472: Like a Husband and Wife (2)

In short, after taking on the responsibility of managing the band, Seika seemed to have become a different person.

However, Seika's newfound energy caused the Kesshoku Band's four members a lot of hardship. 

Their once flexible daily schedules were now strictly planned with specific activities allocated to certain times. 

For example, they would gather after school at 5 PM in either the starry room or the company's activity room, study until 7 PM, have dinner, and then practice ensemble until 9 PM.

Thanks to Seika's prior experience in forming a band, she would also offer correctional advice on each member's shortcomings. 

Afterward, she would personally accompany each of them home, ensuring they went to bed by midnight, even going so far as to give their parents a thorough reminder.

How should I put it... not only was she a manager, but, as Ryo jokingly said, was she really not more like a life coach? 

Ryo had called Chisato more than once, wailing for help. She could tolerate the strictness of Seika's other rules, but she couldn't bear the control over her diet. 

According to Seika, artists needed to maintain their figure by eating balanced meals, but absolutely no binge eating.

For a foodie like Ryo, this felt like hell. 

As time passed, she found herself increasingly missing the days when Chisato took care of her. But... she couldn't go back.

Considering that Seika's actions and arrangements were ultimately for the good of the Kesshoku Band, Chisato didn't plan to interfere. 

He would wait until the next public performance was over and then try to ask for leniency.

However, this sense of being alone was really starting to feel strangely lonely. 

In the quiet moments, Chisato imagined scenes of an old recluse, a recliner, cold tea... something like a lonely elderly person.

Thinking back to a while ago when he was constantly running between them all, unable to find enough time, he realized that those troubles were the "troubles of happiness." 

People really were contradictory beings—when something was right at hand, they didn't appreciate it, but when it was about to be lost, they missed it greatly.

Well, at least he had been helping Fukube Satoshi with his tasks, which somewhat alleviated the feeling of loneliness. 

Sometimes, it was okay to experience a simpler school life, wasn't it?

However, during the lunch break...

"Pfft... cough, cough, cough!"

"Hey, are you alright? How did you choke on that?"

Chisato waved off Fukube Satoshi's concern, took a tissue from his pocket, wiped his mouth, and took a moment to calm down. 

"You were saying that our school is co-hosting this year's sports festival with Soubu High?"

"Yes, both schools are joining forces. It'll be lively!" Fukube Satoshi said cheerfully, full of energy for the event that he was planning.

However, Chisato had a bad premonition.

Fukube Satoshi continued, "After school today, Soubu High will send some students over to discuss the collaboration. 

The president gave me 5,000 yen, so I'm supposed to go buy some drinks and snacks for the meeting. 

They're coming all the way here, so we can't be stingy. Could you help me out after dinner?"

"Got it." Chisato agreed easily—this was a small task.

However, there was one thing he was curious about. "Which students from Soubu High are coming?"

"I'm not sure. I know there will be six of them, probably from the student council," Fukube Satoshi replied.

"Didn't you check this beforehand?"

"Not really, there wasn't any need. The president has always handled the school's communication. Complaining to me won't help…" Fukube Satoshi suddenly smirked. 

"Could it be that there's someone from the Soubu High student council that you're interested in? An ex-girlfriend or something?"

Chisato shot him an exasperated look, responding in a playful tone, "Yeah, yeah, they're all my wings."

"You, Casanova, better watch out or you'll get stabbed with a scythe."

"So you're a fan of the second dimension too?"

"Huh?"

It seemed Fukube Satoshi only knew of the phrase but didn't understand its origin. Chisato could tell from Fukube Satoshi's puzzled expression.

"Alright, let's go." Chisato cleared his lunch tray.

"Wait, I haven't finished eating yet!"

…

"Hmph... Mmm-hmm~" On the train, the six students from Soubu High sat together.

The group was made up of three members from the student council and three from the service club. 

Notably, apart from one male member from the student council, all the others were female, making the male-to-female ratio quite off-balance.

President Shiromeguri Meguri was in a pretty good mood, but someone else appeared even more excited.

Iroha had been wearing a slight smile and humming ever since they left school.

"Isshiki, did something good happen?" Shiromeguri Meguri couldn't help but ask.

Iroha turned her head to look at her, the smile still on her face. "Hm? Oh, no, why did you suddenly ask, President?"

"Because, ever since we gathered, you've had the expression like you found some money."

"Eh, did I?"

"Yes, you've been looking so happy. I haven't seen you smile like this in a long time."

Yui, who was sitting beside them, joined in with a smile. She probably understood the reason behind Iroha's happiness, but it wasn't something she could easily say out loud. 

Anyway, they'd find out later; no need to explain now.

"No, it's just that I've received a rare request, and I'm excited to join the President at another school event."

Iroha gave a very proper explanation.

"Ah, I see! Well, I'd better fulfill my role as president and show Isshiki-san my cool side!" Shiromeguri Meguri smiled back.

So far, the atmosphere among the Soubu High group was lighthearted and cheerful.

However, Yukino, who was sitting by the window, was silently staring at the passing scenery outside the train, lost in thought.

_______

50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta

_______

If any of you noticed an error, please point it out in comments!