I Just Want A Single Ending!

Your support has carved the path for these bonus chapters—may they bring you joy.

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Nice.

Seeing her agree to stay, Kamigawa Saku couldn't help but celebrate internally.

He'd finally managed to win her over—it was worth all the talking.

Dealing with Togawa Sakiko was almost too easy.

Practically a walk in the park.

"Oh, by the way, I'm curious. Now that I've explained everything, what's your impression of me now?" Kamigawa asked, genuinely interested.

"A guy who's only in it for the money."

After a brief pause, Sakiko gave her assessment.

She didn't particularly mind that he'd schemed against her because, in the end, his main goal was just to keep her working for him as long as possible.

As for his intentions, those didn't really matter.

Actions speak louder than intentions.

If anything, she preferred it this way. It removed any reason to worry about unspoken motives.

He wanted to use her to make money, and she needed the job to earn money herself.

It was a relationship she could fully accept.

"Well, that's perfect. Glad to know my reputation hasn't suffered too badly."

Kamigawa was more than pleased with her answer.

The persona he wanted to cultivate was that of a money-minded scoundrel.

Mission accomplished.

Now he could work more comfortably with her.

After all, if someone does a good deed, people see it as normal. But when a "bad guy" does something kind, it surprises people and makes them think maybe he's actually a decent person.

Applying that logic to his own persona worked the same way.

If he was known as a greedy person, then whenever he showed a bit of kindness, people would think, "He's not so bad after all."

And if he treated her like a friend, it would seem even more genuine.

A money-minded person with a good heart, who goes the extra mile for friends.

Maintaining this relationship long-term would naturally make them friends.

And the best part? He wouldn't have to worry about her falling for him.

Even with all that effort, who would fall for a guy only interested in money?

Especially not someone like Togawa Sakiko.

Perfect plan!

"What's your impression of me, then?"

Noticing his persistent questions about her opinion, Sakiko grew curious and decided to ask what he thought of her.

"You already know—I've been a CRYCHIC fan forever, so of course, you're my idol," Kamigawa replied, feigning sincerity.

"Not just a money-making tool?"

Considering his previous words, Sakiko half-expected him to say she was a tool.

Yet he still called her his idol.

Who would believe that?

"I never thought of you that way." Kamigawa replied with utmost confidence.

It was just words, though—they didn't necessarily reflect his true thoughts.

"Fine."

Sakiko could see through him.

He was full of half-truths, hardly worth taking seriously.

And yet, he didn't come across as annoying.

His tone made it easy to tell when he was joking or being insincere.

Checking the time, Sakiko asked, "I've said what I needed to. Do you have anything else to discuss?"

"Nope."

Kamigawa shook his head.

She had been the one to call him here, after all. It wasn't as though he'd sought her out, so there was nothing left for him to add.

"Then I'll head out."

With that, she stood up.

Now that her questions were answered, there was no reason to linger.

"Goodbye."

As she reached for the bill, Kamigawa quickly took it from her.

"I called you here, so I'll cover the check."

Sakiko seemed particular about this.

During the last contract meeting, she hadn't minded when he paid, but this time, it didn't feel right to her.

"True, but I'm the boss here," he said, asserting his authority.

"Thank you."

After a long look, Sakiko let it go.

In her mind, she decided that next time, she'd grab the bill right away to prevent him from pulling the same trick.

She'd make sure to repay him and make him regret it.

Hmph!

With Togawa Sakiko gone, Kamigawa settled the bill and left as well.

He then headed toward a nearby shopping mall.

Along the way, he checked the group chat, where Shiina Taki had posted the practice room schedule she'd managed to book.

Only Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

Just as he'd thought—they'd reserved it too late.

But for him, it worked out.

It left plenty of open time on his schedule.

Now then, what would make a good birthday gift for Nijika Ijichi?

Pocketing his phone, Kamigawa started pondering.

Today was May 29th—Nijika Ijichi's birthday.

Just two days after Nagasaki Soyo's.

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he quickly sent a message to Chihaya Anon.

Since there was no practice today, she'd gone straight to STARRY after school to practice guitar with Gotoh Hitori.

But she might not know today was Nijika's birthday.

If everyone else prepared a gift and she hadn't, she'd probably feel pretty awkward.

To avoid that, he thought it best to check.

Kamigawa Saku: By the way, quick question—did you know today is Nijika's birthday?

Kamigawa Saku: Do you have a gift prepared?

Kamigawa Saku: If not, I'm heading to the mall now and can pick one up for you.

"Eh?!"

Meanwhile, in the practice room, Chihaya Anon let out a startled gasp as she read his messages.

She had no idea.

"What's up?"

Kitagawa Ikuyo, sitting beside her, noticed her reaction.

"Oh, nothing… I just didn't realize today was Nijika's birthday, so I didn't prepare anything," Chihaya Anon admitted, deciding to be honest. "Good thing Saku messaged me, or tonight would've been super embarrassing."

She silently thanked him, grateful to have avoided that awkwardness.

"Eh?!"

Kitagawa Ikuyo and Gotoh Hitori exclaimed in unison.

"Wait, you two didn't know either?"

Seeing their reactions, Chihaya Anon realized they might be in the same boat.

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Your steadfast support throughout this journey has been as constant as the tides and as enduring as stone. In the spirit of gratitude, I am pleased to announce the release of bonus chapters, a reflection of your unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.

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[patreon.com/WiseTL].

Even the humblest contribution becomes part of an enduring legacy, a cornerstone for tales yet to unfold.

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— Zhongli