A BIG EVENT IS COMING

Tokyo, Wednesday, 08:00 PM

"Haha, look at him! He can't even answer a single question without stuttering."

—What is this I'm hearing? It's... mocking.

—Victor-san...

"You don't have what it takes to be a musician, kid."

—Huh? Rejection...

"You made me waste my time. Get out and don't come back."

—What? Complaints...

—Hey! Victor-san...

"If you want to reach the top, you have to stop doubting yourself all the time. Trust yourself more."

—That voice... I recognize that green hair! It's...

Fleeting memories and distorted silhouettes of people flash across my mind.

—Am I... dreaming? But a voice is calling out to me.

The images and noises began to dissolve. I felt a tug on my jacket.

—Victor-san... are you okay?

I had stood frozen in shock before everyone for a few seconds. My eyes slowly refocused on my surroundings.

—Gumi-san...? I... I'm sorry. But we can't... they want...

Gumi placed her hand on my chest, feeling my heart hammering like a double-bass drum pedal.

—Don't worry, I'll put an end to this soon. You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I'll take care of it! Just breathe slowly, stay calm.

I didn't reply. I just lowered my gaze, feeling deeply disappointed in myself. Visions from my first few months in Japan rushed back. The trauma I endured during those early days was still haunting my mind.

—Everyone, we truly appreciate you being here. You make us feel incredibly loved. I'll answer all of your questions!

I couldn't keep letting Gumi handle everything for me. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened, but she always solved it by carrying the whole burden on her own shoulders.

I clenched my fists over my legs beneath the table. My body was still trembling, but I couldn't just sit back and let her fix all my problems forever.

I decided it was time to climb past this hurdle.

I took Gumi's hand and squeezed it with a bit of force. I was still shaking, but I tried desperately to steady my heartbeat. Taking a deep breath, I squared myself in my chair.

—He... Hello, everyone!

I gave a polite bow.

—I... it's a pleasure to have you all here.

A sudden silence fell over the café at my words. Everyone was completely taken aback, including Gumi and Kondo.

—Th... thank you for your support.

Gumi turned to look at me in absolute surprise, hearing the calm tone in my voice, though she could still feel the trembling weight of my hand gripping hers.

—We'll gladly answer your questions one by one, in an orderly fashion. Let's not turn this place into a chaotic press room.

I looked her straight in the eyes with determination. I was terrified, but I was willing to push through it for her sake.

She smiled back at me tenderly, squeezing my hand tightly in reassurance.

—Alright guys... so, where should we begin? Of course I'll sign autographs, pass them forward.

The fans began to line up in front of Gumi, excitement rushing back to their faces at being so close to their favorite idol.

It was my turn to address the questions they had asked me. While Gumi signed the posters, she kept glancing over to see if I could really pull this off.

Letting out one last deep breath, I began.

—The song we played in Sendai? Well, we only practiced it for a few hours before going on stage.

A wave of relief washed over me as my first response flowed naturally.

—How to improve on the guitar? Hmm, let's see... I'd tell you to practice with songs that inspire you and make you feel completely comfortable. After that, it'll become second nature, and you'll be able to move on to the next level of difficulty. As a quick tip, never forget to use a metronome to keep your timing sharp.

Gradually, my confidence returned as I realized no one was laughing at my answers; on the contrary, they were hanging on my every word.

—Are you sure you want my signature on your guitar?

—Yes, Victor-san, absolutely! I really admire the way you play.

What is this feeling bubbling up inside me? Happiness? Security? Affection? Respect?

Whatever it is, it feels incredibly good.

—I'd be glad to sign your guitar! Do you happen to have a marker on hand?

Gumi watched with a mix of disbelief and pure joy as I conquered my nerves and connected with the fans. She flashed me a bright smile, her grip on my hand softening to a gentle squeeze as she felt me relax.

—Well, I guess it's my turn to answer the rest of the questions

 Gumi added cheerfully. 

