They are really too low!

"You two seem to get along very well. Do you often come here to eat after your guitar practice?"

In fact, Wakaba Mutsu was also secretly watching Toyokawa Shoko. Hoshino Mi hadn't told her that she would be calling Toyokawa Shoko over today, so she gently bit her straw, feeling a little disappointed. It turned out that today wouldn't be just the two of them alone.

However, upon noticing that Toyokawa Shoko was looking over, Wakaba Mutsu immediately lowered his head and silently drank his juice.

"No, there's a coffee shop right where we practice. We don't usually come here," Hoshino said nonchalantly. "To thank you for always teaching me, I'm treating you today. Just like with Mutsu, you can order whatever you want."

He spoke with such nonchalance, but Toyokawa Shoko remained frozen in place. It was just a test she had been giving, and she hadn't expected him to actually say it.

Do you usually have coffee together after guitar practice? Besides guitar, what else do you two talk about?

And why did you suddenly call out "Xiao Mu"?

It's only been about a week. Even if she had thought that the two of them would get along, it shouldn't be this fast, right?

This was the first time ever that Ruoye Mu would allow a boy to call her by her name.

You should know that even now, Hoshino and I only address each other by our surnames; we're not close enough to call each other by our full names.

Hoshino Mi can call Wakaba Mutsu by name directly. Does Wakaba Mutsu usually call Hoshino Mi by name too?

Why was Wakaba Mutsumi able to do it so easily?

For a moment, Toyokawa Shoko didn't know what she should be angry about. She should be happier the better the relationship between Akihiro Nomi and Wakaba Mutsuki, since they were both her best friends right now.

However, seeing Hoshino Mi and Wakaba Mutsu sitting together stirred up a strange emotion within her, causing Toyokawa Shoko to bite her lip slightly to forcefully suppress it.

Hoshino found her reaction strange, thinking that she was going to reject him again.

"Today is just a treat between friends, don't think about it as a favor."

Toyokawa Shoko chuckled dryly and picked up her menu: "N-nothing. I had promised to teach you music theory and treat you to something, but I feel you're being too polite."

Hoshino breathed a sigh of relief. Actually, he was a little worried that Toyokawa Shoko would refuse, because this girl was very sensitive to other people's kindness.

"I mainly feel like I'm bothering you every night, and sometimes we even talk until after 11 p.m., so I was thinking that it might affect your rest, so I decided to treat you to something to maintain our friendship."

Hoshino deliberately used a joking tone between friends, which was in line with Toyokawa Shoko's impression of him, so that she wouldn't suspect whether he was intentionally trying to feed her.

At that moment, Wakaba Mutsu gently tugged at his sleeve.

"I...I can do it too." The girl mustered her courage. "I also know music theory."

In an instant, Hoshino and Toyokawa Shoko both froze.

Although she shyly let go of Hoshino Mi's sleeve immediately, Wakaba Mutsu looked at Hoshino Mi with anticipation, her face slightly flushed. This time, she expressed her thoughts.

For some reason, Hoshino instinctively looked at Toyokawa Shoko, who pursed her lips and remained silent.

Hoshino was slightly taken aback, because Toyokawa Shoko's intimacy level was actually increasing.

[Intimacy: 24 → 26]

Seeing this surge, Hoshino was starting to panic. What had he just done?

After a moment of silence, Toyokawa Shoko smiled, as if she were making a perfectly normal suggestion.

“Xiao Mu’s music theory level is also very high. Unlike me, she is more skilled in the guitar. If you want to learn guitar in depth, it’s better to learn with Xiao Mu.”

Even though she was still smiling, Hoshino could tell that what she was saying meant that Wakaba Mutsumi only knew how to play the guitar, while she was more versatile.

If you want to learn guitar, you can choose Wakaba Mutsu, since she's not good at it.

"If I'm going to compose music, wouldn't it be better to learn both?" Hoshino blinked. Only children make choices; adults want it all.

“Sure, whatever you like.” Toyokawa Shoko smiled slightly, her thoughts unreadable.

Ruoye Mu pursed her lips. She could also compose music, but as Toyokawa Shoko meant, she only knew the guitar part, which would easily turn into a guitar-only piece.

"Are you learning these things because you plan to write your own songs?" Toyokawa Shoko changed the subject.

"Not entirely. I'm just curious about what this skill can bring me." Hoshino didn't answer the question directly.

Toyokawa Shoko smiled and didn't delve into it further. In fact, she had always suspected the relationship between Hoshino Mi and Junda Mana.

"By the way, how's your work going?" Hoshino asked casually.

Speaking of this, Ruoye Mu also became a little concerned, secretly glancing at Toyokawa Shoko, her eyes revealing a hint of worry.

"It's alright." In front of her childhood friend and her friend, Toyokawa Shoko didn't want to show any emotion, so she smiled and pretended to be relaxed. "Your friend is actually learning piano quite quickly. It seems like she'll be performing on stage next month."

