Talent scouting

Rika gazed at the stage in the middle of the restaurant. "That stage hasn’t seen any use since we opened," Rika mumbled.

"Thinking of searching for a band?" Matcha asked.

"Would be nice to get some performers booked before the upstairs terrace seating opens in a few days for the restaurant’s 3-month anniversary. Know anyone?"

"Wouldn't be surprised if some of the salon's customers were in rock bands considering the crazy cuts they got. Though sadly, I don't know anyone in particular."

"Well, wanna do a little reconnaissance on the competition? I hear Helga's place finally opened back up today."

"Shouldn't you take Mimi with you then?"

"Nah, I need a reason for Helga to keep coming to our place. Besides, she's busy with an order," Rika grinned.

...

As Rika and Matcha entered Helga's restaurant in casual wear, they were greeted by an oddly cheerful Helga. "Welcome to my new and improved place," Helga said in a cutesy voice as she posed.

She was clad in a crimson diner dress and wore white roller skates with crimson laces. Crimson glitter also adorned her white hair and eyelashes.

As Rika and Matcha began to burst out laughing, Helga's happy persona began to crack. "Why, what has you so happy, dear customer?" Helga forcefully smiled.

"When did you become a diner girl?" Rika laughed as Helga escorted her and Matcha to a secluded table.

Once there, the mask came off. "You bitch! I only did this because I ended up inheriting Sundae's old place too. Now my ice cream and sweets menu has expanded, and I just decided to do a little promotion. Of all the days," Helga groaned.

"Well give us some of that ice cream then. Also, do you know any bands or musicians?"

"Musicians? You trying to get live music at your place? Well, all the ones that come to play here are off limits. Other than those guys, I don't know anyone else," Helga huffed as she skated away.

...

"Not bad, tastes pretty similar to how it was before," Rika stated as she ate the ice cream.

"Sundae had drilled the recipes into her staff. When I told them what happened, they ended up comforting me. I decided to absorb them under my brand so they wouldn't get picked up by someone else or be forced to job hunt. I was quite close with Sundae, so I doubt she'd be upset with me continuing her legacy," Helga shrugged.

"I knew you two were friends, but still shocked she met her end like that."

"So were Frosting and Sorbet. They came to the shop that day, but claimed Sundae never showed up."

"Huh, now that's odd. I seem to recall a certain officer mentioning how she had just met with Sundae before swinging by my place. I wonder... Anyway, have you been having any trouble lately?"

"I did when you two arrived. Though I haven't received any major flak from slapping Rebelle if that's what you were wondering."

"Well, that's good. Let me know if you ever have trouble with thugs or cultists."

"Hope I never do again, but thanks," Helga mumbled.

...

As Rika and Matcha walked, they ran into Itsuki staring at a clothing display. She had changed into her casual attire consisting of a nice floral dress and white dress shoes.

"Buying clothes on your break?" Rika asked.

"Er- no, I was just-"

"Punk clothing? You're going for the punk look?" Rika asked as she gazed at the clothes in the window.

"NO! I just liked the jacket and well... fall will be arriving in a few months, so I'd need a jacket!" Itsuki stuttered as her face went red with embarrassment.

"No wonder you changed into casual attire, well we got time so let's all have a quick shopping spree," Rika grinned as she dragged Matcha and Itsuki into the shop.

When they entered, they were greeted by a gloomy man in gothic attire with spiky bleached blonde hair and multiple piercings on his ears. "Welcome, we've got acoustic guitars in the back if that's what you’re looking for," he sighed as he pointed to the instrument section in the back.

"So, this place has instruments too? Heck, now that I take a closer look, this feels more like a music shop. Even sells records too," Rika mused. She then picked out some clothes for Itsuki and dragged her towards the single changing room. "Try them on while I chat with the shopkeeper," Rika grinned as she closed the curtain.

Itsuki sighed as she began changing. "Well, I did want to try this outfit on," she mumbled.

"So do you know any musicians that'll play at restaurants?" Rika asked the salesclerk.

“What kind of restaurant?” the salesclerk sighed.

“A big fancy, but affordable restaurant.”

"Fancy? I know a few jazz folks.”

"Jazz sounds nice. Any other types of musicians like rock or country?"

"I mean, I know some rock-metal, but for a fancy place-"

"I don't mind."

"Huh?"

"I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Rika Komachi, a head chef and owner of Ryokoma. I'm currently scouting for performers to play at our place."

The man's whole attitude shifted as he suddenly became very engaged in the conversation. "Well, I actually play a bit myself with some friends," he sheepishly stated.

"Really? Could you give me a sample?" Rika asked.

"COULD I!?"

The man immediately whipped out his electric guitar and plugged it into the wall socket. Rika listened intently as the man played.

"ONII! THE HELL ARE YOU MAKING SO MUCH NOISE FOR!?" a purple-haired girl with large breasts growled as she came out from the back.

"Maju!? I'm getting scouted dammit!" the man glared as he stopped.

"A SCOUT!? Then come over to my shop. I'll prove to you I'm better than him," Maju proclaimed as she went over to one of the walls and activated a hidden door leading to the magic shop next door. "It's easier to just come through the secret way than just going around from the outside," she giggled.

"A magic shop? Are you a magician?" Rika asked.

"Best in town. You said fancy place, right? Well, I'm way more suited for that than Onii and his metal heads."

"I was the one asked to play!" the man growled as the two began to argue.

"I was pretty impressed with your performance. I think I could convince everyone to do rock nights. Oh, and could I see a magic demonstration from your sister? I'm not solely seeking musical performers," Rika stated.

The two immediately beamed with happiness and stopped arguing.

"You want us to play? I'm down! Oh, better introduce myself. Onrai Michigaya, main guitarist and singer for a small metal band," the man stated.

"Maju Michigaya, better known as Mahoro Maho, cute magician extraordinaire," Maju stated as she struck a cute pose.

As Rika waltzed over to the magic shop, Itsuki emerged from the changing booth. She was clad in dark blue punk boots, fishnet leggings, a short black leather dress, a dark purple bra top, and the jacket she had set her eyes on earlier.

"Really look like a punk, especially with the buzz cut," Matcha stated.

"I'm going to grow it out. But, what about the outfit?" Itsuki asked.

"Looks good. Bet you'll rock it even better when your hair grows out. Especially if you get a sick cut, though you still rock it just fine with the buzz cut," Matcha smiled.

"Guess I'll buy it. Where'd Rika go?"

"Recruiting. Sounds like she got some what she wanted."

...

Rika beamed ear to ear as she, Matcha and Itsuki returned to the restaurant.

"Ugh, about time you three returned. We're getting overwhelmed," Masaru sighed.

"Sorry. We'll get changed right away. You take a break," Rika smiled.