I Just Want A Single Ending!

This bonus chapter is a small gift—may it bring you a touch of tranquility.

---

Kikuri looked down silently, flipping through the envelopes in her hands.

As much as she hated to admit it, Saku made some very valid points.

If she followed his system, she could definitely live quite comfortably.

But the idea of being taken care of by a younger guy like this made her feel… well, weird.

After all, she was supposed to be the adult here.

Then, her gaze fell on an envelope that stood out.

It was labeled "Pocket Money."

"What's the deal with 'Pocket Money'?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

"It's exactly what it says. It's money for you to spend on things you like," Saku replied, looking at her like she'd asked the obvious. "You're telling me you never got an allowance?"

"Of course, I did… when I was a kid." Kikuri muttered, a bit embarrassed.

"Then why'd you ask what it was for?" Saku quipped.

"You even thought about pocket money…"

For once, Kikuri was at a loss for words and simply kept the conversation going.

"The money in the pocket money envelope can also go toward good-quality alcohol. I know you love that stuff, so an occasional treat is fine," Saku reminded her.

Her voice grew soft as she replied, "Y-Yeah, got it."

"That's about all I have to say. How you spend it is up to you." Saku checked the time. "Yahata-san's set is starting soon. I'm heading over."

With that, he turned to leave the practice room.

"Wait…"

Just as he opened the door, Kikuri's voice stopped him.

He turned back, "What's up?"

"I'll use it… just as you suggested."

Her voice grew quieter with each word.

Saku gave her an encouraging smile. "Good. You got this."

"Yeah."

Avoiding his gaze, Kikuri felt her cheeks flush slightly at his smile.

Must be from all that drinking, she thought to herself.

Ha…haha…

Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket, conveniently diverting her attention.

She pulled it out, only to see a new message from Saku.

Wait, hadn't he just left?

Was there something else he forgot to mention?

With a hint of curiosity, she opened it.

Saku: Here are a few recommendations for good, affordable family restaurants. Don't just live off bar food—try eating a decent meal once in a while.

What followed was a detailed list of restaurant recommendations, complete with addresses and descriptions.

"Come to think of it, he really knows his stuff…" Kikuri murmured, recalling his current gig.

"He's treating me like a kid, huh? As if I can't even pick a place to eat on my own!"

While grumbling, she still saved all the recommendations to her phone.

Not that she had any particular feelings about it or anything—being cared for just felt… kinda nice, that's all.

---

After sending her the message, Saku found his way back to the venue for Yahata Umiri's performance.

The vocalist, whoever they were, didn't interest him at all.

After the show ended, Saku waited by the door to catch Yahata on her way out.

"Is this, like, your 'respawn point' or something?"

It wasn't long before Yahata, bass case in hand, appeared in front of him.

She looked at him, clearly amused.

Except for their first meeting, every other time he'd caught her had been at this livehouse entrance. It was hard not to find it odd.

"I just figured I'd wait here to catch you," he said.

Now that he had a valid excuse, he could be upfront about his intentions.

"Waiting for me? Why?" Umiri asked, puzzled. "Don't tell me you've got some bass questions already? Isn't Kikuri-senpai supposed to handle that?"

If that were the case, it would only prove Kikuri's unreliability.

"Not quite. I came to pay you," Saku explained, taking out an envelope.

"Pay me? For what?"

Umiri's expression turned quizzical.

Was this what people called a "tribute" from fans to idols?

This was a first for her.

How interesting.

"You taught me some bass earlier, didn't you?" Saku extended the envelope. "So I wanted to pay you for that lesson."

"Oh, don't worry about it. I was only covering for Kikuri-senpai for a bit. No need to pay me," Umiri declined without hesitation.

"But you did teach me, and I think you should be compensated," Saku insisted.

She raised an eyebrow. "You really pay attention to little details like that, huh?"

"Something like that," he replied, though mostly, he wanted to use this as an excuse to see her more often.

"How about this? You're my fan, right?" Umiri suggested. "Then use that money to come see more of my live shows instead."

She'd come up with the perfect solution.

Either way, she wasn't about to take any random payments from him.

Teaching him hadn't been about money.

That would be boring and make it all feel meaningless.

[Accept]

[Refuse]

The choice had barely popped up before Saku had already made his decision.

"Alright, I'll do just that. I'll make it to more of your shows."

There was no real competition between the options.

By agreeing, he'd now have a lasting excuse to watch her live performances.

She hadn't opened the envelope, so he could easily control how much was "in" it.

[Stamina +10]

"Alright, then."

After chatting with him briefly and ensuring he had nothing else to say, Umiri gave him a nod and went on her way.

Watching her leave, Saku silently celebrated.

Today had been totally worth it.

Not only had he secured Yahata Umiri's contact information and the green light to ask her bass questions, but he also had permission to attend her live shows—no more strange excuses needed.

A bit of effort truly paid off.

Now, he was one step closer to becoming her friend.

---

T/N: idk but while putting this on webnovel i suddenly remembered this one story that i check out to translate, where mc gets like the sharingan for talking to the trap in oreigaru idk if its still in my drafts but he gets like treasure chests from certain characters or something idk

Ah, Reader. You've stayed for the bonus chapter—how delightful.

Even amidst the quiet of eternity, there's joy to be found in shared moments like this.

If you wish to offer your strength, step forward: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

Each effort helps to shape a world where such moments can thrive.

Our time together may be brief, but it is not without meaning. The Shogun and I will continue to watch over this journey, steadfast and unwavering. Until we meet again, may your steps remain steady on the path you walk.

— Ei