Hazawa Coffee
3:45 P.M.
Riku's POV
The soft chime of the bell above the door greeted us as I stepped into Hazawa Coffee with Rui. The place had an old-town charm to it—warm wood, quiet chatter, and the faint hum of jazz threading through the air. The scent of roasted beans and baked goods wrapped the room like a blanket. Grandfather once told me to drop by here if I ever wanted to "remember what peace feels like." Took me a while, but I finally listened.
Before we could even take another step, a cheerful voice called out from behind the counter.
"Welcome to Hazawa Coffee! How may I—oh! Riku-san! Welcome!!" Eve waved excitedly, her golden hair bouncing as she practically glowed. "I think this is your first time here!"
I blinked. "Eve? I didn't know you worked here."
She puffed her chest proudly. "Well, now you know! I'm helping out when I'm not with PasuPare." Then her eyes darted to Rui behind me, and a teasing grin crept up. "Ara~ who's this? Don't tell me—"
"It's not what you think," I cut in quickly. "She's a friend. We're just here to talk—it's been a long time since we've seen each other."
"Ohhh~ I see now," she replied, still wearing that knowing grin. "Very well then! Allow me to take you two to your seats!"
Eve led us to a small table beside the window, where the late afternoon sun spilled across the polished surface. It was the kind of spot that made you want to linger—somewhere between cozy and exposed. I thanked her as we sat down, and she handed us menus with her usual bright smile.
"I'll have an espresso and a slice of blueberry cheesecake," I said.
"I'll just have an apple pie," Rui followed softly.
Eve noted our orders and left us in the quiet hum of the café. For a while, neither of us said a word. Only the muted clinking of cups and the low murmur of other customers filled the silence between us. Rui kept her gaze down, her fingers tracing the edge of the table like she was drawing circles around her thoughts.
Then she finally spoke, her voice trembling just enough to make me look up.
"...Why?"
I tilted my head slightly. "Why what?"
Her eyes lifted to meet mine, guilt swimming behind them. "Why are you still talking to me like nothing happened? After everything I said to you... back then."
So that's where we were going. The wound from years ago hadn't closed—it had only scarred over, fragile and thin.
She was talking about that day at the violin competition. The one where she reached the top four but didn't win. The one where the disappointment cracked her confidence open like glass. I remembered standing beside her after the results were announced—trying to tell her that losing didn't mean she wasn't talented, that one setback didn't erase everything she'd built. But grief has a way of twisting comfort into mockery. She lashed out. Said things she didn't mean. That she wished she'd never met me—or Rinko.
She ran off before either of us could stop her. Rinko wanted to chase her, but I told her to let Rui breathe. Some pain doesn't need witnesses—it needs silence.
Now, sitting across from her years later, I saw the same look she wore when she realized what she'd said back then: remorse, raw and heavy.
"You think I'd hate you just because of that?" I asked quietly.
Her eyes widened. "Eh?"
"I understood why you were angry. Losing hurts. Sometimes, it feels easier to break something—someone—than admit how much it hurts inside. People lash out. It's... human."
She clenched her fists on her lap. "You don't understand. You can't. You're talented, Riku—you never lose."
I couldn't help a small laugh escape me. Not mocking. Just tired.
"Who told you that?"
Her gaze flickered in confusion. "You mean—you have lost?"
I leaned back against the seat, pulling out my phone. "More than you think."
When I unlocked the screen, I opened a folder buried deep under the layers of other projects. "Here," I said, sliding the phone toward her. "See for yourself."
She frowned. "What is this?"
"It's a recording of a band tournament I joined a few years ago. The International—you've probably never heard of it."
She shook her head. "No. I wasn't interested in those kind of things until now."
"I see." I smiled faintly. "It's the biggest global competition for bands. Sixteen teams from all over the world. I joined after I switched from classical to modern music. I became the rhythm guitarist for a band called OG."
Rui blinked, startled. "You... switched genres? From classical to modern?"
I nodded. "Six years ago. I wanted to see how far music could go if I stepped outside tradition. The tournament I'm showing you—TI7—it wasn't our best moment. In fact, it was one of my worst."
I pressed play.
The video filled the silence with the roar of a crowd. The screen showed a younger version of me on stage, focused but tense. Rui watched in complete stillness as the match played out. Even without knowing the rules, she could feel the shift in momentum—the way our rhythm stumbled, the exhaustion creeping into every note.
And then came the announcer's voice.
"The end is nigh! GG is called! LGD has slain the beast!! They move on!! And a bitter pill to swallow... for OG."
The sound of the crowd cheering for our defeat hit harder than I remembered. When I stopped the video, the café's gentle noise felt almost too soft in comparison.
Rui stared at me, her brow furrowed as if she was trying to piece together a puzzle she'd never expected to see again. "What... happened to you?"
I took a moment before answering. The hum of the café softened everything—the quiet conversations, the faint clinking of cups, the smell of roasted beans that clung to the air. "I blanked out," I admitted. "Thought I could make a comeback with talent alone. No discipline. No reflection. Just arrogance." I looked down at the coffee cooling in front of me. "It backfired. Hard."
Her voice softened. "And...what happened after that loss?"
"I left the band for a while," I said, my tone flat but not cold. "I was on the inactive list. My captain told me I needed to step away from music for a bit—do something else, clear my head. I didn't want to hear it at first, but he was right." A small smile tugged at my lips. "By the time TI8 rolled around, OG called me back. We won. Our first championship."
Rui's eyes widened in surprise, the weight in her expression lifting just a little. Before either of us could continue, Eve returned with a cheerful bounce in her step.
"Here are your orders!" she chirped, placing the espresso and desserts neatly on the table before slipping away again. The smell of the cheesecake mingled with the aroma of apple pie, oddly grounding in the middle of a heavy conversation.
"Anyway," I said, stirring my coffee slowly, "winning TI8 should've been the happiest moment of my life. But it wasn't."
Rui tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
I hesitated, watching the swirl of espresso calm into stillness. "Right after that win," I said quietly, "my parents died. Car crash. And a week later, Tenshi passed away too."
The words came out calm, but they carried the same chill they always did. Rui froze, the blood draining from her face. Everyone in Japan had heard about the Nagae accident—it was all over the news back then. But hearing it from me, in this small quiet café, was different.
"I..." Rui's voice trembled. "I remember. I just—never thought about what it must've been like for you."
I let out a small exhale. "Losing them both that close together broke something in me. I stepped away from OG again. Music didn't sound right anymore. I couldn't even touch my instruments without feeling like I was betraying something. I was this close to giving up music for good."
