The next day...
Nagae Estate – Rinko's Room
June 14, 2021 – Monday – 6:00 A.M.
Rinko's POV
The first thing I felt that morning was softness—the kind that makes you forget where you are for a second. My eyes blinked open to a high ceiling, pale curtains, and sunlight leaking through the gaps. It took me a moment to remember. This wasn't home. This was the Nagae Estate.
"Right..." I murmured, sitting up and rubbing my eyes. "I forgot... I'm living here from now on."
The words still felt strange on my tongue. Living here. The thought came with both comfort and hesitation—a mixture of gratitude and that faint unease that comes from waking up somewhere new.
I was still collecting myself when the door opened quietly. A familiar voice followed.
"Good morning, Rinko-sama. It seems that you've just woken up," said Kazehana-san, stepping inside with her usual gentle poise.
I turned, relieved by the presence of at least one person I could talk to freely. "Good morning, Kazehana-san. You're up early... why are you here already?"
She smiled faintly, bowing with practiced grace. "I was actually about to wake you, Rinko-sama. But since you're already up, that saves us both some time. Sakurako is currently attending to Miyu-sama as well."
I tilted my head slightly. "Is that so? Kazehana-san, this might sound rude, but... may I ask how old you are?"
She chuckled at the question, her tone light and amused. "Not rude at all. I just graduated from college this year—same as Sakurako. So that makes me twenty-two."
"Really?" I blinked. "You're a college graduate? What did you major in?"
"Well," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear with a modest smile, "I may not look like it, but I studied computer science and advanced robotics. Sakurako, on the other hand, took medicine."
"Wow..." I couldn't help but be impressed. "Those are difficult courses. To think you both managed to graduate at the same time... that's incredible, Kazehana-san."
Her eyes softened. "Thank you, Rinko-sama. We both worked hard to stand where we are now. Now, if you'd please get ready, I'll prepare your uniform for today."
"I see. Then I'll leave it to you," I said, standing up. "I'll be heading to the shower."
Kazehana nodded politely and began laying out the uniform on the bed—crisp, neatly pressed, and lined with careful precision. I glanced back once before heading into the bathroom, the faint scent of lavender soap greeting me as steam began to fill the room.
Adjusting would take time. But maybe, just maybe, this place could start to feel like home.
At the same time with Miyu...
Nagae Estate – Miyu's Room
Miyu's POV
Somewhere between dream and reality, I felt a persistent poke at my shoulder. Then another. A soft voice followed, almost sing-song.
"Rise and shine, Miyu-sama. It's a new day, yes it is."
I groaned, rolling over. "Ugh... Sakurako-san?"
"Indeed," she said cheerfully. "Good morning!"
My eyes fluttered open to the sight of Sakurako-san standing by the bed, her short hair tied back neatly, her expression patient yet lively. I sat up and stretched my arms with a small yawn before returning her greeting.
"Good morning to you too, Sakurako-san. You came to wake me up?"
"Yup," she replied without missing a beat. "Kazehana's doing the same thing for Rinko-sama right now. Now come on, let's get you ready. Riku-sama and Mafuyu-sama are already waiting for you two at the dining hall."
"They're waiting for us?" I asked, surprised.
"Not for long," she said lightly, folding her hands behind her back. "Riku-sama just came back from his morning jog with Tina-sama, and Mafuyu-sama returned from the archery range. They have quite the morning routine."
"I see..." I mused. "Those three sure start their days early."
"That's part of living here," she said, amused. "Everyone has their rhythm."
I stood, brushing my hair aside. "Very well. I'll get ready now. Can you prepare my uniform while I bathe?"
"Of course," Sakurako-san replied with a polite nod. "Everything will be ready by the time you finish."
I smiled faintly. "Thank you, Sakurako-san."
She bowed lightly before heading to the wardrobe, her movements efficient and quiet. The faint clinking of hangers filled the air as I made my way to the bathroom.
The floor tiles were cool beneath my feet, a sharp contrast to the warm mist that soon enveloped me as the shower came on. I tilted my head back, letting the water wash away the remnants of sleep.
This house had its own rhythm—Riku-san with his discipline, Mafuyu-san with her focus, even the aides moving like clockwork. It was precise, almost intimidating at first. But maybe, like a new melody, I'd find my place in the harmony eventually.
Nagae Estate – Dining Hall – 6:15 A.M.
Riku's POV
Morning sunlight poured through the wide glass windows, scattering soft light across the long dining table. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling eggs drifted from the kitchen where Youmu and Nazuna were already at work.
After my regular jog with Tina and Homura, I'd taken a quick shower, thrown on my uniform, and settled at the table beside Mafuyu and Tina. The quiet hum of the estate at this hour always felt grounding—a rare calm before another day of school, work, and whatever chaos awaited.
While we waited for Rinko and Miyu to arrive, I opened my tablet and skimmed through the daily report Marina had sent from CiRCLE.
"So... one of the stage lights has dimmed again. Faulty wiring, maybe. That needs replacing," I muttered, scrolling. "And the cameras in Studio 4 are still giving blurry feeds. Also—ingredients restock, again. The café's sold out for the past few days. Guess Honami's cooking is drawing more people than expected."
From beside me, Mafuyu's voice slipped in, calm and steady. "That's because Mochizuki-san is one of the best cooks in Miyamasuzuka, nii-san."
I glanced at her. "Right. She was your junior back then, wasn't she?"
Mafuyu nodded, setting down her cup. "Yes. Though she's an exceptional cook and excels in almost every domestic skill imaginable, she's also brilliant academically—her grades were comparable to mine during her year."
I smirked. "And yet... I can sense there's a 'but' coming."
Mafuyu sighed softly. "But her art skills..." She trailed off, hesitant to say it.
I raised an eyebrow. "No need to finish. So she's one of those people."
"Those kind of people?" Mafuyu tilted her head.
"The ones who master one skill and completely neglect everything else," I replied. "I've seen it plenty. Honami's like that. So are Yukina and Chu², in their own ways."
Tina blinked. "Those two? Really?"
"In Yukina's case," I explained, "she's so focused on music that she can't even cook properly. Lisa told me she once tried making breakfast and almost burned down the kitchen. Chu²'s not as bad, but her palate needs work. Reona and I have been trying to teach her the basics—she's improving... slowly."
Tina's eyes gleamed with mischief as she was drinking her milk. "What about you, Mafuyu-nee-san? Are you a good cook?"
The question made Mafuyu freeze. Her gaze dropped to the table, lips pressing together in silence. Tina immediately noticed and her cheerful tone faltered.
