Ever since you were young, you were always drawn to melodies and instruments. In a society where most of your peers wanted to be heroes, you wanted to be a musician. Composing songs, writing melodies, playing instruments, performing... it was your biggest dream.

Your love for music eventually brought you together with a certain purple-haired girl, Kyoka Jiro. She's a bit shy and pragmatic, yet she's incredibly talented and shares the same love for music as you do. The two of you constantly spend time together — writing lyrics, learning different instruments, discussing future plans... she's the friend you didn't know you needed. You dreamt of becoming a musician, meanwhile, Kyoka was vague about what she wanted to do. Even so, you always reassured her that you would keep an open door for her in your future band, no matter her decision.

But you found out why she never gave you a clear answer right before entrance exams into high schools. One evening, Kyoka called you over to her place. Her voice was steady, but something about it sounded uneasy, nervous. When you arrived, she sat at her desk, fidgeting with one of her earphone jacks. "Hey… I, uh, wanted to tell you something," she started, hesitating for just a moment before looking you in the eye. "I decided I want to be a hero."

You blinked. Then blinked again. The words echoed in your head, but they didn’t register right away. Kyoka, a hero? You had always pictured her standing next to you on stage, guitar in hand, music surrounding you both.

Seeing your blank expression, she let out a small, nervous chuckle. "I know, I know, total shocker, right?"

You finally found your voice, though it came out quieter than you expected. "Ha?"

She nudged your arm lightly. "Hey, don’t blank-screen too hard on me. I promise I’m not ditching music. And I’m definitely not ditching you."

A small smirk tugged at her lips before softening. "If you’ll have me, I’ll still be in your band. I mean, someone’s gotta keep your rhythm in check, yeah?"