Nagae Estate – Garage
July 3, 2021 – Saturday, 8:30 A.M.
The soft hum of the morning hung over the estate, sunlight spilling in through the half-opened garage door. I tightened the cuffs of my white polo, the faint scent of machine oil and fresh polish lingering in the air. Today wasn't just another day—it was the one I'd promised Rei we'd have to ourselves.
Black sweatpants, white polo, no scarf, no hat. Albion had made both unnecessary. The air felt lighter without them, though the habit of reaching for the scarf still lingered in my hands.
Aizawa was already there when I arrived, standing near the far end of the garage. I handed him the key my grandfather had given me earlier, and he took one look at it before his expression shifted in recognition.
"Wait here for a moment, Riku-sama," he said, and disappeared behind the line of parked cars.
A few minutes later, the low growl of an engine echoed through the space—refined, confident, and unmistakably German. When I saw the black sedan roll into view, I couldn't help the faint smile tugging at my mouth.
The Mercedes-Benz S450. Grandfather's favorite. He didn't lend it out lightly. Even from a distance, the car radiated quiet authority—sleek bodywork, understated shine, a few custom modifications that only he would notice. Worth at least two hundred grand, and yet somehow, it felt heavier than that—carrying the weight of his trust.
Aizawa parked it neatly and turned to me. "Here you go, Riku-sama. Try not to get any scratches on it."
"I know," I said, smirking. "If I did, I'm dead sure Grandfather would tear me a new one."
Aizawa chuckled under his breath. "Good thing you remember. Have a good day, Riku-sama."
He bowed and took his leave, the sound of his steps fading beyond the door.
I ran my hand along the car's hood—smooth, cool metal—and climbed into the driver's seat. The interior still smelled faintly like the cologne my grandfather used to wear. When I started the engine, the purr of power felt clean, responsive.
Before I could drive out, three familiar figures appeared by the entrance—Rinko, Eli, and Miyu.
I rolled the window down. "Morning, you three. Here to see me off?"
Eli nodded. "Partly. I also wanted to tell you that Honoka and the others are coming here later for practice."
Miyu chimed in, a small smile on her face. "Haruna-chan and the others will be here too—to hang out."
I turned to Rinko. "And you?"
Rinko clasped her hands in front of her, her voice gentle. "I'll be at CiRCLE today. BLAST's first official practice."
"Got it." I smiled faintly. "Make sure you don't overwork yourselves."
"Hai," she said, returning the smile. "Have a good time, Riku."
I gave them one last look before rolling the window up. The three of them waved as I eased the Mercedes forward and pulled out of the garage, sunlight flashing briefly across the windshield as I drove toward Geijutsu.
Geijutsu Academy – Rei's Dorm Room
9:00 A.M.
Rei's POV
The morning wasn't kind to me. I stared at the open closet, hands on my hips, frustration slowly building. Every hanger held the same problem: not one outfit worth wearing on a date.
I'd brushed off PAREO and Rokka earlier when they'd offered help, insisting I'd be fine. Now I regretted it completely.
"Can't be helped then," I muttered, exhaling sharply. "Guess I'll stick with my usual. Riku doesn't mind... right?"
The silence didn't answer.
I changed quickly, tying my hair back and checking my reflection once more—simple, maybe too simple. But the clock was ticking.
A knock sounded at the door. I opened it to find the dorm mother standing there—Inari-san, graceful as ever, her expression kind.
"Good morning, Wakana-san," she said.
"G-Good morning, Inari-san. Um... is something wrong?"
She smiled faintly. "Nothing at all. But there's someone waiting for you at the entrance—a boy with violet hair, driving a black Mercedes. If I'm guessing right, that's your boyfriend, isn't it?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I nodded, barely managing a flustered "yes."
Her smile softened further as she rested a hand on my shoulder. "I don't object to my tenants having boyfriends. Just make sure to take care of yourself, alright?"
"I will. Thank you, Inari-san."
I hurried out before the blush deepened any further.
The entrance hall was already buzzing with students coming and going, but one figure stood apart from the crowd—leaning casually against a black Mercedes, sunlight catching on his hair. Even from a distance, Riku had that calm presence that drew eyes. I saw a few girls whispering nearby, glancing between us as I walked past them.
"Sorry to make you wait," I said once I reached him.
Riku smiled, eyes warm. "Don't mind it. Though I have to ask... is that what you wanted to wear today?"
I sighed, half embarrassed. "Unfortunately, yes. It's the best I've got right now."
"Hmmm..." He tilted his head thoughtfully. "Then let's stop by a place I know. You can pick out whatever you want—I'll handle the bill."
My voice dropped. "You don't have to—"
"Rei," he said gently, "you're my girlfriend. Making you happy isn't something I have to do. It's something I want to do."
That stopped me. He said it so casually, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. The heat in my face came rushing back.
"Let's just get going," I muttered. "We're starting to draw attention."
Riku chuckled quietly and opened the passenger door for me. I slipped inside, trying to ignore the stares from the other students. He walked around to the driver's side, but before he could start the car, a sudden white blur leapt out from the back seat.
A large white cat landed neatly on his lap.
"Fuyu?!" Riku blinked in disbelief. "What are you doing here? I thought I left you in my room."
The cat tilted her head and let out a soft nyaa.
Riku groaned. "You wanted to come with me? Fuyu, you do know I'm on a date, right?"
Another nyaa, higher-pitched this time.
I blinked, staring between them. "Um... Riku, you understood that?"
He glanced at me, half smiling. "Fuyu's been with me for fifteen years. You start to pick up on things after that long."
"I... see," I said slowly, though I wasn't sure I did. "So what now?"
He exhaled in mock defeat. "We have no choice but to bring her along. Let's head to 7 Rainbow first, then figure out the rest."
