Geitondei
June 30, 2021 - Wednesday - 7:00 P.M.
3rd POV
The evening air outside Geitondei buzzed faintly with the hum of passing cars and the scent of grilled seafood drifting through the open windows. Inside, the warmth of laughter and light chatter filled the restaurant, bouncing gently off the wood-paneled walls. The table reserved for Riku's group was already lively, plates stacked with skewers and rolls, drinks clinking between stories and jokes.
Riku leaned back against his seat, quietly watching the girls chat away. He had ordered the Geitondei Party Platter earlier—a slightly cheaper alternative to the restaurant's famed "Special." Yet, as always, the quality hadn't faltered. The flavors, the presentation, the attention to detail—it was clear Geitondei never compromised.
Across the table, Saki was laughing softly, her reserved demeanor fading into something warmer. Her smile was small but genuine, and it drew an approving look from Riku. For someone who had always preferred the quiet corners, she blended surprisingly well with the group's rhythm. Rinku and Maho were exchanging quick remarks, and Muni's contagious giggle made even Rei crack a faint smile.
At the far corner of the table, however, things were more serious. Shinobu, seated beside Keigo, leaned forward with that familiar glint in her eye—a look that usually preceded interrogation.
"Now, Riku," she began, setting her drink down, "tell me the details about that broadcasting thing you mentioned."
Riku raised a brow, half-expecting a different question. "I thought you'd ask about the prize first," he said dryly. "But sure, that works." He pulled out his tablet from the side of his bag and tapped a few times before passing it across. "The broadcasting for the Sunset Stage—it's all true. Here, take a look."
Keigo's eyes widened as he leaned closer while Shinobu began reading through the document. Her expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief. When she finally returned the tablet, she was scratching her head, trying to process it.
"How in the hell did you even get this deal?" she asked.
Riku chuckled under his breath. "Let's just say the company owed me a few favors. I cashed in one of them. Had to fight for the time slot though. Five-thirty P.M. was open, so I took it."
Keigo blinked. "And the Sunset Stage starts at exactly five-thirty." He looked up, skeptical but impressed. "Aniki, when you said the performance would be shown across the Tokyo prefecture, you weren't exaggerating, were you?"
"I wasn't," Riku replied plainly. "And I'm not stopping there. I'll also be streaming it under OG."
Both Keigo and Shinobu froze, their reactions sharp and immediate. The quiet corner suddenly felt heavier.
"Wait, what?" Shinobu's voice dropped a note. "You're bringing OG into this too? What are you and your band planning, Riku?"
He met her gaze without flinching. "Nothing extreme. We just want to show the world what Japanese music can offer."
Keigo gave a low whistle. "Didn't you already do that back at TI?"
"I did," Riku admitted, resting his elbow on the table. His expression softened into something distant. "But it wasn't enough. That was just the start. There's still more we can push—more to prove."
Shinobu leaned back, her usual smirk gone. "So, you're setting the stage, and it's up to us to make it count."
Riku nodded once. "Exactly. If the Sunset Stage becomes a hit, it could open doors for Japanese DJ groups to compete internationally. I've already got things covered on the band side. Aichi's handling the idols."
Keigo crossed his arms, already reading between the lines. "And you want either us or Happy Around to carry the flag for the DJs, right?"
"That's the plan," Riku said calmly, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "But if you're not up to it, I can just hand the reins to Rondo."
That last remark landed like a spark in gunpowder. Shinobu's eyebrow twitched; she didn't even try to hide her irritation. She grabbed her glass and downed the rest of her orange juice in one breath before slamming it down on the table.
"We'll do it," she snapped, glaring right at him. "No way in hell am I letting that yellow-haired gremlin take this chance."
Riku blinked, momentarily thrown off by the vehemence in her tone. "So... you do know Nagisa?"
Keigo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, about that. Nagisa-san and Shino are cousins."
"Oh," Riku muttered. A small pause. "No wonder they're both short."
That earned him a swift punch to the shoulder.
"Watch it," Shinobu hissed.
Before Riku could retaliate with a smirk, something bright and loud interrupted them. Esora had appeared behind Shinobu, wrapping her arms around her in a full-force glomp.
"Come on now, Shinobu~!" Esora sang. "Don't hide in the corner with Riku-kun and Kei-chan~! You gotta enjoy the party too~!"
"Esora! L-Let go of me!" Shinobu protested, flailing helplessly.
The entire table laughed as Esora finally released her. Yuka and Kyoko joined in, curiosity written all over their faces.
"So, what were you three scheming about?" Yuka asked.
"Nothing much," Shinobu said with a small sigh. "Just... a challenge."
Kyoko raised a brow. "A challenge, huh? Then we better give it everything we've got."
"Yeah," Shinobu agreed quietly. "Everything."
Her eyes wandered across the restaurant to where Happy Around sat with Saki, their laughter light and unguarded. A small, almost proud smile curved her lips.
Kyoko followed her gaze. "You think they'll make us go all out?"
"They already did once," Shinobu replied. "That's more than enough reason to take them seriously."
Satisfied with her answer, she reached for one of the skewers on the platter. Her expression twisted when she noticed a few grilled vegetables among the meat. With mild disgust, she tried to slide them off—only to freeze when a fork landed beside her hand with a sharp thunk.
The table fell silent. Riku was standing, eyes narrowed, expression sharp.
"Eat those vegetables," he said, his tone calm but commanding.
Shinobu looked up, defiant. "Or else what?"
Without answering, Riku snapped his fingers. Yuka instinctively grabbed Shinobu's shoulders, holding her in place. Riku picked up a spoon, scooped a generous helping of vegetables from another plate, and leaned closer.
"Or else this," he said flatly. "Do you know how much effort the chefs put into preparing these? Leaving them behind is disrespectful. So, you're going to eat them. Or I'll make you."
The words carried no real anger—just authority. Riku let her go, stepping back with a faint glare that softened once she reluctantly took a bite.