"I-I'm sorry," she stammered, looking down.
I sighed, my voice softening. "Tina... you remember Mafuyu's situation, don't you?"
Her eyes widened in realization. "Right... I'm sorry, Mafuyu-nee-san."
"It's alright," Mafuyu said quietly, offering a small, almost hollow smile. "I've been trying to work on it for the past few days."
I leaned forward slightly. "Any progress?"
"A little," she murmured. "I can at least taste something now. It's faint, but it's there. It might take a long time... but I'll get there eventually."
I nodded. "You will. Just go at your own pace."
Her eyes softened, gratitude flickering faintly in the otherwise tired blue. She gave a slow nod, and silence returned—comfortable this time.
I sent off a few quick messages to Marina, listing the replacement lights, camera lenses, and café supplies. Once the report was filed away, the soft sound of footsteps echoed from the corridor.
Rinko and Miyu entered the dining hall, dressed neatly in their uniforms, their hair still faintly damp from their morning showers.
"Good morning, you two," I greeted, setting my tablet aside.
"Good morning, Riku," Rinko said politely, then turned to the others. "Good morning, Tina-chan, Mafuyu-san."
"Good morning, Riku-san. Tina-chan, Mafuyu-san," Miyu echoed with a small bow.
"Good morning to you as well, Rinko-onee-san, Miyu-onee-san!" Tina replied brightly, bowing in return.
Mafuyu also greeted them, but her voice carried that practiced brightness I'd come to recognize. "Good morning to you both. I—"
"Mafuyu," I interrupted gently.
She blinked. "Nii-san?"
"You don't have to do that," I said. "You can be your true self with them."
Her expression faltered. "Are you sure?"
"They're family now," I said plainly. "It's alright."
Mafuyu hesitated for a moment before exhaling. "...Okay."
Rinko frowned slightly. "Riku, what do you mean by that?"
"Just watch," I said quietly.
The shift was immediate.
The light in Mafuyu's eyes dimmed as the smile slipped away, her expression flattening into a calm void. Her entire presence seemed to change—air heavier, voice lower.
"Good morning, Rinko-san. Miyu-san," she said, her tone monotone, her words stripped of warmth.
The reaction was exactly as I expected.
Rinko froze mid-step, her eyes wide, uncertain whether to speak or stay silent. Miyu's breath caught, the color draining from her face as she looked at me for an explanation.
"Riku-san..." she whispered. "What... just happened to her?"
"What you see now," I said, my voice even, "is Mafuyu's true self. The cheerful personality you saw before—that's a mask. Something she wears when she's around people she doesn't want to worry. But when she's with those she trusts... she drops it."
Rinko's voice trembled slightly. "How... how did this happen to her?"
I didn't answer right away. Instead, I looked at Mafuyu. Her face remained unreadable, but she gave a small nod—permission.
"Before I explain," I said, turning back to my fiancées, "whatever I say here does not leave this room. Understand?"
They both nodded silently.
"Mafuyu?" I asked.
"You can tell them, nii-san," she replied, her tone low but steady. "It's not like I have anything left to lose."
I frowned at that but continued. "Alright. Like I said—this stays between us."
Both Rinko and Miyu nodded again, their attention unwavering.
For the next several minutes, I explained everything—how Mafuyu's mother had controlled every aspect of her life, how years of being molded into a "perfect daughter" had stripped her of emotion and even dulled her senses. The room grew heavier with each word.
When I finished, silence followed. Rinko sat still, her hands clenched tightly on her lap, eyes downcast as she tried to hold back tears. Miyu, however, stood and walked over to Mafuyu without hesitation. She knelt slightly and wrapped her arms around her.
"How... how could a mother do all that to her own child?" Rinko's voice trembled, raw with disbelief. "It isn't right... Mafuyu-san doesn't deserve what that woman did to her."
Miyu's arms tightened slightly around Mafuyu. "My mother can be strict at times," she said softly, "but this... this is something else entirely."
"Trust me," I said, my tone quiet but firm, "if that woman were still alive, I would've taken her to court myself and filed for custody of Mafuyu. But... we're grateful that she's no longer part of her life."
Miyu nodded against Mafuyu's shoulder, whispering, "It'll be okay now, Mafuyu-san. You're not alone anymore. We're here for you."
Rinko sniffed, brushing at her eyes. I looked between the two and gave a small nod. "Rinko. Miyu. I trust you both to keep this to yourselves."
"Of course," Rinko said immediately. "You have our word."
Miyu added, "Aside from us, who else knows?"
"Only a few," I answered, leaning back slightly in my chair. "Besides me and Grandfather, Youmu, Tina, Yuyuko-san, and Eirin-san knew from the start. Kokoro, Misaki, Chisato, and Kaoru can also see through Mafuyu's façade. Okina-sama probably noticed, too, when she met Mafuyu at the Hakugyokurou."
Rinko tilted her head. "Okusawa-san, I can understand. But Kaoru-san, Chisato-san, and Kokoro-chan?"
"Kaoru and Chisato are actresses," I explained. "They can recognize a fake smile from a mile away. Kokoro's different—she's pure joy itself. She sees through falseness instinctively. If someone's faking happiness, she can tell instantly. I'd wager Kasumi's picked up on it, too, whether she realizes it or not."
Rinko hummed thoughtfully. "I see... Oh—by the way, where's Youmu-san?"
"She's in the kitchen, finishing breakfast," I replied. "She should be done by—"
My phone vibrated before I could finish. I pulled it out and saw the sender's name flash across the screen. "From Sakuya-san, huh? Let's see..."
I swiped it open and read the message aloud:
"Oujo-sama and Imouto-sama are acting a little spoiled right now. If possible, could you pick us up for school as well? You're free to give them any punishment you see fit once we're done."
I exhaled sharply, a tick mark forming in my mind. "Of course... those two."
Before I could dwell on it, Youmu entered the room, balancing a tray of steaming dishes with practiced grace. "Breakfast is served," she announced.
Rinko looked up. "Who was it, Riku?"
"Sakuya-san," I replied, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Apparently, Remi and Flan are being spoiled again. I'll have to swing by the Scarlet Devil Mansion to pick them up."
Rinko blinked. "Wait, but how about Miyu-san? Don't you have to drop her off at Arisugawa first?"
"That's why..." I stood and reached for the tray Youmu carried, taking two sandwiches from it. "I'll grab these and head out early. You all finish your meal and meet me at the garage when you're done."
With that, I left the dining hall, munching on the sandwiches as I walked through the long corridor toward the garage.
