Wanderers of Sorceria 

Moonlight Prism 8

The feud between Sunshine Melody and Moonlight Prism escalates to new heights when Akari decides to make it personal.

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## Escalation

In the Sunshine Melody practice room, the atmosphere was relaxed, yet focused. The girls of the idol group quintet-- Aoi, Yui, Sakura, and Hikari-- were warming up in their practice tracksuits. The white and cerulean colors that reflected their energetic, upbeat image clashed with the tension that Akari carried when she entered the room. Clutching her laptop, her expression held a mischievous glint that immediately grabbed the other girls' attention.

"Got something to show you," Akari announced, striding to the center of the room. She set the laptop down on a table, and the other girls gathered around her. "I've found a new way to get back at Hana. She won't see this coming."

Aoi stretched and rolled her eyes. "If it's another one of your plans to embarrass her, I hope it's better than the last one," she muttered, recalling the food fight fiasco that had left her and Akari humiliated at the TV studio.

"Trust me," Akari said with a sly grin. "This one's genius." She flipped open the laptop, revealing a paused video on the screen.

Yui glanced at it and immediately recognized it. "'Veiled Echoes'?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "That's old news. Moonlight Prism put that out years ago, and it's one of their biggest hits. Why bring it up now?"

"Yeah," Aoi added. "That song went platinum. What are you thinking, Akari?"

Akari smirked. "That's the point. Everyone remembers it because it's so iconic, right? But do you remember this?" She pressed play on the video, fast-forwarding to the moment where two of the three women-- Hana, Riko, and the now-superstar actress Shizuka Minazuki-- shared an intense, passionate kiss, the mist swirling around them like a foggy dream. She paused the video at the exact moment their lips met, the tension evident even in the frozen frame.

Sakura wrinkled her nose in disdain. "That kiss was vulgar," she said with a prim frown. "I don't know why people were so enamored with it."

"Exactly," Akari nodded. "It caused a lot of talk back then. But here's the thing-- the video never reveals which two kissed. And there's two such kisses. It's all left to mystery. The fans have been speculating for years whether it was Hana who kissed Riko or Shizuka, or if Riko kissed Hana, but no one knows for sure."

Yui narrowed her eyes, catching on. "So, what's your angle?"

Akari leaned forward, her grin widening. "Think about it. Everyone knows that rumors have been swirling about Hana and Riko being... you know... a thing." She made a vague gesture, and the girls caught the implication. "Even though they keep denying it, the public eats it up. What if we stoked the fire a little? Brought attention back to this scene, made people talk about who kissed who, and let the rumors fly again?"

Aoi crossed her arms, her competitive spark igniting. "You're suggesting we exploit the ambiguity in that video to make Hana and Riko look bad? Not a bad idea."

Sakura hesitated. "But wouldn't that be kind of... mean-spirited?" she asked, looking uneasy. "Hana's never done anything to us directly. Well, not besides being competition."

Akari scoffed. "She's one-upped us at every turn! Besides, this isn't about hurting her personally-- it's about getting back some attention for Sunshine Melody. Moonlight Prism has had their time in the spotlight. They can bask in controversy. It's our turn now."

Yui nodded thoughtfully, but then raised a finger. "It's bold, but we have to be smart about this. If we're too obvious, it'll blow back on us. We can't let anyone trace this back to Sunshine Melody. Subtlety is key."

Akari seemed disappointed for a moment, wanting Hana to know she was behind this, but she couldn't argue with Yui's logic. "Alright, fine. We'll be subtle," she agreed reluctantly. "We start by hinting at it online. A tweet here, a comment there, something that sparks curiosity. And once social media takes hold of it, it'll spread on its own."

Hikari bounced up and down, clearly on board with the plan and eager to agree with her leader. "Hana won't know what hit her!"

The girls huddled around the laptop, finalizing their strategy. What had started as a desire for validation had turned into a tactical move. For Akari, the act of targeting Hana-- someone she secretly harbored feelings for-- came with an added layer of guilt that she pushed aside for now. Her need to win, to be seen as the superior act, overpowered her other emotions.

----

It was a lazy weekend morning in Hana and Riko's shared apartment, where time seemed to stretch out, thick and slow, under the gentle warmth of the sun streaming through the windows. Hana, dressed casually in a loose T-shirt and shorts, wandered into the living room, glancing over at Riko who was sprawled across the couch in her pajamas. 

"Riko," Hana began, "we should probably get dressed and go shopping today. We've put it off long enough."

Riko, still nestled comfortably among the plush cushions, whined playfully, "We can do that tomorrow... today's a perfect day to just do nothing." She stretched her arms overhead, her fingers brushing the edge of the blanket she had draped over herself.

Hana sighed, sitting down next to her on the couch. "You can't just lounge around all day. We need to get groceries. You know how empty the fridge is, right?"

Riko smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye as she turned to face Hana. "And what's wrong with lounging around? Come on, just a little longer," she teased, her voice dripping with feigned innocence. "You never relax, Hana."

"You make it sound like I'm some kind of workaholic," Hana replied, rolling her eyes. "I'm just being practical. Besides, if we don't go now, you'll start complaining when there's nothing to eat."

Riko pouted dramatically, leaning closer, her voice softening. "But we're comfortable here... just stay a little longer," she whispered, her fingers grazing Hana's as they lay between them on the couch.

For a moment, Hana hesitated. There was something in Riko's tone, the way her voice lingered in the air, that made her pause. She felt Riko's hand slide over hers, their fingers naturally intertwining as they shared a quiet, intimate moment. It wasn't unusual for them-- these moments of closeness had always defined their platonic bond, a deep trust and affection they rarely shared with anyone else.

Hana's breath hitched ever so slightly as she glanced down at their joined hands. She could feel the warmth of Riko's skin, the unspoken connection between them. There was a charged stillness in the air, a feeling of being caught in a moment that could easily slip into something deeper. Neither of them spoke, letting the silence carry the weight of their unspoken words.

But then, a sharp ping from Hana's phone shattered the tranquility. The sound jolted them both out of the moment. Hana's eyes widened, and she quickly pulled her hand away, grabbing her phone from the coffee table. 

Riko groaned, slumping back into the couch. "Seriously? Right when things were getting good," she muttered, her tone half teasing, half genuinely annoyed.

Hana unlocked her phone, her brow furrowing when she saw the name Kaede pop up in her messages. Kaede wasn't the type to send random texts, especially not on the weekend. She clicked on the message, which simply contained a link to a celebrity gossip magazine.

"That's weird," Hana murmured, her voice tinged with unease.

Riko peeked over her shoulder, curiosity piqued. "What's that?"

Hana frowned, clicking on the link. The page loaded quickly, revealing a bright, sensational headline plastered across the top of the article: *"Hana Kawamura and Riko Amano: Secret Lesbian Lovers? The Truth Behind Moonlight Prism's Mysterious Duo!"*

Hana's heart dropped. Her eyes scanned the headline, her stomach knotting as the implications of the article hit her like a wave. "What the hell...?" she whispered, her fingers trembling as she scrolled down the page, reading bits of the article.

Riko, on the other hand, barely batted an eye. She rolled her eyes and flopped back against the couch. "Oh, come on, that again? Haven't they run out of stories already? They must be really desperate if they're dragging up *this* old nonsense."

But Hana was already spiraling. She continued to read the article, her face pale and her expression growing more alarmed by the second. "Riko... they're saying we're trending again. This... this is all over social media."

Riko sat up, still calm but with a hint of concern creeping into her voice. "Trending? Seriously? But that happened years ago. The whole 'are they or aren't they' thing blew over ages ago."

Hana's fingers shook as she opened her social media feed, her worst fears confirmed when she saw her name, Riko's name, and Moonlight Prism's old music video from years ago all trending topics. Specifically, the scene from their music video 'Veiled Echoes' where two of the three mysterious figures shared a deep, passionate kiss was at the center of the discussion. 

Hana felt her breath catch in her throat. "Why is this resurfacing *now*?" she whispered.

Riko leaned over, taking a glance at the posts. "Oh, *that* scene again? People love to make something out of nothing. It's just a music video. You know how the internet gets bored."

Hana shook her head, her gut telling her something was different this time. The article, the sudden trending topic-- it didn't feel random. "I don't know, Riko... I just have a really bad feeling about this."

Riko gave her a reassuring nudge. "Look, if it was bad, Kaede would've told us. Let it blow over like last time. No point stressing over something that isn't even true, right?"

Hana wished she could believe Riko's nonchalance. But something about this felt *too* calculated. She couldn't shake the unease that gnawed at her as she stared at the screen, wondering who had stirred this pot-- and why.

----

At Prism Productions studio, the air felt tense as the members of Moonlight Prism gathered for their usual Monday meeting. The recent controversy swirling around Hana and Riko was hanging over the room like an impending storm.

Riko leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, still in disbelief that the weekend gossip hadn't blown over like she had hoped. Instead, it had only gained more traction, with social media influencers feeding off Moonlight Prism's recent prominence after their impactful performance at the Sunshine Music Festival. Their shift in tone at the festival had turned heads, especially after outshining Sunshine Melody at their own charity fundraiser.

Kaede tapped his drumsticks absentmindedly on the table. "So... what's the deal with this 'Veiled Echoes' music video, anyway?" He glanced between Hana and Riko. "I joined the band after it was released, so I don't understand why this old thing is blowing up."

Astra sat next to him, arms folded and expression as stoic as ever, though her gold eyes flicked toward Hana with mild interest. "Seems like a lot of fuss over nothing," she said bluntly.

Hana sighed, massaging her temples. "I'll explain," she said, pushing her chair back slightly as she addressed the room. "The 'Veiled Echoes' music video was something we made a few years ago, and it was intentionally mysterious. Riko, Shizuka, and I were dressed identically, and the point was to blur the lines between who was who."

Kaede raised an eyebrow, but remained silent, listening carefully.

"The discussion point was over two scenes near the climax. There were two kisses-- passionate ones. We deliberately made it hard to tell which of the women were kissing in those moments. It was part of the theme, leaving it up to interpretation, but that's where the rumors started."

Riko chuckled softly, though there was an edge to it. "People were obsessed with figuring out who kissed who back then, but it died down over time. Now it's back with a vengeance."

Itsuki, leaning against the wall, smirked. "I thought it was hot."

Astra shot him a sharp glare, but said nothing, her expression enough to make him chuckle and shift his gaze.

Hana ignored the comment and went on. "We never explained who kissed who. It was left as an urban legend, something for fans to speculate about. But now, because of that resurfaced scene, we're all over social media again."

"Why now, though?" Kaede asked. "It's been years, right?"

Hana nodded. "I don't know. I talked to Arisa about it, and she's been doing her best to stay on top of things, but it's blown up in ways we couldn't predict. She thinks it's beyond something we can just contain. The story's out there, and people are running with it."

Astra frowned. "So what are we supposed to do about it?"

"Arisa wants us to formulate a response," Hana replied, glancing around the room. "I wanted to get everyone's input before we make any decisions."

Riko leaned forward, clearly unimpressed. "My vote? Ignore it. We don't need to feed into it. It's just rumors. People will get bored and move on."

Itsuki gave a nod of agreement. "Yeah, sounds about right. These things blow over eventually."

Kaede scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Or... maybe we clarify who kissed who in the video? That might stop the speculation."

Astra shook her head, her voice curt. "That won't help. It'll look like we're denying something."

Hana sighed, agreeing with Astra. "I think you're right. It would only fuel more rumors. But I don't think ignoring it is the answer, either. It's too big to brush off."

Riko threw her hands up. "But if we respond in any way, we're giving the rumors clout! We need to figure out who started this in the first place. And I'll bet anything it was Sunshine Melody. They've been salty ever since we embarrassed them at the festival."

Hana winced, biting her lip. "Riko, we don't know that."

"Come on, Hana," Riko pressed. "You know Akari would do something like this if she thought it'd take us down a peg."

Hana shook her head, conflicted. "I don't want to believe that Akari or anyone from Sunshine Melody would stoop to something like this. Even after everything..."

"You're being too nice," Riko muttered, leaning back in her chair with a sigh.

Hana paused, thinking over everything before finally speaking. "We're going to release a statement that the speculation is baseless. The mystery of 'Veiled Echoes' was always meant to be something for the fans to interpret on their own, and answering it would take away from that experience."

Riko, Itsuki, Kaede, and Astra all exchanged glances, not entirely convinced, but none of them voiced an objection. After all, Hana was the leader, and they trusted her judgment.

"Fine," Riko said after a moment. "But if it keeps getting worse, we're gonna have to rethink this."

Hana nodded, still worried. "I hope it doesn't come to that." But deep down, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that this situation wasn't going to be resolved so easily.

----

Akari sat hunched over her laptop, her face illuminated by the soft blue light of the screen. Her fingers moved deftly over the keys as she typed out yet another anonymous post from her dummy account. The latest rumor she was stoking was simple, but effective: "It's so obvious Hana and Riko are secretly a couple! Look at the 'Veiled Echoes' video again. That kiss? Totally them." With a smirk, she hit send, watching as the post was immediately picked up and shared, a small ripple that would soon grow into a wave of speculation.

She leaned back in her chair, clicking on an animated image of the first of the two controversial "love-making" scenes from the music video. The way the two women's lips met, their movements slow and deliberate, made it easy for people to believe whatever they wanted to about the scene. Akari didn't care much for the truth. The important thing was that the narrative she wanted was spreading.

The second of the two kisses, however, was much less of a 'steamy' encounter than the first one. Despite the positioning of the two women being more risque-- one lying on the floor, the other lying on top of her-- their costumes featured a fluffy white boa draped around their heads, and the act of the kiss made the encounter more private and speculative. If it was not for a softly private meeting, Akari would have gladly painted this encounter as the focus event thanks to the suggestive positioning, but she settled on the first kiss because of its more overtly visible passionate encounter.

While admiring her handiwork, the door to her room creaked open. Aoi leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. Her metallic blonde hair framed her face, and her sharp, observant eyes immediately caught sight of Akari's laptop screen.

"Still at it, huh?" Aoi said, her voice casual but with an edge of amusement.

Akari glanced up and shrugged. "Just giving people what they want. The more they speculate, the better."

Aoi sauntered over, leaning on the desk next to Akari, glancing down at the animated scene still playing on loop. "You know, it's not exactly hurting them, is it? Hana and Riko are getting all the attention. People are talking about them more than ever."

Akari frowned slightly, tapping her fingers on the desk. "Yeah, I know... but we're building up to something bigger. Yui said we need to let this play out slowly."

Aoi raised an eyebrow. "And you're just sitting here, following her orders?" She gave a teasing smile, clearly trying to prod at Akari. "That's not like you."

Akari's frown deepened, but she didn't respond immediately. Aoi was right. She *did* want to push things further, to really get under Hana's skin. Watching her squirm would be so much more satisfying than these anonymous posts.

Sensing Akari's internal struggle, Aoi leaned in a little closer, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "Imagine Hana sitting in her room, crying because no one will leave her alone. Everyone's talking about her, dissecting her every move... and you could be the one to make that happen."

Akari blinked, her gaze locking onto Aoi's. "What?"

Aoi's smile widened slightly. "There's an interview coming up, right? Some media outlet wants to talk to us about the festival and everything that's happened since. What if... during the interview, the topic of 'Veiled Echoes' comes up? The rumors. You could give your own input on it. Just... lightly fan the flames. After all, Moonlight Prism is still 'fresh' off their high of humiliating us at the Sunshine Music Festival. It's still in the public consciousness."

Akari's eyes lit up at the suggestion. The idea of being able to *publicly* add fuel to the fire was intoxicating. And if it made Hana cry? That was just icing on the cake.

"Are you saying we arrange for the interviewer to ask about it?" Akari asked, already picturing the scenario in her mind.

Aoi nodded. "Yeah, I think we can do that. We'll drop a few hints, make sure they know it's a hot topic. They'll bring it up, and you'll get to act all innocent, but... subtly imply that maybe there's *some* truth to the rumors. It'll be perfect."

Akari leaned forward, her smirk returning. "I like it. I really like it." She could already hear the questions in her head, already see the headlines that would follow. The thought of turning Hana into a media target made her heart race with excitement. She wanted to watch Hana crumble under the weight of it all.

"Good," Aoi said, satisfied. "Let's make sure they ask the right questions."

Akari glanced at the animated image playing again on her laptop, the kiss that had sparked all of this. "Let's do it." She smiled wickedly, imagining the fallout that was about to unfold.

----

## A Direct Indirect Attack

During the interview, the conversation steered toward the renewed controversy surrounding the 'Veiled Echoes' music video, Akari leaned forward with an unexpectedly soft smile. She cleared her throat before speaking, her tone calm and measured, yet every word was carefully chosen.

"Art," she began, "has this fascinating ability to reveal more than what's on the surface. I believe that when you create something as beautifully ambiguous as 'Veiled Echoes', it invites endless interpretations. Sometimes, a single image or moment can spark so much conversation-- it makes you wonder if, perhaps, there's a hidden depth behind those expressions we see. For instance, a passionate kiss captured in a fleeting moment might suggest vulnerability or even secrets that some would rather keep private."

She paused, letting her eyes wander just a bit, as if lost in thought. Then, with a slight, almost imperceptible smile, she added, "Of course, interpretations are entirely subjective. One might say that certain individuals are simply more affected by what they see, more prone to letting art reflect their personal truths. But then, isn't that the beauty of it? That each person finds something that resonates on a deeply personal level? I only find it interesting that sometimes, when emotions run high, the public begins to question not only the art itself but also the people behind it."

Her gaze held an unspoken challenge-- a subtle invitation for the audience to read between the lines, hinting at the complexities of private relationships without ever naming names. Her words, delivered with an air of gentle curiosity, seemed to carry a double meaning: a commentary on the evocative power of art and a barely concealed jab at those whose personal lives had become the subject of gossip.

The interviewer, sensing the nuance in Akari's statement, nodded slowly. Akari's carefully crafted message had, in its subtle ambiguity, managed to stoke the flames of speculation even further-- all while maintaining the guise of innocent artistic insight.

----

As the interview played on the television, Akari's soft, innocent-sounding words filled the air of Hana and Riko's apartment. Hana sat on the edge of the couch, her wide eyes glued to the screen, shock and hurt evident in her expression. Akari's voice, carefully layered with insinuations, had landed harder than anything Hana had expected. Each word seemed to carve deeper into the wound of their already fractured friendship, and the ambiguity with which Akari spoke made it impossible for Hana to simply brush it off as innocent speculation. 

Riko, sitting beside her, already had her suspicions that Akari was behind the rumors. The way Akari framed her comments-- acting coy while pouring fuel on the fire-- was unmistakable to her. But now wasn't the time to say "I told you so." She could see how deeply Akari's words had hurt Hana. Instead, Riko shifted closer to Hana, silently reaching out to give her a protective hug.

Hana leaned into Riko's embrace without a word, her body tense yet seeking comfort. Riko held her tightly, wrapping her arms around Hana as though to shield her from the painful reality that had just unfolded. The television continued to play Akari's interview, but neither of them was listening anymore. The words had become just noise in the background, meaningless compared to the raw emotions they were feeling.

Hana reached out to Riko's hand, her fingers trembling slightly as they intertwined with Riko's. Riko could feel the tremors in Hana's hand, the silent pain, and the vulnerability she didn't often show. Hana wasn't crying, not in the way Riko expected-- there were no sobs or outbursts-- but her tears began to roll down her cheeks quietly, as if they had no choice but to fall. Yet, with Riko there beside her, holding her hand, she wasn't alone. Riko had always been her safe place, the one person she could turn to when everything else seemed to crumble around her.

In that shared silence, they found solace in each other. Riko pulled Hana closer, their heads resting together as the moment between them deepened. The world outside-- the gossip, the rumors, Akari's betrayal-- faded into the background as the warmth of their closeness became the only thing that mattered.

Their fingers remained intertwined, and Hana turned to face Riko. For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the weight of the day's events heavy between them. But in Riko's eyes, Hana saw no judgment, no pity-- only understanding and a quiet promise of support. The unspoken bond they shared had always been deeper than words could express.

