Paradox Live Hidden Track "MEMORY" Novel English Translation

Translated by: MJ (BAE, TCW, & cozmez parts) & Tifa ( AKYR part)

Before Anyone Else (BAE Part)

Phantom Live

It's a new form of stage expression created by HIP-HOP culture.

The phantom rappers, who use special phantometal to project their emotions as illusions, while suffering the illusion of trauma that comes back as compensation, they continue to lead the movement of the new era.

Then, a mysterious invitation arrived to the four extremely popular phantom rapper teams.

The home of the founder and strongest phantom rapper "Buraikan", the legendary club "CLUB Paradox" that has supposedly disappeared, was revived.

From there, a series of live events has started.

Intertwined by ambitions and conspiracies, each of their pasts and future, and the clash of their dreams.......

Many thoughts and vibes were mixed, sometimes competing, sometimes talking, and created a lot of ties. In the midst of this maelstrom was the up-and-coming team "BAE", consisting of Sugasano Allen, Yeon Hajun and Anne Faulkner.

To surpass the legendary team "Buraikan", and to get back at their parents and adults who refused to acknowledge them. The battle of BAE, which started with such ambition and vengeance, also underwent steady changes from the interaction with the other rappers who they competed against.

And, after a lot of heat and tears, Paradox Live ended with team cozmez victory.... not BAE.

Their dream was shattered but, without a doubt, they were able to "connect"

"- But, that doesn't change the fact that we "lose". We must raise the quality of our work even higher than before, Got it? Hajun, Anne"

"Yes, I agree with that. But, Allen?"

"I told you to clean up your room first, didn't I?"

While Hajun and Anne's retorts echoed, their shared house became very troublesome.

Post Paradox Live.

During the competition, Allen’s room was overlooked saying “Well, he wants to concentrate anyway”, until his two teammates finally got in the mess, and cleaning was made.

However, cleaning up the room is basically “decluttering”.

The best thing to do would be to remove and throw away the non-essential things, but in Allen’s case, most of the room is occupied by a pile of audio equipment and records. And because of Allen’s past, they decided to apply the motto “keep things tidy without the need to throw anything away”, and because of that, the whole living room was flooded with furniture. Thanks to that, the whole house is like an old shop.

“Seriously, Allen is a genius in storing things in an uncontrolled manner. If he had been born as a squirrel, instead of human, I bet he would forget the acorn he buried everywhere”

“Fufufu, Squillen (Squirrel Allen), cute. Doesn’t it suit his cheek bags?”

“You guys… What do you think I am?”

Hajun and Anne vent out their complaints of the effort required to clean the room at least by teasing Allen. If they didn’t do that, they’d get very tired. That was the amount of luggage Allen had.

“But still, you really have accumulated a lot, haven’t you? It’s hard to think that it’s not that long since we’ve moved here”

“A lot of things had happened. Especially since Paradox Live started… Like when Allen was caught off guard then Kanata from cozmez took his phantometal, or when Hajun was dissed by Compara Daimaou of The Cat’s Whiskers and got depressed, or that time when Hajun got metal erosion and Allen and I jumped into the spiritual world to save him….”

“Isn’t the content you remember a bit biased, Anne?”

“It’s a choice that has implications against me, isn’t it? Should I remind Anne too, about your unattractive behaviour? Like that incident about the notebook used as a pot holder”

“Hey, that’s not related to live performance stuff…, wait, what?”

Suddenly, Anne’s hand, which was cleaning up the closet, stopped.

“What’s wrong? I’m sure Allen doesn’t have any weird video disc hidden away”

“I’m not hiding anything!... what’s wrong, Anne?”

What Anne had in his hands, was a slightly old model track jacket. It was vividly colored and had the look of street fashion.

Looking at that, Anne had his eyes rounded.

“This, you still have this?”

“Still… Well, of course. You still have that too, right, Hajun?”

“Well… I can still wear it after all, and it’s a waste to throw it away”

“I see. Hmm…”

Looking at the slightly faded color of the fabric, Anne squinted his eyes.

Really, a lot had happened. At Paradox Live. And while the three of us were working together as BAE…

There were also hard times. There were nights when I wanted to cry. But still, it was fun because the three of us were rapping together.

“If … I hadn’t met Allen and Hajun rapping at that time….”

Maybe he was just tired from cleaning up. When he closes his eyes nostalgically, Anne’s consciousness begins to go through his memories.

It was… for Anne, the beginning of everything, a journey that connects memories.

It was a quiet after school, as if the whole world hated me.

I happened to have some free time because I couldn’t make plans with any of my friends. It was 4:00 PM after school. The sound of the brass band’s flute could be heard from far away.

His long hair and skirt swayed, his long, slender legs stretched out as he stepped in his slippers down in the white corridor.

The thin sole hits the tiles, creating cheap, light footstep echo.

The unreliable footsteps are not so different from anyone else’s steps.

Anne didn’t like these slippers that much. Even though there were many schools with elaborate uniforms, these flat, childish footwear were not much different. Even the international school that didn’t have a designated uniform and allowed Anne to go in school wearing his favorite casual clothes - a skirt that allowed Anne to be himself- had the same problem. The adult’s willingness to fit all the students into the same pattern of “children” seemed more pronounced than in uniform.

Or maybe it was because the light footsteps sounded like they were making fun of the fact that he had nowhere to go.

Of course, he has a house.

However, for 16 years old Anne, it was a place he had to go back to, but not the place he wanted to go home to.

That’s why, after school, Anne had no choice but to go straight home.

But the amount of time that he can spend by going out to the city alone is unexpectedly limited. He didn’t mind window shopping, but doing it everyday is tiring.

So Anne, without any destination in mind, walked around the school.

Most of the time, he just josh to peek at the club activities where his friends were and went back and forth between the library and the purchasing section.

Every time I did this, I hated the sound of my footsteps on my slippers, it's as if they were telling me “You don’t have anywhere to go, do you?”. No matter how thinly dispersed, it was the sound of the inconvenience of being a 16 years old, tied down to home, school, and parents.

When it gets dark, I either catch my friends after club activities, or finally give up and go to town alone, and return home in time to avoid being arrested.

Before going home, I remove my make-up completely and remove my hair extensions. Then I change into boyish clothes, and the short time of Anne being Anne, ends there.

Even Cinderella’s magic would work until the date changes.

After that, I would go home and make excuses for my late return. Most of the time, I’m supposed to attend a study session. In such lines as “Come home a little earlier” and “Mom, I was lonely”, I try to pass it off as waiting for a headache that won’t go away.

For Anne, that’s what everyday is like.

No matter how fed up he was, in the end, he couldn’t give up being a mother and son.

That was Anne’s reality at the age of 16.

“..... It’s boring”

The murmur burst into the footsteps of the stairs and disappeared.

The setting sun was always melancholy, but that day, Anne was feeling particularly depressed. Maybe it was because of the horrible dream he had last night.

Maybe that’s why, Anne’s footsteps that day took her to the upperclassmen’s floor. Which normally he doesn't visit.

There was no place to take a rest, and there were few students left.

Even if I continue to walk, I would end up at the end of the corridor. When I was thinking about going back and going to the store to buy something to drink, that’s when I thought I heard something.

“....is someone singing?”

Relying on my ears, I walked towards the sound. It was definitely someone’s song that is leaking from one of the classrooms.

But that is, clearly different from the kind you hear at a choir competition.

There was a precise word to describe it in this era.

“No… Is it rap?”

Come to think of it, I’ve heard about it.

There was a senior student one year above Anne’s grade, who was doing Hip-Hop activities with just the two of them.

Indeed, HIP-HOP is popular. His classmates were enthralled by the force of the phantom live performance, mimicking rappers, and getting dyed by the new wave of HIP-HOP fashion that accompanied it. Anne, on the other hand, was uninterested.

So, well, he thought that the rumored seniors would be like that, but it was convenient for Anne. If they get along well, they may be able to kill time after school.

With such a light feeling, Anne looked into the classroom through the small window attached to the door. Two students were facing each other, alternately singing. They seemed to be using the classroom as a studio, connecting their phones to play music.

Laughing a little at his tearful effort, Anne opened the door with the intention of lightly saying, "Hello, can I also join you?" And then,

“-Ah”

The heat greeted Anne.

It was not singing, but vibration.

A raw piercing of emotions

It rhymes with egoism on a rhythm that resonates clearly.

The wild impulses are packed with rationality and a torrent of slamming voices, that makes his chest quiver and heat up.

A storm of voices, like bullets, that were stronger than what could be called singing, pounding with such great force. The sounds of the two people, which had been coming through the wall, became clear and flowed into Anne's body without any separation.

Anne still doesn’t know that a phrase that leaves a strong impression is called “punch line”. But it certainly hit him like a blow. There were phrases that shook his brain, smacked his ears, and burned his heart.

Technically speaking, it can’t be compared to the pros.

There is no way that a sound coming from the classroom using a smartphone as a sound source would be good.

But the fever was there...it was so red and bare, as if they were screaming that “we are here”. It seems that they are shouting to the world, so loudly that their throats dry up.

In the classroom filled with such heat, the color of the setting sun shining through the window was dazzling. It was so dazzling that I would probably cry.

“Um, who are you?”

When I was called out, I noticed that the music and rapping had stopped before I knew it. Of the two students there, the boy with the tousled hair - Allen- looked troubled, and the smoothed haired boy -Hajun- squinted his eyes, staring at me.

I guess I got too absorbed in the sound. My breath was coming in faint gasps, and I was sweating. The remains of their voices resounding still lingered in the room, and the red sunlight that had passed through them, illuminated me like a light.

I didn’t feel welcome.

But when the same voice that had previously spun the rap asked “who are you?” I felt like I could honestly say who and what I was.

That’s why, I answered.

“----Anne, I’m Anne Faulkner.”

Boys, girls, how old I am, what group I’m in. At that moment, I didn’t need anything extra to call myself.

Anyway, that was how the three of us met for the first time.

Two and one are still a long way off to call themselves “BAE”.

It was an encounter in the sunset classroom.

At that time, it was Allen and Hajun’s routine to practice rap in the classroom after school. At first, Allen was doing it alone, but at some point, Hajun joined in. No, in a sense, it was Allen who drew him in.

After Allen’s parents burned his hidden collection of HIP-HOP records, he moved in with Hajun. Since then, Hajun has been interested in “Allen’s rap” and this relationship has continued.

At the beginning, some of their classmates would come to observe the practice out of curiosity, but eventually this became less and less common. Eventually, the after-school practice hours became a closed world for Allen and Hajun.

So, to be honest, Allen was surprised when an underclassman he’d never seen before came up to them and got involved with them in a very open and frank manner.

However, by the time a few days had passed, the young man, who went by the name of Anne Faulkner, had settled into the after school hours quite well.

He is not shy and is simply a good communicator.

This is different from Hajun, who has a softer demeanor as a way of getting by.

He’s somehow easy going, dignified, but not sarcastic. His appearance is as soft as a cherry blossom in spring, and his air is as crisp as an autumn day. As someone who doesn’t have many friends, Allen can honestly say that there are many things he wants to learn from him.

However, when he first saw him, Allen couldn’t help but notice the strange, dark “shadow” he cast in the sunset.

On that day as well, the practice track cut off a segment and they took a break. Anne picked up a chocolate candy waving it like a baton and opened his mouth.

“But you know, what is it about practicing in the classroom? Wouldn’t it be better to use a studio or something?”

“No, not really.”

Allen replied to Anne’s question.

“It’s because we have our daily lives here, so it’s easy to get inspiration in that sense, and it’s surprisingly nice to be able to use the blackboard. As a trial, it’s also easy to write and erase phrases, and Hajun and I can look at it and share it after all.”

“Heh, I guess you can say that.”

“Also, it’s not very economical to use karaoke every time, is it?”

“Don’t you ever get together at one of your houses to practice?”
“......I’m actually staying at Hajun’s house right now.”

“Hmm?”

Anne titled his head and met Hajun’s eyes.

“It’s because if we do it at home, Allen’s going to scatter the paper he wrote the lyrics on.”

“Hah?”

In response to Anne’s distracted gesture, Hajun continued to complain.

“And, he tends to lose track of time in practice, and sometimes we have to skip dinner - the Dak Hanmari…. It’s a pot dish that I prepared in the morning. There were times when we ended up having Gukbap the next morning. Allen had to buy all the ingredients on his own though.”

Allen scratched his cheeks awkwardly to Anne, who turned his gaze as if to say he felt sorry for him.

“In other words, that is the reason why we have set up a practice area outside of the house, so that we can have a break or give a sharp impression to the practice time.”

“Is Allen a rap addict?”

“He’s a Hip-Hop idiot.”

“Ah, that fits nicely.”

“Y-You guys…..”

Despite his reluctance, Allen was a little relieved by Hajun’s attitude.

At first, Hajun “smiled strangely” at Anne, who at first looked like a girl. Allen thought that was a bad sign.

Hajun is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The real face of Hajun that Allen knows is shady, sadist, and has a bad personality in general. Whether he is wearing a fake or a real face, he has a soft demeanor, which makes it even worse.

In spite of this, he is called the “nobleman of smiles” on the campus because of his sales smile. He said it’s his way of getting by, but thanks to that, he is constantly being chased by girls. In the past, two girls who have been chasing Hajun got into a loud fight. Hajun, however, quickly put the situation to rest in a blink of an eye by simply saying a few words to each of the girls. Allen wondered what he said, but Hajun just smiled and held up a finger to his mouth. Allen remembers that it was rather frightening. However, if Allen’s memory is certain, he said something like, “It feels good when the Dominoes fall well, doesn’t it?”.

Allen trusts Hajun, but he thinks that aspect is really scary.

The reason why Hajun was so friendly with Anne was because Allen happened to see that Anne is a boy.

It’s not that he wanted to pry. It’s just that he was curious about the “shadow” that Anne was wearing, and when he stared at him, he just noticed the atmosphere and his body. So Allen really didn’t think about it.

However, when Anne knew he was found out, he was strangely happy about it, and Hajun was a little impressed with him. It seems that Hajun liked the fact that he chose to wear what he felt was his own style.

For that reason, Anne was a good junior who didn’t give a bad impression to either Allen or Hajun.

“But you know, it’s been a few days since I started watching you two practice…”

Anne said, sitting backwards in a chair and putting his arms on the backrest.

“It’s a rap battle, right? Is that how you compete on rap stages?”

“No, this is just one form.”

Allen replied.

“Well…. Freestyles MC battles give back answers, so it’s a good way to practice our vocabulary repertoire. It’s a practice that can only be done by two people. But it’s true that competitions held at live houses and clubs are usually in the form of battles.”

“Yeah, that’s how I imagined it.”

“But this is just the side of the story, and it’s normal for people to take their time to prepare  the lyrics for a live performance, and isn’t that what Phantom Live is all about?”

“I know right? I don’t know that much about it, though.”
“Oh, that’s right. Well, in other words, it’s like playing a catchball, and we’re incorporating it  into our practice. It’s not like this is the only practice method, but it’s practical.”

Anne nodded, as if he understood it somehow.

With that, Allen’s mouth begins to turn even more.

“Back in the days when there was no culture of enjoying music with  someone, there was a quiet cypher boom, and freestyle rap battles themselves are like the roots of today’s phantom live movement. I heard that there was a time when old school rappers thought it was a bad idea.”

“.....Ummm, is that so?”

Anne tilted his head.

“Allen. Anne is starting to freak out, you know?”

“Ah.”

Allen, who was about to enter his own world, regained his vision after Hajun’s words. For Anne’s part, he looked as if he hadn’t been able to follow him completely.

“Ah, my bad Anne. I got a little carried away.”

“It’s fine, that helped me. I mean, there are a lot of things I don’t know even though I’ve been observing you guys for a while. If it’s okay with you, tell me more about it, about rap.”

Allen nodded happily, while Hajun looked anxious. Anne didn’t know why until a few seconds later.

“Let’s see, Then, I wonder where I should start….. How much do you know Anne? About rap.”

“How much, I mean, what’s the difference between Hip-Hop and rap?”

This was the first  and only time that Hajun had ever made such a blatant “You just said something that you shouldn't have” face, in Anne’s opinion.

“Ah…. I see, from there huh!...”

“.....No, that’s okay, it was just an annoying question anyway.”

When he saw Allen hugging his body with one arm and tapping his temples with the other hand, Anne finally felt that “maybe I asked something wrong”. But it’s already too late.

“First of all, I wonder how I should say this…. I think Hip-Hop is a way of life.”

“Yeah……?”

Anne felt uneasy.

“And, rap is the cry of the guy who’s living in Hip-Hop.”

“Hmm? Yeah. Yeah?”

Anne thought it was a bad idea.

“I wonder where I should start explaining…. The thing I want to talk about the most is Phantom Live, but there are some foundations to reach that. Ah but, let see, first of all, the four elements  of Hip-Hop, that’s a must.”

“Really?”

“That’s right. In other words, DJ, MC, breakdance, and graffiti. Later on, knowledge is added so it’s now the five elements, and the MC is now the so-called rapper.”

“I see.”

“In other words, rap is the way of expressing Hip-Hop, and it has evolved further.--yes. The Phantom Live!”

“You surprised me! Don’t shout out of nowhere!”

“I think that illusions have been added to the previous five elements and I think they are the six major elements now, and some rappers have actually described it that way! Hip-Hop is a genre with a long history of evolution, so the Phantom Live is a movement that really has made history!”

“Whoa, wai- your face is so close.”

“You know Yasha and Shura from Buraikan, right? You don’t? MC Yasha and MC Shura , two legendary rappers, they’re the ones who spread Hip-Hop to the world along with the existence of Phantom Live, and evolved the culture of music itself. Well, for some reason, the two of them suddenly disappeared after that, but now the huge wave of movement that was started by Buraikan continues to spread all over the world. I don’t know what happened to Buraikan, but I’m sure that Phantom Live took music to a higher level. When I first saw the Phantom Live in person, it was really dope. It wasn’t the same as Buraikan but… no, really, it’s not just the ears, it was the musicality, the way the music jumped out of your eyes? It’s like the vibes are so high that they just go like BOOM! And you know! It’s a lot more amazing than what you hear in your ears. By being able to convey the world view more directly, not just the track but also the illusion can create a three-dimensional chemical reaction with the lyrics, and the range of expression expands overwhelmingly! Some people tend to think that Phantom Live is a development of rap, but it’s really a stage expression that has evolved after mixing the element of MC and graffiti, and if you’re also interested, Anne, you should watch the live show, really! It’s easy to get access since the venue for the festival is held near here. This is just a snippet of knowledge, but the manager of the karaoke bar behind the station is a Phantom Live fanatic, and he often puts flyers for the festivals and other venues in the area, so be sure to check them out! Of course, even if you don’t see them live, there are some teams that will give you an impression that they’re dope, and there’s XXXX (Quadra X), they’re a team that has disbanded already, but they’re really awesome, even on videos! I wish I could have gone to one of their live performances before disbanding. Well, I respect XXXX (Quadra X), but I think our music style is different, and since I’m doing rap, I want to eventually surpass them, and surpass their founder, Buraikan.”

“-----Allen?”

The smile on Hajun’s face was dazzling.

Allen knew that the expression on Hajun’s face was much scarier than a glare. So, he thought of bracing himself as to what he will say but,

“It’s because you’re like that, that’s why you’re losing the MC battle to a guy who just started.”

“Yeah…”

Allen collapsed from his knees, as if Hajun’s words had stabbed him with form. It was a splendid way of collapsing, as if he had hit a building block from below.

“..... Allen is the one who teaches Hajun, right? Did he lose?”

Looking worriedly at Allen, Anne quietly whispered to Hajun.

“That’s right, Allen is a hardcore Hip-Hop idiot just like this. As you can see, he talks a lot and his technique is much better than mine. And of course, he’s good at freestyles. What I said just now is not the reason why he lost.”

“Then why are you winning, Hajun?”

“He’s not good at improvising diss. He likes Hip-Hop so much that sometimes he agrees with the other person.”

“That's…..somehow, I really understand.”

Also, Anne didn’t dare to say that he thinks that Hajun seemed like he is good at dissing.

“----To put it simply, Hip-Hop is a genre of art that has a big factor such as fashion and dance, and rap is a way of singing within the genre.”

“Amazing. Hajun is very easy to understand.”

At Anne’s voice, Allen shook his shoulders. Anne had to look away trying not to laugh as he looked like a puppy being told to wait by Hajun and to be quiet for another five minutes. And to be honest, it looked cute.

“But really, you’re good at explaining things, Hajun. It’s been about a year since you started rapping, right?”

“I did some research myself to make sense of what Allen is saying. I think I can be a Hip-Hop history teacher.”

“I didn’t know that the fashion genre was also part of Hip-Hop. It’s called “B-Kei” (Hip-Hop fashion or street fashion), right?”
“That’s what they call it, in general. It was originally a fashion for rappers who couldn’t afford to buy the right size of clothes and were struggling financially, but with the spread of Hip-Hop, they adopted it.”

“Hmm, so that’s why it’s oversized.”

“In reality, most of the people who like this fashion don’t seem to be familiar with rap.”

“Ah, but I think I get it. The fashion of rappers isn’t that over the top, it’s more like a smart street  style type, isn’t it?”

“Especially for phantom rappers, it’s important to look good on stage after all. And besides,  we need to be highly conscious of our costumes so that we can always adapt to the modern scene.”

“I see. It’s important to know what kind of person the word came from, right?”

When it came to clothes, Anne was somewhat more receptive to the idea. Since he was going to stand on stage, it’s natural to dress up to make himself look presentable. For Anne, it was the easiest way to express himself, and he felt comfortable with it.

“As expected, Allen and Hajun are also particular about that part, aren’t you?”

“Not really for me.”

“Me too, not so much at the moment.

“Eh? Why?”

When he thought about it, he couldn’t make a connection with what they’re talking about, and Anne rolled his eyes. When he turned his gaze, he saw that Hajun was shrugging his shoulders and looked like he had no problem.

“Even if I dressed up myself, it will be unbalanced if it doesn’t match with Allen.”

“Eh?”

Anne looked at Allen, who looked distracted and uncomfortable.

“Then, why doesn’t Allen care about clothes? Don’t you think it's a waste, especially when you have such a good face.”

“......I told you, right? Right now, I’m staying at Hajun’s house.”

“You mean, you don’t have money to buy clothes?”

“You’re wrong, Anne. Even Allen is doing a part-time job after school, and sometimes, he gets prize money from live house events.”

“Eh? Then why?”

“Whenever Allen has money to spend,  he spends it on records and equipment rather than clothes, food and shelter.”

“He’s a Hip-Hop idiot!”

“Hip-Hop idiot right?”

The gazes from the two of them hurt, and Allen frowned, letting out a “Guh-nuh” voice.

“No, that’s fine. Right now, the sound source is more important than the clothes to look good. The equipment and records that I’ve been collecting are right now…. Wait, I didn’t bring them. Anyway, the most important thing is to put out passionate lyrics with a good sound!”

“Isn’t that different from what you said when you were explaining the Phantom Live? It’s a stage that isn’t just for your ears to feel but also with your eyes,right?”

Anne felt that he finally understood what Hajun meant by “Hip-Hop idiot”, and he was completely disappointed.

“No, it’s not like that. Right now, we need to prioritize getting the right sound source.”

While pouting a little, Allen fished through his bag, pulled out a flyer and showed it to them.

A colorful pop and artistic letters appeared on the black paper. Anne somehow understood that “Ah. this is what they call a graffiti.” and reads out the largest in his native accent, and then rephrased them.

“Dig Da Groove….. Dig Da Groove? (In Japanese accent)”

“That’s right. It’s a big outdoor festival-style live event.”

“That is also without a phantom illusion--- right?”

Hajun followed Allen’s words.

“It’s a big competition sponsored by a record company. After the Phantom Live boom, these kinds of events have been held sporadically in various regions, and many promising rappers are using it as their stepping stone to make their debut on the major scene. The reason why it is not a Phantom Live is because a simple music only event has a big aspect on discovering talents. I guess you can say it’s a gateway for success for the newcomers.”

“......Don’t tell me, you guys are going to participate in that?”

Allen and Hajun nodded almost at the same time.

This is a sign that each of them has a clear will and is willing to take on a challenge rather than a simple matter of making such an agreement.

However, at times like this, it is Hajun who adds calm and a little cynical point of view.

“Well, lately rappers who have been doing well have received an invitation to events and competitions nearby but for our part, we’re participating in the lottery slot. We’re just fill-ins to fill the gaps in the program since some of the teams that applied withdrew.”

“No, no. Even if you guys are just substitutes, that is still amazing!”

“For the meantime, Allen and I are getting results from the rap battle events held at the clubs….That was a high-school only event, though. This time, I’m sure it’s an event where the semi-professional class of working adults will be participating. (To be frank, they will just underestimate us)” *(Hajun said this words in Korean)

“As if I care.”

A dry, crisp sound. Allen slammed his fist into his palm and growled low.

“Even if it’s a lottery, it’s a chance that we must grab. Let’s prove who we are on this stage with our sound.”

Anne was a little pressured by Allen’s declaration.

He is not the same weak boy as he was earlier.

A flickering heat, like a shimmering flame, dwells in Allen’s eyes. Even in the depths of Hajun’s gaze, which appeared to be cool, there is a quietly boiling light.

It is the brilliance that only “serious” people possess.

This is the true nature of the dazzle that Anne saw when he first came to this classroom.

“......You guys, Why are you doing rap?”

“It’s obvious.”

“It’s obvious.”

They answered almost at the same time.

“With my music, I’m gonna prove myself to the world.”

“I’m gonna show the world who really is the best.”

There was no hesitation in their voices.

It’s a declaration of the realm beyond confidence. An expression of a firm will.

That determination was heard and reached Anne’s ears---Their voices were like a vibration of the air. It shakes the space itself, it shakes the world, it shakes the people in it.

The vibration shook Anne.

In the evening classroom, the two figures standing against the slanting sun looked so much bigger to Anne.

“........With rap, you can do that?”

“You can.”

Allen nodded in response to Anne’s question.

Then, he held up his hand over the shining sunlight. Allen’s long shadow straddled the bland tiles and burned into the wall like a screen.

“I think that rap, Hip-Hop, was originally an art born of shadow.”

“Shadow?”

“That’s right. Ghettoes, gangs, oppression, and conflict. In this shitty world, the energy of violence to resist the suffering eventually transformed into music. Turning repeated fights on street corners into dance and art, which was brought to the disco and gave birth to rap, which is now all over the world.”

“......So, it has a lot of negative background huh?”

“Yeah. But I think it’s appealing because of its negative roots…. The world around us. The eyes of the world. The voices of the adults. It was probably a strong light.”

“.....Light.”

“Right. But it is not a warm thing. It burns the skin and blinds the eyes. It’s an aggressive , selfish, flaming light that comes down from high, blinding the landscape.”

Anne looked up. The setting sun, which seemed to melt the outline of the city, hurt the back of his eyes and made his eyelids stiffen.

“That light is….”

Allen raised his hands to guide his gaze.

“-----The shape of the dark shadow that reflects through my body. It’s the shape of my own sound that emerges in such an annoying and disgusting world. I think that's probably what rap is.”

Allen’s shadow that is clearly reflected, looked even bigger than Allen.

Shadow. ---- Illusion.

The vague words began to take shape in Anne’s mind.

“.....Pfft, I’m feeling excited somehow. Let’s start again, Hajun.”

“That’s good. I feel like I can do a little better today.”

Hajun took a sip of mineral water from a plastic bottle and handed it to Allen. Allen also took a sip from the bottle and moistened his throat. It’s not just that they’re passing it around-- it’s more like a sign of determination to share the same sound with the same throat.

Allen’s finger operated the smartphone and played the track.

The sound of the snare drum dancing as it carves the world. The rhythm bounces. Hip-Hop. A bouncy tone that shows the meaning of the name.

“High BPM closer to HOUSE…. Hajun, you can dance to it, right?”

“It’s perfect, isn’t it? With the mood right now.”

“I know right.”

There’s no rock-paper-scissors like in a tournament style battle. Now,he jumped into the beat from the side he thinks he can get into, starting with Allen first.

Once the track has sunk in through his ears and vibrates through his body, he can output it aloud. Don’t be anxious. First, “listen” properly and put your voice to the sound.

That way, the powerful, piercing voice will dance with the track.

A screaming singing style that is released from the lower abdomen. He interacts with the song first before the rhyme, riding it out and twisting it.

Even if it’s a slightly aggressive flow, when I listen to it, I feel like there is no other answer. His voice has a certain power, and he is expressing himself.

When he feels that he grew accustomed to the track and the flow, he starts rhyming out of habit. The sense of rhyme is rooted in Allen, and if he picks up the vowels of the previous phrase and joins them together, it naturally becomes a rap. It’s more natural than technical.

Eventually, he was replaced by Hajun.

For a change, he gently strokes the outline of the melody in a sexy nuance. He plays a voice with a different interpretation from Allen. He lightly exhales at the end of each word, whispering, as if loving your ears.

A word choice in which the hidden poison melts in the sweet chocolate-like voice. The tingling vibes that are woven together are pleasant.

A dreamy-like lyric that makes you want to give yourself over, and a diss that's as nasty as a pit. Hajun’s rhymes are like roses with sharp thorns. A painful flow like a cat that doesn’t miss you.

