Just as Rinko and Jiro's relationship reached its high point, it all crumbled down due to an individual's certain actions and Jiro's own hubris.

Hanasakigawa Academy
Student Council Room - 4:00pm
Rinko POV

It was a vibrate autumn evening as the sun painted the sky in a bright orange hue. There, I was working away at my many duties as Student Council President. While signing some papers for club submissions, a strong gust of wind blew into the room, causing some papers to swept away. Just as they landed on the other end of the table, the door opened, revealing Jiro... my beloved boyfriend.

Jiro: Whoa, papers flying everywhere!

Rinko: Could you pass me the ones on the ground.

Jiro: Sure thing.

After picking up the loose sheets of paper, Jiro handed them to me while also kissing my forehead. He offered to help me finish the remaining paperwork, to which I gladly accepted his kind act. Ten forms later, we finished our work and submitted them to the facility room. While Jiro was walking me home, we planned to go to Ikebukuro tomorrow and visit an old library selling antique books. Arriving at my house, I turned around saying my farewells while giving Jiro a quick peck in the lips, in turn planting a red blush in his face... how precious.

A few minutes later...
Shopping Street
Jiro POV

I decided to take a detour through the iconic Bandrimu Shopping Street, home to Yamabuki Bakery, Hazawa Coffee, and Kitagawa Meats. As I was debating where to go first, I felt a poke on side, surprisingly me. After regaining my composure, the person in question turned out to me Umiri.

Umiri: Gotcha!

Jiro: If isn't the mystery bassist Timoris.

Umiri: Hey, when the mask is off, the name is Umiri, dude.

Jiro: Your last name is dude now?

Umiri: Very funny. Anyway, how's it going?

Jiro: Oh, it's going, and yourself?

Umiri: Band practice.

Jiro: I'm guessing not with Ave Mujica since you're in casual clothes.

Umiri: You'd be right. It's with a band called Disruption.

Jiro: Never heard of them.

Umiri: I don't blame you, not a lot of people do.

Jiro: In any case, care to join me? I was planning to get a coffee, and then buy bread and some other things.

Umiri: Why not, I'd love to spend time with my Senpai. *grabs my arm*

Jiro: Uh, what's this?

Umiri: What's wrong? Embarrassed, your elbow is touching my chest?

Jiro: T-thats, not exactly it...

Umiri: Too bad my chest isn't as big as Taki-chan's...

Jiro: No comment...

Umiri: Hehe, this sorta feels like a date. Lucky me!

Jiro: Yes, you're such a fortunate girl...

*sound of a photo snap*

Jiro: Huh?

Umiri: What is it?

Jiro: It's... uh, nothing.

I felt as though recently that I'm being followed, I'm sure you could probably chalk it up to me being self-conscious, but this is different, not like Chisato, who I can probably zero out. I guess I'm overthinking it. While at Hazawa Coffee, we were seated by Tsugumi's mother. As we browsed through the menus, I decided to create small talk with Umiri.

Jiro: Dear Umiri... what compelled thou to pursue a career in music?

Umiri: A fine question, my good Jiro, I never thought about it. Do you have an interest in music?

Jiro: In what way?

Umiri: You know, do you play or sing? I mean, you do work at a live house.

Jiro: Uhh, a little of both, actually.

Umiri: What instrument do you play?

Jiro: Rhythm Guitar, also I'm good at karaoke.

Umiri: Then you should go with Ave Mujica sometime.

Jiro: And get overshadowed by Uika, I'll think about it.

Tsukushi: Are you ready to order?

Jiro: Tsu-chan? I didn't know you worked here.

Tuskushi: I started last week. Who's this with you?

Jiro: She's my kouhai from school.

Umiri: Very nice to meet you. My name is Umiri Yahata.

Tsukushi: Likewise! Speaking of which senpai, you should spend time with Morfonica more often.

Jiro: Is that coming from you or Touko?

Tuskushi: Her mostly, but I inclined to agree. You can visit our school.

Jiro: I'm not high born enough to walk in there.

Tuskushi: I thought your family was well off?

Jiro: My parents are loaded. I live like any other normal dude.

Tuskushi: Just think about it, okay?

Jiro: Sure thing.

Tuskushi: Right! My job, can I take your order?

Jiro: Right, I'll take the pistachio cake and an ice coffee.

Umiri: I'll have a carrot cake and an ice coffee as well.

