Flashback (5 Years Ago) – Denmark, Nakiri Manor
3rd POV
A cold breeze swept through the gardens of the Nakiri family's Denmark manor, carrying the faint scent of pine and winter roses. Inside one of the music rooms, sunlight spilled through tall glass windows and danced across a polished grand piano, its notes still echoing faintly from the practice that had just ended.
Seated nearby were two figures — a young boy with calm, thoughtful eyes and a girl, still on the edge of childhood yet already bearing the sharp pride of her lineage.
Erina's voice cracked through the silence.
"What do you mean you're quitting?!"
Across from her, Riku folded his arms, his tone firm yet patient.
"I'm not quitting, Erina. I'm just shifting from classical to modern."
Erina's violet eyes widened, disbelief mixing with frustration. "That's the same as quitting! You made your name in the classical world! Why would you lower yourself to them when you're already at the top?"
Riku's brows furrowed slightly. Her words hit harder than she realized. Still, he exhaled quietly — she was young, and she didn't yet understand the weight behind his choice.
"Erina," he said, voice calm, "I have my reasons. I want to experience new things — things I might never understand if I stay locked in one place. This is my chance to do that."
"But..."
He stepped closer and gently rested both hands on her shoulders. "Listen to me. The reason I'm doing this is because I want to grow. Staying where I am won't let me improve. Change is necessary — uncomfortable, maybe even painful, but necessary."
His gaze softened. "And that goes for you too."
"Me?" she blinked, caught off guard.
"You already know you're gifted," Riku continued. "But being gifted isn't enough. Talent without depth becomes arrogance. You need to step outside your comfort zone — meet people from all walks of life, understand them, bond with them. That's how you'll evolve, both as a person and a chef."
Erina's tone quieted, the fire in her eyes giving way to uncertainty. "Do you really think I can become a great chef... like Saiba-sama?"
Riku couldn't help a small smile. "You can." He paused, his voice steady. "In fact, you can become even better than him."
Erina blinked. "B-Better than Saiba-sama? But how? How can I become like him — or even surpass him?"
Riku leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. "There's a secret to it. Though," he added with a faint chuckle, "you might be too young to fully understand."
"I don't care," Erina shot back, stubbornness flashing in her tone. "Tell me."
He sighed — partly in amusement, partly in nostalgia for the same curiosity he once had. "I heard this from Joichiro-san. He said that if you want to become a truly great chef, you have to find someone you can dedicate your cooking to. Someone who gives your dishes meaning."
Erina tilted her head slightly. "Dedicate... my cooking?"
"Yeah," Riku nodded. "It's the same for me. To be a great musician, you need someone you can devote your music to — someone who brings out the soul behind every note."
"Then..." she hesitated, her voice small, "did you find yours?"
His expression softened, almost wistful. "I might have."
For a brief moment, silence lingered — the kind that held unspoken memories. Then he continued gently, "But for you, it's a journey. One day, you'll find that person — the one who'll inspire you to cook from your heart. Once you do, that's when you'll reach your true potential."
Erina's fingers tightened against her dress. "How do I find them?"
"That depends on you," he replied simply. "But before that... start with what's in front of you."
He gave a light, knowing smirk. "Try opening up to Alice."
At once, her expression stiffened. She turned her gaze away, clearly reluctant.
"Haiyaa..." Riku sighed, shaking his head. "You can't keep running from her, Erina. She's family. She'll be your first step — your bridge to understanding people. Try to connect with her. I know she can help you in ways you don't expect."
Erina stayed silent for a moment, her lips pressed in a thin line. Then, quietly, she murmured, "I... I'll try."
Riku smiled faintly, ruffling her hair in a way that made her puff her cheeks in mild protest.
Just then, one of the Nakiri manor's butlers entered, bowing respectfully.
"Excuse me, young master Riku. Your car is ready. The flight departs in two hours."
"I see." He nodded before turning back to Erina. "Looks like I've got to go."
Her expression faltered. "When will we see each other again?"
Riku paused at the doorway, the Danish light cutting a silhouette around him. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I'm sure we'll meet again."
He glanced over his shoulder, his tone soft yet resolute. "Until then, focus on your craft. Make friends. Expand your horizons. And when the time comes... find that special someone."
Erina's eyes shimmered — the defiance from earlier replaced by determination. "Hai... I'll do my best." She straightened her back, her voice rising with conviction. "And I'll make you proud, nii-sama!"
Riku's expression warmed. "You already have."
With that, he stepped through the manor's grand doors, the faint hum of a departing car soon blending with the cold Danish wind.
Left alone in the quiet music room, Erina glanced at the piano. Her reflection shimmered faintly on the lacquered surface. For the first time, she pressed a single note — soft, hesitant, but real.
"Someone to dedicate my cooking to..." she whispered, as if testing the weight of the idea.
The sound lingered long after she left, mingling with the winter air — a promise waiting to be fulfilled.
End of Flashback.
May 28, 2021 – Friday – 6:30 P.M.
Tōtsuki Resort – Garden Walkway
The golden glow of the evening sun filtered through the long glass windows of Tōtsuki Resort's garden walkways, painting the marble floors with streaks of orange and rose. The air was filled with quiet anticipation — the kind that often precedes an important day in this academy's relentless culinary trials.
Riku walked down the corridor with a steady pace, the faint click of his shoes echoing softly. He was on his way back from a meeting with Chef Dōjima when an unexpected sight made him stop mid-step.
Up ahead, Erina stood in the middle of the hallway, looking both surprised and a little flustered. On her back clung Kokoro, cheerful as always, giggling as if the world itself had no reason to worry her. Standing beside them was a short girl with soft pink hair tied in a neat ponytail — her eyes polite yet sharp, watching the scene with a mix of curiosity and mild embarrassment.
Riku exhaled quietly, a hint of amusement slipping through his calm expression.
"Kokoro," he called.
At once, the young blonde detached herself from Erina's back and ran toward him with bright eyes. "Onii-chan! Look, I found Erina-chan!"
