Raito turned, eyes locking with Tsukki's—
and for the first time,
they sang *together.*
> **"I wanna be me!**
> *(You gotta be free!)*
> **And make my own decisions—**
> *(And make your own decisions...)"**
Their voices *clashed*—sun and moon colliding—
then harmonized like a single heartbeat.
The stage lights flared: gold and silver spiraling into each other, as if the heavens themselves were watching.
Backstage,
Ra*bits stood frozen, hands clasped.
Knights straightened—eyes sharp.
ALKALOID? Even Aira had stopped joking.
In the VIP section,
Rei whispered:
> "They're not following any path..."
Koga nodded slowly:
#### "...They're carving their own."
From afar, Esu wiped a tear—then grinned:
> "They're fighting... *for the right to make mistakes!"*
In the darkness beside them, Madara leaned forward:
> **"Finally... someone who gets it!"**
In the front row,
Wataru stood still—
watching the stage,
a small smile touching his lips—
as if he understood this battle all too well.
And from the wings...
the judges leaned forward—
Seiya looking like he'd never seen something so *beautifully dangerous.*
Seiya watched, eyes *burning* with a fire that had been dormant for years—
because every idol on that stage—
*every one of them*—
was defying the world.
But in defiance,
there was beauty.
And in this moment,
with the two idols singing like a single flame:
#### **Seiya finally understood the meaning of a star.**
As the song built, Raito continued—voice rising to meet the climax:
> **"I wanna be free**
> *Let the world see—*"
Then, unexpectedly—
Tsukki joined in:
> "*Unfiltered, nothing missing!*"
And together,
they spun towards each other:
### *"I WANNA GO ANYWHERE, FEEL THE WIND IN MY HAIIIR (Ooh, yeah!)"*
The music swelled—like the sky tearing open.
Together, Raito and Tsukki stepped forward,
voices fused like dawn breaking through night:
> **"And find myself out there in this world!"**
> *(You gotta be free!)*
>
> **"I wanna be me!"**
>
> **"I'm gonna be me—"**
>
> **"NOT A PICTURE PERFECT IDOL."**
They ended back-to-back—breathing hard, spotlights blazing down like judgment and grace.
Silence.
Total. Complete. Sacred.
Then—
#### From every corner of the hall—
Idols *rose.*
Not just Trickstar or Ra*bits—
but Valkyrie bowed in respect;
Eden clapped slowly, powerfully;
UNDEAD stood as one—
Rei's hand over his heart.
Even Switch raised their phones—not to record,
but to shine light,
like stars answering stars.
On stage,
Raito turned to Tsukki with tears in his eyes:
> "We... we really did it."
Tsukki didn't speak.
He just gripped Raito's shoulder—hard—and nodded once:
#### "...Yeah. We're finally *us.*"
🔥☀️🌙
And then—
> **"MY BABY'S SO BRIGHT HE NEEDS SUNSCREEN!!"**
The entire hall snapped toward the VIP section.
There she was—
**Raito's mother**, standing on her seat, phone flashing wildly, waving both arms like a conductor of chaos:
> "THAT'S MY SON! DID YOU SEE THAT?! HE GETS IT FROM ME, YOU KNOW!"
Raito's face went *scarlet*—hands flying to his head.
> "MOM!!! NOT NOW!!"
But Tsukki?
He *flinched.*
Then—
a tiny sound escaped him.
A... laugh?
Not loud. Barely there.
But yes—
**Tsukki Kuroi just laughed.**
Behind them,
Knights burst into snickers;
Ra*bits were wheezing;
even UNDEAD cracked a smile.
And from COSMIC PRODUCTION,
HiMERU muttered:
> "...She's like a natural disaster in designer heels."
But as chaotic as it was...
there was no mistaking the love in her voice—
raw, loud, unfiltered...
just like Raito himself.
And maybe...
that's exactly what they needed.
☀️🔥💫
As the laughter died down, Seiya took the stage, smiling warmly.
> "What a performance!" he said, voice echoing over the hall. "That was a battle of true emotion... one that reminds us of the spirit of an idol."
He looked up at Raito and Tsukki, eyes shining with approval.
> "And you two... you didn't just sing about being an idol—you *fought* for it."
Raito stood frozen—face still red as a cherry.
Tsukki didn't hesitate.
In one swift move, he grabbed Raito's wrist—
> "We're leaving. *Now.*"
And like a shadow pulling light from chaos,
he *yanked* Raito off the stage—
disappearing into the wings in a blur of wind and giggles.
