Chapter 579

"The powerlessness of "one person""

"..."

"れぬようにさぬように(Don't destroy the present, don't destroy me)"

"..."

"Sit on your knees and cry without stopping"

"わりはしないんだって(Nothing has changed)"

"Quiet and quiet room, sound and sob, (still sobs echoing in the silent room)"

"..."

"していたををがattackう(The sincerity that was hidden in this way and I were both attacked by a violent loneliness)"

After the lyrics end and a brief pause, the frenzied guitar reappears, even more unrestrained than before, seemingly completely immersed in solitude and indifferent to everything around it.

Often, after three times the length of the middle section, the music abruptly stops.

In the sudden, abrupt silence, the listeners were momentarily stunned by a profound sense of melancholy and loneliness.

Chapter 522 Going Home with Nagasaki Sōse

Call...

Huff... Huff...

After their exhilarating performance, all five of them were slightly out of breath.

Rather than feeling physically exhausted, it felt more like the exhilarating relief and joy that comes after emotional stress is released.

The group exchanged glances, and finally, Shiina Rikki was the first to voice his thoughts.

She suddenly stood up, her delicate body trembling as she raised her mallets high. "This is absolutely the best! This song!"

Chihaya Aine nodded excitedly, "Right~ Right! This song will definitely be a huge hit!!"

"Deng's singing is truly the best! She perfectly captured the essence of the song!"

"Asahi's music is the best! That crazy yet controlled feeling is just irresistible!"

"The lamp is the best!"

"Asahi Sang is the one!"

"..."

The two hadn't been on the same side for long before they were embroiled in another dispute, staring intently at each other, their presence suggesting they were about to start a fight at the slightest provocation.

Bang~

Their heads collided, their gazes meeting within 5 centimeters of each other, sparks flying.

"Eh? Eh!?" Takamatsu Akari looked left and right, trying to break up the fight, and gently stretched out her small hand, "Aine-chan, Rikki-chan..."

"Okay, okay, all five of us are the best!"

Ogura Asahi reluctantly pulled the two apart, standing between them himself.

"You two have such a good relationship, you actually argue over such a small thing."

"Huh?! Who's on good terms with her?!"

"Exactly! That's exactly why I told Riki I couldn't come!"

The two argued back and forth, neither willing to give in.

"..." Ogura Asahi was speechless. He even said their relationship wasn't good.

Experience told him that those who start like this are the ones who will be penalized the most later!

Before things could calm down, another urgent sound shattered the balance that was about to be maintained in the room.

"Sorry! I'll head back now!"

Nagasaki Sōse had already packed up her instruments and props sometime earlier. After hurriedly leaving behind this sentence, she jogged out the door and left.

"..."

The recording studio door closed, leaving the four people looking rather bewildered.

Chihaya Aine looked completely bewildered. "What's going on?"

"Soyo-chan..." Takamatsu Akari clasped her hands together worriedly.

Shiina Rikki frowned and scratched his head. "Why did they suddenly go back? They're too self-centered! Can't the members of this band have any team spirit?"

"Who are you talking about...?"

"Whoever responds, I'll be talking about them."

"..."

Ogura Asahi sighed, not wanting to talk to her anymore. "Fine, I also have something to do, how about we call it a day? We've already completed the mission, right?"

"Huh? The appointment time is still a long way off!"

"So, Rikki, Aine-chan, and Deng-chan, you guys practice first? Put today's expenses on my tab."

"Where did you come from, young lady?"

"Isn't she originally a young lady?" Chihaya Aine added.

"..."

Ogura Asahi carefully packed everything away. "Okay~ Anyway, I'm sorry for today. I hope you can understand. Right, Little Tomori?"

Takamatsu Akari's pupils contracted slightly, then she nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes! If Asahi- senpai has something to do... see you next time!"

"Thank you! Our Little Tomori is so understanding!" He hugged her, touched. "I'll make you the dessert you want next time~"

"Hey, hey! Turn on the light!" Shiina Rikki pointed at him, her face flushed.

"No way!" He gave her a defiant look, tightening his grip on her waist to pull her even closer to him.

"Ah~ Ooh~" Takamatsu Akari's little face blushed adorably.

This feeling of being held so tightly is something I've never experienced before...

"You bastard!!!"

Shiina Rikki was furious and went around to hit him, but he used Takamatsu Akari's body to dodge left and right, making her hesitate to attack.

"Despicable! Don't use a lamp as a shield!"

"I won't—unless you take a few steps back and don't come any closer!"

"Gah~woo~~!"

"..."

After a while of playing around, when he came out, Nagasaki Sōse was already gone.

It's alright, it's a minor issue.

He pretended to take out Ratziel from his bag, glanced at it, and then dashed off in a certain direction at a speed that astonished passersby.

