The night passed quietly.
The next morning.
8 a.m. — time for school, as usual.
Bai Qiu was waiting for the elevator.
Just then, Nagasaki Sumiyo stepped out of her apartment. When she saw him, she politely greeted him.
"Gu—Good morning, Bai Qiu-kun."
She let out a quiet sigh of relief. She had almost used her usual school-style greeting out of habit.
"Morning, Nagasaki… classmate."
Bai Qiu looked at her with genuine surprise.
She was completely different from yesterday — no longer disheveled, clumsy, or awkward.
Today, Nagasaki Sumiyo was neatly dressed, her uniform perfectly pressed, and her face carried a warm, gentle smile.
She looked every bit like a refined young lady — yet still approachable, graceful, and kind.
How did I not notice yesterday that Nagasaki-san was actually this impressive?
Seeing the surprise in Bai Qiu's expression, Nagasaki Sumiyo couldn't help feeling a little pleased.
Yesterday had been far too embarrassing for her.
"Your foot… is it okay now?"
Bai Qiu lowered his head slightly and asked.
Remembering what happened yesterday, Nagasaki's pretty face turned faintly red, but she quickly composed herself.
"Mm. Thank you for asking. After icing it and resting overnight, it feels much better."
Bai Qiu nodded.
Since they were both heading to the station, it was inevitable they'd walk together.
Along the way, Nagasaki Sumiyo gracefully and politely kept up conversation, making sure to avoid awkward silence.
When they reached the station, the two exchanged polite goodbyes.
The gentle image of Nagasaki Sumiyo reminded Bai Qiu of someone.
Seiten Angel Hongxia.
Ah, I really want to see Hongxia-mama soon…
——
Gotou Hitori spent the entire previous night tangled between anticipation and anxiety.
Would Bai Qiu message her? Would he actually reach out?
What do people normally talk about with new LINE friends anyway?
Maybe… maybe she should take the initiative to greet him first?
When she woke up, her excitement had cooled somewhat.
As she calmed down, a wave of panic began to rise.
Because she suddenly realized something serious.
Now that she'd joined a band—that meant going to live houses, right? Playing live shows!
Which meant standing on a tall stage, being stared at by hundreds, maybe thousands of eyes…
Playing guitar…
Uuugh… uuugh… uuugh… that's absolutely impossible for her!
And worse, whenever someone was watching, her guitar playing would immediately fall apart!
If Bai Qiu found out, he'd definitely never forgive her!
Maybe she should confess early… before it's too late?
Gotou Hitori started spiraling.
The happier she'd been yesterday, the sadder she was today.
——
After school.
Shimokitazawa Park.
In the shadows beneath the trees.
Gotou Hitori sat alone on the swing.
She didn't even dare move — just sat there blankly, eyes lifeless.
After struggling through an agonizing day at school, she finally worked up the courage to send a LINE message to Bai Qiu.
And now she sat here, awaiting her death sentence.
Bai Qiu looked at the message she sent:
[Lord Bai Qiu, I'm terribly sorry to bother you, but could you come to Shimokitazawa Park after school? I have something to report.]
He was a bit speechless at her overly formal wording, but still replied instantly: "Sure."
On the other side, Gotou Hitori glanced at a nearby bench, where a weary-looking salaryman sat.
Her mind went dark.
You must be just like me… carrying your own loneliness.
That man's probably having a rough time at work, and his family probably doesn't understand him…
"Papa!"
A cute little girl ran up and threw herself into the man's arms.
The man smiled softly and patted her head.
"Sorry, we're late!"
A gentle woman walked over, smiling warmly.
"No worries, no worries. Let's go eat!"
Under the golden light of the sun, the three of them held hands, laughing together.
Such a harmonious, heartwarming sight.
Ah… what a loving family…
But for Gotou Hitori, it felt like a critical hit straight to the heart.
I'm sorry! For assuming you were one of my kind…
Tears welled up in her eyes as she lowered her head in quiet sorrow.
"Gotou-san!"
The park was almost empty except for her. Bai Qiu spotted her from a distance and waved.
Before he could reach her—
Gotou Hitori suddenly dove forward in a lightning-speed slide, dropping to her knees in front of him!
At the same time, she held out a small piggy bank in both trembling hands.
"I-I'm sorry! Bai Qiu-sama, I… I deceived you! This is the marriage fund my mom's been saving for me—please, you must take it! Don't hit me…!"
Her eyes squeezed shut, her arms raised high, shaking like a leaf.
A perfect picture of surrender.
What the—!?
Bai Qiu was completely dumbfounded.
Why do you always kneel the moment we meet?!
And how the hell did you move that fast!? Do you teleport or something?!
Trying to stay calm, he sighed. "What did you lie to me about?"
"And—please, get up already…"
He felt utterly helpless.
If he didn't already know what Gotou Hitori was like, this kind of behavior might have given him a heart attack.
Thankfully, no one else was around.If anyone saw this, how would he even explain it?!
"Waaah! A guitar!"
A lively, cheerful voice suddenly rang out from behind them.
Crap!
In Bai Qiu's mind flashed the image of an angel—but maybe this wasn't the right time to appear, angel…
He turned around with a slightly pained expression—and saw two unexpected figures.
Both were wearing the same school uniform as Gotou Hitori.
"Wait, Ritsu… isn't that bullying?!"
Akiyama Mio grabbed Tainaka Ritsu's arm, trembling slightly as she whispered beside her.