Shinobu chewed slowly, her face scrunched in protest.
Across the table, the others whispered in disbelief.
"Oi, Horikawa," Muni murmured to Keigo. "Is he always this scary?"
Keigo chuckled awkwardly. "When it comes to food? Yeah. He's... particular. But his heart's in the right place."
"Kowai..." Rinku whispered under her breath, hugging her glass.
"He actually got DJ Kunoichi to eat vegetables," Maho said, impressed.
Kyoko leaned closer to Esora. "That's a first."
Esora giggled. "More like blackmail, if you ask me."
The tension dissolved in laughter. Even Shinobu, halfway through her vegetables, tried to hide a reluctant smirk.
Meanwhile, at the far side of the table, Saki had been quietly watching the group with her usual calm. Her eyes wandered down as a small bowl was gently placed in front of her.
She looked up to find Miyoi standing beside her with her usual polite smile.
"This is our new menu item," Miyoi said. "Dragon Fruit Ice Cream."
The words alone made Saki's expression brighten. She took the spoon, scooped a small portion, and tasted it. Instantly, her eyes widened in delight as she began swaying side to side like a child savoring her favorite treat.
The entire table paused for a moment, watching her little display of joy. Keigo, unable to resist, took out his phone and snapped a quick photo.
Riku, sitting back now, glanced at him with a faint grin. "You've got a unique one there, Keigo."
Keigo flushed slightly. "Y-Yeah... thanks."
The warmth of the moment lingered as the chatter resumed. Laughter rose again, filling every corner of the restaurant. The earlier tension was gone, replaced by an easy, genuine rhythm of companionship.
Riku looked around the table—Happy Around chatting with Peakey P-key, Saki smiling over her ice cream, Shinobu quietly glaring at a stray carrot she'd missed. It all felt... right. Simple, grounded, and real.
He leaned back in his chair, gaze drifting toward the window where the neon glow of Tokyo spilled across the glass. Everything he'd been planning—the broadcasts, OG's involvement, the collaborations—it was all coming together. But for now, none of that mattered.
For tonight, they were just people sharing food, laughter, and the faint pulse of music beneath the hum of conversation. Riku allowed himself a quiet smile, the kind that came not from triumph, but from peace.
Tomorrow would bring its challenges—the rehearsals, the coordination, the pressure. But here and now, with his friends around him and the warmth of Geitondei's lights bathing the room, it felt enough.
And that, for Riku, was a rare kind of victory.
Few Hours Later...
Third POV
The city outside Geitondei had already dimmed into the soft calm of late evening. Streetlights painted the pavement gold, and the faint hum of cars was the only thing left to compete with the cool summer wind.
The group stepped out of the restaurant together, laughter still clinging to them like the scent of grilled food that drifted from the kitchen vents.
"That was delicious!" Rinku beamed, hands clasped behind her head as she turned toward Riku. "Thanks for treating us, Riku-san!"
Riku gave a small smile. "Don't mention it. Consider it a pre–Sunset Stage celebration."
Muni stretched lazily beside her, a satisfied sigh escaping her. "Well... the food was really good. Might come back here again sometime..."
Maho nodded politely. "Thank you for everything, Riku-san."
"Just do me a favor," Riku said, his tone calm but encouraging. "Bring your all when the Sunset Stage starts. That's all I ask."
Kyoko stepped forward with her usual cool grin. "Riku's right. Because we're not holding back either."
Rinku met her gaze, and the two clasped hands in mutual resolve—one of those rare moments where rivalry and respect intertwined.
"Then we'll see you on stage," Rinku said, smiling.
Kyoko returned it with a smirk. "Count on it."
Their respective groups went their separate ways, leaving the night quieter as the last of their footsteps faded. At the entrance, only Riku, Keigo, and Saki remained.
Riku turned toward them, his hands in his pockets. "So," he asked, "where are you two heading next?"
Keigo scratched his cheek sheepishly. "I'm taking Saki home."
"Mm." Riku's eyes softened as he looked between them. "Saki, you know what Keigo truly is, right?"
The girl blinked, a little surprised by the sudden question. After a pause, she nodded once, her eyes steady.
Riku gave a quiet nod in return. "Good. Then I'll leave her in your care, Keigo. And Saki—" his tone shifted slightly, somewhere between teasing and serious— "keep an eye on him."
Saki's cheeks pinkened. "H-Hai!"
Keigo tried not to laugh, scratching the back of his head as Riku waved lightly and began to walk away. The soft click of his boots against the pavement echoed faintly as he turned the corner, the neon lights fading behind him.
The streets were peaceful, the kind of stillness that only came after a night well spent. But halfway through his walk, Riku slowed.
A strange chill brushed the back of his neck—not cold, but aware.
He stopped, exhaled quietly, and turned around. His right hand glowed faintly as he activated Water Webs of Heaven and Earth, thin streams of light rippling from his feet like reflections across a pond.
The world sharpened around him—the rhythm of air, the faint creak of metal, the subtle drag of movement behind the silence.
But nothing.
The street was empty.
Riku's eyes narrowed as the faint web of water magic dissolved into the air.
"What the hell was that?" he muttered under his breath. "No killing intent... but they're watching. Gauging."
He frowned, scanning the rooftops. "And whoever they are, their stealth's good. Too good."
A soft, familiar voice resonated in his palm as a blue light flared.
Albion.
[Looks like you've got a pair of stalkers, partner,] the dragon said, his tone calm but alert.
Riku glanced at the faint glow of the gem embedded on the back of his hand. "You sensed them too?"
[I did. But when I tried to track them, they erased their presence instantly. Like ghosts. You're right—they're not hostile. Just... observing.]
Riku sighed. "Wonderful. I'll deal with it later. It's getting late anyway. I can already picture Rinko waiting by the door with that look."
The magic web faded completely as he continued down the road, his posture relaxed again though his eyes remained sharp.
