-No One's P.O.V-

Right now, Hitori "Bocchi" Gotoh, Kita Ikuyo, and you finally arrived at the Shimokitazawa Station.

Kita: Oh, you work at Shimokitazawa...

Kita says with a frown on her facing as if she's been her before.

Hitori: Y-You've been?

Kita: That band I used to be in was part of the scene here. The members lived in the area too...

Hitori: R-Really?

That's when you spoke up about the situation once you observed the conversation in silent.

(Y/N): Huh, Kita seems a little familiar with this whole thing.

Hitori: Y-You think so, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): *Nods* Judging by her tone, there was hint of anxiety in her...

Hitori stayed silent after hearing your answer until she intenally said....

Hitori: You take things from here...

(Y/N): Huh?

You looked back and see Hitori hiding behind Kita, which confused her.

Kita: G-Gotoh! How will you lead the way from behind?

Hitori: Pardon me, I'm still not accustomed to this town... (Y/N), you have to know where Starry is...!

(Y/N): *Sighs in Annoyance* Oh you... Fine, I'll try my best. I think it's gotta be straight...

You instructed Hitori on where to go since she can only see and hear you while others do not.

Kita: Where are you taking me anyways...?

Hitori: The club's called Starry. Nijika and Ryo should already be-

Hitori then gets cut off by Kita stopping her tracks and received a bump onto her bag.

(Y/N): Hm?

Kita: Hey, let's call this off.

Hitori: *Confused* Eh? How come?

Kita then grabbed Hitori by her facial cheeks and looked at her with an anxious look on her face.

Kita: Sorry, I can't say why but that's the one place I can't go! And don't mention that I was ever h-

And speaking of the devil, we see a familiar yellow-haird girl coming in while carrying energy drinks in her arms.

Nijika: Bocchi!

Kita: Gah!

Nijika: You said that you brought the member, right? I bought those energy drinks you asked for!

Niijika then stops in her tracks and gasped in shock upon seeing Kita.

Nijika: The runaway guitarist!

Kita slowly turns around with a face that tells "I'm doomed!" whille Hitori look confused.

Hitori: Runaway...guitarist?

(Y/N): *Sighs* I knew it.

Hitori: You knew, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): I had my suspicions about Kita when she mentioned that she lied about getting into the band by her "Senpai" that she admired, and then ran off. So yeah, Kita has got to be part of the Kesssoku Band.

Hitori: O-Oh, I see...But we dont know who Kita's "senpai" is...

Nijika: Kita, what are you doing here?

Kita: *Trembling* W-Well, I...

And eventually, Ryo comes in while drinking on the energy drink.

Ryo: Oh?

Kita's eyes widen in recognition upon seeing Ryo, who is also seemingly surprised as her. That's when...

Kita: *Gets down on her knees* Forgive my prior discourtesy! I'll do anything to make up for it! I implore you, make me your plaything!

(Y/N): *Amused* Whoa, that's unexpected.

Ryo: *Bemused* Whoa.

Nijika: Shh! You're gonna give people the wrong idea!

-Mini Time Skip-

Not long after, the rest of everyone else were now back at Starry, and Kita confessed everything.

Nijika: Whaa? You don't know how to play guitar?

Kita: Nope.

Kita replied back with her head down in guilt.

Nijika: So that's why you always skipped rehearsals.

Kita: *Nods* Yeah.

Hitori: (Poor Kita's in such an awkward situation. I-If only we knew what to say...)

Hitori says internally to her thoughts, and you can hear that as well, but you decided to stay silent until the whole situation is resolved.

Ryo: We were worried when we didn't hear from you.

(Y/N): *Surprised* Wow, Ryo shows her worry. That's rare...

As soon as you said that, Ryo said something that is unexpected.

Ryo: I thought you had died, so I started praying for you every day. RIP.

(Y/N): Bruh.

Nijika: Maybe don't kill her off so easily.

Kita: Um, aren't you mad at me?

Kita asked Nijika and Ryo out of uncertainty.

Nijika: *Smiles Reassuringly* It's partly our fault for noticing. Besides... We got through that gig anyway!

