Tōtsuki Resort Performance Hall – Backstage Room – 2:30 P.M.
The muted roar of the crowd filtered through the thick curtains, a low hum of anticipation that thrummed in Riku's chest. Leo/need had just wrapped up their rehearsal—a sharp, passionate rendition of Hibana that even managed to surprise Riku a little. Afterward, he and OG gathered around the setlist table, going over the order one last time. The plan was to open with Anti-Clockwise, move into Yuudachi, and close with a special collaboration—Ichika and Miku joining in for a live performance of Hibana. It wasn't what they'd originally planned, but it felt right.
When Ichika asked when they should enter the stage, Riku's answer was simple: "You'll know when. Just follow the signal."
That was enough. The girls trusted him without question.
Now, backstage, the OG members waited in quiet confidence. Their new jerseys gleamed faintly under the dim lighting—black and navy with streaks of silver threading through, a subtle nod to the storm that defined their sound. Johan leaned against the wall, filming occasional clips for his vlog, while Artem adjusted the settings on his bass. The air smelled faintly of polish and cables—metal, sweat, and focus.
On the monitor, a band was still performing on stage. Their sound was tight, professional. The vocalist's tone filled the hall with practiced strength.
Johan broke the silence first. "They're good... but—"
Riku smirked slightly, finishing the thought. "—they've reached their ceiling. You can hear it in how clean it sounds. No risk, no edge."
"Exactly." Johan folded his arms, his tone analytical but not unkind. "They're Japan's best right now, but most of them are in their thirties. This might be the limit for their generation."
Riku nodded. His eyes, though, were steady—almost burning. "Maybe so. But the next wave will take Japan even higher. I've seen the spark in them."
Johan turned to him with a small grin. "You mean those girls, right?"
"They are the spark," Riku replied. "Leo/need, Poppin'Party, Roselia—each one's got something the world hasn't seen yet. They just need the right storm to push them forward."
Johan laughed under his breath. "And you're the storm, huh?"
"Not anymore." Riku's tone softened. "Now, I'm just the wind behind it."
A light knock interrupted the moment. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Riku stood and opened the door, only to find Erina and Alice waiting there. Both carried an energy that felt almost out of place backstage—poised, refined, but with a glimmer of excitement in their eyes.
"Erina, Alice," Riku greeted with a slight smile. "Didn't expect a visit before the show."
Alice grinned. "We came to wish you luck, of course! And maybe sneak a peek before the crowd gets wild."
Erina, meanwhile, looked faintly flustered. Riku raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong with you, Erina?"
Alice snickered before she could stop herself. "Oh, it's nothing~ Except Yukihira-kun introduced her to his friends earlier. Let's just say it... changed her worldview."
Erina sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "They asked me to evaluate their dishes. I gave them honest criticism, as I always do. But instead of backing down, they thanked me and vowed to improve. They're... persistent."
Riku chuckled. "Sounds like Yukihira's influence. Keep them close, Erina. People like that will push you further without even realizing it."
Her expression softened. "I will. Thank you... nii-sama."
Alice added, "We'll be watching from the audience. Yukihira and the Polar Star dorm crowd too. Even Saiba-sama and Chef Dōjima are here. Oh—and Ryo and Nikumi-chan, plus the Aldini brothers."
Riku's brows lifted slightly. "Aldini... their sons, huh? Didn't expect to hear that name again."
Erina tilted her head. "You know them?"
"Yeah," Riku said, leaning back against the doorframe. "Years ago, OG went to Italy for a warm-up gig before The International. We stopped by one of their family restaurants. Looked like simple Italian fare, but the flavor carried their pride. Their parents even showed me a few tricks about making pasta."
Alice blinked, impressed. "So even then you were collecting recipes like a chef?"
Riku shrugged. "More like collecting stories."
Before Erina could reply, a staff member appeared from the corridor. "Excuse me, Erina-sama, Alice-sama." He turned to Riku and gave a small bow. "OG, your instruments are ready. It's your turn next."
Riku gave a short nod. "Understood."
Erina smiled faintly. "We'll get going, then. Good luck out there, nii-sama."
Alice added a playful salute. "Knock them dead, rock star."
They left in a light flurry of perfume and laughter, their footsteps fading toward the hall.
Riku watched them go before turning back to his team. "Alright, you heard the man. We're up next."
The quiet that followed wasn't silence—it was charged. Johan checked his camera, Artem slung his bass, and Bozhidar flexed his hands as if to ground himself. Every one of them had performed on grander stages, in bigger arenas, yet something about this—playing in Japan, in front of both their fans and the next generation—felt heavier.
Riku adjusted the earpiece around his neck and spoke, voice low but steady. "We're not here to show off. We're here to remind them what the world sounds like when it listens."
Johan smirked. "And maybe melt a few faces while we're at it."
"Wouldn't be OG without that," Bozhidar quipped.
They laughed—short, sharp, grounding. Then the stage manager's signal came through.
Riku turned toward the door, letting the noise of the crowd swell behind it. He could already hear the echo of their name spreading across the hall.
"Alright, boys," he said, tightening the strap of his guitar. "Time to wake Japan up."
