One Wake-Up Attempt Later...
2:00 P.M.
Kaguya's POV
After a solid minute of screaming loud enough to wake the dead—or at least whatever remained of Eirin's dignity—I stood in what could only be described as chemical warfare aftermath. Smoke hung in the air, half my hair smelled faintly of burnt herbs, and two of the most intelligent people in Gensokyo were unconscious on the floor.
A few Moon Rabbits rushed in, clearly fighting the urge to laugh, as they helped me drag Eirin and Udongein into the nearby guestroom. By the time we managed to get them in bed, I was this close to banning alchemy for a week.
Finally, after a few more minutes, Eirin's eyes fluttered open. She blinked like a confused owl.
"W–What happened...?"
Udongein stirred beside her, groaning as if she'd been in a bar fight.
"The last thing I remember... the mixture went horribly wrong. Then—boom—and we both blacked out."
Eirin rubbed her temples, eyes flicking to the ceiling. "I think I'll have to scrap that entire formula. I misjudged the binding agent's reaction with—"
I cleared my throat sharply. "Ehem."
Both froze instantly. The color drained from their faces.
"K–Kaguya-sama..." they said in perfect unison, like a pair of guilty schoolgirls.
I crossed my arms. "Now. Please explain to me what exactly went wrong. I told you both you're free to research here, but this isn't supposed to turn into the set of a mad scientist drama."
Eirin immediately sat up, bowed deeply, and stayed there. "My utmost apologies, Kaguya-sama! We were on the verge of a breakthrough, but there was an unforeseen reaction. Everything went... south."
Udongein raised a shaky hand. "We did try to contain it! But the fumes... they knocked us both out cold."
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "So that explains the mess." I gestured toward the still-smoking test bench outside the door. "Alright, I'll let this one slide—but Eirin, if this happens again, I'm replacing your lab coat with a bunny apron."
Her eyes widened. "I promise, Kaguya-sama! It won't happen again!"
"Good. Now both of you—wash up. You smell like burnt moon carrots."
Eirin started gathering her things, but Udongein tilted her head. "Is something the matter, Kaguya-sama?"
"Yes. Riku challenged me to a danmaku battle."
They froze again. The silence was deafening.
"Riku... challenged you?" Eirin repeated, as though I'd said I planned to elope with Yukari.
"Correct."
Eirin frowned. "That's... unexpected. He's not one to act impulsively."
"I know." I stood, smoothing the folds of my dress. "That's why I want you, Eirin, to officiate the match. And Udongein..."
"Yes, ma'am?"
"You're heading to the vault. Bring me the dark blue box inside."
Udongein blinked. "The one Tenshi left you?"
I smiled faintly. "Exactly."
Eirin raised a brow. "What are you planning?"
"I'm doing something I should have done three years ago," I said quietly. "If Riku wins, he'll earn what Tenshi left behind."
Eirin studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. Shall we head to the Half-Moon Court? They've likely been waiting."
Eientei – Half-Moon Court
2:30 P.M.
3rd POV
By the time Kaguya and Eirin arrived, the rest had already been waiting for more than thirty minutes.
Chiyu yawned from where she sat cross-legged. "They're really taking their sweet time..."
"Maybe something happened," Rinko said, glancing toward the main building.
"Probably an explosion," Chiyu muttered under her breath.
Reona pointed toward Riku, who sat perfectly still on the ground, legs crossed and eyes closed. "What's Riku-sama doing?"
"He's meditating," Chiyu replied. "He's facing Kaguya, after all."
Ako tilted her head. "Is Kaguya-san that strong?"
"In her own way," Chiyu said. "She doesn't just fight you—she gets in your head. Iku's probably trying to clear his mind so she can't live rent-free up there."
Reona folded her arms. "So... psychological warfare?"
"Exactly. And she's unpredictable. Out of all danmaku fighters, Kaguya's got the biggest library of spell cards."
"So Riku doesn't know what she'll throw at him," Rinko murmured.
"Pretty much."
Riku opened his eyes, red glint flashing faintly. "She might have quantity," he said evenly, "but I have adaptability."
Chiyu smirked. "You done meditating then?"
"Yeah," Riku said, standing as he sensed movement in the distance. "Look alive—they're here."
True enough, Kaguya and Eirin entered the courtyard, the air shifting subtly with Kaguya's presence.
"Apologies for the delay," Kaguya said, her tone perfectly polite, if a bit sheepish. "We had a... minor incident."
Chiyu snorted. "Figures."
Riku waved it off. "Don't worry about it. Anyway, about the rules—"
Kaguya raised a hand. "You said this will be a one-spell match, correct?"
"That's right."
"Then I'd like to amend it," she said, meeting his gaze. "Let's make it a Last Word match."
The words hit like thunder.
Eirin's eyes went wide. "Kaguya-sama! That's reckless—why would you insist on that?"
Rinko blinked. "Um... what's a Last Word?"
Chiyu explained, her voice serious now. "Think of it as an ultimate move. It's not just a spell—it's a manifestation of your true self. But it's risky as hell. Using one drains nearly all your magic."
Reona frowned. "Meaning?"
Riku's tone was calm, but heavy. "It leaves you vulnerable after the battle. No magic for a day or two. Even during the fight, it burns through your energy like wildfire."
Ako winced. "So... massive power boost, massive hangover."
"Exactly," Chiyu said.
Eirin looked between them. "Kaguya-sama, please reconsider—"
Riku cut in. "I accept."
Chiyu's jaw dropped. "Iku! You can't be serious!"
"I was the one who challenged her," he said simply. "She has the right to set the rules. Besides..." He smirked faintly. "I can handle a couple days without magic."
Eirin sighed, muttering something about reckless prodigies under her breath. "Fine. Then we'll do this properly."
She motioned for the girls to stand back. Rinko and the others obeyed, stepping behind her as she extended a hand. A massive white magic circle bloomed beneath their feet, filling the courtyard with blinding light.
When it faded, the group found themselves standing in an open field under a sky split by faint lunar glow.
Rinko gasped. "Where... are we?"
"This is one of the Half-Moon Court's features," Eirin explained. "It generates an isolated arena for danmaku matches—so the estate stays intact."
Riku looked around, wind tugging at his coat. "Perfect stage for a fight."
"Couldn't agree more," Kaguya said, hovering slightly off the ground.
Eirin raised her hand again. "Both of you—take your positions."
Riku and Kaguya drifted apart, gaining distance.
