Just as Kita Ikuyo was thinking about how to atone for her mistakes, Tanaka Masao's appearance broke her train of thought.
Kita Ikuyo was unfamiliar with this boy who suddenly appeared.
However, Ijichi Nijika and Yamada Ryo were all too familiar with him.
Since this awkward situation was related to him—more precisely, he was one of the parties involved—it was naturally best to let him handle it.
Yamada Ryo leaned close to Kita Ikuyo's ear and whispered,
"This man is Tanaka Masao, the male lead in Bocchi-chan's song."
Upon hearing this, Kita Ikuyo nodded in understanding, a faint blush appearing on her face.
"Ah, Senior Ryo is so close to me. Her breath is reaching my ear; I feel all tingly."
"No, no, this is not the time to be excited about such things."
She turned her gaze towards Tanaka Masao, scrutinizing him.
"He looks very ordinary, and a bit chubby. He doesn't have a single hint of Music about him. How could Bocchi-chan fall for him?"
Just as she was wondering, her eyes caught sight of Yukinoshita Yukino following behind him, and she was instantly captivated by her appearance and aura.
"So beautiful, and her aura is so noble."
Suddenly, Kita Ikuyo seemed to understand something, a look of realization dawning on her face.
"I get it! Actually, this person with long black hair is Tanaka Masao."
"He must be one of those especially cute types of boys, and also a cross-dressing big shot."
"That face, that figure, those legs—I'm envious just looking at them."
Thinking this, Kita Ikuyo glanced at Yukinoshita Yukino's chest, further solidifying her idea.
"Such a cute girl… ah, no, it should be a boy. No wonder Bocchi-chan fell for him; who could resist such temptation?"
Kita Ikuyo had already firmly established this idea in her mind. As for the true identity of Tanaka Masao, wasn't that even more obvious?
He must be the flunky responsible for charging into battle.
At this moment, Kita Ikuyo's mind was already picturing Yukinoshita Yukino and Goto Hitori intimately together.
One cold and strong, the other timid and shy—just thinking about it was exciting.
Yamada Ryo looked at the suddenly excited Kita Ikuyo, deep in thought.
"It seems Kita really likes romance topics, but that's normal; after all, any normal girl would."
"As for me, compared to romance topics, I prefer money. Speaking of which, can I make some money from this?"
"If the plan to threaten Tanaka doesn't work, then perhaps I can make it into a documentary or movie and sell it."
"A drama like two girls fighting over one man should interest many people."
"Even better, two beautiful women fighting over a very ordinary man would surely attract more attention."
"If necessary, I could even join in, which would make it even more newsworthy."
"All for the sake of money…"
"Ah, no, it should be for the sake of art."
Compared to Yamada Ryo and Kita Ikuyo, who still had the leisure to think about this and that, Ijichi Nijika was the one feeling the most headache at the scene.
The current situation was exactly what she least wanted to see.
Judging by Goto Hitori's recent behavior, there was a high probability that she liked Tanaka Masao, she just hadn't realized it herself.
However, this unspoken truth had been exposed by Kita Ikuyo.
How would Goto Hitori, now aware of her feelings, choose? Would she bravely confess and pursue happiness, or would she shrink back like a turtle?
And a smart person like Tanaka Masao should be able to easily see through Goto Hitori's thoughts.
What was his reason for not addressing it?
Did he not like Goto Hitori and deliberately pretend not to see, or had he not yet clarified his own feelings, and thus couldn't respond?
Finally, and most troublesome, was Yukinoshita Yukino.
If she weren't involved, it would just be a matter between Tanaka Masao and Goto Hitori, and any outcome would be acceptable.
But with Yukinoshita Yukino's involvement, it turned into a love triangle.
Goto Hitori's level was a bit low; she was completely unqualified to compete with Yukinoshita Yukino.
Moreover, Yukinoshita Yukino was clearly there first.
Goto Hitori had even less of an advantage.
To be honest, if Yukinoshita Yukino was tired and wanted someone to push her, it might not even be Goto Hitori's turn.
"Ultimately, it depends on what Tanaka-kun thinks. I just need to be ready to comfort Bocchi-chan at any time."
Letting out a soft breath, Ijichi Nijika calmed herself down, pointed to the nearby trash can, and said to Tanaka Masao,
"Bocchi-chan is in there."
Tanaka Masao glanced at the trash can and nodded, showing no surprise.
Isn't it common for Goto Hitori to hide in a trash can? She must have done something embarrassing again and was too shy to show herself.
As for what embarrassing thing, that was simple: it must have been because of the song she wrote.
It was a pity that he arrived a step late and didn't get to see Goto Hitori at her most shy.
Now he needed to figure out how to handle Goto Hitori's aftermath.
Tanaka Masao turned his gaze to the red-haired girl, Kita Ikuyo, in the room.
"You're the new band member, Kita-san, right? Bocchi-chan mentioned you to me."
"Let me introduce myself, I'm Tanaka Masao, Bocchi-chan's friend."
"Hello."
Kita Ikuyo quickly responded, and at the same time, the flicker of hope in her heart vanished.
"So Bocchi-chan really likes this boy. Then what's the deal with that beautiful girl?"
"Bocchi-chan told me you're especially sunny and the most amazing girl she's ever met."
Hearing Tanaka Masao's words, Kita Ikuyo successfully had her attention diverted, her eyes sparkling as she asked excitedly,
"Oh, really? Is that how Bocchi-chan sees me in private? I never heard her say it. Did she say anything else?"
"Of course. Actually, it's not just you; Bocchi-chan also told me her thoughts on others."
Tanaka Masao's words naturally piqued the interest of Ijichi Nijika and Yamada Ryo as well; they also wanted to know what Goto Hitori said about them in private.
Tanaka Masao very easily shifted everyone's attention.
Because compared to other people's affairs, everyone is actually more concerned about things related to themselves.
Not only that, but even Goto Hitori, who was originally hiding in the trash can, shy and withdrawn, poked her head out upon hearing this and quickly tried to stop him.
"Tanaka, don't say it."