Isn't the album releasing tomorrow?
Why would Aragaki-senpai have Miyani-sensei's album at his house?
Why is there an autograph on it?
...
In a split second, countless thoughts raced through Kei's mind.
Staring fixedly at the 「Miyani」 signature, a wild, almost impossible notion suddenly surged to the forefront of her mind, completely consuming her thoughts.
"Miyani-sensei is Aragaki-senpai?"
The words slipped from her slightly parted lips, barely louder than a whisper.
It was so quiet… it vanished into the air before it could even reach her brother sitting on the sofa beside her.
However, Kei didn't even realize she had just voiced her inner thoughts aloud.
At that moment, her entire mind was consumed by a single question.
Is Aragaki-senpai really the singer I admire and love the most? The one who has encouraged me countless times with his music?
Even though a part of her tried to rationalize it:
'Maybe Aragaki-senpai has connections to Miyani-sensei's agency, so he got an advance copy?'
But how could she explain the unsigned album, the signed album, and the uncapped marker all lying together on the desk?
Overwhelmed, Kei raised her head in a daze, her movements stiff as she slowly turned to look toward the kitchen.
Just then, Miyuki noticed his sister's unusual demeanor.
"Kei?"
Looking up and seeing the lost expression on his sister's face, Miyuki couldn't help but call out to her.
"Ah… yeah."
It took her a second or two to snap back to reality.
The moment she did, her eyes accidentally met her brother's concerned gaze.
Then.
"What's wrong? Are you tired?"
Since they were at the Aragaki house, Miyuki deliberately avoided asking "Are you feeling unwell?" so as not to make Miyahito, who had worked hard to cook dinner, feel worried.
Understanding his implication, Kei shook her head and awkwardly lowered her head.
Her lips pressed tightly together as if against her will.
This made Miyuki restless.
Just as he mentally prepared to excuse himself and leave with his sister…
Before he could speak, Kei cut him off.
"Um… Ayase-chan…"
"Hmm? What's wrong, Kei-nee?"
Ayase, who had been agonizing over whether to pick the tennis game she usually played with her brother or the racing game he loved most, looked up at Kei's hesitant expression.
Puzzled, Ayase instinctively tilted her head.
"Um… that is… um…"
Facing Ayase's gaze, and with the sound of dishwashing occasionally drifting from the kitchen, Kei suddenly stuttered.
"Kei."
Just then, Kei also caught her brother's concerned look from the corner of her eye.
How should I ask?
Should I ask if Aragaki-senpai is Miyani-sensei?
Or should I ask if he could give me a copy of the album?
Actually, Kei wasn't hoping to just score a free copy.
Months ago, when she heard about Miyani-sensei's upcoming physical release, she had already saved up money from part-time work and budgeting.
But she wasn't the only girl with that idea.
As a musician with hundreds of thousands of fans both online and offline, Miyani-sensei's first physical album was guaranteed to sell out instantly.
So, even with the money saved, there was a high chance she wouldn't get one.
Now, an opportunity to get her hands on—even advance access to—her favorite artist's album was right in front of her.
How could Kei not hesitate?
Just as Kei wavered, and Ayase and Miyuki watched helplessly…
"Hmm? What's everyone doing?"
Hearing the voice, all three looked up toward its source.
Noticing their stares, Miyahito walked in holding a tray, looking puzzled.
Placing a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice and four glasses on the coffee table, he smiled and asked.
"What's going on? Why is everyone looking at me?"
"Oh, I just made some fresh orange juice. Everyone, give it a try."
"Ayase, come pour some for Kei-san and Miyuki-senpai."
After speaking, he noticed none of the three had moved. His confusion deepened.
Just as he was about to ask again…
Kei finally spoke.
"Aragaki-senpai." She raised her hand, her index finger cautiously pointing toward the computer desk, her gaze slightly avoiding his as she asked.
"Um… is that Miyani-sensei's album?"
"Hmm?"
Caught off guard for a moment, Miyahito blinked. His gaze instinctively followed her pointing finger.
Seeing the demo copies on the desk, it finally clicked.
Oh, so Kei is a fan of mine?
The corners of his mouth lifted involuntarily. He pulled his gaze from the album, looked back at Kei, and nodded, deliberately holding back half the truth.
"Yeah. These are promo copies I got from Sakuragawa Agency."
Sakuragawa Agency? Isn't that Miyani-sensei's agency!?
Filled with a mix of shock and delight, Kei couldn't help but look at Miyahito with eyes shining with anticipation.
Before Miyahito could reveal his identity…
Ayase, finally catching on, jumped in first.
"Oh! So Kei-nee is a fan of my brother!"
"Huh? Miyahito's fan?"
Still completely lost, Miyuki asked stupidly.
Then, he received a lethal glare from his sister.
Seeing the siblings' respective reactions, Ayase covered her mouth, trying hard not to burst out laughing.
Watching her, Miyahito's expression was a mix of doting amusement and mild exasperation. He raised a hand and playfully ruffled Ayase's sleek black hair.
Then, turning to the Shirogane siblings, he said:
"Ah, let me reintroduce myself properly."
"My name is Aragaki Miyahito. I'm a first-year at Private Toyonoki Academy, and... I'm also the indie musician, Miyani."
"Nice to meet you, Miyuki-senpai, Shirogane-san."
Aside from Ayase, who already knew and was Miyani's exclusive vocalist, Miyuki and Kei were completely stunned.
While Miyuki was still trying to process why Miyahito was reintroducing himself, Kei—who had been a fan since Loser—shot up from the sofa.
Pressing a hand to her chest to calm her racing heart, she spoke with a suppressed, trembling voice.
"Miyani-sensei, I..."
Before she could finish, Miyahito raised a finger to his lips and winked playfully.
Understanding the gesture immediately, Kei nodded vigorously.
Watching Kei-nee's excitement, Ayase thought for a moment, then tiptoed to whisper in her brother's ear.
"Big Brother. The signed album."
Hearing this, Miyahito's eyes lit up with realization.
He turned, picked up an unsigned album and a pen.
After a moment's thought, he wrote on the cover:
「May happiness accompany you for life, Kei — Miyani」
Finishing the dedication and signature, he smiled and handed it to her.
Kei accepted it with excitement shining in her eyes.
"Thank you so much, Miyani-sensei."
"You're welcome, Shirogane-san."
...
Just as the first signed album left Miyahito's hands.
Pfft...
Machida Sonoko, who had just lifted her coffee cup for a sip, heard Utaha's words and couldn't hold it in, spraying coffee everywhere.
"What did you just say?"
Ignoring the coffee dripping from her lips, Machida stared at her author with utter disbelief.
Unfazed by her editor's murderous glare, Utaha repeated calmly:
"I want to move Sunday's signing event to the afternoon!"
30 Power Stone = Bonus Chapter
1 Review = Bonus Chapter