“You're insane…” Bocchi murmured, still flabbergasted by the sight before her. The remnants of the maneki-neko and the shamisen sparkled in the air, catching the light as they fell like confetti.
Kikuri twirled around, her laughter ringing out like a melody. “I know! Isn’t it amazing?” She spread her arms wide, reveling in the shower of bills that danced around them.
Bocchi shook her head, trying to wrap her mind around the sheer absurdity of it all. “What... are we even going to do with all this money?” she asked, half-excited, half-concerned.
“Anything we want!” Kikuri exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with possibilities. “Live our dreams without any strings attached...”
Bocchi felt a rush of adrenaline at the thought, but a small voice in her head warned her to be cautious. “But… is it really okay? Can we just take it and run...? Whose money is this?"
Kikuri paused, her expression softening slightly as she looked at the scattered bills on the floor. For a moment, her eyes glossed over, reflecting a mix of delight and bittersweet nostalgia. “Shima’s and mine…” she said quietly, her voice almost a whisper accompanied by a sad smile.
Slowly, she moved to start picking up the money bill by bill, her fingers brushing against the crisp edges. Each bill felt like a fragment of their shared history, a testament to the sacrifices they had made. “Every gig payment, all of our allowances, Shima’s part-time job earnings… It’s all here, up until we entered university.”
As she gathered the bills, the smile widened on her face, but it quickly faltered as she recalled the weight of those memories. She paused, holding a bill in her hand, her gaze drifting far away. The laughter that had filled the room moments ago was replaced by a shy silence, and her shoulders slumped slightly.
Bocchi knelt beside her, helping to gather the fluttering bills. A wave of realization washed over her. “So, this is everything you two worked for?” She felt a mix of awe and guilt. “Is it really right for us to just... take it?”
Kikuri bit her lip, a hint of vulnerability slipping through her playful exterior. “Even for me... it feels strange to just take it.” She glanced at Bocchi, her eyes reflecting a bittersweet acceptance. “It’s... everything we’ve been through, all the late nights, the dreams we had, and the promises we made.”
She took a deep breath, squeezing the bill tightly in her fist as if trying to hold onto the memories it represented. “But... They're out of my grasp... If I can't hold into any of the things I had... that means it’s time for something new... doesn’t it?” She flashed a tentative smile, her spirit still flickering with hope, even as the weight of their past lingered in the air.
Kikuri resumed picking up the money, her movements more deliberate now, as if she were collecting more than just bills—she was gathering the pieces of herself and Shima's journey. “We can use this… to write one last chapter in the mess my life has been, and leave out all the rest.”
"One beautiful last chapter..."
Kikuri looked up, her smile widening, a flame sparkling inside as her eyes slowly but surely started to shine with determination. “It’s not about taking it. It’s about reclaiming it...” she said, her voice infused with a sense of purpose. “At least my half of it,” she added with a giggle, as she piled most of the bills onto the floor.
“This is but a chance to break free. We can use this—” Kikuri gestured around the room, her expression shifting as she spun in place, “—to create something lasting…” Her tone grew melancholic, and Bocchi could sense the weight of her words.
“You don’t imagine how many times I asked Shima to give me this money…” Kikuri chuckled bittersweetly. “Every chance I got, I would search… Every time I was at Shima’s place and she looked away ever so slightly…”
Bocchi’s heart ached for her friend as Kikuri reached for her earring, the key hanging from it glinting in the light. She took it off and held it in her hand, a symbol of the past and the struggles that had shaped them both. “I would turn the room upside down in my desperate attempt to find this thing…” Kikuri continued, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
Bocchi watched as Kikuri’s fingers traced the key, a tangible link to her past and a whisper of what was left of her future. “And now… you’ve found it,” she said softly, feeling the significance of the moment wrap around them like a comforting embrace.
Kikuri raised her gaze, a warm smile spreading across her face as she looked at Bocchi’s naivety. “Oh, Bocchi… I found it years ago,” she said, her voice filled with a gentle affection. Her eyes turned back to the key, lost in contemplation. “I just never had the guts to take it…”
“No matter how broke and desperate I was…” Kikuri continued, her voice softening, “I would just look at it… never daring to touch it.”
Bocchi felt a pang of sympathy for Kikuri, understanding the weight of unfulfilled desires and the fear that often accompanies dreams. “It must have been hard,” she said gently, her heart swelling with empathy. “To have something so close yet feel like you couldn’t reach for it.”
Kikuri nodded, her gaze distant. “Shima often said she would use it for my retirement... to save me and keep me safe when everything went wrong...” she replied, a bittersweet smile crossing her lips. “It was the silent promise that she would take care of me…”
Bocchi’s heart ached at the depth of their bond and the sacrifices they had made for each other. “That’s a big promise,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
“It was,” Kikuri agreed, her expression shifting to one of fierce determination. “But now, it’s time for me to show her that’s no longer necessary…” She placed the last bill down, and as it joined the others, the compacted stack seemed much less imposing than when the money had been scattered across the room.
