I Just Want A Single Ending!

"Wow, this music shop is amazing! I can't even take it all in…" Nyamu said as she gave her viewers a quick overview of the store.

She wasn't exactly promoting it, just giving an impression for the video. When she'd gathered enough footage, she paused, reverting to her usual self and calling over to Saku Kamigawa, who was browsing instruments nearby.

"All done with the intro! Let's get to picking out instruments."

"Got it," Saku replied, moving back to her side. "So, have you decided which drum set you're going for?"

Saku had actually done his homework on entry-level drum kits specifically to impress her. He'd even reached out to Nijika Ijichi for tips, which meant he was pretty confident recommending something good to a beginner.

"I'm thinking of getting the Roland TD-11K," Nyamu said, casually naming her choice.

"An electronic drum kit?" Saku froze, looking at her in surprise.

Electronic and acoustic drums were totally different. The electronic drum kit was digital, producing sound via triggers and pads, while acoustic drums relied on physical resonance from drum skins and cymbals.

In other words, she'd misled him when she said she wanted an acoustic set! He'd done all that research for nothing!

"Yep! An electronic kit," Nyamu replied with a grin.

"You told me you wanted a traditional drum kit," Saku replied, sounding a little betrayed.

Because he'd focused solely on drum kit research, he knew next to nothing about electronic sets beyond the basics.

"I know, but a regular drum kit's so big and would totally disturb my neighbors. My apartment's way too small for one," Nyamu explained, clearly unbothered by his distress. "With an electronic set, I can wear headphones and not worry about the noise. Plus, they're way more compact."

"Good point," Saku acknowledged, his tone reluctant. Practicing on an acoustic kit in an apartment really would be a disaster.

"But you sounded so against the idea of me getting an electronic set." Nyamu picked up on the change in his tone, her curiosity piqued. "Why, though? Is there a reason you'd rather I didn't?"

[Tell Her]

[Keep It to Yourself]

The system prompt appeared, and Saku made a quick choice.

"To be honest, after you mentioned you wanted a drum set, I went out of my way to get some advice on beginner acoustic kits. So yeah, I was a little blindsided when you said electronic."

He might as well be upfront—maybe it'd earn him some goodwill and salvage his efforts.

[Stamina +3]

"Oh, I didn't realize! I'm really sorry, Saku, I didn't mean to change plans on you like that."

Nyamu's eyes softened as she looked at him, clearly touched by his effort. Now his earlier reaction made perfect sense.

"No big deal. Honestly, the electronic set is probably a better choice, given the space and noise issues."

"And here I thought you weren't a very thoughtful guy!" Nyamu laughed, remembering her earlier playful jabs. "I take it back—you're actually pretty good at caring for others."

"I only looked into it so you wouldn't get ripped off. Don't read too much into it," Saku said, trying to deflect.

He couldn't exactly tell her it was all just to get closer and earn some extra points.

"No, seriously—who knew you could be this thoughtful? You've got that 'tsundere' thing down," Nyamu mused, delighted by her discovery.

A guy with tsundere tendencies? Now that was something you didn't come across every day.

"Nope. I don't have a single 'tsundere' bone in my body," Saku countered, shooting the label down immediately.

"Then how do you explain looking up drum kits just for me?" Nyamu teased.

"I already told you—I did it to keep you from getting scammed. Don't overthink it," he reiterated.

"Fine, fine, whatever you say." Nyamu's tone was so dismissive it was practically a pat on the head.

Damn it!

Now that the "tsundere" label was sticking, Saku could only sigh in defeat.

"By the way, didn't you mention wanting a bass? See anything you like?" Nyamu asked, moving on with a satisfied smile. She felt she'd finally evened the score.

"I'm looking at a five-string Schecter," Saku answered honestly.

"Five strings? You're a beginner, though!" Nyamu's surprise was evident. "Most people start with a standard four-string bass, especially when they're just starting out."

"Oh, I didn't know that," Saku replied, feigning ignorance and seeing a chance to probe her. "What brand would you recommend for a beginner, then?"

Her face lit up instantly.

Finally, a chance to put her own bass knowledge into action!

"Well, if you're looking at entry-level basses, I'd suggest…"

Nyamu trailed off, suddenly realizing something was wrong. Why was she rattling off bass recommendations? She wasn't supposed to know any of this! She clamped her mouth shut and glanced at Saku, who was now smiling a bit too smugly.

"Nyamu-senpai, why'd you stop?" he asked, his voice practically dripping with mischief. "What bass would you suggest for a beginner?"

Senpai?

It was the first time he'd ever addressed her like that, and under any other circumstances, Nyamu would have been pleased. But now, she saw it for what it was—he was messing with her.

What? All she did was call him a tsundere—did he really have to get back at her like this?

How petty could he get?

"Wait, aren't you more interested in drums than bass?" Saku continued, clearly savoring his victory. "How come you're so knowledgeable about entry-level basses?"

"That's a bit suspicious, don't you think?"

"Unless…you looked it up just for me, senpai?" Saku pressed. "If that's true, you might want to admit it. Otherwise, you're the real tsundere here."

Nyamu opened her mouth to retort, then closed it, at a complete loss for words.

---

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