Yoba Academy – Outdoor Stage
5:25 P.M.
Third POV
The courtyard of Yoba Academy had transformed into a sea of light and sound. The Sunset Stage stood proudly at the center — massive, gleaming with fresh equipment, its jumbotron glowing against the early evening sky. The audience filled the grounds to the brim, voices blending into a steady, eager hum.
Near the front, Rinko, Ako, Eli, Miyu, and the girls of Poppin'Party had managed to claim spots close to the stage. The crowd energy was infectious, and even the quieter ones among them couldn't hide their anticipation.
"This place filled up fast," Saaya murmured, looking around.
Kasumi bounced on her toes, eyes sparkling. "I wonder what senpai meant earlier? He said we'd find out once the stage starts!"
Tae tilted her head thoughtfully. "Don't tell me... senpai's the host of the Sunset Stage?"
Rinko, Eli, and Miyu flinched at the same time. Ako caught it immediately — her eyes flicking between them, realizing Tae's innocent guess had hit the mark. She smirked but said nothing.
"No way," Arisa said flatly. "Riku-san's influential, sure, but hosting this? Come on."
"Girls," Rimi whispered, pointing toward the stage, "it's starting."
The lights dimmed, and the chatter died down. A sharp beam of light cut across the stage as music began to fade in — slow, rising, deliberate. Then, two figures stepped into the spotlight, microphones in hand.
One was a red-haired boy wearing a black-and-white jacket, matching pants, and a cap emblazoned with the word Peakey. The other — the moment everyone saw him, the air seemed to shift.
Violet hair brushed across a face framed by focus and confidence. Red and blue eyes caught the light as if holding two worlds in balance. He wore a black shirt with gray and silver accents, a stylized bull crossing his chest in diagonal stripes. The familiar OG emblem glowed faintly near his heart, mirrored on the black jacket he wore — the Japanese flag stitched proudly on his right shoulder. Black cargo pants, red-and-white sneakers, and a calm fire in his stance completed the picture.
The crowd froze — and then roared.
The Poppin'Party girls, who had known him for months, couldn't quite believe what they were seeing. Rinku and Kyoko, watching from backstage, exchanged brief glances — both realizing that this "favor" from TV Tokyo had turned into something far bigger.
On the sidelines, Rinko exhaled quietly, a proud but knowing smile on her face. Miyu watched with folded hands, eyes warm, while Eli nodded as if to say of course he'd do something like this.
Ako, meanwhile, leaned over to whisper. "So that's why you flinched earlier."
Rinko gave a tiny nod. "Yeah... that's him."
Back on stage, Riku raised his hand. The crowd's cheers softened into anticipation. Then he snapped his fingers.
Right on cue, the stage erupted in color.
Behind him, Saki stepped forward — her fingers flying over the controls of the turntable. A wave of sound burst outward, the bass thundering through the crowd. Lights flared in rhythm, painting the air in streaks of red, violet, and silver.
Keigo moved beside Riku, his energy contagious, microphone raised high. The intro track hit — a seamless blend of professional polish and raw excitement.
From the front row, Kasumi's voice carried above the others. "He's performing too?!"
Tae grinned, eyes wide. "Told you!"
The screen above them flashed the title in bold silver letters: Sunset Stage – Opening Performance by OG's Riku and Horikawa Keigo (feat. Izumo Saki).
The crowd went wild. Students, teachers, even nearby festival vendors stopped what they were doing to watch.
Riku leaned into the mic, voice calm but commanding.
"Good evening, Yoba Academy," he said. "Welcome... to the Sunset Stage."
The beat dropped.
In that instant, the courtyard transformed into something transcendent — more concert than school event, more spectacle than performance. The sound hit with perfect precision; the energy pulsed in sync with every heartbeat in the crowd.
Rinku and Kyoko, watching from their sides, shared a smile — the kind that only rivals who respected each other could exchange. The tone was set. Whatever came next would have to follow this.
ECHO
(By: GUMI)
(Covered by: Mafumafu ft. nqrse)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD1VhFHLc2I
Bold - Riku
Italic - Keigo
Bold + Italic - Both
The sky was streaked in hues of orange and violet as the stage lights flared to life, pulsing in rhythm with the soft hum of the speakers. The moment the first beat dropped, the crowd's chatter dissolved into stunned silence. The screen behind the performers flashed with digital static before forming the title in bold, flickering letters—ECHO.
Then came the voice.
The clock stopped ticking forever ago
How long have I been up?
I don't know
I can't get a grip, but I can't let go
There wasn't anything to hold onto, though
Riku's tone was low and steady, but there was a sharp edge buried within it—like a blade barely sheathed. The mic caught every breath, every rough undertone of restraint.
The crowd erupted at the familiar sound of the song, yet it wasn't just another cover. Riku and Keigo's delivery carried weight—a haunting pull that made it feel like they were bleeding out memories through every lyric.
Stage lights shifted to monochrome as Riku sang, the world behind him turning black and white.
Why can't I see
Why can't I see
All the colors
That you see?
Please can I be
Please can I be
Colorful and free?
What the hell's going on?
Can someone tell me please
Why I'm switching faster than the channels on TV
I'm black, then I'm white
No! Something isn't right!
My enemy's invisible
I don't know how to fight
The trembling fear
Is more than I can take
When I'm up against
The echo in the mirror
ECHO
For a moment, his voice cracked into something rawer. The pain was too real to be theatrical. Keigo stepped forward, rapping in sync with the distorted bassline, his words cascading with rapid precision—each syllable a confession disguised in rhythm.
Just keep it burning
Talking to see a new frail
Because my words are like a Grayscale
Do big light disguise me?
But nobody told me
There's a darkness- it ain't free
Do y'all want more of the Hero?
What the hell are you drawing gon' get you zero?
It's the freedom?
You wanna not be them
But to know you'll be numb
Yeah
Jet black my Iphone6
HEY Siri:
"Tell me how to get outta here, I'm sick"
Let me get back home,
Just dunno where I belong
Mirror 「Living」
He circled Riku like a reflection split from the same mirror—his verse, an echo of Riku's turmoil, faster, sharper, unrestrained. The crowd's energy rose, hands waving as the tempo climbed.
Riku's eyes met Keigo's as the chorus hit—
THE ECHO IN THE MIRROR
Rinko said nothing. She simply stared at her fiance, her chest tightening at the sight of him pouring out what words could never capture. She'd seen him exhausted, injured, furious—but this? This was him freeing something.
