-No One's P.O.V-

Now, in the present day, you find yourself sitting with your legs and arms crossed with Hitori in front of you...

(Y/N): *Sigh* What were you thinking on putting yourself into ice bath? Are you trying to get a death wish?

Hitori: S-S-Sorry...It's...I've read the internet that y-you'll get rid of anxiety using that ice bath...

Hitori says with her head down, leaving you with another sigh out from your mouth.

(Y/N): Even if so, you can't trust the internet often times. What if you died by hypothermia on the first day of the part-job, Hitori? Don't put your life away like that...

Hitori muttered out another apology until you unfolded your arms and leaned closer to her...

(Y/N): *Gentle* Listen, just don't put yourself out in the dark. If you wanna live, use that part-time job that Nijika offered, okay? Don't waste that chance.

Hitori: O...Okay...

(Y/N): *Nods* That's what I like to hear. Now, focus on recovery. You're gonna need it.

You said as you disappear out of Hitori's sight and went back into her mind.

Unknown to you and Hitori, Futari was watching from the outside, leaving the sliding door to have a slight opening gap as if she's been listening the entire time.

Futari: *Mutters* Who is big sis talking to?

-Time Skip-

Time passed throughout the whole day, Hitori Gotoh was a bit recovered and her body temperature was 36.5 Celcius is seen on the thermometer.

Hitori: (Curse this good health of mine...)

Hitori thought to herself, but before she could think of another thought in her mind, her phone vibrated, prompting her to check it out. On her messages, it would be none other than Nijika Ijichi texting her that reads...

[Nijika: Morning! Today's the day. I know you're nervous but we've got you! Let's work hard together!]

Hitori: (No fair, being so nice while I'm trying to blow off work. Still...I can't let (Y/N) down...)

Hitori thought to herself until she sent a message to Nijika who was currently cooking breakfast at her home.

In the midst of cooking, she received a message from Hitori.

[Hitori: You've made me realize the foolish error of my ways. You have my boundless gratitude for making an honest woman out of me.]

Hitori's message confused the heck out of Nijiika, and the only thing she said was...

Nijika: The heck is this about?

After Hitori sends the message to Nijika, she starts to talk to you in her mind.

Hitori: (Y/N), can you hear me?

Within her mind, you let out a big yawn in your leaned-back reclining chair and spoke out to her...

(Y/N): Yeah, yeah...I just got up from my sleep...

Hitori: O-Oh, glad you're still here...

(Y/N): So, what day is it now?

Hitori: It's the first day of my part-time job...

(Y/N): Ah, I see, I almost forgot about that. We've got work to do. But first, take a hot shower. I can sense that you're still not recovered from the cold.

Hitori: *Nods* Right.

-Time Skip-

Eventually, Hitori Gotoh makes her way to Starry with you by her side as an invisible presence in her mind.

Hitori: We're here.

(Y/N): Well? What are we waiting for? Let's head inside and wait for Nijka and Ryo.

Hitori nods then grabs the door handle and was about to go in, but an unfamliar voice spoke up beside you two...

???: Tickets aren't up for sale until five.

Hitori was startled upon hearing that voice until you turned over to see an adult woman with familiar floating ahoge above her long yellow hair, and vermilion eyes.

???: We're not open yet.

(Y/N): (Who's this lady? Hmm...Why does she remind me of Nijika? Could this woman be her big sis or something...?)

Hitori: (Does she work here?! I-I must look so suspicious!) (Y/N), we've got to clear this up!

(Y/N): *Crosses arms* Eh...What do you want me to do?

Hitori: I-I don't know! S-Swap bodies with me or something!?

(Y/N): *Sighs* Fine. Hold still.

With you willpower, you swapped consciousness with Hitori Gotoh, and you were now in control of her physical body while rests within her own mind. You cleared your throat and spoke up in Hitori's voice, not your real voice.

Hitori (Y/N): O-Oh, sorry...It's just that um...I'm meeting with someone here...

???: *Raised Eyebrow* Meeting with someone? Who might that be?

You chuckled sheepishly while scratching at thhe back of your head.

Hitori (Y/N): Ehehe...it's just that our- I mean, my friend, Nijika Ijichi. She offered me for a part-time job.

The woman raised an eyebrow again until she starts to think to herself.

???: (This girl...the new part-timer? Hmm...Nijika never mentioned this before...) I see. Very well. Let's head inside.

The yellow-haired woman goes inside, leading you two to follow her from behind. But however...

???: By the way, I'm the manager, call me Seika. Good to have you.

