"What a beautiful thing to hear," Akira said, smiling."But for now, let's focus on what we came here to do."
Shifting his attention back to the display of guitars in front of him, Akira found himself caught between two choices.
One was sleek and black, trimmed with subtle silver lines—elegant, sophisticated, and undeniably premium.
The other? A striking scarlet red with jagged blue lightning bolts—bold, vibrant, and undeniably loud.
'This one looks like something straight out of a British rock band.'
Truth be told, Akira could just buy both and be done with it—but what would be the point? He wanted a guitar to use, not to collect.
Turning to the one person who had remained relatively quiet, he sought out her opinion.
"Shiina-san, which one do you think looks nicer?"
Mahiru studied both for a moment.
"I like the black one."
"Then that's the one I'll take."
Simple as that. And honestly, it suited him better anyway.
With his guitar chosen, Akira asked Bocchi to help him pick out the other essentials—a pedalboard, amplifier, cables… everything a beginner rock star might need.
Time passed. Decisions were made.And no, he wasn't about to walk around the city with that whole setup. Of course, he arranged for delivery.
With the first part of their plan complete, Akira turned toward his companions—Mahiru, Bocchi, and (somehow still present) Ryo.
"Do any of you have a preference on where we eat?"
All three girls shook their heads.
That's when a spark lit in Akira's mind. Turning toward Ryo specifically, he smiled.
"Yamada-san, would you like to come with us too? Don't worry—I'm paying."
The moment the words "I'm paying" left his lips, Ryo nodded without hesitation.No shame. No second thoughts.
Meanwhile, Bocchi trembled slightly. Not because of jealousy, but because she realized something… terrifying:Akira and Ryo were too alike.Impulsive, unpredictable… chaotic. And if left unchecked, they could destroy her peace in seconds.
Mahiru, on the other hand, quietly noted:'He's really growing. Inviting someone he just met without hesitation… that's not something the old Akira would do.'
Akira? He was just thinking about food.'What should we eat today?'
Italian? Chinese? Something local?
Then—bam—an idea struck him like lightning.
"What about Yakiniku?"
It was a bold suggestion.
Grilled meat? Great.Grilled meat with friends? Even better.
But Mahiru hesitated.'Wait… isn't Yakiniku kind of expensive?'And that guitar wasn't exactly cheap either…
Bocchi had the same thought, while Ryo's thoughts were simpler:'He offered. I'm eating.'
Noticing their worried expressions, Akira smiled reassuringly.
"I wouldn't have invited you if I couldn't afford it. Don't worry about that."
[Hoho~ Look at you… the provider!]
Shut up, system. Not now.
"So, are you coming?" he asked one last time.
Three voices. One answer.
"Yes." x3
Perfect.
"Then let's go!"
Ironically, he wasn't even the one who said that last line—it was Ryo.
But hey, what mattered was the vibe. And Akira was vibing.
So the strange party of four set off, ready to grill some meat… and probably cause more chaos than any restaurant staff deserves.