Fuyu, apparently satisfied, hopped off his lap and curled up comfortably on mine instead. Her fur was soft and warm, her purr quiet but steady.
"She likes you," Riku said, amusement flickering in his tone as he started the engine.
"I noticed," I murmured, stroking the cat's back.
The Mercedes rolled out of the school gates, the morning sunlight spilling across the road ahead. Riku's hand rested lightly on the steering wheel, expression calm, eyes focused.
I watched him for a moment, then looked out the window. The city felt different when he was there beside me—less distant, somehow brighter.
Fuyu shifted on my lap, purring louder, as if she knew.
Riku glanced at me briefly. "You alright?"
"Yeah," I said, smiling faintly. "Just... happy, I guess."
"Good."
The car hummed quietly as it moved through the city streets, the morning crowd thinning as they neared the shopping district. The day had barely begun, and already, it felt like it was going to be one worth remembering.
7 Rainbow Tokyo Branch
9:45 A.M.
Riku's POV
The drive to 7 Rainbow was quiet, save for the steady hum of the engine and the occasional purr from Fuyu in the back seat. Rei kept glancing out the window—half curious, half still flustered from earlier. When we finally parked in front of the glass-fronted boutique, she let out a soft breath, the kind people make before stepping into unfamiliar territory.
We both got out, Fuyu perched neatly on my arm like she owned the morning. The shop's bell chimed as I pushed open the door, and behind the front desk, a familiar voice greeted us.
"Welcome to—oh. Riku-kun, welcome back. And you brought Fuyu along."
Alice Margatroid, dressed as elegantly as always, with that air of someone who saw more than she said.
"She wanted to tag along," I replied, scratching behind Fuyu's ear. "Didn't exactly have a say in the matter."
Alice smiled thinly. "You're lucky your cat is well behaved. Otherwise, I'd have to throw both of you out." Her eyes shifted past me, landing on Rei. "And who's the girl behind you?"
Rei straightened a little. "I'm Wakana Rei. I'm Riku's girlfriend."
Alice's brow arched. Her gaze flicked between us before settling on me, followed by an exasperated sigh. "So you took another one, then. Figures."
"Don't start," I muttered under my breath.
She only smirked. "Relax, I'm teasing. I'm Alice Margatroid—close friend, occasional enabler." She turned her attention to Rei again. "So, shopping trip?"
"Yeah," I said. "She needs some clothes."
Alice stepped out from behind the counter, her heels clicking softly on the wooden floor. "Then let me help. You can hold the fort for me in the meantime, Riku. I'll make sure she leaves with something she actually likes."
"Fine by me." I gave Rei a small nod. "Take your time."
She nodded back, a bit shyly, and followed Alice deeper into the boutique. Fuyu and I made our way to the counter, where I perched on the edge of the chair. Fuyu stretched lazily, then curled into a ball on the countertop, asleep within seconds.
The store was quiet except for the muted pop music filtering through the speakers. A few regulars drifted in and out, and I handled the register in the meantime, passing off receipts and light conversation. It was oddly peaceful.
Nearly twenty minutes later, the soft click of heels drew my attention. Alice and Rei returned, shopping basket in hand—but what caught me first wasn't the basket.
It was Rei.
She wore a sleeveless black top that framed her shoulders perfectly, paired with high-waisted blue jeans and a lightweight long jacket the color of summer skies. The combination was simple but commanding, elegant without trying. Her hair framed her face just right, her eyes catching the light as she walked.
"So..." she asked, voice hesitant. "How do I look?"
For a second, I forgot to breathe. The words caught somewhere between my throat and the thought of how right she looked in that outfit. Beautiful didn't even start to cover it. She wasn't just dressed well—she looked alive.
Fuyu, ever the realist, tapped my cheek with her paw.
"Huh? Fuyu?" I blinked. "What was that for?"
Alice chuckled from beside Rei, arms crossed and grin sly. "You froze. Been staring at her for a good thirty seconds, Riku. I think her charm short-circuited you."
I rubbed the back of my neck, half embarrassed. Rei's cheeks were already flushed a deep pink.
"Sorry," I admitted. "You just look... too beautiful. And—uh—the way you wear that outfit kinda reminds me of how my mother dresses."
"Really?" Rei asked softly.
Alice nodded before I could answer. "Miku-sama's style is similar to yours, Rei-san. Simple, confident, no skirts."
I smiled faintly. "Yeah. Mom never liked skirts. Said they got in the way."
Rei laughed quietly, and the tension eased a little.
"So," I continued, "did you pick up anything else?"
In answer, Rei lifted the basket in her arms, grinning.
Alice took it from her and returned to the counter, scanning each item herself. "Let's see... altogether, with the outfit she's wearing—that'll be ¥140,000."
I nodded, pulling out my credit card. She swiped it smoothly; the approval tone chimed a second later.
As Alice packed Rei's new clothes, I leaned against the counter. "You heading to the festival next week too, Alice?"
"I am," she said, sealing the last bag. "Could use a break. Marisa's dragging me along with Reimu, actually. What about you?"
"I'll be there," I replied. "Got something to take care of."
"I figured as much." Her smile softened. "Then I'll see you there. And thank you for your patronage, as always."
She bowed slightly before returning to her desk. Rei and I waved goodbye before heading out with Fuyu tucked in my arm again.
The morning air outside felt warmer, filled with the buzz of the city waking up. Rei held her shopping bag close, her expression light for the first time all day.
"Now that you've got your clothes," I asked, "where to next?"
She paused, thinking. "I'm kinda hungry... how about McDonald's?"
"Hmm. Not sure they'll let pets inside," I said, glancing at Fuyu.
She tilted her head up at me, eyes half-lidded.
"You'll stay in the car, huh?"
"~Nyaa.~"
"You sure?"
Another nyaa, softer this time, followed by her rubbing her head against my chest.
