There are so many geniuses in the anime compilation! What's wrong with me joining?

"But Mr. Talent, you're wearing a trench coat today, aren't you? I don't think it's that easy to tell it's men's clothing," Ichiji Nijika added with a final jab.

"..."

Don't say another word, or I'll end you first, you ignorant, foolish girl.

"Well, well, does it really matter?" Ichiji Hoshika tried to smooth things over, steering the conversation away.

Or rather, isn't it better this way? Ichiji Hoshika shot her sister a look. Nijika blinked, then reacted with embarrassed anger, glaring back.

You should worry about yourself!

Old maid!

Image: "Stare at you forever if you don't collect it", Location: "Images/1755608325-100446961-113649235.jpg"

Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies : Chapter 6: Mutual Flattery with PA

"It absolutely matters!"

To everyone's surprise, the most agitated person wasn't Sakurakoji Talent, who had been misidentified, nor the three awkward individuals facing him, but someone who had been eavesdropping nearby.

A woman in a black knit top with a hime cut strode in from the side, forcefully joining the conversation.

She possessed a beautiful face, a full figure, and a beauty mark beneath her sensual lips. Despite being shrouded in a somewhat gloomy aura, in Sakurakoji Talent's experienced opinion, she had clearly put a lot of effort into her appearance and makeup, exuding an air of a sophisticated urban woman.

A confirmed glance – someone who was just as dedicated to maintaining their beauty!

Image: "PA", Location: "Images/1755608367-100446961-113649343.jpg"

"Huh? Why are you suddenly chiming in, PA?" Ichiji Hoshika, also taken aback by the unexpected interruption, rubbed her slightly messy blonde hair, feeling a headache coming on. She couldn't understand what had gotten into her usually quiet friend today.

Ignoring her words, PA scrutinized Sakurakoji Talent with an extremely serious gaze. After a long pause, she revealed an expression of admiration and satisfaction.

"Your hair is smooth and lustrous, without a single split end or breakage. This shows you not only use high-end products but also take great care when styling it."

"And you, with such lush, smooth, naturally reflective black silk hair, it's clear you do regular maintenance and put in a lot of effort."

Facing the other's compliments, the long-haired youth responded in kind.

"Your skin is soft and elastic, without a single blemish or scar. While your youth is a factor, it's also evident that you're very careful and pay close attention to your nutritional intake, which is quite impressive."

"You flatter me, you flatter me. While your outfit appears casual, the overall color coordination is very harmonious. The depth of black combined with the cutout knit top that accentuates your figure maximizes your charm, truly extraordinary."

"Your skin tone is even, without any discoloration, which clearly shows you must have taken thorough sun protection measures before going out, leaving no weak spots. Such patience and persistence are truly admirable."

"Your face, though adorned with makeup, is pure rather than seductive, beautiful rather than enchanting. The scent of your foundation is balanced with the subtle fragrance of your shampoo and body wash, a harmonious blend. It must have been the result of considerable thought and careful selection, your discerning eye is astonishing."

"..."

"..."

The two looked at each other, their eyes meeting like water, sharing a knowing smile. Their gazes shifted from wariness to admiration for a kindred spirit and a feeling of having met too late. If the venue were different, they might have sworn brotherhood on the spot!

"...What are these two even doing?"

"I don't know, but it's definitely a realm that people like us can't touch. If we get too close, we'll be wiped out by the aftershocks!"

Ichiji Hoshika watched the mutual flattery between the two, dumbfounded. How could they go from being on the verge of a major confrontation just moments ago to acting like best friends?

Ichiji Nijika listened, finding it all incomprehensible but impressive. Her intuition told her it was better not to delve deeper, lest she hurt herself.

The two exchanged words, gradually warming up and finding common ground, their conversation growing more passionate, showing signs of continuing indefinitely.

It wasn't until the performance was about to begin that PA reluctantly allowed Ichiji Hoshika to drag her away by the scruff of her neck. Before leaving, she looked at Sakurakoji Talent with reluctance, reaching out as if hoping he would pull her back and keep her there.

Besides music, her only other hobby was maintaining her beautiful appearance. She spent at least 30,000 yen a month solely on skincare, with even more spent on other beauty products and clothing. She relied on convenience store bento boxes for her meals.

