I_LOVE_RICE+
patreon
V5 Chapter 31: My Feelings Toward Rikki Are...
🕑 Added 2025-06-23 11:00:08 +0000 UTC"Raana-chan?"
Tomori's soft voice carried a hint of confusion, and Kazami Haru, who had been focused entirely on Nagasaki Soyo, quickly turned his head. A petite wildcat, pulling a small cart, suddenly peeked her head out.
Normally, everyone would've been startled by how she always appeared so silently. But right now, all their attention was completely absorbed elsewhere.
"Sleeping with Haru?"
Chihaya Anon's right brow shot up. Her slightly parted lips revealed a sharp little fang.
Her words sliced through the calm like claws through fabric, instantly sending tension rippling through the room. Haru, in particular, broke into a nervous sweat.
Oh no, oh no, oh no…
"Also?"
Soyo's brows furrowed in an instant, a sharp gleam flickering in her eyes. Even someone as composed as her was struggling to keep her expression steady. Her mind spun quickly as she turned toward Haru, eyes narrowed like icy daggers.
Though her shock only showed for a brief moment, she quickly returned to her usual smiling facade.
She gently lifted the soft chin of the girl before her with both delicate hands, and with a voice like silk, laced with ambiguity, murmured: "Ara~ What's going on here, I wonder?"
Soyo's gaze locked onto Haru's now-faltering expression. Her eyes said clearly: You'd better have a good explanation… or else.
Haru knew full well how deep Soyo's emotions ran for someone she liked. If he triggered her in a bad mood, her explosive intensity might just level all of MyGO.
"Haru, what exactly did Raana-chan mean by that?!"
Anon pressed closer, her voice now tinged with panic. Her pale gray eyes began to tremble, on the verge of losing focus.
These two, who usually couldn't stand each other, had now joined forces in rare unity, because no matter how much they fought, a common threat demanded cooperation.
After all, Raana's one offhand comment carried way too much weight.
"You're all thinking too much. It was just raining, and Raana needed a place to stay, so she spent the night at my place. That's it!"
Sensitive to the emotions of both girls, Haru quickly offered a calm explanation. His steady tone seemed to ease the bubbling tension between Anon and Soyo.
Tomori, who had been flustered by the sudden mood shift, looked around nervously, both hands hovering mid-air as if she wanted to help but had no idea how.
"…What are you all doing?"
Shiina Taki had returned at some point, holding a stack of promotional pamphlets and schedules. She furrowed her brow at the bizarre scene, casting a questioning glance toward Haru.
Come on, man...
"…"
Caught in Rikki's stare, Haru's expression turned awkward as he looked toward the wildcat girl, stunned by the unexpected sneak attack that had just blindsided him.
"It was just sheltering from the rain. What's this about sleeping with Haru?"
Anon's eyes narrowed dangerously. If Haru didn't explain things properly right now, she might just take a bite out of him with those sharp little fangs.
"It really was just for the rain. The trains had stopped, and her family agreed it was fine for her to stay the night at my place…"
It took Haru several minutes to explain the whole situation clearly.
Of course, to prevent another explosion, he intentionally omitted certain… inconvenient details.
"Tch."
The small clicking of someone's tongue echoed faintly.
Given that he had permission and it was a reasonable excuse, even the upset Anon had nothing left to argue with. She simply turned her head away in a pout, lips sealed tight with frustration.
So annoying!!!
Even she, the official girlfriend, hadn't yet spent the night with Haru. That was supposed to be her privilege, how could someone as innocent as Raana have snatched it away?
No way I'm getting jealous of a wildcat!
Meanwhile, Soyo, who had just moments ago smiled so gently, now quietly relaxed. Her blue eyes observed Raana devouring a matcha parfait, and she nodded thoughtfully.
Compared to the sulking Anon, Soyo recovered quickly. After all, in those "dreams," her dear husband often interacted with others with her implicit permission.
Of course, if he ever overstepped, she would punish him thoroughly. But if it was someone as pure as Raana, she could let it slide.
"…You're unbelievable."
Even Taki, having heard the whole story, didn't know whether to be embarrassed or annoyed. A soft pink hue rose on her cheeks as she shot a sharp glare at Haru.
