Jiro, against his better judgment, joins Ave Mujica as an actor and manager, leaving him in bind as he tries to hide his new identity from the other girls. Taki and Anon try to convince Jiro to step in and help bring MyGO back together.

Live House Nebula
Ave Mujica 3rd Live
Jiro POV

I fell asleep after my role in Ave Mujica's pre live show play. The atmosphere, throughout the entire act, was ominous and dare, I say, a little overly dramatic. I suppose I'm starting to understand the meaning behind why they wear masks. After my quick power nap, I awoke to the sound of Nyamu taking pictures of my sleeping face.

Nyamu: Aww, Jiro-chi looks so cute sleeping.

Sakiko: Leave him alone! Let him rest!

Nyamu: Jiro-chi! Are you awake?!

Jiro: Shut up... the lights are so bright.

Uika: You were out when we got in her.

Umiri: So... You went to sleep with your costume on?

Jiro: It's pretty cozy, actually. I thought it was made of nylon or cheap materials when first looking at it.

Mutsumi: We used high-quality silk along with other breathable and flexible linens.

Sakiko: You are wearing a costume that's worth ¥1,000,000.

Jiro: About $10,000 usd? I gotta take care of it then.

Uika: Senpai?

Jiro: What is it, Uika-chan?

Uika: Did you enjoy tonight?

Jiro: Acting? I mean, yeah, it was entertaining.

Sakiko: So, will you officially join us as our newest member?

Jiro: Define "member"? Cause I'm not interested in playing an instrument.

Sakiko: Nothing like that. You'll do what you did tonight. Act in our plays.

Jiro: Anything other role?

Sakiko: Help me compose music and write out our band's lore. I noticed you had a passion for writing.

Umiri: Just like the author writing out this story.

Jiro: Which story? Who are you talking about?

Umiri: No one...

Sakiko So, what do you say?

Jiro: You girls essentially want a manager.

Uika: Bingo, you already handle our sponsorships. Why not handle us directly?

Jiro Hmm... I don't know.

Sakiko: I know what you are thinking based on the look on your face.

Jiro: Enlighten me then.

Sakiko: You want to help us, but your heart is with MyGO...

Jiro: I don't want a power struggle between you girls...

Sakiko: I have no idea what you see in them. When that girl tore you down, you should have left them.

Jiro: You know I would do no such thing.

Sakiko: I know... so, are you in, or are you out?

Jiro: I'll only do it if we keep this secret from everybody else.

Nyamu: That's cute coming from you...

Uika: You were the one who exposed our identities first.

Jiro: Guilty as charged...

Sakiko: Give him what he wants.

Jiro: Thank you...

Uika: Does that mean you'll join us?

Jiro: I will... but let's keep this on the down low...

Sakiko: We will. Now then, let's change out of these costumes and go back to our normal lives.

Umiri: Happy to have you, Senpai...

Jiro: Mmhmm... hey, may I say something?

Umiri: Sure

Jiro: That costume really shows off your butt.

Umiri: Ohhh... I see *sits on my lap*

Jiro: Whoa!

Umiri: I can show you more of me, Senpai... just say the word... *we share a passionate kiss*

Jiro: Easy there.

Umiri: I missed this taste...

Jiro: You're just as crazy as Chisato...

Umiri: Aww, why don't we keep this as one of our secrets.

Jiro: Seems like all I do is keep secrets.

I went off to change out of costume, and after a few minutes, I changed from Spei back to Jiro.

Uika: Good job today, everyone.

Umiri: When is our next show?

Sakiko: This friday.

Nyamu: Alright! But we should finally celebrate convincing Jiro-chi to side with us.

Jiro: What do you mean by finally?

Mutsumi: After you helped us, we wanted to have you all to ourselves.

Jiro: That's weird...

Sakiko: It's not weird. It's our way of paying you back.

Uika: For now... welcome to Ave Mujica!

Sakiko: Good to have you, Spei.

Jiro: Thank you... oh, this is gonna be a complete disaster...

As the other members of Ave Mujica went their separate ways, Sakiko and I walked towards my house. During our walk, Sakiko suddenly grabbed my arm.

Jiro: Can you let go?

Sakiko: Why? Does it make you uncomfortable?

Jiro: No, but if Tomori sees us, she'll get the wrong idea.

Sakiko: I really don't see the appeal about her.

Jiro: Sakiko, please don't start this.

Sakiko: Fine... *releases my arm*

Arriving back at home, Yomi and Tomori were enjoying tea at the dinner table. When both of them saw us waking in together, they started to ask questions as Sakiko made her way to her room, clearly not wanting to interact with Tomori.

Yomi: Where have you two been?

Sakiko: Senpai here was attending our show...

Yomi: Oh, was it good?

Sakiko: It was fine... have a good night, Yomi and Senpai...

Tomori: Mhmm...

Yomi: Hey, don't look so down.

Jiro: You just gotta be patient with her.

Tomori: You two seem close...

Jiro:Tomo-chan?

Tomori: Senpai, are you not happy with me?