"Alright," I said, chuckling. "You can stay in the car. Just keep an eye on it, okay?"
"~Nyaa.~"
Rei smiled as we climbed into the car again. Fuyu yawned, curled up in the backseat, and promptly went back to sleep. I started the engine, the familiar purr filling the silence.
As we pulled onto the main road, the city blurred past in waves of glass and color. Rei leaned her head against the window, sunlight painting her reflection gold. I caught her smiling faintly at nothing in particular—probably just content.
The drive to McDonald's wasn't long, but it felt unhurried, each red light another small pocket of calm between us. Fuyu's tail twitched occasionally in her sleep, and Rei hummed softly under her breath, something melodic and low.
For a moment, I let myself forget everything else—the meetings, the rehearsals, the weight of expectations. It was just the three of us, a quiet morning, and the steady rhythm of the road beneath us.
McDonald's — 11:00 P.M.
Riku's POV
By the time we reached McDonald's, the parking lot was mostly empty, the glow from the yellow arches bleeding into the misty night air. Fuyu said she'd stay behind, and before I could argue, she was already curled up in the back seat, asleep within minutes—like a cat that decided the world could wait until morning.
Rei and I stepped inside, the warm scent of fries and grease greeting us like a lazy, familiar friend. The restaurant was quiet, save for the hum of the fryer and the faint pop music playing overhead. Then came a cheerful voice I hadn't expected to hear this late at night.
"Welcome to McDonald's! Can I take your—" Aya froze mid-sentence, eyes widening. "Riku-kun! And you're with LAYER-chan!"
At the counter beside her, Kanon blinked in surprise. "Does that mean—"
"Yeah," I said before she could finish. "Rei and I are going out. Didn't think I'd run into the two of you working here though. Especially you, Kanon. No offense."
Kanon giggled, shaking her head. "None taken, Riku-kun. I just wanted to get better at talking to people without Kokoro-chan's help. Figured this might be good practice."
"That's... surprisingly practical of you," I said with a small smile. "I respect that."
Aya leaned over the counter, her grin widening. "By the way, Riku-kun, how long have you and LAYER-chan been going out?"
I glanced at Rei, who looked as composed as ever, though her hand brushed her hair back in that way she does when she's trying not to smile too much. "Only a few days," I said. "This is actually our first date."
The moment the words left my mouth, Aya's eyes lit up like someone just handed her a marketing opportunity wrapped in glitter. "Then you have to try this!" she declared, reaching under the counter.
Kanon perked up. "Oh right! The couple's meal set! It came out last week. You two should try it!"
Rei and I exchanged a look, the kind that spoke volumes without a word. On the tray picture was the so-called "Couple's Meal": two Big Macs, a massive shared fries, a large sundae, and two drinks. It was cheesy, but... fitting.
"Alright," I said. "We'll take that. For the drinks, I'll have iced tea. Not really a fan of carbonated stuff."
That stopped the three of them dead.
"Eh?" Aya blinked.
"Fueh?" Kanon tilted her head.
"Wha—" Rei looked genuinely confused.
I raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"You don't like carbonated drinks?" Rei asked, disbelief tugging at her usually calm tone.
"Welcome to one of the few who know that now," I said flatly.
Aya stammered, her hands fumbling with the register. "V-Very well, s-so this will be all?"
I nodded. "Yeah."
She printed the receipt and slid it toward me. "That'll be ¥3,200."
"Do you take credit?"
A nod. She pulled out the scanner. I handed over my card, and the small beep of approval sounded a moment later.
Aya smiled, visibly relieved to return to normalcy. "Here's your order!" she said brightly, sliding the tray over.
"Thanks," I said, taking it from her. Rei followed me to a vacant booth near the window. The view outside was quiet—only the reflection of neon lights shimmering off the rain-streaked pavement.
We sat down. I slid one of the burgers toward her, then leaned back against the seat.
"I didn't expect you to dislike carbonated drinks," Rei said, unwrapping her burger.
"Now you know one of my quirks."
"Your childhood friends probably know too, right?"
"Yeah," I said with a smirk. "Them, and Johan. The rest of OG too. I'm actually surprised they didn't kick me out of the band, considering Red Bull's one of our sponsors."
Rei laughed, the sound low and soft. "And how exactly did you end up hating soft drinks?"
I hesitated. "You can blame Tenshi."
Her brows lifted slightly. "Tenshi?"
"Yeah. And before you ask, no, I don't wanna talk about it."
But the memory came back anyway. I could still feel it—the carbonation sting, the burn in my throat, the chaos that followed. I was eight, sitting at the piano, just minding my own business when Tenshi came in like a storm. Without warning, she grabbed a full liter of Coke and forced it down my throat like it was some kind of game. Then, because apparently humiliation wasn't enough, she dropped mints into the bottle mid-chug.
It exploded in my mouth like a chemical bomb. I thought I was going to die right there—fizz, foam, and fury. I snapped, and before anyone could stop me, half the estate nearly went up in lightning. I smashed Tenshi's head into the ground ten times before our parents dragged us apart.
Punishment was inevitable. She got the harsher end—her magic sealed, Sword of Hisou confiscated, and two years of reflection time at Myouren Temple. I was sent to Eientei, forced to assist Eirin-san for a year as penance. Kutaka-san examined my throat afterward; no damage, she said. But my trust in soft drinks? Gone forever.
Still, there was no way in hell I was telling Rei that story.
Rei studied me for a moment, eyes searching, but then she smiled faintly. "Alright. I won't press."
"Thanks," I said, exhaling a quiet laugh. "Let's just eat. Don't wanna leave Fuyu in the car too long."
Rei nodded, unwrapping her burger completely. "Itadakimasu."
I mirrored her. "Itadakimasu."
