After dropping out of school, I chose to join a girls' band.

Rui Yashio nodded slightly. It was perfectly normal for conflicts to arise within a band.

The lead singer in their band often has this problem. Last summer, she suddenly stopped coming to practice, and it took Touko and Tsukushi going to Shiro's house to find her (Note 1).

"Every band has its own problems..." Rui Yashio sighed inwardly.

She put down her coffee cup and said softly, "I understand your situation, and from my personal perspective, I really want to help you."

Upon hearing these words, Yue and Lixi felt a glimmer of hope and a smile appeared on their faces.

However, Rui Yashio then changed the subject, her tone becoming serious and formal, "However, Nagasaki Motoyo is a student of Tsukimori, and from the perspective of the Tsukimori student council president, I cannot directly reveal Motoyo's personal information to you."

"I hope you can understand that I must abide by the school's rules and regulations and protect the privacy of every student."

Yue nodded slightly, managing a weak smile. "We understand, Rui-senpai."

Li hope echoed, "Yes, we are very grateful that you took the time to see us. You have already helped us a lot."

Rui Yashio relaxed slightly and then said, "However, if you happen to visit the school around the time that Motoyo Nagasaki leaves school and go home with her, that's not something the student council can handle."

Yue and Lixi exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise and excitement flashing in their eyes.

They immediately understood Rui Yashio's implication: this was a breakthrough, an opportunity for them to make direct contact with Motoyo Nagasaki.

"But why does this move seem so familiar?"

Upon hearing Rui Yashio's words, Tsuki felt a vague sense of déjà vu amidst her excitement, as if something similar had happened to Haneoka before? (Note 2)

Rui Yashio nodded and added, "Of course, I didn't officially tell you all this; I just mentioned it casually. You'll still need to go through the proper procedures to enter the Moon Forest."

"We understand. In fact, we've wanted to visit Tsukimori for a long time. We wonder if Rui-senpai would be willing to guide us on a tour of Tsukimori Girls' Academy."

Tsuki asked Rui Yashio if her reason was acceptable.

Rui Yashio took a small sip of coffee. "Of course, on behalf of Tsukimori, I welcome Tsukimori-san to visit Tsukimori."

----------

After agreeing on the specifics of the "visit" with Rui Yashio, Tsuki and Riki breathed a sigh of relief. No matter what the situation might be, at least they now had a way to see Motoyo Nagasaki again. The weight on their hearts was finally lifted, and their expressions relaxed considerably.

The warm atmosphere inside Yuzawa Cafe made them feel more relaxed. Yue glanced at the time; it was only a little past two in the afternoon. It seemed a bit of a waste to go home now.

Yue turned to look at Lixi: "Lixi, it's still early, why don't we stroll around the shopping street?"

"Huh?" Riki was taken aback, clearly not expecting Yue to extend such an invitation. "Well... I have no problem with that..."

"Let's go then! I heard that Pastel*Palettes is planning to come to this shopping street recently, maybe we'll run into them."

"Pastel*Palettes? Ah...you mean the band that Maruyama-senpai sings for?"

"That's right, that's right. I heard they'll be filming a show here soon."

When Yue said this, she thought of Maruyama Aya's face. She had met her before when she was still an idol trainee at an event. She never expected that her partner would debut as the lead singer of a band so quickly.

The two walked side by side down the shopping street, where the shops on both sides were dazzling with all kinds of goods and food, attracting their attention.

Yue felt that the scene looked familiar. She remembered that on the second night of the semester, she had come here with Aoi and Momo to eat... What was it again? Was it animal-shaped ramen?

The two passed by the Yamabuki Bakery and happened to feel a little hungry, so they pulled Riki inside to buy some bread to eat.

"Welcome..." Inside the shop, Yamabuki Saya-senpai was tending the store. She greeted customers with a smile, but when she looked up and saw who it was, she immediately showed a surprised expression. "Xiaoyue? Lixi?"

Tsuki greeted him, "Are you helping out at the shop today, Yamabuki-senpai?"

