Chapter 54: I Just Want a Single Ending [54]
"So, here's the thing…"
Sitting with everyone else, Nijika Ijichi explained the situation.
"When it comes to managing social media, he's got real expertise," Shiina Taki commented matter-of-factly.
Meanwhile, Kaname Raana didn't seem to care much for the discussion and remained laser-focused on her matcha parfait.
"He's got skills," Takamatsu Tomori said admiringly.
After the explanation, Nagasaki Soyo seemed to lose interest in the topic, realizing it was just about getting some advice on account management.
The most animated response came from Chihaya Anon.
"See? This is why our band should've been named Anon Tokyo!" Anon insisted.
"Huh? Didn't we reject that name ages ago?" Shiina Taki frowned. "Why are you bringing it up again?"
"Because Saku could actually help manage our band's social media!" Anon groaned, exasperated.
Other bands were already consulting Saku to get advice on running their accounts, while their band still didn't even have a name despite having Saku as their manager. It felt like they were wasting precious time!
"I've said it before—no matter how good his skills are, we can't gain fans without performing at a live show," Shiina pointed out. "Until then, having an account doesn't do much."
"But we need a band name to introduce ourselves when we do a live show!" Anon argued back. "Even if it's not 'Anon Tokyo,' isn't it time we at least start discussing a name?"
Before Taki could retort, Soyo stepped in to smooth things over.
"We have a long way to go before we're ready for a live show, so there's plenty of time to think about the name. No need to rush."
"So, how about this: over the next few days, we each come up with ideas for a name. Then, we can see if we can find one we all agree on."
No one seemed to disagree with this approach.
---
After listening to Hitori Gotoh's practice for a bit, the girls headed to the studio they'd reserved.
Saku stayed behind, continuing to explain account management to Kita Ikuyo.
By noon, their session was wrapping up.
"Thank you so much, Kamigawa-senpai," Kita said, looking down at the notes she'd typed into her phone. Her tone was full of gratitude.
"That was just the basics," Saku replied, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Oh, um… if you'd be okay with it, I'd like you to have these," Kita said, pulling two tickets out of her bag and setting them on the table.
"What are these?"
Saku hesitated to reach for them, opting to ask first.
"Movie tickets."
Since he didn't take them, Kita placed the tickets directly in front of him.
"Why are you suddenly giving these to me?"
"Well… I just didn't know how else to thank you for teaching me all this," she admitted.
Saku raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Kita nodded quickly, but then she flushed slightly as a thought hit her. Hastily, she added, "But Kamigawa-senpai, don't get the wrong idea! I'm not inviting you to a movie date or anything. I just wanted to give these to you as a thank-you."
"You're free to take whoever you like."
"Oh, I see."
Hearing that, Saku relaxed considerably.
Blushing, Kita apologized, "I'm sorry. I didn't explain that well."
No wonder he'd seemed so wary at first. Thanking him for helping her with social media by suggesting they watch a movie together? That could easily be taken the wrong way!
She could only imagine how weird he must think she was.
"No worries. It's my fault for misunderstanding," Saku said with a casual wave of his hand.
"Anyway, if you'd like, please take them."
Saku understood her intentions and didn't want to make her feel bad.
"Thanks for the thought. I'd be glad to accept them," he said. "But… I don't really have anyone I can invite to go with me."
Kita's eyes widened in disbelief. "Kamigawa-senpai, do you not have friends?"
"I mean that it'd be… a little awkward no matter who I ask."
It wasn't that he lacked friends; he just couldn't think of anyone to invite.
Inviting a girl felt a bit too forward. Inviting a guy…? Why would he watch a movie with another guy?
No, inviting a girl would definitely make more sense.
"Sorry, I didn't think it through," Kita said, once again apologizing. "Maybe I should exchange them for a different gift instead."
"There's no need for that. I haven't gone to the movies in a while, so it's fine."
But just as he was trying to decide who to ask, Kita, looking somewhat flustered, offered, "Kamigawa-senpai, if you can't find anyone else to go with… I could go with you."
"Really?" Saku's face lit up in surprise.
Going with Kita would actually be ideal.
Inviting someone else himself might lead to mixed signals, but if Kita was already aware that there were no romantic intentions, there was nothing ambiguous about it.
Plus, he could use this as an opportunity to strengthen his friendship with her. Watching a movie together was a clear sign they were close friends, right?
"Well, as long as you don't mind, then that would be great."
Despite her words, Kita couldn't help but feel nervous about the idea.
It would be her first time watching a movie with a guy, and she'd even offered to go herself.
But going with Saku should be fine. He was a good person, and he'd helped her so much.
"Does tomorrow work?" Saku glanced at the movie time on the tickets and asked tentatively.
Their band didn't have rehearsal scheduled tomorrow. Plus, Gotoh could probably use a break after three straight days of practice.
"Tomorrow works perfectly!"
Kita's response came quickly.
"Here."
Saku handed her one of the tickets.
"Thank you," Kita said, accepting it with a warm smile.
Come to think of it, she'd ended up with the same result as if she had just asked him to go with her in the first place.
It was going to be her and Saku watching the movie together, after all.
"See you tomorrow morning, then."
"Yes, tomorrow morning."
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