The first bite hit like nostalgia—grease, salt, and the faint sweetness of the sauce. The kind of food that didn't pretend to be anything more than comfort. Rei ate neatly, though she couldn't hide the small pleased hum that slipped out as she chewed. Watching her in the simple light of the restaurant—away from the stage, the crowd, the pressure—it felt... peaceful. Real.
Between bites, she looked up at me. "You know, it's nice seeing this side of you. The one that isn't surrounded by expectations."
I chuckled. "I could say the same to you."
"Touché," she said softly, smiling behind her cup of iced tea.
For a moment, neither of us spoke. The quiet hum of the fryer filled the space, along with the muffled laughter of Aya and Kanon from behind the counter. It wasn't a grand night, not by any means. No fireworks, no luxury restaurants, no glittering skyline. Just us, under fluorescent lights, sharing a meal that probably wasn't great for our health but felt right anyway.
I took another bite, then leaned back, watching her. "Y'know," I said, "if someone told me a few months ago that my first date with LAYER would be in a McDonald's at eleven p.m., I'd have laughed."
Rei smirked, stirring her drink with the straw. "And yet, here we are."
"Yeah," I said quietly. "Here we are."
Outside, the drizzle had turned into a steady rain, droplets streaking across the glass in thin silver lines. The neon sign flickered faintly, its reflection warping across Rei's eyes as she gazed out at the dark street. For a moment, I forgot about everything else—clan duties, duels, the chaos waiting for us beyond this quiet night.
Just her, the soft hum of the world around us, and the small warmth of something new.
-----------
TAITO Station Akihabara – 2:30 P.M.
Third Person POV
When Riku and Rei returned to the car after their late-night meal, they found Fuyu awake and patiently waiting in the driver's seat. The small cat blinked at them, tail flicking lazily as though silently demanding an update on their "mission." Riku couldn't help but chuckle, reaching over to scratch behind her ears before sliding into the driver's seat.
When he asked Rei what they should do next, she suggested something simple—just drive around the city for a while. The idea appealed to him more than he expected. So, they did. The car rolled quietly through Akihabara's neon glow, passing rows of vending machines, sleepy cafés, and billboards that flashed with colors too bright for the hour.
Two hours slipped away easily, with music humming softly through the speakers and the kind of silence between them that felt comfortable rather than empty. By the time the sun began to drift toward the horizon, Riku steered the car toward a more lively destination.
"An arcade," he said, parking beside the bright red sign of TAITO Station Akihabara. The place was iconic—three floors of lights, music, and chaos, filled with the kind of energy that never seemed to die no matter the time of day. "Thought we could have a bit of fun before heading back."
Rei gave a small smile. "You sound confident. Are you planning to impress me with your gaming skills?"
"Maybe," he said, grinning. "Just don't expect mercy."
Fuyu blinked up from her seat, unimpressed, before curling herself into a fuzzy loaf as if declaring she was sitting this one out. Riku carried her carefully inside, only for the entrance staff to halt them with polite confusion.
"Sir, we don't usually allow pets—"
"It's not a pet," Riku began automatically, before realizing how ridiculous that sounded. After a few minutes of awkward explaining—plus Rei's calm mediation—they were granted entry on one condition: the cat behaves.
Fuyu meowed once, as if to promise she would.
Inside, the air was a whirl of sound—rhythmic drumming, electronic jingles, clattering buttons, and laughter. Colored lights flickered off metallic walls, and rows of machines stretched endlessly in both directions. Riku looked around, feeling a nostalgic rush. He hadn't been to a place like this in ages.
As they wandered through the aisles searching for something they could play together, a familiar beat caught his ear—a taiko rhythm, sharp and quick, followed by an enthusiastic shout.
He turned toward the sound.
"Ako-chan? Tomoe?"
The Udagawa sisters looked up from their game, each holding a pair of drumsticks. Ako's eyes widened instantly. "Riku-nii! You're here—with LAYER-san? Are you two going on a date?"
Tomoe blinked. "Wait, date? Oh—so it's official now?" She smiled warmly. "Congratulations, you two."
"Thanks," Riku said. "Didn't expect to see you both here though."
Tomoe shrugged, sweat glistening faintly on her temple. "It's been a while since Ako and I hung out, just the two of us. Thought we'd relive some old days."
Ako beamed, puffing her chest with pride. "That's right! Onee-chan's got the highest score here on the taiko machine!"
Riku tilted his head toward the display behind them. "You might want to look again."
Both sisters turned—and froze. Tomoe's name had been knocked down to second place. Her brows knit together in confusion, then widened as she noticed the new record was tied for first.
A low, familiar voice spoke up behind them. "Looks fun, ain't it?"
Masuki leaned casually against the next machine, arms crossed and a smirk tugging at her lips.
"You—" Tomoe started.
"King!!" Ako squealed, running up to her.
Rei blinked, slightly amused. "Masuki? You're here too?"
"Of course," Masuki said with a short laugh. "I come here to blow off some steam now and then. Didn't think I'd run into you two lovebirds, though. About damn time, huh?"
Rei chuckled, her cheeks faintly pink. "Thanks... I suppose."
Masuki twirled her drumsticks. "Anyway, Tomoe—how about a showdown?"
The challenge was all it took. A spark lit in Tomoe's crimson eyes, and she straightened, cracking her knuckles. "You're on."
Ako jumped to the side. "Oh! This is gonna be good!"
Riku exchanged a quick look with Rei before they, along with Ako, took a few steps back. The crowd around them began to thin as the two drummers squared off, each gripping their sticks like warriors before a duel.
The game began.
The first few beats were even—clean, precise strikes echoing through the arcade. Tomoe matched Masuki's rhythm easily at first, both of them moving with almost mechanical precision. But after the two-hundred-fiftieth beat, Riku noticed the shift.