Hana leaned in first, her lips brushing against Riko's in a tentative kiss. It was soft at first, a hesitant connection, but as Riko responded, the kiss deepened, becoming more passionate, more insistent. The pain and vulnerability of the day seemed to melt away as they gave themselves over to each other, seeking comfort in the one thing that had always been steady in their lives: their connection. 

In that charged moment, the line between friendship and intimacy blurred, not for the first time, but more intensely than it ever had before. Their kisses became hungrier, and their hands began to explore, each touch carrying a weight of comfort, longing, and a desire to escape the hurt of the world outside. They had always shared a closeness, but tonight, after everything that had happened, it felt like they were crossing into a new, unspoken territory.

Hana's tears had stopped, and now, all that remained was the feeling of Riko's warmth, her lips, and the quiet comfort they gave each other as they embraced the night ahead.

----

Hana and Riko lay entwined on the couch, the soft glow of the television casting flickering shadows across the room. The blanket draped over their bodies was warm, comforting, and snug, as they basked in the afterglow of what they had just done. Neither of them had been paying attention to the TV for a while now-- some random show played in the background, its noise barely registering in their ears. All that mattered was the heat of the moment that had passed, and the quiet that now settled between them.

They had crossed a line. They both knew it. It was a line that had been there for a long time, unspoken but always present, and in a moment of raw emotion, they had finally stepped over it. And it had felt good. It had felt like something they both needed to do-- something they had been avoiding, dancing around, but couldn't hold back any longer.

But now that the intensity had faded, the reality of it all began to settle in.

Riko was the first to break the silence, shifting slightly under the blanket as she glanced sideways at Hana. "Well, I guess I'll never find a guy now," she said, a teasing grin playing on her lips.

Hana didn't laugh. She didn't even smile. Instead, she turned her gaze to the ceiling, her voice soft and serious. "I don't care. My first time was with you, Riko."

Riko blinked, surprised at Hana's response. The teasing grin faded, and she nodded, feeling the weight of what Hana had said. "Yeah... me too. I mean, if anyone deserved my virginity, it was you."

There was a pause, the gravity of their shared confession lingering between them. But the moment wasn't as simple or pure as they might have hoped. A shadow hung over them-- Akari's words from that damned interview, the rumors she had helped stoke, the speculation she'd sent swirling around them. It tainted what should've been a private, intimate moment. They had played right into Akari's narrative, and they both knew it.

Hana's chest felt heavy. She bit her lip, a frown creasing her forehead. "We... we just proved her right," she said, the reality of their actions sinking in. "Akari... she said we were lesbians. And now... now we've given her exactly what she wanted."

Riko shook her head, turning to face Hana more fully. "No. No, that's not it. Just because we had sex, doesn't mean we're suddenly lesbians, Hana. We're... we're friends. Friends with benefits now, I guess."

Hana turned to look at her, confused. "But--"

"People have sex all the time," Riko interrupted gently. "It doesn't always mean something romantic. It doesn't mean they're in love or that they're anything other than what they were before. Why should it be any different for us? Just because we had sex doesn't mean Akari was right."

Hana's mind swirled with everything Riko was saying. She wasn't wrong. People slept together all the time, often without any emotional attachment. But it was hard to shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. The fear of being defined by Akari's cruel words haunted her.

Riko gave a small sigh and continued, "If we decide that what we did makes us lesbians, then Akari wins. And I don't know about you, but I'm not giving her that satisfaction."

Hana closed her eyes, taking in Riko's words. She knew her friend was right. Akari had won this round-- she had gotten into their heads, and they had acted on impulses driven by all the emotions stirred up by her malicious gossip. But that didn't mean they had to let her win again.

"We can't let her win," Hana finally said, opening her eyes. Her voice was firmer now, her resolve building. "Akari may have won tonight, but we can't let her control us again."

Riko smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah. So... we keep this between us, okay? I won't tell anyone if you won't. Deal?"

That broke the tension. Hana let out a soft, incredulous laugh. She turned to face Riko, their eyes meeting in the dim light of the room. "Deal," she said with a chuckle. "What happens on this couch, stays on this couch. But if we decide to do it again, let's pick a bed, okay?"

Riko laughed too, and for a moment, the weight of everything lifted. The intensity of the night, the stress of the rumors, Akari's twisted games-- it all faded into the background as they shared that small moment of understanding.

----

The morning light filtered through the large windows of Prism Productions' lounge, casting soft rays across the room. Hana and Riko walked in together, trying to shake off the weight of the previous night's events. Their bond had grown stronger, but the uncertainty still hung in the air between them. Today, they had to face reality again, whatever that would mean.

As they stepped further into the lounge, they noticed Itsuki and Kaede huddled around a laptop at one of the small tables. Astra, as usual, was standing by the bar, her face bathed in the glow of her phone screen, swiping through updates in her typically aloof manner.

Hana exchanged a glance with Riko, her brow furrowed. "What's going on?" she asked as they approached the table.

Itsuki glanced up from the laptop, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Shizuka Minazuki sent out a press release," he said, pointing at the screen. "It's about the 'Veiled Echoes' controversy. Arisa just disseminated it this morning."

Riko's eyes widened, and Hana felt a jolt in her chest. "Shizuka?" Hana asked, her voice laced with surprise. Shizuka had always been supportive of them-- she'd even appeared in their early music videos-- but an official statement from her?

"Yeah," Kaede chimed in, leaning back in his chair. "She's clarifying what really happened in that video. It's... kinda a big deal."

Hana moved closer, and Riko leaned in beside her, both of them staring at the screen as Itsuki scrolled through the letter. The press release was formal but personal in its tone, clearly written by Shizuka herself, though the dissemination had been handled by Arisa.

Shizuka began by explaining her connection to Moonlight Prism, mentioning her appearance in three of their early music videos. She expressed her respect for both Hana and Riko as artists and friends, which was why she felt the need to clarify what had become a muddled narrative in the public eye. The letter explicitly addressed the 'Veiled Echoes' music video, where Shizuka had shared an artistic kiss with both Hana and Riko.

"To be absolutely clear," Shizuka emphasized, "while I did kiss both Hana and Riko in the video for artistic purposes, at no point did Hana and Riko kiss each other."

Hana felt her breath hitch. Shizuka was being so careful, so precise in her wording, that it was almost painful to read. She continued, stressing that her actions were entirely for the sake of the video's narrative and not indicative of any personal relationships beyond friendship. Shizuka wished both Hana and Riko continued success in their careers, expressing her care for them without delving into any romantic or sexual undertones.

"Wow..." Riko murmured. "I wasn't expecting her to step in like this."

Hana was silent, processing the weight of Shizuka's words. This was a public intervention, and Shizuka had put her own reputation on the line to support them. But... would it really make a difference?

Riko glanced at Hana. "Do you think this'll actually change anything?" she asked, voicing the question that had been on both their minds.

Before Hana could respond, Astra's voice cut through the room. "Yes."

Both Hana and Riko turned toward Astra, who was still standing by the bar, her eyes glued to her phone. She didn't look up as she spoke, her tone as blunt and curt as ever.

Astra's words, though simple, carried weight. She had been keeping an eye on social media trends for weeks, quietly monitoring the ebb and flow of the controversy without saying much. If she said the letter would have an effect, it probably would.

Riko raised an eyebrow at Astra's usual brevity. "Just like that, huh?"

Astra finally looked up from her phone, her piercing gold eyes meeting Riko's. "Her words carry weight. People will listen."

Hana nodded slowly, her heart still racing from the surprise of it all. "But... what does this mean for us?" she wondered aloud, her voice soft, unsure.

Riko put a hand on Hana's shoulder, her voice reassuring. "It means we keep pushing forward, Hana. We made our choice, and now we have to stick to it. This doesn't change that."

Hana met Riko's gaze, a million questions running through her mind. Shizuka's statement had offered them a lifeline, but it also reminded them of the delicate path they were walking. They had crossed a line last night-- a line they couldn't uncross. Shizuka had just defended them publicly, but no one else knew about the deeper line they'd crossed in private.

Hana's fingers tightened around Riko's hand, and Riko gave her a small smile, the same smile she always gave when she knew they were in this together, no matter what.

They shared a silent understanding. They couldn't undo the past, but they could control how they moved forward. And Akari? Akari didn't matter. Not anymore.

"Let's just... focus on the music," Hana said softly, her voice steadying as the shock faded and her resolve returned. "We need to keep going."

Riko squeezed her hand and nodded. "Yeah. We've got this."

----

## Shizuka's Public Statement

To my fans and the wider public,

Recently, there has been renewed discussion surrounding the 'Veiled Echoes' music video I had the pleasure of working on with the incredibly talented Hana and Riko of Moonlight Prism some years ago. I understand that the imagery and narrative of the video have continued to spark curiosity and various interpretations over time, and I appreciate the engagement with our art.

However, I feel it's important to address some of the current speculation directly, particularly as it pertains to Hana and Riko's personal lives.

For the record, the creative direction for 'Veiled Echoes' involved exploring themes of duality, connection, and the blurring of identities. As such, the interactions within the video, including the kisses, were carefully choreographed and performed as part of the artistic expression of the song.

To be absolutely clear: while I did kiss both Hana and Riko in the video for artistic purposes, at no point did Hana and Riko kiss each other.

Both Hana and Riko are artists I deeply respect and care for. I was happy to lend my experience to their early work, and I have been consistently impressed by their growth and the beautiful music they continue to create with Moonlight Prism. Any attempt to read more into the artistic choices of a music video and apply it to their personal relationships is unfounded and, frankly, disrespectful.

I sincerely hope this clarifies the situation and allows everyone to focus on the wonderful talent and hard work of Moonlight Prism. I wish Hana, Riko, and the entire group continued success in their future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Shizuka Minazuki

----

## A Setback

Akari sat at her desk, her face illuminated by the pale glow of her laptop screen as the notifications kept rolling in. The comments, the retweets, the memes-- it was all moving too fast, and none of it was going the way she had planned.

Aoi, Sakura, Yui, and Hikari stood behind her, each reacting in their own way to the escalating social media storm. Aoi had her arms crossed, her brow furrowed as she leaned in closer to the screen, while Sakura was calmly analyzing the situation, her hands resting delicately on the back of Akari's chair. Yui remained silent, but her body language spoke volumes, her arms tense, her expression unreadable. Hikari, as always, was glued to Akari's side, continuing her role as the loyal follower.

Akari's gaze flickered across the screen, reading the harsh words, the scathing replies, and the sheer tidal wave of backlash that was now directed at *her*.

"How dare Akari twist the truth like that?"
"Throwing Hana under the bus after knowing her for years? That's low."
"Shizuka's literally a superstar-- who's Akari compared to her?"
"Akari should apologize for fueling the rumors. Gross."

Akari clenched her fists, her jaw tight, as she scrolled through the barrage of angry posts. The plan had been simple enough: paint Hana and Riko in a compromising light, use the kiss in the 'Veiled Echoes' video to stoke the flames, and let the rumors take on a life of their own. And it *had* worked-- up until Shizuka's press release that morning, seemingly in response to Akari's interview the previous night.

Shizuka Minazuki, the star actress and supermodel who had the power to sway public opinion with just a few well-placed words, had pulled the rug out from under Akari. Shizuka had admitted to kissing both Hana and Riko in the video-- but crucially, Hana and Riko hadn't kissed *each other*. Akari's narrative was shattered in an instant.

Yui, who had been standing quietly off to the side, finally spoke up, her voice low. "I knew this would happen," she said, more to herself than anyone else. She glanced at Akari, seeming like she wanted to say more-- maybe to tell her off, maybe to express her disappointment-- but she stopped herself. After a moment's hesitation, Yui turned on her heel and left the room without another word. It was clear that Yui wasn't just upset about the social media disaster. Akari hadn't stuck to the plan, and as soon as Akari put her fingerprints on the scandal out in public she received immediate backlash.

Akari's eyes followed Yui as she left, but she didn't say anything. She knew Yui was angry with her, but at this point, she couldn't afford to care. Not now.

Aoi, still standing behind Akari, scoffed. "Well, it doesn't change the fact that Hana and Riko kissed another woman," she muttered, crossing her arms again. "People aren't going to forget that part."

Sakura shook her head. "No, Aoi, it's not that simple." She sighed, glancing down at Akari with a mix of frustration and disappointment. "It was Shizuka who kissed them, not each other. And you know how big Shizuka is in the industry now. She's leagues above us. We can't use that against them-- it'll just make *us* look desperate."

Hikari, still hovering loyally over Akari's shoulder, tried to offer some encouragement. "I think it's fine, Akari. I mean, the letter's too little, too late, right? The damage is already done. People are still talking about it." She smiled, ever the suck-up. "In a way, the plan *did* work."

Akari didn't respond right away, her mind racing with thoughts of how to salvage this disaster. Hikari's optimism was misplaced; Akari knew better. The tide of public opinion had turned, and now, it was *her* name being dragged through the mud, being the only public figure who seemingly argued in support of the social media storm. But despite the storm of backlash and Yui's silent rebuke, Akari's mind was already shifting gears.

She wasn't done with Hana-- not by a long shot.

Akari narrowed her eyes, a new plan already beginning to form in her mind. If the 'Veiled Echoes' angle had failed, she would just have to find another way to get at Hana. She had come too far to let this go now.

"It's not over yet," Akari muttered under her breath, her voice cold with determination.

Aoi glanced down at her, raising an eyebrow. "What was that?"

Akari shook her head, a small, calculating smile forming on her lips. "Nothing," she said smoothly, her fingers already moving to close the laptop.

But in her mind, she was already plotting her next move.

----

The internet raged with fervent discussion in the wake of Shizuka Minazuki's carefully-crafted statement regarding the 'Veiled Echoes' mystery. While her intention might have been to quell the romantic speculation, her words inadvertently ignited the imaginations of fans even further. Instead of diffusing the perceived tension, Shizuka's confirmation of kissing both Hana and Riko was widely interpreted as a tacit blessing on the deep connection between the two Moonlight Prism members.

Eagle-eyed fans dissected the 'Veiled Echoes' video with renewed intensity. Many pointed to the undeniable difference in the on-screen intimacy: the kiss between Shizuka and Hana lingered, charged with an intensity that surpassed the more private connection with Riko. This visual evidence fueled countless online debates, with a prevailing sentiment that Shizuka shared a unique and profound bond with Hana.

This interpretation wasn't solely based on a single music video. Over the years, the professional paths of Shizuka and Hana had intertwined on numerous occasions. From Shizuka's supportive guest appearances in Hana's projects to their highly anticipated collaborations, these moments only solidified the public perception of a deep connection built on mutual respect, artistic admiration, and perhaps an unspoken understanding that resonated beyond mere professional courtesy.

Akari and Sunshine Melody, however, found their attempt to capitalize on the 'Veiled Echoes' speculation spectacularly backfiring. Akari's thinly-veiled accusations against Hana and Riko during her interview painted her as petty and desperate. Moonlight Prism's fiercely loyal fanbase swiftly rallied to their defense, accusing Akari of malicious intent and a blatant attempt to sabotage their idols' hard-earned success.

The 'Veiled Echoes' mystery, once a beloved piece of pop culture lore that had sparked years of playful debate, was now tarnished by the stench of manufactured scandal. Moonlight Prism's fans felt Akari's actions had not only been a direct attack on their favorite group but also a disrespectful attempt to exploit and ruin a cherished moment in their history. The magic of the 'Veiled Echoes' enigma was now overshadowed by the unpleasant reality of Akari's manipulative tactics and a definitive answer to the mystery of who kissed who in order to quell the controversy.

Public opinion shifted decisively in favor of Moonlight Prism. While Sunshine Melody retained their dedicated following, many casual observers and former neutrals were repulsed by Akari's behavior, seeing it as cheap and calculating. The backlash was immediate and widespread, with support for Hana, Riko, and Moonlight Prism surging as they maintained a dignified silence and professional composure throughout the ordeal.

In the end, Akari's attempt to reignite a controversy and sow discord had the opposite effect. It served only to strengthen the already-powerful bond between Moonlight Prism and their devoted fans, solidifying their position as a group that navigated the often-turbulent waters of the music industry with grace and integrity.

----

## Tragic Aftermath

The apartment was quiet, save for the faint hum of traffic outside. Hana and Riko sat together on the couch, both lost in thought as they tried to absorb everything that had happened over the past few weeks. Their shared space-- once a place of comfort and laughter-- felt heavy now, burdened by the weight of a controversy neither of them had ever anticipated. They were dressed down, both in various states of undress, wearing the kind of clothes reserved for lazy evenings at home, though tonight, relaxation seemed far away.

Riko leaned back, staring at the ceiling as she tried to make sense of the tangled emotions that had plagued her ever since Akari had ignited the 'Veiled Echoes' scandal. She felt conflicted, torn between her deep affection for Hana and the overwhelming pressure the world had suddenly placed on their relationship. Hana was the most important person in Riko's life, her anchor, her constant-- but as much as she wanted to, she couldn't bring herself to see Hana in a romantic light. The realization saddened her deeply, especially since Akari's scandal had put their friendship under the public microscope, twisting their intimate bond into something it never was.

Riko shifted slightly, her eyes distant. "I don't know what to say anymore," she muttered, her voice low. "I used to be able to say it so easily, Hana. 'I love you.' Now... I just can't."

Hana, who had been staring at her hands, turned her gaze toward Riko. She felt the same. The words that used to come so naturally between them-- words that symbolized a friendship closer than any other-- now felt loaded, tainted by the outside world's expectations. Reaching out, Hana gently took Riko's hand in hers, squeezing it softly.

"I can't either," Hana admitted quietly. "It's like... the scandal took something away from us. I don't know if we'll ever get it back."

The room was still, both of them grappling with the same thought. Their friendship had always been deep and intimate, built on trust and understanding, but now it felt fragile, as if the whole world had intruded on something that was meant to be just theirs.

"It's a blessing and a curse," Hana reflected after a long pause. "On the one hand, we've finally... we finally had that moment we were too afraid to face. We had to figure out where we stand." She shook her head, her lips curving into a bitter smile. "But on the other hand, Akari ruined it. She turned something special into a spectacle. She took something precious from us."

Riko felt a familiar ache in her chest. The same anger, the same frustration. They had spent years nurturing a bond that felt so real, so irreplaceable. But now, with the world dissecting every interaction between them, everything had changed.

"I still can't believe it came to this," Riko murmured. "Akari... she was a part of our journey. Remember our first music video together?" Her lips quirked up, remembering the absurdity of it all. "'Sweet Revenge'-- you turned into a human sundae."

Hana let out a soft laugh, the memory tugging at her in a different way now. "I'll never forget that. Being covered in chocolate and caramel, I thought I was going to die of embarrassment. That shocked expression on my face went viral."

Riko chuckled, the sound lightening the mood, if only a little. "Yeah, it did. I think it's still a meme somewhere. That was our first collaboration... and it's one of my favorite memories."

Hana smiled, her eyes distant as she reminisced. "We had more collaborations after that. It made people think that Moonlight Prism and Sunshine Melody were friends. It felt like we were all building something together." Her expression darkened as she continued. "But then, at the Sunshine Music Festival, Akari showed her true colors. Everything changed. She wasn't interested in friendship-- she just wanted to be the face of everything. It wasn't about us, it wasn't about the school, it wasn't even about the music. It was all about her."

Riko could hear the hurt in Hana's voice, the lingering confusion over how things had gone so wrong. She shifted closer, turning to face Hana fully. "Hana, it wasn't your fault. Akari was always ambitious-- too ambitious. She twisted everything to fit her version of the world. She wanted to use you, to use us, to make herself the center of it all. You wanted to believe in her, but that's not a weakness. That's what makes you a good person. It's not your fault she betrayed that trust."

Hana met Riko's gaze, the hurt slowly ebbing as Riko's words sank in. Maybe it wasn't her fault. Maybe Akari had never been the friend she thought she was. The version of Akari Hana had trusted, had believed in, might never have existed at all. It was possible that the person Hana had thought she knew was just another layer of Akari's ambition.