Tsukushi: I'll get those in for you!

Umiri: She seemed nice.

Jiro: Yeah, she thinks so...

Umiri: I guess I've got to keep up.

Jiro: What do you mean by that?

Umiri: Oh, it's nothing...

Jiro: Whatever you say...

Umiri: Anyway, back to the questionnaire!

Jiro: I feel like I'm speed dating.

Umiri: Who knows? I might get lucky.

*I'm gonna ignore that remark*

Jiro: What's my next question?

Umiri: You've got a favorite song?

Jiro: Easily: My Dearest by supercell

Umiri: That's a good one. What about you readers?

Jiro: Who are you taking too?

Umiri: No one, my dear senpai.

When our order arrived, we savored the taste of sweet cakes, along with the slight bitter flavor of the iced coffee. After we finished our little snack, I paid our bill as any gentleman should and made our way to Yamabuki Bakery to pick up bread. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the store as I picked out a baguette and some dinner roles, along with a Choco Cornet, I highly recommend Umiri to try. As Saya's mother filled my bag, I asked her to say to Saya for me, to which she happily carried on my message. At the entrance of the shopping street, I decided to go my separate way from Umiri.

Umiri: Thanks for today, Senpai. I had a lot of fun.

Jiro: You sure? I mean, I basically dragged you on an errand run.

Umiri: Don't say it like that, I treasure moments like this.

Jiro: Yeah, you're right... times like these, we look back and smile.

Umiri: Exactly. Well, anyway, I'm going to take off, see you at school, Senpai!

Jiro: You too. Be careful on your way home.

As Umiri began to walk the other direction, she quickly turned around and planted a gentle kiss on my lips. "Let me have this one," she said while winking. Again, while she held her kiss, I could hear another camera click. When Umiri left for real, I took a look at my reflection on a store window... I started to wonder...

Jiro: What is even the appeal about me? I'm just another regular person... also, why didn't I tell her that I was already seeing someone... I just let things like that happen...

*In the distance, two individuals see Jiro's action unfold.*

Taki: What that hell?! Is Umiri and Jiro dating?!

Yukina: What's wrong with him? First Takamatsu, and now with her... enough is enough!

Timeskip...
The following day
Ikebukuro Station

While waiting for Rinko in front of one Tokyo's busiest stations, my mind drifts back to Umiri... I mean, that's not right what I did... I'm with Rinko... what if someone I know saw me in that moment... As my mind began to drift, my trance was broken when Rinko called my name.

Rinko: Jiro-kun, are you alright?

Jiro: Sorry, my mind was somewhere else...

Rinko: Did something happen?

Jiro: Nothing to be concerned about. So, shall we?

Rinko: Lead the way.

Making our way to the particular street that was about a six minutes walk from the station, Rinko and I saw many interesting shops lining the bustling streets, many of which were anime related as Ikebukuro was considered the "Second Akihabara". During our walk, we came across Live-house RiNG, which were posters of Ave Mujica were displayed on the windows and front entrance.

Rinko: They seem like serious band. I wonder who they are?

Jiro: One of life's mysteries...

*I know every single of them...*

Rinko: They must be very popular if they have all this promotion.

Jiro: Not to brag, but all this promotion was all my doing.

Rinko: Really? You met them?

Jiro: Yup, they're about what you'd expect polit but secretive.

* My eyes immediately drifted to Umiri on the poster and remember her kiss she gave me yesterday.*

Rinko: How did you promote them?

Jiro: Huh? Yeah, I used my connections with some of my aunt's advertisement agencies.

Rinko: Your aunt owns things other than a school?

Jiro: I'm told she has quite the investment portfolio.

Rinko: Wait, weren't they on NHK the other day? I'm guessing that was you, too?

Jiro: I believe they can be one of Japan's best new musicians... at least that's what I told the NHK...

Rinko: No love for Roselia?

Jiro: You know me and Yukina don't really see eye to eye anymore.

Rinko: Try to fix it, please... for me.

Jiro: I'll try... for you.

Arriving at the bookstore, the doors revealed a large looking library where many vintage reads were on sale. As dust was highlighted by the rays of the sun, Rinko found the section where the book she was looking for was placed. Grabbing the novel from the shelf, she showed me the title.

Jiro: Journey to the West? Can't you find this at any other bookstore?

