Three Months Later
April 5, 2021 – Monday – 7:30 A.M.
Riku's POV
It has already been three months since I returned to Japan—three months since I set aside the title of prodigy and retired from my whirlwind career as a competitive musician. Honestly, those months were some of the best I've ever had. For the first time in years, I was free from the stage lights, the relentless tours, and the pressure of living up to a global reputation. Instead, I found myself rediscovering simple joys I hadn't experienced in far too long.
Of course, the vacation wasn't supposed to end so soon. Originally, we planned for six months, a proper break where Johan, Ceb, and the others could relax alongside me. But issues cropped up back in Portugal, forcing Johan and Ceb to return earlier than expected. Our six months shrank to three—but honestly, even in that short time, we created memories worth a lifetime.
Flashback
The first thing I did upon arriving in Japan was visit the live house my grandfather had left me. It wasn't just a building—it was part of his legacy, a place brimming with music, laughter, and possibility.
When we got there, we were greeted by a woman named Tsukishima Marina, the manager my grandfather had personally chosen. At first glance, she seemed calm and professional, carrying herself with a confidence that told me she was used to handling responsibility. But I knew my grandfather—he had a knack for picking out raw potential in people. If he chose Marina, then there had to be something special about her.
I introduced myself and explained briefly why we had come. To my mild surprise, she accepted everything without hesitation, though I caught a flicker of recognition in her eyes. It was clear she knew exactly who I was. But when Johan and the others stepped forward to introduce themselves, the moment turned... comical.
The instant she realized she was standing in front of the Johan, the Ceb, and the rest of my crew, her face froze in a grin so wide it looked painful—then she promptly fainted.
We panicked for a second but gently carried her to a nearby couch. Once we made sure she was fine, we decided to take a quick tour of the live house ourselves. It wasn't in bad condition, but it was clear the place needed some work.
By the time Marina regained consciousness, we were back in the main hall. She sat up groaning, then immediately realized what had happened. Her face turned scarlet, and she bowed so deeply I thought she might snap in half.
"I–I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—! I just... I've been fans of you all for years..."
Her voice dropped to a shy whisper as she pulled out a notebook. "...Could I... maybe... get your autographs?"
We couldn't help but laugh softly at her sincerity. One by one, we signed, and the tension eased. It felt good to see someone genuinely happy like that.
As the day went on, we sat with Marina to discuss the live house's future. Johan and Ceb threw out ideas, while I suggested renovations—a new office for myself, a proper lounge for bands to relax in, and upgrades to the equipment. Marina looked worried at first about the expenses, but I reassured her.
"Don't worry about the costs. I'll cover them with my prize money from the tournaments. It's an investment worth making."
She hesitated but eventually nodded, gratitude shining in her eyes. We agreed to begin renovations a week later. By the time we wrapped up, the sun was already setting, painting the Tokyo sky in fiery shades of orange. We bid each other farewell and called it a day, satisfied with the progress.
The next morning, we packed our bags for a two-month road trip across Japan. Unfortunately, Ayabe couldn't join us. Duty called—he was to remain at the mansion, preparing to succeed his father as head butler once I took on the role of family head. He insisted we go without him.
"I'll be expecting souvenirs," he said with a faint smile, standing tall despite the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
We promised him more than a few and set off.
Our journey began in Kyoto, where we spent two days wandering through temples and gardens, soaking in the quiet beauty of history. From there, we went to Osaka, where the food alone could make you forget the world. Street stalls lined every corner, and Johan nearly cried tears of joy biting into takoyaki fresh off the grill.
From Osaka, we pressed on to Fukuoka, enjoying the bustling city and coastal charm. Then came Okinawa, where the beaches stretched endlessly and the sea shimmered a blue I'll never forget. We laughed like children, splashing each other until the sun dipped beneath the horizon.
Next was Miyazaki, quiet but beautiful, followed by Nagano with its cool mountain air, and Yamanashi, where we gazed at the majesty of Mount Fuji. In Miyagi, we explored Sendai, and in Hokkaido, we tasted the freshest seafood imaginable. Every stop etched new memories into our hearts.
By the time we returned to Tokyo, we had more than just photos and souvenirs—we had stories. We had moments where we weren't professionals or prodigies, but just friends enjoying life.
