As the manager of the Starry Performance Hall, what does Ichiji Seika usually need to do?
Cleaning the shop, selling drinks at the bar, adjusting stage lights and microphone sounds...
These tasks are handled by staff members, so she doesn't need to worry about them.
As a manager, her role is more comprehensive.
In addition to ensuring the store's profitability and timely salary payments, she occasionally has to deal with things like this.
At a small table, the two sat facing each other.
"Suzumiya Chisato, a second-year student from Houjou University Attached High School, right?"
"Yes."
"Did your parents agree to you working? And are there any restrictions from your school regarding working?"
"My parents are fine with it. They encourage me to experience life more. The school has no issues either; our school culture is quite open and independent."
"Got it. Do you have any previous work experience?"
"Yes, I've handed out flyers and worked as a waitress at a restaurant."
Although these were from a past life, Chisato spoke naturally, without lying.
"I see... Smile for me."
Chisato was momentarily surprised but quickly complied.
The smile on the young man's face was like ripples spreading out from the center of a lake, touching the heart.
Seika quietly sipped her strawberry milk and slowly bit the straw.
She felt a mix of emotions.
She thought of the boy she had a crush on in middle school, the idol she was obsessed with during her band days, and the nights spent singing karaoke with friends.
All the memories of youth and happiness were brought back by this young man's casual smile.
At twenty-nine, she felt somewhat embarrassed, as if a high school student had made her shy.
Seika reflected on herself internally and reminded herself that this was her sister's friend, and she shouldn't entertain any thoughts!
"Well... Since this is recommended by Nijika, I don't have any other questions. If you've decided, you can start work tomorrow."
Chisato stood up and bowed slightly.
"Thank you very much."
"If you're free today, feel free to stay here a bit longer. Familiarize yourself with the environment and explore a bit. It will get lively later. Go ahead."
Seika didn't dare look at his face any longer. She returned to the bar and put on her headphones.
The interview ended smoothly and Chisato was in a good mood.
He came here with Hitori and ended up resolving his work issue as well, which was a pleasant surprise.
Tonight, he planned to treat himself to a chicken leg and get some different nuts for Dark Wing, maybe a small bag of pine nuts to try.
With this plan in mind, Chisato headed towards the room beside the stage, a recording studio usually not open to the public. It was used by bands for practice, with soundproofing so noise wouldn't be a problem.
When he was interviewing, Nijika had taken Hitori for a tour and told him to come over after finishing.
As Chisato opened the door, the sound of electric guitar startled him.
However, he quickly set aside his surprise. When Nijika noticed him, she put her finger to her lips in a shushing gesture.
Chisato nodded and quietly watched the only performer in the studio, Hitori, who was fully immersed in playing the guitar.
Unlike the clumsy and slow impression she usually gave, her left hand showed impressive dexterity.
Each fingertip seemed to have its own awareness, dancing lightly on the guitar neck, while her right hand strummed the strings with precision.
Chisato remembered Hitori's performance during the afternoon break, when he had jokingly said that unplugged electric guitar playing sounded like cotton candy.
He had unspoken praise at the time. Even from an outsider's perspective, it was clear that Hitori's guitar skills were quite skilled.
More noticeable than the sound of the guitar was her expression, completely absorbed in her beloved world, both serious and somewhat joyful.
Just like... like Kazusa playing the piano, shining brightly and full of charm.
The melody in the recording studio gradually faded.
Hitori's chest rose and fell slightly, and a fine sweat beaded on her forehead.
She had put a bit too much effort into her performance in front of others for the first time.
But it should be fine, right? Even though there was a section where the tempo sped up, she quickly adjusted, so it probably wasn't noticed.
She carefully raised her head. The moment the performance ended, the vibrant guitarist disappeared, replaced by her shy, introverted side.
"Great solo! The rhythm was perfect! So captivating! Hitori-chan, you're amazing!"
Nijika's eyes sparkled as she ran over and grabbed Hitori's hands, bouncing up and down with excitement and joy.
"I'm so sorry for assuming that Hitori-chan's guitar skills were just average! Ahhh! This is truly a fated encounter! Where are Ryo and Ikuyo-chan? I really want to introduce you to them quickly!"
"Eh... Oh, yes..."
Although Hitori was confused, seeing Nijika's reaction made her think she must have done well.
Hitori, still unsure, bounced along with her.
Once things calmed down a bit, Chisato approached and shared her thoughts.
"Hitori-san's performance was great."
"Eh... Oh, it was nothing... Hehe..."
Hitori touched the back of her head, feeling shy.
Chisato continued to boost her confidence.
"I'm an outsider, so I can't give a detailed critique, but listening to Hitori-san's performance made me think of the morning breeze, flowing streams in the forest, the night sky, and the morning sun."
"What does that mean?"
Nijika asked on behalf of the puzzled Hitori.
"They're all beautiful and irresistible things, just like Hitori-san's performance."
Chisato smiled widely and gave a thumbs-up.
"I really liked it."
"Gah!"
Hitori's face turned bright red instantly, steam seemed to pop up from her head, and her mind was filled with the word "like."
Then, her legs gave out, and she collapsed on the ground, still smiling foolishly even in her unconscious state.
"Ah! Hitori-chan!"
"..."
"What should we do! Is something wrong with Hitori-chan? We need to call for emergency help right away!"
"...Don't worry, it's just her normal reaction. She'll get used to it."
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