After the truth had finally emerged from the shadows, Silas's sacrifice, the erased memories, the twisted servitude to Chaos, the hall felt different. Lighter, somehow. The weight had been spoken aloud, shared among them all, and in its place grew a quiet, fierce resolve. They were no longer just trainees thrown together by circumstance. They were bound now, by understanding and choice.
Rein sat on the engawa, legs dangling over the edge, the warm midday sunlight spilling across his face. His bandaged hands rested carefully in his lap, scars hidden but still tender. The view stretched out before him, the endless cascade of the waterfall, mist rising like gentle smoke, and pine trees swaying in the breeze. Everything looked sharper today, colors brighter, as if the world had decided to remind him it could still be beautiful.
Stella sat beside him, close enough that their shoulders brushed. She held a small bowl of miso soup in one hand, a spoon in the other. Without a word, she scooped a spoonful and brought it to his lips.
He accepted it slowly, eyes distant but softening.
She didn't rush him. Just fed him, miso soup first, warm and comforting, then small bites of steamed rice, and finally pieces of grilled fish she broke apart carefully with chopsticks.
Rein chewed quietly, gaze fixed on the horizon. The sunlight caught in his white hair, turning it almost silver, and for the first time in days, the haunted look in his violet eyes began to fade. A spark returned, faint, but real.
Stella watched him more than the view. Every time he swallowed, she prepared the next bite, patient and steady.
"You don't have to do this," he murmured eventually, voice soft.
"I know," she said simply. "I want to."
He turned to look at her then, really look. Her silver hair glowed in the light, electric-blue eyes full of quiet strength and something deeper, unwavering care.
A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips. The first one in days.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Stella set the bowl down for a moment and reached over, brushing a stray grain of rice from the corner of his mouth with her thumb. Her touch lingered.
"You're not alone anymore, Rein. Not in any of it."
He leaned into her hand, just slightly, closing his eyes.
The sunlight warmed them both.
And under that bright, forgiving sky, with the waterfall singing its endless song, Rein let himself believe her.
Just a little.
For now, it was enough.
The afternoon light filtered softly through the shoji screens, casting warm patterns across the tatami. Rein sat on the engawa with Stella close beside him, her presence a quiet comfort after the storm of the past days. The waterfall's distant roar felt gentler now, almost soothing.
Zen poked his head out from the hallway, hesitation clear in his golden eyes, as if he had rehearsed the question a million times.
"Um… hey, Rein. Want to go karaoke later? With all of us?"
Rein turned his head slowly to the right, a small, tired smile tugging at his lips despite the lingering shadows in his violet eyes.
"Yeah," he said softly. "Sure."
Stella's hand tightened slightly around his bandaged one, worry flickering across her face. "Are you sure? You don't have to push yourself."
Rein met her gaze, the smile growing just a fraction, genuine if weary. "Yeah. I'm sure."
Zen's grin broke wide, relief flooding his features. "Okay! Cool! We'll leave at 5:45 p.m."
Rein glanced at the sky, calculating. "What's the time right now?"
"Uh… It's 1:15 p.m.," Zen replied.
Rein let out a small chuckle, the sound light and unexpected. "Four hours and thirty minutes left, then."
"Yeah…" Zen shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Um… I'll let you two be alone for a bit."
He started to back away.
Rein's smile turned playful, a spark of his old self returning. "Where do you think you're going, bastard?"
Zen froze, eyes suddenly glassy with unshed emotion. Stella did the same, a soft laugh escaping through the tears she tried to hide.
"Oh… nowhere?" Zen said, snapping back to his chaotic energy, grin wobbly but real.
Rein raised an eyebrow. "You were going to go flirt with Valkyrie again, weren't you?"
"WHAT?? NO! Uh… definitely not," Zen protested, face turning red.
"Okay," Rein said, amusement clear in his voice. "As you say."
He leaned back slightly against the post, the tension easing from his shoulders.
"Hey, where are the others?" he asked.
Stella smiled gently. "Most of them went to get groceries for tonight. Esil's still here, she's sleeping, though."
Rein nodded, glancing around the quiet estate. "Hm. Explains the peace."
Zen lingered a moment longer, eyes soft. "You sure you're up for karaoke, man? We can cancel if—"
"I'm sure," Rein cut in, voice firm but warm. "I want to. With everyone."
Zen's grin returned full force. "Alright! You're on. I'm picking the first song."
He dashed off, energy renewed.
Stella rested her head lightly on Rein's shoulder.
