Because the celebration party was being held on a day off, the time was naturally set for the afternoon into the evening, which was convenient for everyone.
And before setting off for the party, Tetsuya found himself lost in thought over what kind of gift he should bring...
"Giving a gift that doesn't match the recipient's taste and style will instead be seen as rude."
He still remembered Sakiko's lesson well.
But it was for that very reason that he was having so much trouble choosing a suitable gift...
Nagasaki Soyo's family was undoubtedly very well-off, so giving a gift that matched her "style" would require careful consideration of his own finances. If he were to give a gift that suited her "taste," his knowledge of her was simply too limited...
"So, do you really need to bring a gift?"
Seeing her brother sitting on the sofa, at his wit's end, the already-ready Anon couldn't help but tilt her head.
"We're going to a celebration party, not a formal visit or anything..."
"It's a matter of attitude."
Tetsuya shook his head.
"If it were just you girls, it would be fine. But for me, a man who has already entered society, to suddenly visit a young girl's home, I can't be that casual."
"Mmm, I guess that's true..."
But in the end, this was a party for the band to commemorate their live performance. As a major contributor to the success of that live, Tetsuya's role at this party should be the one receiving thanks.
Preparing a gift, while understandable, felt like something Soyo wouldn't easily accept...
"Anyway, I don't think you need to be so formal with Soyo, Nii-san."
"It's not being formal, it's basic etiquette as a guest."
Tetsuya gently poked her forehead.
"And have you considered what her parents would think if they were there and saw me arrive at their home empty-handed?"
"Well, according to Soyo, her mother is almost never home... but I guess we can't rule out the possibility."
Anon nodded.
"Okay, then I'll help you think too, Nii-san... Let's see, has Soyo ever told us about anything she likes..."
"..."
As Anon was lost in thought, Tetsuya's attention was caught by what she had just said.
(Her mother is almost never home...)
Come to think of it, when he had invited Soyo to his home that night, she had also said something that stuck with him—
"For me, an ordinary apartment like this actually feels more like a 'home'."
A nostalgia for an ordinary apartment.
A mother who was rarely home.
And before that, her nostalgic attachment to [CRYCHIC].
...
"I've got an idea."
Tetsuya suddenly stood up from the sofa.
"Let's go, Anon. Before we head to Nagasaki-san's house, let's go to the department store first."
Under Anon's curious gaze, Tetsuya said:
"It might be a strange choice for a gift, but I think she'll definitely like it."
...
3:00 PM
"I never thought..."
Glancing at the clock on the wall, Sakiko showed a rather surprised expression.
"That Chihaya-nii would be the last one to arrive. Whenever I've gone out with him before, he's always left early."
"..."
Hearing this, everyone present showed different expressions.
Raana and Mutsumi showed no reaction, Taki looked a little surprised, Tomori was distracted, Uika was thoughtful, and Soyo frowned...
"Maybe he overslept."
Soyo said with a pout.
"He usually goes to bed very late, and since he doesn't have to go to the studio today, it's even easier for him to oversleep."
"Heeh... you even know what time Tetsuya-san usually goes to sleep."
Hearing this, Uika couldn't help but cast a surprised glance at her.
"You two are surprisingly close."
"I was forced to stay at his place for a night before, after all."
Soyo said without a change in expression.
"And by the way, his bed was covered in books he'd finished reading but hadn't cleaned up... Honestly, he's so reliable on the outside, but his living habits are so sloppy..."
Hearing this, Sakiko instantly turned to look at Soyo, and Uika's expression became thoroughly amused.
"Heeh... So you even slept in his room that night?"
"I couldn't help it. I was originally planning to sleep on the sofa in the living room, but he insisted I take his room."
Soyo sighed with feigned helplessness.
"It was just too late that night, and I was a guest, so I didn't really have any grounds to refuse."
"Mmm..."
Sakiko wore a rather complex expression.
Although she had a feeling this might happen when she heard Soyo was staying at Tetsuya's house, she never expected Soyo to have slept directly in his room...
She could understand the reasons, but... she was still so envious... Soyo...
"I see."
On the other hand, after hearing Soyo's words, which were "complaints" in name but "boasting" in reality, Uika was immediately reminded of that incident whose full picture she had yet to grasp.
"No wonder Tetsuya-san slept with his sister that night and left behind that photo that provoked Ai. It's because you took his room..."
"..."
Hearing this, the expression on Soyo's face instantly froze.
The others also showed looks of sudden realization.
Although the incident was long past, Soyo's words had finally allowed everyone to piece together the full cause and effect of the entire event.
"...T-that couldn't be helped, could it?"
Realizing everyone was looking at her, Soyo's previously calm expression began to waver.
"I didn't expect Chihaya Anon to take such a bold photo, let alone post it online!"
"That's certainly true, so there's no need to get so worked up, Nagasaki-san."
Uika smiled at Soyo, whose face was already turning slightly red.
"That night passed safely anyway. No one is going to blame you now... Right, Sakiko?"
"...Eh? Why are you asking me?"
"Yeah, why ask Sakiko!"
"Hmph..."
Compared to Ai, the feelings, schemes, and actions of these girls were far too easy to read.
With just the few of them, it was unlikely they had any hope of conquering the "stubborn rock" that was Tetsuya.
Ding-dong—!
Just as Uika was lost in her thoughts, the doorbell suddenly rang.
And the next moment, when Tetsuya appeared before everyone, the girls present all froze in place in unison—