259: Two Heads is Better than One

Dark Wing stood on the bar table, its dark eyes staring motionlessly at Chisato, as if it could speak and express something.

The anxiety and unease that had been weighing on Chisato's chest suddenly ceased and calmed at that moment.

Then, something occurred to him.

When one person faces many others, it's inevitable that he will focus on the tail rather than the head. This is unavoidable.

However, if our side, which is at a numerical disadvantage, adds a helper, the situation will surely improve.

Chisato sighed inwardly, realizing how careless he had been to forget the existence of the Dark Wing at such a crucial time.

From the beginning until now, he had never fought alone; with the help of his important partner, Dark Wing, he had taken steps forward to reach this balanced situation, where all aspects were in equilibrium, right?

After realizing this fact, a method to break the stalemate gradually took shape in Chisato's mind.

He began to sort through the plan he had just conceived in an orderly manner. His clever brain speculated and calculated three times in an extremely short time.

After confirming the implementation process of every detail and considering countermeasures for various unexpected events, he no longer felt panicked.

As long as he avoided accidents and didn't reveal any flaws, today's crisis would undoubtedly pass without incident.

"Sorry, Eriri, I didn't mean to alarm you."

In response to Eriri's cautious inquiry, Chisato deliberately sighed, conveying an atmosphere of worry and sadness through his mobile phone without reservation.

After hearing the concern in his voice, Eriri became slightly worried. He continued with the next words.

"Actually, I happen to have an emergency right now. The place where I work is short-staffed, and I can't leave." 

"When I was worrying about this, you called, and your arrival is truly a great help."

His ambiguous words successfully set Eriri's mind racing with many possibilities.

Suppressing her unease, she ignored the puzzled look from Utaha beside her and asked quickly, "What happened, Chisato?"

"I can't explain everything clearly over the phone. Let's discuss it when you arrive. Please be careful on your way."

"Yeah, I understand."

Eriri nodded resolutely.

Sensing the anxious tone in Chisato's voice, she grabbed Utaha's wrist and started jogging along the street without further ado.

"Hey, what are you doing all of a sudden?"

Utaha was taken aback by this unexpected move. Although she broke free from Eriri's grasp, she saw the serious expression on Eriri's face and began to trot after her.

"Something seems to have happened with Chisato, and we need to help."

"Huh? Something happened? What is it?"

Utaha's eyes widened in surprise.

"I couldn't explain it clearly over the phone. He just asked us to come over and talk."

"Wait— you didn't even ask for details?"

"Is now really the time to talk about this? Save your energy and run faster! Why are you so out of breath after just a few steps? It's really useless!"

Eriri turned her face in annoyance, showing a look of contempt.

"!"

Utaha gritted her teeth in frustration but could do nothing. As a literary girl who sat at a desk for too long, physical exertion was not her strong suit.

…

Chisato hung up the phone.

If he wanted to get through today's crisis without incident, it depended on his next performance.

From the moment he hung up, the plan was officially in motion.

He glanced at the time again.

The journey from the tram station to the store usually took between ten and fifteen minutes, depending on each person's walking speed.

Considering what he had just said would likely make Eriri feel anxious, she should speed up her pace.

Therefore, the time it would take them to arrive at the store would likely be greatly reduced, probably around seven or eight minutes.

Time was sufficient.

Chisato crouched down inside the bar, and Dark Wing jumped down from the table as if it understood. 

People outside could not see what was happening inside the bar.

Chisato breathed a sigh of relief after simply informing Dark Wing of his plan and receiving a clear response from its soft bark.

He then approached Kazusa, who was sitting in the corner of the exhibition hall.

"Kazusa, there's a little situation."

Starting with these words, the sense of urgency that had been etched on his face faded, replaced by a slightly embarrassed and hesitant expression.

"What's wrong?"

Kazusa put down her drink and looked at him with concern.

"Actually, it's about my work. A band will come to the store later, and they're quite picky. The store manager once asked me to clean up the recording studio." 

"I forgot to do it earlier, and now there are so many customers in the lobby outside that I can't leave the bar…"

Chisato paused, touched the back of his head, and smiled awkwardly, giving Kazusa room to imagine.

As he expected, Kazusa understood what he meant and smiled playfully.

"You made a mistake at work, so you want to ask for my help, right?"

"If you can."

Chisato lowered his head and clasped his hands together above his head in a sincere gesture.

Kazusa stood up, placed her hands on her hips, and hummed, "There's nothing wrong with that. But if I'm not here today, it might be difficult for you to do business. Then you need to think carefully about how to repay my kindness."

"You can be a cow or a horse. Ask for whatever you want."

"Remember what you said."

Kazusa rolled up her sleeves and followed Chisato toward the recording studio.

Her earlier comments about wanting something in return had mostly been a joke; she didn't truly intend to ask for anything from Chisato.

After all, the other person was her most precious treasure—her treasure boy.

Nothing could be a more gratifying reward than this, and now she felt content.

As for helping him work, it gave her a sense of fulfillment and importance. She didn't find it tiring but felt more motivated.

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(22/22)

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