"Even if she's just sheltering from the rain, you should be more careful, right?! Don't you notice when something feels off when you sleep?!"
Sorry, I'm the type who closes my eyes and it's morning already.
"And you! You need to get your priorities straight! Didn't I tell you before to keep your distance from the opposite sex?! What were you thinking, sleeping next to him like that?! Don't you have any common sense?!"
Raana tilted her head at Taki's scolding and retorted without hesitation, "Haru smells nice, and he's warm. It felt really good."
No one asked how it felt, thank you.
Taki's face turned scarlet. All that scolding had gone in one ear and out the other. Now red-faced and fuming, all she could do was glare in Haru's direction like all of this was his fault.
Haru: What do you want from me?!
Honestly, getting out of this mess in one piece would already be a miracle.
Thankfully, Raana had remembered to keep her mouth shut about certain details from that night. If she had spilled the more… critical parts, Taki might be on the phone right now calling the police.
The atmosphere was still awkward, though everyone had more or less calmed down. Anon continued her silent sulking, while Soyo sat there with her eyes closed, lost in thought.
With a weary sigh, Haru finally asked, "Weren't we supposed to be having a band meeting today?"
"…Yes. We have a lot to discuss."
Seeing the pleading look in Haru's eyes, Shiina Taki let out a tsundere-like huff, crossing her arms and giving him a much-needed way out.
Always prepared, Taki pulled out a schedule sheet for upcoming events. She had already marked it in red pen the night before, neatly jotting down notes. When it came to organizing and managing band activities, she really was a lifesaver.
No doubt about it, Rikki was the most dependable bro when it mattered.
I've always trusted Shiina Taki a hundred percent, haven't I?
Haru's fixed gaze made Taki's elegant face flush slightly. She rolled her eyes at him, a bit annoyed but even that casual gesture, framed by the beauty mark near her eye, had its own kind of charm.
"In any case! …The band name is officially MyGO!!!!!!, just like Tomori said. And we need to prepare for a live show soon. The next one is coming up not long after the new term starts."
"Eh?! Already?!"
Anon blurted out in surprise, only to receive an icy glare from Taki.
"If we don't have lives lined up to push us, we won't grow as a band," she snapped, arms crossed. "You all saw for yourselves at the summer festival live, right? The new band 'Kessoku Band' has already pulled way ahead of us without us even noticing. Do you really want to get left in the dust?"
Though she framed it as a scolding using Kessoku Band as an example, everyone could hear the frustration in her tone.
Despite being the composer and keyboardist for both bands, Haru's involvement hadn't created any imbalance in song quality. Still, the gap between MyGO and Kessoku Band was undeniable.
It wasn't just Taki's pride that was stung, none of them wanted to lose.
"Especially that pink-haired guitarist in Kessoku Band. She's on a completely different level now compared to the last live. Who knows how hard she's been practicing behind the scenes? As our guitarist, you need to work harder!"
Taki delivered her usual pressure attack. Right after she said it, she regretted not choosing a gentler tone.
But the moment she mentioned the "pink-haired guitarist," Chihaya Anon reacted like someone had hit her with a grief-trigger. She immediately snapped her head up, her competitive spirit flaring.
"You're right, Rikki! There's no way I'm letting her beat me…"
Damn that Bocchi. She's probably seducing him with that shameless body of hers!
Nagasaki Soyo twirled a strand of hair around her finger, nodding with a deep, thoughtful expression. The "dream" from the night before still lingered in her mind. She couldn't figure out how it had ended up that way.
Clearly, threats didn't only come in obvious forms.
"Yes~ Looks like we can't keep doing things this way."
She gently traced her palm with her fingers, speaking in a soft, almost ghostly voice.
Ever since falling for him, she had changed too much.
The Nagasaki Soyo who used to smile kindly among her friends had become a schemer, a manipulative woman just to stay close to the one she loved.
Maybe what Saki-chan said was right.
Maybe she really was just selfish to the core.
"I—I'll work hard too!"
Tomori, suddenly inspired, nodded earnestly. She turned toward Haru and smiled softly, feeling reassured by the gentle look in his eyes.
What's with everyone acting weird after hearing 'pink-haired guitarist'?