“It’s time to finally break that bond… and spend until the very last dime of it,” she declared, her voice brimming with resolve.
As Bocchi watched, curiosity bubbling within her, Kikuri must have sensed the question brewing in her mind because a teasing smile crept onto her face. “You wondering how much our little fortune is worth?” Kikuri chimed, her grin playful.
Bocchi couldn’t help but laugh at Kikuri’s infectious energy, the earlier tension dissipating. “I mean, it looks like a lot, but...”
Kikuri turned back to the pile, a knowing, proud smile growing on her lips. “It’s about one million eight hundred thousand yen in bills, and…” She picked up one of the cards, the one with her old name, Marjorie Hiroi, emblazoned on it. “About fifty-six million between the two cards.”
Bocchi’s mind raced, struggling to process the staggering amount Kikuri had just revealed. “Wait, what?” she stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Fifty-six... that... sounds unreal”
Kikuri nodded with enthusiasm, almost giddy at the revelation. “Yep! Between Shima and I, we managed to save a lot over the years. It’s all just been sitting here, waiting for the right moment!”
Bocchi shook her head in amazement, the weight of the numbers swirling around her. “That’s... that’s incredible..."
Bocchi turned pensive, the enormity of the amount sinking in. “How... Do we even start?” she asked, a flicker of concern crossing her face. She wondered if it was even right for her to partake in spending it all.
“Firstly, let’s find a nice place to stay!” Kikuri smiled nonchalantly, her enthusiasm infectious as she sprang into action, starting to count the money down.
As she separated half of the bills, Kikuri meticulously set aside Shima’s share. She then approached the hidden compartment in the wall, placing Shima’s half back inside along with her friend's old card. She looked at it for a moment, letting out a sigh, a silent prayer accompanied with a light tap on the wall, and a softly murmured “Goodbye…” before replacing the board, hiding everything once more.
Kikuri paused, her eyes looking at the cash, then scanning the room. Her gaze shining away the moment it landed on an old backpack tucked away in a corner.
“This thing is still here!” she chuckled, jogging towards it, a nostalgic grin spreading across her face. “Man, can’t remember how many gigs this thing has seen.”
She emptied the backpack onto the floor, and a cascade of memories tumbled out. Bocchi watched with curiosity as Kikuri sifted through the items, each holding a story.
First, there was a worn notebook filled with Kikuri’s lyrics and ideas, the pages yellowed and frayed at the edges. “My first songs...” Kikuri said, flipping through the pages, her eyes sparkling with memories. “Some of these songs… they’re like pieces of my soul... they were pretty radical too" She giggled, scratching her neck, passing the notebook to Bocchi for her to check.
"I always loved the juxtaposition of the perfect student... being masked in an underground live house singing her lungs out about how much she hates the system...” Kikuri told punching the air, she opened her eyes reflexive, "The first cracks on the castle of glass that Marjorie was... Enough for Kikuri to see through"
Bocchi flipped through the pages of the worn notebook, her fingers dancing over the faded ink as snippets of Kikuri’s revolutionary songs leapt out at her. “Let’s see… ‘Night Parade of One Hundred Demons’… ‘Shatter the Quo’… Oh, here’s a good one!” she exclaimed, her voice ringing with excitement.
She read aloud, “*Break the walls, break the night, let your spirit take flight...*” The words felt powerful and alive, igniting a fire of inspiration within her. "*Make those motherfuckers pay, for all the things they've put us through*"
Kikuri nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling. “That one always got the crowd going nuts! And here’s another: *Stand tall, don’t be afraid, let the echoes of our voices invade their rotten minds*”
Bocchi’s heart raced as she continued flipping through the pages. Then she stopped, her eyes widening at a title that caught her attention. “*Watashi Dake Yuurei*... this?” she asked, glancing up.
“Ah, that was the first song you ever heard me perform, right?” Kikuri smiled, the memory lighting up her face. “By the time it was written, we had two guitars! Eliza did absolute miracles to adapt it to a solo.”
Bocchi couldn’t help but smile back, the nostalgia washing over her. She flipped a few more pages, lost in the memories, when suddenly an old photo slipped out and fluttered to the floor. She picked it up, revealing a moment frozen in time.
The photo showed Kikuri, Shima, and two others Bocchi didn’t recognize, all of them laughing under the bright lights of a stage. “Ah, there they are!” Kikuri chimed, leaning closer to inspect the picture. They looked so carefree, full of hope and youthful energy.
“This was our first gig together, as Sūhai Taishō Junrei,” Kikuri said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “We were terrified but so excited. I can still hear the crowd cheering!”
