To be completely honest, Bocchi's performance genuinely exceeded Rinto's expectations.
...It was horrendous—so terrible it was almost impressive.
Throughout Bocchi's entire performance, not a single note was in tune. Her fingerings were utterly chaotic, like an inexperienced AI had randomly spawned fingers to smash the guitar strings.
Yet at the same time, Rinto noticed something odd.
Despite playing so terribly, Bocchi still persisted until the very end.
After all, Rinto listened to Momoka practice daily, and he himself was now learning bass.
Usually, when someone played a wrong note during practice, most people would panic, pause, and then decide whether to stop or try again.
Even professionals like Momoka often paused and restarted repeatedly during practice.
But Bocchi never hesitated from start to finish—not even once.
Of course, this might've been because her social anxiety was so extreme she'd mentally ascended into another dimension while playing.
But conversely, didn't this clearly prove that she was relying purely on muscle memory?
She had thoroughly memorized the music; her body just couldn't keep up.
"Plus, that guitar… I swear I've seen it somewhere before..."
Rinto was particularly concerned about Bocchi's old guitar, supposedly borrowed from her dad. He definitely recognized it from somewhere.
Either way, he had a clear grasp of Bocchi's true skill level.
"Bocchi, don't worry."
He approached Bocchi, who was already mentally prepared to pass into Nirvana, and gently rescued her soul before it slipped completely into another world (?).
Rinto displayed a flawlessly practiced scumbag-casanova smile, sounding incredibly gentle and reassuring:
"We all know you're doing your best. Today you just got nervous. Even at home, I have a useless guitarist—when she gets frustrated during practice, she even bites her guitar."
"I'm sure it's just because you're nervous playing in an unfamiliar place, right? Once you get comfortable here and think of the club as your second home, you'll definitely play much better."
"…Senpai… Scumbag-senpai… uwaaaahh…(';ω;｀)"
Great—even Bocchi was calling him "Scumbag" now.
Seemed like he was fated to never escape this nickname. Rinto maintained his smiling face as he gently handed tissues to the sobbing Bocchi.
…Unbeknownst to Rinto, while he skillfully comforted Bocchi, the girls behind him had started coldly staring at his back.
Anon, Sakiko, and the Yoshizawa twins—four girls gathered together was practically a stage play.
Anon: "Hey, hey, hey—has scumbag-senpai always been like this? Why's he so experienced at comforting girls? How many girls has he coaxed before?"
Kasumi Yoshizawa: "Exactly, exactly. He acts the same with us too—Rinto-nii is disgustingly smooth. Plus, he unconsciously uses his muscular body to close the distance. When you accidentally touch his firm chest muscles, your heart instantly starts racing. Using his body to seduce girls—how shameless!"
Sumire Yoshizawa: "At first, being comforted like that felt wonderful…like finally having someone reliable to depend on completely. But once you realize he treats every girl the same way, that disappointment really hurts. It makes you wanna lock him up in a basement and monopolize him."
The merciless criticisms flew freely as the girls entered their condemnation mode, their gazes on Rinto's back growing colder and colder.
Of course, this mutual outrage helped the girls quickly bond together, which was actually a good thing…
Sakiko Togawa: "He comforted me too, once. Without even worrying about boundaries, he held my face gently and wiped away my tears."
The other three: "EHHH—?! Σ(っ °Д °;)っ"
When Sakiko absentmindedly curled her finger through her hair, casually revealing this secret, the others were immediately stunned!
The same Sakiko who'd once declared, "The weak me has already died," now elegantly flipped her hair back, radiating queenly confidence:
"Due to certain circumstances, I now spend regular time each week with Rinto… I mean, scumbag-senpai. And previously, he discovered a rather embarrassing secret of mine."
"When I was flustered, he comforted me so naturally. Seeing me lose control and cry, he showed an unexpectedly mature side… Well, I admit he looked quite handsome at that moment."