"Four hours," she murmured.
Rein leaned into her, closing his eyes for a moment.
"Plenty of time."
The sunlight warmed them both, and for the first time in days, the future felt a little brighter.
The afternoon stretched lazily after lunch. With four hours until the karaoke trip, the group scattered around the estate's back yard, claiming spots on the grass or under the pines for what Zen dramatically called "mandatory recovery time."
Blankets were spread out, cushions dragged from the hall. The sun filtered through the leaves, warm but not hot, and the waterfall's mist kept the air cool and fresh.
Zen flopped down first, arms behind his head. "This is the life. No punching trees. No Azrael death stares. Just vibes."
Esil dropped beside him, purple hair fanning out like a halo. "Speak for yourself. I'm planning my karaoke domination."
She pulled a marker from her pocket and leaned over Zen while he dozed off mid-sentence.
Stella noticed first. "Esil… what are you doing?"
Esil grinned, already drawing a tiny mustache on Zen's sleeping face. "Art."
Valkyrie, sitting cross-legged nearby, sighed. "Don't waste ink."
But she didn't stop her. The corner of her mouth twitched.
Kaiser stretched out on his back, arms folded, orange eyes half-closed. "Let her. He'll wake up looking like a villain from a bad drama."
Maki meditated a few feet away, light orange ponytail swaying slightly in the breeze, but even she opened one blue eye to watch.
Rein sat with Stella under a pine, her head resting lightly on his shoulder. His bandaged hands were careful in his lap, but the pain had dulled to a throb.
He watched the marker antics with a small smile, the first real one all day.
Zen snored once, loudly.
Esil finished her masterpiece: mustache, tiny heart on his cheek, and "Karaoke King" scrawled on his forehead.
The group tried, and failed, to stifle laughs.
Stella covered her mouth. "He's going to kill you."
Esil capped the marker triumphantly. "Worth it."
Zen stirred, mumbling something about Valkyrie. Everyone froze.
He smacked his lips and settled again.
Kaiser chuckled. "He's out cold."
Rein leaned his head back against the tree trunk, closing his eyes. "This… feels nice."
Stella's hand found his fingers interlacing carefully around the bandages. "Normal, almost."
"Yeah," he murmured. "Normal."
Esil flopped onto her back beside them. "So, Rein. First karaoke song. What's it gonna be? Something broody to match your vibe?"
Rein opened one eye. "Haven't decided."
Zen snorted in his sleep.
Valkyrie spoke up, voice calm. "He'll pick something meaningful. He always does."
Maki's meditation broke with a soft huff, almost a laugh. "As long as it's not Zen's screaming rock."
The group dissolved into quiet laughter again.
Time passed slowly, dozing, teasing, and sharing random stories from before Reiketsu. Esil talked about pranks she pulled on villagers. Kaiser admitted he once cried during a sad movie. Valkyrie revealed she secretly liked old love songs.
Rein listened more than he spoke, but every time he laughed, small and genuine, Stella squeezed his hand a little tighter.
The sun shifted across the sky.
Four hours felt like forever, and not long enough.
When Wilson finally called them to get ready for town, no one wanted to move.
But they did.
Smiling.
Ready for whatever the night and karaoke would bring.
Because for the first time, they weren't just surviving.
They were living.
They all scattered to their rooms to change, excitement buzzing in the air like the first real break they'd earned.
Rein slipped into his usual white hoodie — comfortable, familiar, the one he always wore when he wanted to feel like himself. He paused in front of the mirror, flexing his hands slowly. The scars were still raw, pale lines crisscrossing his knuckles. With a quiet sigh, he pulled on a pair of black gloves, hiding the marks but not the memory.
Stella appeared in the doorway, and his heart skipped.
She wore a white hoodie too — almost identical to his, soft and oversized, silver hair spilling over the hood. It was deliberate. Matching. Like a quiet promise.
Rein's face flushed, violet eyes widening. He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly shy. "You… you didn't have to—"
Stella smiled, stepping closer. "I wanted to."
He couldn't hide the flustered grin, cheeks warm. It felt like their first date all over again — nervous, new, perfect.
Zen burst into the hall next, rocking his signature yellow-black jacket over yellow shorts, looking like a human lightning bolt. "OK WE'RE READY!!"
Kaiser followed calmly, simple black shirt and trousers hugging his lean frame — understated but sharp.
Esil twirled in, wearing a very long crop top that teased just a sliver of her waist, purple hair bouncing with every step. She struck a pose. "Rate the fit."