"Maybe you're right," Hana whispered. "Maybe the Akari I thought I knew was just... a facade. Something she wanted me to see, for whatever reason she was aiming for."

Riko squeezed Hana's hand. "Akari made her choices, and now she has to live with them. But us... we'll be okay. We'll find our way back to each other. We'll figure this out."

Hana nodded, feeling the warmth of Riko's hand in hers and knowing that, no matter what the world said, they would always have each other-- even if the words didn't come as easily anymore.

----

## Harmony Gala

The conference room felt far too sterile for what was about to unfold. Located on the upper floor of a downtown Tokyo building, its neutral white walls and polished surfaces were an ironic contrast to the tension bubbling under the surface. Moonlight Prism and Sunshine Melody sat across from each other at a long glass table, the air thick with unspoken rivalry. 

Moonlight Prism-- Hana, Riko, Itsuki, Kaede, and the newest addition, Astra-- sat on one side. Hana, with her signature silver bob, kept a calm expression, but her eyes betrayed a glimmer of unease. Riko, leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed, glanced at the opposing group with a thinly veiled disdain. Itsuki, the flamboyant and playful guitarist, tapped his fingers against the table, while Kaede, their professional and no-nonsense drummer, looked notably tense, likely remembering the forfeit from last year. Astra, distant as usual, remained an enigma, her gold eyes darting between the groups as she tried to gauge the situation. This was her first time joining these "negotiations," and she had no idea what to expect.

Across from them sat Sunshine Melody. Akari, the leader with her vibrant orange ponytail, flashed a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Next to her was Sakura, the prim and proper princess, her blonde bob perfectly styled as she glanced at her notes, a picture of calm professionalism. Aoi, the dancer, leaned forward, looking competitive as she usually did, while Yui, the strategist with aqua hair, observed the scene quietly. Hikari, the youngest with her pink twintails, seemed mostly there for moral support, chewing on a piece of candy and not fully aware of the tension rising between the two groups.

This wasn't just a typical meeting to finalize the logistics of their appearances at the upcoming Harmony Gala charity fundraiser; there was much more at stake-- unspoken, but deeply understood by both sides.

It had all started years ago, back when Moonlight Prism and Sunshine Melody were on friendlier terms, their rivalry more about good-natured competition than anything else. Both groups had performed at the Harmony Gala in the past, a prestigious event where top artists came together to raise money for various causes. Moonlight Prism and Sunshine Melody had made it their mission to raise money for a shared cause-- 'rescue kittens'.

It was Hana and Akari who had come up with the idea of turning the charity fundraiser into a personal wager. It was meant to be a lighthearted side competition, a way to motivate both groups to raise more money. The rules were simple: whichever group raised the most money for the cause would be declared the winner, while the losing group would have to face an agreed-upon forfeit.

The first year, the forfeit was messy, but relatively harmless-- Moonlight Prism, back when they still had their old drummer, had lost. As punishment, they had to sit on stage while buckets of sticky substances were dumped over them, vaguely reminiscent of the 'Sweet Revenge' music video, all broadcast live for their fans to see. Hana remembered the chaos-- the feeling of syrup and whipped cream cascading over her head while Riko sat beside her laughing through the mess. Itsuki had been a good sport about it, but even then, there was an undercurrent of something sharper beneath the fun.

The second year had been even more embarrassing. Moonlight Prism, now with Kaede as their new drummer, lost again. This time, the punishment was pies. One-by-one, each member of Moonlight Prism was pied in the face during a live stream, something that Kaede, in particular, hadn't taken too kindly to. Hana still remembered the look on Kaede's face. It was meant to be in good fun, but even then, the rivalry had taken on a more serious edge.

This year, however, things were different. The stakes were higher, not just because the forfeits had escalated, but because the tension between Moonlight Prism and Sunshine Melody had grown far beyond friendly competition. Akari's recent actions had driven a wedge between them, and though this meeting was officially to discuss the Harmony Gala's logistics, everyone knew it was really about the next round of their "side wager."

Astra, sitting next to Hana, raised an eyebrow. "So, what's this about? We're raising money for kittens again, right?" Her tone was distant, as if she didn't care much about the details, but there was a faint curiosity in her eyes. She hadn't been part of this rivalry before, and from the stories she had heard from the others, she wasn't entirely sure what she had gotten herself into.

Riko snorted, leaning forward on the table. "Yeah, kittens. But it's more than that." She shot a look at Akari across the table. "Let's just say there's a bit of a... tradition between us."

Akari's smile sharpened at the mention of tradition. "It's all in good fun, right, Hana?" Her voice was saccharine, but there was a bite beneath the words.

Hana nodded, though her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Of course. Just like always." She glanced at Astra. "We have a little competition with Sunshine Melody every year. Whoever raises the most money wins, and the losers... well, let's just say there's a forfeit."

Itsuki chuckled, though his tone was more resigned than amused. "Last year we got pied. Live stream, the whole thing. The fans loved it."

Kaede's face tightened at the memory, but he stayed silent.

Astra tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "And this year?"

Hana hesitated, glancing at Akari before answering. "We haven't decided on the forfeit yet. But that's part of why we're here."

Akari's eyes gleamed, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something dangerous in her smile. "Don't worry. I'm sure we'll come up with something... memorable."

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of the past two years-- and the unresolved rivalry-- hanging heavily over both groups. This wasn't just about raising money for a good cause anymore-- it was about pride, competition, and something much deeper than either group had anticipated when they first made their friendly wager years ago. Now, with the Harmony Gala fast approaching, both Moonlight Prism and Sunshine Melody were preparing for another round. But this year, the stakes felt different.

Akari leaned forward, her hands resting on the glass table between the two groups. The sharp edge to her smile deepened, and the tension in the room grew even thicker. "I've been thinking," she began, her voice dripping with playful malice, "that this year, the stakes need to be higher. After all, we've already done the pies, the sticky buckets, but it's starting to feel a little... stale, don't you think?"

Across from her, Hana maintained a calm, composed demeanor, though her eyes never left Akari's. "What do you have in mind?" she asked coolly, though the undertone in her voice was wary.

Akari let out a small laugh, almost as if she had been waiting for that question. "How about this-- this year, the losing group doesn't just get messy. They get a complete makeover. And I'm not talking about a simple wardrobe change," she added, her smile widening as her gaze flicked to the rest of Moonlight Prism, especially Riko and Kaede. "I'm talking about an *extreme* makeover. Live on stream, courtesy of the winners. And then, after they've been transformed, they have to perform wearing the getup."

A murmur of surprise ran through both groups. Riko immediately straightened in her seat, her arms uncrossing as she shot Hana a look of concern. "Wait, hold on a second--" she began, but Akari wasn't finished.

"Something cute and frilly, perhaps?" Akari continued, her eyes sparkling with glee. "I think you'd all look adorable dressed like dolls, don't you?" She winked at Hana, as if daring her to refuse.

Kaede, visibly uncomfortable, shifted in his seat, shooting Hana a nervous glance. "Hana... we don't have to agree to this," he said under his breath. 

Itsuki, though usually the joker of the group, frowned deeply, his usually playful demeanor replaced by something more serious.

But Hana, much to everyone's surprise, didn't flinch. If anything, her expression hardened. The feud between her and Akari had been simmering for too long, and it was clear that Akari was pushing this as far as it could go. Hana's pride-- something she rarely let show-- burned inside her. This wasn't just about a charity fundraiser anymore. It was personal.

"Fine," Hana said, her voice steady but sharp, causing Riko's eyes to widen in alarm. "We'll agree to your terms. But don't think for a second we'll make it easy on you if you lose."

Akari's smile faltered for a brief moment, not expecting Hana to agree so quickly, but she recovered swiftly. "Oh, I'm not worried. Sunshine Melody's fundraising team is, as you know, top-notch." She glanced around the room at her bandmates, who all seemed more confident than ever. "I'd start thinking about your new look if I were you, Hana. Something cute and frilly will suit you *perfectly*."

Hana didn't blink. "We'll come up with something just as embarrassing for your group if you lose. Trust me."

At that, Akari's eyes narrowed in amusement, but she didn't respond. She didn't need to-- Sunshine Melody had trounced Moonlight Prism two years in a row. In her mind, there was no way they could lose this time either. The idea of getting to dress Hana, Riko, and the others in humiliating outfits was too sweet to pass up.

Yui stepped forward, holding a piece of paper in hand. "In that case, we should formalize this agreement," she said calmly, producing two copies of what looked like an informal contract she had prepared beforehand. She glanced at both Hana and Akari, making sure they were both paying attention.

"We'll need both of you to sign," Yui continued, placing one copy in front of each leader. "This will ensure the forfeit is official, witnessed by both bands. The losing group will undergo an extreme makeover, chosen by the winning group, and perform live in that new look. The final look will be determined by the date of the live stream."

Astra, who had remained aloof throughout the entire discussion, glanced at the paper but made no move to intervene. She didn't seem bothered by the turn of events, though Riko and Kaede both looked like they were about to protest again.

"Are you sure about this, Hana?" Riko whispered, her tone serious. "We don't have to agree to this. There's no way we're letting them turn us into dolls."

Hana nodded once, not taking her eyes off Akari. "We'll win," she said, her voice resolute. "Trust me."

Riko hesitated, clearly uneasy, but she didn't push any further. Kaede, meanwhile, grimaced, clearly dreading the potential outcome. Itsuki, who had been silent up until now, simply sighed. "Well, this is going to be interesting," he muttered.

Akari, looking far too pleased with herself, took the pen Yui handed her and signed her name on the contract with a flourish. She passed the paper to Hana, who, without missing a beat, took the pen and signed her name as well, her hand steady as she sealed the agreement.

Both groups watched as the leaders ceremonially exchanged the signed papers, making the wager official in front of everyone.

Akari grinned triumphantly. "I can't wait to see the look on your face when we're done with you."

Hana, however, remained unshaken. "Don't get too comfortable, Akari. You might be the one wearing something cute and frilly."

The two leaders locked eyes, the silent challenge between them growing more intense by the second. The room had never felt colder, and though the rest of the group members remained outwardly composed, the undercurrent of anxiety and anticipation was palpable.

With the agreement now signed, the only thing left was to see who would win-- and who would face the consequences.

----

Back at the lounge of Prism Productions, the mood was tense as Moonlight Prism stepped inside, the heavy atmosphere from their confrontation with Sunshine Melody still lingering in the air. Hana walked in first, her footsteps measured, though her mind was racing with thoughts of the gamble she had just taken. Behind her, Riko and Itsuki exchanged uneasy glances, while Astra and Kaede trailed behind them.

As soon as they all entered the room, the silence was broken by something none of them expected.

Kaede, usually the most composed and professional among them, grabbed Hana by the shirt and, in one swift motion, pushed her hard against the wall. His face remained its usual calm and stoic mask, but the tension in his body and the white-knuckled grip on her shirt said everything. It was clear that Kaede, of all people, had snapped.

"What the hell are you thinking?" Kaede demanded, his voice low but trembling with intensity. "Do you even know what you've done?"

Riko gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief as she watched Kaede, the unflappable drummer, act so uncharacteristically. Itsuki, usually quick with a joke or playful banter, was momentarily struck speechless. Even Astra, who hadn't seemed to care much about anything that had happened earlier, raised an eyebrow, though she remained composed in her corner of the room.

Hana, however, didn't flinch. Her back pressed against the cold wall, she stared Kaede straight in the eye, meeting his anger with unwavering resolve. "I know exactly what I've done," she said, her voice calm but edged with steel. "Akari needs to be put in her place for what she did."

Kaede's grip tightened for a moment, his jaw clenching, though his expression didn't change. "I don't care what Akari did," he shot back, his words sharp. "I didn't care for being pied in the face before, and I sure as hell don't want to be forced into some frilly dress on a live stream. You've crossed a line, Hana. You're so focused on winning this stupid feud that you didn't think about the rest of us."

His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I won't do it. I'll quit before I let that happen."

The room went still as his words hung in the air. Hana's eyes narrowed, her posture stiffening under the weight of his threat. 

Riko, unable to stay silent any longer, stepped forward, raising her hands in a placating gesture. "Kaede, come on," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Let her go. Let's talk this out."

For a long moment, Kaede didn't move, his eyes locked on Hana's. The air felt thick, as if the whole room was holding its breath, waiting for something to snap. Slowly, however, Kaede's grip loosened, and he took a step back, releasing Hana with visible reluctance. His hands dropped to his sides, but the tension in his body didn't fade.

Hana adjusted her shirt, taking a moment to compose herself before speaking. "I know you're upset, Kaede," she said, her voice steady but with an underlying firmness. "But listen to me. This isn't just about getting back at Akari for fun. This is about strategy, not a misguided, impulsive attempt at revenge. Because of the public backlash from the whole 'Veiled Echoes' scandal, in addition to our positive reception following the Sunshine Music Festival, the public's on our side now."

The room fell quiet again as Hana continued, her gaze sweeping over her bandmates. "Sunshine Melody took a big hit with that. The scandal hurt their reputation, and we can use that to our advantage. We have the public's support in this feud, and we can turn that into a grassroots movement. We can drum up support for our fundraiser and outmatch them with sheer numbers."

Itsuki crossed his arms, leaning against the back of one of the lounge chairs, his expression skeptical. "That's a bold plan, Hana," he said. "But Sunshine Melody isn't just some average idol group. They've got a handful of filthy rich corporate donors backing them. Those people are going to protect their investment and make sure Sunshine Melody wins no matter what."

Hana nodded, acknowledging the reality of the situation. "I know. But even those rich suits have limits to how much they're willing to pour into a charity event. We can't compete with their bank accounts, but we've got our own star power, and we've got something even more important-- public goodwill. People are rooting for us. If we can make this about more than just a fundraiser, we can sway the numbers in our favor."

Riko, who had been listening intently, crossed her arms and frowned thoughtfully. "It is a bold plan," she agreed, "but it's not enough. We need something more. Something that'll really make an impact."

She turned to Kaede, her expression softening as she took a step toward him. "Kaede, please," she said earnestly. "Just this once... swallow your pride and trust Hana. We're all in this together. If we lose, we lose together. But if we win, we can make sure Sunshine Melody doesn't get the last laugh."

Kaede remained silent for a long moment, his fists clenched at his sides. His icy composure had returned, but the tension in his posture was unmistakable. His gaze flicked to Hana, then to Riko, and finally to Itsuki, who gave him a small, encouraging nod. 

"Fine," the drummer said finally, sighing heavily. "But we had better win this time. I mean it."

A small, relieved smile tugged at the corners of Riko's lips, and Itsuki grinned, giving Kaede a light clap on the shoulder. 

"Glad to have you on board," Itsuki said. "We're all sailing-- or sinking-- together."

Kaede shook his head, but didn't argue. It was clear that, while he still had his doubts, he was willing to follow Hana's lead. For now.

Just as the tension seemed to ease, however, Astra, who had remained silent and detached through the entire conversation, finally spoke up. Her voice was soft but carried enough weight to draw everyone's attention.

"How bad is a pie in the face, anyway?" she asked, her expression unreadable as she looked around the room.

Hana, Riko, Itsuki, and especially Kaede all turned to stare at her in alarm, the unease creeping back into the room. There was something about Astra's calm question that hinted at a strange, unexpected proposal lurking behind it.

----

Back at their cozy apartment, Hana was deep into her closet, rummaging through layers of old clothes she hadn't worn in years. The dim light of her bedroom cast long shadows as she pulled out something that made her pause-- a black leather jacket with worn edges, a red plaid skirt, and her knee-high lace-up boots. A faint smile tugged at her lips. These weren't just clothes; they were memories from a different time, a different Hana. Before Moonlight Prism, when she'd played her violin with a raw intensity for underground punk bands, this was her armor.

Out in the living room, Riko lounged on the couch in nothing but her underwear, completely at ease, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone. She tilted her head back lazily. "What's got you so interested in there?" she asked, her voice carrying a casual curiosity.

Hana stepped into the living room, holding up the old jacket and skirt. "Just found some old stuff... my old punk gear."

Riko turned her head and, upon seeing the outfit, her eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh, wow, that's a blast from the past. I remember *that* Hana." She grinned, her tone playfully teasing. "The badass violinist who used to tear it up at those grungy clubs. I liked that Hana."

Hana chuckled softly, running her fingers over the leather. "Yeah, she was something." Then her smile faded slightly. "But it's not exactly what we need to humiliate Sunshine Melody with."

Riko shrugged, still relaxed. "Nah, it's not. But it's good to remember where we came from. The punk days, underground gigs, when we didn't have to think about fundraisers or rivalries..."

Hana sighed, folding the jacket and skirt over her arm. "Yeah... what happened? How did we go from that to agreeing to this stupid forfeit with Sunshine Melody?" She glanced at Riko, a trace of doubt in her voice. "I'm starting to think Kaede might've been right. Maybe agreeing to that was a bad idea."

Riko's expression softened, and she sat up slightly, leaning her arms on the back of the couch. "Maybe. But it's a done deal now. No backing out." She paused for a moment before continuing. "And, if we want Kaede to stick around without him quitting in a fit of quiet rage, we need to win that fundraiser."

Hana nodded, leaning against the doorframe. "You're right. I didn't think Kaede would blow up at me like that... I should've talked to everyone first before agreeing to it." She seemed lost in thought for a moment. "I should probably talk to Akari, see if we can adjust the forfeit somehow."

Riko looked skeptical. "You think Akari's going to budge? She's not the compromising type, Hana."

Hana frowned, the weight of Riko's words sinking in. Akari wasn't one to back down easily, not when it came to proving her superiority. "Maybe you're right."

Riko stood up, finally putting down her phone and stretching. "What we really need is something they don't see coming. Leverage something big. And we've got that song in collaboration with Emi Rage we never used."

Hana's eyes widened slightly as she remembered. "The song we wrote... but never performed live. The one we put in the vault because we thought it would hurt Akari's feelings?"

Riko nodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Exactly. I think now's the time to pull it out. Emi Rage didn't collaborate with us for it to sit in the dark forever. And honestly, it's the perfect time to use it, especially with everything on the line."

Hana thought about it, the possibilities running through her mind. The song had been powerful, a direct challenge to Sunshine Melody, both musically and lyrically. It was sharp, unapologetic. Exactly what they needed. "That could really get us the attention we need for the fundraiser."

"Not just attention," Riko added, crossing her arms. "It'll make a statement. We're not going to let Sunshine Melody win without a fight. The public already loves us for standing up to them during the 'Veiled Echoes' scandal. This'll just push it further."

Hana smiled, finally feeling like they had a solid plan in place. "We'll need to thank Emi properly, too."

"Definitely," Riko agreed. But then her expression shifted slightly, a shadow of concern crossing her face. "There's just one thing... Astra."

Hana raised an eyebrow. "Astra?"

"Yeah. You know what she's been suggesting. The whole... thing." Riko's tone was vague, but they both knew what she meant. "I don't know how we're going to get Kaede on board with that. He's already pissed off as it is."

Hana nodded slowly. "Astra's idea has merit, though. It's just... extreme."

"Which is why Kaede won't like it," Riko pointed out. "I'm not saying we don't do it, but we'll either need to convince him or let him sit it out. Either way, it's happening."

Hana sighed, pushing her hair back. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, let's focus on getting that song ready."

"Yeah." Riko stretched her arms out again before flopping back onto the couch. "It's all or nothing now. Sink or swim."

"Together," Hana added with a determined nod.

----

Hana and Riko arrived at the restaurant, making their way to a private back room where Akari, Aoi, and Yui from Sunshine Melody awaited. The tension was clear even before they exchanged pleasantries, with Akari and Aoi wearing smug expressions while Yui sat quietly, holding the documents Hana and Akari had signed for their now-infamous forfeit. 

The idea of this meeting was to renegotiate-- Hana had realized the extreme makeover they'd agreed to in their wager was far too much, and she hoped she could reason with Akari to tone it down. But the confident air surrounding Sunshine Melody's leader and Aoi gave Hana little hope as she settled into her chair.

Riko shot a glance at Yui, hoping for some sign of solidarity, but Yui simply looked down at the contract papers, expression tense. It was clear she wasn't entirely on board with Akari and Aoi's enthusiasm.

