April 10, 2021 – Saturday – 8:30 A.M.
Live House CiRCLE – Riku's Office
Riku's POV
Last night had been... something else. I got reunited with childhood friends, finally saw this so-called Girls Band Revolution everyone had been buzzing about for months, and even witnessed Roselia's performance firsthand. On top of that, I unwillingly revealed a glimpse of my own ability. Not exactly the quiet evening I had planned.
Now, morning sunlight was pouring through the blinds of my office in CiRCLE. I sat at my desk, organizing sheets of paperwork and checking schedules, making sure everything was prepared before the girls arrived. I had handed the Live House passes to the five vocalists yesterday, which meant today would be... busy.
I was just about finished when the office door clicked open. Marina stepped in, her usual gentle smile on her face.
"Riku, there's someone here who wants to see you," she said.
I looked up, surprised. "Is it Rinko and the others? They're a bit early, aren't they?"
Marina shook her head. "It's not them."
I raised a brow. "Not them? Then who?"
She stepped aside, and four figures entered the room.
The first was a petite girl with striking red eyes and short light-blue hair. A light-pink mob cap with red-and-white ribbons sat neatly atop her head. Her matching dress was decorated with ribbons, and at her chest glimmered a necklace with a Caduceus-like charm.
The second was another girl with the same crimson eyes but short blonde hair tied into a messy side ponytail. She wore a red dress with a matching vest and a simple pink shirt underneath. A small mob cap adorned with a ribbon perched on her head.
The third was a tall woman with long scarlet hair flowing beneath a green beret. Her aqua-blue eyes carried both sharpness and warmth. She wore an outfit resembling a cross between traditional Chinese clothing and a military uniform, standing straight with the air of a disciplined guard.
And the last was impossible to mistake. Her silver hair was styled into twin braids tied with green bows, a crisp white maid's headband crowning her head. She wore a dark-blue French maid outfit with pink and white accents, apron tied neatly at the waist, and a small ribbon at her chest. I noticed the faint gleam of knives strapped discreetly to her thighs. I didn't need to ask why.
The sight of them together made me lean back in my chair, lips curving slightly.
"What brings you here to Japan, Remi, Flan, Meiling-san, Sakuya-san?"
Indeed, the four before me were none other than Remilia Scarlet, heiress of the Scarlet family; her younger sister, Flandre Scarlet; their devoted gatekeeper, Hong Meiling; and the ever-efficient head maid, Izayoi Sakuya.
Remi's crimson eyes glimmered mischievously as she stepped forward. "Good to see you, Riku-boy. The reason we've come is simple... we need your help."
My brow arched. Remilia Scarlet, the prideful and imperious vampire heiress, asking me for help? This was bound to be interesting.
"And what exactly do you need my help with?" I asked evenly.
"Flan," Remi said, turning slightly. "Tell him."
Her younger sister perked up and skipped forward until she stood right before my desk. Her smile was so wide it nearly reached her ears.
"Onii-san! Teach me how to play drums!"
I blinked. "...Drums?"
"Yup!" she chirped, bouncing on her heels.
I couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Sure, I can teach you, Flan. But may I ask why?"
Before she could answer, Sakuya-san stepped in, her voice calm and precise as always. "The truth is, Imouto-sama saw your performance back in Romania. It sparked her interest in music—particularly the drums. She has been teaching herself for the past six months, but her progress has plateaued. Oujo-sama then suggested that we travel here, as you reside in Japan. Since Imouto-sama trusts you greatly, we came all the way from France to request that you instruct her."
I leaned back, exhaling through my nose. So that was it. They had crossed continents just for this. I knew Remi spoiled her younger sister endlessly, but this was on a whole different level.
"Does your father know you're here?" I asked.
Meiling-san scratched her cheek, speaking a little sheepishly. "Actually, the master himself asked us to come. He thought it would be good for both young ladies to step outside and see the world instead of staying cooped up in the mansion."
At that, both Remi and Flan glanced away, trying to hide their embarrassment. I stifled a smirk. So Meiling-san was right—these two were hopeless hikikomoris.
I checked the clock. Still some time before the bands arrived. Well, if Flan was that eager, there was no harm in starting now.
"Very well," I said at last. "Marina, is Studio 8 ready?"
She smiled knowingly. "Already finished it beforehand."
"Good. Then we'll use that. The four of you, come with me—I'll show Flan the basics. Marina, please head to the front desk. If Rinko and the others arrive, guide them to me. And take a break for yourself while you're at it."
"Thanks, Riku. I'll handle it," she replied, excusing herself with a polite bow.
I stood, straightened my jacket, and gestured toward the hallway. "All right then. Let's go."