The city lights dimmed behind him, leaving only the sound of his footsteps and the whisper of the wind.
Far from his sight, two figures crouched on a nearby rooftop, their bodies cloaked in fading traces of invisibility magic. When the spell lifted, both men dropped lightly to the ground, their breaths slightly uneven from maintaining stealth for so long.
"That's him," one of them murmured. "Nagae Riku."
The voice belonged to Jaffar, his expression unreadable as his crimson eyes followed Riku's retreating figure. "You were right, Hurricane. There's no opening to exploit. None at all."
Beside him, Legault—his companion and fellow assassin—crossed his arms, lips curving into a thin smirk. "Told you so. The kid's sharp. His reflexes alone nearly broke our concealment twice."
The two stood quietly under the streetlight, their shadows stretching long against the walls.
They weren't strangers to shadows themselves. Once, both men had belonged to the infamous Black Fang—an organization that had long since fallen to history. Now, they walked the line between mercenaries and ghosts, answering to very few.
This time, they answered to the Yakumo.
They had arrived in Japan two weeks ago under strict terms: freedom of movement, as long as someone from the Yakumo family kept tabs on them. Their companions—Nino and Ursula—were currently stationed at one of Yakumo's villas, their roles quiet but essential.
Legault glanced sideways. "So what's the next move, Jaffar?"
Jaffar reached into his coat and pulled out a folded envelope. "Yakumo gave me this before we left. Said to show it to you after we've seen the Nagae heir."
He handed it over. Legault opened the letter, eyes skimming the contents before his expression darkened.
"So we're taking down cultists again," he muttered. "Been twelve years since I've had that kind of job."
Jaffar nodded. "According to Yakumo's report, over sixty people are dead. Ritual killings, disappearances—standard signs of a cult moving in the dark."
Legault let out a low whistle, slipping the paper into his pocket. "And she wants us to handle it quietly. Figures. She doesn't want anyone tracing this back to her family."
"That's the idea," Jaffar replied.
Legault chuckled under his breath. "Same old politics. At least it's something we're good at."
He turned, his figure already blending with the shadows again. "Well then... shall we?"
Jaffar followed without hesitation, his voice a low murmur carried by the wind.
"None shall escape the Fang."
The night swallowed them whole. By the time the streetlights flickered once, there was no trace left—no sound, no shadow, no scent. Only the faint ripple in the air where two assassins had once stood, setting out to begin their quiet hunt.
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Nagae Estate – 8:30 P.M.
Riku's POV
The familiar sight of the Nagae estate came into view, its warm lights flickering softly against the deepening night. As I stepped inside, I wasn't surprised to find Rinko and Youmu waiting by the doorway. Just as I predicted—Rinko was there, looking anxious but relieved the moment our eyes met.
"Rinko, Youmu. You've been waiting for me the whole time?" I asked, brushing a few strands of hair out of my face.
Rinko shook her head with a soft smile. "No, we just finished dinner and were about to wait for you. But... I'm glad you made it home."
Before I could say anything else, she moved closer and wrapped her arms around me. Her hug was warm, and the faint scent of jasmine from her hair eased the tension that had been clinging to me since the streets.
Youmu crossed her arms lightly. "Normally, you should've called us if there was something important, and yet you didn't make any calls."
"My bad," I admitted. "Keigo brought me to Yoba for something important."
"Yoba?" Rinko tilted her head, curiosity glinting in her eyes. "You mean that school that develops DJs?"
"The very same," I confirmed, a faint smirk forming. "You'll find out what it's about soon enough."
She blinked but didn't press further. "Anyway, did you have dinner already?"
"Yeah. Keigo and I ate at the Geitondei. He also introduced his fiancée to me."
Youmu's expression softened. "Right, I almost forgot Keigo-kun has a fiancée now."
I turned to her with a mock frown. "And you didn't tell me this?"
"Well, you didn't ask," she countered, the corner of her mouth twitching. "Anyway, Kyoya-sama is expecting you in his office."
"I see. Then I'll head there right away." I paused, glancing toward the corridor. "Youmu, how's Fuyu doing?"
She hesitated for a second. "She's currently resting in your room along with Homura. Do you want me to check on her?"
"Please do."
Youmu bowed, her usual calm replaced with something quieter—sorrow, maybe. I watched her leave, her steps heavier than normal.
Rinko stayed by my side, holding my hand gently. "Riku... is something wrong with Fuyu?"
Her voice trembled, and I felt the weight in her question before I even answered.
"Fuyu..." I exhaled slowly. "She doesn't have any time left."
Rinko froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. "A-Are you serious?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Fuyu's been with me for fifteen years. She's been so full of energy these past few months, and I'm grateful for that—but she knows her limits. I can see it in her eyes."
Rinko covered her mouth, her voice barely a whisper. "So that's why... the staff have been keeping an eye on her constantly. And Homura's been staying close too..."
"Yeah," I murmured. "To Homura, Fuyu's more than just another cat. She's like a foster mother. Different species or not, their bond's real. And by my estimates... she only has until the end of summer."
Rinko's composure cracked. "N-No way..."
Her eyes shimmered, and she pressed her lips together, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. I understood that pain too well. Fuyu wasn't just my companion—she was family. And for Rinko, she'd been part of her life just as long.
I reached out and placed a hand on her head, gently patting her like I used to when we were younger. It was a small thing, but she leaned into it, her trembling slowing.
"That's why I've been spoiling her," I said softly. "Giving her all the affection I can while she's still here. You can join in too, if you want. I'm sure Fuyu would love that."
Rinko nodded, wiping the corner of her eyes. "I... I'd like that." She took a steadying breath. "I think you should go to Kyoya-san now. You don't want to keep him waiting."
"Yeah," I said with a small smile. "You're right."
I leaned in and placed a brief kiss on her forehead. Her cheeks turned crimson, and for a second, the sadness in her eyes gave way to quiet warmth.