—Where have we been all this time? We've actually been touring different cities for shows and rehearsing like crazy. That's why we've been a bit disconnected from Tokyo and social media. But we're officially back! I hope to see you all at our next show!

It was always mesmerizing to watch and listen to how Gumi handled the crowd or the press. She was truly incredible.

—What's our relationship? Let's see... how should I put it! We wouldn't say we're a couple, but we're definitely not just acquaintances either. It's an absolute respect toward someone who doesn't want anything superficial from me. The moment I met him, I knew I wasn't going to let him go because a genius like him doesn't come around every day. It's not just that I'm interested in his talent—I genuinely love his personality and attitude. He's a guy who isn't easy to break or tame, but I'll figure out a way to change that down the road!

She said, locking eyes with me and giving a playful wink.

My eyes widened in shock, and I could feel my cheeks burning up. Both the fans and I stood completely stunned by her words.

These past six months since meeting her had been fantastic. I loved her voice, her fierce attitude, her style, and above all, I adored her emerald-green eyes and hair. Hearing her describe our bond like that made my heart race; in truth, I was falling for her more and more each day.

The fans didn't waste any time firing off the next round of questions.

—Gumi-san, Victor-san, have you thought about forming a full band? Or are you planning to keep performing as a duo for a while longer?

—Gumi-san, are you hinting that you might become a couple? What do you like most about Victor-san, and how would you describe him?

She leaned back comfortably in her chair to answer the following questions. Her expression shifted to something more daring, a mischievous smirk breaking across her face at the mention of being a couple.

—Well, like I said before, we aren't dating right now, but I'm not saying we won't either. Who knows what the future holds?

 She turned her gaze to me before continuing. 

—What I like most about Victor-san is how he makes me feel when I sing. His guitar playing and his sheer energy radiate happiness and pure euphoria. He makes any stage, no matter how small, feel like the biggest venue in the world. But if you're also asking about his looks...

She shot me a coquettish look, resting her elbow on the table and gently brushing her chin with the back of her fingers.

—I love the color of his almond-brown eyes—they match his chestnut hair perfectly. The shape of his lips, his facial features, and his height, which makes a great contrast with mine. On an emotional level, I love that he's a guy who sticks firmly to his principles. He doesn't throw in the towel easily; no matter how tough things get, he does everything in his power to find a solution. Even though he can be shy and occasionally insecure, he is incredibly kind, cheerful, and has this magnetic 'something' that makes you want to follow him anywhere.

—As for the band question... hmm, well, we were actually just discussing that, but nothing is set in stone yet. We might just form one with some surprise members!

Seriously, she was out of this world. The fluid way she spoke, the way she handled every curveball... her words answered everything perfectly, leaving the fans completely satisfied. She never wavered, even when probed about her romantic life.

I wanted to be that cool too.

—Victor-san, how would you describe Gumi-san from a romantic perspective?

I guess I wished for too much. The question was aimed directly at me. Could I answer with that same effortless grace without turning into a blushing mess?

—Eto... Well... I... I would describe her as someone incredibly sweet.

I thought about everything I truly loved about her, and the words finally began to flow on their own.

—She loves to be pampered and spoiled, but without being smothered. As you all know, Gumi-san is energetic and outgoing, but when it comes to romance, she experiences emotions very intensely. Her adventurous, free-spirited nature completely falters when it comes to falling in love.

I could feel her hand tightening around mine under the table as she listened.

—I don't know everything about her just yet, but the time we've spent together making music has shown me that side of her.

The fans let out collective sighs, touched by what we thought of each other.

After signing the last of the autographs and chatting a bit more, the fans thanked us warmly before leaving, pure joy written all over their faces. In the music industry, it wasn't common for artists to be this accommodating or answer questions so directly.

But within the warm, inviting atmosphere of the café, everything had flowed perfectly. Kondo had even cleared a path so people wouldn't crowd the entrance, offering them coffee and cookies while we interacted. It was truly an unforgettable moment for everyone.

