Tsuki turned his head slightly, voice low and calm-but with that dangerous edge only Raito ever seemed to provoke:
"Listen closely."
He didn't look at him. Just kept fixing his wristband.
"If you fanboy during practice... I'll put a leash on you."
Silence.
The air dropped ten degrees.
Even Yuzuru paused mid-sip.
Raito froze-eyes wide like a puppy caught stealing snacks-
then slowly turned to stare at Tsuki in horrified disbelief:
"You... wouldn't dare."
Tsuki finally looked up.
Deadpan. Unblinking.
Moonlight-serious.
And without missing a beat:
"Try me."
HiMERU adjusted his mic, already calculating:
"Leash material: cotton or leather? Estimated humiliation radius: 15 meters." 🖤📏
Rei let out the tiniest snort - quickly masked as a cough - but everyone saw it.
Rei Sakuma had been mildly entertained.
Izumi wrote something down in his notebook: "Threat level: Tsuki Kuroi - S-Rank when provoked."
Keito just muttered:
"...This unit is descending into madness."
But Tatsumi? He smiled warmly as he sipped tea:
"Honestly... I'm starting to like this."
And Raito?
Still pale, still trembling slightly...
but somehow still grinning beneath it all - because no matter how scary Tsuki got...
he knew one truth louder than any threat:
👉 They were together again.
Side by side.
Sun and moon.
Chaos and calm...
and everything perfect in between.
✨🎵🌙☀️💞🐾🖤
Tsuki stood up smoothly, the quiet weight of leadership settling back into his voice like it belonged there.
"Enough distractions."
He shot Raito one last look - firm, but with the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips - then turned to face the others.
"We start now. Positions, everyone."
No shouting. No grand speech.
Just calm command - like moonlight guiding lost stars home.
One by one, they moved:
👉 Yuzuru straightened with quiet respect.
👉 Keito cracked his knuckles and took point without argument.
👉 Izumi nodded sharply - already analyzing formation flow in his head.
👉 Tatsumi gave a small bow before stepping into place.
👉 HiMERU adjusted his earpiece: "Syncing vocal timers... beginning rehearsal." 🖤⏱️
👉 Rei exhaled once... then stepped forward, sleeves brushing stage floor as he lowered into starting pose.
And Tsuki?
He walked to center stage -
looked down at Raito still sitting on the floor (pouting slightly) -
and quietly said:
"...You're staying put unless you behave."
Raito flopped dramatically onto his back:
"Fine! I'll be good! But if Rei does that growly ad-lib thing again-I'm screaming." 😳💘
Rei didn't even glance over.
But for a split second?
His shoulders did tense.
(He knew exactly which ad-lib Raito meant.)
Tsuki ignored it all-
raised one hand,
took a breath...
and gave the first true order as leader:
"Reset positions. Sync beat from measure twelve."
The music started again.
And this time?
Seven hearts moved as one -
not because they were forced to,
but because they'd chosen-each in their own way-to follow him.
✨🎵🌑☀️🖤💞🌌
As the music swelled back to life, it was like an entirely new performance.
No distractions this time.
No bickering.
No hesitation.
Just perfect synchronization-every step, every lyric, every gesture aligned like the celestial bodies themselves had spoken.
🎤 Yuzuru's voice, like moonlight on snow.
🎤 Izumi's notes, floating in the night wind.
🎤 Tatsumi's voice, warm as firelight.
🎤 Keito's beat, sharp as a blade.
🎤 HiMERU's vocals, cool as steel.
🎤 Rei's voice dropped in-low, rough, like thunder under still waters...
and then-
👉 Tsuki began to sing.
Not loud. Not flashy.
But with a quiet power that pulled them all into orbit:
"Even when the night has no end...
We carry light we didn't know we had." 🌙💫
The choreography flowed-tight and precise now-each movement sharper than before.
HiMERU's eyes flickered open mid-step:
"Tsuki's timing improved by 0.3 seconds."
Izumi smirked: "He's not just holding us together-he's leading the tempo."
And Keito? For once, he didn't argue.
