I Just Want A Single Ending!

After finalizing the details of their collaboration, Saku and Nyamu discussed specifics—like compensation and future filming times.

As their conversation shifted to logistics, Nyamu's gaze grew more enthusiastic. Saku's value was undeniable, and deepening this connection had proven to be a smart move. She'd keep nurturing this relationship, aiming for more collaborative projects in the future.

Just as she was lost in these thoughts, Saku asked, "Oh, by the way, could I get your mailing address?"

"I'm planning to send over a few of those high-end cosmetics I mentioned earlier. It'd be great if you could use them and share your feedback."

"Of course!" Nyamu replied eagerly.

In their earlier chat, she'd learned he'd sent several friends similar samples to try out, so it made sense he'd offer her the same. And there was no reason for her to decline—it was a perfect chance to get some luxury cosmetics, plus, she could make a new video from it.

She quickly messaged her address to him on LINE, then asked, "Do you mind if I make a video about the cosmetics you send? Something like, 'A Friend Sent Me a Box of Luxury Brand Cosmetics?!' I bet it'd draw some views."

"No problem. Use them however you like," Saku replied, unfazed.

"Thanks so much!" Her grin only widened. Just like that, she'd gained another video's worth of material.

Today was proving to be a windfall, and things were looking up for her content.

"Well, I've covered everything. Sorry for taking up so much of your time," Saku said, glancing at his watch.

"Oh, not at all. Anyway, I'll head out."

Nyamu had hoped for a bit more time with him, maybe a chance to strengthen their connection. But without a clear reason to stay, she knew it was time to go. She wasn't worried, though. With their video partnership, she'd have plenty of chances to build rapport with him. They could take things slow, step by step—growing closer and, hopefully, profiting together.

"See you around!"

After paying the bill, Saku waved goodbye and began his walk home. Stretching his arms over his head, he let out a sigh. The busy week had finally ended, and the next week looked set to be much easier.

For now, his band only had rehearsal once—on Monday. Meaning he'd have six whole days to himself.

Well, sort of.

With midterms over, Ryo had more free time, and she'd agreed to teach him composition. Then there was the bass he'd just bought, which meant lessons with Kikuri were on the horizon. And, of course, he needed to find more chances to get to know Umiri better.

On second thought, it seemed his schedule was packed, after all. It was starting to feel like his whole future was destined to be this busy. Songwriting and bass playing weren't things he could master quickly, after all.

This was the price he paid to become friends with so many girls.

With a sigh, Saku's mind turned to his final challenge—befriending Mutsumi Wakaba.

Among the fourteen potential friends, she was the only one he had no regular way of connecting with. The only time they'd met was purely by luck in that upscale shopping mall, where he'd managed to learn she was a viable friend option. But he hadn't run into her again since.

All he could do for now was keep building friendships with the others while gathering more information about her, hoping for a chance to cross paths.

Ugh. It was exhausting just to think about.

---

The following week rolled around.

"Ugh, looks like the weather's taking a turn for the worse again. Such a hassle," Anon complained on their way to STARRY, watching the gloomy sky.

Though it hadn't rained today, the forecast promised nothing but wet days ahead.

"Nothing we can do about it—it's June. Rainy season is just another one of those unavoidable things, like typhoons," Saku said.

"This just means less time to go out with friends!" Kita sighed, equally exasperated with the weather.

Their band was rehearsing at STARRY today, so as classmates, Kita had naturally come along with them.

Tomori walked in silence, seemingly lost in thought.

"Tomori, you're awfully quiet. Everything okay?"

Noticing her unusual silence, Saku turned to her.

"Oh, I'm fine. I was just thinking about some lyrics," she said softly.

"Diligent as always, I see. But maybe you could take a break. Who writes lyrics while walking?" Saku chuckled, trying to lighten her mood.

"…"

She didn't respond, slipping back into her thoughts, so Saku let the conversation drop. He simply kept an eye on the road, steering her away from obstacles to avoid any accidental stumbles.

As they approached STARRY, they spotted Soyo, Taki, and Raana waiting outside.

"What's going on with Tomori?" Taki asked as they came closer, noticing Tomori's distant expression.

"Nothing serious, just some lyrics she's working on. I already checked in with her," Saku assured her.

"Got it," Taki nodded, deciding to leave it at that.

Nearby, Raana was eyeing Saku's bag with barely hidden interest, clearly more focused on the snacks she suspected were inside.

"Later. I'll give them to you in the practice room. It'd be too much trouble to dig them out here," he said, thwarting her plans.

"Hmph!"

Raana made a small, disappointed sound, but didn't argue.

Watching how effortlessly Saku became the center of attention, Soyo looked on with pride in her eyes.

Her brother really was something special.

"By the way, what do you guys think about having Spring Shadow ready to play for kessoku and the others?"

Before stepping into STARRY, Saku ran an idea by the others.

"Huh?"

Anon blinked, then asked, "You mean playing it for them? Like a performance?"

"Exactly," Saku nodded. "We've been practicing Spring Shadow a lot, and it's sounding pretty solid now. I think we're ready to perform it for others."

"It's not every day we get to come to STARRY, so why not take the opportunity to let Nijika and the others hear it? They might even have some helpful feedback for us."

"What do you all think?"

---

(morax transferred to scribble hub!)

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