The next day...
Nagae Estate – Riku's Room
June 26, 2021 – Saturday – 8:00 A.M.
Riku's POV
A day had passed since the Hanasakigawa Student Council's trip to Totsuki, where we'd finalized the contract with their school. The paperwork, the meeting, the post-discussion dinner with Yuyuko-san—it all went smoothly. What didn't go as smoothly was the aftermath. Between my talk with Johan and finishing the song for Koishi, sleep became an afterthought.
When I cracked my eyes open and glanced at the clock, my pulse spiked.
"...It's already eight? Fuck. I overslept."
I rolled out of bed, dragging a hand through my hair. Great. Chu²'s arriving in an hour, and I still look half-dead.
Skipping my usual morning workout felt like a sin, but time wasn't on my side. I changed into a loose shirt and jeans, stretched once, and made my way toward the kitchen.
The estate was quiet—too quiet. Morning light poured through the hallways, brushing over the polished floors like thin gold paint. When I stepped into the kitchen, I checked the cupboards. A few biscuits were left from yesterday. Not ideal, but workable. I made a quick batch of gravy to go with them, the scent of pepper and butter filling the air.
By the time I carried my plate to the dining room, the only person there was my grandfather, calmly sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper. He lowered his cup as soon as I walked in.
"Good morning, Riku," Kyoya said with that measured tone of his. "Quite rare of you to oversleep."
"Morning, grandfather." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Let's just say the song I was writing last night got a little out of hand. Lost track of time."
He folded the paper, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Was it one of those dreams again?"
"Yeah," I admitted, sitting across from him. "This time, it was Koishi."
"I see." He paused, then asked, "Where are Rinko and the others?"
"Rinko left early," he replied. "She's meeting Alice at 7 Rainbow for her first set of lessons. Mafuyu went to Kanade-kun's residence to work on their song. Eli's friends picked her up for practice, and Mitsuri went along. That leaves Tina—still asleep, of course."
I chuckled softly. "That tracks. What about Miyu? You didn't mention her."
"She's preparing for today's charity event. Kokoro should be picking her up any—"
Before he could finish, a familiar, high-energy voice rang through the hall.
"Onii-chan!"
A blur of yellow light crashed into me before I could even stand. Kokoro had arrived, wrapping me in a bear hug that felt more like a lightning tackle. I steadied her, laughing a little as I patted her head.
"Good morning, Kokoro."
"Ehehe~ Morning to you too, onii-chan! Is Miyu ready yet?"
"No idea. I just woke up."
Kokoro puffed her cheeks. "Onii-chan overslept? That's not good!"
"I'm aware," I said dryly. "Songwriting does that to me sometimes."
That word—songwriting—lit a spark in her eyes.
"You wrote a song!? What's it about!? Are you gonna sing it!? Is this your comeback song!?"
She was already shaking me like a maraca.
"Stop—shaking—me—I—haven't—eaten—yet!"
She froze mid-motion, realizing the crime she'd committed. I slumped back into my chair, dizzy. Grandfather, of course, just smiled behind his cup of coffee, looking far too entertained.
Moments later, Miyu entered the room, a neat bag hanging from her shoulder.
"Sakurako-san said you'd be here, Kokoro-chan," she said gently. "I see you found him."
"Uh-huh! We're gonna have so much fun at the charity event!" Kokoro grinned. "The kids will love the candy we're bringing!"
I smiled at the sight of them—Kokoro's boundless energy and Miyu's calm radiance balanced each other perfectly.
"Have fun, both of you," I said. "And Miyu—keep an eye on her for me."
"I will," she promised softly. Then she hesitated. "Riku-san..."
I didn't need her to finish. I stood and leaned in, pressing a brief kiss to her lips. Her eyes softened as she pulled back, cheeks faintly pink.
Kokoro squealed loud enough to wake half the estate. "KYAA~ Onii-chan kissed Miyu!"
I only sighed through a small smirk. Miyu giggled, flustered but happy, before heading off with Kokoro. Their laughter echoed down the hallway until the front doors closed behind them.
When I turned back, Grandfather's face had that smug, knowing look again.
"I take it you show the same affection to Eli and Rinko as well?"
"That depends," I said between bites of biscuit. "Eli does sometimes, sure. Rinko's... still shy about it. But when we're alone, she'll ask."
Kyoya gave a slow nod, amused. "I see. For now, eat your breakfast. Your cousin will be here soon, right?"
"Yeah. Thanks for the reminder."
He returned to his newspaper while I ate quietly, the room settling into a comfortable silence. The biscuits and gravy weren't anything special, but the warmth was grounding.
Nagae Estate – Living Room
8:45 A.M.
Riku's POV
After breakfast, I settled into the living room, waiting for Chu²'s arrival. She'd asked for my help, but I knew this wasn't something I could handle solo—so I called in backup. Ran-san had agreed to come, and I told her she could bring Chen along since Kuroka was still here.
Speaking of Kuroka, the lazy cat was currently perched on my head, dozing away like a warm, purring hat. Fuyu, on the other hand, was stretched across my lap, glaring daggers upward.
Her tail flicked with irritation. Ever since Kuroka arrived, Fuyu had grown more territorial—jealous, even. It wasn't just about space anymore; she didn't like sharing me. Kuroka, of course, found this amusing.
I made it clear to both of them that I wouldn't tolerate any petty squabbles. "You two fight," I'd told them, "and you're both sleeping outside." Kuroka had only laughed, but Fuyu took it as gospel.
The TV murmured softly in the background while I scrolled through my tablet, checking the current Western European PBC standings.
1st – Tundra 4–0
2nd – OG 3–1
3rd – Team Liquid 3–1
4th – Entity 3–1
5th – Team Secret 1–3
6th – Gaimin Gladiators 1–3
7th – Alliance 0–4
8th – Goonsquad 0–4
I leaned back, murmuring to myself, "One more win and OG secures their ticket to Arlington." My eyes lingered on the list. "They've got Goonsquad, Alliance, and Team Liquid next. The first two are freebies, but Liquid's gonna be rough. With MATU retiring, they'll want to go out swinging."
Kuroka purred in her sleep, the rhythm of her breathing oddly steady against my head. Fuyu made a low grumble of protest, curling tighter on my lap.