I had pushed past a massive piece of the hurdle that had always terrified me. Yet, the deep-seated fear that the wrong question might surface one day still lingered in the back of my mind.

Once Gumi and I were alone again, we picked up our unfinished conversation. Despite the exhausting rush, we were still wired from the sugar and caffeine.

She wiped her brow with her sleeve. 

—Wow! That was quite an adrenaline rush, wasn't it, Victor-san? I loved how you reacted this time, you did amazing! You really conquered that hurdle. But... do you really think those things about me? Or did you just say that so the internet would ship us and stop asking the same old questions?"

("I really hope it's true! Because I love being by his side too, even if I can't bring myself to say it so openly. I deeply enjoy spending time with him and how safe he makes me feel. He's like a moon whose gentle light brings a sense of peace and serenity. A cool, calming presence that shines bright even in the deepest shadows.")

Gumi averted her gaze, playfully twirling a lock of her vibrant green hair. I could have sworn her cheeks flushed a soft pink under the café lights.

I leaned back against my chair and stretched my arms behind my head. 

—Well, I had to face it eventually, Gumi-san. It was actually fun! And regarding your question...

I glanced at her sideways and took a slow sip of my coffee. 

—Everything I said is exactly how I feel about you. I love spending time with you. You bring out the absolute best in me and keep me motivated to move forward. With you by my side, I feel like there isn't an obstacle in the world I can't overcome. Besides, it's true that romantic things catch you completely off guard.

I intertwined my fingers, resting my forearms on the table. 

—It's like someone flips a switch that swaps your wild, indomable side for your shy side. And I love it when you want to be spoiled; that's why I always try my best to do just that.

I lowered my voice to a softer, more tentative tone, scratching my cheek as I looked away. 

—I want to see you smile always, and I hope whoever you give your heart to can match that powerful passion you carry inside. I never want to see you crying or sad; I'll do whatever it takes to ensure that light inside you never goes out. You're like a sun that illuminates every corner of the world with its radiant, warm light.

I felt Gumi's intense gaze locked onto me, and my face flushed red.

—I... I'm sorry, Gumi-san! I... I got a bit carried away with my words!

She kept staring at me, a highly noticeable blush creeping across her cheeks as we finished our desserts.

—Tsk! Haha! Victor-san, you never cease to amaze me. There's always something new with you. Today I learned that despite being so grounded and sensible, you can say some incredibly beautiful things. You know, words like that could melt any girl's heart, so be careful who you say them to!

She nudged my ribs playfully with her elbow, her tone teasing. 

—Because even a 'Legend' might fall for your charms, and you'd end up making her like you.

("I was liking him more and more. Our time alone together had made me start feeling differently about him without even realizing it.")

—But as a thank you for your beautiful words and the new dessert you brought me to try today, I'm going to give you a little something in return. It's not really my style to do things like this, so it's going to happen when you least expect it.

I let out a nervous laugh and closed my eyes. 

—Don't say that, Gumi-san! I don't do these things expecting a reward from you. You know I never do anything looking for a payout. You've already helped me so much since that fateful day, so making you happy and pampering you is the absolute least I can do.

In reality, if there was one thing I desperately wanted from her, I was dying for a kiss—but I would never find the nerve to ask her directly.

We kept talking until a notification flashed across my phone screen, instantly catching my attention. I opened the app and read it aloud.

—Huh? What's this?

⛩️ NIPPON BUDOKAN ⛩️

V-NEXUS ARENA: THE ULTIMATE LEGENDS

THE SACRED STAGE SEEKS NEW TALENT

Legends aren't born alone. The ROAD TO BUDOKAN isn't just a tour; it's a relentless search for the next breakout superstar. For the very first time, all borders are erased to make way for the most ambitious music competition in history.

