How can my simulation be a real love?

With a hint of worry in her voice, Miss Kita simply held her oolong tea and spoke softly, her extremely reserved demeanor adding to her docile charm.

Actually, this was her first time eating barbecue at a high-end place like JOJO Garden. Just seeing the prices on the menu almost scared her to death, not to mention that Kazami Naruto was going to treat so many people to a meal at such a place. She couldn't even imagine how much this seemingly ordinary celebration banquet would cost!

"Um... I'm sorry... should I not have come?"

The little penguin, who was sitting next to Kazami Naruto, seemed to have overheard their conversation. She had no appetite to begin with, and her delicate body trembled slightly from the fright. Even her usually deep voice rose a few decibels.

"I'm sorry, Akari-chan! I didn't mean that!"

"...I'm sorry, it's my fault."

"No, that's not right! I shouldn't have said that, it's all my fault!"

The two band's 'lead singers' inexplicably started apologizing to each other. Kazami Naruto, who had been watching from the sidelines for a while, could only sigh helplessly and slowly step forward, extending both hands at the same time.

Snapped!

Kazami Mei casually flicked Kita-san's smooth forehead with her finger-flicking technique, while at the same time patting Takamatsu Akari's head comfortingly with her other hand.

This two-pronged 'attack' finally calmed the two lead singers down.

Taking advantage of the moment when both of them had calmed down, Kazami Mei slowly narrowed his dark eyes and spoke in a gentle tone: "Don't worry, I always know what I'm doing."

"Since I said I would treat you to a good meal, I will naturally make preparations in advance. This level of treat is not a big problem for me."

"You two should just focus on eating your fill. Worrying too much will only spoil the happy celebration, right?"

Kazami Mei's seemingly calm words revealed an extremely strong confidence, causing Kita and Kotori, who were sitting nearby, to exchange bewildered glances. After holding back for a while, Kita Ikuyo finally spoke, her pretty face slightly flushed—

"Why did Ming flick my head just now, but then touch Xiaodeng's head?"

Kazami Mei's expression froze when she was suddenly asked this question.

Oh no, it's a habitual action—

After all, Kita's enthusiastic and energetic personality makes her quite impulsive, and it's hard for her to stop on her own without a little 'punishment'. Takamatsu Akari, who is always prone to self-doubt and pessimism, is easily withdrawn. Kazami Naru, who often comforts her, finds that patting her head is the most effective way to comfort her.

"I'm sorry, how about I make it up to you now?"

"No...no need, I don't think there's anything wrong with it."

Kita Ikuyo's pretty face flushed with a shy blush. She simply covered her forehead and spoke as if she didn't care at all.

Kazami Naru: ?

Why does it feel like Kita-san's personality is becoming increasingly strange due to some kind of 'factor'?

……

Perhaps because they went to see the fireworks display immediately after the live performance, it had been quite a while since their usual dinner time, so everyone who came to the celebration banquet was very hungry and ate with great appetite.

Aside from the two with smaller stomachs, Pinky and Miss Kita, even the petite Pochi and Little Penguin ate quite a bit of grilled meat, their little bellies were stuffed full.

As the main force of the food, Miss Liang was even less polite to him. She opened her mouth and began to devour the food in a whirlwind. Judging from her posture, if no one stopped her, she could probably eat until tomorrow morning.

However, Nijika's mother, in order to take care of everyone who only knew how to eat, kept grilling meat for Kazami Mei. At the same time, to prevent Kazami Mei from not eating enough, she secretly put a few pieces of Wagyu beef into Kazami Mei's bowl when no one was paying attention.

Petite and adorable, yet brimming with gentleness and maternal love, her selfless care would be irresistible to anyone, at least not to Kazami Mei. He repeatedly wanted to grab Nijika's hand and marry her, but reason always managed to hold him back.

Even the most joyous celebration will eventually come to an end.

"It's done, my dream has come true."

Ms. Yamada, who had been wolfing down her food the whole time, showed a satisfied expression after she finished eating.

Kita Ikuyo blinked curiously when the topic suddenly came up, but before Nijika could stop her, the impatient Kita couldn't help but ask, "Ryo-senpai's dream?"

"To eat to my heart's content at JOJO Garden without spending a single penny is one of my 100 dreams."

