Chapter 118: Capture
The boisterous celebration lasted for a long time.
When everyone's enthusiasm subsided, Nijika's gaze inadvertently swept over Ishikawa Hayato, and she stood up.
She smiled and said, "Please excuse me for a moment."
Then she walked out of her seat.
Everyone else assumed she was just going to the restroom and didn't pay much attention.
Ishikawa Hayato chatted and laughed with the others for a bit, drank a few drinks, then also stood up and left his seat.
He walked out, taking a small detour.
As soon as he stepped out of the store, a cool, damp breeze passed by, then blew ceaselessly as if without end.
The street was wet, and sections of streetlights seemed to be embedded in their reflections.
As his gaze shifted, he saw Nijika, her ponytail and sleeves swaying in the wind.
She stood under the storefront, one hand gripping her other arm behind her back, her gaze directed upwards.
At this moment, she wasn't hiding it, revealing an expression of not knowing what to do.
Upon hearing Ishikawa Hayato's footsteps, the corners of her mouth curved slightly, and she let out a soft, helpless sigh.
"Hayato-kun is indeed very perceptive."
...
Cicadas are a symbol of summer; they are annoying to listen to, but when they disappear, they evoke a touch of nostalgia.
They lie dormant in the soil for years, even decades, then emerge in summer to witness the sunshine and rain.
With their tiny bodies, they adorn the entire summer.
But the long passage of time did not give them sturdy bodies; they are too fragile, so fragile that after a typhoon, even the ubiquitous cicada chirps within the city completely vanish.
Only the whistling wind and the sound of water dripping from the eaves remained on the desolate street.
Ishikawa Hayato stepped onto the wet ground and walked to Nijika's side, standing parallel to her.
The two stood very close, past the distance of friends, but Nijika did not move away.
"Because Nijika called me."
Ishikawa Hayato became a little more serious.
His reaction was beyond Nijika's expectation.
Her surprised gaze retracted from the sky, and she looked at Ishikawa Hayato.
But her eyes inadvertently met his, and those deep brown eyes felt incredibly profound to her, so she quickly looked away.
"Hayato-kun's actions always surprise me."
She said, as if finding an excuse for herself.
After gradually calming her emotions, she found the words she wanted to say.
Nijika smiled and asked Ishikawa Hayato beside her, "Hayato-kun, you know about Bocchi-chan being Guitar Hero, right?"
"Yes, I knew from the start."
Ishikawa Hayato wasn't surprised at all that Nijika had discovered this.
Recently, Hitori had shown a very high level of skill in both rehearsals and performances, so it was natural for her identity to be discovered.
"I see... So, from the beginning, Hayato-kun wanted to get Bocchi-chan into the band."
Nijika's eyebrows curved slightly, and she turned her head happily.
Her smile was sweeter than honey.
Ishikawa Hayato looked at her beautiful and happy expression and couldn't help but tease her.
He put on a serious face, looking genuinely helpless, and said,
"I originally wanted to be an unsung hero who asked for no reward, but unfortunately, the sharp and intelligent Leader still saw through me."
He shook his head and sighed.
"Now, whatever reward the Leader gives me, I won't be able to refuse."
Nijika stood there dumbfounded, blinking blankly.
After a slight hesitation, she said, "What do you want, Hayato-kun?"
Seeing his scheme succeed, Ishikawa Hayato couldn't help but reveal a smug smile.
"Anything Nijika gives is fine~ But it's not convenient right now, so a simple hug, or saying 'I love Hayato-kun the most, most, most, most!' would be acceptable."
After he finished speaking, he nodded, quite satisfied with his words.
"I'll go find PA-san. She'd definitely be willing to give Hayato-kun what he's hoping for."
Nijika's expression turned cold, and her words were as biting as a winter wind.
However, her feet didn't move an inch.
Ishikawa Hayato gasped, instantly falling silent.
Nijika couldn't help but let out a small laugh, but then her expression darkened as she thought of the next problem.
But she maintained her steady voice and said,
"Speaking of which, Hayato-kun, your purpose in joining the Band shouldn't be for composing, right? With Hayato-kun's skill, composing shouldn't be a difficult thing."