Jiro: What?

Tomori: You walked in together with Saki-chan, and she seems to like you a lot...

Jiro: Of course, I'm happy with you. There's nothing going on between me and her.

Tomori: Okay.

Yomi: Well, we've got work tomorrow, so I'm heading to bed. Have a good night, you two.

After drinking milk and brushing my teeth, I lay down on my bed, checking my phone for any messages. Tomori tucks into her spot beside me.

Jiro: Are you still thinking about earlier?

Tomori: Mmhm, I just got really sad. I thought I lost you... if I did, no one would date a weird girl like me.

Jiro: This guy is happy to date a weird girl like you.

Tomori: Promise.

Jiro: We'll be together for a lifetime, right? *offers a pinkie promise*

Tomori: Together forever. *gently hooks my pinkie with hers*

Tomori moved closer as she snuggled close to my chest. As I wrapped my arms gently around her, I slowly drifted asleep.

Jiro: I wish I didn't have to hide secrets from you.

Meanwhile, in the guest room Sakiko was staying in, thoughts began to fill inside her head.

Sakiko: I got him into Ave Mujica... what else do I have to do to get him away from Tomori...? What does she have that I don't? No, I... I love him too much for anyone else to have him... i'll use his secret with us as my last resort... and when he's in alone after Tomori leaves him... I come in, have him all to myself.

The next day...
Live-House Circle

At a building near Harajuku stands an establishment known to possess the  facilities that various bands use to perfect their craft in order put on the best performance for their fans... I call this place work. Afterglow was currently in, just finishing up practice. A few minutes later, the five childhood friends approach the desk,
giving back the key to the studio they rented.

Ran: Thank you again for letting us use the studio, Jiro.

Jiro: No, thank you for choosing Circle.

Himari: It's our favorite place to practice!

Tomoe: Yup, nice equipment, good food in the cafe, not mention a friend who works here... thay can maybe give us a discount?

Jiro: Just this once. I can knock off a few yen.

Moca: That is why Jiro is the best...

Jiro: Oh, you're too kind. Great, Moca-chan.

Moca: Hehe.

Tsugumi: We would like to schedule another rehearsal later in the week.

Jiro: Sure... you know the drill. Fill it out.

As the girls of Afterglow fill out the form on the tablet, Ran noticed the brand new Ave Mujica posters hung up on the windows... that displayed their new character.

Ran: I see those girls have a new member.

Jiro: Who?

Ran: Ave Mujica.

Jiro: Oh, yeah, I've been to their show and witnessed their little play.

Tomoe: Did you meet them? You are close with those girls.

Jiro: I didn't get an opportunity. I went home immediately since I had work today.

Himari: We should ask Uika-chan who they recruited!

Moca: Hopefully, they also like bread...

Himari: I'm dying to know who it might be.

Ran: Yeah... me too.

Tsugumi: Do those girls still call you, Spei?

Jiro: Yeah, a nickname that sorta stuck.

Himari: What do you think that new person called?

Jiro: I dunno.

Himari: Why do you think they joined?

Jiro: Still don't know.

Himari: Who do you think it is?

Jiro: I don't have any more information than you do...

Ran: You've got defensive all of a sudden.

Jiro: No offense. I just don't like answering, so questions at a time, I'm sorry if I hurt you, Himari.

Himari: It's okay, I didn't mean to overwhelm you.

Jiro: Look, I know the mystery is killing all of you, but I'm pretty sure he wants privacy...

Tomoe: Wait, you said he.

Jiro: Did I? Huh...

I walked away to clean the studio, leaving Afterglow with a healthy amount of suspicion and a gross oversight on my part. Those girls aren't as sharp and Sayo or Rui... but I have to remain calm when faced with those questions. After cleaning the studio, Taki and Anon arrived at Circle seemingly looking for me.

Anon: There you are, Senpai!

Jiro: Can I help you two.

Taki: Can we talk about MyGO?

Jiro: What about it?

Anon: We have to help us, Soyo-san won't come back. She ignores us whenever we try to talk to her.

Jiro: Unfortunately, I can't do anything. This something you girls have to figure out yourselves...

Taki: No, that's not how's this is gonna work! You're already involved.

Jiro: How?

Anon: You're Tomorin's boyfriend. Therefore, you have an obligation to help her bring back her band.

Taki: Not to mention your association with those masked girls.

Jiro: Even if I try talking to Soyo, she is just gonna to use my intervention as another reason to hate me... do you girls at least try to speak to her first?

Anon: I did... but it didn't exactly end too well. She thought I was trying to pick a fight.

Jiro: Oh...

Anon: I proclaimed that if she tried to end MyGO, you or Ricky would stop her.

Taki: Don't call me that!

Jiro: What about you, Taki-chan? Did you speak to Soyo? 

Taki: I did, and well...

Flashback back - yesterday
Live House RiNG

Soyo and some students from Tsukinomori Academy were visiting RiNG to attend a singer who specializes in the edo-japan period of music. After the cultural show, Soyo and her classmates exited the music hall, Taki was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, with the intention of confronting her about MyGO.