THE GRAND THEME: FOUR LEADERS, FOUR SQUADS

In every city along the ROAD TO BUDOKAN, our reigning legends will be watching. They aren't looking for simple opening acts; they are scouting the definitive members for their own ultimate dream teams.

By the end of the tour, there will only be room for 4 winning groups on the main stage of the Nippon Budokan, each mentored and spearheaded by one of our iconic stars:

💙 TEAM MIKU – Seeking the sound of the future and technical innovation.

💛 TEAM LEN – Recruiting explosive energy and urban breakbeat vibes.

🧡 TEAM RIN – Hunting for powerful vocals and raw, emotional rock spirit.

🩷 TEAM LUKA – Selecting bilingual elegance and mature, international melodies.

THE CHALLENGE: ROAD TO BUDOKAN

At each stop of the tour, the legends will personally evaluate local talent. Only one winning group per city will earn the honor of advancing. In the end, the chosen few will merge with their mentors to form the 4 Super Groups that will shake the very foundations of Tokyo.

"Many audition, few are chosen, only four will claim the glory of the Budokan."

📍 TOUR STATUS: Recruitment open.

🎤 YOUR MISSION: Impress your favorite legend and claim your spot on the squad.

🎟️ TICKETS & REGISTRATION: Available now via the global Niconico network. Entry fee: 160,000¥ per group.

It was an announcement for a monumental event, set on one of the grandest stages of J-POP and J-ROCK—the venue every musician dreams of playing. Naturally, I was hooked, and I immediately thrust the screen in front of Gumi.

—Hey, Gumi-san! Look at this! They just announced an incredible event called NIPPON BUDOKAN!

She took my phone out of my hands. 

—Let me see! Hmm... Wow! This time it's going to be a completely unique event. So they're actually participating this year too, huh? This just got interesting.

("It's going to be incredibly tough to stand out if they're on the roster, but Victor has the raw potential to make it. This is his moment, and I'm going to give it everything I've got to make sure he gets there, no matter what.")

I tilted my head in confusion. 

—They?

I took my phone back to scan the rest of the article, realizing I had only skimmed the opening lines of the bulletin. 

—Who do you mean by—

My eyes widened in sheer disbelief. 

—Incredible!

Gumi smirked at my stunned expression, catching the fiery excitement in my eyes—the exact same spark that had made her choose to walk alongside me in the first place.

—You have to read the whole announcement, Victor-san, or you might completely misinterpret things.

—Sorry... I guess I got excited a bit too fast.

I hung my head, feeling a little sheepish.

—Well, let's read the rules together.

She leaned over against my shoulder to share the view of my phone screen.

⛩️ AUDITION GUIDE: ROAD TO BUDOKAN ⛩️

Four voices, one shared destiny. Do you have what it takes to stand alongside the legends?

To be handpicked by Miku, Len, Rin, or Luka, all hopefuls must meet the following elite standards:

1. THE GOLDEN REQUIREMENT: THE QUARTET RULE

No solo acts or trios will be accepted. Every competing group must feature a minimum of 4 active members on stage.

Note: This can be 4 vocalists, or a dynamic mix of vocalists and instrumentalists, provided the group's chemistry is flawless.

2. SQUAD SYNC (TEAM AFFINITY)

Groups must apply specifically to one of the four teams led by the legends. Your musical style must resonate perfectly with your chosen mentor.

3. ORIGINAL REMIX INNOVATION

For the live audition in each city, the group must perform an Original Remix of a classic track belonging to the legend leading their target team.

4. THE 'BUDOKAN SPIRIT'

We are looking for groups that don't just sing, but tell a story. Visual presence (costume design) and the core message of your music will be evaluated directly by the four pillars.

NOTE: The designated host cities for the preliminary rounds are: SAPPORO (Hokkaido), OSAKA, NAGOYA, and FUKUOKA.

⚠ LEGAL NOTICE: Only one winning group per city will secure a direct pass to merge with their respective legend and form the official Super Group live on stage at the Nippon Budokan.