Rinko: Not this one. This is an original print in Chinese.

Jiro: Since when do you know Chinese?

Rinko: After you recommended me to read The Art of War.

Jiro: I was joking...

Rinko: Oh really? That's a relief. I could not understand the verses in the book.

Jiro: Not many could. Most things fly over my head.

Rinko: Let's go pay for this and have lunch.

Jiro: Give it to me, I'll pay.

Rinko: No, I can't let you do that.

Jiro: Rinko, it's fine... I insist.

Rinko: Alright... thank you.

Bringing the books to the counter, the nice old lady gave me a discount on the purchase, with the total being ¥4,000. After handing over the money, she commented how gentlemanly I was offering to pay for my girlfriend's books. Rinko and I left the bookstore to find somewhere to have lunch. Since we were in Ikebukuro, we went to a shop that specialized in gyoza. After our delicious lunch, Rinko wanted to go to an arcade to play some games, so we embarked on finding a club arcade. We eventually found a large one near the station, entering we were met with the sounds of token machines and retro game soundtracks. We spent the next three hours engrossed in the thrill of fighting games and rigged claw machines. Not all claw attempts were in vain. However, I managed to pull a cute brown owl pushie, which I gave to Rinko to keep.

Rinko: Are you sure? You're the one who won it.

Jiro: You keep it, I think it'll lood good in your room more than mine.

Rinko: Thank you, Jiro-kun... I'll treasure this forever.

Jiro: So cute...

Looking at the time, my watch read 5:00pm. I decided to take Rinko back to the station. Upon reaching the busy train station, the sight of the growing number of people commenting home filled the pedestrian area.

Rinko: I can take it from here, Jiro-kun.

Jiro: You sure you don't need me to walk you home?

Rinko: I'll be fine. You already showed enough kindness today.

Jiro: Okay, just be safe on your way back.

Rinko: I will... Jiro-kun?

Jiro: Yes, Rinko?

Rinko: I wanted to tell you... that you are one of the best things that ever happened to me. You love me... despite how flawed I am... Thank you, Jiro.

Jiro: Geez, Rinko... you've stolen my heart, what else will you take from me?

Rinko: In the future... your last name.

Jiro: W-what?

Rinko: I'll see you at school, my darling. *gives a very loving kiss*

As Rinko went into the station, I stood there with a smile that slowly faded. When you think about how you have a girl who is willing to give her heart to you, however, you're allowing incidents like yesterday to happen. Rinko claims how wonderful and loyal I am... but once I take a look at myself, in the mirror... you'll say to yourself...

Jiro: You're so full of shit...

Suddenly, I received a text message from Sakiko asking me to meet her at a cafe in Roppongi tomorrow. This must be about Ave Mujica, so I'm inclined to do my job and hear her out.

Meanwhile...
Rinko's House

After Rinko changed into her pajamas, she began to put away the books Jiro brought for her. Upon placing the last book on the shelf, she noticed the Owl pushie in her bag, as she picked up it and brought it to her bed to sleep with. Hugging the Owl tightly in her embrace, she starts to daydream about her and Jiro in a certain situation with one of her hands creeping towards her lower body... just she realized what she was doing, her phone rung, revealing a couple of texts from Yukina... along with a collection of photos. Seeing all the pictures, Rinko's heart sank, and her eyes dulled....

The following day...
Roppongi Mori Tower

Sakiko mentioned she would be waiting at a fancy cafe near the Mori Tower. The glamorous wealthy district was lined with high-end shops and cafes that charged ¥700 for a coffee. Arriving at the place where Sakiko was, my attention was immediately caught by a large crow flying past me. As it landed on a hanging sign. It started at me for a good while, and the screeching before it flew away. Apparently, seeing one crow is considered bad luck... I hope this isn't a foreboding warning.

Sakiko: Ah, there you are, Jiro-senpai.

Jiro: Good morning, Sakiko. Is this business or pleasure?

Sakiko: A little bit of both, I've ordered you a caramel latte along with the sweets on this tower.

Jiro: I'm not really used to this kind of environment...

Sakiko: I thought the Chisaka family was rich?

Jiro: We are, since we're in a specific industry.

Sakiko: Right. Your grandfather was once the CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. He was the one who got Japan to build their own fighter jet. What was it called?

Jiro: The F-2 Viper Zero...

Sakiko: That's the one. Your parents are successful musicians and producers, right?

