Iruma-san wants to win the Akutagawa Prize

This certainly can't be considered a food preference.

In short, in this part, it doesn't matter what kind of person Iruma Hibiki is. It's better to say that he wants to like what the person he likes likes.

Maybe he had such an idea.

So, it’s naturally okay to be a vegetarian.

[By the way, Sushi, how did you feel about the band's rehearsal today?]

[Eh? What do you mean?]

Seeing Nagasaki Suyo's question, Iruma Hibiki thought for a moment before replying:

[Because today's rehearsal was arranged by me and Shiina took the lead, I was worried that everyone might feel a little uncomfortable.]

"No, it's just that without Xiangzi and Xiang, I feel a little lonely."

Nagasaki Suyo responded.

"But I will still practice "Kasuga Shadow" with everyone, don't worry, Hibiki. 】

【That's good. 】

[By the way, Sushi, Mu doesn't talk much and isn't good at expressing herself. You should be more considerate of her and ask her questions during critical moments. Don't let others bully her. Shiina is a bit stubborn and it's hard to persuade her when she gets angry. I can only leave this up to you——]

When Iruma Hibiki said this, he actually had some of his own little thoughts.

Probably confirmation.

Probably a continuation of last night's sadness.

Perhaps it was because of Nagasaki Suyo's dissatisfaction with his oath and then his falling out.

【Don't worry, Xiang, I will take care of and protect Xiaomu. 】

【real? 】

"Are you doubting me, Hibiki? I've always cared about what Xiaomu thinks."

……

Iruma Hibiki looked at Nagasaki Motoyo's reply and remained silent for a long time.

[Yes. That's good.]

In the end, he simply replied and ended his morning chat with Nagasaki Motoyo. Then, it was time for rotation, and this morning, Iruma Hibiki did not leave until Iruma Yoshiaki arrived.

When the two of them took turns, Iruma Yoshiaki simply said:

"Thanks for your hard work."

Just left.

"Father? What are you talking about? Is tonight's party cancelled?"

On the other side, Shoko Toyokawa, who woke up early in the morning, encountered a troublesome and troubling situation.

"Yeah, sorry Xiangzi."

"Why do you smell like alcohol?"

Faced with her drunken father informing her that tonight's plans were cancelled, Toyokawa Shoko felt helpless but also had a hint of her own emotions.

And these emotions turned into a hint of resentment in front of her father who was reeking of alcohol.

The eldest daughter's etiquette education also became distorted under the accumulated pressure.

But in the end, Shoko Toyokawa maintained the most basic surface composure. She said nothing, didn't explode, and just sorted out her messy heart and then tidied up her appearance and clothes.

Snapped--

Probably because I was too anxious.

Or maybe it's because of time.

After all, three years is indeed a long time for the school uniform of Tsukinomori Junior High School. Today, the button on Toyokawa Shoko's skirt fell off, rolled on the ground, and rolled into the gap at the corner of the table.

Shoko Toyokawa bent down to pick it up, but clumsily hit the back of her head when she raised her head.

She lay in her room with her head in her hands, not getting up for a long time.

A sense of collapse spread in her heart, and tears began to accumulate in the corners of her eyes.

"Xiangzi, did you hear me? Can you pour me a glass of water? I'm a little unsteady on my feet."

Her father's urging voice came from outside the door. Toyokawa Shoko frowned, looking at the fallen button on her hand at a loss. Then she quickly found a skirt of similar color and put it on, then stood up and walked towards the living room where her father was.

She had to be obedient and meet her father's needs.

The glass was filled with clear water and then placed in front of her father by Toyokawa Shoko with some force.

"I'm going to school."

With some emotions, Shoko Toyokawa left her increasingly scary home and set out on the road to school.

The same is true for Nagasaki Suyo at this moment.

She closed the door of the huge house, and then set off for school with a smile on her face.

Guys running away from home are always surprisingly consistent in the first 10 seconds of departure.

Just like Hibiki Iruma who is about to return to the hotel at this moment.

Then came the belated greetings from three people:

【Good morning. 】

Today's questions were surprisingly consistent.

Toyokawa Shoko, Nagasaki Suyo, and Iruma Hibiki all sent messages at the same time.

Following closely behind were Takamatsu Touma and Shiina Ryuki. Wakaba Mutsu came a little later and only appeared after everyone had asked good morning.

