Maybe it was because of all the weird choices he'd made so far, but Kazami Haru was starting to get used to Yamada Ryo's ridiculous thought process.
Even when she pulled something like this, it somehow just felt… normal.
Despite the detours, his dating sim progress was unexpectedly smooth.
[The next day, after school, you show up as promised at Live House 'STARRY'—where Yamada Ryo's band is set to perform.]
[STARRY is a somewhat hidden Live House located underground. The interior has a dim, somewhat oppressive atmosphere, but the stage setup and lighting are top-notch.]
[Upon entering, you realize that buying a drink ticket is mandatory. Since Yamada Ryo's band hasn't gone on stage yet, she's currently working behind the bar, serving drinks to customers.]
[Every single drink is one that she personally opens… and that's when you realize, her so-called "treating you to a Monster" was just this.]
Memories flooded his mind—
"Haru, welcome."
The blue-haired girl, with her signature tear mole, stood behind the counter, dressed in the neat uniform of a LiveHouse staff member. She greeted him in a completely indifferent tone.
The handsome young man standing before the bar casually lifted his hand, using his index finger to brush back the black bangs that covered his left eye. His expression twitched slightly in frustration.
With an obviously displeased tone, he demanded—
"Where's my Monster?"
"Buy a drink ticket first. This is a limited-edition can, personally opened by a beautiful girl's delicate fingers just for you."
The moment of victory clearly reflected in her smirk, Yamada Ryo smoothly popped open a can with her bass-playing fingers and handed it to Kazami Haru.
As he took the can, he couldn't help but notice the contrast between the soft, cotton-candy-like feel of her hands and the calloused fingertips hardened by years of playing bass.
Yet, Yamada Ryo herself showed no reaction whatsoever.
Of course.
She was a bassist, after all.
"Ryo, what's your band's name?"
"Dunno. We haven't named it yet."
"…When are you going on stage?"
"Dunno. Our guitarist isn't here yet."
Faced with Yamada Ryo's complete lack of answers, Kazami Haru responded with a gentle, friendly smile. The handsome ponytailed boy leisurely spread his completely empty right hand toward her and, with the brightest smile imaginable, spoke—
"Refund."
He hadn't even resorted to using harsh language, which meant he was already showing remarkable restraint as a civilized intellectual.
"Boohoo~… I spent all my money earlier on a fancy Cantonese roast goose rice set at a high-end tea restaurant. Now, I'm flat broke."
The blue-haired girl sobbed as naturally as she breathed, even pulling out a handkerchief to delicately wipe away a single sparkling tear from the corner of her eye.
Her pitiful act instantly drew strange looks from the surrounding audience.
"What the hell is this guy doing, asking a girl for money?"
Sure, he was undeniably handsome and had a good first impression, but looks can be deceiving—turns out, he was a scumbag who tricked girls and even demanded money from them!
The sharp gazes and whispers from onlookers were like countless blades, relentlessly stabbing at Kazami Haru.
Yet, as the "villainous playboy" at the center of it all, he remained completely unfazed.
Had it been someone else, they might have buckled under the pressure.
But who was Kazami Haru?!
"If you don't have money, then pay me back in another way!"
"Uwaaah! Dear customer, please wait a moment! I'm so sorry if our employee has caused you any trouble! Did she do something bad again?!"
Just as Kazami Haru and Yamada Ryo were engaged in a tactical verbal battle, Ijichi Nijika finally rushed over after noticing the commotion.
Given how well she knew Ryo's personality, she didn't even need to ask for details before apologizing to Kazami Haru on her behalf.
[After arriving at STARRY and engaging in some "friendly interaction" with Yamada Ryo, you have successfully drawn the attention of another member of her band.]
[A lively, energetic, and incredibly kind blonde girl. The moment you meet, her polite demeanor leaves a strong impression, you even momentarily mistake her for an angel descended from heaven.]
[Upon learning that Yamada Ryo actually tried to sell you a 3,000-yen ticket, she is utterly horrified, apologizes profusely, and immediately delivers divine judgment upon the true culprit.]
[You and Ijichi Nijika have become friends.]
Once again, memories surged into his mind.
And this time, he had officially met the drummer and leader of Kessoku Band, Ijichi Nijika.
In those memories, her warm, radiant smile was so full of kindness that even someone like Kazami Haru couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.
She was so gentle, so polite, and so incredibly cute. Practically the embodiment of a pure and holy angel.
Compared to Yamada-san, Nijika-san's personality made the contrast clear in an instant.
If there were ever an option to cheat with Nijika-san, he probably wouldn't hesitate.
Amen.
[However, things seem to be taking an unexpected turn.]
[Even though it's almost time for the performance, the band's third member, the guitarist, still hasn't shown up. A frantic Ijichi Nijika is unable to reach her via text or call.]
[It's their important first performance, she doesn't want to give up.]
[So Nijika decides to take a chance and rushes out of STARRY in desperation.]
The runaway guitarist must be Kita.
Kazami Haru, deeply immersed in the simulator, knew that Kita really had run away, but the others inside the simulation didn't.
In a situation like this, the only way to solve the crisis is for Nijika to somehow conjure up a ready-made guitar hero out of thin air.
[With the crucial guitarist gone, a band left with just the drummer and bassist is like trying to wage a full-scale war with only support units. No matter how strong the support is, they can't defeat the serpent alone.]
[Yamada Ryo remains outwardly calm, continuing her work at the bar counter, but you can clearly feel that her composure is only surface deep.]
[After spending this much time together, you've come to know she always seems calm and poised, but is surprisingly delicate and sensitive inside.]
[Just as you're still savoring the grip of a beautiful girl's claws, Yamada Ryo suddenly speaks to you.]