As I walked down the corridor toward my grandfather's office, the estate felt still—peaceful, yet heavy with unspoken things. Each step echoed faintly, a reminder that even the calmest nights carry their share of goodbyes waiting at the edge of the season.
Nagae Estate – Kyoya's Office
8:45 P.M.
The faint smell of roasted tea and old paper hung in the air when I reached my grandfather's office. I knocked twice before Eiji-san opened the door, bowing slightly to let me in. Inside, the room was just as I remembered—meticulously tidy, lined with neatly stacked documents and antique calligraphy scrolls. Kyoya sat by the low table, casually munching on a few senbei while flipping through a file.
"Riku, you're back," he greeted, voice calm but warm.
"Yeah," I said, closing the door behind me. "Youmu told me you wanted to see me."
Grandfather gave a small nod, then waved Eiji-san away. The butler quietly exited, leaving just the two of us and the soft rustle of the night breeze through the half-open window.
"I did," Kyoya said, setting down his cup of tea. "It's about your request—opening several guest rooms in the estate. I'd like to hear a bit more about it."
I rubbed the back of my neck. "You might want to hear it from Ceb himself. You have his number, right?"
He adjusted his glasses with that familiar faint smirk. "I do. But I was hoping to spend a bit of time with my grandson too. Is that too much to ask?"
I let out a quiet chuckle. "Guess not. We haven't really spent time together these past few months, have we?"
He motioned for me to sit. I took the seat across from him, and the couch creaked slightly as I sank into it. The fatigue from the day caught up with me, and a sigh slipped out before I could stop it.
"Something troubling you?" Grandfather asked, already sensing it.
"...It's Fuyu."
"Ah." His tone softened. "I can understand that. How are you handling it?"
"Honestly?" I leaned back and stared at the ceiling for a moment. "Not well. A part of me wants to stay by her side until her last breath... but another part refuses to accept that she'll be gone."
Kyoya's eyes held a quiet kind of wisdom, one born from losing and learning more times than I could count. "Riku... remember, everything—every bond, every moment—eventually reaches its end. Fuyu's been with you since you were what, four?"
"Yeah," I said quietly. "She was a gift from my parents for my fourth birthday. My first pet. I took care of her like she was my own daughter, even when I barely knew what that meant. She imprinted on me—followed me everywhere. Even when I was touring with OG, she came along. Johan's dogs adored her. The fans did too. She became kind of a mascot."
A faint, bittersweet smile crept onto my face at the memory of her tiny white form curling up beside my guitar case backstage.
Kyoya nodded, placing his cup down with a soft clink. "I see."
Silence lingered for a moment—comfortable, but heavy. I exhaled and rubbed my temple. "Sorry for dragging the mood down."
"It's fine," he said, waving it off. "It's natural to grieve what you love. But enough of that for now—there's something important I nearly forgot to tell you."
I blinked. Kyoya forgetting something was a rare event. "You forgot something?"
He chuckled. "Next week is the Tanabata Festival."
At that, my mood shifted. The heaviness eased, replaced by a faint nostalgia. "Tanabata, huh? It's been a while since I went to one. If I remember right, the Saigyouji family's handling it this year?"
"That's correct," he replied. "Though, Yuyuko wanted to make a special request. Specifically from you."
I raised an eyebrow. "From me? Why didn't she just ask directly?"
"She's been swamped with preparations," he explained. "Even with Youmu-kun helping, her schedule's packed."
"Fair enough," I murmured. "So, what's the request?"
"She wants you to perform at the festival's closing ceremony."
I sat up a bit straighter. "A performance? From me?"
Kyoya nodded, clearly amused by my surprise. "Yes. She thought it would make the festival more lively—and end on a memorable note. With you performing, the finale will leave quite an impression."
"No pun intended, I assume," I said dryly.
He smirked. "Entirely intended."
I let out a quiet sigh, though a part of me couldn't help but smile. "So I've got a week to prepare, huh?"
"Unfortunately, yes. I assumed you already had something in mind, so I agreed on your behalf."
I blinked at him. "You what?"
He just shrugged. "Consider it a vote of confidence."
"Right..." I muttered, trying not to laugh. "Well, I'll see what I can do—with my—"
"No need to worry about your usual duties," Kyoya interrupted smoothly. "I've cleared your schedule for the entire month. No paperwork, no meetings. Focus on what matters to you."
I exhaled in relief. "You have no idea how good that sounds. With the Sunset Stage and CiRCLE's second live coming up, that'll help a lot. I'll finally get some time with the girls without worrying about anything else."
"That's the idea," he said.
"Then that makes things easier. One question, though—who'll be playing with me for the festival?"
"That's entirely up to you," he said, leaning back. "You could ask Rinko to play keyboard, perhaps. She fits your style."
I hummed in thought. "Maybe I will. She's got the touch for it."
"Another question?" he prompted.
"Yeah. Is this supposed to be a secret?"
He smiled faintly. "Again, that's up to you. Announce it or don't—your choice."
I nodded, the pieces already forming in my mind. A summer night, the glow of lanterns, the quiet hum of the crowd... and one last performance under the stars.
Just then, the door opened again. Eiji stepped in, carrying a tray of biscuits and fresh tea. He placed it on the table with practiced grace before stepping back.
Kyoya and I both gave a wordless nod of thanks before reaching for the snacks. The conversation drifted from festivals to small memories, then to nothing in particular—just the easy flow of talk between two generations that had seen too much, yet still found comfort in each other's presence.
By the time I noticed the clock, nearly an hour had passed. The senbei were gone, the tea lukewarm, and the quiet laughter that lingered between us felt like a reminder of what family still meant, even when the world kept moving forward.
Riku's Room – 10:00 P.M.
