Chapter 33: You Become an Irreplaceable Part of Their Lives

A choice with Life-Changing consequences?

Minami immediately became more focused.

In the third playthrough, after seeing this same message, the choice he made had directly shaped the entire outcome of that run.

In other words, this decision would significantly impact not just this playthrough but everything that followed.

Minami carefully read the options.

[The members of Kessoku Band have always treated you well, and you already see them as friends. Given the current situation, you decide to do what you can to help them.]

1. For efficiency's sake, offer to tutor the two weakest students—Bocchi and Ryo.

2. With your ability, you should be able to handle everyone's academics—offer to tutor the entire band.

3. Focus on yourself. Believe that Kessoku Band can find their own way through this.

4. Simulate it yourself.

Minami fell into deep thought.

His usual approach would be to help Bocchi and Ryo, as they were clearly struggling the most.

After all, in past playthroughs, both Nijika and Kita had consistently performed better academically.

However, if he only focused on Bocchi and Ryo, then this Ryo—just like in the previous runs—might once again latch onto him completely.

That felt a little too risky.

Minami temporarily set aside the first option and shifted his gaze to the third one.

Trusting Kessoku Band to Handle It Themselves?

That was just absurd.

Minami shook his head.

There's a saying: When people are desperate, they can accomplish anything—except math problems.

Rely on them to fix this on their own?

With Bocchi's academic ability, where even her best efforts would barely get her into an average university? With Ryo's single-core brain processor?

It wasn't that Minami didn't want to believe in them—it's just that their track record gave him zero reason to.

With that in mind, Minami had his answer.

He chose the second option.

[2. With your ability, you should be able to handle everyone's academics—offer to tutor the entire band.]

Though it would be a bit of a burden, taking care of everyone was ultimately the safest approach.

At the very least, he had to ensure they wouldn't end up repeating a grade.

[Taking into account the overall academic balance of Kessoku Band, you decided to personally tutor all four of them. With your nationwide top-ranked academic skills, you were confident that teaching them would be no problem.]

[At Starry, the usual music practice continued as normal, but now, after each session, an additional tutoring session was held.]

[During these lessons, you weren't strict—you guided them patiently, ensuring they fully understood each topic before moving on.]

[Nijika and Kita asked a lot of questions, and you carefully explained each one until they completely grasped it.]

[They were amazed at your vast knowledge, but also worried that tutoring them might affect your own studies.]

[Their concern wasn't unfounded. After all, in order to help them, you had deliberately set aside your own study time. Although you still maintained your position as the top student in the grade, your scores had indeed dropped slightly—but you didn't mind at all.]

[To you, helping Kessoku Band overcome this challenge was the top priority.]

[Forcing yourself to stay awake, you reassured Nijika and Kita, telling them not to worry.]

Late at Night, in the Practice Room at Starry…

"Minami-san… are you really okay?"

Nijika looked up at him anxiously. "Your grades must have dropped because you're tutoring us, right? But you're also at such a critical point in your own studies…"

"I think… maybe helping all four of us really is too much…"

Kita's voice was filled with guilt, and even her usual vibrant red hair seemed a little dull. "I heard that your scores went down in the last test… it's because of us, isn't it?"

Everyone knew that, despite Japan's supposed "happy education" system, in reality, getting into a top university was no joke.

Most high school students who wanted to go to college started taking cram school classes by their second year, preparing well in advance.

In other words, Minami was in the same stressful situation as they were—he was also preparing for university entrance exams.

While they were grateful for his help, they couldn't shake the feeling that they were dragging him down.

Minami put down his textbook and tiredly rubbed his temples.

He appreciated their concern, but he simply forced a weary smile and said, "Don't worry about it. I chose to do this—I never once thought of it as a burden."

"But…"

"It's fine. Really."

Minami yawned. Balancing intense tutoring sessions, daily guitar practice, and maintaining his own studies…

His mind was constantly under pressure, but he still reassured Kita and Nijika.

"Rather than worrying about my grades, why not focus on how to do better on your next test?"

He smiled at them.

"Keep at it."

Right now was undoubtedly the hardest time.

But somehow, after hearing Minami's encouragement, the uneasiness in Nijika and Kita's hearts faded, and their confidence returned.

Yet, looking at how exhausted he seemed, they couldn't suppress their concern.

Pausing the simulation, Minami leaned back and massaged his temples.

Wait a second. Hold on.

What's going on here?

Where were Bocchi and Ryo?

Minami distinctly remembered that in past playthroughs, Nijika and Kita were usually just supporting characters—a "blonde girl NPC" and a "red-haired girl NPC."

They were always on good terms with him but rarely played major roles in the simulation.

But this time… it seemed different.

Bocchi and Ryo still had plenty of screen time, but now Nijika and Kita were becoming more involved as well.

So shifting the main setting to Starry caused this kind of change?

Then… if he kept going down this route… where would it ultimately lead?

Minami resumed the simulation.

[The tutoring continued, and since the sessions ran late every night, you made sure to personally walk each of them home.]

[When Bocchi got nervous, you would comfort her. She liked trailing behind you, quietly listening to your words.]

[When Ryo was bored, you entertained her with odd stories and knowledge from both your past and present life. She, usually aloof and self-absorbed, found you incredibly interesting.]

[Kita was deeply concerned for you—she and Nijika often brought you small snacks as gestures of appreciation.]

[You gradually became someone they couldn't imagine their lives without.]