—Let's see! It says for this year's concept, the legends have to build a group using the winners of the ROAD TO BUDOKAN from each city...

 I summarized. 

—And according to the guidelines, we need a group of at least four people to enter, plus we have to perform a remix of a song by the legend we want to team up with. It actually sounds completely thrilling and not too complicated! But... we don't have a four-person line-up.

She let out a defiant laugh, a trace of arrogance cutting through her tone. 

—So this year they implemented a ROAD TO BUDOKAN with a “tournament” structure, it’s going to be an interesting arc.

My eyes were shining with genuine excitement for the event. With only four slots available across the entire country, it was bound to be a brutal competition—but she genuinely believed I was a genius capable of pulling it off.

—You're dying to enter and win this, aren't you, Victor-san? If you give me the word, I'm with you until the very end. You know this is the highway to achieving your dream, and I'm going to help you seize it. You just have to ask.

Gumi was unbelievable. She must have known about the event beforehand, which is why she had floated the idea of forming a band in the first place. But first, we had to hunt down our missing members.

—Huh! Whether I want to enter? Well... the truth is...

I wanted to participate in the qualifiers and reach that main stage more than anything in the world.

—Gumi-san... do you honestly believe I stand a chance?

A brilliant smile spread across her face. 

—Just say it, Victor-san. And I'll help you. We'll climb to the top together.

—Yes, I want to! I want to enter and I want to win! I want my guitar to echo through the Budokan. I want to test my limits against the other groups and stand alongside the legends. And I want to win!

Her eyes evaluated me with deep satisfaction and pride. 

—That's the guy I love to see. Someone decisive who doesn't blink at facing whoever stands in his way. Someone with a hunger for victory!

Without a doubt, a guy with unshakable confidence who cast his doubts aside would make Gumi's heart skip a beat.

("My heart races when he stops being so self-conscious and finally owns his talent. His eyes, full of pure grit, are shining in a way I hasn't seen in forever. I'm falling for him at a dangerous pace; he looks incredibly attractive when he takes charge like that. I just want to... kiss him right now.")

Gumi fell silent for a second, staring at me with an intensity I had never seen before. Her eyes possessed a dangerous gleam. 

—Gumi-san... is something wr—?

Before I could even finish my question, she closed the distance between us, and her lips brushed against my cheek in a warm, fleeting kiss. I froze instantly, feeling my entire face erupt in a roaring crimson blush. Did that seriously just happen?

—Wh... Gumi... san?

My heart was pounding erratically, feeling like it would burst right out of my chest. My mind went entirely blank for a moment, desperately processing what had just occurred. 

—That kiss was... completely unexpected, and so warm. Why did you do that? I didn't mind it at all, but it caught me totally off guard.

She let out a soft giggle. 

—I told you I'd reward you when you least expected it for those beautiful words earlier, and for the dessert. Quite unusual, wasn't it?

She noted my complete bewilderment. 

—Haha! Your face is completely red, and I can literally hear your heartbeat from all the way over here. Calm down, Victor-san, it was just a kiss, not the end of the world!

("I need to control myself better, I was way too impulsive. Am I liking him so much that I'm starting to show it through actions instead of words? I found the perfect excuse this time, but next time I absolutely have to hold back.")

—Mmh

I nodded, still utterly dazed.

Gumi settled back into her chair. 

—Anyway, returning to the band... there are two specific names that haven't stopped ringing in my head. I recently caught a rumor that they're currently flying solo. The real problem is, I don't know if they'd ever agree to join forces with us.

She paused to take a slow sip of her tea. 

—We have four months to get everything ready before the Budokan stage, so convincing them to form a group is going to be a true uphill battle.

I was curious to know who she was talking about. 

—Who are these two candidates, Gumi-san? If you have your sights set on them, they must be incredible.

She set her teacup down firmly. 

