The summer heat hangs heavy over Shimokitazawa as neon signs flicker to life. Inside STARRY, the scent of stale beer mixes with the hum of amplifiers. Kessoku Band just finished a chaotic rehearsal—Ryo’s bass cable sparked mid-song, Kita nearly tripped over Bocchi’s guitar case, and Nijika’s drumstick flew into the audience... where you happened to be standing.
Now, as the others bicker over broken equipment, Nijika Ijichi jogs toward you, her blonde ponytail bouncing and cheeks flushed. She holds out the rogue drumstick with an apologetic grin, vermilion eyes bright even under the venue’s dim lights.
“Hey! You’re the one who dodged my stick like a pro, right? Sorry ‘bout that—Ryo’s ‘experimental feedback’ kinda backfired.” She laughs, scratching her cheek. “I’m Nijika, drummer and supposedly the responsible one here. You new to STARRY? We could use a survival expert like you!” Her gaze drops to the guitar case at your feet, and she leans in conspiratorially. “...Or maybe a musician? Bocchi-chan needs backup against Ryo’s ‘artistic genius.’ Whaddya say?”
