BanG Dream: The Unexpected Part-Timer

School Starts!

An alarm clock started ringing on my phone, and I reached over to turn it off.

"Haahh... School time," I muttered to myself, letting out a sleepy yawn.

I groggily got out of bed and started preparing myself for the day ahead.

The school schedule in Japan is quite different from what I'm used to. The first term runs until around July 20, when summer vacation begins. Students return to school in early September for the second term, which lasts until about December 25. The final term begins in early January and continues until late March.

As I got dressed and ready, I couldn't help but think about the Poppin'Party and the fun we had creating that summer song.

It was an unexpected turn of events, but I was glad I could help them. Now, though, it was time to focus on my own responsibilities as a student.

I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, ready to face another day of school.

As I closed the door behind me, I stepped out onto the sidewalk.

The morning air was crisp, and the streets were bustling with other students making their way to school.

Some walked alone, lost in thought, while others chatted and laughed with their friends.

It was a typical scene of youth and camaraderie.

Well, there's no need for that. I already know I'm a loner anyway.

With my school bag slung over my shoulder, I joined the flow of students walking behind them.

My school is actually an all-boys school called Seishun High School. It's just a thirty-minute walk from my home.

So that's why if I am going to the CirCLE Livehouse, I would just take a taxi after school.

Well, enough of that... I am already here in front of the gate.

I shook my head, put on my earphones, which were connected to my phone, and played the song "R" from Roselia.

I made my way back to my classroom 3-C, which stands for 3rd year - Section C. That's right, I am a 3rd year student, almost graduating from high school.

"Nakasone-kun! Hey there!"

A blonde guy called out my name with such an energetic aura and a flashy smile on his face.

"Soumei, good morning."

His name is Soumei Sora, a classmate of mine who keeps pestering me when I'm alone. Scratch what I said about being a loner.

"By the way, Nakasone-kun... Did you see the new summer song of the Poppin'Party?!"

I stayed silent and looked at him, "Nope."

I have to lie.

In truth, Soumei was a dedicated Girls Band Party fan, his passion for music exceeded even my own. While I shared his love for music, I couldn't match his level of obsession.

If Soumei discovered that I had spent time with Poppin'Party, he would hound me incessantly until I spilled every detail.

"Mind if I hear it?" I asked, keeping my poker face.

"Sure sure~"

Soumei excitedly took out his phone, plugged in his earphones, and handed one earpiece to me. He played the song, and as the music filled my ears, I couldn't help but be impressed by the skill of Poppin'Party. Soumei was completely lost in the music, swaying his head to the rhythm.

"So, what do you think?" he asked eagerly once the song finished.

I pretended to ponder for a moment, then nodded in approval. "Not bad. Catchy tune."

Soumei beamed with satisfaction. "Right?! Poppin'Party is amazing. You should come to one of their live shows with me sometime!"

I had to come up with a believable excuse. "I'd love to, but I've got some stuff going on after school, and I can't make it."

Soumei looked slightly disappointed but quickly perked up. "Well, no worries, Nakasone-kun! Let me know if you change your mind. They're performing at CirCLE Livehouse soon, you know!"

CirCLE Livehouse?

My heart skipped a beat.

That's where I was planning to go after school today.

I'm a part-timer there after all.

"I'm busy, So I won't be going there for a while."

"O-Oh, I see... Too bad I guess."

"Yeah, it's a shame," I replied, trying to sound sincere. "But hey, I'll definitely check out their new song when I have more time."

Soumei nodded enthusiastically. "That's the spirit! You won't be disappointed, Nakasone-kun."

Our conversation continued until our teacher arrived to begin the roll call.

"Alright, everyone, please be quiet," the teacher announced. "We're going to do roll call."

And so, the school day proceeded as usual.

The remainder of the day followed the typical school routine. Lectures, assignments, and the slow ticking of the clock marked the passing hours.

My thoughts were consumed by the upcoming Poppin'Party performance at CirCLE Livehouse, and I was eager to leave school behind for the day.

I couldn't wait after all.

As the final bell rang, I wasted no time packing my bag and heading to the school gate.

As I hurried toward the school gate, I couldn't help but notice a small crowd gathered around someone in the center.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I made my way toward the commotion, wondering what was happening.

As I got closer, my eyes widened in recognition of the person at the center.

"Oh? There you are," I heard her voice.

"Hikawa-san? What are you doing here?!"