Hakugyoku Hotel Stockholm Branch – Dining Hall
12:00 NN
The faint hum of chatter filled the air as Riku and Rinko stepped into the hotel's dining hall, ready for lunch after the exhausting morning. The aroma of freshly grilled meat and pastries drifted through the room—comforting, almost nostalgic. But what greeted them next wasn't quite as peaceful.
The line to the buffet stretched almost to the lobby doors. Riku blinked twice, letting out a soft sigh as he followed the line with his eyes. At the very front stood none other than Yuyuko Saigyouji, enthusiastically pointing at nearly everything on the menu while her exasperated attendant, Youmu, stood by helplessly.
"I'll have ten of these, ten of that, and fifteen of those too!" Yuyuko declared cheerfully, her eyes sparkling like a child at a candy stall.
"Yuyuko-sama…" Youmu's tone trembled with strained patience. "You're holding up the entire line."
"Ah! I'm sorry!" Yuyuko gasped dramatically, clutching her fan to her chest. "But everything just looks so delicious, I can't possibly decide!"
Riku ran a hand over his face, releasing a groan that was equal parts amusement and disbelief. "Of course it's her," he muttered under his breath. The people behind her were starting to shuffle their feet, glancing at their watches. Rinko covered her mouth, giggling softly at Riku's visible struggle to stay composed.
Resigned, Riku strode forward. "We'll take five portions of everything here," he announced, stepping beside Yuyuko.
Yuyuko and Youmu both turned in surprise. "Riku-kun!"
"You're holding up the line, Yuyuko-san," he said with a calm smile that didn't quite hide the hint of fatigue behind his eyes. "The guests are starting to get restless."
Youmu bowed gratefully. "Thank you, Riku-kun. I've been trying to convince her for ten minutes."
"Don't mind it," Riku said lightly. "Me and Rinko just got here, and the line was already long enough to make me reconsider eating."
Yuyuko turned and blinked at the crowd behind her. "Oh dear… it really is long! My apologies, everyone!"
The mood instantly shifted when she clapped her hands together and declared, "As an apology, I'll cover everyone's meals for the rest of the day!"
The hall erupted in cheers. Riku just sighed again, this time with a faint smirk. Only Yuyuko could turn a nuisance into a public celebration.
"By the way, Riku-kun," Yuyuko said teasingly, her gaze flicking between him and the girl beside him, "are you here alone?"
Riku shook his head. "No. I'm with Rinko. I invited her for lunch."
Yuyuko's fan opened with a dramatic snap. "Ara~ so it's a date then?"
Rinko's face instantly turned red as she waved her hands. "N-no, it's not like that!"
Riku, equally flustered but trying to maintain composure, muttered, "We're not—let's just find a seat."
Youmu smiled faintly as the three followed him to a quiet table near the window. Once seated, Yuyuko's teasing returned almost immediately.
"I heard from Youmu that you stayed behind to keep an eye on Riku-kun," she said, resting her chin on her hands.
"Yes," Rinko admitted, her voice soft but firm. "As much as I wanted to join the others at the arena, Riku's health comes first. I wanted to make sure he didn't overwork himself again."
"Oh my~" Yuyuko giggled. "And you're openly admitting you wanted Riku-kun to yourself? How bold, Rinko-chan~ Ufufufufu~"
Rinko's blush deepened as she tried to hide her face behind her hands. "T-that's not what I meant…"
Riku could only chuckle quietly at the scene. It was nice—rare, even—to see moments like this, soft and uncomplicated.
Yuyuko, changing the subject slightly, turned back to Riku. "How's your hand, Riku-kun?"
"Better," he replied, lifting his arm and flexing it. "Udongein stopped by earlier and gave me six bottles of medicine made by Eirin-san. I'm supposed to drink one after every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
He took out a small glass bottle from his bag and set it on the table. The light reflected against its faint blue liquid.
Youmu eyed it suspiciously. "That's Eirin's medicine? Are you sure it's safe? Knowing her… she might have slipped something extra inside."
Riku smiled faintly. "Udongein tested it herself before handing it to me. I drank one already this morning—if she tampered with it, I'd probably have wings by now."
He rotated his wrist a few times, showing no trace of pain. "See? Works like a charm."
Rinko's expression softened with relief. "That's amazing…" she murmured.
"Still," Riku said, his tone shifting into something subtly amused, "you'll have to do better than that to surprise me. Isn't that right, Orin? Okuu?"
The air shifted slightly. Yuyuko and the others blinked in confusion until two figures appeared behind Riku—one with bright orange hair tied in twin tails, the other with a reactor-like ornament on her back.
Rin pouted. "Aww, we got caught again, nya~"
Utsuho folded her arms. "Told you, Orin. Riku-sama never falls for that."
Rinko blinked in mild surprise. "Riku… who are they?"
Utsuho smiled warmly and bowed. "Ah, this is the first time we've met. I'm Reiuji Utsuho, and this is Kaenbyou Rin. We serve under Satori-sama of the Komeiji family."
"It's nice to meet you," Rinko replied politely. "If it's not rude to ask… you're both youkai, right?"
The two exchanged glances, then smiled brightly.
