Y/N: Shit shit shit shit!! Shit!! 

You're probably thinking, how the hell did I end up in this situation or what the hell is going on? well…

Flash back to the past
Location my room

Ah yes, the weekend. Finally, a chance to rest from everything that has happened over the week. So last night after hanging out with Roselia, I had forgotten that tomorrow was a day off from school. So I decided, Why not play a couple games with the boys? Unfortunately, No one was on at the time so I decided “eh time to grind on my own I suppose”. Sooner or later minutes turned to hours and I ended up staying up till 5am in the morning. 

Time 7:57am 

**ring** **ring** 

Y/N: who the fuck is calling me at this time…?

I reached for my phone while still half asleep. 

Y/N: H-Hello? 

I answered in a really deep voice. Aw crap my morning voice is coming out. Whenever I wake up my voice gets super deep unless I drink some water. 

Marina: Hello? Is this Y/N-Kun? 

Oh shit! It's Marina! I can't let her know I just woke up. 

Y/N: You're talking to him… 

Marina: Y/N??...Why is your voice so deep? Are you sick? I didn't even recognize your voice!

Y/N: Ah no I uhh…slipped and uh…hit my throat against the sink…

Shit Y/N really? Is that really the best lie you could come up with? Out of all the lies you can tell, you tell her this? What is wrong with you? I thought to myself

Marina: Wah! Seriously?! Are you okay? 

Y/N: Yeah I'm fine, I'm not seriously hurt. 

Fuck she actually belive that. 

Marina: Oh okay in that case I just called to remind you about your shift. 

Oh fuck, oh fuck! oh fuck!! I forgot! I had work today fuck! 

Y/N: Yeah no I remember, as a matter of fact I was about to walk out the door when you called ehehe 

Marina: Great! See you in thirty minutes! 

Thirty…minutes… I looked at the time and it was already 7:59am 

Y/N: Y-yeahhhhh see you in a bit. 

I hung up the phone, without any hesitation I ran to my closet, got whatever was work appropriate, ran into the bathroom and took a quick shower while brushing my teeth. After that I got dressed and grabbed my backpack and my drumstick (just in case) and made my way to the train station. 

Back to the present

Shit shit shit 

I ran as fast as I could to the train station. I was able to make it but lo and behold I missed the train. 

Y/N: Fuck! 

I said aloud. I looked at the time and it was already 8:13am. Fuck… what am i going to do. I got on my phone to see when the next train arrives. The next train gets here in 10 minutes and it takes 15min to get to CiRCLE from this line. Fuck what am i gonna do? 

I looked around to see what I could do. An idea popped up in my head and I started to look up the walking distance from here to CiRCLE and it takes about 30 to 35 minutes to walk from the station to work. I looked up and saw an area full of smaller houses and buildings and saw that there was a straight route through that could get me there in half the time… the only thing is….

Y/N: welp…time to start free running…

I ran out the station and made my way towards the suburban area. When I reached the suburban area I hopped on onto an old newspaper box and used it as leverage to get onto the cinder block walls and eventually the roof of the first house. From there I headed straight towards CiRCLE hopping house to house. After a few feet there was a house
that was across the street. Without a second thought I took the leap. 

The house was a good distance away from where I jumped from. I missed the rooftop by a few feet but luckily the window was open and I made it through. I tucked and roled onto the floorboard, without wanting to stop I exited the room and onto the next one. Luckily the window was also open in that room and so I ran through it, and hurdled over the bed and out the window. 

I managed to grab onto the outer line of the roof and with that, I pulled myself up while using the side of the house as a foot lever and kept running, jumping from house to house, rooftop to rooftop. 

After a few minutes of running and jumping, I hit another street. Thankfully it was my time to get off the roofs and take it to the streets. 
Once again, without a second thought I jumped off the roof and onto the streets. It was a pretty high jump but nothing that
I'm not used to. As I was jumping off I noticed a familar happy go lucky band

*THUMP* 

Kanon: Fueeee! 

Misaki: What the?!