"I can see that," Riku replied, crossing his arms. "Though I also got a message from Ran saying you bolted out of the room. What was that about?"
Kokoro rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Ah, that... Chisato said we were free to do what we want, and I wanted to find Erina-chan!"
Riku let out a slow breath — not quite annoyed, but the kind that said he'd been through this a few too many times. "I understand. But next time, tell them before you leave. You know how worried I was when Ran called me."
"Sorry... I won't do it again, onii-chan," Kokoro murmured, lowering her head.
He gave her a gentle pat on the head. "Good."
Then his attention shifted toward Erina, whose eyes softened the moment their gazes met. There was something familiar in the way she looked at him — the kind of nostalgia that sits quietly in the heart until it stirs again after years apart.
"So," Riku began, his voice even, "how have you been?"
Erina straightened slightly, as though trying to appear more composed than she felt. "I've been doing well. I took your advice... and you were right. The world doesn't revolve around me." A faint smile tugged at her lips, subtle but sincere. "And... I finally understand why you left."
Riku's expression softened. Her tone carried no bitterness, only understanding. He could see it — the growth, the humility, the light of self-awareness that had once been absent in her younger days.
"I'm happy to hear that," he said quietly. "You've really grown, Erina."
Erina's secretary — the pink-haired girl — took a polite step forward and bowed slightly. "I'm Arato Hisako. Erina-sama's secretary."
Riku nodded in acknowledgment. "I see. Then I trust you'll continue to stay by her side. She'll need that kind of support."
Hisako straightened, surprised by the respectful tone he used, then nodded. "Yes, of course."
"Good," Riku replied simply, then turned to Kokoro. "Come on, let's go."
Kokoro latched onto his arm cheerfully, and together, they began walking down the hallway. But before they could disappear around the corner, Erina's voice called out — soft but firm.
"Nii-sama!"
He stopped but didn't turn around right away. "Erina," he said, his tone steady, "I know you want answers... but finish your training camp first. Then we'll talk."
The calm assurance in his voice made her hesitate, then nod. "Understood."
As his figure disappeared from view, the corridor fell silent.
Hisako glanced at her master, concern flickering in her eyes. "Erina-sama...?"
Erina's gaze stayed fixed on the end of the hallway where Riku had stood moments ago. "Hisako, go on ahead. I need a little time for myself."
Hisako nodded. "Understood."
Once she was gone, Erina leaned against the wall and let out a small sigh — one part relief, one part disbelief.
"So he's back..." she whispered to herself. "Then I can finally show him how much I've grown." Her lips curled faintly, pride and warmth mixing in her voice. "And... I'm surprised he didn't ask about Alice."
Meanwhile – Riku and Kokoro
As the two walked back through the long, elegant corridor toward their suite, Kokoro tilted her head curiously.
"Onii-chan, is it really okay to leave Erina-chan there?"
Riku gave a light shrug. "She's not the same child from before. She's grown into a capable woman. She'll be fine."
Kokoro puffed her cheeks slightly. "Hmm... if you say so. But what are you doing here anyway? I thought you were in Chef Dōjima's office?"
"I was," Riku replied. "He asked me to stay at the resort for a while. I'll explain everything to everyone once we're back."
By the time they reached their room, the smell of something savory greeted them. The door slid open to reveal a warm, lived-in scene: the kind of quiet chaos that only existed when close friends gathered in one place.
Rinko stood out on the balcony, watching the sunset paint the sky in streaks of red and violet. Ran and Chisato were in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, working in perfect sync as the clatter of pans filled the air. Kaoru, ever composed, sat on the sofa with a tablet in hand, her posture elegant even at rest.
Kaoru looked up the moment Riku entered. "Ani-sama, you've returned. And I see you found Kokoro."
"I did," Riku replied, guiding his little sister forward. "Could you call Rinko in for me? Kokoro, go ahead and stay with Kaoru."
"Of course," Kaoru said smoothly, closing her tablet and motioning Kokoro to join her.
While they moved to the balcony, Riku made his way toward the kitchen. The air there was warm with the scent of garlic and butter. Ran glanced up first, her silver hair catching the light.
"Nii-san, you're back," she said with a faint smile. "We're making dinner."
Riku eyed the counter — fresh vegetables, glistening shrimp, and herbs neatly arranged. "How'd you get all this?"
Chisato, focused as ever, answered without looking up. "Apparently, we can request ingredients from the resort staff. They'll deliver whatever we need, and the quality is top-notch."
Riku picked up one of the carrots — still slightly damp from being washed. "Freshly harvested. As expected of Tōtsuki." He set it down with a faint smirk. "So, what's on the menu tonight?"
Ran's eyes brightened a little. "I wanted to try something new with these shrimps. You like them too, right? Shirasagi's helping me with the prep."
Riku nodded approvingly. "Then I'll be expecting something good. And Ran — no need to be so formal. We've known each other for years. You can call the others by their first name."
Ran froze, clearly flustered, then scratched her cheek awkwardly. "I... I'll try, Riku. Let's go back to work, Chisato."
Chisato gave a small nod of acknowledgment before they both turned back to the stove. The smell of sizzling shrimp filled the air, rich and comforting.
Riku left them to it and returned to the living room, where Rinko had joined the others. She looked slightly nervous, as if bracing herself for something.
"Seta-san and Tsurumaki-san told me everything," Rinko began softly.
"I see," Riku said, taking a seat across from her. "Rinko, I told Ran earlier, but I'll tell you too — it's about time you called everyone by their first names."
"Eh?" she blinked.
Kaoru crossed one leg over the other, smiling faintly. "I agree with ani-sama. We're childhood friends, after all. It's only natural."
"Yeah!" Kokoro chimed in with unrestrained enthusiasm. "Come on, Rinko! Call me by my name!"
Rinko's face turned pink under the sudden pressure. Her hands fidgeted in her lap, and for a second, she looked ready to faint. Her eyes darted toward Riku, silently asking for rescue.
