Now that you mention it… it really does sound like Ryo-senpai!
At that moment, Kita Ikuyo finally sensed something strange.
The song had struck her with an intense sense of déjà vu the moment she heard it.
That proud, fierce rhythm, it was just like Yamada Ryo on stage, completely immersed in her music. The lonely, self-assured beauty in the song mirrored her to a T.
Why would an "untitled" song feel so much like Ryo-senpai?
Confused, Kita began subtly watching Kazami Haru's expression. When she saw him giving a rather pointed look toward Bocchi, her chest tightened.
Don't tell me… this song was written for Ryo-senpai?
Just the faint possibility was enough to twist Kita's expression unnaturally.
After all, even in the "dream world," she and Haru had been one step away from becoming a couple. And yet, not even that version of him had written her a song.
If he composed something for another girl—
That's way too much! I can't even!!
"U-Umm…"
"I-I didn't mean anything by it! Just ignore what I said!"
Gotoh Hitori instantly shrank back, clearly aware she'd said something she shouldn't have. She trembled, unable to even lift her gaze.
Haru merely glanced over at her with an unreadable look in his eyes.
Three thousand followers and still this sensitive, huh? he mused.
But he had to admit, Bocchi's musical instincts were sharp. She didn't know the title or backstory of the song, yet she could already sense its connection to Yamada Ryo just from its feel and flow.
That was impressive.
"Ryo-san? Who's that?"
Chihaya Anon was completely lost.
This was her first time hearing the name, and for some reason, it made her feel… uneasy.
"She's the bassist in our band, Kessoku. One of the original members."
"Whoa! Bassist? That sounds so cool~!"
Thanks to Kita's explanation, Anon got the gist of it. The name sounded cool, and a bassist? She figured Ryo must be a quiet, aloof guy.
But if it's a guy, there's nothing to worry about!
Sure, Anon had heard rumors that rock band bassists were usually weird in private life, but she figured that was all exaggerated. Like Soyo in her band, who was sweet and gentle.
"Anon-chan~ Ryo-senpai's a girl, y'know~"
Kita Ikuyo dropped the truth bomb out of nowhere.
Anon's smile instantly froze.
"...A girl?"
The tension that had just melted from her heart instantly shot to critical levels.
If she's a girl, then the whole context changes. This song, this performance it could really be something Haru wrote just for her?!
"That's enough idle chatter for now!"
"The performance you asked for is over. Time to practice."
Clack! Clack!
With no change in expression, Haru raised both hands and flicked Anon and Kita on the foreheads like karate chops.
He had a duty, he'd promised to help the band improve, and Kessoku's first live was fast approaching.
Though MyGO was still in training, the individual talent in the group was strong. Not to mention, three of them had already played together in the past—they had natural chemistry.
Their debut was just around the corner.
"Fine, fine…"
Scolded by Haru, Anon reluctantly pushed aside her frustration, picked up her guitar, and got back to work.
Still, she didn't forget the name Ryo. She etched it into her mind.
She, Chihaya Anon, would find out whether this mysterious girl was a threat.
And if she was~
…
"Oww…"
"Ugh… sliding techniques really kill your fingers…"
Anon winced, looking down at her sore hands. A fresh red cut split the already torn skin on her fingertips, delicate fingers marred by relentless steel strings.
She'd been pushing herself harder than ever lately, determined to keep up with the others.
But hard work came at a price—fatigue, stress, and bleeding fingers.
"Does it hurt?"
"It hurts a lot…"
Seeing her pitiful expression, Haru sighed.
As much as she ran her mouth, the pink-haired girl was putting in real effort behind the scenes.
"Alright, that's enough practice for today. Everyone take a break."
"Anon, come here."
He said it like it was the most natural thing in the world, holding out his hand.
The gesture caught her off guard.
"Eh? Ehh?"
Then, as if realizing something, her pale face flushed a lovely pink.
She tucked her hair behind her ear and stepped forward, gently closing her eyes.
Her lips curled up ever so slightly.
A reward, right?
He's rewarding my hard work!
If that was the case, she would gladly accept it.
"Why are your eyes closed? Give me your hand."
With a slight frown, Haru's casual remark completely shattered her hopeful fantasy.
She opened her eyes in shock, utterly confused.
"I've got some bandages left. Try not to get it wet after this."
When she finally extended her hand, Haru carefully wrapped the adhesive around her finger, slowly, gently, like he was afraid of hurting her more.
The irritation melted from her face, replaced with a soft, unwilling smile.
