The social phobia substitute will not dream of the band girl

Ahhh, this is over. I was going to ask for his name, but if I ask now, I'll definitely get scolded!? I've been chatting for so long and I don't even know his name. He already knows my name!?

"Ah, you mean sunglasses and a baseball cap... After all, I used to be a socially anxious person too, and now I sometimes feel like I can't handle crowds." Seeing Goto Ichiri wavering, Heishin quickly reassured him, "It's okay, it's okay. I'm sure I'll be fine in my own school, right? Besides... you definitely need them more than I do right now, right?"

"..."

Despite being comforted many times, Goto Ichiri was still in a state of self-loathing and couldn't extricate himself. Hirayuko wanted to comfort him but was hesitant between patting his shoulders, caressing his back, or rubbing his head. After all, this child was too fragile... no, perhaps it should be said that he was too "strong" in some aspects. Even if he wanted to comfort him, it would be difficult -

In the end, he chose to touch her head, hoping that these ripples of power that could suppress negative emotions could help her...

......

...

..

The sun is so glaring... The crowd is so lively but also so scary... Even though I'm wearing a long tracksuit, I still feel so cold... It's not even autumn yet, and the atmosphere here is so lively, so why do I feel "cold"?... Ahhh——

I really want to go back.

Anyway, people like me will never be a popular person or a so-called winner in life even if I go to Shengxiang High School. Ahhh... I want to go back now.

My ears, which could normally "understand" any performance no matter how intense it was, now seemed to be deaf and could not feel anything except "noise". My clear eyes under my long bangs could not see anything except the road under my feet. Is such a life... such a me really worth continuing?

Looking back, I was a different child from the beginning. When other children played together, I was always alone or with the teacher. When I was in elementary school, everyone would make plans to go out and play together after school every day, but I liked to stay alone in a dark corner.

I'd find them under cabinets, tables, and beds, even inside concrete pipes and trash cans on construction sites. I couldn't study and didn't have the energy for exercise. Even though I started playing guitar to be popular, I had no experience playing guitar in front of anyone, let alone in a band.

My father, a retired guitarist, lent me a guitar and constantly encouraged me to practice, and my mom and sister, Erli, also quietly supported me. But in the end... besides playing guitar by myself and posting random things online from time to time, what else did I do?

In the final analysis, I don’t even know how many of those 3 fans are robots that automatically add me, but I feel happy every day because the number increases. How stupid...

Ahhh, looking back now, what a failed life I had...

But this thought was changed by one sentence, it was really changed -

"Believe me, you will look great when you smile, and as long as you smile (start taking action), everything will be fine... If there is still no improvement, come to me, I will definitely help you, as a friend."

I don't know how it happened, but the noises that had been mixed together into an incomprehensible mess returned to normal. Whether it was the words of the people around me, the vendors on the roadside, the birds in the trees, or the conversation between my parents and sister behind me, I could hear them all clearly...

Huh...when did I raise my head?

This place... is this what it looks like?

Along the street, stalls organized by Shengxiang students stood in all directions. Their signs and clothing looked respectable, and student union members, wearing armbands, were everywhere maintaining order. Visitors walked around the campus in an orderly manner, chatting and laughing with one another, just like "they" were doing now. No, no, no, it's still different, right? After all, who would be willing to walk with an "ugly girl" like me if it weren't out of kindness...

The aroma of takoyaki, grilled hot dogs, grilled corn, chocolate-covered bananas, crepes, and other foods I couldn't name filled the air, making my mouth water. Speaking of which, I was so worried about going out that I didn't eat much this morning, and just now in the student council room...

"...Want to eat?"

"Eh!? But..."

It's been so long since I've had a direct conversation with anyone, so when someone calls me, I always jump with fear, not knowing where to look or what to say. But today is different, completely different, it's like... it's like a fairy has cast a spell on me, and the name of that spell is [Courage]!

"Well... since I don't know what flavor you like, I didn't add any spicy condiments like hot sauce and mustard. Is a hot dog with only ketchup okay?" While she was stunned, Ping Xin had already bought it.

But even if one miraculously found the courage, change wasn't something that could be accomplished in an instant. Otherwise, it wouldn't be called change, but rather a technique called "hypnosis." He didn't dare meet her eyes, but he didn't refuse either. He simply nodded, took the freshly baked hot dog, and ate it in small bites.

