BanG Dream: The Unexpected Part-Timer

Happy Lucky Smile!

I opened my eyes, still groggy from the abrupt wake-up call. Before me, a familiar group, each one greeting me in their own way.

"Hey there, Kyo-kun! Rise and shine!" A cheerful voice greeted me, accompanied by a bright smile.

"Aha! Look who's up! Our sleeping beauty is finally awake," chimed in the flamboyant one, a playful glint in their eye.

"How was your sleep? All cozy and restful?" asked the lively girl, her excitement contagious.

"Oh dear, is this all okay? Are we sure about this suddenness?" The concerned one voiced her worry, her expression filled with apprehension.

"Um, Kanon-chan, I think this is quite normal," interjected the one wearing glasses, attempting to reassure her.

Wait, why am I in a limousine?

I blinked, thoroughly confused by the situation.

**A Few Hours Ago**

I'd been occupied at CirCLE, handling various tasks such as tidying up outside and overseeing the cafeteria, when suddenly, Tsurumaki-san and the other members of Hello, Happy World showed up.

"Hey there, Kyo! Merry Christmas!" greeted the energetic one, waving enthusiastically as she approached me.

Her smile was radiant as always, and I dubbed it the "Radiant Smile Beam" because of its overwhelming brightness.

"Good afternoon, little puppy~ It seems you've been working hard in this cold weather. If you don't mind, I can warm you up," Kaoru said, attempting to pull me into a hug.

Oh great... Just great...

My immediate response was a firm "No thanks!" shutting down the idea before it even got close.

"Merry Christmas, Kyo-kun! We've got croquette discounts for Christmas!" Kitazawa announced cheerfully.

Kitazawa-san's energy was infectious, and her meat store was my go-to spot for fresh and reasonably priced groceries, especially their delicious croquettes.

"Oh really? Thanks! I'll definitely buy some," I responded with a smile.

"G-Good afternoon, Nakasone-kun... a-and Merry Christmas," Matsubara greeted me with a slight bow, her tone a touch timid.

Returning the greeting, I offered a polite bow in return.

"By the way, Nakasone-kun, was it you who led the Pastel*Palettes' last live performance?" Okusawa inquired.

"Y-Yeah, I was a part-time producer for that event, but it was just a one-time thing."

Kokoro immediately joined the conversation. "A producer? That means you make songs too?!"

"That's right."

"That's incredible, Kyo!" Kokoro exclaimed, gripping both my hands, her eyes filled with admiration.

"Haha... Thanks. More importantly, are you guys here to rehearse? I heard you're having a live performance in mid-December."

It's currently December 20, just five days away from Christmas. For those who might be a bit lost, Pastel*Palettes had their live concert on December 14.

"Yeah! We have to spread smiles, especially during Christmas!" Kokoro beamed at me with her infectious smile.

"I see. Then I'll definitely support it."

"Really!? That's great!"

"Now then, I don't want to get in your way, so how about you guys go on ahead inside."