"Masuki's getting faster," Rei murmured, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Yeah," Riku said. "Tomoe's tempo's slipping a bit. Wait—"
He glanced toward the screen and frowned. The difficulty was set to Lunatic. One mistake there meant disaster.
As the music intensified, Tomoe's hands began to falter. Her confidence wavered for a heartbeat, but before she could lose the rhythm entirely, Ako stepped closer, calling out, "You can do it, onee-chan! You're not losing to King, are you?"
That did it. Tomoe's shoulders straightened. A faint smirk returned. Her drumsticks struck the surface with renewed vigor, each hit syncing perfectly to the beat. She started catching up, inch by inch, until the scoreboards began flashing side by side again.
The two drummers refused to yield—beat after beat, strike after strike, the rhythm escalating into something ferocious.
By the time the final note hit, both Tomoe and Masuki were drenched in sweat, collapsing to the floor beside their machines, gasping for breath.
"T-That was... exhausting..." Tomoe wheezed.
"Agreed," Masuki panted.
Ako hopped anxiously beside them. "W-Who won?"
"Let's find out," Riku said, stepping closer to scroll through the rankings. When the screen flashed, even he blinked in disbelief.
"Tied," he muttered. "You're both in second."
"W-What?" Masuki leaned forward. "Then who the hell's in first?"
"Phew~"
They all turned.
A few machines away stood Maya, still holding her drumsticks, a bead of sweat running down her cheek. Her normally calm expression was lit up by the flickering lights of the arcade.
"What's wrong, you guys?" she asked, voice airy as ever.
"NO WAY!!!" Tomoe, Masuki, and Ako shouted in unison.
The screen confirmed it—Maya's score towered above theirs by a wide margin.
"Maya, you're here too," Riku said, smiling. "Didn't notice you earlier."
"Oh, Riku-san! And you're with LAYER-san too!" Maya laughed, brushing her bangs aside.
Riku crossed his arms, nodding approvingly. "Kaoru was right about you. Your skills are the real deal."
Maya waved her hands, flustered. "I-It's nothing much~ I just... play for fun~"
Rei smiled faintly. "You're being modest."
Before Maya could protest further, Riku leaned in slightly, lowering his tone. "Well, being humble's fine and all... but you might want to turn around."
"Eh?" Maya turned—only to see Tomoe and Masuki standing behind her, now fully recharged and glaring with newfound determination. Their combined aura practically radiated heat.
Both grabbed Maya by the hands.
"I challenge you!" they declared in perfect sync.
"E-Eh?! W-Wait! Riku-san, help me out here!"
Riku chuckled, raising his hands. "Sorry, Maya. You're on your own this time. I've got a date to continue."
"NOOO!"
Rei couldn't help but laugh softly as they walked away, Maya's desperate pleas fading behind them.
"Is it really okay to leave her like that?" she asked.
Riku shrugged lightly. "She'll be fine. Honestly, I think she'll beat them again."
"That's a bold claim," Rei said.
"I was skeptical about her drumming too, until Kaoru told me just how good she is. Guess we just saw proof." He smiled to himself, the din of the arcade fading into the background. "Maya's got more power in her hands than people give her credit for—hm?"
Something soft brushed against his ankle. He looked down—and froze. A plushie lay at his feet, round and pastel-colored, its button eyes staring blankly up at him.
He blinked, half-amused, half-bewildered. "Now where'd you come from?"
Riku blinked at the odd sight before him, staring at the small mountain of stuffed toys piled near the arcade entrance. "How did this get here?" he muttered, half to himself.
Before he could make sense of it, a bright voice called out—
"Onii-san!!"
He turned just in time to see Flandre Scarlet rushing toward him, her red eyes gleaming with delight. Behind her, Remilia followed in composed irritation, while Sakuya trailed them both, stoic as ever, pushing a cart loaded with bags that were overflowing with prizes.
Flandre threw herself into Riku's arms without hesitation. The force of the hug nearly knocked him off balance, but he caught her easily and returned the gesture, patting her head with a soft chuckle. "Easy there, Flan. Didn't expect you three to be here."
Remilia folded her arms, her smile sharp yet amused. "Well, Flan wanted new toys, and she insisted on enjoying herself. So we came here to indulge her whim. Simple enough, yes?"
Riku arched a brow. "Right. But what about her ability? You know she could destroy anything she touches, right?"
Sakuya stepped forward smoothly, always ready with an explanation. "Patchouli-sama made a device specifically to suppress Imouto-sama's power. With it, her ability won't activate accidentally. Take a look at her left ear."
Riku leaned closer, noticing a small earring shaped like a scarlet gem glinting faintly under the fluorescent lights. "Ah... I see. Clever." He straightened, crossing his arms. "So, are you girls headed home after this?"
Remilia hesitated, looking off to the side. "Well... the truth is... we're getting kicked out."
He blinked. "I beg your pardon?"
Sakuya sighed softly, her usual calm tinged with exasperation. "Imouto-sama emptied the entire aisle of prizes."
Riku leaned sideways, peering down the row of crane machines. Every single one was stripped clean—no plushies, no keychains, not even a consolation trinket left behind. A long pause followed. Then he buried his face in his palm.
"No wonder you got kicked out," he muttered. "Alright, well... be safe on your way home. And Flan—" He looked down at her with a small smile. "Try leaving a few prizes for other people next time, yeah?"
Flandre nodded, puffing her cheeks slightly but smiling anyway. "Mhm!"
"By the way, Riku-boy," Remilia added, her grin turning sly. "Patchy wants to have a word with you."
"Is it urgent?" Riku asked. "I've got my hands full right now."
Remilia waved a gloved hand dismissively. "Then after the festival, perhaps?"
"I can work with that."
"Good. Come along, Sakuya."
Sakuya inclined her head. "Understood. Now then, Imouto-sama, let go of Riku-sama. It's time to head home."
