The club waited with bated breath for Tsukki's response.
Raito held his breath, his usual playful facade replaced by an intense focus.
Hinata and Yuta exchanged nervous glances. This was unlike anything they'd witnessed before in the light music club.
Mao leaned against the wall, quietly sipping his soda again, but his eyes were fixated on the standoff. Even Koga leaned forward from his throne on the sound desk—this was more dramatic than any practice battle he'd led.
And in the middle of it all, Rei played on.
The song's final notes faded, leaving a lingering silence in the air.
Everyone waited in suspense, their gazes fixed on Tsukki. No one knew what to expect from the reserved moon-child.
Raito fidgeted anxiously, his usual cheerfulness replaced by nervous anticipation. Hinata and Yuta held their breath, waiting...
Mao calmly watched from his corner, his soda in hand but his attention fully on the unfolding drama. Even Koga, perched on the sound desk, was uncharacteristically silent—waiting for Tsukki's move.
Tsukki stared at Rei for a moment longer...
...then walked to a quiet corner and retrieved his acoustic guitar.
The club watched as he took his position—no dramatic declarations, no witty remarks—just a cold, focused determination in his eyes.
And then... he began to play.
As Tsukki played, his voice—low, calm, but carrying an unexpected depth—filled the room.
*"We were always having a fight…
But it never mattered to me.
It was such a good memory in my life…"*
The melody was simple yet haunting—a contrast to Rei's quiet melancholy. Where Rei's song felt like moonlight on still water, Tsukki's carried the weight of shared history: bickering siblings, childhood fights that ended in laughter... or perhaps something more.
Raito froze mid-blink—the lyrics hitting him harder than he expected.
Because he *knew* those words.
They weren't random.
They were *theirs.*
Every argument they'd had since childhood—the stupid fights over snacks, who got to sit by the window on school trips… even when Raito once painted Tsukki's face silver "to help him embrace his inner moon spirit."
And after every fight?
Tsukki would walk off muttering about how annoying he was…
…but never truly walked away for long.
And now here it was—
Their story. Hidden between chords and verses no one else could hear… but Raito did.
His eyes widened slightly—then softened as realization dawned:
*Tsuki wrote this... for us.*
Even Rei paused in thought as the final notes rang out into silence—not cold anymore… but something close to respect.
Koga slowly stood up from his perch and declared:
"**A NEW SONG OF BOND AND CONFLICT HAS BEEN FORGED IN THE FLAMES OF MUSIC!**"
Hinata wiped away fake tears while Yuta whispered dramatically: "That wasn't just a performance—that was emotional warfare."
Mao finally finished his soda—and crushed the can with one hand. "…Damn."
Then—he smirked slightly at Tsukki. "Guess some things really are stronger than solo corners."
Tsukki simply lowered his guitar without looking at anyone—and muttered only two words under his breath:
"...Shut up."
But somewhere beneath that cool exterior?
He knew what this meant:
This place wasn't just noise and chaos anymore…
…it might actually start feeling like home.
As Tsukki kept playing, his voice carried the raw honesty only music can capture.
*"And now I hold the thing you taught me…
And I'm not afraid of anything…
Doesn't matter how I'm hurting...
Because your smile is my everything...
And that's why…"*
Raito looked at his best friend with new eyes—this wasn't just about claiming a corner anymore. It was about something deeper…
Even Rei tilted his head slightly, as if listening for something beyond the words.
As Tsukki kept singing, the lyrics felt like a vow.
*"Even if I am on my own…
Even if there's really no hope…
I'll do anything so you know…
There's no distance that I wouldn't go…"*
Raito felt his heart skip a beat—he knew what this song meant to them but... was Tsukki hinting at something *more?*
Hinata discreetly dabbed at tears—this was more dramatic than any soap opera he'd ever watched.
The more Tsukki sang, the more the tension in the room grew.
*"It's because I'm always with you…
And you always kept your faith in me…
And because I couldn't live to...* ***See a world without you next to me…****"*
Raito felt his heart catch in his throat. This song… it was a declaration, a confession—and he knew who it was addressed to.
As the song continued, the emotions in the room were palpable.
*"You and I, the way that we were…
Thought it would last forever…
But sometimes… we trust in a lie… when truth hurts..."*
Raito's heart ached with every word. It was their story—the ups, the downs, the fights... and the unspoken feelings they'd never addressed.
Every note, every word, every beat—it all echoed the unspoken truth.
*"I swear that I won't wish away the life...
That I was given any more.
All the sadness that I felt before...
It was lonely, but we have to keep... Moving on…"*
Raito felt his own emotions welling up, mirroring the lyrics. This wasn't just a song anymore—it was their journey, set to melody.
As the song reached its climax, everyone was mesmerized—even Rei was visibly moved. Yet there was silence, broken only by Tsukki's guitar and vocals—a poignant performance that felt deeply personal.