He only gave her an encouraging nod.
After a deep breath, Rinko gathered herself and spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I understand... Kaoru-san. Kokoro-chan."
The room seemed to lighten at once. Kaoru smiled. "That's a start."
"Indeed," Riku agreed, his tone warm. "She only needs to work on that shyness until—"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The sound echoed sharply through the quiet suite. Everyone turned toward the door.
Riku frowned slightly. "Did any of you request something while I was out?"
Kaoru shook her head. "No. I'm certain Ran and Chisato only ordered ingredients."
Riku stood, adjusting his collar. "Alright. Stay here. I'll check."
The girls nodded, watching as he crossed the room. The knock came again, steady and unhurried. Riku reached for the handle and opened the door.
The faint breeze from the hallway slipped in — carrying a scent that was oddly familiar.
And standing there, framed by the dim evening light, was someone he never expected to see again that night.
Riku's eyes widened slightly.
Riku's jaw slackened as the door swung open. "Y–Y–You're back?!"
Standing before him were three women whose presence felt both surreal and magnetic.
The first—tall, graceful, and poised—had cropped blonde hair that glowed under the warm hallway light. Her gold eyes radiated calm control, the kind earned from years of discipline. A black-and-white dress with a modest knee-length skirt lent her an air of timeless elegance.
Beside her stood a woman with wavy sky-blue hair and soft navy eyes, her pink dress trimmed with indigo and black. A faint smile played on her lips—carefree, teasing. She seemed to hum with quiet laughter even when she wasn't speaking.
The third wore her confidence openly: short brown hair, warm brown eyes, and a sharp grin that reached them both. Her red and white outfit popped against her sisters' subtler hues, a spark among embers.
"Yes, we have returned, Riku," the blonde spoke first, her tone both gentle and steady.
"How is our favorite student doing?~" the blue-haired one sang, dragging the last word playfully.
"Let me see your progress, Riku!" the brunette chimed in, eyes glittering with challenge.
Riku froze. Then his face lit up, the shock replaced by pure joy. "Lunasa-sensei! Merlin-sensei! Lyrica-sensei!"
Before anyone could blink, he pulled the three of them into a hug, laughing as if time had folded back five years. Lunasa—ever the calm center—returned it, patting his back softly.
"Good grief..." she murmured, smiling faintly. "You never change."
Three heads peeked from behind the suite door: Rinko, Kaoru, and Kokoro, all wide-eyed.
"U-Um..." Rinko began cautiously. "Who exactly are you to Riku?"
Merlin chuckled, twirling a lock of her blue hair. "Oh, he hasn't told you about us? Tch tch. Riku, release us before you squeeze the life out of your mentors. Let's go inside—we'll catch up properly."
Blushing faintly, Riku stepped aside and gestured them in.
Inside the suite, the sisters took their seats in the living room, gracefully crossing legs and scanning their surroundings with the quiet curiosity of seasoned travelers. The faint scent of shrimp and herbs drifted in from the kitchen.
Lunasa folded her hands on her lap. "Introductions seem overdue. I'm Lunasa Prismriver, eldest of the Prismriver sisters—and Riku's mentor in all things related to stringed instruments."
"I'm Merlin!~" the second one chimed in. "Second eldest. Brass and percussion are my realm. I made sure Riku understood rhythm—both in music and in life."
Lyrica leaned back on the couch, smirking. "And I'm Lyrica, youngest of the three. Piano's my specialty. I was his first teacher."
Rinko blinked. "The... Prismriver Ensemble?" Her voice faltered between awe and disbelief. "You're those Prismrivers? The world-renowned ghost musicians from Europe?"
Kaoru's hands clasped together in reverence. "This is an honor beyond words. To think we'd meet the legendary sisters themselves... I'll treasure this moment forever."
Rinko tilted her head, still trying to reconcile what she was seeing. "As far as I know, you rarely take on disciples. What made you choose Riku?"
Merlin laughed softly. "He found us, actually. Lyrica discovered him first. She said he had potential—and when we saw it, we couldn't resist."
Lunasa nodded. "He was rough then. But his passion was... intoxicating. We taught him everything we could over four years. And he absorbed it like a sponge."
Riku rubbed the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "It's thanks to them I reached this level. Though..."—he sighed—"...I still have a long way to go. But what brings you here, sensei? I thought you had a European tour until year's end."
Lunasa's serene expression shifted slightly. "We did. But the situation in Russia threw everything into chaos. We decided to return for a while." She tilted her head. "Now, Riku. How's your violin?"
He hesitated. "...It's... doing fine?" His voice faltered. "Well, truth is—I haven't really touched it for a year or two. Sorry."
Lunasa sighed but her tone stayed patient. "Given your... busy life, I understand. But the piano and violin is your soul, Riku. You can explore the world's music, but never abandon your roots." Her golden eyes softened. "And call me Luna-sensei, like the old days."
Riku nodded, smiling faintly. "Hai... Luna-sensei."
Lyrica leaned forward, chin on her palm. "I watched your performance at the Future World Fes, you know. You were incredible—playing such a high-tempo piece one-handed."
Riku blinked. "You saw that?"
Lyrica's eyes narrowed teasingly. "Yes, and it was impressive. But also reckless. You could've permanently damaged your hand if that match had gone longer."
He winced. "Yeah. I got an earful from Eirin-san... and Grandfather. And Rinko gave me a wake-up call too."
That caught Lyrica's attention. She turned to Rinko. "Ah, so you're Rinko. Riku spoke highly of you. Said you have potential."
"Eh? Me?" Rinko stammered, pointing at herself.
Lyrica smiled, eyes glinting with mischief. "Let's find out."
Before anyone could stop her, she reached forward and gently placed her hand on Rinko's forehead. Rinko stiffened, eyes widening as Lyrica closed hers. The room fell silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning.
Kaoru whispered to Merlin, "What's she doing?"