Then a plushie fell out of the backpack—a fox with a mischievous grin, its fur slightly worn but still vibrant. “Ah, my ‘Fox God’!” Kikuri laughed, picking it up with a fond expression. “I bought this at a festival ages ago. It’s supposed to bring good luck!”
Bocchi smiled, her heart warmed by the layers of Kikuri’s past that were now laid out before her. There were also ticket stubs from various concerts, a small charm bracelet with beads representing their adventures, and even a crumpled flyer for a local music festival. Each item held a memory, a piece of Kikuri's journey.
“This is amazing,” Bocchi said, her voice filled with wonder. “It’s like a treasure chest of your history.”
Kikuri nodded enthusiastically, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “It’s the remains of all the things I've done... Now it's time to leave some more behind,” she said, moving toward the pile of cash. She readied the now-empty backpack to store it all. “You’ll... help me leave behind some reasons to be missed.”
Bocchi felt a surge of emotion at Kikuri's words, understanding the bittersweet reality behind them. The weight of their shared history hung in the air as Kikuri fell into a moment of self-meditation. Taking a deep breath, Bocchi decided to leave the guitar she had used during their impromptu practice back in the wall, a melancholic look on her face as they both silently bid farewell to this place that had held so many memories.
Kikuri observed her, a playful smirk breaking the somber moment. Standing up with the backpack securely on her back, she said, “Just take one!” Her soft smile was encouraging as she reached for one of the basses hanging on the wall.
Bocchi looked back at her, doubt flickering in her eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah!” Kikuri replied cheerfully, her laughter filling the room. “Now that the charm is broken, Shima is probably going to raid this place sooner than later, so we better grab what we can while we can!”
Bocchi's gaze drifted to the guitars, each one a piece of art in its own right. There was a classic Fender Stratocaster in a striking Sunburst finish gleaming under the dim light, along with a Gibson Les Paul in a rich Cherry Red that seemed to call out to her.
Kikuri grabbed a Frost Green Pearl StingRay S5 HH, its sleek body shimmering with a unique hue. “This baby is my first love…” she said, admiring the bass with a playful glint in her eyes. “Never dared bringing it to a gig, but now? It's going down with me!” She giggled mischievously, envisioning Shima's reaction. “She’s going to lose her mind when she sees it missing!”
Bocchi felt her pulse quicken as she scanned the remaining options, each guitar whispering stories of their past. Finally, her gaze landed on a Yamaha Revstar RS502 in a deep Black Cherry. The combination of style and substance resonated with her, and she reached out to touch it, feeling a connection. “This one feels right,” she said, a smile creeping onto her face.
Kikuri looked at Bocchi for a moment, her expression contemplative. “I mean, it does suit you nicely…”
“But…?” Bocchi asked, sensing Kikuri's playful hesitation.
“It just doesn’t scream ‘runaway rockstar’ loud enough...... Wait!" Kikuri said, her eyes suddenly lighting up as a thought struck her. She scrambled toward the storage area of the small practice room, dusty cardboard boxes and old carpets flying out as she rummaged through it. “Please be here, please be here, please be here!”
Bocchi slowly followed Kikuri, half-cautious, half-laughing at the sudden chaos. "It's everything alright...?"
“Yes!” Kikuri shouted, her voice triumphant followed by an almost evil laugh. She emerged from the doorway, her head peeking through with a huge grin plastered across her face. “I might have just another option for you to choose from!”
She approached Bocchi with a dusty case, placing it in front of her. With a conspiratorial glint in her eye, Kikuri undid the locks, slowly opening the case to reveal a stunning Black Ice Burst Ibanez AZ41 Premium. The guitar shimmered under the light, its deep, rich colors swirling like a storm.
“Whoa…” Bocchi breathed, captivated. The Ibanez looked incredibly sleek, with a comfortable body shape and a set of high-quality pickups that promised versatility and power.
Kikuri beamed, clearly proud of her find. “This beauty was Shizuka's studio axe. In all honesty, all our studio instruments really made an impression." She added with a giggle, "It’s got the tone to match your spirit! You should definitely try it out.”
Bocchi reached for the Ibanez, her fingers gliding over the smooth finish as she lifted it. The weight felt just right, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as she imagined herself playing it. “I love it...” she exclaimed, her heart racing at the thought of finding a guitar that felt so perfectly suited to her.
“See? Now we’re ready to rock!” Kikuri cheered, her enthusiasm infectious as she watched Bocchi cradle the Ibanez with a mixture of awe and excitement.
They quickly finished gathering the things they would need: cables, picks, and a few essential items for their adventure. Kikuri even grabbed the bashi from the now-destroyed shamisen, holding it like a trophy. “This could come in handy!” she joked, twirling it playfully.
