Soyo-chan, Version 2.0—Courtesy of Me! [109]

"So this is Chihiro’s house…"

Following Tsuzuki Shifune into the Tsuzuki family home, Nagasaki Soyo whispered to herself in a voice only she could hear.

Of course, for Shifune—who was already in the kitchen preparing lunch for her "granddaughter"—those little expressions on the girl’s face hadn’t gone unnoticed.

But she didn’t say a word.

She simply let the girl wander around and take in her surroundings.

Though… isn’t she acting a little too much like a guest?

She’s supposed to be Chihiro. Why is she being so stiff in her own home?

If it were Shifune in her younger years, and she’d somehow gotten the chance to sneak into Awa Tendou’s house, she would’ve bolted straight for the bedroom to dig up some dirt on them.

Of course, Soyo wouldn’t be so lucky—Chihiro hadn’t lived here in a long time.

"Chihiro, come help Grandma in the kitchen."

"Ah… O-okay, coming!"

Soyo, relieved to have something to do, quickly scampered into the kitchen.

Cooking wasn’t a problem for her—she had plenty of experience.

Even if her skills weren’t as refined as Shifune’s, she wouldn’t mess up enough to blow her cover.

"Speaking of which, you’ve been back in Japan for a while now. Where were you staying before?"

"I…"

Soyo hesitated for a moment.

This wasn’t exactly a secret.

"Actually, I was staying at Soyo’s place. She was really kind—free room and board, plus—"

Wait.

She couldn’t just blurt out the whole "sugar mommy" situation.

"You and Soyo got into a fight, didn’t you?"

"…Huh?"

Soyo nearly jumped.

For a second, she thought her perfect disguise had been exposed.

But when she saw that Shifune didn’t seem suspicious, she let out a silent sigh of relief.

"Before, no matter how much I asked, you refused to come home—said you had to finish ‘one last thing’ first."

"Then the day you did come back, dragging your suitcase behind you… you locked yourself in your room and cried for hours."

That, of course, was a complete lie.

Her granddaughter? Crying?

Even if the sky came crashing down, Chihiro probably wouldn’t shed a tear.

Though, if she did, Shifune would honestly feel more at ease.

But there was one thing Shifune was certain of—

That night, when Chihiro finally returned home, there was a clear sense of defeat hanging over her.

Nagasaki Soyo was obviously an important friend to her granddaughter.

But misunderstandings between kids weren’t something an adult should meddle in.

"She cried—wait, no. I cried?"

Soyo barely caught herself in time.

She glanced at Shifune, checking for any reaction, and only relaxed when she saw none.

But still…

Tsuzuki Chihiro? Crying?

She didn’t buy it.

That girl probably just locked herself in her room and pretended to cry.

Just imagining that smug, teasing grin—so punchable—disappearing under actual tears…

Soyo really wanted to see it.

She’d grab some popcorn and sing a song to celebrate.

"Oh, right. Grandma has some things to take care of this afternoon, so I won’t be able to watch Raana’s live show."

"What about you, Chihiro? Raana would probably love to see you in the audience."

"I…"

Soyo hesitated.

She was curious about how the live show would go.

But logically, there was no way she could show up.

If Anon and Taki saw her, they’d definitely come over and start questioning her.

And if Mutsumi or Sakiko caught wind of her pulling together a new band…

She’d never be able to explain her way out of it.

And besides—

Watching the five former members of CRYCHIC, now split into two separate bands, take the stage back-to-back…

She’d rather someone knock her out cold.

No. She wasn’t going.

She’d just have to wait until Monday and casually ask Mutsumi about it.

Mutsumi never lied, and she’d always answer Soyo’s questions honestly—

…Even if she never actually did what Soyo asked of her.

But just asking about the performance should be fine.

Assuming, of course, that Mutsumi really did end up playing today.

---

"Mutsumi, Soyo didn’t show up to school at all yesterday?"

"Nope."

At Hazawa Coffee, Togawa Sakiko had called Wakaba Mutsumi over for a chat.

There was something she needed to ask.

After all—

In Tsukinomori, Mutsumi was the one closest to Soyo.

But unfortunately, prying the truth out of her wasn’t going to be easy.

Not about why Soyo kicked out Chihiro, or anything else.

Then again, Sakiko had already figured out why Soyo never responded to her messages.

Seems like… I’m not the only one who can’t help meddling.

"Soyo never considered putting a new band together?"

"No. She never mentioned anything like that."

"I see."

What was Soyo thinking?

Sakiko couldn’t understand her at all.

"Mutsumi, come to a live show with me this afternoon."

"…Huh?"

Sakiko took a sip of her tea, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"A friend of mine is performing today. She’d probably like it if I showed up."

"Besides, I recorded the piano track for one of their songs."

Sakiko had never been one to keep secrets from Mutsumi.

At least, not about something this minor.

And besides—

She wanted to be there for Chihiro’s first live show.

Or rather… not first.

Regardless, as a friend, she had taken a day off specifically to support her.

If someone like her could be a source of encouragement, maybe…

Maybe that alone was reason enough to keep moving forward.

Inviting Mutsumi along was just a spontaneous decision.

And definitely not because she wanted someone else to pay for the ticket.

Come on. I’m Togawa Sakiko. I’m not that broke.

She just thought of Mutsumi as an important companion.

And…

If she could witness her friend’s live show from the audience, maybe—

Just maybe—

She’d find the courage to start over herself.

"…Okay."

Mutsumi hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

She had no idea who this "friend" of Sakiko’s was.

But she had never once refused her.

"Sakiko, I booked the tickets online. Already paid for them."

"…That’s not what I meant! I— I have money!"

Crap.

Why did that sound so weak?!

She should’ve asked Azuki to pay her in advance!

---

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!