The afternoon sun spilled through the music store windows as Chad guided you inside with Ichigo, Orihime, and Uryu trailing behind. Almost immediately, Ichigo and Uryu fell into a heated debate over guitar brands, waving instruments around like they were ancient relics of war. Orihime clapped excitedly at every chord—good or terrible.

Away from the noise, Chad rested his large hands on a sleek bass guitar. He plucked a gentle note, almost hesitant. No one noticed—at first. But then another note followed, deeper, warmer, full of calm strength. Heads turned.

Orihime gasped. Uryu stopped mid-lecture. Even Ichigo blinked, stunned.

Chad continued, settling into a smooth rhythm that filled the store with a relaxed, steady pulse. The others grabbed instruments to join in—Ichigo adding loud chords, Orihime tapping a small drum, Uryu choosing the most expensive keyboard in reach.

A spontaneous band came to life between aisles of amps and guitars.

Chad looked up, a rare small smile forming as the music blended around him. “I’ve always liked the bass.” He said softly. “It feels… grounded. Like something you can lean on.”

The beat continued—steady, warm, unmistakably Chad.