Chapter 41 — They Can Really Accept It

Yamada Ryo, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. Her seemingly casual tone felt a bit off, like she had been planning this moment all along, just waiting for someone to invite Bocchi first so she could naturally invite Kazami Haru as well.

Even Nijika, the ever-energetic and gentle angel, didn't notice her friend's underlying intentions. Instead, she went along with it:

"Yeah yeah, Haru-san, please join us too!"

"Our band is still missing a vocalist. If Haru-san joins, that would be perfect. Please, we're begging you!"

Join the band?

It wasn't surprising that Ryo would be the first to invite him. In the simulation with Tomori, Ryo also inexplicably took a liking to him, and they had a pretty good rapport.

Joining the band did have its perks.

Currently, both Kita and Ryo were his simulation targets. Spending more time with them in real life would allow him to test conditions and continuously gain "items" and "simulation attempts."

Right now, what he needed most were those simulation attempts, they were like "extra lives" or essential tools. If he could keep gaining more, that would be ideal.

Of course, the biggest perk for Haru might be that Nijika-mama was just so cute.

If it were her, maybe she could give him a whole soccer team of kids.

"But wait—none of you have heard me sing, or seen how I play keyboard—"

"You're still okay inviting me just like that? Aren't you worried I'll say yes and then run off?"

At the word "run," he noticed Nijika visibly tense. Her expression briefly froze, as if it reminded her of something unpleasant.

"I-it's okay!"

"Actually, none of us are that good either, but if we practice together, we'll get better!"

Nijika seemed determined to pull him in, hands clasped together.

Even if he couldn't play instruments yet, that was fine, they could learn together!

Even though they had just played terribly on stage, he still watched them without looking away.

That alone was enough reason for Nijika to want him on board.

Plus, since he already knew Bocchi, joining wouldn't cause any social stress for their pink-haired anxiety monster. In Nijika's eyes, he was a good guy, and he even got along well with Ryo.

Seeing that he was still hesitating, Yamada Ryo suddenly added, "If you miss this chance, you won't find another!"

"We're all cute girls. One thing could lead to another and before you know it, you'd be living a shameless love life, or even starting a harem. It's not just a dream."

She grinned mischievously, even shoving Nijika in front of him.

"Ryo! Don't say things that'll cause misunderstandings!"

Suddenly sold out by her best friend, the golden-haired angel flushed crimson, her delicate face burning red.

Flustered, Nijika stumbled backward in a panic.

Most of her friends were girls, and since she was close to Ryo, she had little experience interacting with boys. Her brain nearly short-circuited at the provocation, and she couldn't even meet Kazami Haru's eyes.

Nijika, cute.

Haru had to admit, Ryo's suggestion was awfully tempting.

Cuddling with the Shimokitazawa angel? Who could resist that?

But still—

[Would you be willing to be in a band with me for life?]

Kazami Haru suddenly recalled the innocent, hopeful smile of a certain little penguin.

All the experiences and emotions he shared with the little penguin in the simulation were nothing but fleeting illusions. Even so, he still found it hard to let go.

Someone like him, unable to distinguish reality, probably could only live forever in the illusion of the Sharingan.

"I won't directly join Kessoku Band. At most, I'll be like a ghost member outside the official roster."

"I can help with songwriting and lyrics, but I also have a part-time job, so I'll only be able to train when I can find the time. Sometimes I might help out other bands too, and I'll only occasionally perform on stage with you."

"Would that be acceptable to everyone?"

…

Turns out, it really was acceptable.

"Yay! Cheers!"

Ijichi Nijika beamed brightly, baring her pearly white teeth as she gently clinked her glass bottle against Kazami Haru's. The carbonated fizz of the cola burst out with a sound that made your whole body relax.

"Anyway, today is a welcome party for Haru-san and Bocchi-chan! We're celebrating two new members joining Kessoku Band, everyone just relax and enjoy! Clap clap clap~"

(pachi pachi pachi or search Nijika clap in youtube)

The golden-haired angel clapped excitedly as she energized the atmosphere. It was clear that she was really happy.

"Ooh~"

Yamada Ryo, expressionless as usual, raised her drink with one hand and echoed Nijika.

Kazami Haru stuffed McDonald's fries into his mouth with his left hand, while his right sneakily snatched a McNugget from Bocchi's plate.

Because Bocchi was currently spaced out, she didn't even notice her five nuggets had mysteriously become three.

It wasn't just Haru eating.

So much had happened today that Bocchi's brain was overwhelmed and effectively shut down.

Even the welcome party had been something Nijika had half-forced her into attending.

From Bocchi's perspective, she had made new friends today, traded lunchboxes with them, gotten scared by a terrifying gravity girl, been dragged on stage by a random JK, joined a band, and now was at a welcome party.

All these events, which she usually only dreamed about, had all happened in one day.

With so many intense emotions from excitement, fear, happiness. All flooding her at once, her brain melted down and turned into a gooey, slug-like mess.

Glug!

"As expected from Coca-Cola. That feeling, it hits the spot!"

"Huh? Haru-san, so you're a Coca-Cola guy?"