Back on stage, Seiya chuckled into the mic:
> "And they're gone! Guess even stars need to hide from the spotlight sometimes!"
From backstage, you could still hear **Raito's mother yelling:**
> "COME HERE AND HUG MEEEEEE!!"
Meanwhile—
in the dark corner of the prep room,
Tsukki finally let go.
Raito panted.
"...She never stops."
Tsukki crossed his arms.
"...Nope."
A pause.
Then—without looking at him:
#### "But... she wasn't wrong."
Raito blinked.
"Huh?"
Tsukki turned slightly—
just enough for Raito to see it:
the faintest, warmest smile ever seen on moonlit lips:
> "**You were really bright out there.**"
🔥☀️💫
In the dim glow of the backstage corridor,
a group emerged from the shadows—
ALKALOID first, then Knights, then Ra*bits,
all walking toward Polar Opposites like a wave of light.
Hiiro stepped forward, arms crossed—but eyes soft.
> "You actually... did it. Sang your truth without falling apart."
Aira grinned behind him:
> "And Tsukki *spoke* on stage! I have proof on video—this is historic!"
Mayoi elbowed him. "Be nice!"
Tatsumi chuckled. "They were good. Really good."
Then Tsukasa raised a hand—quieting them all.
> "You didn't play at being idols," he said, voice regal as ever.
> "**You became them—on your own terms.**"
Leo pumped his fist:
> "That was *fire!* Like sun and moon colliding and BOOM! We felt it backstage!"
Izumi smirked:
> "Not bad for a first real confession."
Ritsu added with a wink:
> "Next time we'll cheer so loud even my brother will blush."
Arashi stayed quiet—but gave one strong nod:
#### "...Respect."
Then Tomoya jumped in front:
"Polar Opposites!! You were *amazing!* That song? It made me want to be braver too!"
Nazuna clapped excitedly: "It's not just about talent—it's about heart! And you two? Overflowing!"
Mitsuru laughed. "Guess we're not the only ones who dance with our souls out."
Hajime smiled gently:
> "Welcome... to the stage where idols become *real.*"
Raito looked around—at rivals turned allies,
at enemies turned friends—
and at Tsukki beside him,
quietly accepting every word without fear.
For once...
he didn't need to chase light.
He was already shining.
☀️🌙✨
Seiya stepped forward, looking around.
He smiled brightly.
> "Before we announce the results for Round 1, I have a few words:
*All of you* stepped on stage and faced the spotlight,
*all of you* showed the very reasons you chose music in the first place.
For that, I am incredibly proud."
He paused.
> "No matter what happens, we are all already winners.
Then, looking directly at Polar Opposites—
Seiya spoke again:
> "And a special shout out to these two...
who showed the heart of an idol without trying."
Raito blushed.
Tsukki looked away.
Seiya glanced from him to Raito, eyes twinkling, then continued...
> "We're looking forward to seeing more of them in the competition!"
From backstage,
Knights and Ra*bits grinned;
ALKALOID,
even Hiiro smiled.
Because they'd seen what
Seiya continued,
> "But now... it's time to see how you scored.
Remember, there are two categories: "Impact" and "Popularity."
In "Impact,"
our esteemed judges will determine scores for your performance's influence on them.
In contrast, "popularity" is solely based
on the audience vote—your fans."
A hush fell over the room.
Seiya glanced at the panel of judges,
then at the screen:
> "Shall we announce who received the highest scores?"
Seiya raised a hand—dramatic, like a conductor before the final note.
> "Let's not drag this out."
The screen flickered.
**ROUND 1 RESULTS:**
---
### 🏆 **HIGHEST IMPACT SCORE:**
**Polar Opposites — Raito Hikaru & Tsukki Kuroi**
A gasp ran through the room.
Then applause—slow at first, then thunderous.
Seiya nodded with quiet pride:
> "They didn't just perform. They *revealed themselves.* And in idol battles... that kind of courage? It *echoes.*"
Raito blinked rapidly—eyes wide.
"W-we got the highest...?"
Tsukki stared at the screen, unreadable—
but his fingers curled slightly into his sleeves,
*clutching* something unseen.
Then Knights cheered:
Leo slapped Raito's back so hard he nearly fell.
"Called it!"
Knights and Ra*bits surrounded them—
Aira grinning: "Guess you really are sun and moon, huh?"
