The social phobia substitute will not dream of the band girl

Both the people and the clothes are cute, but the people are definitely cuter.

Chapter 14: Work Hard

It had been quite a while since the four members of noctchill officially started working, and over the past few months, they had clearly understood how to work. Therefore, they no longer appeared for regular tasks like interviews and magazine modeling, but they would still appear for more important events.

At first glance, it seems that the time we spend together has decreased, but in fact it is not much less. After all, as strength and fame increase, general business will not come to us easily. Apart from active auditions, most of the time they come to us and specify someone, just like You'A Xiong Industrial and Commercial this time.

"Really? Thank you so much!"

The photoshoot didn't take long, lasting less than 3 hours. After the shoot, the staff said something to Hina, who then trotted over wearing the dress and with a bright smile on her face.

Black leather boots, white stockings with mesh trims, and a pale pink skirt with a small Yu-A Bear print. The green knitted sweater is a loose-fitting style that Hina likes, and the ruffled sleeves and cake-like pattern add a light and airy feel to her.

The black heart-shaped waist bag is decorated with a large string of pearls arranged in a heart shape. It does not have the elegance and luxury of jewels, nor the tacky look of a nouveau riche. Instead, it gives people a feeling of "throwing a brick to attract jade", making people realize that the only function of decoration is to bring out the beauty of its owner.

But if you insist, Heishin thinks the overall outfit is rather "childish", especially the image of Yu-A Kuma on the skirt and the white grouping on the chest. But considering that it is a promotion for the mascot, this outfit is just right.

The neckline has a silk ribbon, and the headband is larger than the previous dessert shop collaboration, with bear ears. This time, it also has a Yu-A Kuma image on it, which looks much more professional than before. The overall outfit is loose and comfortable, and it incorporates many elements of the mascot, Yu-A Kuma, making her look a little too cute, but it is just right for Hina.

Her slightly wilful nature symbolizes the freedom of her soul, while her genius allows her body to fulfill its purpose. Her seemingly childish clothing, though not quite appropriate for her age, only serves to highlight Hina's inner purity, reminding the adults of what they once left behind.

Ping Xin couldn't tell at the moment whether it was Alice who accidentally entered the underground world or a little elf who was attracted to the colorful world and finally came to the mortal world.

"That's really good..."

The only thing Ping Xin wanted to complain about was the hairstyle design.

Hina can certainly pull off a cute bun hairstyle, and it won't conflict with the bear ears hair accessories, but the small bun and the bear ears look like four ears, and there are two original human ears underneath, which makes people want to complain about where this girl with animal ears came from.

If a monkey with six ears is called a six-eared macaque, then what should this be called? A six-eared brown bear?

All the above thoughts were completed in less than a second, and when Hina stopped in front of him, tilted her head slightly and looked at him with a smile, Pingxin immediately understood and touched her head as encouragement.

Although the former may not be satisfied with such a "small reward" now.

"Producer~ Listen to me~"

Okay, okay, I'm listening, okay?

Ping Xin stopped what he was doing and crossed his arms across his chest. With his suit on, he looked like a professional moneylender. Although he still had the Shenbi mask on his face and his expression could not be seen, at least his posture was satisfactory (barely satisfactory).

"The staff just said that today's photography was very good."

"Yeah, I think so too. No one is more suitable than you."

Ping Xin nodded, turning into a ruthless, all-affirming machine.

"Then that sister said she would give me this outfit. It's a Yu-A Kuma peripheral that's not available on the market. Yahaha~!"

Ichikawa Hina spun around excitedly, her delicate fragrance clearly permeating even beneath her headgear. Honestly, Hirashin preferred the utterly adorable Hina over the subtle, adorable mascots.

Moreover, Ping Xin also heard clearly the whispers between the two people just now. Who made the publicity director of You A Xiong always peek over here when he was talking?

While not explicitly stated, Hirayuko suspects the upcoming Christmas collaboration is just the beginning, likely a test of further collaboration with Hina and the Hengxin Group behind it. Rumors suggest Yu-A Kuma's company plans to open a specialty store in Tokyo, slated to open next spring, and this collaboration is likely another test of the waters.

