Chapter 203
Chapter 203, Chapter Thirteen, Let’s Play the Guitar
Isn’t it that you came to look for hobbies with me, but in reality, you wanted to come out and play yourself?
In a tastefully decorated cafe, Yukinoshita Yono sat by the window, gently stirring her coffee with a small spoon, the cat-shaped cream slowly forming a swirl, gradually blending into the coffee.
Why do you think so? Lin Qi frowned, feeling accused.
Looking at you, who seems more enthusiastic than me, anyone would think the same.
It’s just your illusion. Lin Qi casually said, and besides, don’t you also seem quite happy?
I am.
Yukinoshita Yono did not deny this point.
Oddly enough, although she had done most of these things with her school friends, doing them with Lin Qi felt different somehow.
Why?
Yukinoshita Yono propped up her cheek, her face showing deep thought.
Is it because I feel more relaxed since I don’t need to pretend in front of him?
“Here is your mille-feuille, please enjoy.” The server laid the dessert and utensils before leaving.
Yukinoshita Yono picked up the utensils elegantly and cut a small piece from the mille-feuille, popping it into her mouth.
The sweet strawberry jam oozed out amidst the crumbly pastry, the crispy outer layer and soft inner texture blended harmoniously in her mouth, the rich dairy and wheat aroma filling her senses, causing the young girl to close her eyes.
Enjoying it is all that matters—even if it wasn’t a waste of time. Lin Qi said helplessly.
Yukinoshita Yono did not respond, merely quietly savoring her food.
After finishing the mille-feuille, she took a sip of coffee to cleanse her palate and looked out the window.
“Hmm?” It seemed she saw something interesting. Yukinoshita Yono blinked, That… must be a band performing on the street?
Through the glass window, one could see four people dressed in hip-hop style clothing, holding guitars and basses, setting up a drum set and amplifier, preparing to perform on the street.
This caught the attention of many passersby, gathering a small crowd near the corner of the street.
Once the equipment was ready, an attractive girl holding a guitar, seemingly the lead singer, introduced herself and their band to the gathered audience through a microphone.
Soon after, the quartet started playing.
They performed four songs, two being current hits and two original tracks.
The cheerful music filtered through the streets and into Yukinoshita Yono’s ears. With her own appreciation of music, she deduced that this band was relatively new, with members still rather young and varying in skill levels.
Most of the audience dispersed quickly and as they began singing their final original song, only a handful remained to listen.
For a new band, this would be quite discouraging.
But the four young people showed no signs of frustration or stage fright. They were genuinely lost in their original songs, and the audience seemed secondary.
There was only the music and themselves.
Their dedication and passion clearly reflected in Yukinoshita Yono’s eyes.
The short-haired girl murmured softly, “Is this what we should do?”
Do you mean starting a band? Lin Qi asked curiously.
It doesn’t have to be a band. Just… guitar? Hesitating for a moment, Yukinoshita Yono finally decided on the guitar.
Although there was still a hint of confusion, she was determined. Compared to what Lin Qi had mentioned earlier, she preferred music.
At least giving it a shot wouldn’t hurt.
Shouldn’t you be able to play the guitar? Given Yukinoshita Yono’s previous depiction as a prodigy, Lin Qi naturally assumed that skill was within her repertoire.
Unexpectedly, the short-haired girl shook her head: No, I’ve only learned piano.
However, musical theory is universal. With a few days of practice, she should grasp the basics.
Yukinoshita Yono spoke with confidence. She always grasps new things quickly and studied the piano; mastering guitar should be no problem.
Fine, fine, our goal today is accomplished, then. Lin Qi said contentedly.
Now going to buy a guitar… seems a bit late.
Yukinoshita Yono checked the time—it was past three in the afternoon. Going to Shimokitazawa would be a good choice if buying a guitar, but taking the train now would mean missing dinner at home.
Moreover, going beyond the bounds of the techniques would risk running into an emergency at home which would reveal her unauthorized outing to her mother.
Her concerns, however, were unfounded.
Let my clone distract your mom, and I’ll take you.
Yukinoshita Yono’s eyes lit up. She hadn’t considered using him, but a rational voice quickly overpowered her excitement: But during daylight, won’t your familiar attract too much notice?
It’s fine, ordinary humans can’t see most spells. Your clone is special though.
But if people can’t see the spell, can’t they see the person? Seeing someone flying in the sky wouldn’t be any less conspicuous, right?
As long as he’s fast enough, it doesn’t matter. Lin Qi dismissed the concern nonchalantly.
With that settled, Yukinoshita Yono allowed herself to trust Lin Qi’s judgment, switching back to him.
The short-haired girl’s elegant demeanor immediately transformed. Changing focus alone made it feel like she had become another person entirely.
Lin Qi picked up his coffee and drained it in one go before standing up and leaving, muttering, “After all, I prefer to drink alcohol, skip the coffee.”
Hey, you better not use my body to drink! Yukinoshita Yono recalled an unpleasant memory sternly warning him.
Trust me, I have my limits.
You have limits? If you had any sense, I wouldn’t have been scolded by mother!
Stepping out of the cafe, Lin Qi glanced around and turned into a small alley.
A man loitering on the street noticed a young girl enter the deserted alley alone, an immediate gleam lighting his eyes as he followed her, hands in his pockets.
Though he hadn’t seen her face, her alluring silhouette left no doubt she was stunning.
But upon entering the alley, he found no sign of the girl, only a dead end cluttered with garbage.
Suddenly, a chill crept up his spine, the man shuddered and tried to leave in a hurry.
He hadn’t noticed the cute white rabbit crouching at his feet.
The rabbit’s crimson eyes locked onto him for a moment, then it sprang up, its head aiming directly towards his groin.
“Uh! Ah ah ah ah!!”
A piercing scream echoed abruptly from the alley.
Above the sky, no one saw a large owl passing swiftly overhead, disappearing just as quickly.