Moments later, the sound of the front doors sliding open reached me. Youmu's calm voice followed.
"Riku-kun, Chiyu-san has arrived. And... apparently, Rei-san as well."
I raised an eyebrow and turned toward them as they entered. Chu² stood confidently in her usual colorful attire, while Rei trailed just behind her, a more subdued presence but with something sharper in her eyes.
"I expected Chu²," I said, "but Rei? Didn't think you'd tag along."
Rei's gaze met mine—steady, deliberate. "Riku... there's something I need to talk about. With just the two of us."
That caught my attention. Kuroka stirred, her feline ears twitching before her voice echoed in my mind. "Did I miss something? That black-haired girl's aura—it's peculiar."
"If I'm right... yeah, it might be that." I said cryptically to Kuroka as she tilted her head.
"You gonna share with me what "that" means?" Kuroka said as I refused to tell her.
"No."
Her paw lightly smacked my forehead—a silent "don't test me" gesture. I smirked faintly but didn't elaborate.
Chu², noticing the movement, blinked in surprise. "Oi, Iku, since when did you get another cat?"
I glanced up at Kuroka, who was now pretending to be an innocent fluffball. "I'll explain once we're in the training room. Did you bring your training clothes?"
She nodded, holding up a small light-blue gym bag.
"Good," I said, standing while lifting Fuyu into my arms. "Go ahead to the changing room, then meet me there. Rei, you can join us if you want."
Rei gave a small nod, her tone softer. "Sure, I'd like that."
Before heading out, I looked toward Youmu. "Youmu, you can go ahead and leave. Yuyuko-san mentioned yesterday that the lavenders and irises at the Hakugyokurou need tending."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Yuyuko-sama said that? Very well. I'll see to it immediately."
She bowed and took her leave, disappearing through the sliding doors in a graceful blur.
The house fell quiet again for a moment. I exhaled, adjusting Kuroka's position on my head as she yawned lazily. Rei fell into step beside me as we walked through the corridor toward the training room. The faint hum of cicadas outside mixed with the muffled footsteps along the wooden floors.
----------
Nagae Estate – Training Room
9:00 A.M.
The quiet hum of the estate faded behind us as Rei and I entered the training room. The floor gleamed under the light spilling through the high windows, the scent of wood polish faintly mixing with incense from the adjacent hall. Kuroka and Fuyu sat near my feet—one lazy and aloof, the other glaring as though daring Kuroka to make a move.
Rei, on the other hand, looked around the space, her expression a mix of awe and confusion.
"This place is huge," she said, her voice echoing softly. "But... does it really need to be this big?"
"It does," I answered, leaning back against the wall. "We don't just train with swords or spells here. We also use this place for danmaku drills, so we need the airspace for flight. Safety distance, too—trust me, it gets messy fast."
She blinked, probably imagining what "messy" meant in my context.
The sliding door opened behind us.
"Sorry for the wait!"
We turned. Chu² stepped in wearing gray sweatpants and a neon-blue shirt with a small cat-ear headphone logo printed on the chest. Her usual headset was missing for once, and her hair was tied back in a short ponytail.
"You're on time," I said, folding my arms. "And you took off the headset."
"Yeah, yeah." She rolled her eyes, grinning. "Let's just get this started already."
"Not so fast," I replied, my tone turning deliberate. "Before we begin, there's something I need to tell you."
She frowned. "Huh? What now?"
"The truth is..." I paused for effect. "I won't be the one training you."
"HUH?!" Chu²'s reaction was so loud it startled Fuyu into puffing up. "If you're not training me, then who the hell is?"
Before I could answer, the air behind me shimmered. A violet rift—smooth, elegant, and unmistakable—opened midair. Rei stiffened instantly, while Chu² took a step back, eyes wide.
Out from the glowing gap stepped Ran-san, her calm, regal presence filling the room, followed by a smaller figure who immediately broke into a sprint the moment she spotted me.
"Riku-sama!!"
The small girl practically launched herself at me, hugging my waist with surprising force. Brown hair, green mob cap, twin tails—both literally and figuratively—black cat ears tipped with gold, and a red dress trimmed in pink frills.
I chuckled, steadying her. "Well, that's a surprise. It's been a while, Chen."
Ran-san gave an exasperated sigh. "Chen, behave yourself. There are others here besides Riku."
"But okaa-sama!" Chen protested, still clinging to me. "It's been years since I've seen him!"
"Chen," I said gently, "if you behave, I'll let you play with Fuyu later."
Her tails froze mid-sway, then wagged so fast they were a blur. "Okay!!" she said brightly, releasing me with a smile.
Rei blinked at the sudden burst of energy. "Riku, who is she?"
"Rei, meet Yakumo Chen," I said with a small smile. "Ran-san's daughter—and my niece, in a way."
Chen turned toward Rei and gave a small bow. "Hello! I'm Yakumo Chen! Who are you, onee-san?"
"I'm Wakana Rei. Nice to meet you, Chen," she replied, patting the girl on the head. Chen purred like a small engine.
Chu² tilted her head. "You brought Ran-sama here... which means—"
Ran-san smiled knowingly. "Precisely. I'll be the one training you today, Chiyu. Riku briefed me about your ability development, and I'm better suited to guide you. Plus," she glanced toward Chen, "it's a good opportunity to let my daughter stretch her legs."
Her golden eyes flicked toward the corner. "It's been a while, Kuroka."
Kuroka, who'd been quietly perched by my side, smirked—and undid her disguise in a flash of dark light. The transformation sent a faint ripple through the air, revealing her true form: long black hair, golden eyes, and a confident aura that made both Rei and Chu² freeze. Rei flinched slightly, almost instinctively, and I caught the subtle tension in her shoulders. Kuroka definitely noticed too—her lips curved, mischief rising.
Before she could act on it, I casually pulled out a spray bottle from my pocket and gave her two short bursts of water.
Kuroka yelped, tail puffing. "What was that for, nya?!"
"I could tell you were about to start something," I said dryly. "Better safe than sorry."
She huffed but straightened her posture. "Fine. I'll behave." Turning toward the two girls, she smiled playfully. "I'm Tōjō Kuroka—a nekoshou Riku rescued~ Let's get along, shall we?"