Although she often boasted to Nijika and the others about participating in online salons with international friends discussing next-generation topics, she was merely a virtual streamer playing games at home.

Her colleagues at the store were like Hoshika, "sloppy old women," and Nijika and Ryo were young JK students not yet concerned with such matters. Apart from music, they had absolutely no common ground!

Now that she had finally met someone who resonated with her on such a deep level, how could she let go easily, you fool!

Ignoring her grief, Ichiji Hoshika forcibly dragged her to her workstation, then returned to the bar to drink her juice.

Sakurakoji Talent, letting PA be taken away, nonchalantly took a sip of the cheap drink in his hand. His mouth was dry after talking for so long.

"Mr. Talent, you're amazing. This is the first time I've seen PA talk so enthusiastically."

"Mhm, mhm!"

Ichiji Nijika expressed her admiration for his social skills, and Yamada Ryo nodded in agreement.

"It's nothing, I just stated some basic common sense. It's also because Ms. PA is naturally very gentle," Sakurakoji Talent said humbly.

Common sense? The three exchanged glances, deciding to skip this topic.

Fortunately, with the start of a catchy and explosive intro music, the opening performance ended their awkwardness.

The first band took the stage, five-colored lights danced, and the audience's atmosphere was instantly ignited, with cheers that shook the venue deafeningly.

The lead singer gave a brief self-introduction before starting their performance.

The guitar, bass, drums, and DJ's interplay was agile and fluid. After a short intro, the lead singer's emotive voice pierced through everyone in the venue via the microphones and speakers.

The audience listened intently, with fans of the band obligingly dancing to the rhythm and pogoing. Thankfully, the fans here were relatively civilized, or perhaps the live house had restrictions, as there was no sign of the traditional mosh pit.

Swept up in the live atmosphere, Sakurakoji Talent felt his blood begin to race with the immense volume and fervent energy.

Time flew by, and the first band quickly finished a few songs, plunging the space into a brief silence, or rather, relative silence.

"What do you think?" Yamada Ryo nudged Sakurakoji Talent's arm with her elbow, sounding excited.

"Pretty good. While there's room for improvement in the instruments and the vocalist's skills, the emotion behind it was full, and the live atmosphere was great," Sakurakoji Talent commented.

"Hmph, naturally," Yamada Ryo puffed out her chest as if she were the one receiving the compliment.

"Mr. Talent, have you studied musical instruments?" Ichiji Nijika asked him curiously.

"A bit."

As descendants of a prominent family, musical instruments were naturally a required course. Besides basic cultural classes, courses to improve artistic cultivation like painting and music, as well as practical courses like languages, cooking, and combat, were all on the Sakurakoji family's curriculum.

He also enjoyed delving into various things to distract himself from his physical ailments, which helped alleviate his burden slightly.

"Eh~ Then what instruments do you play?"

"By the way, I play drums, and Ryo plays bass."

Ichiji Nijika's interest grew even higher. Her cute, apricot-shaped face bloomed like a sunflower. Her and Ryo's band only had two members, and she wondered if they could recruit Mr. Talent.

With Mr. Talent's looks, even if he did nothing but stand on stage, the fans' enthusiasm would probably overwhelm the entire Starlight.

No, no, Nijika shook her head vigorously.

Ichiji Nijika, Ichiji Nijika, how can you have such a sly thought? Your goal is to build a popular band that wins the audience's applause with its strength, not by relying on such crooked methods!

However, it still depended on what Mr. Talent was good at.

Thinking this, she looked at the person before her with anticipation.

"Did you save it? Love you!" - "Images/1755608398-100446961-113649343.jpg"

Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies : Chapter 7: Deceiving Women

"If it's just the types on stage, I can play them all," Sakurakoji Talent gestured towards the stage with his chin.

Ichiji Nijika froze, then turned her head to look at the next band taking the stage, observing the instruments they held: keyboards, bass, guitars, drums, even a violin and a saxophone!

This indicated a band with a remarkably wide range of musical involvement.

"Amazing..."

Upon seeing this, Ichiji Nijika was astonished, and her exclamation of admiration involuntarily escaped her cherry-like lips.