A short while later, he saw the back of a brown-haired, somewhat dejected housewife walking slowly.

Hmm, there are quite a few styles: mature, sexy, sophisticated, cute, contrasting, academic, arrogant, rich girl... but the wifely style... she seems to be the only one around him. She's a rare and protected species!

[Note: The prototype for Sōse's apartment is in Minato Ward, Roppongi, but Sōse's mother said they moved there for her convenience at school, so it shouldn't be that far. Tsukinomori is near Kishibojin Station, and RiNG is in Higashi-Ikebukuro 4-chome, towards Minowa-bashi —in fact, the two stations are only about one kilometer apart as the crow flies. In the scene where Sōse leaves RiNG, she separates from Rikki and Akari who are taking the train, and walks on the other side with Aine, so their homes should be within walking distance of the Livehouse.]

"Sōse-chan ~"

He crept up behind her like a wisp of smoke and patted her on the shoulder.

"Ah~!" Nagasaki Sōse, who was deep in thought, was startled and immediately turned around after a tremor.

But the movement was too sudden, and his feet involuntarily lurched backward...

"Kokoro." Ogura Asahi supported her back, helping her to steady herself.

Nagasaki Sōse opened her eyes, still shaken by fear, and upon recognizing him, exclaimed in surprise, "Asahi-chan..."

But the next second, her expression changed immediately, and she stood firm, saying in a deep voice, "Thank you."

What are you doing here? Is practice over?

He shook his head. "No, not yet, but I have something to do, so I'm leaving early."

"I see..." She didn't ask what it was about.

"... Aren't you going to ask me what's wrong?" he couldn't help but ask.

"Hmm?" She frowned slightly, sensing that he seemed different today. "What is it?"

He snapped his fingers, as if eyeing prey that had fallen into his trap, and said with a grin, "To your house."

"..." Nagasaki Sōse lowered her eyelids, staring at him indifferently and without emotion. "Why?"

"There's something I'd like to discuss with you privately."

"Not in or around this coffee shop?"

"That won't work. If you don't want to, you can come to my house, but it's a bit far."

"..." After staring at him intently for a while, unable to find any flaws or clues, she looked away, pondered briefly, and nodded in agreement. "I understand."

"Thanks."

The two walked side by side in silence. After a few minutes, Nagasaki Sōse stopped in front of a tower that was over a hundred meters tall, turned a corner, and walked straight toward its glass door.

After scanning their faces, the two entered the building, which was decorated in a unique and exquisite style, yet luxurious and understated.

After seeing the location and decor of this place, Ogura Asahi followed closely behind her without saying a word.

What else is there to say? Su Ma is awesome!

Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo's major shopping districts, is nearby, but compared to the bustling city center, this area is more suitable for living, not to mention...

The two boarded the elevator, which soared upwards until it rang the "ding" of arrival, stopping at the last number, 45.

The penthouse Loft Apartment, though lacking ocean views, is undeniably luxurious.

"Come in." After entering the house, Nagasaki Sōse changed her shoes and put down her bag in one smooth motion.

Directly opposite the entryway is the spacious living room and the dining room further inside.

The sofa is half black and half brown, forming a perfect square, and it sits against the floor-to-ceiling window. A long-screen TV is mounted on the partition between the window and the opposite room. The double-height space in the middle provides excellent views, natural light, and comfort.

This, along with the large balcony outside that can be used for banquets, is far superior to his apartment.

Inside, on the dining table, there were glittering candlesticks and vases that looked like they belonged to a luxury home furnishing brand.

Nagasaki Sōse went to the kitchen and began preparing tea for him.

"I'll do it." He put down his instrument and went to take her place.

Knowing his brewing skills, she could only entrust this responsibility of being the host to him.

A few minutes later, the two sat facing each other on the sofa, the aroma of hot Earl Grey tea wafting in the air—the one she often ordered at the coffee shop in RiNG.

"Is there something you need?"

Nagasaki Sōse picked up the white porcelain teacup with gold wire decoration on the handle, blew on it gently, and asked in a low voice.

"Don't you know?" Ogura Asahi didn't reach for the teacup, because it must be very hot.

He stood up and looked out the glass at the windowless terrace, where a sofa was also placed.

Envious~

Unfortunately, since the Ten no Yashiro has already been built, it can't be renovated... We can only wait for the next building in the future.

"Huh?" Nagasaki Sōse narrowed her eyes, her brows furrowed, and her face showed a sternness she rarely displayed.

"If there's nothing else, could you please leave after you finish this cup of tea? I'm a little tired today."

"..." He turned to look at her, saying nothing, but staring straight into her beautiful eyes.

He only spoke after she turned her face away defiantly, saying, "You cried when you left, didn't you?"

"... I don't understand what you're saying."