After exchanging a few awkward greetings and small talk, Hana decided to dive right into the heart of the matter.

"Akari," Hana started, her voice calm but firm, "I've been thinking. I don't think the 'extreme makeover' we agreed on is... fair, for either of us. It's one thing to take a loss, but this goes too far. It's hurtful, and I think we should dial it back."

Akari leaned back in her chair, exchanging a glance with Aoi, who immediately broke into a smug grin. "Oh? You think it's too far *now*?" Akari's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Aoi followed up with a mocking coo, "What's wrong, Hana? Scared? Bawk-bawk-bawk!" She clucked loudly, making exaggerated chicken noises that caused Riko to bristle in her seat.

Riko couldn't hold her tongue. "This isn't about being scared! This is about maintaining your image, too. If you humiliate us like that, people are going to see *you* as petty. It'll backfire, and--"

"Oh, I'm sure we'll be fine." Akari's grin widened as she cut Riko off. "You agreed to the wager. And you can't just back out now because it's inconvenient for you."

Hana's composure slipped as she looked Akari straight in the eye. "I'm not backing out. I'm asking for both our sakes. We all have reputations to protect. We're musicians, not circus clowns."

Akari leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "If you're so bold as to ask for changes now, maybe I'll go a step further." She smirked, goaded on by Aoi's eager support. "How about this? Instead of just an extreme makeover, we shave the heads of *every* member of Moonlight Prism." Her tone was vicious, and the mockery in her voice made it clear she wasn't joking.

Riko's face turned red with anger, and she stood up abruptly, nearly knocking her chair over. "That's insane! You can't seriously--"

"Oh, I can," Akari replied coolly, crossing her arms. "You said it yourself. It's a wager. I can alter the terms if I want. If you don't like it, maybe you shouldn't have been so quick to bet on something you can't handle."

Hana was shocked at the lengths Akari was willing to go. She shook her head, frustration bubbling under her calm exterior. "I don't agree to that. I won't let you do this. It's too much."

Akari grinned smugly, twirling a pen between her fingers. "Then back out. Let everyone know that *Moonlight Prism* can't take a challenge. We'll make sure everyone knows it, too. Maybe you can bow out of the music industry entirely while you're at it."

Riko clenched her fists, glaring daggers at Akari, while Hana stood up, her voice low but steady. "You don't know me at all, Akari. And I won't let you walk all over us like this."

Aoi scoffed, crossing her arms. "You're not cut out for this industry, Hana. Maybe you should quit now, save yourself the trouble."

Yui, who had been quiet this entire time, finally closed her eyes, a look of disbelief on her face. Her silence had spoken louder than words throughout the meeting, but now her disappointment in Akari and Aoi's behavior was evident. Still, she said nothing, holding the contract tightly.

Hana's eyes softened as she gave Yui a small nod. "Thank you for the lunch, Yui," she said deliberately, ignoring Akari and Aoi altogether.

Riko followed Hana's lead, adding curtly, "Yeah, thanks, Yui."

Without another word, the two turned and walked out of the room, leaving Akari and Aoi basking in their smug victory. But for Hana and Riko, this was far from over.

----

Back at Sunshine Melody's training studio, the air felt different. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a golden glow over the studio's polished floors. Sakura and Hikari had been chatting while stretching by the mirrors, preparing for their dance routine when the door swung open.

Akari, Aoi, and Yui stepped inside, returning from their lunch meeting with Moonlight Prism's leaders, Hana and Riko. Akari's face was alight with a sense of triumph, and Aoi wore a knowing smirk that made the others curious.

"Well, well, guess what?" Akari started, her voice carrying through the studio. She relished in drawing the moment out, her confidence brimming. "Not only are we going to give Moonlight Prism their little 'extreme makeover' as agreed, but now, we're going to *shave the heads* of every one of their band members."

The announcement hung in the air for a moment before Hikari reacted. She jumped up with an excited squeal, clapping her hands together, more eager to please Akari than anything else. "That's amazing, Akari! You're so brilliant! It'll totally teach them a lesson!" she beamed, clearly relishing in Akari's approval.

But as Hikari's glee filled the room, Sakura's eyes widened in alarm. "Wait, what? Shaving their heads?" Her voice wavered, betraying her unease. "That's too far. People will see us as cruel, malicious, even. This is the exact opposite of the image we should be projecting as idols. What would our fans think?"

Aoi rolled her eyes and shrugged dismissively, turning to Sakura with a mocking smile. "Why are you so concerned? It's not like we're the ones losing here."

Sakura's lips tightened, her expression firm. "We're idols. We're supposed to inspire people, not... not destroy others' careers. This feels wrong, Akari."

Akari, her smile faltering only for a brief second, approached Sakura with slow, deliberate steps. Her presence was commanding as she stood in front of her second-in-command. She placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder, her voice soft but filled with the authority that Sakura couldn't easily resist.

"Sakura," Akari began, her eyes meeting Sakura's with a knowing intensity, "I need you to trust me on this. You're my second for a reason. We need to show that Sunshine Melody won't be pushed around, and this will remind everyone of our strength. Besides..." She paused, choosing her words carefully, knowing what would resonate with Sakura. "This isn't cruelty. It's about teaching Moonlight Prism a lesson in humility. After this, they'll respect us, and we'll be stronger for it. Isn't that what we're about?"

Sakura felt her resolve faltering. The words Akari chose hit all the right notes. She did believe in strength, in the importance of the group's reputation, and the need to stand above the competition. But something about this still felt off to her core. She glanced at Akari, noticing how she looked at her, and the secret longing Sakura had felt for her leader stirred inside.

"I..." Sakura hesitated, looking away briefly before meeting Akari's gaze again. "I don't like it, but if you're sure this is the right way... I'll support you."

Akari smiled, sensing victory in Sakura's reluctant tone. "That's what I needed to hear."

Meanwhile, Yui stood by, leaning against the wall, arms crossed over her chest. She had been silent through the entire exchange, watching with a quiet frustration simmering beneath the surface. Akari's fixation on utterly humiliating Moonlight Prism, Aoi's egging her on, Hikari's blatant sycophancy, and now, Sakura's reluctant compliance-- it was all too much.

Yui's fingers clenched slightly around the documents she still held from the meeting. She could already see how this would go. Akari was pushing too far, too fast. This wasn't just about winning a rivalry anymore. It was something darker, something more vindictive, and Yui felt that it would backfire spectacularly.

She wanted to speak up, to be the voice of reason, but she also knew how isolated she would be if she did. Akari was too caught up in her need to dominate Moonlight Prism, and Aoi was only fueling the fire. Hikari's eagerness to impress Akari meant she wasn't going to question anything, and Sakura... Sakura would follow Akari anywhere, even into a decision that was clearly wrong.

Yui sighed quietly to herself, keeping her thoughts hidden as she looked away from the others. She might have been the only sane one in the room, but for now, she would have to keep her frustration to herself; after all, she needed Sunshine Melody more than Sunshine Melody needed her. Akari's plan was in motion, and Yui could only hope that when the consequences came, they wouldn't be as disastrous as she feared.

----

## Career VS Conscience

The train station hummed with the usual bustle of people coming and going, the air filled with the sound of shuffling feet and distant train announcements. Yui stood near a pillar, hands stuffed in her coat pockets, nervously watching the platform ahead. She had spotted Hana waiting for her train and had been debating whether or not to approach her for several minutes.

Eventually, Yui gathered her courage and stepped forward. Hana, leaning against the back of a bench, glanced up, her sharp eyes immediately locking onto Yui.

"Yui?" Hana asked, her voice calm but wary. "Were you following me?"

Yui quickly shook her head, offering a sheepish smile. "No, not following you. I just... I wanted to talk."

Hana raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious. "Talk? Here? You just happened to find me at this station?"

Yui sighed, realizing how it must have looked. "I swear I didn't plan this. But when I saw you, I figured it was a good time." She paused, glancing at her feet before meeting Hana's gaze again. "I wanted to talk to you about something important."

Hana didn't respond right away, her eyes studying Yui for a moment before she gave a small nod. "Alright. Talk, then."

Yui swallowed, the words feeling heavy in her throat. "I promised you I'd try to keep Akari's... wild ideas in check. I said I'd make sure she wouldn't go too far, that I'd be the voice of reason. But... I haven't been able to do that. I've failed." Her voice grew softer as she spoke, guilt seeping into her words. "Now, it feels like I'm trapped. Akari's decisions drive everything, and everyone else in Sunshine Melody supports her without question. I'm the only one who disagrees, and I feel powerless."

Hana's expression didn't change, but her gaze remained focused, listening intently. "So what do you want to do about it?"

Yui let out a sigh. "I don't know. If I speak up, if I go against her, I'm afraid I'll lose everything. My career, my place in the group... it feels like Sunshine Melody doesn't need me as much as I need them."

Hana tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing just a fraction. "And you think staying silent is the solution?"

Yui's face tightened, her inner turmoil evident. "I just... I don't know what else to do. I don't want to lose what I've worked so hard for. But if I go against Akari, I might lose my place."

Hana sighed, her gaze softening slightly. "Yui, you were brought into Sunshine Melody for a reason. They needed your experience, your insight. If they're not listening to you now, if they're ignoring what you bring to the group, then they're not making use of you at all. You're already 'useless' to them if they don't respect your input."

Yui flinched at Hana's blunt words but didn't argue. The harsh truth cut deep, and she knew Hana was right. "I've thought about that," Yui admitted, her voice almost a whisper. "But Sunshine Melody is all I have. Outside of being an idol, I don't know who I am anymore."

Hana's eyes softened further, and for the first time, there was a trace of empathy in her voice. "I understand, but you're not doing yourself any favors by clinging to something that's slipping through your fingers. Maybe you're meant for more than just being an idol. Maybe it's time to figure that out."

Yui blinked, startled by the suggestion. Her entire identity had been wrapped up in her role as an idol for so long that the idea of doing something else-- *being* something else-- felt foreign and terrifying. 

"But what if I fail?" Yui asked quietly, her voice betraying her vulnerability. "What if I'm not good enough for anything else?"

Hana glanced down the platform as the distant sound of a train echoed through the station. "Yui, you'll never know if you don't try. And staying quiet isn't saving your career-- it's just letting it slip away even faster."

The train arrived with a screech of brakes, and Hana took a step toward the door. Before boarding, she turned back to Yui and gave her a final, meaningful look. "Good luck, Yui. I hope you find your answer."

Yui stood frozen, watching as Hana stepped onto the train and disappeared behind the closing doors. The train pulled away from the platform, and Yui remained still, her thoughts racing.

Hana's words echoed in her mind, loud and undeniable. By staying silent, by allowing Akari to make all the decisions, Yui had already given up her voice. And if she wasn't careful, she might lose everything she'd worked for without ever standing up for herself.

With a deep breath, Yui turned and walked away from the platform. She hadn't come here to catch a train; she had only come to talk to Hana, hoping for some kind of clarity, some guidance. And now, she had it.

Hana had told her to follow her conscience, to stop worrying about her career and focus on what she truly believed in. Now, the real challenge was whether or not she had the courage to take that next step.

Staying silent was no longer an option.

----

Sliding the studio door open, Yui was greeted by the sight of her fellow members of Sunshine Melody. They were all in their white and cerulean tracksuits, practicing choreography with the same determination they always did. Akari, the group's leader, was at the front as usual, her orange ponytail bouncing as she moved. The others-- Sakura, Aoi, and Hikari-- followed her lead, though Yui could see the weariness on their faces.

The music cut off as soon as Yui stepped inside, and Akari immediately turned toward her, wiping the sweat from her brow. "Yui?" she called out, her voice sharp with suspicion. "Where have you been all afternoon?"

Yui swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. "I needed some time to clear my head," she said carefully, her eyes darting to the other members. "I needed to think."

Akari raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Think? About what? We're in the middle of a critical practice for the charity fundraiser. You don't have time to be wandering off."

Yui took a step forward, her pulse pounding in her ears. She had rehearsed this moment in her mind a hundred times on the way back. "I need to talk to you, Akari. To all of you."

Akari's eyes narrowed as the air in the room shifted, a sudden tension palpable among the members. "Everyone can feel it," Akari muttered under her breath. "What is it, Yui? Spit it out."

Yui inhaled deeply, summoning every ounce of courage she had. "I... I don't agree with the forfeit."

The room seemed to freeze at her words. Aoi, Hikari, and Sakura all looked at each other, their movements suddenly stiff. Akari's smile faded, her gaze sharpening.

"What do you mean 'you don't agree?'" Akari asked, her tone deceptively calm.

Yui held her ground. "I mean, this 'extreme makeover'-- forcing Moonlight Prism to shave their heads if we win... it's not right. There's no guarantee we're going to win, no matter how much we think we're better. And even if we do, Sakura was right."

Yui glanced at Sakura, who stood frozen, her eyes wide. Yui continued. "We're idols. We're supposed to inspire people, our fans. We're supposed to show them the best versions of ourselves so they can be the best versions of themselves. But this... this is cruel. Malicious. It's not what we stand for."

Sakura shifted uneasily, clearly swayed by Yui's words. She lowered her head, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her tracksuit. But before Sakura could speak, Akari's voice cut through the air, sharp and cold.

"Disloyalty," Akari said, stepping forward. "Is that what this is, Yui? You, questioning me? You, of all people?"

Yui's heart clenched, but she didn't back down. "It's not about disloyalty, Akari. It's about what's right."

Akari's eyes blazed with fury, her expression hardening. "I'm the leader. Sunshine Melody exists because of me. And your job is to support me, to lift me up. All of you." She looked around the room at the others, her voice growing louder. "I'm the center. I'm the one everyone looks to. I'm the one who will make us win this competition. And the rest of you? Your job is to make me look good by being the best version of yourselves. And that includes you, Yui."

Yui stared at Akari, her heart sinking as the weight of Akari's words hit her. She had always followed Akari, always done what was best for the group, but now she saw things differently. She couldn't be just another follower anymore. Not like this.

"No," Yui said softly, but firmly. "I won't stand behind you and hoist you up anymore. Not when this is what you've become."

Akari's lips curled into a malicious smile, her eyes gleaming with something dark. She turned to Aoi, Hikari, and Sakura, her voice sickeningly sweet. "Do you agree with what Yui is saying?" she asked, her tone daring them to speak up.

Aoi and Hikari exchanged nervous glances before stepping beside Akari, their faces a mix of guilt and uncertainty. Yui's heart clenched, but she wasn't surprised. Akari's influence over them had always been strong.

But Sakura hadn't moved. She stood there, torn between her loyalty to Akari and the truth Yui had spoken. Her eyes met Yui's, pleading silently, as if asking for a way out. For a moment, Yui felt the pain of Sakura's indecision, the fear of losing everything.

But Yui only nodded in response, giving Sakura the permission she needed. Yui knew Sakura's true feelings, and she understood. She wasn't angry. Sakura had to protect herself.

Slowly, reluctantly, Sakura took a step toward Akari. She didn't say anything, but the act was enough.

Akari's smile widened, and she turned back to Yui. "Looks like the group has spoken," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "It's unanimous. Pack up your things, Yui. You're done here."

Yui stood frozen for a moment, the reality of the situation crashing down on her. She was shocked, but deep down, she wasn't surprised. This was the risk she had known she was taking.

With a slow nod, Yui turned on her heel and walked toward the dressing room. The studio was eerily quiet, the weight of her decision hanging in the air. But she felt something she hadn't felt in a long time-- freedom.

She didn't need Sunshine Melody anymore.

Her conscience was worth more than her career.

----

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunshine Melody Announces Departure of Member Yui

Tokyo, Japan – [Day before the Harmony Gala] – Sunshine Melody's management team regrets to announce that Yui will be departing from the group, effective immediately.

After much consideration, Yui has decided to pursue personal endeavors and explore new creative paths outside of Sunshine Melody. This was a mutual decision reached after thoughtful discussions between Yui and the remaining members of the group.

The members of Sunshine Melody – Akari, Sakura, Aoi, and Hikari – extend their sincere gratitude to Yui for her contributions, dedication, and hard work during her time with the group. They wish her all the best in her future ventures and will cherish the memories and experiences they shared together.

Yui commented, "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to be a part of Sunshine Melody and to share so many wonderful moments with my fellow members and our amazing fans. I will always look back on this chapter of my career with fondness. I am now looking forward to exploring new possibilities and embarking on a different journey."

Sunshine Melody will continue as a four-member group and is committed to their upcoming performance at the Harmony Gala tomorrow and their future activities. They appreciate the continued support of their fans during this transition.

Further updates regarding Sunshine Melody's future plans will be announced in due course.

----

## Sunshine Melody's Night

The bright lights of the Harmony Gala stage illuminated the four figures of Sunshine Melody. The opening chords of their latest hit, "Love on the Battlefield," blasted through the speakers, and Akari, Sakura, Aoi, and Hikari launched into their flawlessly synchronized choreography. Their stage costumes, shimmering in shades of pastel, caught the light as they moved, a picture of perfect idol synchronization. The live stream counter on the corner of the screen already showed thousands of viewers tuning in.

As the song reached its energetic climax, the stage lights dimmed, and Akari stepped forward, a radiant smile gracing her features. "Welcome, everyone, to Sunshine Melody's Harmony Gala Charity Live Stream!" Her voice was bright and enthusiastic. "We are so thrilled to be here tonight, supporting the wonderful Harmony Gala and their incredible work with rescue kittens!" A pre-recorded image of adorable kittens flashed across the screen behind her, eliciting a collective "aww" from the virtual audience. "Every single donation tonight will go towards giving these little bundles of joy a safe and loving home."

Throughout the stream, strategically placed graphics and verbal mentions reminded viewers of their exclusive Harmony Gala merchandise. "Don't forget to check out our limited-edition photobooks, filled with adorable photos of us and, of course, some very special feline friends!" Aoi chimed in, holding up a glossy photobook with a playful wink. 

Hikari showed off a set of charm keychains, her voice high-pitched and sweet, "These are so cute, and they help the kitties! Please get yours today!" Links to their online store were prominently displayed in the stream's banner.

A few minutes later, a segment titled "Sunshine Smiles Shout-Outs" began. Akari scrolled through a tablet, reading out usernames of recent donors with an enthusiastic, "Thank you so much, @KittenLover123! Your generosity is amazing!" Hikari blew a kiss to the camera for another donor, while Sakura offered a gentle wave. The questions they answered were light and fluffy, focusing on their favorite animals and their excitement for the Gala. Any comments even remotely hinting at Yui's absence were swiftly skipped over by the unseen moderators.

Each member took a turn to make a personal appeal. Akari spoke with passionate conviction about the importance of animal welfare. Aoi shared a carefully crafted anecdote about finding a stray kitten as a child. Hikari, with wide, teary eyes, pleaded for viewers to "think of the poor little meows-meows who need our help." Sakura, her voice soft and princess-like, spoke about the unconditional love animals offer.

The donation ticker on the screen suddenly jumped by a significant amount, accompanied by a graphic displaying the logo of "Tokyo Pet Foods." Akari beamed. "A massive thank-you to our incredible corporate sponsor, Tokyo Pet Foods, for their incredibly generous donation! We are so grateful for your support!" A pre-recorded message from a smiling representative of the company played, reiterating their commitment to animal welfare and their pride in partnering with Sunshine Melody. Several other corporate logos flashed across the screen throughout the stream, each accompanied by similar bursts in the donation total.

Interspersed between the appeals and shout-outs were mini-performances of snippets of their popular songs, keeping the energy levels high and reminding viewers of their primary reason for tuning in. Donation tiers and their corresponding incentives were clearly outlined: a digital thank-you for small donations, a chance to win signed merchandise for mid-level contributions, and entry into a raffle for a virtual meet-and-greet for the highest tier donors.

Near the scheduled end of the stream, the lights dimmed again, and Sunshine Melody launched into a powerful rendition of their chart-topping hit, "Rainbow Revolution." Their voices soared, their movements were sharp and precise, and the overall effect was captivating.

After the song completed and the idols basked in the applause, Akari stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with confidence. The donation ticker had frozen, displaying a substantial sum.