*"I'd go anywhere, where you are...
I will keep this dream in my heart…
There's no distance that is too far...
When my future's written… in the stars…"*
Raito's tears spilled over without a sound—he knew this song wasn't just for a corner anymore. It was for something far deeper.
As Tsukki sang the final lines, there was a collective intake of breath.
*"Even if we're separated, I can promise I will wait for you…"*
Hinata wiped away a tear, Yuta stared with wide eyes, Koga clenched his fists—this was raw emotion, laid bare in lyrics and music.
Then, as the final notes faded... silence. A profound stillness that felt heavier than sound.
The silence persisted, everyone still reeling from the emotional depth of the performance. Then, softly, Tsukki's guitar picked up again, and he began singing once more—this time, with even more raw emotion.
*"When tomorrow's dawn is breaking…
And another light is fading…
Even if I am on my own…
When the light is losing its glow…"*
Raito felt a sense of anticipation, as if the song was leading somewhere—to a revelation as profound as the music itself.
With every word, every note, the song felt more intimate, more personal. As if the music was peeling back layers to reveal the core of the story.
*"I will hear your voice... and I'll know...
You're telling me I can't give up…
Even if there's really no hope...
Even if I feel so alone…"*
Raito's heart ached—this wasn't just music anymore. It was a confession in song, a declaration of resilience amid despair.
With each lyric, the intensity built. This wasn't just music anymore; it was a journey into the depths of emotion.
*"I can feel a fire in my soul…
Telling me that I can carry on…
Going round, passing and fading…
Time is old and ever-changing...
Can't remember as I'm aging…"*
Raito felt the goosebumps rising, the hair on his neck tingling. This song was stirring something deep within all of them.
The song became an emotional rollercoaster, each note carrying layers upon layers of meaning.
*"But the feelings are remaining…
I can as my eyes close…
There's a voice I'm certain that I know…
And somehow, right now is the most…"*
Raito was entranced, his heart in his throat as the final lyrics hung in the air like a cliffhanger... waiting, waiting for the climax to hit.
Tsukki's fingers slowed across the strings, his voice dropping to a near-whisper—raw, clear, and final.
*"The most precious treasure that I hold…*
*(Even if I am on my own…)*
*(Even if there's really no hope…)"*
The last chord lingered in the air like a fading breath.
Then silence.
Not empty—but full. Heavy with meaning. No applause came immediately because no one dared break it. The light from the setting sun poured through the music room window, painting everything in gold and shadow.
And at its center stood Tsukki—guitar low at his side, head slightly bowed—not performing anymore... just *being.*
Raito didn't move. Didn't speak. His eyes were wet, but he was smiling—a quiet understanding passing between them like a secret handshake made of starlight and years of shared silence.
Then—
Rei Sakuma stood from where he'd been leaning against the wall all along.
Without a word… he stepped back into his original spot by the window—the sacred corner now bathed in sunset—and gently placed his hand over his heart once before turning toward Tsukki…
…and gave one slow nod.
It wasn't surrender.
It wasn't defeat.
It was *acknowledgment.*
Koga raised both paws high into the air: "**THE MOON HAS CLAIMED HIS THRONE! THE SONG OF BOND AND SACRIFICE RESONATES THROUGH TIME!!**"
Yuta whispered dramatically: "That's it... we're rewriting history."
Hinata sobbed openly: "I'm not even crying because of music—I'm crying for *love!*"
Mao finally broke his silence with a soft chuckle as he tossed away the crushed soda can into a nearby bin—from perfect range.
"...Tsuki Kuroi," he said with dry admiration, "you've just turned an acoustic guitar into emotional warfare."
Tsukki didn't answer right away—he just carefully set down his guitar case...
…and then quietly reached over to flick Raito's forehead—light but firm—with that same old scowl masking everything else beneath:
"Stop staring," he muttered sharply—but softer than usual—and turned toward their shared desk without waiting for him to respond.
But Raito knew better now...
Because sometimes,
the loudest love
is sung
in silence—
and carried home
on moonlit strings.
---
🎵 *(Later that night — unseen by anyone — Rei Sakuma quietly re-recorded those lyrics onto an old tape labeled simply: "Polar Opposites - First Light.")*
Some things…
are too meaningful not to preserve.
A few days later:
Tsukki was cleaning their desk—not that it *needed* cleaning—when he spotted something under their shared drawer.
It was an old tape, labeled "Polar Opposites - First Light."
With a frown, he pulled it out, staring at the handwriting.
It was *awfully* familiar.
Tsukki stared at the tape, his frown deepening as he recognized the neat, angular handwriting—*Rei's.*
"First Light…?" he muttered under his breath.
He flipped it over. On the back, in tiny script:
*"Side A: The Moon Claims His Throne."*
Tsukki blinked. Once. Then again.
