"But Mr. Talent is wearing a trench coat today, right? I don't think it'd be that easy to tell it's menswear." Ichiji Nijika drove the knife in deeper.
"..."
Stop it. If you keep talking, I won't be able to stop myself from dealing with you first, you ignorant little girl.
"Come on, does it really matter?" Ichiji Hoshika smoothed things over, steering the topic away.
Actually, wasn't this better? Ichiji Hoshika shot her little sister a look. Nijika froze for a moment before catching on and glaring back at her in embarrassment.
You should worry about yourself!
Old spinster!
Image: "If you don't bookmark this, I'll keep staring at you," location: "Images/1755608325-100446961-113649235.jpg"
"Of course it matters!"
To everyone's surprise, the most agitated person was neither Sakurakoji Talent, who had been mistaken for a woman, nor the three people awkwardly facing him. It was someone who had been eavesdropping nearby.
A woman in a black knit top with a hime cut strode over from the side and forcefully inserted herself into the conversation.
She had a lovely face, a voluptuous figure, and a beauty mark beneath her sexy lips. Though she carried a gloomy air about her, Sakurakoji Talent's years of experience told him she had put considerable effort into her styling and makeup. She constantly exuded the aura of a sophisticated city beauty.
One look was enough to tell—they were both people equally dedicated to preserving their beauty!
Image: "PA," location: "Images/1755608367-100446961-113649343.jpg"
"Huh? Why are you suddenly butting in, PA?" Ichiji Hoshika had not expected the interloper to be her. She rubbed her slightly messy blond hair, feeling a headache coming on as she wondered what had gotten into her usually quiet friend today.
Ignoring her completely, PA looked Sakurakoji Talent up and down with utmost seriousness. After a long while, she revealed an approving, admiring expression.
"Your hair is smooth and lustrous, without a single split end or sign of breakage. It's clear that you not only use high-end products, but also comb it with great care."
"You too. With such lush, silky black hair that reflects light so naturally, it's obvious you've never skimped on regular upkeep. You must have put a great deal of effort into it."
Facing her praise, the long-haired young man offered an equally fitting response.
"Your skin is soft and elastic, without a single blemish or scar. Youth may play a part in that, but it's also clear that you're extremely careful and pay close attention to nutrition. Truly impressive."
"You flatter me. Your outfit may appear casual, but the overall color coordination is exceptionally harmonious. The depth of black, paired with that cutout knit top that emphasizes your figure, magnifies your charm perfectly. It truly is remarkable."
"Your complexion is even, without a single patch of discoloration. That alone shows that you must prepare thoroughly before going out and never miss a spot when applying sun protection. Such patience and persistence are truly admirable."
"Though your face is adorned with makeup, it is clean without being gaudy, beautiful without being seductive. The balance between the scent of your foundation and the fresh fragrance of your shampoo and body wash is just right—varied but never chaotic. You must have given it careful thought and made your selections with great care. Your breadth of taste is astonishing."
"..."
"..."
Their eyes met, soft with emotion, and they smiled knowingly. The wariness in their gazes gradually transformed into admiration for a kindred spirit and regret at not having met sooner. If the setting had been more appropriate, they might have sworn brotherhood on the spot!
"...What are those two even doing?"
"No idea, but it's definitely a realm people like us shouldn't touch. If we get too close, the shockwaves will wipe us out!"
Watching the two shamelessly praise each other, Ichiji Hoshika could only stare blankly. Just moments ago, they had looked ready to start a war. How had they suddenly become as close as best friends?
Ichiji Nijika only felt that it all sounded incredibly profound. Her instincts told her not to dig any deeper, or she would only hurt herself.
The two chatted back and forth, gradually hitting it off and sympathizing with each other. The atmosphere grew increasingly lively, as though they could keep talking forever.
It was not until the performance was about to begin that PA was reluctantly dragged away by the back of her neck by Ichiji Hoshika. Before leaving, she gazed at Sakurakoji Talent with utter reluctance, stretching out a hand as if hoping he would pull her back and keep her there.
Besides music, her only hobby was maintaining her beautiful appearance. Every month, she spent at least thirty thousand yen specifically on skincare, and spent even more on beauty products and clothes. As for her three daily meals, she relied entirely on convenience store bento.