The group stepped forward together, the backstage lights flickering across their jackets as they disappeared toward the stage entrance. The sound of thousands of voices rose like a tide waiting to crash.
And for the first time in years, Riku felt that familiar rush—the quiet right before lightning strikes.
Tōtsuki Resort – Performance Hall – Audience Section – 2:45 P.M.
The grand hall buzzed like a storm contained in glass. Lights rippled faintly against polished marble, the hum of conversation rolling through rows of spectators waiting for the final act. In the front row, the girls sat together—Rinko, Ran, Chisato, Kaoru, Kokoro, and the rest—close enough to see every string vibrate, every motion on stage.
Thanks to the voucher Sanzaemon had given Riku, they held VIP seats—the kind reserved for chefs, sponsors, and the powerful. Even Leo/need sat just a few chairs down, their nervous excitement blending with quiet awe.
Ran leaned forward, eyes on the curtain. "Nii-san's up next."
Chisato folded her arms, exhaling slowly. "For once, I'm actually worried. Most of the audience doesn't know him as a musician. To them, he's just... the Nagae heir."
Kaoru rested a hand under her chin, scanning the audience. "And that's not the only challenge." She gestured subtly toward the far side of the hall. "Tōtsuki's big names are all here."
Sure enough, Sanzaemon sat at the central table, Gin standing behind him with Joichiro beside them. Several other faculty members and elite students filled the nearby seats, their uniforms crisp under the ambient light.
Shiho glanced at Ichika, who looked unusually tense. "You okay, Ichika?"
Ichika fidgeted with her bracelet, her voice low. "I'm... nervous, honestly. Performing with owner-san? That's a lot to live up to."
Rinko smiled faintly. "You'll do fine, Hoshino-san. Riku's not the type to gamble on someone who isn't ready. He trusts you—that's enough."
Miku's holographic form flickered softly from Ichika's phone screen, smiling in her own bright way. "Rinko's right! Riku believes in you. And you've got me out there too, remember?"
Ichika looked down at the screen and smiled. "You're right. Thanks, Miku."
Before she could say more, a familiar, confident voice chimed in. "So you're here already."
Ichika turned to see Erina and Alice Nakiri making their way through the aisle, their elegance practically parting the crowd.
Rinko straightened in her seat. "Nakiri-san?"
Erina offered a polite smile. "Please, just call me Erina. Alice is also a Nakiri, and with my grandfather present, it might get confusing."
Alice gave a little wave before taking her seat beside Leo/need. "We didn't want to miss this for the world."
From a few rows behind, a laid-back voice called out. "Yo, Erina! Where'd you two run off to?"
Soma was leaning over the railing, grinning.
Alice answered before Erina could roll her eyes. "We were at the backstage to see Riku-nii-sama, of course!"
Megumi, sitting beside Soma, looked around nervously. "There's... a lot of people here."
Joichiro chuckled from behind them. "Naturally. OG's a world-class band. The old man had to pull a few strings to even make this happen."
Megumi turned to him politely. "Um, excuse me, but... who are you?"
He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah, right. Yukihira Joichiro—Soma's father."
That got a few heads turning. Soma's friends stared in mild disbelief while Erina subtly hid a smirk.
Before anyone could press further, the lights dimmed. The soft chatter dropped instantly to whispers. From the corner of the hall, a single spotlight flared to life—illuminating a petite girl with sleek black hair tied in a red ribbon, her Tōtsuki uniform crisp under the light.
Her voice rang clear and practiced.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she began with professional flair, "we are now at the end of today's event! And for our finale, we bring you the band everyone's been waiting for!"
The crowd's energy spiked. Anticipation surged through the hall like a living current.
"This band began their journey seven years ago," she continued, her tone rising with every word. "They conquered tournaments through the power of unity, passion, and friendship! With seven Future World Fes championships and three consecutive International titles—"
Gasps and murmurs spread through the students' section. Even the Tōtsuki elite looked intrigued.
"—from the ultimate underdogs to undisputed champions, the new generation of this legendary band stands before you today!"
The spotlight flicked off.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she cried, "I present to you—OG!!!"
The hall plunged into darkness. For a heartbeat, all that existed was the audience's collective breath. Then—
Boom.
A line of lights exploded to life across the stage, outlining five silhouettes.
Front and center stood Riku, clad in OG's new stage jacket, the faint blue of his custom keytar gleaming beneath the floodlights.
Rinko's breath hitched. "Eh? Riku's using his keytar?"
Chisato blinked. "Since when did he bring that here?"
Saki leaned forward, eyes wide. "Look at that thing—it's massive!"
Honami tilted her head. "It's... definitely not a standard model."
Ran smirked knowingly. "That's because it's custom-built. Nii-san said that Yakumo-san gave that to him a month ago."
Ichika whispered, almost to herself. "A custom keytar...?"
The truth was simple. The night before, Riku had called his grandfather, asking him to send the instrument to the resort. The elder Nagae didn't hesitate; by morning, the keytar had arrived—shipped overnight, polished, and ready.
On stage, Riku took the microphone, his expression calm but electric.
"We are... OG!" His voice carried like a strike of lightning, confident and commanding. "Roll call!"