Hitori (Y/N): *Bows* Thank you very much.

That's when you hear Hitori's voice within your mind.

Hitori: S-She's scary. I can't handle her well.

Hitori (Y/N): She sure is, Hitori. But I can't deny how professional she is...

Hitori: Yeah...I guess so...

That's when something clicked in your mind, but it felt a little faded in your memory...

Hitori (Y/N): Wait, that reminds me of something.

Hitori: W-What is it...?

Before you could proceed on what you have to say at Hitori, the manager spoke up.

Seika: Wait a sec, you're the guitarist in the box! What was your name...Masked Mango?

The realization hits you and Hitori upon hearing that familiar name.

Hitori (Y/N): Oh yeah, you remember that one time you tried to perform inside box, Hitori?

Hitori: Ah, right. I remember...it was a horrible performance though...

Hitori (Y/N): *Deadpanned* Don't be too down on yourself, missy...

???: Hey, Bocchi~!

You turned around to see Nijika and Ryo walking down the stairs away from the entrance.

Nijika: I see you've met my sis.

Hitori (Y/N): *Confused* Sis?

Hitori: Sis?! The manager is her sister?!

Nijika: I told you before when I first brought you here.

Upon hearing those words, you remembered since day one after arriving at Starry.

Hitori (Y/N): Oh yeah, Nijika did mention her sister once before we arrived here on day one with Nijika

Hitori: Eh? Really?

Hitori (Y/N): Yeah, I almost forgot about that. *Speaks out loud with a nod* Oh yeah, I do remember.

Nijika: *Smiles* Well there you have it. No need to be on your toes. Right, sis?

Seika: You will call me manager here. And keep our personal affairs out of work.

Hitori (Y/N): *Awed* Wow, she truly is the boss here.

Ryo: *Raised Eyebrow* That's odd. You don't sound like that, Bocchi. *Smirks Playfully* Did you hit your head or something?

You widen your eyes at the realization that you had forgotten that you were still in control of Hitori's body. In haste, you swapped out your consciousness back to Hitori Gotoh herself.

Hitori: O-Oh, I-I'm back...!

Nijika: *Confused* You're back?

Hitori: *Waves her hands in defense* N-N-No, it's nothing...!

(Y/N): *Sighs* Almost compromised there, Hitori.

Ryo and Nijika glanced at each other in confusion after the slight anomaly in Hitori's behavior, yet they couldn't deny the hidden acknowledgment that Hitori's (E/C) was back to her usual aqua-colored eyes. Still, they were unaware of you controlling her body within the depths of the lonely girl's mind.

...

Eventually, Nijika starts instructing Ryo and Hitori on what to do while you were spiritually manifested out in Hitori's mind and appeared next to her.

Nijika: Let's start with clearing the tables. *Rolls up her right sleeve* After that, we can mop...

(Y/N): *Chuckles* Seems like a fun job. Wouldn't you agree, Hitori?

Hitori: I-It's just cleaning...

(Y/N): *Shrugs* Just playing around, doofus. Where's your sense of humor?

After the internal conversation, Nijika continues to speak up to Hitori about her learning the drinks behind the counter.

Nijika: *Pointing around* Here's the tonic water. Beer's in this dispense. Cocktails are on the back shelf.

Nijika instructs while pointing at the said objects, but for Hitori, she's starting to get more nervous.

Hitori: (She's too fast, I can't take this all in!) *Looks over to you* (Y/N), help me!

(Y/N): *Sighs* I'm trying already. *Points* First, the tonic water is at the left... *Points* The beer dispenser is on that-

Hitori: Oh wait, I have something in mind!

(Y/N): *Surprised* Wait, I haven't even-

You were then cut off by Hitori pulling out her guitar until you could hear her thoughts internally...

Hitoir: I-I'll have to memorize everything in a song!

(Y/N): *Sighs* Are you that stupid? Don't try it.

You said with exasperation while plaicng your right hand on your right hip. Nijika, on the other hand, was confused of why Hitori is just playing guitar out of nowhere.

Hitori: *Strums her guitar strings* Cocktails are, on the right end of the shelf~

As this was going on, P.A and Seika Ijichi were watching nearby to observe the duo except for you since you're invisible.

P.A: *Smiles* Seems fun.

Seika: *Observes* Hold on. She was terrible the other day.

P. A: She's good.

Seika: (Nijika's too busy trying to stop her to notice. Her playing sounds awfully familiar.)

