Does gravity make me stronger?

Before Hachiman could ask, Shoko clarified on her own: "Normally when I pass by Class 1-C, Hachiman is always resting on his desk, but this week, you've been studying your textbooks."

"Haha, maybe he's reading a novel..."

"No, I've seen all your efforts."

The orange-red sunset shone through the window, bathing the girl in its warmth and beauty.

Bathed in the morning glow, Xiangzi tiptoed forward, reached out and touched Hachiman's head, and casually pressed down the ahoge (cowlick) on his head a little.

【Shengxiangzi!】

This overly intimate gesture left Hachiman somewhat bewildered. He wanted to get away but was also tempted by the girl's gentleness, so he looked around nervously.

'Hachiman, you didn't dodge this time, did you?'

Xiangzi's lips curled up, and he smiled even more happily, as if a desire deep in his heart had been greatly satisfied.

"Um, thank you."

"No need to thank me. If Hachiman-kun likes having his head patted, I'll be happy to..."

Sensing that Xiangzi was about to say something strange, Hachiman, feeling a surge of heat rising from his body, quickly interrupted, "I just want to thank you for your help."

"Help? I didn't do anything!"

"That's the one. We're going to make a record together in the future, but I'll definitely be a useless nobody by then, so I'm asking you for help in advance."

"Pfft, Hachiman really likes to joke around."

"Hahaha, yeah, everyone says my jokes are really effective at cooling you down," Hachiman said, scratching his head with a disgusting grin.

Xiangzi clutched his chest and murmured in a very, very soft voice, "Actually, your presence here is the best way to repay me."

"...What?" It wasn't that he was pretending to be deaf; this time, Hachiman really didn't hear clearly.

"No, we were supposed to start making the record this Sunday, but I have some urgent business to take care of on Sunday. Can we start making the record next week?"

Are you busy on Sunday?

It's probably work-related.

"No problem, just let me know in advance."

Hachiman completely ignored Shoko's words, said a few words and left. At that moment, Shoko took out her phone and dialed the number of an old classmate.

"Xiangzi?"

A questioning voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Mu, I'll be going to RiNG on Sunday."

Xiangzi said this in a firm tone.

...

He thought he would only have one midterm exam to deal with on Friday, but to his surprise, he kept getting contacted by people after school.

Nagasaki Motoyo: Hikigaya-kun, how did your exams go?

Hachiman: Not bad, at least he's not unqualified.

Nagasaki Motoyo: Why don't you just say I passed?

Hachiman:...

Sorry, but my brother Hachiman is just that kind of awkward person, isn't he?

Nagasaki Motoyo: Are you free tonight? Want to have dinner together?

Wait a minute, long-term meal ticket buddy, why are you able to speak so naturally?

Although the food at the Nagasaki family's house was delicious, Hachiman wanted to spend today alone.

Hachiman: I'm sorry, I want to go home and rest for a bit. I'm a little tired after the exam.

That's the truth, I'm really tired, especially mentally.

After the exam, my tense nerves relaxed, but what followed was endless fatigue.

[Is there a sense of emptiness and melancholy that follows after the performance?]

What a piece of junk system, I can't be bothered with you...

Nagasaki Motoyo: Hmm, okay then, Hachiman-kun, get some rest.

Surprisingly, Nagasaki Motoyo didn't dwell on it, but...

Nagasaki Motoyo: Oh, by the way, I have tickets for a music house show on Sunday. You can check it out if you're free.

"Music House? I guess it's a LiveHouse. I already have plans for Sunday. Sorry, Nagasaki-kun."

Thinking of this, he decisively refused.

Hachiman: I'm sorry, I already have plans for Sunday.

Nagasaki Motoyo: Are you going out to play? With whom?

Hachiman: No, I'm going to see a performance.

Nagasaki Motoyo: Hey, is that a band? Where are they?

Hachiman: I think it's a performance hall called RiNG.

Upon receiving the message, Nagasaki Motoyo paused for a moment, then muttered to herself, "It seems that Aine-chan and Touka-chan have already invited him. In that case, it doesn't matter, although I still hope that I can be the one to invite him."

Nagasaki Motoyo understood it instantly.

Aine and Akari are classmates of Hachiman, and the three seem to have a good relationship, so it's reasonable for them to invite each other to watch a band performance.

Motoyo Nagasaki: Okay, you have to go see the show on Sunday, okay?

Hachiman: Why?

Hachiman didn't understand why Nagasaki Motoyo was suddenly so agitated.

At this moment, Hachiman suddenly remembered that Takamatsu Akari had mentioned that there was a girl named Suze in their band. Considering Suze Nagasaki was talking about now, it was basically confirmed that they were the same person.