---
### 🌟 **HIGHEST POPULARITY SCORE:**
**Ra*bits**
The crowd roared!
Tomoya jumped up screaming: "WE DID IT!!" as Nazuna clung to him like he'd won gold.
Seiya laughed:
> "Bright hearts draw bright fans!"
But then—
he looked back at Polar Opposites,
and smiled gently:
> "One thing you both should know..."
He stepped closer,
voice low enough only they could hear:
#### "...The idols who shine brightest aren't always the ones with perfect moves or voices..."
Pause.
> "...They're the ones brave enough to say,**'This is me.'**"
And in that moment?
No trophies mattered more than that truth.
🔥☀️🌙✨
Then—
> **"MY BABY'S GOT THE JUDGES CRYING AND THE FANS SCREAMING!! MAMA'S LITTLE SUNBEAM IS BLINDING!!"**
Raito's mom stood on her seat again—hands cupped around her mouth like a megaphone,
sparkly scarf flapping dramatically in the AC wind.
Some audience members laughed.
Others clapped along.
Even Seiya couldn't help but chuckle into the mic:
> "Okay, okay—we get it! Raito's mom wins Best Supporting Idol Parent!"
Backstage,
Tsukki closed his eyes, muttering:
"...Why is she like this."
Raito groaned, face burning red—
but then peeked through his fingers at Tsukki...
and *grinned.*
> "She's embarrassing..."
Then softer—
with warmth no spotlight could match:
> "...But she *means* it."
And Tsukki?
After a long pause...
#### He gave the tiniest nod.
Like even shadows appreciate sunlight sometimes.
☀️💖
Seiya clasped his hands.
> "And onto Round 2...
The theme for this round is 'New'.
You'll be using your strengths so far to develop one or more 'new' sides of yourself!
New skills,
New costumes! Whatever you need to become **more than you were before.**
Think of this... as a chance to challenge *your own limits.*
So prepare the most brilliant parts of yourself..."
Seiya turned to Polar Opposites with a smile:
> "You two have already shown your bravery, but now?
It's time to use that courage to grow *higher*..."
The crowd cheered.
From backstage,
Knights and Ra*bits gave Polar Opposites an excited wave.
Raito looked at Tsukki—then straightened,
face set in determination.
"It's new skills... right?"
Tsukki stared at him:
> "...Yup."
In a flash—
Backstage transformed.
Makeup artists, stylists, and designers flooded in like a glittering storm—
**COSMIC PRODUCTION's elite team first.**
> "Stand still," *Ibara Saegusa* ordered calmly—though his eyes sparkled with rare excitement.
> "We're not just dressing idols tonight. We're dressing *legends.*"
His hands snapped—two high-end designers stepped forward,
followed by two makeup artists carrying cases that looked like treasure chests.
From ALKALOID and Knights, even Hiiro and Tsukasa leaned in curiously:
> "They're getting the full COSMIC treatment?!"
Tomoya gasped:
> "Whoa... it's like watching stars get reborn!"
Nazuna clutched his hands together:
"Raito's gonna look like a prince from another galaxy!"
Hajime whispered:
"Tsukki's more moonlit than ever..."
The lead designer unzipped the first garment bag—
revealing Raito's outfit:
A radiant gold-white jacket lined with sunbeam patterns,
pants shimmering like dawn on water;
boots designed to glow under stage lights.
For Tsukki?
Black as midnight silk,
but threaded through with silver constellations—
a long coat that moved like wind,
and gloves etched with lunar symbols.
Makeup next:
Raito got warm highlights—gold flecks on his cheeks, light tracing his jawline...
while Tsukki?
Cool silver shadows under his eyes;
his hair styled to fall just so—like shadow guarding truth.
Then Ibara stepped back—and nodded once:
#### "Perfection isn't created... it's revealed."
And as Polar Opposites looked at themselves in the mirror...
Raito grinned wide:
> "This isn't just new clothes."
Tsukki met his gaze—
quiet... but firm:
### "...It's us. Level up."
☀️🌙✨
"But Ibara-san... even as COSMIC PRODUCTION's representative and our senior idol, you really don't have to go that far for us."
Tsukki said softly
Ibara turned, adjusting his gloves with quiet grace.
> "Far? No."
He stepped closer—until he stood right in front of Tsukki,
voice calm, but sharp with meaning:
> "**You think I'm doing this because I have to?**"
A pause.
