One week later
The streets were slick with rain, the sun slowly sinking beyond the skyline. Inside a private car, Seto, Mr. Bito, and I were on our way to pick up Kurayami for dinner. We watched the news on the built-in television, sipping wine in silence.
"The mysterious incident involving a young girl singing above Tokyo at night before vanishing without a trace, has gone viral across social media," the anchor reported. "Numerous theories have emerged, ranging from the occult to cutting-edge science. Those who believe in the supernatural claim she was the kami descending into the world of the living to deliver a message. Others speculate that she was an advanced holographic projection. Regardless of the explanation, the mysterious girl has become a nationwide phenomenon."
Mr. Bito chuckled, clearly pleased. "Looks like business is finally moving."
I nodded and laid out the plan Seto and I had prepared in advance.
"We want Kurayami to appear in different parts of the city throughout the year," I explained. "That way, curiosity keeps building. People will come searching for her. Tourism rises, club revenue increases—and when interest peaks, we officially reveal her as a digital idol."
"We're aiming for her official solo debut next year," Seto added.
Mr. Bito raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you two musicians yourselves?"
"U-us?" We both blinked.
"Yes. You've helped my daughter so much, teaching her to sing and to play music. Why not debut as a band alongside her?" I fell silent, exchanging a glance with Seto.
"I'm… not sure yet, sir."
"How about masked artists?" Seto suggested. "Something cool—like pro wrestlers. Adds mystery."
"Ah~ so guitarist and drummer for the artist," I nodded slowly."We'll need time to tune things properly."
"No rush," Mr. Bito said with a relieved sigh."Hah… thank you. Truly. Without you, my daughter wouldn't be this happy. Just seeing her smile again—it feels like a mountain's been lifted off my chest."
"And without you, Bito-sama," Seto grinned, slapping my shoulder hard enough to nearly spill my wine, "there wouldn't be a Seto and Seoki-chan!"
"Hey! Watch it, my wine!" I protested.
Mr. Bito laughed. "Your eyes remind me of someone… Makes me nostalgic."
I nodded quietly. "Feels like the old days are about to return—starting now."
We clinked our glasses.
"To a new dawn," Mr. Bito said.
Clang!
The car rolled to a stop in a narrow, desolate alley. Neon signs flickered overhead, struggling against the light drizzle.
"Ah, we're here." Down the alley, Kurayami stood near her apartment entrance, practicing her singing. When she spotted our car waiting at the mouth of the alley, she ran toward us at once.
Mr. Bito stepped out, waving warmly. "I'm home—let's go eat, sweetheart."
Seto and I remained in the car, smiling as we watched.
Under the blinking neon lights, Mr. Bito hurried forward and wrapped his daughter in a tight embrace. Time seemed to slow, allowing me to savor the tender image of father and child reunited.
Then
The neon lights went out.
A small red laser dot appeared, right at the base of Mr. Bito's neck.
My heart stopped. "Miss—get down!" I shouted while throwing the door open.
Fufth!
The sound of air tearing through space came too fast; I didn't even have time to step forward.
"B-Bito sama!" Kurayami stood frozen as her father collapsed before her. Blood soaked her hair, her left cheek drenched crimson. I grabbed her and pulled her into the car. "Comin' from the roof!"
Seto leapt out, pistol drawn, scanning the rooftops—but there was no one. Nothing.
From the wound in Mr. Bito's forehead, faint orange smoke drifted upward.
"The smoke…" Seto muttered. "Oni…" Holding Kurayami as she trembled in shock, I tried to steady myself.
"D-Dad…? What's wrong with him!?"
"It'll be okay," I said, though my voice betrayed me. "I'm here."
"Dad… Daddy! wake up!" She shoved me aside and ran back to him, kneeling on the rain-soaked ground.
Seto gently closed Mr. Bito's eyes as Kurayami shook his lifeless body.
"Dad~ wake up! You can't leave me too! What am I supposed to do without you? Please~ wake up! talk to me~ ghhhhhaaaaaaaa!" Her screams tore through the night, raw and broken. My ears rang. The world around me faded under the crushing weight of it all. I slumped against the car door, meeting Seto's gaze as he tilted his head slightly, exhaling as if to say.
This is only the first step.
The beginning.