I Just Want A Single Ending!

Kamigawa Saku: Alright, let's go together, then.

Seeing that she hadn't turned him down, Kamigawa immediately accepted the opportunity.

This was what he'd hoped for all along—no reason to refuse.

Besides, he'd figured it out by now: Yuutenji Nyamu was clearly up to something with him.

She was more than happy to find excuses to spend time together.

For him, it was ideal.

After all, his intentions lined up perfectly with hers.

Now he could grow closer to her at a comfortable pace, without worrying about making her uncomfortable.

What an easy person to read.

Nyamu: So, when should we go?

Lying on her bed, Nyamu turned over, starting to strategize.

Even if he was buying a bass, which technically had nothing to do with her interest in drums, this still presented an excellent chance to get closer.

All she needed to do was research bass guitars along with drums.

Since he was new to bass, he probably didn't know much about the different models.

When the time came, she could use the excuse of helping him pick one to offer her "expert" recommendation.

That would surely boost his opinion of her.

Even if he'd already done his own research, she could discreetly show she'd been thinking about him and wanting to help.

Just letting him know she'd taken his interests to heart would probably improve her image in his eyes. Thoughtful and caring, right?

Either way, helping him would only work in her favor.

The only variable was how much goodwill she could earn.

There was no downside.

Kamigawa Saku: It depends on when you're free. Monday and Saturday are booked for me, though.

While his schedule for next week was practically packed, he could always make time if needed.

Besides, she might not even pick a day next week.

Nyamu: How about next Sunday?

Researching would take some time if she wanted to make a good impression.

Doing a half-hearted job would only backfire.

Plus, with her usual video uploads to manage, picking Sunday, a bit further away, made the most sense.

Kamigawa Saku: Sure.

Not a perfect date, but still acceptable.

Nyamu: Alright, it's a date! No backing out!

Kamigawa Saku: I wouldn't dream of it.

With their plan set, they chatted a bit more before ending the conversation.

Afterward, Kamigawa opened his chat with Nijika Ijichi, seeking a bit of guidance.

His goal was straightforward: to prepare himself enough to have something to talk about when drums inevitably came up with Nyamu.

Even if she claimed she'd research it herself, the internet was full of unreliable sources. What if she got bad advice?

With that in mind, it was best he learned more about drums.

Just a precaution to protect Nyamu's wallet.

Of course, it didn't hurt that it might also win him a few extra points.

---

The next afternoon arrived in no time.

The typhoon was still causing rain, but it had calmed since the weekend.

After texting Shiina Taki—a part-timer at RiNG Café—to book the remaining practice room slots for the week, Kamigawa headed to Hazawa Café.

With the heavy rain, it wasn't worth the trip to RiNG.

He pushed open the café door, shook off his umbrella, and placed it in the stand, letting his eyes adjust as he scanned the room.

There, at the same table he'd used last time, was Togawa Sakiko, idly scrolling through her phone.

"Good afternoon."

He slid into the seat across from her and offered a friendly greeting.

"Good afternoon," Sakiko replied, setting her phone aside with a calm expression.

After ordering a coffee, Kamigawa jumped right into it. "So, you mentioned you had something important to discuss on LINE?"

"Actually, I'd prefer to wait until your coffee arrives," Sakiko said, not wanting their conversation interrupted by a server.

In the meantime, she picked up her phone and sent him the news article she'd found yesterday.

"While we're waiting, could you take a look at this article?"

"Of course."

Kamigawa pulled out his phone and opened the link.

"Assistant of Million-Follower Influencer Leaves Over Salary Dispute"

The moment he saw the headline, he knew what this was about.

But he kept his composure, calmly reading through the article.

Meanwhile, Togawa Sakiko sipped her tea unhurriedly.

As his coffee arrived, Kamigawa set down his phone and casually remarked, "A juicy scoop for idle gossipers, I suppose, but it doesn't seem relevant to us."

"Is that really your only reaction?"

Sakiko, seemingly having anticipated this response, asked with a slight smile.

"More or less."

Kamigawa gave a noncommittal nod.

"Regarding that article," Sakiko continued, "I'd like to know what you think of an assistant who works hard for a long time, asks for a raise, and requests a 40% share of account revenue."

"As an interested party, I'm not really in a position to comment."

Kamigawa preferred not to express any opinions on the matter.

This was a delicate topic for him.

"My apologies. I shouldn't have asked," Sakiko quickly replied, her apology prompt.

"It's fine; it's not a big deal." Kamigawa waved it off, unfazed.

"If I may, I'd like to stay on this topic," Sakiko continued politely. "Are you aware of the average pay range for assistants in today's market?"

"I have a general idea."

While he hadn't studied it in depth, he knew enough to answer confidently.

"In that case, let's get straight to the point."

Having set the stage, Sakiko no longer held back. "May I ask why, given that you have a basic understanding of average assistant pay, you offered me both a high base salary and a 50% share of ad revenue?"

"Are you saying it's too low? Now, now—asking for a raise so soon isn't going to fly."

Kamigawa played dumb, deflecting.

"Please don't joke around," Sakiko replied, unamused. "I'd appreciate a straightforward answer."

---

T/N: I keep imagining Sakiko as Suisei...

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