Rinko's POV
The quiet hum of the air conditioner filled the room as I sat on the couch, gently brushing my fingers through Fuyu's silver hair. She lay curled up on my lap, fast asleep, her breathing slow and faint. Riku was right—she had been sleeping more than usual lately. It was as if her body was telling her to rest, to conserve whatever strength she still had. Watching her like this, so still and fragile, tugged at something deep in my chest. I could only sigh softly and keep stroking her head, hoping that even a fraction of the affection Riku always gave her might help.
He should've been back by now. Normally, by this hour, he'd have already returned from whatever talk or mission he had, flashing that calm smile of his before checking on Fuyu. But tonight, the minutes kept stretching into silence. I glanced at the clock again—ten past ten—and just as I was about to stand, the door opened.
For a heartbeat, relief washed over me. I thought it was Riku. But instead, it was Kazehana.
"Rinko-sama, you're still here in Riku-sama's room?" she asked, blinking at me as she stepped inside.
"I was waiting for him to come back from his talk with Kyoya-san," I answered, keeping my voice calm though a hint of disappointment slipped through.
Kazehana smiled faintly, hands folded neatly in front of her. "Well, you won't be able to see Riku-sama for a little while longer. I heard from Eiji-sama that both Riku-sama and Oyakata-sama are enjoying their time together."
My eyes widened slightly. So that's where he was—spending time with his grandfather. A small smile found its way to my lips. Knowing Riku, it was probably a rare, peaceful moment for the two of them. Even so, I couldn't help feeling the quiet emptiness in the room without him here.
"I see," I said softly as I stood up, carefully shifting Fuyu off my lap. She stirred only faintly when I carried her to the bed and tucked her under the blanket. "Then I have no reason to stay here any longer. I'll head back to my room."
Kazehana bowed slightly. "Then I'll remain here to keep an eye on Fuyu."
"Alright," I nodded, glancing once more at the sleeping girl. "Keep her company until Riku returns."
Kazehana's expression softened. "Of course."
With that, I left the room, the door clicking quietly behind me. The hallway was empty, washed in the faint glow of the wall lamps. My footsteps echoed lightly against the polished floor as I started back toward my quarters. The house always had this kind of silence at night—calm, but heavy, like it carried every unspoken thought of those living within its walls.
Halfway down the corridor, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I took it out, expecting maybe a message from Riku. Instead, the screen flashed Unknown Sender. My brow furrowed. That was odd. I was about to open it when my phone started ringing—Imai-san.
I swiped to answer. "Hello, Imai-san?"
"Good thing you picked up," Lisa's voice came through, steady but cautious. "Rinko, did you get a message from an unknown sender?"
"So you too?" I asked, already sensing where this was going. "It wasn't just me, then?"
"Yeah. Yukina also got one—she's right beside me," Lisa said. I could hear faint murmurs in the background, likely Yukina's voice. "I'm guessing Ako and Sayo probably got one as well."
A small frown formed on my lips. Whoever sent it, they weren't targeting just one of us. "Hmm... for now, let's not open the message," I suggested, my tone firm. "We'll bring this up with Riku tomorrow. I'll let Ako-chan know."
"Alright. I'll tell Sayo, then." Lisa paused, the concern in her voice barely masked. "Good night, Rinko."
"Mm. Good night, Imai-san."
The call ended, leaving the soft chime of the hallway clock as the only sound. I lingered for a moment, staring at the unopened message on my screen before locking the phone and slipping it back into my pocket. Whatever this was, it could wait until tomorrow. For now, rest was more important.
Once I reached my room, I sent a quick message to Ako, letting her know about the strange text everyone in Roselia had received. No need to panic—not yet. After that, I set my phone on the nightstand, the screen fading to black as I changed into my sleepwear.
The day had felt long, and with Riku still not back, the room felt a little too quiet. As I turned off the lights, a thin sliver of moonlight spilled through the window, brushing across the sheets. I lay down and closed my eyes, letting that calm silence take over.
Tomorrow would come soon enough—and with it, whatever answers were waiting.
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Haneoka Girls' High School
July 1, 2021 – Thursday – 3:30 P.M.
The sun still burned bright that afternoon, its heat softened by the faint breeze rolling through the rows of cherry trees near Haneoka's main gate. The walk from the car to the entrance wasn't long, but even then, I could feel my nerves quietly buzzing. I was on my way to pick up Ako-chan, Imai-san, and Yukina-san, with Sayo-san and Riku accompanying me—mostly for precaution, though I suspected Riku had other motives too.
He was beside me now, looking oddly cheerful. I'd asked him earlier that morning about his talk with Kyoya-san, and all he said was that they "chatted through midnight." Simple words, but the tone in his voice carried warmth I hadn't heard in a while. Maybe that conversation meant more to him than he let on.
As we reached the front courtyard, a loud cheer broke through the air.
"Kaoru-sama!!!"
A sea of girls had gathered near the gate, surrounding none other than Seta Kaoru herself. Her long hair caught the afternoon light as she smiled dramatically at her so-called little kittens. The crowd pressed closer, some holding notebooks and banners, others just swooning at every word.
Kaoru raised a hand, voice ringing with theatrical grace. "My little kittens! I do wish to entertain each and every one of you, but alas—today I have a prior engagement! I must not be—" She stopped mid-sentence, eyes catching ours. "—ani-sama?"
Her fans turned in unison, following her gaze. A low murmur rippled through the group as Riku stepped forward, hands tucked casually into his pockets.
"Yo, Kaoru," he said, amused. "Seems like you're in a pickle."
Kaoru laughed softly. "Don't worry, brother dearest. This is quite normal for me." She tilted her head with a touch of dramatized weariness. "Although, I must admit, the number of little kittens gathered today exceeds what I usually handle."
Riku's lips quirked upward, but before he could reply, one of the girls—nervous, clutching her schoolbag—stepped closer, her eyes fixed on him.
"U-um... excuse me," she began timidly. "But... by any chance, are you Iku?"
The name hung in the air like a spark. Kaoru's fans exchanged confused glances, while Riku's expression didn't waver. He simply smiled.
