Two weeks later
May 8, 2021 – Saturday – 8:30 A.M.
OG Sunflower Mansion – Dining Room
3rd POV
Two weeks had passed since Riku and Youmu arrived in Portugal to prepare for the Future World Fes. The welcome party already felt like a distant memory, eclipsed by the grueling hours of training that followed. What started as a casual introduction had quickly transformed into something far more disciplined—an intense boot camp designed not only to sharpen skills but also to forge bonds that could carry them through the pressure of the world stage.
The first week was devoted entirely to one-on-one sessions. Riku had insisted on it, knowing that before they could become a band, he needed to understand each of them as individuals. Their quirks, their habits, their weak points—every detail mattered.
On the very first day, it was Yuragi's turn. His real name, Artem Golubiev, was still new on Riku's tongue, but "Yuragi" already felt natural within the team. Riku had personally recruited him, and because of that, expectations rode heavy on the young vocalist's shoulders. From the moment Yuragi entered the practice room, Riku pushed him harder than anyone else. He wasn't cruel, but he was relentless.
"Again. But this time, no hesitation. Sing it like you mean it," Riku instructed, watching Yuragi stumble through the Japanese lyrics.
By the afternoon, Yuragi was drenched in sweat, voice hoarse but steadier than before. To Riku's satisfaction, the young man didn't complain once. By the end of the day, Yuragi's pronunciation was sharp enough to carry an entire verse without faltering.
"You'll thank me later," Riku said dryly as Yuragi collapsed onto the couch, clutching a water bottle like a lifeline. "If you can sing in Japanese flawlessly, the rest will follow."
When it came to guitar, Riku noticed Yuragi's biggest obstacle wasn't skill, but nerves. His hands shook when the pressure mounted. "Calm mind, steady grip," Riku told him. "Your instrument follows your state of mind. Don't let the moment own you."
The second day belonged to Bozhidar Bogdanov—"bzm" to everyone else. Riku quickly discovered a paradox in the Bulgarian bassist: laid-back, almost careless in demeanor, but the moment his fingers touched the strings, he became razor-focused. He played without a pick, relying on the raw touch of his fingers, and his tone carried a warmth that filled the room.
"You've got instincts," Riku admitted after their first jam session. "Use them. But don't hide behind your relaxed attitude. Music isn't just about playing well—it's about intent."
To Riku's surprise, bzm was also proficient with keyboard and guitar. That flexibility sparked ideas in Riku's mind—contingencies for live shows, layering possibilities in arrangements. He gave bzm additional exercises across instruments. "Think of it as insurance," he explained. "If something happens on stage, you'll be ready to cover."
The third day brought the storm—Ammar Al-Assaf, better known as AMMAR_THE_F or simply ATF. From the very first chord, Riku recognized his talent. Ammar's guitar mirrored his own style with unsettling accuracy, as if he had studied Riku's every move. But the gift came paired with arrogance.
"You don't need to drown out your bandmates to prove you're good," Riku told him sharply after yet another overpowering riff that left bzm and Misha struggling to hold balance.
Ammar smirked, unbothered. "That's just how I play."
"It's how you overshadow," Riku countered. For two days straight, he drilled into Ammar the meaning of restraint, of listening instead of dominating. Slowly, the edge of arrogance dulled. By the end, Ammar's pride hadn't vanished—nor should it—but it was tempered by humility. His play was no less brilliant, but it finally belonged to the group rather than standing apart from it.
When it came to Taiga and Misha, Riku took a different approach. The two veterans were already steady, already proven. Training them together allowed him to emphasize leadership rather than mechanics.
"Taiga, you hold rhythm like a spine," Riku told him. "But don't get complacent. Drive the song forward."
"Misha," he continued, "you're too quiet when decisions are made. A leader doesn't always have to shout, but silence leaves others guessing. Speak your piece."
The veterans nodded, accepting the critique with professionalism.
Evenings were reserved for something entirely different—social training. Riku realized quickly that only Taiga and Misha were confident during interviews, while the newcomers fumbled with nerves or blank stares.
"Like it or not, the world is going to watch you," Riku reminded them over dinner one night. "If you choke in front of a camera, it doesn't matter how well you play. Learn to own the room."
They practiced mock interviews at the dining table, Youmu laughing softly as she pretended to be an over-zealous reporter. Yuragi stammered at first but gradually found rhythm. bzm cracked a few jokes that actually landed. Ammar, of course, acted like he was born for the spotlight. Slowly, they grew into the roles.
The second week shifted focus to full-band rehearsals. Riku had curated a setlist heavy with duets between himself and Yuragi, testing the young vocalist's ability to rise to the challenge. The first time they performed a song together, the room fell silent at the final chord.
"What the hell just happened?" bzm muttered, eyes wide.
Riku only smirked. "That's what it feels like when everything clicks. You all have the potential to reach that level. It won't come overnight, but it's there."