Because he felt it-the pull of Tsuki's presence...
not commanding, not forcing,
but guiding, like a tide pulling the shore forward one wave at a time.
Then came the climax:
All seven voices wove into one chord-rising through harmony and contrast alike-
as they formed a crescent arc across the stage,
with Tsuki at its center,
his hand extended toward Raito without looking-
and Raito?
Still seated on the floor...
but beaming so brightly it could've powered Yumenosaki Academy for a week 💛✨
With tears in his eyes (completely unashamed), he cupped both hands around his mouth and screamed:
"THAT WAS SO COOL!! REI YOU SOUND LIKE A DEMON FROM HEAVEN!!"
💥 Silence.
Rei froze mid-motion.
Eyes narrowing slightly.
Yuzuru pinched the bridge of his nose.
Tatsumi burst out laughing.
And from somewhere deep within Rei Sakuma -
👉 A single, undeniable sound escaped:
"...Hn."
(Translation: He was pleased.)
Tsuki closed his eyes briefly... then sighed - but this time?
His shoulders shook with quiet laughter instead of frustration.
Mission accomplished.
They were ready for Holy Souls Day -
not as strangers forced together,
but as Souls Entwined, real in every way that mattered.
✨🎵🌌🖤☀️🌙💞💫
A collective gasp went through the studio as Tsuki's feet gave out-
and in a flash, Rei was there, grabbing his hand to pull him up.
But this time?
Rei didn't let go.
He just lost his balance in the process...
and they both ended up crashing to the ground -
Rei on top of Tsuki, chests pressed together, limbs tangled up in a messy tangle.
Silence.
Dead silence.
The only thing louder than their labored breathing was the sound of a shutter clicking.
Tsuki's face flushed-partly from exertion, partly from the sudden realization of their current intimate position.
Rei, on the other hand, looked utterly unfazed.
He just watched Tsuki-head propped up on one elbow-with a curious tilt to his lips that was almost... amused.
But there was something else too - a subtle hint of interest in his usually guarded gaze that was gone as soon as it appeared.
Tsuki was frozen under that stare, heart pounding so fast he was certain Rei could hear it.
And when he finally spoke?
His voice was unusually soft - the rough edges of usual sarcasm gone completely.
"You're blushing, bunny."
"SHUT UP! YOU SELF-PROCLAIMED VAMPIRE!!"
Tsuki finally snapped-voice cracking mid-shout, face burning like a meteor streak-as he shoved up with both hands, sending Rei tumbling sideways in a heap of black sleeves and dignity.
Rei landed on his back with an ungraceful thud, but didn't even wince.
Just blinked slowly at the ceiling... then muttered:
"...Hmph. Still alive. What a disappointment." 🖤🦇
Meanwhile-
Raito was on the floor laughing so hard he'd started crying, clutching his phone like it held the key to eternal happiness:
"THIS IS GOING ON EVERY SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM!!"
(Zoomed-in caption already written: "Rei Sakuma gets 1st kiss achievement (unofficial) 💋🔥")
Izumi immediately snatched the phone:
"No. Absolutely not."
Keito looked ready to throw it out the window:
"DELETE THAT OR I'LL DELETE YOU."
Yuzuru sighed deeply into his tea cup:
"I did not sign up for fanfiction material."
Tatsumi just smiled warmly as ever, helping Rei sit up:
"You two are surprisingly cute when you're not trying."
Rei brushed off his coat without looking at anyone-but there was something different now.
A flicker in his eyes.
A faint tension around his mouth that wasn't irritation...
but amusement he'd never admit to.
And Tsuki?
Still lying halfway between horror and adrenaline-
slowly pulled himself upright,
fixed his uniform with shaky hands,
and pointed one trembling finger at Raito:
👉 "Delete... that photo."
Raito grinned wider than humanly possible:
"...Only if you give me five hugs after Holy Souls Day~!"
Tsuki's response?
He stood up...
walked over...
and grabbed Raito by the collar, pulling him close nose-to-nose - completely out of character - dead serious:
👉 "Try it... and I'll make sure you spend every practice chained to Keito's schedule."
Silence fell again.
