Hakugyoku Hotel Stockholm Branch – Outside
May 19, 2021 – Wednesday – 8:30 A.M.
Riku's POV
The morning air in Stockholm was brisk, carrying the scent of wet asphalt and blooming spring trees. My breath came in steady bursts as Youmu and I jogged across the hotel courtyard, boots crunching lightly against the gravel. Ahead, OG's tour bus was idling in the parking lot, its tinted windows reflecting a pale sky streaked with clouds. We were cutting it closer than I liked.
As we rounded a corner, a familiar burst of gold and pink caught my eye. Kokoro and the rest of HaroHapi were at the curbside, frantically scanning for an empty taxi. Suitcases were stacked like an impromptu barricade beside them. I raised my voice across the distance.
"Kokoro!"
She spun at once, eyes brightening as if she'd just spotted a lifeline.
"Onii-chan!" she called back, running up to meet us with the same energy she always carried onstage.
I slowed to a stop, eyebrows knitting. "Kokoro, why are you and your band still here? I thought you left for the arena with everyone else."
Her friends arrived moments later, Misaki-san at the lead with her usual exasperated expression.
"Well," Misaki-san admitted, rubbing at her temple, "Kokoro overslept. We tried everything short of throwing water at her. By the time we got her moving, all the early transport was gone. But why are you still here, Riku-san? Aren't the bands performing today supposed to check in ahead of us?"
"There were some last-minute changes," I said, brushing off the question. "Anyway, you girls can come with me and Youmu to the bus. We've got room."
Kanon-san hesitated, her hands clasped neatly in front of her. "Is that really okay? We wouldn't want to trouble you."
"It's fine," I assured her, my voice calm but firm. "The guys won't mind the company."
Kaoru, ever the dramatic one, swept an arm outward as if presenting a stage cue. "Ani-sama is right, dear Kanon. The hour grows late, and our options dwindle."
"Then let's not waste time."
Together we moved toward the tour bus. The door hissed open with a pneumatic sigh as we climbed aboard. Inside, the scent of coffee and worn leather filled the narrow aisle. My bandmates were already seated, each lost in his own pre-performance ritual.
Taiga glanced up from his phone. "What took you so long, man?"
"Last-minute changes," I replied, setting my bag down. "Don't worry—nothing to do with the songs. It's more of a personal matter."
bzm peered past me at the cluster of girls. "Then why are they here?"
"One of them overslept, and they're stranded. If you guys don't mind, they can ride with us."
All eyes shifted to Johan, who sat at the back like an unspoken captain. He gave a small shrug and an easy smile. "Sure. Why not?"
"Thanks," I said. Turning back to the girls, I gestured toward the seats. "You heard him. Come in."
HaroHapi filed in, murmuring thanks as they slid into empty spots. The bus rumbled forward, pulling out of the lot. Through the window, the hotel shrank behind us as we merged into the quiet Stockholm streets.
The ride to Hovet Arena wasn't long—maybe twenty-five minutes without traffic—but inside the bus, time stretched differently. The low hum of the engine, the muted chatter, the occasional clink of a thermos—it all became a backdrop to the tension coiling under my ribs. I reached absently for the scarf at my neck, its soft fabric a thread of warmth against my skin.
Kokoro's gaze followed the motion. "Onii-chan," she said softly, "is that onee-chan's scarf you're wearing?"
The question drew everyone's attention. For the first time, the HaroHapi girls noticed that the scarf wrapped around me wasn't the one I'd been wearing all week. Its pale blue threads shimmered faintly in the sunlight streaming through the windows.
"Yes," I said, fingers tightening around the edge of the fabric. "This is her scarf."
Kaoru leaned forward, eyes narrowing in thought. "If you're wearing ane-sama's scarf, then today must be special for you, ani-sama. Am I right?"
I met her gaze and simply nodded. Words felt unnecessary.
Hagumi-san tilted her head, curiosity plain on her face. "Kaoru-kun, who's this onee-chan Kokoron's talking about?"
Kaoru straightened, his tone softening. "She's someone very dear to us, Hagumi. But I'll only explain more if ani-sama permits it."
I drew a slow breath. "I don't mind. As long as Yuyuko-san or any head of the Celestial Families is present, you can tell them."
Misaki-san frowned. "It's that classified? You need Yuyuko-san there just to talk about her?"
"It's tradition among us youkai," I said plainly, "to make sure no outside parties hear what isn't meant for them."
The word youkai landed like a stone dropped into still water. The HaroHapi girls flinched as one, glancing nervously between me and the others. Kanon's voice came out hesitant.
"Umm... is it okay for you to say you're a youkai in front of your bandmates, Riku-kun?"
Johan chuckled before I could answer. "Oh, that? We've known since he joined OG."
The girls blinked, surprised. Even Youmu raised an eyebrow, though she said nothing. Ammar leaned forward, arms resting on his knees.
"Riku is Riku," he said simply. "Youkai or not, he's our friend. And honestly? It's kind of cool."
Johan nodded. "Not just us. Everyone knows—other bands included."
Misaki-san stared at me. "But how?"
I let out a small, humorless laugh. "I showed the organizers what I really am before my first tournament. They accepted me, but under a few conditions."
"Conditions?"
"One: I can't use any of my abilities onstage."
"Reasonable," Misaki-san said, folding her arms. "Then what about that incident last week? You and Youmu were seen by someone, weren't you?"
"That's the second condition," I explained. "If something threatens a tournament I'm involved in, I'm allowed to use my abilities to stop it. As long as I'm not seen, it's fine."
Her eyes narrowed. "Then how did you convince them you're a youkai in the first place?"
I stared out the window for a moment, watching the city slip by—the cobblestone streets, the cafes setting out tables for the day, a flash of sunlight on the river. Memory tugged at me like the scarf at my neck.
"Well..." I said at last, voice quieter now. "Here's how it happened."
Flashback
Portugal – The day after our arrival
The air by the coast smelled of salt and faint ozone, a calm before the storm. The beach near the Sunflower Mansion was empty, save for us—OG and the boys from Nigma Galaxy—spread across the pale sand. Waves lapped lazily at the shore, dark clouds gathering far out at sea.
Bozhidar crossed his arms, skepticism written all over his face. "So you're telling me you're an actual youkai? Like... the myth kind?"
Ammar tilted his head. "Man, that's a little hard to swallow."
Artem nodded. "Yeah, I mean, you look human."
Johan chuckled under his breath, leaning against a driftwood log. "You three really shouldn't have said that."
I sighed, rolling my shoulders. "Normally, I don't do this to show off," I said, glancing toward the approaching storm front, "but there's a first time for everything."
The wind picked up, tugging at my coat. I murmured a short incantation, and a faint glow surrounded me as the ground fell away. Gasps echoed below as I rose several meters into the air, suspended effortlessly above the shoreline.
"Holy—he's flying!" Bozhidar shouted.
I smirked and reached into my pocket, drawing a violet spell card. Energy rippled through it like lightning caught in glass. I pressed it against my chest, letting its power flow through me until my aura blazed bright gold.
"Thunder Sign: Elekiter Dragon Palace!"
The clouds answered my call. I thrust my right hand skyward, and lightning tore through the heavens, striking the ocean in a blinding cascade. Bolts exploded against the water's surface, each one louder and closer than the last.
