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Chapter 41 - Chihaya, Will You Form a Band Forever?

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Ikebukuro, located in Toshima Ward of Tokyo, is one of the most bustling districts in the city, on par with Ginza, Shinjuku, and Shibuya.

In the past, there were many streetwalkers in this area, but these days, places like Ōkubo Park have become more well-known.

However, Japanese police crack down heavily on such activities, so it's rare to see streetwalkers nowadays. Even if they do exist, their "quality" tends to be subpar.

In this internet age, if you're really looking for such individuals—whether they're troubled teenage girls or women—you'd have better luck searching online or visiting specific establishments. For example, apps related to "Daddy Hunts" are filled with countless listings of that nature.

Many videos on FC2 also come from similar channels.

But in an era where Photoshop reigns supreme, distinguishing between genuine opportunities and scams depends entirely on your experience and judgment.

Fujiwara Toru parked his car at a parking lot near Ikebukuro Station.

This was the season when cherry blossoms were about to reach full bloom, and tourists from all over the world crowded the streets. Occasionally, you could spot a sakura tree along the roadside, its flowers striving to burst into full splendor.

Following the address given by Eri Hō, Fujiwara quickly found the location.

It was a two-story shop with excellent decor, located near Ikebukuro Station—a prime piece of real estate in a golden commercial area.

The first floor housed a trendy live house, a popular venue for girl bands to practice, as well as offering karaoke services. The second floor was a café, though it appeared to have just been renovated and wasn't fully operational yet.

At the entrance of the shop, named Ring, Fujiwara took out his phone and sent a message. Soon after, Eri Hō emerged alongside an elderly woman with graying hair. Eri wore a ladylike suit, her shapely legs clad in sheer stockings.

"Fujiwara-kun, this is the owner of this establishment, Mitsuru Shiho."

"Mitsuru-san, this is Fujiwara Toru."

Eri introduced the two parties briefly. After exchanging greetings with the silver-haired older woman, the trio entered the shop together.

It was the time of day when students were leaving school, and groups of middle schoolers and high schoolers strolled along the streets of Ikebukuro. As one of Tokyo's busiest districts, Ikebukuro boasted various entertainment facilities, making it a popular hangout spot for students after classes.

Chihaya Aine, who had returned to Japan and enrolled at Hanegi Girls' Academy in Toshima Ward, lived not far from Ikebukuro. Most students would take the subway here after school to enjoy their post-class activities.

As she approached the entrance of Ring, Chihaya spotted Fujiwara Toru. A look of pleasant surprise crossed her face, but before she could decide whether to greet him, she saw him enter the shop accompanied by two older women.

Since returning to Japan, Chihaya often hesitated whenever she picked up her phone and opened Line, wondering if she should send a message to the boy she'd met at Heathrow Airport. However, she'd been busy preparing for entrance exams and interviews, and besides, she wasn't sure what topics they might discuss. As a result, she hadn't sent the first message yet.

Now, seeing him at this live house, did he perhaps share an interest in girl bands? Could she use that as a conversation starter?

Sometimes, she couldn't help but complain inwardly: I'm supposed to be a pretty cute girl, right? How could he add me on Line and never even send a single greeting?! Maybe to someone like an elite University of Tokyo student, a regular high school girl like me isn't interesting enough… But Japan has so many people obsessed with JKs (high school girls)!

"Chihaya, what's wrong?"

Beside Chihaya stood Takao Tomoe, a classmate with short gray hair, amber eyes, and wearing the same uniform as Chihaya. She looked at her curiously.

Coming back to reality, Chihaya forced a smile. "Nothing, I was just thinking about something and got distracted. Sorry, Takao-san."

Takao shook her head. Standing in front of Chihaya, she seemed deep in thought. Finally, mustering her courage, she grabbed Chihaya's hand and exclaimed loudly:

"Chihaya, didn't you say you wanted to form a band with me forever?"

"Huh? Huh?? HUH????"

Chihaya was completely dumbfounded, her voice rising higher and higher.

Because Takao shouted so loudly, passersby and students nearby instinctively stopped to look at them. Seeing two JKs holding hands and talking about "forever," their expressions ranged from shock to curiosity.

"Wow, kids these days sure are bold."

"That's the uniform of Hanegi Girls' Academy, right? I always said girls' schools were bad—they mess up your sexual orientation."

"Oh my gosh, such a daring confession!"

"…"

Amidst the whispers around her, even someone as thick-skinned as Chihaya blushed furiously. "Wait, Takao-san, what do you mean by 'forever'?!"

All I wanted was to start a band, play some music everyone likes, fit into the group, and maybe show off a little! Why are you bringing up 'forever'?!

Takao stared blankly at her, instinctively feeling rejected. Her expression fell, and she bowed deeply, saying, "I'm sorry! I said something wrong!"

With that, the girl turned and ran off.

Chihaya yelled after her, "Wait, Takao-san! You've got the wrong idea!"

Utterly exasperated, Chihaya stamped her foot, slung her bag over her shoulder, and chased after her.

What kind of karma is this? Why am I running through the streets of Ikebukuro chasing after a drama-worthy scene involving teenage girls?!

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