"Hey, Taki, I'm back. Did you miss me?"
Rikuo landed on the building. Taki looked at him, still able to joke, and felt relieved.
"It seems you solved it. The one-eared pig didn't cause too much harm, did it?"
"Solved it. Just a 4 of Spades. Although it crashed a truck, don't worry, I saved the driver. Then, I subdued him with just two moves."
It really was two moves. Not counting the flight of Jack of Spades, the magnetic force of 8 of Spades combined with 6 of Spades's lightning was indeed only two moves. Although after those two moves, he had absolutely no AP left...
"Hmph, as long as you're fine. You promised to help me compose music, so you can't run away."
Taki was as tsundere as ever.
"Oh, of course, no problem with what I promised. I also want you to help me compose a song. Since you're having a live performance for the new band, don't use the old 'HaruhiKage'. Use this song of mine. I can guarantee its quality."
"Help you compose a song? It's not impossible. But you at least have to give me the lyrics, right?"
"You don't have to worry about that. I'll sing this song; I just don't have music theory knowledge, so I need Taki to help me transcribe the music."
"Is that so? Is it a song you wrote yourself? But you said you don't have music theory knowledge?"
"Hmm, it's a song written by my senior? Anyway, it can be considered mine, like a gift from my senior."
"I see, then fine. Let's just go to my place. My equipment is more complete."
"Alright, since I've already used these wings, I might as well fly you back."
Before Taki could refuse, Rikuo picked up Taki by her waist and took off.
"Hmph, that direction."
Taki didn't resist, just silently pointed in the direction of her home.
...
An empty, deserted area near Taki's house.
Rikuo landed with Taki and deactivated his transformation.
'Although the side effects are much smaller, the duration of use this time was still a bit long. I feel all tingly and numb, and my limbs occasionally experience reverse sensations. I guess running out of AP completely is also part of the reason?'
"Taki, can you help me? My ability has a slight side effect. This time, it's probably because I used it for too long."
"Alright, you... Rikuo, you won't have any major problems, will you?"
"No, I'll be fine after a while."
Taki supported Rikuo and walked towards her house.
"By the way, are your parents and sister not home? Is it okay for me, a boy, to visit so suddenly?"
"You're asking now that we're already here? But it's fine. Mom and Dad are working outside. As for Maki, she's rarely home. Her university is quite far, so she only comes back occasionally."
"Alright, next time I visit, I'll have to bring gifts for your family. I won't be short on money next time I come."
"Hmph, you say that as if I'd invite you again."
"Don't say that! We're brothers from different parents!"
"Who's brothers with you! And I'm a girl!"
Amidst their banter (Rikuo's one-sided jokes, Taki's retorts), they arrived at Taki's doorstep.
"It feels very quiet..."
Just as Rikuo said this, a voice came from behind him.
"Wow, Taki-chan brought a boy home? Is he a boyfriend?"
The person who arrived was Shiina Maki, Taki's long-standing source of inferiority.
"You're defiling my brotherhood with Taki! Taki and I are brothers from different parents!"
Rikuo saw Taki's awkward and fidgety expression and chose to speak up for her.
"Taki, why are you acting like a woman!"
"I am a girl, alright!"
Hearing Rikuo's words, Taki's embarrassment dissipated, leaving only indignation.
"Taki-chan's friend is very interesting. Taki-chan, won't you introduce him to your sister?"
Shiina Maki covered her mouth and chuckled, watching their interaction.
"Hmph, alright. His name is Kamiyama Rikuo. Um, I guess he's my friend."
Taki originally wanted to say a band friend, but Rikuo didn't seem to be in the band, and didn't even know music theory.
"Kamiyama-kun, is it? As you can see, Taki-chan is a very difficult child, but deep down, she's very kind and cute. I hope Kamiyama-kun can take good care of her."
"Don't think that just because you're Taki's sister, you can sow discord between Taki and me. Taki and I are like brothers..."
Taki couldn't take it anymore. Feeling that her image was about to be completely shattered in front of her sister, she used the hand supporting Rikuo to elbow him, telling him to stop talking.
"Ah, Taki, don't elbow me!"
Rikuo felt like he couldn't breathe, as if he was about to get pulmonary edema.
"It seems Taki-chan and Kamiyama-kun have a very good relationship. Sister won't bother you two. I just came back to get something."
Seeing Shiina Maki leave, Taki, with a flushed face, led Rikuo into her room.
"I saw it. You were trying to help me relieve my embarrassment just now, weren't you? Anyway, thank you."
"Brother, what are you talking about?"
"Hmph, even if you don't admit it, I know. Let's not talk about that anymore; let's compose the music first."
Rikuo took out the hardworking 2 of Hearts and handed it to Taki. After explaining how to use it, Taki began to try, and her eyes instantly lit up.
"This feeling, if I can reach this level, I feel like I can finish the music tonight!"
"As long as it helps, but don't overdo it. Although this Undead Card will attract Anomalies, I can always come every afternoon if needed."
"No need. Does this Undead Card attract Anomalies? It's too much trouble for you to come every day. These two days are weekend holidays, so you can rest in the guest room today. I'll also compose your song."
"Haha, Taki is truly an efficiency monster! But, brother, you really don't treat your brother as an outsider!"
"Hmph, since I said you're my friend, that's a given."
Taki's tsundere appearance is still very cute, and this perfect... supreme power!
"Anyway, sing your song once first. I'll compose your music first, and then I'll compose the band's music tonight."
"Alright. Give me the versatile 2 of Hearts first, so I can sing better."
Taking the 2 of Hearts Taki handed him, Rikuo began to sing.
"Gotta shake you up! To give you my love! Gotta shake you up! Just play an ace..."
Rikuo finished singing Kamen Rider Blade's battle song, "Kakusei," which also represented his awakening and resolve.
"Hmm, it's a very good song. Your senior must be a very strong composer, right?"
"Yes, he is. Anyway, let's make this song one of the songs for your band's first live performance. I hope you all like it."
"Thank you. I feel like you've helped us a lot. But I don't understand you at all, and I haven't helped you in any way..."
Rikuo looked at Taki, who was acting all womanly again.
"We're brothers! Do brothers have to be so clear about everything?"
"Yes, we are brothers."
Taki looked at Rikuo's serious expression, her face relaxed and turned into a smile.
'Just as everyone said, Rikuo is indeed very gentle.'
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