Chapter 59: Enemies from the Sky
"Why did you have that look in your eyes during class today?"
After school, Satou sought out Yuno. Though she disliked Yuno, they were currently on the same side, so when she noticed Yuno's unusual behavior, she couldn't help but ask.
"Who knows~ Sometimes I envy how clueless you are, Satou-san."
Yuno smiled faintly but didn't explain her actions. Satou was nothing like Hitori—the latter was essentially a harmless mascot, but the former was anything but.
Yuno harbored deep wariness, even murderous intent, toward Satou.
Hitori had already beaten her to forming a close bond with Ren, so Yuno couldn't touch her. But Satou was different—if she dared cross the line and approach Ren, Yuno would find an opportunity to eliminate her!
"Hmph, so mysterious."
Their conversation ended sourly after just a few words, neither willing to fully break their strained alliance. After all, Hitori still stood in their way—any internal conflict would have to wait until Hitori was out of the picture.
Hitori needed to work on her songwriting, and since Ren had plans to visit the penthouse today, he saw her home. Time passed, and the next day arrived.
Ikuyo had decided to visit Hitori only once every two days, wanting to give Ren and Hitori space for their dates. Besides, once she learned enough, she wouldn't disrupt them anymore.
Ren had no objections, but today, Ikuyo brought a friend along. When Ren saw her, he nearly gasped aloud.
Ikuyo's friend, like Hitori and the others, had stunning pink hair, but she was much taller—roughly 170 cm. Her hairstyle was an elegant and rare hime-cut, her features delicate, and her demeanor graceful. A faint smile played on her lips, and when she met Ren's gaze, she playfully winked.
But that wasn't the main surprise. Ren had thought Hitori was unbeatable among high school girls, but here was someone even more extraordinary.
This pink-haired beauty not only radiated an aura akin to a true heroine but also possessed a figure that overshadowed all other girls—she was even more well-endowed than Hitori.
"Hello, everyone~ I'm Himemiya Karen, Ikuyo-chan's friend. I'm interested in music, so I came to check it out. You must be Bocchi-chan, the amazing guitarist Ikuyo-chan told me about~ Nice to meet you!"
Karen faced their collective gaze without a hint of nervousness, cheerfully waving at Ren and the others.
Satou felt as if she were facing a formidable enemy—Karen's presence felt even more intimidating than Yuno's. Yet Yuno didn't seem particularly concerned, as if she already knew her.
"H-Hello..."
It had been a long time since Hitori felt so intimidated by a stranger. Under Karen's radiant aura, which seemed to outshine everything around her, Hitori began to show signs of her usual social anxiety transformation.
So dazzling... She was even more of a "sunny" extrovert than Ikuyo! How could someone like Hitori possibly be worthy of knowing such a person?
"Don't be scared, Bocchi-chan~ Ren-chan is really nice! Ren-chan, shall we get going?"
Ikuyo firmly grasped Hitori's hand, preventing her from transforming, then encouraged her and said something to Ren before pulling Hitori out of the classroom.
"Ren, you shouldn't be unfaithful."
Only after the three of them left the classroom did Yuno poke Ren's back and murmur quietly.
How could she not feel pressured? The moment Karen appeared, she seemed to capture everyone's attention and practically glowed, radiating an overwhelming aura of a true heroine.
"I was just a bit surprised."
Ren admitted he was indeed stunned by Himemiya Karen—beautiful with a better figure than Hitori. It would be hard for any man not to be drawn to her, but he was only momentarily dazzled.
He had seen plenty of beautiful girls already, though Karen's figure was exceptionally good.
"Mine isn't bad either..."
Satou joined the conversation, though her tone lacked confidence. Compared to Hitori, she felt somewhat assured, but against Karen? There was no competing. What did she eat to grow so big!?
"I hope she doesn't mean any harm..."
Yuno muttered to herself. If Karen carried the aura of a true heroine, then the only possible male lead could be Ren.
She also noticed that there were quite a few pink-haired girls around Ren. Maybe he didn't have a "woman trouble" aura, but he definitely had a knack for attracting pink hair.
Hitori was one, and so were she and Satou. What about this Karen?
She felt some pressure, but not too much.