Flandre reluctantly released her hold, giving Riku one last squeeze before trotting after her sister and maid. The three of them vanished into the evening crowd, Sakuya's pushcart squeaking faintly against the floor.
Once they were gone, Riku exhaled a tired breath. "Well, that sucks. I was planning for us to have fun on the crane games but..." He trailed off, noticing something across the arcade. "Hm?"
Rei tilted her head beside him. "What is it?"
Riku's eyes landed on a piano simulator in the corner, the screen flashing through demo melodies. He smiled faintly. "Rei, want to play the piano for once?"
She blinked, surprised. "Eh? Me? Um... sure."
They walked over together, weaving past groups of laughing teens and the flicker of colored lights. The machine was polished to a shine, its digital keys waiting. Riku slid a coin into the slot, and the interface came to life, displaying a library of songs. He scrolled through casually—then froze.
On the screen, a familiar title appeared: Maiden's Capriccio ~ Dream Battle.
Riku stared for a moment, speechless. "...How the hell did this get here?"
Rei frowned slightly. "Something wrong, Riku?"
He shook his head slowly, still processing. "This... is one of my pieces. I wrote it for Reimu."
Rei's expression softened. "Is that so? Then... can I listen to it?"
A quiet smile tugged at his lips. "Sure. Let's try it out." He handed Fuyu, the large cat, into Rei's arms. "Hold onto her for me."
Rei nodded gently, hugging the creature close as Riku took his seat at the machine. His fingers hovered above the illuminated keys for a heartbeat. Then he inhaled deeply—and began to play.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6dXoC0YEhg
The first notes were soft, almost fragile. They carried through the arcade despite the noise, drawing a hush around the nearby players. Rei felt something stir in her chest. The melody was bright but lonely, each note threaded with quiet emotion.
And then... the world around her began to shift.
The flashing lights faded. The laughter of the arcade dimmed. Rei blinked—and suddenly, she stood on a mountain path under a soft, scarlet sky. At the summit was a lone shrine, its torii gate glowing faintly in the sunset. A breeze rustled through the trees.
She saw a girl step out of the shrine, broom in hand, wearing a red and white outfit trimmed with ribbons. Her expression carried a quiet sadness, the kind born of solitude.
"Is that... Reimu?" Rei whispered.
The shrine maiden sighed as she began sweeping the courtyard, each stroke of the broom aligning perfectly with the rhythm of Riku's playing. When she finished, she walked to the offering box—and frowned. It was empty.
A shadow passed over her features. Still, she didn't linger. She turned, descending the mountain toward the village below.
As Reimu passed through the streets, villagers greeted her warmly, bowing and smiling. She responded politely, but there was a weight in her eyes—a tiredness behind every nod. The reverence felt hollow.
When her errands were done, she climbed back to her shrine, arms full of simple groceries. She placed them away, then sat in her room, spreading out sheets of blank paper. With steady hands, she pricked her finger and let a drop of blood fall into the ink. The color deepened, crimson and alive.
Rei could almost smell the faint iron tang as Reimu began to write, her brush gliding with practiced precision. One by one, the ofuda took form—sigils of protection, sealing, and purification.
Then Reimu paused. Her head lifted slightly. Something had shifted in the air.
Two yin-yang orbs floated up beside her, glowing faintly. Without a word, she rose and flew out into the night.
When she arrived at the forest's edge, a horde of rogue youkai awaited her—snarling, writhing things cloaked in shadows.
The melody swelled.
Reimu's eyes hardened. Without hesitation, she lifted her arm. Scarlet light flared across the sky.
"Puny youkai that writhe in the black of night..." Her voice was calm, yet it carried authority that shook the air. "Will you flee or fight? Now is your last chance."
Reimu drew a talisman, pressing it to her chest. "Dream Sign—'Experimental Sealing Circle!'"
A massive square of red light formed around her, runes blazing across its border. The ground trembled as energy pulsed outward, scattering the lesser youkai like dust. When the light faded, only one remained—a towering, monstrous form that seemed to warp the air around it.
Reimu's attacks peppered its hide, but the creature barely flinched. Her brow furrowed. She hesitated for a fraction of a second, then reached deep into her sleeve. The orbs around her pulsed brighter, feeding off her will.
"The heavens. The earth. You. And even myself..." Her hair lifted in the force of her power. "There is nothing that will hold me back."
Her voice rose—steady, resolute.
"Experimental Fantasy Nature!!"
The sky erupted. The two orbs fused into one blinding sphere, unleashing a storm of immense ofuda bullets that tore through the air. The monster roared as each shot seared into its body. Finally, Reimu extended her arm, channeling all her power into one strike.
The orb surged forward like a meteor, piercing straight through the creature's chest. A brilliant flash consumed everything.
When the light died down, only fragments of the beast remained, disintegrating into nothing.
Reimu descended slowly, her ribbon fluttering in the night breeze. Amid the drifting embers, a lone youkai—small, trembling—crawled from the wreckage. She reached down, grabbed it by the throat, and stared coldly into its eyes.
"Alright," she said quietly. "Now you can take me to the one behind all this. It's in your best interest to do so."
The vision blurred.
Rei blinked as the crimson sky melted away, replaced by the soft lights of the arcade. The music ended with a final chord that lingered in the air like a sigh.
Rei was still looking at the piano keys when the last note faded. Her hands trembled faintly, not from fear—but from the echo of what she'd just seen. "Riku... what was that? It felt... so real."
Riku leaned slightly on the piano's edge, the faint blue glow from the screen reflecting in his eyes. "So you saw it too, huh?" His tone was quiet, almost amused. "That's what Rinko and the others said a few months ago. Guess the song still has that effect."
Rei blinked, trying to piece it together. "It was like... watching her life through your eyes."