"Everyone," she announced, her voice filled with pride, "thanks to your incredible generosity and the amazing support of our corporate partners, Sunshine Melody has raised an astounding amount for the Harmony Gala and rescue kittens!" She paused for dramatic effect, a wide, assured smile on her face. "We have raised... 25 million Yen! Thank you all so much for your unwavering support! We knew we could count on you!"

Throughout the broadcast, Sunshine Melody exuded their usual polished charm and unwavering confidence. Akari's leadership was evident, and the stream was meticulously planned and executed, a testament to their established brand. There was no hint of the internal turmoil or the looming shadow of the "extreme makeover" forfeit. In their world, victory at the Harmony Gala, just like the previous two years, felt like a foregone conclusion.

----

## Moonlight Prism's Night

The night of the Harmony Gala had finally arrived. Backstage, Moonlight Prism was busy with final preparations. Cameras were being set up, microphones adjusted, and the audience could be heard anticipating their show from beyond the curtain. This wasn't just a performance-- it was a fundraiser, and they had plans to make it memorable.

Hana stood by the mirror, adjusting the logo-emblazoned black T-shirt she wore. Her eyes moved down to the plaid miniskirt, a subtle nod to her nostalgic punk phase, with the black spandex shorts beneath for practical modesty. Of course, the white thong, resting over the shorts, was an intentional flair for the inevitable attention she knew she would draw with her on-stage antics. Her black thigh-high stockings and knee-high lace-up boots gave the finishing touch to the "absolute territory" aesthetic. It was playful, a little cheeky, but it was for charity-- and most of all, it was fun.

Riko, standing beside her, gave a mischievous smile as she adjusted her cropped band T-shirt, showing off her midriff. She leaned into her punk side easily, with her red plaid miniskirt and fishnet tights, but unlike Hana, she didn't care if the fans below the stage looked up her skirt, and she dressed appropriately with a sultry black number. Her confident posture screamed rockstar, ready to cause a stir.

Itsuki, in a matching plaid skirt and band T-shirt, wasn't shy about joining the theme. His confidence in pulling off the look mirrored that of his bandmates, though he couldn't help but crack a joke or two about it. Black crew socks and sneakers completed his look, making him look effortlessly cool, while he prepared to play his part in the night's events. To play with the fans, he opted to wear his usual underwear, as if daring anyone to look up his skirt and find something they didn't need to see.

Kaede, in contrast, fidgeted in his black band T-shirt and slacks, looking slightly out of place in the ensemble. His reluctance to partake in the wilder parts of the fundraiser was apparent, but with the encouragement of his bandmates-- and the promise of it being for charity-- he had agreed to go along with the plan. The fact that it was all for a good cause made it easier to bear.

Astra stood quietly, adjusting her red plaid skirt and spandex shorts, her black knee socks hugging her legs just above her sneakers. Unlike Hana, who she patterned her night's outfit after, Astra decided against matching the thong over her shorts, having no desire to tease the fans or squirm around on stage at all. Her usual reserved demeanor didn't change, but it was obvious to Hana that she was just as excited to put on a show.

"Kaede," Hana said, nudging him with a knowing smile, "I know this isn't your thing, but once we get started, you'll see-- it'll be fun. Plus, it's for a good cause. The audience is going to love it."

Kaede sighed but gave a small nod. "Yeah, yeah. I'm here, aren't I?" he replied, a slight grin appearing on his face as the rest of the band chuckled.

When the emcee announced them, the five members of Moonlight Prism stepped out onto the stage to the deafening cheers of a packed audience. The room was alive with excitement, with people cheering and holding up signs for their favorite members of Moonlight Prism. Behind them, the massive screen displayed the current total of donations and the number of viewers tuned into the live stream-- thousands of people from around Japan and fans abroad who wanted to catch the band's performance regardless of their time zone.

Hana raised a hand, signaling the audience to quiet down, though it took a moment for the excitement to settle. Once they did, she stepped forward with her trademark charm.

"Good evening, everyone! We are Moonlight Prism, and tonight we've got something special for you!" she began, her voice echoing through the venue. "Not only are we unveiling a brand-new song tonight-- one we've been saving for a special occasion just like this-- but first, we're going to kick things off with a *pie auction!*"

The crowd erupted into cheers, and on the live stream, the number of comments flooding in multiplied instantly. Hana grinned as she let the noise settle once more.

"That's right," she continued. "For the highest bidder, you get the chance to... well, *pie* your favorite band member right here on stage. All in the name of charity, of course. And don't worry-- this is just the beginning of what's in store tonight."

The stage lights dimmed slightly, casting a spotlight on Riko as she stepped up to the microphone. Her mischievous smirk shone brightly in contrast to the darkened atmosphere around her. The crowd hushed, ready to hear what shenanigans would be in store for the evening.

"Alright, everyone, listen up!" Riko's voice boomed through the speakers, full of playful excitement. "I know you've all heard about the pie auction, but let me break it down for you. We've got an assortment of pies lined up backstage, and trust me, they're not your everyday desserts."

She let the anticipation build as she leaned forward slightly, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Sure, we've got your classic cream pies," she began, her voice full of dramatic flair, "but where's the fun in that? How about a pie filled with... *fruit*? Or..." She paused for effect, letting a wicked grin spread across her face. "How about a yakisoba pie? Yeah, you heard me right. Noodles, sauce-- total chaos."

The crowd burst into laughter and cheers at the absurdity of it. Riko was in her element, soaking up the energy. "But wait, there's more!" she continued. "Maybe you're in the mood for something *really* weird. We've got a mixed greens pie. Because nothing says 'I'm here to support charity' like slapping someone in the face with a salad!"

She waited a beat, letting the audience process the wild variety of pies. The reactions were exactly what she hoped for-- laughter, gasps, and more than a few excited exclamations.

"So here's how it's going to work," Riko explained, pacing the stage with the casual swagger of someone who knew she had the crowd in the palm of her hand. "You all downloaded the app on your phones, right? We've got a list of pies, and each pie will be up for auction. You'll get to bid on the pie of your choice, and once you win, you get to pie the band member of your choice. Simple, right?"

The crowd roared with approval, clearly on board with the madness.

"Oh, and for those of you watching online," Riko added with a wink to the camera, "don't think you're missing out. If you win a bid and can't be here in person, don't worry-- we've got a group of lovely young volunteers over here who are *more than happy* to do the honors for you."

She gestured to the side of the stage, where a group of adolescents stood, all of them grinning with eager anticipation. A few of them waved to the audience, clearly thrilled to be part of the action. The audience laughed, clapping and cheering for the young helpers.

Riko turned back to the crowd. "Remember, all proceeds from tonight go to charity, so dig deep into those pockets and let's raise some serious money while having a little bit of messy fun. And now, let's get this party started! I'm going to hand it over to our lovely emcee to begin the bidding on the first pie."

The crowd was buzzing with excitement as the emcee took the stage and the auction began.

The first pie up for grabs was a traditional cream pie, and though it wasn't as exotic as the others promised to be, the bidding picked up quickly. Using the phone app, potential bidders, goaded on by the emcee, could place their bids in real time, with the highest current bid appearing on the large screen on stage. With the crowd's energy high, the number on the screen climbed steadily until the winning bid was finally placed. The emcee called out the bidder's name, and after a moment of suspense, the winning bidder entered their choice for the first victim of the night.

"Hana!" the emcee announced, reading off the name appearing on the screen.

The audience erupted into cheers and applause, all eyes turning to Hana. She stood there, blinking in mock surprise, her shyness shining through as she raised her hands, palms out in playful protest.

"W-Wait, me?" Hana stammered, her voice dripping with her signature charm. "This is... so embarrassing!"

Her reaction only fueled the crowd's excitement. Her bashful demeanor made her all the more endearing, and the fact that she was clearly mortified at the thought of getting pied made the moment irresistible to the audience. But even through her shyness, Hana couldn't suppress the grin tugging at her lips.

The winner stepped onto the stage, pie in hand, as the audience collectively held their breath. Hana's laughter spilled out, breaking through her facade as she wiped away a pretend tear, trying to regain her composure.

"Alright, alright," she said between giggles, "just... be gentle, okay?"

The pie flew into Hana's face, the cream splattering in all directions to the sound of thunderous cheers. She burst into laughter, the cream covering her face, and began wiping her eyes with her fingers in an attempt to see again. The sight of her messy, joyful face only encouraged the crowd, who clapped and whistled, clearly eager to see who would be next.

Behind her, Kaede stood with his arms crossed, shaking his head at the spectacle. "This is... absolutely ridiculous," he muttered.

Next to him, Astra watched the proceedings with more interest than usual, her sharp eyes scanning the audience's reaction. Kaede noticed and, for the second time that night, questioned why she had suggested this pie auction in the first place.

"Seriously, Astra, *why* did you come up with this?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Astra simply replied, "We're leveraging Hana's stage presence. Her shyness is appealing, and the more she protests, the more people want to pie her. It's good for the auction."

Kaede blinked at the simplicity of her response but realized she was right. As the crowd continued to cheer and bid higher for the next pie, he finally admitted, "Okay... I'll admit it. This is actually working."

Astra gave a slight nod, her eyes flicking back to the stage where Hana was still laughing and wiping away cream, the audience already eager for the next round of chaos. The night was just beginning, and it was clear that Moonlight Prism's pie auction was going to be a hit.

----

The auction had been going on for a while now, and the air was thick with laughter, cheers, and the occasional splatter of pie filling. Moonlight Prism was fully immersed in their pie auction, with band members Hana, Riko, Itsuki, and Kaede already covered in layers of fruit pies, cream pies, and assorted splashes of sticky sweetness. By the time the 16th pie rolled around-- a Takoyaki Pie that hilariously found its way onto Riko's face-- the "weird pies" were taking center stage, and the crowd was more than eager to see who would end up covered in the next bizarre concoction.

Riko, wiping away pieces of octopus and sauce from her face, kept the energy alive, cracking jokes and riling up the audience. Itsuki made dramatic poses every time he got pied, while Kaede accepted each one with good-natured resignation, shaking his head with his expression concealed by the layers of pie. By now, the band was a mess of splattered colors, faces barely visible beneath the layers of cream, fruit, and now, pickled vegetables.

And then, there was Astra. Aloof and untouched.

Standing just off to the side of the stage, Astra was notably clean, her black bob still neat and her gold eyes focused. Despite her usually distant demeanor, she seemed to be studying the chaos with more curiosity than usual. Each time a pie landed on her bandmates, Astra's eyes would narrow slightly, as if she were piecing together some grand, philosophical truth about the nature of pies.

By the 20th pie-- a Tsukemono Pie that landed squarely on top of Kaede's head, making him flinch as the strong scent of pickled vegetables filled the air-- Hana finally grew concerned.

Hana had pie remnants streaked across her hair and face, her cheeks flushed from laughter. Noticing that even at this late an hour for the auction, Astra remain pristine. She realized no one had dared to pie Astra yet. Was it because they were afraid of her? Astra's standoffish and aloof personality could be intimidating to the fans, but Hana didn't think that was fair. She couldn't let Astra be left out of the fun, not after she 'passionately' convinced her bandmates to do it. 

By the time Hana finished that thought, the 21st pie was announced: a Natto Pie. The crowd groaned and cheered at the same time. Natto-- sticky, slimy fermented soybeans-- was an infamous Japanese dish, known for its strong, pungent odor. Whoever ended up with that pie was in for quite an experience.

Without thinking twice, Hana stepped forward and raised her hand. "I'm bidding on the Natto Pie!"

The crowd fell silent for a moment, stunned. Even Riko, usually quick on her feet, was caught off guard. "Hana... can you even do that?" Riko asked, bewildered.

Hana grinned, wiping some stray cream from her cheek. "I don't know! But I *have* to win this one. Just... bear with me, everyone!"

A murmur of excitement rippled through the audience as the bidding began, but Hana was determined. Using one of the stagehands' phones as a proxy, she upped the stakes each time, and the crowd, sensing she had a plan, let her win the bid without much resistance.

Once the final bid was announced, Riko handed the Natto Pie to Hana. The pie was disgusting in the best way possible. It was sticky, slimy, and reeked of fermented beans. Hana held it with both hands, turning to Astra, who had been watching quietly the whole time. The audience held its breath; although Hana did not announce her target, it was apparent who it was, and it was clear to her that their fans were afraid to pie Astra. They only needed someone to make it okay first.

Hana stepped closer, holding the Natto Pie reverently. "Astra, is this what you've been waiting for?"

Astra didn't move, her face still as impassive as ever. She didn't nod, nor did she shake her head. After a long pause, she simply said, "I wouldn't have picked Natto."

The crowd erupted in laughter, and even Hana couldn't help but chuckle at the deadpan delivery. With a playful grin, Hana gently, but deliberately, rubbed the Natto Pie into Astra's face. The sticky soybeans clung to Astra's hair and skin, sliding down her cheeks in strings of slime.

The crowd cheered wildly as Astra stood there, unfazed. She wiped some of the natto from her eyes and took a breath, then, in her typical curt manner, said, "Well... it's certainly unique."

Hana laughed, turning back to the audience. "Come on, everyone! Someone give Astra another pie! She deserves to know what it's really like!"

With Hana's encouragement, the bidding war for the 22nd pie-- a Chocolate Silk Pie-- erupted like never before. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be the one to pie Astra. Whether it was because they felt emboldened after Hana's move or because they wanted to see if Astra would react to something sweeter, the stakes were high, and the bids were flying in fast.

Astra, meanwhile, remained mostly composed, though there was the slightest hint of a smirk on her lips. Beneath her aloof stance, she was finally starting to understand what all the fuss was about. The crowd's energy, the camaraderie of her bandmates covered in pie, and the absurdity of it all... It was strange, but it was... fun.

The Chocolate Silk Pie was won by a high bidder, who eagerly stepped onto the stage, pie in hand, ready to deliver the blow. Astra glanced at Hana for a moment, and with a barely noticeable nod, stepped forward to receive her fate. 

The pie hit her square in the face, coating her in a thick layer of chocolate and cream. The crowd went wild, cheering and clapping, as Astra wiped some of the chocolate from her eyes.

She finally let out a small, almost imperceptible chuckle. "Okay... I get it now."

----

The pie auction had reached its grand finale. Laughter echoed through the room as fans watched their favorite members of Moonlight Prism, all messily adorned with the remnants of countless pies, stand on stage. By now, each band member was splattered with layers of cream, fruit, and whatever bizarre pie fillings had been concocted throughout the night.

Hana, in particular, had become the undisputed queen of the auction, having received a whopping eleven pies so far. Her silver hair was caked with layers of fruit fillings, whipped cream, and even the occasional savory splatter from the more unusual pies. She wore her mess proudly, playfully wiping some of it off her face to keep her eyes clear, though it was obvious she was having fun.

The emcee took to the microphone, raising the energy of the crowd for the final pie of the night. "Ladies and gentlemen, we've made it to the 30th and final pie of the evening!" The audience cheered wildly. "Now, this is no ordinary pie-- this is the *Mystery Pie*! Its contents are known only to a select few... and will be revealed only after we announce the winning bidder!"

The crowd buzzed with excitement. What could be inside the Mystery Pie? By this point, they had seen everything from Takoyaki Pie to Miso Caramel Pie to the Matcha Anko Pie. The anticipation was electric.

The bidding war was fierce, with fans clamoring to be the one to choose who would get the last pie. But as the bids escalated, it became clear that whoever won, there was one person who had to take the final hit: Hana. She had been the favorite target all night, and everyone knew it was only fitting that she received the "honor" of the last pie.

Finally, the winning bid was announced, and the emcee stepped forward to reveal the contents of the Mystery Pie. With a dramatic flourish, they lifted the lid off the tray, revealing a pie that was a horrifying blend of sticky, gooey substances-- marshmallow cream, caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles, all piled high on a thick layer of peanut butter cream.

The audience gasped, half in awe, half in disbelief. Hana, however, took one look at the monstrosity and burst out laughing, though her voice carried a tone of playful incredulity. "*Why* would you make such a monstrous pie?!"

Riko, standing beside her and covered in pie herself, gave a mischievous grin. "Hana, it's just what you deserve. You're the star of the night!"

Hana shook her head with mock exasperation. "I should've known this was coming."

With a smile, she stepped forward, bracing herself for what was about to happen. The emcee handed the Mystery Pie to the winning bidder, who eagerly approached the stage. The audience counted down together-- "Three, two, one!"-- before the Mystery Pie was pushed into Hana's face.

The room erupted in cheers and laughter as the sticky, gooey mixture of marshmallow, caramel, chocolate, and peanut butter engulfed Hana. The sheer mess of it was unbelievable-- strings of marshmallow cream and caramel dripped down her chin, while the chocolate syrup and peanut butter cream smeared across her cheeks and hair.

Hana stood there, arms outstretched, giving in to the absurdity of it all. "This is officially the stickiest pie I've ever received," she declared, her voice muffled slightly by the marshmallow cream clinging to her lips.

With the final pie delivered, the emcee tallied up the results. "And there you have it, folks! Hana takes the top spot with 12 pies! Riko received 8, Itsuki with 4, Kaede with 3, and Astra received 3 pies tonight!"

The five members of Moonlight Prism stood together on stage, a chaotic, endearing mess. Despite the layers of pie covering them, they managed to smile, their faces shining through the splatters. The crowd applauded wildly, having enjoyed every second of the auction.

Hana, still wiping bits of marshmallow from her face, stepped up to the microphone. "Thank you all so much for your generosity tonight! We had an amazing time, and I hope you all did too." She paused, glancing at her bandmates, who were in various stages of messy disarray. "But, as you can see... we need to go backstage and clean up so we can perform our song for you all!"

The audience laughed and cheered in response, knowing they were in for a treat once the band was cleaned up.

Hana smiled warmly. "Please keep donating, though! Every bit helps, and we're so grateful for your support. Now, if you'll excuse us..." She motioned to her bandmates. "We've got some serious cleaning up to do!"

With that, Moonlight Prism bowed to the audience, sticky and messy, but full of energy and gratitude. As they made their way backstage, the crowd continued to cheer, knowing that they had not only witnessed a night of fun, but had also contributed to a worthy cause.

----

Backstage, the five band members had just finished quick showers, with Hana requiring assistance cleaning up from the stickier Mystery Pie, and slipped into their stage costumes, their earlier pie-covered selves now a distant memory. The crew worked diligently to clear away the mess on the stage, ensuring everything was safe and ready for their performance. The audience waited eagerly, the energy palpable, the anticipation growing.

Hana adjusted her black, gray, and silver outfit in the mirror. The black shirt fit snugly under the gray half-jacket with its flared cuffs. Her hakama shorts reached just over her knees, and the black tights and ankle boots completed the ensemble. She felt comfortable, confident. It was a look that melded tradition with modern edge, much like their music.

Nearby, Riko slipped into her more daring outfit-- a black mesh shirt paired with a black bralette, her half-jacket unzipped, and booty shorts over fishnet tights. Her ankle boots clacked on the floor as she moved about, an electric energy surrounding her. 

Itsuki's outfit mirrored Hana's, except his half-jacket was unzipped like Riko's. He practiced a few chords on his guitar, his usual playful grin absent as he focused on the upcoming performance.

Kaede, in his black shirt, full jacket, and black pants, twirled his drumsticks in his hands, eyes sharp.

Astra stood off to the side, her black, full jacket hood drawn over her head, her hakama shorts and black tights matching Hana's. Even with her distant demeanor, there was a fierce focus in her gold eyes as she prepared her keytar.

Hana held her violin in her hands-- the same violin she owned since high school. It wasn't just an instrument to her; it was a silent companion, one that had been by her side through every twist and turn in her journey. She traced her fingers over the familiar wood, the memories flooding back-- of her days as a freelance punk violinist, dreaming of performing in classical orchestras, and now, with Moonlight Prism, in a band that fused rock with orchestral sounds. She smiled softly and thanked her violin silently for sticking with her this far.

Riko appeared in the doorway, arms crossed, an eyebrow raised in amusement. "Do you need some alone time with your violin, Hana?"

