Story of a Rhythm Game Couple

Chapter 28.5. The hangout with a friend (Part 2)

"The usual, please."

The hair salon was only a five-minute walk away. After entering, Hiyori enthusiastically checked in, while Sana fidgeted awkwardly, overwhelmed by the staff's greetings and questions. In the end, it was only Hiyori who decided to have her hair done, while Sana sat waiting for her on the neighboring seat, flipping through a fashion magazine lying on the table.

"Say, Katou-chan, do you like him?"

"Huh?"

The sudden question caught Sana off guard.

"I'm talking about your Asahi-kun. Do you like him?"

"I told you, he's just a friend."

"Even when we're alone, you still won't be honest with yourself, huh?" Hiyori remarked.

"I was just telling you the facts about our relationship, that's all." Sana didn't give in either. She shot back defensively.

"Well, whatever you say... But at least, he's more or less on your whitelist, no? You treat him differently from all the other guys in our building, after all."

"That's true, I guess." Sana admitted.

Sana generally disliked interacting with guys. Unless she was forced into a group project, she would never initiate conversations or respond to the usual nonsense from the boys. Asahi was an exception.

Though, as she had often been seen around with Asahi, most of the boys stopped trying to approach her.

"But what do you see in him? When I met him, he was rude and curt; quite a dislikable person, I'd say."

Hiyori had only spoken to Asahi once, while they were watching over Sana when she went to meet Fuyuta. Her impression wasn't a very positive one.

"He's different once you get to know him." Sana explained. "He's kind and caring, and he's helped me out a lot when I was lost... Seriously, without him, I don't know what would've happened to me."

"That's quite a description for someone who's "just a friend," I'd say."

"I would admit so, haha." Sana let out an awkward smile. "But he's become such an important part of my life. He has a remarkable personality and is quite a dependable person. He's just... someone I can truly count on."

"Well, whoever becomes his girlfriend must be so lucky."

"..."

Sana's cheerful expression was starting to fade as her thoughts darkened.

"Katou-chan?"

If Asahi found himself a girlfriend, she would be the sole focus of his attention. She would be able to indulge in his pampering, receive a lot of care from him, enjoy the superb quality food he prepared for them, and even go on fun arcade trips with him. That girl would have him all for herself, but Sana, as a friend, wouldn't.

"I'd hate it... I'd hate it so much..."

"..."

Hearing all the muttering coming from her, Hiyori couldn't say a word.

While Sana didn't openly admit to anything, the thought of someone else taking Asahi away filled her with dread. The more time she spent at his apartment, the more she enjoyed his company. Losing all of that overnight, it was unbearable to think about.

At the same time, Sana was aware that he could easily pull that feat off if he at least tried. The possibility wasn't that far-fetched; he just didn't seem motivated enough to make it happen yet.

If that were the case, Sana would need to take action first.

"Excuse me, may I have my hair styled like this?"

She called over one of the employees from behind the counter and pointed to a hairstyle in the magazine she was holding.

"What are you doing, Katou-chan?" Hiyori was puzzled by Sana's sudden, seemingly impulsive decision. Sana, however, didn't respond, as she kept paying attention to the stylist.

"Are you sure about making such a big change for yourself?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"All right then. We'll get started in no time."

As the salon staff went to gather tools, Hiyori noticed a new determination in Sana's demeanor. She had no idea what was going through her friend's mind, but she was glad Sana had made the decision.

------------------------------------------

"My, you look so cute, Katou-chan."

Sana's new look was stunning. Her long brown hair, which usually cascaded down to her waist, had been cut to shoulder length. The ends were dyed a lighter shade of brown and styled into soft curves, giving her a fresh and vibrant appearance. She looked absolutely gorgeous.

"Thank you." Sana responded to the compliment with gratitude.

The two stepped out of the salon. Their outing today had come to an end. As they walked, they had some small talk before parting ways.

"I guess let's call it a day. Are you going home now?"

"More or less, yeah! I need to pick up some snacks first, though."

Sana was thinking of going to Asahi's apartment after this. The joint snack container there was running low, and she wanted to stock it up. But obviously she couldn't tell Hiyori that.

"This new look, I hope that it's all worth it, whatever your reason may be."

"Yeah..." Sana happily gazed up at the sky. "I hope so too."