May 12, 2021 – Wednesday – 6:00 P.M.
A few minutes later
Riku's POV
The chase was over, though the adrenaline still buzzed faintly in my veins. After handing those two would-be assassins over to Koishi, Youmu and I returned to the live house. By the time we reached the locker room, the distant thrum of bass and cheers told us we had missed the earlier performances. beastcoast was already on stage, their sound rattling the walls as we slipped back inside.
"Looks like we missed the other bands perform," I muttered, a mix of relief and disappointment in my voice.
Johan turned at once, relief flashing across his face when he saw us. "Riku, you're back. What happened?"
I didn't answer right away. Instead, I walked straight toward him, keeping my expression deliberately grave. I lowered my tone so only he could hear.
"Johan. After Group B finishes their set, call all the band leaders and coaches. I need them gathered. There's something serious I have to discuss."
The weight in my voice made him pause. His brows furrowed, searching my eyes. "Is it that serious?"
I gave a single firm nod. That was enough.
"Alright," he sighed, voice steady though I caught the tension underneath. "I'll send them a message later. For now, relax. We'll deal with this at the hotel."
That was good thinking from him. And, by a stroke of coincidence—or maybe fate—the hotel housing us and the other competitors was owned by Yuyuko-san. Being her nephew, I had privileges there. The meeting rooms would be ours for the night, no questions asked.
For the moment, though, Youmu and I collapsed onto the lounge seats, recovering from the sprint. My breathing was just starting to settle when my phone vibrated. A message. I pulled it out and saw the sender's name: Chu².
Curious, I opened it. She had sent me a photo.
The picture showed her standing proudly in her studio with her new band, all five members gathered together. And among them—shockingly—was Rokka-san.
So she actually managed to convince Rokka-san to join her band... impressive.
My gaze drifted across the others. One girl had silky dark-brown hair falling to her back, no fringe but bangs brushing her ears, and piercing lightning-blue eyes. Her outfit was casual but stylish—a loose white shirt with a wide neckline, torn jeans, and a sleeveless black jacket open at the torso.
Beside her stood another girl, her short, dyed-blonde hair cut with uneven fringes. Her dark-gold eyes had a sharp glint, and everything about her screamed delinquent: high-waisted wide-legged pants, cropped black top, and a red sukajan jacket embroidered with white stripes and Hanyo Usagi designs. She looked like trouble, but if Chu² had recruited her, then she must have seen potential.
And then, of course, there was her keyboardist—PAREO, whose real name was Nyubara Reona. She was the first one Chu² introduced to me, a cheerful girl whose energy could light up a room. Musically, she was an unpolished gem. With time and the right guidance, I believed she could surpass even Rinko on piano—maybe even me. I'd seen that kind of raw potential before.
She was also a complete Pastel*Palettes fangirl. When she discovered Chisato was my childhood friend, she nearly exploded with excitement, begging me to get an autograph for her. I eventually did, and the gratitude she showed was so earnest it had made me laugh.
Seeing them together now, smiling, filled me with an odd sense of warmth. Chu² looked genuinely happy, surrounded by people who believed in her. It was only a matter of time before she and her band broke into the big leagues.
A faint smile tugged at my lips without me realizing.
"Riku," Johan called, raising a brow. "You look very happy. What's up?"
I slid my phone back into my pocket. "Yeah... my cousin just sent me a picture of her band. Can't wait to see her perform once I'm back. Hopefully she's doing fine right now."
—
At that exact moment, across the world, inside a luxurious penthouse in Japan:
"ACHOOO!"
Chu² sneezed violently, startling the room.
"Chu²-san, are you alright? Are you sick?" Rokka asked, blinking worriedly.
Chu² waved her hand dismissively, already glaring at the metronome. "I'm fine. Probably just someone talking about me. Anyway, you're lagging by 0.5 seconds. Pick it up!"
"H-hai!!" Rokka scrambled to adjust her tempo, eyes wide.
—
Back at the live house, I leaned forward. "By the way... what happened while Youmu and I were out?"
The others filled me in, their voices layered with both surprise and frustration.
The biggest news: Evil Geniuses had to withdraw. Their guitarist, Arteezy, had broken his hand right before the group stage. No stand-in, no replacement. Just like that, their tournament was over.
As if that wasn't enough, another blow came—Mind Games from Group B had been disqualified. The band had failed to secure visas for three of their members. The officials had no choice.
I exhaled slowly, the weight of it sinking in. "So that means... no one gets eliminated anymore. The only thing that matters now is seeding."
