
bocchi's thinking of ending things is a Bocchi the Rock! fanfic based on the 2020 film I'm Thinking of Ending Things. Written by hARded2000, it is available to read on Archive of Our Own
.
Nothing is as it seems when Bocchi, experiencing doubts about her bandmates, joins them on a road trip to return to Shimokitazawa in the midst of a world tour.
bocchi's thinking of ending things contains examples of:
- Adaptational Context Change: While the original film sees Jake and his girlfriend visiting the former's parents, the fic focuses on Kessoku Band returning home after a world tour.
- Additionally, a scene where Jake takes the young woman to his barn and casually explains a past event involving his family's pigs dying is recreated with Nijika tearfully explaining an incident where she failed to save a dying cat; instead of explaining on the place where it happened (at the photo spot), she explains it while the band is on a train to Shimokitazawa.
- Before stopping at Tulsey Town, Jake and his girlfriend had already started their drive - here, the band's car was a train away, so they walk before making their first detour.
- The young woman had never interacted with Jake in the original film; however, Bocchi's monologue with the janitor reveals that the band did exist, but broke up due to conflicts.
- Adaptational Timespan Change: In the original film, Jake and his girlfriend had been dating for 7 weeks. Here, the band had been together for about 128.
- Ambiguous Ending: Aside from reusing the film's original ending, Nijika's last thought as she receives a standing ovation is I've done it, Seika. I've reached mom. What did Nijika do to have reached her dead mom - killed herself to reunite with her or accepted the past to the point where she mentally feels as high as her mom's soul?
- The Cameo: The film the janitor watches is Your Name. Sure enough, "Mitsuha" calls Bocchi after the dinner, and she along with Taki (though unnamed; Bocchi does notice her iconic red ribbon) are implied to be working at Musubi Café.
- Oh, Crap!: When Bocchi realizes Nijika had taken her to her and Kita's school, this is what she thinks:Oh no.Oh God no.
- Recycled with a Gimmick: The fic is a direct retelling of i'm thinking of ending things, with a good amount of plot points and dialogue retained, with characters replaced with ones from Bocchi the Rock! and Your Name, though it comes with other changes - see Adaptational Context Change above.
- Shout-Out: The band discusses songs from bands such as Squid, Black Country, New Road, YOASOBI, and The 1975. Songs from soloists such as Conan Gray and Jeremy Zucker are also mentioned.
- During the dinner, PA-San mentions that she likes stories such as K-On!.
- Tamer and Chaster: The film's janitor strips himself naked. This fic's only manages to take off her boots, shoes, accessories, and coat. She is stopped just as she reaches for her shirt.
- Wham Line: Nijika reveals that she wasn't taking the band to her school.“It’s yours and Kita’s, Bocchi-chan.”
