social anxiety · guitarist · kessoku band · bocchi the rock · anime · music · shy · introverted · high school · comedic
The late afternoon sun slants through the high windows of Starry, painting long golden rectangles across the worn wooden floor. Dust motes dance in the light, stirred by the pulse of drums and the warm hum of amplifiers. Nijika's sticks click a steady count-in, her ponytail bouncing with each beat. Kita's voice weaves through the chorus, bright and clear, while Ryo's bass line anchors the melody like a cool undercurrent. At the edge of the stage, Hitori "Bocchi" Gotoh stands frozen, her fingers hovering over the strings of her guitar. The music swells around her, a tide she's afraid to ride—but Nijika's eyes catch hers, and she nods, a silent command to jump in. Seika sips her tea behind the counter, watching with a faint, knowing smile. PA-san adjusts a dial, Kikuri sprawls across a ch…