463: Treasure Girl

In the nightfall, Ikuyo stood by the roadside, watching the taxi her parents were in drive out of sight. It wasn't until much later that she snapped back to reality and took a deep breath.

Since the end of this semester, when her parents learned of her final exam results, the discord between them had been simmering. 

Yet, it was resolved so easily in such a simple manner.

Neither her father nor her mother, nor even herself, could be more satisfied. There was no better outcome than this.

The most surprising part was that it had been only half a day since she had officially spoken out about her worries.

In just half a day, Chisato had solved the problem that had been troubling her for the past half month...

Ikuyo's expression, which had gradually calmed down, now involuntarily flushed a little.

Wearing a light-colored yukata, her posture was such that even a few passing men couldn't help but be momentarily entranced.

"That's great, Ikuyo-chan," someone commented.

The members of the band, who had just finished their performance, had witnessed the entire process of Ikuyo communicating with Chisato and her parents. 

As her parents left, they gathered around to congratulate her, and Ikuyo responded with a smile, her eyes a little red from emotion.

The successful conclusion of the performance, combined with the resolution of her family issues, was a joy that would likely last for quite a while.

Chisato looked at the lively crowd, gave a simple greeting, and headed backstage.

As he had just said, while the work was finished, it was polite to say goodbye before leaving.

It was a basic courtesy in the workplace, and no matter what one did or where one went, maintaining a good attitude never hurt.

——

The performance of the band officially ended, but the summer festival atmosphere didn't seem to wane. The area was still filled with people, and the lively scenes continued.

After work, it was naturally time to relax.

Looking at the enthusiastic members of the band running around the various stalls, even Seika, who usually maintained a very composed demeanor, had an excited smile on her face. 

Chisato understood, realizing that tonight, he would likely accompany them for quite a while.

But, since it was summer and a holiday, this kind of excitement didn't seem bad for once.

Thus, he followed behind them without complaint, helping out by carrying the things they bought on a whim—apple candy, marble soda, fried noodles, and prizes from the game booths, like goldfish, stuffed animals, and masks.

Chisato kept telling himself this was a celebration, and he shouldn't show impatience, as that might ruin their fun. 

Yet, accompanying girls around the streets for a shopping spree was akin to a "trial" for every man.

It didn't matter if the girl was beautiful or cute; shopping itself just went against the natural instincts of men, and they instinctively rejected it. 

Those who had experienced it would understand.

Fortunately, the excitement of the band members soon shifted from the stalls to something else.

"Hot spring... retreat?"

Chisato looked at Ryo, who had come up with the idea, and then glanced at the others behind her. 

They were pretending to be casual, but in truth, they were secretly glancing at his reaction. He had a rough idea of what was going on.

"Although I don't know why you suddenly thought of this, if everyone wants to go, let's go. The manager drives, so it's convenient."

This answer sparked a small cheer from the other members of the band.

"Hey, don't count me in so easily! I need to rest early tonight; I have to open the store as usual tomorrow," said Seika, expressing a different opinion as she poked Chisato in the side with a displeased look.

In the end, however, she obediently drove them to a hot spring resort.

The resort had multiple entertainment facilities, including rooms, a restaurant, a massage room, a sauna, a private cinema, and a billiard room.

Since summer was the off-season for hot springs, even without a reservation, they managed to book two rooms at a relatively affordable price.

After dropping their things off, the four members of the band headed straight for the hot springs.

Hitori wanted to stay with Chisato, reluctant to leave his side, but was dragged away by the excited Ryo and Nijika, each holding one of her arms.

Chisato silently waved at her and turned to the restaurant, where he saw Seika sitting in a corner, having ordered some yakitori and oden. 

He casually walked over and sat with her.

"Why didn't you go with them to the hot springs?"

"I would have liked to, but there's no mixed bath here," Chisato replied, reaching for a beer on the table. But Seika lightly slapped his hand.

"You should drink something for your age."

She called the waiter over and ordered a juice for him.

Chisato sipped from the straw, chatting casually with Seika, but the small amount of food on the table wasn't enough for two, so he ordered some of the hot spring's specialty dishes, like hot spring eggs and fried chicken, to fill up.

"Ikuyo's problem is solved, which is great, but what about the others?"

After filling her stomach, Seika leaned back in her chair, gazing out at the night view as she asked casually.

"The others? What do you mean, manager?"

"Well, if they face obstacles like Ikuyo did with their families, do you plan to resolve their problems the same way as today?"

At this point, Seika showed a mischievous or perhaps amused smile.

"If you use this method for everyone, even you would be overwhelmed, right?"

Chisato shrugged.

"The reality is, so far, only Ikuyo has had family problems. 

Maybe others will face such things in the future, but for now, let's focus on the present. If we worry about those things now, we won't get anything done."

"You're so open-minded," she commented.

"It's true. You wouldn't worry about potential future problems either, manager. It would drain your energy endlessly. Besides..."

Chisato smiled happily.

"Aside from Ikuyo, I don't think the other three will face similar issues."

"Oh? Why do you say that?"

"No need to mention Nijika; as her guardian, her sister has always supported her pursuing music. 

Otherwise, she wouldn't have encouraged her to step onto the Stardust stage in the first place..."

"Hey, hey, hey, I never encouraged her."

Seika interrupted Chisato, looking displeased.

"I've always hoped she would prioritize her studies. I only gave in to her wish because I couldn't stop her. I share the same view as Ikuyo's parents, just without making it as obvious."

"Alright, alright, let's go with that."

"What do you mean, 'go with that'? Are you listening to me at all, Suzumiya?"

"If you really think the way you said, you wouldn't be letting them use the recording studio for free, right?"

"I just thought the studio was sitting idle, so why not let them use it? It's better than letting it go to waste."

"How could it be idle? A fully equipped studio, even if not rented out, would still bring in a considerable income with usage fees. How could you, a sharp businessman, not see that..."

"Alright, Suzumiya, be quiet."

Seika interrupted again.

"It's just like Nijika said."

"What?"

"You're so proud... uh..."

"What, manager? Go ahead, say it."

Seeing Seika slowly pick up a bottle of wine, Chisato straightened up and wisely decided to skip this topic.

"In any case, I'm not worried about Nijika. Same for Hitori, I've been to her house before. 

Her parents are kind and gentle, obviously loving and protective of their daughter. Her first guitar was even one her dad used when he was young. 

For them, seeing their daughter grow up happy and at peace is the most important thing."

"What about the last one, Ryo?"

"As for Ryo, to be honest, she's a bit hard to figure out. 

She doesn't really talk much about her family situation, but they say children tend to resemble their parents in some ways. 

So, if her parents have a similar personality to hers, I don't think we need to worry. As long as the money comes in, they probably won't oppose it."

"Don't assume my parents are so money-minded."

While Chisato and Seika were casually chatting, Ryo quietly sneaked up behind them, suddenly cutting into the conversation at just the right moment.

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