A Guy Without Confidence in an Anime World With a Help System

"I'd pick that one."

Turning to see who gave such a sudden answer, Akira froze in place.

In front of him stood a beautiful girl—with short blue hair, bright amber eyes, and a cold yet captivating aura. Her look was soft but striking, enhanced by cute hairpins and a beauty mark on her left cheek.

Bocchi stiffened immediately.

'W-wait… is she here to borrow money again!?'

Ah yes. That was definitely Ryo Yamada.

Meanwhile, Mahiru observed quietly.

'She's… really pretty. But kind of bold? I can't tell…'

As for the blue-haired girl, she simply looked at the group with a calm expression—completely unaware of the tension her sudden arrival had caused.

Nobody seemed sure how to respond.

Who just shows up out of nowhere and recommends a guitar?

Then again, when you're hanging out with Akira's group, normal is a flexible concept. Strange people attract strange people—and ignoring quirks might just be one of Akira's secret powers.

"Alright, I'll check out this guitar too," Akira said, rolling with the moment.

Just then, the blue-haired girl caught a glimpse of a pink tuft of hair peeking out behind Akira.

"Oh. Isn't that you, Bocchi-chan?"

Bocchi froze.

Someone had used her nickname… "Bocchi-chan".

Akira's eyes sparkled. 'Finally! I can use her nickname too!'

He'd always found her full name a bit too formal. This was the perfect excuse to switch to something cuter.

Mahiru, however, sensed the situation growing more… complicated.

But for now, she stayed silent, letting things unfold.

"I wasn't expecting to see you today, Bocchi," the newcomer continued.

"Especially… with friends."

The last part was said with a subtle smirk—almost expressionless, but enough to be noticed.

Seizing the chance, Akira stepped in.

"So you're a friend of Gotou-san? It's a pleasure to meet you—I'm Akira Kurosawa."

"Yes. We're bandmates. I'm Ryo Yamada," she replied plainly.

"Ah, so you're part of her band too… that explains why you helped with the guitar. Thank you, Yamada-san," Akira said genuinely.

"Do you play an instrument too?"

"Yeah. Bass."

Akira nodded with interest.

"I'd love to watch you all perform someday. Though, Gotou-san never even told me the name of your band."

The perfect opening. Maybe now he could learn more about Bocchi's life outside school.

"Seriously?" Ryo tilted her head with a sly smile.

"I'll gladly help you with that."

And just like that, a weird new friendship began forming—one that would surely stir trouble.

RIP Bocchi.

She was already regretting everything.

'Wait… weren't we here to buy a guitar!?'

Poor Bocchi. Little did she know, the day had just begun.