Saya nodded, hesitated for a moment, and then asked with concern, "Yes, Mom had some things to do today, so I'm helping out at the shop. By the way, I heard from Yusaki this morning that you were going to see Rui, right? Did something happen?"

"We just met with Rui-senpai. We were passing by and felt a bit hungry, so we thought we'd come in to buy some bread. We never expected to run into Saya-senpai."

Saya nodded slightly. "That's wonderful. You've come at just the right time. The bread is still warm from the oven. Come on, take a look around and pick whatever you like."

Yue and Lixi walked to the counter, where all kinds of bread and pastries were displayed.

Shiina Tatsuki looked at the Popipa bread in front of her with a troubled expression. "Ugh... what is this?"

Yue turned her head to look at the strangely shaped bread that Lixi was staring at, and her expression was also not very pleasant, after all, she had actually tasted it.

"Haha, this is bread that we made by combining the foods that everyone in Popipa likes."

Following Riki's gaze, Saya-senpai also saw Popipa bread and explained awkwardly.

"Ding-a-ling~"

Fortunately, the sound of the door opening soon eased Saya's embarrassment. She turned around and saw that it was the five members of Pastel*Palettes, who even had a camera behind them. She then remembered that she had indeed received a notice today that Pastel*Palettes would be coming to promote the shopping street.

--------

When talking about PP (Pocket Edition), you can't avoid mentioning tile breaking (laughs).

Note 1: From Butterfly OVA

Note 2: From Bang Dream Season 3, before Chuchu went to Haneoka to grab the lock, he had to find Hina to get her permission.

7 Balls and 8 Weapons is 6 Fins (S 7) When the stage opens: Chapter 99 The Second Bang Dream?

"Welcome, everyone." In front of the camera, Saya put on her brightest smile, showing enthusiasm and professionalism in every gesture.

The members of Pastel*Palettes entered the store one by one, with professional smiles and relaxed steps. Aya Maruyama walked in front, showcasing her professional skills as an idol with a sweet smile and bright eyes.

Behind her, Chisato, Hina, Maya, and Eve also filed in one after another.

The camera scanned the entire store, capturing every corner. Yue faced the camera and waved confidently.

Maruyama Aya immediately recognized Hinasaki standing to the side, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She smiled sweetly and was about to go over and greet her.

Just then, Bai Lu Qian Sheng gently tugged at her clothes from behind and whispered, "Cai Cai, we're still recording the show. It's time to say the introduction."

Maruyama Aya instantly realized what was happening, a hint of apology and guilt appearing on her face. She nodded slightly, then quickly composed herself, turned to the camera, and flashed a professional smile.

"Hello everyone, this is Pastel*Palettes. This is Yamabuki Bakery, which is very popular among local high school students."

"Being introduced like this... makes me feel a little embarrassed..." said Yamabuki Saya after hearing Maruyama Aya's explanation.

“There are so many breads that look delicious.” Maruyama Aya looked at the breads displayed on the shelf, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

She turned to Yamabuki Saaya and asked, "Any recommendations?"

"Eh... it's still the chocolate conch bun, isn't it? Every morning, fans come to buy freshly baked chocolate conch buns. They're very popular with customers."

Saya answered with a smile, but in her mind was the image of her band's bassist.

"Then... can we buy some?" Eve Wakamiya asked as she stepped forward.

Rarely would a chance to promote on television be missed, so Yamabuki Saya certainly wouldn't let it slip by. She immediately retrieved a mountain of chocolate conch buns from the back of the oven. The chocolate conch buns emitted an enticing aroma, each one golden and crispy, the chocolate filling glistening in the sunlight.

“Of course! I can give you more!” Saya said with a smile, placing the mountain of chocolate conch buns on the counter.

The camera focused on the mountain of chocolate conch-shaped breads, half a person's height, in Saya's hand; under the flash, the breads looked even more tempting.

The members of Pastel*Palettes stared wide-eyed, clearly astonished by the sheer number.