Though she usually bragged to Nijika and the others about frequently holding online salons with international friends to discuss topics of the new generation, all she actually did was stream herself playing games at home as a Virtual Streamer.
Her coworkers were all sloppy "old women" like Hoshika, while Nijika and Ryo were young high school girls who had not yet reached the age of caring about such things. Aside from music, they had absolutely nothing in common!
Now that she had finally met a kindred spirit on the same wavelength, how could she possibly give up so easily, damn it?!
Ignoring her indignation, Ichiji Hoshika forcibly dragged her to her workstation, then returned to the bar counter with her juice.
Letting PA be taken away, Sakurakoji Talent calmly took a sip of the cheap drinks in his hand. After all that talking, his mouth had gone dry too.
"Mr. Talent, you're amazing. This is the first time I've ever seen PA talk so enthusiastically."
"Mhm, mhm!"
Ichiji Nijika was amazed by his social skills, while Yamada Ryo nodded along in agreement.
"It was nothing. I only mentioned some basic common sense. Besides, Miss PA is a rather gentle person herself," Sakurakoji Talent said modestly.
Common sense? The three exchanged looks and silently decided to skip that topic.
Fortunately, the awkwardness ended as an energetic, explosive intro began to play.
The first band took the stage. Multicolored lights danced across the room, and the crowd's mood was instantly roused. Their deafening cheers nearly lifted the roof off the venue.
After a brief introduction, the lead singer began their performance.
The guitar, bass, drum kit, and DJ flowed together with agile coordination. After a short intro, the vocalist's emotional singing pierced through the microphone and speakers, reaching everyone in the venue.
The audience listened with great enjoyment, while the band's fans obligingly moved to the rhythm and began pogoing. Fortunately, the fans here were fairly civilized—or perhaps the Livehouse had restrictions—because there was none of the traditional rock-style shoving and crashing.
Swept up in the atmosphere, Sakurakoji Talent felt the immense volume and fiery energy make the blood in his veins race faster.
Time flew by. The first band quickly finished several songs, and the venue fell into brief silence—relatively speaking, at least.
"What did you think?" Yamada Ryo nudged Sakurakoji Talent's arm with her elbow, looking excited.
"Pretty good. Although the instrumentalists and vocalist still have room to improve technically, the emotions behind it were full, and the live atmosphere was great." Sakurakoji Talent gave his assessment.
"Hmph, naturally." Yamada Ryo puffed out her chest as though she herself had been praised.
"Have you learned any instruments, Mr. Talent?" Ichiji Nijika asked curiously.
"I've learned a few."
As the descendant of a powerful family, learning instruments had naturally been compulsory. Beyond standard academic subjects, the Sakurakoji Family's curriculum included classes that improved artistic cultivation, such as painting and music, as well as practical courses such as languages, cooking, and martial arts.
Because of the pain and illness tormenting his body, he had also been happy to study all kinds of things to distract himself. It helped lessen his burden, if only a little.
"Ooh, then what instruments can you play?"
"By the way, I play the drum kit, and Ryo plays bass."
Ichiji Nijika grew even more enthusiastic. Her cute round face bloomed like a sunflower. Her band with Ryo only had two members—could they perhaps recruit Mr. Talent?
With Mr. Talent's looks, even if he did nothing but stand onstage, the enthusiasm of his fans would probably pack Starry to bursting, right?
No, no. Nijika shook her head hard.
Ichiji Nijika, Ichiji Nijika, how could you have such a sly thought? Your goal is to create a popular band that wins the audience's cheers through skill. You can't rely on such underhanded tricks!
Still, it depended on what Mr. Talent was good at.
Thinking that, she looked at the person before her expectantly.
Image: "Did you bookmark it? Love you!", location: "Images/1755608398-100446961-113649343.jpg"
"If you mean just the ones onstage, I know a little of all of them." Sakurakoji Talent gestured toward the stage with his chin.
Ichiji Nijika froze, then involuntarily turned to look at the next band preparing to perform and the instruments in their hands: keyboard, bass, guitar, drum kit, even violin and saxophone!
It was clear that this was a band with an exceptionally broad range.
"That's incredible..."
Once she saw clearly, Ichiji Nijika was startled, and a gasp escaped uncontrollably from her cherry-like lips.