He gave a slow nod. "Normally, this piece's supposed to be fast—energetic, almost reckless. But I made a slower version. Something that carries what I actually felt when I wrote it." He smiled faintly, resting his hand on the keys. "Anyway... want to give it a try? I'll be right here to help."
Her lips curved into a small, nervous smile as she nodded. "Alright." She passed Fuyu back to him, the little creature curling comfortably in his arms. Then Rei selected one of the easier pieces from the screen—something light and melodic.
She sat on the stool, her fingers hovering awkwardly above the keys. Riku moved behind her, close enough that she could feel his calm presence. When her rhythm faltered, his hand gently guided hers, steadying her timing. Little by little, the hesitant notes began to form a song.
For a while, they played together—one leading, the other following. The noise of the arcade faded into the background. Just the two of them, and the quiet rhythm of shared sound.
By the time they left, the sun had already begun to sink.
----------
Geijutsu Academy – Entrance
6:00 P.M.
The drive back was peaceful. The roads were nearly empty, painted gold by the late afternoon light. Halfway through the trip, Rei had fallen asleep, her head resting against the car window. Her breathing was steady, her expression softer than usual.
Riku didn't wake her. He just kept driving, the hum of the engine and the faint rhythm of the tires keeping him company. When the car finally rolled to a stop in front of the Geijutsu gates, he reached over and tapped her cheek gently.
"Rei. Wake up. We're here."
Rei stirred, her lashes fluttering before she blinked awake. Realizing she'd dozed off halfway through, her face flushed pink. "S-sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep..."
Riku chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't be. You're tired, I can tell. Besides, you earned it." His smile turned softer. "So... how was our first date?"
She rubbed her eyes, still a bit groggy but smiling. "It was great. I had fun. Doing something that isn't tied to the band feels... freeing."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Mm. I hope we can do this again next time."
"If my schedule allows it," he said, teasingly.
That earned a laugh from both of them. Rei stepped out of the car, stretching her arms before reaching into the back seat to grab the shopping bags from earlier. As she was about to head toward the dorm building, Riku's voice stopped her.
"Rei! Wait—I forgot something."
She turned around just as he closed the car door and walked toward her. There was something small in his hand—a velvet black box.
"What's this?" she asked, tilting her head.
"I want you to open it once you're in your room," he said, offering it to her.
Her fingers brushed his as she accepted it. "Alright. I will."
"By the way," Riku added, "are you free next week?"
Rei thought for a moment. "Yeah. Chu²'s still sorting out which tournaments and live shows we're joining. She said it'll take at least two more weeks before we get anything confirmed."
"I see. Then come to CiRCLE tomorrow at eight."
"CiRCLE?" she repeated, curious. "Sure, I'll go. Good night, Riku."
"Good night to you too."
Riku smiled, then leaned down to press a gentle kiss on her forehead. The gesture was brief but enough to make Rei freeze where she stood, her cheeks flushing a deep red as he turned back to his car.
"Drive safe," she managed to say softly as he waved and drove off.
The taillights faded down the road, leaving her standing by the gate, holding the small black box against her chest. Her heart was still racing by the time she reached her dorm.
Geijutsu Academy – Rei's Room
The room was quiet when she entered. Rei placed her shopping bags on the table, then sat down slowly on the edge of her bed, the box still in her hands.
She hesitated for a moment—then lifted the lid.
Her breath caught.
Inside, resting on black velvet, was a necklace—a black diamond pendant lined with small sapphires, each one set perfectly into a delicate gold chain. It shimmered faintly in the lamplight, elegant and understated yet undeniably beautiful.
Rei's eyes widened. "Th-this is... how did he even—?"
She looked closer and noticed a folded note tucked inside the box. Carefully, she opened it.
I bought this while you were sleeping. I wanted to give you something as a sign of our relationship, and this is what I could give you. Take care of yourself, love.
— Riku
For a moment, Rei couldn't speak. Her eyes stung, but she fought to keep the tears from falling. A shaky smile formed instead as she pressed the note gently to her chest.
"Riku..." she whispered, her voice soft and full. "Thank you..."
She lifted the necklace, letting it catch the light again, the sapphire center gleaming like the reflection of the night sky.
Holding it close, Rei lay back on her bed, still smiling faintly. The quiet hum of the dorm around her faded into the background, leaving only the steady beat of her heart—and the lingering warmth of someone who'd thought of her even while she slept.
Live House CiRCLE – July 4, 2021, Sunday, 8:30 A.M.
Riku's POV
A day had passed since my date with Rei. By the time I got back home, I barely had time to rest before Rinko, Eli, and Miyu cornered me with curious smiles that told me I wasn't escaping the interrogation.
They wanted every detail.
I told them what they wanted to know — from the start of the date to how it ended. Rinko's expression softened into something between satisfaction and pride, Eli had that knowing grin she always wore when things went well, and Miyu looked quietly pleased. When Rinko asked when our next date would be, I had to tell her the truth — not anytime soon. The gathering was a month away, and I had preparations to handle. She understood right away, even if there was a hint of disappointment in her eyes.
Now, here I was, back at CiRCLE with Rinko by my side. The morning air still carried that faint chill before summer heat settled in. I'd reserved Studio 1 early, knowing how packed this place could get before festivals.
We were waiting for the ones who would be joining me onstage soon. I leaned against one of the tables, arms crossed, listening to the faint hum of amps and chatter from other bands rehearsing nearby.
The door opened.
Kaoru stepped in, carrying her guitar case like it was a royal scepter, her usual composed smile never faltering. Maya trailed behind her, visibly nervous but polite as ever.
"We have arrived, ani-sama," Kaoru announced in that dramatic way only she could pull off. "I take it we're the first ones to arrive?"
Maya gave a small bow. "T-thanks for having me."
Rinko turned toward them. "Kaoru-san... and Yamato-san? She's the drummer you picked?"
