Chapter 188
"We are friends. Saying 'thank you' is a bit too formal."
Mineo patted Maki's shoulder, then said with a smile:
"Aside from studying, you really do need some sincere, good friends. Minami Kotori and the others are very gentle and kind-hearted girls; they will definitely be able to become good friends with you."
"Alright, it's getting late. I still have to head to the next location."
"The date ends here."
"I hope Maki can find her own happiness in Muse."
Watching Mineo's retreating back, Maki subconsciously wanted to reach out her hand to pull his sleeve.
But in the end, she stopped.
Because she wanted to ask Mineo what his relationship with Eli, Minami Kotori, and the others actually was.
But now, Maki suddenly felt that there was no longer any point in asking that question.
What kind of person Mineo was... hadn't she always known that clearly?
The scene shifts, returning to thirty minutes ago, right when Mineo and Maki were on their "date."
At a milk tea shop somewhere in Tokyo, a figure also arrived.
Beautiful blonde hair tied into a cute ponytail—Eli, even in her uniform, still carried a charming aura.
One hand holding the strap of the bag on her shoulder, Eli looked around the milk tea shop. At that moment, Nozomi waved her small hand happily from a seat.
"Eli-chi, over here, over here!"
Seeing Nozomi's figure, Eli stepped forward and walked straight over.
After sitting down across from Nozomi, Eli asked curiously:
"Nozomi, why did you suddenly think of asking me out for milk tea?"
"Is there something you want to talk to me about?"
"Yes, there's something I want to ask Eli."
"How did the date with Mineo feel this morning?"
"Has that jerk managed to coax you into feeling better, Eli?"
Hearing that the thing Nozomi wanted to ask about was related to Mineo, Eli subconsciously averted her gaze.
"Nozomi... you... why are you asking this?"
"This morning, we actually... we didn't really talk about anything."
"Didn't talk about anything?"
Seeing Eli's evasive gaze, Nozomi chose not to expose her.
After all, she had come to see Eli for another matter. Looking at Eli, Nozomi showed a thin smile and said:
"Regarding Mineo-kun's business, I won't ask any further. Actually, asking you out now, I wanted to discuss something else."
"Eli, join me in Muse."
"Kosaka-san and the others need your help."
"If you're there, everyone will definitely be able to become more united."
"At that time, maybe a miracle really can be created."
As Eli's best friend, Nozomi always knew that Eli had a dream of returning to the stage. So, regardless of everything else, Nozomi really wanted Eli to be completely selfish for her own sake, just this once.
And the meaning Nozomi wanted to convey was understood by Eli.
She lowered her head, looking away.
At this moment, Eli asked in a low, soft tone:
"Nozomi, may I ask you one question?"
"Just ask whatever Eli wants to ask."
"What I want to ask is... do you think I can really be a good idol?"
Hearing Eli's words, Nozomi was slightly stunned for a moment. But quickly, she showed a thin smile and said:
"It's not like the Eli I know to ask a question like that."
"Up until now, whatever Eli does, it's always done with such seriousness and responsibility. No matter how difficult a problem is, in your hands, it makes the people around you feel a great sense of trust."
"So, I think as long as Eli sets her heart on doing something..."
"Eli will definitely be able to produce results that leave everyone in awe."
"Besides, Eli has never let any of us down, has she?"
Nozomi gently lifted her cup of milk tea, her gaze turning slightly hollow as she looked out the window.
"Being able to know Eli is, for me, truly a very happy thing."
"So, I also want to always be with Eli."
"Whatever decision Eli makes, I want to accompany you and fight together."
Hearing Nozomi's soft voice, Eli's hands trembled slightly for a moment.
She also lifted her cup of milk tea, then lowered her head and said:
"I... also really want to keep fighting alongside Nozomi."
"So... let's fight together."
The scene shifts, returning once again to Mineo.
After parting ways with Maki, Mineo met with Hanayo and Rin at a cafe.
To be honest, the two girls, playing the role of tag-alongs, sat in the booth feeling extremely awkward.
They didn't know Mineo, so they also didn't know what kind of date you student council vice-presidents had cooked up, or why the two of them had to be brought along.
Mineo glanced at Hanayo and Rin, who were staring at each other, and then he spoke somewhat helplessly:
"Don't be so tense, you two."
"Actually, coming out this time can't really be considered a date."
"I'm just representing the group Muse to officially extend an invitation to both of you."
"Doesn't Hanayo really like Muse? With the help of you two, the formation of the idol group will definitely go much more smoothly."
Hanayo looked at Mineo with a bit of caution.
She asked in a rather weak voice:
"Mineo-kun... um, do you think I... am suited to be an idol? I... I feel like I can't do that sort of thing at all."
"Whether you can or not is something you only know after trying. There's no harm in trying. If you can get what you want from the process, wouldn't that be a very lucky thing?"
After Mineo said those words, Rin looked at him with a bit of curiosity:
"Mineo-kun, that idol matter can be set aside for a moment, nya. May I ask another question?"
"Of course, if Mineo-kun feels uncomfortable answering, that's okay too, nya..."
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