Chapter 56

"No need to be so subtle, many people say I have a very interesting personality."

"So that's what you call interesting..." Her expression became even more complicated.

"Alright, now that you're ready, let's get going. If we don't hurry, tonight's performance might be over."

"Performance?" She looked puzzled upon hearing this uncommon word.

Isn't the purpose of visiting workplaces? What does this have to do with performing?

"You'll see when you get there," Sakurakoji Talent with a deliberately mysterious smile.

Two figures were hiding behind the curtains by the window of the living room on the first floor of the Kogisora Family, peeking out one after the other and staring at the road outside the iron gate, their movements furtive.

"Takhiro, is that Sakurakoji-kun?"

"Huh? Mom, didn't you already see the photos? Why are you asking me again?"

"Because the difference between the photo and reality is too great! Look, it can even move!"

"No, he's not a doll, of course he can move..."

"Wow!! What an adorable and handsome child! He's even more dashing than in the photos, and every move he makes is so elegant. He's like a noble Young Master from a TV drama!"

"I think Mom, you should watch less Morning Drama. Besides, isn't he more handsome than good-looking?"

"That's true, because he's made Takhiro fall in love with him at first sight before."

"Don't mention this again! It was the biggest mistake of my life!"

Faced with his mother's teasing, Kogisora Takhiro looked pained and blushed, loudly stopping her, as if his embarrassing notebook full of Chūnibyō) statements had been discovered.

"I wish he were my son. Just looking at him at home every day would be so pleasing to the eye and comforting. Could we talk to his parents about exchanging him?"

"Ugh, I feel like my heart is being stabbed. Hey, your real son is right here! Don't say things like that in front of me!" Kogisora Takhiro clutched his chest, feeling a dull ache in his heart.

"Besides, even if you want him to be your son, isn't there another way? Although I don't know what you think, sister."

"You mean..." Ogiso's mother's usually gentle expression turned serious. Her eyelids lowered slightly as she murmured, "It seems I need to give Yukina a better chance. Let's set a deadline for her! If she doesn't bring him home next time, I'll disown her!"

"... My sister will be hurt to hear this, please don't do it."

As siblings who had both fallen out of favor at lightning speed, Kogisora Takhiro felt a sense of desolation, like a rabbit mourning the death of a fox.

Image: "Do you like scheming girls?", Location: "Images/1756831397-100446961-113803594. jpg"

Author's Note: Um, it's the beginning of the month, could those of you with tickets please support me? (shy. jpg)

Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 84 The Ruthless Capitalist Ichiji Hoshika

"Arrive."

"Huh?"

Guided by Sakurakoji Talent Starry. Upon seeing the colorful Japan "STARRY" sign and directional markers, Kogisora Yukina exclaimed in surprise.

The dark entrance staircase seemed like a path to an abyss leading to another dimension, and the faint Demonic Sound echoing in her ears made her shudder. She had thought it would be like her part-time job, at least a shop near the street, but even the entrance was so "special."

"Sakurakoji-kun, where is this...?" She clutched his sleeve, looking at him with a pitiful expression to confirm.

"It's a livehouse called 'STARRY,' see? It's not suspicious at all, is it?" Sakurakoji Talent snorted and proudly showed it to her.

This is so suspicious! It's incredibly suspicious!!

Kogisora Yukina was internally complaining, but could only manage a forced smile. For a well-behaved girl like her, this was a situation she had never encountered before, so she could only continue asking questions about the things that concerned her.

"Livehouse? What's that?"

"It's a venue that provides space for bands to perform impromptu shows. It's like a tiny concert venue. Haven't you heard of it before?"

"Band?!"

Upon hearing the keyword, she instantly perked up, looking at him with her bright, expressive eyes. "Does that mean people sing in public here every day?"

"Yes, that's right." Seeing that she was indeed looking forward to it, Sakurakoji Talent was also very pleased. "And not only is it the lead vocals, but the music for the songs is also performed live by the band members. Isn't that amazing?"

"Is that so..." She seemed to be imagining the scene inside, then eagerly tugged at his sleeve, heading towards their target at the bottom of the stairs. "One, one, one! I'm already getting excited!"

"Ah, slow down! Kokoro for the steps!"

Pushing open the heavy main gate of the Starry building, a torrent of noise poured out, assaulting their ears.

As she descended the second step inside the studio, Kogisora Yukina clasped her Hands together and gazed intently at the stage with her adorable, sparkling eyes.