"I am Iku," he said plainly. "And I assume you're one of my fans?"
The girl's face lit up like fireworks. "H-Hai! I'm Matsuzaka Chiyori! I'm a huge fan of yours, Iku-sama! Could I—um—could I please have your autograph?"
I blinked. Even Sayo looked taken aback. Riku had fans here, at Haneoka? That was... unexpected. To my knowledge, only a select few knew of his musical career—Afterglow, Hina-chan, Yamato-san, Ako-chan, Yukina-san, Imai-san, Toyama-san's sister, and LOCK-san. But apparently, his reputation had reached further than we thought.
"Kaoru-sama," one of the other girls asked, frowning, "who is he? And why did you call him ani-sama?"
Kaoru turned to her audience with a proud smile, one hand on her chest. "To answer that, the man standing before you is Nagae Riku. Everything I know—and everything I am today—is thanks to him."
Another girl blinked. "Then why does she want his autograph?"
"Because," Kaoru said with a flourish, "ani-sama has an illustrious career in the world of music. He is hailed as one of the best musicians alive."
A ripple of awe passed through the group. Riku gave a short nod, not one to bask in praise, though I caught the faint amusement behind his eyes.
"Thank you for the short explanation, Kaoru," he said. Then, to Chiyori: "Do you have something I can sign?"
"Ah! Yes!" Chiyori fumbled through her bag, pulling out a notebook and a pen before handing them over with trembling hands. Riku flipped to a blank page and signed his name with effortless grace. When he returned it, Chiyori clutched the notebook to her chest, face glowing with joy.
"Thank you so much, Iku-sama!"
He smiled faintly. "Hm." Then, turning to me and Sayo, he said, "Once you get Yukina, Lisa, and Ako-chan, head to CiRCLE ahead of me. I'd like to have a word with Kaoru."
Sayo's brows rose. "So that's why you came along—you wanted to see Seta-san."
Riku didn't deny it. He simply gave a quiet nod. I exhaled softly and looked at Sayo. "Let's get Yukina-san and the rest, then. Riku, we'll be on our way."
"Got it," he said, giving my head a gentle pat before we turned to leave. I caught one last glimpse of him standing beside Kaoru as the crowd lingered around them, still buzzing from the small spectacle.
Riku's POV
Once Rinko and Sayo disappeared into the school building, it was just me, Kaoru, and her devoted fan club. Kaoru arched a brow. "So, you came here to have a word with me?"
"If possible," I said evenly. "Though if you have plans, I won't hold you up."
She shook her head, smiling. "No need to worry. I have an appointment with Chisato today, but if I tell her I was late because of you, I'm sure she'll forgive me."
"I see." I paused, adjusting my sleeves slightly. "Then, can you do me a favor and—"
Kaoru raised her hand before I could finish, already reading my intent. Turning to her admirers, she lifted her voice with the same charm as before. "Now, my little kittens! I'd like to have a private conversation with ani-sama."
The group nodded in near-perfect unison. "Hai, Kaoru-sama!"
And just like that, they scattered, leaving us alone in the courtyard.
Kaoru faced me again, eyes bright with curiosity. "Now then, what is it you wanted to talk about?"
"I wanted to ask if you and Kokoro have any plans for next week."
She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well, the Tanabata Festival is coming up, and we were planning to attend together."
"So you're aware of the festival. That's good." I crossed my arms, thinking briefly of my grandfather's words from last night. "He asked me for something during the festival—he wants me to perform once it ends. I'll need people to perform alongside me. Rinko's already agreed to be the keyboardist. I came here to Haneoka to—"
Before I could finish, Kaoru grabbed both my hands, her eyes shining with pure excitement. "I'll do it! It would be my greatest honor to play alongside you, ani-sama! I'll take the role of lead guitarist!"
Her enthusiasm was... very her. I couldn't help but chuckle. "That was fast. Alright then, I'll trust you with that role."
She beamed, standing a little taller. "I won't let you down! Although, I must admit, it pains me that I'll be the first to perform with you instead of Kokoro."
"I'm sure she'll understand," I replied. "Now that I have a keyboardist and guitarist, all I need is a drummer. I already have someone for the bass."
Kaoru leaned closer, smirking. "Then if possible, I'd like to recommend someone for the drummer's role."
"Oh?" I raised a brow. "And who would that be?"
Later...
Live House CiRCLE – Riku's Office
4:30 P.M.
Riku's POV
The afternoon traffic wasn't kind, but I didn't mind. My thoughts lingered on the brief but productive talk with Kaoru and the drummer she'd introduced. The moment I saw the girl behind the kit, I knew the song I had in mind would work perfectly. Her tempo was sharp, her posture relaxed—someone who could keep up with the energy I envisioned. I told them practice would begin Sunday. Both marked it down without hesitation, eager as if I'd handed them something sacred.
When I reached CiRCLE, the familiar buzz of chatter and music greeted me. The scent of roasted coffee beans drifted faintly from the café section. Behind the front desk, I spotted Shiho quietly logging something into the register, with Saki-chan leaning beside her, humming absentmindedly. That could only mean Ichika and Honami were in the back, handling the evening prep.
Shiho looked up when she saw me. "You're late."
"Got caught up at Haneoka," I said simply. "Is Roselia here?"
"They're in your office," she replied. "Been waiting for a while."
"Thanks," I said, heading straight down the hall.
The moment I opened the door to my office, the faint sound of string plucking filled the air. My guitars—my guitars—were in the hands of two very familiar culprits. Sayo was sitting cross-legged on the couch, idly running her fingers over the fretboard of my custom Stratocaster, while Lisa was tuning my bass with visible glee. Both froze the instant they saw me in the doorway, their expressions snapping between guilt and panic.
Ako, predictably, moved first.
"Ah—Riku-nii! I-I'm sorry!" she blurted, waving her hands nervously. "I was the one who asked Lisa-nee and Sayo-san if they could play with your guitar! I asked Rin-Rin first, and she said—"
I raised an eyebrow, finishing the thought for her. "—and she said I wouldn't be mad about it?"
