Backstage, in the preparation room.
Haru slowly removed Lucis's mask, still hearing the thunderous applause echoing from the hall. The audience's passion and cheers finally allowed him to breathe out in relief.
"Looks like everything went fine."
Togawa Sakiko placed her black-laced mask on the table. She smoothed the folds of her crimson dress almost without thinking, the silk wrapping gracefully around her blossoming figure.
When she had pulled off her mask on stage moments ago, even though she had prepared herself for it, she had still felt nervous. But because Haru stood opposite her, acting as her scene partner, she had been able to remain composed.
"I didn't expect the audience to be that excited. Slowly revealing our faces really does work!"
Misumi Uika stepped forward with a cup of warm honey yuzu tea. A soft, genuine smile lit her face as she pressed the cup against the back of Haru's hand, her pinky brushing lightly over the pulse at his wrist, seemingly by accident.
That subtle, gentle yet calculated touch made Sakiko glance sideways, her expression tightening.
Uika, you wretched girl!
Haru could feel Sakiko's sharp gaze drilling into his back, but he only coughed to ease the awkwardness, then smiled and accepted the cup.
"There's plenty of time before the next performance. Let's all relax a little first."
This "masquerade ball" had been designed for maximum impact, and the effect was undeniable.
Ave Mujica's very first national tour had begun with a sudden mask reveal, which caused an immediate sensation. For the second show, the scale had been even greater, with thousands of people filling the venue.
The moment Sakiko, as Oblivionis, removed her mask, both fans and media realized how the rest of the tour would unfold. Excitement spread like wildfire, and anticipation grew for the next "doll" to reveal her true face.
"Speaking of which, before the next performance begins…"
The ice beauty, silent until now, suddenly spoke. Yahata Umiri's voice was as cool as a mountain spring, cutting through the air. Narrowing her emerald-like eyes, she curved her lips in a faint, teasing smile.
"Haru, do you have any plans for Christmas?"
The words dropped like a deep-water bomb.
At once, every girl turned to look at Haru.
Uika's hands clenched the thin fabric of her dress, her knuckles turning pale. A blush spread across Sakiko's ears, her gaze flickering evasively. Even Wakaba Mutsumi glanced up from the corner.
It was obvious. They were all thinking the same thing.
After all, it was Christmas.
For couples, a sacred day of togetherness, blessings, and love. And the very next day was New Year's shrine visits, the perfect romantic date for any girl.
But the implication in Umiri's words made Sakiko's ears burn crimson. She flustered, snapping back, "Umiri, why would you suddenly bring that up now?!"
"Because he'll be swarmed by girlfriends that day, so I want to get ahead of them."
Umiri only seemed amused by everyone's reactions. The concept of embarrassment didn't exist for her. She simply voiced her intentions as if it were natural. And the truth of it left all the other girls unable to deny her point.
Had she not spoken, they might have continued scheming silently. But once someone ripped away the veil, all the words they had held back spilled freely.
"…I, I also want to be with Haru that day."
Uika fiddled nervously with the ends of her hair, but her words encouraged even the wooden-faced Taki to nod in agreement. Only Sakiko remained, torn between pride and hesitation.
Seeing her falter, Umiri pressed harder, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Sakiko, better we settle this within the band than leave him to others."
"You dare say that in front of me?!" Haru sighed, helpless before his bold girlfriend, then responded, "I'll arrange something for that day. For now, I should go greet the others."
With that, he slipped out of the preparation room as though fleeing, leaving the girls staring at one another. Only Mutsumi raised her hand like a schoolchild, murmuring something with a calm yet slightly flushed face.
A few surprised cries followed, then silence.
…
Haru, unaware of what happened after he left, changed out of his costume and stepped into the outer hall. He immediately spotted Ikuyo Kita and Chihaya Anon chatting excitedly, with other members in discussion nearby.
"Ah, Haru!"
Anon's sharp eyes caught him instantly. She lit up, darting toward him like a pink shooting star, and practically knocked him flat with her enthusiastic leap.
The blow to his chest was real and solid.
That… that was as strong as Kita's tackles!
But Anon noticed nothing, her eyes sparkling as she exclaimed, "So cool, so cool! Kita and I were freaking out down in the audience, your performance was just—"
"Don't say that here! Are you an idiot?!"
Shiina Taki strode forward and clapped her hand over Anon's mouth. Haru raised an eyebrow, fighting the urge to give her a thumbs-up.
He was Ave Mujica's Lucis now. Even in this semi-private space, one careless word could reveal everything.
"Sorry!"
Anon bowed quickly, cheeks red. Nagasaki Soyo, standing nearby, let out a long, weary sigh before turning to Nijika Ijichi with a quiet apology.
"Sorry again, Nijika-senpai, for the trouble."
"It's fine, really! You're always so serious, Soyo-chan…"
The tall, composed Soyo lowering her head apologetically before the smallest and most motherly Nijika created such a strange sight that Haru nearly laughed aloud.
Kita, ever radiant, nodded brightly. "Well, I understand how Anon feels! Haru in that outfit… it's practically cheating how good you looked."
"Too bad we couldn't take pictures, such a shame…"
Kita leaned naturally against his side, her fingers brushing the sleeve of his coat. Yamada Ryo narrowed her eyes at the movement, watching the pale hand linger.
Soyo and Ryo both seemed ready to act, but Haru was quick to intercept.
"Today's performance was a success. Let's all go celebrate at JOJO-an."
"You're the best, Haru!"
"Eh? What about Mutsumi and the others?"
"They'll need time to clean up. They'll join later, don't worry."
Kita peeked around Ryo's shoulder, then relaxed with a pat to her chest. Just as Haru was about to add something, his gaze sharpened.
"Tomori, are you feeling unwell?"
The sudden question startled her. She blinked, then waved her hands nervously.
"Huh? N-no, it's fine… I was just thinking… your performance with Sakiko, it was really amazing."
She had been absent-minded since the show. Flustered, she could only fumble out the words, her demeanor slightly off from her usual self. Haru's eyes narrowed with suspicion.
But with all the girls around, there was no chance to press further.
So he only nodded thoughtfully.
…
The next day.
Haru returned to RiNG, the LiveHouse where MyGO usually practiced. The night before, Ave Mujica's success had kept him from finding any alone time with Tomori.
Even today at school, he had kept a close eye on her, noticing her frequent distraction. It only confirmed his suspicions.
"Haru?"
The calm yet surprised voice came from behind. A black-haired beauty in a work uniform stood holding a menu, her tear mole accenting the flicker of surprise in her eyes. Her long hair slid from her shoulder like a waterfall as she stopped.
Before he could speak, Taki stepped closer, cheeks tinged red.
"What brings you to RiNG all of a sudden? I'm still on shift…"
"Nothing serious, just thought I'd check on your practice."
"Huh?"
Haru cleared his throat lightly. She blinked in confusion, suspicion flashing in her pale violet eyes. He looked around the room casually, trying to mask his purpose.
"By the way, Taki, is Tomori here yet?"
"…So you're here for Tomori?"