Her hand reached out, trembling slightly, and closed around mine. For a moment, she didn't say anything—just held on, as if words would ruin the fragile honesty between us. I turned my hand and placed my right palm gently over hers, steadying her.
"Don't worry," I said quietly. "Yuyuko-san and a few others pulled me out of it. They reminded me why I started in the first place. I decided I'd keep playing for my parents and Tenshi—for the people who believed in me. I won two more championships after that. Now I'm on break. Trying to find balance again."
Rui's voice came out in a whisper. "Rikkun... I didn't know you went through that much."
It had been years since anyone called me that. For a split second, it almost felt like we were kids again—back in that small practice room where she'd stumble through her scales while Rinko scolded her gently from the piano.
"Life's unpredictable," I said softly, forcing a faint smile. "You never know what it's going to throw at you. And sometimes, yeah... it hits hard."
I took a sip of my espresso, the bitterness grounding me. "But enough about me. What about you? What have you been up to since then?"
Rui hesitated before answering. "After our fallout, I didn't touch the violin for years. Every time I saw it, it just brought everything back. The competition. What I said to you. It scared me." She sighed, tracing her finger along the rim of her cup. "But a few months ago... I decided I didn't want fear to own me anymore."
I leaned back, curious. "You started playing again?"
She nodded. "Yeah. And I joined a band."
That caught me off guard. "A band?" My tone probably gave away how surprised I was. "You? In modern music?"
A faint smile tugged at her lips. "I'm the violinist."
I blinked. "That's... not something you hear every day."
"It isn't," she said with a soft laugh. "But it works. You've already met my bandmates, actually."
My eyebrow arched. "Wait—you don't mean—"
"Kirigaya-san, Futaba-san, Hiromachi-san, and Kurata-san," Rui said, her smile widening as she listed the names.
I couldn't help but chuckle in disbelief. "That's... actually a unique lineup."
"Thanks," she said shyly. "But you want to know why I picked up the violin again, right?"
I nodded.
"It still hurts," she admitted. "Every time I play, I remember that day. But... I don't want to keep running from it. I want to move forward. I want to play again—not just for me, but because I miss those days." Her voice trembled as she looked up at me. "Those days when you, me, and Rin-chan used to practice together."
Her words hit harder than I expected. I could still see it clearly—Rui standing by the window, violin under her chin, the afternoon light spilling across the bowstrings. Rinko on the piano, soft and patient, filling the air with melody. And me, watching them both, proud and quiet.
I stood and walked around the table. Rui looked up at me, confused, until I placed a hand gently on her shoulder and pulled her into a hug. Her body stiffened at first, but then she melted into it, her arms hesitantly wrapping around me. I patted her head lightly, the way I used to when she was younger and crying after practice.
"We can go back to those days if you want," I murmured.
Her breath hitched as she tried to hold back tears. She nodded silently against my shoulder.
Of course, that's when a certain someone decided to interrupt.
"Riku-san!" Eve's voice rang from behind me, scandalized. "You're hugging another girl!? That is unacceptable!—Ow!"
I flicked her forehead before she could say anything else. "Don't get the wrong idea."
Eve pouted, rubbing her forehead. "You can't just go around hugging people in cafés! You're going to give poor Rinko-san a heart attack!"
I sighed. "Eve, this is Rui. My childhood friend."
Rui straightened up, quickly composing herself before giving a small bow. "I'm Yashio Rui. I learned the violin from Riku when we were little."
Eve blinked, her expression flipping from scandal to delight in a heartbeat. "Ohhh! So that's how it is! I'm Wakamiya Eve, friend of Riku-san and proud second-year at Hanasakigawa Girls' High!" Then she leaned closer to me. "Riku-san, how come we've never heard about her if she's your childhood friend?"
"There were... things," I said vaguely, waving it off. "But we patched it up today."
Before Eve could pry further, a familiar voice joined in from behind her.
"I'm glad you two managed to make up."
I turned toward the door—and froze. Standing there was Rinko, serene as ever, her long hair catching the light from the window. Beside her stood Eli, Tina, Mafuyu... and to my mild horror, Touko and her friends too.
"Rinko, you're here." My eyes drifted over the familiar faces beside her. "And you brought everyone else as well."
Rinko smiled as she approached our table. "After you sent that message, Eli-san and Mafuyu-san grew curious. So I ended up telling them. Tina-chan had already finished her kimono fitting, so she came along too."
"I see," I replied, leaning back in my chair. "And what made you come here? Rui and I were planning to head back once we were done."
Touko stepped forward with that carefree grin she always carried. "I might've suggested it. And as for how we knew you two were here—" she pointed to herself proudly, "I asked around."
Rui gave a small laugh at that, though there was still a trace of fatigue in her tone.
Nanami approached gently. "Rui-Rui, are you alright?"
Rui nodded. "I'm alright, Hiromachi-san. It just feels like a huge weight's been lifted off me."
Rinko's expression softened. "I'm happy to hear that. It's been a long time, Rui-chan."
Before anyone could say another word, Rui moved forward and wrapped her arms around Rinko. The sudden gesture made everyone freeze — even her bandmates stared, wide-eyed. Rui wasn't known for sudden displays of affection. But right now, she didn't seem to care who was watching.
"I missed you so much... Rin-chan..."
Touko's lips parted, clearly ready to crack a teasing remark, but I caught her gaze and gave her a small shake of the head. She sighed and leaned back instead.
The hug lingered, quiet and full. When they finally pulled apart, Rinko's smile had a faint shimmer of tears in it.
"You've grown so much," she said softly. "You've made friends you can rely on, joined a band, and found your own place. I'm proud of you."
Rui's eyes glistened. "Thank you, Rin-chan." She turned toward me. "I take it Kirigaya-san and the others have already introduced themselves?"
"They did," Rinko said, glancing toward the rest of the group. "And you've got some very interesting friends."
I chuckled. "They sure are. Speaking of which—Rui, I'd like to introduce you to a few people as well." I motioned toward Tina. "Tina, you first."
Tina nodded politely, stepping forward with her usual poise. "Tina Alexeyev. I've been under onii-san's care for a few months now. Let's get along, onee-san."
"Nice to meet you," Rui replied, smiling.
I gestured next to the quiet figure beside me. "This is Mafuyu. Go ahead, you can trust them."
Mafuyu understood what I meant and dropped the polite façade she wore in public. Her usual mask slipped away, her once lively eyes dimming to that hollow stillness that tended to unsettle people who weren't used to it.