He turned to his right, gesturing to each member in turn.
"Lead Guitar—bzm!"
Bzm gave a small bow, strumming a few notes that shimmered through the air.
"Bass—Misha!"
Misha adjusted his glasses, plucking a quick, melodic riff before nodding to the crowd.
"Drums—Taiga!"
A sharp crack echoed from the snare as Taiga twirled his sticks, both hands raised in greeting.
"Guitar and Vocal—Yuragi!"
Yuragi waved lightly, stepping back to his mic with quiet ease.
Riku grinned faintly, his hand tightening around the keytar.
"And lastly—Keytar and Vocal... Iku."
For a moment, silence. Then the crowd erupted, the name ringing through the hall as the stage lights burst into color—amber, violet, and white.
Riku looked toward his friends in the front row and smiled briefly.
"Now then," he said, lowering the mic with that familiar glint in his eyes. "Let's not waste any more time."
The crowd leaned forward, breath held.
"Anti-Clockwise!"
(A/N: For Anti-clockwise, I'm not gonna put the lyrics since I've already put it in one of the previous chapters. So I'm just gonna put the MV.)
The moment the band began to play, a shift washed over the audience—an unspoken current that rippled through the air.
Erina's eyes widened. "What is this...? It feels like Nii-sama turned into someone else."
Alice nodded faintly, her voice quiet but heavy. "So this is what he went through..."
Then came the moment that stunned them all. Riku's fingers blurred across the keytar, executing a blistering solo—one-handed.
Saki gasped. "Whoa! He's fast!"
Ichika leaned forward in awe. "And he's doing that with one hand... incredible."
Rinko, who had seen the original performance, added softly, "Not just that, Hoshino-san. When Riku performed this song at Stockholm, his hand was injured."
Erina's head snapped toward her. "Nii-sama was what!?"
Alice's eyes widened as well. "Riku-nii-sama was injured at that time!?"
Kaoru folded his arms with a small smirk. "He was. But don't worry—his hand's fully healed now. Though, he did get an earful from a few people afterward."
Joichiro sighed, half in disbelief. "Goodness... I never thought he'd be that reckless."
The last flurry of notes from Riku's keytar solo faded, and Yuragi took the mic. His entrance brought a different kind of surprise—the clarity of his Japanese.
Megumi blinked. "Wow... his Japanese is so good. It's like he's a native speaker."
Chisato smiled faintly, pride slipping into her tone. "Riku taught all of them himself. He wanted them to feel the language in the music. I also heard that some bands they've played with started learning Japanese too—just to understand their songs better."
She turned to the others, her smile deepening. "But brace yourselves. Riku's up next."
They didn't quite understand what she meant—until Riku opened his mouth to sing.
Soma blinked hard. "What in the...?"
Takumi leaned toward his brother. "Isami. Didn't one of our customers mention Riku had a mature voice?"
Isami frowned slightly. "Yeah, but... this is the total opposite."
Ichika whispered, stunned, "We've heard his voice before in one of his videos, but this..."
Shiho could barely find the words. "This is crazy."
When the chorus hit, Riku went all in—his voice soaring to sharp, crystalline heights. The contrast between his piercing tone and Yuragi's smooth, tender timbre created something that felt almost unreal. Their harmonies didn't just blend—they collided beautifully, like lightning meeting still water.
Gin crossed his arms, nodding slowly. "Impressive. I may not be a musician, but it's clear he's practiced endlessly to sing and play like that—especially together."
Sanzaemon, watching from the VIP box, murmured with quiet reverence, "It's not just practice. The way he sings... the emotion he pours into every note—it's like how we chefs put our souls into a dish. Every movement means something."
Among the girls, awe turned to silent admiration.
Ichika's eyes glimmered under the lights. "He can sing that high while playing so fast... I know I saw it in the video earlier, but..."
Shiho finished for her. "Seeing it live makes it an entirely different experience."
Saki could barely hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "Incredible... I wonder if I could ever play like that someday."
Rinko's voice carried a quiet certainty. "He's playing even better now that his hand's healed."
Ran gave a small nod. "Yeah. I noticed it too."
On stage, the song built toward its finish, the tempo rising like a heartbeat racing toward release. Riku's fingers danced across the keys as Yuragi's voice rose beside his, both of them giving everything until the final note hung in the air like a spark refusing to fade.
Then silence—followed by a roar.
The crowd erupted in cheers that rolled through the hall, an avalanche of voices calling their names. Under the flashing stage lights, Riku and Yuragi took a step back from the mic, catching their breath.
For a few seconds, the world felt muted except for their own quiet conversation.
Riku tilted his head slightly. "How long?"
Yuragi, still panting lightly, closed his eyes for a moment before replying, "Just a bit..."
Riku nodded, patient. He watched as Yuragi steadied his breathing, rolling his shoulders back. A few seconds passed—then Yuragi met his gaze and gave a small nod.
That was enough.
Riku turned back to the mic, resting one hand on the keytar. A faint smile curved his lips. "Alright," he said, his tone calm but charged with energy. "Let's keep it going while we're at it."