"She's really planning to do this? Isn't she afraid the company will reject it?" Hoshino asked, somewhat surprised.

"Her manager seems to know, and everyone thinks it's quite interesting." Toyokawa Shoko couldn't help but smile, especially thinking about how Mikami Hatsuka would be completely unaware and see her good partner playing the piano on stage; her expression would definitely be very amusing.

"It seems she's alright for now. Hopefully, her idea will succeed." Hoshino felt that Junda Mana had been studying for so long, and besides his favor, she probably really wanted to show off to her partner.

If Ye Mu found that she couldn't get a word in edgewise, she could only sit quietly and listen.

To be honest, she had no idea how Toyokawa Shoko and Hoshino Mi became friends. She only knew that Toyokawa Shoko seemed to owe Hoshino Mi a favor. Was it because of the umbrella back then?

Who is the "she" that the two people are talking about? Is Toyokawa Shoko a piano teacher?

Ruo Ye Mu felt inexplicably uncomfortable. It wasn't that she was angry, but rather that she felt excluded from the conversation as she overheard the two talking about things she didn't know and people she didn't recognize.

Especially when she saw Hoshino Mi, who usually always looked at her, now looking at Toyokawa Shoko alone, as if something was scratching at her that she couldn't grasp or touch, it made Wakaba Mutsu increasingly irritable.

She was also Hoshino's friend, and today should have been her time all to herself.

Unbeknownst to Ruoye Mu, Toyokawa Shoko was also glancing at her from time to time.

Perhaps because they were childhood sweethearts, the two of them were feeling remarkably similar at that moment.

Chapter Forty-Five: Each with Their Own Thoughts

The two childhood friends were experiencing strange emotions when Hoshino naturally shifted the topic to Toyokawa Shoko.

"By the way, what are your plans for the future?"

What? What to do? Toyokawa Shoko was a little stunned, then realized that he was talking about her job. Junda Mana could not be employed long-term; she just wanted to learn piano temporarily.

Once Mana Junda takes the stage to perform, it will likely end there.

For a young idol who sings and dances, playing the piano is not a necessary skill; as mentioned before, it's a temporary job.

Therefore, besides treating everyone to dinner today, Hoshino also wants to discuss this issue with Toyokawa Shoko, at least to find out what she thinks now.

“If you want to make money this way, continuing as a tutor is also a good option.” Hoshino thought for a moment. “Although your age is a bit of a problem, with Mana around, maybe someone will be interested.”

Junda Mana certainly wouldn't mind being a background character for the gold medal pianist, and might even proactively recommend Toyokawa Shoko to others.

If all else fails, Toyokawa Shoko can work part-time as a pianist at the store; they usually won't refuse a beautiful girl who is both pretty and technically skilled.

However, Toyokawa Shoko's reaction to this suggestion was somewhat unexpected.

"That's enough, Hoshino-senpai. I understand what you mean, but I can't accept your suggestion."

Toyokawa Shoko tried her best to avoid Hoshino Mi's gaze, gripping the cup of coffee in her hands slightly, her voice almost forced out.

"I have my own ideas and I can't continue to trouble you and Ms. Mana."

Has she become so sensitive that she can't even accept advice from friends?

Hoshino glanced at Wakaba Mutsu beside her. The girl lowered her head, as if she was extremely familiar with Toyokawa Shoko like this.

“It’s alright, it’s just a suggestion. You can have a better plan if you want.” Hoshino took a sip of coffee, but his brain was working at high speed.

There are usually two relatively simple ways to win over someone.

You can either infiltrate the other person's life, slowly eroding their existence until they become dependent on you, or you can increase their investment so that they are unwilling to leave you due to the high sunk costs.

Hoshino thought about it and realized that none of them seemed suitable for Toyokawa Shoko at the moment.

On the other side, Toyokawa Shoko remained even more silent.

She knew that Hoshino's suggestion was reasonable; it was better, more respectable, and more comfortable than the job she could find now.

However, she could not accept this arrangement.

If she has to accept help every time, what's the point of her persisting until now? She might as well go home and be a pampered princess.

"Do you and Xiaomu talk about anything other than guitar?" Toyokawa Shoko was more concerned about this than work.

"We'll talk about other things, but most of the time we'll talk about guitar." Hoshino wanted to sigh. Even if he wanted to talk about something else with such a taciturn person, he couldn't!

"Didn't you bring him back to your house to play games together?" Toyokawa Shoko glanced at him, her expression somewhat mocking.

"Don't make it sound like I'd bring anyone home." Hoshino shook her head. "Letting you stay overnight last time was the limit of what I could do."

Seeing the two talking about themselves, Ruoye Mu listened very attentively, not having time to think about the meaning of going home together to play games. In the end, she only focused on one word—staying overnight.

