4 Days Later — Live House CiRCLE, Studio 7
June 30, 2021 — Wednesday, 5:00 P.M.
Third POV
Four days had quietly rolled by since Riku and Rei had become a couple. Neither of them flaunted it, though word inevitably trickled through the estate and among their circle of friends. They planned to go on their first official date that weekend—something simple, away from the noise. Rinko and the others had promised not to interfere, though they extracted a condition in return: Riku had to take them on dates as well, each in their own time. So now, somewhere between mentor duties and band rehearsals, Riku found himself sketching a careful schedule of outings.
For now, though, his focus was elsewhere.
Inside CiRCLE's Studio 7, the raw buzz of amplifiers filled the room. Kessoku Band was mid-rehearsal, their sound a blend of youthful energy and imperfect timing. When the last note hit, Riku clapped his hands sharply, signaling them to stop. The four girls froze mid-strum and mid-breath, turning to him with uncertain faces.
Nijika wiped sweat from her brow. "Is something wrong with our play, Riku-san?"
He folded his arms, calm but firm. "I noticed some errors in your performance. Do you want me to be blunt about it or not?"
Nijika didn't hesitate. "Please do."
Riku nodded. "Alright, let's start with Ryo."
The bassist straightened, already bracing herself.
"You're being too passive," Riku said evenly. "You're covering too much for Kita. A bassist needs balance—sometimes you step back, sometimes you anchor. Right now, you're smothering the rhythm. Hold back a little and let her shine."
Ryo's lips curved into a wry half-smile as she nodded silently. She didn't argue; she didn't need to. The point landed.
Riku's eyes shifted to the drummer. "Nijika. You're relying too much on your forearms. It's efficient for bursts, but not for long sessions. Use your wrists more—it'll save your energy and tighten your control."
"Yes, sir!" Nijika replied quickly, her voice bright with determination.
Then came the redhead. Riku turned to Kita, who looked slightly guilty already. "Kita. Your eyes are locked on your guitar when you sing. That's not good. As a vocalist, your connection isn't with the instrument—it's with the crowd. The rhythm guitar can carry itself. Your voice should lead the energy."
"H-Hai!" Kita squeaked. "I just... I didn't want to burden Gotoh-san."
Riku's expression softened, a small smile breaking his usual composure. "A noble reason. But remember—your fans look to you. If your eyes don't meet theirs, they won't feel that spark."
Kita blushed and nodded earnestly. "Hai!"
Then, Riku's gaze found the pink-haired guitarist at the corner—Hitori Gotoh, shrinking slightly under his calm scrutiny. She was practically trembling.
"As for you, Gotoh-san..." he started, his tone gentler now. "There's nothing wrong with your technique. But you're too quiet. You notice when your bandmates are off, but you don't act on it. A band isn't four individuals—it's one sound. Communicate more. Trust that they'll listen."
Hitori nodded timidly, fingers fidgeting with her pick. "Y-Yes, Riku-san..."
Riku leaned back slightly, scanning the group as a whole. "You still have a long way to go. But progress is there, and that matters. Three weeks left before the showcase. Use them well."
A soft silence filled the air before Hitori, still fiddling with her guitar, raised her hand a little. "Um... Riku-san? How long did it take you to learn guitar?"
He blinked at her, surprised by the sudden question. "Why the curiosity?"
Nijika, sensing her bandmate's nerves, stepped in with a grin. "Bocchi-chan wants to know how long it took a pro like you compared to her."
"Ah," Riku chuckled, catching on. "Let's see... three months to learn the basics. About two and a half years to really master it."
Ryo gave a soft whistle. "Three months shy of three years. Bocchi took the full three."
Riku shrugged lightly. "I had Tenshi teaching me. That made a huge difference. For Hitori to reach that level on her own? That's even more impressive."
Hitori blinked, unsure if she'd heard right. "I'm... impressive?"
"Ran told me about your early days," Riku said, his voice steady but sincere. "You worked hard when no one was watching. That kind of effort deserves respect."
The compliment hit her like an unexpected chord. Her face flushed deep red as she nervously laughed, waving her hands. "Oh come on~! I'm not that impressive~! Heheheh~!"
Riku's brow lifted slightly, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone. "Is she always like this when someone compliments her?"
"Most of the time," Nijika and Ikuyo answered in perfect sync, while Ryo just nodded knowingly.
The mood in the room lightened, laughter bubbling up between them—until the studio door burst open. Marina stood there, slightly out of breath, scanning for Riku.
"There you are!" she said, half-relieved.
Riku straightened. "Marina? What's wrong?"
"Uh—nothing urgent," she replied quickly. "It's just that Keigo is here to see you."
Riku's eyes sharpened a bit. "Keigo? Understood. Tell him to wait for me in my office."
Marina nodded briskly and disappeared down the hall.
Turning back to the band, Riku sighed faintly. "You heard her. I've got someone to meet. You four can handle the rest of rehearsal, right?"
Nijika raised her drumsticks like a soldier saluting. "Leave it to us! I'll make sure Ryo doesn't do anything bad."
Ryo smirked. "That's a low bar, Nijika."
Riku chuckled under his breath as he gathered his things. "Then I'll leave you to it. Don't blow out the speakers."
With that, he exited the studio, the door closing behind him as the muffled sounds of laughter and tuning strings resumed. The rhythm of youth carried on inside, while Riku's footsteps echoed toward whatever conversation awaited him next.
Live House CiRCLE — Riku's Office
Third POV
When Riku opened the door to his office, he found Keigo already waiting—slouched on the couch, legs spread, bouncing with restless energy. The moment Riku stepped inside, Keigo jumped to his feet, grinning from ear to ear.
"Aniki! Finally!" he greeted, voice loud enough to echo against the glass walls.
Riku shut the door behind him, eyebrow raised. "Yo, Keigo. You look like you just downed three espressos. What brings you here?"
Keigo rubbed the back of his neck, eyes gleaming. "You're gonna love this. There's gonna be a tiebreaker match to decide who'll face Peaky P-key in the Sunset Stage! And after that, they'll announce who's hosting the final."
Riku folded his arms. "So... you want me at Yoba when the tiebreaker starts?"
Keigo nodded hard. "Exactly! And get this—it's a best-of-one match!"
Riku exhaled through his nose. "So basically, go big or go home."