Look what you made me do for you
Show you what is true
And they're crying,
Still calling out all day
I wanna say "Pick it up"
Warning sign to you
Until broke inside all the way
I don't care
What the hell's going on here
You know my shoes, clothes, and flower's color code
We've noticed all things are Fake
THE ECHO IN THE MIRROR
Fake color, break it over
We'll never say
"Take it again"
Don't need to step on the breaks
'Cause I'm crazy
Nobody can stop my rage
HEY
Whenever my enemies bash me
My bases never fade, haters hate
All the misery pains are
The force that's screaming
Inside of my heart
Baby
THE ECHO IN THE MIRROR
So I gotta go now
Gon' be a new start to show
If I can forget everyday passing me over
The future's gonna be
Strength to stop the matter
The crowd cheered, the absurd line giving them a breath before Riku stepped back in, his voice now molten, unfiltered—The pyrotechnics flared at that exact moment, golden sparks bursting across the stage edge. Flames danced upward before fading to smoke, and the audience screamed. The rhythm slowed, and the world felt suspended on that single refrain.
I'm gonna burn my house down
Into an ugly black
I'm gonna run away now
And never look back
I'm gonna burn my house down
Into an ugly black
I'm gonna run away now
And never look back
I'm gonna burn my house down
Into an ugly black
I'm gonna run away now
And never look back
I'm gonna burn my house down
Into an ugly black
I'm gonna run away now
And never look back
I'm gonna burn my house down
And never look back
And never look back
And never look back
What the hell's going on?
Can someone tell me please
Why I'm switching faster than the channels on TV
I'm black, then I'm white
No! Something isn't right!
My enemy's invisible
I don't know how to fight
What the hell's going on?
Can someone tell me please
Why I'm switching faster than the channels on TV
I'm black, then I'm white
No! Something isn't right!
My enemy's invisible
I don't know how to fight
The trembling fear
Is more than I can take
When I'm up against
The echo in the mirror
The trembling fear
Is more than I can take
When I'm up against
The echo in the mirror
The echo in the mirror
The tone softened, almost a whisper, but every listener felt it reverberate. Riku's voice cracked again—not from strain, but from truth. The kind that leaves scars. Keigo joined him, both voices merging into one echoing cry—
THE ECHO IN THE MIRROR
They hit the last note together, light flooding the stage in white. Then, silence.
For a heartbeat, nobody moved. The crowd seemed to collectively forget to breathe. Then came the roar—applause, cheers, shouts of their names. The noise was thunderous, shaking the air as if trying to match the song's intensity.
As the final echoes of the performance faded into the late afternoon air, the crowd remained frozen in awe. The stage lights dimmed, leaving behind only the faint shimmer of smoke curling upward like a lingering ghost of the song's fury. But among the roaring audience, four teens stood still—caught between disbelief and revelation.
At the center of the group was a girl with sandy-blonde twin-tails brushing her shoulders, her brown eyes wide with wonder. The orange of the setting sun reflected against the gold heart pendant at her neck. Azusawa Kohane—nervous by nature, confident only when the rhythm carried her—had seen many live shows, but none that felt this raw.
Beside her, Shiraishi An folded her arms, her dark hair tipped with blue glinting under the lights. Usually unfazed, her amber eyes now flickered with something close to respect. "No way..." she murmured, her voice drowned by the distant cheers.
Behind them, Shinonome Akito tilted his head, irritation already sparking behind his olive-green gaze. "What the hell?" he muttered, crossing his arms. "Isn't that our song?"
His words drew a quick, sharp glance from the tall boy beside him—Aoyagi Toya. Calm and collected as always, but even he couldn't hide the faint crease in his brow. "He's right," Toya said quietly. "That was ECHO. But... some of those lyrics—they're different. They're not part of the original."
Before Akito could speak again, a smooth, mature voice slipped into the conversation.
"That's because Riku himself wrote ECHO."
The four turned at once. A soft light shimmered above Kohane's shoulder, and a woman materialized—projected from thin air, yet her presence felt vividly real. Long legs, confident poise, wine-red sunglasses dangling from her collar. She wore a cropped white top beneath a tied green one, jeans frayed at the knee, and a faint smirk that carried both pride and something motherly.
"MEIKO-san?!" Kohane gasped, nearly stumbling back. "You mean—Nagae-kun wrote ECHO?"
MEIKO gave a slow nod, resting a hand on her hip. "Not just ECHO, Kohane. Every song I've sung in the SEKAI—every melody, every verse that the other Virtual Singers perform—came from Riku. He wrote them for us. He entrusted some of them to me... and to your world."
The four teens fell silent, their minds struggling to process it. Even for performers who'd brushed against genius before, the weight of that truth hit like a sudden beat drop.
An's brows knitted together. "Wait, wait—so you're saying the Nagae Riku up there on stage... that Riku... wrote songs for you? The same Riku who's been all over the headlines lately?"
"Exactly." MEIKO's expression softened, nostalgia ghosting across her smile. "His mother, is the one who created us—every Virtual Singer in existence. Luka, KAITO, myself... we owe our existence to her design and to Riku's creative touch. Luka's tone tuning? Riku handled that. KAITO's harmonics? Also his doing."
Akito blinked, stunned. "You're telling me that guy didn't just perform ECHO—he owns it?"
MEIKO's tone turned gentle but unwavering. "He birthed it. You've all sung the version that was licensed for your SEKAI, but what you heard today? That was the original draft—the one Riku wrote when he was just thirteen."
Even Toya looked shaken now, his cool demeanor cracking at the edges. "Why didn't we know any of this?"
MEIKO chuckled faintly, folding her arms. "Because my creator made sure you wouldn't. Our creator designed us to hold certain memories back until the time was right. Riku wanted the focus to be on the message, not the man who wrote it."
Kohane stared down at her hands, her voice small but steady. "So... if we want answers, we have to ask him directly."
"Exactly." MEIKO inclined her head approvingly. "He's the only one who can tell you why the SEKAI exists and the origins of our songs."
The group exchanged looks, the same unspoken resolve settling between them. Kohane turned to Akito, her eyes carrying a spark of quiet determination. "Then we have to meet him."
Akito scoffed lightly, running a hand through his messy orange hair. "Easier said than done. You can't just walk up to someone like that. He's surrounded by people—security, fans, maybe even his bandmates."
Kohane frowned. "There has to be a way."
An, always the strategist, tapped her chin thoughtfully. "What about Ena? She's been talking about him a lot lately. I've seen her exchange messages with him before."
Toya raised a brow. "Ena... your sister?"
Akito groaned. "Yeah, and she's not exactly shy about it either. She's been on and on about how much he appreciates Ena's works. Guess she's closer to him than I thought."
Kohane brightened at that, hopeful. "Then could you ask her? Maybe she could introduce us—or at least tell him we want to talk."