Even Keito flinched.
But before anyone could react?
Tsuki released him... turned away...
and quietly said while fixing his wristband again (hiding slightly shaking fingers):
"...Now let's go over measure twenty-four again."
Like nothing happened.
Like hearts weren't still racing all across that room.
✨🎵🐇🖤💘🔥💔📸
The next day -
Practice Room 7 was silent.
No chatter.
No distractions.
Just the rhythm of feet hitting the floor and seven voices weaving into one.
And in the corner?
👉 Raito Hikari - sitting neatly on a folding chair, hands folded, eyes wide with betrayed innocence...
...tethered to a pole by a soft sun-and-moon-patterned leash wrapped around his waist.
Tsuki stood at center stage like nothing was unusual.
"Sync at measure forty-two. Keito, tighten your turn-in."
He didn't even glance back.
But Raito? He pouted like a golden retriever left outside during dinner:
"This is cruel and unusual punishment~! I didn't even do anything yet!" 🌞🐕💛
Izumi adjusted his earpiece sharply:
"You were caught drafting an autograph request list for Rei under your desk."
Keito folded his arms:
"Pathetic."
HiMERU muttered into headset:
"Leash effectiveness: 98% behavioral compliance confirmed. Recommend permanent use." 🖤📎
Rei said nothing-but when he passed Raito's chair, he gave the leash one light tug with two fingers-
just enough to make Raito squeak-and kept walking without breaking step.
Tatsumi chuckled softly while sipping tea from his favorite cup:
"Honestly? This might be our most productive rehearsal ever."
Yuzuru remained poised as always:
"Discipline breeds excellence." (But there may or may not have been a smirk.)
Meanwhile-Tsuki conducted choreography flawlessly, voice calm and steady...
until mid-bridge transition,
when he paused,
turned slightly toward that glowing ball of tied-up sunshine in the corner,
and said without missing beat:
👉 "Behave... and I'll let you hug someone after practice."
Raito's eyes sparkled like stars reborn:
"I'LL BE ANGEL!!"
And so it continued-
the unit moved stronger,
tighter,
closer than before...
not just because they trained hard-
but because somewhere between threats of leashes,
slipped hands on wet floors,
and photos that should've never existed...
they'd all found something rare:
👉 A family made not by fate-but by choice.
✨🎵☀️🌙🖤💞🐾📸🌌
The big day arrived under a cloudless sky-
a perfect blue blanket scattered with fluffy clouds.
The festival grounds buzzed with excitement and expectation.
Crowds of people flooded through the main gate, streaming toward the field. Stage lights gleamed under a bright midday sun. Vendors set up on the grass: food trucks... merchandise tents...
...and a row of changing tents near the side stage.
Seven temporary shuffle unit members stood back-to-back, dressed in their stage outfits-each more dazzling than the last.
Yuzuru's outfit was pure white silk-
an elegant sleeveless jacket with gold-embroidered dragon motifs.
Izumi's was simple but bold-
silver jacket with black embroidery, dark pants, and polished dress boots.
Keito went all out-
gold-embroidered longcoat, silver undershirt, jewel-tone scarf...
and a pair of designer shades.
HiMERU's was minimalist yet sharp-
all black except for the silver accessories: sharp cuffs, earrings, bracelets... even a necklace.
Tatsumi's was warm and comforting-
long black jacket embroidered with red maple leaves, golden undershirts, and comfy-looking white sneakers.
Tsuki's was a masterpiece:
white jacket embroidered with dark blue roses and black silk undershirt, perfectly tailored to fit.
Rei's was like a moonlit night-
shimmering black jacket embroidered with silver flowers, paired with silver undershirt and a dark blue necktie.
The audience roared as the lights dimmed.
And then-
music began to play.
A soft melody at first-gentle, like stars blinking awake in twilight-
then a beat dropped like thunder beneath moonlight.
🔥 "Souls Entwined" - LIVE PERFORMANCE BEGINS.
They stepped onto stage-one by one-in perfect sync, silhouettes framed by glowing halos of light.
👉 First: Yuzuru, voice cutting through the silence like frost over flame:
"I walk alone... but not because I want to."
