his exact identity yet, it's no secret that he's chauffeured around in luxury cars every day.

"That's so unfair~ All the money I spent was earned through my own hard work~" He feigned a heartbroken expression, his big eyes darting around as he peeked at her.

Shiina Rikki then remembered that he also had to skip class to go to work every day. While feeling resentful of his outstanding talent, he also felt disgusted with himself.

But her awkward personality prevented her from easily uttering words of reflection and apology, so she could only wait sullenly for the Drinks to be served.

"So you used to be in a band?" Hachiman Kairin popped a moderately sweet macaron into her mouth, chewed it, and interrupted their conversation.

Seeing macarons reminds Sakurakoji Talent of something—it's really funny how she claims in public that she can eat anything and not gain weight, but secretly tries so hard to lose weight and control it.

But how could anyone eat several macarons in a row?

That kind of sickeningly sweet stuff, practically a polymer of sugars, is a disgrace to the world of desserts!

Of course, his version is a modified one, and it's not nearly as sweet.

"That's all in the past..." Shiina Rikki's eyes were filled with melancholy.

I wonder how Deng is doing now. They've rarely seen each other since Crychic disbanded. If Deng isn't in a band, then...

"I see..." Hachiman Kairin didn't press further.

Who hasn't had a similar experience while playing in a band? The formation and disbandment of bands are perfectly normal things.

Even among the better Togenashi Togeari as Kawaragi Momoka and Ebizuka Tomo, there have been instances of disbanding.

Even the Kessoku Band, which exudes a youthful vibe and has Ichiji Nijika's mother as its leader, was only formed after Yamada Ryo left the previous band.

In that instant, the atmosphere between Hachiman Kairin and her, who shared a similar plight, became even more intimate.

Huh? You guys...

Sakurakoji Talent stared blankly at the two people opposite him, who were engrossed in their past, seemingly having weathered many storms, abandoned and misunderstood by the world, and displaying an air of intoxicated coolness and nonchalance. He was completely dumbfounded.

No way, are you guys trying to show off in front of me?

Forming a band and then breaking up is impressive, right? Should we give you an award?

He suddenly felt like singing on the spot. "It's clearly a movie for three people, yet I never get a name!"

"Sorry to keep you waiting!"

Just as the three of them began to feel lost and dejected, Toyama Kasumi, carrying the power of Kirakira that could shatter all gloom, instantly purified the place!

Humming a cheerful original song by PPPP, she deftly and with a smile placed the three hot drinks on the tray onto the table for them.

He was almost in tears, his eyes closed, his face covered, his white eyebrows trembling, deeply moved.

My great-grandfather! My great-grandfather!

This postmodern Girl Band with its gloomy and dark atmosphere is something I can follow for life!

He hasn't even joined in yet, and he's already almost been affected by their emotions. What would happen if he actually joined in?!

He made a decision: from now on, anyone who dares to disobey the instructions of the Great Ancestor, violate the principles of the "kirakira, dokidoki" Girl Band, promotes a so-called dark or gloomy style, fails to actively acknowledge and resolve conflicts, and plunges the band's ecosystem into a vicious cycle... he will strike hard! He'll take them down one by one!

Chapter 250 Ending the Date and Maid Outfit

"Speaking of which, there's something I'm curious about and I'd like to ask you."

After drinking half of his Drinks, Shiina Rikki glanced sideways at the terrifyingly outstanding woman.

Sometimes, when she saw this figure, she would unconsciously think of a blue-haired girl who was also a young lady from a wealthy family.

They are both Talent, come from outstanding families, are adorable, and are polite (just kidding)... In short, they have many similarities.

But compared to the culprit who caused the band to break up and separated him and Shito, this flirtatious silver-haired enchantress is more pleasing to the eye.

"What?" Sakurakoji Talent set down his teacup and looked over in confusion.