Tomori was the first to pick up her chopsticks, lifting a piece of hamburger steak from Haru's lunchbox and placing it in her mouth while Bocchi looked on enviously.
In the next moment, a burst of salty-savory deliciousness filled her mouth.
Her amber eyes sparkled as she slowly chewed, lost in the taste.
Delicious.
Even though it had cooled in the bento, it was still impressively tasty.
Though it looked like an ordinary homemade hamburger steak, she'd never tasted something so uniquely warm and gentle.
The moment it touched her tongue, it felt like she was wrapped in a soft, warm blanket.
Like the comfort she felt when Haru answered her feelings in that dream world.
She could almost picture the cook's smiling face, carefully chopping and preparing each ingredient.
It was a warm and familiar flavor.
And yet it also felt strange, she had never tasted it before, but the warmth felt oddly familiar.
"How is it?"
Haru watched her closely.
"It's really delicious."
"So good, I want to eat Haru's cooking every day."
She said it so casually, like a proposal.
Then, as if realizing something, the innocent Tomori carefully picked the biggest piece of tempura from her lunchbox and offered it to Haru.
"Haru, try this too."
"Huh?"
Feeding play?!
Not just Haru, even Bocchi was utterly stunned.
She'd never seen a friendship evolve into couple-level intimacy this fast!
Scary! Do young people today have no chill!?
"Well, I won't say no."
So what if it was indirect kissing through chopsticks?
Who cares about shyness or hesitation?
As if he were some innocent romantic!
"If I didn't take advantage of this, I'd be a fool!"
"Thanks, Tomori."
"Mm!"
Taking advantage of the fact that Taki wasn't there, he bit into the tempura.
As he tasted the crispy batter and tender shrimp, he subtly looked around—making sure a certain long-haired figure wasn't nearby.
Good thing Taki didn't get into Haneoka. Otherwise, he wouldn't dare be this bold.
"Haru, you should say thanks—"
"That depends on the situation."
Seeing Tomori about to say something dramatic again, Haru cut her off.
"I see. So hard to understand."
Still a little puzzled, she just nodded obediently.
Letting the simple-minded Tomori enjoy her meal was the best approach. If he refused, it might send her into a spiral of self-doubt.
Meanwhile, Gotohh Hitori was growing increasingly conflicted watching them.
It was me. I came first.
I met Haru first. We became friends first.
So why can't I call him by his first name?
"Hitori, won't you try some?"
"Eh?! Thank you!"
Noticing her shrinking into the corner, Haru casually placed a hamburger steak into her bowl.
Just that small gesture and the slight change in how he addressed her made Bocchi beam with joy.
This girl is way too easy to read.
"Ugh."
But that one small act made Tomori's expression drop.
Haru, realizing the issue, quickly placed a chicken strip into her bowl too.
The next moment, the dejected look on her face turned back into a gentle smile.
Seriously, you two are way too easy to handle.
...
"Gotoh-san, you can play the guitar?"
"Ah ah ah, j-just a little bit!"
Bocchi, having her guitar skills discovered, began sweating nervously.
She had originally brought the guitar to school to attract attention and satisfy a bit of her vanity. But now that someone actually asked about it, she had no idea how to handle the situation beyond the scenarios she had fantasized in her head.
"I just brought the guitar to school because I thought I might find someone to form a band with…"
Flustered, Bocchi started confessing, her eyes darting nervously.
Most of her thoughts were just delusions in her head, and if she accidentally voiced these gross fantasies out loud, she feared others would think of her as a creepy leech and hate her.
Nooo, I just made friends, don't hate me now!
Anything but that!
At least, at least wait until ten years after I die!
"A band?"
Takamatsu Tomori was taken aback, a hint of conflict flashing across her face.
She was still hesitant about whether she should ask to form a band with Haru. MyGO was an irreplaceable and beautiful memory for her, but what she saw as "beautiful" had become a heavy burden for Haru.
Tomori feared that if she impulsively asked Haru to form a band again, she might end up placing that same weight back on his shoulders.
"Yes! I've been wanting to form a band for a while, but I just couldn't find anyone…"
"Kazami-san, do you play any instruments?"
Gotoh Ichiri gathered her courage and looked at Kazami Haru, clearly placing her hopes in the only friend she could talk to.
"I can play a bit of the keyboard. I'm not very good though."
Haru replied casually.
In the simulations, whether with Kessoku or MyGO, he had played keyboard in both.
Looking at the results, MyGO's team atmosphere had been stifling and heavy, but each member was impressively talented. Once they matured as a band, they clearly had the potential to go pro.
On the other hand, Kessoku band was more average in skill. The only standout performers were Bocchi and Ryo.
But with someone like Nijika. A gentle, sunny angel who could take care of everyone, the whole band had a light, relaxed vibe that was far more comfortable than the high-pressure environment of MyGO. Haru felt no stress being part of it.
Does he really have to choose?
Simulations were one thing, but in real life, forming a band was still an open question for him—
"Th-then, Haru-san, w-would you form a band with me?"
"Actually, I'm pretty confident in my guitar skills too…"