Johan left three days after our return, eager to launch his podcast back in Portugal. Ceb followed soon after, boarding a flight to France to handle personal projects. Sumail and Topias lingered a while longer, filling the mansion with laughter until their departures came too.
Topias left for Malaysia, where his wife and newborn child awaited him, along with his passion for culinary arts. Sumail returned to the US, where his brother Yawar was waiting.
And just like that, our group scattered once again across the globe. For a while, the mansion felt too quiet, but I cherished the silence. After years of constant noise, I finally had a chance to breathe.
Back to the Present
Today marks the beginning of my school year as a third-year student at Hanasakigawa Girls' High School—a place that, until now, had only ever admitted female students. I knew stepping into those gates would draw attention, but the thought didn't unsettle me. After all, compared to the pressure of packed stadiums and international competitions, starting school again was... refreshingly normal.
I wore the uniform tailored specifically for me: a crisp white long-sleeve polo beneath a neatly pressed brown blazer, dark gray trousers, and a red tie that added just the right amount of color. My grandfather, ever the protective man, insisted I take the car. But I shook my head.
"No, Grandfather. I'll walk. I want to get familiar with the route to and from school."
He studied me for a moment, then simply nodded, his voice gentle. "Very well, Riku. Good luck on your first day."
And so, I walked. The spring morning air was cool, carrying with it the faint scent of blooming cherry blossoms. It wasn't long before the tall gates of Hanasakigawa rose into view, the school grounds bustling with students in their familiar brown blazers and pleated skirts.
I paused at the entrance, taking it in. A new chapter of my life was beginning here.
That was when I felt a light touch on my shoulder. Turning, I found myself facing a girl with long, curly brown hair tied high into a ponytail with a ribbon. Her royal-blue eyes, slightly slanted, glimmered with curiosity. Her bangs framed her face perfectly, soft forelocks curling at her shoulders.
"Um... excuse me," she said politely. "Are you here for something?"
Her tone wasn't suspicious, just cautious.
"Yes," I answered with a calm smile. "I'm actually supposed to go to the principal's office. Could you show me the way, if it isn't too much trouble?"
Her eyes widened slightly, then softened in understanding. "So that means... you're the rumored male student enrolling here?"
I nodded. "Yes. I am. Nagae Riku."
She smiled warmly, and there was something almost maternal about it. "Pleasure to meet you, Nagae-kun. I'm Yamabuki Saaya—just call me Saaya. I'll take you to the principal's office before the bell rings."
I returned her smile. "Then lead the way, Saaya-san. And please—just call me Riku. Family names make me feel a bit... distant."
"Riku-kun, then," she said gently, motioning for me to follow.
As I walked behind her, I couldn't shake the feeling that my long-awaited reunion was coming sooner than I had anticipated.
Meanwhile – Hanasakigawa Girls High School - Principal's Office
Rinko's POV
At that same time, I sat inside the principal's office. Beside me was Hikawa Sayo, her brows furrowed in thought. Ever the rational one, she still looked uncertain.
"Are you sure about this, Principal?" Sayo-san asked, her tone respectful yet edged with concern.
The woman behind the desk was as graceful as ever—Saigyouji Yuyuko, head of the Saigyouji family and principal of Hanasakigawa Girls' High School. With maroon eyes and short, wavy pink hair, she wore not a suit like most administrators, but a pale blue and white kimono adorned with dark blue trim and elegant white designs. Her presence was soothing, almost ethereal.
"I am quite sure, Sayo-chan," Yuyuko-san replied, her eyes closed as she smiled faintly. Her voice carried a soft, calming lilt. "There's nothing to worry about. The one I chose is the perfect candidate for this trial. Though he's joining as a third year, I trust him completely. He won't do anything to damage the school's reputation—that much, I can promise."
Her certainty was disarming. Hikawa-san, though still uneasy, let out a quiet sigh of relief. If the principal believed in him so strongly, then perhaps her fears were unnecessary.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
"Principal," came a polite voice from the hall. "There's someone here to see you."
The door slid open slightly to reveal Yamabuki-san. "I've brought him as you requested."