1 Hour Later
Yukina POV
I, Minato Yukina—third-year student at Haneoka Girls' High and vocalist of Roselia—am in the middle of what I can only describe as a personal crisis.
The reason?
A large white cat is sitting right in front of me, staring at me with sharp, expectant eyes. Its snowy fur gleams in the morning sun, its fluffy tail twitching as though it were silently commanding me to acknowledge it.
I hesitated at first, but when the cat stepped closer, I extended my hand. My fingers brushed against its head. In my mind, I am on cloud nine. The cat's fur is fluffy beyond compare. All of the stress has been taken away just by touching it.
"...Nyaa~."
The purr slipped from my lips before I realized it, soft and completely out of character. I rubbed its ears, and the cat pressed against me, rumbling happily. For a moment, it was just the two of us—me, the usually composed Yukina, reduced to something ridiculous over a cat.
Then came the click of a camera.
Flash.
I blinked out of my trance and snapped my head up. Standing a few steps away were Lisa, Rinko, Sayo, and Ako—staring at me. Lisa, of course, had her phone raised with the most infuriating grin plastered across her face.
My cheeks warmed. "S-Since when... did you all get here?"
Lisa giggled, shameless. "Ever since you started petting that cat. I mean, come on, Yukina—you looked so cute just now~."
"...Shut up," I muttered, turning away, though the heat in my face betrayed me.
Before the embarrassment could overwhelm me further, Rinko tilted her head. "Eh? Fuyu?"
At her voice, the cat perked up. It padded over and, without hesitation, climbed into Rinko's arms.
Sayo raised an eyebrow. "Shirokane-san, you know this cat?"
"Yes," Rinko replied softly, stroking its fur. "This is Fuyu. She belongs to Riku."
That got everyone's attention.
"I didn't know Riku-nii had a cat!" Ako exclaimed.
"But if it's his, why is it out here alone?" Lisa asked.
"This happens often," Rinko explained. "Fuyu's been wandering around ever since we were children. She goes wherever she likes, and Riku never worries. He trusts her to come back on her own."
"That seems dangerous," I said before I could stop myself. "What if something happens?"
Rinko shook her head gently. "No need to worry. Fuyu's been trained well. She's smarter than most people think. She knows where she can and cannot go."
The cat purred loudly, rubbing against Rinko's cheek as though to prove her point.
Lisa smirked. "Well, looks like she's attached to you, Rinko. So, what do we do now?"
Rinko smiled faintly. "We'll bring her with us. I think she's looking for Riku anyway."
"~Nyaa~."
That single meow was all the confirmation they needed.
Lisa clapped her hands together. "Then it's decided! Now that we're all here, let's head to the live house. Riku's waiting for us!"
And so, with the cat tagging along, Roselia set out for Live House CiRCLE.
3rd POV
It didn't take long for Roselia to reach the entrance of CiRCLE. The moment they arrived, they were greeted with a lively scene—three bands already gathered: Afterglow, Pastel✽Palettes, and Hello, Happy World!. The air buzzed with chatter and anticipation.
As Roselia approached, they noticed something unusual. Himari, Afterglow's bassist, wore a troubled expression, fidgeting with her phone as though she were carrying the weight of the world. Concern flickered across Rinko's face, and she stepped closer, Sayo following.
"Uehara-san," Rinko asked softly, "is something wrong?"
Himari hesitated. "Well... you remember the video I uploaded last night? The one of Riku's performance?"
Both girls nodded.
"The thing is..." She bit her lip. "I think you should see this yourselves."
At her prompting, Yukina, Lisa, and Ako joined in. Himari held out her phone, and they peered at the screen together.
Lisa's eyes widened. "No way...! Five hundred thousand likes?! In just one night?!"
"It's not just the likes," Himari said, voice strained. "Look at the comments."
Lisa scrolled through them, her usual easygoing grin faltering. "W-What...? I can't even read half of this. What language is this supposed to be?"
Yukina leaned over. She quickly realized Lisa wasn't exaggerating—the comments were filled with foreign characters, ranging from English to languages she couldn't even identify.
Rinko frowned. "I... I don't understand any of this either."
Before the confusion could deepen, a new voice cut in.
"That's because it's all in foreign languages."
Everyone turned. A girl stood nearby, confidently watching them. She had long brown hair tied into pigtails with purple ribbons, and brown eyes that seemed to glint with quiet amusement. Her outfit—a checkered black-and-purple skirt, a pink shirt with purple trim, and a purple tokin perched on her head—was unusual enough. But what stood out most was the armband on her arm, boldly labeled CiRCLE.
"Um... who are you?" Tomoe asked cautiously.
