BanG Dream: The Unexpected Part-Timer

A Needle In a Haystack

"Hey, I'm just curious, but are you and Rokka dating?" asked Rokka's classmate with a hint of excitement in their voice.

As Rokka's classmates bombarded me with their questions, I couldn't help but feel a slight panic rising within me. "Hahaha, what a funny thing to say, juniors..." I chuckled nervously, taking a small step back.

"But seriously, senpai, are you and Rokka dating?" one of the classmates persisted, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

I scratched the back of my head, trying to find the right words to defuse the situation. "Come on, guys, let's not tease her too much," I said, attempting to change the subject.

"But it's true! You two look good together," another classmate chimed in. "And you even go as far as bringing her lunchbox!"

Before I could respond, I was cut off again. "Yeah, isn't that something a boyfriend would do for his girlfriend?" the classmates teased, nudging each other with playful grins.

I sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of their assumptions pressing down on me. How did things escalate to this point?

Flashback to four hours ago, during Rokka's visit to CirCLE:

Rokka entered the CirCLE, her expression bright with excitement as she discussed plans for a live performance with Marina and me.

"Oh? So Raise a Suilen finally decided to perform here?" Marina remarked, her eyes lighting up with interest.

"Yeah, CHU²-san thought it would be a good idea," Rokka replied with a smile, her enthusiasm infectious.

Marina nodded in agreement. "That sounds fantastic! We'd love to have you perform here."

"Yeah, it'll be great to see you on stage!" I added, feeling genuinely excited for Rokka.

"I was wondering about LiveHouse Galaxy. Don't RAS always perform there?"

"Ahaha~ Well, it was CHU²-san's decision, and I don't mind performing here."

Marina nodded in agreement, her smile warm and genuine. "That'll be great, really!"

"Yeah! I'm really excited to play!" Rokka exclaimed, her energy infectious.

Amidst their conversation, I couldn't help but interject with a note of concern. "By the way, to come here early at the livehouse, are you sure you're not going to be late?" I asked, setting the broom aside as I joined the discussion.

Rokka's expression shifted to one of realization, and she glanced at the time with a start. "Oh! You're right! I gotta go now! Thank you, Marina-san, Nakasone-san," she said hastily, bowing to both of us before rushing out of the livehouse.

Marina and I exchanged a glance.

"Asahi-san is a good girl, huh."

"Mhm~ She is," Marina agreed, nodding in affirmation as she resumed her tasks.

"Oh well, I guess it's time to clean up," I shrugged. After a few minutes, however...

As soon as the woman walked in, I was taken aback by her youthful appearance. Though she carried herself with the poise of a mature individual, there was a certain vibrancy about her that suggested a much younger age."Uhm, Is this CirCLE Livehouse?" The woman asked.

"Huh? Yes... Who might you be?"

"Uhm... I'm Asahi Rokka's sister," she explained, her voice tinged with urgency.

"Asahi-san's sister?"

"Yes, I'm here to give her this..." She held up a packed lunch, her expression fraught with concern. "Is she here?"