Hana chuckled, her focus shifting to Riko. "No... I don't. Because I have you and the others."

Riko grinned, stepping into the room. "Good answer. You're right, everything we've been through, everything that's led us to this moment-- it's about all of us. We've worked for this."

Hana nodded, a spark of excitement flickering in her eyes. "Now we're going to make a statement Sunshine Melody won't forget."

Riko's eyes gleamed, her closed fist slapping her open palm. "Yeah! It's time to knock Akari down a peg or two."

Together, they joined the rest of the band. The stage was ready, and the audience was waiting. Moonlight Prism marched out onto the stage to thunderous applause. The lights shone brightly on them, casting their silhouettes dramatically against the backdrop of the donation screen as they took their places. The air crackled with anticipation.

Riko picked up her microphone and she began her pre-show routine, hyping up the audience with the confidence of someone who knew exactly how to command a room. The crowd roared back, their energy feeding into hers. She glanced back at the massive donation screen behind them, displaying the tally of funds raised throughout the night. She wondered for a moment if it was enough. But when she turned back to the audience, a smile crept onto her lips. It didn't matter. What mattered was the music, the connection they were about to create.

Stepping back to the microphone, Riko's voice carried over the noise. "Tonight, we've been saving something special for you. We made this song in collaboration with the legendary rock composer, Emi Rage."

A wave of excitement rolled through the audience, the name alone stirring murmurs of awe and anticipation.

Riko looked back at Hana, who gave her a nod, and then over at Astra, Kaede, and Itsuki. The moment had arrived. "Hana and I agreed to shelve this song for a while... but now, tonight, this stage, this audience-- this is the perfect time to show the world who Moonlight Prism really is."

The room seemed to hold its breath.

"This is 'Eclipse of the Sun'!"

With a signal from Riko, Kaede's drumsticks clicked together, counting them in, and the stage erupted in sound. Itsuki's guitar roared to life, the powerful riffs blending with Astra's haunting keytar melodies. Kaede's drums thundered in the background, driving the rhythm forward with precision. Hana's violin soared above it all, adding a layer of intense, emotive beauty to the powerful rock sound.

Riko's husky vocals cut through the chaos, her voice full of passion as she sang about struggle and resilience, of light being swallowed by darkness but finding strength in that very darkness. The lyrics, raw and full of emotion, resonated with the audience, who had been swept into the performance from the very first note.

Hana's violin screamed through a solo, its melody bittersweet, pulling on the heartstrings of everyone listening. The emotion of the song was crafted with care and pain. It was a song that told the world that Moonlight Prism was here, and they weren't holding back anymore.

When the song reached its crescendo, the stage lights dimmed, leaving only a spotlight on Hana as she played the final haunting notes on her violin. The last echoes of sound faded away, and for a brief moment, the world stood still.

Then the crowd erupted in applause, the cheers deafening, as if they, too, had felt the power of the song in their bones. Moonlight Prism stood together, breathless, basking in the energy of the moment.

----

Sunshine Melody's celebration at their private venue was in full swing. Streamers hung from the walls, champagne glasses clinked, and the group of four-- Akari, Sakura, Aoi, and Hikari-- stood in front of a banner emblazoned with "25 Million Yen Raised!" Akari, the group's ambitious leader, was glowing with a confident smile to the few select donors and staff who had joined them.

"25 million yen," Akari said with a self-satisfied smirk, her orange ponytail bouncing as she spoke. "A new record high for Sunshine Melody at the Harmony Gala. That's how we do it. I'd like to see anyone match that, especially those nobodies at Moonlight Prism."

Aoi leaned back in her chair, smirking. "They're probably struggling to get even half of that," she said, tossing her metallic blonde bob. "They couldn't match us last year, so there's no way they can match us tonight."

Hikari giggled, her pink twintails swaying as she nodded in agreement. "I bet they couldn't even raise ten million if they tried," she added, picking at a cupcake and savoring the taste. 

Akari, arms crossed, felt vindicated. Her plan to outshine Moonlight Prism was working perfectly. Kicking Yui out of the group had been a controversial move, but it hadn't affected their fundraising at all-- if anything, they had come out stronger, removing not only the least popular member, but also the eldest. She was certain their rivals would be forced into submission with a total like theirs. It was only a matter of time before Moonlight Prism faded away like a distant memory.

But then, the mood in the room shifted. Their social media officer, a quiet and often nervous young man, approached with a tense look on his face.

"Um... Miss Akari, there's... something you should know," he said, eyes flicking nervously from Akari to the others.

Akari raised an eyebrow, her smug grin still plastered on her face. "What is it? It better be good news. We're celebrating here."

The social media officer hesitated before answering, clearly uncomfortable. "Well... Moonlight Prism is currently holding a concert right now. And... they've just debuted a new song."

Aoi rolled her eyes and scoffed. "So what? We already raised 25 million yen. Let them have their little concert. What's the song called?"

"It's called... 'Eclipse of the Sun,'" the officer replied. 

Aoi's expression darkened as she let out a dismissive laugh. "'Eclipse of the Sun'? That's pathetic. Sounds desperate, like they're trying way too hard."

Hikari giggled again, agreeing with Aoi. "They probably think they're being clever. But there's no way they're raising anything close to what we did. I mean, how could they?"

The social media officer gulped. His fingers trembled as he scrolled through his phone, eyes wide. "Actually... about that..."

Akari's smile finally faded, her sharp gaze now fixed on the officer. "What did they do?" she demanded, knowing she wasn't going to like the news.

He hesitated again, and then, with a shaky voice, said, "They've already raised over 35 million yen... and the numbers are still climbing."

The room fell silent. Aoi stopped leaning back in her chair, sitting up straight. Hikari blinked in confusion, her hand freezing mid-bite. Sakura's composure broke for the first time that night, her lips parting in shock.

"Is... is that real?" Sakura asked, her voice shaky. "Are you sure those numbers are accurate?"

The officer nodded, his voice quiet but firm. "I've checked three times. The donation counter is still going up during their concert, so I can't say what the final total will be."

Akari's face was a mix of disbelief and fury. "Thirty-five million yen?! They're outdoing us by ten million?!"

Her bravado was gone. The perfect story she had imagined-- Sunshine Melody crushing Moonlight Prism into obscurity-- was crumbling before her eyes. Instead, it was Moonlight Prism rising higher, their donations soaring past anything she could've imagined. The very thought of it made her stomach churn.

"How did this happen?" Hikari whispered, her voice faint. "Could it be... because we kicked out Yui?"

Sakura shook her head, though her own confidence was wavering. "No, Yui couldn't have been responsible for that big a difference. Not ten million yen..."

Aoi, normally the most cynical of the group, leaned forward with a grim look on her face. "It's not Yui. It's their song. 'Eclipse of the Sun'? That's them trying to eclipse us, and apparently, it's working."

Akari was beginning to unravel. Her fists clenched at her sides, trembling with rage. She tried to find a way to salvage the situation, to fight back against the humiliation that was creeping in on her.

"Get the donors on the line!" Akari shouted, pacing the room as her fury grew. "We can raise more! We'll-- we'll push it past 40 million!"

The social media officer's face turned pale. "But Miss Akari... most of the donors have already maxed out their contributions. They can only give so much, you know, for tax purposes..."

Akari's breath hitched, and for the first time, she felt truly cornered. The image of Moonlight Prism standing on stage, triumphant, flashed in her mind. Their donations were going up, their song was making waves, and here she was-- powerless to stop it. Her hands shook as her carefully crafted story crumbled in front of her.

"No..." Akari whispered, her voice filled with disbelief. "No! We were supposed to crush them! How did this happen?!"

Her meltdown was imminent, her composure unraveling. And then, the final blow struck her-- a realization that made her heart sink even further.

"We're going to be subject to an extreme makeover..." Akari said through gritted teeth.

Aoi's eyes widened. "Oh no..."

Sakura's face turned white. "The... shaved heads..."

Akari's breath quickened, panic seizing her as she imagined the utter humiliation of the punishment-- one she had once scoffed at but now felt looming over her like a dark cloud.

Everything had turned against her, and now, Sunshine Melody faced the consequence of being utterly eclipsed.

----

## To the Victors Go the Spoils

The morning light barely filtered through the windows of Prism Productions as Akari stood outside, wringing her hands. Her heart raced, her mind churning with thoughts of the previous night's disaster. The bitter taste of humiliation still lingered. She had been so confident, so certain that Sunshine Melody's fundraising triumph would put Moonlight Prism in their place. But everything had unraveled, and now Akari was here, facing the very people she had once looked down on.

Akari's stomach knotted in anxiety as she was allowed inside the building. An assistant led her to a conference room, her heels clicking on the polished floor. The room was cold, both in temperature and atmosphere. She sat down at the long table, the silence suffocating. All she could do now was wait and stew in her own thoughts-- thoughts filled with humiliation, regret, and dread.

She thought about how she had confidently kicked Yui out of Sunshine Melody, convinced it would elevate their group to new heights. Now, as the leader, she was here to plead with the very people she once mocked. Her chest tightened.

The door creaked open, and in walked Hana and Riko. The two women were calm, composed, and clearly prepared for this moment. Hana, with her silver bob and cool demeanor, took her place at the head of the table, while Riko-- grinning slightly, like a predator ready to pounce-- sat next to her. 

"Akari," Hana said simply, her voice devoid of warmth.

Akari swallowed hard, trying to suppress the tremor in her hands. "Hana... Riko..." She cleared her throat, struggling to maintain some semblance of composure. "I'm... I'm here to renegotiate the terms of the forfeit."

Riko scoffed, a sharp, mocking sound that cut through Akari's nerves. "Renegotiate? Seriously?" Riko leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "You lost, Akari. You can't just welch out of it now. Hana even offered you a reduced punishment before the Harmony Gala, but you were too full of yourself to accept it."

Akari winced at the words, but she pressed on. "Please... I'm not asking for a free pass. But the extreme makeover... and the shaved heads... I-- Sunshine Melody doesn't deserve this." Her voice wavered. "Please, I'm begging you. I'm the leader. I'll take full responsibility. Just... spare the others. Shave my head, punish me, but leave them out of it."

Riko raised an eyebrow at the mention of the shaved heads, but it was Hana who responded first. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her steepled hands, her eyes narrowing as she regarded Akari with cold intensity. "You want to appeal to my mercy, Akari? After *your* stunt with the 'Veiled Echoes' lesbian controversy?" Hana's voice was sharp, the words cutting deep. "You wanted to hurt us. You *meant* for it to hurt. And now that the shoe's on the other foot, you have the nerve to come here and ask for mercy?"

Akari's eyes widened in shock, and before she could think twice, she stood up and fell to her knees. Her pride shattered, she began pleading in earnest. "Please, Hana, I'm sorry! I know what I did was wrong. I'll take the punishment. I'll shave my head-- just please, don't punish the others. They don't deserve this."

Her voice broke as she groveled on the floor, her tears falling freely. "I'll do anything... please, I beg you."

For several long moments, Hana and Riko let Akari's pleas hang in the air, watching her pitiful display in silence. Riko rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed, while Hana continued to stare down at Akari, her expression unreadable.

Finally, Hana sighed, sitting back in her chair. "Get off the floor, Akari."

Akari hesitated, looking up through her tears, unsure of what to do.

"Now," Hana commanded, her voice firm.

With shaky legs, Akari rose to her feet, wiping at her tear-streaked face, her sobs slowly subsiding.

"Let me remind you," Hana said, her tone icy, "that I *never* agreed to your ridiculous 'shaved heads' idea. That was *your* suggestion, not mine. So, stop trying to make yourself into some kind of martyr. It's pathetic."

Akari blinked, momentarily stunned. She hadn't even realized the shaved heads weren't actually part of the forfeit. A brief glimmer of hope sparked in her chest, and she whispered, "Thank you... thank you, Hana, I--"

But Hana held up a hand, cutting her off. "Don't thank me yet. The forfeit is still an extreme makeover. You're not getting off that easily."

The hope in Akari's heart died as quickly as it had appeared. Her composure shattered once more. "No... no, please... I can't..."

"Yes, you can," Riko chimed in with a smirk. "And you will."

Akari's breathing grew shallow, her mind spinning out of control. She began to cry again, harder this time, her body trembling as she realized the reality of her situation. The weight of her actions, her arrogance, her mistakes-- it all came crashing down on her at once. And now, there was no escape.

Hana watched Akari's meltdown for a moment longer before turning to one of the studio assistants standing by the door. "Please escort her out. She's had enough for today."

The assistant nodded, stepping forward to gently guide Akari out of the room.

As she was led away, Akari's sobs echoed down the hall, her mind swirling with the bitter taste of defeat and humiliation. Hana and Riko remained seated, watching her leave with a mix of indifference and satisfaction.

"Well," Riko said with a chuckle, "I didn't think she'd crack that easily."

Hana leaned back in her chair, her expression softening just slightly. "She needed to learn her lesson."

"And she did," Riko agreed, standing up. "But I have to admit... it was kind of fun watching her squirm."

Hana didn't reply, though a faint smile touched her lips. They both knew that in the world of show business, there were winners and losers-- and today, Akari had learned that losing had consequences.

----

Yui sat in her dimly lit apartment, the only light coming from the soft glow of her laptop screen. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, but no words came. She sighed, her shoulders slumping as she stared at the results displayed on the screen before her: **Sunshine Melody – 25 million yen. Moonlight Prism – 42 million yen.**

She bit her lip, the numbers sinking in deeper with every second that passed. Even though she was no longer part of Sunshine Melody, it still stung to see them defeated so thoroughly. Moonlight Prism's triumph at the Harmony Gala had been a blow that no one could have predicted, at least not in such an overwhelming way.

Yui scrolled down to the article, her eyes narrowing as she read the headlines. *"Moonlight Prism Stuns with 'Eclipse of the Sun' – A Masterpiece in Modern Music."* The music reviewers and critics were singing their praises, calling the new song probably the best thing Moonlight Prism had ever released. Words like *resonance*, *emotionally charged*, and *a new pinnacle* littered the reviews. It was obvious the song had deeply touched both their fans and the general public who had tuned in to watch the stream.

Yui huffed softly, feeling an old, familiar sense of frustration and bitterness well up inside her. Even if she hadn't been kicked out of Sunshine Melody, this outcome couldn't have been avoided. Hana had played her hand well, timing the release of their new song to coincide with the gala, ensuring that Moonlight Prism would leave an unforgettable mark on the event. Meanwhile, Akari and the rest of Sunshine Melody had-- yet again-- underestimated their rivals, and possibly for the last time. There was no doubt in her mind that Sunshine Melody's corporate investors would forbid any further charity competition with Moonlight Prism.

A small part of Yui had hoped, deep down, that Sunshine Melody might have pulled through despite everything. But now, looking at these numbers, she knew it had been nothing more than wishful thinking. The gap between Sunshine Melody and Moonlight Prism was simply too wide-- both in talent and strategy.

Her thoughts drifted to Akari and the others. Yui wondered what fate awaited Sunshine Melody now that they had to fulfill the forfeit. [The extreme makeover,] she thought, the phrase almost laughable in its simplicity. It was a cruel reminder of the cost of failure. Yui wasn't sure what exactly the makeover would entail, but knowing Hana, it wouldn't be anything short of humiliating

With a sigh, Yui leaned back in her chair, her eyes glancing at the calendar on her phone. She made a reminder to check out the stream when the makeover was scheduled. As much as she hated to admit it, she was curious. Morbidly so.

But for now, there were more pressing matters at hand.

Yui looked around her apartment-- her *home*-- and felt the weight of emptiness. The vibrant energy that came with being an idol was gone. In its place was a strange void, a silence that clung to the walls and lingered in the air. She was no longer an idol, no longer part of Sunshine Melody. In fact, she was no longer much of *anything* at all. 

Her mid-twenties had arrived with little fanfare, and now she found herself drifting, unsure of what came next. No adoring fans, no bright lights, no screaming crowds. Just Yui, sitting alone in her apartment, staring at her laptop and wondering who she was outside of the idol industry.

She let out another long sigh, rubbing her temples as a familiar sense of anxiety gnawed at her. The idea of finding a new job-- of reinventing herself-- felt daunting, almost insurmountable. For years, she had been Yui, the idol, the harmonizer and 'strategist' of Sunshine Melody. Now she had to figure out who *Yui* was without all that. Without the glamor, without the fame. Just... Yui.

She turned her attention back to the blank document on her laptop: her resume. She had been staring at it for what felt like hours, but so far, the page was empty. The cursor blinked at her, as if mocking her inability to find the right words.

[What am I even good at?] she wondered.

It was a question that had plagued her for a long time. Ever since she had been forced out of Sunshine Melody, she had been grappling with the realization that she had no real skills outside of the entertainment industry. Being an idol had consumed her life, leaving little room for anything else. And now, she was paying the price for it.

But sitting here, wallowing in self-pity, wasn't going to help. Yui knew that. She had to move forward, somehow. Even if it felt impossible.

Taking a deep breath, Yui began to type, slowly at first, unsure of how to frame her experience as an idol in a way that would make her appealing to potential employers. It wasn't easy, but the more she wrote, she started to remember the small victories, the things she had learned along the way: discipline, teamwork, public speaking, event management. There were skills hidden beneath the surface; she just had to dig a little deeper to find them.

It wasn't much, but it was a start.

----

Yui watched the stream of Sunshine Melody's 'extreme makeover,' their forfeit for losing the Harmony Gala to Moonlight Prism. It was impossible to miss the clear influence of Hana in their newly-imposed punk schoolgirl aesthetic; after all, Hana herself was formerly a punk violinist. Each member of the group wore their discomfort differently, their outfits showcasing a variety of rebellious styles that seemed purposefully chosen to clash with their usual polished images. 

Akari, the leader, looked particularly out of her element. Her attempt at punk rebellion came across as a try-hard disaster. Her plaid skirt was carelessly fastened with safety pins, riding low on her hips, giving the impression that she hadn't quite figured out how to wear it. The white button-down shirt she wore was torn at the shoulder, with crudely drawn band logos scribbled across it in black marker. Instead of her usual confident style, her hair was teased into a messy nest of tangled strands, with streaks of neon green dye clashing against her usual fiery orange. She wore smudged eyeliner that was too thick and dark lipstick that bled outside the lines, giving her a look that was more disheveled than edgy. The final touch was the studded choker around her neck, an accessory that felt like a forced attempt at toughness. Her scuffed combat boots clashed awkwardly with her usual graceful presence, and mismatched socks poking out only added to the chaos. She looked like someone who had desperately tried to fit the rebellious image, but had gotten everything wrong.

Sakura, the group's 'princess,' wore the punk aesthetic like a costume she couldn't wait to remove. Her black plaid skirt, shorter than anything she'd usually wear, paired awkwardly with ripped fishnet tights. Her blouse was knotted at the waist, exposing her midriff in a way that made her visibly uncomfortable. A black tie hung loosely around her neck, clearly meant to look rebellious, but coming across more as an afterthought. Her usually pristine blonde bob was styled into messy pigtails, the hair extensions secured with safety pins that clattered when she moved. Her makeup, a strange combination of her delicate style and poorly-applied punk elements, felt completely out of place. Heavy eyeliner and dark lipstick contrasted with her soft features, while her platform boots-- brand new and awkwardly shiny-- made her movements stiff. Her expression of utter mortification told the whole story: she was a princess trapped in a look she despised.

Aoi, in contrast, seemed to embrace the punk schoolgirl makeover with a defiant smirk. Her androgynous appearance, usually a point of contention for her, lent itself well to the aesthetic, and she looked surprisingly comfortable in her outfit. Instead of the typical skirt, she wore black skinny jeans torn at the knees, along with a worn-out band t-shirt under a ripped school blazer. Her studded belt and chunky boots gave her an authentic punk vibe, and her short metallic blonde hair was styled into deliberately spiky tufts. She even sported a few fake piercings, one on her lip and another in her nose, along with some temporary tattoos visible on her arms. The loosened tie around her neck hung like an accessory rather than part of the outfit. Though still technically a schoolgirl in the context of the forfeit, Aoi's look leaned more toward "punk pretty boy," and she seemed to revel in the absurdity of it all, as if mocking the very idea of conforming.