The girl smiled politely. "Oh, forgive me. Where are my manners? I'm Himekaidou Hatate, staff member here at Live House CiRCLE. I also serve as the live house's... informant."
"Informant?" Chisato repeated skeptically. "Why would a live house even need one?"
The others shared her doubt. A live house with a spy? It sounded absurd—until Hatate elaborated.
"Because CiRCLE isn't just a place for live performances. It's also an information hub. If you need the latest updates on the music scene—whether local gossip or international trends—we provide it. Of course..." Her eyes gleamed. "Such services come at a price."
The implication was clear enough.
Still, the girls realized what this meant: the overwhelming flood of foreign comments on Himari's post wasn't random. It was proof Riku's performance had gone viral overseas, catching the attention of people far beyond Japan.
Before anyone could question further, Hatate tilted her head. "Anyway, are you all the bands the boss has been expecting?"
"Yup!" Kokoro chimed in enthusiastically, bouncing forward. "Onii-chan invited us! Look, he even gave us this!"
She proudly held up the pass Riku had given her the night before. The other vocalists followed suit, producing identical passes.
Hatate examined them, nodding in approval. "Yes, those are definitely the real ones. The boss designed these passes himself. He got the idea from ticketing systems in the Middle East—he thought it was more efficient than the usual process. Seems it's working well enough."
Then, with a quick glance at her watch, she sighed. "Well, I'd love to explain more, but I've got a client waiting for some information. If you're looking for your next step, find Marina. She'll handle everything from here. Later."
With that, Hatate swept past them, vanishing into the crowd as quickly as she had appeared.
The girls were left staring after her, more confused than ever.
Saaya broke the silence, folding her arms. "Well... that answers one thing, but we still don't know why the post blew up like this.
After Hatate disappeared as quickly as she had appeared, the groups were left standing in silence. The unanswered question about Himari's post still lingered, but the moment passed when Saaya spoke up.
"By the way, Rinko-senpai..." she began carefully, tilting her head toward the girl. "Why are you carrying... a cat?"
At that, all eyes fell on the snowy-white Maine Coon nestled in Rinko's arms. Before Rinko could answer, Kokoro gasped, her golden eyes sparkling with excitement.
"FUYU!!"
In a flash, Kokoro dashed over and scooped the cat out of Rinko's arms, spinning her around like a long-lost treasure.
Kanon blinked, startled. "K-Kokoro-chan? You know this cat?"
"Of course!" Kokoro declared proudly, rubbing her cheek against the fluffy feline. "This is onii-chan's cat! She must be looking for him, right Rinko?"
Rinko blinked shyly, adjusting her glasses. "T-That's... what I said earlier."
Still, the sudden enthusiasm drew everyone closer. Rimi tilted her head. "But... isn't she a little too big for a house cat?"
Kaoru, ever dramatic, stepped forward, one arm across her chest and the other raised theatrically. "That, my little kitten, is because Fuyu is a Maine Coon. Majestic, loyal, and endlessly adaptable! These noble creatures are known for their size, but even more so for their steadfast devotion to their master."
The words were delivered with Kaoru's usual flair, but no one could deny the truth in them. Fuyu meowed as if agreeing, stretching elegantly in Kokoro's arms.
Arisa sighed, folding her arms. "Enough about the cat. We should get moving. Riku-san is probably waiting for us already."
Everyone nodded. The urgency in Arisa's tone reminded them of their real purpose, and the group set off toward the live house once more.
As they drew nearer to CiRCLE, the street grew livelier. Flags hung high along the avenue, each one emblazoned with distinct logos. The fluttering banners caught Kasumi's attention immediately.
"Look at those flags!" she exclaimed, pointing upward with unrestrained excitement.
Misaki frowned beneath Michelle's headgear. "What do those logos even mean? They look... official."
Yukina's eyes narrowed slightly. There was something familiar about them. "I feel like I've seen those somewhere before..."
But before she could place them, Aya noticed something else. "Maya-chan? Are you okay?"
Everyone turned. Maya had gone rigid, her eyes locked on the banners. Her usual nervousness seemed to double, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"I-I'm okay, Aya-san," she stammered. But her tone betrayed her unease. "It's just... I know what those flags mean."
The girls exchanged curious looks.
"These aren't random," Maya explained. "They're the logos of professional bands—some of the most famous groups in the world."
The air shifted immediately. Even the more carefree girls grew serious, realizing the weight behind her words.
"Eh!? Really!?" Kasumi gasped. She pointed at a red flag with a bold white "A" and a star edged in blue and black. "Then what about that one? With the star?"
Maya followed her finger. "That... is Team Aster. They're based in China. They're ranked as the second-best band there right now."
"Second-best?" Sayo pressed, her voice calm but sharp. "Then who's considered the strongest in China?"