👉 Then Izumi, sharp and clear-calculated precision in every note:
"Connection is risk... but victory demands it."
👉 Keito entered with fire in his step and pride in his tone:
"I don't need you-but I'll use you anyway." 🔥
The crowd erupted.
But when the music shifted... softened... turned inward-
👉 Tatsumi sang gently, hands outstretched toward them all:
"What if we weren't meant to carry everything alone?" 🌿💞
And then...
the spotlight narrowed.
Center stage.
The rhythm paused for just one breath too long-
until a quiet voice rose from shadows:
🎶 "Even broken things..."
Tsuki stepped forward-eyes downcast at first, then slowly lifting...
and when he looked up?
He wasn't just singing anymore.
He was reaching.
🎶 "...can shine brighter than stars."
Silence fell across ten thousand hearts listening live-and millions more online.
Even Raito, standing near backstage with leash still clipped (but now untied) and tears streaming down his face:
"He's doing it... he's really doing it..." 🌞😭💛
Then came Rei's moment-the final verse before chorus hit again-
voice low like gravel wrapped in velvet:
🖤 "You don't have to speak...
🖤 To be heard."
And on cue?
All seven voices exploded into harmony-a sound so powerful it made the ground tremble under speakers:
🎤🎤🎤🎸🔥💫💫💫
✦ "SOUls ENTWInED - FIGHT! FOR THE lIGhT wE bEar!" ✦
Choreography blazed across stage-perfect synchronization born from sweat, arguments, tea breaks gone long... and silent promises made between strangers who became something more.
When the final pose struck-with Tsuki centered once again beneath a crescent moon spotlight-the crowd screamed so loud Yumenosaki Academy could've felt it shake from miles away.
The next morning, the news was everywhere:
"Miracle performance at Yumenosaki Festival leaves fans spellbound!"
"IdolWire ranks performance in top ten list of most-viewed festivals to date!"
"Holy Souls Day performance ignites hope for all: 'The stage doesn't see broken or weak-only powerful and brave.'"
Fans, commentators, and social media sites alike were ablaze with opinions on the performance.
"SOULS ENTWINED brought tears to my eyes! The message of unity and strength through darkness is an inspiration to us all."
"I'd give that performance a 10/10 from concept alone. The choreo, lyrics, and overall energy was something special. And that moon-themed leader... he's someone to keep an eye on."
Fans on every website and forum were buzzing:
"Did anyone else get chills during 'Souls Entwined'? That last pose was iconic."
"The stage presence was insane. I felt like I was there in person. I hope they perform again soon!"
"I've watched it three times already and still don't know my favorite part. This performance was lightning in a bottle. I need more from these seven!"
They were all gathered in different places-but the same moment touched each of them.
📱 fine's dorm lounge - Evening light through floor-to-ceiling windows
Eichi Tenshouin leaned back on the couch, arms behind his head, watching the viral video for the third time.
"Huh. So that's what happens when you throw seven stubborn stars into one room."
Wataru sipped tea quietly:
"They moved like a single unit... even with such different styles."
Tori adjusted his scarf with a smirk:
"Tsuki-kun carried it. Quiet but unbreakable. Reminds me of someone~"
Yuzuru didn't respond-just stared at Tsuki's final line on screen:
"Even broken things can shine brighter than stars."
Then softly, under his breath:
👉 "...Yeah. They really can."
🎵 AKATSUKI practice room - Mid-training break
Kuro wiped sweat from his brow and glanced at Keito.
"You looked... surprisingly obedient." 😏
Keito scowled, crossing arms:
"Discipline is important."
Souma stretched casually:
"Mmm... I liked how raw it felt. Not polished to death-like they meant every word."
🏰 Knights' training hall - After sparring session
Suddenly-music blared from Leo's phone as he replayed Rei's final verse.
Leo grinned wildly:
"Rei finally showed emotion?! That's bigger than any festival win!"
Ritsu raised an eyebrow:
"...He almost smiled."
Arashi just nodded slowly:
"Something changed out there..."
