BanG Dream: The Unexpected Part-Timer

Battle Between Producers

"Good!~" CHU²'s victorious grin sent a shiver down my spine. "I'm pretty sure you remember the penthouse, right? Be there at 12 PM, and don't be late."

As CHU² and PAREO exited the Livehouse, leaving us behind, I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my racing thoughts. I couldn't afford to let CHU² expose my secret. I had to accept her challenge and beat her at her own game.

CHU², you've just made a grave mistake.

"Marina-san," I called out, my voice a tad strained.

"Y-Yes? Part-timer-kun," Marina responded, her tone tinged with concern.

"Can I take a small break?" I requested, trying to mask the unease in my voice.

"Y-Yeah."

"Thank you~ I'll be back tomorrow."

"O-okay..!"

With a nod of gratitude, I turned away, heading out of the livehouse, intending to use the time to gather my thoughts and prepare myself.

I hailed a taxi, the yellow vehicle pulling up to the curb with a soft hum. Stepping inside, I settled into the backseat, the faint scent of air freshener filling my nostrils as the car began to move.

The cityscape passed by in a blur outside the window, the buildings towering overhead like silent sentinels.

Finally, I arrived at my destination, "This is it."

As I stepped through the entrance of the building, my eyes immediately fell upon PAREO, who was waiting for me with a warm smile. Her presence seemed to ease some of the tension coiling in my stomach.

"Ah, you're here," she greeted me cheerfully, her smile brightening the dimly lit foyer. "I'm glad you didn't run away. CHU² will be pleased."

I forced a small smile in response, though my nerves still fluttered anxiously beneath the surface. "Right... Lead the way, please."

"Right away!"

With a nod, PAREO turned and led the way toward the elevator.

As we approached the elevator, PAREO reached out to press the call button with practiced ease. The soft ding of the elevator's arrival echoed through the lobby, signaling that it was ready to transport us to our destination.

"After you," PAREO gestured graciously, holding the elevator door open for me with a polite smile.

"Thank you," I murmured, stepping into the elevator car beside her. The doors slid closed, enveloping us in a cocoon of silence.

As we stood in the elevator, waiting for the floors to pass by, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about CHU²-san. I should try to know what she is like... starting from PAREO.

"PAREO-san, what's CHU²-san like?" I inquired, breaking the silence.

PAREO's eyes lit up with excitement as she took my hand in hers, her enthusiasm infectious. "Oh, CHU²-sama is amazing! She's a brilliant musician and songwriter, and she's the driving force behind Raise a Suillen. Her talent and dedication inspire us all."

I smiled politely, though I couldn't shake the feeling of being overshadowed by CHU²-san's presence. "I see..."

That's too much for me...

"Let me change my question, What is RAS like?"

PAREO tapped her chin thoughtfully, her gaze drifting upwards as she pondered my question. "Well, I'm the keyboardist for Raise a Suillen, and I also handle a lot of behind-the-scenes support work. But CHU²-sama is truly the heart and soul of the band. She writes all our songs and orchestrates everything we do. She's just... incredible."