"That would be..." Maya pointed again, this time at another red flag. It bore two emblems: the letters LGD inside the top circle, and below it, the Eiffel Tower with Paris Saint-Germain written across.
Ran tilted her head. "And that band is?"
"PSG.LGD," Maya confirmed. "They're China's strongest. They've consistently placed top three in almost every international tournament. If I'm not mistaken, they even won Future World Fes twice—three years ago."
The revelation hit them like a tidal wave. For Roselia especially, it was a sobering reminder of how high the bar had been set. Yukina's breath caught. Bands with that level of prestige... it was exactly the world she had set her sights on.
Lisa let out a low whistle. "Wait... did you just say Future World Fes? If they've won it before, then..." Her eyes widened. "Don't tell me every logo here belongs to a band that's won it, too?"
Yukina's heart hammered in her chest at the thought. Could it be that every banner represented champions—bands who had already achieved what Roselia could only dream of?
Maya shook her head, easing the tension for a brief moment. But then she dropped another bombshell.
"Not all of them. But..." She lifted her hand, pointing toward two specific flags. "Those two definitely have."
The first was a black banner emblazoned with a ferocious bear, framed by an orange V. The second was a striking blue flag, marked with a solitary eye.
Sayo's voice was steady, but her curiosity betrayed her. "And the names of those bands are?"
"The eye," Maya said, "belongs to Team Secret. They're an independent organization—Western Europe's third-best band. They've won three Future World Fes."
"Three...?" Yukina whispered, her voice trembling.
Sayo and Rinko exchanged wide-eyed glances. Ako's jaw dropped, her mouth forming a perfect O.
Arisa, unwilling to be left behind, pressed on. "And the other one?"
"That," Maya answered solemnly, "is Virtus.pro. They're a Russian music organization—Eastern Europe's second-best band. Their track record?" She took a deep breath. "Five Future World Fes titles. One of them back-to-back, in 2018."
"F-Five!?" The collective exclamation rang out, disbelief flooding the group.
Yukina's knees nearly buckled. Her goal—to reach Future World Fes and win—suddenly felt impossibly distant. These weren't just bands. They were titans, legends carved into history.
Her vision blurred, the weight of it all pressing down until her legs gave way. But before she collapsed, Lisa caught her, holding her steady.
"Yukina!"
"I..." Yukina's voice trembled. "Is... is it really possible?"
Lisa tightened her grip, her expression unusually serious. "Don't you dare lose hope now. Not you."
Yukina blinked, her mind racing. But one question surfaced. "...Yamato-san. You said they've won multiple Future World Fes. Then why aren't they the best in their regions? Shouldn't victories like that make them untouchable?"
Maya hesitated, then gave the answer that silenced everyone.
"That's because they never won the most important tournament of all... The International."
The name alone sent ripples through the group.
"The... International?" voices echoed in unison.
Maya nodded gravely. "It's the ultimate tournament, held every August or October. Bands from around the world gather to compete for the title of the best. The prize pool always surpasses a million dollars, but the real reward is something greater. The winners' names are immortalized. Once you win The International, your band is remembered forever as the best in the world."
A hush fell over them. The weight of her words lingered, reshaping their understanding of the music scene. Future World Fes—the very goal Roselia had been striving toward—wasn't the end. There was a stage even higher, a summit reserved for the absolute greatest.
Yukina's heart clenched, but within that pressure flickered a spark. If such a summit existed, then it was where Roselia had to go.
Before anyone could respond further, Saaya pointed hurriedly at a clock near the entrance. "Um, girls? Look at the time."
The hands were ticking dangerously close to ten. They had less than a minute.
The heavy conversation was shelved immediately as urgency took over. They rushed to the front doors of CiRCLE, but when they tried to push them open, they wouldn't budge.
"Locked?" Ran muttered.
Then Yukina remembered the pass. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, pulling out her phone. She held it to the scanner by the door.
Beep.
A green light flickered, and with a soft click, the doors swung open.
Together, the bands stepped inside, anticipation thick in the air.
The heavy door to CiRCLE shut softly behind them, muffling the sounds of the city. A calm, businesslike voice immediately greeted the girls.
"Welcome to Live House CiRCLE. I'm Tsukushima Marina, manager of this live house and second-in-command." She adjusted her glasses and smiled politely. "So... which one of you girls is Rinko?"
Rinko timidly raised her hand, her fingers curling toward her chest.
"Ah, I see." Marina's expression brightened slightly. "That means you must be the bands Riku was expecting. He's still busy at the moment, but I think he should be finishing up now. You can find him in Studio 8." She gestured toward the hallway. "Just follow it down—you won't miss it. If you'll excuse me, my break is over."