He paused just long enough for the crowd to hush, anticipation thick in the air.
"For this next one..." he continued, eyes glinting under the stage lights, "this is a new song I wrote a few weeks ago. You'll be the first ones to hear it."
He took a breath, his voice dropping into a softer, almost reverent tone.
"Yuudachi."
The lights dimmed to a deep, hazy violet as the first gentle notes flowed from his keytar—rain-like, shimmering. The crowd held their breath, drawn into the quiet magic before the storm that was surely coming.
Yuudachi
(By: After the Rain - Soraru x mafumafu)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3dVqx8ZIGM
Bold: Yuragi
Italic: Riku
Bold+Italic: Both
Tooku susuketa namari sora
Kon'na yogorete ita kke na
Nigori sameta tooriame
Soretomo shimiru me no sei ka na
Doko da kidzuitadarou ka
Doko da tadaetadarou ka
Ima mo ookiku mieru mono wa
Mou kore kuraina nda yo
Kotoba o ushinatte
Kigurumi de kikazatte
Me o fusaida tokoro de
Mabuta o kizutsukeru dake
Otona ni natte shimatta no
Kodomo no mama de i rarenai no
Sukina mono mo aisenaide
Kiraware mono ni natte iku no
Jibungatte ni shinenai no
Iitai koto mo ienainara
Boku wa nan'nano darena no
Nee~
Ori no naka wa semai
Karada wa ookiku naru no ni
Kimi to sugoshita kono sekai ga
Togedarake de itai nda yo
Nigedashite shimaitai na
Kizu ga tadarete iku mae ni
Memoate rarenai gaoda
Kokoro ga oshaka ni nari sou
Kizutsuke atte kenka shite
Ashita mo nakama to ieta anogoro to
Chigau no wa hokademonai
Boku no nozonda bokudatta
Shitta fuuna kuchi kiku na
Baka no hitotsu de kimetsukeru na
Kimi wa dōnano kotaete yo
Nee~
Nani o gomi ni dashita
Teniamaru omoide wa suteta
Doromamire no kyō mo
Kore ga shiawase to shinjita katta
Boku o tebanashite
Hirou ashita sura nai youda
Mou oshikomenai kanjou de
Nagarete iku
Houtte furikitte
Migatte ni yabutta 'mou ii kai?'
Sakamuke no Kokoro ni
Doushite
Furete kureru no
Otona ni natte shimatta no
Kodomo no mama de i rarenai no
Sukina mono mo aisenai yo
Kiraware mono ja aisenai yo
Dono migatte mo yasashi-sa mo
Dare no shiwaza dare no tame dare no sei
Sore wa bokuda yo soudesho
Nee~
As the last note of the song faded, the arena erupted once more. The cheers this time were louder—almost thunderous. Every clap, every shout, carried the same thought: they just witnessed something extraordinary.
Kaoru exhaled, still caught in the afterglow. "Incredible..."
Rinko nodded slowly, her tone soft but full of awe. "And to think they only practiced that song once..."
Ran's eyes widened slightly. "Only one take? That's insane."
Shiho glanced at the girl beside her. Ichika sat frozen, hands slightly trembling. Her eyes, however, gleamed with the kind of light that comes only from inspiration.
"Hey," Shiho said gently, leaning closer. "You good?"
Ichika blinked, shaking herself from the daze. "Yeah. Just... shaking off the nerves."
"Good." Shiho gave her a small smile. "Because you're up next. Riku's about to call you."
Ichika drew a quiet breath, her fingers tightening on her skirt as she steadied herself. The moment she'd been waiting for—ready or not.
On stage, Riku leaned toward the mic, a familiar smirk forming on his face. "Alright, now here comes the interesting part. Guys, if you would..."
At his words, bzm and Misha exchanged a knowing nod and walked offstage, leaving only Riku, Yuragi, and Taiga under the lights. The sudden absence stirred murmurs among the crowd.
"What's going on?" someone whispered.
Even their friends exchanged puzzled glances.
Riku chuckled softly into the mic. "Now, this last song is going to be a little special. You see... what we're about to do is a collaboration with a certain band."
He turned his gaze toward Ichika, and with a subtle nod, gave the signal.
Ichika rose from her seat. Her steps were slow but sure as she walked toward the stage, the light catching the faint gleam of determination in her eyes.
Soma leaned forward, confused. "Wait—where's she going?"
Chisato smiled faintly, as if she already knew. "Just watch, Yukihira-kun."
The murmuring swelled as Ichika climbed the steps to the stage. Yuragi greeted her with a grin before handing her his guitar, then turned around to grab a bass resting near the amps.
Riku lifted his hand toward the audience. "Everyone, meet Hoshino Ichika—the vocalist of Leo/need. An up-and-coming band with incredible potential."
Applause rippled through the hall, but Riku wasn't finished. "The reason she's here tonight is because the song we're about to perform is one her band has been practicing recently. And she's not doing this alone."
With a sharp snap of his fingers, the lights dimmed and blue particles began to swirl beside Ichika. They shimmered, gathering form—until a girl appeared.