"Yup! I'm a kasha," Rin said with a little wink, "and Okuu here is a yatagarasu, nya~"
"I see," Rinko said, intrigued. "But… Okuu? Orin?"
"They're nicknames Satori-sama gave us," Utsuho explained cheerfully. "You can call us that if you'd like."
Riku folded his arms, his gaze sharpening slightly. "Alright, let's get to the point. What brings you two here?"
Rin perked up. "Udongein left us a message before she left the hotel, nya~"
Riku leaned forward slightly. "Udongein? What did she say?"
"She said," Utsuho began carefully, "'Come to Karolinska University Hospital. Eirin is waiting for you there. Alone.' That's all she said before leaving."
Riku nodded slowly, the gears in his mind already turning. "I see… thanks for the heads-up."
"Now that we've passed on the message, we'll be going!" Rin chirped, tugging at Utsuho's arm. "Come on, Okuu!"
And just like that, the pair vanished into the crowd.
Moments later, their meals arrived—an avalanche of plates stacked high with steaming food. Rinko's eyes widened at the sheer volume of it all. Yuyuko, meanwhile, looked as though she'd ascended to paradise.
Youmu sighed, watching her mistress practically drool. "Yuyuko-sama, please… you're drooling again. Have some restraint."
Yuyuko waved her fan dramatically. "Oh, Youmu~ you know I can't resist such a magnificent spread~"
Riku chuckled quietly. "Rinko, take anything you like. The rest… just give it to Yuyuko-san."
"Eh? But—"
He just pointed. Rinko turned her head and saw that Yuyuko had already finished six plates while Youmu calmly picked through her vegetables. Rinko could only stare, slack-jawed.
Yuyuko looked up innocently. "What? They were small portions~"
Riku burst into laughter, shaking his head. "And you call me the one who overworks himself. I think you're the true glutton of Gensokyo, Yuyuko-san."
"You flatter me," Yuyuko replied proudly before diving into her seventh plate.
Rinko giggled softly beside him, her earlier shyness fading into warmth. Watching her laugh so freely after the tension of the previous night eased something inside Riku. For a brief, unguarded moment, their eyes met across the table—her soft smile reflecting genuine affection, his quiet gaze carrying both apology and gratitude.
Outside, the light snowfall brushed against the windows, casting soft silver hues across the dining hall. For once, amid the chaos of Yuyuko's appetite and the endless movement of the tournament, everything felt still—gentle, peaceful, human.
Riku leaned back slightly, exhaling a quiet breath. Maybe, just for today, he could allow himself this moment of calm. A simple lunch, shared laughter, and the warmth of someone who truly cared.
Hovet Arena – 12:30 P.M.
Rinko's POV
The cold air outside the arena was sharp enough to wake anyone from a food coma. After lunch with Youmu-san and Yuyuko-san, Riku had told me he needed to visit the hospital—alone, as instructed. I didn't argue; there was a quiet resolve in his eyes that told me this wasn't something to interfere with. Still, a small part of me ached to follow. Instead, he offered to drop me off at Hovet Arena so I could rejoin the others.
As our taxi dropped us to the arena, I spotted familiar faces by the entrance—Yukina-san, Imai-san, Hikawa-san, Seta-san, Chisato-san, Mitake-san, Aoba-san, Tsurumaki-san, and Okusawa-san—all gathered with drinks and snacks in hand. The crisp white of the snow and the chatter around them made the scene almost domestic, like a family waiting outside a concert hall.
Riku called out first. "Girls! What brings you out here?"
Seta-san turned with her usual flair, a small smirk curving her lips. "Ah, ani-sama! We're fetching refreshments for the others. How fares your hand?"
"It's holding up," he replied, flexing his fingers a little. "I just need to get it checked at the hospital."
Seta-san placed a hand over her chest, feigning concern. "Ah… how brave of you to face such a dreadful place, ani-sama."
"Kaoru," Riku said flatly, pinching the bridge of his nose, "not the time."
Her dramatics earned a small laugh from the group. Having known Riku since childhood, I knew he wasn't fond of hospitals—it wasn't fear, exactly, more of a deep discomfort. That same knowledge flickered in the glances between Tsurumaki-san, Chisato-san, and Mitake-san. They knew too.
Mitake-san tilted her head, one hand resting in her pocket. "So what brings you here, nii-san?"
"I came to drop Rinko off," he answered. "I'll be heading to the hospital after this."
Imai-san nodded with a smile. "Thanks for bringing her, Riku. Did you catch the results of the earlier matches?"
"We did," I replied before Riku could. "Johan-san messaged him about the scores."
Riku turned to me then, his tone softening. "Rinko, I have to go. Eirin-san's probably waiting."
Yukina-san's brow rose slightly. "Eirin?"
"Yagokoro Eirin," Chisato-san explained smoothly. "Matriarch of the Yagokoro family, owner of Yagokoro General Hospital."
I nodded quietly. "Take care of yourself, Riku."
"I know…" he murmured, turning to leave.
Something in that moment—maybe the stillness of the air, or the way his back looked just a little too lonely—made something inside me move before I could think.
"Riku!"
He stopped, half-turning as I ran up to him. The others' voices faded into the distance. My pulse pounded in my ears as my thoughts tangled and blurred into pure impulse. And before reason could catch up—
Chu.