Around them, the room stilled.
Then—gently—Ibara placed a hand on Tsukki's shoulder:
> "I'm doing this... because *you made me believe.*
That an idol doesn't need to hide pain to shine.
That silence can roar louder than cheers."
He glanced at Raito—
then back at Tsukki:
#### "You two didn't just perform. You reminded us *why we started.*"
And for the first time...
Ibara smiled—small, real, rare:
> "So don't tell me I went too far.
>
> **This? This is just beginning.**"
🔥💫
Hiyori bounced forward, eyes sparkling:
> "Raito-kun! Tsukki-kun!! You two look incredible!!"
Nagisa smiled slightly:
> "I couldn't agree more..."
And even *Jun,* who always kept his emotions contained, gave Tsukki an approving nod—
then *laughed* for once, when Raito grinned wide.
Ibara glanced at the Eden members,
then stepped back to give them space—
as Jun reached into his bag:
> "I have something for you both..."
He removed a small velvet box,
opening it carefully to reveal—
**Two sparkling necklaces.**
Each was like a tiny galaxy:
one in gold and white, the other in white and silver.
Jun chuckled softly:
> "I noticed... the colors match your new outfits perfectly."
Raito took the gold-white one with wide eyes.
> "Whoa... it even *glows* a little under the lights!"
He slipped it on quickly—like he couldn't wait to wear something made just for him.
Tsukki was slower.
But he took the silver-laced one carefully,
fingers brushing over its delicate chain—
then fastened it with quiet precision.
The moment it clicked into place,
the pendant caught a glint of light—
shining like moonlight through glass.
Jun smiled, arms crossed:
> "Wear them not because we gave them... but because they belong to who you're becoming."
Hiyori clapped:
> "Now you've got our Eden blessing too!"
Nagisa said—quietly pleased:
> "...You shine brighter when you're supported."
Behind them, Ibara watched,
and for once...
his sharp eyes softened at the edges.
No commands. No pressure.
Just pride.
And in that moment—
Polar Opposites didn't just feel *dressed.*
They felt **seen.**
☀️🌙✨
As soon as ALKALOID stepped out from backstage,
applause rang through the hall:
cheers, whistles, even a few wild shouts—
Hiiro chuckled,
Tatsumi waved,
and Mayoi squeaked under the sudden spotlight,
but Aira?
Aira *shone...*
Beaming,
he lifted his head and called out:
> "We are ALKALOID, and tonight:
we're going to blow everyone away!!!!"
The music hit—sharp, futuristic beats pulsing like a racing heartbeat.
And ALKALOID moved as one—
> **Hiiro** leading with elegant precision, every motion calculated and cool.
> **Aira** burst into spin after spin—like fireworks exploding midair,
his voice bright and bold:
> *"I'm not just loud—I'm lightning in a bottle!"*
Mayoi followed close behind,
his voice sweet but strong,
dancing with soft grace that *contradicted* his intense gaze—
as if he were fighting invisible chains.
Then Tatsumi stepped forward,
low to the ground—rhythmic, smooth—
his deep voice rolling through the speakers:
> **"You thought you knew us? Watch us evolve."**
Their choreography was sharp—mechanical at first...
then it *broke.*
Like gears melting into emotion.
They weren't just showing new skills—
they were showing *new hearts.*
And when they ended?
All four knelt in formation,
hands raised like flames reaching skyward—
as the crowd erupted:
### "WOW!"
From backstage, Ra*bits watched wide-eyed;
Knights gave firm nods;
even Ibara whispered under his breath:
#### "...They've grown."
🔥🖤💥
As ALKALOID stepped off the stage—breathing hard but smirking with pride—
Knights walked past them in a smooth, confident line.
Tsukasa led like royalty returning to court,
Leo's grin wild as ever,
Izumi adjusting his glove with quiet fire.
Arashi cracked his knuckles.
Ritsu fixed his mic.
They didn't say a word—
but the *energy* they left behind?
Unshakable.
Backstage, Aira panted:
> "Man... that aura! They're not playing around!"
Mayoi clutched his chest:
"Even their walk is flashy..."
Tatsumi smirked. "Good. Let's see what *shine* looks like now."
And from the wings...
Polar Opposites watched closely,
Raito whispering:
> "They're all leveling up..."
Tsukki nodded slowly—eyes sharp:
### "...Then we can't stay still either."
🔥⚔️✨
As Knights appeared from backstage,
the hall *erupted*—
cheers, applause, even screams:
"Knights, Knights, Knights!!"
