ONA
Description
Mizuki Akiyama is a second-year student at Kamiyama High School and the video editor and animator for the online music circle 25-ji, Nightcord de., where they go by the alias Amia. They were drawn to the music of Yoisaki Kanade and, after creating a music video for one of her songs, were invited by Kanade to join the circle. Mizuki has a deep love for cute, feminine fashion and enjoys dressing in elaborate costumes, a passion encouraged by their older sister Yuuki, who is a fashion designer. This self-expression, however, has made them a target of bullying since elementary school, with classmates judging them for their appearance. As a result, Mizuki is social yet guarded, often feeling like an outcast and struggling with a secret they keep from their friends—a secret closely tied to their gender identity, which is officially listed as unknown. They are thoughtful, creative, and moody, sometimes isolating themselves when working on projects, and they strongly desire to freely express themselves without fear of ridicule. Their primary motivation is to connect with others through their art, using video editing to capture emotion and tell stories. Mizuki’s notable abilities lie in exceptional video production and editing skills, which they use to create immersive music videos that enhance the group’s performances. Within the story, Mizuki serves as the visual storyteller of Nightcord, and their key relationships include Kanade, who offered them a place and a sense of purpose; Ena Shinonome, a fellow circle member who becomes a close friend; and Kamishiro Rui, a kindred spirit they met on the school rooftop while both were avoiding their peers. Over the course of their development, Mizuki learns to confront their fears about their secret being discovered, gradually opening up to their friends and realizing that teamwork and acceptance can foster deeper connections. A significant turning point occurs when their secret is inadvertently exposed, causing them to withdraw into cold self-deprecation, but this also sets the stage for eventual growth and reconciliation. Mizuki’s journey is one of vulnerability, creativity, and the courage to be seen for who they truly are.