(A/N: I forgot to mention, the bold text when (Y/N) speaks into Bocchi's mind internally, the bold text itself can also apply when (Y/N) is spiritually out of Bocchi's mind because it would be easier to read when (Y/N) speaks.)

...

-No One's P.O.V-

A few days passed since you have been living in Hitori "Bocchi" Gotoh's mind, and Hitori has grown accustomed to it without even telling anyone about it.

Right now, you were busy sleeping on your comfy chair recliner until you felt the room started chilling as if there was an Air Condition, making you shiver.

(Y/N): Ugh...who turned on the aircon? No, wait, there's not even an aircon in here. Gotta check on Hitori...

With your power, you turn on the big television screen in thin air with the wave of your hand, and what you find is just a bathtub with ice cubes and a rubber duck.

(Y/N): Huh? Is Hitori taking a bath, why would she put on ice cubes?

You questioned in confusion until you decided to get out of her mind without a second thought of privacy.

Once you got out, you turned around, and your face was filled with shock. You find Hitori shivering and almost dying from hypothermia.

Hitori: (Y-.../...-N)...

(Y/N): You idiot! Are you trying to get yourself killed?! Get out of there!

-A Few Days Earlier-

Back then, you and Hitori arrived back at STARRY for another day. So now, you were physically manifested outside of Hitori's mind because you didn't stick around and watch through her eyes...

(Y/N): *Crosses Arms* So, from what we gather from Nijika herself...

On Hitori's phone at the LOINE app, a message from Nijika Ijichi is written out that says...

[Nijika: Let's have a talk about our future as a band! Meet up at Starry tomorrow, okay?]

Hitori: *Softly* I wonder what band-related are we going to talk about...

(Y/N): *Shrugs* Beats me, Hitori.

After an awkward silence between you two, you notice Hitori is glancing up at up as if she was expecting you to do something...

(Y/N): *Raised Eyebrow* What's the matter?

Hitori: Um...could we like...go in...for ourselves before Ryo and Nijika get here?

You think for a few moments until...

(Y/N): No, I think we should wait for a while to talk about something until those two get here.

While waiting for Ryo and Nijika again, and with a glance at Hitori, you decided to lighten the mood with a funny story from your own experience before you died. Clearing your throat, you began to recount the tale, your voice filled with warmth and humor.

(Y/N): So, there was this one time when I was in high school. I was in class, minding my own business, when suddenly, I felt the urge to sneeze. Now, normally, that wouldn't be a big deal, but this sneeze... oh boy, it was something else.

Hitori: *Curious* What happened?

Hitori asked, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

You grinned and your laughter was infectious.

(Y/N): Well, let's just say that I sneezed so hard that I accidentally knocked over my desk, sending papers flying everywhere. The whole class erupted into laughter, and I was left there, red-faced and trying to pick up the pieces. It was embarrassing at the time, but looking back on it now, it's just a funny memory.

Hitori couldn't help but giggle at the image of you causing chaos in his high school classroom.

Hitori: That sounds like quite the adventure...!

Unknown to the duo, Ryo Yamada and Nijika Ijichi were confused about why Hitori Gotoh was laughing at herself for no reason...

Nijika: What's she laughing about? Bo-

Ryo: *Interrupts Nijika* Wait. I wanna watch a little longer.

Nijika: Put the popcorn away.

Ryo and Nijika start watching Hitori having amused expressions on her face while looking at nothing in thin air, but unknown to them, Hitori is only seeing and listening to you...

(Y/N): *Sighs Contently* It was a good memory though...

Hitori: *Giggles* Yeah...

A smile forms on your face until you turn to your left and look up, your face is filled with surprise that Nijika and Ryo are already there and they were just watching Hitori laughing at herself...

(Y/N): Uh, Hitori...they're already here...

Hitori yelps upon hearing that until she turns around to see the two girls looking down at her, much to Hitori's cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

Nijika: What's so funny, Bocchi?

Hitori: *Stammering* Oh, um... I was just thinking of something funny. You know, just... just a joke I heard. Nothing to worry about.

Ryo: *Raised eyebrow* You sure? Sounds like you were speaking to someone.

Hitori then starts waving her hands in defense...

