📢 The Opening
Silence filled the vast venue, heavy with anticipation, like the air before a storm breaks.
Then, Seiya Hidaka's voice cut through the tension, clear and commanding as a starter pistol.
"Alright, everyone. Let us begin Round One."
He turned toward the judges' table, where three figures sat in the dim light, tablets ready.
"In this round, performers will present solo acts to showcase their individual skills. Scoring will be based on technique, musicality, choreography, and overall stage presence."
He looked directly into the wings, locking eyes with Raito and Tsuki.
"Ready?"
"RAAAAAAITO~!!"
Raito stiffened instantly. The color drained from his face.
A woman had stood up in the audience section, waving her hands enthusiastically, radiating enough energy to power the entire venue.
Raito groaned internally. This was the one occupational hazard he hadn't trained for: Embarrassing Relatives.
"MY BABY LOOKS SO CUTE UP THERE!! GIVE THEM YOUR BEST SHOT!!" his mother shouted, beaming.
Raito turned to Tsuki with a look of pure despair, mouthing 'Kill me now.'
Tsuki's face remained as impassive as marble, but his eyes darted around the room—towards the ceiling, the exit sign, and back to Raito.
"We could fake an injury," he whispered flatly. "Maintenance Tunnel 3 is unguarded. We could be in the next prefecture by sunset."
Raito almost snorted, ruining their cool image entirely. Instead, he plastered a bright, forced smile on his face and waved back at his mom like she was royalty.
"HI MOM! LOVE YOU! PLEASE BE QUIET NOW~!"
The audience cooed and laughed.
Seiya smirked into the microphone. "It seems we have... very passionate family support tonight."
Raito and Tsuki just gave him the most pleading look known to man.
"Pleading eyes detected," Seiya chuckled, softening. "Alright, alright. Let's give our idols a moment to compose themselves."
"Round One will begin in five minutes. Use your time wisely."
Raito exhaled as if he'd just survived a hurricane. Tsuki's shoulders dropped just a fraction—his version of a sigh of relief.
As they turned to head backstage, Raito leaned in:
"We're adding 'Escape from Family' to our choreography next time."
Tsuki nodded seriously. "...Make it the finale."
🤝 Backstage Camaraderie
Backstage was organized chaos.
ALKALOID was huddled together, doing last-minute high-fives and breathing exercises.
Knights were gathered around a tablet, apparently playing rock-paper-scissors to decide the order of a dance break.
Ra*bits were bouncing off the walls like excited golden retrievers.
Then the door burst open, and Raito and Tsuki stumbled in, panting dramatically. They collapsed against the wall.
Arashi Narukami looked up from fixing his sleeve, raising an eyebrow, but a smile tugged at his lips.
Nazuna Nito laughed openly, hands on his hips.
Hiiro Amagi looked genuinely concerned for a second, until Aira Shiratori whispered something that made him bite back a grin.
"What happened?" Tomoya Mashiro asked innocently.
Raito looked up, eyes wide with fake trauma. "My mom is here... and she knows how to yell."
Tsuki nodded once. "Public execution by embarrassment."
"Oof, that's rough buddy," Mitsuru Tenma winced sympathetically.
Arashi laughed, leaning back. "Could be worse. You could have my mom. She's a professional stage mom. She once brought a whole cheer squad to a parent-teacher conference."
For a moment, the tension broke.
The room erupted into laughter. Knights clapped them on the back like fellow survivors, Ra*bits offered them cookies, and ALKALOID patted their shoulders as if they were refugees of war.
👁️ The Watchers
Up in the VIP seats, the producers and seniors watched the monitors.
Ibara Saegusa adjusted his glasses, the light glinting off the lenses, hiding his expression.
"They are making it impossible not to watch," Nagisa Ran murmured beside him, sipping his tea.
HiMERU typed calmly into his device:
🔎 Analysis: Emotional Damage received. Status: Approved.
Over at the UNDEAD table, Koga Oogami smirked, kicking his feet up.
"First real major stage and they're already suffering from parental trauma. Classic rookies."
Rei Sakuma narrowed his eyes, watching the feed of Raito and Tsuki standing together.
"They have chemistry... too raw, too real. Dangerous for newcomers."
Subaru Akehoshi from Trickstar leaned forward excitedly.
"Hokuto! Your dad is hosting and Raito's mom is the loudest person here? This SS Competition is already legendary!"
Hokuto Hidaka sighed, but he couldn't hide his small smile.
From the corner, Madara Mikejima stood up suddenly and cupped his hands.
"RAITO! TSUKI! I BELIEVE IN YOUUUU~!"