Maki emerged last, oversized dark blue shirt hanging loose over fitted pants, light orange hair tied in a high ponytail — effortless cool.
Principal Wilson clapped his hands. "Alright. Let's take the train."
Kaiser glanced at Azrael. "Will you be joining, Master?"
Azrael stood near the door, arms folded. "I'll be nearby with Wilson. You enjoy yourselves."
Zen pumped a fist. "Freedom!"
They headed out as a group, the short walk to the village station filled with chatter and laughter. The evening air was crisp, stars already peeking out above the mountains.
At the platform, Zen eyed the regular train pulling in. "No special cart this time, old man?"
Wilson chuckled, mysterious. "Just wait, my child."
The doors opened, and they piled into a normal car — but Wilson flashed a discreet pass to the conductor. Minutes later, the train attendant led them to a reserved section at the back: plush seats, privacy screens, even a small snack table.
Zen's jaw dropped. "Okay… rich man perks confirmed."
Stella laughed, settling beside Rein and lacing her gloved fingers with his.
The train lurched forward, carrying them down the mountain toward town lights in the distance.
For the first time in weeks, no one was thinking about rifts or Chaos or scars.
Just music.
Just friends.
Just tonight.
The group settled into the private cart Wilson had arranged, plush leather seats, dim ambient lighting, a small table with snacks and drinks, and wide windows offering uninterrupted views of the darkening landscape. The train hummed smoothly down the mountain, leaving the quiet of Reiketsu Village behind.
Conversation flowed easily at first, light, excited, the kind that only comes after days of tension finally easing.
Zen pressed his face to the window like a kid. "Man, look at those lights starting to come on down there. It's getting brighter the lower we go."
Esil leaned over him, purple hair brushing his shoulder. "Move over, shorty. Let me see."
"I'm not short!" Zen protested, but scooted anyway.
Kaiser sat across from them, arms folded, orange eyes reflecting the passing scenery. "It's bigger than I expected. How far is this place again?"
"About forty minutes from the village," Wilson replied from his seat near the front, sipping tea. "Neonhara's small compared to the capital, but it has everything we need tonight."
Maki, legs crossed casually, raised an eyebrow. "Karaoke, food, and no training. Sounds suspicious."
Wilson chuckled. "Even masters need breaks."
Stella sat beside Rein, their hands loosely linked. She glanced out the window, too. "It does look lively. All those colors…"
Rein nodded, violet eyes taking it in. The valley below was starting to sparkle, strings of neon signs flickering to life, buildings clustered tight like a miniature city skyline.
Halfway through the journey, the lights grew brighter, closer. The train curved around a bend, and the full view opened up.
Zen bolted upright. "WHOA! IT LOOKS LIKE A LITTLE TOKYO!"
Esil laughed. "He's not wrong. Look at those signs, kanji everywhere, vending machines glowing on every corner."
Kaiser leaned forward for a better look. "It's got that vibe. Crowded streets, tall buildings squeezed together, lights reflecting off everything."
Maki smirked. "You sound like you've been there."
"I have," Kaiser said. "Family trip once. This is definitely the mini version."
Rein watched quietly, a small smile forming. "It's… pretty."
Stella squeezed his hand. "We'll have fun tonight. Promise."
Zen spun in his seat. "Um, Principal Wilson, what's the name of the town again?"
Wilson opened his mouth to answer, but the train's speaker crackled to life first, a cheerful automated voice filling the cart.
"Next stop: Neonhara, the little city that never dims. Please mind the gap when disembarking."
Wilson chuckled, closing his mouth with mock resignation. "Well… that's the name."
Zen pumped a fist. "Neonhara! Cool as hell. It's literally a mini Tokyo!"
Esil grinned. "Told you. We're gonna own that karaoke stage."
Valkyrie, who had been quiet, allowed a small smile. "As long as Zen doesn't pick first."
"Hey!" Zen protested. "My voice is legendary!"
The cart filled with laughter, the lights of Neonhara growing brighter outside the windows.
For the first time in a long while, the future didn't feel heavy.
It felt like a possibility.
The train pulled into Neonhara Station just as the sky turned deep indigo. Neon lights blazed everywhere: pink, blue, yellow signs flashing kanji for ramen shops, arcades, and karaoke towers. The platform smelled like takoyaki and sweet melon soda. For the first time in weeks, the air felt alive with normal life.
