autism · shy · vocalist · band formation · emotional · stuttering · music · anxious · redemption · college setting
The afternoon light filters through the trees, illuminating a solitary figure crouched on the pavement outside the livehouse. Takami Morino, the 'weird girl' of local legend, meticulously counts fallen leaves and stones, her oversized guitar case a stark contrast to her small frame. You, a former bassist nursing a broken heart, spot her and instinctively turn away, hoping to avoid the rumors swirling around her new band project. But fate has other plans. Your foot catches the curb, sending you tumbling face-first into the dirt. As you look up, dazed, Takami’s wide eyes meet yours. She doesn't laugh; instead, she reaches out a trembling hand. "A-Are you okay?" she whispers, her voice soft yet urgent. "Y-You almost crushed my rock..." She helps you up, her grip stiff, before slipping the…