3rd POV
After Riku's departure, Miyu glanced at the door, concern creasing her brow. "Is it really okay for Riku-san to eat that little for breakfast? What if he collapses from hunger later?"
Youmu chuckled lightly as she poured tea for the others. "No need to worry. Riku-kun's used to it. He prefers a light breakfast before school, and those sandwiches were made specifically for him. He makes up for it by eating plenty at lunch."
"Oh, that's a relief," Miyu said with a soft smile.
Youmu reached down and placed a small box wrapped in pink cloth on the table, sliding it toward her. "Speaking of lunch, here you go. I made everyone their bento boxes. This one's yours, Miyu-san."
Miyu's eyes lit up. "Thank you so much, Youmu-san. I promise I'll savor every bite."
"I also made ones for Mafuyu-san and Rinko-san," Youmu added.
Rinko's face brightened. "That's very kind of you. Thank you, Youmu-san."
Mafuyu, still half-absorbed in her toast, simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Miyu turned to the youngest in the group. "What about Tina-chan? Will you be joining us for school?"
Tina shook her head, smiling faintly. "Nope. I'm homeschooled. When you all leave, I'll wait for my sensei to arrive. Don't worry—I'm not alone. Cirno and Dai-chan usually visit when lessons start."
Youmu gave her a look halfway between fondness and warning. "As long as you don't go overboard or break anything this time, alright?"
Tina's grin widened, almost mischievous. "No promises."
Youmu sighed. "Honestly..."
The sound of laughter rippled lightly through the dining hall, easing the earlier heaviness. Youmu gestured toward the plates. "Alright, let's finish breakfast quickly. Riku-kun still has to stop by the Scarlet Devil Mansion before heading to school."
The girls nodded and focused on eating. The clinking of utensils and soft hum of morning chatter filled the air.
Not long after, they gathered their things and made their way through the corridor toward the garage. The faint rumble of an engine echoed even before they reached it.
Riku's BMW was already parked outside, gleaming beneath the morning light. He sat behind the wheel, calm as ever, scrolling through a few messages on his phone while the others approached.
"You girls came just in time," he said, setting his device aside. "Miyu, you'll sit up front with me today."
"Understood," Miyu replied, stepping forward and slipping into the passenger seat.
Rinko and Mafuyu took the back seats, fastening their belts. Tina stood at the edge of the driveway, waving lightly.
"Well," Riku said, starting the car, "we're heading out now. Take care of the house while we're gone, alright?"
Tina crossed her arms but smiled faintly. "Got it. Be careful on the road."
He grinned and gave her a quick salute. "Always."
The engine purred to life, and the sleek car rolled forward through the estate gates. The morning air shimmered with sunlight filtering through the trees, the gravel crunching softly beneath the tires.
----------
Scarlet Devil Mansion – Front Gate
6:35 A.M.
Riku's POV
The road from the Nagae Estate to the Scarlet Devil Mansion was quiet—too quiet for how early it was. Six minutes of smooth driving, and the mansion's silhouette came into view through the morning fog, its crimson roof glinting faintly under the first light of dawn. I slowed to a stop near the front gate, already spotting the usual suspects: Meiling-san standing stiffly at attention, Sakuya-san beside her with her arms crossed, and right in front of them—Remi and Flan, sitting on the ground, tied up like mischievous children, each sporting a noticeable bump on the head.
I sighed through my nose. "Here we go again..."
Turning to the others inside the car, I gestured lightly. "Stay put for now."
Rinko nodded, and Miyu blinked, visibly curious. I stepped out, the gravel crunching beneath my shoes as the chilly morning air brushed my face. Sakuya-san greeted me with her usual composure.
"Good morning, Riku-sama. I'm glad you received my message."
I folded my arms. "Morning. So... what did these two do this time?"
Meiling-san scratched the back of her head, looking sheepish. "Ahahaha... well, Oujo-sama and Imouto-sama got into a fight over breakfast. Something about the menu being 'too common.' They wanted high-quality ingredients again, but... uh... we're a bit on a tight budget this month."
That caught my attention. "Tight budget? What happened?"
Sakuya-san's tone stayed calm, but there was a faint edge to it. "The master was displeased with their excessive spending habits. As a result, he has temporarily restricted their monthly allowance. Until they learn restraint, the limitation will remain. Household expenses, however, are now managed directly by the master."
I let out a quiet whistle. "Emilio-sama really went that far... Guess he finally reached his limit."
"Indeed," Sakuya-san said, a flicker of exasperation breaking her perfect posture. "When the two began throwing a tantrum about breakfast, they started thrashing the dining hall. So, I had to discipline them. Severely."
I glanced at the sisters, both avoiding my gaze as if ashamed. "Figures."
Sakuya-san continued, "And our usual transport service is currently under maintenance, so I had to call you. It should be available again once school ends today."
"I see." I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "Alright, get them untied and in the car. I still need to drop Miyu off at Arisugawa before heading to Hanasakigawa."
"Understood."
I walked back to the car while Sakuya-san used one of her knives to slice through the ropes binding the two vampires. The Scarlet sisters stretched their limbs before making their way to the vehicle, heads slightly lowered.
As soon as they entered, the atmosphere shifted. Remi's sharp, aristocratic gaze landed immediately on the girl beside me.
"Riku-boy, who is this charming young lady sitting next to you?"
I glanced at Miyu, who sat perfectly straight, hands folded politely on her lap. "She's Sakurada Miyu. My fiancée."
Miyu turned to them with a gentle bow. "Good day. It's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Sakurada Miyu—one of Riku-san's fiancées."
The car fell silent. Even the air felt like it stopped moving. Remi blinked once. Twice. Then her lips curved into a knowing grin.
"Kukukukukuku... so you're the one," she said, a glint of mischief in her crimson eyes. "The one with the sakura-pink string tied to him. I see now."
Miyu tilted her head, confused. "Hai?"
I chuckled softly. "Right, I forgot. Miyu-san, Remi has the ability to see fate. What she means is that she saw the string of fate connecting us."
"Precisely," Remi said proudly, resting her chin on her hand. "Now then, introductions. I am Remilia Scarlet, heiress of the Scarlet Family. And this one beside me—"
"Flandre Scarlet!" the younger sister chimed in brightly. "Let's have fun sometime, onee-san~"
Sakuya-san adjusted her gloves and gave a courteous nod. "Izayoi Sakuya, head maid of the Scarlet household. The woman you saw at the gate earlier is Hong Meiling, our gatekeeper and head of security."