From time to time, he dexterously chooses Japanese, English and Korean, and assembles them by selecting the right words for the rhythm. It’s also Hajun’s rap.

Their sounds are not the same. Their voices are not the same. They collide. Each philosophy is uncompromising.

Still, for some reason, a vibration of similar color shakes the air of the classroom.

There are times when alternating rap battles blend into one song that has been divided into parts for a moment. Anne loves those moments.

Also, if somehow two “pauses” connect, it will surely be completed. There was such a feeling of expectation.

Allen described Hip-Hop as a shadow art.

Rather than violently destroying the shitty world, he uses the negativity that oozes out of it and sublimates it into creation. That’s the kind of art, he told Anne.

The red sunset, which has already hidden its face behind the building, shines a particularly strong light on the two screaming students. Their shadows continue to dance like a one-act shadow play on the wall of the classroom. An illusion shadow. These two words crossed Anne’s mind.

I’m sure they're struggling, I thought. They must be screaming and struggling and I thought how cool that is. Maybe that’s what Hip-Hop is all about.

Anne loves this moment. He loves to immerse himself in the world where their vibes are rising. We are here. We certainly exist in this world. He just loves the exchange of young, blue words that screams that.

He loves it, he loves it, he loves it so much that his heart fills with pain. And for some reason, at that certain moment, he suddenly felt like crying.

“Seriously. After I told you to send in your college preference survey as soon as possible… I swear, except for the Hip-Hop thing, you’re really hopeless, Allen.”

“Ahahaha. I can’t deny that.”

At the completely darkened student entrance, Hajun and Anne were waiting for Allen, who was on his way to the staff room.

By this time, there were only a few students left, and the school building, where their raps can no longer be heard, was quiet as if it had fallen asleep.

No, that wasn’t all. After school, it was actually unusual for Anne to be alone with Hajun, as he usually came over when Allen and Hajun were already practicing. Therefore, there wasn’t much to talk about between them.

When Allen and Hajun are together, they usually talk to each other, and Anne joins the conversation in the form of being caught in between them. But when he is alone….. He wears a shell, as if he is preparing for the outside world.

He probably doesn’t notice it in a relationship where you only talk a word or two.

It’s only because Anne knows Allen and Hajun as rappers that he understands the imbalance.

If they hadn’t met through rap, he’s sure that they wouldn’t have been able to talk to each other in such a casual way…. Anne had that kind of conviction.

“Hey, Hajun…..why did you decide to rap? With Allen.”

“What is it all of the sudden?”

“I was just a little curious. If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s totally fine.”

If it was the usual Hajun, he’d just brushed it off. But maybe it was because they were in the darkness of the student entrance after the sun went down, unable to even see each other’s expression that he felt like answering.

“Allen is terrible when it comes to communicating, right?”

“He is.”

He may have been sneezing at that time.

“He has a bad expression and is unfriendly. On the other hand, when it comes to the things he likes, he has no regard for them. It’s troublesome. To be honest, he wasn’t the type I wanted to talk to.”

“You can really say that huh? When the person we are talking about is not here.”

“Even if he’s here, I can still say it though. But….”

He took a breath. Hajun, for now, keeps the slightly embarrassed feeling away deep inside his chest.

“I think his rap was “good”.”

Anne turned his gaze to Hajun with only the movement of his eyes. His expressions were not visible.

“About a year now, I’ve been involved with Allen and Hip-Hop , and I think I understand it a little better now. For Anne, that outfit and Hip-Hop are probably just the same thing.”

“My outfit?”

Anne lightly pinched his skirt. Allen chided him for that gesture, saying “Even a man would be surprised.”

“Yes. it’s a means of output, a way to present oneself in a dignified manner. Even such  a clumsy person with poor speaking skills and poor communication can really convey “himself” so clearly when he raps. Interesting, isn’t it? So…..”

Looking up at the dark ceiling, Hajun laughed a little, so that Anne wouldn’t see him.

“----I wonder if there is such a thing. Until now, it’s what I thought.”

Seeing Hajun like that, Anne blinked his long eyelashes.

“......Did you also tell Allen about that?”

“There is no way I can say that.”

Anne, at that time, still couldn’t distinguish the sound of Hajun’s voice when he was lying.

“Haha. You can be pretty annoying sometimes too, Hajun.”

“Anne, it’s not only Allen who I can be mean to, you know?”

“Oh, that’s scary.”

Anne shrank back to hide from Hajun, who was smiling menacingly at her. He covered his giggling mouth with his hands.

“......Unashamed, huh?”

Anne’s murmur disappeared between his palms, as if he pinched his bitterly distorted mouth.

“.......Is this really okay, Anne?”

“It’s not like I can’t buy it myself, though.”

Saturday. Allen and Hajun were suddenly summoned by Anne and taken around the shops all day to be made into dress-up dolls.

When they thought it was something, it was a stage costume gift for the two of them to wear. Anne had chosen them based on what he had learned about contemporary Hip-Hop trends, making the most of his fashion sense.

For Allen, it was a royal street fashion with vivid colors. With the Hip-Hop style in the background, he looks modern and yet asserts his presence.

For Hajun, a slightly unisex outfit with a luxurious impression. To make Hajun’s own elegant sexiness stand out.

“It’s a farewell gift. Sunday… .it's tomorrow, right? The Dig Da Groove you mentioned. That’s why..”

Anne scratches his cheeks and gives a vague smile.

“I’ve been listening to you guys rapping all the time, and I couldn’t stand it any longer. Even the costumes are a kind of stage direction, right? Can I be a part of it? Like a stylist?”

“Even so, these things aren't cheap, right?”
“No, those are cheap. It’s a choice from Outletting after all.”

“But still.”

“And besides, I have a lot more money than you, Allen. I also did a short-term part-time job.”

“Oh….”

“Anne, you shouldn’t bully Allen too much, you know?”

“Hajun, you’re trying to make me laugh, aren’t you?”

Allen groaned, and Anne and Hajun laughed. Then, Anne continued beyond that.

“At least take me to the stage with the costumes I chose. If you do that then, we’ll be closest to each other, and our vibes will resonate.”

“Anne….”

Allen, for a moment, clutched the paper bag containing the goods, then opened his mouth again.

“Yesterday, I had you listen to it too, right, Anne? The song for the competition. What did you think of it?”

“Hnn, it was cool.”

After answering that,  Allen and Hajun looked at him, and Anne immediately gave up. It wasn’t like him to slur his words.

“It was cool, really. But as expected, it was a little jagged. It’s like it’s not settled properly, it feels like the tops and bottoms are fighting in terms of coordination.”

“You’re really saying it so straightforward, aren’t you?”

Hajun shrugs his shoulders as if he was annoyed, but also convinced. Allen also opens his mouth in a calm manner, as if saying he knew it was the case.

“I think the track is going to be good. I think my flow and Hajun’s flow will sound great on that song. But..”

“When Allen and I use it as a team, the theme doesn’t quite fit together….does it?”

“Yeah. Even if someone other than me listens to it, they’ll probably think the same.”

Anne knew that flattery and comfort were meaningless. But still, he couldn’t help but ask.

“That’s the song you guys are going to use, right? For Dig Da Groove.”

“Yeah.”

Allen was the first one to nod.

“Even if I pack it up overnight, I’m sure I won’t be able to brush it up. It’s still unfinished too. But still, I think that will be the best that Hajun and I can do, rather than just playing it safe.”

“Well, it’s true that as a team song, it may only be 600 points. But it’s a different story if Allen and I can get 100 points each.”

“You can say that.”

Anne laughed. It didn’t mean that he was no longer anxious. Even so, he couldn’t deny the sight of Allen and Hajun--- who couldn’t help but challenge and shout at him that they’re here.

“I’m also gonna watch you guys so. By the way, what’s your team name?”

When he asked, Allen and Hajun exchanged looks at each other and then answered at the same time.

“Furthermore.”

“That’s nice. Then go further ahead.”

The name sounded like a declaration from the both of them in Anne’s ears.

It sounded like a voice coming from somewhere high and distant.

It was a quiet night, as if the world hated me.

“........phew.”

It was just in time for his curfew.

After parting with Allen and Hajun, Anne was in the men’s toilet at the park.

The toilet at the train station is not good. Whether I change in the men’s or women’s restroom, if someone sees me, it will cause an unnecessary commotion. The worst thing that can happen is that it will become a rumor. It will definitely spread to someone’s ears.

I don’t want to take a deep breath in the stagnant toilet air. But I still had to exhale deeply, regardless of my will. If I didn’t, I would collapse because of the pain in my chest.

I carefully took off the women’s clothes I got accustomed to wearing.

A shirt that is tighter than a men's shirt. A skirt that is high enough to show off my beautiful legs.

A high-heeled boots. Hair extensions that also serve as an inner color.

Every time I removed the pieces one by one, Anne disappeared. It’s very similar to breaking a jigsaw puzzle apart. When you remove the vivid pieces, all that remains is the base without a picture.

I took out my spare clothes from the poston bag that I had left in the locker and changed into them.

It’s not that the size doesn’t fit. However, for Anne’s thin body, it’s just too big. Muttering to myself, I fastened my belt, buttoned up my shirt, put on my jacket, and packed my skirt and other things in my bag.

As I got out of the stall, the mirror of the restroom greeted me.

Inorganic and white, it showed the image of what had been Anne under the light of the electric lamp.

Short hair. Men’s clothes. Only the make-up remains, and it’s kind of terribly floating.

“......Haha.”

The cleansing oil is dropped onto a cotton ball.----This, I’ve been using this for a while now, and it’s really good for my skin. While muttering to myself, I started wiping from my forehead to my nose.

Somehow, it feels like I was erasing myself, it made me laugh a little.

The reason why I was working part-time is because I wanted to save money so I can live alone after I graduated from High School. That was Anne’s only ambition.

After seeing Allen and Hajun, I thought how passive and waiting I was. It is still better to become  their stylish than anything.

Certainly, the song was rough. But in the clothes that Anne chose, the two of them standing on the stage in the spotlight, surely would be remembered by….someone.

I thought that the fact that there are people who are reckless, rough but still willing to take  on the challenge, will surely be engraved in this world.

I left the park and went home. I took a detour and left my bag in my locker. I locked up my skirt and wig, as if to say “bye, bye” to myself.

The rubbing footsteps of sneakers echoed along with the engine noise from a distant car.

The moths were clinging to the light of the cheap street lamp as if they were stretching at it. When I got home with heavy steps, the front door was strangely heavy.

“Welcome home, Anjin.”

My mother, as usual, greeted me. I immediately prepared an excuse.

“You’re late today, did something happen?”

“I just couldn’t find the reference book I needed. I went to a bookstore a little farther away.”

“I see. But, if you’re going to be late, try to contact me as much as possible, okay? It makes me worry. I thought you'd made some bad friends.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. Nothing to worry about.”

“But I don’t think you’ll have any weird relationships with others.”

“There’s nothing to worry about, really.”

I think we had that kind of conversation.

My consciousness was so vague that I thought, I thought it would be nice if the night would pass in the blink of an eye.

“For the time being, I’m gonna go change my clothes. I also wanna take a bath.”

I ended the conversation with such words and headed to my room. I heard my mother say “Ah” behind my back, as if she had just noticed me.

“Your hair has grown a little.”

The vibration transmitted through my ears spun like poison, and for a moment, I stopped in my tracks.

“Go get a haircut tomorrow. I’ll make you an appointment at the hairdresser’s.”

To move my frozen brain, my breathing became louder, the blood circulated from my fingertips, and the red blood cells carried acid to restore the sensation from my throat. Finally, my voice came out.

“-----Yeah, you’re right. It’s about time, it’s getting troublesome after all.”

After saying that, I entered my room and closed the door.

I wonder why I didn’t get angry? I wonder why I can’t complain when someone interferes in my friend’s affair? I wonder why I didn’t complain when someone decided to cut my hair without asking for my permission?

I'm pathetic. I’m miserable.

There were so many things I wanted to say, but my voice didn’t sound like my own.

I felt strangely cold from my head to my chest, as if there was no blood flowing, and the silent room was much more chilly than usual. The air in the room did not move, as if it stood still.

Then, I turned on the light when I noticed that the room was dark.

In front of me, there was a full-length mirror.

A young man in immaculate clothing was wearing a drawn out, flirtatious smile.

“......Who the hell are you?”

With a bitter murmur, the young man in the mirror moved his lips.

I knew it. This is who I am, but is this really who I want to be? Am I really okay to be like this?

All alone in my room, there was no one there to answer my question at that moment.

And then, that day came.

Anne’s appearance was in the frenzy of Sunday. Dig Da Groove, the outdoor festival-style event with a large capacity, had a different kind of excitement from the club. Maybe there’s a big shot event planner cooperating with it. The stage was large. At the opening, a phantom rapper that Anne had never seen before greeted the audience and then took his place at the judges’ table.

His appointment at the hair salon is in the evening.

Anne came early to the venue and was able to get a spot in the front row.

The size of the stage up close seemed to shape the authority of this event.

As far as the program was concerned, I could make it after watching Allen and Hajun’s stage performance. I can’t stay until the results are announced and the exhibition after that, but I have no choice.

The participants were not professionals, but there seemed to be a group of faces that were well known to the heads in this area.

Anne, of course, was not familiar with such faces.

But still, the time he spent watching Allen and Hajun practice made Anne realize the level of the competition.

“.......these people are good.”

Many of the participants had been sent an invitation from the organizer's side, I see, so their skills and expressiveness were of a high level.

A flowing flow that sometimes does not rhyme. I don’t dare to speak out for downer songs. A performance that makes the best use of the pauses between tracks. A deep understanding of “sound” itself. You can choose not to play it cool.

They don’t make rap into a rhyming game. They are artists who can create a stage with their musicality and world view they want to express.

Will Allen and Hajun be able to compete at the level that is clearly visible to Anne?

No, but even so, their passion must be unbeatable. I repeated the question to myself.

Eventually the time passed----- Allen and Hajun went up to the stage.

The two of them lined up wearing the clothes Anne had chosen for them. Just as Anne had hoped, they looked great on the graffiti-covered stage set.

It’s fine. They can do it.

The song plays. A low and aggressive beat. It was a song that suited both Allen and Hajun. When I thought about it later, it was a track that had the same atmosphere as “FREAKOUT”.

They can fight. I’m sure they can engrave something into the world.

---Go. Allen, Hajun. Go bite ‘em.

As if to mock Anne’s quiet dream, there was trouble with the equipment.

The sound of the track flew.

The first was from Hajun’s part.

It was going well. The flow was majestic. With the feeling he had accustomed himself to in the freestyle and his original courage, he was able to get into the song perfectly. Allen was also convinced that Hajun’s rap was resonating.

“-----ah.”

Then suddenly, the sound of the track flew by.

The rhythm of the rap and the track was off by one tempo. Because of his intelligence, Hajun was able to notice the feeling that something was off.

Like dominoes, the song started to fall apart. The impatience of having to match Pete’s rap and the consciousness with the need to stick to the lyrics he had prepared earlier collided.

Under normal circumstances, Hajun wouldn’t have been so upset. It would have been possible for him to adjust the tempo with the flow and get back on track.

“Kuh----”

However, it wasn’t until he lost his composure that the horror of the outdoor stage began to bite.

It was different from dimly lit and shut clubs and live houses. He could clearly see the gazes of the vast, naturally-lit audience looking at the stage. It put more pressure on Hajun than he was aware of.

The lyrics were something that he had worked on with Allen for this day. The rhymes that he had worked desperately to put together gave Hajun a compulsion not to allow even a single phrase to slip.

The repeated effort he had put in has now become a burden.

As a result, Hajun completely diverged from the rap and the track, even though he was singing exactly what was on the lyrics.

---This is bad.

This impatience propagated to Allen.

They had the stage nerve and the courage. But still, Allen and Hajun were still immature at that time. When they switched parts, Allen first tried to make up for Hajun’s mistakes.

“.....---tsu!”

Allen sensed that the audience was going blank. But more than that, he was afraid that the atmosphere would drive Hajun into a corner.

That’s why he raised his voice. In an attempt to drown out the accusations before they could be heard, he unleashed a powerful screaming flow and changed the lyrics on the spot. That’s how much Allen cared about Hajun, and he didn’t want to lose this game.

However, it wasn’t “Allen and Hajun’s rap”.  The overly strong voice and the ad-libs that were interjected to excite the audience made the mismatch with Hajun’s part definite.

“-----! ---tsu!”

The more Allen went ahead, the more Hajun’s mistake stood out. His impatience hurt them both.

Then more, more---..... With such enthusiasm and heat, Allen seemed to have forgotten to even  listen to the track. I could see the faces of the judges, it’s as if they were tired of it already. I could see Hajun’s face distorting the edges of his mouth.

Soon, Allen lost the ability to even hear his own voice.

And his ears, not listening to the track, not listening to his friend’s voice, not listening to his own voice, picked up the clear discomfort voices of the audience.

“---This isn’t rap anymore, is it?”

The murmurs finally killed Allen’s rap. The performance was decisively broken there.

Anne was stunned in the audience seats near the stage.

I don’t think it was supposed to be like this. Certainly, their songs were rough. But it should not have been this bad.

If it weren’t for the trouble, they should have been able to perform to their full potential. But even if it was bad luck, this stage---

“What a terrible rap.”

For a moment, Anne thought it was his own voice. The guest seated next to him was muttering with a disgusted face.

Eventually, murmurs spread into a certain criticism and curses. Far from rap, the buzz was so soaked that even the loud tralics were obscured.

“I thought the average was high.”

“Who the hell invited these kids?”

“They must be wacks.”

“It’s fucking normal.”

“I didn’t come here to listen to a feeble joke.”

“Don’t get on stage with your shallow techniques.”

“It’s too cold. I lost interest, really.”

“You should do something like that at a school festival.”

“------You’re wrong!”

 Unconsciously, Anne was shouting at the nearby audience.

It’s because I couldn’t help but shout. The words were so cruel that they seemed to really blow out the flame of the candle that was about to go out on Allen and Hajun’s stage.

“Allen is…… Hajun is….”

Even though they don't know anything at all. About Allen, about Hajun. About how serious those two are about rap, about their after-school efforts, and about their real vibes, they knew nothing at all.

“----it’s not supposed to be like that! They can go further, and they can do more! You guys don’t know anything about Allen, about Hajun, about “Furthermore”----”

“Hah? Who the hell are you? We don’t fucking care about that.”

Of course. Why would it matter to the audience who only heard it once and saw it on the stage for the first time? Neither your resume nor your personality is relevant at that place.

In the eyes of the audience, the success or failure of a performance that only lasts about three minutes is all that matters.

It was very frustrating. He wanted to tell them. He wanted to tell them everything that he saw about Allen and the others. Even if he will be denied and held back, even at that time when Anne felt comfortable, he felt spitting it all out.

However, no matter how much he put such thoughts into words, there was nothing that could be conveyed.

“Allen is amazing, you know. And Hajun is very cool too. Both of them really, really love rap--”

“I told you, we don’t fucking care about that! Anyway---”

From the audience point of view, I was being a nuisance. So he had the right to complain and had the right to strike a stranger. So, I would also have had the right to say so.

“----you, who the hell are you?”

That one word, stabbed Anne.

It was the same question he had been asking himself for a long time.

Because it was what Anne, in himself, had been looking for.

And then, it burst. The depression that was building up inside Anne burst with the needle of that word, like a balloon that had inflated to the limit.

“I’m….”

The next thing happened, Anne was jumping onto the stage.

My inner self was screaming at me to “show it”, show who I really am. How do I want to live? It told me to show it now. At that moment, it was as if time had stopped.

A sudden intruder.

The people who didn’t know Anne, and the two who knew Anne , were momentarily taken aback. Anne stood on the stage with his long, bright wig fluttering and his long legs dancing out of his skirt.

With a click, the sound of high heels overlapped the beat of the track exactly as he aimed for.

“I’m----!”

Anne was sick of it.

They don’t know anything and yet. No one knows and yet. About the people that Anne likes, about the things that Anne likes. He couldn’t stand it any longer when people just said whatever they wanted to say.

Who are you? Who am I?

I had enough of not being like myself anymore.

Anne snatched the mic away from Allen, who remained astonished.

And then, he chanted.

“-----I’m Anne Faulkner! Nothing else!”

 It was just an introduction. But it got on the rhythm of the track beautifully.

What was the condition for it to be rap? Does it rhyme? Is it the way it’s sung? Probably none of the above.

Just prove yourself. Just prove it to the world. Once that will is in the sound, it was Anne’s first rap in his life.

And it was the first rap, the first time the three of them shared a single sound.

The words overflowed from Anne’s mouth. There were no lyrics to prepare. There was no rhyming technique. He just listened to the sound of the track and blurted out what he wanted to say as he felt it.

“-----I don’t need your cheap trick rap! That’s not what I wanted to see!”

It was a mysterious phenomenon. Anne’s voice and rap, which were not supposed to be there, fit into the stage as if the missing pieces were blending in.

His voice was feminine and smooth, different from Allen and Hajun. But somehow, his voice emits the same vibes as Allen and Hajun.

If no one knows about it, then I’ll make them listen. With music, I will prove myself to the world.

I see. Indeed, doing it this way is not so bad.

Anne spun her words as if he were exhaling the contents of his lungs and swirling heart.

“----I want to hear, who the hell are you!”

With that verse, the microphone was thrown back.

It was supposed to be a poor lyric. But it was enough.

Allen’s head seemed to be shaken for a moment. But it was a pleasant shock. The sudden intrusion was surprising. But more than that he was…...fascinated.

A voice that resonates smoothly but strongly. A rap like it’s fighting back against the world, turning frustration into expression through sound and words. It touched Allen’s heart and reminded him of “Hip-Hop”.

The reverberations of Anne’s vibes were received by Allen, along with the microphone that held the remnants of them. For a moment, he stared at Anne…...and smiled slightly.

“Thank you, Anne. I’m awake.”

Just one word. Words that have nothing to do with rap. The unnecessary thorn had been removed from his voice.

From there, the scenery of the stage changed.

“Allen’s rap” exploded.

If a half-hearted ad-libs leads to failure, then create a whole new rap.

He had thrown away all the lyrics he had prepared on the spot. The words that were spun were answers to Anne’s verse.

I’m like this. How about you?

It’s no longer meaningful to follow the routine as it is written.

A powerful voice had regained its original charm - in fact, it had accelerated. The applauding beats were accompanied by a sharp flow. It’s pure music, with no impatience or strength, just enjoying the “sound” with the friends present.

Like a baton, the mic turns to Hajun.

“You can do it right?”

“Show them.”

It seemed that such words were conveyed.

“----I’ll teach you the real thing.”

Instantly, “Hajun’s rap” danced with Allen’s powerful air.

As if to trace his mistakes, Hajun deliberately shifted the rhythm of the track and the lyrics, and then he incorporated it into the performance. The irregular flow of the song broke the rules. The freestyle ad-libs mixed Japanese and Korean into a chopped up rhyme scheme.

He even incorporates his own mistakes into his lyrics ironically, and displays his cynical and sadistic charm to the fullest, but he is not self-indulgent. They sing together. Hajun’s aggressive rap is refined by interweaving the nuances of the sound inherited from Allen.

The mic returned back to Anne.

After receiving Allen’s flow and Hajun’s rhymes, Anne’s rap became more sophisticated.

Letting the track and the passion take over, they spun the words naturally and it became rap. One after the other, they turned the mic to continue answering the previous verses. It was more like a relay than a live performance, but strange enough, it became one song.

“A voice to reach---”

“----beyond the sound”

“Our song (the words were in Korean)----”

“----Just go ahead.”

“Go beyond the limits----”

“-----the end of the distant thunder”

“Pile up your heart----”

“----shine here”

“More than anyone else----”

“-----more than anyone else”

“More than anyone else…”

The words came one after another. It was as if the missing pieces had been filled in.

A single vibe dominated the stage, it was af if the song had been intended for the three of them from the very beginning. Anne’s voice connected to Allen’s and Hajun’s voices.

And finally, the last hook. The voices of the three of them overlapped. On the stage that was supposed to be improvised, one word became the concluding line, as if they had communicated with each other.

There was no other word for it, the three of them were sure of it.

“Before Anyone Else!”

They were overwhelmed. It echoed. There was a response for the first time.

The booing had somehow disappeared.

In the light of the outdoor stage, the shadows of the three of them danced like a phantom.

The air bounced and everything became a sound. The heartbeats became a beat, the breathing became a percussion.

Everything became a sound.

Everything was Hip-Hop.

When the track stopped -- the silence that followed was naturally filled with cheers. The applause was not logical, but it was as if the sound that had sunk into the audience had bounced back in a different form.

At that moment, the world certainly belonged only to the three of them.

“The winner is…..team Dam.D.AM”

As a result, Allen and Hajun’s team “Furthermore” was not judged due to the violation of regulations due to Anne’s intrusion into the stage.

“Well, it’s as expected. It's a happening after all.”

“I’m sorry, you two. I’ve selfishly done what I wanted.”

“You’re saying that but, you really don’t regret it, do you, Anne?”

“Of course. It felt good after all.”

There were no complaints about the result.

Neither Allen, Hajun, nor Anne had any regrets. The feeling that they were able to perform it, and did it, filled their hearts.

“Yo.”

In such a condition, as Allen and the others were leaving the stage, one of the judges called out to them. It was a well-known phantom rapper whose face even Anne recognized.

“Your stage was terrible. It was a mess. That wouldn’t give you guys a score, let alone win a competition.”

“We know that.”

Allen replied bluntly. He was about to continue with his complaint, wondering if the guy came trying to pick a fight, but stopped when he heard the other man continue,

“But--- I’ll tell you honestly. It reminds me of what Hip-Hop is all about…. I can’t give you guys any honors or prizes, but--- those cheers are yours.”

After saying that, the judge turned his back on the three of them.

The cheers of the audience in the venue echoed in the ears of Allen and the others who were stunned for a while. It was a praise for the winner. However, at the end of the stage, they were sure that they also heard those kinds of cheers too.

“Just now….. Was it a compliment?”

“.....No. You shouldn’t be happy with just that.”

“We shouldn’t be satisfied with that kind of judging from the higher ups.”

“......Haha. Of course. What am I talking about?”

As the three of them walked away laughing, the judge from earlier looked at them from the side of the stage with a mixture of smiles and …...a faintly complicated expression.

Seeing that, a man in a suit called out to him.

“What’s wrong? Is there a team you’re interested in?”

“No, I was just checking out some blue chick and was just relaxing. They’re not enough for Alter Trigger to check anyway.”

“I see…. Well, I guess it’s fine. This year’s winner looks reasonably promising. The only thing left to do is to see how much they can contribute to the movement with the backing of the glory they gained today….”

“You’re enthusiastic, aren’t you? I don’t know what you guys are trying to do but….. I don’t think it’s just about making money, isn’t it? ….. That kind of equipment trouble, that wasn’t normal, was it? Making an “overtly awkward bottom” makes the top shine even brighter….  Or Am I just thinking too much?”

“You rappers don’t need to know about it, don’t make any nonsense unjustly suspicious about it, and please continue to liven up the scene with phantom live performance as you always do.”

After saying that, the man in the suit left.

The man on the panel of the judges looked at his back and made a bitter face. He thinks the event itself is a fun way to discover promising talent. However, the fact that Alter Trigger was sponsoring the event was troubling him.

“I’m not sure what they want to do to further liven up a boom that’s already growing on it’s own…. I wonder if they’re expecting the return of Buraikan or something. It’s true that Phantom Live was popular, but the peak of that era has already passed. Even CLUB Paradox was long gone---”

----I could still feel the heat in my body.

The heat was nothing like I had ever experienced before, the beat like it was one with my heartbeat. The rhymes that seemed to spring from my spine. People’s eyes were glued to the stage. The cheers are like storms.

Everything was unknown and intense.

The true form of it was the feeling of having made a mark on the world. The certainty that our sound has resonated with someone. It is a unique climax that only an artist can experience. However, it still doesn’t change the fact that the result was still a loss. But we certainly made people cheer. Even if we were disqualified, the audience was excited.

But, if that’s the case…..how about the winner?

I wonder how much heat is given to those who stand at the top?

Once I start thinking that, there’s no going back. Music can be enjoyed by one person. You can enjoy music alone, but you can also share it with others and compete with them. Those who know the heat of such a world are now captivated by it.

For Dope----Hip-Hop pursuers, the words “cool” used to mean something “below”, and so on. However, if you consider the etymology of the word, it should be expressed as follows.

It was “addictive”.

So that night when he jumped into the concert, Anne had a fight with his mother for the first time in a while.

Not only that he didn’t cut his hair, but he also came back with a long wig on. He just couldn’t pretend anymore to be something he is not.

But that didn’t make him feel any better, his mother cried, and his own heart went wild. Family is family.

He didn’t want to hurt both of them in any way. It’s just that, he wanted her to understand. But- confirming that they can’t understand each other was surely also a necessary step.

And then, with proper mental and physical preparation….the day he graduated from high school, Anne left his mother’s house.

“....----Goodbye, Mama.”

Anne said goodbye to the door of his house, which held both pain and nostalgia, and he started walking on his own. He knew where he was going.

Pulling his carry-on bag, he walked in the spring breeze, his long hair fluttering in the wind, alongside the trees that sprouted in the new season.

Shortly, he arrived at the square where they had agreed to meet.

Allen and Hajun were there.

“Hi, thank you for waiting.”

