The cold autumn rain was like sharp needles... mercilessly lashing against the window, making a pitter-patter sound.
Inside the CRYCHIC Band's practice room, five girls sat apart from each other.
Silently and expectantly, they awaited the arrival of the band's core and leader, Sakiko.
Among them... Shouko, a transmigrator who went from male to female.
At this moment, she looked at the system panel before her—one only she could see—with a complicated gaze.
[anger value: 0.]
[Items: None.]
[Abilities: None.]
[Mall: Not yet opened.]
[Note 1: anger values can be harvested by making others feel unpleasant. Reaching one thousand will unlock the Mall.]
[Note 2: The system has just been activated. A three-day trial of Mind Perception can be activated.]
"Mind Perception, activate..."
"It's been a while since I transmigrated into the World of MyGO."
"I didn't expect that my system would be activated just as Sakiko's life was meeting its Waterloo."
"This system is really heartless."
"However, since Sakiko is going to tell everyone she's quitting the band today, it would be a waste not to make good use of it."
"The anger and resentment after the breakdown of a close friendship should be quite intense."
"So, I really do have the heart of a total scumbag."
While Shouko was still sighing in her heart, the door to the practice room... was pushed open.
Drenched in rain, Sakiko walked in with a solemn expression.
Seeing this, Soyo quickly grabbed a towel and stepped forward to dry Sakiko's hair.
"Sakiko-chan, you're soaking wet."
"You haven't been coming to school lately, and you didn't reply to my messages. Everyone in the band has been waiting for you."
"What on earth happened??"
"Did I do something wrong? I can change."
Before Soyo could continue, Sakiko reached out and grabbed her hand.
"I came here to say something."
"Mm, perfect timing. I was about to say something too."
At that moment, Shouko stood up under the confused gazes of the others.
"I'm quitting CRYCHIC."
"Eh!???"
"W-Why? Wasn't it great being together??"
"You..."
At this moment, Sakiko was also somewhat puzzled and bewildered by Shouko's situation.
She was the one prepared to announce her departure, so why was Shouko quitting instead??
She wanted to quit the band only because her family's fortune had declined and she needed to work for money, and she didn't want to be a burden to everyone.
Also, her lifelong personality as a young lady gave her a strong sense of pride; she was unwilling to look pathetic in front of her friends.
Under these circumstances... after agonizing for many days, she finally made this decision that pained her deeply.
But Shouko was completely different from her.
Although Shouko had hearing problems... as long as she wore hearing aids and used lip-reading, she could hear well enough.
Moreover, she had a strong sense of music and lyrics... in terms of composition, she could assist her to a great extent.
And in terms of songwriting and singing, she could also greatly complement the lead singer, Takamatsu Tomori.
It was precisely because of Shouko's presence that she felt she could leave and earn money with peace of mind.
But why!????
Shouko looked into Sakiko's eyes, which were filled with confusion.
"Did you guys really want to keep a deaf person in the band forever??"
"Don't be ridiculous..."
"I saw long ago that you had issues with me. I'm just saying it before you do."
"Sakiko, thank you for inviting me to join before. I'm grateful, but I'm sorry."
"Actually, I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I've finally decided to say it."
"Sakiko, let me through..."
"Or do you want me to leave after you've finished saying whatever you have to say??"
"It couldn't also be about quitting the band, could it??"
Shouko spoke with a self-deprecating air as if joking, but it made everyone's hearts tighten.
Then, they quickly turned to look at Sakiko.
Only to see that Sakiko didn't refute it; instead, her expression grew even more serious.
This situation made everyone's feelings even more complicated.
"Sakiko-chan, you..."
Soyo gripped Sakiko tightly, looking at her pleadingly.
From the bottom of her heart, she truly didn't want to hear the words about quitting the band from Sakiko's mouth.
Unfortunately... Sakiko had already clenched her fists and said seriously, "I'm sorry, everyone. I... am also quitting the band."
At this point, she turned to look at Shouko, who was walking toward her.
"Shouko, why are you quitting too? I don't think there's any need for you to leave."
"Eh, r-really quitting? Why... why is everyone quitting? We were doing so well together."
Soyo looked at Sakiko in disbelief.
She hadn't expected her hopes and pleas to result in this.
Bang!!!
Rikki suddenly slammed her hands onto the drums and stood up quickly.
She glared at Sakiko: "You're the band's founder! Why are you suddenly leaving? Do you have any idea how irresponsible this is?!!!"
"Heh..."
Before Sakiko could say anything, Shouko, who had reached the door, glanced sideways at Rikki.
"Classic you. Every time a problem comes up, you make such a scene. You're really a disgrace to your sister."
"You!!!!"
Hearing this, Rikki—who had been inferior and sensitive since childhood because her sister was overachieving—completely exploded.
But Shouko continued to mock her as before: "What, do you want to hit me??"
"Rikki... don't, please."
"But I... Ugh!!!"
Seeing Takamatsu Tomori rush forward and hug her.
Rikki glared at Shouko with immense fury, but could only turn away in frustration.
[anger value +355 points.]
[anger value +201 points.]
Looking at the system prompts, Shouko turned her gaze toward Takamatsu Tomori.
"And you, stop acting like a saint. Your singing is absolutely atrocious."
"You just wallow in your own world, taking advantage of the fact that no one wants to hurt your feelings."
"Could you show some consideration for everyone else's feelings? Could you actually put in some effort for once??"
Hearing Shouko's heartless words, Rikki exploded again.
Pushing Takamatsu Tomori aside, she pointed at Shouko with explosive fury.
"Say that again! Believe it or not, I'll teach you a lesson right now!!!"
"What? You did it, so why can't I talk about it???"
"You!!!!"
[anger value +166 points.]
[anger value +215 points.]
[anger value +331 points.]
Just as Rikki was about to strike, Takamatsu Tomori hugged her again.
This situation was practically driving Rikki crazy.
She didn't want to hurt Tomori, but Shouko at the door was just too infuriating!!