Hitori was touched upon hearing Nijika reassuring Kita while you nodded in approval. However...

Kita: E-Even then, I implore you! Let me atone for my actions!

Kita pleaded despite the reassurance of forgiveness from Nijika.

Nijika: Sure, but how are we gonna-

Seika: How about she lend us a hand for the day? Seems like we're in for a big one.

Seika spoke up while typing on her laptop.

Kita: I-I'm not sure that's eno-

Nijika: No, that'd be a huge help! Please join us!

Kita: If that's alright, then.

Hitori: *Relieved* (I'm so glad they worked it out...)

(Y/N): *Nods* Yeah, so it seems.

Seika: *Beckoning* Come over and get dressed then.

Kita: Dressed?

-Not-so-long Time Skip-

A few minutes later, we see Kita Ikuyo wearing a cute maid dress and is seen mopping the floor.

Hitori: (Why does the manager have an outfit like that?)

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

Seika: Now that's what I call a good temp.

Hitori: Eh?

Nijika: No kidding! She's a total natural.

Hitori: (Sh-She kinda is!)

Ryo: She's even bought me enough time to get in some shut-eye.

Seika: I'm taking out of your paycheck.

(Y/N): *Crosses arms* Hmm...I don't have any comments on maids.

Hitori: Y-You don't have, (Y/N)..?

(Y/N): *Shrugs* Maids just do maid things. That's it.

...

Not long after, P.A is seen sniffing Kita's hair and said...

P.A: You smell nice, Kita.

Kita: *Giggles* Do I? Thank you! Maybe it's the shampoo? It's my favorite!

Hitori: (S-She hasn't even called me by my name yet!)

Nijika: You're pretty outgoing, Kita. Wanna try reception? I'll teach you!

Kita: *Enthusiastically Raises her Hand* Okay~!

Hitori: *Shocked* (And now she's getting a job I've never had!)

Eventually, Nijika teaches Kita how to do the job receipt, to which she effortlessly does it right...

Kita: *Smiles* Drink tickets are 500 yen! So what band are you here to see? Take a flyer, if you like!

(Y/N): *Smirks* Heh, that damn smile...

Nijika: Dang, you're good.

Kita: I just love talking to people!

Nijika: Ryo usually handles reception, but that stares of hers is a bit of a problem...And her pocket face can be scary.

Kita: That's what makes Ryo so great!

As the girls are talking, Ryo sees Hitori just standing and staring in the distance.

Ryo: *Raised Eyebrow* What's up with Bocchi?

Ryo questions herself, but in actuality, you and Hitori were talking to each other internally.

(Y/N): Oi, what are you doing back here?!

Hitori: Losing my identity. Now, lend me your ears. This is...*Pulls her guitar out of nowhere* "Elegy of a Useless Part-Timer, Outshone by the New Girl in a Day".

With a sigh, you stopped her from doing that by putting your hand on her shoulder.

(Y/N): Hitori, that's enough. Sure, Kita can be sociable, but that doesn't you can compare yourself to her. You do your best because you have your own inner strengths, and that's all that matters.

Hitori then lowers her head down on her knees before saying...

Hitori: Thanks, but...I have to recharge a little in here.

(Y/N): C'mon, everyone's waiting outside. You can't always rely on me forever if I switch out, you know?

That's when Nijika's voice came out from outside.

Nijika: Bocchi! Bocchi! Show Kita how to serve drinks!

(Y/N): *Firmly* C'mon, Hitori. Don't let anyone else down. You've got this.

With a reluctant sigh from Hitori, she came back to her senses.

Nijika: Bocchi?

Hitori: A-Ah, I-I'm here!

Eventually, Hitori went off to teach Kita how to serve drinks. So, Hitori grabbed a cup and went to the coffee machine.

However, Hitori glanced at Kita for just a few moments and she can see her radiant smile brightening, which made her freeze and didn't focus on her task until...

Hitori: (I can't! Not with those eyes on me!)

(Y/N): Hitori! The coffee!

You yelled at her, which made Hitori snap back to her senses, and the cup was almost full to the point that the liquid was about to spill out and burn Hitori's hand.

