Akihabara Rendezvous (I)

Later on, Homura started posting a bunch of Haru daily photos one after another.

"Ah~ so satisfying~" Kotori held her phone, squinted her eyes, and revealed a heartwarming smile.

"Satisfying, nyaa~" Rin's expression was conflicted. "Which one should I use as my wallpaper?"

"Change it every day, problem solved..." Homura answered casually.

"Great idea!" Rin's eyes lit up and she immediately put this suggestion into action.

"Is everyone feeling more relaxed now?"

"...Now that you mention it, yeah. Feels like our worries are all focused on Haru-chan." Umi nodded.

"That's right, you've practiced what you needed to. So, tonight, let's not think about the concert. Let's chat about other topics, play some games, or whatever. Being too tense might make you snap..."

Listening to Homura's words, Honoka and the others nodded quietly. After all, he had given them quite a few accurate suggestions before. So, it was only natural to listen to his advice this time too.

"Thank you, Homura-kun!" Umi expressed gratitude. "Really thank you very much, I believe this time will be successful and smooth."

Indeed, not just the preparations before the concert, but also their performance during the concert, everything was sure to go smoothly and end satisfactorily!

"Well, I'll gladly accept this thank you, so it doesn't turn into the situation where I say 'no need to thank me' and you keep thanking me, haha..." Homura chuckled. "So, let's leave it at that for today. Tomorrow, everyone will arrive at the venue early as well, so I also need a good night's sleep."

"We'll be able to see everyone again..." Honoka murmured to herself, then smiled. "Let's look forward to tomorrow together!"

"Even though it's just a little over ten hours away..." Hanayo couldn't help but look out the window. "It would be nice if there's a shooting star..."

Homura raised an eyebrow. "Do you need to make a wish for that? Muse is already a miracle, the brightest stars. I think you all are much more amazing than a shooting star."

What kind of reason was that? Though the girls seemed a bit speechless, they were still very happy at the moment!

It was Homura who first dubbed Muse as a miracle, and he had emphasized it repeatedly. They didn't argue against it but instead worked hard again and again, wanting to live up to his expectations.

So, now Homura and Muse seem to complement each other quite well.

"That's right, Kayo-chin! Shooting stars are great and all, but aren't we even better?" Rin held Hanayo's hand.

"Indeed!" Nico nodded. "Besides, shooting stars are so fast, that they disappear in the blink of an eye. I really doubt if such a short time is enough to make a wish?"

"By the way, do you know why shooting stars are so fast?" Homura chuckled.

"Because they burn out quickly, right?" Umi chimed in. "After all, if they don't burn out, they're not shooting stars but meteorites."

Homura nodded. "From a scientific perspective, that's correct."

Seeming to sense there was more to his words, Nozomi asked with interest.

"And what about from a non-scientific perspective?"

"Legend has it that wishes made before a shooting star disappears will come true. From this angle, why do you think it disappears so fast?" The curve of Homura's lips became more pronounced.

"Because... it simply doesn't want to hear our wishes?" Honoka blurted out.

A moment of silence followed.

"Haha! See you all later!" Homura said and then ended the video call.

"Are shooting stars really that mean?" Hanayo was equally bewildered. Why did something that was supposed to be romantic suddenly feel a bit eerie upon analysis?

They don't think they'll believe in it anymore.

The nine of them exchanged glances in wonder.

""Pfttt!""

No one could hold back their laughter.

Honoka burst into laughter, especially happy because she knew that everyone truly wouldn't be nervous anymore.

Smiles spread, and one by one realized the intention behind Homura's words from earlier. Their nervousness and worries were now all gone. They couldn't help but sigh in relief, and in the end, they all shared a moment of happiness.

Homura was truly an outstanding man.

===

The entire night passed within the realm of dreams.

Early the next morning, Homura woke up bright and early. After making sure everything was in order, he started making sandwiches.

He was planning to take them to Akihabara, and he had prepared a pile of ingredients, enough to fill a whole box!

And indeed, that was the case. He had a special double-layered cooler box with enough sandwiches to feed around forty or fifty people.

Homura was quite careful about food. Even though sandwiches were simple to make, he wasn't content with that. He personally baked the bread, crafted the sauces from scratch, and went on to create a variety of sandwiches.

Would it be a challenge for everyone which sandwiches to choose?

In the end, he made a whopping eighty sandwiches! Even if someone had two, it would still be enough for forty people!

Afterward, he began making breakfast, and the others woke up as well.

Nanami came downstairs with the groggy-eyed Mashiro, and Elf arrived with her backpack. She glanced around and didn't spot Sagiri.

"Hey, I'm going to fetch Eromanga-sensei." Elf said while looking at Homura in the kitchen.

"Oh, go ahead. Although I think Sagiri is probably already awake, just not down yet."

"Well, I should go check then!" Elf exclaimed and rushed upstairs.

"Homura-kun, let me help you." Nanami said, donning an apron and walking over to Homura. "By the way, what's this box?"

"A cooler box. I made sandwiches, and everyone can have them for lunch."

"Oh... Ehh?!" After a subconscious nod, Nanami finally caught on. "This huge box is filled with sandwiches? And they're all done?"

"Umu..." Homura busied himself. "it's not that much trouble."

"…"

'It's only not much trouble for you, alright...' Nanami thought, secretly rolling her eyes.

Once Sagiri came down, Homura spoke up.

"By the way, Elf, Mashiro, it's best to disguise yourselves a little. If you're recognized early, it'll attract more people."

"What about you, Homura?" Elf asked while raising her eyebrows. "You can also be easily recognized now, especially in a place like Akihabara."

"You're right..." Homura nodded. "I'll just wear a more common mask."

Soon, breakfast was ready. After everyone had eaten, the group, plus a cat, set off!

===

They arrived in Akihabara by half-past seven.

'Is this the location...?' Homura thought to himself, looking at the location information sent by Ayano. 'Okay, let's share the location with everyone, or they might start getting anxious.'

Looking at the relatively bustling street, he grinned.

It was the day of Muse!