Zen was out the door first, arms wide like he owned the place. "Welcome to freedom, people! Look at this! Actual civilization!"
Esil bounced beside him, purple hair glowing under the lights. "Finally! I vote we hit the biggest karaoke building first. Ten floors, private rooms, all-you-can-drink melon soda!"
Kaiser laughed, hands in his pockets. "You just want the soda."
"Obviously," Esil said, linking arms with Maki, who rolled her blue eyes but let herself be dragged.
Stella stepped off the train holding Rein's gloved hand. He still moved a little stiffly, but the city energy had already put color back in his cheeks. She smiled up at the giant glowing sign shaped like a microphone. "It's beautiful."
Rein looked around, violet eyes wide. "Yeah… it really is."
Valkyrie walked beside them, silver-pink hair catching every neon reflection. "Try not to get lost, Zen. I'm not searching the whole city for you."
Zen spun around, walking backward. "Me? Lost? Never! I'm a natural navigator!" He immediately bumped into a vending machine.
Everyone burst out laughing.
Principal Wilson and Azrael followed a few steps behind, both in plain coats, blending in surprisingly well. Wilson carried a small paper bag of snacks "for the room," while Azrael simply observed, the faintest curve at the corner of his mouth.
They crossed the busy street together, dodging salarymen, giggling high-school girls, and street vendors calling out specials. A giant karaoke tower loomed ahead, ten floors of rainbow lights, music leaking from every window.
Zen led the charge up the steps. "Private room for eight, top floor, best sound system, please!" he told the smiling staff member.
Before entering, Wilson turned to the group with a warm smile. "You all go ahead and enjoy. Master Voss and I will be nearby if you need us."
Azrael nodded once. "Have fun."
The kids waved and headed inside, chatter already rising about song choices.
Wilson and Azrael turned down a quieter side street, the neon glow softening as they approached a cozy coffee shop tucked between taller buildings. Warm light spilled from the windows, the scent of fresh espresso drifting out.
Wilson held the door open. "After you, Master."
Azrael stepped in without comment, choosing a corner table away from the few late-night patrons.
They ordered simply — black coffee for Azrael, a latte for Wilson — and sat in comfortable silence until the cups arrived.
Wilson stirred his drink slowly. "It's good to see them like this. Laughing. Relaxed."
Azrael gazed out the window at the passing lights. "They have earned it."
Wilson smiled. "Rein especially. After last night… he needed this."
Azrael's fingers tightened slightly around his cup. "The boy carries more than his years should allow. But tonight… let him be young."
Wilson nodded. "You did well telling him the truth. Hard as it was."
Azrael's gray eyes softened, just a fraction. "Some truths cannot stay buried forever. He deserved to know his father fought for him."
They sipped in silence for a moment, the hum of the city filtering through the glass.
Wilson chuckled. "Hard to believe we're sitting in a coffee shop while they sing their hearts out."
Azrael allowed the smallest curve to his lips. "Even I need a break from the waterfall sometimes."
Outside, Neonhara pulsed with life.
Inside the shop, two old guardians watched over their charges from afar — content, for once, to simply let the night unfold.
And for a few hours, the world could wait.
The top-floor private room in Neonhara's tallest karaoke tower felt like their own little world. Neon lights pulsed softly through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city sprawling below like a glittering sea. Inside, the air was warm with laughter, the faint scent of melon soda, and the lingering echo of Zen's final, gloriously off-key note.
Zen stood center stage, microphone still clutched in his hand, chest heaving. His yellow-black jacket hung open, hair wild from dramatic headbanging. The screen flashed his score in bright pink letters.
[84/100 Nice rock]
He stared at it for a second, then threw both arms up. "YESSS! Beat that, suckers!"
Esil clapped sarcastically from the couch. "Truly the voice of an angel."
Kaiser chuckled. "An angel who swallowed gravel."
Zen spun toward Rein, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Rein, your turn."
Rein, slouched comfortably beside Stella, froze. "W-what? N-no."
"Come on, Rein," Kaiser said, leaning forward with a rare grin. "We've all suffered. Fair's fair."
"SEE? EVEN KAISER WANTS TO HEAR YOU SING!" Zen crowed, pointing dramatically.
Esil raised her hand high, purple hair bouncing. "Make that unanimous."
Rein's cheeks warmed. He glanced at the girls' side of the room, Valkyrie watching with quiet curiosity, Maki's arms crossed but lips twitching, Esil grinning like a cat.
