I Just Want A Single Ending!

"Huh? You mean…?"

Nijika Ijichi blinked, looking uncertain about what he was suggesting.

"I mean, let's work together to help Bocchi-chan."

Kamigawa Saku saw this as a perfect opportunity.

This way, he'd have a legitimate excuse to spend more time around Gotoh Hitori and strengthen their friendship.

Though they were technically friends already, it was still a rather surface-level connection—too fragile to last long.

He needed to get closer.

And as a bonus, he could boost Nijika's impression of him at the same time.

"Wouldn't that be too much trouble for you? I only mentioned it to see if you had any advice," Nijika said, hesitating, not wanting to burden him with their band's internal issues.

"Honestly, I'd like to repay Bocchi-chan a bit," Saku replied smoothly. "She agreed to teach Anon guitar, which really helped me out."

"So, I'd like to do something to show my appreciation."

Since he'd asked Bocchi-chan to keep his payments to her a secret, he wasn't worried about this cover story being exposed.

"Alright, then let's work together to support Bocchi-chan," Nijika agreed with a smile, easily understanding his desire to express gratitude.

"Yes, let's…" Saku began, but was cut off by a sudden cough nearby.

"Ahem, ahem…"

Following the sound, he spotted Nijika's older sister, Seika Ijichi, passing by not far away.

Actually, no—she wasn't just passing by.

Saku was certain of it.

When he looked over, he met her gaze directly. It was… an intense gaze.

From what he'd picked up on his visits to STARRY, Seika was a classic tsundere and a bit of an overprotective sister.

So, from her perspective, this looked like he was… trying to make a move on her little sister in her own livehouse, no less.

No wonder she was giving him that look.

"Let's talk about helping Bocchi-chan later. I still have cleaning to finish," Nijika said, realizing her sister's presence and returning to her mopping.

"Let me give you a hand," Saku offered automatically.

Ahem.

There it was again—a loud cough, like a warning.

"…"

Saku suddenly felt caught in a dilemma.

If he did help, he'd definitely be under Seika's scrutiny.

And even though he saw Nijika as just a friend, he doubted Seika would believe that explanation.

But if he didn't help, it would look strange to retract his offer.

"You're a customer, remember? I can't ask you to do my chores," Nijika said, unknowingly giving him an out.

"Alright, then I'll wait for you over there," Saku whispered, stepping back to give her space.

He walked over to a table and took out his phone to pass the time.

But by the time the live performance began, Saku hadn't had another chance to talk to Nijika.

She even came over to apologize, explaining that her sister had suddenly asked her for help and that she probably wouldn't have time to chat today.

Saku assured her it was fine.

As an overprotective sister, Seika Ijichi obviously didn't want anyone whisking her little sister away.

---

As night fell…

"Hitori-san is so talented at guitar! I learned a ton from her today," Chihaya Anon remarked as she walked alongside Kamigawa Saku, her guitar case slung over her shoulder.

"All that in just one afternoon?" Saku asked, feigning surprise.

"Of course, I'm really quick to pick things up!" Anon said, lifting her chin in a moment of pride. "Actually, I feel like my skill level isn't too far behind Raana's. Give me a few more days of practice, and I'll definitely catch up."

"Then keep working hard."

Saku wanted to tell her that it was just an illusion; there was still quite a gap between her and Raana. But he decided to keep it to himself and offer some encouragement instead.

After they walked a little further, Anon suddenly said, "Thank you."

"All I did was encourage you."

"No, that's not what I'm thanking you for."

"Then what is it?"

"Thanks for doing so much for the band." Anon looked a bit embarrassed. "I mean, I was the one who dragged you into forming a band, but you're the one who's been putting in all the work. I feel like I haven't done much at all."

Saku smiled. "No need to thank me. After all, this is our band, right? It's only natural I'd do my part."

"Our band… Right."

Anon lowered her head shyly.

By "our band," it was clear she was talking about just the two of them.

So, his reason for all this effort was obvious, wasn't it?

"Anyway, if you ever need help with anything else, just let me know." Saku smiled, ever ready to play the role of the supportive band manager. "That's what I'm here for."

"Alright, I'll remember that."

Anon kept her head down, trying to hide her blush.

"I'll walk you to the station."

Ever since she'd refused his offer to walk her all the way home with a polite "I don't want to bother you," he'd settled on just seeing her off at the station.

"Sure."

---

"Tonight, I'll skip bass practice. Let's read for a while instead."

Back home, Saku placed a stack of astronomy books he'd recently bought on his desk, deciding on a quiet night of reading.

After days of practicing bass, he could use a change of pace.

He hadn't forgotten what he'd promised Takamatsu Tomori.

"Maybe I could invite Tomori to the planetarium."

As he read, an idea came to mind.

They were friends now, so inviting her to look at some stars seemed like a perfectly natural thing to do, right?

She loved stars, and he was starting to get interested in them too. It would be a good match.

Plus, Golden Week was coming up, so he'd have plenty of time, without it interfering with their band practices.

The only issue was whether she'd agree.

"Well, only one way to find out."

He picked up his phone, about to send Tomori a message—only to see an incoming one from Nijika Ijichi.

Nijika Ijichi: Saku, are you free right now?

Nijika Ijichi: I'd like to talk about Bocchi-chan.

Saku made his decision in a flash.

Kamigawa Saku: Of course.

The planetarium plan with Tomori could wait. Right now, a conversation with the ever-kind Nijika Ijichi took priority.