His voice echoed through the backstage speakers.
"WE BELIEVE IN YOU TOO!!" Esu shouted back from the audience.
And like dominoes falling, the support spread.
RYUSEITAI cheered wildly. AKATSUKI gave a sharp, respectful nod. Even Shu Itsuki looked... slightly less critical than usual.
Backstage, Raito heard it all. He turned to Tsuki, his eyes shining with happy tears.
"...We've got an army, don't we?"
Tsuki closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of it all.
"...Yeah. We really do."
🕊️ ALKALOID — Wings of Light
The stage lights rose, brilliant and white, bathing everything in silver.
Hiiro Amagi stepped into the center. He turned and smiled—a smile pure and bright as dawn.
The crowd roared.
"Are you ready?" he asked, his voice carrying perfectly.
The response was a wave of sound.
Hiiro took a breath, and began to sing.
The first note was clean, sharp, and powerful—like a blade of light cutting through darkness. This wasn't just technique; it was life itself.
"I was born in silence... but I won't die unheard."
The audience gasped.
Backstage, everyone stopped talking.
Knights paused their joking. Ra*bits froze with snacks halfway to their mouths.
Polar Opposites watched, wide-eyed, as ALKALOID claimed the stage not with flashy tricks, but with pure soul.
Tatsumi Kazehaya's voice came in deep and resonant, grounding the melody, while Mayoi Ayase and Aira danced with a harmony that felt like breathing.
Up in the seats, Rinne Amagi didn't cheer.
He sat perfectly still, fingers steepled under his chin, his eyes locked only on Hiiro.
When Hiiro hit the high note—piercing, clear, beautiful—Rinne smiled.
It wasn't a boastful grin. It was soft. Warm. The smile of an older brother watching his little sibling finally learn to fly.
When the performance ended, the applause was deafening.
Score: 96.8 / 100
Rinne stood up slowly and gave one sharp, firm nod from across the distance—a silent promise: Keep going. I'm watching.
Hiiro saw it. He smiled back, breathing hard.
🤝 The Check-In
As Hiiro stumbled off stage, legs shaking from adrenaline, he nearly collided with Tsuki.
Tsuki's hand shot out instantly, gripping Hiiro's shoulder firmly to steady him.
"Easy there."
"O-Oh! Thanks, Kuroi-kun!" Hiiro blushed, straightening up.
Tsuki held his shoulder for a second longer, just until he was steady. His voice was low, serious.
"Watch yourself out there. Don't push too hard."
Hiiro blinked, surprised by the genuine concern. "...Yeah. I will."
Behind them, Aira poked Tatsumi.
"Did... Tsuki just initiate conversation voluntarily?"
"Shh," Tatsumi grinned. "It's a rare event. Document it."
Tsuki turned away, pretending to check his shoelaces, but Raito saw it—the way his eyes softened, like moonlight on water.
⚔️ Knights — The Crown's Duty
The atmosphere shifted. The lights turned sharp and regal.
Knights took the stage.
Tsukasa Suou stood at the forefront, radiating dignity. Leo Tsukinaga was already vibrating with energy, Izumi Sena looked cool and composed, Ritsu Sakuma was languid and elegant, and Arashi... Arashi burned with a passion that drew every eye.
The music hit—a thunderous bassline.
They moved like a single organism. Sharp. Powerful. Flawless.
"We don't fight for glory... we fight for each other."
Arashi's voice soared, raw and emotional.
Backstage, Raito and Tsuki watched in silence.
"They get it," Tsuki murmured, his voice thick. "They understand what it means to be someone else's reason to shine."
Raito looked at him, smiling softly. "Yeah... it reminds me of us."
Knights bowed in perfect sync. The crowd screamed.
In the VIP section, Rei Sakuma didn't move. He just watched Ritsu laughing and waving.
A single tear slipped down his cheek, fast and silent. He wiped it away instantly, but Kaoru Hakaze saw it.
"Crying over your kouhai, Rei-san?" Koga teased.
"I wasn't crying," Rei adjusted his sleeve, his voice wavering just slightly. "...I was just proud."
And in that moment, even the wild wolves of UNDEAD went quiet, giving their leader a moment to just be... an older brother.
✨ Ra*bits — Sparkling Dreams
Next up was Ra*bits.
The mood shifted instantly to something bright, warm, and hopeful.
Nazuna, Tomoya, Mitsuru, and Hajime moved like they were made of stardust and joy.
Their song was energetic, sweet, and full of love.
Hajime Shino sang with a brightness that felt like sunshine breaking through clouds.