Her twin-tails of dark teal hair flowed like water, streaked with magenta highlights. She wore a stylized black school uniform with a futuristic edge, her bright eyes carrying both warmth and digital brilliance.
Gasps filled the air.
Riku smiled. "Everyone, this is Hatsune Miku—a Virtual Singer who performs alongside Ichika."
Miku placed a hand on her chest and gave a small bow. "It's an honor to perform by your side, Riku. Ichika and I won't let you down."
She reached for bzm's guitar, giving it a quick strum before nodding at Riku. The confidence in her voice was matched only by the energy sparking around her.
Riku grinned, turning back to the crowd. "Now everyone's in place..." He lifted his head, his tone sharpening as he declared, "Hibana!"
The word cracked through the speakers like a spark—and the music exploded to life.
Hibana
(By: After the Rain ft. Hoshino Ichika & Hatsune Miku)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCW3oI0-m4Q
R: Riku
I: Ichika
M: Miku
Y: Yuragi
Bold+Italic: All
I - Konkon yasashiku nokku shite
Norikome kokoro no dakkansen
Mousou bakari ga furasshu shite
I/Y - Kasoku suru parusu kotae wa doko darou
R - Saa saa yowane wa myuuto shite
Kudaranai koto de chuucho shite
Joudan bakari ne? ahaha
R/M - Kowasenai kabe ga kisu wo semaru deshou
I - Aa, iya
M- "sonna wake nai ya"
R/Y - Aa, iya
R - "wakatte kureru desho"
I/M/Y - Sono atama wo uchinuite
I - Owannai ai wo daitetakunai no
I/Y - Motto chanto fuan ni shite yo
R - Inai inaibaa de enjite hoshii no
R/M/Y - Motto chanto kotaete yo
Nanana
R - "mikansei" datte nando demo iun da
Nanana
M - NO wo karabutta ai no naka de
Y - Tonton kore de goaiko tte
Umaranai toki ni komocchatte
M - Kanzen shugi wa sumookii ni
M/Y - Kodama suru koe ni memai to monotonii
I - Knock knock! Let me go in and get the ace
R - You'll paint your face with tears that don't feel the same
I - Now Heart Reinforce's up to end this game
I/R- You'd better give up and throw your MP5 away
R/Y - Aa, iya
R - docchi mo erande
M - Aa, iya
I - docchi mo kowashite
I/M/Y - Kokoro no ne wo hikinuite
M - Fugainai ai wo aishitakunai no
M/Y - Motto chanto itaku shite yo
R - Waraenai kurai ga kitto tanoshii no
I/Y - Motto chanto tokashite yo
Nanana
R - "mikansei" datte nando demo iun da
Nanana
I - NO wo karabutta ai no naka de
M - Aa, iya
I - "sonna wake nai ya"
R/Y - Aa, iya
Y - "wakatte kureru desho"
Sono atama wo uchinuite
I/M - uchinuite
I/Y - Owannai ai wo daitetakunai no
Motto chanto fuan ni shite yo
M/Y - Inai inaibaa de enjite hoshii no
Motto chanto kotaete yo
Nanana
R - "mikansei" datte nando demo iun da
Nanana
M - NO wo karabutta ai no naka de
R - Fugainai ai wo aishitakunai no
I/Y - Motto chanto itaku shite yo
M - Waraenai kurai ga kitto tanoshii no
M/Y - Motto chanto tokashite yo
Nanana
R - "mikansei" datte nando demo iun da
Nanana
I - NO wo karabutta ai no naka de
Nanana
R - "mikansei" datte nando demo iun da
Nanana
NO wo karabutta ai no naka de
By the final chorus, the four of them stood shoulder to shoulder—sweat, light, and sound merging into one. Riku gave a final shout, his voice echoing above the crowd before the stage lights burst into gold.
And then—silence.
A heartbeat later, the hall erupted again.
It was deafening.
The four stood there, catching their breath, their chests heaving as the cheers washed over them.
Riku laughed under his breath, shaking his head. Out in the crowd, he spotted Kokoro halfway out of her seat, nearly leaping in excitement before Kaoru calmly caught her by the wrist.
"Easy there," Kaoru muttered, though even she couldn't hide her grin.
Riku turned toward Yuragi, and the two exchanged a grin before bumping fists—a silent acknowledgment of a job well done.
Then he faced Ichika, raising a hand in her direction. "Nice play, Ichika."
Ichika smiled brightly as she met his palm with a high five. "Thank you for the chance, Owner-san."
Before Riku could reply, Miku bounded up beside them, still buzzing with excitement. "That was great, Riku! Let's do another collab soon!"
Riku chuckled lightly. "If the opportunity comes..."
Miku clasped her hands together, beaming. "I can't wait. I'll be looking forward to it."
As her form began to shimmer and fade, she waved at him. "See you again, Riku."
He waved back. "Yeah... see you."
Moments later, the blue particles dispersed, leaving only the faint echo of her presence behind.
Riku turned back to the mic one last time. His voice softened, carrying warmth and gratitude. "Thank you very much for the support and cheers, everyone."
He gave the crowd a deep bow, then waved as the final burst of fireworks illuminated the stage backdrop.