"Yep!" Keigo snapped his fingers, grinning. "Oh, and one more thing—Shino just finished the song you requested!"
That caught Riku off guard. "Already? I thought she was gonna wait until after the Sunset Stage."
"She was," Keigo said, shrugging. "But you know her—once inspiration hits, there's no stopping her. She stayed up three nights straight working on it."
Riku leaned against the edge of his desk, thoughtful. "If Shinobu's that confident in the piece, then I'll take her word for it. So," he glanced back up, "who's fighting in this tiebreaker?"
Keigo held up two fingers. "Happy Around—new group, fresh off their debut, growing fast. And Photon Maiden—signed under Nebula Talent Agency."
Riku's brow lifted slightly. "Hmm. Interesting matchup. When's it starting?"
Keigo hesitated. "...About thirty minutes from now."
The silence that followed was almost comical. Riku's hand slowly slid down his face until his palm met his forehead. "And you're telling me this now?"
Keigo laughed nervously. "I—I know, I know! I just got word myself! They called me outta nowhere, I swear."
Riku sighed and pushed himself off the desk. "Can't be helped then. How long to Yoba from here if we go full throttle?"
Keigo thought for a moment. "Fifteen minutes. Maybe less if we don't hit lights."
"Then we're cutting it close." Riku was already heading for the door. "Let's move."
Keigo scrambled after him. The two burst out of the office, weaving through the halls of CiRCLE until they reached the front entrance. Just as they stepped outside, Riku paused. The ring on his finger began to emit a faint, azure glow.
Keigo blinked, shading his eyes. "Uh... what's that?"
Before Riku could answer, the glow intensified into a flash of light that momentarily blinded Keigo. When the radiance faded, he lowered his hand—and froze. Floating before them was a sleek, circular craft radiating energy, its metallic surface reflecting the afternoon sun.
"The hell—Aniki, what is that?"
Riku smirked faintly. "The Universe Ring. Tenshi built it herself. Aichi gave it to me a few weeks ago."
Keigo's jaw dropped. "Aneki made this thing?!" He circled the vehicle, whistling low. "Man... she's insane. But uh, I only see one seat. How exactly am I supposed to—"
"You're not sitting," Riku said dryly. "You're hanging."
"...Come again?"
Without missing a beat, Riku tapped the control panel near the center console. A smaller platform unfolded from the side of the Ring, accompanied by a stabilizing handlebar overhead.
Keigo stared at it for a few seconds, then sighed. "Of course. Figures you'd have something this extra."
Riku smirked, lowering himself into the pilot seat. "You're welcome to walk if you prefer."
"Not a chance," Keigo muttered, stepping onto the platform and gripping the bar.
Riku handed him a spare helmet without looking. "Put that on. I don't need you screaming wind in my ear again."
Keigo slipped it on, adjusting the strap with a grin. "You still remember that? That was one time!"
Riku only chuckled, flipping a series of switches. The Universe Ring hummed to life, its core thrumming with a soft cosmic pulse. Blue light traced along its edges, forming a perfect halo of motion.
"Hold tight," Riku warned as the engines spooled up. "Once we hit the upper road, we're not stopping."
Keigo braced himself, knuckles white around the handle. "Heh. Just don't launch us into orbit, alright?"
Riku's smirk deepened. "No promises."
With a low roar, the Universe Ring lifted off the ground, wind rippling through the plaza as it shot forward—leaving nothing but a gleaming trail of light behind them.
-----------
Yoba Academy – Entrance
5:30 P.M.
Riku's POV
After fifteen minutes of weaving through the city skyline, the Universe Ring slowed to a hover before a wide, silver gate crowned with glowing letters—Yoba Academy.
I whistled softly. "So this is Yoba, huh? The architecture's sharper than most schools I've seen."
The main building stretched upward like glass sculpted into rhythm, every panel reflecting the sunset in bands of gold and rose. In the background, faint basslines from distant practice rooms pulsed like a heartbeat.
Keigo grinned beside me as we dismounted. "Welcome to Yoba Academy, aniki. Pretty wild, right?"
I snapped my fingers and stored the Universe Ring back into the small band on my finger. "Not bad. Definitely outshines Hanasakigawa in design."
"Well, Yoba's a performing arts academy focused mainly on DJs," he explained, already walking toward the path lined with holographic banners. "You'll see soon enough. The tiebreaker's being held in the first performance hall."
I followed, the rhythmic thump of distant sound checks echoing through the corridors.
Yoba Academy – First Performance Hall
5:40 P.M.
We made it just in time—five minutes before the match. The place was packed. Even from the back, I could feel the air vibrating with excitement. The crowd, easily eight hundred strong, filled the seats and balcony space, a sea of anticipation and glowsticks. The place was about half the size of CiRCLE's maximum capacity, but the energy was just as alive.
Keigo suddenly muttered something about "needing to check something" and slipped away before I could ask. I sighed, scanning the crowd, until a gentle poke landed on my back.
When I turned, Kyoko was smiling at me.
"Riku-san! I didn't expect to see you here," she greeted, hands on her hips.
"Kyoko. Well, Keigo dragged me here last minute," I replied, crossing my arms. "He said after the tiebreaker, they'll announce the host for the Sunset Stage."
"Ah, that explains it. I did hear some buzz about that." She tilted her head playfully. "Good thing Keigo picked you up. Where were you before this?"
"CiRCLE. Just finished mentoring a band."
Kyoko nodded in understanding, then gestured down one of the hallways. "Come on. Shinobu and the others are watching from the VIP room."
I followed her up a short stairwell to a private booth that overlooked the hall. Inside, I found Esora lounging on a beanbag, Yuka sipping tea near the window, Shinobu focused on her tablet, and—of course—Keigo, trying too hard to look innocent.
The moment he spotted me, he flinched. "Y-Yo... aniki! Sorry for ditching you back there..."
I narrowed my eyes. "You left me to drown in a crowd of strangers, Keigo. If Kyoko hadn't found me, I'd still be wandering."
He laughed awkwardly. "Y-Yeah... my bad! Won't happen again, promise!"
I waved it off and turned to Shinobu. "Anyway. Keigo mentioned you finished the track for Moonlit Festival. That true?"