Akito exhaled through his nose, scratching the back of his neck. "Fine. I'll ask. But don't expect anything big. Ena doesn't always listen when I tell her stuff like this."
An grinned. "She listens when it's about Riku, though."
That earned her an eye-roll from Akito, but no argument. Toya chuckled under his breath, the corners of his lips barely curving.
MEIKO watched them with quiet amusement, her form beginning to flicker slightly—the signal that her projection time was ending. "He'll be expecting you soon enough," she said, her voice soft but certain. "Riku doesn't write music for no reason. And I can tell that big changes will happen if you meet him in person."
And with that, she vanished—her light dissolving into the orange glow of sunset.
For a moment, none of them spoke. The stage in front of them had shifted to the next act, the music bright and alive again, but the four teens could still feel the resonance of Riku's voice deep in their chests.
Kohane finally broke the silence, her tone laced with quiet awe. "So, we just need to see Nagae-kun then."
An smirked slightly. "Guess we just found our next challenge."
Akito shoved his hands in his pockets, glancing back toward the stage where Riku was laughing with Keigo and Saki, oblivious to the stares aimed his way. "Yeah," he muttered. "And this time... we're getting answers."
The courtyard was still ringing from the final note when Riku and Keigo turned toward Saki, who stood frozen, wide-eyed and silent, as if caught between disbelief and awe. The two exchanged a knowing look before sharing a sharp, satisfying high five that cracked through the still air.
Riku then faced the audience, expecting cheers, but the crowd mirrored Saki's dazed expression—stunned by the performance they had just witnessed. A wry grin tugged at his lips. He clapped his hands once, twice—loud and firm—until the sound echoed across the courtyard like thunder.
"Now that I got your attention," he said, voice calm but commanding, "let's continue. That was the opening act of the Sunset Stage—by yours truly, Nagae Riku—along with Horikawa Keigo of Peakey P-key and Izumo Saki of Photon Maiden. A round of applause for these two."
The audience broke free from their trance, the hesitation giving way to cheers and whistles. Keigo gave Riku a short nod, his usual smirk returning, while Saki blinked herself back to focus before bowing to the crowd. Their exit left Riku alone at center stage, framed by the orange glow of the late afternoon sun.
He exhaled quietly, rolled his shoulders, and faced the crowd once more. The hum of anticipation returned—every eye fixed on him.
"Now, with all that settled," he began, his voice cutting through the noise with practiced ease, "allow me to reintroduce myself. I'm Nagae Riku—also known as Iku. Three-time TI Champion and five-time Future World Fes Champion. And it's my absolute pleasure to welcome you all... to the Yoba Academy Sunset Stage!"
The crowd erupted. The courtyard seemed to shake under the force of it, the cheers rolling through the air like waves.
Riku let them have their moment before continuing. "As you all know, this year's Sunset Stage is different from the last. I mentioned it at the end of last month—this one isn't just a showcase. It's a best-of-three series. And for the first time ever, it's being broadcast throughout Tokyo! So, even if you couldn't make it here in person, you can enjoy the show from home."
He paused, a playful smirk forming. "Now that we've got the elephant out of the room, how about we get this started?"
The stage lights dimmed in response, the crowd's excitement shifting into anticipation as a single white spotlight fell over him. From the shadows, two groups emerged—Happy Around and Peakey P-key—each taking their place beside their pods. The quiet tension between them was electric, carrying across the courtyard like static.
Riku's eyes moved across both teams, his voice rising once more.
"Introducing first... the challengers!" he announced, letting the words hang for a moment before continuing. "For the past few months, these four girls have been making a name for themselves. With their rapid rise in popularity, they've been dubbed the 'Rising Stars of Yoba!' And now, they're here—on this stage—to challenge the best. Can their bonds overcome the odds? There's only one way to find out. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for... Happy Around!"
The spotlight shifted to his left, illuminating the four girls of Happy Around. Their usual cheerful expressions were still there, but this time, something different burned beneath their smiles—a fierce, focused determination. They weren't here just to perform; they were here to win.
Among the audience, whispers and surprised exclamations rippled through the rows.
"I didn't expect Rei-chan to be part of a DJ group," Rinko murmured, her eyes following the bluish-black-haired girl who stood front and center.
Ako blinked in surprise. "Wait—you know one of them, Rin-Rin?"
"Mm." Rinko nodded subtly. "See the one with the bluish-black hair?"
Ako squinted. "Ah, there she is—wait, she kinda looks like you!"
Saaya leaned forward, amusement flickering in her tone. "She really does. Wow."
Kasumi turned to Rinko, her curiosity peaking. "Rinko-senpai, you know her?"
Rinko smiled faintly. "Of course. Her name's Togetsu Rei."
Arisa frowned, tilting her head. "She's got the same name as LAYER-san."
Rimi leaned closer, eyes wide. "Rinko-senpai, how do you two know each other?"
"She's my cousin," Rinko replied simply, eyes never leaving Rei. "Her piano skills are at least on par with mine... maybe better in some ways. She learned a few tricks from Riku, after all."
The group exchanged quiet gasps. Rinko's tone carried no rivalry, only quiet admiration—and that alone said plenty.
As the cheers died down again, Riku raised the microphone once more, the spotlight shifting across the stage.
"Introducing their opponents..." he said, drawing out the pause just long enough to build suspense. "This group stands as the very best in Yoba. Talent, pedigree, dedication—they have it all. And now, they're here to defend their crown from the upstarts who dare to challenge them. Can they retain their title as the undisputed champions... or will they fall to the power of bonds and friendship?" His voice lifted sharply. "Ladies and gentlemen—Peakey P-key!"
The spotlight swung to the right, revealing the four members of Peakey P-key. Their presence alone commanded the crowd's attention—their posture confident, their expressions fierce. The courtyard roared for them, a tide of support that filled the air with energy.
Riku let the cheers ride for a few seconds before bringing his hand up for silence. "Now here's how it goes," he explained. "Earlier, I called both Rinku and Kyoko to decide who would go first. We did it fair and square—a coin toss—and Peakey P-key won the right to start. So, Happy Around, enter your pod. Peakey P-key, get ready."
The crowd murmured with anticipation as the lights dimmed again, leaving Riku under the lone spotlight. The air grew heavy with expectation. Rinku and her teammates stepped into their pod, the transparent barrier closing behind them with a hiss, while Kyoko and the others of Peakey P-key made their final preparations on stage.
From the sound booth, Shinobu raised a hand and gave Riku the signal—the green light.
Riku smiled, the microphone catching the faint edge of excitement in his tone. "Alright," he said softly, then lifted his voice. "Let's start Round One of the Sunset Stage with a bang! Performing Let's Do the Big Bang—here's Peakey P-key!"
