Hanasakigawa Girls High School
April 9, 2021 — Friday - 3:00 P.M.
Riku's POV
It had been only a few days since I officially started attending Hanasakigawa, and so far, things had gone surprisingly well. The last three days had mostly been spent catching up with old friends I hadn't seen in years. Some reunions were calm and heartwarming, while others—well, let's just say Kokoro had her own unique way of reminding me she existed.
Like that one afternoon when she popped out of nowhere, seized me by the collar, and dragged me straight out of my classroom before I even had the chance to protest. My classmates could only watch, half-bewildered and half-amused, as I was spirited away by the ever-unpredictable Tsurumaki Kokoro.
That day, she insisted on introducing me to her circle of friends—though most of them I already knew of by reputation. Kanon-san, the gentle and soft-spoken drummer; Misaki-san, who always wore that world-weary look as if constantly asking the heavens, "Why me?"; and finally, Kitazawa Hagumi, a second-year like Kokoro and easily her equal in boundless energy.
As if that wasn't eccentric enough, Kokoro proudly announced that together they formed a band called Hello, Happy World!. According to her, their mission was no less than to "make the whole world smile." She listed their roles with infectious enthusiasm: herself as the vocalist, Kanon-san on drums, Hagumi-san on bass, a guitarist from Haneoka Girls High, and—of all things—a bear named Michelle acting as their DJ.
At that point, my eyebrow involuntarily twitched upward. A bear? Playing music? I glanced at Misaki-san, who heaved a long-suffering sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. That expression alone answered the question before I even voiced it.
The second day was quieter, as I spent it with Rinko. She remained as soft-spoken as the timid young girl I had met years ago, but there was progress—subtle, yet real. She told me, with a shy smile, that she was now the keyboardist of a band. To my surprise, she added that Sayo-san was in the same group, handling guitar. It was comforting to see that despite her nerves, Rinko had managed to step into the world of music. Perhaps this band was her way of building the courage she had lacked before.
On the third day, I made time for Chisato. She, too, revealed that she was part of a band, though one connected to a talent agency. She introduced me to two of her bandmates: Maruyama Aya and Wakamiya Eve.
Aya-san, with her bright pink hair and equally vivid eyes, radiated ambition. She was the vocalist of Pastel*Palettes and worked tirelessly to embody her dream of becoming a true idol, though her insecurities about her own abilities sometimes dimmed that light.
Eve-san was another matter entirely. With silver hair and turquoise eyes, she seemed almost ethereal. She carried herself with confidence and a touch of foreign charm, unsurprising given that she had moved to Japan from Finland purely out of love for Japanese culture. Our meeting was not our first, though she politely pretended otherwise when I asked. Years back, during my time in Finland, I had crossed paths with her while staying with Topias' family. She remembered, of course, but kept it quiet, offering only a cheerful "Bushido!" when I requested her discretion.
By today, I had grown accustomed to these constant reminders that music connected all of them in one way or another. Bands, songs, performances—it was a rhythm that seemed to pull every string around me.
At the moment, though, my focus was elsewhere. Youmu and I were supposed to meet Rinko and Sayo in the student council office, but when we arrived, the room was empty. Whatever business they had, it kept them away, so the two of us decided to call it a day and head home.
We walked together toward the school gates, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the courtyard. Students lingered around, chatting idly as the week drew to its end. Just as we neared the entrance, however, my attention was drawn to a lone figure standing by the gate.
A woman, mid-twenties at most, her short blonde hair catching the sunlight in strands of pale gold. Her yellow eyes were sharp, yet not unfriendly, and her attire was impossible to overlook—a white dress trimmed with purple cuffs and collar, covered by an indigo tabard patterned with white markings. She stood with the poise of someone who knew she did not belong here, yet commanded attention all the same.
Recognition struck almost instantly.
Yakumo Ran.
The younger sister of Yakumo Yukari, head of the illustrious Yakumo family. Her presence here was no casual coincidence.
As soon as her eyes met ours, she approached with graceful steps.
"It's been a long time, Riku." Her voice carried a refined cadence, but there was warmth in it as well. "Good to see you as well, Youmu."
I inclined my head politely. "Indeed it has, Ran-san. Though, forgive me—what brings you to Hanasakigawa? If you've come all this way, then I assume Yukari-san has sent you with something in mind, hasn't she?"
Her lips curved into a faint smile, though her silence was telling enough. Without answering directly, she produced a sealed envelope and handed it to Youmu.
My companion opened it carefully, revealing a pair of VIP passes marked with the emblem of Live House GALAXY. Both of us tilted our heads in unison, utterly confused, before glancing back at Ran-san in search of clarification.
She, however, merely sighed and shook her head. "Honestly, I have no idea what nee-sama is plotting. She only instructed me to deliver this to you and assured me that you would know what to do." Her tone suggested she found the entire errand as baffling as we did. "I've said all that needs to be said. Good day, both of you."
With that, she departed, leaving us standing at the gate with the envelope in hand.
I frowned and looked closer at the contents. Between the two glossy passes was a folded slip of paper. I unfolded it and immediately recognized the handwriting.
"I want you and your aide to go to this place. I invested in it, so take a look on my behalf. Don't worry, I'll send something for your trouble when you're done. Hopefully, you'll also find what you're looking for once you get there. Good luck, boy.
— Yukari"
Her words lingered in my mind. What I'm looking for? I wasn't even sure I knew the answer to that myself.
"Youmu," I asked after a moment, "what's on my schedule for the rest of the day?"
She thought briefly. "Hmmm... you're completely free today."
A small smirk tugged at my lips. "Then you already know what we're going to do."
Her eyes widened slightly before she nodded in understanding. "Of course."
Without wasting another moment, we set off toward the destination Yukari had so cryptically nudged us toward—Live House GALAXY.
If nothing else, this would give me the chance to send some recordings to Gabe faster than expected. And who knew? Perhaps Yukari was right. Perhaps I really would find something there—something I hadn't even realized I was searching for.
Two Hours Later
Before heading to Live House GALAXY, Youmu and I made a quick detour back home to change. She donned her familiar dark green and white dress, the kind of outfit that seemed almost like her armor—simple, elegant, and unmistakably her. As for me, I kept it casual: a plain white shirt, grey cargo pants, and a black jacket lined with green outlines. Embroidered across the back was the logo of the old OG, a relic of another time but one I wore with quiet pride.
Grandfather spotted us just as we were about to step out the door. His gaze lingered on the jacket before moving to my face.
"Heading somewhere important?" he asked, his tone even but knowing.
"Yukari-san asked me to check something out," I explained.
That was all it took. He gave a curt nod, offering no further questions, only a parting reminder: "Be careful."
With that blessing, Youmu and I set off.
By the time we reached Live House GALAXY, the sun had begun to sink, draping the city in hues of orange and crimson. The entrance wasn't grand or flashy—it was tucked just below a staircase, its modest sign glowing faintly against the growing shadows.
I paused, taking it in. "So this is one of the Live Houses Yukari-san invested in, huh?"
Youmu nodded, her arms crossed as if analyzing the place like a fortress under inspection. "That's correct, Riku-dono. She even gave us VIP passes for this one."
We were about to descend the stairs when a familiar voice called out.
"Riku-san? Konpaku-san? What are you two doing here?"
Turning around, I spotted a girl with long, curled blonde hair tied into two pigtails and light brown eyes. Recognition struck instantly—it was Ichigaya Arisa, Hanasakigawa's diligent Student Council secretary.
"Ah, Arisa-san," I greeted with a small smile. Then my eyes shifted to the figure beside her, and I blinked. "Oya? Saaya-san. Good to see you again."