The world really is so small...

Oh well, it's not a big deal. It's just watching a show.

Unaware of what was about to happen, Hachiman readily agreed to the other party's request.

Hachiman: I understand, I will go.

Nagasaki Motoyo: Okay, Hachiman, get some rest!

Chapter 86, page 085: A memorable moment – ​​the Headhunter makes his appearance.

On Sunday, Hachiman changed into a loose casual outfit and arrived at the RiNG performance hall very early.

Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the extremely commercialized RiNG performance hall, which is nothing like a traditional LiveHouse, where a group of band fans are gathered, waiting for their turn to perform.

With some time to spare before entry, Hachiman found a quiet, secluded corner and began to daydream.

I woke up so early, I'm so sleepy, why is everyone so energetic...?

Speaking of which, a little incident happened in the Starry Night Performance Hall's work group last night before I went to sleep.

The story begins simply: the four members of the band, having just finished their performance, wanted to come to RiNG to cheer on their good friend, Ai Yin.

but.

The heartless capitalist, Ichiji Hoshika, directly rejected the four members' leave application, causing the plan to end the band's performance midway.

The phone still contains the remains of the ruins from yesterday's battle between several powerful figures.

Hongxia: Sister, I want to see Aine-chan's performance tomorrow!

Ichiji Hoshika: No, Sunday is the busiest time for the stars. If you leave, who will do the work?

Nijika: Please, big sister, tomorrow is Aine-chan's first performance!

Hongxia: And even working people have their own holidays!

Ichihoshika: We only offer maternity leave, marriage leave, and bereavement leave. Which one would you like to choose?

Nijika: @Hachiman Hikigaya, what's going on with Hikigaya-kun?

Hachiman: My pet squirrel died, so I'm taking bereavement leave.

Hongxia: Huh?

Kita:?

Goto Ichiri:?

Ryo Yamada: My cat died too.

Hongxia: You'd better actually raise a kitten @Yamada Ryo

Ryo Yamada: Does an electronic cat count?

Yi Di Zhi Xing Ge:...

Ichiji Hoshika: You can go if you want, but find someone to take over. Otherwise, forget it!

Given Hongxia's circle of friends, it would be easy for her to find a friend to take over for a day, and the same goes for Kita. But the problem is that there are two incredibly aloof and reclusive girls in the band.

Goto Ichiri: I can't find a single thing. I'm so sorry, Aine-chan. I'm guilty.

Yamada Ryo: Then let Pochi-chan take my place, I'll go check it out, it's decided then and there.

Goto Ichiri: ? ? ?

This lousy Yamada...

Looking at the chat messages, Hachiman couldn't help but complain in his heart.

Despite several attempts at coordination, the issue of shift changes still could not be resolved satisfactorily.

Therefore, the entire band made a sad decision to give up the opportunity to witness Ai Yin's first performance, but promised that no one would be absent from the next performance.

Hachiman also felt a pang of heartache at this.

Although he prefers to go alone, if the destination is a place like a LiveHouse where people gather, he still hopes to have someone accompany him, which can also reduce his presence.

"So many people, I really want to go back..."

Looking at the bustling crowd at RiNG, Hachiman couldn't help but feel a sense of retreat.

"Oh dear, isn't this the same little boy from back then?"

Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice sounded from behind. Just as Hachiman was about to turn around, a strong perfume scent wafted over, and then two women dressed in a hip-hop style came into view.

"May I ask who you are?" Hachiman couldn't remember who the other person was.

"Hello, my name is Natsume Hakuro, and I'm a fan of those two girls from back then."

Those two girls back then...?

Countless images flashed through Hachiman's mind, finally settling on the moment he first came to RiNG last week.

Oh, I remember now, she's a fan of that cat girl and Goto Ichiri.

"Hello." Hachiman nodded and greeted him, but made no attempt to reveal his identity.

"Bai Lu, that's not how band members greet each other!" the woman next to Bai Lu teased with a laugh.

"Then what should I say?"

“Like this, hey kid, long time no see.” She put on sunglasses, extended her fist, while Hachiman frowned and awkwardly offered his fist under her expectant gaze.

Why should I cooperate with her performance...?

"Up and down, grip tight, oh!"

Hachiman's scalp tingled at this cryptic behavior, while Hakushiro looked enlightened, saying "I see" as he looked at his fist.

"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom. Please excuse me."

Hachiman made up a reason on the spot to distance himself from these two guys who seemed too arrogant.

Before parting, Bai Lu asked with great interest, "By the way, young man, will you be playing that song in this performance?"

"I don't know," Hachiman shook his head sincerely.

After shaking off the two, he found a relatively secluded corner and started waiting to scroll through his phone. Just then, a new message popped up.