Soyo-chan, Version 2.0—Courtesy of Me! [161]

"So, what are you going to do?"

Nagasaki Soyo stared at Chihiro with a blank expression.

Sometimes, she felt like she couldn’t keep being so weak—at least, not when facing her.

It was as if she had to put up a fight, even just a little. Otherwise, if she kept letting Chihiro have her way, there would never be a day when she could hold her head high again.

Soyo knew she was being shameless.

But she also knew one thing about Chihiro very well:

No matter how unserious or unpredictable she was, she was extremely devoted to keeping her promises.

It was undeniable.

Whether it was her sheer persistence in upholding her own values or the way she stubbornly followed through on her word, Soyo could say with absolute certainty—Chihiro wouldn’t abandon her.

"You’re not seriously going to leave me hanging, are you? You promised you’d help me revive CRYCHIC."

"Ugh… Soyo, since when did you become this shameless? Is this how you ask for favors?"

"…Then make your demands."

"Maid outfit—"

"Fine."

"…Wait, you agreed that fast?!"

"……"

It’s not like she hadn’t worn one before.

What was the big deal?

Besides, that outfit—the one both she and Chihiro had worn—had been hers first, anyway.

And Chihiro still had to deal with her mom’s interrogation when she got home tonight.

There was no way she’d dare tease her then.

This was her win, no matter how she looked at it.

"Alright, alright… but the problem is, I really can’t impersonate you right now."

Seeing Soyo’s expression turn anxious, Chihiro chuckled and added, "I never said it was impossible, though. Look at you, all panicked already."

"But before that, tell me what’s going on with Taki."

"Mm."

Soyo nodded, then recounted her brief conversation with Taki.

Not that there was much to say.

Of course, she didn’t mention that Taki’s dream had actually happened in another timeline.

Even if she did, there was no way Chihiro would believe it.

"So, what you’re saying is… Taki is really disappointed in you, the band might be on the verge of breaking up, and it’s all because of you?"

"You’re not going to tell me that breaking up the band was the goal all along, are you?"

"Nope." Chihiro shook her head, pulling Soyo into one of the bathroom stalls.

"Even if it does fall apart, I can’t let anyone think it’s your fault."

"Alright, now take off your clothes."

"Are you serious right now—"

"You’re not even resisting this time, huh~?" Chihiro smirked, her tone teasing.

"But no matter what time it is, we have to switch outfits—immediately."

"…And your face?"

"I have a mask and a cap in my bag. That should do the trick."

"…Why do you carry those around?"

"Ahem. Occupational habit."

Chihiro coughed awkwardly.

After all, keeping a mask and cap in her bag at all times—just in case she needed to dodge a debtor—wasn’t exactly something to be proud of.

In fact, those had been tucked into her bag’s hidden pocket ever since her days in England.

She had just never taken them out.

Guess they were finally coming in handy.

"Wait, you only need to take off your outerwear! Don’t strip everything! Taki’s not gonna undress me!"

"Ah… my bad."

Soyo’s face turned pink.

She had panicked.

Otherwise, she never would have done something that stupid.

The bathroom stall was cramped, so when they exchanged clothes—passing blouses and skirts between them—Soyo could hear every breath Chihiro took, feel the warmth lingering in the fabric.

She was so glad she had embarrassed herself earlier.

Otherwise, she would’ve had no way to explain why she was now curling into a corner, her face burning red while Chihiro slipped into the skirt in the tight space.

Why did it feel like…

Chihiro was messing her up?

The old her would never have imagined herself standing in a bathroom stall, swapping clothes with another girl.

And not just any clothes—ones that had just been worn, still carrying the other person’s warmth.

"Slip out quietly later. I’ll cover for you."

Chihiro adjusted her cap, sighing dramatically.

"I’ll smooth things over with Raana later… Ugh, I really am such a bad sister.

"But oh well—what can I do? Her sister is currently being tempted by an even worse woman."

"…Don’t make it sound so weird."

"Then why is your face so red?"

"…Shut up."

"Alright, alright. Just wait for my good news. I promise I won’t let Taki blame everything on you."

"After all, you are the great, benevolent Nagasaki Soyo of Tsukinomori."

"Mm."

Soyo knew Chihiro was mocking her.

But she didn’t argue.

She just watched as Chihiro pulled the cap low over her red hair and adjusted the black mask over her face.

…Would this really work?

"Who are you? And why are you wearing Soyo’s clothes?"

"Hah… I knew Taki wasn’t blind."

"What? What the hell are you doing? Where’s Soyo? Wait… don’t tell me—you’re—"

"I’m what?"

The moment she walked out of the bathroom and sat across from Taki, Chihiro was instantly exposed.

Of course, she had expected that.

She hadn’t planned on fooling Taki in the first place.

This whole thing was just to make sure that the overly trusting Soyo could leave without worry.

She had already made the poor widow wait an entire night for her yesterday.

She wasn’t going to let her stress about something else today.

So, once she confirmed that Soyo had gotten away safely and received a location update from her, Chihiro swiftly removed her cap and mask.

At the same time, she shot a look at Raana, silently telling her to stay put and not rush over with her guitar.

Then, with a pleasant smile, she introduced herself:

"Shiina Taki, right? Soyo mentioned you.

"I’m Soyo’s friend, and also Rana’s older sister."

"My name is Tsuzuki Chihiro."

"Tsuzuki Chihiro?!"

Taki’s expression darkened as she stared at the girl before her.

She didn’t know why this girl was wearing Soyo’s clothes.

But one thing was clear.

She… was definitely trouble.

"Or—"

Chihiro’s smirk widened.

"You could call me by another name—Nagasaki Sakuyo."

"…Huh? Wait. What did you just say?!"

Taki looked completely thrown.

Chihiro sighed, resting her chin on her hand.

Yeah.

It was about time she switched tactics.

After all…

There was a limit to how long she could keep up the split personality lie.

"You mean… it was always you? Then what about Soyo?"

"Soyo never actually said she had multiple personalities, did she?"

Chihiro smiled faintly.

"To be honest… when you started rambling about split personalities on LINE, I was pretty surprised."

"But—"

"You want to know why I did it, don’t you?"

"Obviously."

Chihiro put on a somber expression.

"Well… since things have come this far, I guess I have no choice but to explain everything."

She let out a deep sigh.

"It all started… with a promise between Soyo and me."

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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!