Miyu smiled politely despite her growing nervousness. "It's nice to meet you all. Um... Riku-san, if I may ask, are they... youkai?"
I nodded. "Not youkai exactly. Remi and Flan are vampires. Sakuya, on the other hand, is a pure human."
The color drained from Miyu's face in an instant. "V-v-vampires?!"
Her voice cracked like glass. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.
"Relax," I said, keeping my tone light. "They won't hurt you. Unless you threaten them—then maybe you'll have a problem."
Remi chuckled softly, almost amused by Miyu's panic. "As Riku-boy said, you have nothing to fear. We sustain ourselves through the local blood bank now. It's much more civilized."
That didn't stop Miyu from turning a lovely shade of pale blue. I sighed and started the car. "Alright, enough talk. Let's get going."
Arisugawa Academy – Entrance
7:00 A.M.
It only took a short while to reach Arisugawa Academy, but the sight was something else. The towering iron gates gleamed, framed by cherry trees that lined the pristine drive. Everything about the campus screamed refinement—an academy built for princesses.
Even Remi whistled lowly. "Arisugawa, huh? You know, this was one of the schools we considered attending."
"Really?" Miyu asked, her curiosity overcoming her nerves. "Why didn't you go?"
Remi leaned back in her seat. "Simple. We didn't know anyone here. Hanasakigawa, on the other hand, has Riku-boy, the Saigyouji head, and her gardener. Plus, it's... livelier."
Sakuya-san, ever the voice of reason, added, "Actually, it was the master who originally suggested they attend Arisugawa, but Oujo-sama declined."
I raised a brow. "That's new to me. Guess I learned something today."
The car slowed to a gentle stop in front of the academy gates. Miyu unbuckled her seatbelt, smoothing her skirt.
"Well, this is my stop," she said, giving me that soft smile that always managed to make time slow down. "Thank you for the ride, Riku-san. I'll see you back home?"
"I'll be at CiRCLE after class," I replied. "If you want, you can bring your friends and use the stage for practice."
Her eyes brightened. "Then I'll take you up on that offer. See you at CiRCLE."
She turned toward the school gates, but just as I was about to put the car in gear, she stopped, spun on her heel, and hurried back.
I rolled down the window slightly. "Forget something?"
"I did forget something," she said—and before I could ask what, she leaned in and pressed her lips to mine. Quick. Certain.
The moment froze. Her faint scent of rose and soap lingered in the air as she pulled back, a sly wink following the soft smile on her face. "There. That's better."
Then she turned and walked off toward the school, sunlight catching her hair like a spark in motion.
I leaned back in the driver's seat, blinking once. Behind me, chaos erupted.
Remi had the most self-satisfied grin I'd ever seen. "Well, well, well. Didn't expect your fiancée to give you a farewell kiss in public. Kukukukuku..."
Rinko, meanwhile, was a flustered mess. "When did Miyu-chan become so bold?!"
Sakuya-san covered Flan's eyes with a swift motion. "Imouto-sama, do not look."
"But I wanna seeeee!" Flan whined.
I exhaled through my nose, shaking my head as I gripped the steering wheel. "If any of you want a kiss," I muttered under my breath, "just ask. Preferably not in public."
That only made Rinko's face go redder. The Scarlet sisters started giggling.
With a faint smirk tugging at my lips, I shifted gears and pulled away from the academy, the morning sun glinting off the car's windshield. Another day, another whirlwind start.
And judging from how smug Remi looked in the rearview mirror, I already knew the teasing wouldn't stop anytime soon.
Hanasakigawa Girls' High School
7:30 A.M.
Remi had been in a teasing mood the entire drive. It started when she brought up my engagement with Miyu, her tone carrying that mischievous lilt she was famous for. I mentioned Rinko next, and how both engagements were arranged under Okina-sama's watch. Of course, I left out the more delicate details—some things weren't meant to be public knowledge yet.
When I finished explaining, Remi leaned back, laughing like she'd just heard the greatest story of her immortal life. "Kukukuku... I knew coming to Japan was the right decision. It's never dull around you, Riku-boy."
Rinko hid her face in her hands, cheeks faintly pink, while Youmu pretended not to listen. I thought that was the end of it, but Remi had one more surprise.
"So," she said, smirking through the rearview mirror, "you think there are only four strings tied to you?"
I raised a brow. "What do you mean by that?"
Her eyes gleamed with that familiar otherworldly glow. "Try ten."
Both Rinko and I froze. "TEN?!"
Remi chuckled again, clearly enjoying herself. "Exactly. Ten threads of fate. And before you ask, no—I'm not telling you their colors this time. You'll have to figure that out yourself, Riku-boy."
I sighed, resisting the urge to press further. "You really enjoy toying with people, don't you?"
Remi's only answer was another laugh that echoed softly as we rolled into the school grounds.
When we reached Hanasakigawa's front gate, I pulled over and waved for them to head inside first. "You three go ahead. I'll park."
Rinko nodded, still looking slightly dazed from Remi's revelation, and followed the others through the gate. Once they were gone, I drove toward the parking lot. The morning air had that crisp clarity unique to early spring, and the sight of uniformed students chatting along the walkway brought a quiet sort of peace.
Still, habit is habit. After parking, I engaged the car's built-in security system. The soft electronic chime confirmed it was active. Better safe than sorry—especially considering the company I kept these days.
With that done, I slung my bag over my shoulder and started toward the main building, the steady rhythm of the school bell in the distance marking the start of another day.
Rinko's POV
The classroom was already lively when I arrived. The usual chatter filled the air, light and cheerful. I exchanged quick greetings as I passed by a few classmates before spotting Sayo-san, Chisato-san, and Matsubara-san already at their desks.
I walked over, trying to settle the nerves still lingering from Remilia-san's "seven strings" comment.
"Good morning, Rinko-chan," Chisato-san greeted, her tone warm as always.
"G-good morning, Chisato-san."
Sayo-san looked up from tuning her guitar. "Good morning to you too, Rinko."
"Good morning to you as well... Sayo-san."
There was a small pause. Chisato-san and Matsubara-san both blinked in unison. Chisato-san's smile turned sly.
"Rinko-chan," she said, "did you just call Sayo by her first name?"
Matsubara-san chimed in, eyes wide. "And not just that—Hikawa-san called you by your first name too."
Sayo-san only chuckled softly, a rare glint of amusement in her calm expression. "A lot happened last weekend. I decided to drop the formalities."
Chisato-san leaned forward, eyes narrowing playfully. "I see... Well then, Rinko-chan, congratulations on your engagement with Onii-sama."