Merlin leaned back, watching fondly. "Reading her essence. Lyrica's sensing her latent potential. If it's strong enough..."
A faint pulse of energy rippled through the room—soft, warm, harmonic. Lyrica opened her eyes, withdrew her hand, and smiled knowingly.
Lunasa tilted her head. "Well?"
"She's got potential," Lyrica said simply. "A big one. She might even surpass Riku."
Rinko froze. "I—I might what?"
Lunasa and Merlin exchanged amused glances as Riku chuckled softly.
Merlin waved her hand. "If Lyrica says it, then it's true. Believe in what's already within you."
Rinko tried to form words, but all that came out was a small, bewildered laugh.
Then Riku turned serious for a moment. "By the way, you three can let loose. They already know what we really are."
The Prismriver sisters looked at him in quiet confirmation. He nodded.
A faint shimmer filled the air—and suddenly, the room was alive with spectral energy. A floating violin materialized beside Lunasa, strings gleaming with faint golden light. Beside Merlin, a trumpet glowed with blue flame, notes faintly humming through the air. A grand piano unfolded beside Lyrica, its sides bearing ethereal wings that flapped gently like breath.
The sisters rose a few inches off the ground, their feet no longer touching the floor.
Kaoru gasped. "Don't tell me they're—"
Riku smiled faintly. "Not quite human, yeah. Luna-sensei, Mer-sensei, and Lyri-sensei are poltergeists."
Rinko's jaw slackened. "So... ghosts?"
Lunasa laughed quietly. "Pretty much. We serve under the Saigyouji family. That's as much as you need to know for now."
The instruments around them began to play on their own—soft, layered harmonies that wrapped the room in warmth. Even Kokoro stopped fidgeting, eyes wide with wonder.
The melody faded after a few seconds, leaving only a trace of shimmering light.
Riku clapped slowly. "Still as mesmerizing as ever."
Lyrica grinned. "We didn't travel across half the world just to not show off."
"Speaking of," Riku said, crossing his arms, "are you three staying for dinner? I could ask Ran and Chisato to make more."
Lunasa shook her head. "We'd love to, but we have to return to the manor. This was only a short visit—we heard you were here and wanted to see you with our own eyes."
Riku exhaled softly, the warmth in his chest dimming just a bit. "I see... then at least take care. The world's unstable right now. Traveling's risky."
Merlin winked. "Thanks for worrying about your undead teachers, darling. We'll manage."
Lyrica floated backward toward the door, her piano dissolving into wisps of light. "Keep your hand in shape, Riku. And don't go hiding behind humility. The world's watching you now."
Lunasa followed, her calm voice lingering in the air like a final note. "And remember... mastery isn't about perfection. It's about understanding the silence between notes."
With a flicker of spectral energy, the three sisters faded—first into faint silhouettes, then into nothing but a warm afterglow that shimmered for a moment longer before vanishing entirely.
Riku let out a slow exhale as the door clicked shut behind the Prismriver sisters. "Well, that was unexpected. But still... it's good to have them here."
Kaoru crossed her legs from where she sat, her tone calm yet curious. "You seemed to be very open to them, ani-sama."
"Of course," Riku replied, eyes soft with faint nostalgia. "Aside from Grandfather and Yuyuko-san, they were one of the few who taught me what it meant to love. Even if, in their own strange way, they only ever thought of music and instruments."
He straightened and pulled out a folded piece of paper from his pocket, scribbling something before handing it to Kokoro. "Kokoro, I want you to send this to the staff and bring it here. Think you can do it?"
Kokoro snatched the note, saluted with playful pride, and beamed. "Leave it to me, onii-chan!"
Without another word, she bolted out of the room. The door closed with a light thud.
Kaoru blinked, one brow rising. "She... could've just used the phone, right?"
Riku chuckled dryly. "It's Kokoro. What can you expect?"
Chisato's voice came from the kitchen, smooth but laced with amusement. "Riku, dinner's almost ready in five minutes. Where's Kokoro-chan and the other guests?"
"So you knew Luna-sensei and the others were here earlier?" he asked, stepping toward the kitchen.
"Ran-chan and I knew," she replied, stirring a pan without looking back. "But we figured we'd keep quiet and focus on cooking."
Riku scratched the back of his neck. "Huh... fair enough. As for Kokoro, I sent her on a little errand. She'll be back soon."
"Alright. In that case, can you help me set the table?"
He nodded and joined her, arranging plates and utensils across the dining table with practiced ease. The faint aroma of sautéed garlic and seafood filled the air, giving the room a comforting warmth.
A few minutes later, the sound of the door bursting open broke the rhythm, and it was Kokoro all sweaty. "I'm back!! The staff said it'll be here in an hour!"
Riku looked up from the final fork he'd just aligned. "Perfect timing. Go tidy yourself up, then we'll eat."
Kokoro gave a thumbs-up and sprinted toward her room.
----------
Riku's POV
Dinner went smoothly. Everyone chatted lightly, laughter floating between bites. When Kokoro finally joined us, Ran and Chisato unveiled what they'd been working on — a seafood paella, the vibrant golden rice glistening with oil and peppered with clams and shrimp.
The smell alone hit me like a nostalgic wave. I couldn't help smiling. "You two really made one of my favorites."
Ran wiped her hands on a towel, looking just a bit shy under my gaze. "I put my own twist on it. Gulf shrimp imported straight from Louisiana, and the clams are from Boston."
I nodded, impressed. The dish was rich and well-balanced, though I could tell from the first bite that it leaned mild. "Perfect texture," I said honestly. "Just missing that spicy kick. But since everyone's eating it, I'll let that slide."
Ran smirked faintly. "You always did prefer your food to fight back."
I chuckled and went back for seconds. Even if the spice wasn't there, the warmth of it — the effort behind it — was enough.
When dinner ended, Rinko and Chisato volunteered to handle the dishes. I stayed behind, idly sipping tea when a knock came at the door. One of the hotel staff entered, wheeling in several crates and baskets filled with—well, an explosion of green.