Shinobu didn't look up, but her lips curved into a smug grin. "I did finish it. But I'm still refining it—polishing some harmonics. The full version will be done by next week." She reached into her bag and pulled out an MP3 player. "But I brought the first cut."
I took the earphones and pressed play.
For two minutes, the world fell away—only the pulse of synths, gentle piano trails, and layered cosmic echoes remained. When it faded, I couldn't help but chuckle.
"You used my original music as the foundation," I said, impressed. "How'd you even manage to replicate that?"
"Because it's the only thing that fit," she said plainly. "I remembered the track you beat me with during our first battle. Took me days of trial and error, but I made my own variation of it. What you just heard is my version of your Lunatic Princess."
I smiled, leaning back. "A remix worthy of the name. Not bad at all, Shinobu. Can't wait to hear the final one."
"Yeah, yeah," she said with mock modesty, then tilted her head. "So who's gonna sing it?"
"I already have someone in mind," I said. "And it's a duet."
Kyoko's eyebrow arched. "A duet, huh? Interesting."
Before I could elaborate, Esora suddenly clasped her hands together. "Oh right! Before I forget—congratulations on your engagement, Riku-kun!"
The room went still. Kyoko and Yuka blinked at me in surprise, while Shinobu froze mid-scroll. I glanced at Keigo—his frantic head-shake made it clear he hadn't spilled it.
"Thanks, Esora," I said carefully. "Though I'm curious—how did you find out?"
Esora beamed. "From Miyu-chan, of course~ We're good friends!"
I sighed lightly. "Figures. So she told you about 'that,' didn't she?"
"Don't worry," Esora said with a wink. "I promised Miyu-chan I wouldn't tell a soul."
Shinobu cut in sharply. "Oi. It's starting."
The room darkened as the screens came alive. All conversation faded, replaced by a low hum of bass. The lights onstage flared to life, illuminating four figures standing in formation.
The audience erupted in cheers.
Front and center stood a girl with long, snow-white hair streaked with teal, tied in a high ponytail. Her sleeveless, form-fitting dress shimmered with a soft glow, a slit revealing sleek movement as she adjusted her mic.
To her right—a short-haired teal girl, sharp-eyed and confident, wearing fitted shorts and a sleeveless top that glowed faintly under the neon.
To her left—another with pale blonde hair tied high, her outfit a mix of futuristic white and silver, accented by thigh-high socks.
And behind them—a serene girl with lavender-white hair and a white cap, her hands poised above a digital console.
Photon Maiden. Their aura screamed precision and control.
Akatsuki
(By: Photon Maiden)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW0t9ZsZQcw
hoshi wo sagasu hitomi ga suki
kumo no ura ni nijinda tsuki
koboshita ootsubu no hikari
yoru wo haraseba ii
sora wo wataru youni
kimi no kokoro e kayoitai
hyaku no kotoba hyaku no inori
hitotsudake todoketai
sotto sotto akatsuki ni
daichi mebuku shunkan ga
koishii no koishikute
tsubuyaku aitai
kishimu mitaina sekiryou
iki wo hisomete matsu
kimi to iu asa no otozure
tooi tooi too sugite
umaretate no ai ni
hirumu osanasa oshietai
uchuu no katasumi no inori
hitotsu dake sasagetai
sotto sotto akatsuki no
honoakari michiru koro
sotto sotto akatsuki ni
daichi hitaru shunkan ga
koishii no koishikute
tsubuyaku aitai
tsumetai yoru no sono saki
nigirishimeteta no wa
akatsuki no naka tada hachimoji
soba ni ite hoshii
Yoba Academy – Performance Hall - VIP Room
Third POV
The moment the stage lights dimmed and the crowd's cheers thundered through the walls, the atmosphere inside the VIP room shifted. It was alive with noise and applause—Keigo, Kyoko, Yuka, and Esora clapping with genuine excitement after Photon Maiden's set—while Riku and Shinobu remained still, their eyes fixed on the monitor in front of them.
Keigo leaned closer, noticing Riku's expression. "Aniki, is something wrong?"
Riku didn't answer right away. His arms were crossed, his eyes half-lidded in thought. "No. I'm just... taking the song all in. Give me a minute to comprehend it all."
Shinobu tilted her head, smirking faintly. "So you're that type, huh? The kind who hunts for the hidden message behind a performance?"
"Pretty much," Riku replied, his tone even. "But I'm also trying to understand what kind of group they really are. And from what I'm seeing, it's not looking good for Photon Maiden."
The others stopped clapping, blinking at him. Riku's tone wasn't harsh—just certain.
Yuka frowned. "What do you mean it's not looking good? They performed really well, didn't they?"
"They did," Riku admitted. "But performance alone doesn't always carry the match. I noticed their sound's... off from their usual identity. From what I've heard, Photon Maiden's strength lies in precision—clean, calculated techno. But that track they just played? It leaned more experimental. Different tempo, different layering. They took a creative risk tonight, and while I respect that—it's also dangerous in a tiebreaker like this."
Kyoko nodded slowly, the insight settling in. "So you're saying they strayed too far from what makes them... them."
Riku's lips curved slightly. "Exactly. A good gamble, but not one I'd bet on when the margin's this tight."
Shinobu, who had been leaning against the back of the couch, crossed her arms. "Hm. Let's just see how Happy Around answers it."
Riku turned to her with a small grin. "You seem unusually invested."
Shinobu didn't bite the bait. "They caught my attention once or twice. But they're still green." She refocused on the screen. "If they want to stand toe-to-toe with groups like Peakey or Photon, they'll have to show something raw—something you can't polish out in a studio."
On the stage below, the next act began to take position. Four girls stepped forward—each one a burst of energy and color. Their outfits were coordinated yet distinct, every hue seeming to complement the others in a visual rhythm: blue, yellow, pink, and green.
The one at the front, with long dark blue hair tied back with a matching flower, carried herself like a storm contained in human form—focused, bright-eyed, and burning with intent. To her left stood a blonde girl, curls bouncing as she adjusted her headset, a confident grin on her face. Behind them, a girl with dark brown hair and a bunny-ear headband gave the crowd a cheeky wink, while beside her, a shorter girl with a green-and-yellow palette took a deep breath, steadying herself before the spotlight hit.
The camera panned across the four faces as the crowd roared in anticipation.