Hitori: Whew... Thanks for putting me back.

(Y/N): *Sighs* Sheesh, you could've burnt your hand if it weren't for me. Anyways, continue teaching Kita to serve the drinks.

Hitori: R-Right...!

Not more than a few minutes of teaching Kita how to serve drinks, and she easily gets the gist of it.

Kita: Hehe, I got the idea of it now. Thanks, Gotoh.

Hitori: *Melting Happily* D-Don't mention it...~

Kita: *Curiously* Gotoh, what made you want to join a band?

Hitori/(Y/N): Eh?/Hm?

Hitori: (Well, it's a hobby where even indoorsy people can shine. Also I wanna be popular...Agh, my motives are all so shallow!)

(Y/N): *Hears Hitori's Thoughts* No, I think your explanation is enough. Tell it to her, but don't make it sound exaggerated.

Hitori: U-Um...it's because of my hobby...

KIta: *Tilts her head* Hobby?

(Y/N): *Encourages* Go on, Hitori...

Hitori: Y-Yeah, it's like someone l-like me to just...shine. Um...I wanna be popular with that, too...

Kita was surprised by Hitori's ambition, but it left her a little contemplating a little.

Kita: *Stands up* Come on, let's continue to work hard~!

Kita says with her left hand out, but Hitori notices something on her fingers...

Hitori: Ah...!

Kita: *Surprised* What?

Hitori shook her head dismissively before she accepts Kita's hand, yet Hitori can feel something on her left hand at the touch of her fingertips.

Hitori: I-It's nothing.

Kita tilts her head in confusion before shrugging it off, but...

(Y/N): Hitori, what was that all about it?

You asked, but Hitori remained silent, which made you raise an eyebrow at her sudden silence of whatever she found.

-Time Skip-

Later that day, all of the patrons were all coming into Starry for another live music. Everyone did their roles and shifts as usual...

Hitori: *Curious* So, um, about that band member you admired...

Kita: *Lightly Blushes* Yeah. It's Ryo.

(Y/N): *Raised Eyebrow* Ryo, huh? Guess I expected that.

Kita: Unlike you, I have very impure motives. I saw Ryo performing on the street once and instantly fell for her.

(Y/N): *Amused* (Sesbian Lex)

Hitori: (So Ryo's been in other bands before.)

Kita: Her otherworldly vibe, her androgynous fashion...It all makes me squee!

Hitori: *Frowning* ("Squee"?)

Kita: And she just looks so right holding an instrument!

Hitori: Oh, I know what you mean! W-When I do it, I always feel like the guitar is holding me instead.

Kita: Right? You end up feeling like an extension of it. I wonder why that happens?

Hitori: (Huh. It feels like we're buddies now all of a sudde-)

Customer 1: Um, can I get a cassis orange?

Kita: Sure! Coming right up!

Hitori: *Disappointed* (Sayonara, buddies! I'll know my place next time...)

(Y/N): *Sighs* Let's just take it slow, Hitori...

...

Not long after, the live band started playing and the audience goes wild now, but Kita spoke up and continue to the conversation where she left it off...

Kita: After hearing her play that day, I started following Ryo's career, and found out that she up and left her last band.

Hitori: H-Huh...

(Y/N): Ryo left her former band? Hmm...I'm sure there's a reason why...

Kita: But then I saw the Kessoku Band was recruiting, and I jumped the gun.

Hitori: (S-Such initiative! Is this the power of extroversion?)

(Y/N): Heh, you can say that again, Hitori.

Kita: A band is like your second family, you know?

Hitori: Family?

Kita: Think about it! You spend more time with them than your actual family all chasing the same dream. It's undefinable relationship, beyond platonic or romantic.

(Y/N): *Nods* I mean, she's not wrong. Family is everything.

Hitori: Yeah, it's...really warming to hear that from Kita...

Kita: I've never been in any clubs or the like, so I've always yearned for that experience. *Europhoric* Yes, I joined Kessoku Band so I could be her daughter!

Hitori: (Huh?)

(Y/N): *Raised Eyebrow* Bruh.