"EH?!"
Sayo-san nearly dropped her guitar. "How did you—?!"
Matsubara-san's voice came out as a squeak. "FUEEEEEH?!"
I froze, every muscle in my body locking up. How on earth does she know?! Kyoya-san specifically said only the family heads, the royal household, and a few close affiliates were to be informed. My mind started racing, searching for any possible leak, but Chisato-san just giggled behind her hand.
"Relax, Rinko-chan," she said with that effortless grace. "I'm not about to spread rumors. Kyoya-san sent the official notice himself. We were instructed not to speak of it unless onii-sama permits it."
"Kyoya-san... sent you the announcement?"
"Mhm. Which means," she added with a teasing lilt, "Kokoro-chan, Ran-chan, Chiyu-chan, and Kaoru probably received the same thing."
That realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. I could already picture Kokoro-chan bursting into a room with a megaphone, announcing it to the world like it was a festival event. Oh no...
Matsubara-san, looking hesitant, tilted her head. "Um, Rinko-chan... what Chisato-chan said—is it true?"
I took a slow breath. No use hiding it now. "Yes. I got engaged to Riku last Saturday."
For a moment, there was silence. Then Kanon's gentle smile returned, radiant and sincere.
"Congratulations on your engagement, Rinko-chan."
Her voice carried a warmth that soothed the tension in my chest. I smiled back, the smallest bit of relief easing my nerves. "Thank you very much... Kanon-chan."
Her eyes widened. "Eh?"
Chisato-san gasped dramatically. "Did you just call Kanon by her first name too?"
I blinked, realizing it too late. "I—I mean... if it's okay with you, I—"
Kanon-chan's expression softened instantly. "No, it's fine," she said, cheeks tinged pink. "Actually... I kind of like it when you call me that."
Chisato-san let out a little laugh, resting her chin on her hand. "Looks like you're getting comfortable with everyone, Rinko-chan. I'm glad."
Sayo-san nodded, smiling faintly from her seat. "It suits you better—talking so openly."
I didn't say it aloud, but hearing those words made something in my chest feel lighter. Maybe things really were changing.
The bell rang soon after, signaling the start of homeroom. As the noise in the classroom settled into the rustle of notebooks and chairs, I found myself glancing out the window toward the courtyard. The morning sun shimmered against the school's cherry blossoms, scattering petals like confetti.
A small smile tugged at my lips. Life at Hanasakigawa was still as chaotic as ever... but maybe, just maybe, it was starting to feel a little warmer.
The morning calm of our classroom broke when shouting echoed from the hallway. It wasn't the usual chatter of students—it was sharp, fiery, unmistakable. Every head in the room turned toward the windows, curiosity spiking.
We all stood up to peek outside.
And there they were—Riku and Kaguya-san, facing off like rival generals, their words flaring hotter than the sun.
Sayo-san blinked. "What in the world..."
Kanon-chan's voice cracked. "Fuehhhhhh... they're arguing?!"
Chisato-san sighed, her tone half exasperated, half amused. "Here they go again."
Sayo-san turned toward her. "Again? They do this all the time?"
I nodded with a small, helpless smile. "Not always... but when they do, it's usually over something tiny. The last time, they fought about whether ramen tastes better soft or firm..."
Chisato-san rubbed her temple. "Oh, I remember you mentioning that."
We listened closer—then immediately regretted it.
Kaguya: "I TOLD YOU ALREADY! VOID IS THE BEST MID LANE SPIRIT! WHO EVEN USES EARTH SPIRIT IN MID?!"
Riku: "I DO! AND THE ONLY REASON YOU'RE DISSING EARTH SPIRIT IS BECAUSE YOU CAN'T USE HIM RIGHT! HE CAN DESTROY VOID ANY DAY!"
Kaguya: "SAY THAT AGAIN AND I'LL BEAT YOUR ASS!"
Riku: "YOU'LL BEAT MY ASS? LAST TIME I CHECKED, I DID BEAT YOUR ASS WITH EARTH SPIRIT! WANT A REMATCH?!"
Kanon-chan covered her face, trembling. "A-Are they arguing... over a game?"
Chisato-san looked done with life. "Apparently, yes."
I tried to explain between giggles. "Kaguya-san's a hardcore gamer. I guess Riku said something that triggered her pride again."
Sayo-san was still staring, incredulous. "This is the first time I've seen Riku-san... acting like a child."
"Rare sight," Chisato-san said, folding her arms. "Let's leave them to it. They'll burn out before homeroom starts."
We went back to our seats. True enough, a few minutes later, the classroom door slid open, and in came the two culprits—Riku and Kaguya-san—looking none too pleased.
Riku ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Sorry I'm late. Had to set up the car's security system... then ran into her."
Kaguya-san immediately shot back, "Hey! And for the record, your security setup is ridiculous. You've basically turned your car into a fortress."
"It's called being careful," Riku retorted. "You never know who might try hacking into it."
Kaguya-san rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, Mr. Paranoid. Anyway, congrats to you two." She motioned between me and Riku. "Didn't think you'd get engaged so soon."
Sayo-san blinked. "Wait—you knew about it too?"
Kaguya-san crossed her arms. "Of course. I'm the next head of the Houraisan family. News like that doesn't slip by me. Honestly, I saw it coming a mile away. Looks like you've got one less burden on your shoulders, huh?"
Riku gave a faint smile. "Something like that. Still a few things to sort out."
He leaned against a desk. "By the way, you going to the party this Friday?"
Kaguya-san nodded. "Yeah. Me, Eirin, and Udongein will be there. You?"
"I'll be going with Rinko, Miyu, Tina, and Mafuyu."
That caught Chisato-san's attention immediately. "Miyu? Onii-sama, who's Miyu?"
Kaguya smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "Oh, you don't know? She's his other fiancée."
The silence that followed was deafening.
Then—
"F-FUEHHHH?! A-A HAREM?!" Kanon-chan exclaimed as she was calmed down by Sayo-san.
"Keep it down, Matsubara-san." Sayo-san said.
Kanon wilted. "S-sorry..."
Chisato-san pinched the bridge of her nose. "I shouldn't even be surprised anymore. The Nagae family never does things halfway. Your grandfather did mention something about a... multiple fiancée arrangement."
Sayo-san nodded slightly. "I was there, too. All of Roselia witnessed the engagement between Riku-san and Rinko."
Kaguya-san tilted her head. "That so? Then tell me, Riku—what's this Miyu girl like?"
Riku didn't bother to explain. He simply pulled out his phone, swiped through his gallery, and turned the screen toward us.