"Xiao Xiang, stay the night?" Ruoye Mu couldn't help but look at Fengchuan Xiangzi. Her originally calm voice now showed some confusion and surprise, indicating that she was experiencing great emotional turmoil.

“Something happened last time, so I had to stay at Hoshino-senpai’s house for one night.” Toyokawa Shoko was about to brag a little, but seeing Wakaba Mutsumi staring at her intently, she felt a little guilty. “Ahaha, it’s normal for friends to stay over, right, Hoshino-senpai?”

After saying that, Toyokawa Shoko glared fiercely at Hoshino Mi. Why did he bring up the matter of staying overnight?

Hoshino felt somewhat innocent. Wasn't it you who brought up playing games first?

“It’s normal…” Hoshino noticed that Wakaba Mutsumi’s gaze towards him had inexplicably become resentful. “Mutsumi, do you want to play games with me too?”

"Is the game fun?" Wakaba Mutsu actually wanted to ask what the overnight stay was all about, but when she heard Hoshino Mi talk about playing games together, she seemed a little interested.

"It's hard to say. If you don't have friends to play with, the game can get boring very easily." Hoshino smiled. "I can show you around next time."

Wakaba Mutsu nodded with a hint of anticipation, while Toyokawa Shoko, standing to the side, was stunned.

Wait, is this just her imagination?

Shoko Toyokawa was confused; she felt that Mutsuki Wakaba seemed more proactive than before.

In her memory, if no one was with Wakaba Mutsu, the latter would never have said such a thing, let alone shown such expectant eyes.

Toyokawa Shoko suddenly felt a pang of sadness. She had seen Wakaba Mutsuko like this before, who was more cheerful and more willing to talk than she was now.

But now, Wakaba Mutsu is showing Hoshino Mi an expression that even she rarely sees. Is she looking forward to playing games with Hoshino Mi?

What exactly happened between the two of them while she wasn't paying attention? Weren't they just practicing guitar?

"Xiao Mu, you'd better be careful. This boy is particularly awful when it comes to games." Toyokawa Shoko smiled casually. "If I find out you're bullying Xiao Mu, don't expect me to let you off easily. Next time, I'll definitely beat you to a pulp."

"I was careless last time. You'll regret it when you see me at my peak." Hoshino sneered, seemingly unafraid.

"So, you're issuing me a challenge?" Toyokawa Shoko snorted in return.

"Try it if you dare," Hoshino said stubbornly, seeing that the situation was hopeless.

“Alright, then I’ll beat you until you’re completely convinced.” Toyokawa Shoko glanced at Wakaba Mutsu and smiled. “Don’t worry, Mutsu, with me here, he’s no match for you.”

Wakaba Mutsu's expression stiffened slightly. Why did Toyokawa Shoko have to come along? Didn't you already stay overnight at Hoshino Mi's house?

You are Hoshino Mi's friend, and she is also Hoshino Mi's friend. Is it not even possible to let her experience what you went through a little?

She also wanted to play games with her friends, she also wanted to stay overnight at her friends' houses, and she also wanted to create many fun and wonderful memories with her friends.

Besides you, Hoshino Mi is also her friend, right?

These thoughts flashed through his mind one by one, but in the end, facing Toyokawa Shoko's smile, Wakaba Mutsu simply nodded slightly and murmured an "Mmm".

Seeing this, Toyokawa Shoko felt somewhat relieved, realizing that Wakaba Muku still cared about her, his childhood friend.

Therefore, she wouldn't let it go easily; she needed to find out what was going on between the two of them.

Toyokawa Shoko took a sip of coffee with a slightly reserved demeanor, but her small hand holding the cup trembled slightly. Even though the two men were her friends, why did she feel that unpleasant feeling just now?

Is he jealous of Hoshino Mi, or is he jealous of Wakaba Mutsumi?

Chapter Forty-Six: Back to School Season

After chatting for a while, Hoshino realized he hadn't been able to get Toyokawa Shoko to talk, so he had to give up.

This girl is like a hedgehog; if you're not careful, she'll bristle all over. Hoshino thought that with Wakaba Mutsu beside her, at least she could be softened up a bit.

Unexpectedly, her attitude became even more rigid, clearly indicating that she did not intend to ask anyone for help. It's unclear what she was being stubborn about.

So after finishing our meal, the gathering had to end there.

However, Hoshino was unaware that after he left, the atmosphere between the two childhood friends became somewhat awkward.

"You two seem to be getting along well. He hasn't taken you to do anything weird, has he?" Toyokawa Shoko said with a hint of joking. After all, Hoshino Mi would take girls home directly and wouldn't hold back when playing games with them; he was a really bad guy.

"No." Wakaba Mutsu glanced in the direction Hoshino Mi had left, then slowly lowered her gaze.

After waiting for a while, Toyokawa Shoko realized that this was all she had to say, and she felt somewhat uncomfortable. She wasn't like this when she was with Hoshino Mi.