Saaya-san, ever the calm presence, waved lightly. "Good to see you too, Riku-kun."
Before I could say more, another voice piped up from their group.
"Ne, Saaya, you know him?"
The speaker was a girl with lively purple eyes and short brown hair styled in such a way that it looked like cat ears. The energy in her tone was impossible to miss.
"Yes," Saaya-san replied warmly. "We met a few days ago. He asked me for directions to the principal's office. We talked a bit along the way."
"Oooh!" The girl beamed. "So you're the transfer student! Let me introduce myself! I'm Toyama Kasumi, guitarist and vocalist for Poppin'Party! Nice to meet you... um... who are you again?"
Arisa-san groaned, smacking the back of Kasumi-san's head lightly. The rest of us chuckled, including Youmu, who covered her mouth to hide her amusement.
I decided to rescue Kasumi-san from her own forgetfulness. "Nice to meet you, Kasumi-san. I'm Nagae Riku, third-year at Hanasakigawa. You can just call me Riku." I gestured to my side. "And this is my aide and best friend."
Youmu stepped forward with her usual poise. "Konpaku Youmu, also a third year. I serve as Riku-dono's aide, but I'm actually the head gardener of the Saigyouji Family. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
The introductions continued, one by one.
First was a girl with long brown hair flowing almost to her waist. "Hanazono Tae," she said simply. "Poppin'Party's lead guitarist. I love rabbits. Nice to meet you, Riku-senpai."
Her bluntness caught me slightly off guard. Rabbits, huh... been a while since I last ate one— I cut off that thought quickly. Best not to say it aloud unless I wanted a guitar swung at my head.
Next was a petite girl with black hair cut into a bob, her brown-red eyes downcast as she stammered, "I-I'm U-Ushigome Rimi... I play bass for Poppin'Party."
Her shy introduction reminded me of Kanon-san and Rinko, the kind who struggled with nerves but carried quiet strength.
Then Saaya-san spoke again, her tone as gentle as before. "I suppose I should re-introduce myself. Yamabuki Saaya, drummer of Poppin'Party. My family runs a bakery downtown, so if you ever want fresh bread, please stop by. It's nice to meet you again, Riku-kun." She turned to her blonde companion. "Come on, Arisa, your turn."
Arisa-san blinked, caught off guard. "Eh? Me? Fine. Ichigaya Arisa. Keyboardist of Poppin'Party, and, as you already know, secretary of Hanasakigawa's Student Council."
One by one, their names and roles fell into place, weaving together into a picture that was already beginning to form in my mind. A band, another one in this ever-growing circle around me. Could they help me with what Yukari hinted at? I shook the thought aside. No—first, I had to see for myself what they were capable of.
"So," I asked, "what brings you girls here?"
Arisa-san opened her mouth to answer, but before she could, my eyes caught movement just behind their group. A girl with bluish-grey hair and leafy green eyes stepped forward. She wore a plain T-shirt with the words Live House GALAXY printed across the front. Staff, no doubt.
"And you are?" I asked, curious.
Her voice was timid but earnest. "A-Asahi Rokka. I brought PoPiPa-san here to perform, and I work part-time at this Live House."
So, she wasn't just accompanying them; she was the one facilitating their performance. Interesting.
I reached into my pocket, pulling out the envelope Yukari-san had arranged. The glossy VIP passes glinted under the evening light as I held them out for her to see.
Rokka-san's eyes widened. "T-This is...! So you're the two that Yakumo-san mentioned?"
That caught me off guard. Yukari-san had already informed them of our arrival? I exchanged a glance with Youmu, who looked just as surprised, before nodding.
"Yes," I confirmed.
Rokka-san exhaled in relief, her posture loosening just slightly. "Then, please, follow me. You too, PoPiPa-san."
And so, with Poppin'Party trailing alongside us, Youmu and I descended into the depths of Live House GALAXY, wondering what exactly Yukari intended for us to find.
We finally stepped into the heart of Live House GALAXY. The building was lively, filled with the subtle buzz of equipment checks, muffled voices, and the faint tremor of bass notes that seeped from behind closed doors. Asahi led us toward the lounge, where Poppin'Party disappeared to prepare. I waited outside with her while the girls changed.
Curious, I asked, "So why are you with them, Rokka-san?"
She adjusted her bangs nervously. "The manager asked me to gather them. Since tonight's lineup was shuffled a bit, they'll be performing last."
That explained her presence. We spoke briefly about the venue until Youmu slid open the door and poked her head out. "Riku-dono, it's fine to come in now."
Inside, the girls of Poppin'Party were already dressed in their stage outfits—bright, stylish, and full of energy. Their confidence seemed to radiate through the room. I couldn't help but think how different they looked compared to just moments ago in their school uniforms.
The lounge had a television streaming the ongoing performance on the main stage. At that moment, a band called Afterglow was playing, and the atmosphere they projected was nothing short of captivating. Their sound was rough yet balanced—a polished take on classic rock, but there was something deeper beneath it. Something raw.
I focused on the vocalist, and recognition struck me like a flash of lightning. I know her.
Kasumi-san, Tae-san, and Rimi-san were gathered close to the screen, their eyes shining with admiration.
"Afterglow is so cool," Kasumi-san gushed.
"They're so confident," Tae-san added, nodding to the rhythm.
"They've never played here before," Rimi-san whispered, "but they're so good already."
Arisa-san crossed her arms, frowning. "Hey! Don't just ogle at them. Pay attention to the music!"
Youmu, ever calm, smiled faintly. "Let them be, Ichigaya-dono. Riku-dono, what's your opinion of the band?"
"They're good," I replied without hesitation. "Like Rimi-san said, even though it's their first time here, they don't falter. Everything is on point. But..." I paused, my eyes narrowing. "I think there's more to it than just skill, isn't there?"
The three girls turned back toward me, eager to explain.
"That's right, senpai," Tae-san said firmly. "It's because they've been childhood friends for years."
"Childhood friends?" I repeated.
Rimi-san nodded, her voice soft but clear. "Himari-chan told me. The five of them started this band to stay together, to express their bond through music."
Expressing bonds through music... I mulled the thought over. It wasn't far from OG's ideology. We played not to follow trends, but to create music that made us—and everyone else—happy. That defiance, that conviction, was what made OG stand out. Remembering those days filled me with both warmth and a shiver of longing. I straightened, preparing myself for whatever surprise fate would throw at me next.
"HAPPY! LUCKY—...are?"
"WAAAA!!"
As expected, the whirlwind known as Kokoro burst into the lounge, Hagumi-san right behind her. Both were decked in bright, marching-band-like uniforms, ready for their turn on stage.
"Kokoron!" Kasumi-san cried.
"Ka-kun!" Hagumi-san echoed.
Then Kokoro's golden eyes locked on me. "Ah! Onii-chan!!!"
Before I could react, she dashed across the room and threw her arms around me, squeezing with all her might. The sudden hug left everyone else in shock.
Kasumi-san's jaw dropped. "Eh!? Onii-chan!? Kokoron and Riku-senpai are siblings!?"
"Ehhh!?" Rimi-san squeaked, her voice rising several octaves.
Arisa-san blinked rapidly, her face heating. "What did Tsurumaki-san just say? 'Onii-chan,' Riku-san!?"
Saaya -sanchuckled knowingly. "Ara~ how unexpected."
And Tae-san, ever blunt, tilted her head with dangerous curiosity. "Hmm... sounds ki—"
Her speculation was cut off when Youmu smoothly covered her mouth, her expression unreadable but firm. I sighed, deciding to clear the confusion.