Hikari, the youngest, fully embodied the bratty, rebellious persona in the punk makeover, albeit involuntarily. Her plaid skirt was scandalously short, leaving little to the imagination, while her white blouse hung open to reveal a lace camisole underneath. She wore ripped, brightly colored fishnet stockings, each leg a different hue-- neon pink on one side, electric blue on the other. Her hair was a chaotic mix of her usual pink twintails and mismatched hair extensions in vivid colors, clipped in without any regard for symmetry. Her makeup was a garish mess of glitter, neon eyeshadow, and smeared lipstick, as if she'd applied it all in a rush. Platform sneakers with rainbow-colored laces completed her look, and she constantly had a lollipop hanging from the corner of her mouth, her tongue flashing a bright blue. She looked every bit the rebellious teenager who delighted in breaking rules simply because she could.

As Yui watched them parade in their ridiculous outfits, she smirked at the fate Sunshine Melody had walked into. Hana had played her cards well, and the results were on full display. Moonlight Prism had emerged victorious, and now Sunshine Melody was paying the price. But Yui couldn't shake the feeling of bittersweet satisfaction-- this could have been her, once a part of it all, if things had turned out differently.

----

Backstage, the dressing room of Sunshine Melody was buzzing with tension. The girls were just minutes away from performing live on stream, but this time, their usual sparkling J-pop idol look was nowhere to be seen. Instead, they were clad in their "extreme makeover" outfits, courtesy of Hana, who had won their infamous wager at the Harmony Gala. Punk schoolgirl aesthetics had been thrust upon them, and reactions varied wildly.

Akari paced back and forth, her plaid skirt awkwardly safety-pinned together, her disheveled, teased hair streaked with unnatural shades of green. She was upset, her brows furrowed, clearly wrestling with something beyond just the nerves of an upcoming performance. 

[How did it come to this?]

If she had to guess, she was expecting something much worse-- something cartoonish, embarrassing, and so far removed from their image that it would destroy Sunshine Melody's reputation entirely. Instead, Hana had pulled this out, this punk-schoolgirl attire. Akari still couldn't figure out how it had happened, but it felt like a personal lesson, not just a punishment.

Sakura sat on the couch, her posture rigid, fidgeting with the safety pins in her messy pigtails. Her usually-perfect blonde bob was tangled and chaotic, and the short plaid skirt and tied-up blouse were worlds away from the modest, graceful outfits she preferred. She hadn't spoken much since they had been dressed and paraded in front of the cameras, and her expression was one of quiet mortification.

Hikari, meanwhile, was on the verge of a meltdown. She pouted in front of the mirror, glaring at the ripped fishnets and the neon hair extensions clumsily clipped into her usually cute, bubbly pigtails. "This is a disaster! How am I supposed to recover from this? I look like-- like some rebellious delinquent! My fans are going to freak out!" She tugged at her plaid skirt, which was scandalously short, not helping her anxiety.

But Aoi, of all people, stood in front of the mirror, tilting her head to the side as she examined herself. She looked... pleased? She tugged on her loose tie, adjusted her studded belt, and ruffled her spiky hair, which was now dyed with streaks of silver and blue. She turned her head to the side and admired the rips in her black skinny jeans, the band shirt barely visible under her torn school blazer. Her boyish looks were somehow made more appealing by this whole punk transformation. 

She cracked a grin. "Could we get away with looking like this all the time?"

Sakura, catching Aoi's smirk in the reflection, blinked in disbelief. "Wait, you *like* this? I thought you hated Hana! How can you--" She gestured wildly at Aoi's outfit.

"I still hate Hana," Aoi replied casually, not even bothering to hide it. "But... this look? I dunno, it's kinda growing on me." She tugged at the blazer with a smirk. "Maybe we've got even more in common than I thought."

Sakura stared at Aoi in horror, as if she'd betrayed them all. "But this-- this isn't us! We're supposed to be cute, sparkling idols! How can you even think of keeping this look?"

Aoi shrugged, unbothered by Sakura's panic. "I mean, do you want to go back to the same old uniforms? This is different. It's edgy. Maybe Hana had a point, forcing us into this. It's not like we have to become punk idols, but hey, mixing it up could work."

While Sakura remained aghast, Hikari was still lamenting her fate, tugging on her neon pink hair extensions. "I don't want to mix it up! I want my cute image back! I'm not meant to look like some troublemaker!"

Akari had remained mostly silent until now, lost in her thoughts, still trying to untangle the web that had led them to this moment. It gnawed at her-- Hana had done her worst, but somehow, this didn't feel like the downfall of Sunshine Melody. It felt more like a lesson. [Is this what Hana wanted me to understand?] she wondered, looking down at her own haphazardly-assembled outfit. The punk aesthetic was nothing like what Akari stood for. Yet, here she was, living a version of Hana's past, figuratively putting herself in her shoes. [But why?] 

As she mulled it over, she caught sight of Sakura, who was now tugging awkwardly at her pigtails, her face flushed with embarrassment. Akari felt... something, a feeling she hadn't felt since before her friendship with Hana broke down. Despite the change in appearance, Sakura still looked... kind of cute, in her own way. The messy hair extensions and safety pins gave her an unexpectedly endearing charm.

"You look cute with those hair extensions, you know," Akari said, offering a small, genuine smile.

Sakura's eyes widened, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of pink. She looked down at her lap, her fingers twisting nervously. "D-Do you really think so?" she stuttered.

"I do," Akari affirmed, feeling that Sakura's flustered response made her more endearing. "And listen, we're going to get through this. Hana may have tried to embarrass us, but we're not going to let it take us down. Sunshine Melody will rebuild, stronger than ever. And I still want you by my side, as my second-in-command. We're not done yet."

Sakura hesitated for a moment, still feeling wary of Akari's unchecked ambition, but as she glanced at their leader-- her leader-- she couldn't deny the fire in Akari's eyes. Maybe Akari was too headstrong at times, but she also had that rare quality that made people want to follow her. There was still room in Sakura's heart for that-- maybe even more than just admiration. 

Tentatively, Sakura reached out and took Akari's hand. "Alright... together, we'll face this."

They stood side-by-side, with Aoi and Hikari slowly gathering around them. As ridiculous as their outfits seemed, they were still Sunshine Melody, and no amount of punk aesthetics was going to change that.

With a nod from Akari, the group steeled themselves and headed out to face the cameras. If they were going to perform like this, they would do it with their heads held high, determined not to let this ordeal define them.

----

In the lounge of Prism Productions, the members of Moonlight Prism were sprawled out, watching the live stream of Sunshine Melody's performance. The screen lit up with vibrant colors as Akari, in her 'punk schoolgirl' attire, belted out the lyrics of 'Sweet Revenge'-- a rock song that Akari had written under a pseudonym back when she and Hana were still close. Now, seeing Akari sing the song with passion and precision, Hana could feel the familiar ache of nostalgia creeping in.

The room was quiet, save for the sound of the performance. Hana sat at the edge of the couch, eyes focused intently on the screen. Riko leaned back next to her, arms crossed, occasionally glancing at Hana's reaction. Itsuki and Kaede were seated nearby on the other couch, both watching the performance with interest. Astra, predictably, was perched at the lounge's bar on a stool, eyes half on her phone, but still listening to the stream.

As Akari's voice carried through the speakers, sharp and raw, Itsuki raised an eyebrow. "Gotta say, for a J-pop idol, she's pulling this off better than I expected."

Riko let out a soft snicker, flipping her choppy silver hair back. "She should. It's her song, after all, even if she wasn't *allowed* to sing it back then. It's why she gave it to us in the first place."

Hana stayed silent, eyes glued to Akari's performance. The punk schoolgirl look wasn't something she ever imagined Sunshine Melody would pull off-- at least, not willingly. It wasn't about humiliating Akari or mocking her; it was about teaching her a lesson. Or at least, that's what Hana had told herself. Maybe, deep down, it was a way to see if any part of the old Akari still existed-- the friend she once knew before ambition had driven a wedge between them.

"They're pulling it off," Kaede remarked, drumming his fingers absentmindedly on his thigh. "But it's more than just the look. Akari's really *feeling* the song."

Riko nodded, but her eyes drifted toward Hana. She could sense the tension in her partner, the weight of old memories swirling behind her calm exterior. Without making a big deal of it, Riko reached out and gave Hana a light shoulder hug. It wasn't overly intimate, just enough to let Hana know she wasn't alone.

"You know," Riko said softly, "the old Akari might never come back. But you've got us."

Hana turned her gaze from the screen, looking at Riko. Her expression softened as she met Riko's reassuring smile. She knew even if Akari never learned her lesson, even if the friendship they once had was gone for good, Hana wasn't alone. She had Riko, and Itsuki, and Kaede. And Astra-- who, despite being absorbed in her phone, was still there with them.

Hana's gaze drifted to Itsuki, who offered her a playful grin, and then to Kaede, who gave her a small nod. Finally, she looked over at Astra, who glanced up from her phone just long enough to give a nonchalant shrug as if to say, "I'm here, too."

It wasn't the same as before, and maybe it never would be. But Hana knew, sitting there, surrounded by her bandmates-- her friends-- that she was still in good company. And even if Akari never came back, Hana still had a family here, with Moonlight Prism.

Hana let out a small sigh, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Yeah," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "I've still got you guys."

The performance on screen continued, with Akari singing her heart out. But the weight that had been pressing down on Hana's chest for so long felt just a little lighter now.

----

## A Different Crossroads

Aoi sat in her personal dressing room, staring at her reflection in the vanity mirror. Her white and cerulean training tracksuit hung comfortably on her slender frame, a stark contrast to the edgy punk look she had sported a week ago. The room around her was decorated with posters of hunky, shirtless guys-- a collection she had put up for what she called "inspiration," though lately, she wasn't so sure what they were meant to inspire anymore.

The androgynous punk 'schoolgirl' look from the livestream performance had been an unexpected revelation for her. Aoi had always thought of her appearance as a limitation-- her boyish looks were a point of insecurity in an industry that prized femininity and grace. As a J-pop idol, she was constantly reminded that she didn't have the curves, the delicate features, or the soft elegance that seemed to come so naturally to her bandmates. But that night, with her short hair spiky and her body clad in punk attire, she had felt... free. For the first time, Aoi had felt like she was *enough* just the way she was. And even more surprising, her fans seemed to agree.

She had scrolled through the comments afterward, fully expecting backlash for the drastic makeover, but instead, her fans had embraced it. They liked the punk look-- *they liked her* in that look. It was a version of herself she had never shown before, and it resonated. Even her bandmates, though they couldn't stop whining about it, hadn't faced the disaster they feared. Akari, who Aoi had expected to throw a fit, had remained uncharacteristically quiet about it, while Sakura and Hikari never stopped complaining.

Aoi traced her finger along the edge of the vanity, lost in thought. [Why did it feel so good?] she wondered. She had always hated her lack of feminine curves, hated how she had to push herself to fit into an image that didn't suit her. In the punk look, she hadn't had to try so hard. Her dancer's body-- her androgynous, athletic frame-- *worked* with the style. For once, she hadn't felt like she was fighting against herself.

She leaned back in the chair, eyes drifting toward one of the posters on the wall. The guy in the poster was a perfect specimen of masculinity, his muscles sculpted and idealized, but Aoi didn't feel inspired by him anymore. If anything, she felt detached, as though the image no longer represented anything she wanted to strive for. The person she had been pretending to be-- the idol with a perfect smile, the girl who flaunted femininity she didn't feel-- felt like a stranger to her now.

Her mind wandered back to ballet, her true passion. She trained every day, pouring herself into the discipline, the grace, the expression. Ballet had always felt like her sanctuary, a place where her body made sense, where she could move with purpose and fluidity. And yet, here she was, trying to be something else, something that didn't align with how she saw herself.

[Why am I even here?] Aoi thought. Her dancing was leagues ahead of her singing-- everyone knew that. So what was she doing in a J-pop idol group, trying to fit into a mold that brought her nothing but grief? Everyone knew she was competitive, but there was no competition in feeling like she was losing a battle against her own self-image. The punk makeover had given her a taste of something else-- something she wanted to hold onto.

But the others... Akari, Sakura, Hikari... and their corporate overlords, they didn't want to change. They were comfortable with the polished, perfect image of Sunshine Melody, no matter what Aoi or their fans might think. They were clinging to the status quo, and Aoi wasn't sure she could keep pretending anymore.

She looked back at herself in the mirror, eyes locking onto her own reflection. [Could I admit it?] The thought crept in, slow but certain. [Could I admit that I don't want to be an idol after all?]

The question hung in the air, heavy and sobering. She had spent years training, performing, pushing herself to be the best, but none of it had ever brought her the satisfaction that ballet did. Dancing made her feel alive, made her feel like she had something to offer the world. Being an idol felt like an act, like she was constantly wearing a mask that didn't quite fit.

Aoi stood up from the vanity and stretched, her body aching from the day's rehearsals. She glanced down at her tracksuit, the comfortable, functional clothing that felt more like *her* than any stage costume ever had. She had a choice to make-- continue down a path that felt wrong, or carve out a new one, one that aligned with the person she truly was.

[Was it too late?] she wondered. [Could I walk away from being an idol and pursue ballet instead? Or am I trapped in this role forever, always pretending like nothing was wrong?]

Aoi sat back down, heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't sure if she had the courage yet, but the thought was there, burning in the back of her mind. Maybe it wasn't too late. Maybe she could finally be herself.

----

Hana and Riko stepped out of Prism Productions together, the cool evening air brushing against their skin as they headed toward the street. Hana carried her violin case, while Riko, with her usual swagger, adjusted the strap of her guitar bag over her shoulder. The two of them were ready to head home after another long day of practice, and they were both looking forward to relaxing for the evening.

Approaching the entrance, Hana noticed a familiar figure leaning against the wall just outside the building, wearing casual street clothes-- jeans, a hoodie, and sneakers. It was Aoi, from Sunshine Melody. Her posture was casual, but there was something about the way she stood that caught Hana's attention. She seemed to be waiting for them.

Hana stopped in her tracks, narrowing her eyes slightly in curiosity. "Aoi? What are you doing here?"

Aoi straightened up, clearly caught off-guard, but trying to maintain her composure. "I was... waiting for you."

Riko raised an eyebrow, not hiding her skepticism. "You do know you could have just walked into reception and asked for her, right? What's with the whole lurking-by-the-wall thing?"

Aoi shifted, looking a bit sheepish. "I... uh, I didn't want to do anything that formal. Felt too... weird."

Hana glanced at Riko, exchanging a knowing look. She could tell Aoi was uncomfortable, which was unusual for her. Aoi was typically brimming with competitive energy and didn't shy away from confrontation, especially with someone from Moonlight Prism. It was enough to put Hana on alert, wary of what Aoi might be up to.

"What do you want, Aoi?" Hana asked, her tone cautious. "You're not here to pick a fight, are you?"

Aoi looked away for a moment, taking a deep breath as she gathered her thoughts. "No... I'm not here for that," she admitted, her voice softer than usual. "I just... I wanted to talk. About the whole punk schoolgirl makeover thing."

Hana blinked, surprised. "What about it?"

Aoi continued, her eyes drifting down. "That makeover... it changed things for me. It gave me a new perspective on myself, on who I am. For the first time, I felt like I didn't need to prove anything to anyone. Like... the drive to compete, to constantly push myself to be the best... it just vanished. And it felt good... really good."

Riko snorted, crossing her arms. "You could've done that anytime you wanted, Aoi. No one's stopping you."

Aoi nodded, almost agreeing, but there was hesitation in her eyes. "Yeah, but... it's not that simple. The image I have to keep up as a J-pop idol... it gets in the way of that feeling. I don't know how to explain it, but it's like, even if I want to be myself, I still have to be what everyone else expects me to be."

Hana's expression softened slightly; she began to understand what Aoi was trying to say. "You're really trying to figure out if you want to stay with Sunshine Melody, aren't you?"

Aoi looked up, meeting Hana's gaze. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming you or anything. I'm not as dumb as Akari, okay? I wouldn't use this conversation as an excuse to escalate the rivalry between us. If anything, this is me trying to de-escalate it."

Riko raised an eyebrow, skeptical as ever. "If you've got all the answers, why didn't you just quit on your own? What's stopping you?"

Aoi's temper flared, her hands balling into fists. "I am quitting! I don't need your permission, and I'm not here for validation. I just... I wanted to thank Hana. You gave me the inspiration to finally follow my actual dream."

Hana's eyes widened slightly. "Your dream? You mean ballet, right?"

Aoi smiled, and for the first time, it wasn't the cocky smirk she usually wore. It was genuine, pleased that even her hated rival knew her well enough. "Yeah, ballet. It's what I've always wanted. I trained for it every day, and I know I'm a better dancer than I'll ever be a singer. It's not too late for me to make a career out of it, and... I know I can do it."

Hana's guard dropped, her expression softening completely. She realized how serious Aoi was about this. "Then... I'm happy for you, Aoi. I hope one day I get to see Aoi the ballet dancer perform on stage."

Aoi scoffed, though there was no venom in her words. "Don't get your hopes up." But there was a smile on her face, one filled with determination.

As she turned to leave, Aoi paused for a moment, looking back at Hana. "This is it. Our rivalry is officially over. But we're not friends. So... in a way, this is goodbye."

Hana nodded, a small, sincere smile forming on her lips. "This isn't goodbye, Aoi. We'll see each other again. Maybe I can't be friends with Aoi the idol, but I can be friends with Aoi the ballet dancer. I'll be rooting for you."

Aoi didn't say anything else; she had no desire to lose face in front of her former rival. She just walked away, her head held high, ready to step into the future she truly wanted. Hana and Riko watched her go, the tension that once defined their relationship fading away into the night.

"Well," Riko muttered, shaking her head. "Never thought I'd see the day."

"Neither did I," Hana said softly, her gaze still on the spot where Aoi had disappeared. "But... I think she's going to be okay."

----

In Akari's dressing room at the Sunshine Melody studio, the atmosphere felt stifling, weighed down by the news that had dropped earlier in the day. Akari sat slumped in her chair, her eyes scanning over the press release for what felt like the hundredth time. Her cerulean and white tracksuit hung loosely on her frame, looking as tired as she felt. The headline announcing Aoi's departure from Sunshine Melody stared back at her, its bold letters underscoring the farewell concert set to happen in just a few weeks. 

A knock came at the door, and without waiting for a response, Sakura entered the room. She, too, wore the same training suit, but her energy, while subdued, was more composed than Akari's. Sakura's eyes softened when she saw Akari, sitting in such a vulnerable state, looking smaller than she ever had before. Without a word, Sakura crossed the room, quietly closing the door behind her.

"Akari..." Sakura spoke gently, moving closer and sitting down beside her. "Are you okay?"

Akari's eyes never left the screen, but it was clear that her mind was elsewhere. "No," she admitted, her voice low and strained. "I'm not okay."

Sakura nodded, as if she had expected this, though it still hurt to hear Akari say it out-loud. "Is it about Aoi?"

"Of course it's about Aoi," Akari muttered, clenching her fists in her lap. "Two members gone in such a short time, and in the shadow of Moonlight Prism's 'Eclipse of the Sun' being a huge hit. How am I supposed to hold things together when we're falling apart? First Yui... now Aoi. I feel like Sunshine Melody is heading straight toward its sunset." She let out a shaky breath, finally tearing her gaze away from the screen to meet Sakura's eyes. "And it's my fault."

Sakura's heart ached for her, seeing the usual strong, driven Akari reduced to this. "Why do you think that?" she asked, though deep down, she already knew the answer. Akari's unchecked ambition, her stubbornness, her drive to be the best had pushed them all so hard. It had driven Yui away. It had driven Aoi to look elsewhere.

Akari rubbed her temples, clearly overwhelmed. "I was too hard on them. On everyone. I thought I was pushing us toward success, but all I did was drive people away." She stared at the ground. "I don't know how we got here."

Sakura felt a tightness in her chest. She wanted to tell her, to say that it was Akari's actions that had led to this, but her love for Akari wouldn't let her. She couldn't hurt her like that. Not now.