Riku glanced sideways and caught the faint gleam in Kyoko's and Esora's eyes. "You girls seem invested in them."
Kyoko chuckled, resting her chin on her hand. "They've got potential. They remind me of us back when we first started. If anyone can give us a challenge soon, it might be them."
Shinobu smirked. "They're still far off. Raw energy can't outlast experience."
Esora giggled. "Says the one who once stormed a stage with nothing but raw energy."
"Details," Shinobu muttered, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her.
"Guys, it's starting," Esora whispered, and the room fell quiet.
Down on the stage, the air shifted. The lights cut through the darkness in sharp, synchronized flashes. The four girls took their places—but something unexpected happened. The lead vocalist, the dark-blue-haired girl, stepped back. In her place, the keyboardist—the one with the bob cut—stepped forward, hands already hovering over her instrument.
Kyoko's eyes widened slightly. "Are they—?"
Shinobu's expression turned serious. "They might be changing the arrangement on the fly."
Brand New World
(By: Happy Around)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onSUIp8dw8s
odayakana hibi wa sou
urei nante nakute demo "nanika" ga tarinakute
kono kabe no mukou "sono 'nanika' wo mi ni ikou" kimi wa itte tonda
takanaru kodou mazaru fuan to
tobikoeta saki ni mieta sono sekai wa
Brand New World kagayaite itanda
sasaina koto daiji na koto subete ga itooshikute
Brand New World michi no fuan de sae
fumidasereba hora kimi to nara
koete yukeru kara ima hajimeyou
tooku natta keshiki ni sukoshi kokorobosoku mo nattari shita keredo
aimaina gensou janakute
kono atarashii netsu ni mune wa takanatteru
Ah... I reached a brand new world
Brand New World kagayaite itanda
fumidasanakya shiranakatta subete ga itooshikute
Brand New World sono saki no mirai e susunde ikunda
(kimi to nara)
koete yukeru kara doko made mo yukou
La La La...
The thunder of applause still rolled through the hall long after Happy Around's final note faded. Their energy lingered in the air—bright, chaotic, infectious. Inside the private room, Kyoko and Keigo exchanged knowing smiles, Esora and Yuka clapped with delight, and even Shinobu allowed herself a small, rare smirk. Riku, however, remained silent, arms folded, eyes closed as if weighing something unseen.
"Looks like the battle's been decided," he finally murmured, the faintest edge of certainty in his voice.
No one argued. Down on the stage, the host reappeared with both groups at her sides—Happy Around on her right, Photon Maiden on her left. She raised her microphone and addressed the crowd with an electric grin.
"Everyone, it's time to decide the winner! Turn your bracelets orange if you vote for Happy Around, and teal for Photon Maiden! You have fifteen minutes—let's begin!"
Instantly, the hall became a sea of flickering lights as fans raised their wrists, the glow of orange and teal competing like constellations in motion.
Kyoko stretched her arms. "Well, how about we make our appearance?"
Esora beamed. "Oh, what a wonderful idea~"
Yuka nodded eagerly. "I say we go. It's more fun in person!"
Shinobu raised a brow. "What're you plotting this time, Kyoko?"
Kyoko smirked. "Nothing too crazy. Just thought it'd be better to scout the competition up close rather than staring through a screen."
Keigo added, "And besides, once they announce the winner, we get to reveal that aniki's the host, right?"
"Not wrong," Shinobu admitted, rising from her seat. "Fine. I want to take a good look at who I'm gonna crush later. You coming, Riku?"
He gave a half-shrug. "Sure. You'll announce the host after, right? Might as well."
With that, the group filed out of the room, their quiet confidence trailing behind them like static before a storm.
Meanwhile, on the stage...
The fifteen minutes ticked by in a tension thick enough to cut. The crowd hummed with anticipation as the host returned, holding a sealed envelope like it contained divine judgment.
"Thank you for waiting, everyone! The votes have been tallied, and the results are in!" she said, her voice riding the cheers. "Inside this envelope is the name of the group who will face Peakey P-key at the Sunset Stage. To both Happy Around and Photon Maiden—best of luck!"
The hall fell silent. The girls of both groups clasped hands tightly, their faces taut with nerves and hope.
The host tore the envelope open, her eyes scanning the slip inside. The pause was deliberate—a master of suspense feeding her audience.
"The winner..."
Every light in the room seemed to dim for a heartbeat.
"...is..."
A breath. Then—
"Happy Around!!!"
The explosion of sound nearly shook the rafters. Fans leapt to their feet, confetti cannons fired, and the four members of Happy Around collapsed into a joyful group hug, laughing and crying all at once. On the opposite side, Photon Maiden's members bowed gracefully, faces calm but eyes clouded with quiet frustration, before slipping backstage.
The celebration was cut short when the host suddenly froze, noticing something—or rather, someone.
"Well, well, what's this? Looks like the Undisputed Champs themselves decided to drop by!"
Gasps and whispers rippled through the audience as heads turned toward the stage entrance. There stood Peakey P-key, composed as ever, the very image of poise and power. But it wasn't just their presence that drew attention—it was the figure walking just behind them, unfamiliar to most yet carrying himself with the kind of presence that demanded attention.
Kyoko stepped forward first, her boots tapping against the stage floor as she climbed up with easy grace. She approached Happy Around with a confident smile and took the microphone from the host.
"Congratulations, Happy Around," she said warmly. "Looks like we'll be seeing each other again soon—on the Sunset Stage. Best of luck when that day comes, Rinku-chan."
The blonde girl at the center—Rinku—beamed and shook Kyoko's hand without hesitation. "Hm! We'll go all out, Kyoko-chan!"
Behind her, Maho crossed her arms with a teasing grin. "I'm sure you're not here just to congratulate us, are you?"
Kyoko's smirk deepened, silent confirmation in her eyes. She passed the mic to Keigo, who stepped forward as the murmuring crowd turned expectant.
Muni squinted suspiciously. "Why's your manager holding the mic?"
"Because," Kyoko replied smoothly, "he's got something important to say."
Keigo held the mic with both hands and cleared his throat, voice amplified across the hall. "Could I have your attention, please?"
The crowd fell quiet.
"Now that the tiebreaker is over, the Sunset Stage lineup is complete. But I'm sure many of you noticed there's been no official host announced on the website." He let the suspense build, eyes sweeping across the rows of glowing bracelets. "That's because Peakey P-key chose the host themselves."