"Please, you absolutely must join my band!"

Before Ichiji Nijika could recover, Yamada Ryo had already sidled up to him, firmly gripping Sakurakoji Talent's arm with both hands and holding it against her chest. Her face was sincere, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him, earnestly inviting him.

"Yes, yes, Mr. Talent, are you interested in forming a band? Ryo and I have formed one, and we're currently short on musicians! Could we ask you to join us?"

Ichiji Nijika quickly chimed in. Someone who was proficient in so many instruments was definitely not to be underestimated!

This was absolutely a powerful ally to latch onto!

"I'm sorry, I don't have plans to join a band yet. I just returned to the country and am quite busy."

Sakurakoji Talent offered an apologetic expression, his eyes flickered, and after a pause, he added as if joking, "If it's for a part-time job, I might consider it."

"Is that so? What a shame."

"Mmm, I missed out on an SSR card."

Ichiji Nijika's disappointment was evident, and Yamada Ryo slumped onto the table, as if she had melted into a puddle.

Yeah, a band as weak as theirs probably wouldn't be of interest to him.

"But Mr. Talent is a returnee? That's quite surprising, yet not entirely unexpected."

"Mr. Talent, are you looking for a place to work part-time?"

As the angel of Starlight, Nijika quickly composed herself, dispelling her disappointment and continuing the conversation, radiating light and warmth.

"Yes, because I want to save more money."

"Are you in dire need of money?"

Sakurakoji Talent's expression was helpless, his gaze drifting into the void as if he had endured countless hardships in life. Amidst a stirring background music, he sighed, "When you play an instrument, aren't you always short on money?"

"I understand," Yamada Ryo straightened up, feeling a strong sense of empathy.

She only played bass, and yet she was already eating grass every month. And he played so many instruments...

!!!

Did his family used to be rich, but he went bankrupt playing instruments?!

Music, how terrifying!

Yamada Ryo looked at him with a hint of pity. In her mind, she had already envisioned the tragic scene of the originally wealthy Sakurakoji Talent, who, due to continuously buying instruments, ended up selling his property, spending all his savings, and finally having to live on the streets.

Perhaps I should give him back the money for dinner later... No, no, one thing at a time, they shouldn't be mixed.

I've already offset the cost of the meal by bringing him to Starlight. We're even now. Phew, I almost let my emotions get the better of me again.

"Then how about you work for me? I happen to need a cashier and a server for the food and drinks here, and the hourly wage should be quite good," Ichiji Hoshika, who had been observing the situation, suggested, resting her chin on her hand.

"Is it okay?"

"Is this alright?"

Ichiji Nijika was a little surprised, while Sakurakoji Talent outwardly appeared hesitant, a triumphant smile spread across his face internally.

Finally got you, you obsessed sister-complex loser!

His objective was clear: to get close to the members of Starlight and find a way to heal his body. As for playing house by forming a band for life, a tiring and time-consuming endeavor, he couldn't be bothered to participate.

Besides, weren't all the people who played in bands these days after women? These lowly individuals, he refused to associate with them!

Once he found a way and healed his body, he would leave immediately. Then, the sea would be wide for the fish to leap, and the sky would be high for the birds to fly. With his wealth, where in this world couldn't he go!

Thinking of his bright future, Sakurakoji Talent almost burst out laughing.

His words just now, though seemingly spoken to Ichiji Nijika, were actually meant for Ichiji Hoshika.

He was seventy percent confident that this tsundere who doted on her sister would find a way to keep him, in order to increase her sister's chances of recruiting him into the band. And the simplest method would naturally be to work part-time here.

Excellent, everything is within my expectations.

"I'm the manager, so if I say it's okay, it's okay."

"So? Are you in or out?"

Ichiji Hoshika huffed impatiently, her sharp gaze fixed on Sakurakoji Talent, as if to say, If you dare refuse, you're dead.

He feigned contemplation for a moment before finally saying, "Then I'll trouble you, Manager Ichiji."

"Yay! I can see Mr. Talent every day from now on!"

"Please take care of me in the future too, Miss Ichiji."

"Nijika is fine. Having two Ichijis in the store would be inconvenient, wouldn't it?"