Instead, Sakura reached out, placing a hand over Akari's, her thumb gently tracing over her knuckles. "We still have each other," Sakura said softly. "We still have Hikari. We still have Sunshine Melody. We have the songs, the image, the talent. You and I... we can still make this work, Akari. Together."

Akari looked up, meeting Sakura's gaze. For the first time in a long time, she seemed... lost. Vulnerable. And it hit Sakura just how much Akari was relying on her right now. She could see it in her eyes, the silent plea for support. For someone to be there for her.

"I need you, Sakura," Akari whispered, her voice fragile. "I... I need your support. I can't do this alone. Not anymore."

Sakura's heart pounded in her chest, her emotions swirling between love, fear, and an overwhelming desire to comfort Akari. She hesitated for only a moment, her mind racing. The idea of taking this moment-- of showing Akari how deeply her devotion ran-- could be risky. It could cause a scandal if it ever came out. But Akari needed her. And Sakura couldn't hold back any longer.

Summoning her courage, Sakura leaned in, her breath catching as she gently pressed her lips to Akari's. For a heartbeat, she feared Akari might pull away. But instead, Akari leaned into the kiss, her hands moving to cup Sakura's face.

The kiss deepened, and in that moment, the weight of everything else-- Aoi's departure, the struggles, the fear of the future-- seemed to melt away. All that was left was this intimate connection between them, a bond forged not just from years of being in the same group, but from something deeper. Something which Akari reciprocated without hesitation.

When they finally pulled away, Akari looked at Sakura with an expression that was hard to read. But she wasn't pushing her away. Instead, there was a glimmer of understanding in her eyes, something soft that hadn't been there before.

"Thank you," Akari whispered. "You are my sunshine, Sakura."

Sakura smiled softly, her hand still holding Akari's. "I'll always be here for you, Akari. No matter what."

----

## Taking the Next Step

The dim light of early evening filtered through the thin curtains in Hana's room, casting a soft glow over the cluttered floor, strewn with discarded clothes. She lay beside Riko, their bodies warm and close, the scent of intimacy still fresh in the air. Riko had already rolled onto her back, staring lazily at the ceiling, her chest rising and falling with deep, contented breaths. Hana, on the other hand, remained quiet, lost in thought, her mind drifting beyond the fleeting satisfaction of their physical closeness.

It was nearly two weeks since the Harmony Gala, and the whirlwind of excitement that followed their victory had mostly settled. Moonlight Prism had delivered a stellar performance, and the talk around their new song was still carrying them forward. Even the chaos of Sunshine Melody's "extreme makeover" forfeit, which had once dominated the headlines, had faded into yesterday's news, giving way to Aoi's impending farewell concert. Life had returned to a comfortable rhythm-- or at least, it should have.

But something was stirring inside Hana. Laying on the bed, feeling the soft weight of Riko's hand casually brushing against her arm, she felt a shift in their relationship. The sex between them had started as something spontaneous, born out of emotional need during Akari's malicious rumormongering and a deep, shared bond. It was fun, easy, and devoid of the complications she often associated with intimacy. Riko had suggested their arrangement-- "friends with benefits"-- and at the time, it felt like the perfect answer to all her questions. But now, something else was gnawing at her, quietly demanding attention.

Hana's thoughts wandered back to Kaede.

She hadn't meant to think about him, but lately, his presence had lingered in her mind. It was as if the more time she spent with Riko, the more Kaede's memory bubbled to the surface. She remembered the warmth in his smile, the way his eyes softened when they spoke, and his unwavering support during the whole "Veiled Echoes" controversy. When everything felt like it was crashing down, Kaede had been a steadying force. He had listened to her concerns, never pushing, always understanding. And even when she and Riko had grown closer, Kaede had never seemed threatened by their bond; he seemed more nonplussed that Hana felt the need to share it with him.

Hana sighed softly, her fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on the bedsheet as the memories flowed. Why had they stopped dating in the first place? She remembered being confused about her feelings at the time, unsure of what she truly wanted. She remembered saying she needed space to sort through everything, including her emotions-- feeling Kaede stirred within her she didn't know how to handle. But had that really been the reason? Or had she been running from something deeper?

Beside her, Riko shifted slightly, turning her head to look at Hana. "You're quiet," she remarked, her voice lazy. "Thinking about something?"

Hana blinked, snapping out of her thoughts for a moment. "Yeah," she admitted. "Just... thinking about Kaede."

Riko raised an eyebrow, propping herself up on one elbow. "Kaede, huh?" There was no jealousy in her tone, only curiosity. "What about him?"

Hana hesitated, chewing on her lower lip. "I've just been wondering why we stopped dating. He was always so kind to me. And after everything we've been through, I don't know... I think I might have been too quick to let it go."

Riko was quiet for a moment, her gaze steady as she listened. Then, with a small shrug, she replied, "Kaede's a good guy. You know that better than anyone. Guys like him are rare."

Hana nodded slowly. She thought back to the argument they had before the Harmony Gala. Kaede had been upset about the forfeit for the competition between Sunshine Melody and Moonlight Prism, the 'extreme makeover' punishment. He had questioned her decision and motives, and Hana had been frustrated with his lack of trust in her plan. But looking back, Hana realized that it hadn't been about trust; Kaede had been insecure, with a desire to keep a steady hand on the steering wheel, to not rock the boat, to maintain the course that was safe for him personally. Yet despite that, Kaede possessed keen insight into other peoples' relationships, including Hana's friendship with Riko, something he never seemed to feel threatened by.

"He always said he understood my bond with you," Hana said softly, her eyes searching Riko's face for some kind of answer. "Kaede is one of the only guys I've met that understood what we were. And ever since we stopped dating, he hasn't once looked at another woman."

Riko sat up fully, crossing her legs beneath her. "Sounds like you still have feelings for him," she observed, her tone neutral. "But do you really want to get back together, or is this just nostalgia talking?"

Hana frowned, contemplating the question. It wasn't just nostalgia, was it? Her relationship with Kaede had always felt genuine, even if she hadn't known how to handle it at the time. And her time with Riko-- while incredible in its own right-- had helped her understand more about herself, about what she wanted. The physical closeness she shared with Riko didn't diminish her feelings for Kaede. In fact, it had clarified them.

"I think I do," Hana finally answered. "I think I want to give it another shot. Kaede said he'd wait for me, but what if he's still waiting because he thinks I'm not ready? What if I'm ready now?"

Riko smirked, leaning back on her hands. "Then you go for it," she said simply. "Talk to him. You've never been afraid to chase what you want before, so why start now?"

Hana laughed softly, feeling a weight lift from her chest. Riko had a way of simplifying things, cutting through the noise. Maybe that was why they worked so well together as friends. Riko didn't complicate things-- she just accepted them for what they were.

"Thanks, Riko," Hana said, reaching out to squeeze her friend's hand.

Riko grinned, her usual mischievous spark returning. "Hey, don't thank me. Just make sure you know what you're getting into. Kaede's a sweetheart, but don't let him get away with thinking he has to hold back for your sake. You're both adults-- figure it out."

Hana nodded, feeling more certain than she had in weeks. It was time to stop overthinking, to stop letting past confusion cloud her judgment. She knew what she wanted now. Kaede had always been patient, always understanding. Maybe now, it was her turn to take the leap.

----

Hana's heart raced as she adjusted the hem of her black silk blouse, feeling the soft material against her skin. The Prism Productions lounge was bustling with activity, the usual hum of voices and instruments filling the air, but her focus was elsewhere. She spotted Kaede sitting on his usual couch, chatting casually with Itsuki. Her gaze flicked nervously to her reflection in the glass door, catching a glimpse of herself in the nicer-than-usual outfit she had carefully chosen. Taking a deep breath, she crossed the room with purpose.

"Kaede, can we talk privately?" she asked, her voice calm but insistent.

Kaede looked up at her, surprised. He blinked, then glanced at Itsuki, who shot him a quizzical look. "Uh, sure. But... what's this about?"

Hana's eyes shifted ever so slightly towards Itsuki, as if subtly suggesting that whatever this was, it wasn't for an audience. Kaede's confusion gave way to understanding, and he nodded.

"Okay, let's find somewhere quieter." He stood, leading the way toward one of the conference rooms down the hall.

The door clicked shut behind them, muffling the noise from the lounge. Kaede turned, hands stuffed into his pockets, waiting for Hana to speak. She paced for a moment, then stopped, turning to face him.

"What is it that you see in me, Kaede?" she asked, her voice soft, but steady.

Kaede blinked again, unsure where this line of questioning was leading. "What I see in you?" His brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... back when we were dating. Why did you... you know, care about me? What was it about me that you liked?"

Kaede hesitated, trying to make sense of why she was asking something like this now, of all times. "Well," he began, searching for the right words, "you're kind. You're talented, and not just as a musician, but in the way you connect with people. You've got this... strength in you, but also this vulnerability that makes you human, approachable. I like how passionate you are about what you care about. And, well, you're pretty amazing all around. But... why do you need to know things you already know?"

Hana swallowed hard, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. "I wanted to hear it again because... I want to start dating you again."

Kaede's eyes widened, completely caught off-guard. He had never expected Hana to be the one to make this move. "Wait, what? You... want to date me again?" He stared at her in disbelief, his mind scrambling to catch up with her words. "I... I thought--"

"I got tired of waiting for you to make a move," Hana interrupted, a playful but serious edge in her voice. "I've been doing a lot of thinking. About us. And I realized... I didn't want to wait anymore."

Kaede scratched the back of his neck, clearly nervous. "But... we had that fight, remember? Before the Harmony Gala? About the forfeit... I didn't feel like it was appropriate for us to just pick up where we left off. I didn't want to pressure you, especially after everything that happened recently."

Hana waved it off with a small smile. "Kaede, couples fight all the time. And it's not like we didn't work it out. That's what friends do. That's what *couples* do."

She took a step closer, her expression softening. "Besides, I was never mad at you for that. You were looking out for me, in your own way. And that's one of the things I admire about you-- you're protective, but you also understand my boundaries and my needs. You never made me feel bad about my friendship with Riko, even when things between us got... unusually close."

Kaede nodded, still trying to process everything. "Hana... why aren't you just dating Riko, then? I mean, you two are... close."

Hana's smile wavered, her gaze lowering for a brief moment. "Riko and I... after the whole 'Veiled Echoes' controversy, it kind of killed the idea for both of us. We've talked about it, and neither of us really felt that what we had was romantic in the end. We're friends, and yeah, we've... deepened that friendship. But that's all it is. What I need in a partner is someone who sees all of me, including my bond with Riko, and cherishes that understanding-- like you always have."

She looked back up at him, her eyes steady. "What I've realized through all of this is that I've sorted out my feelings. I know what I want. And... I'm ready to give you the time you deserve, Kaede."

Hana took a deep breath, then straightened, her hands clasping in front of her. "So I'm asking you... formally. Do you want to get something to eat with me? A date."

Kaede stood there for a moment, the words sinking in. He glanced away briefly, considering her offer, the weight of it settling on him. "Just... the two of us? No Riko involved?"

Hana laughed softly. "Riko's on her own this time, I promise."

Kaede finally smiled, his nerves easing slightly as he let out a small chuckle. "Alright, then." He looked back at her, his smile widening. "Yeah. Let's go get something to eat."

Hana's face lit up, and they both laughed, the tension between them finally breaking. Together, they walked out of the conference room, leaving behind the uncertainty that had kept them apart for far too long.

----

## Moonlight Prism's Performance of "Eclipse of the Sun" at the Harmony Gala

Scene: The Moonlight Prism Harmony Gala stage.

The stage was drenched in darkness. Slowly, a single spotlight pierced through, revealing Hana standing tall at the center, her violin cradled delicately in her hands. She was ethereal-- a haunting figure waiting to unleash the storm.

Hana's fingers began to glide over the strings, coaxing out the first, delicate notes of the violin. A haunting, melancholic melody filled the silence, a soft lament that curled through the stadium like mist. Each note was a whisper of sorrow and beauty, wrapping the audience in the gravity of what was to come. Her violin cried softly against the blackness, setting the tone-- a celestial hymn to the night.

Suddenly, another spotlight flared to life, revealing Riko, standing in sharp contrast. Her silver hair was wild, and her eyes burned with defiance.

Riko: (Her voice was a low, sultry growl as she leaned into the microphone, the rawness of her tone igniting the crowd.)
"In the dead of night, I crave your fire
Burn away the doubt, set my soul ablaze higher
My moon is eclipsed, swallowed by your light
But in your darkness, I find my own might."

Itsuki took the stage with a blistering electric guitar riff that sliced through the air like lightning. His presence, flamboyant and commanding, elevated the tension as his fingers danced across the fretboard, weaving chaos into the melody.

At the back, Kaede's drumming kicked in, a steady thunderous beat that pounded in sync with the audience's hearts, pulsing like the very lifeblood of the song. His focus was razor-sharp, providing the relentless rhythm that held the storm together.

Astra joined on the keytar, her neon-lit figure illuminated in the darkness. Her electronic melodies added a futuristic touch, crafting an otherworldly atmosphere as her notes soared in counterpoint to Hana's violin.

Hana's violin joined the fray, soaring in a mournful counterpoint to Riko's powerful vocals. The notes were high, sharp, and aching-- a cry of longing and melancholy against the rising storm of sound.

Riko: (Her voice rose like a tidal wave, roaring across the stage.)
"Don't tell me I'm fragile, a whisper in the storm
I'm the lightning's fury, the ocean's churning form
This eclipse won't break me, it fuels my desire
To rise from your ashes, a queen set ablaze with fire."

The stage was alive with energy as Moonlight Prism became the storm-- each member weaving their unique sound into the tempest. Hana's violin swirled like a specter around Riko's defiant vocals, the music growing in intensity.

Riko: (With a theatrical twirl, her voice now a battle cry that reverberated through the venue.)
"We dance in the shadows, where secrets take flight
Embrace the eclipse, let it burn away the night
We are the storm, the silence before the scream
A symphony of shadows, a celestial gleam."

The music shifted. Hana's violin climbed higher, pushing the melody into a realm of cosmic despair. Her bow raced across the strings, reaching dizzying heights. Riko's voice dropped to a whisper, her body tense with emotion, drawing the audience into the eye of the storm-- a quiet moment of vulnerability amidst the chaos.

Riko: (Her eyes closed as she channeled something deeper, her voice soft yet full of strength.)
"Let the sun fade, let the moon reign supreme
In this eclipse, we find our own forbidden dream
No longer reflections, but stars in our own right
Burning with a fire that consumes the night."

The tempo shifted once more, erupting into the climactic chorus. Riko and Hana united, their voice and violin blending into a celestial harmony that soared above the venue. The music exploded with energy-- Itsuki's guitar blazing, Kaede's drums pounding like thunder, and Astra's keytar adding a futuristic edge to the mix. The stage was drenched in blinding lights as the performance reached its peak.

Riko:
"Eclipse of the sun, a symphony of fire
We are the shadows, dancing ever higher
No longer bound by darkness, we rise from the night
A celestial storm, a queen bathed in light."

After the final chorus, Hana's violin took one last defiant flight-- her bow skimming the strings with furious intensity. The melody stretched to a stratospheric wail, defiant against the encroaching darkness. Riko threw her head back and released a primal scream that shattered the tension, her raw power reverberating through the venue like a shockwave.

The performance ended with an explosive final chord, the stage lights cutting out as the last note faded, leaving the crowd breathless, suspended in the wake of Moonlight Prism's celestial storm.




===========================================================================

This story is written with heavy AI assistance.

It's a longer story this time, but it kind of warranted it, seeing as how there needed to both be an escalation to the feud between Sunshine Melody and Moonlight Prism, and the climax where 'Eclipse of the Sun' is finally unleashed upon the world. It's been something that's been in my back pocket for months, only needing an appropriate time to use it, which of course kind of required there to be a feud with Sunshine Melody.

Yui being kicked out of the group because of her conscience is a deliberate turn and a nod to her leaving the idol world behind in the alternate universe. Where she goes from here is anyone's guess, but it is definitely different from a universe where Akari was the one who was kicked out (sadly no Aiko around to screw things up since she never got a shot in this storyline). 

Aoi leaving Sunshine Melody like this wasn't planned, but I realized that she would actually appreciate a style that took advantage of her androgynous looks. Her source of conflict, the fuel of her competitive spirit, lay in her feeling inadequate as a 'lady' who lacks curves and a bust (she is very 'flat'), which means being an idol is rather detrimental to her self-image. So when she finds a way, facilitated by Hana no less, that makes her feel good about her body, Aoi is inspired to step away from the world that tormented her and pursue the thing she really wanted, the thing that she was actually good at, and where her body was an asset, not a hindrance: ballet dancing. While she may have made this career move rather late, that she kept up her ballet training despite being an idol (to be fair, it IS helpful to being an idol), Aoi still has what it takes to make it. So in a way, she got a much happier ending than she otherwise should have, and because she knows it was because of Hana, it felt right for Aoi to bury the hatchet. So somewhere down the line she might show up again in a more protagonist role (of course, there is the Moon River ballet classes....).

Akari and Sakura becoming a secret couple was something that was in the other universe's story, but here, while Sakura is more passive, she is now positioned where she can serve as a stabalizing force to Akari. Akari, who spent most of this story obsessed with Hana in a jilted lover sort of way, is now open to starting a relationship with Sakura. Of course, if the secret got out, both of their careers are in jeopardy, so now it's sink or swim for them.

I've thought for a long time about which platonic pair was most likely to have sex with each other, and Hana and Riko was realistically the only choice. They did the deed in the isekai story so it's not completely out of line; extreme duress would lead them to do it. But because it happened during Akari's manufactured lesbian scandal, it sours Hana and Riko on the idea of starting a romantic relationship with each other. On the other hand, having sex with Riko gave Hana the avenue to explore her own emotional needs and the 'discovery' that she still wanted to date Kaede after setting that aside for such a long time. I think perhaps the sex, itself being an emotional roadblock Hana experienced, helped resolve her own thoughts on seeking a romantic partner, and ultimately decided it wasn't Riko.

As a bonus, this is the generated list of the pies featured at Moonlight Prism's pie auction.

Moonlight Prism's Charity Pie Auction:

1. Classic Cream Pie: Hana
2. Cherry Pie (just cherries under whipped cream): Riko
3. Blueberry Pie (just blueberries under whipped cream): Hana
4. Chocolate Cream Pie: Itsuki
5. Apple Pie (traditional filling): Kaede
6. Lemon Meringue Pie: Hana
7. Strawberry Pie (just strawberries under whipped cream): Riko
8. Banana Cream Pie: Itsuki
9. Coconut Cream Pie: Hana
10. Peach Pie (traditional filling): Riko
11. Key Lime Pie: Hana
12. Mocha Cream Pie: Hana
13. Raspberry Pie (just raspberries under whipped cream): Hana
14. Pumpkin Pie (seasonal favorite): Riko
15. Sweet Potato Pie: Itsuki
16. Takoyaki Pie (octopus balls, sauce, mayo, bonito): Riko
17. Spinach Pie (savory spinach filling): Kaede
18. Matcha Anko Pie (matcha and red bean paste): Hana
19. Seaweed Salad Pie (slippery seaweed salad): Hana
20. Tsukemono Pie (pickled vegetables): Kaede
21. Natto Pie (fermented soybeans): Astra
22. Chocolate Silk Pie: Astra
23. Miso Caramel Pie (sweet and savory caramel with miso): Riko
24. Umeboshi Pie (sour pickled plum filling): Hana
25. Kinako Mochi Pie (roasted soybean flour and mochi): Riko
26. Edamame Pie (mashed edamame filling): Astra
27. Black Sesame Pie (sweet black sesame paste): Hana
28. Yuzu Citrus Pie: Itsuki
29. Sweet Corn Pie (creamy sweet corn filling): Riko
30. "Mystery Pie" (filling revealed after bidding): Hana

Final Pie Totals:

Hana: 12 pies
Riko: 8 pies
Itsuki: 4 pies
Kaede: 3 pies
Astra: 3 pies




~ Razorclaw X