Tsukasa observed Izumi standing silently by the window.
"Did you enjoy playing second fiddle for once?"
Izumi didn't flinch - just adjusted his glasses, reflection glowing in glass:
"Second? No..."
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"I was supporting something greater than myself."
Elsewhere in ALKALOID quarters...
Hiiro folded laundry like nothing mattered - but paused when Tatsumi said:
"It made me want to bake cookies again." 🍪
Aira gasped dramatically:
"You're regressing into domestic mode!!"
Mayoi giggled while texting friends:
"Tatsumi finally showed heart on stage! Send help-or flowers!"
And Tatsumi Kazehaya? He just smiled warmly at their banter...
then whispered toward the sky outside:
👉 "Keep going... all of you."
🖤 UNDEAD - Late night meeting room (dark red lights flickering)
Kaoru stared at Rei on screen-the way he caught Tsuki after practice that one time captured in a fan-made clip titled "Vampire Falls For Rabbit?"
He sighed deeply.
"He let someone see him stumble..."
Koga laughed loudly:
"So the vampire prince cracked?! What next-he gonna start bringing tea instead of sarcasm?"
Adonis remained silent - then quietly murmured:
"Strength isn't always cold steel... sometimes it wears moonlight and silence."
Rei stood near window - long coat swaying slightly - expression unreadable...
but his hand clenched once around his phone before speaking softly:
👉 "...Let them have this moment."
🔥💻🌀 Meanwhile...
HiMERU sat alone in Crazy:B common area - monitor flashing data across eight screens analyzing vocal patterns, choreo sync rates, audience reactions...
Niki bounced over eating ramen straight from cup:
"So? How bad were they?"
HiMERU didn't look away from footage looping Tsuki leading rehearsal via wristband cue signals -
then said flatly:
👉 "Efficiency rating: 94%. Emotional resonance impact level exceeds prediction parameters by 300%."
Pause.
One long blink behind lenses.
Finally-
"...Acceptable performance." 💫🖤📊
(Translation: He was deeply moved and would never admit it.)
Behind him?
Rinne Amagi watched silently,
while Kohaku hummed low to himself,
and Niki slurped noodles louder than necessary-
but everyone knew...
something real had happened that day on stage.
Not manufactured charm or polished idol smiles -
but truth forged in trust,
pain turned into art,
and seven souls who began as strangers?
Now carried each other forever-even without saying so aloud 🌙☀️✨💞🌌
At Cosmic Production's offices...
Raito bolted down a hallway, ducking around corners, sprinting past staff, and generally making a scene.
Tsuki followed behind in hot pursuit-slapping stick in hand, eyes narrowed, and expression darkening with every missed strike.
"Get back here, you golden pest!"
Raito skidded around the corner and almost crashed into the break room, shouting over his shoulder-
"YOU GOTTA CATCH ME FIRST, MOON BOY!!"
Nagisa and Hiyori sipped tea-amused. Hiyori giggled and nudged Nagisa.
"Oh, come now! They're just having a bit of fun~"
Ibara sighed while adjusting his glasses.
"More like an utter lack of restraint and decorum, if you ask me."
On the other side of the break room, Shu sipped coffee silently as he watched the chaotic duo sprint by-head resting against his hand as he observed the situation unfolding before him.
Jun was laughing so hard he could hardly breathe, clapping one hand over his mouth to muffle the sound.
"Pfft-Oh my God I can't-they're just running circles around each other-and Tsuki still hasn't caught him! Hahaha!"
Mika chuckled as he watched too, lounging back in his chair with a lazy smile.
"Yeah, Tsuki's usually the collected one, huh? Guess our golden boy finally got under his skin."
Hinata and Yuta couldn't help but watch with wide eyes, their heads whipping back and forth as they followed the race.
Yuta leaned in close to Hinata and whispered loudly:
"I've never seen Tsuki so, um, pissed before!"
Hinata's eyes went even wider, if that were possible.
"I know, right?! I had no idea he was so easy to rile up... This is like watching a dog chase its tail or somethin'. Just going round and round in circles..."
Rinne laughed loudly and shook his head, crossing his arms.