The courtyard exploded into cheers once more as Riku stepped aside, leaving the stage to its stars.
The lights surged back on, a dazzling wave of color sweeping across the stage as Peakey P-key took their positions. Kyoko glanced toward Shinobu at the booth and gave a single, precise nod. The beat dropped. The music hit.
And just like that, the Sunset Stage began.
Let's do the Big Bang!
(By: Peakey P-key)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS9tWVncfcg
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
We can do it! We can do it!
mugamuchuu ni saseru voisu Peaky Time!
kisoutengai songu de Peaky Time!
mimeuru washiki keshiki wo goran asobase dou kana? Very nice!
asobigokoro takusan Peaky Time!
afureru hodo ni mantan Peaky Time!
konya mo tokoton ue made itchaimashou ka
Turn up! All you have to do is
Hey! Hey! Just follow me!
Turn up! I will not let you down!
Hey! Hey! Let's do it!
oto wo michibiku wa It's me! potensharu mashimashi ni
ushiro miru yoyuu nante nai!
zutto aoshingou shitte iru desho?
gomakashiyou ga nai kono takanari
Clap your hands! Clap your hands!
Here we go!!!!
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
kakusei shiteku watashitachi no haato
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
This is kakumeisha
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
ongaku wo kaete miseru yo
kono uta de koe de
noru ka soru ka nado okamai nashide
dohade ni Going up!
sore wa mou daitan ni Peaky Time!
maruhadaka ni bibiddo ni Peaky Time!
sokoshirenai jitsuryoku de honrou suru yo iiyo ne? Yes I am!
kakehiki joozu no uinku Peaky Time!
nounai made mo fooru in rabu Peaky Time!
asamade guroriasu ni somechaimashou ka
Turn up! Seize the day, every moment
Hey! Hey! Don't look back!
Turn up! Anything, Any place, time
Hey! Hey! Let's do it!
oto wo ayatsuru wa It's me! nonstuoppu ni joukigen ni
yukai! tsuukai! kibun wa soukai!
ato wa tanoshime nari furi kamawazu
dokomade demo honnou no mama
High five! High five!
Here we go!!!!
We can do it!!!!
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
dokidoki no saikouchi wo tataki dase!
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
This is kakumeisha
Let's do the 'Big-Bang'! Let's do the 'Big-Bang'!
ongaku wo kaete miseru yo
kono uta de koe de
noru ka soru ka nado okamai nashi de
dohade ni Going up!
The roar of the crowd rose like thunder as Peakey P-key's final note echoed through the courtyard. The lights pulsed in sync with the beat's fading echo before the stage went dark, leaving only the lingering energy of their performance. It was a stunning opening—one that set the standard sky-high.
Somewhere offstage, the four girls of Happy Around stood frozen, still feeling the aftershocks.
Maho broke the silence first, arms crossed, expression caught between awe and exasperation. "They really went there..."
Rei's tone was quieter, but her eyes were sharp. "They used their best song right out of the gate."
Muni looked between them nervously, clutching her tablet. "Rinku... you think our song will be enough?"
Rinku took a deep breath. Even she felt the weight pressing down, but she forced a smile. "I'm certain! But still... watching them this close is unnerving."
"This," Maho said, voice low, "is what the pros do in tournaments. They hit hard first to shake your confidence." She smirked faintly, eyes narrowing toward the glowing stage. "Riku's dead serious about this. Let's not make it easy for him. Get ready—he's coming back."
The sound of heavy footsteps on the metal stairs confirmed it. Riku strode back onto the stage with his usual calm authority, the spotlight catching the faint shimmer of his jacket.
"Now that's a good way to start the Sunset Stage!" he called out, voice booming across the amphitheater. "Can Happy Around answer back? Only one way to find out. Peakey P-key, head to your pod. Happy Around, get yourselves ready."
Kyoko and her teammates gave confident waves to the crowd before stepping back into their pod. Meanwhile, the Happy Around girls moved quickly—Maho running a few last checks, Rei adjusting her keyboard settings, Muni prepping the visuals while Rinku took her place at the mic.
When everything was ready, Maho raised her hand and gave Riku a sharp nod.
Riku grinned. "Can these girls make the turnaround? Well, we're about to see. Singing Dig Delight, here is—Happy Around!"
The crowd's cheer built again as Riku exited the stage. The spotlight shifted, catching Rinku's determined expression just as the first beat dropped.
Dig Delight
(By: Happy Around)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld5bEcsA5p0
Dig Delight!
youkoso! mawari meguri tsunagarou!
Hello Hello Hello――
kono yorokobi wo zensekai e!
hajimemashite no Youtachi ni
aisatsu gawari DJ turn it up!
kyou kara koko ga Holy Ground
mainichi ga Festival!
Day-by-Day kako・ima・mirai
tsunagu tsumugu rinku shiteru?
Go Around chikyuu wa mawaru
tomodachi ni narou yo!
tozasareta michi namonai machi
mada dare mo shiranai basho ga arunda
koe ga todaete shimawanai you
Legend Music tsunaide ikou!
Dig Delight!
sekai wa yorokobi ni michi afureteiru
ima sugu nanika atarashii koto hajimare!
Dig the light!
ashita wo zutto tomoshi tsuzuketeru
Hello Hello Hello――
kitto mieru hazu
tsudoeyo hyakusen man no hito! idakare yo!
D de hajimaru shin sekai
D4DJ no jidai ga tourai!
mirai minai hi nai
kitai zetsudai sekai e shoukai!
hajimemashite no kono kyoku wa
ichigoichie no Anthem de
kyou no settorisuto wa
kimi e no Love Letter
Tomorrow chikyuu wa meguru
umare sodachi rinne shiteru
High ＆ Low jinsei yama ari
tanizoko no kousaten!
owaranai Dream kienai Brave
dakara kono kairo Endless
YO!
atarashii koto kimi to hajimeyou
donna toki mo kimi to waratte iyou
hirogeyou shiawase no sougo sayou
sonna yabo-you ato ni mawase YO!
D de hajimaru shin sekai
D4DJ no jidai ga tōrai
mirai minai hi nai!
kitai zetsudai sekai e shōkai!
Day-by-Day kako・ima・mirai
tsunagu tsumugu rinku shiteru?
Go Around chikyuu no yume wa
shiawase ni narou yo!
Dig Delight!
yorokobi sagaseba yuuki afurete kuru
bokura de umidasou atarashii Legacy!
Dig the light!
mirai no kimi ni koe kaketsuzukeru
Hello Hello Hello――
douka kikoemasu you!