Ran froze mid-step. "What in the...?"
Kaoru tilted her head, eyes widening. "Ani-sama... what did you request?"
Kokoro gasped. "That's a lot of green!!"
Rinko and Chisato turned from the sink, both blinking in disbelief as they caught sight of the overflowing table — bundles of fresh herbs, spinach, zucchinis, matcha powder, and even pistachios stacked neatly in glass jars.
Chisato crossed her arms. "Riku... what is this?"
"I'm gonna use these for what I'm about to bake," I said simply.
Rinko blinked. "Bake?" Then, as though remembering something, she leaned forward. "You mentioned earlier there was another reason you came here. Was this part of it?"
"Three reasons, actually."
Ran raised a brow. "Three?"
"Yeah." I leaned back against the counter. "The first one's obvious — to catch up. It's been, what, forever since we last had a proper talk?"
Kaoru nodded softly. "True. You left Japan for at least a decade. Even when you returned briefly, none of us knew until later."
"Exactly." I glanced toward the window, the faint glimmer of moonlight reflecting against the glass. "The second reason's tied to Tōtsuki itself — or rather, the students here."
Chisato tilted her head. "What about them?"
"The Director asked me to give them a... reality check."
Her brows furrowed. "Reality check?"
I smirked. "Most of the students at Tōtsuki have a bit of a superiority complex. They act like gods behind the stove, looking down on anyone they consider beneath them."
Ran rolled her eyes knowingly. "Ah. Those types. I've read enough manga to see where this is going."
"Exactly," I said, pleased she caught on. "Senzaemon-dono wants me to make something for them — anonymously. Then, once they taste it and lose their minds, he'll reveal it was made by someone who's not a Tōtsuki chef. It's his way of humbling them."
Kokoro's brows shot up. "But why you, onii-chan? I mean, you're amazing, but still—"
I gave her a small smile. "You didn't know this, Kokoro, but years ago Senzaemon-dono offered me a spot at Tōtsuki. Not just as a student — he wanted me in the Elite Ten. But I turned it down."
The air in the room stilled for a moment. Four pairs of eyes widened simultaneously.
"What?!" they all shouted.
Rinko was the first to find her voice. "But why would you turn that down?!"
I shrugged, a small, nostalgic smile tugging at my lips. "Simple. Because I love music more than cooking."
They all stared.
"I use cooking to escape," I went on. "It's therapy. A break from the chaos of composing, performing, and competing. When things get too heavy, I cook. When I can't find the right melody, I bake."
Ran's expression softened. "So it's not about proving something."
"No," I said. "It never was."
I pushed away from the counter, rolling my sleeves. "Anyway, since Rinko and Chisato are done washing up, I'll borrow the kitchen now. What I'm baking tonight is the one that I'll be making tomorrow."
As I gathered the baskets of green ingredients, I could feel their eyes on me — curious, amused, quietly expectant. They didn't say much, but the energy in the room shifted, warm and familiar.
I laid everything out neatly on the counter — matcha powder, pistachio paste, basil, mint, and even some green apples. The scent alone could wake the senses.
And just as I reached for the mixing bowl, I heard Kokoro whisper behind me, loud enough for everyone to hear:
"Onnii-chan's baking face is scary when he's focused."
Kaoru chuckled. "It's true. He looks like he's about to perform surgery."
Rinko giggled softly. "That's... not wrong."
I just smirked. "Keep talking, you'll end up doing the dishes again tomorrow."
That shut them up fast.
I cracked the first egg into the bowl and began to mix, the rhythmic motion grounding me. The whisk cutting through flour and matcha powder, the faint hum of the oven preheating — it was almost meditative.
Cooking had always been this way for me. When the world felt too loud, this was my silence.
Outside, faint waves rolled against the shore beyond the resort walls. Inside, laughter slowly faded into comfortable quiet.
As the scent of matcha and butter filled the room, I couldn't help but feel it — the peace I used to think I'd lost somewhere between stages and spotlights.
(A/N: I'm using the turtle bread from Yakitate!! Japan for this one. Both anime and manga didn't show how Azuma Kazuma made it step by step, so fuck it. Reference it on Episodes 16 and 17.)
After sliding the bread into the oven, I double-checked the temperature, then set a timer. I wasn't about to let this one burn to ash like last time. Once everything was in place, I headed back to the living room where the girls were gathered.
"Nii-san," Ran asked, brows pinched in mild concern, "are you sure it's okay to leave the oven alone like that?"
"Relax," I said, waving a hand. "Timer's on. If all goes well, you're all in for a shock."
Ran leaned back, still doubtful but resigned. "If you say so... then let's continue. You mentioned two reasons why we're here. What's the last one?"
I smirked a little. "I was getting to that. But first, I need to make a call."
That earned me a few confused looks. I stepped into my room and set a sleek tablet on the table. Kaoru tilted her head slightly.
"A tablet? For what purpose?"
"For someone who should be part of this talk," I said simply.
The call tone hummed through the speakers until the screen flickered—and soon, a familiar face appeared.
Chu² leaned forward on her chair, dark circles under her eyes and attitude as sharp as ever.
"Finally," I said, crossing my arms. "You picked up."
She clicked her tongue. "You think we've got time to lounge around? The band's packed with back-to-back gigs and recording. Also—where the hell are you? That background doesn't look like the estate."
"Good eye. I'm at Tōtsuki Resort."
"Damn," she muttered, leaning back. "Always wanted to visit that place. Guess it's off the table for me now." She sighed, then narrowed her eyes. "Alright, Iku—spill it. Why'd you call me?"
"I called because what I'm about to explain involves you... and the rest of my childhood friends."
Chiyu's tone shifted slightly—still firm, but more focused. "So this is one of those talks. Alright. Go on."
