BanG Dream! The Lost Star! | Volume 1

"Hey!"

. . .

. . .

"Are you even listening!?"

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Stop ignoring us and open the door! You haven't come out ever since!"

. . .

. . .

The sounds of loud knocking was heard outside... resonating within a dark room, the knocks continued, and as well as the voices that begged for the door to be open...

But the person sulking inside the dark room never made a response.

. . .

. . .

I never knew I've had to come back.

Ichinose Academy. To my knowledge, it is one of the most known private school's here in Japan. Though, it's not that well-known.

One step inside the premises, and I am already greeted by the empty halls.

Not a single student in sight. It almost feels like the place was starting to turn barren.

I looked around and noticed a few people - teachers perhaps - walking around.

I straighten my posture. Taking a deep breathe. I only came here for one thing.

It's natural to be nervous, but it won't be any use if I let it get to me.

Naturally. People would definitely get anxious of the unknown.

. . .

Taking a flight of stairs. I try to recall the location of a certain room. And it didn't take me long as I managed to find it.

I stood in front of double doors. It was obvious enough that this was the room I was looking for as there was no other room with the same kind of door.

I laid my hand on the door and began to make a few gentle knocks. I repeated it again after hearing no response, and this time, I heard a voice from the other side.

"Come in."

I then gently opened the door. Quietly as I peeked my head inside. There, sitting by the desk was a dark-ish blue haired woman whom gave me a small smile upon seeing me. "G- Good Afternoon..." I spoke out softly as I entered the room.

"Good afternoon." She responded. Placing her hands on top of the desk. I then went to take a seat on the empty chair in front of her. Her gaze was still directed towards me. A glint of nostalgia hinted in her eyes. "It's been a long time since I've seen you here, Katsuhiko Natsuki. How have you been?"

"I'm doing great. I at least managed to move on from what happened... Somewhat..." I replied with a sheepish chuckle.

"Is that so?" She replied to me with a gentle smile on her face. I could only let out a nervous chuckle while rubbing the back of my head. "What can I do for you?"

I took a deep breathe once more before answering. "Well... Um... I was wondering if I am still allowed to continue my studies here..??"

She stared at me for a moment before giving me a frown. "...I'm afraid not. Unfortunately."

"W- Wait... Why? I'm not banned to come here or anything, aren't I?"

"No no. I assure you it's nothing like that." She replied.

"Then... What is it..?" At that point I was quite confused.

"Well, some things had happened here at Ichinose Academy that resulted to it's upcoming closure. It's rather complicated to explain, actually..."

..oh... I see...

All those years that I've been gone...

...

...

Well, even if I was there. I wouldn't even know what to do about it...

All I can assume is that this must be something so serious that it's really complicated even for her to explain in details.

...

I could only look down. Guilt plastered all over my face.

I kind of regret ever letting that event affect me... If I had just gotten to listen to them and accepted their help... I wouldn't be here..

"You really want to continue on with your education, Huh?" She said with a look that speaks almost remorse.

"...Well, I want to. And as well as to start all over again." I sighed. I couldn't do anything now at this point. And I wished there was...

"Well... All hope's not lost." She said. Causing me to raise my head suddenly. "If you're not up to be in a school that pays an expensive tuition. There is a school that I know that's recently started a trial program. Tuition free to anyone who volunteers."

"A school that does not require me to pay any tuition?"

"No... Well yes, actually. Only if you participate in this program." She clarified.

"Then I'll take that offer!" It's obviously an opportunity I cannot let it go to waste. I seriously don't want to depend on my sister for ever paying for me for my tuition.

"How direct. With no hesitation whatsoever." She says, simply while giggling softly in amusement. "But in all seriousness. The offer is legitimate and only last 2-3 years."

"Huh? Why is that?" I asked. Though I can give a few guesses, but I am not entirely sure.

"You see. This trial program is within Hanasakigawa Highschool. An all female school."

"HUH!?" I let out in surprise. That's definitely not one of the guesses I have in my head. "So you're recommending me to enroll in a girl school? What, is this some sort of anime plot or something?"

"Good heavens. Calm down. There's a reason why this trial program exists." She said with a exasperated sigh and a look that responds to my act of jumping to conclusions.

She then begins to explain. "You see. As this program states. They want to test and see if Hanasakigawa would be good enough to become a co-ed school. And to do that, they are looking for male students that are capable to be volunteers."

"So far, they were not sure of the students that they're going to choose. As one wrong student to be enrolled in Hanasakigawa. Will result in an obvious catastrophe. I'm sure you get the picture."

"I see..." I replied. Nodding my head in understanding.

"I suppose you would feel uncomfortable to be in a place filled with females? Cuz so far, there hadn't been a single volunteer just yet."

"Nah, I'm okay with that." I said. Causing her to lean back in utter surprise.

"Really!? Just like that!?"

"I mean, if all I needed to do is to volunteer. Then I'm all good with that."

"...Y- You're so quick to decide... Am I really talking to Katsuhiko Natsuki right now??" She says as she gave me a suspicious look. To which I only shrugged off and gave off a small laughter.

"But regardless whether or not if I am enrolled in a girl school. I would still be given free education."

"That's a mindset to be commended for." She smiled.

"Oh, um.. one question. Does this program allow me to go back as a first year??"

"Hmm..." She said, looking at the paper in her hand before looking back at me. "As long as you've reached third year. Then yes."

"Oh... Good." I sighed.

The principal looked at me with a concerned expression. "May I ask why you chose to go back? Or rather, why you want to start over?"

. . .

"...it's a bit complicated for me to explain..." I muttered a reply. My gaze downcast.

"I see." She nods in understanding. "Alright then, if that is your final decision. Then I'll go and contact the headmaster of Hanasakigawa. I'm sure she'll be happy to hear this."

"Thank you for giving me this." I bowed my head in gratitude. To which she just gently waved her hand.

"This is the least I could do as an apology for what my daughter did to you."

I feel shivers running down my spine at the mention of her daughter. Recalling that event back then was surely not pleasant...

"Thank you again. I'll be taking my leave now." I said as I got up from my seat. Surprisingly, I wasn't expecting our meeting to be this short. But at least I got what I wanted.

Or at least, I got something else instead.

Before I could take a step through the threshold. The principal called out to me. "Just to be sure... I am talking to Katsuhiko Natsuki, am I? I know this is a ridiculous question... But it's just that, you seem to have changed quite a lot. You're not that shy and timid student that everyone in Ichinose knows."

. . .

"Realizing now at the age of seventeen. I found out that people will change through certain events... You can't be the same person with the same personality forever. You are bound to have changed sooner or later."

"I mainly change... Because I'm tired of not being able to stand up for myself... And etc.."

"Okay then." She replied calmly. "I have no means to stop you. But all I can do right now is to wish you a good luck."

[ Prologue End ]

[ Up Next! ] [ Episode 1 - We Met!]

Word Count - 1,494