The hall buzzed again, the air charged with speculation.
Muni tilted her head. "And who exactly is he? You didn't just pick someone random, did you?"
Keigo smiled faintly, though his voice carried enough weight to quiet her. "Muni-san, one thing this man never does—is cheat. The person we chose isn't just capable—he lives for competition. If there's anyone who deserves to be called the best, it's him."
He paused, the grin widening just slightly. "Allow me to introduce the host of the Sunset Stage! The world's youngest decorated classical pianist! A man who, five years ago, switched to modern music and dominated every competition he entered! He is the Five-time Future World Fes Champion! Three-time International Champion! And the pride of OG itself—Nagae Riku!"
The name hit the crowd like a spark in dry grass. Gasps, shouts, disbelief—followed by a roar of excitement that reverberated through the walls.
Cameras swiveled, lights shifted, and all eyes locked onto the tall figure now stepping toward the stage. Riku met the attention with a composed grin, his movements unhurried yet deliberate. For a brief moment, the noise began to fade—not because the crowd quieted, but because something unseen pressed against the air.
A wave of pressure radiated from him—subtle, yet commanding. It wasn't visible, but it was felt. A heavy stillness settled over the hall as Riku released just enough of his aura to remind them who stood before them. Not arrogance—just authority earned through sheer presence.
Normally, he wouldn't bother with theatrics. But after Keigo's dramatic buildup, he couldn't exactly stroll up like a nobody.
The host blinked, momentarily forgetting her lines. "R-Riku-san... it's truly an honor to have you here!"
Riku inclined his head, his voice calm but resonant. "The honor's mine. I look forward to seeing what everyone brings to the stage."
Even through the blinding lights and noise, the distinction was clear. Where most artists radiated charm or passion, Riku carried something heavier—a quiet dominance that silenced doubt without needing to crush it.
Behind him, Kyoko folded her arms, smirking proudly. "Guess that should clear up any confusion."
Shinobu whispered to Yuka, "He's enjoying this way too much."
Yuka giggled softly. "You sure it's not you who's impressed?"
"Shut up," Shinobu muttered, though she couldn't quite hide her grin.
As Riku stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere shifted. The light caught the edge of his jacket just so, drawing every eye to him. Keigo, ever the reliable shadow, handed him a spare microphone before retreating to the sidelines.
Riku didn't speak right away. He simply looked across the line of four girls standing before him, his expression calm but unreadable. When his gaze met the girl with dark blue hair, he crossed the space between them and—without hesitation—placed a hand on her head.
The gesture was quiet, but it landed like thunder. The crowd fell into a stunned hush, even the other performers froze mid-breath.
Then came the words that rippled through the hall:
"Looks like you've found your path, Rei-chan."
Rei's eyes softened instantly, the surprise giving way to something gentler—something deeply familiar.
"Hm. It's all thanks to your teachings, Riku-sama."
That single phrase shattered the silence. The audience erupted, whispering and gasping. Even Rei's teammates—Rinku, Maho, and Muni—looked at her as if she had just spoken in another language.
"Rei-chan, do you know him?" Rinku blurted out, half curious, half in disbelief. "What's your relationship with him?"
Rei smiled faintly, as though this had been a long time coming.
"Hm. Me and Riku-sama go way back. I learned how to play the piano from him and Rinko-nee-sama. By the way, Riku-sama, how is she doing right now?"
Riku let out a small breath of nostalgia.
"Rinko? She's practicing with Roselia right now. Outside of that, she's doing great."
"I see..." Rei nodded, her eyes glinting with quiet pride. "But still, I didn't expect you to be the host of the Sunset Stage."
"I'm just here to return a favor I owe Shinobu," Riku replied casually. "She composed the music for my new song, and in exchange, I agreed to host this year's event. But enough about that—how about you introduce your friends to me?"
"It would be my pleasure!" Rei beamed, regaining her usual composed tone. She gestured to the bubbly blonde beside her. "Riku-sama, the one right beside you is Aimoto Rinku-san. She's Happy Around's leader."
Rinku's grin could've lit up the entire stage. "Hi! Hi! I'm Aimoto Rinku! Pleased to meet you, Riku-san!"
Her enthusiasm was so bright that Riku couldn't help but chuckle as he shook her hand. Internally, he made a note to add Rinku to the ever-growing list of overcharged personalities in his life—right alongside Kokoro, Hagumi, Kasumi, and Emu.
"Beside Rinku-san is Ohnaruto Muni-san," Rei continued. "She's our group's VJ and graphic designer."
Muni hesitated for a moment before speaking softly. "Ohnaruto Muni... I'm sorry if I was a bit judgmental earlier."
Riku shook his head lightly. "None taken. It's normal to be cautious."
Muni looked relieved, and their handshake sealed the quiet truce.
"And the last member of the group," Rei said, motioning to the DJ with pink highlights and sharp eyes, "is Akashi Maho-san—Happy Around's DJ."
Maho smirked, folding her arms. "Akashi Maho. To think I'd meet Iku in person... it's an honor to stand before a world champion. It's just a pity you stepped down so early."
Riku's smile was faint but firm. "I wouldn't say I've retired completely. I just needed some time away from the circuit—a year or two at most. I'll be making my comeback one day."
That declaration hit Maho like a spark to gasoline. Her expression brightened instantly, admiration blending with determination. The rest of Happy Around felt it too—the sudden, contagious drive to prove themselves worthy of standing on the same stage as him.
With introductions complete, Riku turned to face the audience once more. The lights gleamed against his microphone as he lifted it to his lips.
"Now, as Keigo said earlier, I'm Nagae Riku—and I'll be your host for this year's Sunset Stage."
The crowd roared at his name, but he held up a hand to quiet them, the calm authority in his tone cutting clean through the noise.
"As for qualifications... what Keigo told you earlier should be more than enough. But since I'm here, I figured we'd shake things up a little."
A murmur spread through the audience. The Peakeys exchanged wary glances, and even Keigo, standing backstage, frowned slightly—he hadn't heard anything about this.
Riku raised three fingers.
"I've seen the past Sunset Stages. Great performances, no doubt—but all of them were single matches. This year, that changes."
The crowd leaned in.