Then I lowered my arm, channeling every strand of that chaotic energy into a single, spiraling surge. A pillar of lightning rose from the waves, swallowing the previous bolts whole until the sky itself seemed to roar. The sea below boiled in bright arcs of white and violet light before it all collapsed into silence.
For a heartbeat, nothing moved. Then the breeze returned, gentle again—as though nature itself had exhaled.
I descended slowly back to the sand, brushing salt spray from my jacket. "Satisfied?"
The three younger guys stood frozen, eyes wide and mouths open. Ammar was the first to speak. "That... was insane."
Johan laughed, shaking his head. "You really went for it this time. Stronger than the first time I saw you do that."
I gave a small shrug. "That wasn't even full power. If I'd gone all out, the government would've picked it up on every radar between here and Madrid." I glanced toward Youmu, who had been quietly maintaining the shimmering blue barrier around us. "Good thing we set up a soundproof seal. No one outside heard a thing."
The others turned in circles, noticing how eerily quiet it was beyond the faint hum of the barrier. No birds, no distant chatter—just stillness.
"Well," I said, stretching my arms. "That's that. Now, can we go back? I'm starving."
The laughter that followed was low and easy, the disbelief melting into respect. In that moment, whatever doubts they had about me vanished.
End of Flashback
I leaned back against my seat, crossing my arms as the memory faded. "That's how it happened," I said simply.
The girls from HaroHapi were completely silent. You could've heard a pin drop. Their expressions ranged from awe to mild shock, and Misaki-san looked like she was still processing the fact that I could call down lightning from the sky.
While they were still stunned, Youmu approached me, her usual calm expression giving nothing away. She held her tablet out. "Riku-kun, there's something that requires your attention."
I took the device, expecting another security report or schedule update—but instead, the screen displayed a familiar document. My lips curved into a quiet smile.
Kokoro, noticing the shift, leaned closer. "Why are you smiling, onii-chan?"
I glanced up from the screen. "My side project just got approved. I can finally start it next month."
Johan looked up from his seat, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Side project? What are you planning, Riku?"
Wordlessly, I handed the tablet to him. The others leaned over to take a look. The silence that followed stretched longer than expected. Johan's brows furrowed as he read through the details—permits, renovation schematics, financial projections.
When he finally looked up, his tone had shifted to something more serious. "You're sure about this?"
"Yeah," I said. "I've thought about it since before I even started performing. This was one of the few things I promised myself I'd do once I succeeded my grandfather."
Johan exhaled slowly. "Did he ever tell you what he thought about it?"
"He did." I smiled faintly, remembering the old man's voice. "He said I could go through with it—but only with my own earnings, not the family's money."
Kanon-san blinked in surprise. "That's... a lot of money though, isn't it?"
"Half a million dollars," I admitted, almost casually. "I used it for the renovations in CiRCLE—the place where I started. That was from my winnings in previous Future World Fes tournaments and a few TIs I competed in."
Misaki's eyes widened. "You're serious?"
"Dead serious." I leaned back, resting my head against the seat. "And once this tournament's over, I'll use my share of the prize money to fund the next phase."
Johan nodded, a small grin tugging at his mouth. "You're really building something lasting, huh?"
"Trying to," I said. "Music has given me a lot. I just want to return the favor."
The weight of the statement hung in the air for a moment. Then Johan passed the tablet back and said quietly, "Well, if you ever need help—any of us—you just call. Doesn't matter what it is."
I met his gaze and gave a simple, grateful nod. "Thanks."
The conversation eased after that, the earlier tension dissolving into soft chatter. Outside the window, the Stockholm streets gave way to the open space surrounding Hovet Arena. The familiar blue-and-white facade loomed ahead, sunlight glinting off its metal edges.
The bus slowed to a stop at the main gate. None of us had realized how quickly the ride had passed.
"Everyone, we've arrived," the driver announced.
We gathered our things as the door slid open. The girls of HaroHapi stood first, smoothing their jackets and fixing their hair. Johan turned toward them, his tone polite but firm.
"Ladies, your entrance is at the front. OG's route takes us through the back gate. Security protocol."
They nodded in understanding. Kokoro lingered a moment longer than the rest, stepping closer before descending the steps.
"Good luck, onii-chan," she said, throwing her arms around me in a quick, warm hug. "Make sure to win, okay?"
I chuckled softly and patted her head. "Always do."
She smiled, bright as sunlight, before hurrying after her friends. As the girls walked off toward the front entrance, I watched them go until they disappeared into the sea of fans gathering by the gate.
Then I adjusted the scarf at my neck—the same one Tenshi once wore—and followed my team off the bus toward the arena.
The day had only just begun, but something in the air told me this one would be different.
Hovet Arena – Entrance
9:00 A.M.
Yuyuko's POV
The morning light glinted softly off the glass facade of the Hovet Arena, its vast entrance already alive with the hum of footsteps, chatter, and excitement. The scent of fresh coffee and equipment polish mingled faintly in the air—an oddly comforting reminder that this was the heart of competition.
I stood near the main entrance with the girls, waving absently as staff hurried by. We'd arrived early, but there was one thing still missing.
Kokoro-chan and her band.
I sighed lightly, the kind that carried both affection and exasperation. Honestly, that girl... She had a good heart, but her sense of time management left much to be desired.
"Still no sign of them?" Saaya-chan asked from behind me.
"Not yet," I said, glancing toward the road. "Knowing Kokoro-chan, she probably overslept again."
Before anyone could respond, the sharp hiss of brakes broke through the noise as a familiar white tour bus pulled into the loading zone. The logo on its side was unmistakable.
OG.
The door opened, and sure enough, Kokoro-chan came bounding down the steps like an excited child, her energy radiating even from across the plaza. Her friends followed close behind, clearly trying to keep up.
I couldn't help the small smile that found its way to my lips. "Ara~ Kokoro-chan! I'm glad you made it! Did Riku-kun arrange this little rescue?"
Kokoro-chan beamed, hands clasped behind her back. "Hai! Onii-chan let us ride their bus! Oh—and he's wearing onee-chan's scarf today!"
Her words froze me in place for a moment. The name she invoked—the memory—sent a quiet ripple through my chest. Tenshi's scarf.
Misaki-chan blinked, tilting her head. "Yuyuko-san, who's this onee-chan that Kokoro mentioned?"
I studied Kokoro carefully, then asked in return, "Did Riku-kun give you permission to speak about her?"
Hagumi-chan nodded earnestly. "Rikkun said he doesn't mind, as long as you're present."
"I see." I straightened, regaining my composure, though the emotion lingered in the corner of my smile. "Then we'll talk about it once we're inside, with the others. Come along now—no need to linger in the doorway."
The girls fell into step behind me as we made our way into the grand hallway, its wide marble floors echoing beneath our shoes. The interior of the Hovet Arena was vast, with banners hanging from the ceiling displaying the day's schedule and team brackets.
We eventually reached the section reserved for participants' families and special guests. The familiar colors of Scarlet Mansion caught my eye, and I soon spotted Remilia seated elegantly with her younger sister at her side.
"Yuyuko," Remilia greeted, a hint of amusement in her tone. "You made it. I take it they've arrived?"
"They have," I replied, taking the empty seat beside her. "Thanks to Riku-kun's generosity."