"Nagae Mafuyu," she said plainly. "I'm nii-san's half-sister. Sorry if that sounded a bit blunt."
The atmosphere stiffened for a moment. Rui's bandmates shifted uneasily; even Eli looked a little thrown off. Mashiro quietly stepped behind Touko, peeking over her shoulder.
Rui blinked, taken aback. "Riku... what happened to her? And how is she your half-sister?"
I exhaled. "Mafuyu had a... strict childhood. As for how she became my half-sibling—that's a Nagae matter. I can't really go into detail here."
Rui nodded slowly. "I see." Her gaze softened again, then moved to the blonde girl standing neatly behind me. "And the one with you?"
"Ah—right." I turned slightly. "This is Ayase Eli, a third-year at Otonokizaka."
Eli gave a graceful nod, calm and composed as always. "Pleasure to meet you."
As introductions settled, the bell above the door chimed again. Another familiar face appeared.
"Riku-san!" Tsugumi called out cheerfully as she walked in, eyes lighting up the moment she spotted us. "I'm so glad you came to visit! You brought Rinko-san, Tina-chan, and Eli-san too!"
"Hey there, Tsugumi." I smiled faintly. "I've got to say, your espresso here's really good."
Her grin widened. "Thank you for the compliment, Riku-san! I take it Eve-chan didn't give you any trouble?"
"She's capable," I said with a hint of amusement. "Though she might want to tone it down a little."
"I'll talk to her," Tsugumi replied quickly. Then her tone shifted, a bit shy. "Anyway, Riku-san, are you going to the Tanabata Festival tonight?"
"I'm planning to," I answered. "But I've got something else I need to take care of there, so I can't go with you girls."
Her shoulders dropped slightly. "I-I see... Ran-chan mentioned she wanted to spend some time with you."
I rubbed the back of my neck. "Tell her I'm sorry. I'll make it up to her."
Rui tilted her head. "You're going to the festival too?"
"Of course," I said with a smirk. "What other reason would I have for stopping by Touko's shop—other than buying kimonos for my sister and fiancées?"
Her expression twisted into surprise. "Wait—fiancées? As in plural?"
"That's a long story," I said, glancing at Tsugumi. "Hey, how long will the café stay open?"
She blinked, flustered by the sudden question. "Well... we're closing early because of the festival. Sorry."
"I see." I reached for my wallet, pulling out the cash for our orders and placing it on the counter. "Here. For everything."
Tsugumi accepted it with both hands, her usual brightness returning. "Thank you so much, Riku-san!"
I stood and turned toward the group. "Alright, let's continue the rest at the estate. We'll have more space there."
Rui nodded in agreement, glancing back toward her bandmates. "Good idea. Besides," she said with a small laugh, "this'll be Mashiro's first time seeing the place."
Mashiro perked up nervously at the mention of her name, while the others gathered their things. Rinko lingered beside Rui, still wearing that faint, proud smile.
As we stepped out of Hazawa Coffee, the sound of the bell chimed softly behind us. The air outside carried the distant scent of festival food and evening lanterns being prepared. For the first time in a while, Rui's shoulders looked lighter, as though the weight she'd carried for years was finally slipping away.
I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. Some wounds never fully close—but sometimes, just being surrounded by the right people is enough to start healing.
----------
Tanabata Festival Grounds – 7:00 P.M.
Third POV
After leaving Hazawa Coffee, Riku and the others made their way to the Nagae Estate. For Mashiro, it was a first—stepping into a grand household, and worse, a boy's. She clutched her small bag like a lifeline, her eyes darting over the intricate woodwork and manicured gardens as if afraid to breathe too loud.
Kyoya and Eiji greeted them at the entrance, their manner formal yet warm. When Kyoya saw Rui, his tone softened even further. "Welcome home, Rui. It's been quite some time."
Rui bowed politely, a faint smile flickering across her face. "It has. It's good to see you again."
Inside the living room, the group settled in. Riku stood before them, his usual calmness edging into something more deliberate. He decided—finally—to lay everything out.
The story took nearly an hour. From the Celestial Family's schemes to his true heritage as a youkai, and finally, to his engagement with Rinko, Miyu, and Eli. When words failed to convince them, he demonstrated. A faint current of azure lightning flickered around his hand before dissipating into light.
For a long moment, no one spoke. The air felt heavy, not from fear, but disbelief. Rui's hands trembled on her lap. Tsukushi and Touko stared, wide-eyed, exchanging uncertain glances. Mashiro, pale as a ghost, sat frozen—her body trembling, her lips barely forming words.
Riku's voice softened as he crouched down beside her. "It's alright, Mashiro. You don't have to be afraid. I'm still me."
Something in his tone—steady, human—cut through her fear. Slowly, she nodded.
Touko exhaled, leaning back. "Well... that's a lot to take in."
"Youkai, engagements, celestial conspiracies..." Tsukushi murmured. "You really don't do 'ordinary,' do you?"
Riku gave a quiet chuckle. "Ordinary was never in the cards for me."
Then came Nanami. While the others sat in wary silence, her eyes glimmered with childlike excitement. "You mean—there are real youkai? Actual ones? Can I meet more?"
Riku blinked. "...You're not scared?"
Rui sighed beside her. "Hiromachi-san's always been superstitious. As she is a fan of horror."
At least one reaction wasn't soaked in panic.
But the topic of his engagements reopened the room's unease. Rui's friends exchanged glances, whispers passing between them. "Three fiancées? Isn't that...?" Touko began, trailing off.
Riku didn't flinch. He explained the clan's customs, the binding laws of his bloodline, and the way the engagements came to be. The tension slowly eased. While they still found it strange, they understood—enough to move past it.
Once things had calmed, Riku shifted the conversation. "You mentioned your band earlier, Rui. I didn't get to ask—how did that start?"
Touko perked up. "Oh, that's easy. Shiro wanted to do it. She saw Kasumi's performance a few months back—you know, from Poppin'Party—and it lit a fire in her. She said she wanted to face people, to express herself properly. So... she formed Morfonica."
Mashiro's voice came small but sure. "We're still learning... but I want us to be something real."
Riku's lips curved into a faint smile. "That's a strong name. If your band ever needs anything—equipment, advice, even connections—come to me. I'll make sure you're supported."
The girls exchanged looks, clearly stunned by his generosity. Rui's eyes softened with gratitude.
