While Toru frets over how to ditch this cheating-prone trait, Kessoku Band finishes their final practice.
After days of effort, their teamwork has improved. In group play, Bocchi-chan hits around LV.2.5—not her true skill level, but solid progress.
But…
Without Toru Kitahara, her life might hold no joy or sorrow ever again.
"Ryo-senpai, wanna grab dinner after? None of us have eaten yet." Ikuyo Kita packs her guitar, looking at Ryo.
Practice ran late, and it's nearly 8 PM with no dinner.
"Bocchi, you eating?"
Ryo glances at Hitomi Goto, who's tuning her guitar, planning to raid Bocchi-chan's wallet since her part-time job hasn't paid yet.
Hitomi, oblivious to the impending scam, freezes.
What?! Dinner?!
A popular-kid activity like that—can I really join? As a socially anxious wreck, is it okay to do something so outgoing?
So, so happy!
"Bocchi-chan, it's too late to eat at home now." Nijika also wants to go out. Though STARRY offers drinks and snacks, there's no real food.
Cooking now would be a hassle, and Nijika's not in the mood.
"Uh… t-then let's go eat." Hitomi tries to play it cool, like a mere dinner? No big deal, but inside, she's exploding with joy.
Heck yeah!! Dinner!! Heck yeah!!!
My first friend hangout, yeeeee!!!
Even as a social anxiety mess, she's thrilled, so much that she misses the simulator's message.
[Smart Auto-Mode Activated. Strategy: Slow-Burn Romance!]
In the simulator, time skips to fall.
Toru, feeling it's late, orders takeout from a fancy sushi restaurant. While eating dinner, he continues playing the simulator.
[Your weekly schedule: 1. Advanced Bass Practice. 2. Advanced Bass Practice. 3. Consult Ryo Yamada. 4. Consult Ryo Yamada. 5. Advanced Bass Practice. 6. Advanced Bass Practice. 7. Online Gaming.]
After reaching LV.3, new training unlocks: Advanced Bass Practice.
[Monday, Heavy Rain. You practiced advanced bass. Bass Playing LV.3 EXP +10] [Tuesday, Sunny. You practiced advanced bass… EXP +10] … [Sunday. You played online games but lost 18 matches in a row due to team drama, ending the day in shame. Stress 60 → 50.]
"…" Toru Kitahara.
Next time he picks online gaming to relax, he'll eat his sofa.
At LV.3, skill progression slows drastically.
He checks his skill: [Skill: Bass Playing LV.3 (500/2000)]
50 EXP per week means 40 weeks—almost a year—to level up, assuming no crits or special events.
[Warning: Sudden Event!!]
Here we go!!
[After school, you and Hitomi Goto are left on cleaning duty. She stares at your face, seeming to have something to say…] [Enter special event?]
Toru doesn't hesitate.
◇
"Kitahara-kun…"
Hitomi Goto looks at Toru Kitahara, wiping the blackboard, and softly calls his name.
"What's up?"
Toru pauses and turns to her.
Hitomi Goto, talking to him first?
"I like you."
Bocchi-chan locks eyes with him.
A wild fastball, carrying a gust of wind, smacks straight into his heart, leaving Toru frozen, brain in chaos.
"…?" Toru Kitahara.
Wait, what? Like, what kind of like?
"…I like your piano playing."
Hitomi adds, her face expressionless, like a robot…
Which she kinda is.
Ultraman Bocchi, guided by the simulator's plan, is acting while her real-world self enjoys dinner.
"Oh? But I don't recall playing piano in front of you." Toru smiles. "Want an autograph or something?"
He remembers her last confession in the first simulation, when she asked for his signature.
"No, I want to be friends with you, Kitahara-kun."
"Friends?"
Just friends?
Not interested in my charm? Toru Kitahara feels a bit full of himself. Yeah, he and the simulated Hitomi Goto aren't exactly close.
"Yes. I rejected your request to talk at the start of the school year, and I've been regretting it for months." Hitomi Goto bows slightly, her voice full of apology.
Toru stays silent for a few seconds, then smiles. "…If it's just friends, of course, no problem."
Honestly, it's better this way.
If Hitomi confessed to him now, he'd be in a tough spot.
Dumping her in the last simulation was one thing, but doing it again? Toru feels that'd be a bit too heartless.
This time, he's set on loving only Ryo Yamada.
As for that cheating-prone trait…
Toru shrugs it off. No big deal!
◇
Inside a family restaurant near Shimokitazawa Station.
"Bocchi-chan, what's wrong?"
"Uh… n-nothing."
Hitomi Goto jumps at a sudden simulator prompt.
[You are now friends with Toru Kitahara.] [Toru Kitahara Affection +5]
She scrolls up and sees the system's auto-mode notification.
Meow meow meow?
Why does AI-chan feel so much braver than me, actually talking to Kitahara-kun?
W-Well then, it's up to you, AI-chan!
My future happiness depends on you!
Steal my virtual husband back from Ryo-san!
[Would you like to continue auto-mode? Note: Unexpected developments may occur.]
Yes, yes, yes!!
Hitomi thinks to herself, Ryo-san already stole my paper husband. This life's probably a bust. Instead of stressing over this simulation, I'll strategize for the third one!
That's right—she's already given up.
Losing Kitahara-kun means no joy or sorrow this life, but there's always the next one.
Hehe, Ryo-san, you don't know I have a Love Simulator, do you?
Half an hour later, after eating their fill, it's time to pay.
"Bocchi, I forgot my wallet. Can you cover me?" Ryo Yamada asks in her usual flat tone.
"Uh… I-I can."
"Ryo, make sure to pay Bocchi-chan back," Nijika Ijichi reminds her.
Ryo nods. "Mm."
Next time, for sure.