“In the end, Anne’s also going to live with us huh….”

“You say that, but you also helped me clean the spare room, Hajun.”

“I mean, you needed me right? Both for your life and as a team.”

“You’re unexpectedly useful.”

“As usual, you’re not very cute, are you, Hajun?”

Anne giggled. Hajun still has a somewhat oblique smile.

Only Allen is the one strangely serious about it,  he cleared his throat.

“What’s the matter, Allen?”

“Eh? Don’t tell me you’re not happy with me joining?”

There was a slight pause as he was approached, and after a short while, Allen looked up as if he finally noticed.

“No, actually, since there’s the three of us now, I was thinking of changing our team name...I’ve been thinking about it for a while now.”

“That's a good idea. We’re not the same as we used to be after all.”

“What do you got? I think it’s fine to stay as it is, we can go further…”

“No, there is something more suitable for us.”

And then, just as if he were rapping, Allen spoke the words he had thought and spun so earnestly. That became their name.

“We are-----“BAE”.”

“..........“Before Anyone Else”...... “BAE”, it’s been a long time since then, really.”

In the cluttered room, holding the clothes that he had once given to Allen, Anne was muttering to himself.

During that moment of muttering, he felt as if he had finished a long journey down the memory lane.

But when he looked back on everything, the thoughts he had in his heart….weren’t nostalgic.

“Hey Allen, Hajun.”

Anne turned around and unfolded the jacket.

The faded, yet brightly colored jacket was like a flag, symbolizing his initial ambitions.

“We’re not stopping yet, are we?”

“Of course we aren’t.”

Hajun shrugged and laughed.

“As Allen said, in the end, we lost. We didn’t even win the right to challenge Buraikan. At this rate, we’ll never be known as “BAE”.”

“Oh, I see.”

Allen nodded vigorously.

“Just because Paradox Live is over, doesn’t mean our rap is over too. First, it’s cozmez. We’re going to surpass those guys who won the new crown, and then, we’re going to surpass Buraikan….. And one day, we’re going to go to a higher place with our sound that no one has ever seen before.”

“Yeah, with our Hip-Hop.”

“Yeah, with our rap.”

“With our music, we’re going to prove ourselves to everyone.”

“--- Surely, before anyone else.” (All three of them said this line)

Paradox Live has come to an end. But the three of us ----BAE, have not yet lost sight of the meaning behind the name. It’s not over yet. We’re not yet satisfied. I’m sure we will continue to rap in the future. We will keep on running from here on.

To overtake everyone’s back someday and take the lead.

BAE---- that’s what the name implies.

….. But that is just a literal translation of the word. As slang, it actually has a different meaning.

----- “The most important person”

The three of us reaffirmed our aspirations once again. The three of us chanted the meaning of our name once again.

However, I’m sure we will still hold the meaning of that name in our hearts.

As long as we live in the same vibes, We will continue to do so.

Birdhouse Any Remember (TWC Part)

It was a rainy night.

Since the Paradox Live incident, peace has filled Bar 4/7. It was a calm night, especially on a rainy day with only few customers.

"....Yohei. Lately, you've been playing the piano a lot"

"Well, yeah. I feel like playing it on a rainy days"

"Yaa--y! Ryuu-kun would like to request something more of a battle BGM-like! A theme for the final battle of Black Bucchi Demon King DX!"

"What's with the strange request?....."

Saimon tilts the glass and Kanbayashi plays the piano. Ryuu, with Black Bucchi Demon King DX  --- cat on his head, is lying on the couch.

Eventually, as Kanbayashi finished playing the piano, only the sound of the rain dominated the bar.

"That kid, Shiki, he did bring an umbrella with him, didn't he?"

"Ryuu-kun put an umbrella in his bag so it's fine!  It's small, and a stylish one in silver! "

"Now that I think about it, one shaker is missing, so it's you, Ryuu..."

It seems like the days haven't changed for The Cat's Whiskers, and after Paradox Live, there have certainly been a few changes.

First of all,... Shiki has been going out a lot.

With the resolution of the past and misunderstandings over Nayuta's case, Shiki has been playing with the cozmez twins more often. It's not like everything that torments Shiki has disappeared but, there is no doubt that he smiles more. Although he is still naturally timid, he is regaining his brightness.

One more thing, The acquisition of the bar's land, which has been bothering Saimon and Kanbayashi the most, has been resolved.

With the end of Paradox Live, the attitude of the real estate company has blatantly softened. It was clear that it was due to Alter Trigger's influence.

Although they didn't win the prize money, they were able to buy the land and the store with plenty of room.

As a result, the goal of protecting the store was achieved.

With that being said--- The Cat's Whiskers problem is almost in a condition of being solved.

However, that was just a story of how they somehow managed to protect what they had.

There were certainly things that would never come back.

"Hey, Saimon"

"What is it?

"Is the Tsubaki-san inside you, is she smiling?"

"...Yeah. That's why you can play the piano too, right, Yohei?"

".....Well, yeah"

Kanbayashi's line of sight turned to look out the window. The raindrops that spill quietly draw vertical lines on the window glass.

If I'm not mistaken, that night too....

It was too calm and peaceful night. The gentle rhythm of the rain, along with the realization that they had indeed protected their precious store, Kanbayashi, and Saimon was lured.... into the memory of the distant past.

If I'm not mistaken, it was raining that night as well.

The sound of the rain enveloped the night, blotting out the voices of the people and the lights of the buildings.

The city was quiet as if in mourning, and it was such a night that walking outside seemed somewhat sinful.

There was a young man walking on a wet asphalt road like an abandoned cat.

Dragging a cheap, water soaked shirt and a ragged sneakers, he walked down the street with heavy footsteps. Even though his wet bangs covered his vision, it was as if he was invisible.

My field of vision was narrow, my feet dropped, and I couldn't tell which way was the front, but strangely enough, I didn't lose my way, I continued to walk straight.

In the rain, the sound of the piano which I couldn't seem to hear, for some reason, reached my ears.

While walking, I arrived at one store.

Bar 4/7. The name on the sign did not catch my eye at the time.

The bar door was narrow and heavy. That is to separate the outside world from the inside of the bar.

For concerned people, they would say it's a "Hideout" (hideout for gangsters) than a bar. To protect the customers who enter the store, the entrance is made narrow. And a bartender means "gentle perch". The bar is there to give the weary ones a gentle rest.

So for sure, the sound of the piano, through the thick doors of the bar, must have reached his ears.

The gentle sound can be heard from the other side of the door.

Convinced by this, as if leaning against it, he pushed the heavy door open.

There--- a tsubaki flower was in bloom.

There was a gentle melody that he had never heard before. It was full of warm lights, softer than the spring sun.

Her appearance as she tapped the keyboard with her thin white fingers, for him, it was as if he was seeing an angel.

That night, he encountered "music" in the true sense of the word.

Back at that time, she was called Yuzuki Tsubaki, and the man was called Saimon Naoakira. They were a little surprised by the sudden appearance of a young man in the bar, and then they smiled gently at him.

When I went inside and closed the door, the store, which was separated from the world, was filled with air and sound that was warm enough to make me cry.

It was a life-changing night for Kanbayashi Yohei, who was only 17 years old.

Kanbayashi at the age of nineteen, liked the weight of the bar door.

Jumping from the still hot air outside into the comfortable air-conditioned room, it was easy to find the person he was looking for.

"Saimon, do you have a minute?"

"I've been working here for a while now, but you're the only minor who comes to the bar so proudly, Yohei"

Saimon, who greeted Kanbayashi with a laugh, pointed with his chin to the innermost seat of the bar counter. Then he shakes a little lime juice, grenadine syrup, and a little sugar syrup into a goblet glass filled with ice cubes. Finally, he poured in a soda to fill it up.

"This is Summer Delight, Sir"

"I know you're trying to be cool but, this is just juice, isn't it?"

"There's no way I'll serve alcohol, right?"

"You should have at least sliced a lime. I'll make it myself"

Kanbayashi, with a cheeky look on his face, he picked up his glass and wet his lips with the red non-alcoholic cocktail. It was not intoxicating, but the refreshing taste was pleasant.

When his throat was moistened to some extent, Kanbayashi began to speak eloquently.

"The event last Friday was very rewarding. I felt good"

"Yeah, As expected, I think the chill music style suits us. I was able to write the lyrics comfortably. Yohei too, you were able to express yourself, weren't you?"

"Well, yeah. that track, without a doubt is a masterpiece"

In between conversations, Kanbayashi tilts his glass in a good mood. However, the way he held the glass was quite a sight. Thinking that working at a bar would suit him, Saimon squinted his eyes.

"The piano accompaniment and finger snapping beat, that was better than I imagined. It's the image of raindrops falling from the roof..."

"The way you compliment me is so logical. Well, when you're studying linguistics, that might be the case huh?....How's graduate school? you have this image that seems to be quite busy tho."

"It'd be a lie if I say I don't have free time. I have plenty of time to devote myself to my activities as XXXX (Quadra X). If anything, it's helping me write lyrics"

".... Certainly, your recent lyrics have been particularly infectious"

"I'm relieved to get a stamp of approval from my partner"

"In addition to that, that track. To be honest, I don't think there's anyone else who can beat it.... Do you know? The event the other day, I heard that it's getting a lot of attention from overseas. If things continue like this, even across the ocean---"

"Is it gonna raise our popularity like Buraikan?"

"What? You're not making yourself clear"

"Well, it's true that you'll need luck to seize that certain level of opportunity"

"That kind of preface, can you do something about it? Your eyes are glaring, you know"

"Did I sound weak?"

"At least tell me that you're planning to be good enough. Your words are confusing me"

"It's because it's being transmitted to you, Yohei"

"Hmmm. I'm not as humble as you"

Again, I took a sip on the glass. As if to escape the sweet words of trust, I fill my tongue with the sour taste of lime.

"Use a little more honest words. Even though you're really burning up behind that sloppy face"

"You know, a hot flame is a silent flame"

"You're planning to go up, right? All the way to surpass Buraikan"

"Of course"

"I don't like it when you add these stange, humble words. If we have my sound and your words, it's a dream within reach. Luck and stuff like that can be twisted down."

"It seems like you like that track a lot. At first, I thought you preferred more aggressive rap"

"Of course. Good things are good. I don't care if it's chilly or whatsoever. The sampling went well too, but above all, Tsubaki-san's piano was---"

"Oh my, what is it? Gossiping about me?"

A high and thin voice mixed with the low , resonant conversation between the two men made Kanbayashi to suddenly look up

"----Hey, Tsubaki"

Saimon calls out the name of the woman.

In the low and gentle voice of Saimon, a sound of love echoes. Saimon's voice and Kanbayashi's gaze. For the two of them, a special person was right there.

".....T-Tsubaki-san!"

Lagging behind Saimon, Kanbayashi's lips, somewhat awkwardly, traced the shape of the name.

At that time, it was difficult to describe how the woman who used to be called Yuzuki Tsubaki-- is now Saimon Tsubaki, in a single word.

However, If I had to choose one word, it would probably be "Cold", according to Saimon's word.

Her velvety hair and also her snowy skin are both beautiful.

However, her charm is not in her appearance, but in the refined beauty of each of her gestures, such as reaching out her hand lightly or taking a step forward -the clear beauty- is what Kanbayashi thought.

She seems to have a supple core that runs down her spine, which is also a sign of her inner strength. That's why when referring to her, Kanbayashi is more inclined to say she is a beautiful person than a beautiful woman.

When she sees Saimon and Kanbayashi, just like a Camellia in bloom, she smiles joyfully with color.

"Good evening, Yohei-kun. It's been a while isn't it?"

"Yeah... I'm surprised. You were in the store today huh?"

"Yeah. I've been concentrating on writing  my on music for a while, so I didn't had the chance to see you"

"So that means, you were able to make something satisfying?"

"I haven't done it yet .... I've been told by Naoakira-san that I've been putting too much effort into my research. I haven't been to this bar for a while after all, so it's a nice change of pace"

"When Tsubaki is absorbed in her work, she spends all her time in bed until she fell asleep, using the music sheet she's writing as a pillow and seeing her face with an ink on her cheeks many times, she will then complain"

"Jeez, Naoakira-san! .... you didn't have to reveal that much, did you?"

Tsubaki's eyebrows furrowed in a figure eight as she laughed, she stared at the person who she chided ---Saimon, shrugging his shoulders--- and gently brushed his smooth hair with her fingertips.

Even one such gesture, when seen under the lights of the bar, has a mysterious luster and is eye-catching. That's why Kanbayashi couldn't help but stare at the silver ring at the base of the long, thin ring finger  that looked like it was made for playing the piano.

Suddenly, he became aware of Saimon's fingertips, who was polishing the glass. A silver and white ring of the same design.

"So, were you gossiping about me?"

"Ah---"

Tsubaki continued her story, there was nothing wrong with that, but Kanbayashi responded by pawing at his temples like a child who had just been discovered doing mischief.

"---That's, I was talking about how I was able to make a good track, thanks to you, Tsubaki-san."

"Hehe, thank you. I've listened to the data you sent me, but the odd time signature similar to a jazz swing was really nice. As expected, I knew you had a natural sense for music, Yohei-kun."

".....But, it was Saimon who played with sampling software~..."

"I may be the one who used the machine, but it's definitely your song, Yohei."

As if to precede the humble Kanbayashi, Saimon continued.

"I can play with the machine according to the manual, but I don't have the sense to arrange that sound source into a HIP-HOP beat. After all, Yohei might have a better understanding of Tsubaki's sound than I do."

"Ah, stop it, stop it. No matter how much you praise me, if I have to type into a software program, it's going to look like a kid's homework and it's not cool.... Shit, I should really learn it."

At Saimon's follow up, Kanbayashi shook his cheeks in a bad way. It was clear that he was embarrassed but he knew his facial expression gave off that wholly.

Well, Kanbayashi's weakness of being vulnerable to machines was particularly bad at this time.

Strictly speaking, than being weak on machines, it's more like on digitals I'm weak at. Even though I can tune a piano delicately, I couldn't even set the time on my digital wristwatch for a whole day, which is quite a considerable amount. Even so, I was able to maintain a hand-wound watch that is today's enthusiasts favorite.

----"Yohei-kun's senses are material solid after all, aren't they?" --- Tsubaki's opinion. According to Tsubaki, this is also a talent for capturing sound spatially.

And that talent, Saimon was also completely aware of. He didn't have to go out of his way to tell her that he left the typing to him, and earlier, Kanbayashi was in a good mood and praised himself. The reason I could say such twisted things is because I'm in front of Tsubaki.... Saimon understands that too.

Saimon thinks that he should maybe look for more antique samplers next time.

“That is, of course, if Yohei can also use a computer, he will be able to do more….but there are things that can make up for that. You don’t have to do everything by yourself. With that in mind, I formed XXXX (Quadra X) with Yohei.”

“That’s a rave review, Naoakira-san. But I think so too.”

“I do trust him. Yohei is my “Yasha” after all.”

“Tsk. If you say it like that…..I can’t say anything at all.”

The two of them looked at Kanbayashi with smiles on their faces as he pouted sulkily. As if to escape their gaze, Kanbayashi slammed his glass down in one gulp.

MC Yasha and MC Shura. Two legendary phantom rappers, Buraikan.

For Saimon, “MC Yasha” is a rapper that Kanbayashi is ought to be.

That day when they once went to see a live performance of Buraikan and was shocked.

The beginning of XXXX (Quadra X) was when Kanbayashi suggested that he would rap together with Saimon, who expressed his admiration for Buraikan.

It’s Shura’s intellect and theories that supported the overwhelming talent of ----Yasha. It’s because of these two that the music and the overwhelming performance of Buraikan was born.

----Then, I’ll be your “Yasha”. So, Saimon, team up with me. I’ll make you my “Shura”.

That day, their “admiration” turned into a “goal”.

And again, Tsubaki also found the ideal form of music there.

----Buraikan’s music is special. “Music that connects people to one another.” My boundaries are gone, and my heart and my soul are surely connected to somewhere I can’t see. How wonderful is that?

Since then, Tsubaki has also been searching for “music that connects people to one another.”.

It all started with Buraikan.

The excitement of that day turned into a dream, became a goal, and continues at this moment.

That’s why….Kanbayashi is proud that Saimon calls him “my Yasha”.

He couldn’t be any more humble than that. So instead, he held out and offered his empty glass.

“Saimon, refill.”

“Maybe I should get one of those.”

“You want some too, Tsubaki-san? Here, it’s a mixed juice.”

“That’s okay. I like the mixed juice you make, Naoakira-san.”

“I wish you’d call it a non-alcoholic cocktail….”

Seeing the two of them on the counter, Saimon laughed while preparing a fruit knife. Kanbayashi looks up and points at them.

“Hah? You, you’re fucking kidding me…..Tsubaki-san, that guy didn’t cut me a lime when we were alone earlier. He had a strict face, like this, even though he’s wearing glasses.”

“It’s because I knew that you would ask for a second glass, Yohei.”

“Liar. Listen Tsubaki-san, that guy is only serving you because it’s you, Tsubaki-san. For someone who’s wearing glasses, he’s already thinking dirty thoughts about you even though you guys just got married.”

“Newlyweds aside, the glasses have nothing to do with it, right?”

“Ahahaha.”

Tsubaki laughed while watching the exchange between the two, as if it was funny. Tsubaki’s perfectly formed face looks so young at times like this. Then her eyes gently squinted and she turned to look at Kanbayashi. The look made him throb a little and Kanbayashi felt his cheeks heat up.

“Naoakira-san is also funny but…..really, Yohei-kun’s face has become a lot better now.”

“Wha….What the hell all of the sudden?”

“Maybe it’s because it’s been awhile since I came to the bar again. I remembered the time when I first met you, Yohei-kun. At that time, I feel like Yohei-kun was more like…… a man who didn’t want anyone to come near him. It was as if you’re afraid of the whole world, you had a piercing voice and cold eyes. You were jagged, like the sound of a keyboard struck out of tone, but---”

A goblet glass was placed in front of Tsubaki, who was immersed in her memories. The bright red liquid was decorated with a slice of green lime.

“----Now, I can feel a very gentle sound coming from you. I wonder what’s the right word…. In classical music, it’s like Traumerei. It feels like that.”

“As usual, Tsubaki-san’s metaphor is still difficult for me to understand but I understand what you’re trying to say.”

“It’s always a challenge to translate Tsubaki’s synesthetic expressions. For that reason, I’m majoring in linguistics.”

“Aren’t you guys saying something terrible right now?”

Tsubaki’s mouth twitched as she realized that the teasing changed from Kanbayashi to herself. The two thoughts that came to Kanbayashi’s mind at the same time were. “She’s beautiful.” and “She’s cute.”

Suddenly, my mind, which had begun to think, remembered the past on its own.

The cold eyes of the people at the facility where I was sent. I had no faith in adults and lived like a stray dog. In the end, I became a yakuza, but I still couldn’t get anything that I was satisfied with…. I lived such a life in the past.

Everyday, everyday, somewhere, it feels like there was a breeze blowing through my heart….and at the end of those days, I met the gentle sound of a piano.

Kanbayashi himself is the most aware of the painfulness of his own past.

That’s why he knows very well how much the sound of the piano guided him, and how much Tsubaki and Saimon had helped him that night.

“Anyway. I’m just really glad that you two are playing music together, that’s all.”

Tsubaki pulls the glass over to her lips as if to start over. She slides the red, summer-colored cocktail onto her tongue and feels the refreshment slipping down her throat. Then she mumbles something to herself as she sinks into it.

“As expected, music really does connect people to one another.”

Those words are Tsubaki’s dream.

“Naoakira-san and Yohei-kun are probably the ones who proved it the most. I’ve been thinking a lot since that day when we went to see the live performance of Buraikan, but…..I, in the end, that’s all I could think of.”

“That’s right. Yohei has changed the existence of Buraikan, which I thought I could only watch from afar. He changed it into a goal, and connected us…… I can't thank you enough.”

“......Though, the first thing that proved that, was that piano.”

“Eh?”

“Nothing.”

After that, Kanbayashi didn’t say anything as if to hide his embarrassment. He just stared at the two people laughing at each other across the counter over the glass he held to his mouth.

The feelings that Kanbayashi had towards the woman named Tsubaki, were not only gentle affection.

For Kanbayashi, Tsubaki was the moonlight shining through the clouds on a rainy night.

She accepted him when he thought he was worthless. She let him play the piano. She said “Your talent is special.”. As the young man grew older, there was more than enough time for him to realize that his feelings were love, and more than enough time for him to realize that his love would never come true.

However, it was still good.  

On the path Tsubaki led him down, Saimon took his hands.

If I hadn’t heard the piano that day.

If he hadn’t called out to me that day.

If he hadn’t taken me to the Buraikan concert that day….

“It’s not just about aiming for Shura and Yasha. Buraikan, you guys are gonna surpass them, aren’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Of course.”

I nodded to Tsubaki, who was smiling, and Saimon.

Because of the two of them. Kanbayashi, here, right now, is able to walk the path of music. For Kanbayashi, both Tsubaki and Saimon were gentle lights that illuminated his way through the night. Two letters of gratitude are not enough.

He wants to see Tsubaki’s smile. However, Kanbayashi also wants to protect Saimon’s smile.

That’s why….. He’s more than happy to see the two of them spend their time together laughing.

Even with pain in his heart or even with sadness in his eyes, if he can give them his applause of blessings…. It’s the pride of Kanbayashi Yohei, whose life was saved by them.

Saimon was also somewhat aware of what was going on in Kanbayashi’s heart. That’s why he thought it would be tactless to show concern to him.

He wants to continue to prove that he just wants to protect Tsubaki’s smile, that he can show him that he was happy with the time the three of them spent together talking like this, and that his marriage to Tsubaki wasn’t a mistake. That’s how Saimon wanted to repay Kanbayashi’s pride.

They quietly wished that the warm night with their beloved Tsubaki between them….wrapped in the gentle sound of a series of musical instruments, would last forever.

Surely, for them, that was the happiest time.

A session of clumsy men, echoing each other without words, played out a peaceful day.

The trigger started a few days later.

I remember too well that there was an odd visitor that day.

“....Oyaji? Why are you here again?”

“Hey. I thought I’d have a fancy drink once in a while.”

On that day, a middle-aged man dressed in a kimono visited Bar 4/7.

Saimon thought that it was an “unusual outfit”, but when he saw the reaction of Kanbayashi who was on the counter, he immediately realized that it was Suiseki, the head of the clan where Kanbayashi used to be.

Suiseki ordered a glass of vodka martini as he hung it next to Kanbayashi. Saimon, who knew it was a recipe from a famous movie, chuckled and nodded as he added, “Shake it, not steer.”

When a glass decorated with lemon peel instead of olives was served, Suiseki moved the glass towards Kanbayashi in a good mood and toasted him, and the sound triggered Kanbayashi to start talking.

“I haven’t seen you in a while, Oyaji.”

“No, I don’t think it has been a long time. That guy, Iori, is worried sick about you so I thought I’d take a look at you and report back to him.”

“Hah?......that guy, I feel like he took it easy when we parted ways though.”

“Well, Iori is still young after all. He might not look like it but he’s worried about you. You’re the same age after all.”

As he was listening to Suiseki’s words, Kanbayashi’s mind was running through the memories of the group.

When there was no place for him in the facility, he could only live like a stray dog. He was picked up by the Suiseki clan while he was living like a thug.

From the very beginning, it was Iori that I was often involved with.

We were both working recklessly as if we were competing with each other. Got into a fist fight that started from a trivial matter, and had Oyaji to scold us altogether. There was a time when a trick we performed together at a cherry blossom viewing party went so wrong that we were laughed at.

And when I was troubled if I should leave the group to focus on XXXX’s activities, he encouraged me to be determined and said “If you’re gonna to do it anyway, do it seriously.”

It was probably what it means to have a good relationship with a friend. The memories were quite vivid.

“......Oyaji, are you alone today? How about the rest of the group?”

“They’re having fun at another shop. This place is not for a large number of people, they’ll make a mess here.”

Suiseki smiled and tilted his glass.

A cocktail made according to a recipe begins to deteriorate the moment it was made. He knows that the best way to enjoy the most delicious moment is to taste it quickly. With this kind of customer, Saimon feels good too.

“Well, to be honest, I was just lying about Iori. The truth is, I just really wanted to see your face in person.”

“That’s…. .after I imposed such dishonor, you didn’t have to continue worrying about me.”

“Anyway!! Your meanness roots haven't changed. It’s not like it’s unreasonable for a man to set his mind on a path and go back. I came here today to tell you that….your rap is good.”

“Eh, did you listen to it? My…..Our rap?”

“Oh, the fess something-something the other day was a big festival right? Gonda and Ijima also said it was a good song. Takenaka even took off his glasses and cried. He said something about remembering his son that he left behind in his hometown.”

“Hah? Wait….did everyone in the group listen to it?... That’s so embarrassing..”

“Dumbass! You have nothing to be ashamed of!”

Suiseki hit his knee with a snap.

“You’ve achieved great results by living the life you thought was “right” for you. Be proud of yourself! Be proud! It was a really good stage performance. I guess that’s what you call...a full house bow, right? It was worth the effort to have the Manekineko to attract many visitors.”

“That’s… Thank you, seriously.”

Of course, for Kanbayashi, he was happy for sure.

However, by saying selfishly that “I want to live my life with Hip-Hop”, Kanbayashi still felt guilty for leaving the group.

He was happy and thankful that everyone from the office gathered together and took the trouble to watch the show and praise it….. Above all, he felt like it was a guardian visit that he felt embarrassed at the same time.

Aware of Kanbayashi’s condition, Suiseki also kept his voice in a calm manner.

“......To be honest, I was worried. But you know, when I heard “that sound” I felt relieved. You said it that day, “I want to be serious for the sake of that guy who believed in my sound.”....I finally understand it now, You found yourself a great partner, Yohei.”

Suddenly, Kanbayashi felt a gaze on him and he looked up.

Saimon, who was at the counter, was smiling at him.

“What is it?”

“No, I was just happy too.”

Completely convinced. Suiseki laughed loudly at the sight of the two of them, and then he emptied his martini glass and slowly left his seat.

“Well, that’s all to it. I wanted to see your face but, I also wanted to see that gentleman’s face. Both of you looked good, and the alcohol was good too.”

“Ah, Oyaji….are you going already?”

“Yeah, I’m satisfied after all. Next time, we’ll go to the site to listen to the live performance, so make sure to get a bigger place so we can all go together.”

“.....Sure thing.”

Kanbayashi stood up and opened the exit door. While waving his hands, Suiseki walked off into the night in a good mood.

Saimon calls out to Kanbayashi, who was looking at the back of the clan leader with narrowed eyes.

“This is the first time I’ve met him, but he seems like a good person.”

“It feels like the yakuza thing is a lie, isn’t it? But he’s scary when he’s angry, you know, seriously.”

“That sounds so convincing. Were you scolded that much?”

“Shut up.”

“Haha….But it made me want that person to listen too. We have to make sure to get to the big events.”

There are people who care about him going a new path and congratulate him on his success. It’s something to be happy about.

Once again, Saimon realized that he made the right decision to walk the path of Hip-Hop and start his music career with Kanbayashi.

“Anyway, Saimon. Oyaji came so I almost forgot, but I came here today to discuss our next song. The customers had died down, so is it okay?”

“Ahh….you wanted to brush up on track 3 after all, right?”

“That’s right. I think it will be a challenge, but because of that, if I get hooked into it, I’m sure I’ll be able to make something amazing…. It’s true that it’s been XXXX’s style to make 1 or 2 bases, but we have to cross over the wall one by one--.”

“----or we won’t reach Buraikan, or the world, right?”

“Is it funny?”

“Of course not. We will be like that, right? The Shura and Yasha of the next era.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about.”

With a grin, Kanbayashi pulled out some notes out of his pocket. Kanbayashi wrote down some ideas about the track and image he wanted to express, and XXXX’s songwriting progresses as Saimon verbalizes those sensuous inspirations.

However, the consultation was cut short there.

“Ah, I'm sorry but can we do this a little later? I have something to do with the fruit parlor on the back.”

“That late night store?”

“Yes. You see, I couldn’t find any good quality lemon, so they let me look around a little. I was planning to thank them after closing the store.”

“I don’t mind. Courtesy is important…..that’s what Oyaji always says after all.”

“Thank you. Please drink this while waiting for me.”

Saying that, a long glass of blackish brown carbonated water was placed in front of Kanbayashi. There was a faint scent of lime, but no alcohol.

“Isn’t this a fucking coke!?”

“You can’t drink alcohol until you’re 20.”

After saying that, Saimon put on his jacket and left the store. Kanbayashi tilted his glass, thinking to himself, “No matter how non-alcoholic it is, it’s still stink like a fucking kid.”.

When I took a sip, I realized that it was a cocktail without alcohol. I feel that something different from the original sweetness of coke was mixed in.

“.......I wonder what it is. It’s a non-alcoholic arrangement after all, so there’s no point in trying to guess the cocktail name but, was it Cuba Libre?”

“It’s “Rum and Coke”, isn’t it?”

Tsubaki came out from the back of the store, and Kanbayashi almost choked on his drink.

“T-T-Tsubaki-san, you’re here.”

“Yes. I also played one song for today, but my body was a little tired so, and it seems like Yohei-kun’s customer came here, so I stayed quiet in the room on the second floor.”