His words lit a fire in them. Each practice session became sharper, more urgent. Mistakes still happened, tempers occasionally flared, but beneath it all was a growing conviction: they were no longer just a collection of talented individuals. They were becoming a band.
Now, two weeks later, the dining room of the Sunflower Mansion hummed with quiet energy as the boys gathered for breakfast. Plates clinked, chairs scraped across the floor, and the smell of toast and coffee filled the air. The mood was lighter than it had been in days, but beneath the laughter was a shared awareness: today would be busy.
In just a few hours, they would be packing their instruments, clothes, and equipment for the flight to Stockholm. The group stage of Future World Fes was only four days away.
The clatter of cutlery and the murmur of voices filled the Sunflower Mansion's dining room as breakfast rolled on. Riku sat with the others, quietly sipping his tea, when the phone resting on the table began to vibrate. The screen lit up with an incoming video call.
Riku raised an eyebrow. "Who would be calling me this early? And a video call, no less..."
The name flashing across the screen answered the question: Rinko.
A rare warmth touched Riku's face. His lips curved into a small smile that didn't escape the boys' notice.
Taiga tilted his head. "Who's calling you, Riku?"
"An old friend of mine," Riku replied, his tone casual yet carrying a trace of fondness.
He set the phone on a small stand and accepted the call. The screen brightened, and there she was—Rinko, sitting inside CiRCLE back in Japan. The familiar backdrop of the venue stirred a wave of nostalgia in him.
(Italic indicates Japanese; normal text is English.)
"Good morning, Rinko... or maybe I should say good afternoon, since it's already midday in Japan." Riku told Rinko as Rinko nodded.
"G-good morning, Riku... "Her voice faltered, as it always did when she spoke to him directly.
"Now then, what's the reason for calling? You wouldn't reach out all of a sudden unless it was important." Riku said as Rinko asnwered.
"Y-yes, well, the reason I called is—" Rinko then was interrupted by a voice filled with energy.
"Oh! Riku-senpai!!"
The voice cut her off. Riku blinked as a burst of energy filled the screen. Kasumi Toyama—his junior from back home—squeezed into view, practically bouncing with excitement.
Riku chuckled softly. "Hello there, Kasumi-san."
"Good morning, senpai!" Kasumi beamed. "I wanted to ask you something!"
Her eagerness made him tilt his head slightly, curiosity piqued. "And what would that be?"
Kasumi clasped her hands together. "Rinko-senpai said CiRCLE will be hosting Roselia's first live, right? If it's alright with you... could Poppin'Party perform too?"
The question caught Riku off guard. He sipped his tea slowly, using the moment to mask his surprise. Then, turning his gaze back to the screen, he asked calmly: "Rinko, what's Yukina-san's take on this?"
Rinko fidgeted. "Well... Yukina-san was skeptical at first, but when she saw Toyama-san's seriousness, she agreed that PoPiPa could join Roselia's live. But we wanted your opinion before finalizing it."
Riku gave a short nod. "Smart move, asking me first. Sure. Let them join."
The response set off cheers from the background. Kasumi's voice rang loudest, celebrating with her bandmates. Their joy was genuine, and it made the corners of Riku's mouth twitch upward. But before they could get carried away, he cleared his throat.
"Rinko, is Yukina-san there? I want to discuss something directly with her."
Rinko blinked, then quickly called over her band leader. Soon, Yukina's composed face filled the screen.
"Good morning, Riku-san," she greeted. "Rinko told me you wanted to say something."
"Yes," Riku replied, his tone shifting to something steadier, more formal. "It's about your first live. I saw the list of bands you'll be sharing the stage with. They're good—no denying that. But I want to add a condition."
Yukina's eyes narrowed slightly. "A condition?"
Riku leaned back in his chair. "Alongside the songs you've already planned, I want every participating band—including Poppin'Party—to create a brand-new song for the event."
"Eh?" The sharp sound of Yukina's surprise cut through the screen. Around her, Rinko and the others stiffened. Even Kasumi blinked in shock.
The weight of his demand was immediate. Their setlists were already drafted, rehearsals already mapped out. Less than two weeks remained until the live. Adding the burden of an original song meant tearing apart their plans and starting over. Yukina opened her mouth to object, but Riku's hand rose.
"Hold that thought. Let me explain. You don't have to do it," he said firmly. "But if you're serious about becoming professionals, this is the kind of trial you'll face. Sudden demands. No warning. Adaptation is survival in this business. Think carefully, talk it over with the other bands. If you decline, no shame in it. But if you accept—prove that you're ready."
Silence lingered. Yukina's gaze sharpened as if weighing every word. Finally, she gave a short nod.
"Good. That's all I needed to say," Riku concluded. "Now I'll end the call—me and the boys have packing to do."
"Packing?" Rinko echoed, puzzled.