Dig Delight!
honne de katariau no ga "yuujou"
sekai wa yorokobi ni michi afureteiru
nenryou sosogeba katte ni "enjou"
ima sugu nanika atarashii koto hajimare!
shogyoumujou demo kibun JO! JO! tomo ni mezasu gyoukai no choujou
Dig the light!
D de hajimaru shin sekai
ashita mo zutto sagashitsuzuketeru
D4DJ no jidai ga tourai
Hello Hello Hello――
mirai minai hi nai! kitai zetsudai!
kimi to mitsuketai bokura no mirai
tadori tsukeru kana?
bokura no tankyuu to bouken no sono saki e!
atarashii koto kimi to hajimeyou
donna toki mo kimi to waratte iyou
hirogeyou shiawase no sougo sayou
sonna yaboyou ato ni mawase YO!
D de hajimaru shin sekai
D4DJ no jidai ga tourai
mirai minai hi nai!
kitai zetsudai sekai e Show Time!
The final chord of Dig Delight hung in the air for a brief heartbeat before the audience erupted. The courtyard glowed orange from the countless glow sticks raised high, their light reflecting off the sweat and smiles of the girls on stage.
Riku walked back into the spotlight, his expression a mix of pride and composure. "Now that was an impressive performance from Happy Around," he said as the cheering began to fade. "Now that both groups have performed, it's time to explain how the voting works."
The crowd settled. Riku lifted his right hand, holding up two glow sticks—one orange, one silver.
"For those here with us in person, you each have a pair of glow sticks. To vote, you'll raise your hand for ten seconds. Raise your left hand, and it'll glow orange—that's a vote for Happy Around. Raise your right, and it'll glow silver—that's for Peakey P-key."
A few scattered murmurs rolled through the audience as people tested the lights.
"As for those watching from home," Riku continued, "you can cast your vote through Yoba Academy's official site under the Sunset Stage section. Voting will last fifteen minutes. That gives you all time to choose—" he shot a sly grin toward both pods "—and gives our performers time to breathe. Voting starts... now."
The amphitheater bloomed into a galaxy of light—flashes of orange and silver mixing together across the stands. The colors flickered, blending into a swirling sea of energy that filled the courtyard with anticipation.
Riku glanced at the shifting balance, noting how evenly the colors danced. "Seems like it's a close one," he murmured with a knowing smile. "While the votes come in and the girls take their break, I'll hand things over to the ones dying to break this round down. Please welcome Gareth, Lacoste, and Ceb!"
The crowd reacted with surprise and excitement.
Backstage, Shinobu blinked. "Oi, Riku," she called, half laughing. "Why are those TI analysts here?"
Yuka tilted her head, equally shocked. "Wait—you even called in pro analysts for this? Isn't that a bit... over the top?"
Riku raised both hands defensively. "Hey, don't look at me. They volunteered themselves. Ceb was already coming here to scout some talent, and then Gareth and Lacoste overheard our chat and decided to tag along."
Kyoko crossed her arms, giving him a look somewhere between amusement and disbelief. "So this is completely out of your control, huh?"
"Basically."
The girls exchanged a collective sigh.
Rinku's bright voice cut through the tension. "But enough of that! Riku-san, that was an awesome performance you did out there!"
Maho nodded. "Seriously. We didn't expect you and Keigo to go up on stage yourselves."
Muni added, eyes wide, "And you even brought Izumo Saki from Photon Maiden too!"
Riku chuckled softly, scratching the back of his neck. "Keigo came up with the idea. I just said yes before he could even finish the sentence."
Rei tilted her head. "And you barely practiced with them, didn't you?"
"It was fine," he replied easily. "Saki and Keigo are quick to adapt. We got into rhythm fast enough." He paused, glancing at his phone as it buzzed. "Hm? Looks like it's here."
He turned the screen toward them. The results were in.
"Well," he said, sliding the phone into his pocket, "get some rest. The second round's coming up soon. You already know the plan, right?"
The girls nodded, their exhaustion giving way to renewed focus. Riku smiled faintly before turning to leave, but a voice stopped him at the edge of the curtains.
"Riku," Shinobu called, a sly grin on her lips. "You said the second round's a cover song, right?"
"Yeah," he answered, glancing back. "And you're sure you'll be playing that song?"
Her smirk widened. "Trust me. I'll do it justice."
Riku laughed under his breath. "Then I'll be looking forward to it."
With that, he stepped out under the lights again.
The courtyard buzzed with energy when Riku reappeared at center stage. He lifted the microphone, his expression calm but the spark in his eyes giving him away.
"Alright!" he announced. "The voting for the first round is officially closed. And I've got the results right here." He lifted his phone, the screens behind him flashing with the Sunset Stage logo. "Round One's theme was their staple songs. Which of these two groups set the hype higher?"
A pause—just long enough to make the crowd lean forward.
"The winner... of the first round... with fifty-seven percent of the votes... is—"
He drew it out one last heartbeat before shouting, "Happy Around!"
The amphitheater exploded into cheers. Orange lights flared brighter than ever as fans screamed, waved banners, and stomped the floor. Riku could hear the faint shriek of joy from backstage, where Happy Around celebrated their unexpected lead.
He smiled faintly. "That means Happy Around leads this best-of-three series, one to zero, against Peakey P-key."
The crowd responded with another roar of approval.
Riku raised a hand for silence. "Now, let's keep the energy going. It's time for Round Two. Are you ready?!"
The crowd's answer was deafening.
"Good!" Riku laughed lightly. "Let's call the girls back out and get this next round started!"
At his signal, both groups emerged from the backstage area once more. Happy Around took the left side of the stage, waving at their still-cheering fans, while Peakey P-key moved silently to their pod—calm, confident, but clearly more focused than before.
Maho worked quickly at her console, making final adjustments. Rinku took her position, Rei flexed her fingers above the keyboard, and Muni steadied herself at the visual station. When everything was ready, Maho gave Riku a firm thumbs-up.
"Now," Riku said, his voice carrying across the courtyard, "Round Two is Cover Songs. Which track did these girls choose? Let's find out." He stepped back, letting his voice echo through the speakers. "Kicking off Round Two—singing Days by FLOW—please welcome, Happy Around!"
The cheers rose again as the lights shifted from orange to gold.