Rei nodded politely. "Wakana Rei. One of Riku's friends."
Chu² grinned. "Tamade Chiyu—but you can call me Chu². Riku's cousin on his mother's side."
"Ohh~ so you're family," Kuroka said, tapping a finger to her chin. "That explains the magic I sense from you... and it's strong. Ran, how about I lend a paw with her training?"
Ran's tails swayed. "That would be appreciated."
"Then it's settled," I said. "I'll take Chen with me for now, if that's alright."
Ran-san nodded. "Of course. Just make sure she doesn't wander off too far."
"Understood." I looked down at Chen, who was practically vibrating with excitement. "How about you play with Fuyu and Homura in the Dragon Garden?"
"That sounds fun!!" she said, tail whipping behind her.
I turned to Rei. "You should come with me too. You said you wanted to talk, right?"
She hesitated, glancing at Chu². "O-okay... Chu², good luck with your training."
"Thanks," Chu² replied with a grin, stepping closer to whisper something in her ear.
"This is your chance," she murmured.
Rei's eyes widened slightly, but she gave a faint nod.
I didn't press her about it as I headed for the door, Fuyu padding after me while Chen skipped alongside, humming cheerfully. Kuroka gave us a lazy wave before turning to join Ran and Chu².
The hallway outside was quiet again, the air cool and still. As Rei followed beside me, I could feel her aura—steady, but shadowed by something heavy. Whatever she wanted to say wasn't going to be light conversation.
Still, for now, I let her have the space to gather her words as the doors of the training hall slid shut behind us.
Behind those doors, Ran's voice began instructing, Kuroka's laughter blended in, and the low crackle of magic soon filled the air—another morning at the Nagae Estate, where even a quiet day rarely stayed that way for long.
A little than a few minutes later...
Nagae Estate – Dragon Garden
9:30 A.M.
Riku's POV
After leaving Chu², Kuroka, and Ran-san to begin their session, I made my way toward my grandfather's office with Rei, Chen, and Fuyu following behind. Homura happened to be there, eager to stretch his legs in the garden, so he tagged along as well. It wasn't long before all of us found ourselves surrounded by the tranquil expanse of the Dragon Garden.
The morning sun hung warm and lazy above the trees. A light breeze carried the scent of wisteria and dew across the courtyard, brushing gently over the surface of the pond where koi darted beneath the lilies. Rei and I sat on one of the stone benches that curved along the walkway, while Chen—now in her bakeneko form—raced gleefully across the open grass with Fuyu chasing her in circles. Homura joined in their little game, his large frame bounding after them as they scattered like sparks across the field.
For a while, I said nothing, simply letting the laughter of my niece fill the space. But I could feel Rei's gaze flicking toward me every few moments, soft and fleeting, like a whisper brushing my skin. Each time I met her eyes, she quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the garden instead. Her cheeks were tinted pink, betraying her.
"You said you wanted to talk about something," I said at last, breaking the silence.
"I... I did," Rei murmured, twisting her fingers together. "I just... needed a little time to prepare. I—"
Before she could finish, I reached out and held her hand. Her fingers froze under mine, the warmth of her skin trembling faintly against my palm.
"Take your time," I said quietly. "We've got the whole day."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Eh? Then what about Chu²?"
"She's fine. Ran-san's training methods aren't the sort of thing that end in an hour. It'll take a while to gauge what Chu²'s capable of. And with Kuroka helping, I'd say they'll be busy until nightfall."
She tilted her head, a bit uncertain. "Then... your work?"
"I'm free for the weekend," I replied with a small shrug. "Marina's handling things at CiRCLE, and I've got no paperwork left. For once, I can actually breathe."
Rei's shoulders relaxed slightly. "I see... okay."
The silence returned, filled only by the distant sound of Chen's laughter and Fuyu's light footsteps across the stone path. Rei sat quietly beside me, staring at her hands as though trying to steady herself. It took her several minutes before she finally exhaled, as if releasing something that had been trapped inside her for too long.
"I'm ready now," she said, her voice more composed.
I leaned back slightly. "Alright. What did you want to talk about?"
Rei hesitated only a moment before saying it. "It's about your engagement with Rinko."
The words landed gently, but the weight behind them wasn't lost on me. I'd suspected as much. Once Chu² started talking, it was only a matter of time before Rei found out.
"I see," I said quietly. "So it's about that. How did Chu² tell you?"
Rei's gaze lowered. "It happened after lunch that day... when you treated us at Geitondei."
Flashback – Chiyu's Penthouse, 2:30 P.M.
Rei's POV
After our meal, Chu² invited all of us to her penthouse, saying she had something important to talk about. Rokka and I agreed, assuming it was another one of her sudden plans for the band.
Masuki was still sprawled across the couch, face pale and expression dazed, recovering from her ill-fated attempt at the Devil's Breath Ramen. PAREO appeared beside her with a glass of milk, which Masuki gratefully downed before collapsing back against the cushions with a relieved sigh.
"I really needed that," Masuki groaned. "Thanks, PAREO."
"You're very welcome, Masuki-san," PAREO replied with her usual cheerful tone.
Rokka glanced toward the doorway. "PAREO-san, any idea why Chu²-san called us here? Didn't she say we had the week off?"
"Yeah," I added, crossing my arms. "She didn't sign us up for another tournament, did she?"
PAREO shook her head. "No, Chu²-sama hasn't mentioned anything of the sort."
"Then it's something else," Masuki muttered. "'Cause I've been noticing—Riku and that Shirokane girl seem awful close lately. Like... too close."
Before anyone could answer, a familiar voice cut through the room. "That's why I called you here."
Chu² entered, a towel hanging loosely around her neck, her hair slightly damp from a recent shower. She passed the towel to PAREO and sat down across from us, uncharacteristically quiet. Her eyes moved from Masuki to Rokka, and finally to me. There was hesitation there—rare for her.
"So this is about Riku," Masuki said, frowning.
Chu² nodded. "Yeah. And honestly... I don't even know how to say it—especially to you, Rei."
The way she said it made my chest tighten. Something in me already knew this wasn't going to end well. The air seemed to still as I waited for her to continue.
"Before we left for Osaka," Chu² began, "I got a message from Kyoya-san."
