Tokyo Sick Girlfriend

Chapter 68 Face to Face
If there's anything torturous in the world, it's probably being alone with someone you hate.

"Let's forget it, there's no need, and those people who were with you just now aren't really available, are they?"

Mio Takahashi refused without hesitation.

Having Hojo Shione escort him home felt like having her standing on a mountaintop, while he could only look up at her from below the steps.

"Ms. Fukada has left, so it's just the two of us now."

Hojo Shione stared into her eyes and said:
"Besides, even if you dislike me, you still want to know something about Kiyoya, right?"

You're quite self-aware, but since you know I hate you, shouldn't you just get lost?

Mio Takahashi thought to herself, but she couldn't refuse what she said.

Come to think of it, I seem rather pathetic. Whenever it comes to Shiratori Seiya, my interest is completely piqued, and I simply can't refuse.

Moreover, she had always wanted to know why he and Hojo broke up.

Despite feeling uncomfortable being overwhelmed, Mio Takahashi followed the other person to the parking lot.

However, when she saw Hojo Shione standing in front of the black car and skillfully pressing the car key, Takahashi Mio's uncomfortable feeling intensified. Rain pattered on her arms, and her limbs suddenly felt cold and weak.

Hojo Shione was about to get into the car when she suddenly saw a girl standing motionless with an umbrella in her hand, and a look of doubt flashed in her eyes.

However, noticing the complicated look in Mio Takahashi's eyes as she gazed at the car logo, she immediately understood and smiled, saying:

"Get in the car. Even with an umbrella, you'll still catch a cold. You don't want to hear Qingzai scolding you, do you?"

Actually, she was hoping that Takahashi Mio would be scolded, but when she thought about the scene where Shiratori Seiya would fuss over her after scolding her, she immediately felt that it was unnecessary.

Mio Takahashi snapped out of her daze, put away her umbrella, and got into the car.

While she was fastening her seatbelt, Hojo Shione shifted gears and said with a smile:
"Actually, you don't need to envy me. You will have it too. Once you become famous, the speed at which you make money will exceed your imagination."

The seatbelt was a bit difficult to adjust, even a little tight. After adjusting it, Takahashi Mio glanced at her and smiled, saying:

"You really believe I'll become famous?"

Upon hearing this, Hojo Shione looked at her as if she wanted to say something but hesitated, then smiled and turned her head to stare at the road ahead before stepping on the gas.

Mio Takahashi paused for a moment, then her face immediately darkened, and she gritted her teeth.

Although Hojo Shione didn't say it explicitly, her meaning couldn't be clearer.

'It's not that I believe you, it's that I believe in Kiyoya.'

Mio Takahashi suddenly felt a pang of resentment towards herself for asking that question.

How is this any different from bringing shame upon oneself?
A month ago, if she had been able to sit in the passenger seat of Hojo Shione's car, she would probably have been so happy that she couldn't sleep for days, and even if she did fall asleep, she would wake up excitedly in the morning.

But at this moment, her heart was completely different from before.

It was still drizzling outside, the raindrops hitting the windowpane with a soft, pattering sound that barely calmed her frustration.

Seemingly realizing that Takahashi Mio understood what she had just meant, Hojo Shione pondered for a moment and then said:
"However, at first you'll feel happy making money, but gradually you'll realize that some things are more important than making money..."

Ha ha……

Upon hearing her words, Mio Takahashi couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

How is this any different from capitalists who constantly say 'I don't like money' or 'Money has no meaning for me'?
She really wanted to retort, "You've never taken out a loan online, so what right do you have to say these things?" But the words just felt stupid and pointless.

Not wanting to make the situation too awkward, Mio Takahashi asked directly:
Why did you break up with Shiratori Seiya?

Upon hearing this, Hojo Shione seemed to have triggered a key word, her eyelids twitched, and she unconsciously stepped on the brakes.

The two of them suddenly leaned forward. Takahashi Mio was stunned for a moment, and then a look of panic appeared in her eyes as she looked at Hojo Shione.