Then he looked at Stella, sitting directly across from him. She met his eyes and gave him the softest, sweetest smile, the kind that made the noisy room fade away.
"Come on," she said gently. "You can do it."
Rein exhaled, nerves fluttering in his stomach. "Uh… okay."
Zen whooped and flopped onto the couch beside Kaiser, triumphant.
Rein stood slowly, walking past them to the center. The tablet with the song catalog was slid across the table toward him.
He scrolled for a moment, heart pounding louder than the background music.
Then he found it.
"Those Eyes" by New West.
He selected it, voice barely above a whisper. "Got it…"
The opening guitar chords started, soft and acoustic, filling the room with gentle warmth.
Rein gripped the mic, eyes finding Stella immediately. He didn't look away once.
His voice came out quiet at first, a little shaky, but full of everything he felt.
"When we're out in a crowd laughing loud, And nobody knows why, When we're lost at a club getting drunk, And you give me that smile Going home in the back of a car, And your hand touches mine, When we're done making love, And you look up and give me those eyes."
The room went still. Even Zen stopped joking.
Rein's voice grew steadier, warmer, every word meant only for her.
"'Cause all of the small things that you do Are what remind me why I fell for you And when we're apart and I'm missing you I close my eyes, and all I see is you And the small things you do."
Stella's eyes shone, her hand pressed lightly to her chest.
"When you call me at night while you're out Getting high with your friends Every 'hi,' every 'bye,' every 'I love you' you've ever said."
Esil leaned forward, smile softening. Maki's arms uncrossed. Valkyrie's expression gentled.
Rein poured everything into it — the fear, the gratitude, the love he hadn't fully said yet.
"'Cause all of the small things that you do Are what remind me why I fell for you And when we're apart and I'm missing you I close my eyes, and all I see is you And the small things you do."
His voice cracked just slightly on the bridge, but he pushed through, eyes locked on Stella.
"When we're done making love, and you look up and give me those eyes."
"'Cause all of the small things that you do Are what remind me why I fell for you And when we're apart and I'm missing you I close my eyes, and all I see is you And the small things you do All the small things you do."
When the final note faded, the room was silent for a heartbeat.
Then Zen let out a low whistle. "Holy… damn, Rein. That was straight from the soul."
Esil wiped her eyes, voice soft. "Okay. That was haunting. Beautiful."
Kaiser nodded slowly. "Real."
Maki gave a small, approving smile. "You meant every word."
Valkyrie simply said, "Perfect."
Stella stood without a word, walked straight to him, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Rein dropped the mic gently onto the table and hugged her back, burying his face in her hair.
The score flashed on screen.
[98/100 Emotional masterpiece]
But no one cared about the number.
In that moment, under Neonhara's glowing lights, Rein wasn't the boy carrying darkness.
He was just a boy telling the girl who saw him that she was his solace in the night.
And everyone in the room felt it.
After the hug, Stella pulled back slightly, eyes sparkling with tears and determination.
"My turn," she whispered. "With you."
Rein blinked, surprised.
She grabbed the second mic, scrolled quickly, and selected "3:15 (Breathe)" by Russ.
The group erupted in cheers again.
They stood close, sharing the center.
Rein started, voice still raw from the last song.
"No
Yeah-yeah
Yeah-yeah
All I ever tried to do was help you understand and grow
Light the way for truths that, if not for me, simply wouldn't show
'Less you get somebody else who's on my level, but you know
That there's no one on my level, you gon' realize if you don't
I wish you would own up to your flaws
And just say that you're wrong when you're wrong
Instead of actin' like you're right, then it turns into a fight
Now you're stormin' out my house in the middle of the night
I'm tryna."
Chorus together, voices blending.
"Breathe
I'm not in love; it's just a game we do
I tell myself I'm not that into you
But I don't wanna sleep, it's quarter after three
You're in my head like, breathe
I'm not in love; it's just a game we do
I tell myself I'm not that into you
But I don't wanna sleep, it's quarter after three
You're in my head like
Dum-dum-da-da-da-da, dum-dum-da-da-da
Dum-dum-da-da-da-da, dum-dum-da-da-da
Dum-dum-da-da-da-da, dum-dum-da-da-da
Dum-dum-da-da-da-da, dum-dum-da-da-da"
Stella took the next verse, voice clear and vulnerable.
"How come when I love somebody, part of me don't wanna stay?
