Kita stood next to Ishikawa Hayabusa, leaning against the wall, her loafers lightly tapping against the floor.She was quietly relieved that she had stopped herself from blurting out the words she'd almost said in a rush of emotion, but now an awkward atmosphere seemed to hang between them.
Thankfully, the silence didn't last long. Over the sound of the band's vocalist speaking on stage, Hoshika walked over from the front counter.
She stopped in front of them, looking at them with her usual languid gaze, and said crisply,"The show's started. Kita-chan, go rest by the bar. Pervert, you're coming with me."
Kita froze. She had always thought the manager was pretty gentle, but when she heard the last part, her entire body stiffened.S–she actually called him that out loud?!
She heard a sharp intake of breath beside her and turned her head.Ishikawa Hayabusa had his eyes closed, as though he had just heard some divine revelation. He drew in a long, satisfied breath, and after slowly exhaling, he smiled.
"Manager, you're so kind."
Hoshika's face immediately fell. She lowered her head and let out a frustrated sigh before glancing at Kita.
Kita understood what that look meant. Still, she couldn't help glancing back at the two of them worriedly before heading for the bar—taking a few steps, turning back every few paces as if reluctant to leave.
When she slipped behind the counter, she saw Nijika's back as she comforted Bocchi, who was slumped over the bar.
"Bocchi-chan, relax a little. You've already done great."
For a moment, Kita's emotions tangled in her chest. Then she smiled softly and stepped closer.
The lights dimmed. As the guests pushed toward the stage, no one paid attention to the bar anymore. Bocchi collapsed onto the counter as though all strength had left her.
She knew very well how the night had gone.She hadn't really helped Nijika much—if anything, she felt she had been holding her back the entire time.
From the very start, she had been dragging her feet. Nijika had put in so much effort to teach her, but Bocchi still couldn't look customers in the eye or hand them drinks without fumbling.She had been a mess.
Curled up on the bar, she buried her head in her arms.Just yesterday she had confidently told Hayabusa she could handle this—and now she was like this...
She didn't even notice Ishikawa Hayabusa walking in behind Hoshika. She was lost in her own thoughts.
Hayabusa glanced at her once, then at Nijika. Seeing Nijika managing things just fine, he relaxed and quietly left her to it.
On the way to the venue after school, Bocchi had already started to sense that things weren't going to be as easy as she had imagined.She had felt it back then—something was wrong.
When she was hiding behind Kita earlier, a stray thought had crossed her mind.She hadn't had time to really think about it then, but now it resurfaced.
She remembered what Hayabusa had said on their "date."He told her he didn't want her to rely on him too much and use that as an excuse to stop trying.But here she was, still clinging to Kita and Nijika for support.
That wasn't right.
And her goal was to become a person who was loved by everyone...
Nijika looked at Bocchi, who was still sprawled over the bar like a deflated balloon.She didn't think Bocchi had done badly at all for her first day. In fact, she could tell Bocchi had tried her very best.
Even though Bocchi had looked terrified when facing customers, she had kept working hard to do what she could—making drinks, choosing the right cups, following everything exactly the way Nijika had taught her. She hadn't made a single mistake.
Bocchi had truly given it her all.
But it was obvious that just being looked at was still overwhelming pressure for her. In such a short time, she had completely burned herself out.
Nijika nudged her gently."Bocchi-chan, Bocchi-chan, relax a bit. You did great."
"Ah... mm..."
Bocchi slowly came back to life and lifted her head to look at Nijika.But her expression was still troubled, her head drooping as if she couldn't quite accept Nijika's praise.
Nijika could only smile helplessly.So she changed the subject, trying to pull Bocchi out of her slump.
"Once the show starts, we won't be too busy. Why don't we watch a bit? This band is really good."
Before she could even finish speaking, Bocchi had already turned to look at the stage, her eyes wide with admiration.
Seeing that, Nijika felt relieved and turned toward the stage too.
But before she could focus, Kita's cheerful voice rang out beside her."Ijichi-senpai, thanks for your hard work."