"This will be a Last Word battle," Eirin declared. "Each of you has one barrier. You'll both release your Last Word simultaneously. Whoever collapses first loses. Do you understand?"
Both nodded. Eirin snapped her fingers, and faint ripples of magic spread outward.
"Barriers set. Take flight."
The two rose higher until they were just specks against the pale-blue sky.
Down below, Ako squinted. "I can barely see them."
"Hold on," Eirin murmured, conjuring a floating screen in front of them. The image resolved—Riku and Kaguya, suspended midair, energy thrumming around them.
Rinko clenched her fists. "Good luck, Riku... just don't go overboard again."
Chiyu turned sharply. "Again? You've seen him fight?"
"Yeah," Rinko said. "Me, Kaoru-san, Ran, and Chisato watched him fight Kokoro at the Totsuki Resort."
"Wait—he fought Kokoro?!"
"Yup. And won."
Before Chiyu could respond, Riku's voice echoed in all their minds.
Eirin-san, let's start.
Eirin nodded. "Both sides... set!"
Kaguya's aura bloomed first—light pink with hints of crimson, radiating calm arrogance. She tilted her head, smiling slyly. "Can you fulfill my impossible request, Riku?"
Riku's body crackled with lightning, his hat casting a shadow over his eyes as one glowed bright red.
"Calamity will soon befall you, Houraisan Kaguya," he said quietly. "I hope you've come prepared."
Eirin's voice rang out like a judge's gavel.
"Ready... FIGHT!"
The moment Eirin gave the signal, Riku and Kaguya reached for their spell cards. Two flashes lit the air—Kaguya's card gleamed black, rimmed in white and gold, while Riku's burned crimson streaked with gold veins. Their auras flared, wind bending around them, the sky rippling like a living thing.
Then—Kaguya moved first.
Behind her, a massive magic circle unfolded—ornate, radiant, and ancient. The sigils spun faster, humming with enough power to shake the entire field. Light condensed into a physical form, and what emerged left everyone speechless.
A cannon—no, a colossal fortress-sized weapon—materialized behind her. Its sleek metal shimmered with lunar alloys, and energy coursed along its runes like flowing starlight. The barrel alone was large enough to swallow a mansion.
Ako nearly screamed. "THAT'S HER LAST WORD?! THAT'S INSANE!"
Rinko shielded her eyes from the glare. "She built that out of magic?"
Eirin, for once, looked genuinely stunned. "I've never seen Kaguya-sama use this variant... she must've finished it in secret."
Chiyu exhaled slowly. "So Iku's going in blind."
Meanwhile, Riku stared at the monstrosity, silent. His coat rippled in the gale of energy. Then, with a faint grin, he reached behind him—lightning arcing around his hand. His naginata shimmered, morphing and expanding, reshaping itself into a massive trident.
At first it seemed manageable—until it didn't stop growing.
It rose higher, stretching skyward like a pillar that could spear the heavens themselves. By the time it finished forming, the weapon towered like a skyscraper—its frame black and gold with veins of glowing crimson lightning.
And there was Riku—holding the trident by the tip.
Chiyu's jaw dropped. "WHAT IN THE FLAT LIVING HELL IS THAT?!"
Ako jumped up and down, eyes sparkling. "RIKU-NII'S WEAPON IS TALLER THAN A MOUNTAIN!"
Eirin folded her arms, her tone half awe, half resignation. "So... he's using that one."
Reona blinked. "That one?"
"The Nagae family's signature Last Word is 'Diggin' the Shrine Princess,'" Eirin said. "But Riku always insisted on making his own. Guess we're about to see what he came up with."
The battlefield trembled as the two locked eyes. Neither spoke—but their smirks said everything.
Kaguya snapped her fingers. Five smaller magic circles materialized in front of the cannon, all focusing toward the same point—Riku.
He responded by hurling the trident straight into the sky. The weapon spun like a meteor, vanishing past the clouds, and in the next instant, Riku followed—his lightning trail piercing through the atmosphere.
Down below, everyone stared, slack-jawed.
Ako whispered, "He... went into space?"
Reona covered her mouth. "How is he breathing up there?"
Even Eirin couldn't help but glance upward, a mix of disbelief and motherly worry. "Typical Nagae," she muttered. "Always testing physics for sport."
High above the planet, the stars stretched endless around Riku. The Earth shimmered beneath him, a sphere of blue and white. The trident floated before him, spinning slowly. He reached out, lightning gathering along his arms, coiling like living serpents.
Kaguya's voice echoed faintly through the void.
"This is the limit of my imagination. Now, witness the combined might of Earth and Lunarian knowledge!"
Back on the surface, her cannon's core flared violet. Energy compressed into a single point, and her power signature spiked beyond anything Eirin had ever recorded.
Meanwhile, Riku gripped the trident and whispered his own words.
"This is the evolution of the Nagae style. All my thought, my growth, my resolve—manifest."
Below, Eirin's expression hardened. "Brace yourselves."
Chiyu tensed. "That serious?"
Eirin began weaving a dense protective barrier, glowing white-blue. "When two Last Words collide, the world itself reacts. Hold onto something!"
The girls scattered, taking cover behind marble pillars. Ako clung to Reona, who in turn latched onto Chiyu. Rinko crouched low, shielding her head.
And then—silence broke.
"Pale Moon—Pentagram Laser!"
Kaguya's cannon roared to life. A colossal violet beam erupted, firing through the five summoning circles one after another. With each pass, the beam grew larger, purer, more devastating—until it became a radiant torrent slicing the heavens.
Its light washed over the field, so intense it cast shadows even in daylight.
At the same moment, Riku was already in motion. He sprinted along the trident's length, his boots sparking with every step, then slammed his palm onto its metallic surface.
"Thunder Lance—Celestial Buster!"
He punched the weapon forward, sending it hurtling down toward Earth.
The trident, cloaked in lightning, met the violet beam mid-descent.
And the world exploded.
The impact created a soundless quake—a clash that split the sky into halves of crimson and violet. Both forces locked, neither yielding. Riku's lightning crackled violently against Kaguya's beam, space itself twisting under their power.
Down below, Eirin's barrier strained. The shockwave tore through the air, flattening trees, shattering tiles.
Rinko screamed over the noise, "THIS IS A WHOLE DIFFERENT LEVEL!"
Ako yelled back, voice trembling between fear and excitement. "THIS IS SO AWESOME!"
Reona hugged Chiyu tightly. "CHU²-SAMA! I CAN'T FEEL MY FACE!"