"Three rounds. Three songs. One winner. This year's Sunset Stage will be a best-of-three series!"
The reaction was immediate—cheers, whistles, phones flashing. Even some of the judges looked impressed. Riku let the excitement wash over them before continuing.
"Each round will have its own theme, and both Happy Around and Peakey P-key must follow them."
He paused for effect, scanning the stage where both groups stood shoulder to shoulder.
"For the first round," he began, "you'll perform your staple song."
Confusion flickered across a few faces. Seeing it, Riku clarified, his tone steady and patient.
"By staple song, I mean the one that defines your sound—the track you always lead with. It sets your tempo and represents who you are when people first hear your name."
The explanation drew approving nods from the judges and murmurs of understanding from the crowd.
Riku waited for the noise to settle before he continued.
"Second round: cover songs. Any song you choose, but you'll have to make it your own. Twist it, rebuild it, and make the audience believe it was yours all along."
Happy Around's members looked at each other—Rinku already bursting with ideas while Maho silently began calculating beats and transitions.
"And for the final round," Riku's voice deepened slightly, the gravity of his words grounding the excitement, "you'll create a new song that represents your group as a whole—your message, your sound, your soul."
The crowd's cheering rose once again, louder this time. Even those who came for spectacle could feel it—this year's Sunset Stage wasn't going to be just another show. It was a proving ground.
Happy Around stood a little taller. Peakey P-key crossed their arms, competitive smirks forming. Keigo, backstage, couldn't help but sigh in mixed amusement and admiration—leave it to Riku to rewrite the rules without asking.
And at the center of it all, Riku lowered his microphone slightly, eyes sharp yet calm. He didn't need to say more; the spark had already been lit.
This year's Sunset Stage had just become something greater—an arena where talent, identity, and pride would collide under the fading light of the setting sun.
The tension onstage had finally settled after Riku's bold announcement of the new format—until he decided to drop one more bomb.
"And as for the voting," he continued, his tone deceptively casual, "it'll follow the same tiebreaker system as before. First group to win two out of three rounds takes the Sunset Stage."
That seemed fair enough. The crowd murmured approvingly—until Riku added, almost as an afterthought:
"Oh, and as for the prize... let me throw in something extra, courtesy of me. Whoever wins this year's Sunset Stage will earn a trial with OG—as the organization's official DJ group for the rest of 2021."
The reaction was instant and chaotic. The audience froze mid-clap, whispers breaking like ripples through the hall. The judges exchanged stunned glances. Most of the performers had no clue what he was implying—but a few people did.
Keigo. Maho. And Shinobu.
Before anyone could ask, the pink-haired DJ snatched the mic from Keigo's hands, eyes wide in disbelief.
"OI, RIKU! ARE YOU FUCKING WITH US RIGHT NOW?!"
Yuka blinked, startled. "Shinobu, what's gotten into you all of a sudden?"
Shinobu rounded on her, practically fuming. "You don't get it, Yuka. What Riku just said means the winner of the Sunset Stage gets recruited into OG's DJ unit!"
The room fell completely silent before erupting again—shock, excitement, confusion all tangled together. Riku didn't flinch under the noise. When Keigo looked to him for confirmation, his brother gave a calm nod. That was all the proof anyone needed.
Maho's voice broke through the hum. "So... if we win, we become pros? Just like that? How the hell did it turn into this?"
Riku, still holding the mic, finally offered an explanation.
"You see, this all started a few weeks ago. OG's current DJ unit... well, they weren't exactly living up to expectations." His voice carried the weight of someone speaking from within the organization, not above it. "Three of the four members left to find better opportunities. The last one retired—he's turning thirty this year. So Johan and Ceb came up with a new idea: recruit fresh talent worldwide and train them directly under OG."
He paused to let that sink in.
"They've already scouted in North and South America. Japan's next. And I figured... what better place to find raw potential than right here at the Sunset Stage?"
Shinobu crossed her arms, giving him a sharp look. "So this is all just a recruitment test for your organization, huh?"
"Yes," Riku answered bluntly, no attempt to soften it.
Keigo and Yuka exchanged glances, half-expecting Shinobu to blow up again. But instead, she just sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
"Figures. You always did have a habit of dropping things like this without warning."
Riku's lips curved faintly. "You know me well."
"Tell me there's more," she muttered.
"Right you are," Riku replied, straightening his coat. "Because the Sunset Stage will be broadcast across the entire Tokyo Prefecture."
That sent the room into pandemonium again. The realization hit all at once—this wasn't just a local showcase anymore. This was a stage the whole city would be watching.
Peakey P-key's members lit up, practically vibrating with excitement. They were made for the spotlight. But Happy Around's expressions told a different story—nervous energy mixed with disbelief.
Shinobu tugged at the back of Riku's coat, face half-annoyed, half-demanding. "Details. Now."
"Let's talk somewhere else," he said simply, lowering his voice. "The Peakeys and Happy Around should hear this too. How about Geitondei?"
Shinobu groaned. "That place? I know it. Fine. We'll talk there."
"Good. I'll go on ahead." Riku gave a short wave, stepping off the stage as casually as if he hadn't just set the whole room on fire.
Rinku, still reeling from everything that happened, tried to call out to him. "Riku-san—wait!"
Keigo gently stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. "Let him go, Rinku-san. He said we'll meet him at Geitondei."
"Geitondei?" Rei tilted her head. "What kind of place is that?"
"A restaurant he goes to all the time," Keigo explained. "Me and Shinobu know the way."
Rinku's eyes lit up again—her energy undimmed. "Then let's go celebrate our win there!"
Muni frowned, skeptical. "Why would we celebrate with Peakey P-key?"
Rei, ever the calm bridge between them, smiled gently. "Not to celebrate against them. To celebrate a job well done. We all worked hard for this."
Maho shrugged, exhaling a laugh. "You know what, fine. We've been grinding all week—it paid off. Might as well count it as a victory dinner. I just hope we can afford the prices."
Keigo chuckled. "Don't worry, the prices there are reasonable. Even students can handle it."
That seemed to convince Muni, who nodded. "Alright then, looks like we've got our next destination. Lead the way, Horikawa."
"Sure," Keigo replied, scratching his cheek, "but... I want to invite someone else along."
That caught everyone's attention. Rei blinked. "Someone else?"