"Kokoro is my cousin. I treat her like my little sister, so she calls me 'onii-chan.' That's all there is to it."
Relief rippled through the group, though some still looked unconvinced. Before I could elaborate further, the air in the room shifted.
"Hakanai~"
A dramatic voice rang out as a girl with flowing violet hair and piercing red eyes stepped forward, striking a flamboyant pose with one hand covering her face. Theatrical to her core.
I noticed Rimi-san immediately flush crimson, her entire body trembling with excitement. Her eyes sparkled as if a lifelong dream had just stepped into reality.
When the girl lowered her hand, her gaze met mine. For a brief moment, time seemed to halt. Recognition hit both of us.
"Kaoru..." I whispered.
Kokoro loosened her grip, allowing me to step forward. Kaoru approached slowly, her confidence momentarily slipping. Then, without another word, I embraced her. Gasps filled the room.
"To think you would be Kokoro's guitarist," I said softly. "It's been eight years since we last met, Kaoru."
Her eyes widened, trembling before glistening with relief. She returned the hug, her voice carrying both drama and sincerity.
"I always believed you would return. And here you are, ani-sama. It brings me joy to see you in good health."
The lounge erupted.
"ANI-SAMA!?"
Everyone—including Kokoro, Poppin'Party, and even Asahi—shouted in unison, their disbelief shaking the very walls. Only Youmu remained composed, as if she had anticipated the storm.
I covered my ears, grimacing at the volume. When the echoes finally died down, I released Kaoru and addressed the stunned group.
"Alright, before you all jump to conclusions, let me explain why she calls me that." I took a breath. "We need to go back... ten years ago."
Arisa-san nearly fell over. "Ten years!? You've known each other that long!?"
Kaoru's tone softened as she continued her explanation, eyes shimmering with the glow of old memories. "That's right, Arisa-chan. It really has been that long. I first met ani-sama through Chisato. You all know how much I aspired to take the stage. Back then, Chisato had already grown immensely as an actress, and when I asked how, she admitted it was thanks to him. At first, I doubted. But when she showed me just how much she had improved, I decided to trust her—and him. In only three days, ani-sama had elevated my acting to a level I never thought possible. From there, the three of us became inseparable. Our bond grew less like friends and more like siblings, so ani-sama decided that from that day forward, we were family. That is why I call him 'ani-sama.' I recall, though, that Chisato always called him 'onii-sama' back then."
I chuckled lightly at the recollection. "Yes, she did. But that's fine by me. People grow and mature. The way we address one another can change too—it doesn't diminish the bond we built."
Kaoru nodded at my words, her expression carrying both dignity and warmth. Around us, the others looked caught somewhere between astonishment and curiosity, their mouths half-open as if they wanted to ask a dozen questions at once. Yet before any of them could speak, the door opened.
A staff member poked his head into the lounge. "Hello, Happy! You're up next! Rokka-chan, lend me a hand!"
"O-Okay!" Rokka-san said as she followed the staff.
Kokoro suddenly jumped up from her seat, energy bursting from her like fireworks."That's right! Wait—where's Michelle? And Kanon?"
"Did they get lost again?" Hagumi wondered as well.
Before anyone could answer, Kokoro and Hagumi dashed out in opposite directions, shouting down the hallway. "Michelle!!"
"Kano-chan-senpai!!" Hagumi followed.
Their voices faded as they ran, leaving us in stunned silence. I only shook my head with a knowing smile.
Kaoru straightened her posture, placing a hand over her chest with theatrical flair. "Alas, it is time for me to take my leave. Little kittens, your questions will have to wait. Ani-sama, please watch closely—see the performance Kokoro and our band will present tonight."
She ended her farewell with one of her trademark flamboyant poses before sweeping out of the lounge like an actress leaving the stage.
I turned my gaze toward the monitor. On screen, Misaki-san—well, Michelle to everyone else—was already at her station, the oversized bear costume somehow not hindering her at all. Kanon had taken her place behind the drums, visibly nervous yet managing to sit tall. Meanwhile, Kokoro, Hagumi, and Kaoru were... crowd-surfing?
I blinked twice. Even after years of experience performing at Future World Fes and Tournament International, it wasn't often you saw band members literally surf across the crowd before even playing their first note. But somehow, with Kokoro leading the charge, it didn't feel strange. It felt... natural.
As the three landed on stage, the five girls gathered together. And with bright smiles and voices perfectly in sync, they shouted their signature chant:
"Happy! Lucky! Smile! YAY!"
The crowd instantly erupted, their cheers filling the live house with a tidal wave of excitement.
I leaned closer to the monitor and asked softly, more to myself than anyone else. "Does Kokoro always do this before a performance?"
Arisa-san crossed her arms, exhaling like someone resigned to a fate long accepted. She looked up at me, her tone flat yet oddly endearing. "You... get used to it."
Her delivery reminded me of the Priestess character from Goblin Slayer, and the resemblance was so uncanny I nearly laughed out loud.
Suppressing a chuckle, I turned my attention back to the performance. Kokoro's voice filled the room, bright and untamed, as the first chords of Egao no Orchestra resounded. I closed my eyes briefly, letting the music wash over me.
Through her singing, I could feel her dream—clear, earnest, and radiant. She wanted to make every person in the world smile through music. An impossible dream perhaps, but not without merit. Dreams like hers don't crumble under impossibility. They move forward one step at a time, one song at a time.
My eyes wandered across the band members. Misaki-san—despite wearing that cumbersome bear costume—was spinning tracks with remarkable skill, her timing perfect and her energy unwavering. The sheer effort it must have taken to practice, to adjust, to perfect her movements in such a restrictive outfit... it spoke volumes about her dedication.
Then there was Kanon-san. The timid, shy girl with little sense of direction, now striking the drums with precision and confidence that belied her personality. Each beat was steady, each roll powerful, as if she had stepped into an entirely different world where hesitation no longer held her back.
And there was Kokoro herself—shining brighter than anyone else, her laughter and voice carrying across the crowd, painting every corner of the live house with joy.
A smile tugged at my lips. For all her eccentricities, Kokoro was the embodiment of what it meant to perform with heart.
The door creaked open behind me, and I turned just enough to catch sight of another group entering the lounge. Their timing was impeccable. It was Afterglow, fresh off the stage. The air around them carried the heat of their performance, confidence radiating with every step they took.
They glanced at the monitor, then at us, their expressions amused as they noticed our captivated stares.
The energy in the room shifted, one band just beginning to showcase their dream while another walked in after displaying theirs. And in that moment, I realized—this was no ordinary live house gathering. It was a collision of worlds, of ideals, of passions. Each band had their own story, their own drive, and their own way of reaching the hearts of others.
And for me... it was a chance to witness, to understand, and maybe, just maybe, to find those who could one day stand alongside me once more.
The Afterglow girls had just finished their set, their voices echoing with the energy of their performance even as they caught their breath.
"Ugh, I'm sweating so much," one of them groaned, fanning herself with both hands.
"I feel like I lost five kilos!" another added dramatically.
"Oh totally—more like ten kilos!" came the teasing reply.
"Mou, Tomoe! That doesn't even make sense," a cheerful voice cut in.
"Himari-chan, you shouldn't worry about that kind of stuff," another chimed in gently.
The black-haired girl with red streaks set her guitar down, exhaling deeply. Before they could continue, Kasumi-san bounded toward them, her energy seemingly endless.
"Nice job out there! You guys were so cool!" she said, her eyes sparkling.
The black-haired girl scratched her cheek, looking a little embarrassed.
"Oh, thanks... we just played—"
"—like we always do, right?" I finished for her, stepping forward at the same time she spoke.