Johan crossed his arms. "Exactly. As long as we put up strong results in the second and third days, we're guaranteed a spot in the upper bracket." His voice was firm, like he was reminding himself as much as the rest of us.
I nodded. "Then we can't afford to slip. Every set counts."
The locker room fell quiet for a moment. Outside, beastcoast's performance thundered on, but here, it felt like we were in a bubble—just us, our thoughts, and the path ahead.
Finally, Johan clapped his hands together. "Alright, enough brooding. Let's clean this place up. Group B's bands will be using this room next, and we don't need them walking into our mess."
He was right. No matter how heavy things felt, the little details mattered. Respect mattered.
So we all pitched in—packing up cases, tossing empty bottles, wiping down the tables. When everything looked presentable again, we gathered our things. The evening air outside was crisp, carrying faint traces of the city. The hotel wasn't far, and as we walked back, I felt the weight of what was coming settle more firmly on my shoulders.
----------
Hakugyoku Hotel – Stockholm Branch
May 12, 2021 – Wednesday – 7:30 P.M.
The first day of the group stage was over. The voting lines had opened, the crowds dispersed, and the competitors dragged themselves back to the hotel to rest, refocus, and steel their nerves for the second day.
The Hakugyoku Hotel had become a hub of noise and chatter. Staff moved with trays of food, translators filtered between tables, and laughter mixed with sighs of exhaustion. For many of these musicians—most of them foreign to Japan's traditions—the evening meal was their first true taste of the culture.
Alexander Khertek, better known as TORONTOTOKYO of Team Spirit, was openly crying into his bowl of miso soup. "This... this is incredible," he said between bites, thanking me again and again for recommending the hotel. "To taste Japan here, in Sweden... I'll never forget this." His words were raw, touched with the disbelief of someone who had stumbled upon a long-lost dream.
While the others dined, I sat apart in the quiet of the hotel's meeting room with Johan and Youmu. The three of us waited for the band leaders to gather. The polished wood table gleamed under soft lantern light, the room serene but tense with the silence of anticipation.
"You're sure they'll come, Riku-kun?" Youmu asked, her hand resting lightly on her blade's hilt out of old habit.
"They will," I said simply. "This isn't something they can afford to overlook."
I was right. A few minutes later, the doors opened, and one by one, the leaders of each band filed in. Their footsteps echoed softly against the tatami-patterned floor. Every leader was here—except for Mind Games, whose absence was expected given their disqualification. Yet something felt off. I scanned the group carefully, realizing who was missing.
"Where are the coaches?" I asked.
MoonMeander of TSM chuckled dryly, leaning against the frame of his chair. "Enjoyed themselves a little too much at the bar. Ended up wasted."
The other leaders nodded grimly in agreement.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "You know what... I'm not going to ask. Fine. You'll do."
They settled in around the table. Eyes sharpened, voices hushed, the atmosphere shifted—everyone knew this was not a casual gathering.
"First of all, thank you for coming," I began, my tone clipped.
DJ from Fnatic spoke up, tilting his head. "We got a message from N0tail. Said you wanted us here."
"True," I admitted. "Johan sent that message, but it was on my instruction. And I'll be honest—if I had sent it, you might have questioned it. Coming from Johan, you responded quicker."
Kuku from T1 leaned forward, impatience clear on his face. "Then enough circles. What's this about?"
I met his gaze. "I'll say this once, so listen carefully."
The room stilled. One by one, I laid out the story—what had happened after OG's performance, how I had uncovered the assassins, the pursuit through the city, the handoff to Koishi. My words carried weight, and by the end, the air in the room was sharp enough to cut.
The leaders' expressions had shifted from curiosity to grim seriousness. The realization sank in: someone out there wanted them dead.
Pandaboo of Thunder Awaken was the first to speak, his voice tinged with alarm. "So what happens now? Does this mean the tournament's going to be cancelled?"
"In normal circumstances," I said, "yes. A security breach this severe would end it." I let the silence hang for a beat. "But I've already spoken with the organizers. The tournament continues."
A ripple of disbelief moved around the table.
Seleri of Gaimin Gladiators frowned. "And what about the bands' safety? You can't just pretend this didn't happen."
"I haven't forgotten," I replied. "I know someone who can help us with this."
iNSaNiA of Team Liquid narrowed his eyes. "And who exactly benefits from all of this chaos? Whoever arranged the attack must stand to gain something."
"I don't know yet," I admitted. "But I'll find out. I just need to wait until they get—"
KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.
The sound cut through the air, sharp and unexpected. Every head turned toward the door.
A staff member peeked in, bowing politely. "Pardon the intrusion, but... someone is here to see Riku."