That's when a realization clicked on Seika's head until she raised her left hand and karate chopped at the back of Nijika's head while saying...

Seika: Less goofing, more working.

Nijka: *Flinches* Why me?!

(Y/N): *Sighs* Oh boy...

...

Nijika: All you have to do at the drinks counter is to pour whatever's ordered.

Hitori: Uh, okay.

Nijika: Paying another 500 yen on top of the entry fee gets you a drink ticket.

Nijika says while pulling a guitar string with the logo of Starry in it as if it was imprinted.

(Y/N): *Intruiged* Huh, it looks like a guitar string, but it's not. *Crosses arms* Also, I can't lie, 500 yen seems pricey though...

Hitori: (But why 500 yen per drink, and why do they only get one?)

(Y/N): *Shrugs* No idea.

Nijika: Your face has suspicion written all over it, y'know. Clubs like this are considered restaurants.

Hitori: Eh?

Nijika: I don't know all the details, but apparently it's way harder to get a business license solely as a live music venue.

Hitori: I...I see!

Nijika: So we offer beverages to meet the food and drink requirement.

(Y/N): *Thoughtful* Huh. It seems they had to offer drinks to meet the requirement for the license. Interesting.

Hitori: You catch on quick, (Y/N)...But yeah, it's a strange system, though...

(Y/N): I mean, Starry itself is not just a place for music, but as a carefully crafted establishment, which is why the reason for the deal in the business license itself...

Hitori: *Awed* B-But think about it! Working at a restaurant is advanced stuff! I can't believe we cleared that bar so soon!

(Y/N): *Nods nonchalantly* Yes, yes, but let's not get ahead of ourselves...

That's when you realize something missing first...

(Y/N): (Oh, wait. I think Hitori needs to be trained first before she does this.) *Nods* (Okay, let's-(

Nijika: Oh hey, the customers are here. Things are about to get busy, Bocchi!

(Y/N): Ah, nevermind. It's too late.

Hitori: (Wait...Custome service already?! (Y/N), what do I say?! "Thank you for your continued patronizing..." something like that?!)

(Y/N): *Sighs* Calm down, you're overthinking things again. Mind if I switch over? Be sure to watch my movements, and you'll know what to do, okay?

Hitori: O-O-Okay...!

Eventually, you swapped your own consciousness and conrolled Hitori Gotoh's body while she watched everything within her own mind.

Hitori: (Y/N): *Pumps fists* Alright, here we go.

Nijika: *Surprised* Oh? You looked prepared, Bocchi.

Hitori: (Y/N): *Feigned Sheepishly* Y-Yeah, but I wasn't given the time to practice, but...

Nijika: *Shakes head* No, it's okay. I'll be there to assist you. You won't have to deal with this alone.

Nijika says with a reassuring smile on her face, while you nod back in reply.

Hitori (Y/N): Okay, Hitori. Just watch and listen carefully.

Hitori: R-Right...

Customer 1: One coca cola, please!

Nijika: Coming up! *Looks over to Hitori* Bocchi, cola!

You nodded as you started to follow on what to do until you eventually poured the cola into the plastic glass with a straw into it as if your movements felt so almost practiced despite that you don't even know how to serve drinks...

Customer 2: I'll have ginger ale.

Hitori (Y/N): H-Here you go.

Once again, you poured the Ginger Ale into the plastic cup. As you were busy serving the customers in a mix of rush and slowness, Nijika was watching Hitori Gotoh's actions but is still unaware that you were in control.

Nijika: (Strange. Bocchi has never this practiced before. Is this instinct or something else...?)

Hitori (Y/N): Hey, Nijika. A little help here, please...?

Nijika: *Snaps out* Ah, right. Coming up.

Ryo: (It feels like the club's glooming is rising up...)

-Time Skip-

What it felt like a not-so-eternity, you and Nijika managed to serve the customers their drinks.

Hitori (Y/N): Oolong tea and highball. *Hands the drinks* Here you go, ma'am.

Customer 3: Where's the bathroom?

Nijika: *Points* Down this hall to your right. It's the door on the left!

Nijika instructed the customer and they went off their way to the bathroom.

With a sigh of relief from you after serving the customers the drinks, along with Nijika's assistance.

Hitori (Y/N): Okay, Hitori. I finished your work. Did you pay attention on watching me all of this?

Hitori: U-Um...yeah...I get the gist of it.

Hitori (Y/N): *Mildly Annoyed* You better be. It would be all for nothing if you hadn't watched the work I was doing...

Nijika: Bocchi, look! *Points*

Hitori (Y/N): Hm?