Yuyuko-san opened her eyes at last, a knowing smile on her lips. "Ara~. So he's already here. Thank you, Saaya-chan. You may return to your classroom now—I'll handle the rest."
Yamabuki-san nodded, bowed lightly, and slipped away.
The door opened wider—and the moment I saw who stood there, my heart nearly stopped.
That hair... dark violet-blue, just as I remembered. His face, a little older now, yet still unmistakably his. The boy I had been waiting for all these years was finally here.
Without thinking, without hesitation, I bolted across the room. Hikawa-san barely had time to blink as I threw my arms around him, holding on tightly, burying my face against his chest. My body trembled, not with fear, but with overwhelming relief.
I didn't care if the principal was watching, or if Hikawa-san looked scandalized. All that mattered was that he was here—he was finally here.
"R-Rinko?" His voice was soft, a little dazed, as though he hadn't expected such a welcome. But then his arms moved, strong and gentle, wrapping around me. His hand patted my head in that familiar, comforting way.
"I'm back," he whispered, his tone filled with warmth I had longed to hear again. "...Rinko."
Tears stung my eyes as I pressed closer, my voice breaking but steady enough to answer.
"...Welcome back... Riku."
In that moment, the world outside ceased to exist. The years of waiting, the distance between us—all of it melted away in a single embrace.
Riku's POV
To say I was in a complicated situation would be putting it lightly. On one side was Rinko—my childhood friend—clinging to me as though she would never let go, her tears staining the front of my blazer. On the other, a teal-haired girl was glaring daggers at me, her sharp eyes practically screaming touch her any longer and you're dead. And behind her desk, my aunt Yuyuko-san was hiding her giggles behind a sleeve, clearly enjoying the spectacle far too much.
I cleared my throat and gently tried to defuse the situation.
"Rinko," I murmured softly, placing a hand on her shoulder, "could you let go for now? I need to speak with Yuyuko-san."
Her hold on me loosened reluctantly. She looked up at me with eyes still glistening, her cheeks flushed pink. Before she could lower her head, I reached out and brushed away her tears with my thumb, then gave her hair a light pat—something I used to do when we were younger to comfort her. She smiled faintly through her embarrassment before stepping aside.
Turning, I approached my aunt. Yuyuko-san's maroon eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke.
"I'm glad you accepted my offer, Riku-kun. It's been far too long since I last saw you."
I nodded. "Mn. Aside from that brief time a few years ago, it has been a long while... aunt."
The word slipped out deliberately, and the reaction was immediate.
"Wait—!" Rinko and the teal-haired girl shouted in unison.
"The principal... is your aunt!?"
I glanced at them both, a little amused at their synchronized disbelief. Yuyuko-san simply laughed, her voice carrying that sing-song, whimsical quality she was known for.
"Ufufufu... it's true. I've known Riku-kun since he was a little boy. Even though I'm the head of the Saigyouji family, I often looked after him when his parents were away. Whenever he had music competitions, I was always the one cheering the loudest—even if it was from the shadows."
Her expression softened with nostalgia.
"And she," I added, "was also the one who supported me whenever I traveled overseas. She's been there since the very beginning."
As I spoke, I reached into my bag and pulled out a small white box, setting it gently on Yuyuko-san's desk. Curious, she lifted the lid—and the aroma of rich cocoa filled the air. Inside sat a perfectly decorated triple chocolate cake.
Yuyuko-san's eyes lit up like a child's on Christmas morning. For a moment I thought she might abandon her dignified composure entirely, but she quickly straightened, though a bit of drool betrayed her.
"Ah, thank you so much, Riku-kun," she said, trying and failing to hide her delight. "Now then, before I forget, I should introduce you properly."
She gestured toward the two girls standing by her side.
Rinko shifted nervously, her hands clutching her skirt. "I-I'm Hanasakigawa's Student Council President, Shirokane Rinko..." Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, but filled with sincerity.
The teal-haired girl stepped forward next, her posture straight and her tone firm. "And I am Hikawa Sayo, Student Council Vice President. A pleasure to meet you at last, Nagae-san."
Her gaze was sharp, but there was also curiosity behind it.
I raised an eyebrow. "It seems you already know who I am."
Sayo-san nodded, her arms crossed. "Shirokane-san spoke of you some months ago. She claimed to have seen you by chance."