What followed was a long, heavy conversation. I went through everything—the engagement, the Celestial Family rules, my grandfather's orders, and the tangled mess that was about to unfold. No one interrupted me; even Kokoro stayed unusually quiet.
When I finally finished, silence hung in the room for a moment before Chiyu let out a low whistle.
"Well, fuck," she muttered. "That explains everything. Damn it, Iku... this is worse than I thought."
Chisato's brow creased. "Will the other families act on this?"
"They can't," I replied, tone flat. "The rules forbid direct interference. My grandfather already told the other heads to stand down and leave it to us."
Kokoro shot upright, her eyes gleaming with resolve. "Then let me help you, onii-chan!"
Kaoru raised a gloved hand in immediate objection. "That may sound noble, Kokoro, but you must understand ani-sama's position. If word spreads that the Tsurumaki are supporting the Nagae, the other families might target you next."
The brightness in Kokoro's expression dimmed. "Oh..."
Ran's voice broke the silence. "Rinko."
Everyone turned.
Rinko hadn't spoken once since I began explaining. She sat frozen on the couch, eyes vacant, skin pale as paper. When Ran called again, she didn't react.
"No use," Ran muttered softly. "She can't hear me."
Chiyu sighed through her nose. "No shit. It's obvious why she's like that—she just found out Iku's engaged."
Chisato folded her arms. "Given his background, that's... understandable."
Kaoru frowned. "But what exactly pushed her this far? I mean, she's gone completely numb."
"I have an idea," Chiyu said, tilting her head toward me. "Let me guess—she confessed, didn't she?"
Ran, Kaoru, and Chisato all turned to stare at me, wide-eyed. Even Kokoro paused her attempt to comfort Rinko and looked at me, waiting.
I let out a quiet sigh. "She did. The day before the Live started."
A ripple of emotion swept across the room—surprise, pity, a touch of guilt. All eyes flicked to Rinko, who remained unmoving, her gaze distant and glassy.
Ran broke the silence again. "So... what happens now?"
"For now," I said, "we wait. I'm meeting my fiancée on June 12th. Grandfather and Yuyuko-san will be with me."
"Anything else?" Chisato asked.
I hesitated for a moment. "Yeah. Grandfather also told me to bring Rinko with me... along with her family."
At that, Rinko's fingers twitched.
Kaoru blinked. "Bring her? Why?"
Chiyu leaned back, crossing her arms. "Knowing that old man, he's either planning something brilliant or catastrophic. No in-between."
"She's right," I admitted. "Grandfather said to trust him. That's all. Rinko..."
Her head rose slightly. Her eyes, though still cloudy, found mine.
"Are you coming with me that day?"
For a second, the world seemed to hold its breath. Then, slowly, she nodded.
I walked to her side and gently rested my hand on her shoulder.
"Alright. But I'll tell you this—things will be fine. You've trusted me this long, haven't you? Trust me and Grandfather again."
Rinko's lips trembled. "I... I'll try. I'll believe in you... like I always do."
Her voice cracked, and something inside me ached. I brushed a hand through her hair, leaned down, and pressed a brief kiss to her forehead. She closed her eyes, tension easing just slightly.
Then—beep-beep-beep!
The timer went off. Perfect timing.
A grin broke across my face. "It's time."
"Alright," Chiyu said, stretching her arms. "If that's all, I'm out. Got a sponsorship meeting in the morning."
That snapped Rinko back to reality faster than anything else. She blinked, confused. "Sponsorship? You mean—RaS is getting one too?"
Chiyu chuckled. "Calling me by my name now, huh? I don't mind. And yeah—we just sealed a deal with Monster Energy."
Ran's jaw dropped. "Seriously?"
"Yup," Chiyu said, smirking proudly. "Representative's coming to the penthouse tomorrow morning. Gotta prep the space, make sure Masking doesn't leave her drums lying around again."
"Monster Energy," I repeated with a half-smile. "So you're joining the same roster as Team Liquid and Gen.G. Not bad."
"Exactly," Chiyu said. "We're stepping up. Anyway, get some rest yourself, Iku. You'll need it."
She gave a mock salute, and the call cut out.
The room felt lighter after she left, though traces of unease lingered around Rinko. I clapped my hands together. "Come on, everyone. Kitchen. Time for the main event."
Steam fogged the glass of the oven as the timer hit zero. I opened the door, and a pulse of green light burst out so bright it flooded the room.
"Wha—?!" Ran shouted, shielding her face. Kaoru squinted through her fingers. Even Kokoro stumbled backward, eyes wide as the emerald glow washed over everything.
When the brilliance finally faded, they all froze.
Inside the oven sat a loaf of bread—its crust is a perfect green shine, its surface etched with faint glowing lines that pulsed like veins of light. A faint scent of citrus and honey hung in the air.
Ran blinked. "What the hell... is that?"
I pulled it out carefully, setting it on the counter. "Behold," I said, deadpan serious, "my latest creation."
The Next Morning
May 29, 2021 – Saturday – 4:30 A.M.
The faint hum of the air conditioner was the only sound left when I opened my eyes. No alarms, no sunlight yet—just the quiet rhythm before dawn. I swung my legs off the bed, stretched my arms overhead until my joints cracked, and exhaled. The air at this hour always felt cleaner somehow.
After changing into my gym clothes, I packed a small bag with a towel, water bottle, and a spare shirt. My usual routine, nothing special. When I slid open the door to the living room, though, I found a faint silhouette by the window—Rinko, clutching a glass of milk with both hands.
"Didn't expect to see you up this early," I said.
She turned, startled, her hair still messy from sleep. "Riku... I just... couldn't sleep."
"I see." I leaned against the doorway. "Still thinking about what happened last night?"
Her gaze fell to the floor. "I was. It's not something I can just ignore, but... I'll trust you. Like I said." She hesitated before asking, "Where are you going this early?"
"To the gym. Morning workout—it's how I start my day. You can join if you want."
That got a faint spark out of her. "Then let me get changed."
