"Shin, aren't you going to the LiveHouse today?"
In the school hallway, Ikuyo Kita looked at Shin with a somewhat regretful expression on her face.
"I was hoping to show you the guitar techniques I just learned. What a pity."
But you don't even know how to play the guitar yet. You only officially started learning today...
Standing behind Ikuyo Kita, Hitori Gotou really wanted to call her out but held back, citing her "don't ruin someone else's moment" principle.
Although Ikuyo Kita had previously joined the Band as a guitarist, she didn't actually know how to play guitar and had run away at a critical moment.
However, after being invited back to the band, Gotou now had an additional responsibility: teaching Kita to play the guitar.
But this task was only decided yesterday, and Kita hadn't even learned the basics from Gotou yet.
Her so-called "newly learned guitar technique" was probably something she crammed from online tutorials last night...
"I'm not a member of the Band. Why does everyone think I'm obligated to go to the LiveHouse after school?"
Shin looked at Kita with an amused expression, his tone tinged with helplessness.
Although he had been visiting the LiveHouse almost every night for various coincidental reasons over the past few days, he wasn't an official member of the Band.
Of course, by now, he and the band had become friends. But since they weren't currently performing, Shin had no real reason to go.
Hearing this, Gotou involuntarily breathed a sigh of relief. While Shin's presence gave her a strange sense of security, it also brought pressure—like having a parent hovering nearby.
Thinking about it, Gotoh even felt that Shin gave off the vibe of a father figure.
Still, as much as she felt relieved, Gotou also experienced a twinge of disappointment. She had been hoping to go to the LiveHouse with Shin.
But Gotou understood that Shin wasn't like her, a socially anxious introvert. He was a mafia boss, so he undoubtedly had other responsibilities.
"Well... never mind. Kita, Shin must have something very important to do."
Feeling a strange sense of pride from being the only one who knew Shin's "secret," Gotou tugged at Kita's sleeve, trying to cover for him.
"I do have something to take care of, though it's probably not what you're imagining."
Seeing Gotou's "ready to sacrifice herself" expression, Shin could guess what sort of story she'd concocted in her head.
She probably pictured him as a mafia boss again.
To be fair, this time, Shin's business did have a bit to do with the Kiryu Group—more precisely, it was a follow-up to a situation caused by them.
He could sense that Ai Hayasaka was waiting for him at the school gate.
This ability came from the "Blackbird Lover" Shin had left in Hayasaka's mind, allowing him to pinpoint her location.
In a way, the small crow-like fragments of the Blackbird served as a tracking mechanism, helping Shin locate others when necessary.
Hayasaka's presence was unlikely to be a casual visit. She was probably here because the Shinomiya family had sent her. Shin was ready to listen to what she had to say.
After all, he had just gained the Shinomiya family's allegiance yesterday. He needed to hear their thoughts.
"Isn't that a Shuchiin Academy uniform? I didn't think they'd have gals like her. Aren't they all supposed to be proper young ladies?"
"What's someone from Shuchiin doing at our school gate? Waiting for someone?"
"No way... I heard Shuchiin students come from prestigious families. They should stick to their own circles."
Ai Hayasaka's appearance naturally attracted attention.
With a sweater tied around her waist, golden side ponytail, manicured nails, and a trendy vibe, she looked like a quintessential gal. But the unmistakable Shuchiin uniform left no doubt about her identity.
Many students were surprised to see a Shuchiin student at their school gate. Out of respect for Shuchiin's reputation, no one dared approach her.
Besides, Hayasaka had an aura that made her unapproachable. Even as she casually fiddled with her phone, she exuded a commanding presence.
However, this aura dissipated instantly when she saw Shin. Her face lit up with a smile as she approached him just as he walked out of the school gate.
"Making a girl wait so long isn't very gentlemanly, you know."
"Well, I wouldn't call myself a gentleman."
Shin smirked. Clearly, Hayasaka had guessed he'd sense her presence.
Since he'd left a "Blackbird Lover" in her mind, it wasn't hard for her to deduce that he could detect its fragments nearby.
"Did the Shinomiya family send you? What's the matter? If it's not too complicated, I can take care of it for them as a welcome gift for their allegiance."
The Shinomiya conglomerate wasn't without competitors. As one of the four major corporate families in Japan, its very title implied the existence of three other rival powers.
If the Shinomiya family needed help, Shin wouldn't mind lending a hand. Their prosperity would ultimately benefit him.
"Do I need the Shinomiya family's permission to see you?"
Hayasaka's smile carried a hint of irony—though Shin knew it was just part of her practiced facade.
After all, such expressions suited her gal persona. In truth, her real emotions were far more restrained.
"Cut the pleasantries."
Shin wasn't about to take Hayasaka's words at face value. Glancing around, he noticed that their interaction was already drawing murmurs from onlookers.
"Let's find another place to talk."
Although Shin didn't care if people knew he was acquainted with Shuchiin students, he didn't enjoy being watched. He decided to move elsewhere for their conversation.
"Of course. Let me suggest a good place."
With a knowing smile, Hayasaka volunteered to lead the way.
As a maid accustomed to managing her master's affairs, she was adept at arranging suitable venues. Now that Shin was effectively her new "master," it was only natural for her to handle the logistics.
To be continued...
Guys, I apologise that I was not able to update yesterday, I was at my homie's place.