Act 1, Extra Chapter 4: Miracle Of Daybreak

Friday, 3:15 PM. The headmaster’s office was still cloaking in heavy silence after Hasumi Sakakibara’s quiet acceptance of Headmaster Kagura Shinozaki’s decision to transfer her or enforce homeschooling. Hiroki Yamada and Aoi Mizuno sat frozen, defeated by the former JSDF Elite operator’s unyielding logic.

Hasumi’s self-blame—calling herself a burden—cut deeper than Shinozaki’s words, leaving the trio in a spiral of sadness and confusion. The Sakuragawa Light Music Club, a haven of bonds and music, felt on the brink of losing a vital spark, plunging the club into blackout.

Shinozaki lightly clapped her hands, her stern demeanor softening. “Good girl. That’s it for today’s meeting. I hope you learn from your decision.”

Hiroki, Aoi, and Hasumi rose, their heavy steps leading them towards the door, their hearts weighed by the looming fracture. But as they opened it, a burst of sound shattered the tension.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!” The entire first-year LMC cohort—Junichi Enoshima, Takane Yuzuriha, Mei Hashimoto, Yuna Aoki, Sara Fujimoto, Riku Tanaka, Daichi Sato, Kenta Mori, and Gojou Komaki—stood in a circle, holding a vibrant birthday cake engraved with “Happy Birthday Hasumi & Riku” and candles with the shape of the number 16.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HASURIKU!” they cheered, their voices deafening. Hiroki blinked, his mind reeling from the whiplash of suspense to celebration. “What’s happening?!” he stammered, unable to process the shift.

Takane bounced forward, her bubbly enthusiasm infectious. “Didn’t you know? It’s April 25th—Hasumi and Riku’s birthday!”

The group roared again, clapping enthusiastically in unison. Hiroki’s confusion peaked, wondering if the tense meeting was a cruel birthday prank. Relief washed over him, gratitude that the situation hadn’t escalated into a larger crisis.

Aoi’s eyes softened, her earlier defiance replaced by cautious hope, while Hasumi stood frozen, her darkened gaze flickering with surprise.

Riku stepped forward, his usual metalhead bravado softened with blushes on his cheek, holding a dark purple gift box toward Hasumi.

“Hasumi Sakakibara, we’ve both hit sixteen today. We’ve shared pain and losses.” His voice trembled slightly, the weight of his words silencing the group. “When I first saw you, I didn’t think much. But your tears, the truth about your dad—it hit me hard. It resonated with my own trauma.”

He untied the box’s ribbon, revealing a gothic cross necklace with a snake coiled around it, its aged patina and slight dents marking it as his own cherished possession. He wore an identical one. “In other words…” Riku hesitated, his face flushing deeper. "Would you… go out with me?”

The LMC first-years held their breath, their eyes wide with anticipation and hope, fixated on Hasumi, awaiting her response.

She stood silent, watching the candles’ flames melt into the cake, her expression unreadable.

Riku, sensing he’d overstepped, lowered the box with a guilty look. “It’s alright; you don’t have to answer now…”

“I do,” Hasumi said softly, breaking the silence with a nod.

The group gasped. Hasumi’s voice wavered, tears brimming in her eyes as she spoke. “Yes… I do… because I want a sliver of liberation. But I don’t want to be seen as a whore.”

Laughter rippled through the group, easing the tension. Riku grinned, patting her shoulder. “Come on! Anyone who calls you that is subhuman filth! Right, guys?”

The first-years nodded, shouting their support. Hasumi and Riku exchanged a glance, then leaned forward, blowing out the candles together. The group erupted in cheers, clapping and cheering wildly.

Headmaster Shinozaki emerged from her office, her earlier sternness replaced by a gentle smile. “Congratulations on your 16th birthday, Hasumi Sakakibara-san. My deepest apologies if I was harsh.” She patted Hasumi’s shoulder, her touch maternal, then shot Riku a drill sergeant glare. “And you, Riku Tanaka—don’t neglect your studies and homework.”

Hiroki stared, bewildered, as Shinozaki’s warmth contrasted her earlier severity. “Was it all fabricated?” he asked.

Shinozaki nodded, smiling faintly. Hasumi’s eyes welled up, touched by the headmaster’s unexpected care, a stark contrast to her own mother’s neglect.

Shinozaki hugged her gently, caressing her back. “No hard feelings, okay? You’re safe here, Sakakibara-san. Your father is still under investigation, with trials ongoing to gather evidence.”

Hasumi’s doubt lingered, but Shinozaki’s continued caress calmed her. “It’s okay, girl. Cherish this while you can.” In a surprising move, Shinozaki kissed Hasumi’s forehead, stunning the group with her tenderness.

Hasumi’s tears subsided, leaving a glistening trail on her cheeks. She faced the first-years, her grateful smile radiant as she accepted Riku’s necklace, fastening it around her neck.

The group cheered louder, enveloping her in hugs and birthday wishes. Shinozaki's voice cut through the jubilant atmosphere. “Celebrate somewhere else, please.” She closed her office door with a playful smirk.

The twelve first-year LMC members poured into the hallway, their excitement palpable as they buzzed with anticipation for their celebration. Riku raised his fist, his metalhead persona roaring. “The club room is under renovation, and the senpais are busy—let’s get drunk at a pub!”

The group laughed, raising fists in unison, though Hiroki knew it was a jest—no pub would serve lager to the underage. He felt a weight lift, his homework done, Hasumi freed from her father’s shadow, and Shiguri’s new name a beacon of hope.

As they walked, a lingering worry gnawed at Hiroki amidst the joy, his steps halting at the thought of Ren Takahashi's throat cancer.

“Hey, Hiroki! Come on!” Junichi called, snapping him back.

Hiroki shrugged off his overthinking, joining the group’s laughter. For now, he’d savor this moment with his second family.