My lips brushed his cheek, light but sure. The faint warmth of his skin lingered as the world froze around me. Every sound—every whisper, every rustle—fell away.
Behind me, I could sense the stunned silence of the girls. My heart felt like it might break through my ribs, but I stood my ground. It wasn't planned. It wasn't logical. It was just something that felt right.
Riku didn't move at first. His eyes were wide, his posture rigid, like someone who had forgotten how to breathe. Then, wordlessly, he placed both hands on my shoulders. His touch was steady, grounding.
And then—
Chu.
He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. Soft. Warm. Unhurried.
My breath hitched. Heat rushed to my face, spreading from where his lips met my skin down to my chest. When he pulled back, his smile was small but unmistakably gentle—the kind of smile that always told me he understood, even when words weren't enough.
"Everyone's waiting for you," he said quietly. "Run along now."
I could only nod, dazed and burning red, before walking back toward the others. Each step felt lighter and heavier at the same time.
The girls, of course, had seen everything. Imai-san and Aoba-san wore twin grins sharp enough to cut through ice. Hikawa-san looked mildly scandalized. Seta-san, Chisato-san, and Mitake-san were smiling warmly, and Okusawa-san—oh, poor Okusawa-san—was covering Tsurumaki-san's eyes with both hands.
Imai-san was the first to break the silence. "Wow, Rinko~ I didn't know you had it in you."
Hikawa-san frowned, arms crossed. "Shirokane-san… how shameless."
Tsurumaki-san, still muffled behind Misaki's hands, protested, "Misaki, what happened? Why are my eyes covered?"
"It's nothing, Kokoro!!" came the panicked reply.
Chisato-san chuckled softly. "So, Rinko-chan, I take it that worked?"
"Worked?" Seta-san blinked. "What worked?"
Chisato-san turned to her with an amused tilt of her head. "That Rinko-chan should be the one to keep an eye on Riku. I'd say it worked perfectly. Aside from Yuyuko-san, Youmu-chan, Kokoro-chan, his grandfather, or the Celestial heads, he listens to Rinko the most."
Mitake-san nodded thoughtfully. "That's true. Of all his childhood friends, Shirokane's the one nii-san trusts the most."
Aoba-san's smirk was unmistakable. "A~re, Ran~? You're not jealous that it wasn't you who kissed Riku-san?"
Ran sighed, rolling her eyes. "I told you, I'm not. But still… good job, Shirokane."
"Thanks?" I said, unsure whether to feel proud or mortified.
Imai leaned closer, her voice teasing but kind. "By the way, why did you do that, Rinko?"
The question hung in the air. All eyes turned to me. I looked down, my fingers curling together.
"Honestly," I admitted, my voice small, "I don't know. I just… felt like I had to. If I didn't, maybe I'd regret it later."
There was no laughter this time, no teasing. Just the quiet understanding that comes from people who've all felt that same pull once in their lives.
Chisato-san smiled softly. "Regardless of why, I think you made progress. Don't you think so?"
I didn't answer with words—just a small nod. My chest was still warm, my thoughts still scattered. Riku's smile replayed in my mind like a song stuck on repeat.
Yukina-san checked her watch, the spell breaking slightly. "Alright. It's time we get back inside. The next set's about to start."
The group began filing toward the arena doors, chatter resuming as if the moment had been folded neatly away into memory. I followed, a few steps behind, stealing one last glance toward the street where Riku had gone.
The wind had picked up again, carrying faint snowflakes across the gray sky. Somewhere in that direction, he was probably walking alone toward whatever awaited him at the hospital. A part of me wanted to chase after him. Another part whispered that the small kiss we shared said enough for now.
Inside the arena, the lights dimmed as music swelled to life. The world of sound and color took over, but beneath it all, my heart beat quietly to a different rhythm—one set by the boy who smiled through pain, who carried burdens heavier than he let on, and who somehow always made me feel safe.
And as I took my seat beside the others, I realized: no matter how far apart we'd go in the next few hours, that warmth on my forehead wasn't fading anytime soon.
Karolinska University Hospital – 1:00 P.M.
Riku's POV
The gentle hum of the hospital's fluorescent lights filled the corridor, mixing with the faint scent of disinfectant. My footsteps echoed softly against the polished floor, each one dragging behind a single thought that refused to leave my head.
That kiss…
Rinko's lips brushing against my cheek was unexpected. It wasn't something planned or calculated—it was genuine, impulsive, and warm. I could still feel it, faint but lingering, like a small ember resting on my skin. Out of instinct, I'd responded with a kiss to her forehead. Why did I do that? I wasn't sure. Maybe… because I wanted her to know that I understood. That I felt it too.
I sighed and rubbed my cheek as I reached the front desk. A nurse in a pale blue uniform greeted me with a polite nod. "You must be Riku Nagae, correct? Yagokoro-sensei has been expecting you."
I nodded back wordlessly, following her through a quiet hallway lined with patient rooms and faint beeping monitors. The nurse finally stopped by a door with a golden nameplate that read Dr. Yagokoro Eirin. She knocked twice before giving me a nod to enter.
