It wasn't even 7 AM yet when Kikukawa Kyo left Soyo's house.
Unfortunately, today was still a school day—otherwise, Soyo would have definitely tried to keep her there a little longer.
Before heading to Haneoka, Kyo needed to stop by her house first. While Soyo had washed her school uniform and underwear for her last night—both of which had dried completely overnight in this weather—she still needed to grab a spare set of clothes.
Soyo had initially wanted to walk her out, but Kyo turned her down.
"You look like your brain is still in a mess. Just get some rest first."
Soyo's expression was… complicated, to say the least. A mix of emotions flickered across her face—part joy, part distress, as if she couldn't decide whether to laugh or feel troubled.
It was such an odd look that Kyo was worried she might burst out laughing herself. So, without lingering any longer, she quickly gathered her things, bid Soyo farewell, and left.
Just as she had told Soyo at the breakfast table—after sensing Soyo's true feelings, Kyo had changed her mind and decided to join the band.
But she still didn't fully trust Soyo.
She had a feeling Soyo was definitely still hoping to bring back the old CRYCHIC lineup.
So, Kyo had deliberately stepped in first—claiming the role of the band's keyboardist, taking over Sakiko's position. If Soyo wanted to bring Sakiko back, she'd have to find a way to make that work without forcing Kyo out.
That should put an end to her revival plans, right?
Of course, this also meant Kyo needed to find time to actually practice playing the keyboard.
She'd touched a piano before, sure, but that was ages ago—and touched was really all she had done. The most she could play was Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
Well, no rush.
Reaching Sakiko's level right away was out of the question, but if it was just learning the songs the band needed for performances, Kyo was confident she could pick them up quickly.
Besides, there was no need to hurry.
Soyo needed time to process things, and Kyo still had to let the rest of the band know about her decision.
Not that she expected much resistance.
Anon and Tomari had already been hoping for her to join. As for Taki—she'd trust Kyo's skills, and that would be enough for her.
The most complicated one was, of course, Soyo.
Kyo had practically shoved a "pick one" dilemma right in her face—Me or Sakiko?
If she chose Kyo, Kyo would join the band immediately.
If she chose Sakiko… well, putting aside the fact that Soyo didn't even know where Sakiko was or what her situation was like, there was also the very real risk that Sakiko might just say no.
And if that happened, Soyo would be left with nothing.
In the end, Kyo had only ever given her one real option.
If Soyo still insisted on picking Sakiko… well, Kyo would have to admit that was some truly legendary decision-making.
...
Before long, she arrived at her apartment.
Kyo always kept her house key tucked away inside her school bag.
As soon as she unlocked the door, she walked straight in and immediately flopped onto the couch.
It wasn't as luxurious as Soyo's place, but this was home.
Soyo's house was honestly too quiet.
And most importantly—
Kyo could reach out in any direction and grab a drink.
Case in point—still sprawled lazily across the couch, she casually reached down, feeling around for a hidden compartment underneath.
A small drawer slid open, revealing a stash of bottled drinks.
Just as she was about to twist the cap off, a teasing voice rang out—
"Well, well, if it isn't the little sis. Whose place did you crash at last night?"
Kyo didn't even need to lift her head to know who it was.
"Aren't you supposed to be at work, sis?"
She had gotten plenty of sleep overall, but waking up at three in the morning and staying up since had completely thrown off her body clock.
Her voice dragged slightly, sounding sluggish and lazy.
"It's barely past seven. No need to be up this early."
Kikukawa Yuu had just finished brushing her teeth, foam still clinging to the corners of her mouth as she strolled over to Kyo.
"Move over, make some room for your big sis."
Too lazy to shift much, Kyo simply bent her legs, freeing up a small corner of the couch for Yuu to sit.
Yuu plopped down without hesitation, and the moment she did, Kyo stretched her legs back out—this time, resting them directly on Yuu's lap.
"You still haven't told me where you went. I mean, I already agreed to let you stay over at someone's place, so clearly, I trust you. But at least tell me whose house it was, yeah?"
As Yuu spoke, she absentmindedly massaged Kyo's calves.
Well, massage might've been a bit of an overstatement—Kyo's legs were so slim they practically fit in one hand. All Yuu really did was squeeze them a few times.
But hey, whether or not it was proper massaging, having someone knead your shoulders or rub your back was always a nice feeling.
Kyo let out a long, relaxed sigh before taking a sip of her drink.
"Nagasaki Soyo's place. You've probably heard of her."
"Oh, that girl from your old band? You went alone?"
"Yeah. Soyo's family wasn't home, either."
Yuu's hands stilled for a second before resuming. Something about this didn't sit right with her.
"If it was just the two of you… then how did dinner work?"
At that, Kyo perked up.
"Soyo's actually really good at cooking. I still want another bowl of that soup. As for breakfast—well, I woke up super early, so I just helped myself to her ingredients and made some miso soup."
"I haven't even gotten to try your miso soup yet! Last time you practiced making broth, you drank all of it yourself!"
"Hmph." Kyo smirked, utterly unrepentant.
"Wait—don't tickle my feet!"
Noticing Yuu's hand creeping downward, Kyo quickly set her drink aside, rolling onto her back to shield her soles against the couch, thwarting her sister's plans.
Yuu, however, didn't press the attack. Instead, she helped straighten Kyo's clothes, making sure nothing was left exposed.
"Alright, then. Where did you sleep?"
"Same bed."
"..."
Yuu fell silent, watching her little sister.
Kyo, on the other hand, remained completely at ease, lazily sipping her drink.
She knew she was attractive, but she had no idea what kind of effect she had on others.
Especially when—
Yuu's gaze drifted to Kyo's current posture.
After rolling over, Kyo had shifted into a position where one leg was bent and draped over Yuu's lap. Every so often, she absentmindedly swayed her foot side to side, occasionally brushing against Yuu.
Absolutely zero self-awareness.
Yuu let out a deep, deliberate sigh.
"Listen, little sis—no, Kyo. You're in high school now. There are some things I've been meaning to tell you for a while, and I think it's about time we had that talk."
---
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
discord.gg/wisetl
patreon.com/wisetl
Okay, real talk: I am extremely hungry for money, so I'm raising membership prices soon.
BUT.
If you're already subscribed before the change, your current price stays the same as long as you remain subscribed.
So for example:
Person A is already subscribed at $7/month
Price later goes up to $14/month
Person A still pays $7/month if they stay subscribed
Meanwhile:
Person B was not subscribed before the change
After the price becomes $14/month
Person B has to pay $14/month
So yes, prices are going up, but existing members get to keep their current rate if they stay in.
Which means:
If you want the cheaper price, join before the change. Otherwise, if you subscribe later, you'll be paying the new higher amount.
Price changes happen on Monday 16th, North America time.
last day of ads