Every time I get too close, I just start pushing them away
I know, I know
Maybe I just wanna leave before they try to leave me first
Maybe I don't wanna need 'em 'til they say they need me first
I know, I know
Damned if I do, damned if I don't
Drank Tequila, I can't drive home
Hard to play cool, heart belongs to you
I know that if I show that
I keep my walls up. If you want me, then you better start to climb
Women who love me aren't rare
Women who mean it hard to find
Somethin' tells me that I'm right about you
Please, don't prove me wrong
They say love's a song for fools
We're wise enough to sing along."
Together again, voices rising.
"But now it's hard to breathe
I'm not in love; it's just a game we do
I tell myself I'm not that into you
But I don't wanna sleep, it's quarter after three
And now it's hard to breathe
I'm not in love; it's just a thing we make
We're skin on skin, I need this spell to break, oh
But I don't wanna go, and I know that you know
You're in my head like
Dum-dum-da-da-da-da, dum-dum-da-da-da
Dum-dum-da-da-da-da, dum-dum-da-da-da
Dum-dum-da-da-da-da, dum-dum-da-da-da
Da-da-da"
"Are you gon' use me?
Against myself and twist my head, and now she use
(And now it's hard to breathe, you're into me, I'm into you)
I keep my walls up, baby, want me? Then you better start to climb
Women who love me aren't rare
Women who mean it hard to find
(And now it's hard to breathe)."
When the final note faded, the room was silent for a heartbeat.
Then Zen let out a low whistle. "Holy… you two just confessed everything without saying it directly."
Esil wiped her eyes. "That was… raw."
Kaiser nodded. "Real."
Maki smiled softly. "Honest."
Valkyrie said, "You two are something else."
Stella set her mic down and wrapped her arms around Rein's neck. He hugged her back tightly, burying his face in her hair.
The score flashed.
[100/100 Perfect harmony]
But no one cared about the number.
In that moment, under Neonhara's glowing lights, Rein and Stella weren't hiding anymore.
They were breathing together.
And everyone in the room felt the truth in every word.
Zen jumped up, grabbing Kaiser by the arm. "Come on, big guy! Our turn!"
Kaiser blinked. "What?"
Zen shoved a mic into his hand. "Duet time! 'I Was Made for Lovin' You' by KISS. You're doing the deep parts."
Kaiser opened his mouth to protest, but Esil was already cheering, and Maki looked amused.
The classic rock intro blasted — heavy guitars, pounding drums.
Zen started with full rockstar energy.
"Mmm, yeah
Ha"
Refrain together, Zen leading, Kaiser joining with surprising depth.
"Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do."
Zen belted the first verse, strutting like he owned the stage.
"Tonight
I wanna give it all to you
In the darkness
There's so much I wanna do
And tonight
I wanna lay it at your feet
'Cause, girl, I was made for you
And, girl, you were made for me."
Chorus — both mics up, voices blending in chaotic harmony.
"I was made for lovin' you, baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough of you, baby
Can you get enough of me?"
Kaiser took the second verse, voice low and gravelly, surprising everyone with how well it fit.
"Tonight
I wanna see it in your eyes
Feel the magic
There's something that drives me wild
And tonight
We're gonna make it all come true
'Cause, girl, you were made for me
And, girl, I was made for you."
Chorus again, louder, Zen jumping, Kaiser finally loosening up.
"I was made for lovin' you, baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough of you, baby
Can you get enough of me?
I was made for lovin' you, baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can give it all to you, baby
Can you give it all to me?"
Bridge — Zen screaming the "oh woah" parts, Kaiser backing him.
"Oh, whoa, can't get enough
Oh, whoa, I can't get enough
Oh, whoa, I can't get enough."
Guitar solo — Zen air-guitaring wildly, Kaiser headbanging just a little.
Refrain again, full energy.
"Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do."
Final chorus — both giving it everything.
"I was made for lovin' you, baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough of you, baby
Can you get enough of me?"
Post-chorus — Zen screaming, Kaiser grinning.
"Oh, I was made
You were made
I can't get enough
No, I can't get enough."
"I was made for lovin' you, baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough of you, baby
Can you get enough of me?
I was made for lovin' you, baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough."
When the last note hit, the room exploded — cheers, whistles, Esil standing on the couch, clapping.
The score flashed.
[92/100 Rock legends]
Zen and Kaiser high-fived, both breathing heavy, laughing.
Then the laughter died.
Silence fell like a curtain.
Zen turned, still grinning, expecting more cheers. Instead, every face stared at them in open-mouthed shock.
Esil's hands froze mid-clap.
