I, Aki Tomoya, will not be a simp.

These are Iori Hashima's original words.

Aki Tomo had no objection to this matter and even accepted the other party's invitation.

There's no reason to refuse a New Year's gathering; it's a good opportunity to relax on this special day.

Moreover, the person going with him is none other than his cousin, Michiru Hyodo, so they won't be strangers.

"Do whatever you want. I'm going out now. Remember to close the door properly when you leave."

Aki Tomoya said that he was about to go upstairs to prepare.

Anyway, he didn't plan to stay at home. There was still a long time before evening, so he had already arranged to meet with Iori Hashima ahead of time.

However, Michiru Hyodo had some objections: "Seriously? You're just leaving like this? Abandoning me and us?"

Aki Tomoya has only just arrived, and he's already leaving. He should at least show some hospitality as a host.

"Why don't you just take a taxi to the store when it's time?"

"Are you trying to murder us by taking a taxi in Tokyo?!"

"Anyway, you can act quickly, right?"

Aki Tomoya didn't care about any of that.

He didn't want to be a nanny during a perfectly good New Year.

Besides, they're not little kids. There are four people in the band, so they don't seem to need anyone to take care of them.

Before Michiru Hyodo could catch up, Tomoya Aki quickly closed the door and locked it.

Tuk-tuk-tuk——

Outside, Michiru Hyoudou kept knocking on the door and shouting, her tone full of resentment.

It's like a pet that knows its owner is going out but is left at home.

It took Aki Tomoya more than ten minutes to tidy up before he came out of the room.

"I go first."

Aki Tomoya spoke to Hyodo Michiru at the door, then leisurely walked downstairs.

Downstairs, the other three girls looked up curiously, but after noticing that Aki Tomoya had come down, they quickly returned to their original positions.

"Take us with you!"

Michiru Hyodo followed closely behind Tomoya Aki.

However, Aki Tomoya completely ignored her, and after putting on his shoes in the entryway, he turned around and smiled, "Goodbye!"

With a snap, the door was slammed shut by Aki Tomoya.

Ignoring Michiru Hyodo's dissatisfaction at being left behind, Tomoya Aki went to the city and waited for Iori Hashima at the place they had agreed upon.

"You're here really early, Tomoya."

In the quiet park, Aki Tomoya was leaning back on a bench, gazing at the sky in a daze, when a voice rang out from beside him.

Just as Aki Tomoya arrived, Hashima Iori quickly appeared.

Just as Aki Tomoya was about to greet her, a petite figure jumped out from behind Hashima Iori.

Good morning, senior!

Such a lovely voice, who else could it be but the familiar voice of Aki Tomoya, Hashima Izumi?

Her appearance softened Aki Tomoya's gaze considerably.

Good morning, let's head out to sea.

Aki Tomoya smiled gently, completely ignoring Hashima Iori who was still standing to the side.

Iori Hashima said, "Hey, hey, hey, don't forget I'm here, my friend."

"But thanks to you, my friend, I almost couldn't escape. I had to take care of a group of high school girls."

Aki Tomo replied irritably.

If we had come out any later, we really wouldn't have been able to get out.

"Have they arrived already? That's quite early."

Iori Hashima naturally knew who Aki Tomoya was referring to.

He personally invited each and every one of them, saying that he wouldn't miss anyone who could be of help to the club.

"Let's go to the shrine together, senior!"

At this point, Bo Island suggested going out to sea.

Don't forget me.

=

Chapter 116 Long Time No See (3/4)

Among Aki Tomoya's peers, very few people can achieve financial freedom like Hashima Iori.

From his generous acceptance of his limited-edition figures last year, and his statement that he would be in a tight spot if he took them all, it's clear to Aki Tomoya that the saying "otaku really have money" is absolutely true.

If Aki Tomoya doesn't take advantage of the opportunity to treat his acquaintances to a fancy meal during the New Year's holiday, it would be a shame.

The three of them went to the shrine to pray in the morning, and then played until sunset before heading to Iori Sada's restaurant on Hashima Island.

"Ah, so you two are together!"

Outside the store, Michiru Hyodo and the other girls had already arrived.

Seeing that Aki Tomoya was with Hashima Iori and there was another girl beside him, Hyodo Michiru's eyes were filled with resentment.

They were lonely and helpless in Tokyo, while Aki Tomoya abandoned them and had a great time. As they walked along, Hyodo Michiru saw that he was all smiles and laughter.

"Now that almost everyone has arrived, let's go in together. I've already made a reservation."

Iori Hashima took the initiative to preach.

He was the one who started this New Year's party, so it's time for him to make his presence felt.

The group walked into the courtyard and, led by the shop's staff, arrived at their reserved room.

"Wow, someone actually treated us to fancy food during the New Year. Alan's friends are really impressive."

Hyodo Michiru plopped down on the tatami mat without any hesitation.

"Indeed, the people that Tomoya knows are all extraordinary."

Despite being the organizer, Iori Hashima echoed Michiru Hyodo's words, making Tomoya Aki the focus of everyone's attention.

"I can't help it if I have such a wealthy friend like you. I even said I would come and welcome you when I had time. It's been half a year, but I still have to thank you for your kindness."

Aki Tomoya had a smile on his face, already prepared to give Iori from the island a good meal.

However, there is something else that Aki Tomoya is quite concerned about.

"When we were outside, you said everyone was almost here. Are there any other people?"

At that moment, Aki Tomoya asked a question out of curiosity.

Besides his band with Michiru Hyodo, who else did Iori Hashima invite?

After all, Iori Hashima is now an industry insider and must know quite a few people.

This sophisticated egoist would never miss out on someone who could help him demonstrate his value.

Did your brother invite anyone else?

Even Bo Island was puzzled when he went out to sea.

She thought these were the people present today.

Faced with their questions, Iori Hashima nodded. Just as she was about to say something, the door was suddenly opened, and an apologetic voice rang out from the doorway.

"Sorry, I'm not late, am I?"

A mature-looking woman walked into the room somewhat embarrassedly, glancing at the people inside.

Aside from the group that went out to sea from Hashima and Michiru Hyoudou's group, she knew the other two people.

"Good evening, Chuhai-kun, and...Taki?"

When the woman's gaze fixed on Aki Tomoya, her expression froze.

Before coming here, she never imagined she would see Aki Tomoya here.

"Good evening, Machida, the deputy editor-in-chief. You can just call me Aki."

When Aki Tomoya noticed that the person who came was Machida Sonoko, he frowned slightly, but quickly relaxed.

He greeted Machida Sonoko politely, even though there had been some unpleasantness in the past, there was no need to think about it now.

Machida Sonoko looked at Aki Tomoya with a slightly embarrassed expression: "Good evening..."

At the same time, Iori Hashima stood up and invited, "Please take your seats as soon as possible."

At Iori Hashima's invitation, Sonoko Machida sat down opposite Tomoya Aki. The moment their eyes met, the air became incredibly awkward.