Keigo hesitated. Kyoko, reading him easily, leaned closer and whispered in his ear.
"You mean Photon Maiden, right?"
He gave a small nod. "Yeah. But honestly, if I can just get Saki to come, that'll do."
Kyoko smirked faintly. "Right. Forgot about that. Fine—go get them. Shinobu will guide us to Geitondei."
Keigo gave her a quick nod before hurrying offstage, weaving through the crowd with purpose.
The rest of them began to gather their things—some excited, some anxious, others simply trying to process what just happened.
For all of them, the Sunset Stage had suddenly become something far more than a friendly competition.
It was now the gateway to something larger—a door to the world of professionals. And as Riku disappeared down the corridor, his coat brushing against the air of a changing night, the sound of the crowd still echoing behind him, one truth hung in the air:
The game had just been rewritten, and everyone was now playing on Riku's field.
Outside Yoba Academy – Third POV
The late afternoon sun stretched long shadows across the academy courtyard as the members of Photon Maiden stepped out, back in their uniforms and visibly drained from the day's performance. The bittersweet air of near-victory hung between them—quiet, heavy, unspoken.
Just as they reached the front gate, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed behind them. The door flew open, and in stumbled Keigo Horikawa, chest heaving, hands on his knees.
"Pant... pant... thank god you didn't leave yet..."
The silver-haired Ibuki blinked in surprise. "Horikawa-kun? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Peakey P-key right now?"
Keigo straightened up, brushing a hand through his red hair. "Yeah, I was... but I needed to see Saki first."
At the mention of her name, Saki froze mid-step. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks before her expression fell again, remembering the sting of their narrow loss. She lowered her head.
"Sorry, Keigo-kun... we lost."
Keigo's voice softened. "Don't be sad about it, Saki. I saw the final tally—you only lost by three votes. And that new style you tried? That nearly turned the tide."
Saki bit her lip. "But... we still lost. If I'd just used one of the songs Shano-san gave us, maybe we could've—"
She trailed off, unable to meet his eyes. Keigo stepped closer, gently placing his hands on her arms until she finally looked up at him.
"Listen to me, Saki," he said firmly. "Yeah, maybe you could've played it safe. But when I heard Akatsuki, I felt something change. You weren't following your producer's shadow this time. That song—those emotions—they were yours. You've grown. You should be proud."
Saki's eyes trembled. Then, without another word, she stepped forward and buried herself in his chest, arms wrapping tightly around him.
Keigo blinked in surprise but didn't move. He felt something warm against his shirt, faint and damp. She was crying. Quietly.
Her friends—Ibuki, Towa, and Noa—watched silently from a few feet away, saying nothing. Some things didn't need commentary.
When her breathing finally steadied, Saki pulled back, wiping her tears with her sleeve.
"Thank you... for not moving while I was doing that, Keigo-kun."
He smiled faintly. "No harm done."
The moment lingered before Towa broke it, her teal ponytail swaying as she tilted her head. "Keigo-kun, you didn't come all this way just to check on Saki, right?"
Keigo laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "You caught me. I wanted to invite all four of you to come with me to Geitondei."
That caught everyone off guard.
"Geitondei?" Ibuki asked, brow raised. "Isn't that... kind of sudden? Shouldn't Happy Around be the ones celebrating right now?"
"They're coming too," Keigo explained. "But I figured I'd introduce you girls to my brother while we're there. He's the host for the Sunset Stage now. If you've got plans, though, I get it."
Ibuki considered that for a moment, then sighed. "I'd love to, but I can't. I have cram school in an hour."
"Same," Towa added, already checking her phone. "I've got an event gig tonight—it starts at seven."
"And I," said Noa with perfect composure, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, "am picking up a limited-edition novel I reserved last month. It's the release day."
Keigo blinked, half-impressed. "You three sound busier than I am."
"So it seems," Ibuki said with a polite smile. "But what about you, Saki?"
Saki hesitated, then shook her head. "I... don't have any plans. I was just going to stay home."
Keigo grinned. "Perfect. Then you're coming with me."
Saki's eyes widened slightly, but the warmth in his tone left her no room to refuse.
Ibuki placed a hand on her shoulder. "Go on, Saki. You deserve a little fun."
Saki managed a small smile. "I... I will. Keigo-kun, let's go."
The two of them headed down the hall together, their steps light against the polished floor. The remaining three watched them disappear around the corner.
Noa exhaled with a faint, knowing smile. "Those two really do look cute together."
"And to think," Towa added dryly, "they're already that comfortable with each other."
Ibuki's tone softened. "What matters most is that Saki's smiling again."
Noa folded her arms. "True, but... is it okay? You know, lying to them—especially Saki?"
Ibuki's gaze darkened slightly. "Not in the slightest. But we had to. Come on. Let's head to Nebula."
She turned sharply and began walking, the others exchanging uneasy looks before following.
"Yeah," Towa murmured. "We've still got to tell Shano-san the bad news. But what about Saki? When do we tell her?"
Ibuki didn't look back. "When the time comes... we'll tell her everything."
The hallway fell quiet again, their footsteps echoing off the walls. They had lied—each excuse carefully crafted to spare Saki from what they knew awaited them.
The truth, however, was far heavier than any loss.
As the trio disappeared through the school gates, the mood between them shifted from quiet guilt to determination. Whatever awaited at Nebula Talent Agency, it wasn't going to be pleasant.
But they had made their choice.
And somewhere down the road, Saki would learn the truth they couldn't yet say.
-----------
Geitondei - 6:30 P.M.
Riku POV
The sky over Yoba had already dimmed into a deep orange when I left. The air carried that soft, lazy chill of early evening—the kind that makes city lights feel warmer than they really are. I didn't bother with a car; a flick of the Universe Ring was faster, and before I knew it, the familiar streets near Geitondei unfolded before me.
As I stepped through the doors, the smell of grilled meat and citrus hit me first. It was comforting—homey in a way few places were anymore. Behind the counter, Miyoi spotted me instantly.
"Riku-kun! Welcome!! Are you here by yourself?" she called out, all smiles as usual.
"Not for long," I replied, setting my bag on my shoulder. "I just went ahead. They'll be here soon."
"Then it's a table for twelve, right?"
"Yeah. Take me to the usual spot—and maybe a glass of iced tea while I wait."