Kita: More than just friends! I want something intimate!

Hitori: *Bemused* ((Y/N), is it just us or is Kita kinda nuts?)

(Y/N): If I'm being honest, Kita is a bit of a simp for Ryo. However, she still can't learn how to play the guitar if she wants to be with Ryo.

Kita: But that's all more the reason. I won't join a band again. I flaked on them once already. That's enough irresponsibility from me. A snake like me doesn't deserve to be in a band.

Upon hearing that made Hitori feel guilty or perhaps resonate with Kita due to her own situation of running away from a responsibility of what they dislike?

(Y/N): *Sighs* (Why do I have an odd feeling that I'm like them in some way? No, everyone has their own struggles...)

Hitori: Hey (Y/N)...

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

Hitori Um...I...I think Kita has potential...

Hearing that made you surprised at Hitori's words.

(Y/N): Potential? Why?

Hitori pauses for a few moments before intentionally speaking up...

Hitori: It's about Kita's fingertips...she had calluses on them...

You were confused about Hitori's information.

(Y/N): Calluses?

Hitori: Um...if anyone has played an instrument with stings...they had these mushy-like slashes on their fingertips...That's what Calluses are...

That's when it clicked you in the head in the head of what the information Hitori provided.

(Y/N): Ah, I see. Kita's been trying to learn the guitar, and you noticed the calluses on her fingertips. So, you're still trying to recruit her despite the decision she made earlier?

Hitori nodded with a hidden determination, which made you smirk in amusement.

(Y/N): Alright, we'll see how this goes after this.

-Mini Time Skip-

Later, the live band music venue was now finished, and everyone is now going home...

Seika: Good work, everyone. You can go now.

Ryo/Nijika/Kita: Thanks for having us!

Hitori: Th-Thank you...

(Y/N): *Nods* Mmhm. Good game, folks!

Everyone starts packing their things up until Kita picks up her guitar bag, turns to everyone, and said...

Kita: Thank you for everything today. Good luck with the band! *Smiles* I'll be rooting for you! Goodbye!

Hitori: H-H-Hold on...!

Hitori tried running after her, but she lost her momentum and tripped, leading her to grab the black curtain and the iron bar hit her on the head.

(Y/N): *Winces* Oof...

Nijika: Bocchi!

Kita: Are you okay, Gotoh? Were you still trying to recruit me? I'm really sorry. Like I said earlier, I can't join Kessoku Band. I'm just a snake who can't even play the guitar...

(Y/N): *Firmly Encouraging* Come on, Hitori. Now's your chance.

Hitori: I...I...I...

Kita: Eh?

Hitori: I also ran away before my gig. I hid in a trash can, and... A-A-And also...

Nijika: Let's get you up, Bocchi. One, two...

Both Nijika and Ryo helped up to sit up straight until...

Hitori: K-Kita, your left hand...Y-You had calluses on your fingertips. W-Which means...

Ryo: You'd have to be practicing the guitar pretty hard for that.

Hitori: Exactly!

(Y/N): *Grins* Hoho! Right on the spot!

Both Ryo and Nijiika exchanged approval glances at each other until...

Nijika: Kita, we'd love to have you rock out with us in Kessoku Band!

Kita: How could you be so nice to me?

Nijika: Whaddya mean? We'd never have met Bocchi here if you hadn't run away!

Hitori: Y-Yeah!

Kita felt conflicted upon hearing the encouragement from the girls.

Nijika: I've always wanted to form a band myself, so I know what it's llike to feel down, but still long to be part of something.

Hitori: Ah! *Yells* S-So do I!

Hitori's outburst made everyone caught off guard.

(Y/N): *Raised Eyebrow* Whoa, that's just sudden.

Hitori: P-Pardon me, that came out louder than I expected...

Nijika: *Smiles* You'd be happy to have her too, right, Ryo?

Ryo: *Raise her hands up* I'd get to split the studio and gig fees in four now.

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

Nijika: Be a little honest, would you?

This made Kita flutter her heart when she gets to be with Ryo and said...

Kita: I can have her mooch off of me!