You looked over to where Nijiika was pointing at until you and Hitori see a few male band members on the stage.

Male Guitar Singer: Hey, there! We're Alexandism!

The crowd cheered upon hearing the leader's voice.

Nijika: They're pretty good, y'know? It's a good time to relax. Once the performances start, we'll have time to kill.

You glanced over at Niijika and nodded in reply.

Ryo: Good work.

Nijika: You too! *Confused* What about the reception desk?

Ryo: The manager took over. All of today's bands are really popular, so she told me to watch and learn.

Nijika: *Playful* My sister's got that kind of personality. She's tsun, tsun, tsun, tsun...but she's relaly nice! That kind of type.

Ryo: You make her sound like a cactus.

You make an amused grin on your face upon hearing that.

Hitori (Y/N): (So Nijika's big sis is a Tsundere, huh? Well, that's just amusing...)

Hitori: Um...(Y/N), can I have my body back?

Hitori (Y/N): Oh, here.

Eventually, you swapped Hitori Gotoh's consciousness back to her original body while you spiritually manifested beside her until you to start to stretch.

(Y/N): Whew, it's about time I got my body out...

Nijika: Hey Bocchi.

Hitori: H-Huh? What is it?

Nijika: I'm surprised you somehow managed to serve customers despite that you're...you know. *Curious* Did you have practiced like this before or something?

Hitori: Um...Uh...

Hittori glances over to you as if she's asking you on what to answer Nijika's question.

(Y/N): *Sights* Just tell her that you're doing your best despite that you don't know how to serve drinks, but probably be grateful for Nijika, I think. It's a little lie though, but try to come up with it in your own way.

Hitori widens her eyes in shock that she has to lie, but she knows that she has no choice if anyone is going to be curious or skeptical of her actions that were controlled by you.

Hitori: *Deep Breath* I-I'm trying my best, even though I'm not sure how to serve drinks. A-A-And with y-your help, Nijika, I-I'll get through it...

This surprised Nijika upon hearing Hitori's answer, but she formed a smile on her face and said...

Nijika: I see. I'm glad to hear that.

(Y/N): Whew, I'm glad she bought it.

But that gets me wondering though...

Hitori: What is it, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): Hmm... I wonder what drives Nijika to be like this. I mean, we know that she's the epitome of a sunshine despite we barely knew her yet. However, we can assume that Nijika just wants to do the best for others in this club, including you, Hitori.

Hitori: E-Eh? D-Does she...?

(Y/N): *Shrugs* Who knows? Remember that one time when I first woke up in your mind and say that I or we could overcome your social anxiety in the future. I'm sure Nijika would like that for you differently from mine, even if I wasn't around.

Hitori: Maybe that's true...

(Y/N): *Nods* Yeah, just maybe.

Nijika: Oh, Bocchi. They're about to play!

Nijika says as the four of you watch the members of Alexandism play their music and their own instruments.

While this was going on, Hitori started to think internally to herself...

Hitori: (The whole place is united. Both the audience and performers are having a blast. It's nothing like when we were on stage. People pay 2,000 Yen to be here. If I stay the way I am, I'm gonna keep giving them the same lame concert every time, won't I? I want to make the effort to change, even if only gradually, and enjoy it with the rest of them).

Once she said that internally, you couldn't help but to read her own mind. Although, you stayed silent and did not give any insights, but take mental notes in the future.

Customer 1: Excuse me! Can I have some orange juice?

Hitori felt a sense of panic within her until she glanced over at you.

(Y/N): *Firm* Oi, did you forget to watch on what I have been doing while I was controlling your body? Come on, kid. Do it yourself and serve the customer.

Hitori felt taken aback by your words, but she knows that she has to do it in her own way.

Hitori: C-Coming up...

You watched as Hitori went to prepare a cold orange juice to the best of her abilities while you were watching with a smile on your face.

(Y/N): (Mm. That's good, even though she's been relying on me for this, yet this is her first time doing this as an experience. I'm such a douche...)

You thought to yourself until you watched Hitori awkwardly look at the customer in the eye and try to smile while handing over the cup, but the smile was so awkward until...

Hitori: H-Here you are.

Nijika: Bocchi, your eyes!

The customer giggled at Hitori's actions until she took the cup and thanked her before leaving the counter, leaving Hitori to sigh in relief.

(Y/N): *Grins* Heh, nice going! You did well for yourself once in independence.

Hitori: I-I'm sorry for relying on you...