Kokoro: Waaaa! Its Y/N-Kun

I tucked and rolled right next to Hello Happy World. I didn't stop for a moment and ran passed them without saying "Hi". Some of the members were startled and surpised by the noise I made from landing. Oh well gotta keep moving.

Hello Happy POV

Misaki: D-Did he just do what I think he just did? 

Misaki was in disbelief that Y/N just jumped off the roof and still kept running after a really high fall. 

Kokoro: Hmm he didnt say Hi at all…I wonder where he's going

Hagumi: Well wherever he's going, it must be somewhere fun!

Kanon: Umm…I think he just jumped off that roof over there 

Kanon pointed to the roof behind her as everyone looked. 

Kokoro, Hagumi, kaoru: WHOOOOAH, Hakanai!

Kaoru: Ah hakanai, How our young prince has transformed into a graceful bird. Take flight young prince and be free! 

Kokoro: That looks fun! We should try it! 

Hagumi: If Y/N-kun can do it, so can we! 

Misaki: NO THAT'S A TERRIBLE IDEA! 

Kanon: I-I don't think we should…it's dangerous especially from that height. 

Back to Y/N POV

I kept running. I was running as fast as I could, I looked at my watch and saw that i was making good time. I made a turn into an alleyway. As i was running I jumped over a few piles of junk and over a dumpster and made a sharp turn right. 

As I was running I noticed another familar band straight ahead. This time I think it was Pastel Palettes, I was able to tell from bright pink and blond hair right at the front. Judging by their formation on how they are walking, they were blocking the sidewalk.

Y/N: shit! 

I'm very close to causing a head on collision with Aya. There's no time to think! 

Aya looked forward and noticed me running like a fricken bullet.

Pastel Palettes POV 
a few seconds ago

Aya: U-U-Um… 

Aya was nervous when she noticed a familiar boy running very fast. 

Chisato: what's wrong Aya? 

Aya pointed at the speeding boy coming closer and closer towards them. 

Chisato: What the? Is that Y/N!? 

Eve and Hina: Y/N-kun? 

Back to Y/N 

Y/N: Shit shit shit! 

Looking at Aya, she looked like she was too spooked to move. What made it worse was that i'm already inches from a head on collision. 

Suddenly my Danger Sense kicked in. Like with the kendo club incident, time felt like it was slowing down. I know when my danger sense is kicking when not only this happens, but I also hear a loud ringing in my ear. 

I am now face to face with a terrified Aya. Out of reflex, I did a combat slide under Aya's skirt. I don't mean to be a pervert…but in those fraction of a second, I caught a glimpse of her panties…it was pink like her hair… fuck im so sorry Aya I dont even know you well, but please forgive me. As I exited from under her skirt, I stood back up still keeping my speed and kept running. This time I was faced with Maya. 

Like Aya, my danger senses triggered again. I couldn't slide again so I decided to do a basketball style crossover. I made it look like I was going right. What shocked me was that she followed my movement. Though I guess she was already planning to dodge right, looking at how she was moving, it looks like she's about to fall down. When she did, I immediately spinned around and crossed her left side. And kept running. 

Pastel Palettes POV 

From their point of view, everything happened within seconds. 

Eve: Maya-Chan are you okay? 

Maya: Ow…I'm fine Eve-san, I'm just glad that I didn't get hit. 

Eve: What just happened…? 

Hina: I don't know, everything happened so fast. It looks like Y/N was in a hurry

Aya was shaken up and startled by the whole thing that she ended up crying. 

Chisato: Aya chan! 

Aya: *sniff* That was so scary! 

Chisato hugged aya to calm her down 

Chisato: Just be glad that you weren't hit. 

Aya just kept crying. 

Hina: He was going pretty boppin fast! 

Eve helped up maya as she patted herself. 

Maya: more importantly…did he just come up from under Ayas skirt? 

Everyone: EHHHHHHHH! 

Aya: WHA WHA WHAT! 

Aya went from crying to a straight red face in embarrassment. 

Timeskip
Y/N POV 
Location CiRCLE

I managed to make it with five minutes to spare. I walked into the live house, luckily Marina wasn't there at the front so I went to the bathroom and started freshening up. I packed an extra shirt and jacket just in case I had to run, along with some deodorant. I changed into my new set of clothes and applied my deodorant. I left the bathroom and went back to the front where I saw Marina. 