I stepped inside, greeted by the faint aroma of medicinal herbs. Eirin sat at her desk, her long silver hair cascading over her shoulder as she flipped through a stack of medical files. She looked exactly the same as ever—poised, elegant, and composed, the very picture of timeless grace.
"Glad you made it, Riku," she said, setting the papers aside. "It's good to see you again."
"Good to see you too, Eirin-san," I replied, giving a slight bow. "Where's Udongein? I thought she'd be here."
Eirin smiled faintly. "I sent her on an errand. She'll be back soon enough."
"I see…" I hesitated for a moment before asking, "What about Kaguya? Is she still… you know."
Eirin's expression softened into something sorrowful, her eyes lowering for a brief second. "She hasn't stepped out of Eientei since that day. The loss hit her hard, Riku. Even after all this time, she still blames herself. Or rather…" Eirin looked at me knowingly. "…she still blames you."
Her words struck like quiet thunder, echoing in the hollow space inside me. Tenshi's face flashed through my mind—the smile she gave me during our last battle, the way she called my name before it all went dark. That day… the day everything changed.
"The last time I saw her," I murmured, "was at Tenshi's funeral. She wouldn't even look at me."
Eirin sighed quietly, folding her hands on the desk. "Maybe if you visited her, she might start to heal. You two haven't spoken since that day, correct?"
I gave a faint nod. "I'm not sure she'd want to see me, Eirin-san. After all, I'm the reason she lost her best friend."
"That's not true." Her tone carried the firmness of a mentor, the compassion of someone who'd lived through centuries of regret. "What happened wasn't your fault, Riku. Even gods can't change fate once it's been set in motion."
I didn't answer. Deep down, I knew she meant well—but guilt wasn't something that disappeared with reason. It clung to you, like a shadow.
Eirin's gaze softened again. "For what it's worth, Mokou is still trying to help Kaguya return to her old self. It's slow, but there's progress."
That made me pause. "She's still there… by her side?"
"Yes," Eirin replied. "Though they argue as usual, Mokou hasn't left her. I think she understands that Kaguya's pain is… similar to hers."
A faint smile tugged at my lips. "Those two will never change."
Eirin chuckled quietly before straightening her posture. "Enough about that. Let's see your hand."
I raised my right hand, the one that had taken the brunt of the injury during the performance. She reached out and carefully turned it palm-up, her touch gentle yet clinical. Her slender fingers pressed along the joints and tendons, testing for pain.
I didn't flinch.
"Hmm…" she murmured, eyes narrowing slightly as she examined the faint traces of bruising. After several minutes, she nodded in satisfaction and leaned back in her chair.
"So far, no side effects. The medicine is doing exactly what I expected." She smiled faintly. "The nanotherapeutic enzymes are accelerating tissue repair. You've recovered far faster than a human normally should."
I gave a small grin. "Then Eirin-san's medicine still works wonders."
"Don't flatter me yet," she replied, holding up a finger. "You've taken two bottles, correct? Drink the third one after dinner tonight to complete the primary recovery cycle. Then take the remaining three tomorrow, just to be safe."
I nodded. "Got it. Anything else I should know?"
"Yes." Eirin opened her drawer and pulled out a small white packet before handing it to me.
I looked at the label—and blinked. "Stomach medicine?"
Eirin chuckled softly. "You know how Yuyuko is. Trust me, she'll need it. Consider it… a preventative measure."
That drew a rare laugh from me. "Yeah, that makes sense. I'll give it to her."
"Good." She gave me a polite nod. "That's all for today, Riku. You can go now. And…" She hesitated for a moment before continuing in a quieter tone. "Good luck at the festival. Maybe through your music, even Kaguya-sama might find some light again."
Her words lingered. "Maybe," I said softly. "If she's still willing to listen."
I turned toward the door and reached for the handle, but her voice stopped me.
"Riku."
I turned back to see Eirin looking at me—not as a doctor, but as someone who had watched me grow up. There was an unmistakable sadness in her eyes.
"None of it was your fault," she said gently. "Tenshi's death… the burden you carry… you've punished yourself long enough. Try to speak with Kaguya-sama. If you do, she'll understand."
For a brief moment, I couldn't bring myself to speak. The air between us felt heavy—yet somehow, warm.
Finally, I managed a quiet, "...I'll try."
She smiled faintly. "That's all I ask."
With that, I left the room, the faint click of the door closing behind me echoing down the hallway. My reflection glided along the glass walls as I walked, my thoughts still tangled between past and present.
The afternoon sun filtered through the hospital's windows, spilling gold across the sterile floor. For a moment, I just stood there, staring at the distant horizon beyond the city.
"Tenshi… Kaguya…" I murmured. "Maybe it's finally time to face it."
I tightened my grip around the packet of medicine and began making my way back toward the hotel—each step lighter, yet burdened by the quiet promise I'd just made to myself.
----------
Hakugyoku Hotel Stockholm Branch – OG's Practice Room
5:00 P.M.
3rd POV
The golden hue of the late afternoon sun spilled through the hotel windows as Riku made his way back from the hospital, his left hand tucked into his pocket while the other held a small paper bag. The conversation with Eirin still echoed faintly in his mind—her calm voice, her unwavering professionalism, and that gentle reminder: None of that was your fault.