Her eyes widened immediately. Slowly, the rest of the band turned toward me, surprise painting their faces. It wasn't every day, after all, that a boy showed up in the lounge of GALAXY, surrounded by girls. But the black-haired girl... she froze, trembling slightly, her crimson eyes locked on me.
"N-No way... is that really you?" she whispered.
I crossed my arms and smiled warmly, keeping my tone gentle so as not to overwhelm her.
"You've grown up, Ran."
At the sound of her name, the tension in her shoulders eased, and she let out a breath she'd been holding. A soft smile curved her lips as she replied, voice wavering with emotion.
"Long time no see... nii-san."
"...Nii-san!?"
Her bandmates practically screamed in unison, their voices overlapping with disbelief.
"Ran! Is that really your brother!?" Tomoe-san—the tall drummer with fiery red hair—was the first to recover, staring between us like she'd stumbled into some kind of soap opera.
"Why didn't you tell us you had a handsome older brother!?" Himari-san exclaimed, clutching her bass case with mock offense.
"Ne, Ran~," Moca-san drawled with her usual laid-back tone, tilting her head lazily. "Was this the 'cool nii-san' you mentioned back then~?"
"But... looking at him, he and Ran-chan don't have any similarities," Tsugumi-san pointed out, pushing her glasses up with a thoughtful expression.
Ran's face turned red as she stammered, "U-u-uh..." She looked like she was about to shrink into herself from the barrage of questions.
I exchanged a glance with Youmu. We both smiled knowingly—it warmed my heart to see that Ran had made good friends, people who truly cared for her. With a small nod from me, Youmu rose gracefully from the sofa and approached Ran.
"Good to see you again, Ran," she said softly.
Ran's eyes widened again as recognition dawned. "Nee-san... you're here too?" Her voice was almost disbelieving, like she was afraid this reunion was just a dream.
Her friends looked even more shocked now. If Ran calling me "nii-san" rattled them, hearing her address Youmu as "nee-san" nearly broke their composure.
Tomoe-san finally managed to speak, her tone a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Um... who are you? And why did Ran call you 'nee-san,' and that guy 'nii-san'?"
Youmu placed a hand lightly against her chest, her tone polite but steady.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Konpaku Youmu, head gardener of the Saigyouji Family. At present, I serve as the personal aide to the man standing there."
She gestured toward me with elegance, and I inclined my head.
"And I'm Nagae Riku, heir to the Nagae Family. But please, just call me Riku. It's a pleasure to meet all of you. And... thank you. Thank you for being Ran's friends all these years, especially after we left."
For a moment, silence filled the lounge. Then, the pink-haired girl stepped forward with a bright smile, eager to break the tension.
"I'm Uehara Himari, Afterglow's leader. I play bass. It's really nice to meet you too, Riku!"
The tall redhead folded her arms and grinned. "Udagawa Tomoe. Afterglow's Drummer. Likewise."
"Aoba Moca~," the girl with short brown hair and sleepy eyes added, her words drawn out in her usual relaxed way. "Guitarist... and I love bread~."
That earned her a few eye rolls from her bandmates, but she just shrugged with a smirk.
The last girl, introduced herself with a polite bow.
"And I'm Hazawa Tsugumi. Afterglow's keyboardist. My family owns a café downtown..." She hesitated, her eyes widening as she studied me closer. "Wait... are you Kyoya-san's grandson?"
I blinked in surprise. "You know my grandfather?"
She nodded quickly, her expression brightening. "Hai. He comes by our café from time to time. He's one of our favorite regulars—and honestly, one of our biggest fans when it comes to our coffee."
I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped me. "So even with his schedule packed, he still finds time to sneak away for coffee... That sounds exactly like him."
I inclined my head slightly. "Thank you, Tsugumi-san, for looking after him. I know he can be... persistent when it comes to things he likes."
She laughed softly, agreeing.
Himari-san clapped her hands together, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Now that introductions are out of the way... what exactly is your relationship with Ran?"
Youmu glanced at me once more before stepping in to answer, her tone calm and honest.
"Me, Ran, and Riku-dono met when I was still learning the basics of flower arranging, under the guidance of Riku-dono's mother at Ran's family's ikebana school. We met Ran by chance, but our bond formed quickly. Despite our different backgrounds, we became fast friends. Ran calls me 'nee-san' and Riku-dono 'nii-san' because we are both older than her. That bond... has never faded, even after years apart."
As Youmu's words settled, Ran lowered her head, her bangs hiding her face. Yet even so, the small smile tugging at her lips was impossible to miss. She hadn't forgotten. Neither had we.
Just as Youmu finished her calm explanation, the door to the lounge swung open. A girl with long silver hair flowing down her back, sharp golden eyes, and an air of commanding presence stepped inside.
"Roselia here," she said firmly, her tone cutting through the room like a blade. "Let's put on a good show today."
Her words carried weight, not loud but brimming with confidence. Ran, who had only just calmed down after our reunion, narrowed her eyes and spoke as if issuing a challenge.
"I didn't see you at rehearsal today. I hope that doesn't affect your performance, Minato-san."
The silver-haired girl—Minato Yukina—barely flinched. She returned Ran's stare with cool detachment.
"Don't worry. We had our own rehearsal," Yukina-san replied. "Besides... it looks like things are just heating up."
I tilted my head slightly at the tension between them. Their exchange was sharp, almost electric. I turned to Saaya-san, who had been watching silently.
"Saaya-san," I asked quietly, "why does Ran sound like she wants to fight?"
Saaya-san sighed softly, folding her arms. "Well... that's because Ran sees her as a rival. Both of them are strong-willed, and ever since they crossed paths, they've been butting heads like this."
A rival, huh...? That explains it. Ran's tone wasn't just hostile—it was the fire of competition.
Ran turned back to her bandmates, her voice steady. "Very well. Girls, let's watch them from the crowd."
With that, Afterglow filed out of the lounge to join the audience. Just as they disappeared, four more girls entered. Two of them were all too familiar to me, and I couldn't help but smile knowingly.
"No wonder the student council office was empty," I said. "You two had rehearsals today. You could've told me sooner, Sayo-san. And you too, Rinko."
Sayo-san adjusted her hair with a faint sigh. "I'm sorry, Riku-san. It was sudden notice, and you were with Konpaku-san at the time. We didn't have the chance to inform you."
Rinko looked guilty, fiddling with her hands. "S-Sorry... Riku..."
Her voice was quiet, almost shrinking. I stepped forward, patting her gently on the head.
"It's fine," I assured her. "It already happened. Just give me a heads-up next time, all right?"
"Mm..." Rinko nodded, her expression softening.
Sayo-san, ever straightforward, tilted her head. "What are you even doing here, Riku-san? I remember clearly—you're not in any band."
"Well," I explained, slipping my hands into my pockets, "one of my grandfather's friends asked me to take a look at this place since she had her hands full. And since my schedule's clear for the day, I thought I might as well."
They both nodded at my explanation, but before I could continue, Yukina approached me. She stopped close—almost too close—and simply stared.
"...Uh," I raised an eyebrow, unsure of what she wanted. "Can I help you with something?"
"Minato Yukina," she said plainly. "Roselia's vocalist and leader. You are Nagae Riku, are you not?"
"That's right," I answered, meeting her gaze. "Do you need something from me?"
Yukina-san didn't hesitate. "Then I'll be direct. The skills Rinko spoke of... are they the real deal?"
For a moment, I froze. My eyes shifted toward Rinko. She fidgeted nervously, unable to meet my gaze. So, she told them about me...
Before I could respond, another voice broke the tension.