Chiyu's voice was muffled. "LET GO, YOU MANIAC—OI, EIRIN! WHEN DOES THIS END?!"
Eirin's teeth were clenched as she poured more energy into the shield. "When one of them runs dry! Whoever's reserves give out first—loses!"
Above, Kaguya gritted her teeth, sweat forming along her temple.
"He's holding back my cannon? No—he's pushing against it!"
She pressed both hands against the energy core, forcing more magic into the beam.
"I won't—lose—here!!"
Riku, still gripping the trident, felt the surge pushing him back. His arm trembled, muscles burning from the strain.
"This is bad... if I keep this up, I'll shatter my bones. I need more."
His eye flashed.
"Tenshi... lend me strength."
Suddenly, his aura shifted. The violet lightning turned azure—deeper, steadier. The trident began to move again, inching forward.
Kaguya's pupils widened. "No way... he's overpowering me?!"
Riku's voice echoed across the sky, fierce and defiant. "Two can play that game, Kaguya!"
He roared, every vein in his arm lit with lightning. The trident surged downward, cutting through the violet beam like a divine spear.
Kaguya's cannon screamed as its structure cracked, the runes dimming one by one.
She stared at the oncoming storm and laughed softly. "So this is how it ends... GG, Riku."
She closed her eyes, smiling, and let go.
The trident pierced the cannon.
Light erupted—pure, blinding, world-consuming. A column of lightning engulfed the entire battlefield, shaking the foundations of Eientei.
The sky went white.
When vision returned, silence reigned.
The artificial field dissolved, fragments of glowing light fading into the breeze. The massive trident and the cannon vanished like fading dreams. What remained was Riku—standing at the center, breathing heavily, sparks still flickering off his arm.
A few feet away, Kaguya lay on the ground, surrounded by cracks on the marble floor. Her elegant robes were singed at the edges, but her expression was peaceful—satisfied.
Eirin landed beside them, raising her staff. "The match is over! Winner—Nagae Riku!"
The others rushed in, still awestruck.
Riku glanced down at Kaguya, exhaling slowly. "So... did that get it out of your system?"
She chuckled weakly, eyes half-open. "Yeah... actually, it did. Been holding that in for a while."
"Same," he said with a small grin. "Hell of a fight though. Almost broke my arm."
Kaguya turned her gaze upward, to the half-moon glowing faintly above. "Then we'll call it even. You got your win... and I got my answer."
He raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"
"That I finally be able to move on," she murmured. Then, softer, "We're good, Riku. Truly."
He nodded. "Good."
The silence that followed their duel was soft, almost reverent. Both Riku and Kaguya remained still for a moment longer, the faint shimmer of fading magic dancing in the air around them. Then, as the air finally cleared and the last spark of energy dispersed, Eirin and the others made their way toward the center of the courtyard.
"Congratulations on your win, Riku," Eirin said, her voice calm but proud. "And Kaguya-sama, that was a splendid battle—truly a sight to behold, even though you lost."
Kaguya exhaled softly, a faint chuckle escaping her lips as she brushed some dust off her kimono. "I don't mind... this loss was actually a breather for me."
Ako didn't even wait. She rushed in with a burst of excitement that made everyone flinch slightly. "RIKU-NII, YOU WERE SO AWESOME OUT THERE!!"
Before he could react, the girl threw herself into a tight hug around his waist, her grin bright enough to rival the afternoon sun.
"Easy there," Riku said with a small laugh, patting her head as Ako squeezed tighter.
Reona bowed slightly, though her own smile betrayed her composure. "Congratulations on the win, Riku-sama. That was incredible."
"Thanks, Reona," he replied, still trying to pry Ako off.
"Oi, Iku!" Chiyu called out, her usual smirk plastered on her face. She raised a fist toward him. Riku met it with his own, and their knuckles collided in a solid, satisfying bump.
"Nice one," she said, grinning wider.
"Yeah, thanks."
Rinko stepped forward next, her tone soft but warm. "Congratulations, Riku. That was... something else."
Before he could respond, a familiar voice called out from the distance.
"Sorry I'm late!!!"
Everyone turned as Udongein sprinted toward them, her long ears bouncing wildly behind her. She stopped right in front of Eirin, panting hard.
"Did I... miss everything?"
Eirin's lips curved faintly. "You did. But don't worry, I've got it recorded just in case."
Riku perked up a bit. "If it's alright, can you send the video to me as well?"
Eirin nodded. "Of course."
Before the group could settle, Kaguya rose to her feet and turned toward Udongein. Her tone shifted—soft, but purposeful. "So, did you find what I asked for?"
Udongein straightened instantly. "Hai. Took a while to clear the security procedures, but here."
She reached into the pouch at her side and carefully presented a dark blue box, its surface etched with the elegant emblem of the Hinanawi Family. The light caught the metallic crest just so, making it gleam faintly in the dusk.
Kaguya accepted it with both hands, then turned toward Riku. "This is meant to be given to you. Go ahead—open it."
Riku hesitated, sensing the weight behind her words. Slowly, he took the box, his fingers brushing the cool surface. As the lid lifted open, a soft shimmer of blue light spilled out. Inside rested two metallic bracelets—ocean-blue with a silver sheen, each lined with a pair of blue and brown gems that pulsed gently, as if alive.
Riku's breath caught. "This is..."
Kaguya smiled faintly, her eyes softening with memory. "Those bracelets are the Water Webs of Heaven and Earth. Tenshi made them specifically for you. She meant to give them to you for your sixteenth birthday."
The words hit like a quiet storm. Riku froze, his gaze locked on the bracelets, a tightness forming in his throat. The air felt heavier, not with magic—but emotion.
Kaguya continued gently. "Tenshi asked me to give them to you together, but... after what happened, I kept them locked in the sacred vault all these years. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." She looked down, guilt shadowing her tone. "I just... didn't have the courage to face you back then. I was afraid of what you might say—afraid of making things harder for you."
The silence that followed was thick. Then Riku slowly closed the box and pulled it to his chest, his head bowing. His shoulders trembled. Rinko and Chiyu stepped forward without a word—Rinko placing a gentle hand on his arm, Chiyu standing beside him quietly.
Chiyu's thoughts echoed the atmosphere around them. This is the first time I've ever seen Iku cry like this...
Rinko's gaze softened. He and Tenshi really were close... closer than any of us realized.
The sound that came next was quiet but raw—a small, muffled breath breaking into a sob. Riku clutched the box tighter, his tears dripping onto the dark blue surface. No one said anything. They simply stood by him, letting the moment breathe.