"Ah ha ha……"

Maruyama Aya wore an awkward yet polite smile. She carefully picked up a chocolate conch shell bun, took a bite, and the soft outer layer and rich chocolate filling melted in her mouth, bringing a wonderful taste experience.

"Mmm!! Delicious!" Cai Cai praised, a satisfied expression on her face.

The other members also tasted it, and everyone had a satisfied smile on their face, saying that the bread truly lived up to its reputation.

Hina exclaimed cheerfully, "This chocolate conch bun is absolutely amazing! I definitely have to take some home with me."

Maya nodded with a smile, "Yes, this tastes amazing, no wonder it's so popular."

Wakana smiled slightly, "Saya-senpai, your shop's bread is truly unbeatable!"

Saya was a little embarrassed by their compliments, but her smile became even brighter. "Thank you for your support. I hope you will come and visit more often."

The camera recorded everything, then turned off the filming. Of course, they wouldn't let their idol group finish such a huge pile of chocolate bread snails.

Seeing that the cameraman signaled to them and that the filming was over, the people at Pastel*Palettes visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hinasaki-senpai! It's been a long time..."

Maruyama Aya finally had a chance to step forward and greet Yue with a big smile.

Yue was slightly taken aback, and replied, "It's been a long time, Cai... You don't need to call me senior anymore, it feels a bit strange." She scratched her head, looking a little embarrassed.

Although from the perspective of the entertainment industry, Yue is indeed a senior of Maruyama Aya, in terms of age, I am only a first-year high school student, while she is already a college student. I feel a little uncomfortable having her call me senior.

"But Senior Yue has more experience in the entertainment industry than I do, so it's only right that I call her senior."

Yue shook her head and quickly waved her hand, saying, "No, no, no, just call me Yue. Calling me senior feels a bit strange."

"I was hoping to perform on the same stage with my senior, but unfortunately, Tsuki-chan had already retired from the entertainment industry when Pastel*Palettes was first established. I never expected to meet Tsuki-chan by such a coincidence today."

"It's alright now. I've joined the band too. Although there's been a little bit of a problem right now, we might still be able to hold a joint performance later."

The moon spoke.

"Huh? Tsukiya joined a band? What band is it, and what's it called?" Maruyama Aya asked eagerly upon hearing that Tsukiya had joined a band, her tone full of anticipation and curiosity.

"Haha... We haven't decided on a name yet, and the band is facing some issues..." Yue laughed awkwardly, trying to steer the conversation away from the topic.

"Is Nazuki-chan going to participate in this year's BangDream competition?" Maruyama Aya continued to ask.

"Huh? There's a second one already? How come we haven't received any news?" Yamabuki Saya tilted her head in confusion after hearing Maruyama Aya's words. As a part-time worker at the Live House, she hadn't received any news about it at all.

Lixi's face was also full of doubt as she looked at Caicai, waiting for her explanation.

Maruyama Aya glanced at the photographer behind her who was reshooting footage and said in a low voice, "This is just a rumor. The second BangDream competition is still in the planning stages. Compared to the first competition, there are quite a few sponsors this time, so our agency has also received some information."

She lowered her voice and continued, "Because the last event was a great success, they want us to participate in the competition again this time and try to get a ranking. I heard that the venue for the finals this year is much bigger than the Budokan last time, and there are more bands that can enter the finals than in the first year."

Yue and Lixi exchanged a surprised look, clearly shocked by the news.

She looked up at Cai Cai and said gratefully, "Thank you for telling us this news."

At this point, the photographer signaled that the reshoot was over, and the members of Pastel*Palettes said their goodbyes.

Maruyama Ayaka looked at Tsuki and Riki again to say goodbye, "I hope everything goes well for Tsuki-chan's band. If you need any help, please feel free to contact us."

When the Stage Begins: Chapter 100 - Should We Participate?

Riki and Yue walked out of Yamabuki Bakery, carrying several bags of freshly bought bread. The aroma of the bakery still lingered in their noses, and the air was filled with the warm scent of freshly baked bread.

As Lixi walked, she looked down at the bread bag in her hand. A gentle breeze blew through her hair and lightly brushed against her face.