Lonely Rock for the Blind.

Ijichi Hoshika remained silent for a moment, then turned her head away.

"I still think I was cuter before..."

"...You just find it funny when people with social anxiety are teased, right?"

Hiroi Kikuri frowned.

"Oh, by the way, Qing, where are you going today?"

Ijichi Seika looked at Nekoyashiki Haru, who was dressed up neatly.

"...You look like you're getting ready to go out."

"...Um...should I call it a date?"

Nekoyashiki Haru tilted her head and said.

"Huh? A date?"

Ijichi Hoshika was stunned.

"Yes, with me."

Shima Iwashita said.

"... "

Ijichi Hoshika remained silent for a while, then turned to look at Hiroi Kikuri.

"Isn't it great..."

Hiroi Kikuri lay on the table, squinting as she spoke.

...

……

.........

On the way, Shima Iwashita supported Nekoya Shikiharu.

"It didn't rain today. Did it rain enough the past few days?"

Iwashita Shima looked up at the sky and asked a question.

"That's probably it. After all, the rain is too cold. Spring is definitely a warm season."

Nekoyashiki Haru said with a smile.

"...What are your plans after this?"

"Huh? What?"

"I mean, is there anything I need to do?"

Iwashita Shima continued to ask.

"...Should we do it?"

Nekoyashiki Haru tilted her head and began to think.

"Hmm... First, let's figure out how to make the End of the Band bigger and stronger."

"Then?"

"And then? I'll just spend every day with you guys."

Nekoyashiki Haru smiled.

"There's no purpose anymore."

"hehe…"

Iwashita Shima chuckled.

"...Ah...Although I've joined in name only, it doesn't feel real at all."

"Reality?"

Nekoyashiki Haru paused for a moment.

"Yes, the real feeling of being in love."

Iwashita Shima coughed a few times.

"...The real feeling of being in a relationship..."

Nekoyashiki Haru tilted her head and began to think.

"...How do you usually interact with them?"

Iwashita Shima asked.

"...Um...Generally speaking, everyone comes out together."

"…Then what?"

"Then we'll get something to eat, find a place to play, and then go to a quiet spot to whisper sweet nothings to each other..."

"...I feel like these aren't right for me..."

Iwashita Shima blushed.

"...Being with you like that...just thinking about it makes me feel a little...ashamed."

"That's how everyone has gone through it."

Nekoyashiki Haru gave a calm smile.

"At first, when I was dragged into doing it all night, I felt really ashamed."

"...What's with that calm, deathly tone you're using?"

Iwashita Shima scratched his head.

"I mean, is there a more suitable way for us to date?"

"Go see a live performance? Talk about Kikuri and Eliza? Discuss national policies?"

"Nekoyashiki Haru asked."

"Isn't that the same as usual?!"

Iwashita Shima sighed.

"Then... could it be that we're actually dating?"

Nekoyashiki Haru smiled.

"!"

Iwashita Shima was slightly taken aback, and her cheeks turned even redder.

"...Even if you say it nicely...I still think we were just friends before."

"Hmm? Just ordinary friends?"

Nekoyashiki Haru asked doubtfully.

"...How could that be...You are all the most important people to me."

Iwashita Shima's cheeks turned even redder.

"So what makes me special?"

"...Stay by my side..."

Iwashita Shima sighed.

"...When I'm under a little pressure, I can vent to you without having to think about anything."

Am I an emotional dumping ground?

"...Not only that, I can also listen to your troubles."

Shima Iwashita smiled.

"...As expected, there's nothing special about it."

"... "

Nekoyashiki Haru was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked.

Why did you suddenly kiss me that day?

“...to demonstrate for Eliza.”

Iwashita Shima whispered.

"Aren't there other ways?"

"...There was no other way, at that time...this was the only option..."

Iwashita Shima sighed.

"And now?"

Nekoyashiki Haru continued to ask.

"...It's the same now..."

Iwashita Shima grabbed Nekoyashiki Haru's shoulder and pressed her cheek against his.

"...Glug...I never noticed before, but you smell so good?"

"...When you say it smells good while swallowing your saliva, it makes me feel like I'm some kind of food."

"...It doesn't make much difference, does it?"

Iwashita Shima relaxed and placed her hand on Nekoyashiki Haru's shoulder.

"...Can you say something cheesy to me?"

"You really want to hear this?"

"…explain…"

"I love you."