"...What in the actual night sky," he whispered.
Raito suddenly popped up behind him like a sunbeam through storm clouds. "Ooooh?! What's that? A secret treasure?! Did we get our first fan tape already?!" He clapped excitedly. "Are we legendary now?!"
Tsukki quickly tucked it into his bag—but not fast enough.
Mao strolled by with a knowing smirk. "So *that's* why Rei was recording from the shadows during your 'battle.' I knew he wasn't just brooding for aesthetic."
Yuta leaned in: "Bro… you just got canonized by *the vampire.*"
Hinata dramatically placed a hand on his chest: "Your love story is now immortalized on cassette!"
"It's not—a *love story!*" Tsukki snapped, ears slightly pink—quickly burying the tape under textbooks like it committed a crime.
But later that night…
Alone in his room…
with quiet all around…
and no one to see…
Tsukki slipped the tape into an old player.
Pressed play.
And listened—to their song.
To *their* words.
To everything left unspoken… but somehow still heard.
And for once?
He didn't correct it when Raito texted him at 2 a.m:
> **Raito:** u know what i realized??
> ur lyrics were about me being ur sunshine 😌💕
> admit it tsuki 💫
> you'd be sad without me 🌚💔
Tsukki typed one word—then deleted it.
Typed another—then paused…
And finally sent:
> **Tsuki:** ...shut up and go to sleep.
(But he left read receipts off.)
Because some things are better kept warm...
not spoken,
not sung,
just held—
like light caught between two hands
on a long winter night.
---
🎵 *(Meanwhile, deep within Yumenosaki's archives...)*
Koga stood before a glowing shelf of labeled tapes: *"Polar Opposites Vol. 1 – The Sun & Moon Awaken."*
"**THE LEGACY CONTINUES,**" he declared softly — no shout this time — "**in melody... and memory...**"
Adonis sipped coffee beside him — silent as ever — then quietly added:
"...We're definitely charging royalties for merch next."
The music festival was in full swing, with various idol groups performing and fans cheering throughout.
Backstage, it was a sea of activity. Idols were getting last-minute makeup checks, adjusting their outfits, or receiving words of encouragement and good luck from staff.
But among the bustle... there was no sign of Polar Opposites.
As the festival continued, murmurs of concern and confusion began to fill the backstage area.
"Where are Polar Opposites?" someone would ask.
"They're supposed to perform next after Valkyrie, right...?"
The absence of the new idol duo unit was becoming increasingly noticeable—and a bit concerning.
The atmosphere backstage grew tense as the minutes ticked by and there was still no sign of Polar Opposites.
"Maybe they got lost?" one idol suggested hopefully.
"Or they're just running a little late?" another chimed in, trying to sound confident.
Staff members were running about, trying to find any information they could about the duo's whereabouts.
Trickstar and UNDEAD, in particular, were visibly growing more anxious with each passing moment.
In Trickstar's waiting room, there was an undercurrent of worry beneath the usual pre-show enthusiasm.
"This is strange," Subaru murmured, his usually bright demeanor dimmed.
"They're never late," Hokuto agreed, hands clenching into fists.
In UNDEAD's waiting area, the mood was equally tense.
"Do you think something happened?" Kaoru questioned, his signature easygoing smile faltering.
Rei, unusually quiet, simply shook his head, eyes scanning the room. "It's unlike them to be tardy."
Koga stood at the edge of the backstage area, his usual dramatic flair replaced with genuine concern.
"Polar Opposites... my beloved stars... where *are* you?" he muttered, gripping his jacket tightly.
As club president, he felt responsible. The weight of leadership settled heavily on his shoulders—the spotlight awaited, and their stage remained empty.
"They've never missed practice… never skipped a rehearsal," Koga whispered. "This isn't like them…"
Adonis stepped beside him silently—coffee in hand—and placed a firm hand on Koga's shoulder.
"We'll find them," he said simply.
"**We have to.**"
The festival lights continued to shine… but for now—two crucial flames were missing from the blaze.
The door burst open with a sudden rush of energy.
Every head turned.
There they were—*Polar Opposites*—finally arriving in full force, striding in like twin forces of nature.
Raito led the way, grinning brightly beneath his sun-kissed outfit that shimmered like golden rays. His steps were bouncy, radiant—impossible to ignore.
Tsukki followed just behind, cool and composed in his moon-themed attire, deep indigo with silver streaks that caught the light like stardust. His expression? As stoic as ever—but there was a quiet confidence in his stride.
"And here they are!" Hinata exclaimed. "The missing stars!"
Hokuto crossed his arms and smirked. "Took you long enough."
Raito gave an exaggerated bow. "**Sorry we're late!**" he declared with theatrical flair, "**But you can't rush perfection when it comes in sun *and* moon form!**"
Tsukki rolled his eyes but didn't deny it—which somehow made it worse (or better).