Jiro: What's your point?

Sakiko: I've noticed you upheld your side of the deal, Ave Mujica is being covered by the NHK! That's great news!

Jiro: So, that's what this about.

Sakiko: Yeah, I wanted to treat you for all the work you put in for us.

Jiro: You didn't have to...

Sakiko: I'm doing this because I really want to. Besides, didn't you get a reward from Umiri the other day?

Jiro: I wouldn't go that far.

Sakiko: She claimed you are a good kisser. Anyway, to your health, Spei.

Jiro: Cheers. May I ask a question?

Sakiko: You may.

Jiro: We're you part the band CRYCHIC?

Suddenly, Sakiko's mood slowly changed into a very serious and cold demeanor.

Sakiko: Where do you hear that?

Jiro: Hit the nail on the head. Tomori asked if I knew.

Sakiko: So... what did she tell you?

Jiro: Nothing. I insisted she didn't have to talk about it if she didn't want to. However, I can probably guess someone left suddenly leaving others distraught.

Sakiko: It was a different time. No one was having fun playing in the band.

Jiro: I can tell Tomori took it the hardest. She probably blames herself for its failure.

Sakiko: You really care about her.

Jiro: Of course, not having any friends... I know what that's like.

Sakiko: I didn't know you were also...

Jiro: Hey, cheer up. We're here to celebrate, right?

Sakiko: Yeah, you're right. Let's leave these feelings for another time.

Jiro: What will be Ave Mujica's next goal.

Sakiko: Heh, dethrone Roselia and Raise a Suilen...

Jiro: Oh, well, that's quite the undertaking...

Sakiko: I know it's a perfect goal.

As Sakiko began to explain her plan on beating two of the most popular bands in Japan, I sat there listening while eating some pastries from the desserts tower. After parting ways from the cafe, I received a text from Rinko to meet her at Circle. Making my way to Harajuku, I feel as though something bad might happen... I hope not. Arriving at Circle, I went down towards the studio rooms where I found Rinko sitting on one of the stools looking at her phone. Upon entering and calling her name, she looked up with swollen eyes.

Jiro: Rinko? What happened? Is everything okay?

Rinko: No... it isn't!

On Rinko's phone, she showed me various pictures of me with Tomori and a photo of Umiri kissing me.

Jiro: Rinko, it's not what it looks like.

Rinko: What does it look like? You were seen with two other girls!

Jiro: There's nothing going on with either of them.

Rinko: I don't want it to hear you womanizing scumbag!!!

Rinko: You said you cared about me!

Rinko: And you repay me by cheating on me?

Jiro: I don't deserve to be berated by such baseless accusations. All you saw were a bunch of lies!

Rinko: Yukina-san was right about you. you are manipulative!

Jiro: What does she know about me, huh?!

Rinko: Enough that you care about some other girl you just met, more than me!

Jiro: You don't know, you have no idea how Tomori feels. You don't know how hard it is to be her!

Rinko: If you care so much about her, then we're done!

Rinko left the studio with tears flowing down her face. I leaned against a wall, slowing dropping down while tears fell on my hand. I should have listened to her, instead of yelling and calling her a liar, for what? I'm trying to save my pride or something? All I know is that this will soon reach the others...

Later that night...
Near Haneoka Academy
Yukina POV

I was standing on a bridge near my school as I stared at my messages with Rinko. For some reason, doubt started to fill my mind, I ruined Rinko's relationship and possibly damaged Jiro's reputation... all to settle a petty score with him... Suddenly, Lisa found me and started to ask questions.

Lisa: I saw Rinko on her way home crying. Do you have any idea what happened, Yukina?

Yukina: I...well...

Lisa: What happened, Yukina?

Yukina: I showed Rinko these photos...

As Lisa looked at the photos of Jiro, she realized what her long-time friend did. Lisa foresaw the consequences of Yukina actions...

Lisa: Yukina... how could you...

To be continued...

Author's notes:

Whew, this one was a long one. I wanted this chapter to be one of the more important parts of the story. I hope you're enjoying it!

I realized some characters haven't made an appearance in a while, so that's what the next chapter will be for. It's not easy having a 45-character cast.

Please leave your comments and thoughts. I highly appreciate them, and they mean the world to me!

Also, #3 on the Bang Dream tab, let's go!

As always, thank you for reading!