When he returned to the Hakugyoku's upper floor, his first destination wasn't his room but Yuyuko's. As soon as he opened the door, the sight that greeted him was, unsurprisingly, chaotic.
"Yuyuko-san?" Riku's tone dropped.
There she was—Yuyuko Saigyouji, lying on her bed dramatically, holding her stomach with both hands while letting out a long, theatrical groan. Youmu was kneeling beside her, visibly distressed but clearly accustomed to the situation.
"She—she overate again," Youmu stammered helplessly. "Not just the lunch earlier… but right after you left, she went to the lounge, ordered two whole cakes, and an ice cream platter!"
Riku sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Of course she did."
Yuyuko, in her usual cheerful but strained voice, looked up at him with a weak smile. "Riku-kun… I think I've made a terrible mistake…"
"Yeah," Riku muttered, setting the paper bag on the bedside table. "Eirin-san probably predicted this. She gave me stomach medicine just for you."
At the sound of "Eirin," both Yuyuko and Youmu blinked.
"Eirin?" Yuyuko gasped, sitting up despite the evident discomfort. "Oh my, you really did come prepared, didn't you?"
"Don't thank me," Riku replied dryly. "Thank your gluttony."
He handed her the packet, and after a brief explanation of how to take it, Youmu immediately fetched a glass of water. Within moments, Yuyuko had downed the medicine, much to Riku's relief.
"Alright," he sighed. "Try not to eat another three-course dessert after this."
Yuyuko giggled, a hint of mischief returning to her tone. "No promises~"
"Figures."
Leaving the two behind, Riku finally returned to his room, exhaustion catching up to him like a shadow. He collapsed onto the bed and shut his eyes, intending just a short rest before practice. The quiet hum of the air conditioner lulled him into a brief, dreamless nap.
When he woke, the clock read 3:30 P.M. The second day of the Future World Fes had already wrapped up.
Still groggy, Riku sat up and checked his phone, scrolling through the day's results. Each line confirmed what he had predicted perfectly:
beastcoast 2–0 Team Spirit
Team Liquid 1–2 BetBoom
BOOM RIVALRY 0–2 TSM
He smirked faintly. Right on the mark again. Moments later, a notification popped up from Allen, the band's manager.
Winnings update:
beastcoast 2–0 Team Spirit – +$250,000
Team Liquid 1–2 BetBoom – +$250,000
BOOM RIVALRY 0–2 TSM – +$300,000
Total: $800,000
That brought OG's total winnings to $975,000. Under their internal deal, Riku's personal cut—$243,750—was more than enough to fund his ongoing side project. He grinned to himself. This might just work.
By the time the clock struck four, he'd joined the rest of OG in the practice room. The space buzzed with energy—Ammar tuning his guitar, bzm testing the keyboard keys that had been reassigned to him, Yuragi casually strumming the bass while Taiga adjusted the drum mic.
Riku's hand had healed enough to let him play lightly, but for safety, they'd rearranged roles. He'd handle vocals, bzm would take the keyboard, Yuragi would cover bass, and Ammar and Taiga remained on their usual instruments.
"Alright, let's run through the set again from the top," Riku instructed, standing at the mic with his scarf loose around his neck.
For the next hour, the room pulsed with rhythm. Drums thundered. Strings roared. Riku's voice carried through the mix—steady, controlled, almost cathartic. There was something different about his tone tonight. It wasn't forced. It was lighter… freer.
When the final chord echoed, Riku raised a hand. "Okay boys, time for a break."
"Finally…" Ammar exhaled, throwing himself into a nearby chair. "That was brutal."
Taiga stretched his arms behind his head. "You're telling me. But hey, we're nailing it more each time."
Riku chuckled softly, taking a sip from his water bottle. "That's the point. Repetition makes instinct. Play it enough times and you'll be able to perform blindfolded."
"Sounds like a challenge," Yuragi teased, leaning his bass against the wall. "But seriously, your voice okay? You've been singing nonstop for an hour."
"I'm fine, Artem," Riku assured him. "Once we resume, I'll just listen to your instrumentals to pinpoint any inconsistencies."
bzm smirked, leaning back against the keyboard stand. "You know, Riku… you actually look relaxed for once. Yesterday you were like a storm bottled up."
"Yeah," Taiga added. "What happened? You finally get a decent nap or something?"
Riku chuckled, his gaze distant for a brief second. "Something like that. Let's just say… I got a bit of a wake-up call."
Whatever had changed, the others could feel it too. His eyes were clearer, his tone steady but softer. The quiet intensity that had weighed him down through the tournament seemed to have lifted.
"Whatever it was," Ammar said with a grin, "good to have the real Riku back."
"Thanks," he replied with a faint smile. "Now rest up. We're finalizing everything before dinner."
The band relaxed for a few minutes—snacking, joking, reviewing short clips of their rehearsal on a tablet—before diving back in. By the time they wrapped up around 6:30 P.M., they were fully synchronized, every note landing clean.
The Next Morning
May 19, 2021 – 8:30 A.M.
The third day of the Future World Fes had arrived. The hotel corridors were alive with motion—staff rushing to prepare equipment, performers heading toward their shuttles. Today would determine the first two bands to secure a spot in the Grand Finals.