By chance? My mind flickered back to that day—the tinted window of the limousine, Rinko's sharp eyes catching a glimpse of me when I thought I was unseen. Her perception was sharper than I remembered.
"Well, that certainly makes things easier," I replied. "But please—just call me Riku. Being addressed by my family name feels... uncomfortable."
Sayo-san inclined her head slightly. "Understood, Riku-san. Then, Principal, which class will he be assigned to?"
Yuyuko-san's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "He'll be joining Class 3-A. The same class as both of you."
Her gaze slid slyly toward Rinko. "I'm sure you're quite happy about this, Rinko-chan~."
Rinko froze, her cheeks igniting red. She tried to hide her face behind her hands, but the reaction only made Yuyuko-san giggle harder.
Just as the amusement was dying down, my aunt's tone shifted.
"Riku-kun, if I recall correctly, your aide Ayabe-kun won't be with you for the rest of this year, yes?"
I nodded. "That's right. Why do you ask?"
"Then..." Yuyuko's eyes twinkled with anticipation. "Youmu."
The office door opened with perfect timing. A girl stepped inside, her silver hair cut short and neat, her blue eyes calm yet resolute. She wore the Hanasakigawa uniform, though she carried herself with the dignity of a warrior.
It was Konpaku Youmu, Yuyuko's head gardener—and one of my dearest friends.
She bowed respectfully. "I have come, Yuyuko-sama. And... it's been a while, Riku-dono."
A rare smile tugged at my lips. "Yeah, it has been a while, Youmu. But why did you call her here, Yuyuko-san?"
Yuyuko-san clapped her hands together lightly, her grin positively mischievous. "Because starting today, Youmu will serve as your aide until you graduate from Hanasakigawa."
Both Youmu and I blinked several times in unison, voices overlapping in startled protest.
"Eh!?"
Youmu, flustered in a way I rarely saw, stammered out her words. "W-w-what do you mean by that, Yuyuko-sama!?"
"It's exactly what I said," Yuyuko replied, unbothered. "You know his circumstances, don't you?"
At that, Youmu's expression changed. She fell silent, the weight of Yuyuko-san's words settling over her. After a moment, she exhaled slowly, then nodded.
"...Understood. Until you graduate, I'll be under your care, Riku-dono. It seems we'll be together again for a while."
With that, she went down on one knee, her head lowered in a formal gesture of loyalty.
I reached out my hand. "Very well. I'll be relying on you for the rest of the year, Youmu."
She looked up, her lips curving into a faint smile, and placed her hand in mine. Our handshake was firm, a silent pact between two old friends. Yuyuko-san watched the exchange with an approving grin, as though she had orchestrated the entire moment—which, knowing her, she probably had.
"Good, good," she sang. "Now that's settled, Rinko-chan, Sayo-chan—you may escort Riku-kun to Class 3-A. The first bell is about to ring."
We all turned to glance at the clock. Five minutes until class began.
We thanked the principal and prepared to leave. As I stepped through the doorway last, Yuyuko's voice called out behind me.
"Riku-kun."
I paused, turning slightly.
"I hope you enjoy your time here," she said softly, her usual playful air replaced with sincerity. "For both our sakes."
I met her gaze, then bowed my head slightly. "I will. And... thank you, Yuyuko-san, for giving me this chance."
With that, I left the office, quickening my pace to catch up with Rinko and Sayo as we headed toward Class 3-A—where the true beginning of this new chapter awaited
Few minutes later
A few minutes later, classes had begun. Rinko and Sayo-san were already inside, and the homeroom teacher had asked me to remain outside for a moment. She wanted to introduce me properly before I stepped in, and I complied, waiting just beyond the door.
Inside, I could hear her voice ring clearly across the classroom.
"Now, before we begin, I'm sure many of you girls are already aware of the rumors—that a male student would be enrolling in Hanasakigawa."
The room immediately stirred with chatter. Even from where I stood, I could hear the excited whispers and surprised tones. So, the rumors really had been spreading for some time. I folded my arms and exhaled quietly, preparing myself for what was to come.
