Chapter 275

"Hmm... I'll turn off the lights then..."

"Uh-huh!"

Ikuyo nodded expectantly.

With a click, the bedroom light went out, leaving only the light from the cell phone beside Ikuyo in the room.

After she saw Hitori walk over, she took a thin piece of clothing to cover her phone, and the glaring light was transformed into a dim and atmospheric ambient light.

Moreover, the lighting is just right, not too dim or too bright, perfect for chatting until you get sleepy and then go to bed.

"Let's settle this then, who wants to start?"

Ikuyo asked the two of them with a smile.

Looking at her expression, Nijika knew that she wanted to talk about the details of their relationship this time.

However, Nijika did not follow Ikuyo's topic. Because of Liang's actions just now, she realized that it would be too late if she was no longer certain about some things. She reflected on her feelings throughout the day and her current life experience together.

She looked at the two people in front of her who hadn't fully entered that field yet, and her expression became somewhat serious.

"Before that, I have a question."

Hitori and Ikuyo looked puzzled by Nijika's serious expression, but Nijika, seeing their increased focus, asked.

"Bocchi-chan, Kita- chan, what do you think about us dating Hayabusa together like this?"

Ikuyo had thought she was about to discuss something very serious, but upon hearing this, she couldn't help but smile and reply.

"I'm happy just like this."

After she finished speaking, she noticed that Nijika's performance remained serious, and knowing that Nijika was not satisfied with her simple answer, she added more details.

"To be more specific, I feel that I get along very well with everyone, and of course, more importantly, I am able to be with Hayato-kun."

Although we won't be the center of attention like when we're together, it's still nice this way. The lively atmosphere is exactly what I've always hoped for.

I think this is good enough.

She spoke her mind without any hesitation.

After pondering and understanding Ikuyo's thoughts, Nijika turned to look at Hitori.

Ichiri already knew the answer to this question in her heart.

However, she felt that her thoughts were too despicable compared to Ikuyo's, and just as she was about to avoid answering, she saw Nijika's serious eyes, hesitated, and looked away.

Having spent so much time with Ishikawa Hayato, Hitori knows that lies and concealment are not good things, but it has always been her way of protecting herself.

After hesitating for a long time, she finally spoke.

"Well... I feel that as long as I can be with Hayabusa, it's fine. I'm also happy to be with everyone, and they can help me keep an eye on Hayabusa... Plus, we complement each other... Although there's not much I can do for everyone..."

As she spoke, she realized that she was a complete burden in this group, and so despicable that she couldn't help but feel afraid.

But I still honestly expressed my thoughts.

"I harbored such base thoughts, hoping everyone would stay with me by Hayabusa's side. I'm truly sorry..."

She was so frightened that tears welled up in her eyes. She got out of bed and knelt on the ground in front of the two of them.

Her honest statement made Ikuyo and Nijika feel much more at ease, and they were completely relieved to know how Ishikawa Hayato's wife, whom they implicitly acknowledged, felt.

But because of her sudden, exaggerated actions, Nijika was frightened and hurriedly tried to stop her.

"Bocchi-chan, there's no need to apologize for such a small thing. In fact, it'll make things easier for everyone to know."

Ikuyo also offered words of comfort.

"Yes, everyone has their own selfish motives, don't worry about it."

With tears welling up in her Hitori, she looked up and asked sweetly.

"Are you really alright?"

"It's nothing, it's nothing."

After Nijika and Ikuyo finished speaking in unison, they both paused for a moment, then burst out laughing.

Hitori them laughing, Yili smiled too, and slowly returned to her bed.

After a couple of moments, the girls' laughter gradually subsided. Through these interactions, they gradually transformed their relationship from friends to that of boyfriends' other girlfriends, and eventually, a relationship where they would walk hand in hand within a family.

Ikuyo sighed and feigned dissatisfaction as she complained to Nijika.

"Speaking of which, Ijichi-senpai is quite cunning. He always asks others first, 'What are your own thoughts?'"

"Me..." Nijika thought for a moment, her voice rising cutely as she answered Ikuyo's question with a smile.

"It seems to be no different from Kita- chan's. I feel like I might regret missing out on Hayato-kun for the rest of my life. And seeing you and Ryo acting so recklessly, I thought it wouldn't hurt to add me to the list..."

He invited him too, so... hehe."

She smiled sheepishly.

The three of them were lying on the bedding, chatting and laughing softly in the dim light of their cell phones.

Ikuyo looked at the dim light, placed her hands in front of her, leaned down, rested her chin on her arm, and smiled softly.

"That's really like Ijichi-senpai's thinking. As for Ryo-senpai's thoughts since she's not here, I asked her before, and she said that nothing else matters to her, she just likes Hayato-kun."

Nijika remained lying down, and upon hearing this, she shook her head in disdain and denied it.

"Don't listen to what Liang says. She's just going along with the mood. That guy is the type who gets extremely jealous."

She used to have other friends, but because one of them brought another friend to visit her, Liang stopped talking to that friend altogether, even though that happened when she was little.

She sighed as she recounted Liang's past.

Ikuyo looked up in surprise.

"Such a Ryo-senpai is actually..."

Hitori this point, Ichiri also joined the conversation.

"Ah, I understand that feeling... It's like being betrayed by a friend, like they're becoming unrecognizable, even though I've never had any friends before..."