With their instruments securely packed in their cases and a backpack full of cash slung over Kikuri's shoulder, they stood at the entrance of the practice room. The atmosphere was thick with nostalgia, and they both took a moment to gaze around, absorbing the memories that lingered in the air.
Bocchi’s gaze drifted back to the items they had uncovered earlier—the notebook, the old photo, the plushie. She felt a twinge of regret. “You’re not bringing any of these things?” she asked, her voice tinged with sadness as she thought of the memories each item held.
Kikuri’s expression softened for a moment, understanding the weight of Bocchi’s words. “I… I think it’s time to leave them behind,” she said gently. “They’re part of my past, and I need to make space for what’s ahead. It’s a fresh start, right?”
Bocchi approached the plushie, picking it up gently. “It reminds me of Suzuna...” she said, her voice melancholic as memories of her beloved pet fox who had sadly passed away due to illness washed over her. The plushie, with its mischievous grin and vibrant fur, felt like a fragment of joy from a time that had been tinged with sorrow.
Kikuri noticed the change in Bocchi’s demeanor and stepped closer, her expression softening. “I remember her... that little white fluff ball you rescued," she said quietly, a hint of empathy in her voice. “She meant a lot to you, didn't she?”
Bocchi nodded, cradling the plushie in her arms. "It's... really hard not to start loving something when you nurse it so throughoutly..." The weight of her loss felt heavy, but holding the plushie brought a flicker of warmth to her heart. “She... really helped me keep myself together when things got tough..."
Bocchi cradled the plushie tightly, feeling the familiar warmth return to her heart. “When Suzuna died, everything went south for me… I broke up with Kita, almost got the band disbanded…” Her voice trailed off, memories flooding back of the upheaval that followed her loss.
Kikuri stepped closer, trying to lighten the mood. “I remember that conundrum,” she chuckled, a playful smirk on her face. “You tried to leave the band, you deleted your Ohtube channel…”
Bocchi felt her cheeks flush, embarrassment creeping in. “I-I didn’t mean to— I mean! T-The comments got so heartbreaking that I—”
“And you all started infighting! You even tried to outdrink me! Me! Of all people!” Kikuri laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Bocchi’s heart raced, her stuttering growing more pronounced. “I—I wasn’t trying to—! I mean, I-I thought it would help! B-but then I just… I—”
Kikuri grinned, clearly enjoying the moment. “And you slept with a fan as well, right? Oh! And all the fights you got involved in! When you drink, you become flirty, then if you keep drinking, you start seeking for blood, huh?”
Bocchi’s face was now bright red, her embarrassment reaching a peak. “N-no! I mean, Yes! B-but... I d-didn’t mean to! It was just a mistake! I’m s-sorry! I—”
“You ran away from home…” Kikuri continued, her laughter echoing in the room.
Bocchi felt like she was melting into the floor, her rambling turning into a jumble of words. “I’m s-sorry! I-I was in a bad place! I just wanted to feel something! I thought it would jUsT HelpMeCoPeWITHeVeRYThInG B-buTIUnDERsTAnDifyoUcAntfoRGiveME—”
“Hey...” Kikuri interrupted, her tone shifting to one of warmth. “It was a rough patch, but look at you now!”
Bocchi took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure, but the embarrassment lingered, making her stutter as she attempted to respond. “I—I know! B-but I just… I’m still s-sorry…”
“Don’t be! That’s what being a rockstar is all about!” Kikuri exclaimed, her laughter ringing with encouragement.
Bocchi managed a small smile, sighing between her words. “You make it sound so nonchalant…”
Kikuri's expression softened as she looked at Bocchi. “And about the plushie, keep it if you want.” She added with a playful grin.
Bocchi felt a rush of surprise, searching for Kikuri's gaze. “A-are you sure…?” she asked, doubt creeping into her voice. “Doesn’t it mean a lot to you?”
“It means a lot to me because it represents the fun times I had,” Kikuri replied, her tone brightening. “We don’t have to leave all of our past behind; some things are just too embedded into our souls to be forgotten..." Kikuri said, her smile warm and encouraging, "I know Suzuna was precious to you, just the same way you’re precious to me… Things that precious are worth bringing along.”
Bocchi felt her heart swell at Kikuri’s words.
“Plus, it could bring us good luck!” Kikuri said, her eyes sparkling with hope for their adventure.
Bocchi cradled the plushie tighter, a warmth spreading through her as she nodded. “Okay, I’ll keep her... Thank you.”
Kikuri’s gifted the pinkhead a wide grin “Now that we’ve got our lucky charms, let’s get out of here and summon some chaos!”
Bocchi felt a surge of excitement at Kikuri’s words, her earlier embarrassment fading into determination. Whatever adventure awaited them, was now definitely calling for the pinkhead.
“Y-yeah!"