Actually.
Regarding the matter of Toru having a simulator.
Everyone in the band only had suspicions, there was no solid proof.
Because aside from that unbelievably strong bass skill that did not match his age, and his photography, Toru had not displayed any other abilities in real life.
Whether it was violin, medicine, or computer science.
Toru kept all of it hidden, with no intention of exposing them.
At present, whether Toru had a simulator existed in a strange state, maybe yes, maybe no.
Nijika actually really wanted to test him, but her acting skills weren't good, and it would be easy to see through her.
Right...
There was one method she could use.
And it was also the only flaw Nijika could think of.
That was a baby's name. If Toru truly had a simulator, then when facing a similar question, there was a high probability he would answer with a familiar name.
But another problem arose.
How should she steer the topic toward children?
Nijika surveyed everything in the room and quickly noticed a framed group photo placed to the side, set in a luxurious frame.
Right, photos.
After thinking it through.
"By the way, when did Bocchi-chan start being bad at communicating?"
Nijika spoke without the slightest hint of anything unusual.
"Ah… s-since birth."
Hitori lowered her head, as if recalling some not-so-pleasant memories.
Bocchi-chan was socially anxious since childhood?
Nijika truly did not know this. She only knew that the other girl had been all alone during middle school, and that information came from Gotoh Futari, who was only five years old.
"Eh, Bocchi-chan, do you have a photo album here? I'm really curious."
Nijika began guiding the direction of the conversation.
Today, she was determined to ask something out of this.
Of course, her desire to see Bocchi-chan's photos was genuine.
A girl this beautiful, with looks worthy of being the center of an idol group, and a figure comparable to a model, becoming socially anxious was nothing short of a miracle.
"Y-yes, I do."
At this moment, Hitori was in fierce internal conflict.
Wh-why would Nijika-chan suddenly ask to look at photos?
She was completely unphotogenic. In front of the camera, she would unconsciously show a shy expression. Even when updating her Guitar Hero account, she only ever posted photos of her hands and guitar.
If her ugly photos were discovered by Kitahara-kun, it would be over.
Amid Hitori's hesitation, Nijika spoke the words she least wanted to hear at that moment.
"Bocchi-chan, can you show us?"
To add to her leverage, little angel Nijika smiled sweetly at Toru.
"Toru-kun wants to see them too, right?"
"A little."
Toru had no idea danger was approaching.
The biggest secret on his body was about to be exposed.
"Okay."
Bocchi-chan looked dejected as she stood up and went downstairs.
A socially anxious person could not refuse a friend.
A few minutes later.
She came back up holding a thick photo album with both hands. Hitori's dad had a hobby of photography, and he had used his camera to record countless moments of his daughter's life from childhood to now.
The three of them gathered together.
"My photos aren't very good."
Hitori gave a warning in advance, then opened the first page.
Nijika had thought the photos would be strange, but they were actually quite normal. Maybe Hitori's dad's photography skills were just that good.
"…Back in kindergarten, because I was bad at communicating, without realizing it, I became the kid who ate lunch with the teacher."
Bocchi-chan recalled the memories, gently touching the photo. She actually really wanted to tell her younger self.
In the future, you will meet a group of girls who like you. They will treat you very well, so do not worry about being abandoned.
In high school, you will meet a kind boy. Treasure the opportunity and hold on to him.
You are not alone.
"In elementary school, during PE I teamed up with the teacher, ate lunch alone, went on field trips alone. Back then, I wanted a friend I could share my thoughts with…"
The more she recalled the past, the more Hitori felt how precious the present was.
The album slowly turned pages, reaching her middle school years.
"First year of middle school, on my dad's suggestion, I started learning guitar. I practiced six hours a day, just to find bandmates who would accept me…"
Unfortunately, she did not find them.
Her dream of performing on stage at the cultural festival was not fulfilled until last year.
But that was fine. Good things were never too late.
A good match was never afraid of coming late.
Thinking this.
Hitori slightly raised her head and showed a gentle smile to Toru and Nijika.
"And then I met you."
"I've been happy ever since, all the way until now."
She gently closed the album.
The last page of the album was a group photo taken during the MV shoot some time ago.
After listening to Bocchi-chan's heartfelt words.
Nijika was a little moved and could not help pulling Hitori into her arms.
"I'm super happy that I got to know Bocchi-chan!"
Back then, actively inviting Bocchi-chan to join the band was truly the right choice.
"Nijika-chan…"
Hitori was pressed into her embrace and subconsciously took a deep breath.
So fragrant.
The scent of an active high school girl.
Just as Bocchi-chan was savoring this moment of happiness, Nijika's strength suddenly increased.
Very soon, Hitori's vision gradually blurred. In the final moment before losing consciousness.
She heard panicked voices.
"Eh, eh, eh, Bocchi-chan, what's wrong with you?"
————
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry…"
Nijika apologized repeatedly.
Because of years of drumming, plus recently helping move equipment, she had developed strength far beyond that of girls her age.
She had hugged too tightly without realizing it.
Hitori took a deep breath.
"It's okay."
In a daze, she had just seen red spider lilies and the black waters of the Sanzu River. That was dangerous.
A few minutes later.
Seeing that Bocchi-chan was fine.
Nijika finally felt relieved and continued flipping through the album.
She deliberately turned back to the first page, the photos from Hitori's childhood.
"Toru-kun, do you like children?"
"I like them quite a bit."
In the simulation, his daughters were extremely cute when they were young.
It was just a pity that after growing up, they all turned into rebellious daughters who talked back to their dad.
Why exactly was that?
No matter how much he thought about it, he could not understand.
It could not be because he spoiled them too much, right?
Daughters were meant to be cherished from the moment they were born. Otherwise, what kind of father would you be?
"If Toru-kun gets married in the future, what kind of name would you give your child? One character, or two?"
The topic was somewhat deliberate.
But Toru did not notice anything strange.
He thought for a moment.
"I'd probably discuss it with my wife."
In the simulation, the children's names were not decided by him alone.
She did not get the answer she wanted.
Nijika looked straight into his eyes.
"If Toru-kun married me, what name would you give our child?"
He was a little surprised.
Although he did not know what she was plotting, Toru did not hide anything and answered honestly.
"Kitahara Shio."
"Why?"
Toru recalled his thoughts and said.
"In life, you are bound to encounter all kinds of things. But when the time is right, they return to us like the tides, carrying all kinds of gains. Like the ocean, broad and gentle."
Toru smiled slightly.
"That is the meaning of Shio."
"What a wonderful meaning…"
Nijika's expression was indescribably gentle.
"I think she will definitely be a lovely child."
"Of course."
Our child is a gentle angel.
There is no need to worry.
————
Off to the side.
Bocchi-chan wore an expression as if the sky had collapsed.
6д9
Please do not exchange loving looks in front of me, kora~