She immediately steered the conversation towards a darker, more gloomy direction.

Nijika and Ikuyo were used to her acting this way, so they smiled helplessly and didn't pay any attention.

Nijika snapped out of her daze and frowned.

"Why is everyone talking about that shameless person?"

The two were startled, and after remembering what Ryo and Ishikawa Hayato had been doing, they both looked somewhat embarrassed. Having both eavesdropped, they could vaguely hear Ryo's pleas for mercy.

However, Hitori knew very well that what Ryo was doing now was what she would do soon, so she hurriedly tried to exonerate Ryo.

"Nijika-chan, isn't this something that most people do in high school..."

Hitori didn't realize that if he had only said those words to his past self, it would have caused his past self to fall into a coma that could last for several days, or even die.

Ikuyo noticed that Hitori seemed to be speaking up for Ryo all evening, which she found somewhat amusing, but she didn't laugh out loud. Instead, she spoke to Nijika.

"I think Ryo-senpai's idea is not wrong. If you're dating, this day will come eventually. I believe that Hayato-kun will not betray me."

The intentions of these two were too obvious, and they were already ready to be with Ishikawa Hayato at any time. Nijika didn't know what to say.

"You guys... wouldn't it be better to observe them a little longer... if it's too fast, they won't be appreciated."

She felt that next time she came, there would probably be no one there, and it was even possible that all four of them would be playing on that big bed.

I couldn't help but feel a little flustered.

Hitori has always unconditionally sided with Ishikawa Hayato in matters concerning him.

"But... but if it's too slow, Hayabusa's patience..."

Nijika said blankly, "There are plenty of people there!"

Ikuyo chuckled at Nijika's teasing, then quietly lay there staring at the dim light from her phone, thinking about what Nijika had said at the beginning.

"It's really great right now. My friends and loved ones are all together, working hard in the band, having fun together. I feel like this is the most fulfilling and happiest time of my life. And as for Hayato-kun, I believe he can keep this going forever."

"Um..."

"Yes..."

Nijika and Hitori each experienced the current situation and could indeed feel the liveliness that was the opposite of loneliness.

They also began to get used to being together with everyone, especially with Falcon. After realizing this happiness, the lonely times they spent alone became unbearable.

As the two were filled with mixed emotions, Ikuyo jokingly steered the conversation back to the original topic.

"Let's tell you the story of how we got to know each other!"

Nijika sighed, "Not again?!"

Seeing Nijika's sigh, Ikuyo changed his tune.

"Then Gotou -chan... Ichiri-chan, first!"

"Eh, ah... well, let me tell you about my date with Hayabusa to watch the fireworks..."

After listening to what Hitori said, Ikuyo felt that she had made the right decision to hold this second-stage women's gathering.

"So romantic?! Ichiri-chan is so cunning! Next up is Nijika- senpai!"

"... I don't feel anything... Ikuyo-chan, don't look at me like that, I know... Let's just talk about the argument Hayato-kun and my sister the other day."

While the three were chatting happily, Ryo, who had originally been aggressive and ready to take revenge on Ishikawa Hayato for watching her get beaten up, was now panting and rolling her eyes, unconsciously begging for mercy from Ishikawa Hayato.

The following evening, the Kessoku Band began their first performance since the music festival.

Of course, as the main band for today, they will be the second to last, or the headlining, performance of the evening.

But before any guests even arrived, this band, which could be considered a one-man show, started to fall apart on its own.

"Bocchi-chan! Take your wig down! Hayato-kun, you should talk to her too!"

Nijika was trying to catch Hitori, who was running around the field.

The pink-haired girl was trying to put on a wig that was big enough to cover her entire face.

Hitori pressed the wig onto his head and ran while wailing and crying.

"Please spare me, this is the only thing I have!"

Liang ignored this and rested on the table, her body rising and falling with her breath, as if she had fallen asleep.

As for Ikuyo, she pulled Ishikawa Hayato aside with her phone and asked him a question.

"Hayato-kun, we're the main band! Our band name is right in the middle of the store entrance, what do you think of my photo?"

Ishikawa Hayato smiled and shifted his gaze from the two people darting around to Ikuyo's hand.

Looking at the photos taken by Ikuyo, he thought for a moment and said seriously.

"This angle makes the billboard look good, but it lacks information and excitement. It would be better if everyone gathered around the sign to take pictures, or if you could capture the backs of many music fans at the store entrance."

Ikuyo's eyes widened in realization, then she smiled and extended an invitation to the other three.

"Everyone, shall we take a picture together of the performance?"

She grabbed him for Hitori, but couldn't get him to take off his wig. Nijika looked up and shouted.

"First, call Hayato-kun over and tell Bocchi-chan to calm down!"

Liang, who seemed to be asleep, turned her head and said, "Wasn't the news about tonight's performance already sent out a while ago...?"

"Hmm..."

Seeing that no one was cooperating, Ikuyo puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction and looked at Ishikawa Hayato.

Ishikawa Hayato smiled and walked over to Hitori, who was being held by Nijika. Hitori looked up at him pitifully, like a child who had done something wrong.

"Falcon..."

He patted Hitori's head and said to Nijika.

"Well, it's okay to wear it for a while. We need to let Hitori calm down a bit."

Nijika understood his meaning and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Then let's leave it at that..."