A picture of him, me, and Miyu-chan filled the display.
Kanon-san's eyes widened. "Wow... she's gorgeous."
Chisato-san leaned closer. "You can tell from her posture alone—refined, graceful. She must come from a prestigious background."
I nodded softly. "She does. Miyu-chan studies at Arisugawa Academy."
Kaguya-san whistled. "The oujo-sama school? Damn, Riku, you're racking up quite the lineup. You really hit the jackpot."
Kanon-chan looked between us nervously. "Still... a harem, huh... I didn't expect that."
Riku chuckled dryly. "Neither did I, to be honest." He lowered his voice, a touch more serious. "Kanon, I need you to keep this to yourself for now. It's still under wraps."
Kanon-chan sat upright. "I-I promise! You can count on me!"
I leaned closer to Riku, whispering so no one else could hear. "How are we going to tell the others?"
He whispered back, calm as ever. "We tell them directly. One at a time. But make sure they don't spread it."
I nodded quietly. He was right—rumors would only cause chaos.
Riku slipped his phone back into his pocket just as the classroom door slid open again. The teacher walked in, calling everyone to their seats. The room instantly shifted from gossip to order.
As we sat down, I caught Riku's eye from across the aisle. For a fleeting second, he smiled faintly—reassuring, grounded.
Even with all the chaos swirling around him, he carried himself like someone who'd already accepted what was coming.
And maybe... that steadiness was why we all gravitated toward him.
Even when he argued like a fool about video games.
----------
Live House CiRCLE – Front Desk
4:00 P.M.
Riku's POV
The day had felt long but strangely light. After morning lessons, we ended up eating lunch on the rooftop—me, Kasumi, and her usual crew. The sun was sharp but forgiving, the breeze soft enough to carry laughter between bites. Kokoro showed up midway, claiming she'd "lost track" of Kanon again, which wasn't exactly a shock. Chisato invited Aya-chan and Eve to join, and somehow our quiet lunch turned into a full-on gathering.
At first, Kokoro wanted to steal the spotlight to "formally congratulate me" on the engagement, but I told her I'd handle the announcement myself. She pouted for about three seconds before grinning and letting me take the floor.
When I finally told them—when I said it out loud, "I'm engaged to Rinko"—the reaction was a mix of cheers and chaos. Kasumi and Rimi were the first to squeal and congratulate me, while Tae tilted her head and bluntly asked, "So when's the wedding?" Arisa smacked her on the head before she could ask anything else, though it didn't erase her own red cheeks.
Saaya congratulated me quietly, but I caught the faint sadness in her eyes. She smiled through it anyway. Kokoro, of course, already knew—her father had apparently briefed her—and Hagumi practically tackled me in excitement, promising free croquettes for life if I ever stopped by her family's shop. Misaki mumbled something about me collecting "loyalty cards in human form," but still smiled.
Aya-chan, on the other hand, started crying tears of joy—actual tears—while Eve's eyes shone like polished glass. She clasped her hands together and said something about the "pure beauty of destiny."
It should've ended there. But no. I decided to mention the other thing—Okina-sama's harem plan.
The silence that followed was almost biblical.
Arisa exploded first, calling me a "damn playboy" and swatting at the air like she could smack the concept itself. I had to calm her down by explaining the terms and conditions behind the plan—how it wasn't about indulgence but responsibility. Once she realized I wasn't some self-proclaimed Casanova, she muttered an apology, cheeks red.
When I glanced toward Saaya, I noticed the sadness from before had eased—just a little.
Misaki leaned over her bento and asked quietly, "Are you actually okay with all this, Riku-san?"
I told her the truth: "I'm just going with the flow."
That seemed to be enough for her. She nodded and dropped it.
Before we left, I asked them to keep everything under wraps until August's gathering. The girls agreed, though not without a few knowing looks between them. Secrets rarely stayed buried among this crowd, but I'd take what I could get.
Classes ended before I knew it. The others scattered to their separate plans:
Chisato and the PasuPare girls had a commercial shoot scheduled. PoPiPa was heading to Saaya's bakery to help with prep for the evening rush. Kokoro and her band planned a visit to a children's hospital to hand out gifts.
Ran told me Afterglow wasn't free today either—apparently Tsugumi was having an "identity crisis." I asked what she meant, and Ran just showed me a photo of Tsugumi dressed head to toe in black leather with spikes and skull prints. I couldn't tell if she was serious or cosplaying rebellion. Either way, I told Ran to handle it. Best for everyone.
As for Roselia, Ako-chan had dragged her bandmates to a local internet café to play NFO. I didn't even bother intervening—some battles weren't worth fighting.
Now it's just me and Homura manning the front desk at CiRCLE. Marina had to step out for a while to make calls to the bands performing next month, leaving the place oddly quiet. Homura had been assigned here by Grandfather—"to keep an eye on things," she said. I didn't argue; she looked like she could handle ten live houses by herself.
I checked my phone for updates. Miyu messaged that she and her friends were on their way. In the meantime, Leo/need had arrived about half an hour early. After they changed into their rehearsal uniforms, I handed them a small shopping list from Marina—strings, cables, snacks, the usual—and sent them off to the nearby supply store.
Aya and Hatate were checking the status of the other live houses hosting the TI group stages. Everything seemed in order.
With a rare pocket of silence in CiRCLE, I pulled up the current PBC Western Europe Division standings on my phone:
OG – 1-0
Tundra – 1-0
Team Liquid – 1-0
Entity – 1-0
Team Secret – 0-1
Alliance – 0-1
Gaimin Gladiators – 0-1
Goonsquad – 0-1
Four wins, four losses. Classic opener. OG versus Tundra was up next—tonight's match was going to be hell or glory. I could already picture bzm's grin after a clutch series. And if Gaimin lost to Liquid again, I'd be ranting until morning.
I was checking the Southeast Asia bracket when a familiar voice cut through my focus.
"Riku-san!! We're here!!"
I looked up from the counter just in time to see Miyu wave from the entrance, her bright pink hair catching the evening light. I stepped out from behind the desk and met her halfway. Before I could say anything, she ran straight at me and wrapped her arms around me.
Her hug was warm—grounding. I could feel Homura's stare from across the room, though he wisely kept quiet.
From behind Miyu, her friends filed in: Haruna, Kurumi, and Miiko.
Haruna raised an eyebrow. "I know you two are engaged and all, but doing that in public might be a bit much."
Kurumi grinned. "Oh, come on, chairwoman. Let them have their moment."
Miiko giggled, clasping her hands behind her back. "Honestly, look at them. It's cute."