"Iya~ Don't mind her!" A cheerful girl with long chestnut hair and an easy smile waved dismissively. "She gets like this whenever something piques her interest. Sorry about Yukina!"
"And you are?" I asked.
"Imai Lisa," she replied warmly. "You can just call me Lisa if you want. So—you're the childhood friend Rinko was talking about, huh? ...Not bad. Let's get along, Riku~."
Her energy was the complete opposite of Yukina-san's sternness, lighthearted and approachable.
Then, before I could say anything more, another girl with violet hair and a flair for dramatics struck a pose, her voice carrying an odd intensity.
"Fufufufu~! Creeping forth from the depths of hell, I—the dark princess Ako—am here to engulf the world with my... uh... mmm..." She faltered mid-sentence, scratching her cheek.
Just as she struggled for the right words, Rinko leaned over and whispered softly.
"Sinful melodies..."
Ako-chan's eyes lit up instantly. "Yes! Sinful melodies!"
I couldn't help but laugh, the tension breaking. I reached out and patted her on the head, much to her delight.
"Glad to meet you too, Ako-chan. I'm Nagae Riku, Rinko's childhood friend. I see that you two are close. Please, continue being her friend."
Ako-chan grinned confidently. "Of course! Rin-Rin is my partner, after all!"
"Rin-Rin...?" I repeated inwardly, amused. That nickname... I actually gave it to Rinko when we were younger. I never thought she'd let someone else call her that, much less Ako.
Before I could dwell on it further, a girl with short, ash-colored hair poked her head into the lounge.
"Roselia, you're up next."
It was Rokka-san. Her timing was perfect.
"Seems like it's your turn to perform," I said with a small smile. "I'll be watching from the crowd. Kasumi-san, good luck with your performance later—you're closing tonight. And Rinko..."
Her eyes widened slightly as I looked at her. I softened my voice, gentle yet firm.
"No pressure, all right? Just play like you used to. You'll be fine."
"Riku..." Rinko whispered, her nervousness easing just a little.
With that, I turned to Youmu. "Let's go."
She nodded, and together we left the lounge, giving Roselia space to prepare. The hallway buzzed with anticipation, the crowd outside already stirring as Roselia's name spread like wildfire. Ahead of us, I could already spot Ran and the rest of Afterglow weaving through the crowd, eager to witness Roselia's performance firsthand.
Tonight was going to be more than just music. It was the collision of rivalries, the weight of expectations, and the strength of bonds forged long before the stage lights ever turned on. And from the way things were unfolding... I had a feeling this night was only just beginning.
"Ah, Riku-san! Youmu-san!" Tsugumi-san waved as soon as she spotted us in the crowd, her voice filled with excitement. "Are you here to watch Roselia perform?"
"Yep," I replied with a nod. "It's better to experience them up close than on a TV screen."
Just as I said that, I felt a sudden weight on my back. Kokoro had thrown her arms around me, hugging tightly with her usual enthusiasm. The rest of Hello, Happy World! trailed in behind her, and sure enough, Misaki-san was there too—finally free of the bear suit so she could watch with the others.
"Onii-chan!" Kokoro beamed, rocking me slightly with her hug. "Did you watch our performance? Did we make you smile?"
I chuckled, reaching up to pat her arm. "Yup, you made me smile. I'm proud of you, Kokoro. You looked like you were having the time of your life out there." I glanced toward Kaoru. "And you too, Kaoru. Your guitar was good—good enough that you could be mistaken for a pro."
Kaoru placed a hand over her chest and struck a dramatic pose. "I thank you for the compliment, ani-sama. Your words resonate in my soul."
Before I could respond, the room darkened, and the sudden shift made the crowd hush in anticipation. Spotlights cut through the shadows and focused on the stage. Standing tall in the center was Rinko and the rest of Roselia, their silhouettes framed against the glow.
A voice rang out, calm yet commanding.
"We are Roselia."
It was Yukina-san. Her words rippled through the hall, and the audience erupted into cheers. Even the band members standing near me couldn't hide their anticipation.
Yukina-san raised her hand slightly, waiting until the noise died down before continuing.
"Guitar—Hikawa Sayo."
Sayo-san stepped forward and strummed a few sharp, precise chords. The sound rang clear and steady, showcasing her control. Yet, as I listened closely, something felt off. Her technique was impeccable, but there was a tension in her playing, a restraint that dulled the edge. I filed it away silently. It wasn't my problem—for now.
"Bass—Imai Lisa."
Lisa-san grinned at the audience and plucked a short riff, her lively energy instantly drawing cheers. Not bad at all. For a gyaru, she wasn't just eye-catching—her bass lines had depth.
"Drums—Udagawa Ako."
Ako-chan twirled her sticks dramatically before pounding out a short, fiery solo. The crowd roared. I turned toward Tomoe-san, who was whistling loudly in support.
"Ako-chan is your sister?" I asked, curious.
"Yup!" Tomoe-san replied proudly. "She learned everything she knows about drums from me! As her older sister, I couldn't be prouder!"
I nodded, listening closely. There was a similarity in their style, yes, but also a difference. Ako wasn't just mimicking her sister—she was forging her own rhythm, raw but promising.
"Keyboard—Shirokane Rinko."
Rinko's fingers danced lightly over the keys, filling the hall with soft yet striking notes. My chest tightened slightly as I watched. She had grown so much since the days when I taught her the basics. Her improvement was undeniable—fluid, confident, and alive. But even so... I could tell she had more to give. The potential in her was still waiting to be unlocked.
"And finally—Vocal, Minato Yukina."
The crowd erupted again, louder than before. Yukina stood firm, letting the noise swell, then silenced it with a single word that cut like thunder.
"LOUDER."
The music exploded instantly. Yukina-san's voice soared above the heavy instrumentals, strong and unyielding. The guitars and bass fused seamlessly with the pounding drums, the keys adding a haunting layer that tied everything together. The song didn't just play—it struck, resonating deep in my chest.
The impact was undeniable. Compared to the bands I'd seen so far, Roselia's presence was on another level. Their synchronization, their energy, their raw intensity—it all screamed of a band clawing its way to the top.
I analyzed them carefully, my eyes scanning the stage as the music swelled. By my standards, Roselia was already sitting comfortably at mid Tier 1 in PBC terms... at least by Western European benchmarks. With a bit more polish, they could easily break into the top six of Future World Fes. And if they pushed beyond even that, I could see them reaching TI's upper bracket. Their ceiling was frighteningly high.
I shifted my focus to Rinko. Her eyes were lit with passion as her fingers glided across the keys. She wasn't just playing—she was feeling the music, losing herself in it. It made me proud. She was far from the timid girl who once hesitated to press a single note in front of others.
Lisa's bass lines locked tightly with Sayo-san's guitar, their chemistry holding the song's backbone steady. Ako-chan's drumming, though youthful, carried both precision and wild strength. For someone only fifteen, her stamina and speed were already impressive—if she kept refining herself, she could easily become a top-tier drummer in the future.
And Yukina-san... she was the anchor. Her voice didn't waver. It commanded, demanded, and consumed. Every lyric carried conviction, striking the audience like a hammer.
As the chorus swelled and Yukina-san roared the final refrain—"Feel Alive"—a sudden recognition pierced my thoughts.
"LOUDER..."
The melody. The lyrics. That final phrase. I knew this song.
And when the last note reverberated across the hall, I remembered where it had come from.
"Minato... so that's how it is..." My chest tightened, memories flooding in. "You passed your song to your daughter..."
The weight of realization sank heavy on me. Atsushi-san's voice echoed in the back of my mind, his request lingering like an oath left unfinished.