After a while, Riku drew in a shaky breath and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. When he looked up again, the sadness had softened into something steadier—a calm acceptance. He reopened the box and gently slipped both bracelets onto his wrists.
The moment the metal touched his skin, the bracelets pulsed. The gems began to glow, and streams of water spiraled gently around his wrists, wrapping like living ribbons. The magic was faint, but pure—like the steady rhythm of flowing rivers.
Rinko blinked in awe. "Wait... didn't you say that using a Last Word drains all your magic?"
Riku smiled faintly, lifting his glowing hands. "Normally, yeah. But over the years, we've learned how to manage our magic more efficiently. We can still retain at least twenty percent of our energy afterward." He raised one hand, feeling the weight of the new power coursing through him. "Let's see what I can do with this."
Kaguya crossed her arms, intrigued. "Tenshi told me the Water Webs of Heaven and Earth allow you to manipulate water and liquefy earth. Try something simple."
Riku nodded. He held his palm up, closing his eyes. Within seconds, water began to swirl above it—tiny streams weaving into a perfect miniature whirlpool that spun faster and faster.
"Whoa..." Ako whispered, her eyes wide.
But Riku wasn't finished. He turned toward a nearby boulder and with a flick of his wrist, hurled the whirlpool forward like a Frisbee. A faint trail of water followed it as it struck the rock, shattering it in an instant. Then, with a twist of his fingers, he recalled the whirlpool back into his hand, the liquid reforming neatly.
When the last drop vanished into the air, he grinned. "Yeah... I can work with this."
Kaguya chuckled softly. "Looks like you already have something in mind."
Riku smirked. "I can't wait to start experimenting when I get home."
Eirin cleared her throat with a small, knowing smile. "That's wonderful and all, but perhaps you should take a look at the time."
Everyone turned toward the clock tower on the far wall. The hands pointed to 4:30 P.M.
Riku blinked. "Our battle lasted that long? It didn't even feel like an hour."
Kaguya stretched, letting out a soft laugh. "Well, time tends to slip away when you're clashing Last Words. Anyway, you can't really do much about it now. Why don't you all stay here for the night? Let me show you how hospitable Eientei can be."
There was a brief pause before Riku nodded with a grateful smile. "Then we appreciate the offer. Thank y—"
Ring. Ring.
The sudden ringtone cut through the calm air. Riku sighed, fishing his phone out of his pocket. "Hold that thought."
He glanced at the screen—Mafuyu.
Opening the message, he found a single photo attached. In it, Homura was standing triumphantly on top of Kanade, who lay on the floor with dizzy swirls in her eyes. Ena was trying (and failing) to pull the massive dog off her, while Mizuki was doubled over in laughter in the background.
"...Oh no," Riku muttered.
The others leaned in, curious. When he showed them the image, half the group burst out laughing, the other half staring in disbelief.
"You have a dog that big living in your house?!" Rinko exclaimed.
"More like a walking disaster," Riku sighed. "He's friendly though. Just... a little overprotective."
Chiyu smirked. "No wonder you look tired half the time."
Riku ignored her jab and quickly typed back a reply to Mafuyu: 'Just stroke Homura on the neck, he'll calm down. Don't pull him, he'll think it's a game.'
Once the message sent, he pocketed the phone again and looked at Kaguya, who was trying (and failing) to hide her laughter.
"Right," Riku said dryly, brushing it off. "As I was saying—thank you for the offer."
Kaguya composed herself with a graceful nod. "Of course. Eirin and I will have the attendants prepare the rooms. You and your group can rest for now—we'll call you once dinner is ready."
Riku gave a small bow. "Understood."
As the group began to make their way down the hall, the tension of the battle finally melted into quiet laughter and light conversation. The air of Eientei, which earlier buzzed with magical energy, now felt soft—almost home-like.
For the first time in a while, Riku felt at peace. Not because he had won, but because something old inside him had finally settled.
Somewhere behind him, Kaguya watched with a small, nostalgic smile. "Tenshi... you'd be proud of him."
----------
Eientei – Lunar Garden
9:30 P.M.
Riku's POV
After the little clash with Kaguya earlier, the rest of the evening mellowed out. Once things settled, me, Rinko, Ako-chan, Chu², and Reona returned to our assigned rooms. Eientei wasn't lacking in hospitality—three spacious tatami rooms, each fitted with sliding shōji doors and soft futons neatly arranged. I got my own room, while Rinko and Ako-chan shared another, and Chu² and Reona took the third.
For a while, silence filled the hallways. You could almost hear the soft rustle of the bamboo outside, brushing gently against the wooden veranda. It felt strange—after everything that had happened today—to finally breathe again.
An hour later, just as I thought I could catch some rest, a moon rabbit politely knocked on my door and informed me that Kaguya had requested a small tea gathering before dinner. Honestly, I was hesitant. "Small tea gathering" in Kaguya's terms could mean anything from polite chatter to divine chaos. Still, refusing would be disrespectful... and knowing her, she'd just drag me there anyway.
To my surprise, the tea party went fairly well. Mostly.
Kaguya had this serene smile the entire time, but she wouldn't stop teasing Rinko once she found out about our relationship. Every sip of tea seemed to fuel her further. Reona and Ako-chan congratulated us warmly, but I could see them struggling not to laugh at how red Rinko's face turned every time Kaguya made some offhand remark. Chu² didn't help either—she whispered commentary like a sportscaster.
By the time the tea session ended, Rinko looked like she'd fought a war of embarrassment. I, on the other hand, was just relieved no one got hit with a teacup.
Dinner came next, and as expected, Kaguya didn't disappoint. Lunarian cuisine was... otherworldly in the literal sense. Every dish was delicate, refined, and almost too perfect to eat. I hadn't tasted Lunarian food in ages, and each bite reminded me why. The flavors were calm yet sharp, elegant yet grounded—like tasting moonlight if that were somehow possible.
Then came the moon cakes. One of the cooks presented them with a proud grin, and I couldn't help but glance at Kaguya and Eirin-san. "She" wasn't here, right? They both shook their heads. Relief washed over me. Last thing I needed tonight was a surprise visit from a certain moon princess with too much curiosity and too little restraint.
After dinner, everyone went their separate ways to rest for tomorrow's departure. The air in Eientei grew still again, carrying the faint scent of night flowers and incense.
I was lying on my futon, scrolling through my phone, when Johan called. He told me OG had been invited to ESL One Malaysia, set to happen right after Riyadh Masters. I opened the tournament site out of habit. The list of invited bands was long—some names familiar, others not.