Koga immediately lunged forward and grabbed both of them by their shoulders, tears glistening dramatically at the corners of his eyes:
"MY CHILDLIKE IDOLS HAVE RETURNED! THE DAWN AND DUSK SHALL SHINE BRIGHT ON THIS STAGE TONIGHT!"
Adonis took another sip from his thermos—completely unfazed by Koga's theatrics—and simply nodded once:
"...Good."
Behind them all—the MC's voice boomed over the speakers:
> **"Next up… making their official festival debut… please welcome Yumenosaki Academy's rising twin lights…"**
> **"PO-LAR O-PPO-SITES!!"**
The crowd erupted into cheers before they'd even stepped on stage.
And as Raito glanced at Tsukki—grin softening into something quieter—the latter gave just one small nod:
"We're doing this."
Raito matched it with a determined smile:
"Together?"
"Together."
Side by side—one bright as morning,
one calm as midnight—
they stepped toward the light…
and disappeared into music.
🎵 *(Elsewhere—in an empty classroom—a single cassette tape quietly plays on loop: "First Light.")*
As Raito and Tsukki stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in applause.
Raito waved brightly, the sunshine of his smile matching his golden-threaded outfit.
"Hello, hello!" he greeted, voice brimming with infectious cheer. "We're Polar Opposites, and we're ready to shine just for you!"
Tsukki, standing beside him in his moon-draped attire, simply nodded in silent greeting.
Raito threw his arms wide, voice booming like a summer dawn:
"**You've got the sun—bright, loud, and impossible to ignore!**"
Then he spun dramatically toward Tsukki.
"**And you've got the moon—cool, mysterious… kinda grumpy but we love him anyway!**"
Tsukki side-eyed him with deadpan precision. "…I hate you."
The crowd *screamed.*
Raito just grinned wider. "See? This is our dynamic! We fight, we bicker—we're *polar opposites!* But together…" He slung an arm around Tsukki's shoulders (who didn't push it off). "We make something *unstoppable.*"
A beat.
Then Tsukki stepped forward slightly—just enough—and added in his calm, low tone:
"…So don't blink."
Tsukki stepped forward under the spotlight, the opening notes of their debut song shimmering through the speakers.
His voice—calm, clear, and unexpectedly tender—filled the arena.
*"It's so rare to find a friend like you…*
*Somehow when you're around,*
*The sky is always blue…*
*The way we talk, the things you say…*
*The way you make it all okay…"*
Hushed silence fell over the crowd. This wasn't just performance—it was sincerity wrapped in melody.
Backstage, Trickstar watched with wide eyes. Subaru clutched his chest. "They're not even halfway in and I already feel like crying!"
UNDEAD stood frozen too—Rei's usual stoicism cracked just slightly at hearing those words come from someone as reserved as Tsukki.
And Raito?
He didn't move at first—just let Tsuki's voice wash over him under that golden light…
Then slowly… he smiled—a real one, soft and warm—as if hearing a secret meant only for him…
and whispered along without sound:
*"Yeah…"*
*"Me too."*
Tsukki stepped forward under the spotlight, the opening notes of their debut song shimmering through the speakers.
His voice—calm, clear, and unexpectedly tender—filled the arena.
*"It's so rare to find a friend like you…*
*Somehow when you're around,*
*The sky is always blue…*
*The way we talk, the things you say…*
*The way you make it all okay…"*
Hushed silence fell over the crowd. This wasn't just performance—it was sincerity wrapped in melody.
Backstage, Trickstar watched with wide eyes. Subaru clutched his chest. "They're not even halfway in and I already feel like crying!"
UNDEAD stood frozen too—Rei's usual stoicism cracked just slightly at hearing those words come from someone as reserved as Tsukki.
And Raito?
He didn't move at first—just let Tsuki's voice wash over him under that golden light…
Then slowly… he smiled—a real one, soft and warm—as if hearing a secret meant only for him…
and whispered along without sound:
*"Yeah…"*
*"Me too."*
The contrast of voices was mesmerizing. Tsukki's low, steady tones. Raito's sunny, spirited rhythm.
Raito stepped forward, joining his friend under the spotlight—and continued their musical dialogue.
*"And how you know all of my jokes*
*But you laugh anyway…"*
The crowd began to sway in rhythm with them—an ocean of swaying hands and smiling faces, caught in the melody.
Raito and Tsukki harmonized so perfectly it was hard to tell which voice began where—like they were two sides of the same star.
*"If I could wish for one thing*
*I'd take the smile that you bring*
*Wherever you go in this world, I'll come along…*
*Together we dream the same dream…"*
Their voices joined as one, rising and falling like the gentle ebb and flow of the sea. The air was electric—they had the crowd completely entranced.
To be continued...