Without another word, Marina returned to her duties, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she walked away.
The girls exchanged brief glances before wordlessly heading down the hallway. The space was quiet, the hum of the air conditioner faint, but what caught their eyes were the large banners hanging proudly from the ceiling. One by one, they see each banner carrying a weight of history and prestige:
Natus Vincere
(Eastern Europe)
The International 2011 Champions
Cologne, Germany
Artstyle – XBOCT – Puppey – Dendi – LighTofHeaveN
Invictus
(China)
The International 2012 Champions
Seattle, Washington, USA
Chuan – YYF – Ferrari_430 – Zhou – Faith
Alliance
(Western Europe)
The International 2013 Champions
Seattle, Washington, USA
EGM – Loda – s4 – AdmiralBulldog – Akke
Newbee
(China)
The International 2014 Champions
Seattle, Washington, USA
SanSheng – Mu – Xiao8 – Banana – Hao
Evil Geniuses
(North America)
The International 2015 Champions
Seattle, Washington, USA
Fear – ppd – SumaiL – Aui_2000 – UniVeRsE
Wings
(China)
The International 2016 Champions
Seattle, Washington, USA
iceice – Shadow – Faith_Bian – y' – bLink
Team Liquid
(Western Europe)
The International 2017 Champions
Seattle, Washington, USA
MATUMBAMAN – gh – Kuroky – Miracle- – MinD_ContRoL
OG
(Western Europe)
The International 2018 Champions
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
JerAx – Iku – BigDaddyN0tail – Ceb – Topson
OG
(Western Europe)
The International 2019 Champions
Shanghai, China
JerAx – Iku – N0tail – Ceb – Topson
OG
(Western Europe)
The International 2020 Champions
Bucharest, Romania
SumaiL – Iku – N0tail – Ceb – Topson
The long hallway seemed to stretch endlessly, every banner another monument to greatness.
Chisato's voice broke the reverent silence. "Maya-chan... are these the bands that won the tournament you spoke of earlier?"
Maya nodded firmly, her eyes reflecting both respect and a touch of nervous admiration. "Yes. These bands are the very definition of the best of the best. I actually watched one of their performances live and..." Her words trailed off as she hesitated.
Aya tilted her head curiously. "And?"
Instead of answering immediately, Maya pulled out her phone and scrolled quickly. "It's better if I show you."
She tapped the screen, and a video began to play.
Yukina narrowed her eyes, her voice steady. "What are we looking at, Yamato-san?"
"This," Maya explained quietly, "was released six years ago. To this day, it's remembered as one of the most legendary moments in TI history. They call it... the six-million-dollar drum solo."
Arisa blinked. "Wait, what? Six million dollars—for a drum solo? What does that even mean?"
Maya didn't respond. She simply turned the phone toward them and pressed play.
On screen, the TI5 Grand Finals roared to life. The stadium was thunderous, the crowd deafening, but all of that paled once the drummer—UNiVeRsE—took the spotlight. His sticks blurred against the drums, striking with machine-like precision. His pace was unreal, each beat flawlessly measured, his body leaning into the rhythm as if possessed by something greater than human limits.
The girls could only stare. The camera zoomed in: his jaw clenched, sweat pouring, and yet he never faltered—not a single missed beat, not even a stumble. The crowd erupted louder and louder until the commentator's shout pierced above it all: "And from UNiVeRsE! IT'S A DISASTAH!!!"
And when the solo ended, the stadium seemed to shake from the eruption of applause.
The silence in the hallway afterward was crushing.
Tomoe's lips trembled. "...What in the world... that speed... it's inhuman."
Kanon clutched her cheeks, overwhelmed. "Fueeeeeee...! How is that even possible?!"
Ako's eyes sparkled with admiration. "So cool! So insanely cool!"
Saaya, usually steady, whispered in disbelief. "Is that... something a human can really do?"
The drummers of each band were left shaken, their self-confidence rattled to the core. Compared to what they had just seen, their daily practice felt insignificant.
Maya locked her phone and slid it back into her pocket, her tone calm yet edged with reverence. "That... is the standard of The International. Against performances like that, what we're doing every day is nothing but child's play in comparison."
Aya bit her lip, hesitant but curious. "Maya-chan... have you ever tried to play like that?"
Maya sighed softly. "I tried once. At the beginning, I thought I was keeping up, but halfway through, the pace doubled. My arms couldn't keep the rhythm. It was... impossible."
Her honesty weighed on the group. For Maya—one of the most technically skilled drummers among them—to admit failure so plainly made the gap feel even wider.
The girls' steps slowed as the reality of it all settled over them. These banners, these names, these performances—they weren't just history. They were a towering wall between dreamers and legends.