"I told you to Kokoro of the steps and to watch where you're going."

Just as she was about to fall down the stairs because she wasn't looking where she was going, Sakurakoji Talent was quick-witted and grabbed her soft waist with his right hand, gently pulling her back to her feet.

"Thank you." After letting go of her, Kogisora Yukina placed her Hands in front of her, blushing and avoiding his gaze.

"I just can't do anything with you." Sakurakoji Talent sighed and took her left hand, leading her down the stairs.

"Ho!!"

Kogisora Yukina's fair cheeks flushed even more, but her powerless arms were completely unable to break free from his domineering presence, and she could only follow closely behind him, a short distance behind.

"Alright, come with me." Once on level ground, he released her right hand that was holding her soft wrist, turned to her and said this before heading straight for the front desk.

Kogisora Yukina followed closely behind him, glancing nervously at the noisy crowd and surroundings. It was her first time in such a place at night, and her unease was palpable.

The most daring thing she'd ever done was probably going to a karaoke bar alone at night, which is nothing compared to what's happening here!

Despite having Sakurakoji Talent as a guarantee, he would still feel nervous in an unfamiliar environment.

Sakurakoji Talent Kokoro navigated the crowd, making sure no one could see his face, and hunched over as he entered, quickly putting on his mask. No matter what, his persona couldn't be broken. Only then did he stand up confidently, facing Kogisora Yukina:

"Welcome to 'STARRY'! I'm Sakurakoji Talent, the head chef, cashier, waiter, instrument mover... and occasionally a band coach and babysitter. Is there anything I can help you with, Ms. Ogiso?"

Towards the end, his eyes seemed to die.

"Eh, what's going on here?" Kogisora Yukina stood quietly, embarrassed but not impolite, and asked with a smile.

"Please forgive me, I always dressed like this when I worked here." He leaned closer and explained in a low voice.

"Ha, although I don't think that's the problem—but what is it then?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"It's for the same reason you disguised yourself when you were working."

"Huh!" Kogisora Yukina was hit where it hurt, but she understood what he meant. "So, Sakurakoji-kun doesn't want others to see your face and attract attention?"

"That's right." He nodded, a sense of loneliness creeping into his position. "If I were in this audience group where fandoms easily form, and suddenly a huge wave of people started bombarding me with questions every day, I couldn't handle it."

"Even now, every day some people try to bother me out of curiosity."

"After all, Sakurakoji-kun is quite handsome." Kogisora Yukina chuckled, understanding his situation.

"So, what would you like to eat? It's on me tonight, so please order whatever you like... That being said, our food here is actually surprisingly popular, and it's usually sold out by the time we open each day, so there's not much left."

"It's alright! I was coming here on my own, please make yourself at home!" Kogisora Yukina quickly waved her hand, indicating that she didn't mind.

"Then I'll take care of preparing it for you. Let me see..." Sakurakoji Talent turned around and went to the preparation area. After glancing at the remaining products, she said, "Wow, the Matcha Parfait isn't sold out yet? I'll take this one then. I'll save one for Rakuna later."

"We have plenty of Drinks. Which one would you like?"

He turned to the graceful woman standing beside him and handed her the simple menu.

Kogisora Yukina took it and was surprised to see the unusually empty text on it, but she didn't ask any questions.

"Then please give me Earl Grey Tea." Having made her decision, she politely returned the menu.

"Okay, please wait a moment, it'll be ready soon." He gave her an 'OK' sign and quickly prepared it for her.

The drinks were all prepared in advance and kept warm, so it didn't take much time. The desserts were also pre-made and plated quickly. Before long, he placed the two items in front of her.

Hi, please enjoy your meal.

"Thank you so much!" Kogisora Yukina, who was sitting on a high stool inside the bar and whose eyes had been following him the whole time, nodded her thanks and accepted the hot drinks and snacks he brought her, returning the favor with a warm and pretty smile.

"By the way, I have another question, may I ask it?"

"Huh? What?"

"Is what you just said about your profession and job details true?" Kogisora Yukina asked, half hesitant and half curious.

"That's outrageous, isn't it?!" At this point, Sakurakoji Talent slammed his fist on the table in agitation, wiping away imaginary tears and looking weak and pitiful. "Because the boss here is a heartless capitalist who only knows how to exploit his employees!"