Haruna sighed but softened. "You're not wrong."
Miyu and I broke apart, both of us laughing a little. I straightened my jacket and greeted them properly.
"Sorry about that. Anyway—welcome to CiRCLE. This place is where a lot of musicians take their first steps."
Haruna bowed slightly. "Thank you for having us, Riku-san."
I nodded toward the back hallway. "Since you're here, want to practice? The rooms are open."
Kurumi's eyes lit up. "Wait—really? We can use the studio here?"
"Sure," I said, though I pointed a finger. "Just don't go overboard."
Haruna tilted her head. "Something happened?"
"My cousin," I explained with a faint smile. "She once went overboard during rehearsal. Broke a few things. Nothing major, but still—not cheap."
Haruna chuckled. "Understood. I'll make sure Kurumi-san and Miiko-san don't break anything."
"Please do," I said dryly. "I can already feel them plotting something."
Miiko whistled, not even pretending to deny it.
"The studio's right behind me," I added. "You'll see a sign that says 'Studio 1.' Everything's set."
Miyu hesitated for a moment. "By the way, where's Rinko-san and her band? I thought Roselia had practice today."
"They're taking a break," I said. "Ako-chan dragged them to an internet café to play NFO. Yukina's still resting her voice, so rehearsal's postponed."
"I see." Miyu smiled softly. "Then it'll just be us when we head home."
"Yeah," I said. "Now go on—the others are waiting."
She nodded and followed Haruna and the rest down the hallway toward the studio. Their voices faded into the low hum of the amps warming up.
As I turned back toward the front desk, the glass door opened again—Ichika and the rest of Leo/need had returned from their errand, shopping bags in hand and smiles on their faces. The noise returned with them—gentle, human, alive.
CiRCLE was awake again.
Saki's cheerful voice rang out the moment the front door swung open.
"We're back, owner-san!"
I looked up from the monitor at the reception desk and greeted them with a small nod. "Welcome back, you four. I take it you bought everything?"
Shiho, who was holding a few shopping bags, sighed softly. "We did... though some of them were a bit pricey."
"Yeah, I saw the receipt," I said, crossing my arms but smirking a little. "I'll take that into account. Anyway, since you're all here, get to your stations. If you need me, I'll be in Studio 18."
Ichika tilted her head. "Studio 18? For a second there, I thought you were gonna say you'd be in your office."
"That was the plan," I replied, grabbing my water bottle and slinging my jacket over my shoulder, "but there's something I need to do in that studio."
"Got it," Ichika said, a grin forming as she turned back to the others.
"I trust you girls to keep an eye on the place, okay?"
"HAI!" Leo/need replied in unison, their voices echoing through the hall.
I chuckled under my breath and headed down the corridor, the familiar hum of amps and muffled beats greeting me from the other rooms.
Inside Studio 18, the air was cooler, quieter—just the soft buzz of the DJ set waiting to come alive. I placed my hands on the console, letting my thoughts settle. The project for PHANTOM PAIN had been tugging at the edges of my mind for days, its rhythm haunting me like a pulse I couldn't ignore.
"Hmm... this could fit the middle part of the song," I muttered, tapping a few keys. "Alright... let's try this."
The monitors flickered awake as I powered on the system. I cracked my fingers, slid on my headphones, and took a deep breath.
"Let's start."
The next moments blurred—beats layered over each other, melodies twisting into tension and release. I lost count of time. Each drop, each transition felt sharper, closer to what I envisioned. The sound filled the studio, yet all I could hear was the dialogue between instinct and memory.
5:25 P.M. – Miyu's POV
Over an hour had passed since I arrived, and we'd gotten a surprising amount done. The energy in the room was light—focused, but warm. We'd just finished a full test run of our newest song, which we were hoping to debut next month. It felt strong, alive.
Haruna-chan was glowing as she stepped back from the turntables. "I still can't believe I could pull that mix off with this setup..." she said, glancing at the deck like it was some sort of sacred artifact.
Kurumi-chan laughed. "You're acting like it's magic, Haruna-chan."
"Hey, maybe it is!" Haruna-chan shot back, grinning.
Miiko-chan clapped her hands together. "Still, I want to ask Riku-san if we could buy one of these! They're way better than the ones we have at school!"
We all agreed on that. The quality of the studio gear was no joke—every dial, every switch was tuned to precision. It wasn't just professional; it carried Riku-san's personal touch, the kind that came from someone who'd spent years in the top tiers of the industry.
After packing up our things, we headed to the front desk, expecting to see him there—but instead, we were greeted by two familiar faces.
"Ara," said a soft voice. "I didn't see you girls here. By any chance, did you come out of one of the studios?"
It was Hoshino-san, Leo/need's guitarist and vocalist, standing beside Hinomori-san.
"Yes," I replied politely. "I think we were inside the studio when you came in."
Hoshino-san smiled, her tone calm but friendly. "I see. I guess I should introduce us, then. I'm Hoshino Ichika—Leo/need's guitarist and vocalist. This is Hinomori Shiho, our bassist. She's not much of a talker, so I usually handle the talking for both of us. We're from Miyamasuzuka Girls' High School. The others are at the café, so it's just us holding down the front."
Hinomori-san gave a small nod. "Sup."
I returned the greeting with a small bow. "Nice to meet you. I'm Sakurada Miyu, second year at Arisugawa Academy, and the leader and vocalist of Lyrical Lily."
"Kasuga Haruna," Haruna-chan said, raising her hand lightly. "Miyu-san's classmate and our group's DJ."
"I'm Shiratori Kurumi," added Kurumi-chan with a little wave. "Also Miyu-chan's classmate—Lyrical Lily's VJ."
"And I'm Takeshita Miiko!" the smallest of us chimed in cheerfully. "Also Miyu-chan's classmate, and our group's second vocal, nano~!"
Hoshino-san chuckled softly. "So you're a DJ group... kind of like Peaky P-key."
"Wait, you know them?" Miiko-chan asked, her eyes widening.
Before Hoshino-san could answer, I cut in. "Hoshino-san and her band performed here with Peaky P-key last month, Miiko-chan."
Hinomori-san leaned back against the counter. "That's right. They're really sharp performers."
Haruna-chan glanced around. "We were hoping to talk to Riku-san, but he's not here, is he?"
"He's in Studio 18," Ichika said. "But maybe knock before you go in. He said he was doing something important."
"Got it. Thanks," I said with a bow.
We followed her directions down the hall, the sound of soft guitar strings and distant drumming fading behind us. The walls were lined with banners—some old, some newly hung. Haruna stopped to look up.