But before their thoughts could sink too deep, Chisato, walking ahead, suddenly stopped. She glanced back, her hand pointing toward a door with a small plaque.
"Girls... I found it. Studio 8."
Everyone looked up at once. Beyond this door was Riku—the person they had come all this way to meet. But muffled voices leaked through the wood, low and deliberate. Someone was already speaking inside.
The girls exchanged quiet, nervous glances. None of them knew what kind of conversation they were about to walk into, but they could feel it: this was the threshold of something significant.
With silent agreement, they stepped closer to the door, their anticipation mounting.
The girls followed closely behind Chisato, their footsteps soft against the polished floor. As they reached the door marked Studio 8, faint voices drifted out from the other side. At first, they thought it was just another band practicing—but then the words became clear.
"Onii-san! One more time!"
The voice was high-pitched, energetic, and unmistakably youthful.
Riku's calm reply followed. "Up for another round? You don't get tired, do you?"
"I'm still good to go!" the girl insisted, brimming with determination. "I can go for another round, and you can go harder on me, onii-san!"
The hallway froze. Heat rushed to the girls' faces all at once. Every head turned, wide-eyed, while Kasumi, Tae, Hagumi, and Kokoro simply tilted their heads in confusion, not catching the nuance that had silenced everyone else.
Inside, Riku chuckled. "We've done this ten times already and you want harder, Flan? Alright then. Don't expect me to hold back. I'll make sure you won't be able to use your hands for a few days."
"I can still handle it, onii-san!" the voice shouted back defiantly. "I can go for five more rounds!"
"Very well," Riku said, the smile clear in his tone. "You asked for it. Follow my lead."
THUD!
The sound reverberated through the door, and that was enough. Most of the girls turned crimson, their imaginations spiraling, while Rinko, Rimi, and Kanon fainted outright, collapsing in a heap. The others barely held themselves together. Arisa and Sayo, however, twitched with irritation, their foreheads marked with throbbing veins.
That was the last straw.
They slammed the door open.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" they shouted in unison.
The scene inside, however, was not at all what they had braced for.
Riku stood with a guitar strapped across his shoulder, calmly strumming. Facing him was a petite blonde girl with bright crimson eyes, drumsticks clutched in her hands. Around them stood three others: a composed silver-haired maid, a tall martial artist in a green uniform, and a regal girl whose aura of authority was unmistakable.
The blonde—Flandre—beamed up at Riku, sweat still glistening from her furious drumming.
Riku's POV
I had to hand it to her—Flan really did have a gift for rhythm. Despite her lack of formal training, she kept up with me even as I raised the difficulty, her energy boundless, her joy infectious. When she begged for more, I couldn't help but indulge her.
But just as we were about to launch into another round, the door burst open.
There stood Arisa-san and Sayo-san, red-faced and furious, while behind them half the bands peeked in, blushing furiously.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" they barked again.
I blinked at them, genuinely puzzled. "...What the hell am I doing? I'm teaching Flan here how to play the drums."
Silence. Absolute silence.
And then—laughter. Loud, uncontrollable laughter that rolled across the studio floor.
Remi—Flan's older sister—was doubled over, clutching her stomach. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! WHAT DID YOU GIRLS THINK RIKU-BOY AND FLANDRE WERE DOING?! HAHAHAHA! SOMETHING ELSE?! Oh, this is priceless!"
Sakuya-san chuckled softly behind her mistress, and Meiling-san pressed a fist to her lips, trying to keep from bursting.
Meanwhile, Flan just blinked innocently and tugged on my sleeve. "Onii-san, what did onee-sama mean by that?"
I crouched slightly, giving her a gentle headpat. "Better not to know, Flan. It's something only adults talk about."
She tilted her head, still confused but satisfied enough with my answer.
Remi's laughter finally died down after several long minutes. She straightened her posture, regal as ever, though her smirk lingered. "Well then. You clearly have more important things to attend to. Flandre, we're going home. I think you've had enough practice for one day."
Flan's face fell, but she nodded reluctantly. "Alright... onii-san, thank you for teaching me!"
"Anytime," I replied warmly. "Remember what I showed you, okay? And take care of your wrists. If they start hurting, ask Sakuya-san for help."
Her small arms wrapped around me in a quick hug before she darted back to her sister's side.
As they headed for the door, I gave Sakuya-san a nod. "If you need anything while you're in Japan, don't hesitate to call me."
She inclined her head respectfully. "Understood."
And with that, the four of them departed, leaving me alone with five bands' worth of girls—all of them still red-faced.
I looked around at them and raised an eyebrow. "So... can anyone explain why you're all blushing?"
...Nothing.