"Who would've thought that Tsuki was capable of chasing a troublemaker like that? Pfft-he looks like he's trying to catch a runaway puppy or something."
Niki nodded enthusiastically, still stuffing his face with snacks.
"Yeah, and Raito is running like he's being chased by a horde of angry squirrels. This is so much better than TV!"
HiMERU sipped coffee with a blank expression, but even he couldn't deny that this was an interesting sight to behold.
"It is rather amusing," he remarked, "to see Tsuki's usual composed demeanor crumble in the pursuit of his unruly target."
Meanwhile, Kohaku watched the scene with a smirk, leaning against the far wall.
"Eh, they're just playing tag with extra steps. And a lot more yelling."
Ibara shook his head and sighed deeply.
"It seems the root cause of this whole situation is the publication of that photo," he said in a low voice, "the one that caught Tsuki in an... awkward situation with Rei. Seems like Raito was the one to send it to the media."
Jun nodded, still trying hard not to laugh.
"Yeah, Raito's not exactly known for holding back. I guess he couldn't resist sharing that juicy piece of info with the world."
Niki chimed in, munching on another snack.
"That photo definitely blew up. I think I saw it on, like, five different gossip sites before breakfast this morning."
Mika nodded in agreement, still leaning back with a small smile.
"Yep. I saw it all over the internet. Seems like it went viral pretty quick."
Hiyori sipped his tea and chuckled.
"Oh, dear. Looks like Tsuki's got quite the reputation now, doesn't he? He's probably not too happy about that photo circulating around..."
Ibara sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"No, he's definitely not happy. From what I've heard, he's been in a sour mood ever since the photo got released. And Raito has been, predictably, completely unapologetic about the whole thing."
Yuta raised an eyebrow.
"Wait... so Raito has no remorse?"
Ibara shook his head.
"None whatsoever. In fact, he's been rather smug about the whole thing. Thinks it's hilarious, actually."
Tsuki skidded around the corner, hair slightly messy from the chase, eyes blazing with righteous fury-slapping stick raised like a conductor's baton of doom.
"Hikari Raito! When I catch you, you're getting thirty strikes and no stage privileges for a week!"
Raito shrieked dramatically mid-sprint-nearly crashing into Niki's snack pile-then zigged sharply away:
"WORTH IT! THE WORLD HAD TO SEE THAT MOMENT OF PURE ART!!"
Tsuki growled-low and dangerous-and launched forward again:
"IT WAS AN ACCIDENT AND YOU KNOW IT!"
From the sidelines-
👉 Rinne laughed harder than ever:
"Look at him go! He's like an angry bunny with a ruler!"
👉 Niki nodded fast between bites:
"This is better than morning cartoons!"
HiMERU adjusted his earpiece coolly.
"Predicted capture time: 3 minutes 12 seconds. Raito's stamina levels are already dropping by 18%."
Kohaku smirked.
"Yeah... but heart rate says he's enjoying every second."
And it was true.
Even as Tsuki closed in-
Raito was grinning.
Breathless.
Tears in his eyes from laughing so hard...
because he knew this was real.
This chaos?
This yelling?
This slapping stick that would probably never actually land?
👉 This was love dressed up as punishment.
And just as Tsuki lunged one final time-
stick outstretched-
Raito tripped on his own feet...
and went down in a dramatic heap...
right at Rei Sakuma's boots-who had silently appeared at the hallway's end, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
Silence fell instantly.
All eyes turned to Rei...
who looked down at Raito sprawled like a starfish on the floor,
then up to Tsuki standing over him,
slapping stick frozen mid-air,
face flushed not just from running-but from realizing everyone had seen it happen again...
Rei blinked once...
and said simply:
🖤 "...You two are exhausting."
Then walked past them both without another word-
but not before muttering under his breath so only they could hear:
👉 "...But send me an autograph list later."
💥
Tsuki dropped the stick immediately.
Raito started crying again (happy tears).
Ibara adjusted his glasses slowly while muttering:
"...The organization has fallen into madness."
To be continued...? ✨🐇🖤☀️📸💥🎵