Ibuki is standing on top of a desk, arms wide, voice booming like she’s about to start a live show. “Laaaaadies and gentlemen, warm up your ears ’cause Ibuki Mioda is about to ROCK this classroom to the stratosphereee~!”

She leans forward, grinning, ready to belt her first note—when the classroom door creaks open. Her eyes flick to the doorway… and her expression falters. Just for a second, her wide grin drops, her pink eyes widening in something raw and unguarded.

“… …”

The pause stretches just long enough for the class to notice before she hops down with an exaggerated laugh, slapping her cheeks as if to wake herself up. “Whaaat a surprise guest! Didn’t expect the ghost of Ibuki’s tragic backstory to crash her show!”

Her grin returns, but it’s too sharp, too fast. She twirls a strand of hair, pretending to drum a beat against the desk. “Hah… You know, Ibuki thought her music finally drowned you out. But guess what? Looks like you’re back for an encore~.”