Marina: Oh Y/N-kun? How long have you been here? 

Marina was very surprised to see me.

Y/N: A while, i've just been in the bathroom. 

Marina: Seriously you gotta start announcing yourself before you come in. 

Y/N: Yeah sorry about that. I kinda had to go really bad ehehe. On the bright side, I'm here now! So what's on the menu for today?

Marina: Before we start, put this on. 

Marina handed me a black denim apron. On it it had the logo for CiRCLE along with some buttons. I took the apron and put it on myself. I took a look in the mirror to see how it looks. 

Y/N: Wow this looks great. 

Marina: Thanks! I had it made last night.

Y/N: Oh really? That's really sweet of you Marina.

I was really touched at the fact Marina made this for me in one night.

Marina: Thanks! Anyways let me show you around. 

Marina took me around the live house. The first place she took me to was the cafe. We went behind the counter and she started explaining to me what I needed to do. 

Marina: So this is the Cafe. Over here is the menu. The menu items are pretty standard for a cafe so it shouldn't be too hard to make any of these. 

Y/N: Alright.

Marina: If there's something you don't know how to make, it's all right here in this book. 

Marina opened the bottom drawer to reveal cooking instructions. Judging by how it was written, it is written so simply that there's no possibility of messing it up. 

Y/N: Seems pretty easy enough. 

Marina: Great! If you somehow manage to use up all the ingredients in the fridge just let me know. I'm more than happy to order more stuff for you. 

With that being said, we went back inside the live house where she showed me the practice rooms. 

Marina: Over here are the six different rooms for practice. I'm sure you've seen how spacious the rooms are, seeing as you came with Roselia Yesterday. 

Y/N: Yup, are all the rooms the same? 

Marina: for the most part yes, though the equipment orientation is at the bands discretion. Pretty much what you're gonna do is whenever a band makes an appointment you're pretty much incharge of setting up the sound equipment and making sure that they are working properly. 

Y/N: Seems legit.

Marina: Oh and also maintaining cleanliness before and after a band comes in, though I will say most of the bands who come are pretty good with cleaning up after themselves. 

Y/N: Yeah I kinda noticed that, I thought it was just an unwritten rule haha! 

Marina: haha yeah, but reality of it is that were supposed to be doing that

Y/N: and when you mean "we" you mean "me" right? 

Marina: Hey! Just because I'm the boss doesn't mean I have my own weight to pull! 

Y/N: I'm joking.

Marina: well anyways, onto the next room. 

I followed Marina down to the basement floor where I was presented with a really big stage with a drum kit on top of it. Across from the stage was the sound and light control station. I was in awe at the fact that something like this could be underground. 

Marina: I take it this is your first time seeing an underground stage? 

Y/N: Yeah…this is amazing! 

Marina: Why thank you! Anyways, this is pretty much where people would be whenever bands come in and perform live. This place can hold up to 1000 people give or take. 

Y/N: That's cool! I take it you want me to do maintenance on the stage equipment? 

Marina: That and initial set up for the bands. Keep in mind some bands such as Roselia are very meticulous about how they want to be seen on stage while others…well…you kinda have to figure it out for yourself.

Y/N: That sounds Easier Said than done…

Marina: Yeah it is, but over time you'll figure it out.

Y/N: I see, is there anything else you need me to do here? 

Marina: Yes! Thank you for asking!

And suddenly I find myself…regretting my choice of words… 

Marina: You'll also be incharge of stage directing as well

Y/N: Sheesh Marina, First initial setup and maintenance then stage director? You're putting a lot of faith in me aren't you? 

Marina: Well, I know its a lot of work and responsibility really but I know you can do it. And besides, i'll be here to guide you! 

Then it got me thinking…

Y/N: Marina…Have you been doing this all by yourself this entire time? 

Marina paused as she got a saddened look on her face. 

Marina: For the longest time, ever since CiRCLE first opened up…everything has all been on me. 

