"By the way, about Kyudo, are you still practicing? I remember in the second semester of your first year in high school, it seemed like you were practicing rock."
"I rarely go to the archery club anymore, so I won't be kicked out of the club."
"I'm the main strength, how could I be fired? I'm just kidding. Right now, I'm mainly focused on writing novels, but when the Kyudo Club needs me, I'll participate in competitions."
Mahiru nodded, "I see, Nanaba-kun is truly versatile. Have you sent out your novel? I've been reading novels online for the past few days."
"The contract has been signed."
Mahiru was very happy to hear this, "Really? Congratulations, Nanaba-kun! I can't wait to read the novel."
"Thank you, I'll give you a signed hardcover copy when the time comes."
As Nagi spoke, he brought out another delicious dessert from the kitchen and placed it on the table.
It was a strawberry mousse cake with fresh strawberries and mint leaves sprinkled on top, which looked very tempting.
"Do you really want me to gain weight? Nanaba-kun."
Mahiru stared at him with a look of disdain.
After hearing this, a helpless smile appeared on Nagi's face.
"No, Shiina. I just want you to try my dessert and see how it tastes. It's cold and low in calories, so it won't make you gain weight."
He gestured for Mahiru to try the strawberry mousse cake.
Mahiru looked at the dessert in front of her, with a hint of hesitation on her face. She had just finished dinner twenty minutes ago... But! The cake looked delicious, after a brief ideological struggle.
She picked up knife and fork and took a bite.
The sweet and tangy strawberries and the smoothness of the mousse melted in her mouth, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Um, you're talented, Nanaba-kun!"
Then she looked at him with a smile on her face, "It seems like you want to feed me dessert."
"Yes, I bought it... for your lunch."
After hearing this, Mahiru and Nagi looked at each other and smiled.
They chatted about many light and interesting topics.
Nagi told her about a band friend who was so poor that she ate grass every month.
On the other hand, Mahiru talked about the new dishes she had been practicing recently.
They chatted happily and laughed from time to time.
When she left, Mahiru smiled and nodded, then said, "Well, I'm going home now. Nanaba-kun, good night."
"Good night."
After Mahiru said good night to him, she turned around and left.
She saw another dessert box in her hand and felt warmth in her heart.
This was the first time she had received a gift from someone else.
***
After washing up, the clock hands moved to 20:02.
It's late, so let's play a game.
After going online, Nagi started a private chat with Gabriel.
[Don't continue after the fight, I'll join too.]
[Open the door, I'm at the door.]
Nagi scratched his head, should we sit together?
He stood up, walked to the door, and opened it.
"Nagi, I'm hungry."
Gabriel held the notebook in her arms, her blonde hair messy, looking pitiful.
"Where's dinner? Are you so hungry already?"
"Because of the gacha, the cost of living disappeared?"
Nagi wanted to laugh every time he saw Gabriel's expression.
"In that case, let me make you something to eat." He said, then turned and walked to the kitchen.
He opened the fridge. After seeing that there weren't many ingredients left, he decided to make macaroni.
He took out the noodles and the ingredients and started busy.
A few moments later, Nagi took out a serving of steamed macaroni and placed it on the table.
After seeing it, Gabriel took a fork and started eating it with big bites.
"Eat slowly and don't choke. Besides, there's no problem getting gold in the game. But you also have to pay attention to the amount, as it will greatly affect your life."
"Sorry, I'll do it next time!" Gabriel then asked nonchalantly, "Nagi, did you come home late last night? I didn't see you online."
"I met with the Dengeki Bunko editor yesterday, and my novel got signed."
"What, so that's how it is." As she said that, a smile appeared on Gabriel's face.
"What do you mean, so that's how it is." Nagi held his forehead.
"Nothing! After I finish eating, I'll let you see my collection, it's really nice."
After a while, Gabriel finally finished eating the macaroni, she wiped her mouth, then stood up and walked towards Nagi's room naturally.
(Am I spoiling her too much...) Nagi thought to himself as he followed her.
After plugging the LAN cable into the computer, she opened the game interface. Invite Nagi to join the team. After a fierce battle, she had to sigh, spending different amounts of money.
They played the game together, sharing fun and experiences, and enjoying a pleasant evening.
***
During lunch break the next day, Nagi invited Hitori to the Service Club.
"Good afternoon... Yukino, Mahiru..."
At this point, Hitori could greet Mahiru and Yukino more naturally.
"Good afternoon, Hitori, Nanaba-kun." Mahiru greeted as she took out the lunch box and handed it to Nagi.
"Thank you."
Yuigahama, who started the girls' practice, called each other by their first names.
After they finished their lunch, Nagi patted Hitori's shoulder and signaled her to speak.
"Uh... I, I want to play music for you to listen to..." Hitori said nervously, but her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Aside from posting videos online, this was the first time she had been near her friends.
When Nagi chatted with her a few days ago, he looked forward to her performance, so now she wanted to share her favorite music with him, Mahiru, and Yukino, hoping they would like it.
After hearing this, Mahiru smiled and nodded, "Hitori, we look forward to your performance."
Yukino and Nagi also nodded, expressing their support and appreciation together.
Seeing their reactions, Hitori felt a little relieved and relaxed.
She took out her guitar, adjusted her position, and started playing.
"Ummmm..."
After Hitori's performance ended, there was a moment of silence.
(Ahhhh! During the performance, I was so aware of how bad it was, and now I want to find a crack in the ground and crawl into it immediately.)
(It's over! Mess! My career is over! Nanaba-san, Mahiru, and Yukino were clearly looking forward to my performance, but I disappointed them.)
(I'm so useless, how can I stay here like this?)
(Why not go home and become a Plankton!)
The more Hitori thought about it, the sadder she felt, tears welled up and could fall at any moment.
But she knew she couldn't cry here or make her friends more worried.
Hitori lifted her head, trying to hide her feelings of loss, but found Nagi looking at her, his eyes full of enthusiasm and support.
She was stunned, not knowing how to respond to his gaze.
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