"...I see. Then I'll do what you asked me to do... Atsushi-san."
I closed my eyes briefly, letting the sound fade into silence. When I opened them again, the crowd was roaring, but my focus wasn't on the cheers. It was on Roselia—on Yukina, on Rinko, on the promise they carried in their music.
This wasn't just another performance. It was a declaration.
And for me... it was a reminder.
The final notes of LOUDER echoed through the hall before fading into silence. Then, as though the dam had burst, the audience erupted into wild cheers. The sound was deafening, waves of voices calling Roselia's name. I caught sight of Tomoe-san leaping out of her seat, cupping her hands around her mouth as she shouted encouragements to Ako-chan at the top of her lungs.
Beside me, Youmu leaned in slightly, her eyes sharp and calculating as always.
"Riku-dono. What do you think of Roselia?"
I crossed my arms, my gaze lingering on the five girls bowing at center stage. "They have potential to go far. They've got most of what a professional band needs. But as they are now, they wouldn't make it through Future World Fes. Forget the upper bracket—at this stage, they'd struggle to get out of the group stage. They're still missing something... something essential. But if they find it, I can see them standing on the stage of TI one day."
"And you?" I tilted my head toward her.
Youmu considered carefully before answering. "Just as you said, Riku-dono. They have skill and experience with performances like this, but they lack experience in the competitive side of music. Still, their composure is remarkable. They carry themselves well."
Before I could add to that, a familiar voice cut in.
"Cool, aren't they?"
I turned and saw Ran and her friends approaching. Her crimson eyes flickered with a quiet fire.
"They're cool, all right," I admitted. "But your band, Ran—you carry the real definition of 'cool.'"
Her cheeks flushed at the compliment, and she muttered a soft, "T-thanks."
"Anytime, Little Red," I said with a smirk.
"Little Red?" Himari-san blinked curiously.
Youmu folded her arms, almost smug. "It's Ran's nickname from when we were younger. Riku-dono came up with it himself."
Ran's face burned bright, her friends breaking into light giggles that only deepened her embarrassment. I reached over and patted her head gently, easing the tension in her shoulders. Some things never changed.
On stage, Roselia exited with a final wave, the lights dimming once more. The crowd hushed in anticipation for the final act of the night.
And then—
"Po-Pi-Pa! Pi-Po-Pa! Po-Pi-Pa-Pa-Pi-Po-Pa!!!"
The room lit up again to reveal Poppin'Party, bouncing with energy as they struck playful poses. The crowd responded instantly, clapping and laughing at their antics.
Kasumi-san took the microphone, her face glowing with excitement. "I'm Toyama Kasumi! Leader of Poppin'Party!"
She turned back to her bandmates, only to grab the mic again a second later. "Oh! And once more—Toyama Kasumi! Hehe!"
I pinched the bridge of my nose with a sigh. "She introduced herself twice?"
Youmu was already giggling, her shoulders shaking lightly. "At least the crowd seems entertained."
Fair enough. Their charm was part of their appeal.
As I studied Kasumi-san, her confidence struck me. It reminded me of myself during my first day in OG, back when I debuted as a pro in Boston. That reckless, unshakable belief in yourself—it was written all over her smile.
"Now..." I murmured under my breath, leaning forward in my seat. "Show me what you can do."
Kasumi raised her arm high. "This one is called Happy Happy Party!"
The upbeat opening burst forth, bright and almost overly sugary. At first, I wasn't feeling it. But then something unexpected happened—the crowd began swaying, clapping, and moving to the beat. Their joy rippled through the hall, and bit by bit, I started to feel it too. Even Youmu, usually reserved, was tapping her fingers against her arm in rhythm.
I tore my gaze from the crowd and focused on the band. Kasumi-san and Tae-san's guitars blended seamlessly, neither overpowering the other. Rimi-san's bass filled the lower end with stability, while Saaya-san's drumming kept the rhythm sharp and steady. And Arisa-san—though her usual scowl remained—played her keyboard with such precision that her sound tied everything together like glue.
The vibe was infectious. Lighthearted, bubbly, but undeniably tight. Watching them laugh and perform reminded me of OG in our earliest days—when we weren't chasing records or titles, just the joy of music itself.
By the time the song ended, the crowd was on their feet, cheering just as loudly as they had for Roselia.
I leaned back in my chair, exhaling in surprise. "I've got to say, I'm impressed. I thought there was no way they could follow Roselia's performance... but I was wrong."
"They really outdid themselves," Tsugumi-san said with a bright smile.
"Hakanai~," Kaoru added dramatically, tossing her hair for effect.
Misaki-san glanced at me. "It's very lively here, don't you think, Riku-san?"
"Yeah," I admitted, scanning the cheering hall. "It's been a long time since I performed in front of a crowd like this."
Just then, a chill ran down my spine. I turned my head slowly—only to find Kokoro staring at me, her grin wider than ever, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"...Oh no."
I already knew that look. She was planning something—and it almost certainly involved me.
I stood, slipping my phone from my pocket and handing it to Youmu.
"Youmu. The moment Kokoro makes her move, get this to Rokka-san immediately. I already know what she's planning to do."
Youmu's expression was calm, but her eyes flickered with curiosity. She gave a single nod, tucking the phone safely away.
I exhaled slowly, preparing myself. If Kokoro really intended to pull me into whatever idea was brewing in her head, tonight was going to get even more complicated.
Live House Galaxy – Backstage
"Yo! Nice performance out there, girls!" I called as I stepped into the greenroom, clapping my hands in applause.
"Thank you, senpai!" Tae-san responded with her usual brightness.
"Th-thanks, Riku-san..." Rimi-san added, still catching her breath, her face flushed from both the effort and the excitement of performing.
"Thank you for the praise, Riku-kun," Saaya-san said warmly, wiping sweat from her forehead with a towel.
I smiled at them all. "I'm very impressed with your performance. Honestly, I can tell—if you fully commit to this, you might be able to stand on an international stage someday."
Kasumi-san's eyes lit up like fireworks. "Really!?"
Arisa-san folded her arms, suspicious as ever. "Hold up. Why are you here, anyway? You're not just here to hand out compliments, are you?"
"Well, about that..." I trailed off, scratching my cheek awkwardly.
But before I could even finish, Arisa-san had her answer. And her answer had a name.
"Kokoro."
The doors flew open as Kokoro bounced in with her trademark grin, radiating pure energy.
"Everyone! Before we end the night, we have one more special performance! Everybody—give it up for my big brother, Nagae Riku!"
The effect was immediate. The rest of Poppin'Party turned to me with wide, disbelieving eyes.
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?" they shouted in unison, practically shaking the walls.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah... that's why." Turning to Kasumi-san, I extended a hand. "Kasumi-san, mind if I borrow your guitar for a bit?"
"Eh? Uh... s-sure. Here you go," she said, still stunned, as she handed it over.
Arisa-san squinted. "Wait a sec! Didn't Shirokane-san say you play piano?"
I smirked. "Who said I only play piano? Anyway, you girls better head out with the others. You're about to see something you've never seen before."
With that, I slung Kasumi-san's guitar over my shoulder, adjusting the strap and quickly retuning it to match my style. I didn't even look back as I walked toward the stage.
Youmu's POV
Riku-dono had warned me earlier that Kokoro-dono was planning something, but I hadn't expected this. I glanced at the girls around me—their reactions were varied but equally priceless.
"Nii-san is performing!?" Ran's eyes were sparkling with excitement.
"I gotta record this!" Himari exclaimed, already fumbling with her phone.
"Nagae-san?" Yukina's usually calm composure cracked for just a moment, her gaze narrowing with curiosity.