Stella's eyes were wide, her mouth slightly open.
Valkyrie's usually composed expression had cracked — one eyebrow raised high, lips parted.
Maki's arms dropped from their crossed position, blue eyes unblinking.
Even Rein, still recovering from his own emotional song, sat forward, violet eyes round with disbelief.
Kaiser noticed first. He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly self-conscious. "What? Was it that bad?"
Zen looked around, grin faltering. "Guys? Hello? Earth to karaoke squad?"
Esil finally spoke, voice high with shock. "You… Kaiser… you can sing like that?"
Kaiser blinked. "I mean… yeah? It's just a song."
Maki recovered enough to speak, deadpan but with clear surprise. "You have a voice. A good one."
Valkyrie nodded slowly. "Deep. Controlled. You carried the low parts perfectly."
Stella laughed, a little breathless. "I think we're all just… processing."
Rein managed a grin. "Didn't know you had that in you, big guy."
Zen threw an arm around Kaiser's shoulders, dramatic as ever. "See? I told you! We're legends!"
But even Zen's voice wavered slightly — he was shocked too, though he'd never admit it.
Kaiser looked down, a rare flush on his cheeks. "It's just… something I did with my family sometimes. Old rock songs."
Esil flopped back onto the couch, fanning herself. "Well, consider me converted. Kaiser fan club, membership one."
The shock slowly melted into laughter again, but softer this time — appreciative, warm.
The night was young.
And Neonhara's lights shone brighter than ever.
Because sometimes, the quiet ones surprise you the most.
The karaoke tower's elevator dinged, and the group spilled out into Neonhara's bustling streets. The night air was cool and alive with the sizzle of street food stalls, the chatter of late-night crowds, and the endless glow of neon signs. Their stomachs growled in unison — karaoke had burned energy they didn't know they had.
Zen led the way like a bloodhound. "Food. Now. I smell ramen."
Esil sniffed dramatically. "And takoyaki. And yakitori. Basically everything."
They wandered a few blocks, drawn by the brightest cluster of stalls under strings of warm lanterns. A small open-air food court appeared — rows of vendors, plastic stools, steam rising into the night sky.
Wilson smiled. "Perfect. Pick whatever you want. My treat tonight."
Zen's eyes lit up. "Rich man perks strike again!"
They scattered like kids in a candy store.
Zen and Esil attacked a takoyaki stand, daring each other to eat the hottest ones. Zen bit into one too fast, eyes watering instantly. "SPICY! WATER!"
Esil laughed, fanning her mouth. "Weak!"
Kaiser and Maki claimed a yakitori grill, ordering skewers of chicken, beef, and vegetables. Kaiser ate methodically, Maki with precise bites — but she slid an extra skewer onto his plate when he wasn't looking.
Valkyrie found a quiet ramen stall, ordering a rich tonkotsu bowl. She ate slowly, savoring the broth, occasionally glancing at the group with a small, content smile.
Rein and Stella ended up at a shared table in the center, bowls of miso ramen steaming between them. Stella added extra chili oil to hers; Rein stuck to plain, but she stole bites from his anyway.
"You sure you're okay?" she asked softly, bumping his shoulder.
He nodded, gloves still on but fingers laced with hers under the table. "Yeah. Better than okay."
She smiled, leaning her head against his arm for a moment.
Wilson and Azrael sat a little apart at a nearby bench, sipping canned coffee and watching the chaos unfold. Azrael's expression was unreadable, but the corner of his mouth twitched when Zen dramatically fanned his tongue after another spicy takoyaki.
The group slowly converged at a cluster of tables — bowls, skewers, sodas, and laughter everywhere.
Zen, mouth finally cooled, raised his melon soda. "To the best night ever!"
Glasses and cans clinked.
Esil grinned. "To not training tomorrow!"
More clinks.
Kaiser added quietly, "To family."
Everyone went still for a second.
Then Rein lifted his soda, voice soft but clear. "To family."
The clink was louder this time.
Under Neonhara's endless lights, with full bellies and fuller hearts, they ate, talked, and laughed until the stalls started closing.
The night air carried their voices home.
And for once, no one was in a rush to leave.
"Any plans to head back to the estate?" Principal Wilson asked, glancing at his watch with a knowing smile.
"No," the group chorused, almost in perfect unison.
Azrael's eyebrow arched sharply. "Excuse me?"
"NOTHING!" they all blurted, voices overlapping in a rush.