I was incredibly amazed when she told me this. To think that someone like her, has pulled all this weight single handedly, just to keep this place alive. Its mind-boggling.

Y/N: But why though? Youve done this all by yourself for the longest time. Why didn't you reach out to anyone for help? 

Marina: I did actually. I did all that I could to advertise for extra hands, but because this place was so brand new at the time no one really knew about this place. 

Y/N: I see, have you tried hiring the customers who came in and out? 

Marina: I have actually, but they were either uninterested or just didn't have the time due to school and other responsibilities.

Y/N: I find that shocking to be honest this place seems pretty popular, I thought kids these days would be out and about looking for jobs especially one like this. 

Marina: That's what I thought too but sadly that wasn't the case. CiRCLE only got popular because of one girl and her bandmates along with several other bands. Because of them they helped kickstart CiRCLE. But even then it wasn't enough to get people to work here. It got me more customers but that's about it.    

Y/N: Oh really? 

Marina: Yeah, and it was hard. Even though it was just me at the time I couldn't let them down. This girl had a passion to play live and it was her who led others to play along with her. I couldn't bring myself to let her down nor the other girls who played beside her. Those weeks preparing for the live show were so hard, there were so many problems that I faced but even though I was alone in all this, I persevered for their sake. After all, they deserved it for giving me the chance to host a live show here for the first time. 

Y/N: Marina…

Marina: Well enough of this, let me show you the rest of what this place has to offer. 

Marina started to show me more about what this live house has and also explained more of my duties and responsibilities. She took me backstage and showed me some of the equipment that was back there. She also took me to a storage room that was in the backroom that had spare instruments and sound equipment. After that she took me to the lounge upstairs. She told me this is where the bands could relax after a live or practice instead of just hanging out in the lobby area.

A few minutes later

We ended the tour behind the front counter. To be honest it was a lot of information to take in, but after hearing Marinas testimony it made me more motivated to be here. The feeling of taking the weight of the world on yourself is something I can relate to and it hits me hard knowing that this was happening to Marina…

Marina: So any questions? 

Y/N: Not at all Marina, i think you've covered it all in the most basic forms. 

Marina: Great! 

Marina got the sad look again as she looked down and away from me? Something tells me
tells me that Marina feels a sense of doubt putting all this responsibility on me and that she feels that this would all discourage me from working here. Welp time to put my intuitions to the test. 

Y/N: what's wrong? 

Marina: Oh it's nothing! 

And of course she hits me with a lie. 

Y/N: Let me guess, You feel like you just shot my confidence when you hammered mewith all those responsibilities? 

Marina: N-No!...Okay, I lied, yes! I do…I really hope you don't quit because of all this work… 

And I'm right on the money. 

Y/N: Huh?, what happened to that faith you had in me? Are you doubting me already? 

I said with a sense of smug in my voice.

Marina: What? NO! Of course I'm not doubting you…it's just that…I'm really hoping that I'm not asking for too much…

To be fair, she really was asking for too much, but I'm more willing to carry half her burdens. She's done this alone for so long I really do think Marina deserves a break. 

Y/N: Naw this is perfect! 

Marina: Really?! 

Y/N: Yeah! I'm not really that type of person who likes to stay in one place and do just one task. I like moving around and doing different things, besides this something different, to be honest and this could be quite fun actually.

Marina: Well that makes me really happy to hear that! 

Y/N: Great! Let's get to work I suppose.

Marina: Well here you go, if you need anything I'll be in the office. 

Marina handed me a worklist for the day. 

Marina: There's really no specific order but those things need to be done by the end of the day. 

With that being said, I went to the cafe for my first task. I went ahead and inspected the cafe to make sure it was in good condition for food service standards and checked to make sure nothing was expired. Luckily everything was still good to go so I ended up cleaning up, and organizing things to make it easier for me, seeing as I'm the only one manning up the cafe. 

After doing a quick clean and inspect of the cafe and cafe area, I went back inside to check the list of appointments. Looking at the list, it seems like we aren't booked for any rehearsals today which gives me a good opportunity to do preventive maintenance on the equipment in the rooms. I went inside each room one by one to see if the sound equipment was good by opening it up them
 and checking the internals. 

