Soyo-chan, Version 2.0—Courtesy of Me! [128]

"I… I'll think about it."

Even at the very end, Togawa Sakiko didn't give an immediate answer. Because this time… this time was completely different from the last time she played.

That time, recording the keyboard part had been nothing more than a spur-of-the-moment decision. Though it took some time to piece together usable equipment at Sunkei, as Kujo-nee had put it, she might as well treat it as a professional evaluation for her as a new employee.

So, after that so-called "evaluation," she really had no reason to play the piano again.

Maybe playing a few songs here was more convenient—and "safer"—than sneaking into Haneoka's music room. But if it was a long-term invitation like the one Chihiro just extended… then deciding whether to accept or not became a much bigger issue.

And also—did Chihiro actually quit that band?

"What's wrong, Sakiko? Did you have a fight with your friend?"

It was about time for Sakiko to get off work. While she wasn't the only employee in the store, as the manager, Kujo Azuki paid extra attention to her every move.

The reason for this, naturally, was because of a certain influential senior in the music industry who had taken an interest in her.

But from a personal perspective, Kujo Azuki genuinely liked this elegant young lady—Chihiro's friend, Togawa Sakiko.

She'd heard that this girl came from a well-off family. Why a rich young lady was working part-time, though, Kujo Azuki had no idea.

That said, she truly believed that the petite Sakiko looked absolutely perfect standing beside the taller, graceful, and gentle-looking young lady. Even if the two of them just stood there in silence, lost in thought, the sight alone was enough to melt all the ice in her heart.

"N-no, nothing like that."

Sakiko was grateful to this older sister-like store manager. After all, aside from making her come in for an interview during class on her first day, Kujo-nee had always treated her well.

She assigned her easygoing customers, gave her lighter tasks, and even advanced her wages when necessary.

Of course, Sakiko still found the whole thing a bit odd. The manager was too enthusiastic—so much so that it was almost overwhelming.

When she finally asked why, Kujo Azuki introduced her to a new term: "numbers and faces."

It meant that… since she was cute, she attracted more customers. And because of that, she was given extra perks.

Being called cute was nice, sure. But more importantly, knowing this was the reason made her feel relieved—at least she wasn't being tricked by some sketchy person.

"Could it be that the person who called you was that little girl who came by the other day?"

"Huh? Kujo-nee, how did you—"

"So it was her." Kujo Azuki's eyes curved into crescent moons as her inner shipper heart burned brighter than ever. "I had a feeling you two were really good friends."

"Really good friends…?"

Togawa Sakiko mulled over those words, something stirring deep inside her.

To be honest, even though she had a decent job now, her life was still a complete mess.

Her father, Togawa Kiyotsuka, was still in a dazed, useless state. There was no relying on him for household chores. Meals were fine—at least the guy wouldn’t let himself starve after getting his hands on money.

Beyond home, balancing school and work was also difficult. But the real problem wasn’t just how tough life was—it was the fact that she saw no way for things to change.

Going back to her grandfather was out of the question. Togawa Sakiko only wanted to prove that the choice she made back then wasn’t wrong.

She couldn’t accept how her grandfather had cast her father out of the family. Just because he made mistakes at work, he was no longer considered a Togawa? How was that any different from the heartless capitalists he despised?

If she ever disappointed her grandfather, would she be cast out as well? Would she no longer be a Togawa either?

She used to have a perfect family. Now it was in shambles. But to accept that… she just couldn’t.

And yet, after leaving her family behind for over half a year, that conviction had begun to waver.

Not about going back.

But about whether she had the ability to hold on until change finally came.

Of course… CRYCHIC’s disbandment was another lingering shadow over her heart.

She had built that band with her own hands. But in the end, it fell apart in that way, and everyone had to suffer the consequences of her recklessness.

Someone like her… did she really have the right to chase after music again?

At that thought, the brief spark of interest in making music with Chihiro slowly faded away.

After all, she was… an unlucky person.

"Sakiko, there’s another customer. Looks like a girl around your age."

"Ah… I’ll go."

A lot of customers had been lingering in the store today, probably because of how cute Sakiko looked. So while she was still working, most of the customers assigned to her were young girls.

But overall, she wasn’t particularly busy today. Most of her shift had been spent as background music, playing piano to add ambiance.

That was why she volunteered for some overtime—after all, Kujo-nee had done a lot for her, and she needed to return the favor.

But when she, dressed in her uniform, approached the customer—

She was completely stunned.

"Sakiko… Togawa Sakiko?"

"Taki…?"

Shiina Taki stared at her, taking in the professional smile on Sakiko’s face, her attire—so different from her usual image—and suddenly, a wave of frustration surged in her chest.

"Togawa Sakiko, you heard from Tsuzuki yesterday, didn’t you? About our show at RiNG?"

"Chi—Chihiro?" Sakiko blinked in confusion. But when she saw Taki’s cold expression, the clear hostility toward Chihiro in her eyes, a flicker of anger ignited in her as well.

"And what does that have to do with you?"

"Enough already… You always do this."

That same expression.

Shiina Taki suddenly recalled that rainy night.

Back then, Togawa Sakiko had worn the exact same indifferent look. As if all her previous warmth had been nothing more than a polished noble’s courtesy—formally crafted and utterly hollow.

No explanations. No regard for anyone else’s feelings.

Did she even understand what Soyo and the others had been holding onto for so long? Did she have any idea what they had sacrificed for it?

"Togawa Sakiko, you’re always so high and mighty. What’s with this outfit? Some rich girl trying to 'experience life'?"

"That day, when you were standing in the audience watching us struggle, why weren’t you dressed like this?"

"Or did you think we’d beg you to come back and save us?"

"…Hah?"

Wait—what the hell was this about?!

Completely blindsided, Sakiko could only stare, her mind blank from being suddenly berated by Taki.

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This is a fan translation of 素世同学，恭喜你被我优化了 by 杰克喵. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!