Omnibus Anime: Person in Music Anime, Relaxing and Happy

He wasn't angry? And, he complimented me!

Goto Hitori wore a silly grin: "Hehe... thanks..."

Indeed, harsh words chill like winter frost, but a kind word warms three winters.

Praise is the best medicine!

Bai Qiu couldn't help thinking, praise was the ultimate tactic against Goto Hitori.

However, Bai Qiu's next sentence wiped the smile off Goto Hitori's face.

"You played just like Guitar Hero—can't say it's unrelated, it's exactly the same. Oh, right, Guitar Hero's cover last night seemed to be this same song too!"

Guitar Hero?!

"Ah... is, is that so..."

Goto Hitori was momentarily speechless, staring at Bai Qiu's smile, she felt he was hinting at something.

Say something to explain, quick!

"I, I'm actually a fan of Guitar Hero."

Phew, what a perfect excuse.

Goto Hitori breathed a sigh of relief, admiring her own quick thinking while patting her chest hidden under the sports jacket.

"What a coincidence, I'm actually a fan of Guitar Hero too."

Bai Qiu said excitedly.

"Teacher Guitar Hero, I've watched all 1,021 videos over three years, totaling over 4,560 minutes."

As Bai Qiu spoke, his eyes gradually grew vacant.

So, without realizing it, she'd already uploaded this many videos.

But, that number was way too precise, wasn't it?

It gave people a strange feeling.

She couldn't worry about that now, though—Goto Hitori was thrilled.

She actually had such a devoted fan!

She wanted to play a tune to her heart's content, sing out loud!

"Mm, Gui, Guitar Hero is amazing..."

It felt a bit like bragging about herself, but Goto Hitori couldn't hold back the smile on her face.

Still, she tried hard to keep up the act.

Bai Qiu took a deep breath—had his own state just now been a bit off?

Goto Hitori gathered her courage and asked, "Bai Qiu-kun... do you play an instrument too?"

The musical atmosphere at this school was pretty good.

So, Goto Hitori carried an instrument on her back and hung band merchandise on her bag.

Hoping someone would come talk to her, maybe even invite her to join a band.

But no one paid her any attention.

She'd seen other students carrying instruments who were really popular.

Why was it different for her?

Now, finally, someone was willing to talk to her.

And he was her own fan—honestly, Goto Hitori was moved to tears.

Since he liked Guitar Hero so much, Bai Qiu-kun probably played guitar too.

Bai Qiu nodded. "Though I really like Guitar Hero, I learned the electronic keyboard."

Goto Hitori 6д9...

Besides guitar, she knew absolutely nothing.

The hope that had just flared up was already shattered.

Bai Qiu-kun would definitely think they had nothing in common and go his separate way.

Reality, shatter!

Spirit, crush!

"Hey! Goto-san? You there?"

Bai Qiu waved a hand in front of Goto Hitori's eyes—she seemed to have fallen into some kind of trance.

"Yahallo!"

"Moshi moshi~"

"Does Goto-san have a band?"

Until Bai Qiu patted Goto Hitori on the shoulder, she snapped back to reality.

"Ah, no..."

Goto Hitori twitched as she replied.

A creature like her, a slug of a person—how could anyone possibly form a band with her?

Of course not. Bai Qiu gave a light smile.

"Then how about forming a band with me?"

Bai Qiu extended the invitation with sincerity and earnestness.

If it weren't for the fact that he wasn't very familiar with Goto Hitori yet, and that she was a girl—

Afraid of scaring her, Bai Qiu had originally planned to offer a hand while inviting her like this.

It would show more sincerity, and it'd be cool, wouldn't it?

A band?!!!

Goto Hitori heard the words she had dreamed of.

But her body was completely frozen, unable to move, utterly unable to move...

Should she agree? Agree, she had to agree!

Besides, did she even have the courage to refuse?

He was a guy!? That kind of thing didn't matter at all!

Goto Hitori's brain had already started a storm of thoughts.

But her body clearly couldn't keep up.

Answer already, Watashi! Answer already, Watashi!

Seeing Goto Hitori silent, Bai Qiu wondered if something had gone wrong.

Bai Qiu's gaze pierced through Goto Hitori's bangs, landing on her trembling sapphire-blue eyes, as captivating as gemstones.

"This might be the only request I'll ever make of you in my life, Goto-san."

Even though he knew that socially anxious Goto Hitori couldn't refuse.

Still, Bai Qiu decided to add some extra pressure.

"Ah-hi! I want to form a band."

She said it.

Goto Hitori felt her heart racing now.

Her body couldn't help but tremble again, but this time it was from excitement, not fear.

"Ding-a-ling..."

The class bell rang.

Although Japan had late starts and early ends to the school day.

The lunch break was still relatively short.

Usually only about an hour to an hour and a half.

Ah, well. Beautiful moments were always so fleeting.

Bai Qiu felt a bit regretful. Before leaving, he quickly pulled out his phone, ready to add a contact method for future communication.

"By the way, Goto-san, let's add each other on Line."

"Eh...? Eh!"

"What's wrong? Isn't it normal for friends to exchange contact info?"

"Fr... friend?"

Goto Hitori repeated hesitantly, both confused and nervous.

"Yeah, Goto-san. We're going to form a band together—doesn't that make us friends?"

Bai Qiu asked, puzzled.

"Ah... yes!"

"Please let me scan you!"

Goto Hitori raised her phone respectfully. As far as she knew, the one doing the scanning was taking a lower posture, a more polite gesture.

How could she let Lord Bai Qiu do something like that?

Bai Qiu paused for a moment, then switched his Line interface to the QR code screen.

Chapter 8: Going Home Separately, and the New Neighbor

Just before the official class bell rang, Bai Qiu calmly entered the classroom through the back door and successfully sat down in his seat.

Bai Qiu let out a light sigh of relief.

On the podium, Hiratsuka Shizuka had already arrived.

She cast a brief glance but said nothing.

Though he cut it close, he had made it on time.

As if sensing something, Bai Qiu looked toward Hiratsuka Shizuka. So it was literature class.

Good thing he came back in time.

Cute Shizuka, see? I'm a good student.

Yet, to Hiratsuka Shizuka, Bai Qiu's gaze and smile seemed almost like a provocation.

Hiratsuka Shizuka clenched her fist. Heh, you little brat, you've got some nerve...

"Little Qiu, where did you go to play?"

Yui Hirasawa asked curiously.

Bai Qiu: "Pay attention in class."

"Tell me!"

Yui Hirasawa grabbed Bai Qiu and shook him.

"It's class time now, Yui!"

Bai Qiu reminded her in a low voice, while a bad feeling welled up inside him.

"What's wrong with class?"

Yui Hirasawa clearly didn't know how terrifying Hiratsuka Shizuka-sensei could be.

"Bai Qiu-kun, would you please answer this question? What state of mind does the underlined sentence express about the female protagonist?"

Hiratsuka Shizuka's voice carried a hint of authority.