While hosting an orientation for new students, Jiro is informed that a long anticipated concert will be hosted by the last band on his list: Ave Mujica. He will soon meet the mysterious musicians while also carrying suspicious about their true identities.

Hanasakigawa Academy
Student Council Room - 3:00pm
Jiro POV

Sitting in the vice-president seat turned out to be more of a burden than I originally thought. Every day at school, I am approached nearly every day by vatious clubs asking for more funding or them asking why is Sayo investigating them. Can't a guy catch a break? Sitting underneath the tree in the courtyard, Yomi and Arisa found after looking all over the academy.

Arisa: There you are. We've been looking all over for you!

Jiro: Hello my dear sister and Arisa...

Yomi: You're needed in the auditorium, my most honored Onii-chan.

Jiro: Does this have something to do with the new first years?

Arisa: Yeah, so, get off your butt! Rinko is waiting for you!

Jiro: Yes, mom...

Making my way to the auditorium, I saw some new faces in the crowd. When I got in the stage, like on my first day, there was looks of confusion and shock. Giving the speech with me was Rinko and my aunt dressed in a black suit.

Aunt Ryoko: Well, better late than never.

Jiro: But never late is better, by the way that black suit makes you look like Darth Vader.

Aunt Ryoko: That's a good one. Where did you get that?

Rinko: Ahem, welcome all first years to Hanasakigawa Academy! My name is Rinko Shirokane, I am the student council president.

Jiro: My name is Jiro Chisaka, I serve as Shirokane-san's vice president.

Aunt Ryoko: We are delighted that so many of you chose to study at our humble academic establishment. Whether you are here on scholarship or regular attendees, we are all part of the greater community. Please see either Chisaka or Shirokane if you need guidance on school culture. That will all, and once again, we welcome you. *All three of us bowed our heads*

As the first years began to exit the auditorium, Rinko and my aunt walked off to meet some of the students off to the side. I began to put away the speakers when I heard a familiar blunt voice.

Taki: Jiro-senpai?

Jiro: Oh, I didn't know you were amongst the crowd Shiina-san.

Taki: What are you doing here?

Jiro: I go to school here.

Taki: At an all girls school?

Jiro: My aunt is the headmistress.

Taki: I can see the resemblance, I figured she was your mom.

Jiro: Nah, she and my mom were twins, so I can see why you'd think that.

Taki: If you have time, I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine.

Jiro: Sure, give me five minutes to finish up here, and I'll meet you outside. Here, go buy yourself a drink while you wait. *hands over cafeteria pass*

Taki: Thanks, senpai.

Jiro: Don't mention it.

After neatly organizing the speakers inside the AV closet, I followed Taki to homeroom, which was class 1-B. Entering, I was met with many greetings from the other first-years. Taki brought me to her desk, where a girl with a punk rock esthetic was waiting from her.

Taki: Umiri, I've brought him.

Umiri: Huh, you're right, Taki-chan. He is pretty cute.

Taki: H-hey, I told you to keep that secret!

Jiro: It's good to meet you, uh?

Umiri: Ah, hello and good day. My name is Umiri Yahata. It is so good to meet you.

Jiro: Wow, such a polite greeting. So, tell me about yourself.

Umiri: I'm an actual musician.

Jiro: Really? How do you mean?

Umiri: I'm a support player for exactly thirty bands.

Jiro: Well, color me impressed Yahata-san!

Umiri: Please call me Umiri.

Jiro: Okay, then feel free to call me Jiro, I was not big on honorifics anyway.

Taki: Y-you can call me by my first name too!

Umiri: My my, this is a surprise.

Jiro: Uh, sure, why not.

Umiri: So... Jiro. I heard there are activities for the first-years?

Jiro: You'd be correct. I'll be in the cooking class, swing on by... there will be free food, of course.

Umiri: Oh, Taki-chan will go if you're there.

Taki: *growls at Umiri*

Jiro: Anyway, I should assume my battle station. See you two in a bit.

Umiri: Yep, see ya.

Returning to the council room, we all discussed where the freshman will be touring. We planned to have the whole practice building where all the clubs gather reserved. The final plan is as follows.