From the row ahead, Flandre turned in her seat, eyes bright with impatience. "Onee-sama! When's onii-san going to play?"
Remilia chuckled, gently flicking her sister's forehead. "Patience, Flan. His match is the second one today."
Flandre puffed her cheeks but nodded. "Hai..."
I smiled faintly at the exchange before asking, "And where's Meiling? I don't see her around."
"She's stationed at the southern entrance with the younger Yakumo and the Komeiji attendants," Remilia said, her tone shifting slightly toward seriousness. "The Fang has been quiet lately—too quiet. I'd rather not take chances. Sakuya is with them as well, just in case."
"I see." I folded my hands neatly in my lap. "Then Youmu's likely with Riku-kun, keeping watch on her end."
Remilia's eyes glimmered with a faint, knowing smirk. "Hmmm...~"
I turned toward her, raising an eyebrow. "Something on your mind?"
"Perhaps." She paused for a moment, then leaned back in her seat, her voice lowering to a murmur. "Yesterday, I took a peek at Riku-boy's fate."
That caught my attention.
Remilia's gift for reading fate wasn't something she used lightly. "And?" I asked, my tone calm but curious.
Her crimson eyes sparkled, reflecting the glow of the stage lights far below. "I saw another string tied to him—aside from Rinko's. A soft pink one. Sakura pink, to be precise. I couldn't discern who holds the other end."
A faint hum escaped my lips as I considered it. Remilia's readings rarely erred. For her to see an entirely new thread meant something—or someone—had begun to change the flow of Riku's path.
"Ara~" I said, half to myself. "It seems Rinko-chan might be getting a bit of competition."
Remilia's smile widened, sharp and amused. "Kukuku~ indeed. This will be entertaining to watch."
The sound of the crowd rising around us drew our attention toward the stage, where the day's first match was about to begin. But my thoughts lingered for a while longer on that unseen thread of fate—and the soft pink light that now intertwined with Riku's.
Meanwhile – Riku's POV
"Achoo!"
The sneeze came out of nowhere, echoing off the metallic walls of the backstage corridor. I rubbed at my nose, blinking.
Youmu glanced up from her clipboard, expression unamused but faintly concerned. "Is everything alright, Riku-kun?"
I waved a hand. "Yeah, yeah. Probably just someone talking about me."
She gave me that look—the one halfway between fond and disbelieving—but let it slide.
"Anyway," I continued, refocusing, "how are the instruments? Everything pass inspection?"
"All checked and cleared," she said. "The sound engineers gave the okay a few minutes ago."
"Good. Call the others. Let's make the last adjustments before we're called in."
Youmu nodded and left to fetch the rest of the team. I stayed behind for a moment, scanning the dim backstage hallway. Through a small gap in the curtains, I could see flashes of the ongoing match—lights, noise, the energy of a roaring crowd. That familiar heat began to rise in my chest.
This wasn't nerves. It was focus sharpening into form.
A few minutes later, the others returned. We spent the next hour fine-tuning amps, adjusting tone levels, and syncing cues. The arena's staff moved efficiently around us, the hum of preparation steady and controlled.
OG's Waiting Room – 10:00 A.M.
3rd POV
An hour later, the team had retreated to their assigned waiting room, a large space lined with monitors, gear racks, and a table stacked with snacks and water bottles. The faint echo of the first match—T1 versus Fnatic—could be heard through the speakers.
Riku was sprawled comfortably on the couch, head resting on Youmu's lap. His breathing had already evened out, the tension in his shoulders fading as he drifted into a light sleep.
Across the room, Yuragi leaned forward, whispering, "Is this... normal? I mean, he didn't do that when we faced Team Spirit."
Taiga glanced over, chuckling softly. "Yeah, that's because we were first on stage that time. Today, we're second. Gives him a window to recharge."
Johan, seated near the monitor, nodded in agreement. "He started this habit last year. Says it keeps his mind clear before a match. As long as we're not performing first, we let him be."
Bozhidar crossed his arms, smirking. "Guess even lightning dragons need their power naps."
The others chuckled quietly, careful not to wake him.
On the couch, Youmu gently brushed a strand of hair away from Riku's face. The faintest smile touched her lips. He looked peaceful—almost younger in moments like this, free of the weight that usually lingered in his gaze.
Her fingers moved absently, ruffling his hair as she watched him breathe.
I wonder what Riku-kun is dreaming about right now... she thought, the question hanging softly between them as the sounds of the cheering crowd swelled beyond the walls.
Riku's Mindscape
Riku found himself standing in a place that felt both foreign and achingly familiar. Beneath his feet stretched a wide, wind-brushed plain, blades of grass whispering beneath a deep indigo sky. Beyond him loomed a towering temple, painted in shades of midnight blue and white, the curved roof guarded by a dragon and an oarfish carved into the gates. All around, islands floated like fragments of memory, tethered by soft trails of light.
He took a slow breath, tilting his head toward the sky. "Aside from home and CiRCLE," he murmured, "this is the only place I can really rest."
Then, without looking back, his voice sharpened. "You don't need to hide. Show yourself."
A ripple passed through the air. From behind one of the pillars, a familiar voice answered, teasing and light.
"You know, I wanted to surprise you—but you had to ruin the fun. Can't help it though, that's just how you are when I'm around, isn't it?"
He turned, and his breath caught. Standing before him was a girl with long blue hair flowing like a summer stream, eyes the color of deep wine. Her white blouse and blue dress swayed in the faint breeze, the bow at her collar bright against the muted colors of the plain. On her head rested a black hat decorated with two peaches and a cluster of leaves.
"Tenshi...?"
She smiled, almost sheepishly. "Tada. Surprised to see me?"
Riku took a step closer, unsure if he should speak or stay silent. The ache in his chest answered for him. "How did you—? I thought you were—"
"Dead?" she finished, still smiling but softer now. "I am. What you're seeing is a piece of me that stayed behind. Before I really died, a fragment of my soul found its way into you."
He blinked, struggling to understand. "Why me?"
"Because of our bond," she said, as if it were the simplest truth in the world. "That's my guess, anyway."
The quiet stretched between them, heavy and tender all at once.
"Then why didn't you show yourself until now?"
Her eyes drifted to the horizon, where the floating islands shimmered faintly. "My soul was too weak. It took years to recover, even enough for this. But I saw everything, Riku. Every single day you lived."
His heart dropped. "So... you saw yesterday too."
Tenshi didn't answer at first. Then she reached out and flicked him on the forehead.
"Ow—hey!"
"You big idiot," she said, her tone sharp but her eyes warm. "Stop trying to carry everything yourself. You've got people now—people who want to stand with you. Rely on them once in a while."
He rubbed his head and sighed. "Rinko already gave me that lecture."
"Good. At least someone has sense." She laughed softly, the sound light and fleeting. Then she patted the grass beside her. "Come on. Lie down with me. You came here to relax, didn't you?"
He hesitated, then gave up the fight and dropped beside her. The two of them lay there, watching the sky drift by in slow motion, clouds painted in faint lavender. For a while, neither spoke. They just talked—quietly, gently—about the years they had lost, the things they never said.
When Riku felt the distant pull of consciousness tugging at him, Tenshi sat up first. The edges of her figure began to shimmer.
"Looks like someone's trying to wake you up," she said.