"Me?" I asked, my brows knitting. "Did they give a name?"
"Yes," the staff replied. "She goes by the name Komeiji Satori."
"—!" My breath caught.
The leaders glanced between one another, confusion spreading.
"Tell her to come in," I said at last.
The staff nodded and stepped aside.
A small figure entered the room. She couldn't have been more than five feet tall, with short purple hair framing a delicate face, and violet eyes that seemed to pierce straight through you. She wore a blue blouse with yellow heart-shaped buttons and a pink skirt patterned faintly with flowers. Her expression was deadpan, unreadable, but the quiet aura she carried demanded attention.
The leaders looked from her to me, bewildered.
iNSaNiA half-rose from his seat. "Uh... Riku, who is—"
Before he could finish, her voice cut through the air, soft but unwavering. "Komeiji Satori. Pleased to make your acquaintance... Aydin Sarkohi."
iNSaNiA froze, eyes wide. "How did you—"
"Calm down," I interjected quickly, raising a hand. "I'll introduce her. And Satori-san, please refrain from reading their minds for now."
Every head whipped toward me.
"What!?" several voices echoed in disbelief.
Satori gave the faintest shrug. "Very well."
I took a steadying breath. "This is Komeiji Satori, current matriarch of the Komeiji family. They're one of the Celestial families in Japan. She works as a detective—and yes, she can read minds."
The room fell into stunned silence. The leaders' faces betrayed the same thought, even if they didn't voice it: How is this little girl the head of such a powerful family?
Satori's lips twitched ever so slightly. "You're all thinking the same thing—how could a little girl like me be the head of a great family?"
Several leaders stiffened, their discomfort plain.
Skem of BOOM Rivalry cleared his throat awkwardly. "Did you just—"
"I don't need to read your minds for that," Satori interrupted smoothly. "It's written all over your faces. And for the record..." she straightened, her voice gaining steel. "I'm twenty-five."
"Twenty-five!?" the chorus of voices rang out in shock.
Her gaze swept across the table, unflinching. "Got a problem with that?"
The leaders quickly shook their heads, some averting their eyes. No one dared to challenge her.
The room, once filled with skepticism, now sat in uneasy silence—balanced between fear, respect, and the dawning realization that the game had just shifted.
The air in the room was still heavy from Satori's arrival when she finally spoke, her tone flat, but carrying authority that made every leader lean in.
"Now then... Riku," she began, "Orin got something from the two men you caught."
My eyes sharpened. "Rin? That was quick. So? What did she find?"
Satori folded her arms, her violet gaze scanning the room. "From what Orin gathered, those two were assassins—hired blades working under the banner of the Black Fang."
Confusion rippled through the band leaders. None of them recognized the name.
"The Black Fang, huh," I muttered.
Fly turned to me, brow furrowed. "You know them, Riku?"
"A bit," I admitted. "They're an international organization of assassins. For decades, their primary targets were corrupt politicians, warmongers, criminals in positions of power—people who, ironically, often deserved what was coming to them. My grandfather once hired them years ago. During that time, I got acquainted with one of their members." I paused, studying Fly's unsettled expression. "Why? Is there a problem?"
Fly's jaw tightened. "Yeah. My father told me something. About two years ago, their movements changed. They stopped limiting themselves to the shadows of politics. Now... everyone's a potential target. Doesn't matter if you're a criminal, an artist, or just an average person. If the price is right, they'll take the job."
The room went silent, the weight of his words pressing down on us all. An organization that once had a twisted code had now abandoned restraint. Kill anyone. Anywhere. For the right amount.
I clenched my fist under the table. What happened to them? What twisted them from what they once were? Answers would have to wait until after the tournament.
"Satori-san," I asked, my voice steadier than I felt, "did Rin manage to uncover who hired them?"
She nodded. "The one behind it... is Shinomiya Oko himself."
The name hit me like a hammer. Without thinking, I slammed my forehead against the polished table. The crack of the impact made everyone jolt back in shock.
"Of all people..." I muttered darkly, voice laced with venom. "...that bald bastard really is that petty."
SoNNeiko from BetBoom frowned. "Is something wrong, Iku?"
"It's nothing," I said, my tone too sharp to sound convincing. "Only that things just became very, very complicated."
Scofield of beastcoast crossed his arms. "How complicated?"
I raised my head slowly and fixed them all with a serious look. "Listen closely, because I'll only say this once. What I'm about to tell you doesn't leave this room. Ever. Understood?"
