Let's not talk about the two grumbling flat-chested girls.
Looking at the completely new and transformed Gotou Hitori in front of him, Kaito truly had a sense of being pleasantly surprised.
Little Bocchi's looks were actually quite pretty, she was even once evaluated by Kita as "someone who could debut as an idol."
On top of that, since she usually didn't like going out and preferred staying in dark, lightless environments, her skin was even fairer than the average girl's.
It was only because she always kept her head down outside, never dared to look people in the eye, wore plain and unremarkable tracksuits that covered her figure, and walked hunched over with poor posture, that she didn't stand out much. At most, just the level of a fairly pretty girl you'd spot on the street.
Now, after changing into a cute maid outfit, her hidden charm was instantly revealed.
'I feel like the clothes are tight, especially around the chest area, like I can't breathe...'
'A-also, I wonder what Kurumizaka-kun thinks...?'
'No response at all... ugh~ It must be because I look awful, right?'
'As expected, someone like me, a pill bug with no presence, should just stay in a damp, dark corner and grow mold...'
Pushed out onto the floor, Bocchi didn't even dare raise her head, but a storm was already raging in her mind.
Still not hearing any comment from Kaito, she became increasingly anxious and uneasy. At this rate, she was about to melt like a slime.
Click—
The clear sound of a camera shutter went off, and then it followed up with four or five more times in quick succession.
"Eh?", Little Bocchi instinctively looked up, just in time to catch the blue light flashing from the camera lens, causing her to blink subconsciously.
"Sorry," Kaito still maintained his photo-taking posture, waved his phone slightly, and smiled gently, "You looked so cute, I couldn't help but snap a few pictures for my collection. That's okay, right?"
"O-of course it's okay!"
Gotou Hitori revealed a silly smile, 'Hehe... I got called cute...'
Kaito casually rubbed her head, and for some reason, it felt even better than petting the chubby cat at home.
Time passed slowly, and soon it was almost five o'clock.
The audience began arriving one after another, and the once-empty broadcasting hall gradually filled with people.
Manager Seika had already assigned tasks earlier. Nijika and Bocchi were behind the bar making drinks for customers, Ryou was at the entrance checking tickets, and as for Kita, she was in charge of cleaning; just giving a quick sweep wherever there was trash.
Kaito also found a quiet corner to sit in, and before long, a plate of snacks appeared in front of him.
Fried fries, fried chicken nuggets, tempura... along with various dipping sauces, it looked quite plentiful.
"What's this?"
"Did you forget, Kurumizaka-kun?"
Nijika beamed brightly, "This is an apology gift for the incident last time~"
The girl clasped her hands behind her back, her petite body leaning slightly forward, and her long side ponytail fell like silk, adding a soft charm to her, "Besides, even without the apology, you're Bocchi-chan's friend, which means you're basically my friend too, and since you're a customer, it's only right to treat you."
"That's right, boyfriend-kun, just accept it," Out of nowhere, the gremlin Ryou added seriously, "You're Bocchi's boyfriend, and by rounding off, that makes you Nijika's boyfriend too, so no need to hold back..."
BAM!
With a lump forming on her head, gremlin Ryou tearfully went back to ticket-checking at the entrance.
Retracting her fist, Nijika's cute face turned crimson, and she tapped her toes on the ground, a little embarrassed as she said, "Ryou always says weird things, please don't mind her."
"No problem," Kaito picked up a fry with a fork, "But Nijika, you must usually have it pretty tough, huh?"
Tough doesn't even begin to cover it.
It seemed that every girls' band needed a "mom" role.
And clearly, Nijika had taken on that role.
Even though she herself was a lively, youthful girl, she lived like a single mom in her forties raising three kids alone.
Eldest daughter Ryou was a problem child, anti-social, kept her distance from people, and always blew her allowance early, surviving on weeds.
Second daughter Bocchi was a little shut-in, timid, introverted, and shy, she couldn't be left without care.
Third daughter Kita was cheerful and enthusiastic, the least worrisome, and sometimes even helped out.
Even so, taking care of two problem children every day, preparing for the band's training, dealing with customers at the store, these endless chores piled up, wearing Nijika-mom out both physically and mentally.
But such complaints were fleeting. Under the warm lights of the broadcasting hall, the girl's soft and pretty face glowed gently. Nijika lightly tapped her pink lips with a slender finger and smiled softly, "Life is a bit too fulfilling, indeed, but... once you get used to it, it's actually not bad."
As the two were chatting, a stylish office lady in black stockings and high heels suddenly walked in. Her refined face was flushed with red, apparently from drinking. She wobbled as she walked.
Worried she might fall, Nijika quickly stepped forward to help her, "Miss Satou, be careful."
"Oh, it's little Nijika?"
The woman named "Satou" seemed to be a regular at the shop. Without any formality, she patted Nijika's shoulder and laughed heartily, "So sweet, so sweet. I really want to steal you from Seika and make you my little sister instead."
Not far away, the manager typing on her laptop paused and shot her a cold glare. The meaning was clear, 'You wish, you delusional woman!'
OL big sis didn't care, tilted her head, and just happened to notice Kaito nearby, her eyes lit up.
"Ooh, what a handsome young man. Nijika, is this your new staff member?"
Before Nijika could answer, the office lady had already walked over in high heels, eyes burning, completely unashamed of her intentions, "Hey hey, little brother, do you have a girlfriend? If not, would you mind having one? If you do... would you mind having another?"
'Is this what a socially aggressive woman is like?'
'Isn't this a bit too bold?'
Nijika was stunned for a second, but quickly came to her senses and rushed to block the way, "Miss Satou! You've misunderstood! Kurumizaka-kun is not a staff member!"
The girl stood protectively in front of the handsome boy like a mother hen, glaring at the woman with full vigilance.
Miss Satou blinked, her gaze shifting between the two, and she seemed to figure something out, "Oh, so he's your little boyfriend, huh..."
She looked a bit regretful. If it were someone else, maybe she would've given up, but Kaito's looks were just too good. It really made her itch.
After a moment's hesitation, she probed, "Actually, I can be the mistress too."
———
Miss Satou ended up leaving.
She didn't even stay to watch the night performance, retreating under Nijika's puffed-up glare.
Of course, the manager Seika's murderous gaze also played a key supporting role.
Only after Miss Satou's sighing silhouette finally disappeared did Nijika realize, 'My relationship with Kurumizaka-kun has been completely misunderstood... and I couldn't clarify it in time!'
The girl shyly twirled her long side ponytail with her fingers, her red shoes drawing little circles on the floor in embarrassment, murmuring to herself.
[T/N: If you're liking this story, I just started a new one: "Pokémon: Gardevoir Harem with Tag System." As evident from the name, a Pokemon fanfic, OP MC and OP system, check and throw some Powerstones while you are at it. Have a great read 🥳]
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