Nijika

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Nijika (虹夏)
Gender	Female
Age	16 347
Affiliation	Kessoku Band; STARRY
Occupation/Role	Drummer, band leader, STARRY staff member
First Appearance	Chapter 7

Appearance

Nijika is the oldest yet shortest member of Kessoku Band, standing at 1.54 m. Her position behind the drums and cymbals often makes her less visible than the taller members around her. 192

• Blonde hair usually tied in a side ponytail. 303
• Red eyes and a distinctive ahoge. 112 192
• Often carries herself with an energetic, youthful air despite her role as the group’s responsible organizer. 124 174
• Her room is clean and warm, though many of its clothes, manga, and decorations belong to Ryo. 77

Personality

Nijika is gentle, considerate, and unusually forgiving toward the people around her. She accepts Kita’s apology for concealing her lack of guitar experience, protects Ryo when she believes Hayato is troubling her, and consistently worries about Bocchi, Kita, and the band’s well-being. 18 45 145

As Kessoku Band’s leader, she is enthusiastic about performing and prone to acting on inspiration, but she also takes practical responsibility for finances, schedules, merchandise, academics, and the group’s public image. Her excitement over ambitious plans is often tempered by her concern about whether the band can realistically afford or complete them. 72 124 174 353

Despite her sunny demeanor, Nijika experiences social anxiety and insecurity. She hesitates around unfamiliar or emotionally complicated situations, feels left out when unable to participate in her friends’ conversations, and struggles with jealousy and uncertainty in her relationship with Hayato. 45 77 203 263

Abilities & Skills

Drumming

Nijika is Kessoku Band’s drummer and remains committed to improving alongside the rest of the group.

• Performs as the band’s drummer at STARRY and major music events. 165 362
• Recognizes subtle improvements in her bandmates’ playing during practice. 191
• Teaches Amamiya Yuki basic drumming with patience, encouraging her to restart rather than panic over mistakes. 302
• Her technique improves significantly after joining Kessoku Band, which she attributes to performing with suitable bandmates. 362

Band Leadership and Management

Nijika coordinates many of Kessoku Band’s logistical decisions.

• Secures street-performance permits and divides the remaining work among members. 92
• Leads the decision to enter the Circuit Festival and explains its performance requirements to the band. 124
• Manages the band’s income, records it in a ledger, and plans savings for album production and transport. 174
• Helps organize CD pre-orders to estimate demand before manufacturing. 207
• Oversees temporary staff duties at STARRY and coordinates CD packaging work. 217 221

Design and Visual Planning

Nijika has demonstrated skill in both illustration and practical band design.

• Designed Kessoku Band’s performance T-shirts herself. 112
• Created the cover art for the band’s first CD release. 207
• Made early band merchandise from colored cable ties. 69

Cooking and Household Skills

Nijika regularly takes on domestic responsibilities for others.

• Prepares bentos and breakfast for Hayato. 243
• Helps Ichiri cook dinner and supports her in the kitchen. 207
• Bakes and decorates a birthday cake for Seika. 329
• Volunteers to handle housework while other members focus on composing, lyrics, and practice. 354

Equipment / Items

• Drum kit — Her performance equipment, transported in large cases for street shows. 101
• Electronic drum kit — Accepted for convenient, lower-noise practice after initially hesitating over the expense. 265
• Drumsticks — Her preferred small gift when the group shops for new instruments. 263
• Band T-shirt designs and CD cover art — Original visual work created for Kessoku Band. 112 207

Relationships

• Ijichi Seika — Her older sister and STARRY’s manager. Seika is strict and protective, but supports the band and eventually accepts Nijika’s relationship with Hayato on the condition that he does not hurt her. 14 231 234
• Ishikawa Hayato — Kessoku Band’s keyboardist and Nijika’s boyfriend. Nijika initially sets conditions for any relationship because of his existing relationships, then openly confesses her feelings and agrees to date him. 119 231 233
• Ryo — Bandmate and childhood friend. Nijika often scolds Ryo’s irresponsible habits, but continues to accommodate and care for her; Ryo’s belongings have effectively taken over Nijika’s room. 70 77 271
• Kita Ikuyo — Bandmate whom Nijika encourages through her early guitar struggles and later supports in balancing music with school. 18 42 124
• Bocchi / Ichiri — Close bandmate whom Nijika protects, encourages, and worries about, especially when Bocchi’s anxiety threatens to overwhelm her. 33 145 149
• Amamiya Yuki — A younger drummer whom Nijika mentors at STARRY; Yuki openly admires Nijika’s drumming and guidance. 302

Major Arcs

Early Kessoku Band Activities

Nijika eagerly pushes the band toward its first stage performance, persuading Seika to give them an opportunity while still urging the members to practice and coordinate before rushing ahead. 14 She handles introductions during their early live show and insists that the group retain its identity as Kessoku Band. 25 42

Audition, Street Performance, and Festival Goals

After Seika rejects the band’s initial request for a stage performance, Nijika is hurt but remains determined to perform. Hayato secures an audition, renewing her confidence in the group. 75 She later leads the band through their first street performance preparations and becomes increasingly ambitious, proposing participation in the Circuit Festival. 101 124

Recording and First CD Release

As Kessoku Band becomes more active, Nijika takes responsibility for its finances, demo CDs, merchandise, and production plans. 174 She works with Hayato on a pre-order system for the band’s first CD, contributes its cover art, and celebrates when the finished CD finally arrives after six months of work. 207 215

Relationship with Hayato

Nijika initially refuses to approve of Hayato’s relationships unless everyone can accept them without being hurt, though she admits she could date him under that condition. 119 She later confesses that she likes him, even while believing that they cannot be together due to his other relationships and Seika’s opposition. 231 After Hayato confronts Seika, Nijika agrees to date him and gains Seika’s reluctant approval. 233 234

Life at Hayato’s Home

During winter break, Nijika begins spending most of her time at Hayato’s home and gradually adapts to living alongside Ryo, Ichiri, and Kita. 304 310 Although she continues to feel insecure about being the last to join the group, she becomes an important stabilizing presence in the household. 309 310

Beppu Date

During the group’s Kyushu trip, Nijika and Hayato spend a day exploring Beppu’s hot spring attractions together. Nijika becomes more proactive, openly holds his arm, and grows more comfortable expressing affection. 339 340 On Mount Tsurumi, she reflects on her own insecurities, asks Hayato to kiss her, and shares her first kiss with him. 349

Notable Quotes

“Even if you play badly, playing joyfully is the core.” 24

“Then I'll trust you.” 119

“Hayato-kun, kiss me.” 349

Trivia

• Nijika’s birthday party was themed around her being an “angel,” complete with a crown and decorations. 83
• She is especially frugal, replacing expensive ingredients with cheaper alternatives and frequently warning Hayato against careless spending. 200 333 353
• She cannot operate car pedals properly and is not able to drive. 174