Rokka blinked. "Riku-san's grandfather?"
"Yeah," Chu² said softly. "He told me that Riku... is now engaged to Shirokane Rinko."
Her words struck like lightning. My breath hitched; the room seemed to spin, voices fading to distant echoes. Engaged. That single word tore through me. My heart felt like it had been hit by a truck—shattered, scattered, gone.
So that's what she meant... when she told me not to hesitate. I'd been too slow.
My vision blurred as tears welled up without warning. I stared at the floor, trembling, unable to stop them. Masuki and Rokka were at my side in an instant.
"LAYER-san... hang in there," Rokka murmured, squeezing my shoulder.
Masuki clenched her jaw. "Damn it, Rei. Don't lose it now. Oi, Chu²! Why the hell tell us now?"
Chu²'s voice was calm, but there was an edge beneath it. "You think I didn't know what this would do to her? If I told you right before the tournament, we never would've won. You needed focus, not heartbreak."
Reona stepped forward quietly. "She's right. If we'd known earlier, we wouldn't have stood a chance."
Masuki folded her arms. "Then why not tell us after we won?"
"Because I didn't know how," Chu² said, her tone hardening. "You know me—I don't sugarcoat things. But this? There's no painless way to say it."
And she was right. Chu² wasn't one for soft edges or careful words. She learned that kind of honesty from Riku himself. But even as I sat there, listening to her, I couldn't shake the feeling there was more—something she wasn't saying.
"Chu², there's more to this... right?" I asked, trying to make sense of her tone. She wasn't joking—her expression was the kind of serious that killed all traces of humor.
Chiyu sighed, crossing one leg over the other as she leaned back in her chair. "Hm. And this might be the most absurd thing you'll ever hear."
Masuki raised a brow, arms crossed. "C'mon, how absurd can it be?"
Chiyu's eyes narrowed slightly. "Not only is Riku engaged to Shirokane Rinko... he's also engaged to Sakurada Miyu, the eldest daughter of the Sakurada family."
"Eh!?"
The three of us—me, Rokka, and Masuki—froze. For a few seconds, none of us could even form a word. My brain short-circuited trying to process what she'd just said. Riku... engaged to two girls?
Masuki recovered first, though her tone was still laced with disbelief. "Oi, Chu², ya pullin' our leg right now? No way Riku's engaged ta two girls at the same time."
Chiyu tilted her head slightly, her lips twitching into the faintest smirk. "Do you think I'm the type to joke about something like this, Satou Masuki?"
The look in her eyes made it clear—she wasn't bluffing. Still, Masuki wasn't convinced, and honestly, neither was I. It was too much to take at face value.
Then, with a small sigh, Chu² turned to her assistant. "PAREO, be a good girl and get that folder for me."
Reona nodded with her usual cheer, though even she seemed more subdued than normal. "Hai, Chu²-sama."
Once PAREO left, the room fell quiet, the tension thick enough to feel it in your chest. Chu² folded her hands together, her tone cooling back into that clipped, analytical cadence she used when things got political.
"The reason Riku's in this situation," she began, "is because of the current conflict between the Nagae main family and the branch family."
Masuki frowned. "The Nagae havin' a conflict? How come we never heard of that?"
"They're keeping it under wraps," Chu² replied. "No outsiders are supposed to know—only the Nagae themselves and their vassal families. My family happens to be one of those vassals."
That explained a lot. Chiyu had always been unusually informed about things most people only whispered about.
I leaned forward. "Then what exactly are they fighting over?"
Chu² looked at me squarely. "Riku's age. He's already nineteen, and by tradition, he should have been engaged before turning eighteen. The main family let it slide because of his music career with OG, but now that he's older... time isn't on his side."
Rokka blinked slowly, piecing it together. "So he had to..."
"Yeah." Chu²'s gaze softened a little. "He had no choice but to follow the rules. Normally, Sakurada Miyu was meant to be his sole fiancée."
I frowned. "Then how did Rinko get involved?"
Chu²'s eyes flicked toward the door, then back at us. "The reason for that is—ah, perfect timing. PAREO, give them the folder."
PAREO walked back in with a sleek black folder, the kind that screamed "classified." She handed it to me with both hands. The emblem embossed in silver on the cover was unfamiliar, like an ancient crest woven from circles and stars.
Chu² folded her arms. "That came straight from the Matara family. It's only a copy, but it's genuine. Inside is the plan the Celestial Families have been developing for the past decade. You can read it... but do so at your own risk."
Rokka glanced at her. "You and PAREO-san already read this, didn't you?"
"Right after Jiji messaged me," Chu² confirmed. "Now, go ahead."
I hesitated for a breath, then unclipped the binder and opened the folder. The papers were dense—pages of calculations, projections, and proposals that looked more like a government dossier than anything else. The more we read, the heavier the air became.
Masuki's fingers drummed nervously on her knee, her expression tightening. Rokka's cheeks flushed slightly—shock mixed with disbelief—while my pulse slowed as I tried to stay calm and keep reading through the implications. Each paragraph added another layer of madness.
By the time we reached the last page, silence had swallowed the room. I closed the folder gently and exhaled.
"So all of this is true then?" I asked quietly.
Chu² nodded. "Every single detail."
Masuki swore under her breath. "Ta think Japan would go through all that shit in the future... damn."
Rokka rubbed her arm uneasily. "And the only solution they came up with... is a harem, of all things?"
"Trust me," Chu² muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I wanted to bash my head against the wall when I read it. But from their perspective... it's the only method that checks every political and financial box they've built this scheme around."
I stared down at the folder again, still trying to wrap my mind around the absurdity. "I see... and the conditions in this plan mean Riku can—"
"—only fulfill part of it for now," Chu² finished. "Adding his prize money from competitions and his endorsements, he can afford to meet the requirements for two fiancées. Which is why Rinko and Miyu were approved first."
Masuki tilted her head. "Wait, what d'ya mean 'for now'? He's still makin' music, ain't he?"
Chu²'s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Music isn't his only career path. Riku also has a hand in several businesses—most of them tied to the pastry industry. Cafés, bakeries, confectionery brands. Some he started, others he quietly invested in."
Rokka's eyes widened. "Riku-san... owns pastry businesses?"