"Our flight's to Stockholm today," Riku answered. He softened his tone just slightly. "Oh, and good luck on your exams. See you at Stockholm."
The call ended.
For a long second, the dining room remained quiet. All eyes were on Riku. Finally, Misha broke the silence.
"What exactly were you talking about, Riku?"
Riku set his phone down and leaned back in his chair. "You all remember I own a live house back in Japan, right? The girls I was speaking to are one of the bands performing there soon. They wanted to add another group to their lineup. I agreed, but with a condition—that they each compose a new song before the live."
bzm whistled low. "That's pretty harsh. Less than two weeks to write and polish something? That's brutal."
Riku shrugged. "I told them it's fine if they refuse. But they're chasing professionalism. This is the kind of challenge that separates amateurs from pros. If they rise to it, they'll be stronger for it."
His explanation seemed to settle the matter, though the boys still exchanged uneasy glances.
Before they could press further, the dining room door opened and Johan entered, carrying a sleek black briefcase. His expression was more serious than usual.
Riku frowned. "What have you got there, Johan?"
"This," Johan said, placing the briefcase carefully on the table, "is for you and Youmu."
"For us?" Riku's curiosity spiked.
Johan clicked it open. Inside lay a white scarf with red linings, folded neatly; two katanas—one long, one shorter—gleaming with freshly polished steel; and stacks of paper inscribed with unfamiliar markings.
The boys leaned in, whispering.
Taiga pointed. "What's in the case?"
Riku's breath caught. "The scarf... it belongs to one very close to me. The swords are Youmu's, her personal blades. And these papers... talismans, by the look of them. But..." He reached deeper. "There's also a letter."
He unfolded it, scanning the contents. His eyes widened slightly.
I asked Yuyuko to send these to you. I have a bad feeling something might happen there. I made these spell cards tailored to your style, so use them well. Youmu's spell cards are also included, and her Roukanken and Hakurouken have been reforged. Good luck in the tournament. Me and Marisa will be watching.
—Reimu
The letter trembled faintly in his grip. The weight of foresight pressed on his shoulders, heavier than he wanted to admit.
Ammar broke the silence. "Any idea why they sent you that?"
Riku folded the paper carefully, his expression unreadable. "...Yeah. Let's just say it's something I might need. Hopefully, it won't come to that." His voice dipped lower. "But better safe than sorry."
He shut the briefcase with a soft click, pushing it aside. Then, with forced levity, he stood. "Anyway, no time to waste. We've got a long day ahead. Our flight leaves at three. Finish up here and start packing."
The boys exchanged glances but nodded, rising from their seats. The room filled with the sound of chairs sliding and footsteps heading toward the halls.
Riku lingered for a moment, his gaze lingering on the closed briefcase. The scarf, the blades, the talismans—all reminders of a world he'd hoped wouldn't bleed into this one. But if Reimu felt the need to send them, the possibility couldn't be ignored.
He exhaled slowly, as though trying to release the weight pressing on his chest. Then he turned, his voice steady once more. "Let's get ready. Stockholm waits for no one."
Meanwhile, in Japan, Riku ended the call after reminding the girls that they would be flying soon. Before hanging up, he wished them good luck on their upcoming exams in just four days. His casual reminder hit harder than he probably intended, though—Roselia's members exchanged nervous looks the moment the word exams left his mouth. Their eyes soon drifted toward Yukina, who avoided their gazes, her expression tight with unease.
At the same time, across the room, Kasumi and Tae were all but begging Arisa for salvation.
"Arisa! Help me out!" Kasumi pleaded, clinging to her friend dramatically.
"The principal told us weeks ago about the exam!" Arisa snapped, irritation rising in her tone. "Don't tell me you two forgot!?"
Kasumi and Tae bowed their heads together, voices meek. "We're sorry..."
Sayo sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Minato-san... don't tell me you haven't studied at all?"
Yukina's lips parted slightly, but she couldn't look at anyone. "...I'm sorry."
Ako gasped in horror, turning to Rinko in a panic. "What are we gonna do, Rin-Rin? If Yukina-san fails the exam, she won't be able to go with us!"
"This... really is a problem," Rinko murmured, frowning. Her fingers tightened around her phone before she looked toward Lisa. "Imai-san, can you help Yukina-san study?"
Lisa crossed her arms, nodding firmly. "I'll try. I'll even stay at your place if that's okay, Yukina."
Before Yukina could answer, Rinko's phone buzzed with a message notification. Curious, she unlocked it—only to widen her eyes.
"Ah... a message from Riku..." she whispered.
Ako leaned forward eagerly. "What did Riku-nii say, Rin-Rin?"
Rinko hesitated for a second, then read aloud: "Oh right, I forgot to tell you. If you girls pass the exams with no problems, I won't mind helping you write a song for your band. Can you do me a favor and relay this to the others? I'd appreciate it if you do."