"Guess it's almost our turn," he replied, standing and stretching.
She looked at him with a faint smile, the kind that carried both pride and sorrow. "I know what songs you're going to sing," she said. "Make sure you nail them. Win today, Riku—and make me proud."
He gave her a grin and raised a thumb in silent promise as his body began to fade, the light swallowing him piece by piece.
Tenshi watched until the last trace of him was gone. Then she looked up at the endless indigo sky, lowering her hat just enough to hide the small, wistful smile that crossed her face.
"Good luck," she whispered, voice carried by the wind. "Good luck, Riku."
Now back to reality
11:30 A.M.
Riku's POV
A soft weight rested on my head. When I blinked awake, the first thing I saw was Youmu's face hovering above mine—calm, faintly amused, her silver hair glowing in the faint afternoon light spilling through the curtains.
"You woke up," she said, her smile gentle. "How's your nap?"
I groaned, stretching out my arms as I slowly sat up from her lap. My body felt heavy, but in a good way—like I had shed something I didn't know I was carrying.
"Fantastic," I muttered, rubbing my eyes. "Who won?"
"Fnatic," Johan called from across the room without looking up from his phone. "2–1. So they're facing TSM tomorrow. You should eat something and get ready. We've got a long afternoon ahead."
I nodded, rolling my shoulders as Youmu stood up beside me. "Got it," I said. "Let's grab something light."
Before we left, I reached for the small pouch sitting on the table—Eirin's medicine. Three vials. I uncorked the first, swallowing the bitter liquid without hesitation. The aftertaste burned faintly down my throat, but it steadied my breathing. I tucked the other two into my jacket pocket. Just in case.
Youmu waited for me by the door, arms crossed and that familiar, half-serious look on her face. "You should try not to overdo it this time."
"No promises," I said with a faint smirk, and we stepped out.
----------
Hovet Arena – Backstage
1:00 P.M.
Lunch was simple—rice, grilled chicken, and silence thick enough to chew through. Youmu sat beside me, scrolling idly through her phone while I stared at my half-finished plate. My head was quiet, focused. No nerves, just a pulse of anticipation.
By the time we returned to the locker room, the others were already changing into their jerseys. The room was filled with that familiar buzz—Velcro straps, muted chatter, the dull thud of someone's headphones slipping into place. I drank the second vial of Eirin's concoction, feeling a faint jolt of energy rush through my veins.
When I finished lacing my gloves, my phone vibrated. A string of notifications lit up the screen—messages from the girls.
Kasumi: "Good luck out there, senpai! Show them what you've got!"
Kaoru: "Don't forget to breathe between plays, ani-sama."
Yukina: "We'll be watching. Don't lose."
Chisato: "Do your best and you'll be fine."
I exhaled through my nose, a small smile tugging at the edge of my mouth. I locked the phone and slid it into my pocket. No need to reply. They'd know I read it.
The sound of voices carried from the hallway—Thunder Awaken's team huddled together, their tone sharp and unified. I could almost feel their energy, their confidence. South America's rising stars, everyone called them. The kind of team that thrived on chaos.
I looked around at my own squad. Some were stretching, others fine-tuning their peripherals. All of them quiet, focused. It was time for the usual talk.
I stood in the center of the room, waiting until everyone's attention drifted toward me.
"Alright," I began, my tone even. "Listen up."
They straightened, forming a loose semicircle around me. My voice carried through the hum of the air conditioner.
"What we're going to do today," I said, "I'm actually going to ask you to do it. Think about the worst-case scenario. The absolute worst that can happen."
A few eyebrows rose, but no one interrupted.
"Worst scenario is—we get fucked," I continued flatly. "Imagine if we didn't get serious against Team Spirit. Remember how close that first set was? Now imagine Thunder doing that to us. Twice. It's possible. It can happen today."
Silence. Every pair of eyes was on me.
"And if it does," I went on, "then I want you to realize something—it's fine. Don't give a fuck. You're playing with a stand-in who hasn't touched a competitive match in six months. You've already made top six in the Future World Fes. You've already proven yourselves."
A few smirks started to appear. The tension loosened just a little.
"I told myself when I joined this run," I said quietly, "I just didn't want to ruin your tournament. I hoped we'd at least make it out of the group stage. And look where we are now. We did way better than that."
I let the words settle before going on. "So... relieve that pressure. Don't be afraid of losing. Don't be afraid of taking risks. If we lose 0–2 to these guys, nobody cares. We already did what we came here to do."
Then, I paused—meeting each of their gazes one by one.
"But that's not what's going to happen," I said, voice firming. "We're not losing to these guys. Not today."
A ripple of energy passed through the group—small nods, faint smiles. The kind that said they were ready.
"So let's go out there," I finished. "Go all out. And if we go down, then we're going down swinging. Enjoy every moment."
There was a brief silence after I stopped speaking. Then Taiga cracked his knuckles and said, "Well, when the captain puts it that way..."
A soft chuckle ran through the group. The tension broke.
That's when one of the event staff stepped into the room, clipboard in hand.
"OG, Thunder Awaken—please line up."
We exchanged quick glances, then formed up behind the staff. The air grew thicker as we walked down the hallway, the muffled roar of the arena swelling with every step. Thunder Awaken followed close behind us, their voices low and confident.
The stairwell leading up to the stage glowed with blue lights. I could already see the faint silhouette of Tsunami on the stage, their voices echoing through the PA system.
Tsunami's voice boomed, full of showmanship:
"They gave us a surprise on Day 1—can these South American rising stars do it again today? Look no further, ladies and gentlemen. Please welcome... Thunder Awaken!"
The crowd erupted as the opposing team jogged up the stairs. Thunder Awaken waved, grinning, the cheers washing over them like a wave.
We waited in the dim light at the bottom of the steps. I looked at my teammates—Johan stretching his neck, Ammar fiddling with his wristband, Yuragi bouncing lightly on his heels. Calm, focused, unshaken.
I took a breath, feeling the faint pulse of the crowd through the floor beneath us. The air was hot with expectation.
Then Tsunami's tone shifted.
"And now," he said, his voice deep and charged, "these boys have shown why they are among the best. But can they pull it off again, now with the odds stacked against them? Ladies and gentlemen... give it up—for OG!"
The noise hit like thunder.
I closed my eyes for half a second, drew in one last steadying breath, and climbed the stairs. The lights were blinding, the roar overwhelming—but it felt right. The vibration under my boots, the weight of the jersey on my back, the faint hum of adrenaline threading through my chest.
We walked out together, heads high, as the crowd chanted our names.
Meanwhile, at the VIP Area
3rd POV
When Tsunami's voice thundered across the arena, announcing OG's arrival, the cheers surged to a new height. The ground seemed to vibrate beneath the audience's feet as spotlights swept the stage, catching the team's entrance in a cascade of color.
Kasumi jumped to her feet, cupping her hands around her mouth. "You can do this, senpai!"
Arisa groaned beside her, tugging on her sleeve. "Quiet down, will you? You're going to burst someone's eardrum."
But even she couldn't quite suppress the small smile tugging at her lips.
Across the front row of the VIP area, the rest of the girls leaned forward, eyes locked on the stage. Riku stood beneath the lights, calm and sharp, the glow from the LED panels washing over his frame.
Yukina narrowed her eyes slightly. "Is it just me," she murmured, "or does Riku-san look different today?"