"Not just owns," Chu² said, the faintest trace of amusement creeping into her tone. "He designed the recipes for a few of them himself. Seems music isn't the only thing he inherited talent for."
Masuki let out a low whistle. "Well, damn. The guy's full of surprises."
I leaned back in my chair, my mind still reeling. Riku's double engagement. The Nagae family's hidden conflict. The Celestial Families' decade-long plan. It all felt too big, too far-reaching—but every word out of Chu²'s mouth carried weight.
For a long moment, no one spoke. Just the faint hum of the air conditioner filled the silence, like the world itself was catching its breath.
Masuki leaned forward, arms crossed, brow raised. "Ain't tryin' ta be rude, but... how much does Riku have now?"
Chu² didn't hesitate. "In US dollars? As of now, roughly three hundred ninety million. And that's Riku's personal money—not the Nagae family's."
Our jaws practically hit the floor. We all knew Riku was loaded, but that number... it was obscene. Nearly four hundred million dollars, all belonging to one guy who still looked like he'd rather sleep in hoodies than silk sheets.
I swallowed. "That means—"
Chu² smiled faintly, cutting me off. "You caught on fast, Rei. With that kind of wealth, Riku could fulfill up to seven engagement contracts under the Celestial Families' criteria. And... aside from Rinko and Miyu, another has joined the fray just recently."
Rokka blinked. "Eh? Riku-san had another one?"
"Mm." Chu² adjusted her headphones. "I only found out a few days ago from Jiji. The one who joined was Ayase Eli."
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?"
PAREO's shriek nearly shattered the sound barrier. All of us clutched our ears, but poor Chu²—sitting right beside her—took the full blast.
"Do you really have to scream that loud?" she groaned.
Reona was practically bouncing in her seat. "How can I not!? This is the first time I've heard Eli-sama is engaged to Riku-sama too! I have to post this right now!!"
"Oh no, you don't!" Chu² snapped.
Just as PAREO whipped out her phone, Chu² snatched it midair with lightning precision. Her glare could've frozen lava.
"Chu²-sama!! But why!?"
"Because if you post what I think you're planning to post," Chu² said, voice sharp as a blade, "it'll cause a nationwide scandal. It'll drag both Riku and Eli into the headlines and tank μ's reputation overnight. The public will chew them alive, and Ayase Eli will take the worst of it."
PAREO froze, realizing how catastrophic that would be. Her posture snapped upright, and she bowed deeply. "I-I'm so sorry, Chu²-sama!!"
Chu² sighed and handed the phone back. "Forget it. Just don't mention this to anyone. That goes for all of you too. Not until it's made public."
She gave each of us a sharp look, the weight of her words settling in. "Everything you saw in that folder will be formally announced during the August gathering. Until then, silence. I trust you three can manage that."
Rokka nodded earnestly. "Who else knows about this?"
Chu² leaned back, folding her arms. "From what Jiji told me—aside from the Celestial and royal families—Roselia and Sakurada Miyu's group, Lyrical Lily, were direct witnesses to the engagement. And besides them... every band girl and all members of μ's have been informed."
Masuki whistled low. "So we just gotta keep quiet for a month, huh? I can do that."
Rokka smiled nervously. "I'll try my best not to tell anyone!"
Chu²'s gaze shifted to me. "And you, LAYER?"
I met her eyes. "Don't worry. I won't say a word."
"Good," she said simply, the tension in her shoulders easing. "Now that you know my cousin's situation... what are you going to do, Wakana Rei?"
Her tone was casual, but I could feel the challenge beneath it. The implication was clear—knowledge carried responsibility.
I didn't answer right away. The city lights outside the penthouse windows reflected off the glass table, painting fractured patterns across our faces. Everything I'd just learned—the politics, the absurd rules, the sheer scale of it all—had changed the way I saw Riku.
"I'll... think about it," I finally said.
Chu² smiled faintly, something knowing in her eyes. "I thought you'd say that."
And with that, the flashback faded.
Nagae Estate – Dragon Garden
Riku's POV
Rei exhaled as she finished recounting everything. "So yeah... that's how it went."
I nodded slowly. "So she even told you about the plan, huh? Did you give her your answer right away?"
"No," she said, her tone soft. "Took me a few days to think it over."
"I'm guessing you thought about it pretty hard."
"I did. But..." She hesitated, eyes drifting toward the koi pond. "I had some help sorting my thoughts."
"Someone helped you?" I asked, curious.
"Yeah. She—"
"Riku-sama!!"
A small voice cut her off as something soft and warm landed on my lap. Chen, in her bakeneko form, was grinning up at me, tail swishing.
"Hey there, Chen," I said with a chuckle, ruffling her hair. "Done playing with Fuyu and Homura already?"
"Fuyu got tired of running," she replied proudly. "She's sleeping now, and Homura's guarding her."
I followed her pointing paw toward the other side of the garden. Sure enough, Fuyu was curled up in a patch of sunlight, chest rising and falling in slow, peaceful rhythm. Homura sat beside her, ever vigilant, tail flicking lazily.
"I see." I stood carefully, mindful not to disturb Chen. "Alright, Chen—hop off for a second. I'll take Fuyu to my room."
She obediently jumped down, tail brushing my sleeve as I walked over to the pair. Fuyu didn't stir when I scooped her up; her fur was still warm from the sun. Homura padded beside me, silent but watchful.
I turned back to Rei. "Sorry about that. I'll bring her upstairs. How about we continue this in my room?"
Her eyes widened slightly. "You sure you want me in your room?"
I smiled faintly. "I don't see the problem. Come on."
She hesitated a beat, then stood, brushing invisible dust from her skirt. "Alright."
We walked together through the hall, the soft sound of our footsteps mixing with the faint crackle of cicadas outside. Chen and Homura followed close behind, like a pair of miniature guardians.
As we reached the stairs, I glanced sideways at Rei. "You said someone helped you, right? Who was it?"
She looked away, lips curving into a small, secretive smile. "I'll tell you once we get to your room."
The late afternoon light spilled through the paper screens, warm and golden. I adjusted my grip on Fuyu, feeling her slow breathing against my chest.