Afterward, Riku asked Ayabe to escort Rui and the others home so they could prepare for the evening's Tanabata Festival. Once they left, he called a few friends—Keigo first, who apologized that he and the others couldn't attend due to the approaching Sunset Stage. Then Aoi, who explained Rondo had a gig in Yokohama.
"Alright," Riku said quietly after hanging up. "Guess it's just us tonight."
By the time the festival began, the town was alive with color. Lanterns floated along the river, carrying people's wishes in faint golden glow. The night air was cool, tinged with the scent of grilled food and sweet syrup.
Riku's group stood at the entrance, gazing out over the crowd.
He wore dark brown trousers and black timbs, a light scarf wrapped loosely around his neck. His jacket—black with white trim—caught the glow of paper lanterns.
Rinko's kimono was elegant: black silk with violet linings, delicate orchids embroidered along the hem. Eli's, by contrast, was sky-blue with swirling white clouds that seemed to drift when she moved. Mafuyu's kimono bore the deep violet of twilight, accented by koi fish patterns that shimmered like scales. Miyu's was soft sakura pink, her obi tied neatly with crimson lining. And Tina's ocean-blue kimono rippled with wave designs that caught every glint of light.
The group walked in together, passing row after row of food stalls and games. Laughter echoed from all directions—children running, couples in yukata, friends clustered around shooting games.
Rinko exhaled softly. "This is... a lot."
Riku chuckled. "Yuyuko-san's handiwork. You remember she's running the whole thing, right?"
Rinko blinked. "Oh. That explains the excess."
Miyu looked around in awe. "There are so many stalls... I don't even know where to start."
"Then we'll start with something familiar," Riku said. "Kokoro's stall. Kaoru told me HaroHapi's running one tonight."
Before they could move, a familiar voice cut through the chatter.
"Riku-kun~! Yaho~!"
Yuyuko floated toward them with her usual bright smile, Youmu trailing behind with the air of someone perpetually trying to keep her mistress from chaos.
"I'm so glad you came!" Yuyuko chimed. "It's been ages since you've attended one of these. Can you feel it? The joy, the spirits, the energy of the night!"
Riku smiled faintly. "I can sense plenty of youkai here too. You really brought them all out."
"Of course~ Most of the stall owners are youkai! Though the humans don't know it yet." She winked playfully. "Now then—are you ready for tonight, Riku-kun?"
"More than ready," he replied, his eyes steady. "And trust me, Yuyuko-san... tonight's will be one to remember."
Yuyuko giggled behind her fan. "Ufufufu~ Then I'll be looking forward to it."
With that, she and Youmu drifted away, leaving Riku and his companions under the festival lights.
He turned back toward the bustling rows of stalls, the glow of lanterns dancing in his eyes. "Come on. Let's go find Kokoro before she burns the place down."
Rinko sighed, smiling despite herself. "You really think she'd do that?"
Riku's smirk deepened. "Knowing Kokoro? It's safer not to rule it out."
And as they walked into the golden heart of the festival, surrounded by laughter, music, and the faint hum of magic in the air, the night felt alive—like the world itself was holding its breath for whatever was about to begin.
The air was thick with laughter, light, and the faint crackle of oil from food stalls. Lanterns floated overhead, weaving amber threads through the humid night. When Riku and his group finally reached Kokoro's stall, the scene before them was both chaotic and oddly charming.
Kokoro, Kanon, and Hagumi stood behind a crowded counter, aprons dusted with flour and smiles stretched wide. The line was long enough to curve past the next booth, and the scent of freshly fried croquettes filled the air.
The moment Kokoro spotted them, her eyes went wide. "Ah! Onii-chan!! Welcome!!"
Before Riku could even respond, she abandoned her post, sprinted around the counter, and flung herself at him.
"Kokoro—too tight," he managed between laughs.
She loosened her grip immediately, looking up at him with a guilty little smile that made it impossible to stay annoyed.
Riku brushed a hand through her golden hair, the way an older brother might when words fell short. "So tell me, Kokoro... what made you want to open a stall tonight?"
"Well, Hagumi said she wanted to sell croquettes for her family," she chirped, eyes sparkling. "I overheard her and thought, 'That sounds fun!' So we decided to help. The suits taught us how to cook properly so we wouldn't burn anything this time."
Riku couldn't help a smirk. "And Kanon and Misaki?"
"Misaki agreed right away! Kanon wanted to help too."
"Good choice," he said, glancing at Kanon deftly counting change with practiced precision. "Her fast-food training's paying off."
He paused, scanning the area. "Where's Kaoru?"
Kokoro tilted her head, lowering her voice as if it were a grand secret. "Helping with supplies at the back. Don't worry, I didn't tell anyone what you two are planning."
"Appreciate that," Riku said with a nod. "Now... could we get some croquettes?"
"Absolutely!" she exclaimed. "Misaki! Hagumi! Six croquettes—special order!"
Misaki sighed but obeyed, dipping each croquette into the batter with care. Hagumi took over at the fryer, focused but humming softly under her breath. The scent grew richer with every passing minute, warm and buttery with just enough crunch in the air to make stomachs rumble.
After a brief wait, Kokoro bounded back with a tray piled high, eyes shining. Riku handed over payment to Kanon, who gave a polite bow in return, before carrying the food toward the group.
By the time he sat down, Rinko and the others were already nibbling their portions. The sound of satisfied hums filled the table.
Riku bit into his own, letting the taste settle. "The meat's moist—tender too. Not undercooked in the center, and the crust has the right crunch." He gave a slight nod. "Would've been better with a spicy variant, though. Still a damn good croquette."
Across the way, Kokoro was laughing as she served the next customers, her energy lighting up the entire booth. Riku couldn't help but smile—seeing her like that, radiant and unburdened, was rare enough to feel like a small blessing.
The night unfolded in small fragments of warmth. After leaving Kokoro's stall, Riku and the group drifted from one gathering to another. Lanterns swayed above, reflecting in his eyes as the world blurred into music, color, and chatter.
Their first stop after that was Pastel✽Palettes. Chisato caught Riku's attention almost immediately, motioning him aside with the subtle confidence of someone used to managing crowds.
Once they were out of earshot, Riku asked quietly, "How much did Maya tell you?"
Chisato's gaze didn't waver. "Everything, I think."
He sighed through his nose. "Keep it under wraps for now. I'll handle it later tonight."
"I can do that," she replied, then added, "But in exchange, you owe us one rehearsal session. Help us polish the new setlist."
Riku chuckled softly. "Fair trade."
