The First Discordant Sounds of the New Year

"The First Discordant Sounds of the New Year" (新年最初の不協和音), labelled 2nd Year Volume 9.75, is a short story released as the appendix booklet for Monthly Comic Alive September 2023 issue.

Summary
On January 3rd, following the New Year's celebrations, Ayanokouji decided to go shopping to replenish  his refrigerator which was emptied during the holidays. However, his routine shopping trip to the Keyaki mall took an unexpected turn when he found himself accompanied not only by one but two of his classmates.

The first to join his impromptu shopping party was Kushida, the ever-cheerful and seemingly angelic classmate. Greeting Ayanokouji with her typical smile, Kushida initiated a conversation, revealing her own shopping mission. As their exchange unfolded, Horikita, with her usual stoic demeanor, also joined them.

The trio, with a mix of personalities and underlying tensions, navigated the supermarket together. Ayanokouji, usually accustomed to a solitary shopping routine, found himself caught in the crossfire of banter between Kushida and Horikita. He observed the unfolding dynamics, amused by his classmates' contrasting personalities and interactions in the grocery store.

Progressing through the supermarket, the trio's attention shifted to another student, Ibuki, seemingly engrossed in checking her remaining private points—a peculiar yet integral part of their school life. Ibuki's serious demeanor caught the trio's attention, sparking curiosity about her shopping choices and prompting speculations about her financial management skills.

Observing Ibuki's basket brimming with packaged ramen and processed snacks, Horikita, genuinely concerned for Ibuki's well-being, decided to inspect it closely. Taking action, she removed those items from the basket and came up with a distinctive solution for Ibuki's potential unhealthy eating habits—an offer for a homemade meal in her room. Surprisingly, Ibuki agreed, considering the potential savings in private points on food. The trio, now a group of four, concluded their shopping trip soon after and eventually gathered in Horikita's room for a meal, turning the otherwise mundane shopping trip into a chaotic and exhausting culinary experience.