"Let hope and love guide us through the night, so we never lose this light..."
The crowd went wild, clapping along to the beat.
Raito watched them, his expression softening.
"They're so bright. Even their mistakes look fun."
Tsuki didn't take his eyes off them. "...We used to be like that."
"Used to?" Raito asked gently.
Tsuki hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Before... everything got heavy."
Raito stepped closer, letting their shoulders brush.
"It is heavy. But we're still here. Together." He grinned, punching the air lightly. "And soon? We're gonna light up that stage even brighter than them!"
Tsuki looked at him. And for just one second, a real smile touched his lips.
"...Yeah. Let's."
🎤 Their Turn — Polar Opposites
As Ra*bits ran off stage, breathless and beaming, the spotlight dimmed to a single beam.
"Next up!" Seiya's voice echoed.
"Representing COSMIC PRODUCTION... Polar Opposites!!"
The audience erupted.
Raito took a deep breath. He didn't hesitate. He reached out and grabbed Tsuki's hand.
Tsuki didn't pull away.
He squeezed back. Hard.
Together, they stepped into the light.
Across the venue, every single idol watched.
Ibara leaned forward. Koga tensed. Subaru whooped.
Rinne Amagi crossed his arms, nodding once.
Even Raito's mom stood up, hands clasped dramatically.
"MY SWEET BABIES... SHINE BRIGHT!!"
The first notes began to play.
Soft. Delicate.
A single piano melody, echoing through the silence—
like moonlight falling on still water...
and then, the sun rising to meet it.
🎶 SONG: "UNFILTERED"
[Intro]
The lights dim to deep indigo. A single spotlight hits the center. Raito stands with his head bowed, hands clasped tightly. Tsuki steps out from the shadows, his expression unreadable, serious as stone.
[Verse 1: Raito]
"You might think I have everything"
"An idol wanna be could ever want"
"A palace full of luxury "
"And helpers who help 'round the clock"
Raito spreads his arms wide, gesturing grandly as if showing off an imaginary crown, then lets them fall limply to his sides, his smile turning bitter and hollow.
👁️ Audience Reactions:
- Trickstar:
Subaru: "Whoa... he's singing about the image everyone sees!"
Makoto: "Yeah... it looks perfect from the outside, doesn't it?"
- 4piece:
Esu clasps hands over chest: "I know that feeling! The glamour is shiny, but it's heavy!"
Kanna: "He's telling the truth behind the smile."
[Verse 2: Tsuki]
"Looking out through the idol walls"
"With every minute planned What I'd give to have the chance"
" To hold my future in my own hands? "
Tsuki walks slowly to the edge of the stage, looking out into the darkness like he's staring through a window. He clenches his fists tightly at his sides, knuckles white.
👁️ Reactions:
- AKATSUKI:
Keito adjusts glasses: "A critique of the system... phrased beautifully."
Kuro: "Every minute planned... he speaks the harsh reality of this industry."
- MaM:
Madara takes a sip of drink: "Oh ho~? The moon speaks of freedom? I like this tune."
[Verse 3: Raito]
"All they know is from a screen"
" So, how can I become their star?"
" I wanna be me And make my own decisions"
Raito turns to Tsuki, eyes wide and pleading. He reaches out a hand, trembling slightly, asking for understanding. The melody softens, becoming fragile.
👁️ Reactions:
- Switch:
Tsumugi: "He wonders if being real is enough..."
Natsume twirls pen: "The cage of image... a classic curse~"
Sora: "But he wants to shine bright! Sora sees it!"
- ALKALOID:
Aira whispers: "That's what we all worry about, right?"
Tatsumi: "To be accepted not for a mask, but for who we are."
[Verse 4: Tsuki]
" I wanna be free To chase my own ambitions"
Tsuki grabs Raito's wrist firmly, pulling him closer. His voice drops lower, richer, filled with determination. He nods once, sharp and confident.
👁️ Reactions:
- Eden:
Ibara: "Ambitions... indeed."
Nagisa watches silently: "He sounds like I did once."
Hiyori: "Hmph. Bold words for a rookie."
Jun smirks: "But he means every word."
- Valkyrie:
Shu: "The movement speaks of resistance. Of art."
Mika: "Yeah... they're breakin' the mold, aren't they?"
[Verse 5: Raito]
"I wanna go anywhere"
"Feel the wind in my hair"
"And find myself out there in this world"
"I wanna be me, and not a picture-perfect idol"
Raito spins around, arms outstretched like he's running through an open field. He tilts his head back, eyes closed, looking like he's breathing fresh air for the first time.