Days
(By: FLOW)
(Covered by: Happy Around)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-PukNlSuuA
kawari yuku kisetsu ga machinami someteyuku
aimai na jikan ga nagarete
namida-iro no sora wo boku wa mitsumeteita
kanashimi no nami ga oshi yoseru
yume wa tooku made
hakkirito miete ita noni
taisetsuna mono wo miushinatta
ano hi kawashita yakusoku wa kudakete chitta
hageshiku hakanai kioku no kakera
tatoe futari narande mita yume kara sametemo
kono omoi wasure wa shinai zutto
iroaseta keshiki wo kaze ga nagarete yuku
omoide wa sotto yomigaeru
kayoinareta michi
ayumi susunde mo modorenai
saisho no uso saigo no kotoba
tsuyogatte bakka gomakasu kanjou ni
sugisatta kisetsu kara no kaitou
So ima sara nani mo dekiya shinai tte
wakattetatte mou dame mitai
shosen kurikaesu dake
no jimon jitou
kasane tsuzuketeru genjou
nagai yoru hitori shizukesa wo terasu gaitou
omoide ga soumatou no youni
guruguru nouri wo hashiri dasu
awai kioku ni nando moshi ga mitsu kouto suru ga
kieteshimau
kanashimi no Merry-Go-Round
mayonaka no Melody Slow Dance
ano hi kawashita yakusoku wa kudakete chitta
hageshiku hakanai kioku no kakera
tatoe futari naran de mita yume kara sametemo
kono omoi wasure wa shinai zutto
tsuioku no hibi ga terasu ima wo
The courtyard pulsed with energy, the crowd swept up in the rush of nostalgia as Happy Around's rendition came to a close. Their take on the classic had been clean, bright, and infectious—every beat carried the spark that made the original beloved. Rinku and Maho shared a look of pure relief and elation, their joy mirrored in the smiles of Kyoko and Shinobu inside the pods. The synergy between them felt effortless, like the air itself was clapping along.
Then, Riku stepped back onto the stage, his hands coming together in slow, deliberate applause. His expression carried both pride and surprise.
"What an outstanding performance from Happy Around!" he announced, his voice booming through the speakers. "A very nice revision of the original. I'm sure the one who performed it first would be proud."
The crowd answered him with a wave of cheers. Riku tilted his head slightly, signaling the group to return to their pods.
"Now, head back to your pods so Peakey P-key can start prepping."
Happy Around nodded, still breathless from the high of performance, and slipped back to their pod. The stage crew moved quickly, adjusting lights and cables as Peakey P-key stepped up. Kyoko shared a brief glance with Shinobu, who gave Riku a small smirk—the kind that promised trouble.
Taking that as his cue, Riku sighed softly before addressing the crowd once more.
"With their backs against the wall, can they force a third round? Or will they fall right here and there?" His tone carried a teasing weight. "Hopefully what they picked can save them. Singing Anti-clockwise from OG—here is, Peakey P-key!"
The entire arena froze for half a beat. The name alone dropped like a lightning bolt. Even from the audience pit, jaws dropped—Poppin'Party, Rinko, Miyu, Eli, Ako, and even the foreign guests Ceb, Gareth, and Lacoste stared in disbelief.
Peakey P-key had chosen to perform one of OG's signature songs.
Anti-clockwise
(By: After the Rain - Soraru and Mafumafu)
(Covered by: Peakey P-key)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL_Vkq7KUQA&list=PLucHdC2oYRUgZ8Tn-b95XTGZlo2C310Jo&index=52
Esoragoto nara iro o kirashita
Koe o kikou to ryoumimi o fusaideiru
Sakebi chirashita keishou to
Dareka ga nigoshita KOODO
Gayoku o kuratta kokoro de
Shirabe ga yugandeiku
Ano sora wa tooku irozuiteiru
Mimachigau koto no nai akaneiro
Sakasama no byoushin to aizou de
Subete ga kanau ki ga shita
Marude kakusou to suru you ni
Kakeochiru mirai to haguruma
Kokoro o taguri au mae ni
Zenmai ga sabitsuite shimau yo
Maki modoseru sude mo naku
Bokura ikiba nai mama miageru
Sunda kikaijikake no sora
Kashigeru kubi wa toikake desu ka
Sore tomo koe o kiku ki suranai no desu ka
Yaji mo basei mo hinpyou mo
Hitei o shinakucha ai ka
Toukankaku ni kizanda
MEMORI jou no kizu
Hankai shita PIANO de hibiki narasu KADENTSU
Kimi to yubikiri o shite
Nee anna ni nanimo ni muchuu ni natte ita kke
Utagau koto mo shinai mama
Kitai hazure de itai da nante
Itsukara negatte shimatta?
Na mo shirenu hou ga ii nante
Itsukara ka negatte shimatta
Kokoro mo neji makidashite
Imi o ushinatte shimatta
Nani hitotsu mo ugokasenai kyou to
Oshitsubusu you ni hirogaru
Sunda kikaijikake no sora
Nanimo motomenai kara nanimo motomenaide yo
Kyou o aoku someru hi yo (kuraku someru hi yo)
Hakujitsu yo toki yo tomare
Sakasa ni hari o oshikonde
Subete nakunatte shimae yo
Sukui mo negai mo nai no nara
Hajimari ni modoshite shimae yo
Kokoro o taguri au mae ni
Zenmai ga sabitsuite shimau yo
Maki modoseru sude mo naku
Bokura ikiba nai mama miageru
Sundakikaijikake no sora
The eruption that followed nearly tore the roof off the venue. The cheers were so loud, people outside could hear the echoing roar. Kyoko and her team stood drenched in sweat, chests heaving as the lights cut to white and the music faded.
Maho and the girls of Happy Around stared in stunned silence. Their rival's performance had been nothing short of a full assault—precise, electrifying, and dripping with the same fire that once defined Riku's stage presence.
Then Maho blinked, shook her head, and made quick hand gestures toward the stage. Riku, still processing the aftershock, squinted at her—then his eyes widened.
He raised the mic.
"Maho called it! GG!!" he shouted, the words lighting the crowd ablaze. "Peakey P-key forces a round three!! They make Happy Around tap out!!!"
The moment the words left his mouth, the audience lost it. A flood of chants and screams filled the dome as the scoreboard flashed ROUND THREE INCOMING. Both teams exited quickly—no posturing, no lingering. The energy was too much to contain.
Riku stood alone now, the lights cooling on his figure. He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck with a faint grin.
"Well... didn't expect this to happen." A pause. "But since Happy Around called GG, that means voting for the second round isn't needed anymore. We'll be having a fifteen-minute break before we move on to round number three. Boys, take it away."
The band behind him kicked in a light instrumental to keep the atmosphere alive while Riku disappeared backstage.
–––
As the break began, the audience broke into small pockets of chatter. Some rushed for the bathrooms, others queued for snacks or merch. The rest just stood there, trying to process what they'd witnessed.
Kasumi turned to Tae, still holding her glowstick. "To think Kyoko-chan and her group would play senpai's song."
Tae tilted her head. "You think he'd be mad about it?"
Rinko, calm as ever, shook her head. "I don't think Riku would be mad. More likely... impressed."
Ako crossed her arms, smirking. "They did good. But it ain't a comparison to how Riku-nii played it."