The room fell into utter silence. Not even the sound of movement could be heard—just the weight of his words settling into every corner of CiRCLE.
Yukina broke the quiet, her eyes suddenly sharp and determined as she turned toward Lisa and Sayo.
"Lisa. Sayo. Practice is on hold for now."
Lisa blinked, taken aback. "Eh?"
"But... what about Riku-san's condition on the new song?" Sayo pressed.
Yukina's lips curved into a small but confident smile. "I already have that covered. Lisa, please inform the other bands about what Riku-san told us. Right now, the exam is more important. We can't let this chance slip by." Her gaze shifted to Poppin'Party, unwavering. "What about you? Will you accept Riku-san's condition?"
Kasumi, who had been quiet until now, straightened her back and answered with a grin brimming with conviction. "We'll do it!"
Yukina nodded approvingly. "Good. Then I expect the best of you."
With that, she turned and walked out with the rest of Roselia, leaving Poppin'Party standing alone in the live house.
Saaya broke the silence first. "So... shall we go home too? I mean, we got what we wanted, right?"
"Yeah, I guess..." Arisa muttered, but then her eyes narrowed, catching sight of someone outside. "Wait... is that Rokka?"
Sure enough, the familiar figure stood just outside CiRCLE's entrance, glancing around nervously as if searching for something—or someone.
"Huh. Wonder what she's doing there?" Rimi tilted her head.
"No idea," Saaya admitted. She turned to Kasumi for input. "What do you think, Kasumi? ...Kasumi?"
But Kasumi was already gone. Tae pointed toward the door, smiling faintly. "Ah. There she is."
The others followed her finger just in time to see Kasumi latch onto Rokka in a sudden, overenthusiastic hug.
"Rock!"
"K-Kasumi-san!?" Rokka yelped, startled.
"Ne~ Rock, what are you doing here?" Kasumi asked cheerfully, holding her tight as if she had found a long-lost treasure.
"Well... actually I—" Rokka started, only to be cut off by a voice gasping for breath.
"Finally... I... caught up... to you... Asahi Rokka!!"
All heads turned.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEE!!" Rokka screamed in panic, immediately ducking behind Kasumi for protection.
A small girl staggered toward them, salmon-colored hair bouncing with each exhausted step. Black cat-eared headphones perched on her head, and her entire frame shook as though she had sprinted across half the city.
She pointed a trembling finger at Rokka, determination in her eyes, but her body had other plans.
"Now... I just want to... have a..." Her voice slurred as her legs gave out beneath her. "Thud."
The girl collapsed face-first onto the pavement before she could finish her sentence.
"Ah!?" Kasumi gasped, rushing to her side.
Saaya knelt down quickly, checking her pulse. Relief crossed her face. "Don't worry. She just fainted."
"But why is she after you, Rock?" Kasumi asked, glancing over her shoulder at Rokka.
"Well..." Rokka's voice trailed off, clearly unwilling—or maybe too flustered—to explain right there.
Arisa stepped in with her usual sharp tone, cutting the tension. "Leave the questions for later. First, we need to bring her inside. We'll ask her why she's chasing Rokka once she wakes up." She looked at Tae pointedly. "O-Tae, help me out."
"Mm." Tae nodded without hesitation, moving to support the unconscious girl.
Together with Rokka, they carefully carried the mysterious stranger into CiRCLE, while the others followed close behind, curiosity and concern buzzing in the air like static.
Several minutes later, the silence inside CiRCLE was broken by a faint groan. The mysterious girl stirred, her eyelids fluttering open as she rubbed them sleepily. She blinked in confusion, taking in the unfamiliar space around her—the stage lights, the posters on the walls, the faint hum of equipment resting idle.
"This is..." she murmured, her voice raspy from exhaustion.
"You're awake." Saaya leaned forward, relief in her tone. "You're at Live House CiRCLE. You collapsed outside, so we carried you in."
The girl pushed herself upright, still a little unsteady, but managed a small nod. "CiRCLE? So this is... Iku's live house. He's been talking about this place."
The moment the name Iku slipped from her lips, Kasumi and the others stiffened almost in unison. Their flinch was subtle but unmistakable, and it didn't go unnoticed. Rokka, however, tilted her head in confusion at their odd reaction.
"A-ano..." Rimi spoke up hesitantly, her usual timid tone even softer than usual. "You... you know Riku-san?"
The girl crossed her arms, as though the question were almost insulting. "Of course. After all, he's my cousin."
"YOUR COUSIN!?" Poppin'Party shouted in unison, voices echoing through the room.
"Too loud!" the girl snapped, her salmon-colored hair swishing as she raised her voice right back. She cleared her throat and continued more calmly. "Anyway, my name is Tamade Chiyu. Iku's cousin on his mother's side. And you girls are?"
Kasumi was the first to beam and answer. "Oh right! I'm Toyama Kasumi!"
