Soyo-chan, Version 2.0—Courtesy of Me! [152]

"…I see. So, what you’re really worried about is that I won’t approve of you living with Chihiro?"

Nagasaki Rina had initially planned to take her daughter out for another meal, but after hearing her explanation, she suddenly felt like going home instead—to meet this "amazing" girl her daughter had been praising so highly.

According to Soyu, her relationship with little Chihiro had been pure coincidence. Supposedly, at the time they met, Chihiro hadn’t known who her family was and had no "reliable" source of income.

So, her kindhearted daughter had "generously" taken Chihiro in.

It sounded like a heartwarming, wholesome story of compassion.

"But the real question is… why do you think I’d object?"

"I…"

She couldn’t say it.

Nagasaki Soyu really couldn’t say it.

Her explanation just now had sounded perfect—logical, even.

But it was completely different from the truth.

For one, Chihiro was not some soft, adorable girl in need of shelter. Sure, she was pretty—but her personality was infuriating.

And the fact that she had the audacity to impersonate an adult—no, her mother, of all people—if that truth ever got out, Soyu had no idea how her mom would react.

Would she forbid her from associating with such a "bad influence"?

And it wasn’t just that.

Chihiro’s main gig wasn’t pretending to be Soyu’s mom.

Her real job was being Soyu’s double.

If her career-driven mother ever caught onto the deeper reasons behind that, how was she supposed to explain it?

Was she supposed to actually admit that she had been spending her allowance to pay Chihiro to pose as her?

That sometimes, when she didn’t feel like going to class, she’d have Chihiro ditch for her, using a well-crafted excuse to get out of school?

But then again…

Maybe it wasn’t as bad as she thought.

Her mom only stayed home at night, and Chihiro was usually holed up in her room during the day.

The only real downside was that she’d have less alone time with Chihiro to plan their "schemes" up close. If she wasn’t careful, Chihiro might just go and do something ridiculous on her own.

But at the very least, Chihiro’s acting skills were solid.

Which meant that, in front of her mother, she definitely wouldn’t slip up and reveal her true nature.

"Mom, how long are you planning to stay home this time?"

"Hm?"

Rina chuckled at her daughter’s ever-changing expressions.

"Why? Just a minute ago, you looked like you didn’t want me home. Now, suddenly, you’re my sweet, doting daughter again?"

Seeing Soyu’s slightly awkward reaction, Rina couldn’t stop laughing.

"This time, I’ll probably be home for at least a month."

It wasn’t just about spending more time with her daughter.

She also needed to make sure Soyu was safe—and investigate Ichinose’s recent movements.

Of course, that wasn’t something she planned to tell Soyu.

Her daughter didn’t need to worry about adult matters.

She just needed to focus on living her own life.

That said…

Rina really wanted to meet this Tsuzuki Chihiro.

And she still couldn’t wrap her head around something—

Why had Soyu mistaken her for someone the same age as her?

What, could that kid disguise herself or something?

…No, that would be ridiculous.

"Mom, where are we going? Weren’t we going out to eat?"

"Now that I know you have a new roommate, how could I eat out? I have to meet this ‘Chihiro’ you’ve been talking up so much."

"Eh? But—"

Is this okay?

…Actually, it should be fine, right?

All of Chihiro’s disguise tools were stored in her room.

Soyu’s own room was completely clean.

"What’s wrong?"

"Nothing."

Soyu shook her head.

And honestly, she didn’t feel as nervous anymore.

In fact, why should she be nervous?

She should be happy.

A month wasn’t that long, but once it was over, her mom would probably go back to staying at the company overnight.

Things would return to how they were.

But for now, she had her.

She was satisfied.

Even though she had been sent back in time a month, reliving May 2020 all over again—

Even though, once again, she had failed to fulfill her wish—

Even though things had only gotten messier this time—

She couldn’t just dwell on the bad things.

Because honestly… she was happy now.

The drive home wasn’t far.

Even after making a short detour toward the restaurant they had originally planned to eat at, they were still back home a little after 4 PM.

Instead of heading straight upstairs, though, Rina and Soyu stopped by a nearby grocery store first.

After all, most of the food she and Chihiro had been cooking with was at Chihiro’s place.

The fridge at home was practically empty.

It wasn’t until she was picking out groceries that Soyu suddenly realized—

She had hung up on Chihiro earlier.

And she still hadn’t called her back.

Oh no.

If that insufferable girl decided to hold a grudge over this and use it as an excuse to bully her later—

That would be bad.

Knowing all too well how petty Chihiro could be, Soyu quickly pulled out her phone and called her.

But strangely, Chihiro wasn’t picking up.

Wait… is she mad?

"What’s wrong, Soyu?"

"Chihiro isn’t answering."

"Maybe she didn’t hear it?" Rina smiled, not taking it too seriously. "Or maybe she’s holding a grudge because you hung up on her first~"

"I…"

Soyu wanted to protest—

But at that moment, her phone rang.

And the caller ID read: Tsuzuki Chihiro.

She answered immediately.

Just as she was about to ask what was going on, she noticed that the background noise on the other end sounded… chaotic.

"Chihiro, are you outside?" Soyu frowned.

She had already expected this troublemaker not to stay put.

She said she’d be working on a song at home, but this was Chihiro.

There was no way she’d actually stay home all day without causing trouble.

Unless…

She had been sleeping.

"Ah… sorry, Soyu. I might be home late tonight. Or maybe not at all."

"Where are you? Who are you with?"

"Uh… I’m with Momoka and the others."

"Right now… I think we’re at the police station."

"Yeah, we’re definitely at the police station."

"…What?"

Soyu’s eyes went wide.

Her voice trembled with panic.

"Chihiro—did you get arrested?!"

"……"

"……"

"If I got arrested, do you really think you’d get off scot-free?"

"And besides—my grandma already paid off all my debts. What would I even get arrested for?"

"It’s just that Momoka got drunk at the restaurant."

"She went outside to get some air, got into an argument with a drunk guy, and now he’s trying to scam her for money."

"So, here we are."

"…Oh."

"Ah, looks like that old drunk’s daughter just showed up—"

"…What the hell?! Why is it HER?!"

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T/N: SAKIKOS DAD??

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!