The night closed in a blaze of color and applause—an ending worthy of the legend he'd built, and a promise that the best was still to come.
----------
Tōtsuki Resort – Main Lobby – 4:30 P.M.
Riku's POV
The echo of applause still lingered in my head, but before anyone could surround me for pictures or questions, I made my escape—keytar in hand, Rinko and the others right behind me. We slipped through one of the side corridors, the noise from the hall fading with every step until the cool air of the lobby greeted us.
Just as I thought we were clear, a familiar voice called out.
"Nii-sama!"
Erina came rushing over, elegant as ever even when slightly breathless. With her were Alice and Soma—who, apparently, had brought some of his friends from Polar Star along. Two of them, particularly the girl named Yuki, looked like they were about to burst with excitement.
Before they could even ask, I signed a few autographs and handed over a couple of cards—the same kind I'd given Soma earlier. They were simple introductions to Nagae-trade merchants, small tokens of trust. When I learned that the Polar Star residents were growing their own produce, I decided to go a step further and gave them a merchant's voucher, one that would let them sell their crops directly through Nagae-owned markets.
The gratitude on their faces was worth the gesture. Even Erina looked quietly relieved that I'd taken an interest in helping them.
"I'm leaving her in your care," I said with a faint grin, glancing toward Soma and his friends.
"You can count on us," they replied almost in unison, a mix of pride and nervous energy in their tone.
I gave them a final nod before Rinko tugged at my sleeve. Our car was already waiting outside.
The girls gathered their bags as I double-checked—no forgotten luggage, no stray belongings. Then, just as I turned to leave, Erina's voice called me again.
"Nii-sama!"
I paused. "You came to say goodbye?"
"I did," she said, nodding once before hesitating. "But... I also wanted to ask if I could visit you during the summer."
Her eyes held that quiet hope of someone who rarely asked for things.
"I'll see if I can make the time," I replied, smiling faintly. "I'm sure Kokoro will be thrilled to have you visit too. Good luck with the Autumn Elections."
Erina sighed softly. "I'd accept the wish if I could participate, but since I hold the Tenth Seat, I'm tasked with supervising instead. I'll be in charge of organizing the entire event."
"Then make sure you don't tire yourself," I said, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Even the best chefs burn out if they forget to breathe."
She gave a small, genuine smile before nodding. "I'll remember that."
A resort staff member approached, holding out my keys. "Nagae-sama, all your luggage is secured inside the van. Here are your keys."
I accepted them with a short bow and slipped him a tip in return—a small thank-you for handling the vehicle carefully.
Rinko and the others were already seated inside when I took one last glance at the resort. The view of the main hall bathed in evening light held a kind of quiet satisfaction. Another chapter closed.
Then I got in, started the engine, and drove us home.
Live House CiRCLE – 5:30 P.M.
After dropping off the girls, I decided to swing by CiRCLE. I'd been away too long, and something told me I should check in on Marina and the others before calling it a day.
The moment I stepped out of the car, however, the sound that greeted me was not music—but chaos.
Screaming. Lots of it.
I rushed through the entrance, half-expecting a fight or maybe an equipment malfunction. Instead, I froze in place.
Kasumi and the rest of Poppin'Party were running wild across the live house... chasing rabbits.
Dozens of them.
I blinked, once. Twice. Then, without a word, I tapped my scarf, muttering a quick spell. A shimmering thread of light burst forth, wrapping around each rabbit and gently pulling them into midair before settling them neatly into a line. I spotted a few cages nearby—thankfully—and guided the creatures into them one by one.
Only after that did I speak.
"So," I said slowly, eyes narrowing, "who had the brilliant idea to bring a fuck-ton of rabbits into my live house? I just got back from my break, and this is the first thing I walk into?"
The air went still.
Arisa immediately grabbed Tae by the head and forced her into a bow beside her. "Sorry for this idiot, Riku-san! I told her it was a bad idea, but she—"
"—thought they'd look cute for a livestream," Tae muttered sheepishly.
I glanced around. No broken amps. No chewed cables. Miraculously, nothing destroyed.
I sighed. "You're lucky there's no damage. I'll let this one slide. But next time—just warn me if you plan to turn the place into a petting zoo."
Before I could finish my sentence, I felt a light tug at my pants. I looked down—and saw a small brown rabbit nibbling at the fabric. One eye red, the other blue.
"Well, you're an odd one." I picked it up carefully. "Interesting eyes you've got there."
"That's Oddie," Tae said, smiling faintly. "Looks like he likes you already."
"Oddie, huh?" I murmured, stroking the rabbit's fur. "I see."
Arisa, still holding her forehead, sighed. "Anyway, welcome back, Riku-san. I take it you and the others just returned?"
"Yeah," I replied, handing Oddie back to Tae. "Dropped the girls off, figured I'd stop by before heading home. Where's Marina?"
"Marina-san went to a gathering of live house owners," Rimi said. "Since you weren't here, she went as CiRCLE's representative."
"And Aya and Hatate?" I asked.
Saaya shrugged. "Dragged off somewhere by a woman named Megumu. Don't ask me how."
I gave them a flat look. "So while everyone's away, you girls were left in charge. I see how that turned out."