Lisa tilted her head. "Now that you mention it... he is wearing a different scarf."
Rinko, sitting two seats down, followed Lisa's gaze—and froze. Her breath hitched. "That scarf..."
Ran noticed her expression. Her tone softened. "So he decided to wear it... Nee-san."
Kokoro clasped her hands in her lap, eyes bright. "Onii-chan, Onee-chan... good luck," she whispered with quiet sincerity.
Beside her, Chisato had gone silent. Her gaze was fixed on the stage, lips pressed into a thin line.
Hina nudged her gently. "Chisato-chan, why are you so quiet?"
"Nothing, Hina-chan," she said after a pause. "I'm just surprised that Riku is wearing her scarf, that's all."
"Her?" Hina blinked. "Who's her?"
Chisato hesitated, glancing down. Her voice came out low. "It's... Kaoru?"
Before she could say more, a hand settled softly on her shoulder. She turned—and found Kaoru standing behind her, serene as ever. Kaoru simply gave a small nod, granting silent permission.
Chisato exhaled, then said quietly, "The scarf Riku is wearing... belongs to Tenshi."
The air in the VIP box shifted. Several of Riku's childhood friends flinched at the name, exchanging uncertain looks.
Rinko leaned closer. "Chisato-san, is it okay to say Tenshi's name here?"
Kaoru answered before Chisato could. Her tone was calm but edged with old weight. "Don't worry, Rinko. Ani-sama has given us permission—as long as Yuyuko-sama is present."
Saaya frowned slightly. "But why do we need Yuyuko-san's presence for that?"
Ran folded her arms, voice measured. "It's tradition among the Celestial Families. Any classified matter or ancestral information can only be spoken if one or more family heads are present. It ensures accountability—and discretion."
A quiet murmur of understanding rippled through the girls. The tension broke slightly when Tae, ever curious, tilted her head.
"Then... who is this Tenshi that Chisato-senpai mentioned?" she asked.
Yuyuko, seated gracefully at the end of the row, closed her fan halfway, eyes soft with remembrance. "Hinanawi Tenshi," she said, "was the eldest daughter of the Hinanawi Family—and one of Riku-kun's childhood friends. And if you think Rinko and Riku were close..." Her gaze drifted toward the stage. "Then Tenshi and Riku were even closer."
The words hit like a quiet wave. The group fell silent—until Misaki's eyes widened in recognition.
"Wait—Hinanawi?" she said, startled. "You mean the Hinanawi family that directly serves the Emperor!?"
Her voice carried just loud enough to draw glances from nearby guests. Several of the girls turned to her in shock.
Yuyuko nodded. "That's correct. But it isn't only the Hinanawi. All twelve Celestial Families serve the Emperor and the royal household—my Saigyouji family included. The Nagae as well."
Sayo hesitated before speaking. "Yuyuko-san... I've been wondering about that for a while. Who exactly are the Celestial Families?"
Yuyuko smiled faintly, folding her fan closed. "We are twelve of the most influential lineages in Japan. Our roots stretch back to the early Heian era. Each family has played its part in the country's shaping—from war to politics, to the preservation of balance between humans and youkai alike."
Her tone dropped to something almost reverent as she continued.
"The families are, in no particular order: Yakumo, Hinanawi, Saigyouji, Nagae, Matara, Houraisan, Yagokoro, Hakurei, Ibaraki, Kicchou, Hijiri, and Komeiji."
The girls stared at her, speechless. To them, it sounded like something out of an ancient myth—but here sat one of those very descendants, fanning herself as if discussing the weather.
Rokka swallowed. "Then... what about your identities as youkai? Doesn't that—cause issues?"
Yuyuko's smile didn't waver. "Only the Emperor, the royal family, and a few high-ranking officials—including the prime minister—know of our nature. It's a secret carefully maintained."
Arisa frowned. "Then why haven't we heard of any of this? You'd think something that big would leak at some point."
"It was Empress Genmei's decree," Yuyuko explained. "She struck an accord long ago—our existence would remain hidden, in exchange for our protection of Japan from any supernatural or external threat. A silent pact, but one that has endured for centuries. It benefits both sides."
The younger girls exchanged stunned looks, the enormity of it settling in. The legends, the old shrines, the strange disappearances in the history books—all suddenly made sense in a way that felt both awe-inspiring and unnerving.
Then Yukina's voice cut through the stillness. "Wait. You said Tenshi was the eldest daughter. Do you mean she's..."
Yuyuko lowered her gaze, covering her mouth gently with her fan. "Yes," she said softly. "Tenshi unfortunately passed away. The details are not mine to share. When Riku-kun is ready, he will tell that story himself."
The air grew heavy again. Silence filled the space between them, threaded with quiet grief and curiosity. For a moment, all anyone could do was watch Riku on the stage—his calm, unreadable expression illuminated by the lights.
Then Remilia, ever the mood-breaker, crossed her legs and smirked. "Alright, enough of that doom and gloom," she said dryly. "You're here to watch Riku-boy, aren't you? Then cheer him on properly."
Her tone cut through the tension like sunlight through clouds. Kasumi laughed softly. "Yeah. She's right."
The girls straightened, refocusing their energy on the match as the first set prepared to start. The monitors on the VIP wall shifted, displaying the team lineups and compositions. OG was performing first this round—meaning they'd take the final performance slot in the second set.
Saaya leaned forward, narrowing her eyes at the screen. "They've switched roles," she murmured. "Will it really work this time?"
Kokoro, resting her chin in her hands, smiled. "Onii-chan told me he would win this. So he will."
Chiyu nodded, folding her arms with quiet confidence. "If anyone can pull off something that crazy, it's OG."
The arena lights dimmed again. The stage descended into the glow of blue and crimson. Inside the booth, Riku stood and reached for the mic. His reflection shimmered faintly on the booth glass—calm, collected, utterly fearless.
The audience quieted, sensing something was about to happen.
Riku took the mic from its stand, holding it loosely at his side. His grin was small, but it carried weight—the kind that came from experience and scars both seen and unseen. His gaze swept across the sea of faces, the lights, the noise.
And then, with that calm authority that seemed to still even the chaos around him, he spoke into the mic.
"In this world full of mistakes," he said, his voice cutting through the silence like thunder, "one has to be... a monster."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCu1ljyO4XA
Kaibutsu/Monster
(By: YOASOBI – Covered by: mafumafu)
(Beastars Season 2 Opening)
Ah, subarashiki sekai ni kyou mo kanpai
Machi ni tobikau waraigoe mo
Mite minu furi shiteru dake no tsukuri mon sa
Ki ga furesou da
Kurakura suru hodo no ii nioi ga
Tsun to sashita hana no oku
Me wo samasu honnou no mama
Kyou wa dare no ban da?
Kono sekai de nani ga dekiru no ka
Boku ni wa nani ga dekiru no ka
Tada sono makkuro na me kara
Namida koboreochinai you ni
Ah, Negau mirai ni nando demo zutto
Kuraitsuku
Kono machigai darake no sekai no naka
Kimi ni wa waratte hoshii kara
Mou daremo kizutsukenai
Tsuyoku tsuyoku naritain da yo
Boku ga boku de irareru you ni
Subarashiki sekai wa kyou mo antai
Machi ni uzumaku warui hanashi mo
Shiranai shiranai furi shite me wo sorashita
Shouki no sata janai na
Majime ni kikazatta koushin
Narasu ashioto ga hazumu ikisaki wa
Kienai kienai aji ga shimitsuiteiru
Uragawa no sekai, ah~
Kiyoku tadashiku ikiru koto
Daremo kanashimasezu ni ikiru koto
Hamidasazu massugu ni ikiru koto
Sore ga machigawanaide ikiru koto?
