The written tests were over. The physical trials wouldn't begin for another week. For the first time in what felt like forever, the students could breathe.

  Kurogane burst through the classroom door with energy that practically crackled around him. His eyes were bright, almost wild with excitement and a massive grin stretched across his face. He spotted Kazama and Haruto near the windows and bounced over to them

  "Karaoke!" he announced, spreading his arms wide like he was revealing a grand prize. "Right after school. My treat!"

  Haruto looked up from his book with one eyebrow climbing toward his hairline. "Karaoke?" His tone was skeptical, surprised.

  "Yeah!" Kurogane nodded enthusiastically, his grin somehow getting even wider. He rubbed the back of his neck. "You guys can consider it both a thank you and an apology. For helping me study and for... you know..." His voice dropped slightly, becoming more serious. "Me being a jerk."

  Kazama leaned back in his chair, his expression neutral as he studied Kurogane. "You don't have to do that".

  "But I want to!" Kurogane's voice rose with enthusiasm again, his hands gesturing emphatically. "You know it. Come on, it'll be fun!" He leaned forward, his eyes pleading. "We've been buried in books for weeks. We deserve a break!"

  Haruto's face lit up immediately. "I'm in," he said without hesitation, slapping his hand on the desk. "I haven't been to karaoke in like, forever."

  Kazama hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered. He glanced between his two friends, then let out a quiet sigh through his nose. "Alright," he said finally, his voice resigned but not unwilling. "What time?"

  Kurogane pumped his fist in victory. "Like I said. Right after school, so 3 PM I guess." His expression turned slightly mischievous with a weird smile across his face. "Oh, and I'm inviting a few others. I invited Tachibana and her friends."

  Haruto's eyebrows shot up again and this time both eyebrows rose in surprise. A knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You're inviting Tachibana Takemi?" His tone was loaded with implication.

  "Yeah!" Kurogane shrugged, trying to look casual. "We talked yesterday and it was nice. I thought maybe we should all go out together and get to know each other, you know?"

  Kazama's expression remained carefully neutral but his eyes sharpened with interest. "Anyone else?" His voice was measured, controlled.

  "I was thinking Kiyomi maybe?" Kurogane said, tilting his head thoughtfully. "She seems cool and I think she would fit in."

  Before either of them could respond, Kurogane was already backing away, waving enthusiastically. "Gotta go ask them! See you at 3!" He turned and practically jogged out of the classroom, leaving Kazama and Haruto alone.

  Haruto turned to Kazama, that smirk still playing on his lips. "This should be interesting," he said, his voice full of amusement.

  Kazama's expression didn't change but there was the faintest hint of something knowing in his eyes. "Obviously he would invite her," he said dryly. "Probably that's the point."

  Haruto's grin widened, becoming almost teasing. "They won't be the only highlight of the party," he said suggestively with his eyes glinting with mischief.

  Kazama gave him a flat look. "It's not a party," he corrected, his tone matter-of-fact. "Seems like a gathering."

  "That's not what I meant," Haruto replied, his grin turning into a full smile as he raised his eyebrows meaningfully.

  Kazama chose not to respond, turning his attention back to the window with studied disinterest.

  ************************************************************************************************************************

  Kurogane found Takemi in the library, hunched over a table covered in books and notes. But unlike the previous weeks, these weren't formula sheets or exam prep materials. They were practical application guides, case studies and real-world scenarios.

  He approached quietly, then cleared his throat. "Hey Tachibana."

  Takemi's head snapped up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Kurogane-kun." A small smile appeared on her face. "Hi."

  Kurogane pulled out the chair across from her and sat down, leaning forward with his elbows on the table. His expression turned sincere. "So, about yesterday. Thanks for talking with me. It really helped."

  Takemi's smile grew. "I'm glad it did," she said warmly, her voice carrying genuine happiness.

  "So are you guys coming?" He leaned forward eagerly, his hands clasped together on the table.

  Takemi blinked, confusion crossing her face. "Coming where?"

  "Karaoke! After school!" Kurogane gestured excitedly with his hands. "I'm treating everyone. It'll be fun!"

  "Umm..." Takemi's smile faltered, her expression becoming uncertain. She fidgeted with the corner of her notebook, her eyes dropping. "I think Sakura has some club duty after school and Kana-chan isn't well. She didn't come today." Her voice grew quieter, disappointment creeping in. "So it will be just me I guess. And I don't know..." She bit her lip, looking up at him with hesitation. "I'll be the only girl there."

  "Don't worry about that! I'll invite Kiyomi-san as well! Problem solved!" Kurogane said right away.

  Takemi's eyebrows rose. "Kiyomi-san?" She tilted her head, thinking. "Kiyomi Asahi from Section E?"

  "Oh you already know her!" Kurogane clapped his hands together once. "That's half the job done! It's gonna be great!"

  Takemi's expression remained uncertain, her lips pressing together. "I only know about her because she's a prodigal healer," she said cautiously, her fingers still fidgeting with her notebook. "I don't know anything else besides that."

  "That's even better!" Kurogane's enthusiasm reached new heights, his voice rising. "You'll get to know her well!" He spread his arms wide, grinning broadly. "It's gonna be awesome!"