Kasumi giggled awkwardly. "Ehehe... Senpai, where did you and Rinko-senpai go again?"
"To Tōtsuki Resort," I said dryly. "Did Arisa not tell you?"
Kasumi scratched her cheek. "Well... I might've forgotten. Teehee~"
I stared at her for a moment. "Why do I even bother..."
Then I waved it off. "Anyway, it's getting late and you've got school tomorrow. We'll wait for Marina to come back, close up after. In the meantime..." I reached into my bag. "Souvenirs."
Their eyes widened as I pulled out a neatly wrapped box filled with sweets—Erina and the others had prepared them as gifts before I left the resort.
"Whoa!" Kasumi gasped, leaning closer. "They look so good!"
"As expected from Tōtsuki," Arisa muttered, already reaching for one.
Rimi clasped her hands together. "I can't wait to try them..."
Before anyone could grab the first bite, the front door burst open.
"I'm back!"
Marina strode in, her expression bright and lively as always.
"Welcome back, Marina-san!" Saaya said, waving.
Marina's eyes lit up when she saw me. "Ah—Riku! You're back too!"
"Just returned," I replied with a small smile. "Heard from the girls that you attended the gathering for live house owners. How did it go?"
Her grin widened. "Productive! We discussed The International."
"Right," I said, leaning against a table. "Japan's hosting this year."
"Exactly," she continued. "We've been deciding which live houses will host the group stage. After a long debate, we picked four venues." She handed me a small list.
Live House Nebula
Live House RING
Blue Note Studios
Live House CiRCLE
I blinked. "CiRCLE made the cut?"
Kasumi practically jumped in place. "That's amazing, Senpai!"
Arisa adjusted her glasses, skeptical but impressed. "Well, this place is big enough to host something like that... Did you plan this from the start?"
I shook my head. "No. But it'll help CiRCLE's reputation. What day are we hosting, Marina?"
Her grin turned mischievous as she gave me a thumbs-up. "The final day."
Rimi tilted her head. "Isn't that... bad? Wouldn't that mean the most pressure?"
"For some," I said calmly, "but this is The International. Anything can happen. Hosting last just means we'll have the grand finale. And with CiRCLE, there's always room for a miracle."
Marina beamed. "That's what I like to hear."
I nodded toward the sweets. "Once you girls finish those, close up shop, alright?"
"Got it!" Marina replied, giving a small salute. "Oh, and I'll send you a report about everything that happened while you were gone."
"I'll expect it," I said, already heading toward the door. "See you at school tomorrow. And for the record—make sure you all finished your homework."
A wave of collective groans followed me as I walked out.
Kasumi's voice trailed faintly behind. "I think I... forgot to do mine."
"Same," Tae added meekly.
I smirked to myself as I unlocked the car. "Knew it."
Sliding behind the wheel, I started the engine and pulled out into the evening streets. The city lights flickered in the distance, the warmth of the live house fading into the hum of the road.
"Another day down," I muttered, half to myself, half to the quiet hum of the engine. "And somehow, no disasters... yet."
But knowing this crowd, I wouldn't bet on that lasting long.
Nagae Estate – 6:00 P.M.
The drive back was quiet, just the hum of the engine and the faint rustle of the trees that lined the road to the estate. For once, no interruptions. No calls. No chaos. Just the lingering hum of a good day.
Aizawa was already waiting at the front steps when I pulled up. I tossed him the keys. "Garage. Be gentle with her."
He gave the usual polite nod. "Of course, Riku-sama."
Inside, the familiar scent of cedar and polished marble greeted me. And there they were—Grandfather, calm as ever, holding Fuyu in his arms, and Youmu standing at his side. The sight was oddly grounding after everything that happened at the resort.
"Welcome back, Riku," Grandfather said, that slight curl of satisfaction at the corner of his lips. "I take it you enjoyed your time there."
Fuyu let out a soft nyaa as if to second him.
"I did," I said, dropping my bag by my side. "Though there were... a few surprises along the way. But it was worth it."
Kyoya chuckled. "Sanzaemon already told me as much. No need to repeat the details." He turned to Youmu. "Take him to his room. He looks half-dead from driving."
"Understood," Youmu replied, taking my bag before I could protest.
"Come on, Riku-kun. You can barely stand straight."
I sighed but followed her. Fuyu trotted along behind us, her little bell jingling against the quiet halls.
"Good to see you again, Youmu," I said as we walked.
"You miss me that much?" she teased lightly without looking back.
"Not exactly," I muttered. "It's just... you've been here so long, the place feels different when you're gone."
"I see."
Her tone softened—just slightly—but she didn't press.
"So, anything happen here while I was away?"
"Nothing major," she said. "Aside from the massive surge of magic power this morning."
I frowned. "Yeah... I felt that too. Definitely Yukari-san."
"You think she's in trouble?"
"Trouble tends to find her. She probably started it."
That earned me a rare chuckle from Youmu. "You might be right."
We reached my room. Youmu placed the bag beside the bed with her usual precision.
"If there's anything you need, let me know."