Ari no mama ikiru koto ga seigi ka
Damashidamashi ikiru no wa seigi ka
Boku no aru beki sugata to wa nan da
Hontou no boku wa nanimono nan da
Oshiete kure yo
Oshietе kure yo
Kyou mo
Kotae no nai sekai no naka dе
Ah, negatterun da yo
Bukiyou da keredo
Itsu made mo kimi to tada
Waratte itai kara
Ah, haneru shinzou ga
Karada yurashi sakebun da yo
Ima koso ugokidase
Ah, yowai jibun wo nando demo zutto
Kuraitsukusu
Kono machigai darake no sekai no naka
Kimi ni wa waratte hoshii kara
Mou daremo nakanai you
Tsuyoku tsuyoku naritain da yo
Boku ga boku de irareru you ni
Tada kimi wo mamoru sono tame ni
Hashiru hashiru hashirun da yo
Boku no naka no boku wo koeru
The lights dimmed into silence. Only the echo of Riku's final note lingered, trembling faintly through the air before it, too, faded away. A thick hush settled over the hall—one so deep that even the hum of the speakers seemed to vanish. On stage, Riku stood still, his back turned to the crowd, the faint glow of the stage lights outlining his silhouette like a lone figure against the edge of memory.
Then, as if awakening from a dream, the audience erupted. A thunderous applause broke the silence, followed by a rising wave of cheers that filled every corner of the venue. It wasn't the usual kind of cheer—the one born out of excitement or spectacle—it was something deeper, heavier, reverent.
Among the crowd, however, not everyone could bring themselves to clap right away. Riku's childhood friends sat frozen, eyes wide, hearts pounding as they tried to process what they had just witnessed.
Chiyu leaned forward, disbelief written all over her face.
"Riku... are you for real right now?"
Rei blinked and turned toward her, still processing. "Chu²... do you even realize what he just did?"
Chiyu shot back immediately, her voice trembling slightly between shock and frustration. "Of course I know what he did! He just sang Tenshi's song!"
Her voice carried just enough to draw attention from the nearby seats. The band girls —looked toward Chiyu in surprise. The realization spread like ripples in a still lake. A song written by Tenshi—someone no longer alive—was being performed publicly for the first time by anyone other than her.
The very thought made their hearts skip a beat. In the world of musicians, especially those of their status, performing a song written by the deceased without explicit permission was one of the greatest taboos. A stain on respect. An act of sacrilege.
Sayo's brows furrowed sharply, her voice cool but edged. "Then what Riku-san did just now... is totally unacceptable."
Before anyone could respond, another voice, calm yet certain, broke through the tension.
Yuyuko.
"He can use Tenshi's songs."
The sudden statement made everyone turn toward her. Her tone was unwavering, her expression serene, but her words carried the weight of undeniable truth.
Yukina was the first to speak, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean, Yuyuko-san?"
Yuyuko sighed softly, resting her hands on her lap. "Tenshi wrote it in her will before she passed. It was a personal document she entrusted to me—and to her father. It states clearly that only Riku-kun, and those he approves, may perform her songs."
A murmur rippled through the group. Kasumi's eyes widened in awe as she leaned forward slightly. "So that means... only Riku-senpai can use Tenshi-san's songs?"
Yuyuko nodded gently. "Yes. Tenshi's compositions, lyrics, and even unreleased works—everything tied to her name—are his to guard. But if Riku-kun grants someone permission, then they too may sing them. That was her final wish."
The revelation silenced the skepticism almost immediately. Yet, even with the reasoning explained, the question still lingered: Why now?
Maya frowned slightly, crossing her arms. "But still... why would he sing one of her songs now, after all this time?"
The others exchanged puzzled looks. The timing, the song choice—none of it made immediate sense. But then, Chiyu's expression changed. Her eyes widened as if a long-forgotten memory had just clicked into place.
"Wait... don't tell me...it's close..." she whispered.
Masuki glanced at her, confused. "What's close, Chu²?"
Chiyu didn't answer immediately. Her mind was racing. Then she snapped her fingers. "PAREO! What's today's date!?"
Reona straightened in her seat, startled by the sudden demand. "Eh!? It's the 19th of May, Chu²-sama! But why are you asking all of a sudden?"
Chiyu slowly turned her gaze back toward the stage, her voice dropping into a more solemn tone. "Because next week... is Tenshi's birthday."
The air grew still.
For a moment, no one said a word. Even the crowd's distant cheering felt muffled in their ears.
Yuyuko closed her eyes with a faint, melancholic smile. "So that's what this is..."
Sayo blinked. "What do you mean, Yuyuko-san?"
Yuyuko looked up at her, her tone gentle yet heavy with old memory. "It's a Celestial Family tradition. When someone dear to us passes away, we honor them a week before their birthday. Not with offerings or prayers—but through song. A ritual of remembrance, sung from the heart of the one who still lives. It's not just performance—it's communion."
Rimi's eyes shimmered with quiet sadness. "So that's why Riku-san did it... to honor Tenshi-san."
Everyone turned to Rinko when they noticed her trembling slightly. Her face had gone pale. "Wait..." she whispered, almost to herself. "No... it can't be..."
Ako leaned closer, worried. "Rin-rin? What's wrong?"
Rinko swallowed hard before answering, her voice barely audible. "Tenshi's birthday... it's on May 25th..."
The moment she said it, Roselia's members froze in collective shock. Their hearts dropped. They all knew the significance of that date.
Sayo's eyes widened, her usually calm composure cracking. "The twenty-fifth... that's the date of our upcoming live."
Rinko nodded faintly. "Yes... the exact day."
Silence. Even Yuyuko's expression shifted into one of faint surprise. The room's atmosphere grew heavier by the second, like the calm before a storm.
Sayo rubbed her temple, exhaling shakily. "So you're saying... his song today, this entire performance—it all ties into the same week as our live? Is that a coincidence... or did he plan it all from the start?"
Rinko shook her head slowly. "I don't know. You know how Riku is—sometimes he plans things to the last detail, sometimes he acts purely on instinct. He could have set the schedule without even realizing it aligned with her birthday."
Yukina crossed her arms, deep in thought. "Maybe so... but something tells me this isn't just coincidence."
The group fell silent again, their minds spiraling between admiration and unease. There was always something enigmatic about Riku—his precision, his intuition, his connection to people who'd long since left the world. His presence could inspire or terrify, depending on which side of his intent you stood on.
Then, without warning, Yukina's phone buzzed sharply against the quiet. She frowned, pulling it out from her pocket. One glance at the screen made her eyes widen. Her entire demeanor shifted instantly—from thoughtful calm to pale disbelief.
Lisa noticed immediately. "Yukina? What's wrong?"
Yukina's hands trembled slightly as she read the message again, as if hoping it would change. But it didn't. The color drained from her face.