(Y/N): *Shakes Head* No, I should be the one saying sorry. Taking your part-time job, yet you only did once in your own hands once I was out.

You said with a guilty look on your face, knowing that it's your responsibility to help Hitori get out of her comfort zone to be the best girl she is out there.

Nijika, on the other hand, was surprised that it was different compared to what Hitori did not long ago.

Nijika: (Wait a minute. Bocchi's actions felt practiced before, but now she's acting like she hasn't done this?) *Shakes head* (No, I must be overthinking things, but...I can't put my head around this...This is strange...)

Nijika thought to herself, but she has to put it aside and take mental notes of it again.

But anyway, the Alexandism band and their music has finally ended. The customers and the Alexandism band members themselves left Starry, leaving everyone to clean up.

-Mini Time Skip-

Seika: Nice work today. Take care on your way home.

Ryo: *Waves* Bye-bye.

Hitori: *Bows* Th-Thank you for having me.

(Y/N): *Waves with a grin* See 'ya.

Seika: *Confused at Ryo* Not leaving, Ryo?

Ryo: I'll stay a little longer.

Hitori: Bocchi!

Hitori: *Looks Back* Y-Yes?!

Nijika: See you tomorrow~!

Hitori: *Surprised* Y-Yes, s-s-s-see you again tomorrow!

And just like that, you and Hitori left Starry and headed back home.

(Y/N): Whew, we managed to make it through the entire day, yeah?

Hitori: *Smiles* Yeah, but *Depressed* I just only learned to serve drinks once to a customer...

(Y/N): *Guilty* Yeah, I know. *Optimistic* But worry not, we'll train a little at home.

Hitori: Eh? At my home?

(Y/N): *Nods* Yeah, think of it as a mock serving the drink to the customers. *Mildly-Stern* Since you've been watching me doing the part-time job by myself while you just observed back within your head, I think it's time for you to take action, okay?

Hitori: Y-Yeah, right...!

That's when Hitori lets out a sneeze, much to your surprise.

(Y/N): You're still not recovered. Come on, let's hurry back home.

-Meanwhile at Starry-

Ryo: Bocchi worked hard, huh?

Nijika: Yep. She even said we'll see each other again tomorrow!

Ryo: Sure did.

Nijika: I'm glad we formed this band. *Realizes* Oh, right! Let's send a LOINE message to Bocchi. I'll say, "Let's keep it up tomorrow!"

Nijika says until she wrote the message and sent to Hitori.

Nijika: Now that we've got Bocchi on board, all we need is...is to find a new vocalist!

After that determination, Nijika put her phone away, but not long afterward, her face was contemplating, which took notice from Ryo.

Ryo: What's wrong?

Nijika: Throughout the day, you and I have been noticing Bocchi's behavior now...

Ryo: *Nods* So far, the only thing we noticed is that she sounds a little confident. Not to mention is that her eye colors were different, I think they were (E/C), compared to her usual ones.

Nijika: *Nods* That's right. Not only that, when I assisted Bocchi in serving the drinks, her actions were almost practiced in a mix of rush and slowness, she was even polite to the customers while looking at them straight in the eyes despite that we know she isn't like that.

Ryo: *Mildly-Surprised* Really?

Nijika: Yeah. At the end of our shift, I noticed that Bocchi was back to being timid with her eyes shaking and awkwardly smiling at the last customer when she served the orange juice. It's like she is being different or something.

Ryo thinks for a few moments before a mischievous smirk on her face...

Ryo: Maybe she has some weird Alter-Ego doing the work. I think it could be "(Y/N)" themselves...

Ryo's statement made Nijika raise her eyebrow in a thoughtful way. She then remembered Hitori yelling out your name out loud since they brought Hitori on day one, and they were confused as to why she did that...

Nijika: Alter-Ego, huh. It could be possible, but let's not jump to conclusions before we notice anything more strange within Bocchi. *Worried* If this "(Y/N)" person could be Bocchi's Alter-Ego, it might change our situation, and I'm worried for her...

Ryo: *Nods* Yeah, you're probably right, we barely know her in the first place. So, let's keep an eye on her occasionally.

And just like that, the two girls agreed to find out what's the meaning behind Hitori Gotoh's strange actions.

-Meanwhile at a Karaoke-

Somewhere at one of the Karaoke rooms, we see food and drinks on the table, yet there was instrumental music coming out from the TV on the wall itself...

Student 1: Who's this? Who's this?

???: *Raises Hand* Me, me! It's me, it's me! Ehe~!

...

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