Kazami Mei looked up at the pitch-black night sky with a blank expression, and said in a low voice, "My dream is for a trillion yen savings account to fall from the sky."

"Your dreams are so weird!"

Looking at the two of them, Ichiji Nijika couldn't help but complain. She slightly adjusted the small yellow bag slung over her shoulder, and her playful yellow ponytail tied to the side bounced energetically a few times. Slightly suppressing her suppressed feelings, she spoke—

"It's getting late, everyone should head home! Thank you all so much for the [Summer Festival] Live performance... I'm truly, truly grateful! Let's postpone the rest of the training so everyone can get some rest?"

"That's true! Let's all relax for the rest of the summer vacation, shall we?"

Kita Ikuyo immediately grasped the meaning behind Nijika's words and quickly echoed her sentiment.

Kazami Naru, who has been juggling part-time jobs and the band for two months straight, definitely needs a good rest. Although everyone is working hard to prepare for the Summer Festival, everyone knows that Kazami Naru has been doing the most work.

While working part-time to support himself, he also had to do other jobs. He personally handled almost everything, including performance precautions, communication with staff, venue and time arrangements, and preparation of rehearsal equipment. This made Hongxia, who felt resentful, seek ways to share his burden.

This is also why such an important performance didn't use a new 'original song' directly; in any case, Ichi Nijika didn't want to add any more burden or pressure to him.

"Well then, Kita-chan and I will be going now~ See you later, Naruto!"

Chihaya Aine couldn't help but glance at Kita Ikuyo, who was beaming with a sunny smile beside her, her mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.

While eating the barbecue, she was thinking of finding a chance to chat with Naru-san more, but Kita kept pulling her aside to chat, so she couldn't find any opportunity to talk to Naru.

Such an unusual occurrence is certainly not a coincidence!

You'd better pay more attention to that red-haired girl, wouldn't you?

Chihaya Aine suddenly recalled Soyorin's meaningful words at the temple fair. She had thought it was just a casual remark from the brown-haired fox spirit who liked to fake smiles, meant to make her doubt Kita Ikuyo, her 'ally' partner.

But now it seems—

It's hard to say, it's really hard to say.

"Little Lamp and Pochi, do you need me to take you home?"

Kazami Mei glanced at Koden, who was still in a daze beside her, and at Pochi, who was still in a daze from the celebration banquet.

Compared to Ryo and Nijika, who lived right in Shimokitazawa, these two girls, who were full of 'gravity', lived much farther away, and he was a little worried about either of them.

"Well……"

Takamatsu, whose gaze was still fixed on Kita Ikuyo, gradually came to her senses and nodded quickly in response, still wearing her wooden clogs.

It seems there's still no progress?

Walking down the street, Takamatsu Akari felt a little disappointed. In fact, she had just been looking for an opportunity to ask Kita Ikuyo about "Naruto," but Kita Ikuyo, who was lively and good at creating a lively atmosphere, was always chatting with everyone, which made it impossible for Takamatsu Akari to find any chance to speak.

No, she absolutely cannot give up.

As Takamatsu Akari strolled along the road, she couldn't help but turn to look at Goto Ichiri beside her. Pochi, who was timid and didn't like to talk, was somewhat similar to her. Although she was more familiar with Aine-chan from the same band, Pochi was also her only important friend!

To be precise, Pochi was the first friend he made after Naruto.

If it were Boqi, would he listen to what I have to say?

"Ok?"

Kazami Mei seemed to notice that Takamatsu Akari was still somewhat absent-minded, and she seemed to be troubled by something.

However, it didn't seem to be anything that would make her feel 'sad' or 'helpless', so he didn't intend to interfere too much.

Whether it's Mygo or ending the band, Kazami Mei is just doing what she can. Whether the band can continue to develop into something lasting forever depends on the choices of the other girls.

After all, he can't solve the problem in every situation.

Whether it's 'success' or 'failure', it's all part of the band's journey of growth and development.

The sensitive and pessimistic Deng has grown a lot since then. Now she may be like the Wisteria Bird, relying on herself to spread her wings and soar. Sooner or later she will leave the wisteria that protects her and fly into the sky.

"Um, that...!!!"

The socially awkward Tsuchiya suddenly started talking loudly, which startled Kazami Naru, who was thinking about how to give him a proper push.

