NOVEL WEB Chapter 76: [074] Live House?
Spam call?
As this thought crossed his mind, Akifumi Mugiho picked up his phone.
Seeing the name on the screen, he couldn't help but look surprised.
Why's this woman calling for at this hour?
Though puzzled, he decisively answered the call.
"Hey kid, how's your summer vacation going?"
A hearty laugh came from the other end of the line.
Akifumi sighed.
"Hiratsuka-sensei, even though it's summer vacation, please remember you're still a teacher."
"That rough tone of yours makes you sound like some street thug."
"Cough Cough-"
Hiratsuka sensei's face turned slightly red, and she spoke awkwardly.
"Yeah, I've been a bit too wild lately—sorry about that. But I bet you've stayed up all night playing games since you live alone!"
Actually, no!
Though he did live alone, there were two key reasons he couldn't afford to be lazy:
An angel named Shiina who showed up every morning to wake him up on time.
Eriri, who threatened to toss smelly herring cans into his room if he dared oversleep.
Oversleep?
They'd show him the meaning of brutal punishment.
Confidently, Akifumi Mugiho declared, "Nope. I've been going to bed early and waking up on time every single day—my schedule is more regular than when school is in session!"
"Seriously?" Hiratsuka sensei sounded skeptical.
"Are you really that disciplined?"
"Absolutely."
'No, he wasn't'
But even if forced, he had been remarkably disciplined this summer.
Without dwelling further, Akifumi asked,
"So why are you calling so late? Don't tell me you're just checking in on my summer life. I won't believe it."
"Ugh."
Even though it was faint, her tongue-clicking sound came through the receiver.
"I need a favor!" she said without any reservation.
"No way," Akifumi immediately responded.
It was probably troublesome thing—better to enjoy his summer without getting involved.
"There are some reward," she tempted.
"Still no."
"It's super simple!"
"If it's simple, do it yourself!"
Hiratsuka sensei bit her lip and admitted with frustration, "If I weren't abroad, I would't ask you."
"Abroad?"
Tsk. Of course—what a wealthy lady. Jetting off the nation for summer vacation like that.
Maybe I should take a trip there next time too… That sounds tempting.
"Fine," Akifumi Mugiho relented.
"What's the deal?"
"A friend of mine runs a Live House and asked me to check out some issues."
Wait... Live House? That's a venue for live concerts, right?
Perfect for enjoying performances up close.
"They sell drinks too, right?" Akifumi Mugiho mused.
"So what's the problem with it?"
"It's not exactly a problem... It's probably related to my college past."
Hiratsuka sensei's tone grew nostalgic.
People who run Live Houses must love music. So, it had something to do with when she was in college, huh?
"Wait—were you into music during college?" Akifumi Mugiho asked, curious.
"Ho.. Aren't you're sharp," she confirmed.
"Yeah, I was in a band with that friend."
"Tch, that makes it even less appropriate for me to go!"
"Relax! You don't have to do anything—just show up and listen to a few songs."
"If you don't like it, you can leave anytime."
Her voice was like the devil's whisper, luring him step by step.
"Come on, don't you want to check out a Live House? It's super fun!"
Akifumi was intrigued—not because it sounded fun, but because Live Houses had connections with many bands.
He'd been struggling to find a vocalist for Secret Base Kimi ga Kureta Mono.
Getting acquainted with the owner might make it much easier to find the right singer.
Seeing his hesitation, Hiratsuka-sensei upped the ante.
"Help me this time, and I'll owe you a favor."
A favor from the wealthy Hiratsuka sensei and an introduction to a Live House owner?
What a deal!
"Hiratsuka-sensei, you're like a lifesaver!" Akifumi praised her enthusiastically.
"Deal."
Got him, Hiratsuka sensei thought, breathing a sigh of relief as both of them smiled triumphantly.
"So what's the name and address of the place?"
"It's called STARRY, located in Setagaya. I'll send you the exact details on Line."
Setagaya? That's about 10 kilometers away—kind of far.
"Should I call when I arrive?"
"Don't worry. I'll send message that you will come."
After hanging up, Akifumi Mugiho received a Line message within a minute.
Address: Setagaya XXXX
Contact Person: Ichiji Seika
Phone: XXXX67
"Ichiji Seika?"
Why does that name sound oddly familiar?
But someone from the same club as Hiratsuka sensei would be pushing 30, right?
No way he'd know anyone that age—must be a coincidence.
Then another Line message popped up:
"By the way, show up by 5 PM tomorrow. Don't be late~"
5 PM? That's when the temperature rise to it's peak!
This feels like a scam!
Still, there was no backing out now.
"Should I just leave earlier before the sun gets too hot?"
His thoughts swirled, but in the end, Akifumi decided to head out early.
Glancing at the time—almost 11 PM—it was time to wash up and sleep.
Following his disciplined routine, he stood up from his chair.
Akifumi paused and let out a bitter smile.
"When was the last time I had such a healthy schedule? Probably in elementary school!"