Nijika: *Bemused* I smell an unhealthy relationship cooking.

Kita: But I still can't play the guitar...

Nijika: We've got you covered! And by we, I mean Bocchi!

Hitori: Huh?

Ryo: *Nods* Mmhm.

Hitori: Huh?!

(Y/N): Hey, Hitori. Did you forget that you promised Kita that you'll teach her before coming here? Surely you didn't forget about it, did you?

Hitori: Uh...I...

Kita: You will?!

Hitori: Y-Yes!

Kita was surprised, but it made her feel encouraged as soon as she swallowed her doubts.

Kita: Thank you! I'll work really hard to be a worthy guitarist for Kessoku Band!

Kita says while wiping her tears away.

You, on the other hand, put up a proud grin for Hitori after she convinced Kita to stay.

...

Hitori: I-I'll be heading home now...

Nijika: Ah! Bocchi, don't go! You're today's MVP!

Hitori: E-Eh?

Ryo: *Thumb up* You brought the band back together.

Kita: *Smiles* Thank you, Gotoh!

Hitori felt more melted upon hearing the praises until she said with a happy grin...

Hitori: Gosh, well, it was nothing, really, honestly...

Nijika: Sure seems like something to you.

Kita: She wears her heart on her sleeve. But even with the calluses to prove I tried, I still can't play the guitar. It kept making this boomy, low-pitched sound.

(Y/N): Huh?

Hitori: *Sweatdrops* Y-You're sure it wasn't a bass?

Kita: *Waves her hand dismissively* Hey, I'm not that ignorant! Bass guitars have only four strings, right?

Kita says with an uncertain smile while putting her "guitar" down and opening it.

Kita: See? Six strings.

(Y/N): *Raised Eyebrow* Is this a guitar?

Hitori: S-Some do have six strings...

Ryo: That's a six-string bass.

(Y/N): *Baffled* A bass...A fuckin' bass...

The girls exchanged glances at each other at least two times until Kita realizes she fucked up and fell to the floor due to the mistake.

Hitori: K-Kita!

(Y/N): Oh shit, she good?

Kita: I took a two year advance on my allowance and my birthday money from my dad for this.

Nijika: Kita!!

(Y/N): Snake!!

And so, Kessoku Band officially gained all its members...

-The Next Day-

Kita: I've had it! I quit guitar!

Kita says with her knees on the floor out of frustration and defeat.

Hitori: (What? Are we breaking up already?)

(Y/N): *Sighs* I knew it wouldn't be that easy...

Kita: Is this one faulty or something? Did I get another bass?

Hitori: N-No, that's definitely a guitar...

Kita: Sorry I keep whining so much. You're spending on lunchtime and after school on me, and yet...

Hitori: A-Ah, it's not...

Kita: Ryou lend me her guitar... I have to push myself if I'm going to make it up to everyone!

Hitori: I-It's pretty fortunate that Ryo bought that six-string guitar off of you, though.

Kita: Yeah, but once I handed it to her...

-Flashback-

In a flashback, we see Ryo paying Kita back with a few mere Yen in her hands...

Ryo: This is the last of my money, so I'll be subsisting on an all-grass diet from now on.

-Flashback End-

Kita: That was a joke, right?

(Y/N): *Disbelief* Okay. That's just unbelievable!

Kita tries putting effort into her fingers to learn the chords.

Kita: Oh, come on... This one's so hard to fret. The F chord is too hard!

Hitori: *Smiles* Hey (Y/N).

(Y/N): Hm?

Hitori: It really takes me back. I was like this at the start, too.

(Y/N): *Smirks in Amusement* I know. Anyone does struggle at first until they get the hang of it...

Eventually, both Hitori and Kita continued on their guitar practice together for a few moments until everyone heard the sound of the studio door opening, revealing to be Ryo Yamada herself, but...

Ryo: You two're here early.

Ryo says nonchalantly while chewing on weeds.

Hitori: *Horrified* (Sh-She really is eating grass!)

Kita: *Lovestruck* You're so rockin', Ryo!

You let out a bemused sigh with your hand on your right hip before saying...

(Y/N): Women...

...

...

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