Hitori: I-I-It's nothing to worry about...!

Ryo and Nijika glanced at each other in acknowledgment but took mental notes in case if this happened again when they watched Hitori laughing to herself and assumed that "(Y/N)" is talking to her, remembering that one time she spoke out your name from yesterday.

Nijika: (It's probably her imaginary friend or something...) O...kay, if you say so...

With a sigh of relief from Hitori, the trio went inside with you following behind.

(Y/N): That was close, but I doubt that it would be the last. We should be careful now, Hitori.

Hitori: *Nods* Y-Yeah, got it...

...

Eventually, the girls took their seats at a single table together for a discussion while you were floating beside Hitori in a relaxed manner...

Nijika: *Clasps her hand* Alright! Let's get on with our very first Kessoku Band Member's Meeting! Round of applause!

The girls clapped their hands, including you that is only heard from Hitori herself.

Nijika: Now, let's see...Well, we aren't exactly close so I don't know where to start!

(Y/N): *Raised Eyebrow* Huh? Aren't Ryo and Nijika best friends? I'm sure they should know something to discuss...

Hitori: Yeah, but let's give them some time...

Ryo: I brought this for just such an occasion...

Nijika: Nice one!

(Y/N): *Leans in* A big dice? Let's see what we're going to talk about after the roll...

Ryo then throws the dice as it starts rolling around until it stops with the words written on it that reads...

Nijika: Talk about school! *Raises the dice* Let's call it TAS!

Ryo: Proceed.

Hitori: *Sweatdrops* Ehh...

(Y/N): Ask them what school they come from.

Hitori: Um...what school are you two enrolled in..?

Nijika: *Nods* Yup, we're enrolled at Shimo High!

Ryo: We chose it 'cause it's close to home.

Hitori: *Nods* Oh, so you live in Shimokitazawa...

Nijika: Huh? Bocchi, don't you go to Shuka High? Shouldn't you live around here too?

Hitori: *Darts her eyes away& No, I live outside the prefecture. Two-hour commute each way.

Ryo & Nijika: *Shocked* Two hours...

Nijika: Why?

Hitori: *Depressed* I wanted a high school where nobody knew my past.

Nijika: Okay, no more TAS!

(Y/N): *Deadpanned* What are you, Diavolo?

Hitori: S-Sorry...I spend most of my time at school alone (except for one), so I don't have any f-fun stories to share...

Nijika: N-No, it's okay! You see, Ryo doesn't have many friends either...

Ryo: *Nods* Yeah, just Nijika.

(Y/N): *Raised eyebrow* Doesn't have many friends? I'm sure there's more to Ryo than meets the eye...

Nijika: On days off, she does urban exploration and visits vintage clothing stores...

(Y/N): *Crosses arms* As expected, she likes being alone. *Grins* Just like I am, except for a few close ones though.

Hitori: I-I see...I almost thought she was like me...

(Y/N): *Sighs and Crosses Arms* In all honesty...you, me, and Ryo are just different people when it comes to our own personal interests as loners and such...

Hitori: Yeah...you have a good point...

Nijika: Bocchi, are you there?

Nijika asked while she was waving her hand in front of Hitori.

Hitori: *Snaps back* O-Oh, I'm here...

...

Nijika: *Raise the dice* Next up, we'll talk about our favorite music!For short...

Ryo: TAM!

Hitori: T-TAM...

(Y/N): *Confused* TAM? What's the full meaning of it?

Hitori: Um, well, T.A.M. is like... um, Time-Altered Music, I think? It's when, you know, music gets changed somehow with its timing or rhythm. Like, they play around with it, stretch it, compress it, or mess with the beat, I guess. So, yeah, it's kind of like... um, playing with time in music, if that makes sense? Sorry if that wasn't very clear.

(Y/N): *Shakes head* No, I think I get the gist of it.

Nijika: I like Japanese punk, like melocore.

Ryo: I like techno ballads. Lately, I've been surfing the Saudi Arabian char-

Nijika: *Interrupts Ryo* Cut the crap.

Ryo: I'm serious.

Nijika: *Looks over to Hitori* Bocchi, how about you?