I nodded. "Kaoru recommended her, and after looking into it, I agreed. Maya's got the right energy for what I have in mind."
Kaoru straightened proudly at that, while Maya blushed faintly.
"Anyway," I added, glancing at the door, "we're just waiting for one more. She'll be here right about—"
The door opened again, almost on cue. Rei stepped in, bass slung over her shoulder, her calm expression brightened by the faint smile she gave me.
Rinko folded her hands together. "So Rei-san is your bassist."
"Yeah." I couldn't help a small grin. "Glad you made it, Rei. Now that everyone's here, let's move to Studio 1. We've got a lot to go over."
The girls followed without question. I asked Marina at the counter to keep an eye on things while we were inside.
Studio 1
The familiar scent of wood and cables greeted us the moment I opened the studio door. Rei and Kaoru placed their instruments carefully near the wall, while Rinko began setting up at the keyboard station. Maya hovered near the drum kit, her eyes darting over the equipment like she was memorizing every piece.
I clapped my hands lightly. "Alright. Thanks for coming, all of you."
Kaoru gave her usual theatrical bow. "I will always answer your call, ani-sama."
Rei smirked. "You did tell me I had to be here, so here I am."
Maya raised her hand halfway. "S-so, what's this important thing you wanted to talk about?"
I took a breath. "You're all aware that Tanabata is coming up soon, right?"
The three of them nodded, though Rinko looked a bit unsure about where this was going.
"Well," I continued, "Yuyuko-san asked me to perform at the end of the festival. I'll be closing the event. But I don't plan to do it alone."
Maya blinked. "Wait... you mean—"
"Yeah," I said, letting a small smile show. "You four are going to play with me."
There was a beat of silence. Rei tilted her head slightly. "Riku, that's a bit sudden, don't you think? We'll have barely any time to practice. And what about the songs?"
"That's why I asked if you all had free time leading up to the festival." I reached into my bag and pulled out a folder, passing it to Rei. "As for the songs, I finished them yesterday."
Rei opened the folder, eyes scanning the first page. "Yozora no Crayon..." she read softly.
"Yeah. I wrote that one specifically for Tanabata. The second song will be Ano Yume wo Nazotte by Tenshi. I already have the sheet music printed."
Rinko's eyes lit up. "That song's beautiful. It'll fit the festival perfectly."
Maya still looked uncertain. "Riku-san... why us?"
Her question hung in the air for a moment. I could feel the others wondering the same thing. I met Maya's eyes.
"Because you each bring out something that my music needs."
I turned to Rinko first. "You've got a sense for melody that few others do. When you play, it's not just notes — it's emotion. That's what gives a song life."
Then to Kaoru. "You're flamboyant, yeah — but beneath that is control. Your guitar skills are pro-level. You know how to fill a space without drowning it."
Rei met my gaze with quiet curiosity. "And me?"
"I need a bassist who can keep up with me," I said simply. "You're that person. You've got precision and tone — and you don't get lost in your own rhythm. You match mine without effort."
Finally, I turned back to Maya. "And as for you... I read your file, listened to your recordings, and both Kaoru and Chisato vouched for you. Your timing, your fills — they've got discipline. That's rare. You're not just good. You're dependable."
Maya's eyes widened slightly. "You trust me that much?"
"Why wouldn't I?" I said, crossing my arms. "If Kaoru and Chisato trust you, that's more than enough for me."
She looked down, biting her lip as if unsure whether to believe it. A few seconds later, she lifted her head — determination written clear across her face.
"I'll do it," she said firmly. "I won't let you down, Riku-san."
"Good," I replied with a nod. "Then let's get to work."
Kaoru and Rei started unpacking their instruments, plugging in and adjusting their amps. The low hum of tuning filled the studio — guitar strings tightening, bass notes rumbling softly, Rinko testing chords on her keyboard, Maya tapping lightly at the snare to test the rebound.
Once everyone was set, I laid out the plan.
"Here's how we'll run things. We'll start with the guitar solo section, then bass, then keyboard. Drums will come last."
Maya tilted her head. "Why am I last?"
"So you can hear how the others play first," I explained. "It'll give you a better sense of the tempo and flow. You'll be the one tying all of it together."
She nodded thoughtfully. "Ah... I see. That's a smart approach. This is how OG practices, isn't it?"
"Yeah," I said with a small smile. "Old habits die hard."
The air in the room shifted — the easy chatter gave way to quiet focus. Rei adjusted her bass strap and gave me a small nod. Kaoru flicked her wrist dramatically before strumming the opening chord.
"Alright," I said, counting them in. "We've only got a few days to get this right. Let's make them count."
"Hai!" the four of them replied in unison, energy flaring in the tight studio.
Kaoru began with a clean riff that set the tone — smooth yet fiery, just like her. Rei followed, her bass sliding in with a warm depth that grounded the melody. Rinko's keys soon joined, shimmering like light on water.
Maya closed her eyes as she listened, her hands hovering over the sticks until instinct kicked in. When she finally struck the first beat, the rhythm locked perfectly — as if the song had always belonged to the five of us.
Watching them play, I couldn't help the small sense of pride that built in my chest.
This wasn't OG, and it wasn't the polished perfection of a professional stage — but it was something different. Something alive.
Maybe that was what Tanabata was supposed to be about — connections that bridge the space between stars, even if only for one fleeting moment.
And for now, that was enough.
To be continued...
Spell Cards Used:
Dream Sign: "Experimental Sealing Circle"
Spell Type: Offensive Spell Card
Target: AOE
Danmaku Type: Light Bullet
Element: Sun
User: Hakurei Reimu
Experimental Fantasy Nature
Spell Type: Last Word
Target: AOE
Danmaku Type: Ofuda Bullet
Element: Wood, Sun
User: Hakurei Reimu