"Please, you absolutely must join my band!"
Before Ichiji Nijika could recover, Yamada Ryo had already pressed close. She firmly grasped Sakurakoji Talent's arm with both hands, held it against her chest, and looked up at him with sparkling eyes and a face full of sincerity as she earnestly invited him.
"Right, right, Mr. Talent, are you interested in forming a band? Ryo and I have one, but we're still short on musicians! Could you join us?"
Ichiji Nijika hurriedly extended her invitation as well. A talent proficient in so many instruments absolutely could not be underestimated!
He was definitely an incredibly powerful asset!
"Sorry, but I don't plan on joining a band. I only just returned to the country, so I'm rather busy at the moment."
Sakurakoji Talent responded with an apologetic expression. His eyes shifted slightly, and after a brief pause, he added in a joking tone, "Though if it's part-time work, I might consider it."
"I see. That's really a shame."
"Mmgh, we missed out on an SSR card."
Ichiji Nijika's disappointment was plain to see, while Yamada Ryo went limp across the table as if she had melted into a puddle.
Of course. A weak band like theirs was probably beneath him.
"But Mr. Talent is a returnee? That's surprising. Although, somehow, it isn't that surprising either."
"Are you looking for a part-time job, Mr. Talent?"
As Starry's Angel, Nijika quickly reined in her disappointment and continued the conversation, radiating light and warmth through the place.
"Yes, because I want to save up more money."
"Are you short on money?"
Sakurakoji Talent wore a helpless expression and gazed into the void, as though he had endured countless hardships in life. Amid the stirring background music, he sighed emotionally. "When you play instruments, how could you not be short on money?"
"I understand." Yamada Ryo returned to normal, deeply relating to that.
She only played one bass and was already forced to live on grass at the end of every month. Yet he played so many instruments...
!!!
Could it be that his family had once been rich, but he had gone bankrupt playing instruments?!
Music was terrifying!
Yamada Ryo's gaze carried a trace of pity. In her mind, she had already imagined Sakurakoji Talent living a comfortable life before constantly buying instruments, selling off his property, spending all his savings, and ultimately being forced to sleep on the streets.
Maybe she should pay him back for dinner later... No, no, one thing was one thing. She could not mix them up.
She had already offset the dinner money by bringing him to Starry. They owed each other nothing. Whew, she had nearly acted on impulse again.
"Then how about working here? I happen to need someone for the register and food service. The hourly wage shouldn't be too bad either."
Ichiji Hoshika, who had been watching from the sidelines, rested her cheek on her hand and made the suggestion.
"Really?"
"Would that be okay?"
Ichiji Nijika looked delighted, while Sakurakoji Talent appeared hesitant on the surface but smiled triumphantly inside.
I've finally waited for you, you hopeless siscon!
His goal was clear: get close to the people at Starry and search for a way to heal his body. As for some exhausting, time-consuming childish game like forming a band for life, he could not be bothered to take part in it.
Besides, weren't people who played in bands these days all doing it for women? He refused to associate with such lowly people!
Once he found a method and healed his body, he would leave immediately. Then the sea would be wide enough for fish to leap, and the sky high enough for birds to fly. With his family's wealth, where in this world could he not go?
Thinking of his bright future, Sakurakoji Talent nearly burst out laughing.
What he had said earlier had seemingly been directed at Ichiji Nijika, but it was actually for Ichiji Hoshika to hear.
He was seventy percent certain that this hopeless, ridiculously tsundere siscon who spoiled her little sister would find a way to keep him around in order to increase Nijika's chances of recruiting him into the band. And the simplest method was naturally to have him work here part-time.
Excellent. Everything is proceeding according to my expectations.
"I'm the manager. If I say it's fine, then it's fine."
"So? Are you doing it or not?"
Ichiji Hoshika snorted impatiently, her sharp eyes fixed on Sakurakoji Talent as if to say, You're dead if you dare refuse.
He put on a show of thinking for a while before finally saying, "Then sorry for the trouble, Manager Ichiji."
"Yay! Now I can see Mr. Talent every day!"
"I look forward to working with you too, Miss Ichiji."
"You can just call me Nijika. There are two Ichijis in the shop, so calling me that would be inconvenient, right?"
Before you continue