"Saying you haven't made a single song for so long... were you lying to me back then?"
Nijika looked up, staring directly at him to confirm his thoughts.
"Hayato-kun, what exactly is your reason for joining the band?"
Seeing Nijika's expression, Ishikawa Hayato knew she had misunderstood.
He covered his face, feigning tears, and said, "It hurts so much to be misunderstood by Nijika. My heart aches."
Nijika's face stiffened, and she said sternly, "Hayato-kun, be serious!"
"Yes!"
Ishikawa Hayato instantly stood straight, chest out, hands at his sides.
But soon, he put on a light smile and glanced at Nijika.
"I somehow feel a bit shy about truly explaining it, Nijika. Don't tell anyone else."
He said, shyly averting his gaze and looking up at the sky.
"Mm."
Nijika's voice carried a hint of amusement, as if saying, 'You, this guy, can actually be shy.'
Ishikawa Hayato quickly glanced at her.
Her expression was gentle, as if she was prepared to hear anything without being surprised.
Looking at the scattered dark clouds in the pitch-black night sky, Ishikawa Hayato slowly said, "It's a bit embarrassing to be so frank at my age, but... simply put, I'm a very selfish person."
"I only care about the people around me, the people I can see, because if there are unhappy people around, it lessens my own happiness."
"And because of that, I inexplicably started helping some students, got involved in various things, and eventually found it hard to extricate myself."
"So I've been thinking about how to solve it, how to solve it in a way that makes me happy and satisfied."
"I want to use everyone's music to solve it."
"Just as a legendary band once said, they play for those who hide in the back, who know they don't fit in."
"I also want to try using everyone's music that way."
"This is the goal I am aiming for."
"I see..."
Nijika listened carefully, then let out a soft sigh of realization.
She murmured, "So that's why you just kept watching."
After she finished speaking, she nodded, as if something has been clarified in her mind.
She understood Ishikawa Hayato a little more now.
Ishikawa Hayato waited a moment, then said, "Although that was the initial reason, it's an undeniable fact that I've come to like everyone now."
"Loneliness can only be offset by loneliness. Kita can't find a sense of reality in her life. Ryo enjoys her solitude but fears her own loneliness. Hitori's overthinking, timidity, and clumsiness create her loneliness. Nijika, you carry an unspoken burden and rely on Ryo."
"I really like everyone. I want to live like this with everyone."
After he finished speaking, time slowly passed.
Nijika did not make any comment on his words.
It wasn't until he turned his gaze back at Nijika that she spoke, "Hayato-kun, no matter how nicely you phrase it, leading multiple people on is still a scumbag move."
She hid her guilt, looking at this pervert who had somehow seen through everyone.
He chuckled, his usually exaggerated face now showing a composed expression.
"I know, I've made up my mind."
Nijika stared at him for a moment, suddenly feeling as if she was leaning towards him, and quickly took half a step back.
But her step halted, she realized she had messed up. Ishikawa Hayato could definitely deduce her thoughts from her actions.
However, Ishikawa Hayato showed no reaction.
He let out a sigh of relief as if completely relaxed, hesitated twice, and then turned his body towards the direction he came from.
"Then..."
Before he could finish, Nijika cut him off.
She seemed to be suppressing her emotions, stating her position gravely.
"Hayato-kun, I won't approve of you."
"But, if you can make everyone happy and accepting, and no one gets hurt, then I can agree to be with you."
"But if you fail, please don't come looking for me."
Ishikawa Hayato met Nijika's gaze.
Her brows were slightly furrowed, her red eyes revealing seriousness, earnestness, and determination.
She had suppressed all other emotions to a degree that even Ishikawa Hayato couldn't discern them.
"That's my goal too. I promise you."
Ishikawa Hayato also became serious.
"A reluctant love won't last long. I hope for a happy life that everyone is willing to accept."
Nijika's expression gradually relaxed, her brows unfurrowing, replaced by her usual cheerful smile.
It was as if her previous seriousness was merely a fleeting reflection atop a water's surface.
"Then I'll believe you."
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