Wilson chuckled, the sound warm and fond. "Alright, alright. Let's make our way back."
Esil pouted dramatically, purple hair swaying as she dragged her feet. "Aww, come on… we just got started >.<"
Azrael fixed her with a steady gaze. "You have tomorrow off, too. Don't tempt me to change that into a training day."
"Yes, Master," Esil replied quickly, straightening up with an exaggerated salute.
The group laughed softly, the night's energy still buzzing as they left the glowing streets of Neonhara behind. They walked together toward the station, footsteps light on the pavement, neon reflections dancing in puddles from an earlier rain.
The train station was quieter now, late-night travelers sparse. They arrived just as the platform lights flickered on for the incoming train.
A few minutes later, the doors slid open with a soft chime. Everyone boarded, finding seats in the same private cart from earlier.
Kaiser claimed a window seat, leaning his head against the glass to admire the night view — Neonhara's lights shrinking into a sparkling blanket below as the train climbed back up the mountain.
Maki, Esil, and Valkyrie gathered around a small table, sharing the last of their snacks and whispering about the night's highlights.
Zen dropped into a chair almost immediately, head lolling back. Within seconds, he was out cold, soft snores filling the cart.
Rein took the opposite window seat, the city lights reflecting in his violet eyes. Stella settled beside him, her head slowly drifting to rest on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her gently, carefully, pulling her closer.
She sighed contentedly, eyes fluttering shut.
Rein closed his own eyes, a small, peaceful smile on his lips as he held her.
Across the cart, Azrael and Wilson sat in companionable silence.
Wilson glanced at the sleeping group — Zen snoring, the girls giggling quietly, Rein and Stella wrapped in each other — and smiled softly.
Azrael followed his gaze, gray eyes softening in a way few ever saw.
"They're happy," Wilson murmured.
Azrael nodded once. "For tonight… yes."
The train hummed steadily upward, carrying them back to the quiet mountains.
Neonhara's lights faded behind them.
But the warmth they'd found lingered — bright as any neon sign.
The train pulled into the quiet mountain station long after midnight. The group stepped off in a sleepy haze, Neonhara's bright lights now a distant memory. The walk back to the estate was silent but comfortable — tired smiles, occasional yawns, the crunch of gravel underfoot.
One by one, they changed into sleepwear and drifted to their rooms. The estate settled into stillness, the waterfall's roar a familiar lullaby.
Stella lingered in the hallway, catching Principal Wilson and Azrael as they passed.
"Um… is there a roof we can access?" she asked softly. "Like, a flat one?"
Wilson smiled warmly. "Yes, the main building has a rooftop deck. It's safe, open to the sky."
Azrael regarded her for a moment, gray eyes thoughtful. "You wish to sleep there?"
Stella nodded, cheeks pink. "Me and Rein. Under the stars. Just tonight."
Wilson glanced at Azrael, who gave a single, approving nod.
"Very well," Azrael said. "Take blankets. The air is cool."
Stella's face lit up. "Thank you."
Hours later, when the estate was deep in sleep, Stella slipped quietly into Rein's room. Moonlight filtered through the shoji, casting soft shadows on his face. He lay on his side, breathing steadily, scars hidden beneath loose sleeves.
She knelt beside him, brushing white hair from his forehead.
"Rein," she whispered. "Wake up."
He stirred, violet eyes blinking open groggily. "Stella…?"
"Come with me," she said, smiling. "I have a surprise."
He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. She helped him gather his futon and blanket, then led him through the silent halls and up a narrow staircase to the rooftop door.
The night sky opened above them — endless, brilliant stars scattered like diamonds across black velvet. The waterfall's mist drifted faintly in the breeze, and the air smelled clean and crisp.
Rein stepped out, awe in his eyes. "It's… incredible."
Stella spread their futons side by side on the flat deck, close enough that their blankets overlapped. They settled in, heads on pillows, staring up at the stars.
"Guardians," Rein murmured, voice soft with memory.
Stella turned to him, silver hair glowing in the moonlight. "Then tonight, they're watching over us."
He looked at her, the weight of the day — the truth, the pain, the healing — still there, but lighter now.
She leaned in slowly, brushing her lips against his — soft, lingering, full of quiet promise.
When they pulled apart, foreheads resting together, Rein smiled — small, real, peaceful.
"Goodnight, Rein."
"Goodnight, Stella."
They fell asleep hand in hand, under the same stars that had watched over lost fathers and broken boys.
Tonight, they watched over something new.
Something whole.