"Hanazono Tae. I love rabbits," Tae added plainly, with a small nod.
"U-Ushigome... Rimi," Rimi mumbled, half-hiding behind her bangs.
"Yamabuki Saaya," Saaya said politely, giving a small wave.
"Ichigaya Arisa," Arisa finished curtly, before narrowing her eyes. "But let's get to the point. Why were you after Rokka? And why was she running from you like you were some kind of stalker?"
Her bluntness earned a nervous squeak from Rokka, who immediately shuffled behind Kasumi as if her best friend could shield her from whatever came next.
Chiyu tilted her head toward Rokka, ignoring Arisa's sharp tone. "I just wanted a word with her. But every time I get close, she bolts like a frightened rabbit."
"I-I see..." Saaya said carefully, watching Rokka fidget. "But then, what exactly do you want to talk to Rock about?"
Chiyu clasped her hands behind her back, her sharp gaze fixing on the trembling guitarist. "Well, since she's right here... Asahi Rokka."
"Y-Yes!?" Rokka squeaked, eyes wide.
"I want you to join my band—Raise A Suilen—as my guitarist."
The room fell silent. Every jaw nearly hit the floor, and for a long moment, even time seemed to hesitate.
"M-m-m-me!?" Rokka stammered. "A guitarist!?"
Kasumi's eyes sparkled, and she practically bounced where she stood. "This is amazing, Rock! Now you can play in a band!"
"Kasumi-san!?" Rokka whirled on her, panic etched across her face. "I-I mean... I don't know if I'm good enough..."
"Don't sell yourself short," Chiyu cut in firmly, her tone brimming with confidence. "I've already seen what you can do. You're the perfect candidate for my band's guitarist."
"But... how did you even know I could play?" Rokka asked, suspicion and embarrassment mixing in her voice.
Rather than answer, Chiyu fished her phone from her pocket and tapped the screen. She turned it toward them, playing a video clip.
On it, Rokka appeared almost unrecognizable—her hands flying across the fretboard, her entire posture transformed with confidence, each note sharp and deliberate. She played as though the instrument was a natural extension of herself, not the timid girl who now shrank behind Kasumi.
Kasumi gasped. "Wow! Look at you go, Rock!"
"You might actually be better than O-Tae," Arisa muttered, smirking.
"Oi!" Tae protested, glaring lightly at her.
"W-WHERE DID YOU GET THAT VIDEO!?" Rokka practically shrieked, face red.
"Calm down!" Chiyu snapped back. "Iku was the one who sent it to me."
"Riku-kun sent you that?" Saaya repeated, blinking in surprise. "But why?"
"Because he asked about my band," Chiyu explained simply. "I told him we still lacked a guitarist. I've searched the country, but no one fit my vision. He recommended you. Said he saw potential in you that others wouldn't notice right away. And after seeing you play, I agreed."
She pocketed her phone and folded her arms, her gaze steady. "Normally, I'd reject Iku's help. I like doing things on my own. But I want Raise A Suilen to go far. Farther than any band before us. At some point, I need to accept the right help when it comes. And your style of play... it's exactly what I'm looking for."
Without another word, she pulled out her headphones and placed them over Rokka's ears. "Here. Listen. This is one of my songs. See if it resonates with you."
Rokka hesitated but accepted them. As the track played, her eyes widened. She could almost feel the rhythm through her fingertips, as if the guitar part had been written for her specifically. Her heart pounded with every riff, every beat aligning with her instincts. By the time the song ended, she looked almost breathless.
"Before I answer..." she said slowly, handing the headphones back. "What's your band's goal?"
Chiyu's lips curved into a grin, sharp and proud. "One purpose: to make it to TI and be the first all-female Japanese band to perform—and win. That's my goal."
"Umm..." Rokka tilted her head. "What's TI?"
Every girl except her face-planted anime-style.
"YOU'VE BEEN LIVING IN A CAVE!?" Chiyu roared. "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TI MEANS!?"
"EEEEEEEEEEEEE! I-I'm sorry!!" Rokka shrieked, scrambling back behind Kasumi again.
Chiyu huffed, arms crossed. "Unbelievable. But I'm guessing the rest of you do know."
Arisa nodded. "Yeah. Riku-san told us about TI a few weeks ago... and about his career as a pro."
Chiyu blinked. "He told you that much, huh..."
Rokka peeked out nervously. "Wait... what do you mean? What did Arisa-san mean by 'Riku-san was a pro'?"
"You don't know?" Chiyu frowned.
Rokka shook her head.
Chiyu sighed deeply, then gestured toward a table. "Sit down. This will take a while."
One explanation later...
Rokka's eyes were wide, shimmering with awe. "So Riku-san was not only a pro... but he won four Future World Fes and three TIs at such a young age!? That's incredible! Your cousin is amazing, Tamade-san!"