They all nodded, the gravity in my voice enough to bind their silence. So I told them—everything about my history with Shinomiya Oko. The ties, the betrayals, the reasons I left quickly after TI8. Each detail dug the atmosphere deeper into unease. By the time I finished, silence had spread so thick it felt like another presence in the room.
DJ from Fnatic exhaled heavily, leaning back in his chair. "My god..."
MoonMeander's voice was quiet, for once stripped of sarcasm. "So that's why you disappeared so fast after TI8."
Johan looked at me, his eyes tight with concern. "How come I didn't know?"
"My grandfather insisted it remain as confidential as possible," I explained. "Unless another Celestial Family member was present, it was never to be spoken of. But with Satori-san here, it's permitted."
Miposhka of Team Spirit cleared his throat. "So what now?"
"For now, we wait. See how it unfolds." I leaned forward, returning to the matter at hand. "Before I forget—did Rin uncover which Black Fang member was leading this mission?"
Satori's voice was steady as ever. "We examined their bodies. A wolf tattoo was found."
Fly froze. "So... it's the White Wolf."
Pandaboo frowned. "White Wolf?"
Fly nodded grimly. "Lloyd Reed. Known as the 'White Wolf.' My father told me that if I ever crossed paths with him, I should never let my guard down. Even as a musician, even with no connection to that world—he's that dangerous."
I narrowed my eyes. "Lloyd, huh... Then maybe there's something I can do. Something only I can do."
Johan's gaze hardened. "I trust you, Riku. But don't be reckless."
Before I could reply, Satori interjected. "I've already informed Yukari about the situation. Expect help to arrive tomorrow morning. For now, I'll have Okuu and Orin patrol the grounds. Better safe than sorry."
"Thanks, Satori-san," I said sincerely. "I appreciate it."
She sighed, rubbing her temple. "Ten cases solved in one day, and then this. My schedule's cursed." She turned toward the door, her steps light but tired. "I'm going to bed."
Her figure disappeared, leaving me and the leaders in the weight of everything we'd just learned.
I straightened and looked around the table. "Let's end it here. Remember—what I said tonight doesn't leave this room."
Sneyking raised a hand slightly. "What about our bandmates? Should we keep them in the dark?"
"That's up to you," I replied. "But if you do tell them, they must swear to silence as well. No exceptions. Are we clear?"
Every leader gave a solemn nod.
With that, the meeting adjourned. The leaders filed out in silence, each carrying more than they'd bargained for when they first stepped into this room.
After helping Johan and Youmu tidy up the meeting room, I returned to my quarters. The walls of the hotel felt heavier now, as if the shadows carried secrets of their own.
Youmu stayed close, her eyes full of concern. "Is everything okay, Riku-kun?"
I sat heavily on the chair, running a hand through my hair. "I'll be fine, Youmu. I just... need to clear my head. Too much happened in a single day."
"If you say so," she murmured softly. "I'll bring some tea to help calm you down."
"Please do."
She slipped out, her footsteps fading into the hallway, leaving me alone with the weight of names and memories I thought I'd buried long ago. My thoughts circled back to Lloyd. The White Wolf.
"To think it's going to be you, of all people," I muttered under my breath. "Convincing you won't be easy... but maybe—just maybe—it's possible."
The vibration of my phone broke the silence. A message. From Yuyuko-san.
"Hm? What's this about..."
I opened it, scanning the contents. And suddenly, for the first time since the evening began, a genuine smile pulled at my lips.
By the time Youmu returned, tray in hand and the faint aroma of tea wafting through the room, she caught me grinning at the screen.
"I'm back," she said gently. "Tea's ready. But... what's with that smile?"
I passed her the phone. "Take a look."
She read the message, and her own lips curved into a quiet smile.
"I see," she said simply, handing the phone back.
I took the cup of tea from her hands, the warmth seeping into my fingers. "Guess that means I'll be giving everything I've got tomorrow."
And for the first time that day, the weight on my chest felt just a little lighter.
Meanwhile, in an unknown location — ???'s POV
The room smelled faintly of smoke and machine oil. A bank of screens painted the faces of those gathered in cold blue light. Paper maps lay scattered across a table, pins clustered where operations had gone sideways. Two men stood before the largest monitor, shifting weight, trading the kind of silence that always precedes bad news.
"So," the first man said without looking up. "What's the report?"
The second man's hand trembled just enough to betray him as he tapped the tablet. "They failed their mission, sir. The scouts were captured. They took their own lives once they were in custody."
A short, brittle laugh cut through the stillness. "The scouts failed?" The first man's voice wore annoyance like armor. "They're among my best. Who would capture them — and force them to do that?"
