Inside the architectural design firm, Miyahito flipped through the blueprints and casually asked, "Can your firm arrange personnel to help install the equipment later?"
Placing the plans back on the table, he pulled out his phone and displayed a few reference images.
"Mainly, I'll need you to install the mixing console. Oh, and the workstation area in the recording room needs to be expanded a bit."
"That's certainly possible," the bespectacled designer replied, though a hint of hesitation crossed his face. "However, that would require a slight increase in the budget."
"Money isn't an issue."
Honestly, if throwing money at it solved the problem, Miyahito had zero complaints.
Sure, he could technically install the mixing console, monitor speakers, and other studio gear himself.
But it was such a hassle. Plus, doing it all alone would probably take eight to ten days.
By the time he finished setting up his personal studio, high school would already be starting.
Oh, by the way, having moved to Tokyo alone for school, Miyahito hadn't chosen Shuchiin Academy, which better matched the Aragaki family's status.
Instead, he picked Toyogasaki Academy—an institution with a slightly lower academic deviation score, but far more relaxed rules and atmosphere.
This choice definitely wasn't because of some anime memories from his past life. After all, those were just fictional recollections.
This was reality now, the three-dimensional world. Miyahito had no intention of letting his 2D memories bleed into his 3D life.
The real reason, in Miyahito's own words, was simple:
"I went through all that trouble to escape Chiba for Tokyo. Why would I willingly enroll in a super strict high school like Shuchiin? Besides, if I really wanted to go to Shuchiin, why wouldn't I have just stayed in Chiba?"
Back to business.
"I'm fine with the budget increase."
After a few seconds of thought, Miyahito looked up, his gaze meeting the designer's suddenly nervous eyes.
"But you must guarantee that your firm will hire professionals to handle the installation, and promise that the equipment will be treated with proper care."
"This condition needs to be written into the contract. Is that acceptable?"
Hearing this, the visibly tense designer let out a massive internal sigh of relief.
Honestly, claiming he wasn't nervous would be a lie.
As a rookie architect who had just started taking independent commissions, how could he possibly stay calm facing a nearly two-million-yen order from Miyahito?
Setting aside the consequences of failure, if he succeeded and earned Miyahito's approval, his career path would practically be paved with gold.
Not every rookie designer lands a contract this big right out of the gate.
Feeling much lighter, the designer gathered his thoughts. This time, he was going to give 120% to fulfill Miyahito's vision.
"Absolutely no problem, Mr. Aragaki. Meeting your requirements is exactly what our firm is here for."
"Ah, alright. I'll be counting on you."
Watching the designer suddenly brim with enthusiasm, a slightly bewildered Miyahito just gave a naive nod.
"Understood, Mr. Aragaki. Are there any other adjustments you'd like to make to the design?"
"Hmm, mostly it's fine. But since the recording room is on the second floor, I'd like some extra soundproofing and insulation added. Also, keep the style minimalist. I don't like overly complex color schemes."
"Noted. Anything else?"
"..."
...
After signing the contract and paying the deposit, it was already past two in the afternoon.
Walking alone down the street with his newly purchased guitar slung over his back, Miyahito had just politely declined a fourth invitation from an older lady asking him to hang out.
"Getting kinda hungry."
Rubbing his stomach, the black-masked Miyahito muttered quietly.
"I'll grab something to eat before heading back. I really don't feel like cooking."
Eating out to fill his stomach wasn't the issue.
The real question was...
"What should I eat? Yakiniku?"
Glancing up at the large yakiniku sign in front of him, he shook his head.
"Nah. Going home in the middle of the day smelling like grilled meat... maybe if it were night."
Japanese set meal?
He might as well just cook at home.
McDonald's?
Even though it was spring, eating fried chicken under the hot sun? Hard pass.
"So, ramen it is?"
Standing at the entrance, his stomach already growling, Miyahito fixed his gaze on the ramen shop before him.
He looked hesitant, as if debating whether or not to step inside.
"Meh, whatever. Jiro-style ramen it is."
Tempted by the rich aroma drifting out of the shop, Miyahito decided to temporarily ignore the strict ordering etiquette of Jiro-style ramen. His mouth practically watered.
"A regular size. If I get the large, I'll never finish it."
With that, guitar case on his back, he cheerfully pushed open the glass door.
He slid into a counter seat with practiced ease and naturally called out to the owner behind the bar.
"One regular ramen. Extra garlic! Extra veggies!"
"Got it. Please wait a moment."
Fifteen minutes later.
"Phew... So full."
Wearing a deeply satisfied expression, Miyahito left the shop, guitar case strapped securely to his back.
He had to admit, even with just a regular portion of noodles and meat, the mountain of vegetables and a full bowl of garlic oil created an incredibly fulfilling sensation that warmed him from the inside out.
Burp...
Letting out an unintended burp, he quickly clamped a hand over his mouth.
Glancing left and right, he confirmed no one had noticed his minor breach of manners.
Only then did he relax and lower his hand.
Sigh. Guess I still ordered too much.
Looking down at his stomach, he frowned, contemplating internally.
Ate a ton of calories in one go. Ah, maybe I should find a gym to work it off?
Lazy as he was, Miyahito still took his health seriously.
Besides, maintaining a good physique wasn't just for girls. Guys needed it too.
Well, I'll just take a walk to digest it.
Guess I'll head this way.
Adjusting the guitar strap on his shoulder, he picked a random direction and started walking.
Strolling through the shaded sidewalks, the gentle spring afternoon breeze brushed against him.
He hadn't gone far when a bookstore casually caught his peripheral vision.
His gaze naturally drifted to the most prominent display shelf, making him stop in his tracks.
He couldn't help but read the promotional text aloud.
"Bestselling light novel author Kasumi Utako's sequel, 'Love's Metronome Vol. 2', now on sale!"
"Vol. 2 is already out? Looks like you survived that crisis, great author."
No one noticed the fleeting, indescribable melancholy in Miyahito's eyes as he stood outside the bookstore, guitar case on his back, staring at the poster.
"So, in the end, it was still the glasses guy who helped the great author, huh."
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