Inside his room, Riku stood before the mirror, buttoning up his black stage jacket. The morning light outlined his figure, reflecting the calm in his eyes. His usual scarf lay neatly folded on the desk beside him.
But instead of taking it, Riku reached for another one—a nearly identical scarf, save for a blue outline instead of red. He held it for a moment, fingertips tracing the edges. A soft sigh escaped him before he wrapped it around his neck.
Just as he adjusted the ends, the door slid open slightly. Youmu stepped in, ready to call him—only to pause mid-sentence.
"Riku-kun, are you—wait…" Her eyes widened. "That scarf… is that hers?"
Riku glanced at her reflection in the mirror and gave a quiet nod. "Yeah. I figured it's fitting to wear this today… especially if I'm performing that song in front of everyone."
Youmu's expression softened. "You're hoping she'll watch, aren't you?"
"Yeah." His voice lowered, calm but weighted. "Eirin-san told me that Kaguya still hasn't moved on since Tenshi's death. Maybe… if she hears this song, it might reach her. Even a little." He gave a faint, wistful smile. "And I can't let Mokou do all the work."
Youmu crossed her arms and exhaled softly. "You've always had a strange way of expressing kindness, you know that?"
Riku chuckled under his breath. "Guess so."
After a moment of silence, Youmu tilted her head toward the door. "Anyway, everyone's already boarding the bus. You're the last one left."
"Right." He gave the mirror one final look, straightening the scarf. "Let's go."
As they stepped out of the room, the hallway lights reflected off the blue outline of his scarf—like a faint echo of the sky before dawn. The same scarf once worn by someone precious.
For a fleeting moment, Riku whispered under his breath, a promise carried in the quiet hum of his steps.
"Tenshi… I'll make sure your song reaches her too."
Then, with Youmu by his side, he walked toward the elevator—his eyes steady, his purpose clear.
Meanwhile back in Japan
Eientei
3:30 P.M.
3rd POV
Deep in the quiet corridors of Eientei, the gentle hum of cicadas could be heard outside, their lazy summer rhythm echoing faintly through the open shoji doors. Inside one of the mansion's dimly lit rooms, a single glow illuminated the space — the faint blue light of a computer monitor. The source of that glow was none other than Houraisan Kaguya, the ever-elegant, though rather disheveled, heiress of the Houraisan Family.
Her long black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a silken waterfall, though now somewhat tangled from weeks of self-imposed isolation. She sat cross-legged on a cushion in front of her computer, her fingers dancing rapidly on the mouse and keyboard. Her brown eyes were fixed on the screen, shimmering with the intensity of someone who hadn't seen sunlight in far too long.
"Just a little more…" she muttered, her voice tinged with triumph and exhaustion. "Six weeks of hard work comes down to this… Just one more quest… and I'll finally one hundred percent this game… hehehe…"
Her giggle, though small, carried the delirium of a true gamer running on caffeine and spite.
But before she could press the final key, a sharp ding! echoed through the room. Her phone buzzed violently on the table beside her, breaking her concentration. Kaguya flinched, her heart skipping a beat. She quickly minimized her game and checked the screen, exhaling in relief when she saw that her progress had been saved.
Then, her expression softened. The message came from Eirin Yagokoro.
Kaguya blinked, curiosity stirring. "From Eirin? What could she possibly want this time…" she murmured, opening the message. It contained a single link — no explanation, just a brief note: 'Thought you might want to see this.'
Kaguya tilted her head, debating whether to open it. Before she could, however, the sliding door of her room opened with a distinct shhhk.
"Oi, Kaguya. I'm here to keep watch."
The voice was familiar — half annoyance, half boredom. Kaguya turned and found herself looking at a tall woman with long white hair that reached her ankles, tied together by a single red charm. She wore a light brown shirt and crimson hakama held by suspenders.
"Ah, it's just you," Kaguya said flatly, though there was a hint of amusement in her tone. "You know, you don't have to keep an eye on me, Mokou."
The white-haired woman scoffed. "Tch. Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not here because I want to. Eirin owes me a favor if I keep an eye on you. So here I am."
Fujiwara no Mokou — her eternal rival, her eternal companion, and, though neither would ever say it aloud, her oldest friend.
Kaguya chuckled softly. "Fine, fine. I suppose even a shut-in like me deserves some company once in a while."
Mokou crossed her arms, glancing toward the monitor. "What are you staring at so intensely, anyway?"
"Eirin sent me a link," Kaguya replied. "I was about to open it before you came barging in."
Mokou raised an eyebrow. "Well, don't just sit there. Open it. You know curiosity's gonna eat you alive."
Rolling her eyes, Kaguya clicked the link. The screen loaded for a few seconds before a video thumbnail appeared — Future World Fes 2021 – Main Stage Highlights.
Her eyes widened. "Future World Fes? What is this…" she whispered.
Mokou leaned forward, peering at the screen from over Kaguya's shoulder. "Some kind of international competition? Looks flashy."
Ignoring her, Kaguya quickly opened another tab and searched the event. It didn't take long before the name 'Nagae Riku' flashed across the results. For a moment, her breath caught in her throat.