Chiyu smirked, pride glinting in her eyes. "Of course. He's the reason I started my own band. I want to make him proud by reaching TI with my music. He taught me what it takes to be a real DJ, and I promised him I'd build one of the best bands in the world."
Her passion was clear, and even Poppin'Party couldn't help but smile at her determination.
Rokka slowly stood, her fists clenched with newfound resolve. She walked up to Chiyu, her nerves finally giving way to something stronger.
"Tamade-san... I've made my decision. I accept."
Chiyu blinked in surprise. "You mean it?"
"Yes," Rokka said firmly. "If joining your band can help you reach your goal, then I'll give it my all. And if it means I get to play guitar with a band again, enjoying music the way I love... then that's enough for me."
Chiyu's smirk softened into something almost approving. "Chu²."
"Eh?" Rokka blinked.
"From now on, call me Chu². Since you're now a member of Raise A Suilen, you'll address me as such."
"Ha-Hai! Chu²-san!" Rokka replied, bowing slightly.
Kasumi immediately threw her arms around Rokka from behind, squeezing tight. "Isn't this the best, Rock!? You're finally in a band!"
"Thank you, Kasumi-san," Rokka said quietly, but the happiness in her voice was undeniable.
"Now that's settled," Chu² said briskly, "bring out your phone."
Rokka scrambled for it, and the two exchanged contact information. Almost immediately, Rokka received a new message from her.
"Chu²-san, what's this address you sent me?" she asked.
"My penthouse," Chu² replied smoothly. "That's where we'll hold practice. Sometimes here at CiRCLE, if Iku agrees. Clear?"
"Yes!" Rokka answered, eyes sparkling.
"Good. I'll see you in four days." Chu² turned toward Poppin'Party as she headed for the door. "And you girls—good luck on your exams. You'll need it."
"Wait! How did you know we had exams!?" Arisa demanded.
Chu² smirked over her shoulder. "Iku told me. Later."
With a confident pump of her fists, she strutted out of CiRCLE, her salmon hair bouncing behind her.
The girls stood in stunned silence.
"Well... that happened," Arisa muttered. She turned to Rokka. "Want us to walk you home?"
Rokka shook her head quickly. "No, it's fine. I can go by myself. But thank you for the offer. See you next time, PoPiPa-san."
With that, she waved and slipped out the door.
Poppin'Party lingered a moment before Saaya stretched and broke the quiet. "So... shall we head home too? We've got exams to prepare for."
Kasumi suddenly clapped her hands together. "Then let's have a group study session at Arisa's house!"
"Eh!? Why my place!?" Arisa shrieked. But after a pause, she groaned and slumped her shoulders. "You know what? Fine. But you two had better get serious this time." She pointed at Kasumi and Tae with deadly seriousness. "If you fail, you're not coming with us to watch Riku-san. Got it?"
"Yes, ma'am!" the two chorused, snapping to attention.
With that, the group finally left CiRCLE, determination rekindled. Saaya relayed Riku's earlier message on the way, about helping them with their songs if they passed the exams. The effect was immediate—whatever nerves they had about studying were now drowned out by sheer motivation. The chance to create something with Riku was too important to waste.
Their path forward had suddenly grown heavier with responsibility—but also brighter with possibility.
Four days later
May 12, 2021 – Wednesday – 7:45 A.M.
Hanasakigawa Girls' High School, Class 3-A
Rinko's POV
The long-awaited day had finally arrived. The morning air in the classroom carried a different kind of weight, one filled with the quiet tension of sharpened pencils and racing hearts. Today marked the beginning of our exams, the ones that would determine not just our grades but whether or not we'd stand in the crowd to watch Riku perform at the Future World Fes. It was also the day the Group Stage began overseas. The thought of it all pressed heavily on me, yet at the same time, it stirred determination deep within my chest.
We had set aside band practice for nearly a week, sacrificing time with our instruments so we could bury ourselves in textbooks. Most of that effort went toward helping Yukina-san. For all her strength as a leader, schoolwork was something that still made her falter, and none of us wanted to see her left behind.
Riku's words lingered in my mind. His condition had been simple yet absolute: If we pass without issue, he'll help us create a new song. A song by him... the thought alone had spread through the bands like wildfire. At first, we feared some groups might back away, intimidated by the sudden challenge, but when Yamabuki-san relayed the message on his behalf, something unexpected happened.
Instead of retreat, the other bands answered with renewed energy. "If that's the standard, then we'll rise to it," they'd said. Even Aoba-san mentioned how Yamabuki-san's cheerful insistence made the whole thing sound less like a burden and more like an opportunity. That unified fire gave all of us a sigh of relief—and lit a flame we didn't want to let die.
I glanced around the classroom as the minutes ticked closer to the bell. Hikawa-san sat upright, posture perfect, her pen already in hand as if ready to carve answers into the paper before it even arrived. A few rows over, Shirasagi-san leaned over Matsubara-san, whispering soft encouragements. Matsubara-san, however, had her head pressed dramatically against her desk, looking like someone who had endured a trial of war.