"Riku-san really went along with it, huh..." Misaki muttered, shaking her head with a resigned sigh. "He really knows how to handle Kokoro's antics."
"Kaoru-san..." Kanon tugged at Kaoru's sleeve nervously. "Will Riku-kun be okay with this?"
Kaoru smirked confidently, crossing her arms. "No need to worry, Kanon. Without a doubt, ani-sama will handle this flawlessly."
Rinko clasped her hands together, her voice barely above a whisper. "What will you do, Riku...?"
I exhaled and made my way through the crowd of girls until I reached Asahi-dono. She blinked in surprise as I approached, still holding her guitar case.
"Asahi-dono," I said.
"H-Hai!?" she squeaked, stiffening.
Wordlessly, I held out Riku-dono's phone.
She tilted her head in confusion. "This is...?"
"That is Riku-dono's phone. He instructed me to give it to you should Kokoro-dono do something. There is a folder named Hifuu Project—open it, choose the third file, and play it on his signal."
"O-okay," she stammered, fumbling to unlock the device.
Satisfied, I nodded. "Good. Do exactly as he says." With that, I turned and rejoined the others.
The room darkened, the hum of anticipation rising through the crowd like a storm building on the horizon. When the lights returned, all eyes turned toward the stage.
There he was. Riku-dono, standing at center stage with Kasumi's guitar slung across his body. His presence alone commanded silence, as if the entire hall was holding its breath.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he said calmly, his voice carrying clearly even without music behind it. "As Kokoro already announced, I am Nagae Riku. Although this is sudden, I ask for your forgiveness."
The audience murmured, curiosity piqued.
Riku-dono closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. His fingers brushed the strings as though testing them, then he raised his head, eyes sharp, his voice ringing with conviction.
"Now, what I am about to perform is nothing more than an instrumental piece I've been working on for the past few months. But I promise you this—what you are about to hear will be worthwhile."
Silence fell again, thick with expectation. Then he spread his arms slightly, and with a faint grin declared:
"Let the lone star shine toward the future! Judgement Star!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPcaaOlyr_w
Rinko's POV
Eh? Riku... is playing guitar? Since when?
My eyes widened as I stared at the stage. The last I had ever known, Riku was most comfortable behind the piano, fingers dancing across keys with precision and elegance. The guitar resting in his hands now looked so natural, so effortless, that I almost wondered if I had simply forgotten something crucial about him.
"Konpaku-san..." I leaned slightly toward Youmu, my voice carrying just enough over the ambient murmurs of the hall. "When did Riku learn to play guitar? I thought he was going to perform on the piano."
Konpaku-san's expression remained composed, though I caught the faintest trace of amusement in her tone. "From what Ayabe-dono told me, Riku-dono has been practicing guitar for five years now. You know better than anyone—he enjoys learning different instruments. This should not surprise you."
I bit my lip, recalling. She was right. Riku always had a way of picking things up quickly, as if every instrument whispered its secrets to him. I remembered the time he tried the violin with one of our other childhood friends. He had gotten the basics down on his very first attempt, producing sounds that would have taken others weeks to master. Yet, after a short while, he returned to the piano, as if the violin had been a fleeting curiosity.
But... what made him turn to guitar and stay with it for years?
The thought lingered only for a moment, because suddenly—Riku began to play.
The first strum cut through the silence like a spark in the dark. The sound rang pure, vibrating with an intensity that seemed to pierce directly into my chest. And then—everything around me dissolved.
For an instant, my vision blurred white. Then came the darkness.
When I opened my eyes again, I was no longer in Live House Galaxy. I stood in the middle of an endless void, but it was not empty. Stars shimmered like diamonds on black velvet, asteroids drifted lazily, and the full moon shone with a brilliance so close it felt within reach. I was in space. Floating, weightless, awestruck.
And still—I could hear Riku's guitar. Each note guided the scenery around me, weaving this vision like a spell.
Then a voice broke the silence. A young, confident, almost mischievous voice.
"All right! Kochiya Sanae is heading out!"
I turned sharply, scanning the starry expanse. A streak of motion flew past me—a girl with long, flowing green hair and shining green eyes, her frame armored by heavy weaponry. Mechanical wings extended from her back, thrusters roaring as she soared forward. She carried an arsenal that looked impossible for a single person to wield, yet she moved with the grace of someone born to the sky.
I watched her aim herself toward a vast swarm of black, spectral figures rushing to meet her. They were spirits—twisted and countless, like a living wave of shadows.
Without hesitation, Sanae dove into the fray. She fired a barrage of energy shots from her weapons, each blast precise and merciless, scattering the spirits like dust. Her movements were sharp, weaving through counter-fire with almost casual ease.
The guitar chords deepened, and the scene pulsed with energy.
As she gained distance, Sanae raised one of her weapons high, her voice ringing out clear:
"When the stars shine bright, the ancient contract will be fulfilled. When all the prayers combine... a MIRACLE will manifest! Miracle: Night With Overly Bright Guest Stars!"
A golden light ignited above her, then split into countless beams of laser fire, raining down upon the swarm. The attack scattered her enemies in dazzling bursts of starlight, carving wide paths through the blackness. It was overwhelming, almost divine.
All the while, Riku's music roared, syncing perfectly with the rhythm of the battle. Each strum matched the recoil of Sanae's weapons, every chord resonating with the destruction of her foes. It felt as though the song itself had been written for her.
Yet, even miracles could be tested.
As the dust settled, the swarm reorganized, doubling back with furious speed. Sanae's expression hardened. She dodged the onslaught, her body twisting through bullet storms, but the sheer number was too much. A stray shot caught her side, and then another struck her blind spot with crushing force. She spiraled uncontrollably, colliding with an asteroid that cracked under the impact.
For a moment, she lay still. Silence, except for Riku's persistent melody echoing in the void. Then—her fingers twitched. Her eyes snapped open.
Fatigue weighed heavily on her body, pain clear in her movements, but giving up was not in her heart. She staggered upright, determination blazing across her face.
"Even though the miracle stars fell down to Earth..." she whispered, gathering her resolve. Then, louder, her voice resonating through the cosmos:
"I'll be the beacon that lights up our path! Divine Full Armor Purge!"
Her armor detached piece by piece, scattering into the void. Freed from the weight, Sanae became a comet, streaking through enemy ranks faster than the eye could follow. By the time she slowed, half the spirits had already been obliterated.
Not stopping, she raised the blasters mounted on each arm, unleashing wave after wave of energy that shredded her remaining foes. Then came the heavy cannon at her side—its red beam carved through the darkness like a blade of judgment.
Finally, she gathered power into one last weapon. A massive blue laser surged forward, engulfing the rest of her enemies in one overwhelming strike.
Silence fell once more. The void was clear. The enemy—gone.
Sanae hovered in the emptiness, panting hard, sweat glistening on her brow. Slowly, she raised her right hand and made a triumphant "V" sign with her fingers.
"I earned this victory. All the glory goes to me, Kochiya Sanae!"
Her voice rang proud and unshaken, defiant even in exhaustion.
And then—the music stopped.
The cosmic battlefield dissolved, darkness swallowing everything. I blinked, and when I opened my eyes again, I was back in the Live House.
The sudden return to reality left me breathless. Riku stood on the stage, Toyama-san's guitar still in his hands, chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. The last echoes of his performance lingered faintly in the air, like ghostly vibrations refusing to vanish.
Yet what struck me most was the silence. The hall was so utterly quiet I could hear the ticking of my wristwatch. No cheers, no whispers, no movement. It was as if every single person in the room was still processing what they had just witnessed.