“Your body is tired…..are you cold again? That guy, Saimon, was worried about you too, so you need to get some proper sleep.”

“Sort of.”

That’s right, Tsubaki replied with a somehow troubled smile.

Now that I think about it, at that point, I had a faint feeling of discomfort.

“That aside…..that cocktail that you have, Yohei-kun. I think it’s probably supposed to be a non-alcoholic rum and coke.”

“Oh, it’s called Rum and Coke? Sure, it does have that sweetness, but I’ve never heard such an arrangement in a non-alcoholic cocktail. And why do you think it’s called Rum and Coke when it doesn’t even contain Rum?”

“Do you know the cocktail word for Rum and Coke, Yohei-kun?”

“.......Oh.”

Cocktail language. Just like the language of flowers, cocktails have their own language too… I remember learning this from Tsubaki.

The cocktail word for Rum and Coke is “Let’s be greedy.”.

“Wai-......so that’s why, that guy is so far-fetched.”

“I know deep down you’re on the edge too.”

While chuckling, Tsubaki also hangs out on the counter.

As they sat next to each other, Kanbayashi felt a little nervous.

Saimon shouldn’t have gone that far, but he’s not likely to return yet.

For a moment, he felt a tingle of pain deep in his chest. Kanbayashi knew it was a pain that he was trying to blame himself before a strange thought came to his mind.

Whether or not she knew what was going through Kanbayashi’s heart, Tsubaki continued to talk about Saimon.

“That’s why I think he’s glad that you’re here, Yohei-kun. If it was just me, I don’t think I could’ve made him dream big.”

“No, it’s actually thanks to you, Tsubaki-san.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. You told me that my sound is “special”, Tsubaki-san. You acknowledge my talent, because of that I was confident to face Saimon….And besides…”

There was a slight hesitation in his voice in continuing the rest.

But Kanbayashi thought it was now or never.

“I told you, right? When I saw the live performance of Buraikan… I said “For the first time in my life, listening to music made me happy.” That’s a little bit wrong. In the past, I didn’t know what happiness was, so I couldn’t put it into words, but…. The truth is….”

“.....The truth is?”

“......At first, it’s you, Tsubaki-san! That day, Tsubaki-san’s piano….that I heard on a rainy night saved my life.”

He couldn’t say it while looking at her in the face.

Kanbayashi, while slumping down to hide his expression with his bangs, mouthed the words to squeeze them out. He was just expressing his deep emotion and gratitude for the piano, but his heart was buzzing like a club speaker, and his blood was coursing through his entire body like a burning fire.

For Kanbayashi, It was a form of last-minute confession--- that he could forgive himself for.

Tsubaki blinked her night cat-like eyes for a moment, then gently lowered her eyelids down and asked with a laugh.

“Don’t you wanna play the piano anymore, Yohei-kun?”

“Eh….”

Kanbayashi felt as if his heart had been clenched.

At that time, he hadn’t touched the piano for a long time.

The last time he played the piano, it was at Saimon and Tsubaki’s wedding ceremony ---- he gave them a song to congratulate them. Since then, Kanbayashi has kept his distance from the piano.

Kanbayashi thought that was his parting gift to his blue love.

“I really love when you play the piano, Yohei-kun. I felt that you had the talent that he and I didn’t have. I also think that you could be a pianist.”

“.....Thank you. But right now, doing Hip-Hop with Saimon is my music.”

“That’s wonderful. But you see…..that’s the reason why there are things you shouldn’t throw away. Your piano is your sound, Yohei-kun.”

Saying that, Tsubaki then stared at the old grand piano in the corner of the store.

The piano was perfectly tuned even while Tsubaki was absent. Tsubaki knew who had been doing it.

“You can make music even without playing the latest equipment. Musical instruments are handy, you know. Even if you don’t use handwritten scores, or directly recorded sounds, or even without using my sound source…...music is more accessible and it's as easy as humming. The piano will surely help you, Yohei-kun and Naoakira-san too.”

Tsubaki stood from her seat and pulled one of the chairs from the audience and placed it in front of the piano.

“No matter what form it is….. I think music connects people to one another. That’s why, please take care of Naoakira-san for me, Yohei-kun.”

“What do you mean by “take care”---”

Then, as she sits down on one of the two chairs, Tsubaki beckons to Kanbayashi.

After being a little confused, Kanbayashi sat down next to Tsubaki.

When he opened the lid, Tsubaki’s white fingers danced on the keyboards.

You know, do you? Tsubaki gently played the piano as if she was whispering. It was the song that had echoed in the bar on the day Kanbayashi first met Tsubaki.

After a short while, Kanbayashi reached out to the keyboard fearfully and began to play a duet with Tsubaki.

A gentle melody of the piano filled the quiet bar. The keyboard, which is struck with the same rhythm, melted into a chord.

It was a strange feeling. It was as if they were communicating with each other more deeply than exchanging words or skin contact. They shared the same emotions on the same shiver of the air.

The boundaries become unclear, the connected hearts become bare, and their souls melt together.

That day when Saimon and I formed XXXX together. The feeling that I felt at the live performance of Buraikan. There is something there that is equal to that---and even dearest to that.

Music connects people to one another.

Tsubaki’s ideal. Tsubaki’s dream. Those actual feelings are here.

He can feel Tsubaki’s emotions through the tempo of her fingering on the keyboard. He returned the tune he received through the keyboard. It was as easy as unraveling each tune and Kanbayashi making it as his own sound, as if he were carrying Tsubaki’s sound. A feeling that is so close to each other.

Eventually, Tsubaki’s performance faded out. In fact, the song that he played according to the score, should have ended there.

However, Kanbayashi “naturally” continued to play the rest of the song.

From that point on, it was only Kanbayashi’s performance. He played a melody that continued beyond that, as if he had received a baton from Tsubaki.

While listening to the melody, Tsubaki smiled with satisfaction.

“.....As expected, your sound is wonderful.”

There was no response to Tsubaki’s murmur.

That is how much Kanbayashi was immersed in the sound.

The melody overflows one after another. As he played them, they were colored and new sounds were born endlessly.

Forever, eternally.

He felt like he could keep playing it without ending.

It felt like that song would go on forever.

And when the melody sounds like it’s on its climax----

“-----eh?”

Silence dominated until Kanbayashi made a stunned sound.

The song ended with a sudden dissonance. The unpleasant sound of hitting the keyboard all at once ended the performance.

It took him a while to figure out what had happened.

He couldn’t get his mind to switch back to think about the meaning of what he was seeing.

Tsubaki----was lying down, blocking the keyboards.

He didn’t get anything in his head. Not the quiet store, not Tsubaki’s body that looks like a broken thread. He didn’t even notice that the door had opened, and before he knew it, he saw in a slow motion that Saimon had returned and was running towards Tsubaki. The voice calling for Tsubaki’s name sounded muffled.

Suddenly, he thought that he just wandered into a bad dream.

Then, he thought he should hurry up and wake up already.

But it was rather the beginning of reality. It was the beginning of the end of the dream.

She’s been participating in a clinical trial.

“.......Yeah, I’m sorry. For causing trouble for both of you, Naoakira-san, Yohei-kun.”

There was no such thing as making trouble. There is nothing like that at all.

But why----why a clinical trial for phantom metal?

I didn’t even realize that you were using phantom metals…..

“.......dreams, I thought I could finally see them.”

-----Dream?

“.......Phantom metal. Phantom Live…..the possibilities are there….for music to connect….people to one another….”

Tsubaki’s dream is really wonderful.

But, let’s take a rest for now. It’s fine. You can follow your dream again slowly.

“.......Naoakira-san….I’m sorry…..I’m sorry…..”

It’s fine. You don’t have to apologize for anything, Tsubaki. Don’t talk anymore.

If you rest your body properly, it’ll be back to normal. And then, we can talk together about music again.

…...You can do that, right? Let’s calm down and try to heal, okay? When you get discharged from the hospital, let’s go on a trip. Let’s rent a cottage or something in the mountains with good air and immerse ourselves in the sound of nature. A place with a piano sounds nice too. We’ll play percussion on the leaves of the trees to keep the rhythm going. I’ll make some cocktails in the evening. Let’s toast while watching the moon. And then----....

If you sleep a little, I’m sure everything will be back to normal.

“I’m…..sorry….”

Don’t apologize! I’m sure it’s gonna be okay!

Metal erosion? Terminal illness? That’s bullshit! I’ve never heard of that! There must be some mistake! Tsubaki is…. Tsubaki is….

-----They can’t do anything about it anymore? Of course it’s a lie.

“.......”

That’s right, Tsubaki. Yohei’s going make an amazing song. It’s not polished yet, but I’m sure when it’s finished as a track….. I’m sure it’s good enough to go overseas. There’s no doubt that it’s something that can capture the world. Hey, Tsubaki, just like what Yohei promised me, he became my “Yasha.”

I’m finally here, I’ve finally arrived at the point where I can reach what I longed for. Let’s go together! I’ll show you the place where my dream and Yohei’s dreams are connected……

“........Yo..hei….kun….”

That’s right, it’s Yohei! It’s Yohei, the person who showed us the path of our dreams! He’s worried about you too!

That’s why….look at me, Tsubaki. …..Smile for me, Tsubaki. We’re finally catching up to be the next “Yasha” and “Shura”....to be the next Buraikan.

“.............”

Tsubaki….

“....................who are you again?”

It was a beautiful sunny day with no clouds.

A river was flowing beside the hospital, and a damp wind was blowing on the bridge that crossed the river.

Leaning against the parapet, Kanbayashi watched the water flow.

It has been a week since Tsubaki collapsed.

He was surprised at first, but when he and Saimon brought her in, they explained to them that it was just anemia. However, since the growth of fatigue was conspicuous, they said she needed to be hospitalized for medical treatment, which he thought was the right thing to do since Tsubaki was in a large hospital funded by Alter Trigger.

Even so, one week is a long time. Anxiety was welling up in Kanbayashi’s heart.

But, he must not show any weakness. At first, Kanbayashi went to visit her frequently.

However, Tsubaki scolded him for going “too often”.

“Don’t worry so much about other people, do what you have to do!” said Tsubaki, who was laid in bed.

When the time comes when Tsubaki’s finally discharged from the hospital, she would surely scold him again if he shows a dejected face.

So today, he’s waiting for Saimon, who went to the hospital room. Saimon was also very worried about Tsubaki. It’s understandable. They are a married couple after all. It was not his intention to interrupt the time between Saimon and Tsubaki together, and since then, Kanbayashi had not visited her.

At the very least, he’s planning to cheer Saimon up when he gets back.

And for that means, it will fall on Kanbayashi’s pocket.

“Yo, Saimon.”

I raised my hand to Saimon, who was walking towards me from the hospital. Saimon slowly raised his head, as if he noticed a little later.

“----Yohei. I’m sorry, I kept you waiting.”

“No, it’s fine. How’s Tsubaki-san?”

“She’s been pushing herself too hard, so her physical strength is weakening ……..but she’ll probably be able to get discharged soon. Thank you for your concern.”

Kanbayashi thought it was a hopeful yet a rather vague response.

“.......Saimon, you also have a tired face. I know you’re worried but, don’t go collapsing too, okay?”

“Is that so? I didn’t even notice that myself though….”

It’s understandable, Kanbayashi thought.

Saimon had always been by Tsubaki’s side. If he collapses due to overwork, he’ll just blame himself for it. That’s the kind of man Saimon is…..Kanbayashi was thinking to that extent at that time.

That is why he thought to at least cheer him up.

“Hey, Saimon. There’s something that I wanna show you. I’m sure it’ll blow your depression away.”

“.......something you wanna show me? What is all of the sudden?”

“It’s something amazing. What do you think it is?”

With a little air of importance, Kanbayashi took out an envelope from his pocket.

The stylishly made envelope looked familiar to Saimon. This was because it’s the same envelope that had arrived at Saimon’s door. That’s why he was surprised, but Kanbayashi misunderstood it.

“It’s an invitation from overseas!”

Kanbayashi’s voice was bouncing with joy.

“You know that festival in America that Buraikan appeared at before they disbanded, right? It seems that the organizer of that festival listened to our music, and they really want us to do a live performance there!”

“...........”

Saimon was speechless.

No way---- he never thought that the ticket to his dream would arrive at a time like this.

“......Saimon?”

Kanbayashi’s voice sounded curious. His partner, who told him that he will become “Yasha” for his sake, is reaching for him with a ticket to his dream in his hands.

Just like in the past, when he told him to become his “partner”.

But, a lot has changed for him to take that hand.

Everything had changed decisively.

Why now? After all this time. Why does it have to come true at a time like this? Why?.....Why now when Tsubaki’s in that state?

Saimon cursed. He cursed all the fortunate and unfortunate fate that had come at that moment. The joy that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was supposed to bring him was nothing but pain in his cracked heart.

“Hey, what’s got into you? Isn’t it good news? If we take part in this, our name will surely spread quickly. That way, Tsubaki-san too can----”

“I’m sorry.”

Reflexively, his voice came out.

Saimon was surprised to hear his own voice. The apology coming out of his mouth faster than he could think of.

And then, that one word made Saimon realize to himself that everything had changed.

“It’s impossible for me right now.”

That voice was…..the sound of Saimon’s own heart breaking

Only the murmuring of the river echoed.

On the bridge, Kanbayashi was watching the flow of the water alone. He could no longer remember how much had passed since Saimon had left.

A number of “Why” were running through his head.

What the hell happened to Saimon? Is the passion of that day no longer there? Or….was Tsubaki’s condition really that bad? Where, what has gone wrong?

Either way, the reality was there.

Saimon left, the dream is over.

A damp breeze blew through his empty heart.

“..........”

There is no point in being there anymore.

However, Kanbayashi just kept staring under the bridge. He kept staring at the destination of the river flowing endlessly.

The flow of the river will eventually go out to the sea and will reach a distant country.

However, Kanbayashi and Saimon’s dreams are already……

“.......Say, what happened, partner?”

Regardless of his thought, the words leaked out.

“Is our dream really over? Is our sound really over?”

Spill it out. A list of words had spin.

‘Before he knew it, the small stream of the river stopped reaching Kanbayashi’s ears.

Instead…….the sound of piano echoed in his head. The sound of the piano that has been playing for a long time, only in his memories. The sound of the piano that Tsubaki gave him was echoing all the time.

“Hey, partner. Do you remember that day when we thought we could go anywhere?”

He let out a few words.

The words naturally engraved a rhythm. Before he knew it, Kanbayashi was in rhythm with the piano that echoed through the shrine forest.

“Hey, partner. What was I supposed to do? Where did we go wrong….?”

It didn’t rhyme.

It didn’t sound too intense.

It is just that, when the heart that keeps overflowing becomes words, it echoes like a ripple.

Poetry reading. There is also a rap called like that.

It’s a quiet rap that just reads out the lyrics in the music. He wasn’t aware of it, but that’s what Kanbayashi’s monologue had become.

“Hey, partner. Please answer me. In the quiet city where it doesn’t rain….now it’s very cold.”

Kanbayashi was just facing it. To the sadness inside of him. To the sound of the piano echoing inside of him.

It may have been just a monologue. It may have been a whimper to console himself.

However, Hip-Hop isn’t just about singing heroically.

Sadness can also become a rap.

“----Big brother, are you crying?”

“.......!”

The sound of a child’s voice brought Kanbayashi back to his senses.

Before he knew it, there was a child standing beside him. It was a boy dressed in a patient gown. His body was white and thin, and his shaggy hair was stretched out as long as it went.

Where did he come from? Could it be that he escaped the hospital where Tsubaki was staying? In an instant, many questions went through Kanbayashi’s mind, but first, he wiped the tears in his eyes.

“......What’s up kid? Where did you come from?”

“From afar. From a very far away place.”

Kanbayashi noticed that the boy’s shoes were tattered.

“From afar. I came here to see the person I wanted to meet.”

“You’re looking for a friend or something?”

“A friend?”

The boy repeated the word “friend” with an uncertain pronunciation, as if he had only heard the word for the first time. From that alone, Kanbayashi realized that the boy had some kind of special circumstances that isolated him from the rest of the world.

“You’re wrong. I’m looking for my older brother.”

“By older brother, do you mean me?”

“Yeah. Not really….I’m looking for someone else, my “older brother who took care of me”. The big brother who was kind to me. We were in the same facility? But he suddenly disappeared.”

Hearing the word “facility”, Kanbayashi vaguely understood the boy’s circumstances. It’s because it overlapped with his past.

He interpreted it as a fact that the kid escaped from a good for nothing facility….. and had come to look for his beloved “older brother who took care of him” who had disappeared.

“......I see. So you’re also in a facility huh. I hated it there.”

“Yeah, everyone does things I don’t like. But the big brother who took care of me was the only person who was nice to me. I was lonely because he suddenly disappeared, so I came here to see him.”

“........Then you have to go and look for that “big brother” who took care of you, right? You don’t have time for me, do you?”

In normal circumstances, Kanbayashi might have gone a little further into the boy’s situation. However, Kanbayashi did not have the luxury of time to do so.

Kanbayashi, who chose that word to push him away, felt self-loathing and turned his head down.

But the boy’s words made Kanbayashi look up.

“But I heard a song.”

“A song?”

“Yeah. Because you’re singing right? Big brother?”

“.....I am?”

“Yeah.”

It was only when the boy told him that he realized.

That his words had become a song. That it became a rap.

And, in the end….Kanbayashi realized that even in the depth of his disappointment, he couldn’t abandon rap even with Saimon gone.

“And, you see----”

To Kanbayashi’s surprise, the boy continued.

“......I also heard a piano.”

“.......what piano?”

“Yeah. A long time ago, my big brother let me listen to it. The one that makes a beautiful sound, that’s called piano, right? It’s strange. When you were singing, I could also hear the piano just a little bit over the song.”

“......”

“.....Big brother?”

“......Are you crying, big brother? Does it hurt somewhere?”

“......Ah. …...Aahh…..! My chest hurts a little…”

Kanbayashi couldn’t stop the heat in his eyes. Deep in his heart, his thoughts overflowed all at once, and it turned into tears that ran down his cheeks.

He was aware of it.

The music continues to reverberate in Kanbayashi. It has been echoing all the time.

Even though Saimon leaves, even though the path to his dream has been cut off, the sound that once echoed will never disappear, and the dream that he once held will never fade, it will always remain within Kanbayashi.

“Hey, are you okay….?”

Anxiously, the boy looks towards Kanbayashi.

And the next thing he knew----

“---Ah, it’s big brother!”

With that, the boy rushed behind Kanbayashi.

When Kanbayashi followed the boy with a tearful gaze…..he saw a young man in a white coat ahead of him.

The man looked at the boy with a surprised face, and with trembling hands, the boy hugged him tightly.

Perhaps he is the “big brother” who took care of him.

…...That was a miracle-like probability, wasn’t it?

The young boy, who seemed ignorant about the world, was running around in a patient robe, looking for someone without a clue…..By chance, he was able to find his big brother he was looking for on the bridge.
If by chance, Kanbayashi wasn’t on that bridge. If by chance, the song that Kanbayashi hummed hadn’t drawn the boy to him. This miracle would never have happened.
When the big brother noticed Kanbayashi, he looked thoughtful for a moment, then bowed quietly. The boy also waved his hand at Kanbayashi.

“......Kid, what are you going to do now?”

“I’m sure there will be someone who’ll pick me up so ….until then, I’ll stay with my big brother.”

…..The boy will surely return to the facility.

That’s what Kanbayashi thought when he saw the boy’s words and the expression on the big brother’s face.

This miracle can only last for now. It must be a fleeting glimmer, just like a sparkler.

Even so, at this moment, the connection that the boy sought was reconnected in a form that he wanted.

Singing and playing music on the piano as a stronghold.

“......What the hell?... I knew it was exactly what Tsubaki-san said.”

Kanbayashi laughed, as he lifted his cheeks, which were wet with tears.

And then, as he was starting to walk away, the boy shouted to the departing Kanbayashi.

“.....Thank you, piano big brother!....I wonder if we can meet again, piano big brother?”

Kanbayashi walked with the boy’s voice at his back.

And then, he waved loosely as a response.

“Yeah, we’ll see each other again. As long as I continue on playing music.”

That was for a certain.

There was no hesitation in Kanbayashi’s response.

“Music….connects people to one another.”

In the hospital room, the sound of the piano was playing.

When Saimon asked if she wanted something, Tsubaki replied “I want to listen to music.”

When he asked if it was okay to use the player in the hospital room, the doctor gave him permission, saying, “It’s a private room.”. The response seemed to be at least a special treatment, and it afflicted Saimon.

The sun was beginning to set, and they were alone together in the hospital room. The relaxing sound of the piano echoed on the madder red walls. Beside Tsubaki, who was lying peacefully, Saimon’s figure was slumped.

His time with Tsubaki passed by with a quarter beat.

One bar, one beat at a time, his time with Tsubaki passed.

Her arms, with long white fingers that looked like they were born to play the piano, were tied to a tube with a needle that were constantly infused with some kind of soothing drug.

“......I don’t regret anything.”

With her lips covered on a ventilator, Tsubaki muttered. Her condition was somewhat calmer than last time, and she spoke clearly, as if there was some hope of recovery.

However, the equipment connected to her discolored skin was a painful reminder to Saimon of how he had been deceived into keeping her life together. Some kind of drug had been administered to her in a very large quantity. Such chemical substances were circulating through Tsubaki’s body, keeping her sane for the first time.

Occasionally, a doctor comes to visit, fiddling with the equipment connected to Tsubaki, and would enthusiastically write down some figures. He told him that Tsubaki was not going to make it, saying to “Take it easy”, and left.

Instead of caring for the patient’s life, the attitude of “Let’s get some good data at this time” can be seen through, and every time this happened, Saimon felt like he was going crazy.

But still, Tsubaki said “I don’t regret anything.”

“Music that connects people…...to one another. The metal has that kind of power. I think my collaborative research was probably …..useful…..”

The quality of Phantom Live is improving year by year, probably due to the result of Tsubaki’s collaborative research. It seems that the data taken at this hospital will also be used for metal erosion control technology in the future.

There is no doubt that it will advance Phantom Live, and the music that connects people to one another, further into the future.

But that doesn’t mean----- it has to be like this, right?

The sound of the piano irritates my ears. The gentle melody strokes on my nerves.

The music that Tsubaki loved so much will not save Tsubaki’s life. The results of the research to which Tsubaki had devoted so much of herself will not save Tsubaki’s life.

“.......you know what’s sad about this? My memories are spilling over little by little.”

Saimon couldn’t respond.

He was afraid that if he opened his mouth, he would start crying. However, he knew where Tsubaki was going with her words.

“.........Like the first time we met, our first date….our wedding, little by little, little by little, they’re spilling out like a blot. …. I can’t even remember the name of that boy, who played the piano for me.”

He can’t let Kanbayashi see her like this. It was Saimon who unilaterally ended his dream with him. Until the end, he has to end it himself. That’s what Saimon was thinking.

“That’s why…..I’m sorry. For being selfish….”

“It’s fine, Tsubaki. I understand.”

When he opened his mouth, he knew he was going to cry.

With a trembling voice, damp with tears, he called Tsubaki’s name and held her hand. A thick needle dug painfully into her arm. Tsubaki smiled, her brow furrowed into figure eight. Saimon gently removed the ventilator from Tsubaki as if he were pulling back the veil of a wedding dress to make sure that her voice was heard.

Tsubaki’s blue lips spun the words and melted into the sound of the piano.

“......I don’t wanna lose the most important thing in my life.”

Saimon knew that this was Tsubaki’s last wish.

That’s why, at least….at least, because it would be too sad to just lose the memories.

“......Thank you, Naoakira-san.”

The overlapping lips were cold.

“........Play…..the piano…..again for me, okay….?”

“Yeah. ………….----Good night, Tsubaki.”

Gently, as if hitting the keyboard, Saimon turned off the life support system.

That day, Saimon turned off all the switches.

His passion, his love, his friendship, his dreams. He turned off everything.

And just when Kanbayashi was informed of Tsubaki’s death…..Saimon unilaterally announced the disbandment of XXXX. That was supposed to be Saimon’s final decision.

Then, two years had passed in the blink of an eye.

It was raining that day as well.

The sound of rain enveloped the night, blurring out the voices of people and the lights of buildings.

It was such a rainy night that the city was quiet as if in mourning, and walking outside seemed somewhat sinful.

Saimon was walking alone on such a wet asphalt road.

Since Tsubaki’s death, since the end of XXXX, Saimon had been walking alone.

From that point on, Saimon devoted himself to the study of linguistics. He threw away music and distanced himself from Bar 4/7.

It was the only thing left to do after he was gone.

To those around him, he was uncanny, but he was called one of the most talented students in the school.

He was quite indifferent to anything except for academics, and he continued to devote himself to his research while drowning in alcohol, but this made him stand out as a “research demon” to those around him and made him stand out from the crowd.

Eventually, Saimon obtained his doctorate and was on track to complete his graduate studies.

Saimon’s friend’s at the institute congratulated him on his achievement. They hailed him as the “pride of the institute” and held a fest to celebrate with him.

Saimon drank as much as he could from the alcohol that was served to him. He drank and drank, and continued to drink as much as he could.

The pride of the institute. Professor Saimon.

None of the medals he received were what Saimon truly wanted.

“.......Is this all that’s left?”

Drowning in alcohol was an everyday occurance, but that day he drank especially. His head was buzzing and his heart hurt with every beat.

He didn’t know where he was heading, so he walked along the night road with a staggering gait. It didn’t matter where he ended. There was nowhere Saimon wanted to go. He just wanted to be drenched by the rain.

But…...strangely enough, his feet were going down a familiar path.

“........what did I just do….”

Saimon laughed to himself behind his wet bangs.

It was a familiar sight. If he went straight down that road, he would eventually reach the nostalgic Bar 4/7.

But what’s the point of him visiting the bar again, after all this time.

Bar 4/7 is a store that was used to run by the old owner, Saimon, and Tsubaki. There’s no way it was still there. It’s because Saimon had already abandoned that store.

“But…. that’s good too.”

Anyway, he decided to go and see the place where that store used to be.

And also to make sure that nothing has really gone.

He wants to see once again of everything that he let go at that time, of the things he couldn’t protect…..and to see that everything is over.

And thinking that far……

“..........”

He thought he heard another sound mixed in with the rain.

Saimon listened carefully. The sound was nostalgic for some reason.

After a while, Saimon realized what it sounded like and opened his eyes.

“........a piano’s sound?”

Soon, Saimon was running out into the rain.

As he went down the road, he heard the sound clearly. Saimon ran as if he was lured by the melody. He couldn’t help but run.

Because of the sound, it was the sound of Tsubaki’s piano.

“.......No way……”

And then-----the store was there.

Bar 4/7.

The store, which he thought had gone out of business, was still there, unchanged.

Was he dreaming? Or was it just a hallucination caused by his body being chilled by the rain? Shivering, Saimon put his hand on the door of the bar. Leaning against it, he pushed open the heavy door.

And there was----..

“......Tsubaki?”

It certainly looked like that for a moment.

The way they sat on a chair in the corner of the bar, playing the piano, their fingers dancing delicately on the keyboard, the sound was so much the same.

When Saimon blinked, Tsubaki’s figure disappeared like an illusion.

The one who was playing the piano was not his loved one he had once lost.

However----....

“You’re late, partner.”

His best partner, who he once broke up with, was there.

“......Yohei, why…. Also….this store….”

“Dumbass, isn’t it obvious?”

Nothing was over, He hasn’t ended everything at all.

Bar 4/7 was there. His partner has been waiting for him for a long time.

And then,

“Music connects people to one another, you know.”

Tsubaki’s sound continued all this time.

“...........Hn.”

Unable to see ahead through his tears, Saimon desperately reached out for his hand. Kanbayashi grabbed his hand again without any hesitation.

Deep in Saimon’s heart, he heard Tsubaki’s voice.

----Play the piano again for me, okay?

“......You kept your promise.”

“You said something?”

“........Nothing.”

From then on, music echoed in Saimon’s heart.

It echoed forever, and ever.

---And now, even after Paradox Live has ended, the music continues to resonate.

That day, Kanbayashi picked up the music that was supposed to have been thrown away by Saimon and he continued to cherish it. Thanks to that, Bar 4/7 is still here today.

“Thank you, Yohei.”

“What the hell all of the sudden?”

“I just wanted to tell you. I think I can still hear the sound of the rain in this store right now.”

“......Hmm. I see.”

Eventually, footsteps could be heard from beyond the sound of the rain. Sure enough, Saimon laughed and Kanbayashi greeted Shiki with a snort, who had returned wet like a rat.

“I’m sorry, I’m late…..”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s raining today and there’s no customers that have come yet.”

“Ah,ah. It’s fine, so come here and wipe it off for now. What if you catch a cold?”

The liveliness returns to the bar, which has been quiet for a while.

“Huh? Did Ryuu-kun fall asleep?”

“Hn? Ah, it’s true. He had a lot of free time after all, this guy’s really hopeless.”

After handing a towel to Shiki, Kanbayashi brought a blanket from the room and put it on Ryuu for the time being.

“This guy, once he falls asleep, he won’t wake up for a few days….”

“But he looks like he’s sleeping very comfortably…”

“I wonder if Ryuu is having a good dream too.”

“I wonder what kind of dream that guy Ryuu is having.”