"No clear visual," the second man answered. "But our intel picked up one name: Nagae Riku, heir of the Nagae family. The—uh—source is reliable."
The first man's face hardened. For a moment he stared at the map as if it might rearrange itself into something preferable. "Nagae Riku," he repeated slowly. "You're sure? That's... unexpected."
"Yes, sir." The second man swallowed. "He intercepted them in Stockholm. There's corroboration from a local asset. He personally apprehended the scouts before we could intervene."
A flat, incredulous sound escaped the first man. "This complicates things. If Riku was involved... our priorities change. We cannot allow our operatives to be sacrificed over a botched scouting run."
The second man's eyes widened. "Should I pull the men on standby? Order them not to engage?"
"Not yet." The first man rubbed the bridge of his nose, thinking three steps ahead. "Tell the teams in Stockholm to stand down immediately. No engagement unless you receive direct orders from me. Understood?"
"Sir?" the second man breathed. "You're—"
"I'm going there myself." The words landed like a verdict. "I will not risk another operative's life needlessly. If the Nagae family claims jurisdiction over this, then I will put a face to it. I will assess whether this was a containment failure or a provocation."
The second man hesitated, then barked a sharp confirmation as he already tapped out the orders. "Yes, sir. Sending the stand-down now."
The older man watched the live feed a moment longer, eyes narrowing at Riku's image when it flickered across the monitor — a young man with an expression that suggested the kind of steel a family like Nagae cultivates. His jaw tightened. "If my men were harmed, there will be consequences," he muttered. The sentence was neither a threat nor a promise; it hung somewhere between both.
He turned away from the screens and paced, the map's pins clicking faintly in the overhead light. "We can't afford a war with the Celestials," he said more to himself than to the man following his commands. "Father and Linus will not allow careless losses. Nino will be furious if we stumble into an incident that could have been avoided."
The second man glanced up, seeing the plan unfurling — not reckless vengeance but a measured escalation: a personal arrival to de-escalate or to take control, depending on what met him in Stockholm.
"Do not underestimate him," the first man added quietly, eyes fixed on the distant coordinates. "Bring me everything you have on Nagae Riku. Every meeting, every affiliation. I want to know precisely who we're dealing with before I set foot in their city."
"Yes, sir." The second man's fingers flew, relaying orders into a world that suddenly had to pause and wait.
Outside, the rain began to pick up against the windows. In the murky wash of the city, men moved on the edge of a plan now shifting from remote command to personal intervention. The first man's silhouette, framed by the glow of the screens, was resolute.
"I'll go," he said again, softer this time. "I can't let them die for nothing. Not when this can be—handled."
And with that, the line was drawn.
----------
The Next Day...
Hanasakigawa Girls High School – Principal's Office
May 13, 2021 – 7:30 A.M.
Yuyuko's POV
The campus was unusually quiet for a morning after exams. Normally, chatter filled the hallways as students speculated about their scores, but today there was an anxious hush in the air. The results had been posted early, and the girls had their fate waiting on neat white slips of paper.
I sat at my desk, sipping tea, letting the steam curl up toward the window. My lips curved in amusement as I recalled the frantic nights leading up to the exams. At first, I had expected certain students to struggle—Kasumi-chan with her restless energy, Tae-chan with her scatterbrained nature, even little Hagumi-chan who rarely sat still for long. Yet, to my pleasant surprise, they had pulled through.
Ufufu~ Riku-kun's plan really did work. His way of motivating them—turning study sessions into challenges, weaving music into their memory work—had done wonders. The results were proof.
But my smile faded as I shifted my gaze toward the envelope on the desk. Inside was the report Riku had sent me the night before. The contents weighed heavily on my heart, darker than any exam result. Should I allow the girls to step into this world he's in? Or keep them here, safe within the school walls?
I tapped my fingers against the wood, debating. Perhaps I should explain after class... but where...?
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.
"Ara~? I wonder who could it be this early?"
I rose, sliding the door open, only to be greeted by three familiar figures. Remilia Scarlet, regal as ever despite her youthful appearance, stood with her younger sister Flandre at her side, and their ever-composed maid Sakuya just behind them.
"Ara, I suppose you've finished everything you needed to do, am I right?" I asked, smiling knowingly.
"It took some time, but yes, it is complete," Remilia replied with calm assurance. She tilted her head slightly. "Sakuya, the documents."
Without a word, the silver-haired maid stepped forward, presenting a neat stack of papers. I glanced through them, nodding. Everything was in order.
"With this," I said, setting the documents down, "the three of you are officially students of Hanasakigawa. You'll be placed in Class 3-B."