Arisa frowned, curious. "Still... how did she manage to pull it off? Riku-san only sang that song back at the Future World Fes two months ago."
Miyu leaned forward. "Maybe there's a recording of it online. Shinobu-san's a strategist—she might've studied it and replicated his tone."
Eli nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe so, but the result's the same. Happy Around had to surrender the round. That'll hit them hard."
Rinko's voice softened, almost nostalgic. "Just like what happened at Stockholm..."
The words hung there, and for a moment, all of them remembered. Team Spirit calling GG after Riku's Anti-clockwise performance—his presence that day had been overwhelming, absolute. Now, they were witnessing a repeat of that same storm, reborn through Peakey P-key.
–––
The fifteen-minute break came and went. The energy returned to a simmering roar as both DJ teams reappeared alongside Riku. But something was off—Shinobu was clutching her head, expression tense. Whatever momentum she'd drawn from the last performance was clearly taking a toll.
Riku's gaze lingered for a moment, concern flickering behind his usual composure. Then, with a small nod, he turned to face the crowd again.
"And here we go. With Peakey P-key tying it up, we're heading into round three!" His voice surged through the arena. "Now this is a make-or-break for both groups! For this final round, they'll each perform a brand-new song that defines them as a whole."
He stepped back, sweeping his arm toward the first pod.
"Starting the third round, singing Happy Music♪—here is, Happy Around!"
As the lights dimmed and the first notes began to rise, the crowd collectively leaned forward. The last round had begun—no more covers, no more nostalgia. Just the pure sound of who they truly were.
Happy Music♪
(By: Happy Around)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfL4VhRWVUc
happy! hajimaru yo Music Yeah!
chaimu ga ima tsugeru School's out!
Anyways... O・Do・Ro!
tokimeki juudai floor Around Round Time!
seifuku Disco! stage shuugou!
kimi to iru to tanoshikutte
naite itara yasashikutte
minna de Guru Guru shiawase mawasou!
rakkii! houkago no gifuto Yeah!
wakuwaku hora tanoshiinjaou Smile for you!
happii! hajimari no Anthem Yeah!
kakete ii no? yuuki dashite Turn it up!
wachamecha juudai C'mon Happy time!
kokkara bokura doko e ikou?
kimi to itsumo utattetai na
naiteru yori warattetai na
naraba Guru Guru rekoodo mawasou!
rakkii! tsumekonda gifuto Yeah!
chiicchakute mo ookiku nare! Smiling!
happii! tamatebako getto Yeah!
akete ii no? sore wa tabun Love and Peace!
saa mawasou mawasou shiawase "mawasou!"
tsunagou tsunagou shiawase "tsunagou!"
yumemiru "My Soul!" rikinja "No Goal!"
Ah la la la la de day Happy Happy "Go round!"
kyou wa "North!" ashita wa "South!" shirokujichuu hashire "Dash!"
ashita wa "Test!" sore wa "Pass!" kaeru made ga "Fes!"
mou ichido "Peak out!" sorosoro "Chill out!"
O・Do・Ro・Yo・Da・Da・Da "Dance!"
I Love You! 143!
saa O・Do・Ro!
Dig On The Road!
I Love You! 143!
saa Wan・Na・Te!
Let's O・Do・Ri・Ma・Show!
rakkii! houkago no gifuto Yeah!
wakuwaku hora tanoshiinjaou Smile for you!
happii! hajimaru yo Music Yeah!
junbi de kita? yuuki dashite Turn it up!
Check this out!
The final notes of Happy Music♪ faded into the summer air, and for a brief heartbeat, the amphitheater held its breath. Then the crowd erupted, waves of applause rolling through the stands. Yet, behind the bright smiles and energetic bows, it was clear that Happy Around was running on fumes. Their movements were slower now, breaths heavy and labored as they waved to the fans one last time before retreating to their pod.
The cheers barely settled when Peakey P-key strode out. The four girls' expressions carried quiet determination—no gloating, no hesitation, just focus. Shinobu gave Riku a single nod, her eyes glinting beneath the stage lights. Riku caught the signal and turned toward the crowd with a smile that hinted at excitement and exhaustion all at once.
"Now, let's end this Sunset Stage on a high note!" he called, voice echoing through the venue. "Can they pull off the reverse sweep? Or will their reign end here? Singing Sai Chōten Peakey & Peakey—ladies and gentlemen, here is Peakey P-key!"
The air crackled with anticipation. Even the glowsticks waving across the stands seemed to pulse in rhythm with the tension.
Sai Chōten Peakey & Peakey
(By: Peakey P-key)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40A204uRvOA
omoidasunda ano hi no jounetsu wo
enryo suru nante rashikunai kara sa
wagamama hitotsu dake de kowareru kankei janai
kokoro no mama ni butsukeau kara koso
honto no ongaku ga umarerunda
sou janakya atashitachi wa hajimannai kara
shinjiteiru dakara itsumo
burenai kokoro ga aru no
oikaketa saikou no shunkan wa
minna to issho naraba tsukameru hazu dakara kitto
I can't get enough! Aim for the top!
Nothing can stop! I will keep trying!
Peak! Peak! Peak! Peak!
Peak! Peak! Peak! Peak!
Peaky! Peaky! Peaky! Peaky!
Peaky P-key Rise!!!!
hanareteite mo Hoo! Hoo!
watashitachi wa hitotsu Hoo! Hoo!
hotobashiru hibana de tsunagatteru Hoo! Hoo!
saikou no ongaku ni wa saikou no membaa ga
hitsuyou nanda kara!
peaky&peaky de
saichouten e yukou!
madamada korekara sa agare! agare!
hitori ja ikenai basho e to mezase!
Peaky P-key, Go up!!!!
kakugo wo kimero ima subeki koto wo
nakama no tame jibun no tame ni Do the best
norikoeru kabe no saki de mitai keshiki ni fureyou
rashisa wo subete uketomete kureru
sonna kimi ga iru sekai dakara koso
atashi to iu neiro ga kirameki dasu kara
matteiru yo koko de kimi wo
sono tame ni dekiru koto wo
hyoukasare ni ikanakute mo
jibun de kagayakeru basho wa... The one and only!!
hitori hitori aratana jounetsu wo te ni shite
futatabi ima koko de kanadeyou minna to nara
motto, motto ue e to yukeru...!
I can't get enough! Aim for the top!
Nothing can stop! I will keep trying!
Peak! Peak! Peak! Peak!
Peak! Peak! Peak! Peak!
Peaky! Peaky! Peaky! Peaky!