After two hours of inspecting the equipment in the rooms I found no problems and so I went downstairs into the equipment storage to do maintenance on a list of speakers and amps and speakers that Marina gave me. The first thing I checked was this old marshall series stage amp. I opened it up only to be presented with copious amounts of dust and grime. I started taking everything out piece by piece and placed them on a table that was nearby only to be left with a hollow amp shell. 

The first thing I did was wipe down the shell with a rag and some amp cleaning liquid that was in the cleaning gear locker. After that, I used a bottle of compressed air to clean out the chips and the other internal components. 

Y/N: That should do it I guess. 

I put everything back the way it was. To test it, I grabbed a nearby guitar and started playing open chords in different settings. The sounds that came out were all clear with no audible signs of problems. 

Y/N: Alright I did it.

I suddenly felt Marina's presence and turned around immediately. 

Marina: Hey Y/N-kun it looks like you've been working hard. 

Y/N: Yeah, you should've seen it before I fixed it. It was super dirty and grimy on the inside. 

I put the tools back down on the floor, got up and stood before Marina. 

Y/N: That was only the first one, I don't know if I'll be done with this by the end of the day. 

When it comes to doing maintenance like this, I'm very meticulous and tend to take a lot of time doing so. It's just how I was taught especially when you're doing it on equipment you know you'll use in the near future.

Marina: Oh that's fine, I'm not expecting it to be all done by the end of the day so take as much time with it as you need. 

Y/N: Glad to hear that actually. Anyways
Do you need something marina?

Marina: Yeah actually I do come up to the office for a sec. 

I followed Marina to the office I wonder what she wants, after all she did stop me from
My current work so it must be important.

Y/N: So what's up? 

Marina: So I just got a call from Purely Promotions and one of their bands is putting on a live show at "World Idol festival" sometime this month and they asked us for support.

Y/N: Okay, what kind of support are they looking for?

Marina: They're looking to borrow a few of our Amps and stereos. 

I honestly find it odd that a talent agency would enlist our aid for some equipment when they themselves have more than enough funding to buy their own. 

Y/N: Okay i dont mean to be rude, but i find this very fucking stupid! 

Marina: Ehh? Why? 

Y/N: They are a talent agency, Shouldn't they be able to provide their own equipment? Im mean they have the necessary fundings no? 

Marina: Well when you put it like that it does sound pretty stupid, but the request came from one of the band members of that talent agency, her name is Maya Yamato. 

…Maya Yamato… 

Y/N: Remind me which band were supporting? 

Marina: Oh it's Pastel Palettes! Have you heard of them? 

Ahhhh! She was that idol drummer I talked to during the opening live at galaxy. But it makes me wonder why she needs our equipment. 

Y/N: I've met them before. 

Marina: Oh wow! I never knew you were a fan of them. 

Y/N: Nooooooo not like that! I mean I've met them during the opening live show at Galaxy! 

Marina: Oh I've heard about that! I'm friends with the manager of that live house. She told me all about it. She even told me about a random boy who played guitar very well! 

Y/N: That's craaaaazy cuz you're talking to that same boy right now. 
 
Marina: No way! She said that you were insane! 

Y/N: Yeah I guess you can say that but back to the task at hand, why does She need our equipment specifically? 

Marina: Oh right because Maya-san is actually really well versed with our sound equipment. In fact, before you came she used to do some of the maintenance on our equipment so she's very familiar with it. That's why she requested us specifically so that the company can cut down the set up time in half while reducing the set up time cost and maintenance. 

Y/N: Oh! That's actually pretty smart! 

Marina: Right? 

Marina took out a manila folder from under the desk and handed it to me. 

Marina: This envelope contains a contract for the company along with a list of what we have in stock for them to borrow. The list is for Maya-san and the other is for the manager, if you can bring that to them that would be great! After that you're free to go to lunch. 

Y/N: Oh hell yeah! Lunch, i'm starving. 

Marina: I sent you the address to the location of the agency and I already told them that I'm sending a representative so they should be expecting you within the next 30min - to an hour. 