Somehow, amid all the chaos—the family politics, the expectations, the weight of impossible plans—this quiet moment felt heavier than any of it.
----------
Nagae Estate – Riku's Room
10:30 A.M.
By the time we reached my room, the house had settled into that kind of quiet that felt alive—like it was listening. I set Fuyu down gently onto her bed, the soft rise and fall of her breathing blending with the faint hum of the air conditioner. Chen and Homura curled up beside her without a sound, one cat and one dog, unlikely allies in their shared nap.
Rei and I took our places on the couch, the morning light cutting through the curtains in streaks of gold. It was a peaceful scene, but her eyes said the peace wouldn't last.
"So," I began, leaning back slightly. "Let's continue where we left off. Who helped you make your decision?"
Her lips curved into a small smile. "It was Hana-chan."
That caught me off guard. "Tae helped you? Not to sound rude, but it's hard to imagine that airhead giving serious advice."
Rei chuckled softly, a musical sound that lightened the air. "Ufufu~ you really don't hold back. But yeah, Hana-chan helped me a lot."
Flashback – Several Days After Chu² Told Rei Everything
5:30 P.M.
Rei's POV
It had been a few days since Chu² laid everything out for us—Riku's engagements, the family politics, the plan that made my head spin. I still hadn't found my answer.
I sat by the riverside, the sky dimming to soft amber. The water caught the last bits of sunlight and scattered them like broken glass. My mind was a tangled mess of what-ifs and why-nows.
Then I felt something nibbling at my hand.
"Huh?" I looked down to find a brown rabbit with mismatched eyes—one red, one blue. "Oddie? What are you doing here? Don't tell me you—"
"Oddie!!"
I turned just as Tae came running toward me, slightly breathless, carrying a small cage in one hand.
"Hana-chan!" I greeted, amused despite myself.
She bent down, panting. "Rei, you're here. Looks like you caught Oddie."
"Yeah, he found me first, actually. Let me guess—he escaped again?"
"I was cleaning his cage, and he bolted," she admitted, puffing her cheeks.
I chuckled and handed Oddie back. Tae scolded him softly before placing him in his cage again. When she was done, she sat beside me, brushing her hair out of her face.
"By the way," she asked, tilting her head like she always did, "what are you doing out here?"
I hesitated. "Do you have time to hear my story?"
Her answer came without hesitation. "I'll always have time for you, Rei. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't listen?"
Her words were simple but warm. That was just Tae—lighthearted on the surface, but she saw more than most gave her credit for. I smiled faintly and began to tell her everything. Chu²'s confession. The truth about Riku. The harem plan. My confusion, my doubts.
When I finished, she sat quietly for a moment, hugging Oddie close to her chest. The breeze tugged at her hair. Then, she spoke.
"So, Chu² told you that senpai's engaged now, right?"
I nodded.
"And you found out about the plan. And now you're wondering what you should do."
Another nod.
Tae looked thoughtful, then sighed. "You know... I think you're making this harder on yourself."
"Eh?" I blinked. "Making things harder?"
She turned to me with that calm, mischievous smile of hers. "Rei, I think you should do it—join senpai's harem."
"EHHHHHHHHH?!"
The words hit me like a bolt of lightning. My face went crimson, my heart skipping like a broken record. "B-b-but—"
"No buts." She leaned closer, eyes soft but steady. "You should do it. You deserve to be happy. You've always put everyone else before yourself. Maybe it's time to be selfish for once. Besides," she added with a teasing grin, "senpai would be delighted if you joined."
"R-Riku would be happy...?"
She nodded. "You may not notice it, but I've seen it. Senpai blushes whenever he looks at you."
My eyes widened. "He does?"
"Sure does," Tae said, giggling. "I even asked him about it once, and you know what he told me?"
I leaned forward unconsciously. "What?"
"He said that whenever he looks at you... it's like looking at a goddess."
My face burned hotter than ever. Riku... said that?
I tried to respond, but words refused to form. Tae's smile softened as she glanced at the river. The sunlight had nearly faded now, the first stars peeking out.
Then her tone shifted—calm, but earnest. "Let me tell you something I heard from a show yesterday. 'I always believed that the hardest choices in life are the right ones. The ones that are easy are usually the wrong ones.'"
Her words hung in the air, heavier than they sounded.
"The hardest choices..." I repeated quietly.
Tae nodded. "Whatever you choose will change your life, Rei—one way or another."
I looked out at the water, her words echoing in my mind until something clicked into place. I finally understood what I wanted—and more importantly, why.
"Hana-chan," I said, standing up with a deep breath, "thank you. I know what I have to do."
She smiled, that easy, knowing grin of hers. "Let's hope you made the right choice."
"I have."
We hugged, gentle and sure. For the first time in days, the weight on my chest eased. When we pulled apart, I turned toward the city.
"I have to go tell Chu² my answer," I said.
"Go," Tae encouraged. "I'll be cheering for you."
I smiled, heart lighter than it had been in weeks. "Thank you, Hana-chan."
And with that, I walked away, the sunset painting the path ahead in gold.
End of flashback
Nagae Estate - Riku's Room
Riku POV
So yeah," Rei finished, a faint, almost nervous smile on her lips. "That's what happened after that."
I leaned back on the couch, arms crossed, brow slightly twitching. "...I'm gonna have a word with that rabbit-loving idiot next week."
"Let it go, Riku. Please." She said it softly, but the plea carried a warmth I couldn't ignore.
"Fine," I sighed. "I won't do it then. Anyway—about your decision. Are you sure about this?"
Her expression steadied. The hesitation in her eyes melted away, replaced by resolve. "I do. And before we settle it," she took a breath, "I want to ask you something... Riku—do you have any feelings for me?"
For a moment, silence filled the room. Rei's fingers fidgeted against her lap, eyes locked on mine as if she were bracing for impact. I exhaled quietly. "I don't."
Her breath hitched, but I didn't stop there.
"At first," I continued, "when Chu² introduced you to me in Stockholm, I didn't see you as someone I'd fall for. I saw you as a performer—a diamond in the rough who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my cousin someday. Someone with raw potential to move forward." My voice softened as I leaned slightly closer. "But when I saw you perform at CiRCLE... that image shattered."
Her eyes widened a little, the light from the window catching the blue in them.
