Mash-Up: I'm Not A Substitute

The mixer lasted until 8 p.m. before everyone finally dispersed.

The bill was split equally, and everyone paid their share.

In Japan, even when couples go on dates, they usually split the bill. It's not common for all expenses in a relationship to be shouldered solely by the man. 

Of course, the guy might pay a little extra, but in general, this practice applies even more when the two parties have just met for the first time at a mixer.

"Since it's already so late, how about we walk you home?"

After settling the bill and stepping out of the karaoke bar into the darkened streets, Shota Otani offered.

"Sure!"

Saki Takamiya didn't hesitate to accept.

Shibuya never sleeps. At night, it's a chaotic spectacle, teeming with all kinds of people.

The streets were in terrible condition—damp, littered with cigarette butts and fast-food containers. In dark corners, garbage bags rustled with the movement of large, plump rats.

Drunken people lay sprawled across the pavement, completely unattended.

On both sides of the road, young girls dressed as maids, nurses, or wearing animal ears enthusiastically waved bar advertisements, luring in customers.

If you accidentally followed them inside, well, let's just say your wallet was in for a serious hit.

Compared to the daytime, Shinjuku at night was practically a different world.

Even gyaru like Saki Takamiya and her friends felt uneasy.

Having guys around definitely made them feel safer.

"Where do you all live?"

Saki Takamiya: "I live in Takadanobaba, 3-chome."

Natsumi Ohashi glanced at Takashi and said, "I live in Nerima Ward~"

Takashi, who had just adjusted his mask, noticed the expectant look in Natsumi Ohashi's eyes and replied coolly, "What a coincidence, I live in Bunkyo Ward."

Akari turned her head in surprise. "You live in Bunkyo too?"

Takashi nodded. "Yeah, I'm renting a place there."

In Japan, when it comes to education, people look to Tokyo. And in Tokyo, they look to Bunkyo.

"Bunkyo" literally means "Cultural Capital."

It started as a literary hub during the Showa era when the University of Tokyo relocated there.

Many renowned writers gathered in the area, making it one of Japan's most famous educational districts.

Bunkyo is home to some of the best schools.

Besides Japan's top university, the University of Tokyo, the area also hosts Ochanomizu University, Juntendo University, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, and more than twenty other prestigious institutions.

Because of its concentration of top-tier educational institutions, Bunkyo Ward has the lowest crime rate and the best public safety among Tokyo's 23 wards.

That was precisely why Takashi chose to rent there.

"Are you living alone now, Kitahara?" Natsumi Ohashi's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Sensing danger, Takashi immediately lied. "No, I have a roommate."

If he admitted he lived alone, he had no doubt that Natsumi Ohashi would be following him home tonight.

Never underestimate a charm stat of 9.

That's practically the limit of human attractiveness.

Any higher, and you might as well stop being human.

The reason Takashi wore a mask when going out wasn't just because he got used to it during the pandemic. It was also to avoid unnecessary attention.

If he were old enough, he could easily become a host. In that case, even famous hosts like Roland or Dairen would have to step aside.

Frankly, he didn't think the current generation of hosts was all that good-looking.

"Oh… I see…"

Natsumi Ohashi looked disappointed.

But just as Takashi thought the matter was settled, she suddenly tugged on his sleeve and gestured for him to come closer.

Takashi hesitated for a moment before leaning down to listen.

"How about we keep our voices down tonight? I won't make a sound."

Kitahara Takashi: "???"

Something is seriously wrong with you!

…

"See you, Kitahara! Don't forget to text me!"

"Alright."

At the subway entrance, everyone went their separate ways since they were heading in different directions.

Before leaving, Natsumi Ohashi seemed reluctant to part.

Takashi, Marin, and Akari were headed in the same direction, so they boarded the same train.

On the train, Takashi and Marin were deep in conversation.

Somehow, their topic had shifted from cameras to skewers.

Marin was lively and outgoing, with a bright personality. Talking to someone like her was genuinely enjoyable.

No matter what you said, she always had a response. Conversations with her never felt like emotional labor—there were no awkward silences, no forced interactions.

A girl like her radiated positive energy, making every day feel happy and fun.

She was the kind of person you'd want as a partner.

Someone with an energetic, sunny personality like hers could brighten anyone's day.

While Takashi and Marin chatted away, Akari was completely ignored.

She stared at her phone, angrily tapping at the screen as if she wanted to punch a hole through it.

"Ah, this is my stop."

Marin's house was along the same route, but she had to get off earlier.

"I'll walk you home," Takashi said.

He wasn't comfortable being left alone with Akari.

Might as well walk Marin home and catch the next train back.

"No need. My place is really close to the station—less than five minutes."

"Don't worry about it. I promised the others I'd see you home safely."

Marin felt it was unnecessary, but since Takashi insisted, she let him tag along.

They walked out of the subway station together, chatting as they went. Before long, they arrived at her apartment.

"I'm home! Thanks for walking me back, Kitahara-kun."

Standing at her doorstep, Marin waved at him.

"Kitahara-kun, I'll call you next time I need a photographer!"

Takashi joked, "I charge a lot for photoshoots."

Marin clasped her hands behind her back, grinning. "Then I'll work hard and save up!"

"Alright, good luck. See you!"

Takashi waved before stuffing his hands into his pockets and heading downstairs.

"Bye-bye~"

Marin watched him disappear before closing the door.

As he stepped out of the apartment building, Takashi immediately noticed Akari.

At some point, she had gotten off the train with them.

Right now, she was being harassed by a middle-aged man wearing round glasses, his hair thinning at the top.

The man's face was flushed—probably drunk. His steps were unsteady, and his voice was loud.

"This is 30,000 yen! You're standing here at this hour, aren't you waiting for customers?"

Akari, clearly furious, tried to push past him. "I told you, I'm not that kind of girl! Now get lost—my boyfriend is coming any minute!"

"40,000. I really can't offer more than that."

The drunk man stubbornly persisted.

Takashi had seen this kind of thing plenty of times.

People assumed that only young guys approached women in Tokyo, but in reality, plenty of old perverts did the same.

Takashi walked up and tapped the man on the shoulder.

"What do you want?"

The middle-aged man turned impatiently, only to see Takashi towering over him.

Standing in front of someone nearly a head taller than you had a natural intimidation factor.

"Takashi, you're here!"

Like a girl clinging to her boyfriend for protection, Akari quickly ran to Takashi and wrapped her arms around his.

The middle-aged man immediately realized he was in trouble.

He had assumed Akari was just loitering, but it turned out she really was waiting for her boyfriend.

Takashi raised an eyebrow but didn't expose her lie.

Instead, he stared directly at the man and asked, "Are you looking for my girlfriend?"

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Check out the other translations too: [Mash-Up: Anything For Money]

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