BanG Dream: The Unexpected Part-Timer

Childhood Friends (Afterglow)

As the Roselia members head toward their reserved room, I take out my phone and begin searching their names online.

"Ohh, so they're that famous, huh..." I mutter to myself, finally realizing the significance of the group that has just entered CiRCLE Livehouse. "I guess I really am out of the loop." (realizing my lack of knowledge about popular bands).

A yawn escapes me as I glance up at the time. Isn't this supposed to be my lunch break? I let out a sigh, spinning the pen in my hands absentmindedly. "Marina-san... Where did you disappear to?"

My stomach growls loudly, reminding me that my hunger has taken over. I rest my face on the desk, a mixture of frustration and longing evident in my posture.

Just then, a voice, gentle and timid, interrupts my thoughts. "Hey~ Are you awake~"

I slowly raise my head to find the source of the voice – a girl with short, cropped ivory blonde hair and big, sleepy-looking blue-grey eyes.

"I'm awake... Ermm, good afternoon," I manage to reply, a bit surprised by the unexpected interaction.

I find myself caught off-guard.

My eyes widen, and I quickly straighten myself. "Ohh! Uhhmm! Good afternoon!" I stammer, trying to regain my composure.

"Are you new here?" The girl with sharp black hair and keen eyes questions.

"N-No... I mean yes!" I stutter, my cheeks turning slightly pink at my own confusion.

Embarrassment floods me as I feel like I've made a fool of myself.

She raises an eyebrow and sighs softly. "We'd like to use the studio."

"Oh, for practice... Right, hold on..." I hurriedly grab the booking book and flip through it. "Room 2."

"I see, thank you..." With that, the two of them start to make their way toward the studio. The girl with sharp eyes glances back at me before they walk away.

"My name is Mitake Ran, Afterglow's Vocalist. And you?"

"Oh, my name is Nakasone Kyo," I reply, a bit flustered by the situation.

She nods in acknowledgment. "Good to meet you, Nakasone-san."

"Likewise, Mitake-san."

With a final nod, she turns and leads her group to the studio, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Marina-san... I'm begging you to come back quickly...

The sound of the door opening catches my attention, and I look up with relief.

"I'm sorry I'm late!" Marina exclaims, her breath slightly labored as she appears sweaty.

"Marina-san! What were you doing!?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I was actually in a meeting!" She claps her hands together apologetically. "I truly am sorry!"

"W-Whatever... More importantly, can you take over the reception for now? I really need to grab something to eat."

Marina glances at the clock. "Oh, right! It's your break time."

"Y-Yeah..."

"I understand. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. You can go now."

With a sigh, I offer a quick bow and step away from the reception desk, finally allowing myself a break. Exiting the live house, I make my way to the cafeteria and place an order for Meat Sauce Pasta. I wait for a short while until it's ready.

"Thank you for your purchase!" the cafeteria staff says.

I nod appreciatively, a hint of a smile on my lips, and head to a table. Settling in, I eagerly dig into my meal.