Ah, such rude behavior must be disliked, right? I obviously don't want to be disliked... But compared to meeting his eyes and letting him see my face clearly, I'd rather be disliked. Even if it's just because I'm silent, it's still better than saying something rude before...

Mmmm, delicious, and... a little sweet.

But before Goto Ichiri could muster up the courage to ask his name, someone else spoke first—

"Speaking of which, Ichiri, you know what? Some of the equipment here was used during the summer music festival and summer festival. What a shame... If we had met again then, I could have given you a ticket. Maybe you'd have found inspiration and courage from it."

"Ah... yes." Calling someone by their first name? But if it was a senior, calling a junior/subordinate by their first name seemed quite common. Goto Ichiri, not so socially adept, decided to skip this question for the time being. However, when she put aside the title and thought about the words themselves, she was immediately shocked again.

"No, no, no, no! ...Ah, I'm not saying you can't do it, Senior. It's just——" As expected, he still didn't dare to look at her. After all, he couldn't say such words when he didn't even know her name...

"That's true. It's still a bit too difficult for you right now."

Goto Ichiri breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this, but the next second, Ping Xin's action made her stiffen and unable to move, because he leaned close to her ear and whispered:

"Actually, my name is Asuka Maheishin... I'm sorry, I didn't tell you just now because I thought it was funny."

“Eh!? But…”

But, it was obviously me...

I see... Really, he's a mean-spirited senior—

Chapter 55: C&C's First Performance

"Mom and Dad, my sister looks so strange." Turning back with Erli's hand, the Goto couple saw the back of their eldest daughter. She was already strange enough at ordinary times, so what was so special about being a little strange now?

"Ah...Mother, could this be—"

"Yes, my father, I think so too—"

The Goto couple were very surprised at this moment, not only because their daughter was actually walking with her head held high, but more importantly, she was actually peeking at the boy standing next to her!

Unlike her clumsy daughter, the boy had obviously discovered that she was peeking at him. Okay, so what would he do next? What would he do?!

He, he, he...actually pretended not to see it and even cooperated with her peeking?

At this moment, the two of them were pulling each other as if they were playing some weird game where "if you look at each other, you lose", and he was still pulling, and still pulling his teeth!

"By the way, today's special performance is about to start. If we hurry now, we can still grab a seat in the front row while no one is around. Let's go—"

As if she suddenly remembered something important, Hirashin hurriedly pulled Goto Ichiri's hand and walked towards the outdoor stage. She hadn't been touched by a man for a long time, so her brain went blank and she was dragged out.

......

...

..

"How strange! Ping Xin's secret helper hasn't arrived yet..."

"Asuina, it won't be long before we go on stage. Hasn't the backup guitarist arrived yet?"

"I don't know. I just sent a message to Ping Xin and he didn't reply."

what?

Ping Xin didn't reply immediately after receiving the message!? This is no longer an ordinary incident, it must be dealt with severely!!!

"Asuna and Karin, don't worry... Wait, Miss, who are you?... That maid outfit, are you the guitarist who came to save the day?"

"..."

The newcomer nodded without saying anything. While this was their first collaboration, since Hira Nobu introduced him, his skills should be no problem. And if anyone was to blame, it was Asuna, surprisingly a single-player character. If she were to play both vocals and lead guitar, she'd always be caught between the two.

The four of them, along with their mysterious supporter, finally took to the stage, and the performance... was about to begin—

......

...

..

"Hey, Ichiri, hasn't Ping Xinjun come back from the bathroom yet?"

"Could it be that there's a problem there... If that's the case, I really need to think it over carefully."

Goto Ichiri:?

What are you talking about? Why don’t I understand anything?

Although she didn't know what her parents were talking about, she still had some idea of ​​Ping Xin's whereabouts.

"Hira Nobu...Senior said he had something important to do, so he left suddenly." While speaking, Goto Ichiri couldn't help but press down the brim of her hat. The smell remaining on it could give her a little sense of security, but the number of people...are they a little too many?

As the number of people increased little by little, it soon became a dilemma. Now there was no chance even if they wanted to escape.

Ping Xin, is this also part of your plan?!

But for some reason, Goto Ichiri was in such good spirits today that she didn't even get sick even when surrounded by people. Maybe it was because something was protecting her... Soon, the band that Hirayuko had mentioned as "worth seeing" took the stage, but this...