Sakiko's words made even Rinto himself feel jealous overhearing it.
She'd never praised him so directly, yet she openly boasted to the girls now—girls truly were mysterious.
Ignoring the Yoshizawa twins for now, Miss Anon, upon hearing this juicy gossip, was already sparkling with excitement:
"Togawa-san and scumbag-senpai spend fixed weekly time together...? Could it be… some kind of adult arrangement? Togawa-san, are you actually financially supporting senpai? Truly the life of an ojou-sama! Kyaa~! (/＞3＜\)"
Sakiko Togawa: "Chihaya-san, please just call me Sakiko. I'll call you Anon-san from now on, too."
Sakiko acted perfectly graceful and dignified, neatly sidestepping Anon's speculation, neither confirming nor denying.
The Yoshizawa twins exchanged a knowing glance, quietly nodding with understanding.
They, of course, knew Rinto's schedule—he was the ultimate part-time superhero, busier on weekends than weekdays.
And since they reserved every Sunday to drag him to a love hotel, the only free time he had for Sakiko had to be Saturdays!
Such incredible time management… their senpai truly was a scumbag beyond compare~
( ＞u＜)~☆
Sakiko, oblivious that her vanity had already pushed her dangerously close to being exposed, quickly stood up to avoid further trouble.
"Scumbag-senpai, it's nearly time to leave. I have something to discuss privately with you—could we step outside for a moment?"
"Oh?"
Rinto, who was currently remolding a tearful Bocchi like putty, was surprised that Sakiko was taking initiative.
She intentionally spoke loudly enough for everyone in the room to hear clearly:
"It's about the tutoring job—I'd like to discuss it in detail."
Ohhh…!
The girl group watched as Sakiko delicately pinched Rinto's sleeve between two fingers, leading him out of the room at an ambiguous distance that made it hard to tell if they were close or merely acquaintances.
Even Bocchi, melted as she was, wiggled herself towards the other members. Now all four girls huddled together, exchanging knowing glances.
Kasumi Yoshizawa spoke first:
"She just said tutoring, right? Could Rinto-nii have picked up a private tutor job as well?"
Sumire Yoshizawa: "A second-year boy and a first-year girl… spending weekends alone together at home, studying diligently all afternoon, exploring unknown knowledge..."
"KYAA~~~! (/＞w＜\))"
Including Bocchi—who had no clue what was going on and was hugged like a plush toy—the four adolescent girls jumped and squealed excitedly, their screams more piercing than any band performance.
It was probably fortunate they still weren't sure exactly what relationship Rinto had with the Yoshizawa twins.
Given the twins' indiscriminate shipping tendencies, they'd probably get excited no matter who Rinto flirted with… It really made you question their sanity!
Meanwhile, outside the room—
Before Rinto could even ask, Sakiko handed him a fancy business card:
"This is about the tutoring job I mentioned previously, senpai. After our part-time work this weekend, I'd like to introduce you directly. Would that be convenient for you?"
"Wow, Sakiko, you were serious about that?"
Rinto accepted the expensive-looking gold-embossed card, genuinely surprised.
They'd only casually discussed tutoring once after work last week. Sakiko had mentioned wanting to "repay senpai's kindness" by offering him a higher-paying job.
Rinto hadn't taken it seriously at all.
Yet Sakiko clearly had—this girl always did everything thoroughly.
Rinto glanced at the name on the card:
"Morimi Nami? Is this the student's name?"
Sakiko: "No, it's her mother's stage name. She's a well-known actress and singer who regularly appears on Kouhaku every year—a famous celebrity. Senpai, don't you know her?"
Her gaze held a hint of pity for her socially detached senpai.
Well…Rinto really didn't pay much attention to entertainment news.
After all, as a Phantom Thief, he'd always been busy enough handling real-life trouble, with no spare time to care about celebrities from TV shows.