—Exactly! Both of them are insanely gifted musicians.

Gumi's professional demeanor snapped right back into place. 

—Victor-san, if we want to win, we need absolute fire on that stage. A bassist whose technique is as cold and precise as an execution, and a vocalist who can make the very air of Shibuya vibrate: Shiho Hinomori and Kohane Azusawa. The word on the street is that they're alone right now... and whoever gets to them first could walk away with the Budokan victory.

My eyes widened in astonishment at the mention of those names. I only knew them from viral posts on Twitter and Niconico.

—Our best bet to save time is to divide and conquer. I'll take care of tracking down Kohane, and you'll go after Shiho. We have to move immediately, or there's a huge chance other groups will try to recruit them now that the announcement is out.

She set her teacup delicately back onto its saucer. 

—If we manage to win them over, we need to assemble right away to start building our synergy as a unit.

—Fascinating... so Shiho Hinomori and Kohane Azusawa. Those are phenomenal choices, I've heard incredible things about their talent. But aren't they supposed to be core members of Leo/need and Vivid Bad Squad?

—That's what everyone thinks, but a post from a few days ago claimed they both walked away from their respective groups. I don't have the details as to why, or if it's even entirely true. We'll only find out once we track them down. So... what do you say, Victor-san! Are we going to take the Nippon Budokan by storm?

I drained the last sip of my coffee, replying with a confident smile and an expression burning with sheer resolve. 

—I'm more than ready, Gumi-san. This event has me completely fired up, I can't wait to match myself against the other groups and the legends. Let's get to work!

She gazed at me with a soft smile, her eyes filled with tenderness. 

("Hmph, not a single shred of doubt left in him! He's so cute when he takes charge with that confident, dominant attitude.")

—Then the blueprint for the band kicks off tomorrow morning. We'll head to Shibuya. Let's stick to the script to save time—I'll go after Kohane, and you handle Shiho.

This whole night had escalated incredibly fast. We went from a simple dessert tasting at a local café to plotting the recruitment of what sounded like a legendary supergroup. 

—Absolutely! Let's go conquer the Budokan, Gumi-san!

I was vibrating with excitement for this new challenge. 

—But before we head out...

Gumi leaned in closer, grabbing my arm. 

—Let's capture this moment with a photo. After all, you took a massive step forward today.

—Uh... alright, Gumi-san.

"For a fleeting moment, the roar of the world ground to a halt, and only the two of us existed."

We finished up, and I headed over to the counter to settle the bill while we said our goodbyes to Kondo. 

—Thank you so much, Kondo-san! The new menu items were absolutely amazing. And I'm incredibly sorry for the commotion with the fans earlier.

Gumi leaned against the bar counter with both hands. 

—I'm expecting a brand-new dessert next time too, Kondo-san! You could even give it a green twist and call it the Gumi-Cake! Hehe!

I let out a long sigh, covering my face with one hand while an amused smile escaped my lips. She always found a way to pitch the exact same idea whenever pastries were involved. Classic Gumi.

—Ah... I'm sure Kondo-san will keep it in mind for next time. Let's get going, Gumi-san.

—Victor-sama, please don't apologize

Kondo replied warmly with a bright smile. 

—After all, you and Gumi-sama are musicians. Having people flock to this café because of you is something I should be thanking you for! Besides, that photo I posted of you two is gaining a massive amount of traction online. Thank you for stopping by and helping us launch our new flavors. Best of luck with your upcoming shows, we hope to see you back soon!

We exchanged farewells and stepped out into the crisp Tokyo night.

Author's Note: What an emotional rollercoaster!  Gumi's unexpected kiss caught Victor (and probably all of us) completely off guard! 😳 But things got even more interesting with the announcement of the "Road to Budokan" tournament. Do you think Victor has what it takes to form a band and conquer that massive stage? Let me know your thoughts and theories in the comments! Don't forget to follow me for Chapter 3! 🎸