Flandre's bright face fell instantly. "Not in onii-san's class?" she asked, her voice tinged with disappointment.
My expression softened. "I'm sorry, Flandre. Class B was the only one with open seats. But that doesn't mean you can't spend time with Riku-kun outside of class."
In an instant, her frown flipped into a smile so radiant it was almost childlike. She truly adored him—more than just a mentor, he had become her anchor.
"Yuyuko-sama," Sakuya interjected politely, "when shall we begin?"
I checked the clock. "Ah, I'll take you myself after breakfast. Just give me a moment."
Remilia arched a brow as I quickly resumed eating from the tray on my desk. "You're having breakfast now? At school?"
"Well," I replied matter-of-factly between bites, "with Youmu not here in the mornings, I must eat more than usual. Can't let the day start on an empty stomach."
It wasn't sloppy, but it was quick, efficient. Remilia shook her head, and Sakuya suppressed a chuckle.
Class 3-B – 8:00 A.M.
Aya's POV
Even now, my thoughts kept circling back to yesterday.
Riku-kun's performance replayed in my mind, note for note. Even though we had only seen it on television, the sheer emotion he poured into those songs reached us as if he were standing right there. The first piece especially—it was raw, vulnerable, almost overwhelming. None of the other bands matched that intensity, even if they were technically flawless.
Chisato-chan must have felt it too. As soon as OG left the stage, she insisted we rehearse "Yura Yura" for the Japan Idol Fes. Her eyes had that fire I'd only seen when she was truly inspired.
Pulling out my phone, I checked the standings for the group stage. My eyes widened at the numbers.
Group A
Upper Bracket:
OG – 457,445
Tundra – 388,367
T1 – 305,788
BOOM RIVALRY – 294,790
Lower Bracket:
BetBoom – 238,884
beastcoast – 229,754
Eliminated:
Evil Geniuses – Forfeited (Arteezy injured)
Group B
Upper Bracket:
Team Liquid – 403,643
Gaimin Gladiators – 399,784
Team Spirit – 392,667
Thunder Awaken – 389,655
Lower Bracket:
Fnatic – 386,779
TSM – 384,229
Eliminated:
Mindgames – Disqualified (Visa issues)
"Wow... Riku-kun's band really is on top," I whispered. "And this is just day one."
"Maruyama-san! ...Aya-san!"
I blinked, snapping back. A classmate was waving at me. "You've been staring off forever. Sensei's already here."
Flushing, I glanced forward. Our teacher stood at the front, giving me a patient but pointed look.
"Maruyama-san, is something the matter? Do you need the nurse's office?"
"N-no! I'm fine!" I said quickly.
"Very well," the teacher replied, though his tone carried a hint of skepticism. "But please speak up if you feel unwell."
"Hai, sensei."
He nodded and straightened. "Before homeroom begins, I have an announcement. We will be welcoming three transfer students today."
The class buzzed instantly, whispers bouncing from desk to desk. Transfer students were rare this late in the term—three at once was unheard of.
"Um, sensei?" I raised a hand hesitantly.
"Yes, Maruyama-san?"
"Exams just ended yesterday. Isn't it unusual for transfers now?"
"I understand your concern," he said gently. "But these students faced complications that delayed their enrollment. Now, let's not waste time. Girls, you may come in."
The door opened, and three figures stepped inside. My breath caught the moment I recognized them.
Remilia Scarlet, with her pale blue hair and composed poise. Flandre, with her golden locks and youthful grin. And Sakuya, immaculate as always.
They had been with Riku-kun that day at CiRCLE.
Remilia stepped forward first, bowing slightly. "Greetings. I am Remilia Scarlet. It is a pleasure to meet you." Her voice carried authority far beyond her years. "Flan, your turn."
Flandre skipped a step closer, beaming. "I'm Flandre Scarlet, onee-sama's little sister! Let's all have fun together!"
One brave student raised a hand. "Flandre-san... if it isn't rude... how old are you?"
"I'm fourteen!" she chirped.
The entire class froze.
"Fourteen!?"
Murmurs rippled through the room. At her age, she should have been in middle school. Before anyone could ask further, Sakuya spoke, her voice calm and precise.
"To clarify: Flandre-sama advanced through several grades due to her intellect. Though her manner may appear childish, her academic ability is already at a collegiate level. As for myself, I am Izayoi Sakuya, personal maid of the Scarlet family."
That silenced the whispers, though curiosity still lingered in their eyes.
"Thank you for your introductions," the teacher said. "Please take your seats at the back."