"Actually," I said, rummaging through my bag. "There is." I handed her a small pouch wrapped in silver paper. "Can you brew this tea for me? Chef Inui gave it to me before I left. Said it's good for relaxing before bed."
She took it and nodded. "Understood."
Once she left, I unpacked the rest of my things. Fuyu hopped onto my chair, tail flicking lazily before curling into a ball on my lap. I ran a hand through her fur, the tension slowly unwinding from my shoulders as her soft purr filled the quiet.
The door slid open again. Youmu returned, carrying a tray with a porcelain teacup and a faintly steaming pot.
"Here," she said, setting it down on the desk. "This has a very calming aroma. I can see why Inui-san recommended it."
I took the cup and inhaled deeply. The scent was light—floral, with a trace of something earthy underneath. The kind of smell that made you forget what you were worrying about.
"You're right," I murmured. "Just the aroma alone makes the day's weight vanish. Try to find where we can buy this."
"I'll inform Kyoya-sama," she said with a small smile. "Rest well, Riku-kun."
When the door shut behind her, I turned the chair toward the window. The moon hung low and pale in the indigo sky.
"Hmm..." I exhaled, the cup warm in my hands. "Feels like something's about to happen..."
The tea's warmth spread through my chest as I gazed into the night—still, but never quiet.
Meanwhile – Shirasagi Residence, Chisato's Room – 7:30 P.M.
3rd POV
Chisato sat by her desk, the soft hum of her phone charger filling the silence. After Riku dropped her home, she'd barely changed out of her outfit before her phone began buzzing nonstop—missed calls, unread messages, and a flood of notifications.
Aya's name blinked at the top of the screen for the fourth time.
She exhaled. "Alright, alright..."
The video call connected. Aya, Hina, Maya, and Eve all appeared on-screen, their faces unusually tense.
"Well?" Chisato asked, brushing her hair back. "What's so urgent, Aya-chan? Judging by the panic in your texts, it's not a small matter."
Aya hesitated. "You should... look at your social media first."
Chisato's stomach sank. That tone was never good news. She picked up her phone, opened her feed—then froze.
"Oh no..."
There it was. A photo—clear as daylight—of her and Riku at the Tōtsuki Resort. Him standing close beside her, the lighting flattering, their expressions almost too natural. To anyone else, it screamed date.
The post had already gone viral. Comments, tags, gossip. Thousands of them.
"Oh no indeed," Maya muttered grimly. "Now everyone thinks you and Riku-san are dating."
Eve frowned, hands pressed together in worry. "Does Riku-san know about this yet?"
Chisato's mind raced. "No... and it's better if he doesn't. But he'll find out soon enough."
Hina tilted her head. "Would it be that bad if he did?"
"It's not him I'm worried about," Chisato said, voice dropping. "It's whoever posted this. The angle, the timing—it's deliberate. Someone's stirring the pot."
Aya blinked. "You mean... this wasn't just a random fan?"
"Doubtful," Chisato said, her tone sharpening. "If the media runs wild with this and starts digging too deep, they'll uncover who Riku really is. And if they link him to the Celestial Families..."
The line went silent. Even Hina, normally carefree, paled at the implication.
"The Nagae family," Maya whispered. "You're right. That would be... very bad."
Chisato leaned back, rubbing her temples. "Exactly. The Celestial Families keep a delicate balance. If the media starts poking around, they won't just find rumors—they'll find power. The kind that shouldn't be in headlines."
Hina sighed, suddenly serious. "Then we should tell the agency tomorrow. They'll know how to handle it."
Maya nodded. "Agreed. We can't risk this escalating. I'll cancel our upcoming booking at CiRCLE for now."
Eve frowned. "That's wise. It'll only draw more attention if people see us performing at Riku-san's venue right now."
Aya looked worried. "What about school, though? You and Riku-kun are classmates."
Chisato gave a small, tired smile. "I'll handle that. I'll act like nothing's wrong."
Aya frowned. "You sure? You sound... scared."
"I'm not scared for myself," Chisato replied quietly. "I'm scared of what happens to him if this spirals out of control."
Her reflection in the dark screen looked worn—eyes dulled, shoulders tight.
Maya leaned closer to her camera. "Chisato-san, are you sure you should handle this alone? If this is an intentional leak, it might not stop at just one post."
"I'll trace it," Chisato said simply. "But I won't involve him. Not unless I have to."
Aya exhaled, clearly uneasy. "Then at least keep us updated, okay? If the agency wants to make a statement, we'll all stand behind you."
"Thanks," Chisato said, forcing a faint smile. "I'll try to settle this before it gets worse."
The call ended one by one, leaving Chisato alone again in the quiet.
She leaned back in her chair, staring up at the ceiling.
Her thoughts wouldn't still.
"Who took that photo? Who knew where we were?"
Her phone buzzed again. This time, it wasn't one of the girls. It was a notification—anonymous message.
"The truth always comes out, Miss Shirasagi."
Her blood ran cold. The account was blank. No profile, no followers.
She clenched her jaw, locking her phone.
"This is going to be a long week..." she muttered.
Outside her window, the night wind stirred the curtains. Far away, the moon hung the same as it did over the Nagae estate—still, watchful, and far too quiet.
To be Continued...