Invited Bands:
OG (Western Europe)
Yuragi – Ukraine
bzm – Bulgaria
ATF – Jordan
Taiga – Norway
Misha – Russia
Team Secret (Western Europe)
Crystalis – Netherlands
Nisha – Poland
Resolut1on – Ukraine
W_Zayac – Kyrgyzstan
Puppey – Estonia
Team Liquid (Western Europe)
MATUMBAMAN – Finland
miCKe – Sweden
zai – Sweden
Boxi – Sweden
iNSaNiA – Sweden
Alliance (Western Europe)
Nikobaby – Bulgaria
w33 – Romania
Limitless – Russia
dEsire – Greece
Dukalis – Russia
Nigma Galaxy (Western Europe)
Miracle- – Jordan
SumaiL – Pakistan
MinD_ContRoL – Bulgaria
gh – Lebanon
Kuroky – Germany
Fnatic (Southeast Asia)
Raven – Philippines
Armel – Philippines
Jabz – Thailand
DJ – Philippines
Jaunuel – Philippines
The rest were placeholders for regional qualifiers—EU/CIS, China, NA, SA, SEA. But what caught my attention was the heavy Western Europe presence. Practically dominated the list. Even Alliance and Nigma, who'd been struggling lately, still made the cut.
And SumaiL... he was back with Nigma. Again. That man's career had more plot twists than some anime arcs.
I sighed and locked my phone, setting it aside. The soft knock that followed came almost immediately after. One of the moon rabbits stood outside, ears twitching politely.
"Kaguya-sama is waiting for you at the Lunar Garden," she said.
So much for sleep.
The garden was quiet, bathed in silver light. The pond mirrored the moon like a sheet of glass, and the night air carried the faint hum of cicadas. Kaguya sat on one of the benches near the plum trees, her back straight, hair shimmering like liquid ink under the glow.
"Miss your home that much?" I asked as I walked closer.
She turned slightly, her expression soft. "Not really. Just admiring the view of the moon. Come, sit."
I joined her, the wood cool beneath us.
"So," I started, "what are you planning now? Now that we've cleared things up about the past."
Kaguya took a slow breath, her eyes still on the moon. "I've been thinking... I might try to finish my education."
I raised a brow. "That's good to hear. You did drop out for, what, three years? You've got quite the gap to fill."
She chuckled lightly. "Yeah. I already asked Eirin for advice on how to tackle it."
"Any idea where you want to continue? You could probably come back as a third-year like me, but it's already June. Might be tricky."
"Don't worry," she said with a confident grin. "Eirin will help me."
I smirked. "You do know Eirin won't be there to bail you out once you're in class, right?"
She puffed her cheeks. "I know that! I'm not that helpless."
For a while, silence again. The night breeze rustled through the plum trees, and I could hear the soft ripple of the pond.
"So," she asked suddenly, "how're the bracelets faring for you?"
I looked down at my wrist. The twin bracelets shimmered faintly in the moonlight, the craftsmanship a blend of elegance and power. "Fits like a glove. Tenshi really outdid herself with this one."
Kaguya smiled. "Hey, it's not just Tenshi. The gems in that bracelet came from me."
I glanced back at her, a bit surprised. "No wonder the gems are of high quality... Thanks."
She waved it off. "No problem. Just... take care of it. It's more than decoration."
Her tone shifted then, a quiet weight slipping into her words. "Riku, I heard from my old man about your family's situation."
I sighed. "Ah, that. Yeah. But it's fine—Grandfather's got things covered. We've still got a week before that day."
Kaguya tilted her head. "Any idea who your betrothed is?"
"Not a clue," I said flatly. "Grandfather told me to bring Rinko and her family too."
Kaguya blinked. Then her mouth fell open as her expression slowly twisted from shock to dawning realization.
"Wait... a possible engagement... and you're bringing her family—" She stopped, then burst into laughter. "Pfff—HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"
I stared, utterly unimpressed. "Oi, Kaguya! You know something, don't you?!"
She was practically doubled over, clutching her stomach. "HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! OF COURSE I KNOW! HAHAHAHA!! TO THINK IT'D HAPPEN TO YOU OF ALL PEOPLE! HA↗HA↘HA↗HA↘HA↗HA↘!!!"
Her laughter echoed through the garden, bouncing off the walls of Eientei like a curse of mockery. I could see some of the moon rabbits peeking out from behind the trees, whispering to each other and trying not to laugh as well.
I dragged a hand down my face. "Unbelievable. You Lunarians really love your drama."
Kaguya finally wiped a tear from her eye, still grinning ear to ear. "Oh, Riku... when you find out who it is, you'll die. Not literally, but close enough!"
"Yeah, I'll take that as a threat."
She only laughed harder.
The night stretched on after that, filled with Kaguya's fading giggles and the soft chorus of the night insects. For all her teasing, though, there was warmth beneath it—a kind of peace I hadn't seen in her for a long time. Maybe it was the moonlight, or maybe it was the simple act of two old friends sharing a quiet night in a world that never stopped moving.
Either way, I couldn't help but smile a little.
3rd POV
While Kaguya laughed uncontrollably outside, her voice echoing through the Lunar Garden, two familiar figures watched from one of the upper rooms. Eirin stood by the open shōji door, her gaze calm yet soft, the moonlight tracing the edge of her silver hair. Beside her, Udongein leaned forward, eyes following the pair below.
Eirin's lips curved into the faintest smile. "You finally smile genuinely again, Kaguya-sama."
Udongein tilted her head. "Then that means it's... a good thing, right?"
"Yes, Udongein," Eirin replied, her tone carrying a hint of pride beneath its usual composure. "How are Kaguya-sama's transfer files?"
"The approval came through last night," Udongein answered promptly. "As for her accommodations—"
"Don't worry," Eirin cut in, smiling faintly. "I have it covered."
She punctuated that with a playful wink.
Udongein blinked twice, unimpressed. "That doesn't suit you at all, sensei."
Eirin's expression turned mock-offended for half a heartbeat before she suddenly produced a small green vial from her sleeve. "Oh? Then let's make it suit me."
Before Udongein could react, Eirin uncorked the vial and—swiftly, precisely—tilted the contents into her assistant's mouth. Udongein froze, eyes wide.
"Wha—what did you—" she began, but her words slurred halfway through as her knees gave out.
Eirin caught her easily, lowering her to the tatami with the grace of someone who'd done this countless times before. "It's just a mild sedative," she murmured fondly. "You've been staying up for three nights straight preparing documents. Rest, Udongein."