"...Maid outfit?"

Could this be some kind of maid café event or promotion? Uninformed viewers wondered. Putting aside the exceptionally well-made maid outfits, the five uniquely beautiful girls alone were a feast for the eyes.

With their full hearts, slender thighs, and lovely and beautiful faces, you can tell at a glance that they are the best among JKs. And each of them has unique characteristics and personalities, which are definitely able to bring endless surprises to the audience.

As each of them found their seats and picked up their instruments, the music started playing at the right time.

......

センセーのこと好きですか?

Do you like your teacher?

(ハーイハイハイハーイハイ)

(I like it—I like it—I like it—)

The person on the hand

No one raised their hand

I can't live without you

Please stay after school.

.....

Hmm... the voice is cute and the performance is pretty good, but isn't there something wrong with this song?! You know, even in the East, teacher-student relationships are severely punished. If caught, the teacher will lose their job and the student will transfer schools. So, all that NT... ahem, but I'm getting off topic.

But who would have known that the teacher (Sensei) here does not refer to the teacher in the school but the boyfriend shared by the four of them?

Laughing to death, I never thought of it (

In short, the song ended before it caused any commotion, and the second song will begin soon. This song will be in line with the style that Asuna pursues, a cheerful and bright song!

"Asuina, CM (Cross-talk)! CM!" Hana Rin, who was standing on her right, reminded in a low voice.

"Oh, sorry, I forgot~"

Is she truly a beautiful girl? Even her apology was easier to accept. Goto Ichiri, standing below her, was deeply envious. She wished she could become this sunny and cheerful girl...

"Really... Then you should introduce us to everyone."

"Hmm!...Ciallo~(∠?ω<)⌒☆, hello everyone, we are the band C&C, our official name is Cleaning & Clearing, and we will be the maids to sweep away all of your worries~!" Asuna spun around on the stage, her black and white dress and her long hair like light blonde fluttering in the air, and she ended with a wink and a scissors hand gesture. Honestly, she is so cute that it would be a pity if she didn't become an idol.

"awsl!"

"Cute! Single push!"

"Follow C&C, thanks meow! Follow C&C, thanks meow!"

Asuna, sensing the audience's enthusiasm, smiled and waved, then quickly pulled out the paper firecrackers hidden under the maid's long skirt.

"Pong~!...Ahahaha—surprise!"

"Oh oh oh oh oh oh!"

If I could pull out party props from under my skirt like her, would I be popular? No, no, no, first of all, I'm not wearing a skirt, I'm wearing sportswear! ?

"The song we just played is called 'Inokori-san', and it's dedicated to our favorite person. So the next song is—"

"Wait, Asuna, the members haven't been introduced yet..." Karin reminded again.

"Ahaha... Sorry, I forgot again~ Then next is the member introduction session - bass, Kadodatsu Karin." Holding the microphone, Asuna waved her hand towards her right.

"..."

Without further explanation, Hana Rin launched into a bass solo that would have impressed even the uninitiated. Tall and curvaceous, she possessed a model-like figure, a taciturn and aloof personality, and the demeanor of a master who never uttered a word, all complemented by her distinctive brown skin and golden eyes that held a gleam of brilliance.

Although she was silent out of fear of being disliked, this unique "style" is exactly what these young people are looking for. She is completely different from two years ago and has real talent. If nothing unexpected happens, she will probably become the "onee-sama" in the mouths of future freshmen.

"Keyboard player...Murokasa Akane!"

After a burst of music reminiscent of fairies dancing joyfully in the forest, Murokasa Akane lifted the midriff of her maid's skirt and gracefully curtsied. With her intellectual appearance and gentle, elegant demeanor, she looked like a young lady educated in aristocracy. And with a playful wink, the atmosphere in the venue was even more electrifying. Who wouldn't love a beautiful girl with a dignified exterior but a playful and adorable personality?

"Drummer——cute little Nilu~"

"Hello everyone, I'm Meganelle... Also, I shouldn't use the word 'cute' to describe my seniors!"

Although the drummer's emotional solo is full of explosive rhythm and power, Nello's height of less than 150cm can only make people feel surprised and cute. Because even if her fur is standing on end, this look can only make people imagine a chubby puppy trying hard to make sounds to show that it is very powerful.