From there, they ran into Poppin'Party, who were wandering the stalls with Rokka, Masuki, and Rei.
Kasumi's face lit up the moment she spotted him. "Senpai! Any food that you can recommend us?"
"If you haven't tried Kokoro's croquettes, that's the move," he said.
Her eyes widened. "We haven't yet!"
"Then go before the line triples. Trust me, you won't regret it."
She grinned, grabbed Mafuyu by the hand, and the two darted off. Riku only shook his head, smiling.
Miyu excused herself shortly after, spotting the girls of Lyrical Lily among the crowd. They waved her over, and she disappeared into the sea of lanterns.
Next came Afterglow. Riku found them gathered near a takoyaki stall, with Moca waving a stick in his face. "Try one! It's perfect!"
He laughed. "I'm saving room, thanks."
Ran leaned against the counter, eyes half-lidded. "You said you can't hang out with me tonight. What's so important?"
He met her gaze with that faint, knowing smile of his. "You'll see soon enough."
From there, the night flowed from one conversation to another. He ran into Roselia next—Yukina, Sayo, and the rest deep in conversation with μ's.
Honoka's voice cut through the noise. "Eli-chan, that kimono looks amazing on you!"
Eli laughed lightly. "Thank you, Honoka. I chose it myself."
Nozomi leaned closer with a mischievous grin. "So Rikucchi didn't pick it?"
"He paid for it," Eli said with an elegant shrug.
That earned a playful "Ooh~" from Honoka, and Riku only rolled his eyes, hands tucked into his pockets.
He asked Maki if she'd seen Aichi, and she nodded toward the distance. "He's getting food for Kotori."
Typical, he thought.
Hours slipped by. The festival burned bright with joy, laughter, and the occasional hum of distant flutes. Riku caught glimpses of familiar faces—Yuugi and Suika already halfway through a drinking contest, the Moriya Shrine trio trying to win plushies at a ring toss.
Then, at 10:30 P.M., the night shifted. The crowd thinned slightly, drawn toward the grand stage near the center of the grounds. Lanterns gathered around it like stars ready to descend.
Riku glanced at his watch. Almost time.
He made his way to the stage. Behind the closed curtain, Rinko, Rei, Maya, and Kaoru were already waiting, changed out of their kimonos and into performance gear—clothes that let them breathe, move, and play freely.
Riku approached, his voice low but steady. "You girls ready?"
Kaoru tossed her hair back, grinning dramatically. "The time for our performance is upon us! I swear I will not disappoint you, ani-sama."
Maya clenched her fists in determination. "I'll do my best!"
Rei smirked. "We've been more than ready."
And Rinko—her eyes soft but certain—simply said, "Just give the word, Riku."
He paused to look at them all. The faint glow from backstage lights outlined their faces—every one of them confident, expectant, alive.
"Very well," he said, his tone calm yet carrying a quiet charge beneath it. "Let's get everything ready."
As the others took their positions, Riku adjusted his guitar strap and glanced at the heavy curtain shielding them from the roaring crowd beyond. The hum of anticipation vibrated through the wooden stage floor.
The night sky outside pulsed with light and sound—festival lanterns flickering like constellations. In just a few minutes, all that noise, all that energy, would belong to them.
And as Riku tuned his guitar, the faint buzz of the amp crackling to life, he let a small, knowing smile slip through.
Whatever came next... it would be unforgettable.
----------
11:00 P.M.
The lights dimmed over the festival grounds, lanterns flickering softly like stars scattered across the river of people. A low murmur spread through the crowd as the stagehands moved quickly behind the curtain, adjusting cables and mics. Riku stood at the center of it all, his guitar slung across his chest, quietly checking the strings. Beside him, Rinko's fingers glided over the keyboard in a final scale, the faint chime of her notes blending with Maya's snare checks and Rei's low bass hum. Kaoru adjusted her strap and smiled to herself — the kind of smile that masked the pulse of excitement she felt beneath the surface.
Maya gave a thumbs up once the tuning was finished. "All set. You good, Riku-san?"
He nodded, exhaling softly. "Yeah. Let's give them something to remember."
At that moment, the festival host herself, Yuyuko, stepped onto the stage's front edge. Her flowing kimono shimmered under the lights, her voice carrying effortlessly through the night as she lifted the microphone.
"Thank you, everyone, for joining this year's Tanabata Festival," she began, her tone both regal and warm. "As the one in charge of this event, and as head of the Saigyouji Family, I wish to express my gratitude to every soul who made this night special."
Applause rippled through the crowd. The air was filled with that strange calm that comes before a surprise — anticipation and curiosity knotted together.
Yuyuko smiled, eyes glinting. "I know each of you has enjoyed this festival, but before we close... allow me to leave you with one final treat."
She raised her hand and, with a sharp snap of her fingers, the curtains pulled open. The lights flared. Five figures stood bathed in the glow — four girls and one boy at the center, his posture easy but commanding.
Gasps broke out instantly.
With Poppin'Party
Kasumi's jaw dropped. "S-Senpai!? He's performing!?"
Tae chuckled. "Well, that's new."
Saaya crossed her arms, smiling. "Didn't expect him to take the stage tonight."
Rimi blinked, spotting a familiar face. "Rinko-senpai's there too!"
Arisa adjusted her glasses. "And Yamato-san, Seta-san, and LAYER-san... what kind of lineup is that!?"
With Afterglow
Ran's expression softened as she looked toward the stage. "So that's why he couldn't hang out tonight..."
Moca grinned and nudged her. "Jealous?"
Ran smirked. "Not even close. Just proud. Nii-san gets to play again."
Tsugumi gasped. "Wait, that's why Maya-san said she was busy!"
Himari tried to speak through a mouthful of takoyaki. "HMMPH! HMMPH!"
Tomoe sighed. "Chew before you talk, Himari."
With Pastel✽Palettes
Aya clasped her hands. "Eeeh!? Maya-chan's playing with Riku-kun!?"
Hina blinked. "Why didn't we know!?"
Chisato chuckled, brushing her hair aside. "Because onii-sama loves surprises."
Eve grinned brightly. "A surprise like a shinobi — silent until the moment of truth!"
With Hello, Happy World!
Misaki sighed. "Kokoro, you knew about this, didn't you?"
Kokoro giggled. "Yup! Onii-chan told me to keep it secret!"
Hagumi pouted. "Aw man, we could've joined in!"
Kanon whimpered. "Fueeeeeeeeh..."
With Roselia
Lisa leaned forward, eyes on the bassist. "So Riku picked LAYER, huh?"