"I see…" she murmured, her voice trembling faintly. "So that's why Eirin sent me this… Riku is performing there."
Mokou gave a small hum, watching her carefully. "Riku, huh? Oh, right — that Riku. The lightning brat you used to hang around with."
Kaguya didn't respond. Her fingers froze over the keyboard, her expression distant, as though lost in the corridors of her memory.
Even after all these years, just hearing his name brought a dull ache to her chest. The image of his back during that stormy night… the way Tenshi had fallen… the words she'd spat at him out of grief — they all came back like a knife twisting in the heart.
Mokou leaned on the wall. "So… you still haven't forgiven him, huh?"
Kaguya's eyes flickered. "It's not that I can't forgive him," she said quietly. "It's just… I don't know what I'd even say to him if we ever met again. I blamed him for Tenshi's death that day, Mokou… I said horrible things. I didn't mean any of them. I was angry… hurt… I just needed someone to blame. And I chose him."
Her voice cracked at the end, and for a moment, the air between them grew still.
Mokou sighed and walked over, sitting beside her. "So that's why you've been locking yourself in this room? You're scared Riku'll hate you for what you said?"
Kaguya bit her lip, her eyes lowering. "I don't think he would hate me. Riku never struck me as someone who'd hold a grudge for long… But still, I can't face him knowing what I said that day."
Mokou stared at her for a few seconds before chuckling softly. "You know, for someone who used to call herself a princess, you're kind of an idiot."
Kaguya blinked. "Excuse me?"
"I said you're an idiot," Mokou repeated, smirking. "You're sitting here moping over something that guy probably doesn't even hold against you. Riku's the type who forgives people even when they don't deserve it. He probably still thinks of you as a friend."
Kaguya's lips parted as if to argue, but no words came out.
Mokou leaned back, folding her arms. "Look, I might hate your attitude most of the time, and yeah, we try to kill each other occasionally… but if something's eating you up, you can talk to me about it. I'm not exactly the best listener, but hey — at least I can sit through your whining."
Kaguya couldn't help but smile faintly. "That's the nicest insult you've ever given me, Mokou."
Mokou shrugged. "Don't get used to it."
The two of them sat there in silence for a while, the hum of the computer filling the room. The tension that had hung between them began to soften — replaced by something gentler, quieter.
After a while, Mokou turned to her again. "So, does Eirin even know you're over the whole grudge thing?"
Kaguya shook her head. "No. She probably still thinks I'm holding resentment toward Riku. But I'm not. I just… can't bring myself to tell her that yet."
"Fair enough," Mokou said. "She'll figure it out eventually. That old doctor's too damn sharp for her own good."
Kaguya chuckled, a small, genuine laugh that Mokou hadn't heard in months. It felt… good. Foreign, but good.
"Anyway," Mokou said, standing up and heading toward a bag by the door, "I brought something from my place. Figured you might be hungry."
Kaguya turned her head. "Oh?"
Mokou pulled out a warm container and set it down in front of her. "Yakitori. Don't get the wrong idea — I didn't make it for you. I just had leftovers."
Kaguya smirked, reaching for one. "Of course, of course. How very generous of you, Mokou."
The two shared a quiet moment of laughter — light, teasing, yet comforting in its simplicity.
As they ate, Kaguya glanced back at the monitor, where the Future World Fes broadcast had begun streaming live. Riku's name appeared once more in the corner of the screen.
Her expression softened. "Mokou… would you want to watch this with me?"
Mokou blinked, caught off guard. Then she let out a short chuckle and sat back down beside her. "Sure. It's been a while since I've seen that guy play. Let's see if he's still as flashy as ever."
As the performance began, the light from the screen painted their faces in soft hues of blue and gold. Kaguya's eyes glistened as Riku appeared on stage — confident, radiant, alive.
She felt a lump form in her throat.
For the first time in years, she smiled — not out of pride or nostalgia, but out of quiet relief. He was still out there, shining like he always did.
And maybe, just maybe… one day, she'd find the courage to stand in that light again.
Meanwhile at the Nagae Estate
Mafuyu's POV
Two days had passed since my world had been quietly rearranged — since I learned that I was the half-daughter of the Nagae family… and that I was half-youkai. Even now, I could barely process it. It was as though the ground beneath me had shifted without warning, and I was still finding my balance.
Yesterday morning, my grandfather — Nagae Kyoya, head of the Nagae family — arrived personally to bring me to the mansion. The drive was long, the silence heavy, but his presence was calm and reassuring. When we finally arrived, I stood before the vast gates of the estate, staring up at its imposing architecture. It was beautiful, grand, and intimidating — like something out of an old painting. I half-expected cold stares from the workers or whispers of disapproval at my presence, but… surprisingly, there were none.
They greeted me with polite bows and warm words. A few even smiled. I looked to my grandfather for some explanation, and he simply returned a small, gentle smile — the kind that said, You belong here.
He had already informed the staff of everything: who I was, where I came from, and most importantly, that I was to be treated as part of the family. He even mentioned my friends — Kanade and the others — and ordered the guards to allow them entrance anytime they visited. That gesture alone told me that he understood more about me than I had realized.
