Chapter 99: Emergency String Swap – The Sound Must Go On
Yukima Azuma blinked in surprise as a purple-haired woman with an unmistakable scent of alcohol waved enthusiastically at him.
"Ijichi-san... is this your friend?" he asked, turning to look at Ijichi Seika.
Seika looked mildly embarrassed and rubbed her temple before replying.
"She's a junior of mine from college. Hiroi Kikuri."
"She bumped into Bocchi-chan on the street in Shimokitazawa after school, and now she's here to cheer her on."
Azuma gave a slight nod. Of course he recognized her—Hiroi Kikuri, the alcoholic bassist known for being unable to put the bottle down. In the original story, she had been a mentor of sorts, helping guide Bocchi onto the stage for the first time.
"Hiroi-san, nice to meet you," he greeted politely.
"Hehe, just like Bocchi-chan said—you are handsome!" Kikuri laughed and staggered over, throwing an arm around his shoulder. The smell of alcohol intensified as she leaned in close.
Azuma endured it. If she was Bocchi's friend, then she was half a friend of his, too. And Azuma had a very high tolerance—for people he considered friends.
"Has Hiroi-san had a bit too much to drink?" he asked lightly.
"It's fine, it's fine! I'm super sober!" she insisted, swaying a little.