I waited as she slipped back into her room. The resort was silent except for the distant hum of the ocean. A few minutes later, Rinko emerged wearing her school tracksuit and holding a small gym bag.
"You brought your school tracksuit?" I asked, a little amused.
She smiled faintly. "You told me before that I should work on my stamina, remember? I've been trying. Doing light workouts whenever I can."
That made me smile back, quietly proud. "Good. Then let's not waste any time."
We left the suite and made our way through the quiet corridors of Tōtsuki Resort. The sun hadn't even risen yet, the halls dimly lit by the soft glow of night lamps. Our footsteps echoed lightly on the polished floor.
Tōtsuki Resort – Gym – 5:00 A.M.
The doors slid open with a mechanical hiss, and I was greeted by the familiar scent of steel and chalk. What I didn't expect was to not be the first one there.
At the far end of the room stood a mountain of a man, every muscle on his body carved like stone. Even from across the gym, his presence carried an almost tangible pressure. I glanced at Rinko—she froze in place, trembling slightly.
The man noticed us and turned with a grin.
"Riku! Morning! Here to work out too?"
"Gin-san," I greeted with a small smile. "Good morning. Yeah, this is my usual routine. Been doing this for six years now."
He nodded approvingly. "Hmph. That explains the build. And the girl?"
"This is Shirokane Rinko," I replied, then hesitated just long enough for the words to matter. "My... girlfriend."
That stopped him. Rinko's head snapped toward me, eyes wide.
"Really now?" Gin-san laughed heartily, his voice echoing through the empty gym. "Well then, congratulations, boy! Enjoy your time, but don't forget to stretch—both of you." He winked and grabbed his towel. "I'm done for the morning anyway. The gym's yours. Good luck today, Riku."
"Thanks," I said, bowing slightly.
He gave a thumbs-up and left, his heavy footsteps fading down the hall.
When the door shut behind him, I turned—and nearly laughed. Rinko's face was crimson.
"Riku..." she whispered. "Did you really mean that?"
"You being my girlfriend?" I asked, half-teasing. "Well, we both confessed our feelings, didn't we? So technically, we are. But... considering everything going on right now—"
"I know." Her voice softened. "We'll keep it quiet until things settle. I'm okay with that."
I nodded, relieved. "Glad you understand. Alright then. Let's start. We still have to wake the others later."
"H-hai!" she stammered, still flustered but smiling faintly.
One Workout Session Later...
The quiet gym was now alive with the sound of movement and labored breathing. Rinko had started with her own routine first, and I stayed nearby to make sure her form was right.
She explained between breaths, "I do pushups... squats... sometimes swimming, but... that didn't work out too well."
I chuckled. "Swimming's fine, but if stamina's your focus, try cycling or climbing. More endurance, less strain."
She nodded, already catching her rhythm again. I corrected her posture a few times, showing her how to balance her breathing. Once she got the hang of it, I gave her space and started my own set—weights, pull-ups, stretches, a bit of core work.
An hour passed in steady rhythm. The hum of machines filled the air, the scent of effort and steel mixing with faint lavender from Rinko's towel. When I finished my last set and turned around, I found her sprawled on the floor, limbs spread, chest rising and falling in deep breaths.
"Dead already?" I teased lightly, handing her a bottle of water.
"Maybe..." she panted, accepting it with a weak laugh. "But it feels good. Like... I actually accomplished something."
"That's because you did." I crouched beside her. "Just don't overdo it. Progress isn't about killing yourself every day."
She tilted her head to look at me. "You always say that like you didn't train harder than anyone else."
I smiled faintly. "That's because I did—and I learned the hard way what burnout feels like. You're smarter than I was."
She looked away, a soft flush rising to her cheeks. "That's not true."
"It is," I said, standing and offering her a hand. "Come on. Let's cool down before we cramp up."
She took my hand without hesitation. Her palm was warm—small, but steady.
We spent another fifteen minutes stretching and cooling off. The early light outside was beginning to filter in through the gym's wide windows, painting the walls with pale gold. The world was waking up.
After showering, we changed into fresh clothes—me in casual wear, her in a simple blouse and shorts. On the way back to the suite, the halls were busier now; a few chefs and hotel staff were already preparing for breakfast service.
Rinko walked beside me, her hair still damp, towel draped loosely around her shoulders. She looked calmer than before, her earlier worry replaced by something quieter—resolve, maybe.
"That was fun," she said softly.
"Fun, huh? That's one word for it."
She giggled. "I didn't expect you to say I'm your girlfriend like that. I thought you'd be too shy."
I gave her a side glance. "You underestimate how direct I can be before coffee."
Her laugh echoed down the hallway, light and genuine.
When we reached our door, I paused before opening it. "Hey, Rinko."
"Mm?"
"Thanks for trusting me," I said. "I know it's not easy with... everything. But I meant what I said last night. Things will be alright."
She looked at me for a long moment, then nodded, smiling faintly. "I know. I believe you."
We stepped back into the suite, the faint scent of last night's bread still lingering in the air. The others were still asleep, the room dim and quiet. I placed my bag down by the couch and stretched my arms again, feeling the pleasant ache in my muscles.
"Alright," I said quietly. "Time to get ready for the day."
Rinko smiled, brushing her damp bangs aside. "Then I'll help. Just... maybe after I rest for five minutes."
I chuckled under my breath. "Take ten."
She sank onto the couch, hugging a pillow, while I started sorting through the morning's schedule in my head. Another day was beginning—different, maybe, but ours to shape all the same.
Tōtsuki Resort – 8th Floor, Riku's Hotel Room
6:30 A.M.
When Rinko and I came back from the gym, the rest of the girls were already up — well, except for one. Chisato was scrolling through her phone on the couch, Kaoru was braiding her hair in front of the mirror, and Ran was calmly sipping her morning coffee by the window. Only Kokoro remained asleep in her room, the last fortress of dreams left standing.
Ran noticed me first. "Good morning, nii-san. I see you've returned from your workout."