Does this woman even know how to drive?
Fortunately, Hojo Shione quickly regained her composure, and the car returned to a steady speed. She pursed her lips and asked:

"What did he tell you?"

Upon hearing this, Takahashi Mio turned her head and stared intently at Hojo Shione, saying:
"If he could explain it clearly, would I need to ask you?"

"Hehe..." Hearing her say that, Hojo Shione chuckled dreamily:

"Yes, how could he possibly explain it clearly? But since he can't explain it clearly, I have even less to say."

She paused, then her tone suddenly became complicated. Taking advantage of the moment while waiting at the red light, she glanced at Takahashi Mio and said:
"I feel like you're really a lot like me now."

"You don't actually need to prove to me whether Shiratori Seiya really cares about you."

"Because I know that he will be completely devoted to you."

"I know all this without you having to tell me..."

Hojo Shione's eyes filled with longing:

"He'll check on your meals every day to make sure you're eating well, take you shopping for pretty clothes in his free time, and be incredibly attentive to you while you're working. He'll be there for you almost the entire time, accompanying you during training, helping you record your shortcomings and areas for improvement, and showing you warmth and care that you've never felt before. He'll even go along with things that are a little excessive..."

The traffic lights at the intersection began to flash. Hojo Shione stopped speaking, pursed her lips, and finally said softly:

"Because I've been through all of what you've been through."

Mio Takahashi unconsciously clenched her hands on the outside of her thighs, feeling a little sadder with each word Hojo Shione said.

What utter nonsense are you spouting? He does go shopping and accompany me during training, but when has he ever bought me breakfast, lunch, or dinner? And he even goes along with my unreasonable requests?

Why don't you know?
She turned her head and glared hatefully at Hojo Shione, saying:

"Did you come here today just to show off to me?"

"Do not."

Hojo Shione shook her head and said:
"What I mean is, don't get too involved, otherwise you'll be devastated when you break up. And even if you leave Shiratori Seiya, you'll be perfectly fine on your own."

"My concert is next week, and I'll prove it to you..."

However, before she could finish speaking, Mio Takahashi suddenly interrupted her:

"parking!"

Hojo Shione was taken aback, glancing at her out of the corner of her eye.

Seeing that the other party did not react, Takahashi Mio spoke again in a clear and articulate voice:
I said, pull over to the side of the road!

Her voice rose a few decibels, and her entire demeanor suddenly became more imposing.

Hojo Shione sensed that something was wrong with her mood. She glanced at the roadside and, seeing no no-parking signs, obediently parked her car next to the road.

Once the car had come to a complete stop, Takahashi Mio quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, turned around, stared intently into her eyes, and said coldly:
"You really like to talk to yourself."

"What do you mean by being similar to you? What do you mean by saying that you've experienced everything I've been through? I haven't even debuted yet, so please stop acting like a 'senior' and being condescending, okay?"

"What do you know about me? Do you know how ridiculous you are right now, like a widow who has been abandoned by her husband and is now wallowing in self-pity?"

"You say you've already let go, but in reality, you just can't bear to part with it, right?"

"Your hypocrisy is really annoying."

"I will definitely go to your concert. Your best performance will make me feel like I can never surpass you in my entire life..."

"No wonder that bastard said he wanted to marry Saori but had no feelings for you. He didn't even try to win her over. He just complained and blamed everyone. It's disgusting."

'call! '

After saying all the things that had been building up inside her, Mio Takahashi let out a breath of relief, feeling much better.

Without waiting for Hojo Shione's response, she turned on the car door and ran into the rain...

'Boom! '

The car door was slammed shut, and Hojo Shione stared blankly as Takahashi Mio stood in the rain, hailed a taxi, and drove away.

After a moment, she came to her senses, her narrow eyes narrowed, and she suddenly chuckled softly, saying in a low voice:
"Heh, more stubborn than I imagined..."

……
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(End of this chapter)