"Instead of a diamond," I said, "I saw a goddess singing with a divine voice. A sound that draws everyone in after hearing it once. The way you sang that night... it froze me. For a moment, I forgot to breathe." I chuckled faintly. "I just kept staring, wanting to hear more."
Her hands trembled slightly, and I could see the flush spreading up her cheeks. "R-Riku..."
"But in terms of romantic feelings," I added gently, "it's... not yet at the same level I had with Rinko, Miyu, or Eli."
Her gaze fell toward her knees, a faint shadow crossing her face. I let the silence linger a bit—then lifted her chin lightly so she could see that I wasn't done.
"But," I continued, "we can start slowly, if you want. I'd like to."
The moment hung there—quiet, fragile, and real. Rei blinked a few times before her lips curved into a hopeful, trembling smile. She reached out and placed her hand over mine.
"Yes..." she whispered. "I would like that. I guess I'll have to work my way up, then?"
A small grin tugged at my mouth. "Yeah. You will. And luckily for you, Rinko already approved."
Her head tilted in confusion. "Eh? You mean I needed Rinko's permission to be with you?"
"It's not really about permission," I explained, chuckling softly. "It's a countermeasure. We agreed that anyone I enter a relationship with should be someone trustworthy—someone whose feelings are genuine."
"I see..." Rei murmured. "So she trusts me, then."
"She does," I said simply. Then, with a small breath, I looked her in the eyes. "Let's make this official, then. Wakana Rei—do you want to be my girlfriend?"
For half a heartbeat, the world stopped. Then Rei's eyes brimmed with joy as she leapt forward, throwing her arms around me. The sudden impact made me exhale a quiet laugh as she pressed her face into my shoulder.
"Yes... yes, I would love to," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "And I'm sorry I kept you waiting."
I returned her embrace, resting my hand gently on the back of her head. "It's okay. You made the right call. It's not an easy choice, Rei. And honestly... I still can't believe Tae used a quote from Johan."
That made her pause. She pulled back slightly, blinking in disbelief. "Wait—what? So what Hana-chan told me came from your ex-captain?"
"Yup." I grinned. "I guess she watched Against the Odds. Surprised me too. Didn't think she'd sit through an English documentary."
Rei giggled softly, shaking her head. "Hana-chan might be a literal airhead and sometimes an idiot, but when she puts her mind to something, she can pull it off. No problem."
"I'll give her that," I admitted. Then I stood up and offered my hand to her. "Come on. Let's go see my grandfather. We should tell him we're officially together."
"Sure," she said, her smile gentle but glowing. "Let's go."
I nodded once, then turned toward Chen, who was still snoozing beside the bed. I gave her a light shake. "Chen. Wake up."
Her eyes fluttered open lazily. "Riku-sama... is it already lunchtime?"
"Not yet," I said, amused. "But I need you to keep an eye on the room while we're gone. Rei and I are heading to see my grandfather."
Chen half-yawned, giving a sleepy salute. "Leave it... to me~..." she mumbled before drifting right back to sleep.
I sighed, but couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me. "Unbelievable."
Rei smiled at the sight. "She's adorable."
"Yeah. In her own way." I squeezed Rei's hand gently. "Shall we?"
She nodded, then slipped her arm through mine. Her touch was warm—steady. Together, we stepped out of the room, the quiet creak of the door echoing faintly behind us.
For the first time in a while, I felt that strange sense of calm again. Not the kind born from certainty—but from acceptance. The road ahead was still messy, unpredictable, and probably full of chaos.
But walking beside Rei, it didn't seem all that bad.
----------
Nagae Estate – Kyoya's Office
11:45 A.M.
Kyoya's POV
"And that should do it," I muttered, setting the final page of paperwork atop the neat stack in front of me. "Eiji, take the rest of these papers and put them on the 'to be discussed' shelf."
"Yes, Oyakata-sama." Eiji gathered the documents with his usual efficiency and slid them onto the designated shelf with a quiet clack of paper. The morning had been long, but productive—contracts, updates, security reports, and a handful of matters requiring my personal signature. Nothing unusual, though the stillness afterward always felt strange.
Eiji turned back. "I've placed them as you requested, sir."
"Good. What's the next—"
A sudden knock, knock, knock at the door interrupted me. Sharp and polite.
I glanced toward Eiji. "See who it is."
He obeyed immediately, opening the door with the usual poise. Standing there were two familiar figures—Riku, composed but visibly thoughtful, and beside him, Rei Wakana, the young woman from Raise A Suilen. Their hands were intertwined.
"Well, this is a surprise," I said, folding my hands as I leaned back in my chair. "Riku, what brings you here?"
"I wanted to talk to you about something important," he replied.
I gestured for them to come in. "Very well. Eiji, leave us. Stand by the door outside."
"Yes, sir." Eiji bowed before quietly stepping out, closing the door behind him.
The room settled into a calm silence. The late morning sunlight filtered through the wide windows, spilling across the polished desk.
"So," I said at last, "what's the news?"
Riku exchanged a glance with Rei before answering. "Well, me and Rei are officially going out. And I wanted you to be the first to know."
Ah. That explained the nervousness in the air. I adjusted my glasses, studying the two of them. Rei's grip on Riku's hand was gentle but firm, her smile sincere. My grandson, for all his composure, looked proud yet faintly awkward—like someone finally taking a step he'd been circling for too long.
"I see," I said, allowing a faint smile. "Then I congratulate both of you on your relationship. Rei-kun—"
"Yes, sir?" she replied, straightening slightly.
"Riku can be... a handful," I said, my tone wry but affectionate. "But I trust he'll treat you well. And in return, I hope you'll take care of him too."
She nodded, eyes warm. "I will. We're starting from the ground up, but I'll make sure Riku is happy as long as he's with me."
Her sincerity was clear. I inclined my head. "Hm. Normally, per Nagae family tradition, those in an official relationship with an heir would reside here under supervision. However, since you two are only beginning..."
"I understand," Rei interjected politely. "Even if I were engaged to Riku, I can't move here yet. I'm currently living in the dorms at Geijutsu Academy."
"Geijutsu?" Riku asked, brow raised.