“He was sleep talking before and said “Mecha Shikki, attack!” though…”

As they were around Ryuu's sleeping face, they had a very relaxed conversation. “Oh, it’s peaceful”. That’s what everyone there was thinking.

In the midst of such peace, as expected, Ryuu was dreaming.

Ryuu doesn’t know whose memory it was or when it happened. But there were some vivid visions floating in his dream.

A facility somewhere, full of pain and suffering.There was only one person who was kind to me. One day, I escaped from the facility and went on an expedition to find that person who had disappeared. Exhausted, I arrived at a river that was playing a sad song. On that bridge, a kind big brother sings a sad song. And then, and then, many things had happened and many things got messed up, and I was picked up by a kind man with glasses, and I met the big brother I had seen before, and then, and then, and then Shiki ----

Ryuu continued dozing in his memories, as if several channels were randomly switching, and he didn’t know how much of it was reality and how much was a dream.

However, there was probably only one thing in his dream that was certain.

“-----Music connects people to one another.”

“Eh?” (This is Saimon, Yohei and Shiki speaking at the same time)

The three of them looked at each other at the same time as Ryuu talked in his sleep.

There was a short pause, and then--- everyone was laughing naturally.

The gentle rain was still falling and is filled with memories, just like the gentle sound of a piano that has been playing for a long time.

Be Rewarding One (Cozmez Part)

A clear wind was blowing.

The rooftop of an abandoned building. In the air so clear that it was hard to believe that it was a dusty slum, three boys were staring at the clouds rushing through the blue sky.

"There's really a nice breeze here, isn't there?"

Shiki nodded as Kanata expressed standing there.

"Yeah, I also like the air here. I wish I had remembered earlier and come here more often."

Shiki's line of sight shifted to the one next to him. Following his line of sight, Kanata also turned his gaze.

There was a figure of Nayuta.

It's is not the illusion of the phantom metal created by Kanata, but the real, genuine figure of Nayuta

"It's really good here, isn't it? It's like everything that has happened is blown away. For most of my part, I was just sleeping on my bed but.... you guys have really been through a lot, haven't you?"

".... Yeah, a lot has happened."

In response to Nayuta's question, Shiki nodded as if he was snarling.

Being unable to help Nayuta, who was in the final stage of the metal erosion, he became depressed. Being picked up by Saimon and participated in Paradox Live as The Cat's Whiskers. He had an encounter with Nayuta's illusion created by Kanata, and although he was upset and blamed himself for it, he was able to face the past with the support of Saimon, Kanbayashi and Ryuu.

"I was weak. I have always been running away for a long time. But because there are people who supported me and helped me, I was able to continue rapping. And.... finally, I was able to reunite with Nayuta-kun."

"I've been through a lot, too."

Staring at the sky, Kanata also traced his memories.

"As far as I remember, I was rotten. At first, I got involved with SUZAKU of BAE in the dumbest way. I was even helped by the illusion Nayuta I created myself.... Even when  Nayuta was not around, I was still saved by Nayuta. No.... I've been acting strong, but honestly, maybe I've been relying on a lot of things just to survive."

The people from BAE, who came at him with a ridiculous passion and straightforwardness in music, Iori, who in a roundabout way was helping him regain his memories, Zen and the others who tried to support him with familiar cheerfulness , the Akkan Yatsura guys, and...-

"And so, Shiki. You, who became friends with Nayuta, probably have helped me too."

"I... I didn't do anything."

Shiki's voice did not sound as self-deprecating as before.

Knowing this, Kanata also smiled a little.

"Ahh, you two, while I was sleeping, you guys somehow got bigger."

While saying that, Nayuta's mouth twitched.

Turning to the two, Nayuta deliberately smiles.

"But. I'm really glad. Nayuta-kun came back."

"Yeah. Seriously,.... more than winning the championship. more than that huge amount of prize money I received, I've got something irreplaceable. Thank you, Nayuta. For coming back right in front of me."

"Yeah, what exactly do I do while I am sleeping? I didn't do anything, I couldn't even do anything.... well, but..."

Nayuta squinted his eyes and looked down from the rooftop railing.

Remembering the past, Shiki gulped.

"It's okay," Nayuta muttered, laughing apologetically.

"I..., maybe it was a punishment that the real me couldn't participate. I made Kanata worried, and I made Shiki cry. I'm sure that at the time, on my own, I've chosen a path that I shouldn't have chosen."

".....Nayuta...."

Staring at Nayuta's back, Kanata mutters. At the sound of his voice, Nayuta turns around with a smile, with his eyebrows down and speaks.

"Hey, you two. Will you listen to me? I made both of you suffer... It's the story of that day."

Nayuta turns to face them. In his line of sight, he sees half of himself. And the rosary of repentance that his friend lowered. Little by little, Nayuta talks about the past. What Kanata didn't know, and what Shiki didn't know. Everything that only Nayuta knew about that day.

"Back then, I was......-"

In the wind, a confession began.

Yes- it all started in a dusty back alley.

That night, Nayuta was out of breath, and Kanata was desperately pulling on his hand as he ran.

"---Wait! You kids, I won't let you get away!"

An unrefined voice echoed from behind.

Nayuta's eyes caught sight of a group of men. In their hands, they were holding what looked like rusty iron pipes, and not to mention, they looked noisy.

At that moment just when he thought it would be bad if they hit a dead end, Kanata screamed. It was as if he knew what was in Nayuta's head.

"It's fine, those guys are too big, they won't be able to follow us down this road."

"I know, I wasn't worried. I'm with Kanata after all."

"Hah... That's right! I'm with Nayuta after all."

"Together, we're undefeatable."

Breathing in unison, they jumped into the gap between the buildings.

It was a loophole that only the two of them could use because they were so thin. In the dark night of the slums, they seem to disappear from the eyes of the adults.

They went all the way into the gap, huddled together, breathing hard.

Nayuta's hand trembled with tension, Kanata squeezed it tightly. When he squeezed it back with all of his strength, the trembling stopped as they supported each other.

Eventually, the men's footsteps passed by in the distance. When they couldn't finally hear the angry voices, the two let out a sigh.

".....--hnnn."

Before I knew it, I was looking up at the familiar ceiling.

It was still dark inside my cheap apartment. It was probably an hour or two after the date had changed.

The place was so shabby that you can see by looking up in the darkness, but Nayuta still sighs at the relief that "It's our house"

"Hmmm..."

As he tried to relax around in the futon, he felt a tingling pain on his cheeks.

With that as a trigger, Nayuta remembered that night. It was the Phantom Live rap event. On the way home after winning the championship and receiving the prize money, he was attacked by the participants and their cronies.

"Does it hurt, Nayuta?"

A voice called out right next to him.

When I turned my face to turn over, I saw the face of Kanata close to mine. Even in the darkness, if I squinted my eyes, I could see his eyebrows lowered in concern.

"A little. The guy who hit me... he was wearing a ring like an idiot."

"That bastard..."

Kanata's voice echoed like a wolf growling slowly.

But soon, the air around him became gentler, and the stretched hands of Kanata were now wrapped around Nayuta's cheeks. The temperature of his palm is comforting, and Nayuta put his own hand on top of it.

In the pair of narrow futons, they touched to confirm each other's existence.

We put our foreheads together and at a distance where our breaths mingle, we whisper to each other like we were talking in secret. It's nothing, we just want to communicate to each other hoping that only people in the immediate vicinity will know. The slum apartment where even a child could live, was a tiny structure. Still, somewhere, it was warm.

"Those guys, they're really a fucking crap. They lose the battle, and then they beat up a kid. It doesn't matter what they do, it doesn't change the fact that they lost to a kid's rap."

Nayuta cursed, and Kanata nodded

"I guess my dissed was a bull's-eye. It's like, you're a street kid with a "I grew up in the street" attitude. You're doing shallow music in a warm house wearing accessories bought with your parents' money. You can't lose even if you stand upside down."

Giggling, the sound of laughter echoes in the futon.

Just the two of us, in a quiet room that does not shine light. Our voices overlapping, our fingers reaching for each other, we are one.

A sense of security that only twins can feel, sharing the same blood, voice, and heat. It feels like there is nothing in the world other than the two of us. That kind of time, we feel as if we’re invincible.

After laughing for a moment, Nayuta gently closed his eyes and muttered.

"Ah... it's cold, and I'm hungry, and the people around me are full of crap but.... but still, compared to when I was in the facility, I'm more free now."

"Yeah, that's right. There... no, it's not just that facility. Up until now, we've been through a lot of shits."

With a dry voice, Kanata also responded.

Twins who were born by a slum prostitute without knowing whose seed they came from.

There was no love between parents and children. Whenever she has a bad day, she'll assault and beat us up, and even if she doesn't have a bad day, she'll beat us up for no reason. "With kids, it's hard to attract men. It'll cost a lot of money for food. It would have been better if I had an abortion"

That was what that woman always said.

"Compared to that, now I can eat ramen once in a while. The first time I ate it, I was amazed.... that something delicious like that, really exists in this world."

"Kanata really loves ramen."

"Nayuta liked gyoza too, right? And hamburger too."

"Hamburgers were the only thing that woman ever bought me once in a while. They were cold though.”

"We couldn't even eat those in the facility."

One day, when we were living with the woman we couldn't even call our mother, help came even though we hadn't asked for it.

Adults in suits took the twins away from the woman and put them in a facility, according to the government's nonsense policy. But if the day with that woman were the worst, the days at the facility were the next worst.

A plate with dry bread, tasteless soup, and vegetable waste. The children in the facility were thin and gloomy. Adults who kick off children when they make noise, who also don't do their job properly.

There was no place for us. Adults were just a bunch of shits. No one welcomed the fact that we were born into this world.

Compared to that, a room in a small apartment where the two of us can stay is much happier.

"....Kanata."

Nayuta squeezed Kanata's hand. While smiling, Kanata also squeezed Nayuta's hand back.

It's warm. It's tender. Blood flows through. It's here.

"We'll always be together, right?"

"Of course. we'll always be together."

A close happiness. A peaceful world.

At that time, the two of them were still in a gentle stagnation. as if the time had stopped.

When he woke up, Kanata wasn't there.

The curtain remained closed, Nayuta got up, frowning at the sunlight shining through the gap.

It was already very bright.

It seemed that it was already noon, and there was a note at the bedside saying "I'm going out for a bit".

-Lately, Kanata goes out a lot alone.

There was such a question in Nayuta. When he asked Kanata about it, he was dissatisfied with the fact that he just strangely brushed it off, but the equipment that had been added to the house to do rap and the new sewing tools were vaguely the answer to his question.

Even if he is working a secret part-time job, that is still a stand-offish story, isn't it?

Nayuta's voice was sharp but, in reality, he was grateful that his standard of living was rising, so it was hard to complain.

".....Well, when it comes to secret jobs, I can't really say anything about it now, can I?"

Biting the ears of a dry bread, Nayuta also left the house. If it had sugar in it, it could've been mistaken as a rusk.

Well then, that day, it was Nayuta that didn't have to work.

Since he's got free time, he want to look for a new stage costumes for Kanata---but half of it, I just really want to see Kanata in a fashionable state ----Nayuta thought that he would save money, so he headed out to the border between the slums and the city. Apparently, there is an old man who spends a lot of money, and sometimes he throws away a lot of old clothes that could still be used.

Since it was not the right length picking it up, it was Nayuta's pleasure to remake it by stuffing it up. This is very economical.

He was once asked by Kanata "Then, isn't that enough to cover up for  the clothes?" But as expected, he had to have a new one to make it spectacular.

When he left the facility and learned to "dress up" freely to some extent, Nayuta was impressed, saying "Anything fashionable suits you, Kanata!" He thought about spending his life enjoying all of that.

"---Ah?"

However, when I turned the alleyway with a feeling of excitement, I came across a disturbing scene.

"The fight was too one-sided, right?"

If anything, it looked more like an extortion. A big, really bad-looking thug was grabbing the pudgy looking boy by the chest.

The boy who was tangled up was dressed elegantly and had a look that was not typical from the slum.

He has curly, chestnut-colored hair and a thin body, but unlike Kanata and Nayuta, he seemed to be simply slender.

"A young master wandered in and got sucked in, huh? Serves him right. It's not my business to get involved with that..."

Nayuta sighed and tried to walk past him but--- the face of the thug tangling him was familiar.

"....That guy."

I felt the pain in my cheeks.

It was the leader of the rappers who had been taunting Nayuta and Kanata. The one who had beaten Nayuta up.

When I realized that, I felt a sudden surge of anger. He had ruined the good mood that I and Kanata had been in after our victory. We were planning to celebrate together on the way home with some ramen and gyoza from Ramentei.

-Right now, that guy is full of openings, isn't he?

Not long before he realized that, it was already too late.

When Nayuta approached from the shadow, without making a footsteps noise as much as possible, he kicked the thug from behind as hard as he could in the groin.

"...Gyunn!"

It was pleasant to hear such a dirty scream. I was quite relieved when the thug collapsed, trembling like a newborn fawn.

"It's for your lame imitations, shithead."

In addition, I spit on him. Indeed, it's rare for me to fight alone without relying on Kanata, but this feels good. It's great when your opponent is a jerk adult.

I left the place with a refreshing feeling. I kicked him as hard as a soccer player would kick for a shot, so he wouldn't be able to move for a while. I went through one or two alleys and arrived at the place I was looking for. There were a lot of old clothes thrown away---.

"Umm!"

Being called from behind, Nayuta's shoulders shook with fear.

".....what, oh it's just you."

There stood the boy who had been entangled earlier.

He was sweating and out of breath, it seemed that ran to chase after me.

"What the hell is with you? If you hang around here, for a guy like you, you'll get duped again"

"No..that...umm.."

"....Calm down and speak. How much of a rush are you in?

"I...I........I ....

"You?"

"No, I..... just wanted to say thank you...."

".......What?"

Thank you. Gratitude. That thing, for Nayuta such a concept only existed between him and Kanata, so, to be honest, he was shocked.

"No, it's not like I helped you anyway. It just happened that I was pissed off of that guy."

"But I was saved, so I want to properly thank you."

"Haa~....?"

What's with this guy? And to be honest, I'm scared.

He was a strange creature, Nayuta understood instantly. It was the first time he had come into contact with the concept of friendliness and such.

"I told you, it doesn't matter. I'm going to carry these old clothes home, so hurry up and disappear."

"Old clothes? All of that?"

"Is it bad?"

"T-then, maybe I could help you with that! I'll carry them!"

"Hah? Why would you?"

"Because I want to thank you."

"Don't think I'll trust you with that story, stupid."

Nayuta was immediately alarmed.

In an instant, a number of questions came into his mind, such as "Are you planning to track down my house and steal from me?" or "Are you planning to blame me later and ask me for money?"

However, the boy repeated the same thing with a sour look on his face, as if to say that it was impossible for him to be born with any evil intentions, and all he wanted was just to thank him.

"Because.....really... I was really saved. I was so happy that you helped me, so this time, I want to help too....!"

"Listen. There's no person in this world who spits out lines straight from a children's picture book to have good intentions. I don't know what you're up to but, go home."

"N-No way...."

"If you really want to help, then you carry this yourself. All of this."

Nayuta proposed a negotiation that is basically impossible. There were a lot of used clothes packed in a plastic bag. Even if he had chosen to take it with him, it would have been impossible for a boy with such physique to carry the whole thing. In other words, he was obviously being mean.

However,----

"Yeah, I understand. Leave it to me!...here we go.."

"Ah? Wai- Hey, you. You idiot! I'm telling you it's impossible!"

As if to say, the boy was picking up a pile of abandoned second-hand clothes in a clear plastic bag.

However, the bag, which was packed with leather goods as well, was still quite heavy, and the poor boy was staggering, as expected.

"Uwaaaaahhhhhhhhh~ Ahhhh.....

"Woah! You idiot, what are you doing!"

Unintentionally, Nayuta went behind the staggering boy to support the bag. This was a completely fresh experience for Nayuta, as he was usually the one who wobbled and had to be helped by Kanata, but he was not happy at all.

Supported by the boy and him, they finally stabilized it.

When I tilted my head to complain, the boy turned his head to look at me through the plastic bag. He had a smile on his face.

"It's really heavy as expected, isn't it? I'm sorry, I can't carry it all by myself, but if there's two of us, I think we can."

"........"

"What's wrong?...Umm, where should we carry this to?..."

"Right now, you're dressed like a poor Santa, you know."

"Eh? I-Isn't it awful....?"

Nayuta found himself laughing.

Anyway, the person who he had helped without intending to help him came to return the favor even though he hadn't asked for it, and Nayuta ended up helping him again. And yet, he smiles at him with a proud looking smile, as if saying "I'm here so you don't have to worry anymore", he can't help but think it's funny.

"If you're gonna carry this, do it right, Poor Santa."

"P-Poor Santa....I'm Ando Shiki though."

"I'll remember you when I feel like it. We're gonna go inside the slums but if you get extorted again, at that time, I'll just run away."

"Umm.. what should I call you?"

"Nayuta, we'll probably won't see each other again, so you don't have to remember it."

As a result, the two decided to carry the large plastic bag together. It was more like a goofy thief's escape than a poor Santa Claus.

“Hii….. Hii…..”

“You….. you’re too weak… And you have the nerve to tell me you’re gonna help.”

“You too, Nayuta-kun, you’re out of breath too.”

“Shut up…. I was gonna, I was gonna use more of my head to carry all of these..”

Anyhow, the combination of the sickly Nayuta and the poor Shiki, even with all their strength combined, was still weak. When they were still a good distance from the twins’ home, both of them sat down, exhausted.

“Right now, if the guy from earlier attacks me, I won’t be able to run….”

“.......T-Then, at that moment, I’ll definitely help Nayuta-kun.”

“Are you stupid? Is something wrong with your brain? You were beaten up, right?”

“E-Even so…..I’ll still gonna help you, yeah.”

It was a very unreliable declaration. He was not even one thousandth as reliable as Kanata. It was amusing and hilarious, but strangely, it didn’t feel bad.

Back then, Shiki was really just an ordinary boy, too ordinary, too dazzling to see in the darkness of the slums, and too good natured.

He was a foolish person who practiced morals he learned at school, but for Nayuta, he was a rare person.

That kind of “unconditional good intentions” was something I had only encountered for the first time in my short life with my twin alone.

“Shiki, right?”

“Yeah, Shiki as in the four seasons.”

“I didn’t ask that much though. You live in the city, right? And those clothes, that’s a school uniform thingy right?”

“Uh, that’s right. I’m in junior high school. I think I’m probably not that far (age) from Nayuta-kun.”

“You, why did you come to a place like this?”

“.......That’s…..”

“I’m gonna tell you something since you’ve helped me out. Don’t ever come back here. You’re too clumsy, you’re stupid and a slowpoke, you're lucky if you’re just gonna be extort. Sooner or later, you’re probably gonna die.”

“T-That’s a very terrible way to say…”

“It’s the truth.”

That was well, Nayuta’s way of returning the favor, and it was also the frank truth. The slums are not kind enough to allow someone like Shiki who was raised comfortably, to go sightseeing in peace. It was some kind of a miracle that he was safe until he met Nayuta again.

So, if he came to the slums without any reason, that would be just foolishness. If he was just trying to make fun of the environment that Nayuta and the others were living in, that would be annoying. That’s why he asked and advised him.

Shiki looked up for a while, as if he was thinking. Clouds were drifting through the narrow blue sky, peeking through the gap between the abandoned buildings. The sun cannot be seen directly from the back alley.

After a while. Shiki started to speak in a hushed tone.

“My dad’s keepsake was taken by a scary person.”

“Your father?”

Nayuta rolled his eyes. That thing, for Nayuta, was completely an unknown existence.

“Yeah. It’s a small…. Rosary like this. I used it as a charm but, I guess I stood out wearing it…. The person who took the rosary went back to the slum. It’s not really a very fashionable accessory so I wonder if it was sold somewhere.”

“Is your father’s keepsake really that important?”

“Yeah, because it’s a family remembrance.”

“Hmm, I see. I understood that your father is no longer here. What about your mother?”

He asked a question unconsciously. When the word came out from Nayuta,  he was surprised by the fact that he was that interested in such things. For a moment, Shiki smiled as if he was troubled.

“My mom died too. Both of them...in a car accident, protecting me….”

“.......Protecting their child?”

The idea of parents risking their lives to protect their children was more unbelievable for me than any fairy tales. The Santa Claus that Kanata still believes in until now is even more realistic to me.

For Nayuta, his mother is an object of his hatred. He doesn’t even know his father’s face and it's a concept that didn’t exist since he was young. But he understands that family is important.

If Kanata dies, Nayuta would suffer beyond imagination. And if his keepsake were stolen…. Nayuta would probably do the same thing.

“......So, you’re all alone now? Don’t you have any big brother?”

“I don’t have an older brother. I’m an only child.”

It sounded like a ridiculously sad confession for Nayuta. Having no parents and no siblings, just the thought of it was despairing. But Shiki smiled brightly.

“But I was lucky they put me in a facility, and I’m going to school from there.”

“Hah? A facility. I was there too, but it’s shit over there, isn’t it?”

“...... I wouldn’t say it’s really good. But they’re giving me food and they’re letting me go to school too. That’s why, if you’re helping me, then I want to help you back …..I’ve always been helped out all my life, after all.”

Nayuta thought that he was the same but different person to the boy named Shiki. At the same time, he also thought that they were in the same but different situation.

Until that time, Nayuta thought that the world was only divided into Kanata, himself and the others. The inside and outside of themselves. Those two kinds.

But in this world, there are people besides ourselves who have lost their father, lost their mother and in a facility…. But I heard that there are guys who are living a completely different life too.

As he lifted the plastic bag, Nayuta was thinking about a lot of things.

About parents who protect their child. About orphans who have no siblings. What it means to live in a facility. Relationships with others.

---I want to help. I’ve always been helped out all my life, after all. Shiki’s words ran through my head.

Pondering, the two miserable Santa Claus walked down the slums staggering.

“Welcome home, Kanata.”

“I’m home.”

In the end, it was already evening when Kanata went back, so Nayuta had to wait for him at their home. As a souvenir, Kanata carried a paper bag from a hamburger shop.

When I opened it up, it was one of those rather luxurious one, with a double patty sandwiched between two big buns.

“Wow, what a feast.”

Although he was pleased, Nayuta felt the desire to say “Why is it so extravagant?”

It’s not like both of them are economists. Nayuta spends a lot of his money in clothes particularly, and Kanata spends a lot of his money on track making equipment and records.

That’s why, the empty can in the closet that is used as a piggy bank should have been light. But lately, it’s true that there were expenses that were nothing special ---so it was for certain that their standard of living had increased.

Just as I thought, Kanata has a part-time job too, isn’t he?

Nayuta had missed the timing to ask such a question a long time ago. He felt that if he asked, he would have to tell him too what he was hiding.

“By the way, I saw that guy today. The unskillful rapper from last night.”

That’s why Nayuta brought up the topic of him going out instead, but that apparently made Kanata worried.

“......Did he do anything to you?”

“No, he had his guard down so I got even. I kicked him in the groin from behind----”

“......Don’t do something stupid on your own!”

Nayuta was momentarily confused by the sudden hug.

However, as soon as I saw that Kanata’s arms and shoulders were trembling, I immediately thought “Ah, I made him worried” and suddenly realized that I did something wrong.

From Nayuta’s point of view, he knew that Kanata was doing something secretly alone, and he also understood that it was probably to help their everyday lives…. Looking back, he knew that Kanata had always been there protecting him, from the home of the woman they couldn’t even call their mother and even in the facility.

There was no way I could have escaped from that barn-like facility alone. If it wasn’t for Kanata’s help.

That’s why I wanted to do it myself even just a little bit. I didn’t think it would make him so worried, and I realized that I might be a naive little brother after all.

“I’m sorry Kanata…. I won’t do it again.”

“.....Absolutely. Don’t do anything dangerous when I’m not around.”

“Yeah.”

“I only have you, Nayuta.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry.”

---”As long as Nayuta is there, that’s all I need” he heard him say that many times. Nayuta also thought it was fine as long as he had Kanata. But when he told him “Nayuta is all I have” it sounded so sad.

At this point, I thought, maybe I should keep the story about the “weird guy” I met to myself.

And with that condition, Nayuta’s secrets increased one by one.

Even after what had happened, the twins had been living peacefully for a while.

If there was anything that triggered a change, it was a conversation one day when the roadside trees began to shed their leaves.

“Oh, for real….!”

Suddenly, Kanata shouted out in a hysteric tone.

Using the futon left lying on the floor as a couch, he opened this month’s issue of the magazine he had apparently picked up while wearing a sloppy shirt as a sleepwear. Even for a music magazine, it is a deep one for creators, containing articles on music composition and reviews of DAW software.

Nayuta, who was hanging the laundry, wiped his damp hands on his apron and peeked at the magazine from behind Kanata.

“What’s wrong, Kanata?”

“It’s this, this.”

When I followed where he pointed at, I saw a black body with strangely colorful keys that looked like a game console.

“Is this a sampler?”

“That’s right, it’s that real maker thing, like the ones used in big record companies.”

“Hmm, you can use it without a computer huh. Isn’t it expensive?”

“It used to be more expensive, but this time it’s a smaller type without the features of the expensive model. Even though it is half the price of the original, it can do so much more.”

Nayuta took off his ragged apron and moved closer to take a peek at the magazine. It certainly seems that it had all the features to make sound that can withstand the stage of the pro scene.

“......But still, it’s expensive.”

Nayuta gave his honest opinion while snuggling up against Kanata’s back. Even though it was half the price now, it is still expensive. Counting the digits, one hand is not enough. That is a price range that definitely never comes up in their lives.

When he puts his arms around his neck, Kanata gently strokes his hand.

“It’s expensive.”

The resigned tone of his voice seemed to stick to my eardrum.

It is not easy to cut down on their expenses, save money, and spend a year or two… even if the price goes down during that time. In the first place, they have been living on edge. There was no guarantee that they could live in this roost a year later.

However, if I buy it, Kanata will be able to use it.

As a matter of fact, Kanata is very smart. He doesn’t study, but he is quick to learn what he needs to live, what he needs to know about HIP-HOP and how to use technology.

If he had a high quality equipment to pursue music seriously, instead of second-hand scrap metal samplers and second-hand tracks, Kanata could have shown his talent more fully.

Above all, Kanata looks really happy when he is rapping.

“......You want it, don’t you, Kanata?”

“Well, to be honest. But as expected, it is tough to have right now. How many cups of ramen is that?”

“...... That’s right.”

“I wish Santa Claus would come, but he will never come right? After all, I can’t say that I’m a good boy.”

Before he could even think about it, Nayuta was hugging Kanata from behind.

He pressed his chest tightly against Kanata’s back. He then placed his palm on the left side of Kanata’s chest to feel the heartbeat echoing. It was the same rhythm.

“Ah, haha….what is it? That tickles.”

Kanata laughed at his younger brother who was messing around.

Two hearts beating in the same height and overlapping bodies at the same position,  carving the same beat like a stereo speaker.

Twins. Two people sharing the same genes, and one life. I’m making sure it is like that.

I’m planning to share it all the time. Blood, flesh, tears, happiness, unhappiness and love too. I’m sure we’ve always been sharing our lives and destinies with the same cells since before we were born.

Even though they’re the same, Kanata has probably helped Nayuta more. He was born a little later than him, and just because he was the “little brother”, he’s sure that he was helped a lot. He felt it even more strongly when he heard the same sound of blood flowing inside him.

---I want to help. I’ve always been helped out all my life, after all

I remembered Shiki’s words. As I recall, I don’t think I can ever repay all the help I’ve received from Kanata. But after he finally found HIP HOP as something he “loves”, I don’t want Kanata to restrain himself to it.

----I, If I probably do my best, I can make more money.

At some point. Such thoughts began to grow strongly in Nayuta’s heart.

Little by little, the city was beginning to be enveloped by the autumn breeze.

Since the sampler incident, Kanata had been going out alone more and more often.

It was obvious that he was in a hurry to make money.

As a result, as the time away from Kanata increased, some changes in Nayuta’s life were beginning to occur.

The first is that he is meeting with Shiki more and more.

After that, he found Shiki coming to the slum again, and when Nayuta thought he had warned him to be careful…..but it happened that he had anemia and Shiki really had saved him.

Since then, the communication between him and Shiki continued.

On that day as well, Nayuta and Shiki were talking on an abandoned piece of wood as their chair in the corner of the space between the ruins.

“Oh, That's awesome Shiki. Where did you find this record?”

“I found it in the shop that you told me about the other day.”

“For real? But It's good that it is cheap there.. but it looks like a pile of garbage, right?”

Ever since he started hanging out with Nayuta, Shiki had become much more accustomed to the slums too.

Nayuta trained him how to walk in alleys so that he could move unnoticed. Originally, it was a technique Nayuta learned in order to survive.

“Yeah. But it's like I'm hunting for treasure, it was fun. I couldn't stop sneezing though.”

“Ah haha, I know right, That place is so dirty. But I didn’t know that there were such legitimate rare items lying around in that store.”

“Would you like to listen to it, Nayuta-kun? I’ll lend it to you.”

“Is it okay? You just bought it, right?”

“Hahaha…. A-Actually, I bought it on the spur of the moment because I wanted to show it to you, Nayuta-kun, you see, I live in a facility, right? I completely forgot that I don’t have a record player….”

“What the hell is that? Shiki is really loose sometimes.”

