255: Hitori’s Invitation

The reason Kazusa made such a request was actually quite simple; there were no complicated thoughts behind it.

She just wanted to see her boyfriend at work, that's all.

Maybe she would take one or two photos secretly, but they would never be seen again.

She originally thought that Chisato would agree, but the actual situation was a little different from what she expected.

"Why do you suddenly want to visit my workplace?" Chisato asked with a gentle smile, placing her hands on her lover's shoulders and softly kneading her hair.

In Kazusa's eyes, Chisato's smile was just as usual—no different at all—but a woman's intuition told her that something seemed off.

However, she ignored this slight unease and didn't dwell on it.

She fiddled with the gel pen in her hand and glanced at the exercise paper.

"I just want to take a look. If you don't want me to, forget it."

She thought she had stated this very casually, but it sounded quite different to those who heard her.

There was a hint of resentment in her tone; although slight, it was not difficult to detect.

To some extent, Kazusa was actually quite easy to read after spending some time together.

Naturally, such changes in her emotions did not escape Chisato's notice.

He pretended not to notice his lover's dissatisfaction and continued speaking at his own pace.

"It's not that I don't want you to come. It's just that the place where I work is very noisy and has a strong smell of alcohol." 

"Occasionally, there are unruly customers who ignore the regulations and smoke indoors. I'm worried you won't be comfortable in such an environment."

This explanation worked. Kazusa looked away from the paper, stopped fiddling with the gel pen, and raised her gaze to Chisato again. 

The resentment in her eyes vanished, replaced by concern.

"Is the environment at your workplace really that bad?"

Chisato shook his head.

"I'm just considering it from your perspective. As for me, I'm used to it. This job is definitely much better than serving plates in a restaurant or handing out flyers on the street."

Even so, Kazusa still felt a twinge of worry.

She suddenly realized she was a careless girlfriend. 

They had known each other for a while, and only now did she realize that Chisato was working part-time because he was obviously short on money.

She wanted to help, but couldn't think of a good way to do so at the moment.

"If you think the things I mentioned earlier don't matter, and you can accept that I won't always be able to take care of you while I'm working, then it's fine for you to come. I can take you home afterward."

Chisato bought some time during their short conversation, thinking quickly before finally saying this.

He pondered a lot in that brief moment.

Since Kazusa made such a request, she must have been thinking about it for a long time.

If he had strongly refused to let her go, it would likely have raised suspicion.

Would Kazusa secretly find time to visit her workplace because she was genuinely curious?

That was a concern for Chisato.

Since issues would arise sooner or later, rather than worrying daily in the future, it was better to address them while he was prepared.

The inevitable confrontation would come sooner or later, but it was too early now. It was best to avoid it for the time being.

As expected, after hearing what Chisato said, Kazusa appeared very happy, although she still pretended to be calm as she confirmed again,

"If I come, I won't disturb your work, right?"

"As long as you don't cling to me all the time like you usually do."

"Narcissist! Who would do that?"

"Okay, it's settled then. Just think of it as a relaxing activity after studying hard these days. You'll call home later, and we'll head to my workplace after school. I'll take you home afterward."

"Oh."

After the seemingly reluctant reply, Kazusa couldn't help but smile.

Regarding Chisato working part-time due to financial constraints, she also made a decision in her mind.

She would ask her mother, who had been idly staying at home recently. 

Although her mother had been lazy lately, she was an adult and might be able to offer some mature and practical advice.

…

Shimokitazawa High School, second-period recess.

After receiving a message on his cell phone, Ryo headed to the outdoor balcony at the end of the corridor, where Nijika was waiting for her.

"What's with the sudden call?"

"I wanted to let you know that my plans for tonight have changed, and I won't be going to practice at the stars."

"Did something happen? Did Ikuyo-chan or Bocchi-chan take a day off?"

Nijika shook her head.

"No, actually, it was Bocchi-chan who invited us to her house. She said it was to thank us for taking care of her all this time." 

"She asked her mother to prepare a lot of delicious food for us, and she also suggested we spend the night at her place."

"Bocchi-chan took the initiative to invite us?"

Ryo pointed at herself, looking incredulous.

After all, it was the extremely social Bocchi-chan, so it was indeed surprising for her to make such a request.

It made more sense for someone like Ikuyo, who was always so cheerful.

"I'm a bit surprised too. This doesn't seem like Bocchi-chan's usual style, but if you think about it, maybe it's her family's idea."

After briefly making some assumptions, Nijika waved her hand.

"Anyway, there's no point in worrying about it. I've already agreed to go, and Yudai-chan has also agreed. You'll come too, right?" 

"After all, this can be seen as a group activity for the band. The most important part is the delicious food."

"I want to go, but not just for the food. I want to be there for the friendship between me and Bocchi-chan. I don't want to disappoint her."

Ryo said earnestly.

"Ah, yes, yes."

Nijika responded perfunctorily, pulling out her cell phone to reply to Hitori to confirm the plans.

"Stop running around after school. Let's meet Bocchi-chan and Ikuyo-chan at the station…" 

"Oh, by the way, since it's your first time going to someone else's house, you should bring something. Let's stop by a fruit shop or a cake shop."

"Eh—"

"Yeah~"

Nijika's eyes sparkled mischievously.

"Looking at you, it seems you've probably overspent your pocket money this month again."

Ryo looked up at the sky.

"My wallet has a mind of its own, and I have no control over it."

"Idiot, you…"

Sighing, Nijika shook her head.

"Anyway, I'll help you with your share this time, but remember to pay me back later."

"I understand. I will pay it back, but I still have a question."

"What is it?"

"What should I do about Suzumiya-kun? Although I didn't say it clearly, I think he is actually a member of the band that has ended. He wasn't present at many of our group activities. Isn't that a bit problematic?"

Ryo expressed his thoughts.

Nijika had considered this as well, but she felt there was no need to worry too much about it.

"There's no doubt that Suzumiya-kun was a member of Kesshoku Band, but before that, he was Bocchi-chan's boyfriend. So, we don't really need to dwell on it. What's the issue? I think it's okay to leave it to Bocchi-chan."

"That's true."

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(18/22)

50+ advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta

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