Jiro Chisaka - Cooking Club

Rinko Shirokane - Video Game Club

Arisa Ichigaya - Gardening Club

Sayo Hikawa - Debate Club

Jiro will give a cooking demonstration on his signature shrimp pasta recipe. Treats and refreshments will be provided as well.

Rinko will give the freshman who are interested in video games a tour of our state of the art gaming facilities.

Arisa will display one of the schools' oldest traditions, flower arrangements, and bonsai arts.

Sayo will host a debate session, where the freshman will pick a topic of their choosing. Sayo, of course, is the perfect person to keep the peace.

The event seems to be hitting off. It turns out a good number of students were interested in pc gaming, the more elegant students took to flower arrangements with grace, and the more expressive students took to the debate podium with stride and argued over the topic of sandwiches or onigiris.

In the meantime, I began my demonstration. the story started by melting some butter in the pot, adding the shrimp when the butter started to sizzle. After the shrimps were cooked through, I finished the sauce by adding pasta water, red pesto, soft french cheese, Cajun seasonings, and finally, heavy cream. As the students lined up, the rest of the cooking club began to distribute the pasta.

Taki: This is good senpai. I didn't know you could cook.

Jiro: It's my hobby, plus I love food.

Umiri: This is probably the best pasta I've had, hands down.

Jiro: Aww, you flatter me.

Umiri: I bet you make a gold house husband. What do you think, Taki-chan?

Taki: Hah? How should I know?!

Club member: Jiro-kun, tell them our cooking club motto.

Jiro: "If you cook some good to eat, you have them lined up down the street!"

While enjoying a bowl of pasta myself, I overhear some girls talking about a concert taking place soon.

Student A: Did you know Ave Mujica will be having a show at Live-house RiNG?

Student B: Really?! We have to get tickets. When is it?

Student A: Five days from today.

As I heard the news, I texted Yomi to secure backstage tickets at RiNG. Marina ought to spot us this one time. Suddenly, I received a text from Rinko stating that I'm needed at the front entrance. When I arrived, I saw familiar faces from both Haneoka and Tsukinomori Academies.

Jiro: Welcome, Hina and Rui.

Hina: Howdy, Jiro-kun! How's it hanging?

Rui: Good day, Jiro.

Jiro: I didn't know you're the Tsukinomori president.

Rui: Oh, I am just filling in. Our business here is to improve relations between our academies.

Hina: We've brought our first-year reps. Where's yours?

Jiro: Yeah, about that... yeah, we don't have one at the moment, but we're working on it.

Hina: Hmm, you're getting sloppy, Jiro.

Jiro: You remember when try make cookies for the first time, don't talk to me about sloppy.

Rui: You should really get back to the matter at hand.

Jiro: Right, pleasure to me, you girls. What are your names?

Sakiko: My name is Sakiko Togawa, I hope we can be friends.

Jiro: Pleasure is all mine. Do you have any hobbies?

Sakiko: Yes, I love composing music and playing piano. I attend under a scholarship, actually.

Jiro: How about that. Hina, you've got some talented girls.

Hina: You know it!

Mutsumi: I'm called Mutsumi Wakaba.

Jiro: Cool as a cucumber, aren't ya?

Mutsumi: That's my favorite food...

Jiro: Go figure.

Hina: Hey! Where are those exotic KitKats?

Rui: From Don Quiote?

Jiro: That's where I buy them. I usually keep them in the council room for visitors. This way, please.

I felt exhausted after all the days activities. Therefore, I excused myself from any more tiresome tasks. On my way home, I spotted Tomori walking around the neighborhood, seemly searching for something.

Jiro: Good evening Tomori-chan, are you lost?

Tomori: O-oh, I finally found you...

Jiro: Oh? Are you searching for me in particular?

Tomori: Yeah, do you live around here?

Jiro: 169 is my house number. Come on inside.

I invited Tomori inside my house where she sat at my living room couch. While I prepared snacks, she quietly observed the various decorations in the living room.

Tomori: You have a nice home. Where are your parents?