Soyo: You went through the trouble of asking your older sister about today...? So, what do you want?

Taki: What are you going to do about the band?

Soyo: Not my problem.

Taki: What?

Soyo: It's got nothing to do with me anymore.

Taki: You told Tomori you would be in the band for life. What happened to that promise?

Soyo: Promise? That was just a lie! That lie was to keep you and Tomori-chan tied to the band.

Taki was in utter shock as Soyo unveiled her true intentions.

Soyo: I'd we stayed on different paths, I thought it would cause problems...

Taki: You're talking about CRYCHIC, aren't you...?

Soyo: I wasn't expecting Anon-san and Raana-san to join...

Taki: You and Anon-san are...

Soyo: She was useful, so I was nice to her... but we don't need either of them in CRYCHIC, do we?

Taki: Are you serious?! You are so desperate to keep the band going. You're telling me that was all a lie?

Taki: Tomori agonized over how to keep the bad going! She suffers so much! You knew that, yet you still betrayed her!

Soyo: That's right...

Taki: You're horrible...

Soyo: So are you, Taki-chan...

Taki: Stop!

Soyo: Tomori-chan shouldn't have suffered too much... since she has you and Jiro-senpai...

Soyo walked off, leaving Taki as a silent fury. She couldn't believe Soyo wouldn't sink as low as betraying the trust of one of her close friends. She needed some help to deal with Soyo.

Present day...

After Taki told Anon and myself about the conversation, she had Soyo yesterday, I can't help but feel enraged about how she treated Tomori. That being said, I'm still firm on my decision to stay of their thing.

Anon: It's like we had the same conversation...

Taki: Someone needs to stop her. Senpai, this is your fight, too.

Jiro: My decision still stands...

Anon: Why? Why won't you help?!

Jiro: Don't you think you'll learn more? If I'm not involved. I mean, if you resolve this, all of you will emerge smarter and stronger.

Taki: You promised me, Senpai! You promised me in Kyoto that you would protect Tomori! Please... I'm begging you... help us.

Anon: Taki-chan...

Taki looked so desperate when she asked for my help. Tears were falling from her eyes the same way it did back in Kyoto. Things can't go on like this... all of them had a promise to be together as a band for a lifetime. I have to help them...

Jiro: Okay... I'll do it... because it's the right thing to do.

Taki: What?

Jiro: I'll help, I'll get MyGO back together.

Anon: Thank you, Senpai!

Jiro: Don't thank me yet... save it for the day you're all reunited.

Anon and Taki looked relieved as they managed to convince me to help them save MyGO. As I was closing up Circle for the day, I received a text from Uika stating there was an Ave Mujica concert later stating: The night begins again.

When I got back home, I dropped off my bag and got a heavier coat for later. As I was leaving, Tomori asked where I was going so late.

Tomori: It's getting really late.

Jiro: I know, I just gotta step out for a while.

Tomori: Oh, I was hoping to watch a movie with you...

Jiro: Tomorrow night, okay? I promise.

Tomori: Okay... by the way, have you seen Saki-chan?

Jiro: I believe she has a show show today.

Tomori: Is that where you're going?

Jiro: No, I'm just going to visit a family friend for a few hours. I'll be back in a bit, I love you.

Tomori: Love you too...

I quickly made my way towards Live-house Nebula, where I went into the dressing and changed into my costume. I walked out and looked myself in the mirror, adjusting my hate to better hide my eyes. Donning the costume and mask... for now, I'm not Jiro Chisaka... but Spei, the Dollmaker. The rest of the girls were all dressed and prepared for our show.

Spei: Are we ready?

Timoris: We are.

Amoris: Are you prepared, Spei?

Doloris: Remember what we are...

Oblivionis: We're all badgers in the same hole.

Mortis: All accomplices in this...

Everyone: Ave Mujica...

The stage turned pitch black with the moon shining down on the lone individual sitting elegantly in his chair slowly rasing his head to face the crowd. To his surprise, Roselia and RAS were in attendance.

Yukina: That must be the new member...

Chu²: Nice outfit...

Ako: Rin-Rin, doesn't that costume make them look like a hunter?!

Rinko: Yes... it sort of does.

Lisa: They way act... It looks familiar.

Sayo: They certainly have a familiar aura...

The girls seem to find it suspicious. However, so long as he follows the script, his identity will remain hidden. As the bells rung in the backround, the Dollmaker looked at the moon and muttered:

Spei: So... the night begins again...

To be continued...

Author Notes:

We are close to resolving the Soyo situation. Soon, the girls of MyGO will start a band that will last a lifetime.

I am currently debating whether I should reboot my D4DJ book. Looking back on how I executed, there were times when I would say:

"That doesn't make any sense" or "Why did I write that?"

Of course, the book would also feature a OC, since from my experience, doing a Y/N insert limits my creativity and leaves the character having an ambiguous decision-making ability. We'll see where it takes us. Cause this book is my favorite work so far.

As always, thank you for reading!