Sayo nodded slightly. "A good choice. She can match Riku's rhythm perfectly."
Yukina crossed her arms. "Rinko... don't let us down."
Ako cupped her hands and yelled. "You can do it, Rin-Rin! Riku-nii!!"
With Raise A Suilen
Masuki smirked. "Crush it, Rei!!"
Rokka clapped excitedly. "Good luck, LAYER-san!"
With Morfonica
Touko tilted her head. "Say, Rui... you said Riku's in a band. Which one?"
Rui hesitated for a moment, her tone careful. "A well-known one in Europe. He's just on break for now."
She didn't mention OG. It wasn't time for that yet.
Tsukushi blinked. "So he's basically a world-class musician?"
Nanami leaned over to Mashiro. "You okay, Shiro-chan?"
Mashiro's voice was soft. "I'm fine... I just want to see how he performs."
Touko smiled. "Trying to get some inspiration?"
Mashiro nodded faintly. "Something like that."
With μ's
Honoka gasped. "Riku-san's performing!?"
Umi steadied her. "Apparently so."
Kotori turned to Eli. "You didn't know?"
Eli shook her head, still watching the stage. "Not a word. He really kept this quiet."
Nico crossed her arms. "Guess he loves the dramatic entrance."
Nozomi chuckled. "And judging by everyone's faces, it worked."
Maki smiled faintly. "The crowd's already hyped."
Hanayo whispered, "With Riku-san's name, of course they are."
Rin grinned. "This is gonna be good nya!"
Aichi folded his arms, glancing up at the glowing stage. "Yuyuko-san never disappoints."
With Lyrical Lily
Miyu blinked in disbelief. "So this is why he and Rinko were tired lately..."
Haruna laughed softly. "You didn't know?"
Miyu shook her head. "No clue. But seeing this, I'll let it slide."
Miiko leaned closer to Kurumi. "First time we've seen him perform live, right?"
Kurumi nodded. "Yep! Can't wait!"
Haruna smiled knowingly. "We'll see why you fell for him, Miyu-chan."
Miyu blushed faintly. "You'll see soon enough."
With Leo/need and MORE MORE JUMP!
Ichika adjusted her glasses. "No wonder he's always at the studio."
Saki giggled. "Owner-san's full of surprises, huh?"
Honami crossed her arms. "Didn't expect him to perform here, of all places."
Shiho tilted her head. "I just hope he blends well with that lineup."
Airi pumped her fist. "He's a pro! He's got this!"
Minori beamed. "And we get to see him perform with so many others!"
Haruka glanced at Shizuku. "You okay?"
Shizuku was staring at Riku, quiet and unreadable. Then, a digital shimmer appeared — Len materialized from her phone, poking her cheek.
"Hey," he teased. "You've been staring too long. Don't tell me you've got a thing for him?"
Shizuku flustered. "Eh!? N-No! It's not like that!!"
Back on stage, Yuyuko turned to face the performers, her expression softening. "This final performance will be led by my dear nephew," she said, smiling at Riku. "Riku-kun, I leave it to you."
Applause echoed as she stepped down from the stage, leaving the spotlight squarely on him.
Riku took the microphone, gaze sweeping across the sea of faces — friends, rivals, strangers, all gathered under the same glowing lanterns. "Though we're just a temporary band," he began, voice steady and confident, "coming from different paths and sounds... we'll make it work."
He turned to his right. "On guitar — Seta Kaoru."
Kaoru struck a few electric riffs, fingers gliding effortlessly along the strings. Her signature charisma drew a cheer from her fans scattered through the crowd.
"On bass — Wakana Rei."
Rei answered with a deep, resonant bassline that rolled through the air, nodding slightly to the audience.
"On drums — Yamato Maya."
Maya's sticks danced across the kit, ending with a quick spin and perfect catch. The crowd roared at her flair.
"On keyboard — Shirokane Rinko."
Rinko pressed a series of crystalline notes that shimmered like glass bells, before glancing at Riku with a faint, proud smile. "And finally," she said softly into her mic, "on guitar and vocals — Nagae Riku."
The cheers swelled again, a wave of sound crashing over the stage. Riku lifted his hand, signaling them to settle down. His eyes met the others — all of them ready. He could feel it, that shared current that only existed between musicians moments before the first note.
He nodded once. "Let's get this going."
The lights dimmed to deep blue. A single spotlight fell on him. Riku adjusted the mic closer, his voice steady but laced with quiet warmth.
"I'm still searching for that starry sky we once saw together..."
His hand brushed the guitar strings — the first chord rang out clear and full, cutting through the hush.
"...Yozora no Crayon."
And with that, the festival's closing act began — a melody rising into the night like a promise written among the stars.
Yozora no Crayon
(By: Mafumafu)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JljPQsB6Lw
Sekaijuu no crayon wo furimaita yoru no ue
Kimi ni kikoenu you ni yozora e tsubuyaita
Nee gotaisou na story ya
Hokoreru you na mirai janakuttatte
Kimi to no asu wo sagashiteta hoshizora
Seiten no sora mo neshizumaru yoru na
Seijaku to kyou wa tanabata no yoru
Hoteru hoo wo kizukarenu you ni
Kimi no mae wo aruiteiru
Natsukaze tsukikage narenai geta no ne
Yozora ni hibiku
Sekaijuu no crayon wo furimaita yoru no ue
Sonna koi ni kizuku no wa sukoshi saki datta
Nee gotaisou na story ya
Hokoreru you na mirai janakuttatte
Kimi to no asu wo sagashiteta hoshizora
Meguriai wa itsuka no kiseki
Machiawase wa bokura no kiseki
Dono mirai mo wakatteiru koto wa
Dono mirai mo bokura no mae ni aru tte koto
Nakagami kakiwake furimuku shigusa ni
Mune wa takanatta
Seiga ni nesobette kataratte
Waraisou na kimi no yume
Toki no hakobune no naka kanata de tatazunda
Koi shitau kyoubi koukai
Ikudo no matsu you donna kanjou mo
Kimi no tonari de kizuketara yokatta na
Hajimete kanjita kimochi ni yuku ate wa nai yo
Donna riyuu de donna kotoba de donna kao shite
Kimi no te wo toreba iin darou
Sekaijuu no crayon wo furimaita yoru no ue
Kimi ni kikoenu you ni yozora e tsubuyaita
Nee gotaisou na story ya
Hokoreru you na mirai janakuttatte
Yume no tsuzuki wo sagashiteta
Sore wa saigo no kimi to mita hoshizora
Tentai no seisai wo kimi to aruita manten wo doukei wo
Mou koukai wa hitotsu datte shinai you ni
Hoshikuzu no furu yoru ni Kimi ni tsutaeru tame ni
Ai ni yuku yo yakusoku shiyo
The final notes of the guitar faded into the night, carried by the summer breeze. For a brief heartbeat, silence swallowed the entire festival. Not because the crowd was unsure how to react—no, it was something else entirely.
