Ch 74: Daily Life

Arthur leaned against the counter, watching the Kessoku Band members finish their meal. "So, how was the food?" he asked casually.

Ikuyo placed her chopsticks down with a bright smile. "Arthur-kun, you should totally become our personal chef! Your food is amazing!"

Arthur chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not doing that, Ikuyo-san. And don't you think the tuition you're charging for teaching me how to play instruments is a little too high? You guys are basically eating lunch and dinner here for free… from my pocket."

Ikuyo smirked, crossing her arms. "Not for free, Arthur-kun. You're learning from us, aren't you? And didn't you say money wasn't a problem for you?"

Arthur blinked. "That's a stretch—and totally unfair—even if I do have money."

Ryo, who had been eating quietly, chimed in. "She's not wrong. You've been playing with us during practice, and you're technically our student."

Bocchi, still shy but sincere, nodded. "And you're really good, Arthur-kun."

Arthur scratched his cheek. "I mean… I'm just picking it up casually. It's not like I'm planning to become a professional musician."

Nijika clapped her hands together. "Still, it's been fun having you around, and I think you really have a knack for it, Arthur-kun."

Arthur sighed in defeat. "Fine, fine. But I'm still charging you guys at some point."

Ikuyo pouted. "Boo! Meanie!"

---

Arthur helped clean up the dishes after the meal before stepping outside for some fresh air. Leaning against his parked bike, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through the photos he had taken over the past two weeks.

There were snapshots of beautifully plated dishes he had cooked, random street views of Tokyo, and even some candid shots of Bocchi awkwardly trying to avoid eye contact while Ikuyo dragged her into a shopping spree. Arthur chuckled at that one.

"This world is way too normal… but I don't hate it," he muttered to himself.

Just as he was about to put his phone away, a familiar voice called out.

"Yo, Arthur."

Turning his head, he saw Joichiro Yukihira approaching with his usual relaxed smile.

"Taking a break?" Joichiro asked, leaning against the wall beside him.

Arthur nodded. "Yeah, figured I'd enjoy the fresh air before heading back in."

Joichiro smirked. "You've been improving a lot. At this rate, I might have to hire you full-time."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You already let me work for free. If anything, I should be the one charging you for my services."

Joichiro let out a hearty laugh. "Fair enough." He then studied Arthur for a moment before speaking again. "But seriously, you've got talent—not just in cooking, but in everything you do. Ever thought about what you really want to do?"

Arthur paused. That was a heavier question than he expected. Did he have a goal here? So far, he had just been going with the flow, experiencing whatever came his way.

"I'm… not really sure," he admitted. "I guess I just want to enjoy life."

Joichiro nodded. "That's not a bad answer. Just don't let yourself drift too much. You never know when you might stumble upon something—or someone—that makes you want to stay."

Arthur glanced at him, smirking. "That sounded suspiciously deep for a chef."

Joichiro grinned. "I have my moments."

They stood there in comfortable silence before Joichiro stretched. "Alright, I gotta get back. You coming?"

Arthur shook his head. "Nah, I'll wander around for a bit."

Joichiro waved him off. "Don't get lost."

Arthur chuckled. "I'll try."

---

As Arthur rode through the busy streets of Tokyo, the cool evening air brushing against his face, he found himself slowing down as he spotted a familiar figure. There, standing stiffly on the sidewalk, was Bocchi—completely motionless, her eyes locked onto the empty space in front of her as if contemplating the meaning of life itself.

Arthur couldn't help but chuckle. This was almost exactly how they first met. Shaking his head, he pulled up in front of her and lightly pressed the horn on his bike.

The sudden sound startled Bocchi out of her trance. She flinched, her face flushing red as she awkwardly shifted her gaze to him. Arthur leaned slightly on the handlebars, giving her an amused smirk.

"You sure you're not stuck in some deep existential crisis again?" he teased.

Bocchi fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, her voice barely above a whisper. "N-No, I was just… thinking."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Thinking so hard you forgot to blink?"

Her face turned an even darker shade of red. She quickly looked away, mumbling something incoherent.