👁️ Reactions:
- 2wink:
Hinata: "WAAAAH! So cool!! Picture-perfect is boring anyway!"
Yuta: "Yeah! We wanna have fun too! He gets it!"
- Ra*bits:
Mitsuru: "Wind in his hair... that sounds awesome!"
Hajime: "I hope he can be free... really free."
[Verse 6: Tsuki ]
"Everybody needs to feel alive"
"Yeah, everyone deserves a chance to live outside the lines"
Tsuki walks forward with heavy, powerful steps. He points directly at the audience, then taps his own chest over his heart, emphasizing the truth of his words.
👁️ Reactions:
- UNDEAD:
Rei: "Now that is the spirit I like to hear."
Kaoru: "He's got a good voice. Strong and steady."
Koga pumps fist: "YEAH! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT!"
Adonis: "To feel alive... yes! That is true strength!"
- Crazy:B:
Rinne whoops: "OUTSIDE THE LINES! THAT'S THE SPIRIT!"
Kohaku: "Moon boy's got serious fire."
Niki: "Music to my ears~!"
[Verse 7: Raito ]
"But idols can't be seen breaking the rules"
Raito hunches his shoulders slightly, looking down timidly. He shakes his head 'no', his voice trembling, showing the fear of being judged.
👁️ Reactions:
- Knights:
Izumi: "Breaking rules... that is a dangerous thought for an idol."
Leo writes furiously: "But beautiful! So dramatic and sad!"
Tsukasa: "The burden of the role... I understand that struggle well."
[Verse 8: Tsuki ]
"You're a idol; you should be making the rules"
SNAP. Tsuki grabs Raito's shoulders and forces him to look up. The music kicks in hard, electric guitars roaring. Tsuki's eyes blaze with confidence, challenging the world.
👁️ Reactions:
- Fine:
Eichi laughs softly: "Oh my... how interesting."
Wataru: "TRULY! THE ARTIST CREATES THE REALITY!"
Tori: "Wow! Tsuki-kun is so cool!!"
Yuzuru: "Making the rules... quite the ambition."
- RYUSEITAI:
Chiaki stands up: "MAKING THE RULES! That is the heart of a hero!"
Tetora: "Yeah! Don't just follow! Lead the way!"
Shinobu: "Like a ninja! Stealthy but strong!"
Kanata: "Ruuuules~..."
[Verse 9: Raito]
"I wanna be me"
[Verse 10: Tsuki]
(You gotta be free)
They move in perfect sync. Step, turn, pose. Raito looks hopeful; Tsuki looks determined. They mirror each other like reflections in water.
👁️ Reactions:
- Everyone:
The energy shifts. The air feels electric. Even the judges lean forward slightly.
[Verse 11: Raito]
"And make my own decisions"
[Verse 12: Tsuki]
(To make your own decisions)
Tsuki places a hand firmly on Raito's back, pushing him forward gently but surely—encouraging him to take the lead, to be brave.
[Verse 13: Raito]
"I wanna be free"
[Verse 14: Tsuki]
(Let the world see)
Raito throws his head back and sings out loud, no longer afraid. The lights flare up brilliantly, golden and white.
[Verse 15: Raito]
"Unfiltered, nothing missin' I wanna go anywhere"
"Feel the wind in my hair"
[Verse 16: Tsuki]
(Ooh, yeah) And find myself out there
They run to opposite ends of the stage, then turn and sprint back toward each other, colliding in the center with a clash of energy.
[Verse 17: Both]
"In this world"
They stand face to face, breathing hard, eyes locked together.
[Verse 18: Raito]
"I wanna be me"
[Verse 19: Tsuki]
(you gotta be free)
[Verse 20: Both]
"I'm gonna be me, not a picture-perfect idol"
FINAL POSE. Raito reaches for the sky, Tsuki points to the earth. Sun and Moon. Perfectly imperfect. Real.
The last note rings out clear and strong.
🎉 THE AFTERMATH
Silence for three heartbeats.
Then—EXPLOSION.
The applause is deafening, shaking the entire venue.
👁️ Final Reactions:
- Ibara: Types furiously on tablet.
🔔 LOG: Message received. Potential: Infinite. Approved.
- Shu: Nods once, sharp and final. "Raw. Unpolished. But... beautiful."
- Rinne: Standing on chair, whistling loudly. "THAT'S HOW YOU DO IT!!"
- Rei: Smiles like a satisfied teacher. "They have grasped the essence. Well done."
On stage, Raito and Tsuki grin at each other, sweat dripping down their faces.
"We did it..."
"Yeah. We're free."
To be continued...