The music room was tucked in the far corner of the club building's third floor, with a clear view of the school playground.
During the rainy season, the baseball team didn't practice. They stood side by side, linking arms and shouting in unison—a display that looked more like a brainwashing session at a sales company than sports practice.
Watanabe Tetsu knew nothing about athletics and couldn't make sense of what they were yelling. Perhaps it was the school song?
But such matters didn't concern him. He shifted his gaze toward the northwest corner of the classroom.
There sat Mai Asuka, who earlier had lifted her skirt at the sink, now quietly practicing the contrabass euphonium. Her concentration gave the impression that even if the world ended, she would still finish the piece with absolute dedication.
No wonder the warning said: "Protect yourself; beware of scams." All the girls in temporary activities are freaks.
Yet, Tetsu wasn't frightened. If anything, he considered it a good thing.
More than good.
For any normal boy, having a senior like her—an older-sister figure—suddenly teasing you at school in such a way was a guaranteed win.
If it weren't for Miki Yuki, he would have enjoyed it without hesitation. He wasn't a typical anime protagonist; though self-controlled, he would never waste an opportunity like this.
Too bad… I already have Miki Yuki.
He whispered it again, withdrawing his gaze and turning toward Asako Hanada behind the contrabass.
This petite, shy, and adorable girl—did she have secrets too?
The detector had one use left. Tetsu hesitated for barely two seconds before deciding to activate it—still clinging to the wild fantasy of pursuing both girls simultaneously.
After all, "Master-level: Shooting" and "Beyond-level: Stamina Recovery" had equally irresistible appeal, especially now, when he was utterly spoiled by Miki Yuki.
[Character: Asako Hanada]
Intelligence: 6
Charm: 8
Stamina: 8
Info: Suffers from emotional purity complex
The "emotional purity complex" seemed almost like another Miki Yuki.
But while their outward behavior might resemble each other, the difference was fundamental.
For instance, Tetsu could lay aside grudges and remain devoted to Miki Yuki—but if her mood soured, she could hypothetically "kill" him at any moment, because breaking up wasn't an option.
Asako Hanada, who also didn't permit breakups, imposed strict limits on her boyfriend while simultaneously constraining herself.
A forced kiss later would only serve to clarify her "emotional purity" condition—it held little real meaning.
As for Mai Asuka, who offered physical perks without direct contact, Tetsu didn't resist. But he had his limits: he would never force himself on a girl.
His eyes skimmed line by line through The Stars Shine on Humanity, yet he absorbed nothing of the text. His mind was entirely consumed by analyzing information.
Before long, noon arrived. The bass section decided to eat lunch at a nearby family restaurant.
Tetsu and Rin Seino went along.
"What did you do all morning?" Tetsu whispered to Rin as they walked at the back of the group.
"Guided Aoi-kun on playing."
"You actually practiced?"
"Improving performance is also a way to increase favorability. You," Rin glanced at Tetsu disapprovingly, "just sat there reading and did nothing at all."
"Last time, I went to the haunted house with you guys. Miki had to rush back that day, and then fly abroad the next—so I was just being considerate of my girlfriend."
"Why tell such a blatantly obvious lie?" Rin rubbed her temple in frustration.
"This has nothing to do with lies, right? Any lie you tell, I can see through in a second."
"You might want to change your habit of lying so easily."
"No need. I'm fine as I am."
"Is that so?" Rin nodded, indifferent.
Until they reached the family restaurant, she didn't say another word.
Seeing the entrance, Tetsu remembered Tamamo Konomi.
A month ago, in late April, it was at this restaurant's drink area that he "confessed" to her, spending 150,000 yen to make her his girlfriend for a month.
Had he not gone to Ochanomizu to save Miki Yuki, she might still be his "girlfriend" today.
"Welcome!"
A waiter led the seven of them to a long table in the corner.
Because school clubs frequently gathered here, the restaurant had far more long tables than a typical family restaurant.
What does this reflect?
Market determines resource allocation.
Tetsu mentally answered himself and gave himself a perfect score. Not that it was impressive—he usually aced social studies anyway.
"I'll sit here!"
"I like the innermost seat."
"No, I want the innermost seat too. Rock-paper-scissors!"
Tetsu deliberately waited for the Wind Instrument Club members to sit before taking a corner far from them.
Finally, Rin Seino sat diagonally across from him, also occupying a solitary spot.
After ordering, the girls whispered gossip, some discussing where they'd go after afternoon practice.
Closest to Tetsu were Rin Seino and Mai Asuka—one diagonally to the left, the other to the right—with an empty seat in between.
The three of them formed a triangular seating arrangement.
Rin Seino focused on her soba; Tetsu ate tonkatsu while reading; Mai Asuka, also eating noodles, listened quietly to the girls' conversation.
Plop.
Tetsu's eyes drifted from his book to the chopsticks at his feet.
"Watanabe-kun, please pick this up for me."
"Sure, Senpai Mai."
Tetsu bent down, and as expected, she handed him a pen as well.
The cap was off, and it said, "Write here."
Wow… Officer, there's a crazy senpai here.
He took the pen in his left hand, writing in an unrecognizable script.
Then he picked up the chopsticks and handed them back with a calm expression.
"Thanks." Mai Asuka accepted them without emotion, wrapping them in a tissue and setting them aside before picking up a spare pair.
At the table, it was as if they were the only two in the world.
Tetsu tucked the pen into his pocket and stole a glance at Rin Seino.
She focused on her noodles, occasionally frowning as if criticizing the taste in an adorably serious way.
"Senpai Mai, your face is so red… are you okay?" Aoi Ichiki asked, concerned.
"I'm fine… just spicy, hmm~~"
"You look really affected. Want me to pour you some drink?"
"No, ha… ha." Mai Asuka's blush deepened as she breathed quietly.
Could such things really linger in memory? Or was it delayed reaction?