If this is true, then Hinana will be able to complete the three-step jump from outsourcing, probation to formal employment in two years. It is really enviable.

Of course, Ping Xin would not say these "unfounded" things, otherwise it would be very boring -

"That's really amazing! Your hard work has been recognized! That's amazing~ That's amazing~"

"Hehe~"

Naturally, their interaction was under the watchful eyes of others, which was subtly jarring... just as subtle as the cuteness of this mascot.

Hmm, subtle!

"After completing this work well, the results will undoubtedly become the foundation for future cooperation. Let's continue our efforts and strive to receive the cooperation from You-A-Kum."

Yuu Kuma is working hard on promotions, and Hinana can't fall behind, she also has to work harder to become an idol...

Is that probably what it feels like?

"Okay~!" Hinana replied energetically.

As soon as Ping Xin extended his hand, Hina understood immediately, and the two of them high-fived to celebrate.

The energetic interaction between the young people also made the "old men and women" around them, who were over 28 years old on average, smile knowingly. After laughing, the publicity director of Youa Xiong walked up with forced composure.

"Ms. Ichikawa, Mr. Producer, if you don't mind, would you like me to pick out one or two of the merchandise to take back?"

"Is that okay~?"

"Of course you can. After all, Hina-chan has always been a fan of our Yu-A Kuma. Just think of it as a thank you for your continued support."

The female person in charge spoke in a sincere tone and smiled genuinely. It would have been better if she hadn't kept looking at Ping Xin's reaction out of the corner of her eye.

"Since it's such a kind gesture, just accept it. I know everything about Yu-A Kuma from Hina, so I'll leave the selection to you."

"Ahaha~ Leave it to me~!"

After hearing Hirashin's words, Hinana's eyes lit up and she walked out quickly. She was so full of energy...

"I don't care how you know my identity. After all, I don't have much interest in you, but I don't have any ill will towards you either."

Ping Xin's voice was so soft that no one else could hear it, except the female person in charge who could hear it clearly.

"I won't support you, but I won't let you go bankrupt either... Just compete normally. If you want resources, you have to rely on your own wisdom, talent, courage and hard work to fight for them. After all—"

This is how the world should be.

"Try your best..." Ping Xin patted her shoulder.

Whether it's you, you guys, or me.

Chapter 15: Aren’t you coming?

Under the watchful eyes of Ichikawa Hina, Hirashin put Yuukumin's pendant into his keychain, then hugged the huge Yuukumin doll and got into the car together.

"Hey, Pingxin, what did you say to the lady in charge over there just now~?" Hina asked as soon as she got on the bus.

What kind of question is this? Are you checking on me?

After getting in the car, he didn't answer the question immediately. Instead, he took off his hood and breathed in the fresh air... Is the air in the car really fresh? Is it really good to be stuck in a traffic jam in Tokyo and breathe in exhaust fumes?

...Let's not talk about complaints like these for now. To be honest, Pingxin suddenly began to feel disgusted with taking the lead in the trap. After all, only rats would hide their true intentions.

Although this was the decision he made at the beginning, liking to point fingers at past mistakes is also a part of growing up. To put it bluntly, this is called being fickle.

After struggling to squeeze the giant doll into the empty seat at the back of the van, Hiranobu sat down across from Hinana. After stretching, he slowly replied, "It's nothing, just some work stuff... Are you curious, Hinana?"

He always turns the tables.

"Hmm... curious~!"

"..."

Honestly, Hirayuko really has no way to deal with someone this naive. No one can pull him off, and a straightforward approach would probably result in both sides suffering. And someone like Hinana, who combines both innocence and thinking ability, is a perfect counter to him. She's at a disadvantage...

"They are probably very happy about this cooperation. They will continue to work hard to make better YouA Kuma products. I hope Hina and noctchill will continue to prosper."

"So that's it~"

Whether out of trust or genuine indifference, Hinana didn't press the issue any further, and Hirayuki didn't add unnecessary or guilt-ridden explanations, as the more you do, the more mistakes you'll make.

"Ordinary letter."

"what happened?"

Traffic in Tokyo was as congested as ever, and Hiraishu and Hina were also taking the bus back to take the giant doll back. After a few minutes of silence, Hina suddenly spoke.