Hitori: Oh, um...*Glances over at (Y/N)* Let me think about it...

Nijika: Sure, we'll wait for a bit.

(Y/N): *Shrugs* Well, for me...it's quite complicated because I have been listening to Anime music, video game soundtracks, memes, classical, and many more on my phone that I have been downloading for over...500+, I think...

Hitori: Wha-...that's a lot...!

(Y/N): Hehe, sorry, it's just that I have been surfing around the internet on YouTube and games that much, Hitori! I didn't use Spotify though, just converted through MP3 websites to download them.

Nijika: Boochi, have you come up already?

Hitori: *Blinks her eyes* It's um... *Depressed* I like any songs that don't trigger my adolescence complex...

Nijika: *Confused* "Adolescence complex"?

(Y/N): *Also Confused* What the hell is that?

That's when you see the imaginary cartoon guitar guy coming down until it says...

Guitar Guy: Allow me to explain! Songs that trigger Hitori's adolescence complex are about summer, the blue sea, fireworks, fleeing love, and the like. Dazzling, invigorating tunes about subjects sorely missing from Hitori's school life.

(Y/N): *Baffled* Are you fuckin' for real?

Guitar Guy: For real, real!

(Y/N): *Sigh* Hitori, I don't think your music taste of Adolescence Complex can't make you feel like you're missing about it that triggers you.

Hitori: But I don't want to...

(Y/N): As an introvert, it's okay to listen to some upbeat or love music that makes you feel crazy, relaxing, and stuff like that. I mean, you could let your feelings out and the beats of the music itself. Just like I have been listening to Pitbull's International Love!

Hitori: But...wouldn't that just get you caught for listening to music like crazy?

(Y/N): *Smiles* Hahaha, I've been there, Hitori. Just go with the flow!

Nijika: Hey...

(Y/N): Oh yeah. Snap back to reality, Hitori. *Claps his hands twice* Nijika's waiting for your response.

Hitori: *Blinks her eyes* S-Sorry, it's just that I remember this one time that a live band was super popular at my school, *Trembling* and now I can't remember them...

Nijika: *Sweadrops* Hey, please! Earth to Bocchi!

Ryo: (Rock resonates as the music of the perpetual underdog. Is it really rock if it's sung by life's winners?)

Nijika: I'm trying to close the gap here!

Ryo: *Stops sipping her drink* Try using a cable tie, then.

(Y/N): *Sigh* Ara ara...

...

Next was the rolling dice was now... "Talk about the Gig".

Nijika: Sooo...Our first concert was for instruments only, but I'd like to have a vocalist next time.

Hitori: I-Is that so?

(Y/N): Oh yeah, they did mention that before...

Nijika: The guitarist who bailed was gonna be our singer, but...Where'd she run off to, anyway?

(Y/N): Hmm...maybe she's not prepared or something to perform a band...

Hitori: What makes you say that, (Y/N)...?

(Y/N): Well, if she's running away from being a vocalist, I'm sure she has her own reasons. However, it's uncertain for sure...

Hitori: Maybe she's like me. No, wait! She wouldn't even have the guts to run if she were!

(Y/N): *Nods* I guess you have a point. Knowing back that yesterday you were hiding inside the box during your first performance, albeit almost unprepared.

Hitori: Th-That's just mean...!

(Y/N): I'm just saying. Still, you have more ways to go if you're confident, Hitori.

Nijika: *Sighs* We've gotta find a new vocalist. I can't sing for squat, myself. *Realizes* Bocchi, can you-

Hitori simply lowered her shoulders as if to say that she couldn't.

Nijika: Ehehe...yeah...figured.

Hitori: Um...Wh-What about Ryo?

Everyone looked over to Ryo and see her "sobbing" until she said...

Ryo: If I were to serve as frontman, I'd overwhelm the band and crush it.

Nijika: Where do you get that wellspring of confidence?

Hitori then looks over to you and you were still floating in a relaxed manner until...

(Y/N): As your "Alter-Ego", Hitori. I can sing decently, but I have disadvantages because 1. Nijika and the others would notice Hitori acting all confident so suddenly because I was switching with you, and 2. I don't even know where to begin with playing instruments.