Y/N: Well I'll be off then. 

I exited CiRCLE and made my way towards the Agency. I looked on my phone to see where it was more in central Shinjuku

Y/N: Perfect! I should be able to make it in time.

I put on my headphones and made my way towards Takadanobaba station. 

20 minutes later

After making it to the station, I made my way towards the shinjuku subway line. However, while walking to my line, I noticed a really small girl with cat ear headphones coming out of the station. That's really something I don't see everyday but i've seen weirder I suppose. I boarded my train and stood near the exit. It was only one stop away so i didn't bother to sit down.  

3 minutes later
Location: Seibu Shinjuku station. 

I exited the train and made my way up and out the south exit of the station and made headway towards the agency. The agency was only a 5 minute walk. 

5 minutes later

I finally made it to the agency building. It looked very big and wide and it had the logo on the upper right of the building, from the outside it looked really spacious for a talent agency. I went inside and I must say, it had a very fancy interior. 

???:Hello there, how can I help you? 

The reception noticed me, I went up to the receptionist and gave her an explanation as to why I was here. 

Y/N: Hi! I'm a representative from CiRCLE live house, my name is Y/N L/N and i'm here to see the manager of Pastel Palettes. 

I said in the politest way possible. 

Receptionist: Ah yes! She was expecting your arrival. Please, follow me. 

I followed the receptionist to the elevator where she took us to the fifth floor. She led me to an office down the hall. The receptionist knocks on the door. 

???: Come in.

The receptionist opens the door and peaks her head in and lets her know that I arrived. 

Receptionist: Please enter. 

I went inside only to be met with a woman in her late 30s in a black business casual outfit. She had black short hair cut into a bob with dark brown eyes. 

Manager: Ah so you're the new hire at CiRCLE, I've been expecting your Arrival. 

Y/N: Nice to meet you, my name is Y/N L/N 

I said introducing myself.

Hinata: Nice to meet you, My name Is Hinata Fujibayashi. 

She stood up and we both exchanged bows. She then instructed me to take a seat which I did.

Hinata: I'm assuming that Tsukishima-San briefed you on the situation? 

Y/N: Yes, I'm fully aware that you guys are looking to borrow a few equipment from us which is why I brought you this. 

I took out the contract from the manila envelope and presented it to her. She takes the contract and begins to read through it. 

Hinata: Perfect! Also, did she also mention anything about a sound and light operator? 

What? She didn't mention anything of the sort, but knowing Marina she's most likely going to have me do it. 

Y/N: You're looking at him.

Hinata: Excellent, seems like everything is in order. The live show is scheduled sometime within the next 3 weeks on Friday. 

Y/N: That's fine. Though I will say I will need to spend maybe a week to get a feel of how the stage is so that way I can coordinate the lights and sounds better. 

Hinata: I like that Idea, Tsukishima-san did mention you were pretty proficient with this kind of stuff. You sound like you know what you're doing. 

Okay, Marina Is placing waaaaay too much faith in me. I am nowhere near perfect with light and sound operation. I only said this so that I could train myself on how to do the job. When I get back to CiRCLE imma give Marina an earful.

Y/N: Thank you 're too kind, also I have this list of equipment, I was instructed to give it to a person by the name of Maya Yamato. 

Hinata: Yes, Yamato-san was the person who recommended this idea. Right now she's practicing with the rest of the band members. She's downstairs, first door to the left. You can give it to her there.

Y/N: alright thank you.

I stood up and gave her one last bow before I left. 

Hinata: Oh and Y/N-Kun I look forward to working with you. 

She said before I could walk out the door. 

Y/N: Likewise.

From there I left and made my way downstairs.

A/N

Hello guys! Sorry for the delay. I had to put in alot of real-life location research which to took a bit of time. Hopefully you guys enjoy this chapter honestly i personally think this wasnt my best chapter. So this chapter mainly focuses on Marina and Y/Ns relationship as co-workers.
Another thing to note is that this is also a prologue to the next arc which focuses on pastell Palettes,  mainly Chisato so stick around!