Jiro: Traveling the world, it's just me and my sister.

Tomori: Oh...

Jiro: I see you attend Haneoka. I don't suppose you know a girl named Sakiko?

Tomori: She and I... well... it's complicated...

Jiro: I understand. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. *places down a glass of tea and a plate of rice balls*

Tomori: Senpai... have you ever heard of CRYCHIC?

Jiro: Can't say that I do.

Tomori: I uh... we...

Jiro: Tomori, it's okay. Don't be forced to recite something uncomfortable. Tell your story whenever you feel like you're ready.

Tomori: Okay... would you like to see my rock and leaf collection?

Jiro: Sure, show me what you've got.

Spending quality time with Tomori helped me understand her a bit better. Yes, she does have her peculiarities, but I find it endearing. When she's ready to tell me her story, I'll be ready to be there for her.

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You have received a great amount of affection points with Tomori Takamatsu!

Your kindness has increased greatly!

Kindness +150
+1,500 EXP

Author: Wait! This ain't no RPG! This is a story! Where on earth did these stats come from?!

Jiro: Beats the heck outta me...

Author: Okay, but no more of this. Sorry for interrupting. As you were reader.
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Fast forward - Four days
Chisuga Residents

As the morning sun signed through my curtains, I could feel its rays being aimed at my face. As I begin to wake up, I feel a sudden pounce on my stomach. There she... my sister, sitting right on top of me...

Yomi: Heh, Ohayo, my Onii-chan!

Jiro: Well, it was a good morning until you decided to wake me up like this.

Yomi: Come on, your sister is waking you up with love and affection. Be happier!

Jiro: Yeah, you know this is wrong. Now, please get off me!

Yomi: Why? You pop a boner on me?

Jiro: Die...

Yomi: Alright, rise and shine, sleepy head! You've a concert date with your little sister you love so much!

While waiting backstage at RiNG, Yomi and I noticed a purple haired girl and a blonde haired girl talking with Marina. As they made their way towards us, I got a better look at these two new people.

Nyamu: Nice to meet you two, Nyamu Yuutenji, but you probably already knew that.

Jiro: Sorry, I think your name tag might have fallen off.

Nyamu: Whoa! We've got a sharp one here!

Uika: Uhh, yeah... Uika Musumi, good to meet you, uh?

Jiro: Howdy, names Jiro.

Yomi: I'm called Yomi.

Nyamu: Oh "Second Son" and "Land of the Dead." Pretty cool!

Jiro/Yomi: Huh?

Nyamu: The meaning of your names.

Uika: Forgive her. She really likes your names.

Jiro: Thanks, I guess...

Uika: Also, I saw you with Umiri at Hanasakigawa.

Jiro: You're in her class?

Uika: I sit behind Shiina-san.

Jiro: Good to know.

Yomi: Are you both here for the concert by Ave Mujica?

Uika: We sure are!

Nyamu: Can't wait to see them! I love their drummer!

Uika: I really enjoy the lyrics their vocalist sings.

Jiro: I see... They must he really good, I can't wait to see them for myself.

As Uika and Nyamu left backstage, I can't but feel I've seen them somewhere before. The lobby was filled with Ave Mujica posters. While observing each member on the poster, all five look familiar. I'll use my backstage pass to better asertain my suspensions. Well then, ten minutes till show time.

Inside the concert hall, the light began to dim, and spotlights shined in five spots on the stage where each member stood. Like on the poster, each member dawned a black mask that hid their identity. Before the show stared, each member said a phrase?

We will not begin...

Doloris - I do not fear sorrow...

Mortis - I do not fear death...

Timoris - I do not fear being afraid...

Amoris - I do not fear love...

Oblivionis- I do not fear being forgotten...

As the crowd erupted in cheers, I stood there dumbfounded, and getting second had embarrassment

Jiro: Oh my god, that is the corniest shit I ever heard...

Yomi: I dunno, I kinda like it.

Jiro: Okay, there's Roselia, and then there's whatever they are...

Yomi: Let's just enjoy the show, purple glowsticks in hand!