"No..." she whispered, her voice low and strained. "It can't be... not now... of all times..."
Lisa leaned closer, worry painting her expression. "Yukina... talk to me. What happened?"
For a long moment, Yukina said nothing. Then, finally, she lowered her phone, her eyes cold and grim.
"Lisa..." she said quietly, her tone laced with dread. "...our first live... it might be in danger."
Meanwhile in Japan – Eientei
8:15 P.M.
Kaguya's POV
The soft paper walls of Eientei filtered the warm glow of evening lanterns, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the polished wooden floor. The air smelled faintly of incense and fresh tea, but even its calming scent could not slow the racing thoughts in Kaguya's mind. She sat by the veranda, her gaze fixed on the small phone screen in her hands, the livestream still replaying Riku's performance from Stockholm.
Kaguya's lips trembled as she whispered under her breath.
"That song... Riku... so she really passed them to you..."
Across from her, Mokou raised an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly, her arms folded as she leaned against one of the wooden pillars. "You know that song, Kaguya?"
Kaguya's eyes remained on the screen, her expression caught somewhere between nostalgia and unease. "I know it. I'm not mistaken... that's Tenshi's song."
The name hung in the air like a phantom. Mokou's eyes widened at once. She straightened, pushing herself off the pillar. "Wait—you're telling me Riku is using Tenshi's song for a competition?"
Kaguya gave a faint nod, her gaze still distant.
"That's..." Mokou hesitated, then frowned. "Isn't that illegal? I mean, using a song made by someone who's already passed away?"
Kaguya finally lowered the phone, her delicate fingers tightening around its edges. "Normally, yes. It would be forbidden. But there are... exceptions. If the family of the deceased grants explicit permission, then the song may be used, as long as it isn't for profit." Her voice dropped slightly. "Still... I need to confirm something."
Without another word, she unlocked her phone and scrolled to a familiar contact. The dial tone rang once, twice, three times. She bit her lip, willing the call to go through.
"Come on..." she muttered under her breath. "Pick up..."
Mokou glanced at her curiously. "Oi, Kaguya. Who're you calling?"
Kaguya waved a hand at her, sharp but quiet. "Shh. Just... wait."
Finally, a click sounded. A voice—soft, polite, and a little startled—answered.
"Kaguya-san? It's very rare for you to call me. What can I do for you?"
Kaguya exhaled a small breath of relief. "Good. You picked up."
The voice belonged to Hinanawi Aichi—Tenshi's younger brother. Currently a third-year at Otonokizaka High School, Aichi was known for being the opposite of his late sister. Where Tenshi had been all fire, arrogance, and boundless energy, Aichi was soft-spoken, careful, shy even. Someone who thought before he acted, who always tried to weigh every decision.
"I need to ask you something, Aichi," Kaguya said, her voice low but urgent. "Did your sister... give Riku permission to use her songs?"
There was a brief pause on the other end, the faint hum of a television playing in the background. When Aichi spoke again, his tone was steady.
"She did. The will she left behind stated clearly that Riku can use her songs. Why do you ask?"
Kaguya hesitated for a moment, then asked another question instead. "What are you doing right now?"
Aichi sounded mildly confused. "I'm with Kotori and the rest of μ's at my place. We're working on some arrangements. Why?"
"I'm going to send you a link," Kaguya said quickly. "Watch it. You'll understand everything."
"Eh? A link? Okay, but—"
Before Aichi could finish, a small figure appeared at the edge of the veranda. One of Eirin's moon rabbits, ears drooping slightly, bowing politely.
"Kaguya-sama," the rabbit said, voice small and formal. "You have a package waiting outside. It requires your sign of approval."
Kaguya pressed a hand to her temple. "Of course it does..." She turned slightly away from her phone. "I'll be there in a moment."
"Kaguya?" Aichi asked on the other end.
"I have to go. Watch the link I sent you. It's important."
"O-okay..." Aichi's voice faded as Kaguya ended the call.
She slipped the phone into her sleeve and rose, her silk kimono whispering against the wooden floor. Her expression was composed again, but a flicker of unease remained in her eyes.
At the entrance to Eientei, a young delivery boy stood nervously, shifting from foot to foot with a large parcel tucked under his arm. He straightened immediately when I showed up.
"Umm... Houraisan Kaguya... right?" he asked, voice unsure.
I gave him a calm nod. "Yes, that's me. You said you needed my sign of approval?"
"Yes, ma'am." He fumbled with a small tablet, holding it out. "Just here, please."
I accepted it with graceful hands and signed my name in quick, precise strokes. The boy took it back, bowing deeply.
"Thank you for using our services! Thank you very much and have a good evening!" he said, before hurrying off down the moonlit path.
As soon as he disappeared, I turned to the nearest group of moon rabbits, who had been waiting silently nearby. "Take this to my room," I instructed. "If Mokou asks what it is, tell her I ordered it online."
"Hai, Kaguya-sama!" the rabbits chimed in unison.
They quickly lifted the parcel, scampering off toward her chambers. The scene would have been routine—almost domestic—if not for the faint tension tightening my posture.
I turned back toward the inner halls of Eientei, about to return to her seat, when another rabbit came sprinting down the corridor. Its ears flapped wildly as it panted for breath.
"Kaguya-sama!" it squeaked. "Tewi is at it again!"
A small, visible tick mark appeared at my temple. I closed my eyes, inhaled deeply, and exhaled through my nose. "Of course she is," I muttered.
The rabbit looked at me anxiously, unsure if it should continue.
"Take me to her," I said finally, my voice quiet but laced with steel.
"Hai!" The rabbit bowed and turned, leading the way down the corridor.
I followed, my elegant stride belying the irritation simmering beneath my serene facade. my thoughts, however, were far away. I hoped Aichi would open the link I sent him—that he would see what I had seen.
As I moved deeper into the halls of Eientei, I tightened my grip on my skirt. Tenshi's song... Riku's performance... the Celestial tradition. All of it was converging in a way I hadn't anticipated.
In the distance, I could already hear Tewi's mischievous giggle echoing down the corridor. Another problem to solve tonight. Another thread to untangle.
But even as I prepare to give a piece of my mind to Tewi, a single thought repeated in the back of my mind:
Riku... what exactly are you planning?
Hinanawi Mansion – Aichi's Dance Studio
8:25 P.M.
3rd POV
The sound of soft footsteps and rhythmic claps echoed gently across the polished wooden floors of the Hinanawi Mansion's private dance studio. The large mirrored walls reflected the synchronized movements of nine young girls, their sweat glistening beneath the mellow golden lights as they wrapped up their final practice session for the night. The air smelled faintly of perfume and exertion, of passion and effort mingled with exhaustion.
Leaning quietly against the wall near the studio's stereo system was a young man with short blue hair and sharp crimson eyes. His name was Hinanawi Aichi, and at the moment, he looked far less like the poised host of the evening and more like someone staring at a riddle only he could see. His gaze lingered on his phone, brows slightly furrowed, a soft sigh escaping his lips.
A gentle, melodic voice broke through his thoughts.
"Aichi-kun, are you okay?"
Turning slightly, Aichi met the concerned eyes of Minami Kotori—a girl with long, grayish-brown hair tied in her signature side ponytail and warm hazel eyes that radiated kindness. She stood beside him, a towel draped over her shoulders, her chest still rising and falling from practice. As one of the second-year members of μ's, Kotori had always been known for her motherly presence and keen sensitivity to emotions—especially when it came to Aichi.