"Adhering to the principle of not hiring as many people as possible, there are only two or three full-time employees here, including myself! Besides that, there are a few frail female temporary workers, including her younger sister and a child laborer who looks very young!"

"I'm the only male employee, so I get basically all the hard work! I don't get any holidays unless I ask for them, and sometimes she even takes her anger out on me for no reason! It's torture! I'm going to apply for protection under the Geneva Convention on Prisoners of War!"

"Ah, is that so...?" Kogisora Yukina was so shocked by his words that she couldn't speak. Although she didn't quite believe it, seeing his earnest and tearful appearance, she had no choice but to believe him.

Who would have thought that someone who always dressed so impeccably would have such a miserable job in private?

"Who are you calling a heartless capitalist, you bastard!"

Just as she was about to ask why he continued to stay, a hand suddenly landed on Sakurakoji Talent's shoulder, accompanied by a deep, low voice that sounded like the voice of hell.

"..."

Sakurakoji Talent looked at Kogisora Yukina, frowned, and asked uncertainly, "Did you hear anything?"

"Don't pretend you didn't hear me! You wicked gossip!" Ichiji Hoshika glared at him with fury in her eyes and punched him hard in the side of his abdomen—roughly where his kidneys are.

"Ugh!" Sakurakoji Talent was struck hard, staggered two steps to the side, bent over and clutched his private parts, his face contorted in pain.

That despicable woman, she actually attacked such a vital part of his body!

"Sakurakoji-kun!" Kogisora Yukina stood up worriedly and reached out her hand to him as he nearly collapsed.

At the same time, she glanced at Ichiji Hoshika with some fear, not expecting that what Sakurakoji Talent said was actually true!

"I'm fine..." Sakurakoji Talent staggered to his feet, his voice trembling with tears, and said to her, "Now do you believe me? She's a monster!"

Kogisora Yukina placed her fists in front of her and nodded vigorously, agreeing with his point of view.

"I think you want to be lectured again," Ichiji Hoshika, mimicking Hiratsuka Shizuka's signature move—cracking her knuckles, which made Sakurakoji Talent's eyelids twitch.

Damn it, why do I learn this kind of thing so quickly when I don't learn the good stuff?

"I thought you suddenly said you were going out for some reason, but it turns out you just squeezed in some time during work to go pick up girls, right?"

"Last time it was a woman you picked up outside who came looking for you, this time you brought her back directly. You're really getting more and more capable, aren't you? Talent."

A shadow fell over Ichiji Hoshika's face, and she looked at him with a forced smile, saying this in a tone that was more like a forced laugh.

"You're making it sound like I'm a fickle, scumbag guy." Sakurakoji Talent straightened his clothes. "We're just ordinary friends, there's nothing like what you're saying. Does this mean our Hoshika won't even allow his employees to have normal friendships anymore?"

What will become of our Starry in the future?

"Um, Sakurakoji-kun, who is this?" Seeing that Sakurakoji Talent seemed to be alright, Kogisora Yukina, who had been observing from the sidelines, asked at the opportune moment.

"Oh, this is our boss from Starry Sky, Ichiji Hoshika." Sakurakoji Talent introduced her by raising his Hands.

Just as he was about to end it there, Ichiji Hoshika kicked his shin. He raised his hand again, pointed at Kogisora Yukina, and explained to the other person, "This is a friend I recently made, Kogisora Yukina. She's currently a high school student and works as School Idol."

Image: "Swimsuit Boss", Location: "Images/1756904869-100446961-113806507. jpg"

Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 85 Sakurakoji Talent is an Unrepentant Idiot

"No! School Idol or something..." Kogisora Yukina scolded him playfully, then turned to Ichiji Hoshika and greeted her politely, "Hello, I'm Kogisora Yukina desu. I'm here today to visit, thanks to Sakurakoji-kun's kindness. Please take care of me!"

"Oh, I'm Ichiji Hoshika, and I'm also the owner of this shop. Hello." Ichiji Hoshika was somewhat surprised to see that this pretty girl was surprisingly polite.

Kids these days are pretty self-centered; well-behaved and polite kids like this are practically extinct, aren't they?

"Since you're Talent's friend, then tonight it's on me. Enjoy yourself and relax, but remember not to believe his nonsense." She took out the lollipop from her mouth and scratched her unkempt, casually falling golden hair with her other hand.

"Yes, thank you very much."

Ichiji Hoshika waved and left, leaving the two of them to their own devices.