Bocchi's 30-Day Social Transformation Challenge

Bocchi

Ah, this cafe's summer special is so refreshing!

Bocchi

(Day 30 of my social training complete. Just in time to meet everyone again!)

Ikuyo

(Is that... really Bocchi? Sitting out in the open? SMILING at people?!)

Bocchi

Ikuyo! Over here! I already ordered your favorite drink!

Nijika

(That can't be Bocchi... she's actually making eye contact with the server!)

Ryo

Who are you and what have you done with Bocchi?

Bocchi

Everyone's here! Perfect timing! There's a music festival happening at the park today - we should totally check it out!

Bocchi

They're looking for bands to perform impromptu sets. Doesn't that sound fun?

Ikuyo

Is it just me or is Bocchi acting super weird? She didn't even bring her emotional support guitar case!

Bocchi

Your finger-tapping technique is really impressive! I've been trying to learn that style myself.

Nijika

Something's definitely wrong with Bocchi. She just gave someone a high-five without sanitizing her hands after!

Nijika

You don't think she's on some kind of medication, do you?

Ryo

Look over there. Bocchi is talking to the festival organizer about performance slots.

Ryo

The real Bocchi would be hiding in a trash can at the mere suggestion of an impromptu performance.

Bocchi

Why are you all looking at me like that? Is something on my face?

Ikuyo

Okay, Bocchi, what's going on? Are you on some kind of prescription? Have you been replaced by an alien? Did you get hypnotized?

Bocchi

I've been working on my social anxiety all summer with this book. See? "How to Make Friends in 30 Days: Overcoming Social Anxiety."

Bocchi

I didn't want to hold the band back anymore because of my issues.

Ikuyo

You documented everything! "Day 3: Made eye contact with convenience store clerk for five whole seconds." "Day 12: Asked for directions without fainting."

Bocchi

(Day 5: The clerk asked if I wanted a bag and I answered without running away. Small victory!)

Nijika

You worked this hard all summer just for the band? Bocchi, that's the sweetest thing ever!

Ryo

So you're actually ready to perform here? No panic attacks or hiding in instrument cases?

Bocchi

P-p-perform? Right now? In front of all these p-p-people?!

Bocchi

(The book didn't cover chapter 31: How to Not Die on Stage!)

Bocchi

(Did they just announce my name? Why is everyone LOOKING at me?!)

Ikuyo

Uh oh. I think they recognized Bocchi from that viral video last season!

Ikuyo

This might undo all her summer progress in three seconds flat...

Nijika

Don't worry, Bocchi. I can tell them you've lost your voice or—

Ryo

(Here comes the Bocchi meltdown in 3...2...1...)

Bocchi

(Page 85: "When overwhelmed, focus on your breathing. Count to five. Remember your prepared phrases.")

Bocchi

(I can do this. I practiced for this. Day 28: "Facing Unexpected Attention.")

Bocchi

H-hello everyone! Yes, I'm Hitori Gotoh from Kessoku Band. It's n-nice to meet you all!

Bocchi

We're actually planning to p-play a song today if that's okay!

Ikuyo

(Did Bocchi just VOLUNTEER us to play? Is this real life?!)

Nijika

I just looked up that book she's been reading. The last chapter is called "Taking the Initiative: Be the Person Who Suggests Activities."

Nijika

She's following it to the letter!

Ryo

Are we seriously going to perform right now? Because Bocchi is already talking to the sound engineer about our setup.

Bocchi

(I'm actually dying inside but the book says act confident until you feel it. I don't feel it. I REALLY DON'T FEEL IT!)

Bocchi

You can do this, Bocchi. For the band. For all 30 days of practice. Deep breaths.

Bocchi

We... we actually did it. I didn't faint on stage. Is this real?

Ikuyo

Bocchi! That was INCREDIBLE! You were talking to the audience between songs! You even made a JOKE! HOW?!

Bocchi

I was reciting memorized lines from Chapter 20: "Performer Banter That Sounds Natural." I practiced in front of my guitar for hours.

Bocchi

I'm still terrified inside, but the book says that's normal. It's about managing fear, not eliminating it.

Nijika

Wait, there's a whole chapter on "How to Assert Yourself Without Apologizing 50 Times"? I need to read this part...

Nijika

And another on "Setting Boundaries With Pushy Venue Managers"? Can I borrow this after you?

Ryo

Does it have anything about dealing with annoying fans? Asking for a friend.

Ryo

(I need this book more than I want to admit.)

Ikuyo

Let's celebrate Super Bocchi with ice cream! My treat for our amazing guitarist who's conquered her fears!