As they moved down the aisle, I felt Remilia's gaze land on me. Our eyes met briefly, and her lips curled into a sly, almost mischievous smile. A chill prickled down my spine before she turned away.
The teacher cleared his throat. "With introductions complete, the next matter is your test results. You will receive them after class, so please be patient. Now—let's begin."
And just like that, homeroom resumed, though my thoughts were far from calm.
Lunchtime – 12:00 NN
Rinko's POV
The lunch bell rang, and the chatter of students spilled out into the hallways like a flood. I walked beside Hikawa-san, our steps in sync as we made our way toward the student council office. Ichigaya-san was already waiting there, and we had both promised to help with the last-minute paperwork while eating together.
The air smelled faintly of curry bread from the cafeteria, and laughter echoed behind us as other students made their way outside. Everything felt so ordinary—until a sudden presence blocked our path.
Standing in front of us was a girl with striking light-blue hair, no taller than Ako-chan. Her gaze was direct, almost sharp, yet there was an odd, playful air to her.
I paused, unsure. "...Can I help you with something?"
The girl tilted her head, a faint smile curving her lips. "So you're Shirokane Rinko... Pleasure to meet you. I'm Remilia Scarlet."
The name struck me, though I didn't know why. My voice wavered. "H-how did you know me?"
She chuckled lightly, as if amused by my nervousness. "No need to get scared, I won't bite. I just wanted to see the girl Riku-boy's been talking about for years."
My heart skipped. "Riku... has been talking about me?"
Her crimson eyes glimmered with something I couldn't place. "Yes. And you've caught my interest, Shirokane Rinko. I can tell... things are going to get very interesting. It's only a matter of time."
Before I could respond, Hikawa-san stepped forward, her brows knit. "Wait! What do you mean—"
But Remilia was already gone. One blink and she vanished, leaving behind only a faint trace of her presence, like a shadow dissolving in sunlight.
The hallway suddenly felt colder.
Hikawa-san's voice broke the silence. "...What was that about?"
I clutched my book tightly to my chest. "I... I don't know. Let's just go. Ichigaya-san is waiting for us."
She gave a slow nod, though her eyes lingered on the space where Remilia had stood. We walked on, but the strange encounter sat heavy on my mind, like a string tied to something I couldn't yet see.
Meanwhile – Rooftop
Remilia's POV
The rooftop breeze carried with it the warmth of noon. I sat with Sakuya and Flan, our lunches neatly laid out before us. Flan hummed happily, crumbs decorating her cheeks as she stuffed the last piece of bread into her mouth.
Sakuya glanced at me, her tone measured. "So you've met Rinko-sama. What's your impression, oujo-sama?"
I leaned back, gazing at the city skyline. "She didn't disappoint. Her fate is bound tightly to Riku-boy's. Stronger than most ties I've seen."
Sakuya's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you planning to act on it?"
A soft laugh escaped me. "No. Not yet. I want to see how far she'll go—how long she'll hold onto that promise of hers. Besides..." My smile sharpened. "Riku sent us something yesterday. It wasn't a lie, was it?"
Sakuya shook her head. "No, oujo-sama. I traced the records. They were legitimate. And sending Meiling to Stockholm was a brilliant decision on your part."
I closed my eyes for a moment. "A hunch told me something would happen. Good thing I listened."
"Onee-sama!" Flan's voice broke through, her eyes shining. "When will we get to watch him perform!?"
I reached over, wiping the crumbs from her face with the cloth Sakuya handed me. "Soon, Flan. Soon. Goodness, look at the mess you've made."
Flan giggled, leaning into my hand. "Ehehehe~"
Sakuya was already clearing up. "Classes will resume soon, oujo-sama."
I stood, smoothing my skirt. "Then let's go."
And just like that, the ordinary rhythm of school life resumed—yet the threads of fate had already begun weaving.
Class 3-A – 2:30 P.M.
Third POV
The afternoon sun filtered through the windows, casting stripes of gold across the desks. Students straightened as the teacher entered, a heavy stack of papers in her arms.
"Now," she began firmly, "what I have here are the results of yesterday's exams. When I call your name, come forward to receive your paper. Do not open it until you're back in your seat. Is that clear?"
"HAI!" the class chorused.
One by one, students collected their papers, the room filled with the rustling of footsteps and the faint clatter of desks. The tension was palpable; some students chewed their lips nervously, others whispered quick prayers under their breath.
Rinko unfolded her paper slowly. Her breath caught.
Shirokane Rinko – 100/99/99/100/100 – 498
A rush of relief washed over her. "I... I passed. Thank goodness... I didn't expect I'd score this high." She turned to her neighbor. "What about you, Hikawa-san?"