Riku's fingers froze midair above the strings as his gaze followed the quiet awe of the audience. Then he saw it too.
The night sky had come alive. Thousands of stars shimmered over the open grounds, brighter and closer than usual, as if the heavens themselves leaned down to listen. The stage lights dimmed just enough for the starlight to take over, bathing everything in a soft, silver hue.
No one spoke. No one even breathed too loudly. The only sound was the clicking of phones and cameras as people tried to capture the impossible. Among them, Kasumi was already holding her phone high, snapping shot after shot with a grin that could rival the stars themselves.
For a moment, the band simply stood there—Kaoru, Rinko, Rei, Maya, and Riku—caught between the beauty above and the electricity still lingering from their first song. Then Riku took a slow step forward, hand closing around the mic stand.
"Now..." His voice, calm but steady, carried easily through the speakers. "The next song will be... a bit different. As to how different it is—you're about to find out."
He gave a faint, knowing smile and turned toward the girls.
"Trust me on this, alright? I'll explain after."
There was no hesitation—just nods all around. Whatever he planned, they'd follow his lead.
Riku closed his eyes for a brief moment. The air shifted. When he opened them again, the left one glowed faintly—its usual ocean blue replaced by a deep, vivid ruby red.
Rinko's breath caught. She recognized that look, that energy. But she stayed silent, her hands tightening over the keys. She knew who had taken the reins now.
Inside, the presence of Tenshi—his other self, or perhaps something more—rose to the surface, taking quiet command.
Riku's lips curved slightly as she—through him—reached for the mic.
"Ight," she said, her tone lighter, teasing, almost playful. "Sorry for the slight delay. Here's the second song... courtesy of my dear friend."
She tilted her head, her voice softening. "Ano Yume wo Nazotte."
Somewhere among the listeners, Aichi froze mid-applause. That voice. That tone. He'd know it anywhere.
"Tenshi...?" he whispered, disbelief painting his features as he stared at the stage.
Ano Yume wo Nazotte
(By: YOASOBI)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAuEeM_6zpk
Yoru no sora wo kazaru kirei na hana
Machi no koe wo gyutto hikari ga tsutsumikomu
Oto no nai futari dake no sekai de kikoeta kotoba wa
"Suki da yo"
The performance carried on. Kaoru strummed her guitar in rhythm, glancing at Rinko, who only gave a small nod before letting her fingers dance across the keys. Both knew something otherworldly was happening—but this was not the moment to question it. The music came first. Always.
Yume no naka de mietamirainokoto
Natsu no yoru,kimi to, narabukage ga futatsu
Saigo no hanabi ga sora ni nobotte kietara
Sore wo aizu ni
Itsumo doori no asa ni
Itsumo doori no kimi no sugata
Omowazu me wo sorashite shimatta no wa
Dou yattatte wasurerarenai kimi no kotoba
Ima mo zutto hibiiteru kara
Yoru wo nukete yume no saki e
Tadoritsukitai mirai e
Hontou ni? Ano yume ni, hontou ni?
Tte ima mo
Fuan ni natte shimau kedo kitto
Ima wo nukete asu no saki e
Futari dake no basho e
Mou chotto
Douka kawaranaide
Mou chotto
Kimi kara no kotoba
Ano mirai de matteiru yo
Daremo shiranai
Futari dake no yoru
Machikogareteita keshiki to kasanaru
Natsu no sora ni mirai to ima tsunagaru you ni hiraku hanabi
Kimi to koko de hora ano yumе wo nazoru
Miageta sora wo kazaru hikari ga ima terashita yokogao
Sou zutto kono keshiki no tamе ni
Sou kitto hora futatsu no mirai ga
Ima kasanariau
The tempo rose, the melody spiraling higher, more vivid. The lights dimmed again as the backdrop shifted, illuminating soft gradients of pink and blue that mirrored the distant stars.
Then, as if the universe itself had been listening for a cue—
Fireworks exploded above them.
The crowd gasped as bursts of red, gold, and violet bloomed across the sky, reflecting against the glossy instruments and the faint shimmer of Riku's altered eye. The thunder of the fireworks should've drowned out everything, but it didn't. Somehow, the sound of his—her—voice cut through it all, weaving into the rhythm like it belonged there.
Yoru no naka de kimi to futari
Tadoritsuita mirai de
Daijoubu omoi wa kitto daijoubu tsutawaru
Ano hi mita yume no saki e
The notes climbed, pure and effortless. Even the smallest breeze seemed to move in time with the music.
Kasumi lowered her phone, watching in awe now instead of recording. Rinko, though steady, felt her chest tighten—Tenshi's presence in Riku's body felt both distant and deeply familiar. Kaoru shot a side glance at him mid-solo, her usual calm replaced with fascination.
And yet, none of it broke the illusion. They played together seamlessly, like they'd rehearsed for this exact moment.
As the song neared its climax, Tenshi's voice softened, barely above a whisper yet somehow reaching every corner of the venue.
Ima wo nukete asu no saki de
Mata deaeta kimi e
Mou chotto
Douka owaranaide
Mou chotto
Hora saigo no hanabi ga ima
Futari wo tsutsumu
Oto no nai sekai ni hibiita
The final firework bloomed behind them—an enormous, white-gold burst that lingered in the sky longer than any before it.
In that silence after the last note, every sound ceased. No chatter. No movement. Just the fading shimmer of fireworks and the echo of a single phrase—
"Suki da yo."
Riku's body relaxed, shoulders lowering as his breath steadied. The glow in his left eye faded, returning to its usual shade of blue. Inside, in the far reaches of his consciousness, Tenshi's voice drifted away with quiet affection.
It's all yours again.
Then she was gone.
As the last note faded into the night, the cheers rose like a tide. The crowd erupted with emotion—some clapping wildly, others standing in stunned silence, and a few wiping away tears they couldn't quite explain. The performance had ended, but the feeling lingered—raw, bittersweet, and beautiful.