Only Taki frowned, her expression puzzled. Arms crossed, she seemed to notice a strange change in the room. Though everyone was backing her up for once, something felt… off.
The MyGO band meeting wrapped up quickly. After a long discussion, they finally settled on a live date. Since no practice was scheduled today, they disbanded right after the meeting.
Haru, who was supposed to head straight home, changed his plans and made his way to a familiar park.
[Muuko: Haru, can we meet?]
At the park gate, Haru glanced at the Line message again and exhaled deeply before walking in. This park held significance for both him and Wakaba Mutsumi.
It was where they first met.
"Hm?"
He hadn't gone far when he spotted a familiar figure.
Wakaba Mutsumi stood quietly, gazing at the flowers along the path. Her pale green hair cascaded down her back, shimmering like glass in the morning light. Alone and delicate, her small frame looked more fragile than ever.
"Mutsumi!"
Haru's voice carried through the park, making her lift her head. Holding a small bag in both hands, she turned toward him. Her golden eyes lit up the moment she saw him.
Without hesitation, she hurried over, as if she'd been waiting for this moment.
"Sorry, have you been waiting long?"
"No."
She quickly shook her head at Haru's apologetic tone. But there was something different in her deep, calm gaze.
She took a small step forward, then hesitated and pulled back.
That subtle motion didn't escape Haru's notice.
Today, Mutsumi felt different. Her usually smooth, neat green hair had a few loose strands clinging to her ears. Her eyes, too, looked a little duller than usual.
Haru gently reached out and smoothed her tousled bangs, his voice soft and kind.
"Mutsumi, are you feeling down today?"
After spending so much time with her, he could read her mood easily.
She had been the one to invite him out today. Normally, unless she had something important to discuss, she wouldn't trouble him on her own.
"…"
Mutsumi simply nodded, lowering her head. Her mood seemed dim.
Haru didn't ask for more details. If it were about Sakiko or Soyo, she would have told him directly. The silence likely meant it was something far more personal, something harder to talk about.
Like matters concerning the Wakaba family.
As the daughter of the Wakaba household, Mutsumi had lived a life bound by strict rules since childhood. Even if she was beginning to awaken to her own thoughts and feelings, rebelling against that background was still incredibly difficult.
Aunt Minami, you airhead... One day, I swear I'll elope with your daughter when you're not looking.
And you, old man Wakaba, maybe I'll let loose Jimihen in your front yard to take a big shit. See how that feels.
Haru exhaled again and gently took Mutsumi's delicate white hand. Despite her hours of guitar practice, her fingers remained soft, her pale nails so perfectly shaped they seemed carved from porcelain.
"Come on. Let's go on a date today."
Mutsumi blinked in surprise.
She gazed into Haru's face, his slightly narrowed eyes shining with warmth, his gentle smile filling her with comfort.
A date.
To her, it was a foreign word. As the daughter of the Wakaba family, she'd always lived under tight expectations. Shy and quiet, she had very few real friends.
Even Togawa Sakiko, her supposed "other half," had never once invited her out on a one-on-one date. The closest thing she'd had was spending time with the CRYCHIC girls.
"…What's wrong? Don't want to, Mutsumi?"
"No."
Worried that Haru might misunderstand, the usually blank-faced Wakaba Mutsumi quickly shook her head, flustered.
She had been looking forward to this "date" with Haru for a very long time.
But during the summer break, he had been constantly busy with band activities. And by the time he finally had free time, she, as the Wakaba family's daughter, would likely be tied up with piano lessons or other obligations.
She didn't want to trouble him. She didn't want him to force himself to show up, even if he was tired.
So even if she had to wait endlessly, Wakaba Mutsumi never once complained.
"In that case, let's take full advantage of today and have some fun, yeah?"
Seeing through her hidden feelings brought a trace of satisfied pride to Haru's face.
In truth, he had already made plans for their date ahead of time. Though Mutsumi looked sweet and obedient on the outside, she had a surprisingly wild side deep down. For her, the most fun things were often the most unfamiliar.
Mutsumi stared blankly at their joined hands, then obediently followed as he pulled her along.
This fast-beating excitement in her chest, she had never felt anticipation quite like this before.
"Meow meow meow? Isn't that Haru-kun? And isn't that…"