The rabbit gave a muffled groan in protest before slipping into peaceful slumber. Eirin sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her assistant's face. "Really... always the dutiful one."
Her gaze returned to the window. Below, Kaguya was still laughing, Riku glaring up at her in mock irritation. For a moment, the immortal doctor allowed herself a small, genuine smile. "Keep laughing while you can, princess. The next chapter of your life is going to be louder than you think."
The garden wind rustled the bamboo. The laughter faded into the night.
June 6, 2021 – Sunday – 10:00 A.M.
Riku's POV
Morning came clear and quiet. Sunlight filtered through the paper doors, illuminating the faint dust motes drifting lazily through the air. A light breeze carried the scent of morning dew and bamboo from outside, and for a moment, I forgot this was still the same Eientei where I nearly got flattened by Kaguya the day before.
We gathered for breakfast—a simple spread of rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and grilled fish. No divine banquets today, just a peaceful morning meal. Afterward, we packed our bags, double-checked our things, and prepared for the long drive back to Tokyo.
By the time we stepped outside, the sun had already risen high enough to cast soft light across the courtyard. The Eientei parking lot sat just beyond the garden's archway, a single sleek black car waiting for us.
Rinko called shotgun before anyone could object. Ako-chan and Reona settled into the backseat, while Chu² muttered something about legroom before curling up beside them.
Eirin-san and Kaguya stood near the entrance to see us off. Kaguya looked a little more refined than usual, dressed in a pale violet kimono with silver embroidery that shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
"I hope you enjoyed your stay here," Kaguya said with an elegant smile that couldn't quite hide her mischief. "Next time, bring all of your friends. Eientei could use a little more noise."
I chuckled. "I'll try to invite them—if they're brave enough to handle you. Good luck, Kaguya."
"Thanks," she said, laughing softly.
Before I could turn toward the car, Eirin approached and handed me a long white box. "Before you leave, take these."
I opened it. Inside were eighteen small glass bottles, each filled with shimmering blue liquid that seemed to glow faintly even in daylight.
"Those are concentrated magic elixirs," Eirin explained. "They'll replenish your mana instantly, no matter how drained you are."
I raised a brow. "So, basically, we can use our spells more freely now."
"Yes, but don't get reckless," she warned. "You can use spell cards that were recently expended—but Last Words are still off-limits. The human body can't handle that kind of rebound."
I nodded. "Understood. Still, thank you. These will definitely help."
Eirin smiled lightly, the rare kind that felt genuine rather than clinical. "I know you'll put them to good use. Now take care, all of you."
Both she and Kaguya stepped forward, pulling me into a brief but sincere hug. It was warm—surprisingly so, considering both were usually composed to the point of being statuesque.
"Don't get into trouble again," Kaguya said softly near my ear.
"No promises," I replied with a faint grin.
We parted, and as I climbed into the car, the two waved. I rolled the window down and gave them a thumbs-up before starting the engine. The car hummed quietly to life, and with one last look at Eientei, we pulled away down the stone path.
The drive back was long but peaceful. The narrow forest road eventually opened up to a wider stretch, sunlight filtering through the trees like gold threads. I estimated we'd reach Tokyo between one and two in the afternoon, assuming no traffic.
The others had quickly fallen asleep. Chu², despite her usual energy, had her hoodie pulled over her head, already snoring lightly. Reona leaned against the window, her hair swaying gently with the car's motion. Ako-chan had her head on Reona's shoulder, dead to the world.
Only Rinko stayed awake, quietly scrolling through her phone. A message pinged, and she frowned slightly before turning to me.
"Riku, Yukina-san said someone from ROLAND wants to meet with us. It's about a sponsorship deal with Roselia."
I whistled softly. "Another deal, huh? What's Hanabi-san's take on it?"
"She said we should go for it. Our instruments and sound systems are getting outdated. The meeting's at three this afternoon."
"Got it. In that case," I said, glancing at the rearview mirror, "I'll drop Chu² and Reona off at their penthouse first. Sound good?"
Chu² stirred at the mention of her name, mumbling, "Whatever fits your bill..." before falling right back asleep.
I shook my head with a small laugh. Typical.
Rinko glanced out the window, her tone softening. "Not sleepy?" I asked.
She shook her head. "No... just thinking. Riku, what do you think will happen next? We only have a week left before that day..."
I exhaled through my nose. "Let's just let fate run its course. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Did you tell your parents?"
"I did," she murmured, resting her chin on her hand. "They had mixed reactions. Honestly, who wouldn't? It's strange enough to go to an engagement meeting with someone else involved."
"Yeah," I said, smirking faintly. "Anyone in their right mind would think that's insane. But still, they agreed to go?"
She nodded. "They did. I gave them the details, and they decided to come."
"Then that's good enough for now," I said. "Still, get some rest. You've got a meeting later."
After a moment's hesitation, she nodded and closed her eyes. Within minutes, her breathing evened out, soft and steady.
The car grew quiet again, save for the hum of the engine and the wind slipping through the open window. I rested my arm against the door, letting the cool air brush past as the scenery blurred by.
For the first time in days, things felt... calm. Not solved, not certain—but calm. And for now, that was enough.
Three and a half hours later...
Live House CiRCLE — 1:30 P.M.
After the long drive back to Tokyo, the city skyline finally came into view. The hum of the highway faded into the familiar rhythm of the streets — crowded, noisy, and alive as ever. I first made a stop at Chu² and Reona's penthouse to drop them off as promised. The elevator doors slid open to reveal Rei, Masuki, and Rokka waiting for them.
Chu² immediately ran her mouth the second she stepped out.
"I'm back!"
Rei folded her arms with that half-smirk she's known for. "You were gone for a day, Chu². Hardly enough time for Tokyo to miss you."
Reona sighed, already used to it. "We'll be busy preparing for the next set anyway. I'll send you the schedules later, Riku."
"Sure thing," I replied. "Good luck wrangling her."
Masuki laughed. "You're talking like we ever could!"
I gave them a small wave before heading back to the car. From there, it was a short drive to CiRCLE — that familiar spot that never failed to hum with noise, ambition, and caffeine.
When we arrived, I gently woke the two Roselia members dozing in the back seat. Ako stretched like a cat, while Rinko blinked herself awake with that sleepy grace only she could pull off. Once they got themselves together, we made our way inside.
Marina was at the front desk, busy tapping through some data on the main monitor, but the moment she spotted us, her face brightened.