"Got it! Please follow me~!"
She led me to the big circular table tucked near the window. Same view, same faint scuff on the wall from Keigo's clumsy chair kick years ago. I sat, stretching out my legs, and pulled my tablet from my bag. Might as well kill time. The day's work queue looked mercifully empty—no pending tasks, no emergency calls. I switched tabs to check Pantasia's monthly reports. The numbers weren't bad—steady growth, solid margins. Guess the bakery chain's doing fine without me hovering.
When Miyoi came back, she had the iced tea—and a steaming plate of honey lemon fried chicken.
"Uh, Miyoi," I said, raising an eyebrow. "I didn't order this."
She winked. "Don't worry, it's on us! Shishido-kun made it just for you!"
I leaned sideways, peeking into the kitchen. Sure enough, Kurenai Shishido—tall, dark-haired, and grinning like a fool—was waving a spatula at me. I lifted my glass in thanks; he responded with a thumbs-up before turning back to the grill.
The chicken looked harmless enough, but one bite told me otherwise. Perfect crisp, tender meat, the lemon balancing the honey just right. I couldn't help but smile.
"Your boyfriend outdid himself," I said after another bite.
Miyoi giggled, hiding behind her tray. "Hehehe, that's Shishido-kun for you."
"So," I asked, tone teasing, "when's the wedding?"
Her face turned crimson in an instant. "W–We haven't planned anything like that yet! We're... taking it slow..."
"I see," I said, amused.
They'd been together three years now. Still acting like it was week two. But I respected it. Some people built steady fires instead of wild ones.
Half the chicken gone, I glanced toward the entrance—and there they were. Happy Around and Peakey P-key, chatting as they came in, without Keigo.
Miyoi perked up. "Welcome to Geitondei! Shinobu-chan! It's been a while!"
"Hm," Shinobu said coolly. "Is Riku here?"
"Right over there. Follow me~!"
I looked up as they reached the table. "Yo," I said, waving slightly. "You made it. Guess Keigo's not with you."
Kyoko crossed her arms, smirking. "He wanted to bring someone along with him. If you don't mind."
Esora leaned forward, pouting. "And you're working outside the house again? Riku-kun, that's unhealthy."
Muni blinked. "He's working?"
Shinobu chuckled. "Remember who he is. A Nagae doesn't stop. I was lucky to catch him before his schedule swallowed him whole."
I waved her off. "It's not that bad. My workload's lighter these days. Come on—don't just stand there, sit."
They settled in, the air buzzing lightly between chatter and clinking glasses. Shinobu, though, wasted no time.
"Now that we're here," she said flatly, turning to me, "talk. I want details."
"Now now," Yuka began, "we still have to wait for Kei—"
The door burst open.
"Sorry it took a while!"
Keigo walked in, slightly breathless—and holding hands with Photon Maiden's Saki Izumo.
Maho blinked. "Is that... Photon Maiden's Izumo Saki?"
Muni frowned. "But what's she doing here?"
Esora giggled. "You're finally here, Kei-chan! And you managed to bring Saki-chan with you~"
Keigo rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah. Ibuki-san and the others had plans, so... Saki was the only one free."
Saki, visibly nervous, lowered her head. "I-I hope I won't be a bother..."
"Nonsense," Rinku chirped immediately. "We may have been rivals earlier, but we're all friends here!"
"Rinku's right," I said, leaning back. "You can be friends offstage. On it, you're rivals. So, Keigo—care to explain?"
He stiffened slightly. "Y-Yeah. The reason I brought Saki here is to... introduce her formally to you, aniki."
"Formally?" I tilted my head. "You mean... Raiko-sama's given the approval already?"
He nodded. "Hai. Everyone... meet Izumo Saki—my fiancée."
For a moment, no one said anything. Then came a collective, drawn-out:
"Ehhhhhh?!?!"
Happy Around's jaws practically hit the table. Rinku blinked so fast I thought she'd short-circuit. Maho just froze mid-sip, while Muni's expression turned into a perfect "???" face.
Only the Peakeys looked unfazed. Of course—they knew.
"Well," I said, chuckling softly. "Congratulations, you two. Saki, take care of him, will you?"
She didn't answer right away. Her eyes were fixed on me, wide and strange, as if she was seeing something far beyond the room.
"Saki?" Keigo asked quietly. "You okay?"
She hesitated, voice trembling. "S-Sorry... it's just... when I saw Nagae-san, it felt like... like I was staring into the void."
I frowned lightly. "The void? What do you mean by that?"
Keigo gave me a small nod. "Aniki... Saki has synesthesia."
Ah. That explained it.
"Synesthesia, huh..." I nodded slowly. "A rare gift indeed."
Rinku tilted her head. "Um... what's synesthesia?"
"It's when someone can perceive sounds, or even people, as colors," I explained. "It's different for everyone. For example..." I gestured toward her. "All I can sense from your atmosphere is a very vibrant orange—bright, kinetic, overflowing energy."
Saki's eyes widened. "Nagae-san... does that mean you have the same gift?"
"Not quite," I said. "Mine's close, but it's more like reading atmospheres than seeing colors."
Maho leaned in. "Reading the atmosphere?"
Keigo chuckled. "Aniki's got this ability—everyone in the Nagae family does. It lets them sense moods and adapt perfectly. But in his case, it goes deeper. He can read someone's entire state just by looking."
Yuka gave me an appraising look. "So you're the rarest of the rare, huh?"
"Something like that." I turned to Saki. "You use synesthesia when you perform, don't you?"
Her eyes darted away. "Y-Yeah... but only when I make music."
"That's fine," I said softly. "It's a powerful tool when used right. Just don't overuse it. Too much will eat at you in ways you won't notice until it's late. Trust me on that. And... drop the 'Nagae-san.' Just Riku's fine. I'm not a board chairman."
Her lips curved faintly. "H-Hai... Riku-san."
"Good." I smiled back, lifting my glass slightly. "Now then—shall we begin the party?"
That broke the tension instantly. Rinku clapped, Esora cheered, and Shinobu waved a waiter over. Miyoi reappeared with her ever-present grin, and within minutes, the table filled with plates of sizzling skewers, garlic butter rice, tempura rolls, and more of Shishido's chicken.
To be Continued...