Nayuta chuckled as he watched Shiki scratch his head.

“Can’t be helped, let’s listen to it together with my player next time. It’s a cheap, old piece of junk I bought at that dumpy store though.”

“Thank you, I'll look forward to it. ….By the way, that store was a mess, but there was a lot of equipment for that kind of music. Only that one corner seems to be a specialty store.”

“I heard that the owner is a former rapper. So it’s handy if you’re looking for something cheap!... It’s mostly antique. It’s good that it’s cheap and you can use it without a computer, but they don’t have the latest models from the manufacturers you see in the catalogs.”

“Do you want the latest version, Nayuta-kun?”

“Yeah, I’m looking for the one I saw in a magazine. You know, the one used in professional companies.”

“I see… If I remember correctly, Nayuta-kun is also doing it, right? Phantom Live.”

“Well, more or less.”

“That’s amazing...I know it’s popular, but I’m not really into scary stuff like that….”

“It’s because I’m making money. I’m doing small competitions at live houses all over the place right now. Even kids can go for the prize money as long as they have skills… it’s a good way to make a living.”

“But it’s amazing. It’s not something that you can do just because you want to.”

“Even so, it was Kanata who started pulling me along, same with playing with the equipment and writing songs too. Even though we’re twins, I think Kanata has that kind of talent.”

“But, you’re the one making the costumes, right, Nayuta-kun?”

“.....Well, yeah.”

“When you say twins, your brother is about the same height, right? All the second-hand clothes we carried the other day were for adults, so if you had remade them, that’s awesome. Yeah, Nayuta-kun is amazing too. You may be different from your brother but still, you’re amazing.”

“Don’t praise me like that… you’re really a choosy crazy one.”

I wasn’t really in a bad mood.

At that time, Shiki was not self-deprecating as he should have been, but he has low self-esteem after all,  but he is also a person who could honestly call others amazing.

In Nayuta’s world, there was only Kanata up until now.

The applause I received at the live house felt good but there was always a question on my mind that maybe it was for Kanata’s rap. That’s why Shiki's words simply made me happy.

For Nayuta, who is physically weak and conscious of being protected, the approval of others really, really made him happy.

“Aren’t you gonna do it, Shiki? Rap.”

“As I said earlier, I wonder if I can go into that scary world…”

“I think you can do better than that though.”

“Eh…..W-Why?”

“You know, Shiki, for some reason, once you listen to a song, you don’t miss a beat. Didn’t I let you listen to a direct recording sound source at the live house a while ago? I thought it was amazing when you recreated it by humming.”

“No, that was really just a little sloppy humming…”

“But I think you probably have it, the sense. If you get a chance, try it.”

“.......Y-Yeah. But I can’t do it alone, if there is someone who can do it with me.”

---I wonder if I could do it with you.

As he spoke, Nayuta was asking himself a question. Softly, a vision popped up into his mind. Kanata, Nayuta and Shiki. On a track made by Kanata, Shiki with his good pitch participated as MC and Nayuta coordinating the costumes…..

“......No, that’s no good.”

“Eh, what? Did you say something, Nayuta-kun?”

“It’s nothing.”

As expected, it felt uncomfortable for me to put something in between us twins. I thought that cozmez has to be between two people.

It’s meaningless if it’s not with Kanata. It doesn’t make sense if it’s not between me and Kanata. This is the only thing that transcends reason and should be an absolute requirement.

It is fun to be with Shiki. However, at that time, Nayuta couldn’t think of any music other than cozmez. But

“......Say, Shiki. Is it okay if we take a little detour?”

“Yeah, it’s okay but, where to?”

“The secret place.”

That’s why, it’s not like it’s a replacement or anything ---- Nayuta took Shiki to his favorite place.

I decided to guide him to that abandoned building. I thought maybe I wanted to share something with Shiki, even if he couldn't rap.

He took Shiki, who nodded, through an alleyway and then followed a path that didn’t look like a path to an abandoned  building. There were some broken stairs in that place, and Shiki followed Nayuta nervously, surprised, but when they reached the rooftop….., his eyes lit up.

“Woah….”

During the evening, it was a place where colorful scenery blended together.

The stars were beginning to shine like beads in the sky graduating from a madder crimson to dark blue.

The sun was about to set at the end of the distorted horizon created by the buildings, with an unobstructed view of the messy crowded city below.

“Say, this rooftop is good isn't it?”

Nayuta smiled contentedly at the sound of Shiki’s voice as he replied “You’re right”.

“I...love looking at the sky from here. Let's just pretend we don't see the dirty things below.”

“Yeah.”

“It's pretty good during the evening, the city lights look like a dance floor from a crowded club. It's my favorite....a secret place that even Kanata doesn't know.”

“Eh...Is that so?”

Shiki looked surprised. By that time, Shiki had already heard a lot about how important Kanata is to Nayuta. Nayuta smiled as he wondered if it was okay for him to go to a place that even Kanata did not know.

“But…. why do you want me in such a place instead of Kanata-kun?”

“.....Hmm. I’ve never had anyone to talk to besides Kanata. I wanted to have a place where I could talk about my secrets.”

“Your secrets?”

When Shiki nodded his head, Nayuta hesitated for a moment and turned around with his back on the rooftop fence. The sky was completely dyed as if a starry curtain had been drawn, and the sun was setting.

“In a few months, it’ll be Christmas, right? It’s our birthday on that day too. But we can’t afford to celebrate birthdays or Christmas or anything like that. And to be honest, for me, it’s just a cold day.”

“Yeah.”

Shiki’s response was minimal. Nayuta was grateful that he did not venture too deeply into that environment.

“But….Kanata … he still believes in Santa Claus, you know?”

“Eh? …… EHH?!”

“Ahaha, Well, that’s the kind of reaction I’d get. I might have still believed in it if it weren’t for that nasty kid in the facility hadn’t bothered telling me. But, you see, Kanata still believes in it.”

“..... I see.”

Shiki imagined his life in the facility. It must have been a different environment than the one he was in. Even though Nayuta had lost his dream in a place with the malicious intentions to destroy it, Kanata still has his dream. He thought about what that meant.

“You know, I... I want to be Santa Claus this year.”

After saying that, Nayuta became a little embarrassed and scratched his cheeks. He thought that there could’ve been something more he could have said, like an expression or something.

But Shiki didn’t laugh, he just smiled at him.

“You want to protect your brother’s dream, right, Nayuta-kun?”

At that moment, Shiki gave Nayuta the words that he wanted to hear the most, it was not even in Nayuta’s mind at all.

“Thank you, Shiki.”

As he was saying thank you, Nayuta rubbed his numb fingertips a little. The white fingertips, with blood, were trembling.

At that time, it was starting to get a little bit colder and it’s sinking into his bones. That was another change that was coming to Nayuta.

“.....Hey, hey, is this for real? This is a whole audio equipment store, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. I think this is the biggest specialty store in town. It seems that they also sell electric guitars and electronic musical instruments.”

The next day, as if to return the favor, Shiki showed Nayuta around the city.

Speaking of shops in the city, the only stores in town that Nayuta uses are discounted apparel stores, second-hand clothing stores, burger stores and the Ramentei that he stops by with Kanata, and not the brand-new music and electronics stores that he knows he can’t afford in the first place.

From Nayuta’s point of view, it felt like he was in a theme park as he took the escalator up through the store, which was covered in equipment , just like what he sees behind a live music stage. When they got to the 5th floor, there was a big sales floor, and after looking around at some of the sections displayed by the manufacturer, they found it.

“I found it! This is the one that Kanata wanted!”

“.....Eh, this?”

Involuntarily, Shiki raised a surprised voice. It was clearly something that can be said to be a very “expensive” item, even from Shiki’s point of view.

“.....As expected, even for Shiki, it’s really expensive, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it’s a little bit much, even if we add my allowance…”

“No, why are you trying to get your money to pay for it as a matter of course?”

Nayuta stretched his back and sighed, dismayed by Shiki who naturally was trying to help him. However, it was not a sigh of resignation, but rather, an expression of determination.

“It’s me. I have to be the one to return something back to Kanata.”

“But…. isn’t it really hard to make money to buy this?”

“I know, but you also said it, right Shiki?”

Nayuta squinted his eyes and looked at Shiki, then smiled with a bright and cheerful face.

“I want to help. I’ve always been helped out all my life, after all.”

“......Nayuta-kun”

With that line, Shiki couldn’t argue any further. Knowing this, Nayuta continued his words while wondering if he had done something a little sloppy.

“It’s fine, okay? Actually, I’ve been working part-time for a while now. I’ll try to get them to let me take a little more, and I’ll ask them to pay me better.”

“Eh, is that so? I thought you weren’t good at physical training, Nayuta-kun?”

“It’s the kind of work that doesn’t need physical strength. For some reason, it feels like I’m helping out in a hospital. They said they’re taking data on phantom metal reactions.”

“.....Isn’t that a clinical trial?”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s like that.”

As a matter of fact, it wasn’t just Kanata who was doing a secret part-time job.

In the past, Nayuta had followed Kanata’s trail, who had been going out alone more often.

In the end, he lost sight of Kanata… but someone, who he met at that time, offered Nayuta to do a part-time job.

That was Alter Trigger’s clinical trial of phantom metal.

Shiki became a little worried. When it comes to clinical trials, they actually administer the product in the experimental stage and take data from it. Normally, a developing boy like Nayuta is not selected as a target.

“......I think it’s better for you to stop that. If it affects your body…”

“It’s okay. Well, if they do an experiment that has a strange effect, the company that planned it would be in trouble, right?”

“That’s true but… Hey, maybe I should get a part-time job too after all. If I do that then…”

“Like I said, this is something that I have to do myself. I have to earn money myself, it’s not something that I’ll need Shiki’s helping hand. Don’t worry, I won’t overdo it.”

“.......Okay, I promise I won’t help you but definitely don’t overdo it.”

“I know…. But in exchange.”

“In exchange?”

“........Please help me carry old clothes again. I don’t have money to spend on clothes for a while.”

“That’s….of course. That’s a small price to pay! If anything, I want to help you!”

Nayuta realized that Shiki is kind. But it was different from trying to protect him from darkness. It was a different kind of connection from them twins where they could communicate without words. They’re not family. It’s not about interest. Just being together, talking casually, looking up at the same sky and having some kind of fun. It feels like a relationship without any special reason.

I wonder if that is what you call a friend?

Nayuta wondered absentmindedly. At that time, Nayuta was not yet accustomed to the concept of friendship, and was still living in a world where he only knew the narrow connection between Kanata and Shiki.

That’s why, he didn’t know how to rely or lean on him.

From that day on, the reward for Nayuta’s clinical trials were even higher.

Time has passed, and the season went by.

The roadside trees were completely naked, and the wind was dry and cold.

The amount of time Nayuta and Kanata have spent together was probably visibly reduced. That being the case, Nayuta was spending more time with Shiki, and Kanata was concentrating on what he had to do. Perhaps, that was probably the time when the twins spent most of their time respectively.

And, on the 24th day of December.

The cold snowy days have come.

The early morning when the cold air alone is enough to wake me up.

“---Nayuta!”

What woke me up was the loud voice of Kanata.

“.....what’s wrong Kanata? Shouting like that.”

“Idiot, this is not the time to sleep! It’s Santa, Santa! He came to our place too!”

“.....Huh?”

He looked at his bedside and saw a large wrapped square box.

It was just as Nayuta had set it up the night before.

“That’s awesome. What’s inside?”

“Hold on, I’ll open it now.”

Nayuta couldn’t help but laugh at the cuteness of Kanata  who was trying to peel off the wrapping with enthusiasm, but had to stop himself and carefully turned over the tape on the wrapping paper. As if handling a treasure, he carefully and cautiously opened the colorful paper, revealing a stylish package

“.....Seriously?!.Isn’t this the sampler?!”

“Eh, really? That’s awesome. That’s the high performance thingy, right?”

“It’s not just that amazing! Can you believe how many real songs I can write with this….For real? Did Santa really come?”

“You can’t think of anything else, right? We can’t buy something that expensive, and the only one who would go to the trouble of giving us gifts would be….Santa, right?”

“Seriously…. He really came.”

“Probably. Maybe it’s because Kanata is doing his best that he took a good look.”

“No, it was not me. I’m sure it was because Nayuta is a good boy.”

“......Ahahah, I see.”

Nayuta lay down on the futon, laughing. If he watched Kanata’s happiness for too long, he might not be able to stop smiling.

No, I’ve been patient since last night. I asked Shiki to help me carry it in, and hid it in the back corner of the closet. All the while, I imagined the happiness on Kanata’s face, and I felt like I could smile all the time.

“What’s wrong, Nayuta? We’ve got something awesome like this but you’re not excited at all.”

“No, no, I’m excited too. It’s just that I’m sleepy because it is early in the morning.”

“Is that so?.... Are you feeling sick again?”

“No, I’m not…. If you wake up at this hour, of course you’ll feel sleepy. Let me take a second nap a little bit.”

That itself is a true statement. It was a drowsiness game to set up after seeing Kanata returned from his midnight outing. Seriously, Santa Claus is a pain in the ass. If there is a real one, it must be a tough job, Nayuta thought admiringly.

“I see. Then, let’s play it together when you wake up, Nayuta.”

“Okay.”

“.....”

“.....Kanata?”

“Crap…”

When a puzzled Nayuta tried to sit up, Kanata hugged him tightly.

“Hey-, what’s wrong, Kanata?”

“I’m so happy, I just don’t know how to express it.”

“.......So, it’s this then?”

Laughing, Nayuta hugged Kanata back. The unfamiliar joy had lost its place in the small body of Kanata and was turning into a fever. He wrapped his arms around him and he wrapped his arms tightly as if to control his beating heart.

“.....Huh? Nayuta, aren’t you a little cold?”

“Idiot. It’s because Kanata is so excited that you’re pulling the futon over your side. How cold do you think this apartment is on a winter morning.”

“Ohh, I see. My bad.”

After that, as if to warm each other’s cold hands, we wrapped ourselves up in the futon again and decided to take it easy and take a second nap in such a happy morning. We decided to feel each other’s heat as much as we can for the amount of time that we were separated.

It comes once a year, the 24th of December.

I’m sure it was the most wonderful winter day since I was born.

Even if the path he chose is something he can’t go back on -- at that moment, Nayuta was truly happy.

“Well then, Kanata-kun was happy.”

Christmas had passed and a dry, cold wind was blowing on the rooftop of the abandoned building. Nayuta met Shiki there as usual, and reported the result of his imitation of Santa Claus.

“Oh, it was perfect. Jeez, he was too excited.”

“I see….. Good for you, Nayuta-kun.”

Shiki was also smiling happily. Nayuta thought that this was the warmth of Shiki, feeling the joy of other people together as if it was his own happiness.

“You know I used to wonder why Santa Claus would go to the trouble of running around on a cold, snowy night just to hand out presents to kids. But somehow, I feel like I understand what he feels a little.”

“Maybe, that’s your calling, Nayuta-kun.”

“I don’t want that, being a Santa as a calling doesn’t pay me money.”

The sound of their laughter echoed in the breeze as they giggled. Suddenly, when the wind stopped -- Shiki asked a question.

“Say, Nayuta-kun.”

“Hnn?”

“About that part time job...are you still continuing that?”

“Ah....yeah.”

“I think it's better...if you quit.”

Nayuta also felt like that. He had achieved his goal of giving the sampler to Kanata. However, it was a different story if that meant he could quit.

In the first place, He had been using it for a long time to help with their everyday lives such as paying stage costumes, rent, spending various expenses on laundry, sewing tools and saving money in the closet.

Life became even easier, especially after the pace of the clinical trial was increased. There was no need for him to put his hands on Kanata’s earnings to improve the quality of their stage costumes.

“Not possible. That part time job pays well. I don't want to burden Kanata anymore.”

“But, I’m sure Kanata-kun won’t think of you as a burden.”

“You don’t know anything about Kanata, do you Shiki? You have never even met him.”

Silence dominated.

Nayuta frowned, feeling like he had said something that he shouldn’t have said. However, there was one thought that he could not give up now.

“I didn’t mean that, I mean Kanata has always been living his life for my sake. A single sampler is far too much compared to that…. He has always helped me all the time.”

“.....So, are you going to live your life for Kanata-kun’s sake from now on too, Nayuta-kun?”

“Are you telling me that I’m wrong?”

“.....No, I can’t tell you that.”

Shiki shook his head. But, there was still a clear, straightforward light in his eyes

“But, I want to help you too.”

“I told you, Shiki, about the money….”

“It’s not about the money. If that’s Nayuta-kun’s pride, then I won’t step on it, but I also want to live for Nayuta-kun’s sake even just a little bit.”

“.....Shiki.”

“That’s why, if you’re really, really in trouble, and you can’t do anything about it, you can rely on me too. I…. I want you to think of us as friends too, Nayuta-kun.”

“.....Seriously, you haven’t changed since we met.”

Nayuta turned away with a stubborn attitude---and then, as if he couldn’t take it anymore, he laughed.

“I got it. When things really, really got out of hand,... I’ll call for you, Shiki.”

“...Yeah!”

“At that time, well, I hope you can help me as much as you can. Shiki is unreliable after all”

“Eh, T-That’s harsh...I wouldn’t say I’m dependable tho.”

“Ahaha, sorry. Well, if I remember it, then I’ll leave it to you.”

“.....It’s a promise, Nayuta-kun.”

“Yes, it’s a promise, a promise.”

I wish I hadn’t remembered such a promise at a moment like that.

“----Ah?”

It was an ordinary day, after the time had passed so peacefully that I almost forgot such a conversation with Shiki.

It happened in our apartment at night, without Kanata.

At that time, he thought that all the changes were going slowly, so Nayuta felt thin, but he still thought he had more time.

However, the real change was to come rapidly.

I had just bought clothes to use as stage costumes, and I thought that if I adjusted it to my own length, it would also fit Kanata’s length, so it was when I took the needle to squeeze the hem a little.

For some reason, the needle suddenly fell from my fingertips.

I noticed that I couldn’t feel the tip of my index finger.

It was the finger I used during my clinical trial part-time job. I think I had worn some kind of prototype, a simple, solid, phantometal ring.

When I looked inside my nails, it was a strange dull color rather than pale, bloodless skin that had been slightly discolored.

“Eh..Ah.”

I heard a snapping sound in my head.

I felt extremely uncomfortable. Along with the sound, I felt as if some memory was missing from my mind. My headaches . I felt nauseous, but I desperately tried to hold it in because if I vomited, I felt as if something was missing again. My mind raced in circles trying to figure out what was missing from me. I felt like I had forgotten something, but I didn’t know what it was.

In an instant, I realized that I was only decisively “missing myself”

It was more terrifying than I could have ever imagined. It struck me as a tremendous fear that if I were to cease to be by myself, I would not be able to notice it myself.

“Ah..AH..AH! N-No, Kanata…. Kanata….”

After stumbling around for a while, and taking a few deep breaths, the symptoms finally subsided.

But the scary thing is that even after the symptoms subsided, the “something missing” did not return. Without a doubt, something was left missing.

Next time, if these seizures come back, I wonder if I will be able to live then.

“...........”

My head, which is calm now, thought of many things.

Just now, when he had reached his limit, Nayuta was calling for Kanata. But,

“......If Kanata sees this, what should I do?”

What if I was in an opposite situation? In front of me, my other half is suffering, maybe dying---No, that’s not the worst part.

What if, in front of Kanata,....I show a part of me that is lacking a memory about myself. What if I don’t recognize Kanata anymore? What if, my body is covered in metal and I can’t even move anymore.

And if that happened, I wouldn’t even be able to die then.

Kanata will have to carry all of this on his shoulders for the rest of his life.

I’m sure there will be no time to do HIP-HOP. Because Kanata will never abandon me. I know that no matter how much I burden him, he will continue to carry me.

“........No, I don’t want Kanata to carry me on his back until the very end.”

I wasn’t calm, but I felt that that alone wasn’t good.

“I can’t …… be that burden.”

While holding his head, Nayuta was trembling.

In the back of my ears, I felt a faint sound, and I was scared. I was scared, so scared but I was starting to see what I had to do.

But I was scared, so scared. As expected, I was still scared to make that decision.

That’s why, it was at such a time that I remembered.

That I still had something to hold on to on my final days.

My friendship …...and my promise with Shiki.

“What’s wrong, Nayuta-kun? You suddenly said you want to meet…”

And then, that night came. It was a windy night.

Despite the sudden call, Shiki quickly came to the rooftop of the abandoned building. He was out of breath, he probably came in a hurry.

At that time, Nayuta’s head was already fuzzy.

“I’m sorry, Shiki.”

An apology was the first thing that came out of my mouth.

“I just wanted to see you no matter what.”

“------Eh?”

Shiki had a confused look on his face. I thought it was understandable. I knew that even Shiki would be troubled by the sudden request.

“Also, I haven't returned the record I borrowed last time, right? There, the one I put beside you.”

“..... If that's the case, why aren't you handing it to me personally?....Hey, why are you standing in that place? It's dangerous if a strong wind blows.”

“It will blow me away and I will fall, right?”

“Nayuta......?”

I was impatient. I thought I had to hurry and tell him what I wanted to say.

“I'm sorry, what Shiki said is right, after all. I can't anymor---”

“Nayuta-kun!?”

I had a cough that seemed to break my lungs. Oh, damn it. Hang in there longer, my body. Just give me a little more time. There are still things that I have to say properly.

Just like that, Nayuta desperately told his body to cooperate.

“......Take a look at this arm.”

When I rolled up my sleeves to show them to Shiki, his eyes were filled with astonishment and fear. I can’t blame him. By that time, the discoloration that had spread from my fingertips had already invaded my whole body to the extent that one of my arms strained.

“Destroyed by the metal. I can't stop it anymore. In an instant, it became like this…...I can't show Kanata this condition. If I do that, I'll burden him even more---”

I feel like Shiki was saying something to me.

“That's why, I'm thinking of ending it.”

I feel like Shiki was saying something to me.

“I'm...very happy to meet you Shiki. It was fun.”

Shiki was saying something to me again. My ears were buzzing, and all I could pick up was noises.

I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I felt like I had to apologize. At that time, my mind was already in a mess, the scenery in front of me was blurry, and I couldn’t hear anything.

“Thank you.”

No, it should not be thank you.

I have to apologize, right?

“I'm sorry, I'm weak after all, it's impossible for me alone but...I decided to do it here for the last time.....”

Beyond the faintly blurred scenery, I could see Shiki’s face.

Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you look like that. There are a lot of things I want to tell you, there are a lot more things that I want to thank you.

When the wind gently pushed my body, I forgot about gravity.

“Ah---”

I looked up at the sky and saw stars twinkling beyond my blurry vision.

“----The sky is beautiful.”

I’m glad that the last scenery I saw was so beautiful. I’m glad, I was able to end it so that Kanata wouldn’t have to carry me on his shoulders, and I’m glad that I had a friend who would see me until the end.

At least I got it right at the very end.

Such a feeling of satisfaction filled my pained and foggy head. Unleashed from gravity, my body flew from the building to the sky. It felt like I was leaving all the pain and suffering behind.

It seems like the saying you’ll see your life flashing right into you is true, in the short time that it took me to climb over the railing and fall, I saw the past like a running horse. It’s about Kanata, all about Kanata. I chipped away at it like a bug but I remembered everything about Kanata.

Ah, whatever.

Even if this is the end, as long as I can still hold the memory I have of Kanata in my heart, then, it’s fine.

“-----NAYUTA-KUN!!”

---Ah.

It was as if some circuit in my brain had accidentally connected. At the moment I was falling, the voice that I heard in my blurred consciousness made my vision clear.

Shiki was there.

Until that very moment, I had never seen such an expression on Shiki’s face.

To Nayuta, Shiki was unreliable, but he was not weak. He was a boy who gave him a warm smile.

Yet, the moment I fell, the face of Shiki I saw there was soggy…..with tears.

His face was filled with tears of grief, regret, and despair.

---I was the one who made Shiki look like that.

At his last moment of falling from the building, what burned into Nayuta’s eyes was neither a beautiful sky nor a pleasant memory, but the consequences of his own actions.

“---AH...AH!AHHH…..”

In the end, nothing has changed.

I was overwhelmed by the fact that I shouldn't ask for help, and hurt myself so much that I ended up pushing it to others. Until the very end, I pushed myself into other people. I made Shiki to carry my burden. I made him distort his face, which was suited more with a smile.

What will happen to Shiki from now on? Will he take the responsibility of the death he saw in front of him as he lived?

What will happen to Kanata from now on? Will he live in this shitty world all by himself?

At that moment, Nayuta finally realized.

This is the end, with no one to be happy.

“.......Ah. AAAAAA…! DAMN IT….DAMN IT!”

The sky disappeared. The ground is approaching my back.

No. I can’t die like this. Then, in the end, it’ll leave a curse.

There are still many things that I have to apologize for.

There are still many things that I have to be thankful for.

Any sense of satisfaction had long since vanished. From the bottom of my creaking consciousness, the regret that springed up like a broken plug filled my head.

I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die. I can’t die yet.

I’m sorry, Kanata. I’m sorry, Shiki. Please let me apologize. Ah, damn it. There is nothing to hold onto. I will fall. I’m letting go of everything, even my own life.

Kanata. As I thought, I’m not a good boy.

But please. I don’t care if it’s God or a devil. I don’t care if it’s Santa Claus. If it comes true, I won’t need a single Christmas present for the rest of my life.

So, once again.

For the sake of my one and only brother, please let me do my best again.

For the sake of my irreplaceable friend, please let me apologize properly.

So, one more time--.

“---From that point on, it’s like what I told you. I was taken to the hospital and treated by the Alter Trigger. Ironically, my body, which was limited by the high precision of phantom metal, was treated very well because of the characteristics.”

It was a very long confession.

Before I knew it, the color of the sky had changed, and the evening light had descended beyond the buildings.

Inhaling the cold breeze to fill his lungs, Nayuta continued.

“If there’s a reason I was saved, it was probably because of ….Kanata and Shiki.”

“......But in the end, I couldn’t help Nayuta-kun. At that time, I couldn’t reach out to you. I’m sorry, Nayuta-kun...I..”

“Don’t apologize!”

Nayuta strongly denied it and shook his head.

“It reached me. Not your hands or your body, but Shiki’s heart.”

“.....Eh?”

“At that moment, I realized that I didn’t want to die at the end of my life because Shiki called me. I’m sure…. I was able to resist the metal poison that was through my body.”

“.....Nayuta-kun.”

“Thank you. And, I’m sorry.”

Then, Nayuta bowed deeply.

It was a simple apology, but Shiki felt that it was filled with sorrowful feelings. They’re friends, so he understood.

“I hurt Shiki. I left Kanata alone. I don’t know how much I have to apologize for to be forgiven, but….if there’s something I can do for the both of you, please tell me.”

“.........”

For a while, Shiki was staring at Nayuta’s figure.

Suddenly, Shiki’s gaze intersected with Kanata’s gaze, who was standing next to him. His eyes seemed to be saying, “I’ll leave it your choice, Shiki.”

Eventually, Shiki decided on what to say.

“Then…..Nayuta-kun.”

“.....What is it?”

“I want to compete with the “real cozmez” as a proper rapper.”

Kanata and Nayuta couldn’t help but pause for a moment.

“In the end, it was cozmez with the illusion Nayuta-kun who I competed with at Paradox Live. At first, I wasn’t ready to be a rapper, and I thought it was just a waste of time. Also---”

Then, Shiki smiled wryly and this time, he extended his hands firmly.

“---The Cat’s Whiskers is a great team too. I want to see it properly, the stage where the two of you cozmez …..standing, and we.”

And he showed his fist as if he were clenching it.

It was so peaceful --- that it took him a while to realize that it was a challenge.

Kanata and Nayuta looked at each other… Then, Kanata laughed first.

“Ahaha, Nayuta…. Your friend has a good personality.”

A little later, Nayuta laughed too.

“.....Yes, seriously. He’s that kind of guy. He’s stupidly straightforward and strangely bold.”

“But you know, I’m more scared of “MC Nanashi” now than the first time we fought.”

“I always thought that Shiki is suitable to be a rapper. Even more when it comes to his courage.”

“That’s right. Against a team with a guy like that, we’ll have to come at them with the “real cozmez” this time.”

“.....So that’s how it goes, huh. I got it…. I’m going to work as hard as the time I’ve spent sleeping.”

Kanata and Nayuta.

Two people who share the same face and the same life extended their fists and smashed them against Shiki’s fist. This time, each of them reached out to each other, and felt that they reached out to each other properly.

Shiki felt a rush of excitement in his heart. It was a pleasant feeling of tension, different from when he had been scared by cozmez’s presence at the beginning of Paradox Live.

At that time, Shiki finally faced the real cozmez… Not as friends, but as a rapper.

“Because it’s with Nayuta, that it makes sense. Let’s show them.”

“It doesn’t make sense unless it’s with Kanata. Let’s show them”

The two of them kept their fist together with Shiki.

Their voices layered on top of each other, as if transmitting a vibration from the skin they touched.

“Together, we’re undefeatable.”

Stars are shining in the night sky.

They were shining brighter, more powerful and vividly than any other night.

Boys And Dad ( AKYR Part)

White clouds floating in the blue sky, it was a sunny day.

The reward for Paradox Live, 10 billion yen. Akanyatsura intended to use the reward to rebuild The Suiseki Clan, but with the result of Cozmez being the winning team, a series of commotion broke out.