Dead silence.
"Then your silence means exactly what Remi just said." I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Unbelievable. Anyway, kindly wake Rinko, Rimi-san, and Kanon-san and follow me. We'll continue this in my office."
Kasumi-san, curious as ever, piped up before I turned away. "Senpai, who were those four girls just now?"
"Ah, those?" I replied casually. "Friends of mine from my time in France. Don't worry, you'll be seeing them again very soon."
Before anyone could ask further, a soft meow echoed through the room.
"~Nyaa~"
My eyes lit up. "Fuyu! There you are, girl. Come here!"
The large Maine Coon leapt gracefully from Kokoro's arms straight into mine. I stroked her fur with relief. "Where have you been, huh? I've been looking everywhere for you."
"~Nyaa~"
Yukina-san stepped forward cautiously, her usual stern expression softening. "So... this cat really belongs to you."
I nodded. "That's right. You found her, didn't you, Yukina-san? Thank you. She usually wanders for a day, but three days gone was enough to make me worry. Would you like to hold her?"
Her eyes widened slightly. "...Can I?"
"Of course. She seems to like you already." I carefully placed Fuyu into her arms.
Yukina-san's entire demeanor shifted. Her eyes softened, her lips curled into a faint smile, and she hugged Fuyu close as if the world had disappeared around them.
It was obvious—Yukina-san loved cats.
While she remained lost in the moment, the others busied themselves with waking Rinko, Kanon-san, and Rimi-san. Groggy and embarrassed, the three slowly came to, and after a quick explanation of the misunderstanding, they offered sheepish apologies.
I waved it off. "No harm done. Now that everyone's awake, let's move."
With the studio tidied and the tension mostly diffused, I led the way out. The chatter behind me was quieter than usual, the girls still flustered from earlier, but at least no one fainted again.
Destination: my office.
Time for a proper talk.
Live House CiRCLE - Riku's Office
The moment I stepped into my office, Fuyu leapt gracefully from Yukina-san's arms and landed on the polished surface of my desk, curling into a ball as though she owned the place. She found a vacant corner, flicked her tail once, and closed her eyes, claiming it as her throne. I turned my gaze toward the doorway, only to find the girls still standing hesitantly outside, clustered together as though afraid to intrude.
"Well?" I said, leaning against the edge of my desk. "What are you waiting for? My office is big enough for all of you. Don't be shy."
It took only that small invitation for them to shuffle inside, their curiosity overriding their hesitation. My office wasn't flashy, but it carried the weight of years spent in music. Tall shelves were lined with books, binders, and stacks of music sheets. A handful of potted plants softened the room, adding a touch of calm greenery amidst the sharp order of trophies, medals, and framed photos that decorated the walls.
What caught their attention immediately, however, were the instruments arranged carefully near the far wall. Two keyboards rested on their stands, wires neatly tucked away, and beside them leaned a sleek, dark electric guitar.
Maya-san, eyes widening, was the first to point them out. "Riku-san, the keyboard and guitar right there... are those yours?"
I nodded, folding my arms. "Yup. Those keyboards are the ROLAND FA-07 FULLCUSTOM and the ROLAND FA-08 FULLCUSTOM. As for the guitar, that's an ESP ARROW 1000 MKII. I bought the keyboards myself, and the guitar... well, my parents gave it to me for my sixteenth birthday."
Maya-san blinked rapidly, her sharp mind already connecting the dots. "But... you said custom. Don't tell me that you—"
I smirked faintly. "Got that right. I customized them to my own style. Don't worry, nothing illegal. I had them checked to make sure they weren't altered to the point of cheating. Just tweaks that make them mine."
That drew a faint, knowing smile from Rinko, her hands brushing the air as though remembering the keys beneath her fingertips. "I remember... you loved customizing instruments back then."
"Uh-huh," I replied. "And I still do, when I can. Though, with everything on my plate these days, it's not as often as I'd like."
Saaya-san spoke up next, tilting her head. "By the way, Riku-kun... where is Youmu-san? I noticed she wasn't here."
The others exchanged glances. They'd clearly realized the same thing—my ever-present aide was conspicuously absent. I let out a small breath and leaned back against the desk.
"Well, the thing is..."
Hakugyoku Inn – Meanwhile
Third POV
"Youmu! When's the next course? The guests are waiting!" Yuyuko's sing-song voice rang across the busy inn.
Youmu balanced a tray full of steaming dishes, her expression equal parts flustered and determined. "Coming in just a moment, Yuyuko-sama!"
Yuyuko turned to reassure the waiting guests, her smile as radiant as the lanterns above. "Don't worry, dear guests. The food will be along shortly."