Hitori: *Sigh* I shouldn't asked...

Nijika: Oh! Let's find a vocalist and write a song! Ryo can compose, and you can write some seriously edge-filled lyrics!

Hitori: Eh?! (Me?!)

Hitori then looked over to you but you gave off a sigh and said...

(Y/N): Hey, don't look at me. I don't know shit about lyrics. Besides, you have been making lyrics on your own, don't you?

Nijika: Well? Great idea, huh?

Hitori: (The nine years of lunch breaks I spent in school libraries...Was it all in preparation for this moment?)

Ryo: *Looks at Nijika* So, what will you do, Nijika?

Nijika: Ah...

She then dodged the question by picking up the dice, rolling it over, and saying...

Nijika: Next, let's discuss our quota!

(Y/N): *Deadpanned* Wow...

Ryo: Just shamelessly dodged that one, eh?

Hitori: Um, what do you mean by our quota?

Nijika: Our last gig was done through a door deal. It's when the club assigns the band a ticket quota to make sure enough people come. "Your quota is ten tickets!" Profits from exceeding the quota get split between the club and the band. However, if they can't bring in enough demand, the band has to pay te rest of pocket.

Ryo: In other words, we need tons of money.

Hitori: (That's painfully concise!)

(Y/N): *Hears Hitori's Thoughts*Yeah...that's pretty much to reality we're facing in...

Nijika: A bunch of my friends came to yesterday's concert, so we managed to meet our quota, but...

Ryo: After that performance, they likely won't be back.

Nijika: You said it! And Ryo's got no friends, so she'll be no help...Bocchi, do you-

Hitori then darts her eyes away.

Nijika: *Sits up straight* Oh, sorry! Forget what I said. Just please lose the dead-eyed stare!

(Y/N): *Sighs* Nijika's proves a point in her statement earlier though. People move on with their lives after fulfilling the said request. *Solemn* It's like attending many people to your birthday party when you were young, but when you grew older, it's only less, which is sad.

Hitori: Now you're making more depressed, (Y/N)...

(Y/N): *Apologetic* Sorry for being cynical...

Nijika: Anyway, since we'll need tens of thousands of yen before our next concert, let's get jobs to cover the quota and equipment! *Raises her fist*

Hitori: Okay. *Realizes* Jobs?!

Hitori yelled in shock upon saying that.

Nijika: That's the loudest I've ever heard of you.

Hitori then starts retreating into her thoughts...

Hitori: (Hell no! I refuse to work. Too scary! Society, scary!)

(Y/N): *Interjects* Hold up, Hitori. We need to hear out the details first before we jump into conclusions.

Hitori: (But think about it! I might stammer out to serve the customer! Not only that, I might go into trial and get a death sentence!)

(Y/N): *Sigh* Don't be unreasonable. Besides, you haven't been paying attention to Nijika.

Hitori: *Looks over to Nijika* Huh?

Nijika: You weren't listening, were you?

Hitori: *Snaps out* S-Sorry! Wh-What were you saying?

Ryo: You should work here with us.

Hitori: Here? What?!

Nijika: Ryou and I will be around, so there's nothing to fear!

Ryo: It's a comfy and friendly workplace.

(Y/N): *Widens Eyes* Ooh! Having familiar faces can help you feel comfortable during work! *Looks over to Hitori* Hitori, what do you think?

To your surprise, you see Bocchi being all scared, yet she clearly didn't pay attention.

Nijika: *Hopeful* You'll see many bands as you serve drinks and clear tables! Well? How about it?

Hitori looked over to you until you let out a sigh and said...

(Y/N): It's best to take that decision, Hitori. Besides, you're gonna have to work if you want more money. Trust me, it's for the best, and you're gonna need it. Think about it, if you have Ryo and Niijika around, I'm sure they'll guide you on what to do. I've been in this situation before.

Hitori felt conflicted on having your choice as doubts still clouded her mind to decline the offer. With a deep breath, she finally...

Hitori: I'm all yoursh...

This made Nijika happy, Ryo gave Hitori approval, and you were proud of her to take your decision for the best.

Nijika: Really? Thanks so much! The job'll be more fun if we're all together! I'll managed the band's funds, then.