Arthur sighed playfully. "Alright, alright. You hungry?"

At the mention of food, Bocchi's stomach let out a quiet growl, betraying her. She immediately stiffened, covering her midsection as if that would somehow take back the embarrassing moment.

Arthur grinned. "I'll take that as a yes."

Before she could protest, he patted the seat behind him. "Hop on. I know a good place."

Bocchi hesitated, glancing at the bike, then at him. "U-Um… I've never really…"

Arthur tilted his head. "Never ridden on a bike before?"

She nodded meekly.

"Well, no time like the present," he said with an easygoing smile. "Come on, I promise I won't speed."

Bocchi gulped but slowly stepped forward, carefully climbing onto the bike behind him. Her hands hovered uncertainly, unsure of where to hold on.

Arthur noticed her hesitation and smirked. "You might wanna hold onto me unless you have some hidden talent for balancing on moving vehicles."

Bocchi hesitated for another moment before very lightly gripping the back of his jacket with the tips of her fingers.

Arthur sighed. "That's not gonna be enough if I take a turn. Just hold on properly."

With a face so red it almost reached her hair, Bocchi finally wrapped her arms around his waist—loosely, but at least properly this time.

"See? Not so bad," Arthur said before revving the engine. "Alright, let's go."

The bike rolled forward, Bocchi let out a tiny, nervous squeak, tightening her grip slightly.

---

As they rode through the streets, the city lights reflecting in Bocchi's wide eyes, Arthur spoke up.

"You know, Hitori, you should have more confidence in yourself."

Bocchi flinched slightly but remained silent, listening.

"You're an amazing artist. I get that it's not easy to change overnight, and I'm not saying you should. Just take it slow," Arthur continued. "There are people who believe in you—your parents, your friends, even me. So have a little faith in yourself, okay?"

Bocchi tightened her grip on his waist just a little, her voice barely above a whisper.

"…Okay."

Arthur chuckled as he felt Bocchi relax slightly behind him.

"Good," he said. "Because once you come out of your shell, you won't get embarrassed so easily. But…" He paused, tapping a finger against the bike's handle. "I think the current you is also—how should I put this?" He hummed in thought. "The way you are now… it's what makes you unique. It's what makes you, you."

Bocchi remained silent for a moment before softly replying, "You really think so?"

Arthur smiled. "Yeah, I do."

Arthur grinned as he glanced at Bocchi from the corner of his eye.

"It's what makes you Bocchi the Rock, no?" he said, his voice light yet sincere.

Bocchi's face turned a deep shade of red, and she fidgeted behind him. "Th-That's just a stage name… it's embarrassing when you say it like that."

Arthur chuckled. "Maybe, but it suits you. You're already rocking in your own way, you just don't see it yet."

Bocchi lowered her head, but a small smile formed on her lips. "…Thanks, Arthur-kun."

---

Arthur parked his bike in front of the café and turned to Bocchi. "Alright, we're here," he said as he took off his helmet.

Bocchi hesitated for a moment before nodding. "T-Thanks for the ride…"

Arthur simply smiled and held the door open for her. As they stepped inside, the familiar aroma of coffee and pastries filled the air. He casually scanned the room—and then his gaze landed on a familiar figure.

Utaha.

Once again, she was here. And once again, she caught him staring.

Utaha raised an eyebrow, setting her book down slightly as a smirk played on her lips. "You know, Arthur-kun, if you keep staring at me like that, I might start thinking you're interested."

Arthur blinked, realizing he had been caught—again. He let out a small chuckle and scratched his cheek. "I swear, this is purely coincidental. But if fate keeps making us run into each other, maybe I should start believing in destiny."

Utaha let out a soft laugh, motioning to the empty seat across from her. "Well then, since fate seems so insistent, why don't you join me?"

Arthur glanced at Bocchi, who was already awkwardly shifting behind him. He sighed, deciding it was better to go along with the flow. "Sure, why not?"

He pulled out a chair and sat down, while Bocchi hesitantly followed, sitting beside him. As soon as she did, Utaha's eyes flickered to her, studying her for a moment. "And who might this be?"