"Riku! Welcome back! I take it you took care of business on your end, right?"
"Yeah," I nodded. "Anything happen while I was gone?"
She turned the monitor toward me. The screen displayed a lineup of local bands that had signed up for upcoming live performances. What caught my eye, though, was the clause highlighted in red: Half-Quota Contract — 800 minimum audience requirement.
I raised a brow. "A half-quota agreement? You sure that's wise?"
Marina looked confident — perhaps a little too confident. "They were the ones who suggested it. Said they wanted a challenge. And honestly, it's about time we saw that kind of spirit again, right?"
"Maybe," I muttered, skimming the details. "So when's the show scheduled?"
"Next month," she replied promptly.
"I see." I leaned back against the counter, crossing my arms. "Since you're the one who accepted it, you'll take charge of the entire event, Marina."
Her reaction was almost comical. "M-M-Me?!"
Ako grinned. "That's awesome, Marina-san!"
Rinko, ever the calm voice, tilted her head slightly. "Ako-chan... this sounds like a big responsibility for Marina-san."
I smirked faintly. "It is. But I'm not giving her this for no reason. I want to see why Grandfather handpicked her to be CiRCLE's manager."
Marina froze, eyes widening at the mention of Kyoya's name.
Rinko turned to me. "What do you mean by that, Riku?"
"Grandfather personally selected her," I explained. "He said she had the skill and heart for it. I've trusted his judgment before, but I'd like to see that proof myself."
That was all the spark she needed. Marina straightened her posture, eyes blazing with determination. "I'LL DO IT! I'LL SHOW YOU WHY KYOYA-SAMA CHOSE ME! I'LL MAKE THIS EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS!"
I couldn't help but chuckle as I patted her shoulder. "Then don't let me down. CiRCLE's reputation is at an all-time high right now. Let's see if you can keep the momentum going."
"Hai!!!"
"Good. Me, Rinko, and Ako will be at my office. If Yukina, Lisa, or Sayo show up, let them know where to find me."
"Leave it to me!"
"Also, take a breather, Marina. You've earned one."
She gave a cheerful salute as the three of us made our way down the corridor toward my office.
Live House CiRCLE — Riku's Office
The second I unlocked the door, something massive lunged at me.
I didn't even have time to react — one moment I was upright, the next I was flat on my back, with a heavy weight pinning me down. A pair of golden eyes stared down at me, tail wagging like a propeller.
"...Homura?"
WOOF!
Yep. It was him — my oversized wolfdog.
Rinko gasped. "R-Riku...!"
Ako's reaction was the polar opposite. "Whoa! Look at the size of that thing, Rin-Rin!"
I could already sense Rinko's panic and Ako's excitement clashing in the air like oil and water. Homura, unbothered, stepped off me and started sniffing the two of them curiously.
"Calm down, you two," I said, dusting myself off. "He's just checking you out."
"Checking us out?" Ako repeated, amused.
Homura circled them once, then pressed his head affectionately against Rinko's waist, tail wagging furiously.
I smiled. "Looks like he's taken a liking to you."
Rinko blinked, caught between relief and confusion. "I-Is that so...?"
She hesitantly reached out to pat him, and Homura leaned into her hand immediately, practically melting under her touch. Ako giggled, crouching down to scratch his back.
"That's adorable! Rin-Rin, you're a natural!"
Before Rinko could answer, the office door burst open again.
"Riku! I forgot to tell you—oh... you already found out." Marina's voice trailed off as she took in the scene: me standing in front of my desk, Ako and Rinko kneeling by Homura like adoring fans, and the wolfdog sitting proudly like he owned the place.
"Marina," I said with a sigh. "How did Homura get here?"
She scratched her cheek sheepishly. "Well, Kyoya-san dropped him off an hour before you arrived. Said you'd probably make a stop here. He wanted Homura to wait for you, but don't worry — he behaved. Mostly."
"Mostly?" I echoed, eyebrow raised.
Marina winced. "He... might've scared Ichika-chan and the others when he walked in. They thought he was a bear at first."
Ako laughed so hard she almost fell over. "I mean, fair! He's huge!"
I shook my head, suppressing a small chuckle. "Speaking of Ichika and the girls, where are they now?"
"Oh! I sent them to deliver some packages to the other live houses," Marina said quickly. "Some shipments from VALVE arrived earlier today."
"I see. Then I'll leave that to you." I gave a small nod before turning toward the others. "Come on, girls. Let's get inside properly — and you too, Homura."
WOOF!
Homura barked once and trotted after us obediently, his tail wagging with that proud rhythm again.
Inside, the office felt livelier than usual — sunlight spilling through the blinds, faint music leaking from the stage area below. Ako took the couch immediately, Rinko quietly sat beside her, and Homura positioned himself right by their legs, already closing his eyes for a nap.
For a moment, the room fell into a peaceful kind of chaos — the kind that only CiRCLE could produce.
----------
The Next Day — June 7, 2021 (Monday)
Hanasakigawa Girl's High School — Class 3-A, 7:30 A.M.
Yesterday had gone far smoother than I expected. After Marina explained how Homura ended up at CiRCLE, we spent the rest of the afternoon finalizing the details for Roselia's deal. Yukina and the others arrived about thirty minutes later, with a representative from ROLAND accompanying them.
It was almost amusing to watch their first encounter with Homura. Yukina, usually calm and stoic, practically vanished behind Lisa the instant the dog barked — her eyes wide like she'd seen a demon. Sayo, on the other hand, dropped her usual cool demeanor and crouched beside Homura immediately, scratching behind his ears like she'd just met her new best friend. I didn't even need to ask to know — Sayo was clearly more of a dog person.
Once everyone settled, the talks began. The ROLAND rep was straightforward and professional — clearly aware of Roselia's reputation. They laid out their offer: a full sponsorship deal with access to ROLAND's newest line of instruments, each fully customizable to the member's preferences.
It was a solid move on their part. ROLAND wanted to cement its dominance in the pro-music scene, and Roselia was their ticket. I stayed quiet most of the time, only stepping in when the technical side came up.
Rinko only needed an upgrade to her current keyboard — the same one she'd bought using the voucher I gave her before their live. The rest of the band was free to design their own custom gear from scratch.
Even though Yukina was still recovering her voice, Lisa and Sayo carried the conversation like seasoned negotiators, with Yukina occasionally giving the final word. The girls handled themselves perfectly — calm, direct, and confident.