I nodded. "An elite institution. They nurture artistry and personal discipline alike. Their dorm system ensures every student can focus on honing their craft without distraction."
Rei smiled. "At least they aren't too strict. We can wear our own clothes instead of uniforms."
Riku chuckled. "So it's a win-win."
"Indeed," I said, amused by his tone. "Still, Rei-kun, know this—you will always have a place here. Whether for vacations or when life feels too heavy, the Nagae Estate will welcome you."
Her expression softened. "Thank you. I'd like that very much."
"Good." I turned my gaze to Riku again. "Have you informed Rinko and the others?"
"Not yet," he replied. "I'm planning to tell them tonight."
"Very well." I nodded once. "If that's all, then you may go. And Rei-kun—this may be a little premature, but welcome to the family."
She smiled, bowing lightly. "Thank you, sir."
The two of them bowed before leaving. The moment the door closed, I exhaled quietly and turned my chair toward the window. The estate gardens below were awash in light, the wind barely stirring the trees.
I removed my glasses and rubbed the bridge of my nose. "And now there are four," I murmured. "Honoka... it looks like your son is doing what you wanted him to."
Several Hours Later
Nagae Estate, Riku's Room
9:00 P.M.
3rd POV
Evening had long since settled over the estate, its quiet halls alive only with faint music from the gardens and the rhythmic hum of cicadas. After meeting Kyoya, Riku and Rei spent their afternoon in the training hall to check on Chiyu's progress.
They arrived to find the girl sprawled out on the floor, drenched in sweat.
"What happened here?" Riku asked, blinking at the sight.
Ran and Kuroka exchanged looks before the nine-tailed fox stepped forward. "Turns out her ability isn't pressure control—it's gravity manipulation. We, uh, might've pushed her a little too hard testing it."
Chiyu groaned faintly from the floor.
Ran sighed. "We've got her on a proper routine now. Something balanced enough to fit around her RaS commitments."
When Chiyu finally stirred, she blinked blearily up at Riku and Rei. "You two look happy... something happen?"
They only smiled in response. That was enough for her to understand. "Ah. I see." She nodded with a grin. "Took you long enough."
Training resumed soon after. The hours blurred together—gravity exercises, control drills, coordination tests. Riku even joined in, offering guidance where he could. By the end of it, Chiyu had learned to channel her gravity ability through all five fingers—capable of shifting the weight of objects, or even herself, with precision.
It was progress hard-won.
When they finally wrapped up, Riku offered to let Chiyu and Rei stay the night, but both politely declined. They had other plans—commitments to their respective bands. As they left, Rei gave Riku one last, lingering glance before disappearing down the hall.
Not long after, his fiancées arrived—Rinko first, then Eli and Miyu. Mafuyu appeared about an hour later. By then, Riku was already unwinding in his room, a faint fatigue in his eyes but an unmistakable peace in his tone.
Miyu perched on the arm of the sofa, smiling. "So Rei-san finally decided to go out with you?"
Riku nodded. "Yeah. Though we're taking it slow. My feelings for her aren't on the same level as with you three yet, but... we'll get there."
Rinko smirked, brushing a strand of black hair aside. "About time she did. I expected her to make her move days before the gathering."
"You thought that far ahead?" Riku asked, raising a brow. "Anyway—how was your day with Alice, Rinko?"
Rinko's expression brightened immediately. "Wonderful! She even showed me her sewing techniques. I learned so much."
He chuckled. "Glad you enjoyed yourself. What about you two?"
Eli sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Exhausting. Mitsuri and Umi really pushed us. If Aichi hadn't shown up, I think we'd have passed out halfway."
"That bad, huh."
Miyu, meanwhile, was glowing with delight. "My collaboration with Kokoro-chan and Hello, Happy World! was a huge success! We managed to hand out all the candy to the kids!"
"That's great," Riku said with a grin. "Kokoro didn't give you a hard time?"
"Not at all!" Miyu giggled, clasping her hands behind her back. "Though... she almost did. But I told her if she caused any trouble, I'd tell you."
The room went quiet.
"And?" Rinku asked slowly.
"She behaved," Miyu finished cheerfully. "Instantly."
Riku, Eli, and Rinko stared at her, jaws hanging open.
Riku finally blinked. "Miyu... you threatened her with me?"
She tilted her head, smiling sweetly. "I wouldn't call it a threat~. More like... incentive."
Riku muttered under his breath, "Remind me never to get on your bad side."
"Duly noted," Eli added.
He cleared his throat quickly, steering the conversation away before Miyu's smile turned any more innocent. "Anyway, since Rei and I are officially together, it'll probably take a year before we take the next step."
Eli raised a brow. "That brings your total to four, doesn't it? One more to go."
"Yeah." Riku leaned back, eyes flicking toward the ceiling. "And I already have someone in mind."
Rinko leaned forward curiously. "Really? Who is it?"
Riku smirked faintly. "That's a secret—for now. You'll meet her soon enough."
Miyu puffed her cheeks playfully. "Keeping us in suspense, are you?"
"Gotta keep life interesting somehow," he said. "Anyway, it's still early. You girls want to do something? We've got time to kill."
That was all the invitation Miyu needed. "Actually, I brought something." She reached into her bag, rummaging for a moment. The three watched warily, each sensing the faint air of danger radiating from her cheerful tone.
When she finally pulled it out, the room went silent.
A bright, innocent smile lit her face as she held up a small box. "Ta-da~!"
Riku blinked once. Eli's eyes narrowed. Rinko's expression froze entirely.
"...Miyu," Riku said slowly. "You're not serious."
"Oh, I'm very serious."
Eli frowned. "We're... we're playing that?"
Rinko sighed, pressing a hand to her temple. "Miyu-chan, are you trying to start a war?"
"Who knows?~" she chimed, tilting her head with an angelic grin. The box glinted in the light.
On the front, in big bold letters: UNO FLIP!
Riku groaned. "This is going to end badly, isn't it?"
Rinko smirked. "Depends who wins."
Miyu winked. "Then let the chaos begin."
And just like that, the quiet calm of the evening began to unravel—replaced by laughter, mock protests, and the inevitable cries of betrayal that came with every reverse card thrown on the table.
For now, the world outside could wait.
Inside that room, under the soft glow of the lamps, everything felt alive.