BanG Dream: The Unexpected Part-Timer

The Perfect Beef Jerky

A few days later, in CirCLE, I mustered up the courage to approach Marina.

"Marina-san," I called out to her, my voice surprisingly steady despite the nerves swirling within me.

"Yes, Part-timer-kun?" Marina responded, turning to face me with a curious expression.

"Would you... um... mind going on a date with me?"

Marina's eyes widened in surprise, clearly caught off guard by my unexpected request. "Wait, what?"

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "I finally received my paycheck, and I thought... maybe I could use it to take you out," I explained, feeling a blush creeping onto my cheeks as I extended my hand towards her.

"Part-timer-kun, didn't you say you were saving that money for your guitar?" Marina countered, her brow furrowing in concern.

"Oh... uh..." I faltered, realizing that I hadn't thought this through entirely. "Is that a way of saying no?"

Marina chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Haha, not exactly. It's just that I'm not free this week since my friends invited me out," she explained, her smile warm and genuine.

"I see."

"Thank you though, you really caught me off guard," Marina said, her smile widening.

"Heh, What can I say I'm good at catching people off guard," I quipped, trying to lighten the mood with a small smirk.

Marina laughed, "Right, right. Help me out here before you go." Sorry, Part-timer-kun, I wanted to go out as well but my friends want me to go with them.

Oh right, I forgot that today's shift is half-day, Maybe I'll just go out alone. Argh! No point beating around the bushes, I should just focus on my work.

And so I did focus on my work. (A/N: If you're wondering what he was doing, he is cleaning and displaying some posters outside)

An hour later, I approached Marina to inform her that I had finished my work for the day. "Marina-san, I'm done with the work," I said, trying to sound casual despite the lingering disappointment.

"Oh? Good job! You can go home now," Marina replied, her smile brightening the room.

"Oh, I'm not going home. I'll just go treat myself."

"Eh? I see... Alright then... Have fun~"

I bowed respectfully before leaving CirCLE, determined to make the most of my half-day.

Now then... What should I do...
As I pondered my options for how to spend my free time, I noticed a familiar figure walking along the same street as me. It was PAREO, seemingly engrossed in her surroundings.

"Coincidence?" I mused to myself, intrigued by her presence.

Curiosity piqued, I decided to follow her discreetly, my steps falling in sync with hers as she glanced around at the shops lining the street.

"What's she up to?"

Meanwhile on PAREO's Perspective...

"Hmm... Beef jerky is always a safe choice, but perhaps there are other flavors she'd enjoy."

PAREO's eyes lit up with excitement as she spotted the display of beef jerky. "Oh! What about this one?" she exclaimed, pointing to the teriyaki-flavored beef jerky. "CHU²-sama will definitely love this!" But then, her attention was quickly drawn to another flavor. "And look at this—pepper beef jerky! That sounds delicious too!"