Anyway, Sakiko continued:
"The student I'd like you to tutor is named Wakaba Mutsumi. She's my age, currently attending Tsukinomori Girls' Academy as a first-year student. She's also my childhood friend—and formerly the guitarist for the band CRYCHIC."
Ah, another connection—Rinto understood immediately.
Childhood friends, bandmates… Sakiko must be really close with this girl, Wakaba Mutsumi.
And considering her mother was a famous celebrity actress, Mutsumi herself had to be another ojou-sama with impressive status.
But now Rinto was even more puzzled:
"How did you even convince them, Sakiko? I'm just a second-year high school student—wouldn't it be weird for me to tutor a first-year?"
"I don't think so at all."
Sakiko decisively flicked her hair, determination shining clearly in her eyes.
"Senpai, your academic ability speaks for itself, especially your talent with languages—it's at a level that can shine professionally. I've seen it clearly myself; you truly are impressive."
"Based on my genuine knowledge of your abilities, I guaranteed this to Mutsumi's parents. They also considered her future and want her to study multiple languages. You'd be hired specifically as a language tutor; your grade level is completely irrelevant."
This was incredible—Sakiko's decisiveness wasn't just talk.
She'd seriously gone and communicated with her childhood friend's parents to secure this job for him.
Though Rinto still wasn't clear on Sakiko's own family situation, judging by the strong sense of pride she always showed, approaching someone else's parents must've required serious resolve.
This deeply moved Rinto:
"Thank you, Sakiko. You really are such a good girl—my best and cutest kouhai."
Sakiko: "…Only a true scumbag would offer such flippant praise. Senpai, please don't casually say these sorts of lines to girls—it's disgraceful."
Despite what she said, Rinto clearly saw a soft, fleeting smile cross her lips before she coolly turned away.
He just loved teasing this proud, tsundere kouhai; her reaction was far too adorable.
"…I'm really counting on you, Senpai."
Just as Rinto was about to return to the classroom with her, Sakiko whispered softly.
She turned her head slightly, meeting Rinto's eyes directly with her own clear gaze:
"You're absolutely capable of becoming the bond that brings us all back together. This time it'll definitely work—I won't repeat my past mistakes."
Hmm…
Is she counting on me to help mend her relationships with others? Rinto quietly guessed.
This girl just kept too many things hidden in her heart.
He'd need to find a way to break through her ice a few more times, make her show some embarrassing expressions, before she'd truly let down her guard.
...
Rinto returned home, cooked dinner with Momoka, and enjoyed chatting with her while watching TV.
After relaxing for a bit, Rinto gently refused Momoka's offer to help wash the dishes, taking responsibility himself.
Rinto firmly believed girls shouldn't wash dishes—protecting the soft, delicate hands of a maiden was his sacred duty.
While Rinto was busy at the sink, Momoka suddenly suggested:
"Rinto, is there a song you'd like to hear? You can request anything—I'll play it for you♡"
Teasingly, Rinto asked, "Even other people's songs? I thought you insisted on playing only your own music?"
Momoka was notoriously particular about music—she'd rarely agree to perform anyone else's songs unless absolutely necessary.
But, of course, that was only for official performances. Momoka pouted cutely, replying:
"I obviously practice lots of different songs in private, otherwise, how would I keep up with trends? If I only played my own music behind closed doors, it'd just be pure narcissism… Ah, Guitar Hero uploaded another new video."
That guy really updated frequently—Momoka's competitive spirit instantly flared up as she quickly opened her phone.
As Guitar Hero's playing streamed from her phone, Momoka immediately matched it on her guitar.
The recorded playback and Momoka's live playing mixed together perfectly, surprisingly harmonious—as if they were always meant to perform together.
This proved both Momoka's skill and her respect for Guitar Hero's talent.
Surrounded by this cheerful melody, Rinto finished washing the dishes, then grabbed two cups of homemade yogurt and returned.
Seeing him come back, Momoka naturally put down her guitar, happily laying her head on Rinto's lap in a perfect reverse lap pillow.