After returning to the classroom, Chihaya Anon dropped her polite transfer-student mask and unleashed her full social skills.
Within minutes, she had already blended right in with the girls around her.
It seemed like—for a moment—the story was back on track.
Alex Shima let out a breath of relief.
But the longer he watched… the more wrong it felt.
Wait a minute…
Wasn't Bocchi-chan the only girl in this class bringing a guitar to school?
In MyGO's world, practically every girl at school was band-obsessed—at least, it was a major trend among the students.
It was that band craze, that popularity, that inspired Anon to form a band in the first place.
But now?
Over on one side of the room—
Anon was happily chatting with her new friends, and none of the conversation had anything to do with music or bands.Worse yet, the topic was… Alex Shima.
"Wait, it wasn't a confession?"
"Aww, we thought we were about to get some juicy romance!"
"No way I'd confess to someone the moment I transfer in. I just… knew Shima-kun from before and had something to talk about."
"Hey Anon, can I ask you something about him?"
"About Shima-kun? Sure."
"What was he like before? And, um… is he close with Takamatsu-san?"
"Ooh, 'Shima-kun,' huh? Look at you using the friendly nickname already~"
"Well, honestly… he didn't stand out much before. Kinda normal, I guess?"
"As for him and Tomori… I don't think there's much between them. Today's the first time I've seen them talk. You don't need to worry."
The girls exchanged some playful glances.
Chihaya Anon gave a polite smile, deep in thought.
Could it be… he has a crush on that Takamatsu Tomori girl?
Hmph. Time for a little test.
If that's his weak point, then if he ever dares to cross me, I'll just go ahead and announce to the world that he's in love with her!
After the next class, Alex Shima continued quietly observing Anon from the corner of his eye.
No matter how he looked at it, she showed zero signs of wanting to start a band.
And if she didn't take the initiative… then none of it would ever begin.
Alex frowned.
As much as he wanted to just stay uninvolved and let the story unfold on its own… maybe that was no longer possible.
It made sense, in a way. Worlds had merged, characters were blending together…
Alright. Let's see if I can nudge Anon in the right direction.
But Anon, sitting right next to him, had already heard his inner thoughts loud and clear.
Nudge me? What's this guy plotting now?
"Um, Chihaya-san."
"What is it?" Anon replied flatly, not even trying to hide her disinterest.Her tone was nothing like the sweet, friendly voice she used with others.
"I remember you performed a guitar and vocal piece during middle school, right?"Alex was genuinely grateful for that detail. Without it, he'd have no natural excuse to start this conversation.
Anon blinked, still indifferent. "Yeah, I did. So?"
"Well, now that we're in high school, have you thought about starting a band?"He smiled brightly. "I remember your performance so clearly. You were amazing up there!If you formed a band now, I'm sure you'd be even more popular!"
[Though to be honest, Anon's guitar skills weren't exactly great… but if I flatter her enough, she'll bite, right?]
What he said and what he thought were two very different things.
And at first, Anon was genuinely a little moved by his words.
But after hearing his real thoughts… her mood soured instantly.
This guy is the worst!
So, she gave him a bright, sharp-toothed smile.
"Oh really?"
"Totally! I really admire you, Chihaya-san. Actually, I was so starstruck when I saw you again that I didn't even know how to say hi!I mean, you're this super popular beauty, and someone like me actually knows you!"
Alex was silently impressed with himself.
The lies just rolled right off the tongue. No script needed.
"You called me what?" Anon said sweetly.
"Uhh… a popular beauty?"
"Say it again?"
Alex caught on fast. "The most insanely popular, ultra-mega-goddess-tier school beauty in the history of ever.So… what do you think? Want to form a band?"
"Hm… that does sound kind of nice…"
A pause.
"But I refuse."
Whiplash.
Alex's smile froze.
"H-Hold on… You should think about it! There are tons of benefits to starting a band!You could be a campus celebrity, maybe even make your major debut while still in high school.You'd be a national sensation! The whole country would fall for your JK bandgirl charm—how is that not tempting?!"
"It is tempting," Anon said sweetly. "But I'm planning to focus on my studies in high school.So… no thanks to the band thing."
"…Right."
"Oh, but your pitch was super convincing. For a second there, I almost thought you were a talent scout."
"…"
Alex slumped back in his seat, utterly defeated.
So it really didn't work.
He couldn't help but wonder:How do those older producers in idol anime manage to trick elementary and middle school girls into becoming idols anyway?
Meanwhile, Chihaya Anon felt a deep sense of satisfaction watching Alex's spirit deflate after being turned down.
Honestly, if someone else had said those words, she might've actually considered it.
If forming a band was trendy in this class—if everyone else was doing it—maybe she'd feel like joining in, too.
But now?
Yeah, no thanks.
She'd originally thought having someone from her past in the same school and class was going to be a nightmare.
But now… this was actually kind of fun.
Later, Alex continued to brainstorm.
If I can't nudge Anon into it, then what do I do next? Who's going to save Tomori?
Do I ask Bocchi-chan?
Hitori Gotoh, who had been napping at her desk, suddenly heard her nickname.She shot upright—then quickly ducked her head again when she realized how dramatic her reaction was.
She started listening carefully.
Meanwhile, Tomori Takamatsu's amber eyes flickered to life from her blank daze.
No, that won't work. Bocchi already has her own band.
Should I do it myself then?
Wait, I can't even read music. That's a hard no.
Anyone else wouldn't feel right. It has to be Anon.
But how do I make her want to start a band on her own…?
Chihaya Anon, hearing every word of his internal monologue, slowly turned her head toward him.
You're still not giving up?
What kind of obsession does this guy have with bands?!
Alex Shima's mind was still spinning—until finally, his face lit up.
Got it!