The hardest decision came that night. I had to decide whether to keep my old family name or take the Nagae name officially. I spent hours staring at the paperwork, feeling the weight of both choices. My mother's name… or my newfound family?
In the end, I wrote it slowly, deliberately: Mafuyu Nagae.
It felt strange at first — foreign — but when I looked in the mirror afterward, I saw something different. Not just the girl who used to struggle to fit in… but someone who might finally have a place to stand tall.
Now, the afternoon sun streamed through my window as I sat at my desk, poring over stacks of documents my brother left behind before flying to Stockholm. They were neatly arranged, filled with schedules, business reports, and coded notes that looked far too complicated for someone his age.
I ran a hand through my hair and sighed.
"To think nii-san actually does this much…" I muttered under my breath, scrolling through his spreadsheet. "Maybe I can take off some of his workload while he's away. If I make a proper schedule, I can balance this with school and… and 25-ji…"
Knock. Knock.
My train of thought broke. I looked up from the desk. "Come in!"
The door slid open, and to my surprise, my grandfather stepped in — composed and dignified as ever — followed by a young woman dressed in a crisp maid uniform. She had long black hair tied in a ponytail and striking dark green eyes that seemed to observe everything with quiet precision.
"Grandfather? What brings you here?" I asked before my gaze turned toward the girl beside him. "And… who is she?"
Kyoya smiled. "Mafuyu, this is Otonashi Nazuna. She will be your aide from this day forward."
"Eh?" I blinked.
Nazuna bowed deeply, her posture perfect and her tone calm but warm. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mafuyu-sama. From this moment on, I am your personal aide. Please give me any command, and I will fulfill it to the best of my abilities."
I froze. "Wait, personal aide?"
I turned to my grandfather, who only chuckled at my bewildered expression.
"Mafuyu," he said softly, "all members of the Nagae family are assigned a personal aide from childhood. It is both tradition and protection. I have Eiji, who has served me faithfully for decades. Your brother has Ayabe, who is still in training to succeed his father as head butler."
He walked closer and placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "These aides are not just servants. They are educated to the highest standards and are trained in self-defense. Their duty is to support and protect their assigned master. I am not asking this of you as the head of the family, but as your grandfather — I want you to have someone you can rely on. Someone who will look after you when I cannot."
He paused, kneeling slightly so our eyes met. His voice softened. "Don't think of her as just a maid, Mafuyu. Think of her as family — perhaps even a sister. Riku sees Ayabe that way."
The sincerity in his eyes made it impossible to refuse. I hesitated, then nodded quietly. "…Alright. I'll try, Grandfather. And… thank you."
His expression brightened with pride. "Excellent. I see you've been going through Riku's paperwork."
"Yes," I said, glancing back at the desk. "I just wanted to understand more about what our family does. If I can, I'd like to help lessen my brother's burden while he's away."
He chuckled softly. "I appreciate that, but leave the heavy lifting to me. I may be old, but I still have plenty of strength left. What I want for you is to enjoy your youth — your friends, your music, your life. That's what Riku would want too."
He walked over to my computer, tapping a few keys as I watched curiously.
"Grandfather? What are you doing?"
"Riku sent me a link to his upcoming performance," he said. "I'm sure you'd want to see it."
My heart skipped. "He… did?"
He smiled knowingly. "He did. It's the final day of the Future World Fes. You wouldn't want to miss it."
Before I could respond, he straightened up and turned toward the door. "Now then, I must attend to a meeting. Nazuna — from this moment on, you answer directly to Mafuyu. The only others whose orders override hers are myself, Eiji, Ayabe, and Riku. Is that clear?"
Nazuna bowed crisply. "Hai, Oyakata-sama."
"Good. Then I'll leave you both to it."
He left the room with the quiet dignity only Kyoya could carry, and just like that, the atmosphere changed. The silence that followed was oddly heavy. Nazuna stood by the desk, hands folded in front of her, looking expectantly at me.
"Um…" I began, realizing I had no idea what to do.
"Is something wrong, Mafuyu-sama?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her expression curious but kind.
"I'm alright," I said quickly. "It's just… I'm not used to having a maid of my own yet. It feels… weird."
Nazuna's expression softened into a reassuring smile. "Please don't worry, Mafuyu-sama. You'll grow accustomed to it soon. I promise I'll do my best to make things comfortable for you. Now…" — her tone grew brighter — "what is your first command?"
I froze. Command? Me?
My eyes darted to the computer screen where Riku's name flashed across the event list. Without thinking, the words slipped out. "Can you… watch the Future World Fes with me?"
Nazuna blinked, surprised by the simplicity of the request. Then, to my relief, her eyes lit up with joy.
"It would be my pleasure, Mafuyu-sama!" she said, her cheerful tone making me laugh softly for the first time that day.
She moved to sit beside me, adjusting her skirt neatly as the screen came to life. The livestream had already begun — flashing lights, roaring crowds, and Riku's band preparing on stage.
To be Continued…
Spell Cards used this Chapter:
Origin Mystery: "Raikiri Hakurouken"
Spell Type: Offensive Spell Card
Target: AOE
Danmaku Type: Slash Bullet
Element: Wood, Metal
User: Konpaku Youmu