Sayo looked down at her paper silently, but the smile on her lips told enough.
Hikawa Sayo – 100/100/100/100/100 – 500
Rinko's eyes widened. "That's amazing, Hikawa-san! A perfect score!"
Sayo's cheeks colored faintly. "I suppose my hard work paid off. It's the first time I've achieved this."
All around them, students' emotions burst forth—relief, joy, frustration. Some slumped in their seats, while others exchanged high-fives.
"Shirasagi-san, Matsubara-san, how did you do?" Rinko asked.
Chisato grinned, holding up her paper.
Shirasagi Chisato – 96/93/90/96/100 – 475
Beside her, Kanon's smile was bright, though a bit shaky.
Matsubara Kanon – 90/89/86/93/94 – 452
"So both of you passed," Sayo said warmly. "And Matsubara-san, you scored higher than before."
Kanon beamed. "It's thanks to Kokoro-chan's help. I wonder how Hagumi-chan and the others are doing?"
Chisato nodded. "And Aya-chan too. I hope her studying paid off."
Meanwhile – Class 3-B
Aya stared at her paper, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Aya-san, are you okay!?" a classmate asked in alarm.
"I-I'm fine... It's just... I'm so happy I passed!"
Maruyama Aya – 86/85/84/88/87 – 430
Her sobs turned into laughter, contagious enough that her classmates cheered alongside her.
Class 2-A
Kasumi practically tackled Arisa, waving her paper. "Arisa! Look, I passed!"
"Get off me, you twit!" Arisa shrieked, trying to pry her off.
Toyama Kasumi – 88/86/84/88/89 – 435
Ichigaya Arisa – 99/98/97/100/100 – 494
Arisa glared, though her ears were pink. "Honestly... you're impossible."
Misaki sighed, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Guess Kokoro's Spartan-style study sessions worked after all."
Okusawa Misaki – 95/94/94/98/97 – 478
Class 2-E
Tae blinked at her paper, stunned. "Wow... I've never scored this high before..."
Hanazono Tae – 87/85/84/86/89 – 431
Eve sparkled with pride beside her. "The fruits of my labor paid off!"
Wakamiya Eve – 93/92/90/100/100 – 475
Hagumi dropped to her knees, trembling. "I did it!"
Kitazawa Hagumi – 85/82/81/85/87 – 420
Class 2-B
"Rimi, how did you do?" Saaya asked gently.
"I-I passed! Thank you for helping me, Saaya-chan!"
Ushigome Rimi – 84/83/83/87/88 – 425
Yamabuki Saaya – 89/88/87/88/89 – 441
Just outside, Kokoro twirled with delight. "Onii-chan will be so proud of me!"
Tsurumaki Kokoro – 100/100/100/100/100 – 500
Meanwhile – Haneoka with Afterglow
The girls compared their results in a circle.
Hazawa Tsugumi – 90/90/90/90/90 – 450
Udagawa Tomoe – 89/87/87/88/88 – 439
Uehara Himari – 87/86/83/85/88 – 429
Aoba Moca – 90/87/86/89/87 – 439
Mitake Ran – 99/98/99/100/100 – 496
"THAT'S not your 'same as always!'" everyone shouted at Ran, who flushed red.
Moca smirked. "Or maybe you just wanted onii-san's help for a new song?"
Ran sputtered, hiding her face. "Hmph!"
With Ako, Asuka, and Rokka
Ako bounded up, waving her paper. "Asuka! Rokka! Look, I passed!"
Udagawa Ako – 89/86/85/88/87 – 435
Rokka blinked shyly, pulling out a VIP ticket. "Ah... Chu²-san gave us these, so we could watch the Future World Fes. Our band just started five days ago..."
Ako froze. "Wait—you're in a band!?"
Asuka raised an eyebrow. "Since when!?"
The interrogation began.
With Kaoru, Maya, and Hina
Yamato Maya – 95/95/95/95/95 – 475
Hikawa Hina – 100/100/100/100/100 – 500
Seta Kaoru – 99/90/90/92/90 – 461
Hina puffed her chest. "All boppin' easy!"
Kaoru struck a dramatic pose. "Ani-sama will surely praise me."
Maya just chuckled nervously.
With Yukina and Lisa
Lisa peeked at Yukina's paper and gasped.
Imai Lisa – 94/92/91/93/94 – 464
Minato Yukina – 95/85/84/88/88 – 440
"You did it, Yukina! You passed!"
Yukina lowered her gaze, her voice soft. "...Thank you, Lisa."