116: Sorry for Being So Cute

Because she had already listened to the recording eighteen times on the way, Hitori couldn't help but let out a "guhihi" fangirl laugh. 

However, she still retained some rationality and energy to observe the different reactions of her three teammates.

Ikuyo's already bright smile became even more radiant, and her big, bright eyes seemed to be glowing as if they were overcharged.

Nijika's mouth opened wide in amazement, her expression constantly shifting between surprise and delight. Her small hands were tightly clasped together, completely unaware.

Ryo was the calmest of the group, but as she listened to Chisato's singing, her eyes narrowed slightly, and she nodded along with the rhythm, clearly immersed in the music.

The two-minute recording quickly came to an end.

Hitori held her phone in her hand, the screen off, and after a moment, she softly asked the other three,

"So… how was it?"

"Awesome, such a cute and gentle song! I love it!"

Ikuyo gave the most straightforward compliment without hesitation.

"Does Suzumiya-kun really not understand music?"

Nijika, the team leader, retained a bit of rationality.

Ryo also looked over, clearly sharing the same doubt.

She had been exposed to music from an early age and had experience as a bassist in another band before joining Kessoku Band, making her the most skilled among the four.

From her experience, some songs' quality is evident upon first listen. 

Although the melody and lyrics of "I'm Sorry for Being So Cute" might not be top-tier, the fresh lyrics and catchy melody made it stand out.

A song clearly created for a girl, sung by a boy, naturally evoked a sense of cuteness. So, what if a genuinely cute girl sang it?

The lyrics were already there, ready to be used. 

The only thing left was the arrangement. However, since Chisato had sung it so clearly, with the main melody already set, the rest would be easy.

It was like tracing over a transparent sheet; with patience, it was just a matter of time.

It was hard to believe that someone who could handle more than two-thirds of a song's creation didn't understand music at all.

"I… I don't know."

Hitori felt insecure under the simultaneous stares of the three, especially since two of them were unusually serious.

"But Suzumiya-kun did tell me that he doesn't understand music."

"He said he could write lyrics and hum the melody based on his thoughts, but he couldn't help with the arrangement and instrumentation." 

"He said we would have to figure that out ourselves, and he could only give some suggestions after hearing our arrangement."

"Is that exactly what he said?"

"Yes."

Nijika and Ryo exchanged glances and fell silent again.

Their rare reactions made the timid Hitori feel scared, so she hid behind the usually cheerful Ikuyo, gently holding onto her sleeve.

Ikuyo patted her head like comforting a puppy and turned to the silent two,

"Ryo-senpai and Nijika, what's wrong? Isn't the song great? I think it would be very popular if we performed it!"

"We didn't say the song was bad; we were just shocked by how good it is."

Nijika had a puzzled smile on her face.

Ryo crossed her arms,

"Indeed, it might not just be popular. If you, Ikuyo, go all out and unleash your cuteness while performing this song, it could go viral online at an unimaginable speed."

"Eh, is that a compliment?"

"It's about the song."

"Don't bully Ikuyo-chan."

Nijika knocked on Ryo's head.

"I'm not bullying her, but I'm most concerned about when Suzumiya-kun will come over. I have something I want to ask him in person."

"Yeah, it's amazing to create such a great song in just ten minutes. I really want to ask him how he did it."

"No, I was just thinking that since he got paid today, maybe I could borrow some money."

...

Chisato went home to change clothes after school, had a bowl of ramen on the way, and arrived at the store just ten minutes before his shift.

As expected, as soon as he entered the store, he was dragged and pushed into the recording studio by the four members of Kessoku Band.

Seika, sitting at the bar, was left with a head full of questions.

After sitting down at the table, Chisato first leaned over to Hitori and whispered,

"Did you delete my recording?"

"Um…"

Hitori's ears turned red, and she hesitated, her uneasy and anxious gaze frequently darting towards the other three.

Someone coughed, but when Chisato looked over, the other three simultaneously looked away in perfect sync, either looking at the ceiling or kicking the air, with one even whistling meaninglessly.

Chisato roughly understood what was going on.

He said to Hitori, "Forget it."

With a long sigh, he didn't bother asking further. If his plan worked and brought him benefits, then a two-minute black history wouldn't matter.

"I have less than ten minutes before work. What do you need?"

Seeing Chisato take the initiative, the others quickly got serious.

Ryo was the first to come forward, holding out her hand,

"I'm hungry, can I…"

"Smack!"

"Ouch!"

Nijika, holding a paper fan from who knows where, smacked Ryo's butt hard, then smiled apologetically at Chisato and dragged the shameless Ryo aside.

The sunny Ikuyo took the opportunity to come forward,

"Suzumiya-kun, can we really use that song?"

Chisato nodded,

"I wrote it for you to use, but I'm sorry I can only provide the lyrics and sing the basic melody. The arrangement and instrumentation are up to you."

"Great! I have a request. If possible, can you fulfill it?"

"As long as it's something I can do."

"In the recording that Bocchi-chan played for us, you only sang half of the song. We want to hear the whole thing."

"No way, that's too embarrassing!"

Chisato stood up, ready to escape.

In front of girls, and four of them!

Acting cute and making "chu" sounds in front of them wasn't just black history; it was an ultimate bomb that would explode upon recollection.

Ryo blocked the door, and the other two, except for Hitori, also approached Chisato, their eyes shining with tangible pleading.

"Please, Suzumiya-kun!"

"This is also for the quality of the arrangement, please!"

At that moment, Chisato suddenly felt a bit of empathy for Hitori's social anxiety.

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