Both Ako and Rinko nodded, faces frozen in that awkward 'please-don't-scold-us' expression. I sighed quietly, stepping further inside.
"Sayo," I said, holding out a hand. "My guitar."
She swallowed, then gently handed it back. I tested the strings, running a few slow chords just to check the tuning. Everything sounded perfect—clean, no unnecessary buzz, no damage. I gave a short nod.
"Alright," I said finally. "No changes, no damage. You can use it if you want, but next time, ask me directly. Not through Rinko."
Relief washed over their faces like a silent wave. All five girls nodded earnestly. Lisa laughed awkwardly and returned the bass to its stand, followed by Sayo carefully setting the Stratocaster down beside it.
I took my seat at the desk, motioning for them to sit. "So," I began, "Rinko told me you all wanted to talk to me. What's going on?"
Yukina was the first to respond, her tone composed as always. "We received a message from an unknown number last night. I was about to open it, but Lisa and Rinko insisted we consult you first."
I leaned back slightly, thinking. "Does Hanabi-san know about this yet?"
Sayo shook her head. "No. We decided to wait until we understand what it is."
"Fair," I replied. Then, glancing at Rinko, "Forward the message to my email."
"On it," she said softly, fingers already moving over her phone. A moment later, my screen lit up with the notification. I clicked it open and skimmed the contents. My lips curled upward as soon as I saw the header.
"Well, how about that," I murmured. "Looks like you girls got an invite."
They all leaned forward.
"To what?" Lisa asked.
I turned the screen so they could see. "The BLAST Asia Rookie Tour."
Yukina blinked. "BLAST... Asia Rookie Tour?"
I nodded. "BLAST's an event organizer in Europe—big name in the DJ circuit. But according to Aya, they've decided to branch out into the competitive band scene. This tour's their first major project in Asia."
Lisa tilted her head. "But... why us? We're not pros yet."
"Remember when I streamed your live performance?" I reminded her. "Apparently, BLAST noticed. They must've liked what they saw, because this tour's all about highlighting 'new blood.' Roselia fits that perfectly. They're inviting up-and-coming bands across Asia to compete."
Sayo crossed her arms, skeptical. "So this isn't just a concert—it's a competition?"
"Exactly." I turned back to the monitor and began typing. "Let's see the full details."
Within seconds, the official page loaded on-screen, the bold header gleaming across the top.
BLAST Asia Rookie Tour
Location: Manila, Philippines
Venue: Araneta Coliseum
Date Start: August 15, 2021
Date End: August 19, 2021
Format: Round-Robin(Group Stage), Single Elimination(Playoffs - King of the Hill)
Prizepool: $1,000,000
Participating Bands:
Roselia - Japan
Gen G - South Korea
Bilibili Music - China
Selangor Red Giants - Malaysia
ONIC - Indonesia
Blacklist International - Philippines
RRQ Hoshi - Thailand
RSG - Singapore
Format:
Group Stage - August 15, 2021:
Two round-robin groups of four bands each
• All matches are Bo1
• Bands are seeded to the playoffs according to their placement (King of the Hill)
•1st place teams are seeded to Semifinals
• 2nd place teams are seeded to Quarterfinals
• 3rd and 4th place teams are seeded to Round 1
Playoffs - August 16 - August 19, 2021:
Single-elimination bracket
• Grand Final is Bo3, all other matches are Bo1
Prize Distribution:
1st - $400,000
2nd - $200,000
3rd - 4th - $100,000
5th - 8th - $50,000
"Damn," Lisa muttered, scanning the list. "That's a stacked lineup..."
"It is," I said. "Each of these bands already made a name in their regions. Some come from major label backings. But BLAST wanted at least one band per country that represented the next generation. That's where you come in."
Ako's eyes sparkled with awe. "So we'll be performing in the Araneta Coliseum? The same one all the big international artists use?!"
I nodded. "That's right."
Rinko clasped her hands over her lap. "It feels... surreal."
"It'll be intense," I admitted. "But this is the kind of pressure that forges legends. You'll be performing against some of the fastest-rising acts in Asia—bands that play like they're breathing the music."
Yukina's voice softened, almost thoughtful. "A true test, then."
"Exactly." I scrolled down to the rules and breakdown. "Group Stage runs on August 15. Two groups of four. All matches are best-of-one performances. The top two bands from each group move forward to the playoffs, which are single elimination. Finals are best-of-three."
Lisa whistled low. "And a million-dollar prize pool? They're not playing around."
"No," I said, smiling faintly. "This isn't just an event. It's a global stage. BLAST is betting that live band competitions can pull the same crowds idols and DJ circuits do. And if it works—this'll be their first of many."
Ako grinned, energy bubbling over. "That means we're making history!"
Rinko looked at her, then smiled gently. "In a way... yes, we are."
I folded my arms, eyes moving between them. "So the question is—are you all in?"
There was no hesitation.
Yukina's answer came first, her tone steady and resolute. "We are."
Sayo nodded firmly beside her. "We've come this far. No reason to stop now."
Lisa pumped a fist in quiet excitement. "Hell yeah. Let's make it count."
Ako beamed, her voice bright. "Roselia's gonna set the stage on fire!"
And Rinko, ever soft-spoken, simply said, "We'll make sure the world remembers our sound."
Their conviction filled the room—quiet at first, then rising like the opening notes of a song about to begin. I couldn't help but smile. That spark was what I wanted to see.
"Good," I said, leaning forward with a grin. "Then make sure that they'll remember the name Roselia for years to come."
"Alright," I said, breaking the mood before it drifted too far. "You'll need to tell Red Bull today. They'll handle the necessary paperwork and coordinate your passports. It's better to move fast before the slots fill up."
Sayo nodded. "I'll call Kinoshita-san later. Still... I didn't expect our first major competition to come this soon."