"Quiet down, everyone," the teacher continued firmly, restoring order. "As you may already know, the Board of Directors has decided to conduct a trial: to change Hanasakigawa from an all-girls academy into a co-educational one. For this trial, one male student will be selected to attend the school for a single year. If the outcome receives positive reviews by the end of that year, Hanasakigawa will officially open its doors to male students. Should the negatives outweigh the positives, however, the academy will remain as it has always been."
The murmurs shifted tone—no longer uncertain gossip, but contemplative discussion. The girls seemed to understand the gravity of it. Enrollment had been gradually decreasing year by year; the school needed change to survive. And while this was unprecedented, they seemed to recognize it as a chance to contribute to the academy's future.
The teacher gave them a moment, then, satisfied with their composure, pressed on. "Now that you understand, I'd like to introduce the male student who will be attending this school. Nagae-san, you may enter."
I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Dozens of eyes turned to me at once—some wide with shock, others narrowed with suspicion. The atmosphere was a mixture of curiosity and unease.
Rinko and Sayo-san's familiar faces grounded me somewhat, but I couldn't ignore the reactions of the others. A girl with platinum blonde hair sat frozen with her mouth slightly open, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Beside her, a girl with pale blue curls turned bright pink, flustered not so much at me, but at the sight of the blonde girl's stunned expression.
I drew in a steady breath, straightened my posture, and bowed politely before addressing them.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Nagae Riku. I am nineteen years old. And if you're wondering—yes, I am from that Nagae family. However, I'd appreciate it if you would simply call me Riku. Being addressed by my family name feels... unsettling."
A ripple of unease spread through the class. I could almost read their thoughts: Did he use his name to get in here? Is this just nepotism? Their eyes weighed heavily on me, but I pressed forward, determined to cut off those suspicions before they could fester.
"If any of you are thinking I used my family's name to enter this school, you're dead wrong," I said, my tone firm yet calm. "I was living overseas for nine years. I only returned to Japan three months ago, and I wasn't even aware of this plan until after I arrived. Furthermore..." I paused, sweeping my gaze across them, "if you're worried I might do something indecent—rest assured. I was raised to treat women with respect. That much, I can promise you."
The tension in the room visibly eased. Shoulders relaxed. A few heads nodded slowly. The suspicion dulled, replaced by tentative curiosity.
One girl, clearly emboldened, raised her hand. "You said earlier that you were overseas. What were you doing while you were away from Japan?"
I allowed myself a small smile. "I've spent most of my life competing in music competitions around the world. If you'd like confirmation, you can ask Shirokane Rinko—she and I once competed in the same event when we were children."
That seemed to pique their interest further. The class glanced toward Rinko, who immediately flushed but nodded quickly to confirm my words.
Another hand shot up. "You said you're nineteen... Why attend high school now, instead of college?"
The room buzzed with murmurs again. It was a fair question. Why would someone already of college age choose to enroll here?
"Normally, yes, I'd be in college by now," I admitted. "But my enrollment here is tied to a requirement I must fulfill."
Sayo-san tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "Requirement? What do you mean by that, Riku-san?"
I met her gaze evenly. "For the heir of the Nagae family to be recognized as the next head, we must graduate high school without incident. My grandfather felt it was important I gain the experience of a proper high school life—something I've never had. I've been focused on music for most of my life, learning through self-study and homeschooling. This is my chance to experience something I've missed, and perhaps grow in ways I could not on stage."
The class collectively tilted their heads in curiosity, but the edge of suspicion was gone. Some seemed to even admire the honesty in my answer.
"Does that make sense?" I asked gently. Seeing no further hands raised, I inclined my head. "Then I'll do my best not only to fulfill this trial, but to prove myself as a classmate you can rely on."
The teacher nodded approvingly and pointed toward an empty seat. "Nagae-kun, your seat will be next to Shirokane-san."
Of course. Fate seemed to have a sense of humor. I made my way over and sat beside Rinko. She avoided my eyes at first, her face faintly pink.
I leaned slightly toward her and offered a soft smile. "Looks like we'll be seatmates this year. I'll be relying on you, Rinko."
Her hands fidgeted in her lap, and after a moment she gave a tiny nod, her blush deepening.
And with that, the teacher began homeroom. My new life as a high school student—this strange second chance I'd been given—had truly begun.
To be continued...