After the concert, I found their songs quite exhilarating despite the interesting intro. Yomi felt worn out, so she decided to head home, while I made my way towards the back stage where the Ave Mujica members were waiting for me. Upon closer inspection, I realized, have indeed seen them before, heck I've all met them fairly recently.

Oblivionis: Did you two enjoy our music?

Jiro: Yes, it was quite... energetic.

Oblivionis: Good to hear, dear fan.

Jiro: Okay, let's drop the act...

Oblivious: Excuse me?

Jiro: Oh, please, Sakiko. Who are you trying to fool with that mask?

The members of Ave Mujica seem to be taken back by my words. Seeing as I was not convinced otherwise, Sakiko decided to speak up first.

Sakiko: How did you know?!

Jiro: I've met you all recently. You're the only girls I've met with your hair colors and styles. Especially you, Mutsumi.

Mutsumi: I guess the cat is out of the bad now.

Umiri: Sharp as a tack, aren't you Jiro?

Jiro: I was born at night, but I wasn't born yesterday.

Uika: I guess someone was bound to recognize us.

Jiro: Also, when we met, your hobbies kinda gave it away as well.

The room suddenly got awkward. For some odd reason, Mutsumi seemed embarrassed about her exposure. Seeing this, Sakiko approached me with a serious expression on her face.

Sakiko: Hey, will keep our identities a secret? Promise us you won't tell anyone.

Jiro: There's nothing for me to gain from exposing your identities, I doubt anyone would believe me anyway.

Sakiko: The thought had surely crossed your mind.

Jiro: Nope, I can understand why you would hide your faces. Therefore, if you'll have me, I hope we can remain friends and move past this.

Sakiko: Heh, well said. I was hoping you'd say that.

Umiri: I was still planning to be your friend even if this went badly.

Uika: Same here.

Nyamu: Since we're "friends," you would give your girl a follow on her social media, right?

Jiro: Sure, why not?

Sakiko: What say you Mutsumi?

Mutsumi: I am happy to have you as truthful friends. Senpai...

Jiro: Thanks.

Nyamu: To mark this occasion, I'll be calling you Jiro-chi from now on!

Sakiko: How about we make a deal, Jiro-senpai?

Jiro: What do you have in mind?

Sakiko: You're here to give a sponsorship, right? You give us the best offer, and you get exclusive access to us.

Jiro: Well, I can see this band taking off in the future... meet me at Circle when you have time, and we'll talk terms.

Sakiko: We'll be there.

To be honest, I was relieved that the girl still saw me as a friend, even after learning their identities. While walking home with the members of Ave Mujica, we talked about the band as a whole.

Jiro: Your on-stage names.

Sakiko: What about them?

Jiro: I'm no astrologer, but aren't they the name of lakes on the moon?

Umiri: You'd be correct, each have meaning.

Jiro: Like Mortis, meaning death? Or Oblivionis meaning Forgetfulness?

Nyamu: You're such a smartie, Jiro-chi!

Mustumi: Mhmm, he really is.

Jiro: Stop it, you're gonna make me blush.

Uika: Speaking of which, why we give him a codename?

Sakiko: Yeah, since we're now his new favorite band and client.

Jiro: Wait... that's not necessary...

Mustumi: What fits his character? *they all stop to look at me*

Sakiko: How about Spei? Which means Lake of Hope.

Umiri: That's perfect.

Mustumi: I like it.

Uika: He is known as Spei, "he does not fear not having hope."

Nyamu: Omg, that makes him sound so cool!

Sakiko: I herby Christian thee as Spei, he is one of us now!

I stood there in confusion and worry. I'm pretty sure in these girls' minds, I was planning on giving them perfered treatment. On top of that, I wasn't really comfortable with them giving me an Ave Mujica like nickname. I was about to learn the music world, loyalty is a complicated thing... I had no idea what I was in for...

To be continued...

Author notes:

This was a long one, that's for sure. Well, that's all the bands for now. I'm still leaning everyone personality traits, so bear with me.

The next chapter will begin Tomori and Jiro's wholesome little side story.

As always, take you for reading.