Back to Riku
Riku's POV
"Yuyuko-san asked Youmu to help at the inn she owns," I explained. "So she's not with me right now. But just because I don't have my aide around doesn't mean I'm helpless. I can handle things on my own."
That seemed to settle their concerns, though their curiosity had already shifted to another corner of the room. Rows of gleaming trophies and medals drew their eyes like moths to flame.
"Look at all these trophies!" Ako-chan exclaimed, practically bouncing on her toes.
Hina-san pointed at a framed medal on the wall, her voice filled with awe. "Riku-kun, where did you get this one?"
I stepped forward, glancing at the medal with a faint smile. "That was when I won my first piano competition. I was five years old. That's where it all began for me—the start of my career as a musician."
Rinko's hand lingered on a particular trophy, her expression shifting as though she'd stumbled across a memory.
"Feels familiar, doesn't it, Rinko?" I said quietly.
Sayo-san tilted her head. "Shirokane-san, that is...?"
Rinko's voice was soft, but firm. "This trophy came from the tournament Riku won... and it's the same tournament where we first met."
Her words drew everyone closer, and that was when Lisa-san's sharp gasp filled the room. She grabbed Yukina-san's wrist, pulling her toward a gleaming trophy near the center of the display.
"Yukina! Look at this!"
Yukina-san's usually composed face cracked in shock. "This is... Future World Fes?!"
Her exclamation carried across the room, drawing Ako-chan, Sayo-san, and Rinko closer. Their eyes locked onto the plaque inscribed at the base of the trophy:
OG
Future World Fes Boston 2017
Champions
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
JerAx - Iku - Fly - N0tail - s4
The silence was deafening until Rinko's trembling voice broke it.
"Riku... is this true? You won Future World Fes?"
I didn't answer right away. Her tone carried not just shock but something heavier—hope, disbelief, fear. Around her, the rest of Roselia stared at me as though I were a phantom from another world.
Tomoe-san called softly, "Minato-san... you might want to take a look at this too..."
Roselia gathered around another corner of the display, and their expressions fell further as they read the next set of plaques:
OG
Future World Fes Kiev 2017
Champions
Kiev, Ukraine
JerAx - Iku - Fly - N0tail - s4
OG
Future World Fes Los Angeles 2020
Champions
Los Angeles, California, USA
SumaiL - Iku - N0tail - Ceb - Topson
OG
Future World Fes Singapore 2020
Champions
Singapore City, Singapore
SumaiL - Iku - N0tail - Ceb - Topson
Sayo-san staggered back, her face pale. "N-No way... four Future World Fes titles... Riku-san..."
"Riku..." Rinko whispered again, almost pleading for me to deny it.
Ako-chan's voice cracked with nervous laughter. "Rin-Rin... Riku-nii...?"
Ran's eyes widened, her composure shattering. "I can't believe it... nii-san..."
And then Maya-san's reaction cut sharper than all the rest. "NO WAY!" she nearly shouted, startling Aya-san beside her.
"M-Maya-chan!? What's wrong!?" Aya asked, panic rising.
Maya-san's hand trembled as she pointed at the wall, her finger quivering. "I-I-Impossible... is that... what I think it is?"
Following her gaze, the girls' eyes fell upon three golden shields mounted proudly in a triangular formation. The room seemed to still as realization dawned.
Kasumi-san tilted her head, curiosity outweighing her confusion. "Maya-senpai, what are those shields?"
Maya-san spun toward her, her face pale but her voice fierce. "They're not just shields, Toyama-san! That shield is called the Aegis of Champions! The Aegis is awarded only to those who win The International. The names of the band who wins it all are inscribed behind each Aegis—immortalized forever as the best in the world."
The room went utterly silent. Every gaze fell on me, as though the air itself demanded an answer. The weight of truth pressed against the walls.
Finally, Yukina-san stepped forward, her voice trembling in spite of her strength. "You... don't tell me that you are—"
I straightened, letting the silence stretch, then slowly pushed myself away from the desk. My chair scraped softly against the floor as I stood, narrowing my eyes just enough to hold their attention. A smile, sharp and unflinching, curved across my lips.
"Guess some of you girls have figured it out," I said quietly. "Very well, then. Allow me to re-introduce myself."
The room seemed to shrink as I let my words fall, each one cutting deeper than the last.
"I am Nagae Riku. Heir to the Nagae Family. Third-year student of Hanasakigawa Girls High School... and—"
I paused, letting the weight of the moment rest on their shoulders before driving it home.
"—a former professional musician. Four-time Future World Fes Champion. Three-time TI Champion. On stage, I go by the name Iku. DJ, guitarist, vocalist... of the band OG."
The room exploded with silence so profound it felt louder than any scream.
To be Continued...