[You've grown. Now you can be compared to… a child. So yes, I say you're perfectly capable of going for it!]
Well, not the pep talk I expected, but thanks, system. That… kind of helps.
And just like that, the morning classes passed in the blink of an eye. It was now lunchtime—a well-deserved break for hardworking students.
Akira gathered his courage and got up from his desk, picking up two neatly packed bento boxes before leaving the classroom and heading next door—to Mahiru's class.
Naturally, the fact that he had exactly two bentos did not go unnoticed.
Especially by Aijou Rentarou, who thought: "This guy really cares about his girlfriend…"
Other classmates whispered behind his back:
"Could it be springtime for Kurosawa?""I'm honestly happy for him. He's always been alone.""He's really changing for the better."
Thus, another misunderstanding bloomed. But hey, at least his reputation was improving.
Meanwhile, unaware of the attention, Akira reached Mahiru's classroom door. He exchanged a subtle nod with the only other guy he considered a true friend here.
"Sup, Ishigami.""Sup."
Two words. Yet so much was understood. That's true male friendship.
Spotting Mahiru, Akira called out to her gently.
"Shiina-san."
Yeah… this guy has really changed.
Hearing his voice and seeing his face, Mahiru blushed—drawing yet another wave of whispers from the girls nearby.
"Is that the guy who stole Shiina-san's heart?""Okay but… he's actually kind of cute.""Where has he been hiding this whole time?""I want a boyfriend like that…"
Not wanting to give them any more fuel for gossip, Mahiru silently grabbed her bento and followed Akira out.
They made their way toward a quiet, lesser-used part of the school. Mahiru raised an eyebrow and took the opportunity to tease him.
"So… where exactly are you taking me? A secluded place… Are you planning something?"
"No teasing now," Akira replied, brushing off her words with a small smirk. "Actually, the person I wanted to introduce you to tends to hide out here."
"Wait. Hide?"
"You'll understand in a minute."
Turning the corner, they reached the room—where a familiar pink-haired girl sat curled in a corner.
"Hitori Gotou," Akira announced with a soft smile. "Or as some know her… Bocchi."
Upon seeing Akira, Bocchi's face lit up—until she noticed Mahiru beside him.
"K-Kurosawa-san...? W-Who is she?"
Akira gave a dry chuckle. "This is a friend I wanted to introduce you to. Mahiru Shiina."Turning to Mahiru, he added, "And this is Hitori Gotou."
Mahiru, the angel incarnate, smiled warmly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Gotou-san."Meanwhile, she silently thought: Another one… just like Akira…
Bocchi, staring into the radiant glow that surrounded Mahiru, nearly ascended on the spot. But before her soul could leave this world, Akira's calming aura activated—keeping her grounded.
[What a transformation.]
With some effort, Bocchi managed to respond, "P-Pleased to meet you…"
Seeing things going well, Akira smiled. Bringing an angel to help another angel. Not a bad plan.
Not forgetting his promise, he pulled out the second bento.
"Gotou-san, I didn't forget what I promised. I hope you enjoy it."
"Thank you, Kurosawa." Bocchi unpacked her food and began eating, visibly satisfied.
Turning to Mahiru, he smiled again.
"The usual?"She nodded, and they exchanged bites like always. Warmth and peace surrounded them—was there anything better?
Meanwhile, Bocchi was getting anxious. He gave me something so delicious… Can I even teach him properly in return!?
"So, Gotou-sensei," Akira grinned. "What will today's lesson be?"
[This shameless bastard… You should rename the story to: Unlimited Talent: Exploiting Cute Girls to Become the Perfect Husband.]
I'm writing that one down, system. I'll remember it when we're alone.
"Let's start with the basics," Bocchi said, collecting herself. "Do you know the major chords?"
"Yep. C, D, E, F, G, A, B."
"Great. Then let's begin with some theory."
With a brief but clear explanation, Bocchi began walking Akira through the foundations of musical theory. That's when something kicked in:
[Musical Talent – Level 1]
Thanks to his latent talent, Akira picked everything up at lightning speed. Bocchi was stunned. He learns everything on the first try?!
"Let's stretch your fingers next," she said quickly, switching gears. And from there, Akira breezed through basic postures, finger positioning, and simple chords.
Mahiru, watching from the corner, narrowed her eyes.
This isn't normal. That speed… it's not human.
But watching Bocchi's stunned expression reminded her of something.
That's exactly how I felt when I taught him to cook…
Empathy.A bond formed between the two girls—not through words, but through shared experience.They were both watching the same genius unfold before their eyes.
Akira, meanwhile, was simply enjoying the guitar. Even without an amp, it sounded cool.
I think I'll buy one this weekend.
While Akira was thinking about budget planning, Bocchi was silently panicking.
How long until he surpasses me!?