Riku blinked slowly as the haze of Tenshi's presence left him. His chest rose and fell, each breath grounding him back into himself. From the stage, he could see faces shining with tears, joy, disbelief. That was the power of Tenshi's voice—something even he could never fully match.
Kaoru and Rinko rushed to his side the moment he stepped back from the mic. Kaoru's usual composure cracked, her tone trembling between awe and curiosity.
"Ani-sama... that was ane-sama, right?"
Rinko's voice followed softly, her fingers still hovering over the keys. "Kaoru-san's right. Tenshi is the only one who could sing like that. Even you couldn't replicate it, Riku."
Riku gave a slow nod, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yes, it was Tenshi." His voice held both pride and weight. "I'll explain everything tomorrow. And... you're not the only ones looking for answers."
He turned slightly, his eyes flickering toward the sea of people. In the distance, he caught sight of Aichi, standing among the crowd—frozen, eyes wide, his phone clutched tightly in his hand.
Riku sighed quietly. "I'll send him a message. He deserves to know."
As the applause swelled again, Riku lifted a hand, waving calmly to the crowd with the practiced ease of a professional. Yet, beneath that poised exterior, his thoughts lingered on what just happened—on Tenshi, on Aichi, on the thin thread that tied their worlds together.
Aichi's POV
"No way..." The words slipped from me before I even realized it. My hands were trembling slightly. "That voice... that spunk whenever she talks... there's no doubt. That was nee-san."
I'd spent years wondering if I'd ever hear her again. And then she appeared—through him. Through Riku. My thoughts tangled in disbelief, confusion, and something dangerously close to hope.
Before I could untangle them, my phone vibrated in my pocket. The name flashing on the screen stopped me cold. Riku.
I opened the message.
Riku:
I know you want some answers.
Come to the estate tomorrow if you want to know more.
But you have to come alone.
I let out a long breath, the kind that leaves a dull ache in your chest. "He already knew," I muttered under my breath, looking up at the stage again. Riku was waving to the fans, calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. But I knew better.
Whatever happened tonight—it wasn't over.
Yuyuko's POV
I watched everything unfold through the ethereal veil of the Dragon Palace's monitoring screen, the reflection of the fireworks still shimmering in my tea.
There was no mistaking it—Tenshi had taken control of Riku-kun's body. Which could only mean one thing: Iku had given her access to the main control center.
I chuckled softly. "A very interesting way those two have found~" I murmured to no one in particular, setting my cup down with a delicate clink. "It really is quite the surprise, as you said. Ufufufufu~"
"It is indeed... interesting."
A familiar voice floated in from behind me. A violet gap opened beside my seat, its edges glowing faintly. From within, she stepped out—elegant, timeless, and just a touch smug.
"You're back, Yukari," I said, smiling faintly.
"It's as if you didn't miss me," she teased, folding her fan with a snap.
I turned to her, lips curling. "Of course I missed you."
"Even more than Gin?"
"Oh, shut up, you~"
I gave her arm a light, playful punch, which only made her laugh. Soon, we were both giggling like old friends reunited after far too long. Yukari set down a small tray—two cups and a bottle of sake.
We poured and drank under the open night, the stars mirroring the faint light of the palace lamps. I leaned my head against her shoulder, letting the silence stretch comfortably.
"It's nice to have you back, Yukari," I whispered.
"Hm. It's good to be back. So, tell me—how's my favorite nephew doing?"
"Riku-kun is your only nephew," I replied dryly.
She chuckled. "Touché."
Before either of us could add more, a crimson door materialized beside the railing, its ornate frame glowing faintly before opening.
"Seems you're celebrating without me."
Yukari and I turned as Okina stepped out of the door, composed as ever.
"Ara, I didn't expect to see you here, Okina," Yukari said smoothly. "Where are Mai and Satono?"
"They've just returned from their South American tour," Okina replied, her tone softer than usual. "They're resting at the manor. They've earned it."
I smiled. "You really let them chase their dreams."
Okina exhaled quietly, her eyes glinting with something like pride. "They're like my daughters. Their happiness is mine."
There was an honesty in her voice that made the moment feel almost fragile. Without another word, she opened a small hidden door and pulled out a gourd of sake, taking a casual sip.
Then—another voice joined us.
"Looks like you're enjoying yourselves here."
We turned. Eirin stood a few paces away, with Udongein—Reisen—at her side.
Okina smirked. "The Brain of the Moon herself. Don't you have patients to attend to?"
Eirin gave a faint smile. "All handled. Even I need rest once in a while."
"Mmh, that's not the only reason you're here, is it?" Okina replied, reading her expression easily.
The humor faded as Eirin's eyes hardened slightly. "Udongein. The file."
Udongein stepped forward, handing over a sealed envelope. Eirin opened it, pulling out several sheets of data. The moment we skimmed the contents, the air around us stilled.
"Eirin, are these reports true?" Okina asked, her tone dropping.
"Unfortunately, yes." Eirin's gaze lowered. "It seems the Divine Dividing has started to affect Riku's bloodstream. His system's adapting—but the strain is unpredictable."
Yukari's fan lowered. "Is the boy aware of this?"
"Not yet," Eirin answered. "I plan to call him in for an appointment soon. Assuming he'll listen."
"Do it after his Live House event," I said softly. "He deserves one peaceful night."
"Understood. And... sorry for ruining the mood," Eirin murmured.
"Don't mind it," Okina said. "You're doing your job."
Yukari nodded once. "And if it involves Riku, it becomes a matter of priority."
I waved a hand, pushing away the heavy air. "Enough gloom for one night. Come, Eirin—join us. You're here to rest, right?"
After a hesitant pause, the Lunarian smiled faintly. "Perhaps I will."
She motioned for Udongein to go enjoy herself elsewhere, then took a seat beside Okina. One by one, cups were filled again, laughter soon replacing tension.
The five of us sat there beneath the endless sky—watching the last of the fireworks fade into starlight, talking softly, drinking sake, and sharing the quiet relief that came from being together.
Far above, the stars shimmered faintly—one of them glowing just a little brighter, as if listening.
To be Continued...
Spell Cards used this chapter: 2
Qi Sign: "Sky Piercing Scarlet Palm"
Spell Type: Offensive Spell Card
Target: Single Target
Danmaku Type: Light Bullet, Body Bullet
Element: Fire, Star
User: Hong Meiling
Dragon Sign: "White Dragon Crushing Claw"
Spell Type: Offensive Spell Card
Target: Single Target
Danmaku Type: Body Bullet, Slash Bullet
Element: Moon, Sun
User: Nagae Riku