Peaky P-key Rise!!!!
hanareteite mo Hoo! Hoo!
watashitachi wa hitotsu Hoo! Hoo!
hotobashiru hibana de tsunagatteru Hoo! Hoo!
saikou no ongaku ni wa saikou no membaa ga
hitsuyou nanda kara!
peaky&peaky de
saichouten e yukou!
madamada korekara sa agare! agare!
hitori ja ikenai basho e to mezase!
Peaky P-key, Go up!!!!
When the final beat struck, it hit like thunder. The crowd exploded, standing in unison to cheer for Peakey P-key. The four girls on stage, drenched in sweat and adrenaline, exchanged looks of disbelief and triumph. They'd poured everything into that set—every ounce of skill, every drop of willpower—and it showed.
Riku, standing at the edge of the stage, watched with quiet pride. The fatigue on their faces mirrored the same kind he'd worn countless times before. He gave them a small nod, the unspoken "well done" only performers could understand.
As the applause continued, Riku stepped forward again. "Let's give it up for both DJ teams!" he shouted, his grin widening. "That's how you close out a stage."
But the girls didn't immediately re-emerge from their pods. Both teams were clearly spent, catching their breath away from the spotlight. While the votes were tallied, Riku filled the silence with light banter, keeping the crowd's energy alive until the screens behind him blinked, signaling the results were ready.
"Alright, the moment's upon us," Riku said, his tone shifting to something deeper, almost ceremonial. "It's time to decide who wins the Sunset Stage. Both of these groups gave their all tonight and turned this place into something unforgettable. Honestly? They could give the pros a run for their money."
The crowd cheered in agreement, the anticipation returning. Then Riku smirked faintly. "You know what, I'm not gonna just say who wins. Instead... I want Rinku and Kyoko to come stand beside me."
The two leaders hesitated for a second before stepping forward. Riku took both of their hands, raising them slightly. The audience whistled and laughed, some teasing shouts echoing through the stands. Rinko, Eli, and Miyu's faces twitched ever so slightly while Poppin'Party and Ako quietly stepped back, half amused and half wary of whatever Riku was about to pull.
"Simple as this," Riku said, his tone playful. "I'll raise the winner's hand. No names, no suspense cards—just this. So... the winner of the Sunset Stage... is..."
The arena fell into perfect silence. Even the air seemed to hold still as every eye fixed on his hands.
Then—
–––
Riku raised Kyoko's hand.
–––
The crowd erupted, roaring so loud it drowned out even the stage monitors. Lights burst across the amphitheater in gold and violet, banners waving wildly.
Happy Around's pod opened, and the girls stepped out quietly, still catching their breath. Muni looked down, her voice soft. "We lost..."
Maho nodded, then smiled faintly. "True. But... I feel kinda satisfied with it."
Rei placed a hand on her shoulder. "We did what we could. And we learned something from it."
"Yeah." Maho's smile grew. "Come on, let's go see Rinku."
As they made their way across the stage, Peakey P-key regrouped near center.
Yuka let out a shaky laugh. "We... we actually did it. We won."
Esora turned to Shinobu, who was kneeling slightly, catching her breath. "Shinobu, you okay?"
Shinobu nodded, wiping sweat from her forehead. "Yeah... they really made us go all out. Not bad, Happy Around. Not bad at all."
Esora grinned. "So you're finally acknowledging them as our rivals?"
Shinobu's eyes followed Rinku and her group as they approached. A small, satisfied smile curved her lips. "You could say that. But my goal's still the same—to surpass Riku."
"Speaking of Riku," Esora said, smirking, "about that prize..."
Shinobu froze. So did Yuka. Both suddenly remembered Riku's earlier announcement: whoever wins the Sunset Stage becomes OG's DJ group for the rest of the year. The weight of that realization hit them like a second encore.
Shinobu's eyes darted to Riku, silently asking if he was serious. His calm smile was answer enough.
The four girls exchanged nervous looks before walking toward Rinku and Kyoko, who were now facing each other near center stage.
"Congratulations, Kyoko-chan," Rinku said softly, forcing a smile even as fatigue lined her face.
"Thanks, Rinku." Kyoko's voice was gentle, her own exhaustion slipping through. "But you were amazing too. You gave us one hell of a fight."
The two leaders locked eyes, the tension between victory and respect heavy but warm.
Then Riku cleared his throat—loudly.
"If you two are gonna kiss, do it somewhere else," he teased.
Both Rinku and Kyoko instantly broke apart, faces flaring red as the crowd burst into laughter. Muni and Shinobu both smacked Riku on the back in mock outrage, earning a chuckle from him.
"Anyway, congratulations to Peakey P-key," Riku continued once the laughter faded. "And since you won, you already know what the prize is, right?"
All four girls nodded, the weight of the moment dawning on them.
"Good," Riku said. "But it isn't me who gives the final word. He does."
He stepped aside as another figure walked onto the stage—a man wearing nearly the same outfit as Riku, confident yet unassuming. The murmurs in the crowd swelled the moment they recognized him.
"Girls, meet Sébastien Debs, or as most of you know him—Ceb," Riku said with a grin. "Co-owner of OG, and the man in charge of our DJ division."
The audience gasped. Even those unfamiliar with the deeper industry ties knew the name. Ceb was a legend—a producer with a reputation for molding local talent into international stars.
Ceb took the microphone briefly, his accent light but his tone warm. "Riku has already told you the details. The question is simple—will you girls accept? If not, no hard feelings."
He extended his hand. For a few seconds, no one moved. Then Shinobu stepped forward without hesitation and clasped it firmly. The crowd erupted again as Ceb smiled, sealing the deal.
"Well then," Riku said, stepping forward, his grin widening, "welcome to the OG family, Peakey P-key. Honestly, I half-expected you to decline."
Shinobu shook her head, expression resolute. "I thought about it. But I know we won't get another chance like this. There are groups out there stronger than us—but this deal gives us the stage to catch up, maybe even surpass them. I want to make the name Undisputed Champs real. I want to leave a mark on the world stage... something my grandfather couldn't do back then."
Her words hung in the air, raw and honest.
Riku's voice softened. "Then your goal's grown far beyond what I expected. And if that's what you're aiming for, then OG will back you all the way."
Shinobu smiled faintly. "Thanks."
They bumped fists—a simple gesture, but it carried the weight of recognition and respect. Around them, the crowd cheered one final time, camera flashes painting the air with light.
As the music swelled for the closing segment, Riku looked out at the sea of faces, at the new champions standing beside him, and at the ones who'd fallen just short but stood proudly nonetheless.
The Sunset Stage had ended not with rivalry, but with renewal.
And as the night lights reflected off the ocean below, one truth settled in everyone's hearts—
this was the beginning of Japan's musical rise to the world stage.
To be continued...