"Is it really that important to communicate that you're working hard?"

The surprise wasn't Yu-A-Kuma, the food and drinks, or the childhood friends, but rather the serious life advice. Honestly, Heishin suddenly felt a little excited...

"Well... maybe, maybe not~" Ping Xin was acting as a riddler again.

“Eh~~~~?”

Seeing Hina pout, Hirayuko stopped teasing her and took out the drinks and snacks he had bought at the convenience store during the filming. After eating, drinking, playing and joking for a while, the conversation continued.

"Perhaps it's not important to those who don't understand or care about Hina, because they tend to only see your results and shortcomings."

"Aha~"

Although it was also "Aha~", this time the tone was not cheerfully rising but slightly downward, along with her expression.

Besides the various benefits of fame, the most obvious manifestation is the increasing number of haters. Whether they are water armies, true antis, or just the loser group looking for trouble to gain attention online, it is undeniable that their presence does make people feel uncomfortable.

It's like an ink spot on white paper or a cockroach crawling across tile—not fatal, but deeply unpleasant. Even Hina, who's naturally optimistic and oblivious to others' opinions, is affected in some way. After all, as professional idols, their hard work is "natural" and not worthy of excessive praise. But having their efforts completely denied, fabricated, maliciously slandered, and completely denied is still incredibly painful.

"But for Hina's fans, it would be nice to hear that their idol is working hard, right?"

"...Then, if Hina (I) says 'I tried my best~!', will Hiranobu cheer up too?"

"Yeah, of course." Hirashin answered immediately, "After all, I'm also a fan of Hina. Maybe even her first fan."

Although Hinana's thoughts are as jumpy as ever, fortunately, the truth never requires too much thinking, so Heishin can blurt it out.

"I've learned a lot from Hina so far, and I've been encouraged by her. After all, you're my mentor on the road to happiness."

Tokyo is big, but it is small for people who are destined to meet each other. When Heishin added Hina's social account on the online message board, this was the beginning of their fate.

“…I see~”

A bright smile flashed across Hinana's face, and then she leaned back in relaxation, closing her eyes. Was she tired?

A moment's thought didn't yield an answer, but it was enough for one to draw a conclusion and utter a word.

"Hey, Hirashin...Hina, I worked really hard today~~~!"

"...Well, thank you for your hard work~"

The warm atmosphere didn't last long, because Ping Xin immediately spoke again -

"But Hina doesn't have to say it. Putting your own wishes first is what Ichikawa Hina is. I don't want to be a medium that distorts your will. Hina is Hina, and that's enough.

And...even if you don't say it, I know you've been working hard."

"...Ahaha~ That's really great~"

Hinana finally answered after a while, probably surprised by Hirayukoshi's lack of understanding. Seeing her close her eyes and turn away, she must have been speechless, so Hirayukoshi didn't say anything further.

The closer the person is to him, the more Ping Xin wants to make his words clear. After all, most misunderstandings in this world come from improper communication, and he doesn't want to be secretive or deceitful towards the people he cares about.

It's fair to exchange sincerity for sincerity.

......

...

..

With Delta's help, the two arrived safely at Ichikawa's house, a simple one-family house. Considering it was in Tokyo and in this area, the price might not be ordinary, but it was really ordinary.

The girl holding the giant doll turned around and asked, "Aren't you coming~?"

"...No, say hello to your parents for me."

If you go, you need to know what identity you should go with, when to go, and what preparations you need to make before that. There is a lot of knowledge involved.

After thinking for a moment, Ping Xin added, "Next time, I'll definitely... maybe not?"

Well, it seems that I am still a little scared, after all, there are two families not far away.

"Ahaha~ What is that~?"

Who knows?

"But...you're always welcome to my house."

"Any time?"

"Any time."

Hei Xin felt a little regretful the moment he finished speaking. After all, if it was Hina, it wouldn't be strange for her to come over at two or three in the morning. He should tell her during Christmas...

At a birthday party.

Chapter 16 The Big Sister is Watching You

Christmas Eve, or Silent Night, is on December 12th every year, the day before Christmas.