Yukina exhaled softly. "It's only natural. Every professional eventually faces their first test." Her gaze turned to me. "Thank you for finding this out, Riku-san."
"Don't thank me yet. This is just the start."
The girls began to stand, but I raised my hand, stopping them. "Actually, before you go, there's something else I need to discuss."
They exchanged glances before sitting again. Rinko, who had been quiet since the meeting started, tilted her head slightly, curious.
"This is something Grandfather mentioned last night," I continued. "You all know that the Tanabata Festival is next week, right?"
"Of course," Sayo said with a sigh. "Hina hasn't stopped talking about it for days. She already dragged me into going with her."
Ako chimed in, "Me too! Me and onee-chan are going together!"
Lisa smiled. "Same here. I'm going with Yukina."
Yukina crossed her arms. "But what about you, Riku-san? Why bring this up?"
I leaned back in my chair. "Because Grandfather asked me to perform after the festival closes."
The reaction was immediate—five pairs of eyes widened. Ako was the first to break the silence. "You're performing at the festival? That's so cool, Riku-nii!"
Lisa turned to Rinko. "You knew about this?"
Rinko blinked, shaking her head. "No, this is the first time I've heard of it."
Sayo leaned forward. "Wait—if you're performing, then who's playing with you?"
"That's why I asked you all to stay," I said. "Yukina, if it's alright with you, I'd like to borrow Rinko until the festival."
Yukina's brows lifted slightly. "You mean, you want her to play alongside you as your keyboardist?"
"Exactly. Grandfather told me to assemble a temporary band. For keyboard, Rinko's the obvious choice. For guitar, I already invited Kaoru."
"Seta-san?" Sayo asked, already connecting the dots. "So that's why you came with us to Haneoka yesterday."
"Right," I replied. "And luck was on my side—Kaoru also found me a drummer."
Lisa gave a teasing grin. "Oh? You seem confident about that drummer."
"I am," I said simply. "They'll fit the song I'm writing."
"That just leaves the bassist," Yukina remarked.
"I already have someone in mind," I said. "You'll see soon enough."
Yukina took a moment, then gave a firm nod. "Very well. Rinko can play alongside you. But..." she looked at her bandmate with that leader's weight in her tone, "you're carrying Roselia's name when you perform. I expect nothing but your best."
Rinko stiffened slightly but smiled through it. "H-hai! I won't disappoint, Yukina-san!"
I chuckled. "That's quite the pressure you're putting on her."
"If it pushes her to improve," Yukina replied calmly, "then it's worth it."
Her confidence was contagious.
"Then I'll be counting on you, Rinko."
She nodded quickly. "You can count on me!"
Lisa leaned forward again, curiosity all over her face. "By the way, Riku, do you already have a song for the festival?"
"Not yet. But I'll have one written by the end of the week," I said. "Since I'm free from paperwork this month, I can put all my focus into composing."
Lisa's grin turned sly. "Speaking of which, I heard from PAREO-chan that you and LAYER are dating."
The room went dead silent. Every head turned toward me—except for Rinko, who didn't seem surprised at all.
Sayo blinked. "Eh? Is that true, Riku-san?"
I gave a small nod. "Yeah. Rei and I are going out."
Ako gasped. "So that means she's your fourth fiancée!?"
"Not yet," I corrected her gently. "We're taking things slowly—building our relationship from the ground up. If things go well by the end of the year, then yes, we'll be engaged."
Lisa crossed her arms. "Ah right, that's your family's rule, isn't it? Did you get her family's blessing yet?"
I hesitated for a beat. "Rei told me her parents abandoned her when she was eight. None of her relatives wanted custody, so she's been on her own ever since."
The air grew heavier. Sayo's usual composure faltered. "That's... awful. To think she had to survive like that..."
"Yeah," I said quietly. "But she's not alone anymore. Tae was there for her—helped her stay grounded. Right now, she's living at the Geijutsu dorms."
Yukina perked up slightly. "Geijutsu? As in that elite music school? That explains her skill."
I nodded. "She's a scholar student in the music department. The school covers her expenses, so she doesn't have to worry about living costs. Once she graduates, she'll move into the Nagae Estate."
Sayo turned to Rinko. "Did you already know about this, Rinko?"
"I did," she said softly. "Eli-san and Miyu-chan know too. But I'm curious—do you already have plans for your first date, Riku?"
Lisa laughed. "Oh~ so it's official then! You and LAYER already setting up a date, huh?"
Ako nudged Rinko lightly. "And you're okay with this, Rin-Rin?"
Rinko smiled faintly. "Yeah. But in exchange, Riku has to take us out on a date after."
I raised an eyebrow. "That was already the plan. How about after CiRCLE's second live ends?"
"That's a good day," Rinko replied, tapping her chin. "What about Miyu-chan and Eli-san?"
"I'll ask them once we get home," I said with a small grin. "Anyway, that's everything for today. You girls can start practice while I work on the song draft."
Yukina stood first, her usual calm returning. "Understood. Let's go, everyone."
The others followed her out, chatting softly as they left the room. Once the door shut, the quiet returned again.
I leaned back in my chair, rubbing the back of my neck. For all the chaos that usually came with Roselia's energy, they were quick to adapt—serious when it mattered, lighthearted when they could be.
I turned to the window. The late afternoon light bled through the blinds, painting the desk in gold and shadow. My computer screen still showed the BLAST Asia Tour's announcement, the logo glowing like a distant promise.
Roselia entering that kind of stage would mark the beginning of something bigger—not just for them, but for everyone tied to CiRCLE.
And then there was the festival performance. Grandfather's request wasn't something I could take lightly. A performance at Tanabata wasn't about fame—it was legacy, a gesture of gratitude for the world that raised us.
I took out my notebook, flipped to a clean page, and began scribbling down fragments—melodies, verses, half-formed lines that came from somewhere deep in memory.