Leo posed dramatically,
arms raised like wings,
voice bold and bright:
> *"I am the king of idols! Let us bring this stage to the stars!"*
**Tsukasa** stepped forward,
hand over his heart;
then:
> **"Shine! Let us all light every soul here!
>
> Knights, charge!"**
As the music *exploded*—
Knights charged into action:
**Tsukasa** spinning, voice firm and strong,
while **Ritsu** moved like a panther,
**Leo** leaping into the air,
**Izumi** and **Arashi** matching like two halves of a blade—
all of them moving in near-perfect synchronization—
until the chorus hit,
and the stage flashed with fire and light.
Knights were *flawless.*
Even the judges looked surprised!
As the song ended,
the hall broke into a wild applause—
cheering, whistling,
a few wild shouts:
**"KNIGHTS! KNIGHTS! KNIGHTS!"**
Leo laughed loudly,
arms stretched to the sky:
> "Thank you! This is the power of the King!!"
Then Arashi grinned wide,
hands on his hips:
> "No one shines more brightly than us!"
Izumi chuckled—
voice sharp with pride:
> "We put on a good *show.*"
Ritsu smirked,
fixing his mic:
> "Next time, our light will be even brighter."
From the wings,
Polar Opposites watched carefully—
a mix of respect and *determination* in their eyes:
# "They're not just *stronger.* They're *better."*
Just as Knights stepped off—
**Ra*bits bounced on stage with their signature energy!**
Tomoya skidded forward, eyes sparkling:
> "We're not done yet!! Now it's *our* time to shine!"
Nazuna twirled dramatically:
> "Time to show everyone our *new hearts!*"
Mitsuru laughed:
"Alright, let's give 'em a show so warm they'll need fans!"
Hajime smiled gently—soft, but sure:
> "...Our voices... can reach anyone."
And without delay—
their music began.
Not flashy.
Not fierce.
But full of warmth,
like sunlight through spring leaves.
Their dance was simple,
but so filled with joy that *everyone*
was soon tapping their foot.
The hall *erupted*—
cheers, applause, even a few wild whistles—
then:
"RA*BITS! RA*BITS! RA*BITS!!!"
Tomoya laughed happily:
> "We brought the sun to a whole *new level!!"*
Nazuna giggled:
> *"I feel like everyone is shining with us this time..."*
Hajime looked around—
at the audience smiling, waving, some even tearing up.
Then he whispered:
> "Maybe... we really did share something real."
Mitsuru threw an arm around him:
> "Told ya! Our sunshine spreads fast!"
Backstage,
Polar Opposites watched—
Raito's fists clenched at his sides.
Not from jealousy.
From *fire.*
And Tsukki?
He didn't speak.
But his eyes—
sharp as moonlight on steel—
were already thinking one thing:
### "...Our turn."
☀️🌙⚡
The music swelled—
bright, warm, *alive* like morning light on water.
**Tomoya** took the lead—
voice soaring with pure, unshakable joy:
> *"I wanna run through the rain! I wanna shout without shame!"*
**Nazuna** danced around him—
twirling like a dandelion in the wind,
> *"New me? I'm already flying—no need to hide!"*
**Mitsuru** punched the air with a grin:
> "Time to grow! Time to go beyond!"
Then came his spin-kick into a backflip—
crowd screaming:
"WHOAH!!"
And then...
softly...
**Hajime's voice.**
Quiet at first—but clear as crystal.
> *"Even if I'm small... even if I tremble...*
> *I want to sing where my heart belongs."*
The hall stilled.
Just for a second.
Because that honesty?
It hit deep.
As their dance flowed into harmony—
arms linked, voices rising together—
the entire stage glowed,
not from lights,
but from something warmer:
#### A bond that had grown stronger through every struggle.
They weren't just performing new versions of themselves...
they were proving what they always believed:
### "Together... we shine brighter."
And when they ended?
Hands raised high beneath golden sparks raining down—
the crowd roared so loud it shook the walls.
From backstage,
Knights clapped hard;
ALKALOID nodded;
even Eden looked moved.
But Polar Opposites?
Raito wiped his eyes fast—with an unstoppable grin:
> "We're next."
Tsukki adjusted his glove once—and whispered under his breath:
#### "Let's show them what our 'new' really means."
🔥☀️🌙✨
To be continued...