Akan yatsura's beliefs in "grab onto something and get back up even if you fall". Although they missed the top spot for Paradox Live, they managed to seize a huge amount of Shinogi (income for Yakuza/Gangsters) from the Floating Island Redevelopment Project for CLUB Paradox, contributing to a huge leap for rebuilding The Suiseki Clan.

When Paradox Live was ongoing, and even after the result was announced, Akanyatsura were as busy as always, finally when there's some free time... that day after finishing some reports, everyone paid a visit to the late Clan Leader's grave.

"...It's been a while, I'm sorry Oyaji. Well, I manage to bring some good news so I came to show my face"

"Keep up the effort, we, The Suiseki Clan, soon will be able to rise again, Oyaji-san. ...Damn it... Waka worked really hard... Not only to rebuild The Suiseki Clan, but to also look after Cozmez, those promising teenagers... Waka is really big-hearted... I met a great Kashira, really....!"

"My, my, about that~. Who are you explaining this to"

"I thought that would be easier for Oyaji-san to understand..."

"What are you even thinking!"

"Hey! I've fetched water-! Reo! Why not get a bucket too at least !"

"Heh, I don't want to~. That's job for monkeys ~"

"The flowers... I wonder if it's okay"

While Iori & Zen were having a comedy dialogue in front of the grave, Satsuki & Hokusai brought buckets of water & flowers. Reo was around, empty handed of course.

"Oo~h, thank you, to the three of you. ...And, Hokusai? With that budget you managed to buy this many flowers~. Oyaji would be delighted"

"Reo gave a handshake to the 'oneesan' at the Flower Shop, she gave a discount. She even made a cute decoration to it, such a nice person"

After what Hokusai mentioned, everyone looked at Reo. Especially Satsuki, with a mixed feeling expression.

"Damn you, do you always bargain over the flowers to offer at the grave!? Wtf is up with that charisma of yours!"

"Eh~? I don’t have any idea either. Satsuki-chan was too shy to speak to the beautiful salesperson, I helped you and even got a discount for it, that's all?"

"That's what I'm saying! That's what I'M SAYING!"

"Aahhh... There's a teddy bear made from soap flowers. Adorable"

"What's with a teddy bear on the flower for the grave! What a weird taste Reo!"

"This is not my fault you know~. Privileges, privileges"

"Gosh, these kids, even at the grave..."

As Satsuki and Reo went screaming away, Zen with a motherly figure intervened. And there's Hokusai, arranging the flowers at his own pace. Like they’ve always been, nothing unusual.

Seeing such a sight, Iori sighed with a smile.

"Really, you guys~don't change at all. Come on, get yourselves settled and pay your respects"

The Akkanyatsura are as lively as any other day. As promised, once they’ve done screaming at each other, they settled down to pay respect at the grave.

Facing the grave, Satsuki and Reo's expressions became tense.

It's expected, visiting a grave, it's almost an act similar to facing death directly.

Especially Reo, who has trauma that even flashes of camera would trigger flashbacks, Iori was worried for Reo to visit the grave.

"... you guys. If it still hurts, you don't have to push yourselves. I don't think Oyaji wishes to see us struggling"

As Iori commented, Reo nodded.

"I'm sorry, Aniki. I thought I will be fine"

"It's fine. To come all the way here, I'm sure Oyaji understands. Just be yourself, get some fresh air if you need to"

"...Mmmm. I'm sorry for being spoiled. Do help me out on my behalf then"

With that, Reo left, leaving Iori and the rest to pay respect at the grave on behalf of him.

Warm breeze blew, brushing onto Reo's cheek.

Still grieving, and unable to pay respect, Reo felt troubled. Satsuki didn't follow Reo. He's probably trying his best to pay respect at the grave.

Reo gets to be pampered whenever he wants to, painful being painful, Reo loves his family. Ever since the day that The Suiseki Clan accepted him.

Reo is yet to be able to accept the tragedy that happened to The Suiseki Clan. However, it's sad to just keep running away from it.

At least prior to those sad memories, there were memories of The Suiseki Clan becoming his "family", such thoughts snuggled up to Reo.

The following are memories before being taken in by The Suiseki Clan. 

Having no idea on who to ask for help.

However, that moment when Reo called out loud, "he" appeared gallantly.

The bad guys were chased away, escaping into the alleys. Reo had no one to rely on nor family members to cling on to for a long time. When Reo at his wits end, he couldn't help but to shout "Help me". His voice reached a man that wasn't meant to, the man stepped in to intervene.

A broad back came in his sight. Gentle voice. Eyes that are as sharp as blades.

He appeared like a gale, rampaging like the storm. After rescuing Reo, he gave him a sunny smile.

The light within the darkness of despair. The young boy's saviour.

That's the very first time Maruyama Reo met Suiseki Iori who has "reliable" vibes.

Not long after Reo was rescued by Iori.

It was around the end of June, it was a sunny day, a day where mid-summer was anticipated. If you wake up slightly early, you can hear echoes of cicadas from the windows. Reo, who was 14 years old at that time, was running errands for The Suiseki Clan.  

"... I'm done organizing the documents"

"Aye, thank ya. Maruyama, ya are working really hard. Oyaji will keep up with the effort too"

Although being complimented by the eldest clan member, Reo's expression has no smile at all.

It takes quite a while to sort out one shelf of documents, but Reo knows well that it was an insignificant chore.

"Erm, is there no other...any other...task to do..."

"Aye, nothing much for today. Why not take a rest today, just take ya time"

"... Alright"

It was hard to believe that Reo was overly sensitive back then.

Prior to joining The Suiseki Clan... Reo had a caring mother that was busy most of the time, and a cheerful but somehow self-depraved father.  

Both parents were in a straining relationship since the very start, Reo came to a decision to destroy it. Longing for affection from his mother who is always away, Reo got selfish and went overboard.

In the end, his mother never came home. Eventually his father who is heavily in debt from loans never came home either. Reo was left all alone, spending his day being chased by the debt collectors.

The person who rescued Reo was Iori.

Reo could never forget how when the moment he thought he was going to be done for good, Iori dashed in gallantly just like the Lord and went "Isn't it horrible to pick a fight with a kid"    

Reo lost everything, he no longer believed in love, Iori was his only trust.

At the place that replaced his family. There’s this man named Iori.

However... back then, The Suiseki Clan was not a place where Reo should be. For a 14 years old teenager that is lacking in skills, there's so little task that he is capable of within a Yakuza Organization.

If you ask for too much affection from the adults, they will get tired of you. Moreover, Reo used to live a wealthy life, he didn't fit in well among the younger clan members. This triggered him to have the complexion of "survive on your own capabilities" even though he was still young.

But there were no other places to turn to. "I have to stay here then" Reo felt desperate to protect The Suiseki Clan.

Reo took up errands. Desperately searching for reasons for him to be around. After organizing the documents, wiping the table again and again, sweeping the floor even when it is not dusty... just to keep himself on his feet.

It was a painful sight, but that was all a 14 years old Reo could do.

"- Hey, thank you for your effort"

When Reo was getting bored, Iori came back from a day out.

"Ah... Iori-san. Thank you for your hard work today"

"Really, didn’t I tell you it’s fine to call me Aniki? Reo is also Oyaji's henchman, so we're brothers. That’s how it works in a Yakuza Organisation"

"A-Alright. Aniki"

Iori back then, hadn't yet to imitate the Kansai-ben of the Clan Leader, the friendly and caring traits were the same, always smiling like the Ebisu-Buddha. Being around Iori, Reo's expressions were less tense.

Suddenly, Reo noticed that the door was still wide open. Just as their vision crossed, Iori called out to the opened door.

"Oh yea, I should introduce him... Now, come in"

"Wuus!"

Somehow it was an oppressive voice.

An unfamiliar high-spirited teenager appeared at the door. Iori hugged the teenager over at the shoulder and gathered every clan member in the room including Reo.

"As spoken to Oyaji. Today onwards he will be under the care of our clan, he's Satsuki"

"I'm Ito Satsuki! I admire Iori Aniki! Looking forward to being under your care!"

--so oppressive. Reo felt a sense of refusal.

On top of not getting along with the younger clan members, there's this new guy here that likely will turn out to be the same, it's depressing. The motive of "I admire Iori" made Reo dwelled further.

On the other hand, the clan members "Ah that's very high-spirited" "It's rare nowadays" "The kid admires you Iori" "It felt like fostering stray cats and dogs but the number of our henchmen increases" "That's a cute name that doesn't fit the face" "I like him. Let's make him into a fine man"... are receiving Satsuki well.

Well, when Reo first came he was warmly welcomed too. Essentially within the clan, the members accept everyone as long as they trust them.

"Wuus! I will work towards becoming a great man! Looking forward to your guidance!"

Satsuki had the tension as if he was joining a Karate Club. He bowed to each member like he was overreacting, but he stopped when he came in front of Reo.

After their vision met, Iori interrupted.

"Satsuki, this is Reo. He joined us just a bit before you did, through me as well. With that, he's a little more senior than you"

"Eh?... But Aniki, isn't he younger than me? Aniki mentioned that all clan members are brothers, so shouldn't I be the elder brother?"

... as the matter of fact, Satsuki wanted to convey his cares for this teenager in the clan that was younger than him, he felt he should have the responsibility to be his elder brother, he didn't mean to pick a fight.

Satsuki was the type that is bad at expressing himself, he's blunt. Knowing he's a newcomer, knowing Reo is an old member, it's expected that Reo would not be amused.

Reo had to "click" with him somehow.

"... Hehhh. So you're Satsuki-chan. I'm Maruyama Reo, nice to meet you"

"Ah? 'Satsuki-chan'?"

"Aaah, sorry. It's a cute name. I thought it's girlish"

"Aaaa!? What’s with you! I'll buy a fight if you’re asking for one"

"... Also, I joined the clan before you. I'm more of an elder brother to you. And, Aniki took me in before you"

"Huh!? Mess with me and I’ll kill you! Aniki definitely won’t acknowledge you!”

“Wahahahaha, you’re really interesting”

Iori laughs away looking at the conversation between the two of them. The clan members too can be seen smiling away watching over them.

The only one who seemed troubled and voiced out was Zen.

“You guys! If you have the energy to mess around, please muscle train instead, muscle training! I suggest squads! By working on your lower body, which has more muscle mass, it keeps your frustration away!”

“That’s applicable to you only, Zen”

By the way, back then, Zen didn't call Iori “Waka”, he called him “Aniki” instead.

“Wait a minute Aniki…! Are you sure it’s fine? The kids are fighting right away? They are at their impressionable phase, I just thought we should get involved more…”

“Isn’t it nice to be so lively? On top of that, it’s rare to see such a side of Reo?”

“Y-You’re right, Reo-kun seems more carefree than usual…”

“Right? By the way Zen, regarding the summer festival matters that Oyaji mentioned, have you decided on who to take care of them?”

“Erm, are we discussing it now? Well, everyone seems occupied during that period… Speaking of  preparing the stalls for the festival, it can’t possibly be done during CANDY’s peak period. The Town Council Chairman’s requested ‘Please come up with something to hype up the festival’. Somebody that fits…”

“Great, just nice then”

Iori clapped his hands and took a step forward.

He tapped both of them on the shoulder, who were fighting away like stray cats fighting for their territory, he smiled and said.

“Ossu. From now on, you both will team up as a group”

“Heh?!”

Reo and Satsuki turned around almost at the same time. Iori remained smiling.

“Our clan will be helping out with the upcoming summer festival. From now on, you both, will take charge to come up with something for the festival”

“With this brat?!”

A lovely harmony was seen between Satsuki and Reo, “Ah, those kids, they get along so well” such expression was seen among the clan members. Apart from Zen, he was the only one who looked awfully worried.

Satsuki and Reo looked dissatisfied obviously, glaring at each other… Iori tapped their shoulders to halt their glaring.

“The shop-street that we are helping out for the upcoming festival, it’s desolated. They were old shops that used to support this area. They were a great help to our clan. Repaying honours has always been the practice of us, The Suiseki Clan. Since it’s been going downhill, I’ve been excited wanting to come up with something to hype it up during the summer festival… You kids could definitely pull it off, which is great, I’m counting on you.”

“U-Understood!”

Joining the clan of the Aniki he looks up to, receiving his first task instantly. “Leave it to me” he said, the boy couldn’t hold back his excitement. Satsuki was enthusiastic.

On the other hand, Reo…

“... I’ll try, my best”

 — A task entrusted by Aniki himself, a major task. I can’t fail. Most of the time I’m a burden to the clan, what if I get judged as “the useless one”... Different from Satsuki, Reo was striked with anxieties due to his insecurities.

Iori was observing the expressions of Reo from the corner of his eyes.

There are various sources of Shinogi (income) for Yakuzas, paperwork is often required.

The Suiseki Clan, especially, Slot Machines and Cabaret Club were the main sources of income. Iori has good communication and management skills, despite being young, he’s been entrusted with numerous projects, he even has his own personal desk in the office.  

Back then, Zen that was full of himself, confidently but perplexedly approached Iori’s desk.

“Aniki, is it really a good idea?”

“Ah? What is it?”  

“Just few days in from us pairing them up, they’re fighting over everything”

“Ah, about that. Why is it, you’re pretty worried, Zen”

“I’m worried about him! Satsuki-kun was hot-headed to begin with, Reo-kun always keeps everything to himself? It was way worse when he first got here. I mean since it's only just a little but he’s starting to be able to speak up…”

“Don’t worry. Zen, you’re a big guy but you worry a lot… At a time like this, it's better to have someone you can talk to, someone that is closer to you”

As Iori speaks, his gaze landed on the small photo frame that sits in the pile of documents on his desk. Zen frowned a little when he realized.

In the photo, it was the young Iori who looked somewhat at his high schooler’s age, with a mischievous smile on his face. There’s another person in it, a teenager around Iori’s age…Kanbayashi Yohei with a sulking face, Zen got a little worked up as he saw it.

Whether or not if Zen’s reaction was being noticed, Iori gazed towards the window.

“Summer days are still ongoing… Today, most likely there will be a downpour”

“Heh? But the weather forecast said it will be a sunny day”

“You get to know them, that’s what this job does to you. ...How about you, Zen. The scars, does it not hurt when the rain is approaching”

“Ahh”

Realizing what was mentioned, Zen rubs the side of his torso.

“It feels fine! Lately, I’ve been working on my oblique muscles! Nowadays, in addition to side bends, I like to do Russian Twists. With my metabolism improving, the scar has already started to fade!”

“You’re the only one that can be just fine with that”

“Even if it leaves a scar, this wound... It's my honor!”

“Well, Zen, I know. … that’s why, a trigger is needed in order to really ‘become a family’, don’t you think so?”

“... that’s…”

Even with that being told, Zen still mumbled.

In the past, Zen wasn’t part of the clan.

Being brought up as a kid, Zen disliked the Yakuzas, he became a police officer. The reason why Zen got involved with The Suiseki Clan was due to his undercover to investigate the affairs of The Suiseki Clan.

However, Zen was a bad liar. He excels as a police officer but he is way too obvious when it comes to undercover, the clan members took a liking to his personality and welcomed him as a friend. The personalities of the clan members impressed Zen, he then got in contact with the clan leader who protects the justice of The Suiseki Clan, Zen became attached… In one of the brawls, Zen took a bullet to himself in order to protect Iori.

“Back then I was astonished. A police officer like you, risked your life to protect me”

“I was surprised that I was being exposed…”

“I’m more surprised that you didn’t have the idea of yourself being exposed… Well, whatever it was, it made me, who was a yakuza since teen days, became partners with you, who was an ex-police officer. Reo and Satsuki too, eventually…”

“Boohoohoo~~~!”

“Aaahhh, you’re crying again… Nothing can be done to those shallow tear ducts of yours, can’t be help”

“Aniki, you treat me as a partner… Yohei-san was around too but treated me as…”

“Are you being a damsel who is in distress over an ex-girlfriend…”

“Damn it, but… I’m still worried after all. It would be great if the two of them get along well”

“Well, I think they are a good match, Satsuki that is bold, wanting to protect something. Reo, who is depressed, needs something to rely on. I’m sure they can both make up for what they each lack of”

“But… Reo-kun is clinging deeply onto his emotional scars. I'm sure, his past is still haunting him…”

“Oh...well, I’ve been worried about that for a while now. You know what, Zen, since you’re so worried about Reo, I'd like you to take care of one thing…”

“Eh? Me? … Sure. Anything for you Aniki!”

So, Hokusai hasn’t appeared up to now, at this point of time, he’s about to be going in and out of The Suiseki Clan’s office.

He lives a sublime life despite being a Yakuza, comes and goes, he occasionally helps with chores, or wander off to somewhere looking for cats, and back again. And when he has nothing to attend to, he’ll take care of the stray cats that stay near the office. That’s his life, roughly.

There were rumors among the younger clan members, with them having the impression that Hakusai “could actually be a werewolf” or “perhaps a Cat Spirit”. On the other hand, among the old timers, they would treat him as a son or grandson because he is adorable.

Even the Clan Leader of The Suiseki Clan, Suiseki Shingo thinks Hokusai is an adorable person.

“Hey, Hokusai. You’re here. Do you want some dried sweet potatoes”  

“Yes please. … Oh, Clan Leader, your clothes is adorable”

“Aye, this is great stuff. It’s warm today so, T-shirt”

“Cat”

“It’s a tiger”

A conversation between Suiseki and Hokusai, somewhat similar to a heart-warming daily comic strip. He's a comfort character towards the clan members, hence, Hokusai is well received by the clan members.

That day, most of the clan members that were in the office were generally documenting away, Hokusai was looking around while nibbling on the dried sweet potatoes. He was just observing the clan members in daze because the stray cats that stay near the office were not around,

Suddenly, the noises from a room nearby caught Hokusai’s attention.

“... Are the cats fighting away?”

With that thought, Hokusai went to peep at the room nearby.

Reo and Satsuki were fighting away as if they were cats on Spring Fever. He heard about the two of them from Iori. Somehow they were supposed to be working on what was entrusted by Iori, which they seemed to be consciously working on. Hokusai walked into the room as if nothing was going on.
 

“Like what I said! The festival should be a flashy yet manly event! Why is the midsummer challenge of courage - Bungee Jump Contest a bad idea!”

“Entirely bad! What if somebody got injured! Anyway, if it’s contest, Beauty & Handsome Contest is definitely more popular among the ladies”

“Cut the crap! Will that sort of event even work!”

“Hah~... Every single idea of Satsuki-chan does not seem popular at all”

“What’s with you brat! B-B-Being all popular among the young ladies is sort of annoying!”

“Well then Satsuki-chan, have you ever had any relationship? What’s the usual course of a date?”

“Damn it! Re… relationship experiences? Of course I have! First and foremost for a date, that is, at a park in the middle of great weather. Sandwiches made by your girlfriend….”

“Uwaaa, you gotta be kidding me? Satsuki-chan, why not keep that girlish name to yourself?”

“Damn you~~~~! I’ll kill you! Right here right now I will kill youuuuuu!”  

The moment when angry Satsuki threw his punch, a massive shadow --- Hokusai interrupted, Satsuki backed off with second thoughts and raised his voice.

“Woa, woah! That gave me a shock… What’s with this giant!”

“Ah, Hokusai…”

As Reo calls out his name, Satsuki then realizes that Hokusai is one of the clan members. At this point of time, Reo and Hokusai have yet to interact that much, knowing he’s more quiet compared to other clan members, Reo is no good with it.

Hokusai glanced at the both of them and muttered softly

“Fights between clans member, is not good”

“... tsk”

Although wanting to talk back, Satsuki, however, withdrew his fist. Hokusai is intimidating due to his big build, but he’s surprisingly calm when he speaks, as if the enormous tree in the forest, exhilarating yet calming at the same time, resulting in the subsiding of anger among the raised voices, although Reo still appeared annoyed. Satsuki as well, was still protesting away.

“That's because, Reo, that brat, ruining all my ideas. Even when he’s not coming up with any better ideas”

“I’m just being cautiously considerate not to trouble everyone in the clan! Satsuki-chan’s ideas earlier on were too extreme, we should seriously consider my idea instead!”

“Damn you…”
“Heh~? Satsuki-chan, you’re getting all mad just because you have nothing to talk back onto”

“What did you say?”

“Come again”

“...”

At the corner of Hokusai’s eyes, the two of them exchanged conversation, Hokusai interrupted them, whispering and muttering away.

“Both of you, what made you join the clan?”

“Why ask…”

“For me, Aniki… Iori-Aniki rescued me”

Hearing that name, Satsuki and Reo both look at Hokusai with sudden realization. Hokusai, with his gentle yet influencing voice, little by little he continued to speak.

“I don’t have a family, all along I’ve been hanging out with the stray cats… However, the place I stayed, cat abusers appeared… I was afraid of them… But Aniki was not afraid of them and he rescued me… That’s how I end up being here.”

Listening to those words, it was an eye-opener to Reo.

“... This is my first time listening to Hokusai talking like this”

On the other hand, Satsuki nods deeply listening to Hokusai’s words.

“I see… Actually, I was rescued by Aniki too. I got involved in fights with my friends from a young age… my family left me, I got into fights here and there out of misery. Shortly after that I even got into a fight with the Yakuzas… that was when Zen-nii and Iori-Aniki rescued me. For me, I look up to their manliness, that’s why I joined the clan”

As soon as Satsuki finished speaking, Hokusai shifted his vision towards Reo. Naturally, Satsuki shifted his vision over as well, Reo noticed and reluctantly started to speak.

“M...me too. I was panicking over my mother not coming back… On top with the loan my father took up, the debt collectors came after me… I ran for my life, till I could no longer take it! That moment.. Aniki rescued me. I have no place to go so I came here”

“We were all rescued by Aniki”  

With little words, Hokusai whispered.

Ｈokusai is among the many new faces of The Suiseki Clan, he is well aware of Iori’s honourable character. That’s why he brought up this topic.

Satsuki with his hot headed attitude that gets into fights easily, up against Reo that has built walls around himself to defend against Satsuki. The two of them are somewhat oil and water.

However, they both have something in common as mentioned by Iori --- Hokusai, himself came to have the similar thoughts.  

Satsuki scratched his head for a moment and spoke.

“... Aniki entrusted us with this task. I know well that we can’t afford to fail”

“Me too… I don’t mean to be offensive”

Reo replied to Satsuki.

“... Aye. Hey, Reo, do you have any more ideas? Something like, how do I say it… For the festival! Hype it up, without leaving out the essence of The Suiseki Clan!”

“... let me see”

“Perhaps there was some missed communication, now let’s hear more from you. ‘That Something We Should Do’, let’s hear something more solid out of that!”
“...”

Reo went out of words.

That’s it, why not think about something that can brighten up the atmosphere. My father's flirting skills can be used to attract young people and girls to the festival if I approach it from a different perspective, not an entirely decisive factor but at least.

Anything else that I know of…

“--- sure, spare me some time”

A sudden sound of distraction came into Reo, Satsuki and Hokusai’s attention.

What came into sight was Suiseki humming a unique rhythm while he’s retrieving some documents from the corner of the room. Without second thoughts, Satsuki straightens up and bows.
 

“Clan Leader! Greetings!”

“Aye, Oyaji, will do the trick. Likewise here. Pardon ma interruption. Please carry on” (*Oyaji probably spoke in a manner that has a unique rhyme)

“... Was that a pun?”

“Do ya not know? Nowadays It’s popular among youngsters. Some of them among our clan members knows it too, I was listening to a song and it hooked onto me, so I’m sort of imitating it”  

Suiseki carried the documents in his hand and said “Now then, see ya around” making his way back to the office in a carefree manner with a smiling face. Satsuki that was initially tensed up by the impression of how intimidating a clan leader could normally be seemed a little let down.

“Oyaji, seems trendy… however, I’m not aware that puns are popular among the youngsters? I, was once youngster myself, I doubt it’s popular among the youngster nowadays though”

“...”

“...? Hey, what’s wrong, Reo. Have you thought of anything yet?”

“Ah, yes, but…”

“Just say it if it’s something good!”

Looking at Reo in the eyes, Satsuki wraps his hand around Reo and pulls him towards himself. His strong hands felt as hot as blood.

“I don’t have any good ideas to begin with. Whatever you have in mind, just go ahead and say it out”

“... I’ll tell them,”

Reo hesitated. But with the thought that this “was a task entrusted by Iori”, Reo timidly started speaking.

“Oyaji must have mistaken what he mentioned just now… that wasn't a pun, it’s actually a rap… What if we can make use of that for the festival…”

“Rap?”

“For instance, Phantom Live is trending…”

“I get it now!”

At that spark of inspiration, Satsuki with all his might tapped onto Reo’s shoulder. Although it was really painful, all Reo could do was to give a resentful glare.

“Nice one, Reo! Phantom Live, that’s right! I like them too, HIPHOP, raps and even dance. If we really come up with a Phantom Live for the festival, that will be some crazy hype, don't you think so!”

“Don’t jump into conclusion that fast! We’re not sure if we are doing it or not! Rap is fine but definitely not Phantom Illusion! We’ll need Phantom Metals for that!”

“Is it? But, y-you mentioned ‘rap is fine’. Doesn’t that mean we can go ahead with doing just rap only”

“Papa likes HIP HOP.... He mentioned it to me. You get popular among the ladies if you can rap…”

“I see now, that is the music Oyaji got hooked on to”

As Satsuki spoke, Reo shuddered.

Feeling insecure over what he said. A task that was entrusted by Iori himself, a task that directly involves the clan. Reo thought about his father subconsciously while coming up with ideas for the task… “just do what you feel like doing”, that was how he came around with the decision

“...let’s, let’s not do it, Satsuki-chan. It just seems like some past time hobby”

“Huh, I don’t see anything wrong with that. ‘Something to get excited about’ in my opinion. I think I might able to do rap somehow”

“B-But, Satsuki-chan… Do you think an amateur rapper would get a crowd at a local festival nowadays? Phantom Live have such great popularity because their stage are flashy”

“Why not just get hold of Phantom Rappers”

“Do you know how much it would cost! Do you think it’s free?!”

“I wonder if we would able to form a group”

“Impossible. Definitely impossible. If Satsuki-chan performs at the park, definitely not a single lady will come to watch”

“Damn you I'm gonna kill you for sure!”  

--- the conversation was heard by the nearby room, Suiseki with a vague idea said “actually I do have a friend…” That’s referring to their ex-clan member Yohei, a hardcore rapper, after what Yohei has been through this while, he thought it was not a good idea to get him further involve with the clan affairs, with some thoughts, he then remained silent.

Also, partly because Satsuki and Reo’s conversation was interesting so he wanted to let them be.
 

“Anyway! Amatuer rappers without Phantom Illusion definitely won’t attract any crowds! It will end up with us just having our own fun!”
“If we are having fun, everyone else will be having fun too”

Reo was a little surprised by Satsuki’s words. Come to think of it… when Reo had fun listening to HIP HOP… his dad was having fun too, that is what made Reo listen to it.

“Even so… Like what you said Reo, we can’t make do for Phantom Illusion, maybe something else to replace Phantom Illusions might attract the crowds”

“Can you repeat that again… What’s fancy about it? Why not carry a portable shrine instead of Phantom Illusion?

“Hey, sounds great. Let’s do that!”

“Right? Nothing least expected…. Heh?”

“Phantom Portable Shrine’! Since we can’t do Phantom Live, why not make a portable shrine that can stand against Phantom Illusions! It might be even outstanding than Phantom Live”

 — A short while later.

Satsuki went to get hold of some papers and pens, and spread them towards Reo and Hokusai. He then started to draw something that he wanted to illustrate.

“How’s this, Reo, Hokusai? Can you understand my cool draft?”

“A drawing of a thousand rotten cucumbers?”

“Green coloured snails”

“They are dragons! A draft design of a Phantom Shrine of Dragons!”

“You gotta be kidding?! Then, are those cracking looking stuff scales?! For a moment I thought you’re good at drawing moulds”

“Snails are better, I think they are cute…”

“Shut up! … Why don't you guys try drawing since you seem to be having a good laugh!”

“Heh…”

Reo took the pen that was handed over, unwillingly he drew a shrine on another piece of paper. Satsuki observing from aside, squinted one eye and tilted his head

“...wow, a portable shrine of the Moth Gods, that’s close resemblance”

“It’s a phoenix no matter how you look at it! A ‘deformed’ graffiti one!”

“I didn’t know that fluffy phoenix like that exists”

“At least it looks better than Satsuki-chan’s cucumbers? … Aaahh, we can’t make it after all. Our design skills doesn’t meet up to what we want to make do of”

“I wonder if we can hire professional illustrators”

“It’s a matter of how much it will cost. Also the cost to make the portable shrines”

“Damn,,, How nice would it be if we know any yakuza who’s good at drawing!”

“What kind of yakuza would that be? Perhaps a tattoo artist sounds more promising”

“Tattoo artist? I planned to get a tattoo, that’s it, that’s it…”

“Mmm? What’s up Satsuki-chan…”

Suddenly, Satsuki's vision was distracted, Reo’s too.

Hokusai took the pen and papers. Working away with the pen without hesitation. It was unbelievable for both Satsuki and Reo.

Hokusai was fully engrossed in his drawing, gradually he noticed the both of them and put down his pen and showed what he drew on the paper.

“A tiger”

“Woah… You’re so good at it!”