Chisato followed with a knowing grin. "And Rinko-chan is with you, too."
"Yeah," I replied, setting my gym bag down. "She woke up around the same time I did, so I invited her to join me. Anyway—Kaoru, did you try waking Kokoro up?"
Kaoru sighed, a rare show of defeat. "I did, ani-sama. She refused to budge." She shrugged helplessly. "I even tried opening the curtains, but she just rolled over."
"Leave it to me," I said, already heading toward the bedroom.
Kokoro's room was a swirl of pastel blankets and half-hugged pillows. There she was, buried beneath them, smiling like she was living through the happiest dream imaginable.
"Ehehehehe... Happy... Lucky... Smile... Yay~..." she mumbled, utterly lost in her own world.
I couldn't help but sigh. "Good grief... Kokoro, wake up. If you don't get up right now, no cream puffs for you."
The reaction was instant.
"NOT THE CREAM PUFFS!"
She shot upright like she'd been hit by lightning, hair frizzed out in every direction. Her wide, panicked eyes met mine.
"Good morning, Kokoro," I said dryly.
"Onii-chan... my cream puffs..."
That look. Those big, pleading eyes. I was doomed from the start.
"I'll make you some tomorrow," I sighed. "But for now, get changed. We've got a busy morning."
Her mood flipped in a heartbeat. "Hai! Thank you, onii-chan!"
When I walked out, the others were staring at me like I'd just performed magic.
Kaoru blinked. "How did you wake her up that fast, ani-sama?"
"I told her she wouldn't get cream puffs," I said simply.
Ran tilted her head. "Cream puffs?"
"I made her some when she was seven," I explained. "She's been obsessed ever since."
Ran smiled faintly. "I see. Then maybe I should—"
"We're not having breakfast here," I cut in before she could finish.
Chisato frowned. "Then where are we going?"
"Get dressed. We're heading to a breakfast buffet."
The collective echo came almost like a choir: "Breakfast buffet?"
"Yup," I said, checking my watch. "And judging by the time, they've probably started cooking already. We'll head out by seven."
They didn't need any more convincing. Everyone scattered to their rooms, chattering with that early-morning excitement that only food could summon. As they got ready, my phone buzzed. Gin-san's name flashed on the screen.
I stepped out onto the balcony before answering. "Morning, Gin-san."
"Riku," his voice came through, steady as always. "Where are you right now?"
"Still in my room. Waiting for the girls to finish up."
"I see. About the ingredients you requested—"
"Oh, right," I interrupted lightly. "Can you bring them to the kitchen for me?"
There was a pause. "Actually, there's been a change of plans."
My posture straightened immediately. "Explain."
"Instead of letting the students simply taste your work, we've decided to make things more interesting. You'll be facing off against another student."
I could hear the faint grin in his tone. "Are you fine with that?"
"Who's my opponent?"
"Akanegakubo Momo," Gin-san said. "Fourth seat of the Elite Ten. A dessert specialist, much like you—though your strength leans toward breads and pastries."
"Akanegakubo Momo, huh...?" I leaned against the railing, the morning wind brushing against my face. "So you're throwing me against a member of the Elite Ten. Fine by me. What's the theme?"
"Animal bread," he replied. "She suggested it herself."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Cute."
"The match will begin once the final program of the training camp ends," Gin added. "I apologize for the sudden arrangement."
"It's alright," I said, straightening up. "I'll be ready. I'll see you there."
The line clicked off. I tucked the phone back into my pocket and returned inside.
The girls were all waiting—changed, polished, and posing as if they'd been waiting for my reaction. Chisato turned toward me, the corners of her lips curved in amusement.
"So..." she began. "How do we look, Riku?"
I folded my arms. "Do you want my individual opinion?"
Her eyes widened slightly. "...You know what? Never mind. If you start, it'll take at least an hour."
Kaoru chuckled. "Good thing you remembered that one time, Chisato."
I smirked. "Since you don't want individual opinions, I'll say this—overall, you all look great. Especially you, Kaoru, Chisato, and Rinko."
Kaoru tilted her head. "Oya~?"
Chisato blinked. "Me?"
Rinko frowned softly. "What do you mean by that, Riku?"
I took a breath, my gaze flicking between them. "It's just... the first time I've seen Chisato with her hair in a ponytail. It suits her perfectly—makes her look sharper, more confident. As for Kaoru, you finally let your hair down. It brings out a softer side of you. And Rinko..." I paused. "That dress brings out your mature side. You look... beautiful."
Silence. Then, as if someone had flipped a switch, Chisato, Kaoru, and Rinko all blushed in unison. Ran gave me a knowing smirk from behind her coffee mug, and Kokoro was quietly giggling in the corner.
Chisato tried to play it cool but failed miserably. "I... I see. Maybe I'll do this more often, then."
Kaoru smiled faintly, still flustered. "I appreciate the compliment, ani-sama..."
Rinko fidgeted with her sleeves. "Riku... I—"
"Alright, that's enough," Ran cut in, standing up. "You three can daydream later. We've got a buffet to attend."
That snapped them right out of it.
Chisato coughed lightly. "Right. That. Riku, do you know where the venue is?"
"Yeah," I said, grabbing my jacket. "Gin-san gave me the directions. Let's move."
They followed as I led the way toward the elevator, the group buzzing with quiet anticipation.
As the doors slid shut behind us, I caught a glimpse of our reflections in the mirrored walls. Six people—each from different paths, different dreams—but somehow, at that moment, all walking in the same rhythm.
For a brief second, I wondered what this morning would look like years from now. Maybe we'd laugh about it over another breakfast somewhere far from here. Or maybe this was one of those moments that quietly stayed, tucked away in the corners of memory—like the first light of dawn reflected off the glass walls of Tōtsuki Resort.
Whatever came next—Momo's challenge, the camp's conclusion, the chaos sure to follow—I'd deal with it head-on. But for now, this quiet, ordinary morning... it was enough.