Never Surrender

Seven years later…

“Please welcome our newest final year transfer students: Kagayaki, Bukit, Mi-Cha, and Izumi!”

When word got out that COMEDOWN, the world’s most hyped-up K-Pop group, would be coming to Nagoya Heights High to complete their high school diploma… people had assumed, rightfully so, that it was just some sick joke.

The girls were wearing de-identifiers when they came to class, of course. Their frontwoman, Kagayaki, for example, was wearing a mask to cover her mouth.

If you passed them by on the street, most people wouldn’t clock their identity at first.

But since the students got a closer look at them and the fact that they were literally being introduced to the class, their likeness became unmistakable.

Already, there were whispers, naysayers, speculators. But the majority of the conversation wasn’t to the tune of gossip. 

Nay… it was…

Adoration.

“They are gorgeous… our boonie school doesn’t deserve them!”

“Why us? We’re not even amongst the top-rated schools in the area!!”

Such sentiments and more were becoming increasingly audible; so much so that it had attracted the attention of the people walking down the school hall!

“Praise Kagayaki! Praise Kagayaki! Praise COMEDOWN!”

“One must be careful with such accolades,” Kagayaki ventured, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “That is not a name to be used lightly~”

“How could you not be? You look… flawless!”

It was true, Kagayaki conceded. Flowing hair, blonde highlights, and golden earrings... If she walked into a Miss Japan Beauty Pageant, she could win without even trying.

“Your praise is... generous, indeed. Then I suppose there is little point in maintaining this charade.” She gestured to the three girls alongside her. “Because the rumors…”

One by one, they each took off their face masks.

“...are true.”

Suddenly, a white flash seemed to shine on their faces for only a moment. A camera flash coming from outside the hallway?

Of course. There were windows peering into the classroom as well.

“Hmmph,” Bukit said. “Suppose it was a vain thought that we'd be finally able to escape the papparazzi...”

Poor homeroom teacher Satomi-sensei just about had enough.

“Can you four please stop making a show out of this?! And you!” Satomi-sensei ran toward the blinds leading toward the hallway outside and closed them with a violent clatter. “You’re coming with me to the principal’s office. NOW!”

Satomi left the room in a hurry, probably to go after the laggards.

“But why this school?” one trepidatious student asked, completely ignoring Sensei’s plight.

Kagayaki, now the picture of serene professionalism, smiled. “We were drawn to the tranquility of the mountain air. To find a place that preserves nature, while still being connected to the world, is a rare treasure. One that we covet deeply.”

“As expected, Kagayaki is as authentic as they come!” someone swooned.

More students rose to clap, their faces flushed, hearts practically exploding out of their chests.

“It is an honor to be received by you,” Kagayaki ended, bowing a perfect ninety degrees. “Whether it be on the big stage or in the classroom, let’s achieve greatness… together!”

Well, Kagayaki was lying a little. Any K-Pop star worth their salt had the ability to lie. Her reason for transferring here specifically was also only a partial truth.

For years, she’d imagined this day.

Every brutal vocal lesson, every agonizing 18-hour workday.

As promised, Naomi had changed completely.

Enough that he'd have no choice but to acknowledge her. Enough that he’d finally be the one who was sorry.

“Let’s go, girls.” COMEDOWN strolled forth to find free tables toward the back of the class, and the room erupted again.

“Have my table! You'll be able to see the whiteboard better!”

“No, mine!! I’ll wipe it down for you!”

“Your kindness is appreciated... but I have already selected my seat,” Naomi replied, much to the students' chagrin.

The sea of worshippers parted for her as she strided forth to her target.

All this time, Naomi had been scanning the room for any sign of Riku. It took her a while because she almost didn’t recognise him. 

And by God did Riku change.

He’d turned into something that made her heart skip a few beats. He looked… so…

Kagayaki shook her head. She couldn't afford to get lost now.

Whereas in her youth he looked... stocky, to be put mildly, he now possessed the sharp, angular looks one might expect of a Korean K-Pop boy member. 

Ah, yes. Naomi remembered now. She remembered how looking like his favorite K-Pop idol was a lifelong goal of Riku’s. 

And he seemed to have achieved the look!

Plus, Riku was just sitting there in an isolated corner of the classroom like he always was.

His lack of social prowess made the seat next to him conveniently empty.

For a special guy like Riku, Kagayaki didn't just take the seat next to him. She slid into it, a predator claiming her territory.

“Oh Riku-kun~!” she cooed.

At the name, the boy in question turned slowly toward her.

“I bet you didn’t recognize me when I came in… but I'm sure you’re smart enough that it's become increasingly evident who I really am now~"

She leaned closer.

"So Riku-kun… will you finally admit that you are sor—”

“Naomi, how could you sell yourself out like this?”

…

“Eh…?”

Naomi had underestimated, for a long time now, how confrontational Riku would get. Naomi abandoning him without a word, changing herself entirely, abandoning all previous friendships in pursuit of greatness... 

Of course, he’d be cross!

She’d also forgotten how oblivious he could be. She'd forgotten how he was as dense as a doorknob.

Because Riku had just exposed her secret identity—her real name—to the entire world behind planned schedule. 

Because Riku had just made it so that her meticulously planned, controlled high school life would become very uncontrolled in the semesters to come!

“Riku, you idiot!!”