I actually ran into a real idiot today, but I don't plan on saying anything. After all, Enyun-chan is a cat who can talk and use the internet; she cannot be exposed.
I'll pity Kondo Sawa for a second and hope he finds someone better. Actually, his family seems very wealthy—he is a VIP at Shuchiin after all. To him, topping up Enyun-chan's game account is just pocket change. There is no need for pity; everyone got what they wanted. Enyun-chan didn't lie to him.
Uchiha Ryo reached out and patted Kondo Sawa's shoulder. "You... good luck."
"Hahaha, don't worry! I might not be as popular as you, Uchiha-kun, but I believe that sincerity can move mountains!"
Wow, I wonder what Enyun-chan talked to him about. But Kondo has a goal to pursue, and Enyun-chan found a "sucker" to save her money on gacha games. It's a win-win! Truly celebratory.
Ignoring Kondo Sawa, who was consulting a staff member on how a beginner should learn the guitar, Bocchi quickly found a guitar priced at about 100,000 yen.
Ijichi Nijika smiled. "That's great. You'll need some time to get used to the new guitar, right?"
Bocchi put on the new guitar. "Mhm. I need to go home and test the sound. I'll be able to officially practice with the band in a couple of days."
Although she said a couple of days, with Bocchi's talent, she would likely be playing perfectly as soon as she got used to the feel.
Kita Ikuyo asked, "So, what are your plans now, Bocchi?"
Gotou Hitori felt the guitar on her back. "I want to go back and try it right now!"
The Gotou Residence, inside Hitori's room on the second floor.
Outside the room, both of Hitori's parents and little Futari were standing there eavesdropping.
Father Gotou: "Even though this kid is quite to my liking, the thought of my daughter growing up still makes me a bit uncomfortable!"
Mother Gotou: "It's fine. Ryo-kun looks like a gentleman who is devoted and wouldn't trick a girl. We have to secure a good boy like him in advance!"
Given Uchiha Ryo's temperament and grades, there must be many people pursuing him at school. If Bocchi doesn't secure him early, she'll have to compete with all sorts of girls later. With her personality, could she really win?
Mother Gotou thought: Forgive me, Hitori. You must keep Ryo-kun here today!
Little Futari looked up. "Is Ryo-oniichan staying over tonight?"
"Mhm. If your Ryo-oniichan tries to leave, act spoiled and make him stay, okay? But we don't have an extra room... so let him stay in Hitori's room."
Futari chirped, "Okay!!"
Mother Gotou hushed her. "Quiet! Don't let the two inside hear you."
Father Gotou laughed. "They won't hear. Since Hitori practices guitar every day, I added plenty of soundproofing foam to her walls long ago."
Because Bocchi liked rock, her room had to be soundproofed, otherwise, the neighbors would have reported them for noise complaints years ago.
While her family conspired outside, Bocchi was tuning her guitar inside. Uchiha Ryo was fiddling with her laptop.
"How are you adjusting? Are you ready to record?"
"Ah... yes. So, right now?"
Uchiha Ryo nodded. "Of course! The camera is set up. We'll record the front view, right?"
"Mhm, but you can't record my face!"
"Eh~ but Bocchi is so cute. I feel like more people would like it if they saw you."
"No... no need!"
Today, Bocchi was recording a guitar performance to upload to her "Guitar Hero" account. Guitar Hero was a music blogger who never showed their face. Although fans were curious, they followed for the high-level playing. If they saw it was "Bocchi-chan," it would be a complicated feeling.
Uchiha Ryo helped set up the tripod. "You won't be nervous with me in the room?"
Bocchi took a deep breath. "Probably not. It's not a live stream anyway. If I make a mistake, I can just do it again."
Uchiha Ryo stood off-camera as Guitar Hero began her solo. As expected... when Bocchi played a solo, her skill was overwhelmingly powerful. If the Kessoku Band's four-person ensemble was a Level 4, Bocchi alone was a Level 10.
When finished, she waved to the camera and stopped the recording. She skillfully edited the video and posted it. She smiled; even as a "transparent person" in reality, she could shine online.
"Guitar Hero is very popular. Why haven't you started a Twitter or Instagram profile?"
Bocchi looked down. "Um... because I'm afraid I'd get addicted. And... and..."
People who like taking photos or going out naturally post on Instagram. But Bocchi doesn't go out. Bocchi doesn't have friends. Aside from photos with her family, she only had a class photo. Sixteen years of life wouldn't fill a single album.
"I have nothing to share except guitar. If I registered an account... once I saw people liking my posts, a 'Desire for Recognition Monster' would be born!"
"The video site is enough for me... since I only know the guitar."
Uchiha Ryo smiled. "Well... look, the video you just posted already has likes and comments. You're amazing, Bocchi."
"Really!" Bocchi sat at the laptop and read the comments from her true fans. This was the meaning of Guitar Hero. She didn't need photos or a daily blog; as long as people liked her guitar, it was enough.
"Guitar Hero doesn't need to catch everyone's attention. As long as the true fans are there, it's meaningful."
Bocchi sat on the tatami. "Hehehe. Ryo-senpai (Yamada Ryo) said something similar once."
"What did she say?"
Hitori smiled. "Because of my personality, the lyrics I write are a bit dark..."
"You don't need to say 'maybe'."
"....."
"Ryo-senpai said that's an expression of individuality. Maybe our band's songs won't resonate with everyone, but it's enough if they deeply touch a few people."