Bocchi, caught off guard, stiffened. "A-Ah, I-I'm—"

Arthur chuckled and patted her shoulder. "This is Gotou Hitori, a talented guitarist and a friend of mine."

Utaha gave a knowing smile. "Gotou-san, huh? You're part of Kessoku Band, aren't you?"

Bocchi's eyes widened in surprise. "Y-You know about us?"

Utaha nodded, swirling the coffee in her cup. "I've heard of you. Your band's been getting some attention lately, and I do my research on up-and-coming artists. You have quite the stage presence, even if you look like you're about to collapse half the time."

Bocchi turned completely red, shrinking into her hoodie.

Arthur chuckled. "You're not wrong."

Utaha turned her attention back to Arthur, tilting her head. "And what about you? I doubt you're just a simple bystander. What exactly is your role here?"

Arthur leaned back, smirking. "Oh, you know, I just go where the wind takes me. I cook, I play music, and sometimes, I end up having deep conversations in cafés with famous authors."

Utaha's lips curled into an amused smile. "Flattery will get you nowhere… but I suppose it does make the conversation more interesting."

Arthur just grinned. Somehow, his daily life was getting more unpredictable by the second.

"Hitori and her band teaches me how to play and lets me practice with them while I cook for them."

Utaha raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. "So, you're basically their personal chef in exchange for music lessons? That sounds like a suspiciously one-sided deal."

Arthur chuckled. "That's what I said! But apparently, they consider it 'fair compensation' since I'm learning from them."

Bocchi, still recovering from the earlier conversation, mumbled, "Y-You're really good… even though you've only been playing for a short time."

Utaha smirked, resting her chin on her hand. "Let me guess—you're one of those people who picks up skills effortlessly, aren't you?"

Arthur scratched his cheek. "Well, I wouldn't say effortlessly… but I do have a tendency to pick things up faster than most."

Utaha's gaze lingered on him for a moment, as if sizing him up. "Interesting. So, what's next? After you master guitar, are you going to try writing novels, too?"

Arthur laughed. "I think I'll leave the novel-writing to the professionals. Besides, I'm just here to have fun, not to start a career in music or literature."

Utaha smirked. "Famous last words. Before you know it, you'll be roped into something bigger than you intended."

Arthur shrugged. "Maybe. But for now, I'll just keep enjoying the ride."

Utaha hummed, taking a sip of her coffee. "Well, Arthur-kun, I have a feeling our paths will keep crossing. Call it fate, coincidence, or just sheer bad luck—either way, I'm looking forward to it."

Arthur grinned. "Same here, Utaha-san."

Bocchi, who had been silent, glanced between the two before whispering, "A-Am I… interrupting something?"

Arthur just chuckled, while Utaha smiled knowingly. "Who knows?"

"Anyways order what you want my treat. You too Utaha-san."

Bocchi hesitated. "A-Are you sure? I don't want to trouble you…"

Arthur waved her concern away with a grin. "Of course. Think of it as thanks for the music lessons and, well, for keeping me entertained."

Bocchi fidgeted but eventually nodded, picking something simple from the menu.

Utaha, on the other hand, smirked. "Oh? A free meal? How generous, Arthur-kun. I suppose I'll indulge, then." She leisurely scanned the menu before ordering something more expensive, clearly testing his limits.

Arthur just chuckled. "Go ahead, enjoy yourself. But if you keep this up, I might have to start charging the Band for my cooking."

Utaha's eyes glinted with amusement. "Now that would be a tragedy."

The three placed their orders, and as they waited, Arthur leaned back in his chair, looking at the two girls.

"So, what have you two been up to?" he asked.

Bocchi fumbled with her words. "Um… band practice, mostly… and some songwriting…"

Utaha rested her chin on her hand. "Working on a new novel. Though, I've been dealing with some… unexpected distractions lately." She shot him a glance, her smirk still in place.

Arthur chuckled. "I hope I'm not too much of a distraction."

Utaha took a slow sip of her coffee before answering, "Oh, you have no idea."

---Note

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