From what I'd heard, Tsurumaki-san, upon receiving Riku's message, transformed into a whirlwind tutor. She dragged her bandmates through their weak subjects with boundless energy. Poor Matsubara-san had become her prime target, which explained her current state of exhaustion.
Just as the first chime of the bell echoed through the room, my phone buzzed softly in my pocket. I hesitated for a heartbeat before pulling it out, worried the teacher might see. But when I glimpsed the sender's name, my breath caught.
Riku.
Hands trembling slightly, I opened the message.
Riku: Good luck on the exam, Rinko. I believe in you.
The words were simple, but they made my cheeks warm instantly. My lips curved into a smile I couldn't hide even if I wanted to. He was across the ocean, preparing for his own battles at the Future World Fes, yet he still thought of me... of us.
Quietly, I typed my reply, my heart pounding with each letter.
Rinko: Good luck on the group stage, Riku. I know you can win it.
Sending it felt like releasing a prayer. He was fighting his own war on the stage, and here we were, waging ours in this classroom. Somehow, it made me feel closer to him despite the distance.
"Shirokane-san?"
I startled slightly and looked up to see Hikawa-san standing beside my desk, her sharp eyes softening with concern.
"Is everything okay?" she asked.
I tucked my phone away quickly, shaking my head. "It's nothing, Hikawa-san. Riku just... wished us good luck."
Her lips curved into the faintest of smiles. "I see. Even from afar, Riku-san still finds ways to support us. Then, I will also give my all in this exam."
I nodded, her confidence grounding me. When she returned to her seat, I saw Matsubara finally lift her head, muttering about formulas and vocabulary under her breath while Shirasagi-san patted her back. Despite the nerves, there was a strange unity in the air. We weren't just classmates anymore; we were comrades fighting for a shared dream.
The classroom door opened. Our homeroom teacher entered with a neat stack of test papers in hand, her footsteps echoing in the tense silence.
"Now then," she began, her voice carrying the authority of the moment, "before we start, I want to remind you girls not to rush. Read carefully. Answer carefully. Do not overthink. Understood?"
"Yes!" the class chorused, the sound slightly uneven from nerves.
I pressed my palms against my desk, steadying my breathing as she moved between the rows, handing out the test papers one by one. The soft shuffle of pages and the scratch of paper against wood filled the room.
"Each subject will have one hour," she continued, her tone calm but firm. "The passing grade is forty-five. Anything lower will be considered a failure. Any questions?"
A ripple of silence followed.
For everyone else, forty-five was the number they needed to chase. For us—Roselia, Poppin'Party, HaroHapi, and the rest of the bands—our goal was far higher. Seventy. That was the standard we had set, the promise we made to Riku and to ourselves. Only by reaching it could we stand proud and claim the chance to hear his song on stage.
I straightened in my chair, gripping my pen like a lifeline.
The teacher glanced around one final time. "No questions? Very well." She raised her hand, poised for the signal. "On my mark... begin."
The second her hand dropped, the room erupted into the quiet fury of pens scratching paper. The exam had begun.
I drew in a long breath and looked down at the first page. Rows of questions stared back at me, but instead of fear, I felt something steadier rise within me.
Okay, Rinko. Focus. You've studied for this. You can do this.
I let the noise of the classroom fade away, the world narrowing to the words on the page and the sound of my pen moving. Somewhere beyond these walls, Riku was preparing to face the world stage, and here I was preparing to face mine. Two battles, two stages—but somehow, deeply connected.
As the minutes slipped away, I found myself smiling faintly, determination burning quietly in my chest.
Let's do this... together.
Hours later...
Hanasakigawa Student Council Office – 3:00 P.M.
The exams were finally over. Hours of tension, countless pages of questions, and the constant ticking of the clock had drained me, yet as I set my pen down earlier, I felt a quiet confidence stir within me. It hadn't been easy, but I believed I had done enough. For the first time all day, I could breathe.
Now, I sat in the student council office alongside Hikawa-san and Ichigaya-san, helping wrap up leftover paperwork from the day before. The quiet shuffle of documents was almost soothing after the relentless pressure of the exam room. Within half an hour, the tasks were finished, leaving the three of us leaning back with small sighs of relief.
Sayo looked up from the papers, her voice calm as always. "Ichigaya-san, how did your exam go? And Poppin'Party's?"
Ichigaya-san shrugged, twirling her pen between her fingers. "Mine? No problem. I'm confident I'll pass. As for Kasumi and O-Tae..." She trailed off, pressing her lips together, then let out a breath. "Well, I can't say for sure. But those two worked harder than I've ever seen them study. Honestly, I'll just put my faith in them. They've earned it."