Nijika turned with a smile and saw Kita practically glowing even in the dim light."Kita-chan, thanks for your hard work too. Huh—where's Hayabusa?"
She noticed that Kita had come in alone, which made her pause. Just a moment ago, she'd seen Hayabusa following behind her sister too.
Kita, sounding slightly guilty, said,"The manager told Ishikawa-kun to go with her... I don't know what for."
Nijika's entire body tensed."Those two?!"
While she was talking to Kita, a customer approached the bar and spoke to Bocchi—the only one facing outward."Excuse me, one orange juice, please."
Nijika immediately felt a pang of worry. Bocchi had just barely recovered—if a customer talked to her now...
She could already imagine the disaster. She quickly stepped in."Just a moment—"
But her words were cut off.
"Okay."
Nijika's eyes widened in shock.She turned her head.
Her gaze swept past the bright stage, past the dimly lit audience, and landed on Bocchi's face—now determined, her expression illuminated by the light above the bar.
Her bright blue eyes reflected the glow.
Nijika watched as Bocchi nodded confidently, turned around, and swiftly prepared the drink with practiced motions.
When she was done, she paused for a moment, as though gathering courage, then returned to the bar.
She forced her head up, meeting the customer's eyes, and smiled."P–please enjoy."
The smile was awkward, her hands still trembling slightly as she held out the drink—but the customer didn't seem to mind at all. They even smiled softly as they took the glass.
Watching the customer leave, Nijika realized she had been holding her breath the entire time.She exhaled and quickly congratulated Bocchi.
"That was amazing, Bocchi-chan! You really did it!"
Bocchi looked like she had just accomplished the most important thing in her life. Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered,"I... did my best..."
Kita stared in a daze. She had been guiding guests all evening, but she had still noticed what was happening at the bar.
At first, she had worried whether Bocchi could handle the job at all with how shy she was.But seeing Bocchi trying so hard to find what she could do had made her feel proud.
And just now, watching her struggle forward like that—like there was something rock-solid holding her up—Kita felt...
A little jealous.
"Congratulations, Goto-san," Kita said softly, though her voice felt strangely weak.
"Thank you."
Bocchi replied like a champion who had just barely survived a grueling match, exhausted but triumphant.
"What's going on over here?"
At that moment, Ryo walked over from the counter, tilting her head at the strangely celebratory mood.
Nijika was still smiling when she turned to her."You're done? Hey, what about checking tickets?"
Ryo replied,"The manager and Hayabusa took over. She said tonight's bands are really popular and told me to come watch and learn."
Nijika immediately understood what her sister was doing—not only giving Ryo experience but also making sure these three girls didn't have to share a small, enclosed space with a dangerous guy.
She sighed, tapping her finger like she was counting."My sister is just... tsundere through and through."
When she got to the "dere" part, she even struck a cute, bashful pose.
"Way too much 'tsun,'" Ryo deadpanned.
Nijika laughed and then noticed Kita, who for just a moment had looked a little down.But now Kita was covering her mouth, eyes shining, looking ridiculously happy—as if thinking, I can't believe I got to stand so close to senpai.
Nijika could only sigh internally.
She turned to look at Ryo and Bocchi again. Bocchi was grinning with a proud, goofy smile, while Ryo was already looking back toward the stage.
Even though tonight had been tiring, seeing everyone's happy faces made Nijika feel content.
Yes—Hayabusa might not be here, but he was always happy. Surely nothing could go wrong.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Ishikawa Hayabusa sat beside Hoshika, who had pulled up a chair next to him.
"Manager," he asked, tilting his head, "don't tell me you've fallen for me?"
Hoshika froze for a moment before giving him the most disgusted look she could muster."Absolutely not."
Hayabusa went quiet, glanced around the cramped little space, and then hugged himself protectively.
"I don't like being forced..." he said nervously.
Hoshika's temple twitched, a vein popping as she finally snapped.
"Shut up!"