"Whoa... what are these?"
Kurumi traced the edge of one with her eyes. "They look like... championship banners?"
I smiled faintly. "They are. Riku-san told me these represent every band that's won The International over the years. It's one of the biggest band tournaments in the world."
"The International, huh?" Kurumi-chan murmured, awe coloring her tone. "And OG won three of those in a row?"
I nodded. "That's right. Riku's band didn't just win—they dominated. They changed the sound of the tournament scene entirely."
Kurumi-chan shook her head with a small laugh. "Not only is he from an influential family, but he's a musical prodigy too. You really hit the jackpot, Miyu-chan."
"W-wha—Kurumi-chan!" I protested, cheeks warming.
Haruna-chan chuckled softly. "Still, it does make you wonder. Why would someone like him be here, managing a live house instead of continuing his career?"
I hesitated, thinking back to what Riku told me not long ago. "He said he stepped down from the competitive scene because of family duties. Once everything settles, he might return."
"Family reasons, huh..." Haruna-chan said quietly, eyes softening. "That makes sense."
We turned a final corner, and there it was—Studio 18. The door was slightly ajar, faint light spilling through the crack.
Haruna-chan stepped forward first, raising a hand. "Well... here we are."
We stopped in front of the door marked Studio 18. A faint vibration hummed from inside—steady, rhythmic. Kurumi-chan raised her hand to knock, and I joined her.
Knock, knock, knock.
Silence.
"Why isn't he answering?" Miiko-chan asked, tilting her head.
Haruna-chan folded her arms, whispering, "He's probably too focused on whatever he's doing in there."
Kurumi-chan smirked. "Only one way to find out. Let's go in and see for ourselves."
Haruna-chan frowned immediately. "Kurumi-san! That's inappropriate—"
"Oh come on, chairwoman," Kurumi-chan said, half teasing, half daring. "It's not like we're gonna do anything bad in there, right? And besides, I doubt Riku-san would mind. Isn't that right, Miyu-chan?"
Her gaze turned to me like a loaded question. I hesitated for a moment, my fingers brushing the handle. "...I think Riku-san wouldn't mind, but... we should still ask first."
"That sounds like a yes to me!" Miiko-chan chimed. "If Miyu-chan says it's fine, then let's go!"
Haruna-chan sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. "Fine. But if we get in trouble, I'm blaming Kurumi-san."
Kurumi-chan grinned triumphantly. "Deal."
Before I could protest further, she gently pushed me toward the door. My hand rested on the knob, cool against my palm. I slowly turned it and opened the door just wide enough for us to peek through.
Riku-san sat inside, completely immersed. He was wearing headphones, eyes fixed on his laptop, fingers gliding over the console in front of him. The flicker of LED lights danced over his face.
Haruna-chan whispered, "Guess we know why he didn't answer. He's too focused."
Kurumi-chan leaned in, curious. "I wonder what he's working on..."
I gave her a look. "It's rude to eavesdrop on someone's creative process, Kurumi-chan."
A calm, even voice cut through the air before she could reply.
"You know, I can hear you girls with all the talking you've been doing."
We froze like guilty children caught red-handed. Riku-san was now staring at us, one eyebrow slightly raised as he took off his headphones.
Haruna-chan blinked. "How did you even hear us with those on?"
He smirked faintly. "Youkai sense. I'm half-youkai, remember? Comes with sharper hearing."
Kurumi-chan scratched her cheek. "Ah... right."
"So," he continued, resting an elbow on the table, "what brings you four here?"
Haruna-chan stepped forward, her tone polite but steady. "We just finished practice and wanted to ask you something, if that's alright."
"Sure. Ask away."
She exchanged a quick glance with us before explaining how we wanted to buy the same equipment we'd been using in Studio 1. Riku-san listened without interrupting, his expression thoughtful. When Haruna-chan finished, he opened a drawer beside him, pulled out a card, and handed it to her.
"Here," he said. "That's the contact for a music store I trust. Their equipment's top-tier, and they handle orders from pros across the world. If they ask where you got the number, tell them it came from me."
Haruna-chan bowed slightly as she accepted it. "Thank you very much, Riku-san. We really appreciate this."
Miiko-chan leaned forward curiously. "You seem to trust this shop a lot, nano~."
Riku-san nodded. "They're among the best, yeah. And they've never let me down. But enough about that—what are you all doing here, really?"
Kurumi shrugged. "Well, Ichika-chan mentioned you were busy with something, so we got curious."
Riku-san tilted his head, as though considering something. "Hmm... actually, your timing might be perfect. I could use a few opinions."
"Our opinions?" I asked. "Wait, are you talking about—"
"Exactly what you're thinking," he said with a small smile. "I just finished the music for PHANTOM PAIN."
Haruna-chan blinked. "PHANTOM PAIN?"
"It's a new song Riku-san's been working on this past week," I explained. "Rinko-san and I saw the lyrics two days ago."
Miiko-chan gasped softly. "So we get to be the first ones to hear it?"
"If you girls don't mind being my test audience," Riku-san said, motioning to the setup.
Haruna-chan's answer came without hesitation. "We'd be honored to, Riku-san."
Kurumi-chan grinned, eyes sparkling. "Heh. Listening to a world-class musician perform right in front of us? Count me in."
I smiled. "What instrument will you be using this time?"
"That one," Riku said, pointing behind him.
It was a sleek DJ set, polished and gleaming under the studio lights.
"Wait, Riku-san—you play DJ too?" Haruna-chan asked, surprised.
He chuckled. "Yup. I learned the basics from Dennojo-san."
Haruna-chan's eyes widened. "You mean Inuyose Dennojo? As in the Dennojo from Peaky P-key?"
Miiko-chan gasped. "Then that means... you know Shinobu-chan too?"
Riku-san leaned back slightly, nostalgic amusement crossing his features. "Yeah. Met her back in 2019. She was fiery, even back then. Said she'd make it her goal to surpass me someday."
Kurumi-chan laughed softly. "Sounds like her."
Riku-san smiled faintly but shook his head. "Anyway, let's not get sidetracked. Go ahead and grab some seats—and enjoy."
Haruna-chan quickly located four chairs stacked in the corner. She passed one to each of us before sitting down beside me. The studio lights dimmed slightly as Riku-san adjusted the control board. The atmosphere shifted—quiet anticipation filled the air.
He took a slow breath, hands poised over the console. "Though this is just an instrumental..." He paused briefly, a hint of pride under his calm voice. "PHANTOM PAIN."