Shaking off her thoughts, and taking advantage of Hitori's absence, Yuno continued, "Ren, I've actually been learning an instrument lately. It's the bass."
"?"
"Good luck."
Surprised that Yuno would take up an instrument, Ren gave a polite word of encouragement.
"I hope I can help you in the future. I think I have some talent for it."
Yuno said softly. Her plan included learning an instrument because Ren often released songs and recruited various temporary members. As long as her skills were sufficient, she could participate.
At least this was a field Hitori hadn't yet stepped into.
"That might be a bit difficult. My standards are very high."
Ren didn't think Yuno, as a beginner, could reach professional level in a short time. If she did, then discussing collaboration would be possible.
"!?"
That sneaky bitch!
Satou, who had investigated Ren's activities, knew he wrote and sang songs. But she had been busy stalking him lately—her tracking device hadn't been discovered and had already located Ren's home.
She was considering how to sneak in at night and hadn't thought of learning an instrument to approach Ren through music.
And now Yuno was pulling ahead in this area? Couldn't these overachievers just drop dead?
"I'll work hard."
Yuno was confident she could meet Ren's standards. Nothing would stop her from being with him—she just needed time.
"..."
Satou fell silent, wondering if she should learn an instrument too. Hitori could play guitar, and Yuno was starting on bass. If she fell behind, wouldn't she be left in their dust?
In that case, Satou took out her phone to look up information about bands and eventually decided to learn drums. With her keeping a close watch, she was determined to see how Yuno could sneak away.
As for Hitori, after encountering Karen, she seemed to revert to her state before meeting Ren Watanabe, keeping her head down and not daring to speak.
"Is Hitori-san very shy around strangers?"
Karen looked curiously at Hitori. She had noticed upon meeting her that Hitori was quite beautiful, but she also seemed very insecure and timid around new people.
"Yeah, Bocchi-chan was pretty much the same when I first met her. She'll be fine once she gets used to you. Bocchi-chan, there's no need to be scared."
Ikuyo nodded and began comforting Hitori. She was practically like a mother figure to Hitori, while in the band, Ryo was the only rebellious daughter.
"I-I'll try my best..."
After all, Hitori had grown somewhat. With Ikuyo's reassurance, she calmed down and felt much better, though she still felt like she might melt under Karen's radiant presence.
"It's alright, Hitori-san. Just interact with me in whatever way you're comfortable with."
Karen didn't mock Hitori for her social anxiety. Instead, she gently comforted her. Instead of jumping straight into playing the guitar, they started by chatting about everyday life.
When Karen learned that Hitori and Ren were a couple, she was taken aback for a moment, then looked at Hitori in disbelief. This actually made Hitori feel more at ease and even a little proud.
Since Karen didn't have a boyfriend either, Hitori remained the sole winner in life.
After delving into some gossip, their bond quickly strengthened. Karen took the opportunity to address Hitori by the nickname "Bocchi-chan."
Though they spent the entire lunch period together without getting to hear any guitar playing, at least Hitori had made a new friend.
"Karen-chan~ I'm sorry I didn't get to play the guitar for you, especially since you were so curious about it."
"It's fine! I'm really happy just to have met Bocchi-chan. We can always play guitar during the next lunch break. Ikuyo-chan, do you know Watanabe-kun well? I'm a little curious about him~"
After returning to their classroom, Ikuyo and Karen chatted casually, with Karen probing for information about Ren.
Truth be told, since starting high school, she had been wanting to fall in love but hadn't found anyone who caught her eye—until she met Ren today. Though they had only exchanged glances, the flutter in her heart was undeniable. Ren's striking appearance had delighted her, but reality poured cold water on her hopes.
Ren already had a girlfriend, and it was Hitori.
But... Karen didn't want to give up on this rare encounter.
"I don't know Watanabe-kun very well either, but he's really, really nice and very handsome. It's easy to feel envious of Bocchi-chan."
Ikuyo said helplessly. At most, she and Ren were just casual friends, and they had only met because of Hitori. Otherwise, someone like her—considered an extremely popular beauty by her classmates—wouldn't have had the chance to get to know him.
"Yeah, it's really easy to feel envious."
Karen rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought, though no one knew what was on her mind.
----------
For advance chapters join my Patreon.
[email protected]/Aarvan