Hikawa-san gave a small approving nod. "I see. That's reassuring." She turned her attention to me. "Shirokane-san, do you want to check on Minato-san? See how she's doing?"
"I don't mind," I answered softly, already pushing my chair back.
But before I could rise, the familiar vibration of my phone buzzed in my hand. I glanced down and saw a new message waiting. My heart gave a small jump.
"A message... from Riku," I murmured.
Hikawa-san leaned in slightly. "From Riku-san? What did he say?"
Opening it quickly, I read aloud.
Riku: Tell the girls to come to the live house at five. Marina and Aya will fill you in once you get there.
I looked up. "That's all he wrote."
Ichigaya-san tapped her chin. "Five o'clock, huh? We still have time to go home and change first."
Hikawa-san nodded in agreement.
"Right," Ichigaya-san added. "I'll pass this on to Kasumi and the rest of Poppin'Party. Knowing Riku-san, he probably sent the same message to Chisato-senpai, Kokoro, and Ran too."
The three of us exchanged brief nods, a silent agreement forming. Ichigaya-san excused herself, heading down the hall where Toyama-san and the others were waiting. As HIkawa-san and I walked out together, we caught the familiar sound of Tsurumaki-san's voice ringing across the corridor—energetic and loud as always.
"Wait, Kokoro! Slow down!" came Okusawa-san's flustered cry, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps.
HIkawa-san and I shared a look, sweatdropping at the scene, before quietly moving along.
By the time we reached Haneoka Academy, the sun was already lowering in the sky, bathing the schoolyard in warm afternoon light. At the gates, we found Yukina-san, Imai-san, and Ako-chan waiting. It was clear from the way Ako-chan waved frantically that they'd been expecting us.
"Rin-Rin!" Ako-chan dashed forward the moment she spotted me, throwing her arms around me with her usual boundless energy. "I did well on my exam! The questions weren't even that hard!"
I smiled, patting her back gently. "That's wonderful, Ako-chan. I'm proud of you."
Hikawa-san stepped forward next, her eyes turning to Yukina-san. "And you, Minato-san? How did your exam go?"
Yukina-san's gaze was steady, though I caught the slight curve of her lips. "I can say with certainty that I'll pass."
"Don't worry," Imai-san chimed in, looping an arm around Yukina-san's shoulders. "She's been giving it her all. I'm sure she'll pull through."
"That's a relief," I said, genuinely glad. Then I remembered the message still fresh in my mind. "Oh, before I forget—Riku sent word. He wants us to meet at CiRCLE at five o'clock."
Imai-san raised a brow. "CiRCLE? Why?"
"Riku-san mentioned Marina-san and Shameimaru-san will explain once we get there," Hikawa-san answered smoothly. "We still have time to change before heading over."
"Got it." Imai-san nodded. "Have the others been informed?"
"Yes," I replied. "Ichigaya-san was with us when I got the message. And I'm sure Shirasagi-san, Mitake-san, and Tsurumaki-san received it as well."
"I see." Yukina-san crossed her arms thoughtfully. "Then we'll meet at CiRCLE."
Before we could part ways, a cheerful voice rang out.
"Onee-chan! Let's go home together!"
We turned to see Hina-san bounding toward us, her usual grin plastered across her face. Without hesitation, she latched onto Hikawa-san from behind, making her sister stiffen and flush a faint pink.
"Hina!" Hikawa-san hissed, struggling lightly. "Knock it off!"
"Okay, okay," Hina-san laughed, loosening her grip. "Oh yeah, Chisato-chan sent me a message! She said Riku-kun told us to go to CiRCLE at five. I don't know what it's about, but I bet it's gonna be boppin' good!"
Hikawa-san sighed, though there was no hiding the fondness in her exasperation. "So it seems what Shirokane-san said was true. Very well. Let's meet at CiRCLE later. Come, Hina. We should get changed first."
"HAI~!" Hina-san sang, dragging her sister away before Sayo could protest further.
Imai-san chuckled softly at the scene. "Well then, me and Yukina will be going on ahead too. We'll see you at CiRCLE."
With that, she and Yukina-san made their way down the street, leaving only Ako-chan and me standing together.
"Rin-Rin," Ako-chan said, turning to me, "you can go ahead. I'll wait here for Onee-chan."
I nodded, offering her a gentle smile. "Alright. I'll see you later at CiRCLE, Ako-chan."
"Mm-hm! See you!" she chirped, waving as I began walking away.
The streets were calm as I headed home, the weight of the exams finally lifting from my shoulders. My thoughts drifted again to Riku. Even from far away, he was still connecting all of us—guiding us, challenging us, reminding us what we were working toward. Whatever awaited at CiRCLE, I felt certain it would be important.
For now, though, I simply quickened my pace, eager to change and prepare myself. The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. A sense of anticipation stirred in my chest.
Five o'clock... CiRCLE. I wonder what's waiting for us there.