Riku looked up at the crowd with calm eyes, unshaken despite the weight of what he had just unleashed.
And in that silence, one thought burned in my mind:
Riku's music... it has the power to show us entire worlds.
After a brief silence, a single clap broke the still air. Another followed, and then another, until the entire Live House erupted in thunderous applause. The cheers swelled so loudly that the walls themselves seemed to tremble, louder even than when the bands had performed earlier.
I turned to look at Yukina-san and the others, expecting to see their usual calm composure. Instead, their faces were locked in expressions of shock and disbelief, as though reality itself had been shaken.
"Yukina-san... are you okay?" I asked softly.
Her eyes were distant, still locked on the empty stage where Riku had been just moments ago. When she finally spoke, her voice carried a rare tremor.
"Rinko... what was that just now? I was listening to Nagae-san play, and then all of a sudden... I was seeing a girl flying through space."
My heart skipped. So it wasn't just me. Everyone else had seen it too—the same vision, the same miraculous scene unfolding in their minds as Riku's music played.
Before I could respond, Ako-chan dashed up to me, practically bouncing in place with uncontainable excitement.
"Rin-Rin! Did you see that!? The girl went NYOOOOOM—and then BOOM! And she shouted, 'Divine Full Armor Purge!' That was the coolest thing ever!"
Her hands moved dramatically to illustrate each sound effect, eyes sparkling like a child describing her favorite anime scene.
Around us, the others reacted with their own mix of awe and confusion.
"Onii-chan, that was amazing! Do it again!" Tsurumaki-san squealed, clapping her hands like an excited child.
"To think that ani-sama's skill with the guitar transcends even my own arts... ah, so fleeting, so untouchable~," Seta-san declared, striking one of her signature dramatic poses.
"Sugoi... Riku-kun," Matsubara-san whispered, her hands clasped together.
"T-that really happened, right?" Mitake-san muttered, rubbing her arms as though trying to convince herself it wasn't a dream.
"Yeah," Udagawa-san answered, her voice steady but her eyes wide. "And it felt too real to be just imagination."
"Did you get it all, Himari-chan?" Hazawa-san asked quickly.
Uehara-san blinked, holding up her phone. "Uh... y-yeah. I recorded everything."
Hikawa-san folded her arms, her voice low but cutting through the chatter. "So this is Nagae Riku... Shirokane-san, your childhood friend is operating on an entirely different level."
Beside her, Toyama-san was practically shaking Ichigaya-san by the shoulders. "Arisa! You saw it, right!? Right!?"
"I did, I did! Now get off me, you dolt!" Ichigaya-san huffed, pushing her away, though her cheeks were pink.
The reactions swirled around me like a storm, each voice layering over the other, and at the center of it all stood Riku. He had just finished catching his breath when he leaned toward the mic one last time.
"All right. I hope you enjoyed that performance of mine," he said, his tone calm but final. "But this is just a one-time thing for me. Thank you, and good night."
The crowd roared even louder as he left the stage, disappearing into the wings.
Riku's POV
Backstage, the noise of the cheering crowd still reverberated in my ears. I returned Kasumi-san's guitar to her, offering a small bow.
"Here. Make sure you tune it back to your style," I said.
She accepted it, still looking starstruck, but before anyone could bombard me with questions, I spoke first.
"You have something to announce, don't you?"
The reminder snapped them back to reality. Roselia and Poppin'Party hurried back onto the stage. Together, they shared the big news—Roselia would hold their first self-sponsored live next month, and Poppin'Party would also be preparing one of their own soon.
I waited quietly at the back with Youmu, watching the crowd's reaction and the proud but nervous smiles on the girls' faces. It was a moment for them to shine, not me.
Live House GALAXY Entrance
Later, Youmu and I stood at the entrance of GALAXY with the girls of Afterglow, Roselia, and HaroHapi. We waited for Poppin'Party to rejoin us.
Suddenly, a sharp squeal rang out.
"Onee-chan!"
A teal-haired girl tackled Sayo-san in a tight hug.
"Hina!? Didn't I tell you not to come here!?" Sayo-san exclaimed, her face flushing red.
"But I wanted to see you play! You were so cool!" Hina-san giggled, her grip refusing to loosen.
Behind her came Chisato, Aya-san, Eve-san, and a girl with short brown hair, green eyes, and red glasses. Judging by their familiarity, these must have been her other bandmates.
"Kasumi-chan! You did great out there!" Aya-san beamed.
Kasumi-san nearly jumped. "Aya-senpai! You watched our performance!?"
"Yeah," Aya-san nodded. "We finished training early and had some free time, so we came. We caught Roselia's set too."
Kasumi-san's smile brightened further. "Thank you so much, Aya-senpai!"
Eve-san stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her chest. "Great work out there, everyone!"
"Thank you for the praise, Eve," Lisa-san replied warmly.
Chisato's eyes shifted toward me, sharp with curiosity. "But still... I didn't expect Riku could play the guitar at that level."
Before I could respond, the girl with glasses spoke with genuine awe.
"That's right! Watching him play, it felt like seeing a pro who's been performing on the world stage!"
My throat tightened. I forced a casual smile, relieved she hadn't realized I was a pro once.
Chisato clapped her hands lightly. "Riku, I think introductions are in order. Hina-chan, Maya-chan?"
Hina-san grinned brightly. "I'm Hikawa Hina! Guitarist for Pastel*Palettes! You play so boppin' well! Can you teach me!?"
"Nice to meet you, Hina-san," I answered evenly. "But sorry—I already have my hands full, so I can't teach you."
She pouted cutely but didn't press further.
The brown-haired girl stepped forward shyly. "Um... my name's a palindrome. I'm Yamato Maya, drummer for Pastel*Palettes. I also manage the band's equipment. It's a pleasure to meet you, Riku-san."
"Likewise, Maya-san," I said, bowing politely.
With so many girls gathered, their gazes naturally shifted back to me. Their eyes were brimming with questions about my earlier performance.
But before the interrogation began, my phone buzzed. A message from Grandfather: urgent late-night files to handle. I glanced at the time—already 9:30 P.M.
"I know you all want answers," I said, sliding my phone back into my pocket. "But look at the time."
The girls pulled out their phones, surprised to see how late it was.
"Kasumi-san, Ran, Aya-san, Kokoro, Yukina-san," I continued. "Show me your phones."
They exchanged puzzled glances but complied. I quickly added their numbers and sent something back.
Yukina-san's brow furrowed as she read the message. "What is this?"
"It's a pass," I explained, "to the Live House I own."
Kasumi nearly dropped her phone. "Wait—you own a Live House!?"
"Yup. Show that pass to any staff member, and they'll fill you in. But hear this: tomorrow, 10 A.M., I'll be there."
Ran frowned. "What do you mean by—"
"Your questions will be answered later," I cut in firmly. "For now, rest. You'll need it. Oh, and... Himari-san?"
She jolted. "Uh... yes!?"
"You recorded my performance earlier, didn't you?"
Her face went pale. "U-uh... yeah, I did."
"If you're going to post it, add '@OGRiku,'" I instructed.
"R-right!"
With that, I turned to Youmu. "Let's go."
The two of us left the Live House, the voices of the girls fading behind us.
On the way home, I quickly typed up an update for Yukari-san about the Live House and sent it off.
Youmu glanced at me as we walked beneath the city lights. "Today was something else, wasn't it, Riku-dono?"
I exhaled slowly, the weight of the day pressing down on me. "Yeah. And I have a feeling... a huge storm is about to hit Japan. And those bands—" I looked back over my shoulder, as if I could still see them through the streets— "they'll be at the center of it."
To be continued...