"It's nothing, Kotori," Aichi replied, his voice calm but distant. "Kaguya-san just called me to confirm something."
Kotori tilted her head. "Kaguya-san? What did she ask you?"
There was a small pause. Aichi's fingers tightened around his phone as his crimson eyes softened with quiet unease.
"She asked me if... if nee-san gave Riku permission to use her songs."
Kotori's expression changed immediately—her soft features tightening with surprise. The moment she heard those two names in the same sentence, her heartbeat quickened. Anything that linked Riku and Tenshi was still a sensitive subject for Aichi. Even though the past had long settled into uneasy silence, the mere mention was enough to stir something deep within him.
Kotori hesitated for a moment before placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Aichi-kun... I know it's a sensitive topic to you, but—"
"It's okay, Kotori." Aichi smiled faintly, though his eyes didn't quite follow. "Me and Riku... we already settled that years ago. We just need time—time until we can see each other again."
Kotori exhaled softly, relief washing over her expression. "If you say so... I'll trust you. But what else did Kaguya-san say?"
"She mentioned that she'll send me a link and told me to watch it closely," Aichi explained, tapping the edge of his phone. "But she's taking a while and—"
His phone vibrated before he could finish. The familiar tone of Kaguya's messages echoed through the quiet air. Aichi unlocked the screen quickly, reading the latest message aloud.
"'Sorry it took a while, I was busy putting a rabbit in her place. Here's the link—watch it closely.'"
Kotori blinked. "A rabbit...? She must be talking about someone she dealt with earlier. Well then, what are you waiting for? Open it."
Nodding, Aichi connected his phone to his laptop on the nearby table. The screen flickered to life, revealing a sleek webpage with a bold, shining logo emblazoned across the top: "Future World Fes – Live Global Stream." The faint sound of crowd noise and an announcer's voice echoed from the speakers, though Aichi instantly noticed the Japanese subtitle toggle flashing at the bottom.
"Future World Fes?" Kotori murmured, stepping closer to look. "Why would Kaguya-san send you this?"
Aichi frowned. "That's what I'm trying to figure out." He glanced at her. "Kotori, can you check who's participating in the Future World Fes? I have a strange feeling about this."
Kotori nodded quickly, unlocking her phone as she began searching. While she scrolled through articles and news feeds, the sound of soft chatter filled the room—the rest of μ's had begun approaching, curious about what their two friends were so focused on.
The first to speak up was Kosaka Honoka, the bright and energetic leader of μ's. With her ponytail bobbing and her ever-present smile lighting up her face, she called out cheerfully,
"Aichi-kun! Kotori-chan! What are you two looking at?"
Aichi turned slightly, offering a polite smile. "Ah, Honoka. Kaguya-san sent me something just now, but I'm still figuring out what it's about. Kotori's helping me look it up."
"What did she send you?" Honoka asked, curiosity bubbling in her tone.
Wordlessly, Aichi tilted his laptop to show the screen. The sight of the Future World Fes logo immediately made Yazawa Nico, who had been casually drinking from her water bottle, nearly choke.
"Wait—wait, what?!" Nico stammered, her twin tails bouncing as she leaned closer. Beside her, Koizumi Hanayo's eyes widened in shock, her hands clutching her phone tightly. Their reactions caught the attention of the others.
"Nico, Hanayo, why are you shaking?" asked Sonoda Umi, her dark blue hair swaying slightly as she walked closer. Her calm yet commanding voice carried concern.
"You don't understand, Umi!" Nico cried, pointing dramatically at the screen. "What Aichi's watching right now is the Future World Fes! The Future World Fes!"
Across from them, a cheerful voice chimed in. "Nya~ What's the Future World Fes?"
That was Hoshizora Rin, tilting her head with her usual feline curiosity, her short orange hair glinting under the studio lights.
Hanayo quickly answered, her voice trembling with excitement. "Rin-chan, the Future World Fes is one of the biggest international music tournaments in the world! Only eighteen of the best bands across the globe are invited to compete, and it's held just three times a year!"
Nico nodded emphatically. "Exactly! It's the same level as the Idol Summer Invitational—the one we all dream of performing at someday! This is the kind of event that defines careers."
"Then..." Umi frowned, crossing her arms. "Why would someone send this to Aichi of all people?"
Before Aichi could respond, Kotori tugged lightly on his sleeve, her eyes wide. "Aichi-kun... I found something." She turned her phone screen toward him, her voice trembling slightly. "I looked up the performing bands—and one of the names listed for tonight's lineup... says 'Iku'."
Aichi froze.
For a moment, the world seemed to stop. His crimson eyes darted toward Kotori's screen, scanning the page as his pulse began to race. There it was—clear as day.
Key./Vo. - Iku - Japan.
His hands trembled ever so slightly. His breath caught in his throat. And without another word, Aichi closed his laptop, clutching it tightly before bolting for the door.
"Aichi-kun?!" Kotori called out, startled. The other girls froze as they watched him sprint out of the room—his calm, polite demeanor shattered into raw urgency. It was so out of character that even Nishikino Maki, who rarely showed overt curiosity, raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"What's with him?" Maki muttered, wiping sweat from her neck with a towel.
Kotori's eyes widened in realization. "I... I think I know." She turned to the others urgently. "If my guess is right, then we have to go after him—now!"
She glanced back toward the mirrors where Ayase Eli and Tojo Nozomi stood near the back, exchanging looks of quiet understanding. "Eli-chan, Nozomi-chan! Can you and the others clean up the place while we follow him?"
Eli crossed her arms and nodded firmly. "No problem. Go—don't keep him waiting."
Nozomi smiled knowingly, her violet eyes twinkling. "Fufufu~ looks like something interesting's about to happen. We'll handle things here."
Kotori didn't waste another second. "Thank you! Come on, Honoka-chan, Umi-chan—we're going after him!"
"Right!" Honoka replied, determination lighting up her face. "Let's go!"
Umi simply nodded, tying her hair back tighter as the three girls sprinted out of the studio, leaving the others behind.
The remaining members of μ's exchanged glances—each one silently wondering what had just transpired. But they didn't question it. They all knew that whenever it involved Riku—or anyone connected to that name—Aichi Hinanawi never acted without reason.
Outside the dance studio, the marble halls of the Hinanawi Mansion were quiet, illuminated only by the faint glow of antique lanterns and the gentle hum of cicadas beyond the open windows. Aichi's footsteps echoed sharply against the floor as he made his way toward the mansion's central lounge, laptop in hand and heart pounding.
His mind raced through memories—of melodies shared long ago, of words left unsaid, of the unhealed silence between him and the one he once called brother.
If Kaguya had sent him this, there could only be one reason.
Riku was performing.
And that meant something big was happening at the Future World Fes.
Kotori's voice echoed from behind him, her hurried footsteps catching up as she called out, "Aichi-kun! Wait!"
But Aichi didn't stop—not yet. His heart was locked on the possibility that tonight, he'd see Riku again, even if it was through a screen. For the first time in years, fate had intertwined their paths once more.
And somewhere in Stockholm, under the blazing lights of an international stage—
that same fate was already moving forward.