As she watched him care for her so delicately, she remembered flashes from the dream world.
Moments of him hugging her tenderly, worried about causing her discomfort.
His actions now mirrored that exactly.
A tenderness bloomed in her silver-gray eyes.
Her gaze slid to the exposed skin of Haru's neck. She swallowed.
That faint scent of sunflowers drew her in.
She wanted to hug him. To bury her face in his neck and inhale him like a lovesick animal.
Her heart raced. Her emotions surged. Compelled by something deeper, she slowly leaned forward—
"Ehehe~ Haru, are you trying to spoil me?"
"Could it be… you like me?"
Snap
Behind her, Kita Ikuyo was still smiling, but her fists clenched tightly in her lap.
How dare this shameless girl just say it out loud?!
She was cracking.
Still, no matter how much she burned inside, Kita knew better than to reveal her feelings now.
Just like that day when Haru had confessed to her in the dream…
If a confession failed, it would build a wall between them, thin but unbreakable.
A confession should be a declaration of victory, not the start of a war.
But inside, Kita trembled, desperate for his response.
"I like all cute girls."
His answer came instantly, without hesitation.
Anon puffed up her cheeks again, annoyed. "That's so flirty!"
"That's good enough."
Haru ignored her protests and finished bandaging her hand. Under her accusing gaze, he remained stone-faced.
But inside, he wasn't nearly as calm.
No matter how obnoxious she got, Anon had been the one to stay with him through thick and thin in the simulations. She was adorable. She had charm.
"Man, that was close…"
He'd nearly said "I like you" without thinking.
For now, he filed the flirty pink-head under "Potential Wife Candidate."
Once he had enough skills and experience from the simulations, he'd have to choose someone to spend his life with.
Anon was cute, but way too loud & proud. If he did end up with her, he wasn't going to go easy.
"Um, Haru-san! My hand hurts too!"
"Sooo painful~"
Just watching Chihaya Anon get gently treated and bandaged by Kazami Haru was enough to flip Kita Ikuyo's entire vinegar jar of jealousy, she couldn't take it anymore.
Putting on her best pitiful expression, she looked up at him with wide, glossy eyes and to really sell it, she even showed him her poor, reddened fingers.
The message couldn't have been clearer if she'd shouted it.
But Haru hesitated.
Maybe it's because I didn't confess to Kita at the start like I did in the simulation?
That's why there's no awkward distance between us now, no invisible wall?
She can interact with me more naturally… even up close?
Yeah. That "start with a confession" option?
Total trap from the simulator.
Next time, he was never picking that again.
"Kita, come here. I'll wrap yours too. A proper guitarist has to take care of her fingers. Keep an eye on yourself when practicing."
He gave her a sidelong look, full of meaning.
Kita laughed awkwardly.
Crap. He noticed I've been secretly practicing more…
Embarrassed, but also pleased, Haru had noticed her effort. Her hard work wasn't wasted.
"Don't just stand there. Come on."
"Okay~"
Beaming, Kita clasped her hands together in delight.
Even though she desperately wanted to rush right over, she restrained herself—out of girlish pride—and slowly moved closer. Her cheeks were bright red as she let him gently wrap her fingers.
Meanwhile, only Bocchi stared at her own fingers, which might as well have been made of steel.
After all, she'd been training for six hours a day since middle school. Her fingers had long since become immune to this kind of pain.
Forget a few hours of practice.
Even if she played until dawn, she'd just end up with a sore back.
Haru quickly finished Kita's bandage, just as he had with Anon.
And Anon, not one to miss her chance, gave Kita a look.
"Ah! I should grab snacks and drinks!"
"You two take it easy. I'll get everything ready!"
Clapping her hands, Anon rose and headed toward the door.
Being a social extrovert, Kita naturally had a sixth sense for people's intentions.
Though she froze at first, she quickly regained her sunny smile.
"Um, I should step out too! Haru-san, Gotoh-san, rest for a bit!"
Of course, a girl can't just say she's going to the bathroom, Kita used that unspoken rule to slip away.
She didn't even mind leaving Bocchi alone with Haru.
Unlike Ryo-senpai, the silent, man-eating bassist, or the flirty pink-haired menace, Bocchi was the one she truly trusted.
As soon as Kita left, the big room fell into silence.
Now it was just Kazami Haru and Gotoh Hitori.
Bocchi blinked.
Then her eyes flew wide.
W-Wait… I'm alone… with Haru-san?!