“You gotta be kidding, Hokusai you’re that good at drawing…?”

“Actually, I’m pretty good at it”

Hokusai is actually surprisingly good at it. Sniffing, Hokusai was unusually proud.

“That’s awesome, Hokusai! If we have you to collaborate we’re gonna make it for sure! We’ll come up with the ideas and you’ll handle the drawing?”

“Sure, I will do my best”

“But Satsuki-chan, we can come up with the design but how are we gonna craft it?”

“Hah? If we have the design then we just need to craft it later on aren’t we”

“...No, impossible. That can’t be done. Materials, and skills”

“Aaah? Of course it’s impossible with just the two of us, we’ll just figure out the design, we’ll get help from our Anikis after that”

“No we can’t”

Reo insisted.

“... We were entrusted to this. We can’t trouble the other clan members… Crafting the portable shrine, do you know how much time and effort is required…”

“...No, this is not troubling?”

“But then again, us younger clan members, even the new faces, if we say we want to do a live performance… Whatever we want to do, if we don’t do it with our own hands, we won’t be acknowledged. We will still end up being ‘the useless ones’... not worthy to remain in the clan…”

“Reo, you…”

The person that Satsuki was dealing with, was later on the cheerful Reo from AKRY, which this root cause was alarming to most people. Even though they fight regularly, vaguely, Satsuki is aware of the danger opposed in Reo, so he usually avoids crossing the line.

After Satsuki gave some thoughts, he slapped his knee as he came to a conclusion.

“Let’s start with what we are capable of! I saw Zen-nii moving some leftover woods from the work site, we might have some source for materials! I'm gonna check it out, Reo, Hokusai, please continue with the design”

“Wait, Satsuki-chan! Are we really working on it—”

“We gotta make do for it to get started!”

With that, Satsuki dashed off. As Reo sees him off, he turns towards Hokusai looking down, feeling sorry.

“I’m sorry, Hokusai. We got you involved…”

“Don’t worry. I Like drawing so it’s fine… What should we draw? Let me know, Reo”

“Let me see… Hold on, let me look up to have a look at the actual portable shrines…”

Facing each other, Reo flips his smartphone, while Hokusai does the rough sketches.

While the two of them were on it, from the gap of the door, Suiseki, Zen, Iori, and also a few of the clan members quietly watched them.

“..tsk, Hokusai’s designs were perfect”

Satsuki mumbles.

The Suiseki Clan owns a construction company. They got hold of an empty space at the planks safekeeping warehouse and started making the portable shrine.

And of course — It’s a challenging craft.

Given that Satsuki and the rest were inexperienced. Just with the extent of DIY, to make a portable shrine, a huge portable shrine that should be as eye-catching as the Phantom Illusion is out of hands for amateurs. Satsuki is dextrous but clumsy, Reo is meticulous but slow. Hokusai does surprisingly well but he has so little words and lacks coordination.

End up, the portable shrine made out of chaos was a wooden piece of jungle gym failure.

“... it’s an absurd idea after all, to make a portable shrine…”

“We can’t be sure. We still have time till the festival, we will patch it everyday!”

“But, even if we pour in all our effort, what if the end product varies…”

“Like-I-said, if it comes to that, then only we’ll figure it out!”

While motivating Reo who is anxious, Satsuki tries to move the huge piece of wood laying against the wall. It was a piece of wood with decent color, fits perfectly to make a portable shrine so that got hold of it.

The very moment Satsuki moved the wood, it slipped off from his hands because it was so heavy.
 

“Ouch…!”

“Ah! Watch out! Satsuki!”

As Reo screamed away, Hokusai dashed over too. But it happened so fast, and there was a distance in between them.

Unfortunately, Satsuki got caught under the wood…that’s what was to be expected, however out of the sudden, the wood became lighter.

“Ehhh…?”

Satsuki raised up his head, he saw a pair of hands as strong as a log, holding onto the piece of wood… beyond those hands were, a smile as bright as the summer days.

“Z-Zen-nii!”

“That’s not good Satsuki-kun. Although they have the same size, dry woods are heavier than raw woods, be more careful when carrying them”

Although it was heavy, somehow, Zen was able to carry it over his shoulder without effort. It was surprising to see Zen carrying those woods like bamboo when Reo and Satsuki needed to hug them.

“I get it now, I didn’t know what you guys were up to with the leftover construction materials… So this is what it is. It's nice of you guys to craft an ‘original’ portable shrine! Mmm, and this design was drawn by Hokusai-kun right? It’s a tiger! Wonderful! A carnivore, a design that represents muscularity!”

 
“Oh, owh… that’s great to get compliments from Zen-nii”

“Using these woods as materials, it has the similar effect like using training tyres to train your whole body! The effort is almost similar to barbells! What a great idea!”

“Oh no, that’s totally not what our initial idea was”

“Zen-nii, wait a minute”

Reo ran over in a panic.

“Mmm, Reo-kun, what’s wrong. Do you want to use this material?”

“...Erm, why are you here?”

“Why, I just wanted to. Help out, well, “all of us”

“All of us…?”

“--- Hey, sorry for the wait!”

Turning towards the voice, the clan members of The Suiseki Clan have assembled.

Those who know carpentry, those who work slowly, those who are dextrous… And also those who can’t work at all, all of them have gathered.

“Aye, aye, these little chicks, bold of them. Interesting stuff like Portable Shrine Live Performance, only these youngsters can come up with that. We’re definitely helping them out”

The clan members, putting on their headbands, slowly approached Hokusai and picked up his design.

“Aye, Hokusai. What a lovely draft, but lacking in information. Why not let our capable architect tweak it”

“Mmm, that will definitely create a splendid portable shrine”

“Aight. We’ll take care of shaping the woods.”

“Easy one, Aniki”

“I didn’t move around much lately because I was dealing with all the paperwork”

“Aye yo, let me do the painting, I used to work in a paint shop”

“Let me deal with the metal sheets. I have a mallet handle.”

“Zen! Nobody else is better than you when it comes to strength! That’s known in our clan!”

“Ah, I wanna do a live performance too!”

“Idiot, you’re tone deaf to the point that you can sober up Oyaji”

…— the warehouse turned lively. Zen and Hokusai both got onto work right away, it made Satsuki and Reo gasp.

A nice person gave both of them a tap from behind.

With a smiling face, Iori was standing there.

“Ah, Aniki… this, what’s with this?”

“It’s nothing, just as what you see. Your ideas were interesting, everybody got excited and came over to help. That’s all”

“...but, Aniki”

Reo frowned as if felt insecure.

“This though, end up… I'm still being pampered by all of you…”

“Reo. Are you aware of what I entrusted to you?”

“...that is… Come up with something interesting… something like that..”

“That’s right. As a result, like what you see, you’ve come up with something interesting that excites the clan members. Everyone is happily working away. Whose credit was it”

Iori placed his hand on Reo’s and Satsuki’s head, caressing them, messing up their hair.

“Those who gave me the thought that ‘I have the intention to help’, I’ll definitely help them. If you want to make something happen, I’ll make it happen no matter how much it costs, no matter how much I need to pamper. Pamper comes with trust”

Reo and Satsuki's vision that was sort of glimmering intersected. With that, Satsuki’s face loosened up ahead and a smile was seen.

“...hehe. You see, Reo”

Reo was a little confused over Satsuki’s smiling face… but even just a little, Reo’s face then loosened up too.

And so, The Suiseki Clan’s Portable Shrine Live Project officially took off.

10 days or so went by.

A blazing day in mid-summer. Suiseki, who walked out from the hotel, was greeted by a car with air-conditioning. He took off his hat that was meant to block the sun, while fanning his fan near to his face he hops on to the car, Iori’s voice came from the driver seat.
 

“Thank you for the hard work, Oyaji”

 “Aye, you too Iori. Alter Trigger really have their own law. You're so polite, you didn't have to organise every single event.”  

— During that period, The Suiseki Clan was funding The Alter Trigger Lab.

  The funding was allocated for Phantom Metal Research. It's research to help the deaf be able to communicate using Phantom Illusion… That was the proposal that Suiseki took interest in.

Although it sounded fishy, Alter Trigger was a big company to begin with, and also thanks to the person in charge who made the trip over to give an explanation, Suiseki trusted them.

Suiseki is a man with eyes. Deep down, Alter Trigger Lab is aware of his ideals trying to contribute towards The Phantom Metals. They felt no obsession of greed or profit from him.

But not for Iori, he has doubts about those ideals from the Alter Trigger Lab.

“A great research. But I don’t quite like them”

“I understand ya concerns, Iori. Me too, more or less, I told em to show me some proper research results. Rather than returning our earnings back to where it came from, I think that’s a better way to make use of the money…”

Suiseki operated the car-stereo using the remote control prepared on the seat.

A groovy HIP HOP music started playing throughout the car.

“Oyaji, are you aware that Reo likes HIP HOP?”

“Aye, wassup with that, I like em too, HIP HOP”

As a matter of fact, Suiseki has always been positive towards HIP HOP. He has likings towards the sentimental part within them, Iori, who was entrusted as a driver, listens to them a lot for being in the car.

In hindsight… This could be assumed as the background for the formation of Akanyatsura.

“Honestly speaking, I’m still not good at this…”

“Liar. You were singing away while ya at work”

“Ah, that was influenced by you, Oyaji”

“Why not try listening to Yohei’s rap. It’s good stuff”

“Hah… You really care a lot for him, Oyaji”

“Ya don’t say. Just as you envisioned, Satsuki has gotten well with the group, Reo is now more expressive than he used to be. Continue with this pace, everything looks fine… from the looks of it”

“... still no match for Oyaji though”

“Fool. I’m ya Oyaji ya know”

Iori smiled while Suiseki was laughing away.

“Well, that Zen who is bad at lying, he’s a big deal if ya make the best out of him… Right, Iori?   Ya still at it? Ya concerns. Ya had ya “right hand man” Zen to keep a close eye over the both of them. Reo, ya worried the most aye?”

“Zen, that guy, on one hand he’s blunt to the point that you need to tell him everything from one to ten, on the other hand he’ll also go all out to get everything done. Still, he trusts me… He’s an interesting person, really”

“... Hah, he’s really promising. Anyway, does Oyaji get to be pampered too? I'm gonna sulk though”

“Hold up… Give me a break will you? Oyaji…”

Suiseki saying “I’m gonna sulk” was a weakness to Iori.

He doesn’t really mean to sulk for pampering, in a sense, he’s… somehow asking to be treated like a kid. At times when he drinks, he brings up moments of him when he was young and mischievous, it was a total mess. For a grown man, this is a very hard thing to do.

With a sigh, Iori started talking.

“As you may have expected, Reo… the people that his father owes them money seem to have returned to the area recently. And they are up to no good..”

“...owh?”

“I hope that wasn’t too much to ask for…”

With the effort from the clan members, the preparation for the summer festival was going well. Reo and Satsuki — along with Hokusai who joined somewhere along the process were the MCs, the adults prepared the equipment for them. With that, the “Portable Shrine Live” Project was held.

The Suiseki Clan is known to be a group that is experienced in hyping up events. CLUB CANDY and slot machine centres, they operate clubs and sell snacks as well.  

Hence, there are numbers of clan members who are good with stage set up and live performance projects. When it comes to festivals, The Suiseki Clan are good at it. With all the help, Reo and the rest could focus on organising the live performance.

“Since we’re at it, let’s come up with MC Names! Hokusai, have you thought about it?”

“FuuraiBOY. Since the beginning, Aniki called me by that”

“T-That’s cool. Then I can’t lose too, on my MC name… Mine will be ‘GAIA’”

“G-GAIA…”

“Aye, I don’t really know what it means but that’s a cool name! At least it sound manly”

“... somehow suits you, Satsuki-chan”

— but isn’t that a goddess name? At that time, Reo still had the care not to say it out loud.

The track making was made out from a free Japanese music making source. This is where Hokusai’s talent can be seen, with Satsuki and Reo having good lyricism. In the meantime, the construction of the portable shrine by the members of the group continued smoothly, and by that time, the summer festival was just two weeks away, the assembled wood had completely formed a silhouette that resembled a portable shrine.

“...I’m about to run out of paint”

Reo notices the conversation of the clan members that were working on the portable shrine.

“Ah… Then I’ll go buy some. Since we’re taking a break from the rehearsal…”

“Aye, sankyu Reo. Take your time”

After collecting the amount of money he needed from the clan treasurer, Reo went to buy paint from the nearby paint shop. Around this period of time, he’s still somewhat reserved but Reo, as a member of the clan, in his own way, was beginning to regain his cheerfulness.

The preparation progressed smoothly.

Reo, Satsuki and Hokusai’s vibes are surprisingly compatible, the three of them came up with a high quality live performance.

The portable shrine turned out way better than was expected initially. Live performance with that portable shrine, surely it will catch a bunch of attention. Reo came to believe.

--- perhaps.

Within the lively festival under the clear summer skies, as Reo performs HIP-HOP… perhaps his father that disappeared might drop by. I’m doing well here. Reo intends to convey.

Reo has always been holding onto such hope. Even though he was finding his way around The Suiseki Clan, Reo… actually still longing for his family. A real family where you can be pampered to your heart's content. Blood related. A warm home. The past is still a tender memory for Reo, and he thinks he could go back to, one day.

However—

“---you there, you’re Maruyama’s kid”

The past haunts Reo in a cruel way.

Unaware, the wagon car that parked along the street, the bad guys were glaring at Reo.

“We finally found you. We’ll borrow you for a bit”

How could he forget?

Those guys who loaned money to his father.

“--- come on now, spill it. Where's your father? You should know where he is”

“I-I don’t know…”
“Then you’re done for good damn brat!”

Reo was forcibly kidnapped by the car to an abandoned warehouse at the alleys.

There’s about 5 of them. Not a lot of people, but a lot to kidnap one kid. These bad guys looked different from Iori and the rest, the “Yakuzas”.

… Come to think of it, Iori once said. Only the old-fashioned yakuza, like The Suiseki Clan, can understand the Japanese way of sense of duty and humanity. There are bad guys that are worse in this world.

For example the mafias.

However, these guys are not mafias, somewhat… subordinates, somewhat hyenas that live as loan sharks, living off from frauds, Reo could not really tell.

The thing that Reo knows… from what The Suiseki Clan picked and sniffed out from them, they are a bunch of “dangerous bad guys”.

“.....W-Why is it till now, you’re still looking for Papa? My house, we don’t even have a single yen left..!”

“Boy, you know what. We know we can’t get any money out of you. However… There was once, it was your father who negotiated with us. ‘I have some great secrets about the Alter Trigger Lab in hand. It might be profitable’ he said''

“...Eh?”

— And of course, those were a perfect bunch of lies Reo’s father told out of desperation. Given that a large organisation like Alter Trigger Lab, Reo’s father is aware that they definitely have unknown secrets.

Somehow… somehow coincidentally, there’s part of the lies that might be true.

“We don’t quite believe it to be honest.. That clan has some relationship with Alter Trigger don’t they. So don’t you think ‘it might be true’”

“Ah…!”

“Honestly we have no interest in the dark secrets behind Alter Trigger. However, in this era where Phantom Metals are highly profitable… People would like to acquire that market. So we tried looking into that organization”

“Then, then…”

“That’s how it is. Furthermore lately, organizations like us are at our verge for our income. And so… if we get hold of that ‘present’ from your father, perhaps we could even affiliate with bigger organizations”

Everything is a coincidence, a combination of bad luck.

His father’s lies, The Suiseki Clan, and also — The Alter Trigger Lab. Calmly thinking it through, perhaps it’s because of money people became delusional.

“Boy, isn’t it better for you to just spill out where your father is”

Unreasonable. How to spill out things that he has no idea at all. Reo shook his head.

“M-My...”

“This is more troublesome than I thought… Then how about Suiseki’s driver, Iori? You don’t have to tell us anything, we can call him over. Suiseki likes him so much, perhaps he might know something”

The guy was holding onto Reo’s smartphone which was snatched without him knowing. The screen shows a contact number with the word "Aniki" written on it.

“...Aniki?”

If Reo does as the guy says and calls Iori… And while calling, if Reo can get help without the guys finding out, he might be able to get out of this situation. Otherwise Iori would come and rescue Reo.

However, Reo didn’t take his smartphone. He can’t.

The idea of everyone from The Suiseki Clan was working away. The portable shrine, the live performance, the stage. It doesn’t sound as easy as it is. Him asking to be rescued when everything had taken place.

Moreover, he was carelessly kidnapped while he went out to run the errands…

Enough of troubles, no matter Iori or the clan.

With that will, Reo shook his head in tears.

“... really, it might help, if you know at least a little clue… I guess we don’t have a choice then.”  

The guy that looks like their leader gave out orders, the rest of them pinned down Reo. Reo’s tiny hands struggled but it barely defended him.

“W-What do you think you’re trying to do…”

“Maybe pull off 2 or 3 of that nails of your”

“...!”

Reo tried his best to hold back the scream that he was about to make.

A guy with his fist clenched approaches Reo. Being part of the Yakuza, he’s able to imagine, the image of torturing pain that was no joke to be made.

“S-Stop it… Even if you do that, I still….”

A pressure was felt at his fingertip.

Out of nowhere, a rusty metallic sensation, that was horrifying. Reo kept his eyes tightly shut, biting onto his lips, holding back his screams.

“I… don’t want to… trouble the clan…”

“Is that all the guts you have”

Laughing away, the guy blew a punch. 

“It's better if you give up soon. I don't think we're going to be lucky enough to have someone walk past us this time, like we did ’that time”

Those words were lethal to Reo.

Words that triggered a desperate resolve. Humans, their resolve only comes in times of desperation. The words from the guy awakened something that was deep asleep within Reo.

A flashback of “hope”.

Triggered by the agony, Reo recalled the day where Iori rescued him.

However, those harsh memories. He won’t be rescued again. Reo denies. Even in denial, the “hope” from that day still flashes upon his eyes.

“If you’re gonna resent, blame that merciless family of yours”

“...! No, no…”

Family.

Indeed, Reo’s family is somewhat merciless. A mother that left him. A father that disappeared after loaning money.

However, the word “family”, the thought that came to Reo was… Subconsciously, he shouted.

“Help me, anyone… Help me… Aniki!”

A punch was about to be threw towards his finger as he shouted —

“---Raaaaaaaaawr!”

The window of the warehouse was broken, and a figure of a person came flying in.

While the guys were distracted, the figure gallantly kicked the guy who was about to throw the punch and protected Reo.

As the light penetrates through the window… That figure reminded Reo of a familiar scene.

Reo was rescued from the depth of despair—

“A…Aniki…?”

“Hey, Reo. I was wondering what kept you so long”

“... S-Satsuki-chan?!”

In the dusty abandoned warehouse. Within the faded rays of light, the hair that was blazing like the sun was swaying.

Ragging. Towards who? Of course towards the bunch of thugs that hurt his “family”. Within the fierceful expression of Satsuki, only Reo can see a glimpse of a caring smile within. The men were dismayed for a moment, but they quickly regained their composure when they realized that the intruder was just a teenager like Reo.

“What’s up with this brat, don’t get over your head… It makes no difference if it’s the two of you!”

Two of the men tried to pull guns out of their pockets.

But they failed. Out of the sudden another two large figures of a person appeared in the warehouse.

“--- oh no. Sorry to let you down, it’s not just the two of them”

“We’re here too… To rescue Reo”

It didn’t take long till the men were taken aback by Zen’s strong arm and Hokusai’s huge build that pinned them down.

Satsuki’s flashy entrance, and the ambush that came from the dark corner of the warehouse. It was a smooth counter attack.

“Where, where on earth did they come from…”

As the door of the warehouse went wide open, the guy who looked like the leader turned dismayed. The faces of the rest of the guys turned cramped as they witnessed the sight that came on. They never thought that kidnapping a kid that was at disadvantage would lead them to their worst nightmare.

Ten, twenty of them… No, the gang was uncountable.

The clan members of The Suiseki Clan assembled. Their usual friendly and festive faces were nowhere to be seen on them. Brows furrowed, raging in justice, the aura of Yakuzas.

Nevertheless… Suiseki was among them.

“Aye, ma brothers. As I suspected, I'm not used to this kind of shenanigans. Kidnapping someone off the street, y'all be traced. All ma underlings always have eyes guarding em”

Zen flexed.

“Didn’t I tell you to expect more numbers, I was worried when Satsuki ran off ahead of us, I’m glad that me and Hokusai went after him!”

Reo couldn’t help but shift his vision towards Satsuki.

As Satsuki turned away while he looked at him, Reo felt baffled and came into tears without knowingly.

A warm touch landed on Reo’s head. Iori was there when he looked up.

“Ah, Aniki… I'm sorry…”

“There’s nothing for you to apologize…”

“I ended up making you worried… Needing you to rescue me… I thought I’m fine on my own, but in the end, I still shouted out for Aniki… And now got pampered by Aniki…”

“Don’t be stupid”

Iori caresses Reo’s head.

“It’s alright to call out for all the help you need. It’s ok to receive all the pampering you like. Within this big world, I’ve rescued you, Reo. Me, Zen, Satsuki, Hokusai, Oyaji… Even the entire clan. A lot of people love you Reo… because we are your family”  

This was followed with a bright smile, as bright as the sun on a sunny day.

“A-Aniki… Aniki…!”

Iori gave a warm smile, hugging onto Reo who was crying. He then turned towards the men who kidnapped Reo.

From those squinted eyes, a cold look from him sent chills down their spine.

At the same time, an intimidating shadow made its way through the clan members — it was Suiseki.

Still smiling, just like Iori, that smiling face like the Ebisu-buddha, at that very moment, the clan members of The Suiseki Clan know well that this is the most terrifying expression on Earth.

“Aye ma brothers over there. Aint yall taking our clan lightly”

“...! H-Hold on a moment please. We’re sorry! If it’s money, we’ll pay! W-We’ll even let you have our Shinogi (income) source. Please, please…!”

“I don’t need ya money, it can be earned. Things too, can still buy em. The only thing is… if ya lay hands on ma family, I ain't gonna allow that”

Everyone from the Suiseki Clan marched forward.

The men that kidnapped Reo couldn’t understand. Not for the sake of pride or money. Nothing profitable or benefiting. Not blood related, not even an old timer, just for the sake of this young kid… Everyone was raging on his behalf.

However — fear was seen in the eyes of that adorable clan member of theirs.

At that one point, the so-called family, The Suiseki Clan, was tinged with rage.
 

“Brothers, if ya mum and dad had not taught ya, let me drill it into your body then. Ya know, let me teach you that ‘family is precious’. Since ya bullied ma family, let’s teach ya’ll about it? I see, I see. Ya left me with no choice…”

The smile on Suiseki disappeared.

“Teach them their lesson”

On the day of the summer festival, it was a cloudless clear bright day. Within the narrow shop street, on that day, quite a great crowd had gathered. Some that were excited, some that were curious, due to various reasons — the summer festival that year, was a great success unlike any other.

“---come one, everyone!”

“Aye!”

On the signal of Reo’s voice, channelling through the speakers on the stage, at the live performance, the portable shrine has made its appearance.

On top of the portable shrine were the three youngsters. Reo, Satsuki and Hokusai. And there was Zen leading a few guys carrying the portable shrine in their happi coats. The grand appearance was similar to what Reo and the rest pictured, a “heartfelt excitement”.

The only difference from the initial plan was… it wasn’t only the 3 of them participating in the live performance, the entire clan took part. Without parts assigned. It’s no longer considered HIP HOP, but a huge summer festival ensemble of all the boys.

Spectating such a scene, Suiseki in his happi coat gave a wry smile while fanning his fan near to his face.

“Aaah, ain’t all bad. This is no longer a live performance but an ensemble aye”

 Iori laughs away beside Suiseki. Both of them watched the portable shrine from the side as they were needed to issue instructions from the command base.

“Reo that kid, after he said ‘if we gonna sing let’s all sing together’, look how it turned out in the end”

“Hahaha. He’s really spoiled now… But that’s great, he’s much better than before. He’s always smiling now”

“Yea, indeed”

Since that incident, Reo took a total turn. No longer having any hesitation, he gets all the pampering he wants out from the clan members.

That does not pertain to Iori only, it applies to the entire clan, Reo acknowledged all of them as family.

“I think imma bit too lenient with Reo, though. Not that I don't like it, it's just that he smiles so much that it makes me wanna spoil him…”

“Or else Oyaji, you won’t be buying such an expensive game console for Reo”

“Idiot. Reo also begged ya to buy a new air conditioner for the office with ya own expenses wasn’t it”

“... well, that’s nothing, after all he has finally open up to us”

“Ya saying that, ya really are my son aye…”

Suiseki and Iori laughed and chatted.  Two people who share the same surname, not related by blood, drinking from the same glass, a parent and kid kind of trust was built.

Not related by blood, not taking any advantage. A relationship with a strong bond, as a family, he knows it better than anyone else.

“Iori. One of these days, I'll entrust ya with a more respectable title. And when I do, I'll put all the people ya care under ya.”

“Is that a good idea? Think it through. It’s still a long way to go, for me”

“Aye, it’s about time for Zen, Reo, Hokusai and Satsuki. Even if it’s a little, to be taken care of by ya. These few of them are very fond of ya. The Akanyatsura (bad boys) that you should take care of”

“Akanyatsura is it”

“Aye. Get on it, be the Oyaji to them”

“... We don’t have that much of age gap, ‘Aniki’ fits better, for me”

Laughters went on among the festival noises. As both of them made their way onto the portable shrine, the voice of Reo and the rest can be heard.

“Oyaji! Aniki! What brings you here!”
“Aniki gonna do it too! Dance or whatever that is!”

“It’s so much fun, the festival”

“Oh it’s the both of you! Carrying the portable shrine is surprisingly a great workout!”

Iori with a little troubled expression replying to each and everyone of them.

“Well, we’re not all that free, we do have work…”

“I don’t want that! If Aniki doesn’t sing with us I will not give in! After all, we came up with so much fun for the festival!”

“Oh my, Reo is getting too good at asking to be pampered…”

“Age is not a consideration to carry the portable shrine aye. Alright, let me do it too!”

“Wait a minute, Oyaji… Don’t hurt yourself…!”

Suiseki who put on his headband first went ahead, Iori then followed after.

As soon as they joined, the volume of the festival music increased, the livelihood of the summer festival doubled all over.

The festival noises spread everywhere. Everyone’s faces are filled with laughter.

Young or old, all of them are united as one within The Suiseki Clan. Probably the most cheerful family in the world.

The lively festival music continues even after the sun sets. No matter when, no matter where, a festival that goes on and on.

No matter when, no matter where…

It was much quieter at the cove.

Clouds high up the sky as the wind blows.

“Hey, Reo”

Reo came back to his senses as he heard Satsuki’s voice. Before he realized, he had walked all the way to the end of the cemetery, somewhat a place with hills. He had been looking into the skies from there and travelled through a long memory lane.

“Really, you just walked off to wherever you want. We’re about to leave now”

“...Mmm, noted”

“Just like Aniki said, don’t worry. Oyaji and the rest pampers you a lot. No one will be mad of you not paying respect to the grave”

“...Mmm, I know”

Together with Satsuki, Reo descended the hill. Reo avoided looking at tombstones aligned as he walked. He refused to acknowledge the numbers of the tombstones that were equivalent to the amount of death.

They soon came to a walkway, further ahead, Iori and the rest were waiting for them. From a distance, Iori’s appearance is noticeable. Beside him, Zen was waving with his huge hands, while Hokusai was playing with a cat.

Satsuki ran towards that direction, repeatedly calling out Reo while he’s on his way.

“Hurry up, Reo. We’re leaving you here”

“Ah, mmm, wait up —”

Instantaneously, the festival noises were heard.

Probably from somewhere afar, riding through the wind, the noises spreading in pieces throughout the cemetery.

At that moment, the sun was blocked by the clouds as the wind blew.
 

“Ah…”

Reo squinted his eyes to the sudden glaring ray of sunlight. The scene before him was almost blazing…

An illusion shimmering away.

“..Ah”

Reo saw an illusion.

Where every one of The Suiseki Clan were there.

The guy that was good at carpentry. The guy that was good at painting. The guy that was a slow worker. The guy that was tone deaf. Standing and smiling as they look over Hokusai, Zen and Satsuki.

And beside Iori, “Oyaji” was standing beside, smiling.

That illusion was abrupt, and disappeared in a blink. They appeared to be muttering. Only their lips can be seen moving, no sound was heard.

“What’s wrong, Reo”

“Ah, nothing..”

Iori tilted his head looking at Reo in confusion.

“Are you alright? If it’s too hard on you, take a rest —”

“Mmm, I’m fine”

Reo shook his head. Not forcefully. But without hesitation.

Intending to convey.

“We are alright. Perhaps, it’s because everyone is with us”

“... I see. You’re right”

Iori nodded even though he didn’t quite get him. The smile that appeared on Reo was a calming one.

“Alright, once we get back we’ll be busy with so much stuff! Floating Island Redevelopment Project, CANDY can’t rest, and also the live performance. To come up with a new song. This is not the end of AKYR even though we lost!”

“Ossu! We’re gonna get our revenge from cozmez!”

“Yes, we’re gonna do it! After all, we’ve decided to conquer the world with waka!”

“I will do my best too. Together with everyone”

“Mm, we’ll prove ourselves! We’re the most gokigen right, Aniki?”

“Ossu!”