"Narikami-san, you can drop us off at the station. I'll go back with Touka-chan from here... Besides, Naru-san must be very tired today, right? I hope... Naru-san can get some rest today!"

Boqi, who was still in a daze after the celebration banquet, woke up at some point. Her sudden courage to say those words made him feel a little gratified, but also a bittersweet feeling, like that of a daughter he had raised growing up.

I just can't do anything with you.

"Pochi."

"Yes!! [Voice cracks]"

Thinking that he had been seen through, Goto Ichiri quickly stood at attention, lowering his head slightly and only daring to peek at Kazami Mei's expression through the gap in his bangs. However, after waiting for a long time, the other party did not speak again.

Just as she looked up in confusion, the black-haired boy spoke again—

"Then I'll be sleeping like a log at home for the next few days, so I'll leave it to you."

"Ah good."

Goto Ichiri stared blankly at Kazami Naru, who was smiling slightly.

Before she could react, the other person casually waved his hand, then turned and walked towards the street illuminated by the streetlights. His figure gradually disappeared from the two girls' sight as time went by.

I have a feeling that Ming has temporarily handed the band over to me?

This is terrible, it seems I've inadvertently taken on a huge responsibility—

"Um, Pochi-chan..."

After a moment's hesitation, Takamatsu Akari spoke hesitantly. She seemed to vaguely sense that Goto Ichiri's words to Naruto just now might have been partly due to her.

"Ah! No, actually I just saw that Tou-chan seemed to want to say something to me, and I also wanted Naru-san to go back and rest early, so..."

"I'm sorry, but I do have some questions for Poch."

Finally finding her chance, Takamatsu Akari slowly clenched her small fist. She was already prepared and seriously raised her amber eyes full of determination. Her sudden serious attitude made Goto Ichiri tremble.

Her social anxiety seemed to be telling her something from the depths of her being!

"Before I get to what I'm about to say, I have one more question for little Poch."

"Please tell me."

So nervous that he swallowed hard, Goto Ichiri inexplicably began to adopt a respectful posture.

Do you like Mei?

Boom! ! !

Goto Ichiri's ears were struck as if by a thunderbolt.

She was completely stunned, never expecting Takamatsu to ask such a question. The shock caused her clear, light blue eyes to widen and tremble, and fine beads of sweat began to appear on her forehead beneath her long bangs.

Poch's brain was racing as he considered how to answer!

Why, why are you asking this?

"Well, because...it's very important."

Upon hearing this, Goto Ichiri gasped. She noticed that Takamatsu Akari's posture clearly indicated she wasn't joking. Thinking about it carefully, Akari, with her serious personality, would never joke around.

This statement is absolutely 100% serious!

Considering the light's ability to instantly transport one to a gravity chamber, Pochi felt that even a single wrong word could have dire consequences!

"No, no."

Ugh, how could I possibly say something like that!

If she 'likes' someone, she can imagine what will happen next.

She will be dragged to court by the heartbroken Takamatsu Akari on the grounds of "violating her friend's crush". Then, with the "righteous and eloquent" testimony of witness Kita Ikuyo, the lawyer Ryo, who had been giving up, will decisively abandon her. After that, Nijika-chan, the judge, will coldly slam down the sledgehammer of judgment.

[Defendant Goto Ichiri sentenced to death!]

No way! She's never been in a relationship before!

"...Hmm, is that so?"

Little Lamp seemed a little surprised to hear this. Seeing that Pochi in front of her seemed quite shaken, she also hesitated. But no matter what, she had to 'move forward'.

Even if the future is shrouded in uncertainty and shrouded in smog, simply standing still will not give you any chance.

Gao Songdeng's amber eyes, which were always filled with sadness, also became firm, and there seemed to be not a trace of confusion in them.

"I like the sound."

"But... Aine-chan, Suze-chan, and Riki-chan, and maybe Rakuna-chan feels the same way I do, everyone is so important... If Mei ends up choosing one of us, then we might all be separated, and our band can't function without any of us..."

The gray-haired girl paused for a moment before speaking, her words filled with seriousness as she was affected by her emotions.

"Separation is painful and sad. I don't want to be separated from important people again."

"I want everyone to be together for a lifetime, but I don't know how to do it..."

Goto Ichiri: ?