Lately, Hitori had indeed been troubled by something.
After becoming Chisato-kun's girlfriend, he had impressively built his own talent agency.
She and Nijika and the others had officially joined it, taking steady steps from amateur efforts toward professionalism.
Kesshoku Band was growing in recognition—even she was now known by more and more people.
Diehard fans cheered them on online, and not just her vanity—her wallet was also getting fatter.
Her piggy bank couldn't even fit another coin.
With all this success, she should've felt immense joy. Yet, she still sensed something missing.
Lying in bed at night, she finally pinpointed the source.
After officially dating Chisato, their relationship hadn't really progressed. It felt stuck in place.
They'd kissed and hugged early on. But even now, their intimacy hadn't deepened. Kisses and hugs were still the limit.
She wasn't being greedy… but from another perspective, knowing that Chisato was living with Eriri and Utaha, and likely engaging in much more intimate acts with them daily, it was only natural for Hitori to feel a mix of envy, yearning, and curiosity—and to desire more, like a normal couple.
However…
She had absolutely no idea how to express such thoughts.
Just now, she'd attempted to convey them through actions rather than words, but it hadn't gone well.
As expected, she couldn't do this on her own…
So now, the only choice was to ask someone else for advice.
And the only people Hitori could talk to about this kind of thing… were the other three members of Kesshoku Band.
After school, Chisato came to the office with Hitori.
The other three members were already there, rehearsing under the supervision of Seika.
Hitori quickly put down her backpack and joined them.
They'd been invited to perform on a TV program and would be playing a song live on set.
Although it would be pre-recorded and they could redo it if any mistakes happened, not wanting to cause trouble, they all chose to thoroughly master the performance beforehand.
Chisato stood next to Seika, watching them rehearse for a while.
Half an hour later, the milk tea Chisato had ordered arrived. Seika clapped her hands and gave Kesshoku Band a ten-minute break.
She herself got up and called out to Chisato, walking out of the recording room toward the president's office to discuss some final matters about releasing a new song over Christmas.
The general direction was already settled, and the track had been recorded, but there were key decisions that only Chisato could make.
"Phew, great job. Take a break."
After the two of them left, Nijika told the others to rest.
As usual, each had a cup of milk tea and sat side by side on the sofa in the break room.
Ryo was secretly peeking at Nijika's chat logs, Ikuyo was reading fans' comments under their band account, and Hitori sipped her drink quietly.
The atmosphere in the break room was just as usual.
However… because someone was harboring a secret worry, today wouldn't stay peaceful.
"U-Um…"
Hitori summoned her courage and spoke with a stutter.
The moment she spoke, the other three turned to look at her in unison.
Though she thought she was ready to ask for advice, now that she was actually doing it, she still felt the urge to shrink back.
It wasn't because of any external factor—just her naturally timid personality developed over more than ten years.
"What's wrong, Bocchi-chan? No need to worry—whatever it is, you can talk to us,"
Nijika gently reached out and held her hand, as if sensing Hitori's unease.
"That's right, Bocchi-chan. You really don't need to overthink it—just say it directly."
Ikuyo also set her phone down and reached out to place her hand over hers.
The palms of the two girls felt like tiny suns—warm, gently passing courage into Hitori.
Ugh… Whether it's Nijika or Ikuyo, they're both angels. Being able to meet them… being able to become their friend is truly such a blessing…
Though Hitori's expression still carried some unease, she no longer hesitated.
"There's something… I want to hear everyone's opinion, to discuss with you all…"
She lowered her gaze and quietly voiced her request.
Nijika and Ikuyo exchanged a glance, then both gave an auntie-like smile.
This seemed to be the first time Hitori had come to them this seriously for help, so they had a feeling something very interesting was about to happen.
"Is it something to do with the President?"
Ryo, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke up and hit the mark. Though surprised, Hitori nodded vigorously, confirming it.
Realizing it had to do with Chisato, the natural smile on Ikuyo's face became slightly strained—though she hid it well and no one noticed.
Nijika's grin, on the other hand, grew wider. The gossip gene within her stirred restlessly.
"So then, Bocchi-chan, what exactly is it that you wanted to talk to us about?"
Hitori's cheeks flushed slightly as she stared down at the ground in front of her.
"I want to know… how I can get Chisato-kun to pay a little more attention to me…"
This was the most reserved and subtle way she could think of to express what she'd been pondering all afternoon.
Even so, the moment she finished speaking, she curled up like a sensitive mimosa plant and covered her face with her hands in embarrassment.
Ikuyo quietly watched her and sighed internally. She was beginning to understand why Chisato might be drawn to her.
Though usually timid and unable to stand in the spotlight, Bocchi-chan could be unexpectedly adorable at times.
That frail, helpless aura, as if she might cry if you teased her even a little, might—depending on the situation—even come off as a unique kind of charm.
Unlike Ikuyo, whose thoughts were drifting in an odd direction, Nijika quickly grasped the true meaning behind Hitori's words.
She said she wanted attention, but what she really meant was wanting a closer relationship with Chisato-kun, right?
Still, with no experience in romance herself, Nijika couldn't offer much advice beyond blushing along with her.
But Hitori had come out and said it—so as their leader, even if she had to push through her own awkwardness, Nijika felt she had to give at least a little useful advice.
That said…
She herself had absolutely no clue how to attract a guy's attention!
Should she ask her older sister?
No, wait—her sister had never had a boyfriend either. Nijika had never seen her get close to any guy other than their dad… well, except for Chisato-kun.
So there really was no hope there!
Just as Nijika was nervously fretting over how to respond, Ryo beat her to it.
"The upcoming Christmas holiday is a great opportunity. With the festive atmosphere and all, if Bocchi-chan makes the first move then, I'm sure it'll turn out well."
Hitori looked up in surprise, staring into Ryo's clear, calm eyes.
For once, the bassist—usually the least reliable person in the band—had actually offered some serious and practical advice.
Nijika also caught on.
"You mean, have Bocchi-chan give Chisato-kun a gift?"
"Mhm."
Ryo nodded solemnly.
"On Christmas or Christmas Eve, you could wrap Bocchi-chan in ribbons, spread whipped cream or jam on her body—and that would definitely—"
"Okay, shut up now!"
Nijika clamped a hand over Ryo's mouth, stopping her before she could continue with that R-rated nonsense.
But when she turned back around, not only Hitori but even Ikuyo were both seriously contemplating the idea.
Don't take that seriously, Bocchi-chan! That's not for you! If you really did that, it'd scare Chisato-kun out of his mind!
And Ikuyo-chan—don't start blushing like you're considering it too!
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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