BanG Dream: The Unexpected Part-Timer

Day 1 - Christmas Trip

I stood there, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama regions. The gassho-zukuri farmhouses, steep thatched roofs pointing skyward, were like pieces of history etched against the mountains. It felt surreal, almost as if time had slowed down to a gentle crawl in this remote mountainous landscape spanning Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. UNESCO had declared this area a world heritage site, and it wasn't hard to see why.

As I gazed at the traditional farmhouses, the gassho-zukuri architectural style, with its roofs shaped like hands in prayer, stood out.

The design was a testament to generations of craftsmanship, crafted to withstand the weight of heavy snowfall during winter.

These roofs, meticulously constructed without nails, fascinated me even more, especially knowing they housed silkworm cultivation in their spacious attics.

Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go's largest village, promised an intriguing day trip from Takayama or a stopover on the way to Kanazawa.

But the true essence of this town revealed itself to those who stayed overnight at the farmhouses-turned-minshuku. That's where the soul of the place thrived.

Gokayama, on the other hand, was a hidden gem, slightly more challenging to reach. Smaller, more intimate villages like Suganuma and Ainokura offered a glimpse into a world less influenced by modernity, with a charm that captivated the heart.

"And thus... We are here... at a gassho-zukuri house," I murmured to myself, the words carrying a sense of wonder at the picturesque scene before me.

An overnight stay here didn't come cheap, ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 yen per person, but it was more than just accommodation. It included an immersive experience, from the enchanting dinner to the morning's local delicacies. However, securing reservations was a task in itself due to its surging popularity.

As I processed the agency's commitment to this adventure, a mix of awe and gratitude washed over me. It was an extravagant endeavor, a testament to the agency's dedication to providing unique experiences for us.

Still, they don't have to go that far though...

"Just how much snow do they get here?" Hina wondered aloud, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Nakasone chuckled, "The heavy snow is part of their charm, though please be careful. It adds to the unique experience."

"The roofs are designed to handle it, right?" Aya asked, showing her concern.

"That's correct," Nakasone confirmed. "The gassho-zukuri style has been perfected to withstand the weight of heavy snow, and it's an integral part of their architectural brilliance."

"Minshuku... is that like a hotel?" Eve asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Nakasone nodded, "Yes, it's a traditional Japanese inn, and we're fortunate to have the chance to stay in one of these historic farmhouses."

"BUSHIDO!" Eve exclaimed, radiating excitement.

The room filled with chatter as the members discussed their expectations for the trip. Chisato, always composed, added, "It sounds like a splendid opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture and history."

"Oh yeah, please don't forget that we are here for the song," I reminded them.

"Yeah!" They all said in unison, their excitement evident.

"But first..." Aya looked at the four, and they all nodded in agreement, "Let's play!"

"Eh? Guys?!" I chuckled, watching as they all walked out and started playing around in the snow.

The scene outside was lively and filled with laughter. Maya, Hina, and Eve engaged in a playful snowball fight, their energy was contagious. Aya and Chisato joined in, building a snowman with intricate details. The joy on their faces was undeniable, and I couldn't help but smile.

I stepped outside, feeling the crisp winter air, and approached the group. "Having fun, I see?"

"Nakasone-kun, join us!" Hina called a mischievous glint in her eyes.

I hesitated for a moment, then shrugged off my concerns. "Alright, just for a little bit."

I'm sure nothing bad would happen, right...?

Three hours later, I found myself shivering in bed, the unmistakable signs of a cold settling in.

"I didn't think Kyo caught a cold," Chisato observed, concern evident in her eyes as she grabbed the thermometer. "It's 38.2."

"Sorry... guys..." I managed to say between coughs, feeling guilty for getting sick during our trip.

"N-No worries! We can still make it through!" Maya exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, yeah! You don't need to worry about us!" Aya chimed in with a reassuring smile.

"Thou shall rest!" Eve declared dramatically, adding her unique touch to the situation.

Despite their efforts to reassure me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt for falling ill on our Christmas trip.

"Rest is what you need now, Kyo," she said firmly. "We'll take care of everything else."

I nodded weakly, conceding to their insistence. As they discussed amongst themselves arranging things, I closed my eyes, hoping that this cold would pass quickly, not wanting it to spoil our Christmas trip together.

Man... I'm an idiot.