【Did Xiaomu oversleep today? 】

Nagasaki Suyo noticed this and asked first.

【Um. 】

And Ruoye Mu did not deny it.

correct--

At this time, Iruma Hibiki realized that he and Wakaba Mutsu had been chatting very late last night.

Is this why you woke up late this morning?

Thinking of this, Iruma Hibiki was a little worried about Wakaba Mutsu.

[Everyone should know about today's practice. Meet at the Ring entrance at 4 o'clock. Don't be late.]

At this time, Tatsuki Shiina stepped forward and began to confirm the details of the subsequent rehearsal.

At this moment, Toyokawa Shoko suddenly realized——

If the party scheduled for today is cancelled, can she still join the rehearsal?

【Since Xiangzi and Xiang are not here today, I asked a friend to help. 】

【Eh? 】

【Eh? 】

"Wait, what's the deal with asking a friend for help? Did Shiina-san discuss this with Hibiki?"

Following Shiina Riki's news were the surprised voices of Takamatsu Tomo and Toyokawa Shoko, followed by Nagasaki Suyo's follow-up questions.

"Of course we discussed it. Xiang said that since he's not here, we'll prioritize our rehearsal results. I made this decision after careful consideration."

Without the rhythm guitar and the keyboard, which handles some of the lead and timbre, I can't really practice properly. Besides, the helper here today is reliable, and Iruma knows him.

Afterwards, Shiina Riki posted two photos in the group.

One is Hachiman Kairin, and the other is Kaname Rakuna.

"Of course, if you don't think it's a good idea, you can still refuse now. I told that Wildcat guy a long time ago before she came."

[However, rehearsal is the first priority, and the rest will be easy.]

There was a hint of urgency in Shiina Riki's tone.

Or rather, this eagerness has recently fermented into a terrifying level in Shiina Riki's heart.

-

She wants to catch up with her sister Shiina Maki.

I want to use my favorite "Haruhi no Kage" with my most important companion to prove myself.

She could no longer tolerate the current situation of being stagnant.

and so--

[Shiina, forget it this time, but it’s better not to do it next time. ]

Then, Shiina Riki saw Iruma Hibiki respond.

In an instant, her eyes widened.

24 The only person who can convince Shiina Riki

[Iruma, what are you thinking? Why...?]

Hibiki Iruma received a letter from Tatsuki Shiina.

It happened a little suddenly, probably when the group fell into silence.

Shiina Riki was probably a little impatient and emotional, and of course, he also felt a little aggrieved.

Because she originally thought that if she did this, Iruma Hibiki would be happy.

The band can continue.

Everyone can also get reliable practice -

After all, the band needs cooperation, especially Takamatsu Deng, who needs to adapt to the collaboration with everyone in the position of lead singer.

So she asked Hachiman Kailing and Kaname Rakuna for help.

[Lixi... First of all, I'm sorry that I can't practice with everyone right now. If I could, I would love to practice "Kasuga Shadow" with everyone in Tokyo right now.]

[Even recently, I felt a little sad because I forgot to bring my guitar.]

Iruma Hibiki responded to Shiina Riki with a frown on his face.

The chat in the group continued.

The one who reacted most strongly was Nagasaki Suyo, she was almost saying "I don't want it" directly.

The situation took a turn for the worse, and time for Iruma Hibiki and Shiina Riki to explain was running out.

"Anyway, Shiina, how about you just cooperate with me and sort out everyone's issues? I'll explain the details to you later."

【…】

A string of ellipsis was sent from Shiina Riki.

[Well, I understand. 】

She agreed somewhat reluctantly.

even--

When he saw that Iruma Hibiki reappeared in the group and was the first to choose to comfort Nagasaki Motoyo and Toyokawa Shoko, Shiina Riki felt a little jealous and isolated.

She was clearly working hard to practice!

When he saw Iruma Hibiki busy trying to appease everyone's dissatisfaction, Shiina Riki put down his phone.

She was a little confused about the other people's emotions at the moment.

And in the final analysis——

Wasn't she the least popular member of the band from the very beginning? She joined the band because of Hibiki Iruma, but what happened after that?

If the band is a bamboo raft, then she is the piece of driftwood that is the farthest away and the loosest tied.