By the end, Roselia secured a three-year, twelve-million-dollar contract with ROLAND, set to take effect next PBC season. That alone spoke volumes. And given that ROLAND was one of OG's sponsors, this deal was mutually beneficial.
When all was said and done, we called it a night.
Now, it's Monday morning.
There are six days left until my meeting with Grandfather — the one he promised that will change everything.
As for school, it's another normal morning at Hanasakigawa... or at least, it should've been.
My students are buzzing with chatter the moment I enter the classroom. Rinko's sitting quietly near the window as usual, flipping through her notes, while Sayo and Chisato are exchanging glances with that "you heard the rumor too?" look.
I take a sip of my canned coffee, lean on my desk, and raise a brow.
"Rinko, any idea what they're talking about?"
She looks up, her voice soft but clear. "There are some rumors going around that there'll be a transfer student joining us today."
Sayo frowns. "But who would transfer this late in the year? We're in our final term of the semester — and as far as I know, the school already closed all third-year transfer slots."
Chisato tilts her head. "Do you at least know where they're from?"
Sayo hesitates, thinking. "We were told not to disclose much. But... I did overhear something. Apparently, the student came from Fukushima or something."
The moment that word leaves her mouth, my stomach drops.
Fukushima.
Oh, hell no.
There's only one person reckless enough to abandon her territory and come all the way here just to mess with me.
I groan under my breath. "Oh, for fuck's sake..."
And, like clockwork, the classroom door slides open.
Our homeroom teacher walks in, clipboard in hand.
"Alright class, before we start homeroom, we have a new classmate joining us today. You can come in now."
The moment she says that, I already know I'm doomed.
The door opens — and there she is.
Houraisan Kaguya.
She stands beside the teacher in full Hanasakigawa uniform, long black hair flowing down her back like silk, her smile elegant and deliberate — the kind that can win over a room in seconds.
"Good morning, everyone," she says with a slight bow. "From this day until graduation, I'll be your new classmate. My name is Houraisan Kaguya. It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."
The class claps politely, impressed by her poise and beauty.
Meanwhile, I'm just sitting there, hand over my face, already regretting every life decision that led to this moment.
Even Rinko looks shocked, her eyes wide behind her bangs.
Sayo leans toward me. "Riku-san, why is Houraisan-san here?"
I exhale slowly. "Remember when I texted you girls to see if you were free last weekend?"
Sayo nods. "Yeah?"
"She was the reason why. I had to settle a few personal matters related to her... and I guess this is her idea of 'starting fresh.'"
Before Sayo can respond, Chisato suddenly perks up. "K-Kaguya-san?"
Kaguya turns toward her, eyes lighting up instantly.
"Chi-chan! Long time no see!"
The nickname hits Chisato like a bullet. Her face goes crimson in an instant.
"I told you not to call me that! And aren't you nineteen now? Why are you even here?!"
The entire class collectively gasps. Murmurs ripple through the room as everyone realizes Kaguya's the same age as me.
Unbothered, Kaguya just smiles. "The reason I came here — despite being nineteen — is to finish high school properly. For the last three years, I... couldn't bring myself to leave Eientei due to certain circumstances. But now that I've sorted things out, I'd like to finish what I started."
Her voice softens on that last line, and for a brief moment, the class grows quiet.
Kanon, ever the curious one, tilts her head. "So you're kinda like Riku-kun then?"
Kaguya's smile turns playful. "You could say that. And who might you be, little cutie?"
That tone — that specific tone — makes my eyes twitch.
Kanon blushes instantly. "M-Matsubara K-Kanon..."
Kaguya walks over, tilting Kanon's chin upward with a finger, their faces barely inches apart. "Oh my~ you really are adorable~"
And that's when my patience runs out.
CHOP!
Kaguya yelps, clutching the top of her head. "Ow! What was that for, Riku?! I was just getting to the good part!"
"Exactly why I stopped you," I deadpan. "You realize if you did that, Kanon would lock herself in her room for the rest of her life, right?"
Kanon squeaks, hiding behind Chisato like a scared rabbit. "Fueeeeh?!"
Chisato pinches the bridge of her nose. "Oh right... I did forget about that..."
Sayo looks between them, confused. "Forgot about what, Shirasagi-san?"
Before Chisato can answer, Rinko speaks quietly but clearly. "Believe it or not... Kaguya-san is a lesbian."
.
.
.
.
.
The entire class erupts in perfect synchronization.
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!?!?!?"
One girl stammers, "I-Is that true?!"
Rinko nods without hesitation. "Yes. Though to be more accurate, she swings both ways. But she definitely has a strong preference."
Kaguya's face turns red. "Rinko! Why would you say that?!"
I cross my arms. "To make sure you don't cause any trouble while you're here. Look at Kanon."
Everyone turns to see Kanon trembling behind Chisato, clutching her shoulder like a terrified child.
Kaguya stares, guilt flickering across her face. "Is she really that scared?"
"Yes," I answer bluntly.
The class tries not to laugh, but it's impossible to contain. Even Sayo cracks a small grin.
A student raises her hand timidly. "Um... if I may ask, Houraisan-san—"
Kaguya interrupts with a wave of her hand. "Please, just call me Kaguya. 'Houraisan' sounds too formal."
"Okay, Kaguya-san... what's your relationship with Riku-san?"
Kaguya smiles fondly, glancing at me. "That's easy. We're childhood friends."
I let out a small sigh. "As much as I hate to admit it, yeah. We grew up together."
The class murmurs again, clearly intrigued. Even the teacher looks like she wants to stay and listen.
But despite my exasperation, I can't help but smile a little. It's been years since I've seen this side of her — confident, teasing, and alive.
After everything she went through, it's good to see her standing tall again.
Kaguya notices and meets my eyes, her expression softening. "It's good to be back, Riku."
"Yeah," I say quietly, returning the smile. "It's good to have you back."
Her grin widens — bright, warm, and genuine. The kind of smile that could rival Kokoro's in sheer radiance.
And just like that, the day begins — loud, unpredictable, and full of life.
Somewhere in the middle of the laughter and whispers, I catch myself thinking that maybe, just maybe, this was the kind of chaos I'd been missing.
To be continued...
Spell Cards used this Chapter:
Pale Moon Pentagram Laser
Spell Type: Last Word
Target: AOE
Danmaku Type: Laser Bullet
Element: Moon, Fire
User: Houraisan Kaguya
Thunder Lance Celestial Buster
Spell Type: Last Word
Target: Single Target
Danmaku Type: Slash Bullet
Element: Moon, Metal, Wood
User: Nagae Riku