Hitori: Um...wouldn't it be better to have Ryou do that?

Nijika: *Bangs on the table gently* What're you implying? Listen, Bocchi. Believe it or not, Ryo's a very irresponsible spender.

Hitori: Eh?

Nijika: Her family's wealthy, so she gets a huge allowance, but she blows it all on instruments, so she's constantly broke!

Ryo then blushes and cusps her hands on her cheeks.

Nijika: What part of that was a compliment?

(Y/N): *Chuckles* She's like me except I used my mom's allowance just to buy sweets and coffee at 7-Eleven for the whole week.

Hitori: Eh? Why would you do that for?

(Y/N): *Sigh* For the sweets, I'm slightly peckish and I couldn't help myself, even if I had my stomach to be suffering. And for the coffee, just gotta keep myself awake on the morning because I have been spending all-night on gaming or studying oftentimes, yet I still fall asleep...

Hitori: So...What type of caffeine do you like, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): Sweet ones, I guess? Not bitter 'cause I don't like 'em.

Nijika: Anyway, let's work hard so we can gig again soon! Then we'll make our major debut in high school! Work starts next week. Come here straight after school!

Ryo: *Waves her hand* See ya, Bocchi.

Hitori: *Nods* Y-Yeah...

And just like that, Hitori Gotoh starts heading back home with you walking beside her.

Hitori: Hey, (Y/N)...

(Y/N): Hm? What?

Hitori: Back when you were encouraging me to take the part-time job, I heard you say " I've been in this situation before." What did you mean by that?

You paused as you thought about that one memory in the past...

(Y/N): It's not about the part-time job itself.

Hitori: Eh?

(Y/N): I had an...Immersion. It's basically some kind of a training program to learn about what it feels like to get a job in real life. Plus, our teacher only gave us ten Fridays to finish our Immersion, so it can be much easier nonetheless with our classes for the week.

...

(A/N: Okay, so this might be pointless for you to read all of this from down below so feel free to skip, unless if you're trying to get to know the "Reader" of this story. I hope you understand.)

...

Hitori: *Curious* So...what's it like for you?

(Y/N): *Sigh* I felt very pressured when it was announced, but knowing that my grades are on the line, so I had to force myself to accept it. On the first day, I was assigned with my classmate, let's call her "Sinon", to work at a Public Health Center. At first, I was really shy and couldn't talk much about the job itself, so I literally had to rely on Sinon to do the talking. Also, I forgot to mention that we didn't have any medical experience.

Hitori: What else?

(Y/N): So, Sinon and I were assigned at the Triage where you basically have to question the patient's condition, check their temperate, the blood pressure, and the whole shebang before give the note to the patient and send them to the hospital of their said condition. Of course, we were guided by our superior who worked there, let's call him "Welt Yang". Welt and Sinon were the ones who lead while I provide what they need to add as a way to contribute.

Hitori: I can tell it must've been anxious to mess up...

(Y/N): *Nods* Yeah, that's what I felt at first. After the first day of the Triage, one of our superiors who assigned us on the Triage were given us a choice whether to work insides the office to fill out the paper and the other is the triage.

Hitori: What did you choose?

(Y/N): Well, I felt conflicted on what choose. So, out of the impulsiveness, I chose the Triage instead, which was the best I had. Sinon went on her way to do the paperwork for the rest of the ten Fridays while I had Welt to guide me on the way until I got used on what to do during the ten Fridays.

Hitori was in awe upon hearing your experience at the Immersion.

Hitori: So that's what this "Immersion" does?

(Y/N): *Nods* Yeah, and it can happen to any student, including you, Hitori. *Sigh* I'm sorry for talking this long, though.

Hitori: *Shakes her head* No, no, no, it's okay. I get the gist of it...

(Y/N): Even if you don't want to do something that is out of your comfort zone, you'll slowly get used to it over time and know what to do. Now, since you're going to have a part-time job, Nijika will guide you on what to do, just like my experience on my immersion.

Hitori: *Nods* R-Right, I'll do my best...!

(Y/N): *Grins* That's what I like to hear!

And just like that, you and HItori walked off into the night...

...

(A/N: That's that~! Stay tuned for more~!)