  Takemi studied him for a long moment. "Fine," she said, a hint of resignation in her voice. "I'll come." She tilted her head. "Since you're insisting this much, I guess I deserve a treat for mending your friendship in a way."

  "Let's go!" Kurogane pumped his fist, his face breaking into a massive grin.

  One down, one more to go. Hehehehe, he thought to himself, barely containing his excitement as he left the library.

  ************************************************************************************************************************

  Kurogane found Kiyomi in the school garden. A small, peaceful area most students forgot about. She was crouched down near a hutch where rabbits were kept, gently stroking a white one with floppy ears. Her expression was soft, peaceful and completely absorbed in the moment.

  "Oh there you are!" Kurogane called out cheerfully as he approached across the grass.

  Kiyomi looked up. "Me or the rabbit?" she asked, her lips curving into a mischievous smile.

  Kurogane stopped mid-step, his expression confused. "Wait. What?"

  "I'm just kidding," Kiyomi said with a giggle. Her smile brightened. "What's up?"

  Kurogane recovered. "Ah well, I'm hosting a karaoke party after school and I was hoping you could come." He gestured broadly, his expression enthusiastic. "Since exams are over and we're all basically free birds right now."

  Kiyomi's smile faded, her expression becoming uncertain. She looked down at the rabbit in her arms, her fingers absently stroking its fur. "I mean, I don't know..." Her voice was quiet, hesitant. "I'm not good with this kind of stuff."

  "Come on, it'll be fine," Kurogane said gently. "Besides, you won't be the only girl there. Tachibana-san will also be there."

  Kiyomi's eyes widened, her head snapping up. "The world's strongest?" Her voice carried a note of awe mixed with intimidation.

  Kurogane waved his hand dismissively, shaking his head with a slight grin. "No, his sister. She's quite popular as well. So you guys can be friends. It'll be awesome!"

  "Tachibana Takemi?" Kiyomi's voice dropped to almost a whisper, her eyes growing even wider. "The top student?"

  "Yeah, that one." Kurogane nodded. "But she's actually really cool once you talk to her. Not as intimidating as people think."

  Kiyomi set the rabbit gently back into the hutch, closing the gate carefully. "I don't know..." She stood up slowly, her expression uncertain, almost worried. "I don't want to be awkward around someone like that."

  Kurogane stood as well, his expression turning serious. "You literally heal people with your powers," he said, his voice carrying genuine respect and admiration. "You save lives. That's way more impressive than getting good grades."

  Kiyomi looked up at him, her eyes widening in surprise at the sincerity in his voice. A faint blush colored her cheeks.

  "Plus, Kazama and Haruto will be there." Kurogane's expression brightened again, becoming more casual. "You know them, right? They're pretty chill."

  "Oh." Kiyomi's expression softened at the memory, a small smile appearing. "Yes. All of you helped me the other day with the bullies." She paused, thinking, her lips pressed together in consideration. Her eyes drifted to the side, then back to Kurogane. "Hmm. That's nice." Another pause, longer this time. "Umm..." She took a breath, then nodded. "Fine. I'll come."

  "Let's go!" Kurogane grinned widely, pumping his fist in the air with enthusiasm.

  ************************************************************************************************************************

  At 3 PM, the group assembled at the front gate.

  Kazama and Haruto were already waiting, leaning against the brick wall near the entrance. Kazama had his hands in his pockets. Haruto was on his phone, scrolling absently, occasionally glancing up to watch students pass by.

  Takemi arrived next, her hair tied back in a neat ponytail. She had changed into more comfortable sneakers and there was a slight nervousness in the way she adjusted her bag strap as she approached.

  "Hey guys," she said, her voice friendly but a touch uncertain. She gave them a small wave, her smile tentative.

  "Tachibana-san!" Kurogane's voice boomed across the courtyard, filled with enthusiasm. He jogged over, his face breaking into a wide grin. "You made it!"

  Takemi gave him a slightly amused look, one eyebrow raising. "You invited me like two hours ago," she said with a smile. "Where else would I be?"

  "Fair point," Kurogane admitted, his grin turning slightly embarrassed.

  Kazama straightened up from the wall, his eyes meeting Takemi's briefly. He gave her a small nod, his expression softening just slightly. "Tachibana-san," he said quietly.

  "Kazama-kun," Takemi replied and her breath caught just slightly. That familiar flutter started in her chest, her heart beating a little faster. A faint warmth crept into her cheeks and she looked away quickly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Kiyomi arrived a few minutes later, slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed from hurrying. "Sorry!" she said apologetically, her hands clasped in front of her. "I had to make sure the rabbits were fed before I left."

  "No worries!" Kurogane gestured expansively, his expression welcoming. "Everyone, this is Kiyomi Asahi." He turned to Kiyomi, gesturing to the group. "Kiyomi, you know everyone here, right?"

  "Kind of," Kiyomi said, giving a small, shy wave. Her smile was tentative but genuine. "Hi everyone."

  Haruto pocketed his phone, giving her a warm smile. "Nice to officially meet you," he said kindly.

  "Likewise," Kiyomi replied, her smile growing more confident, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

  "Alright, let's go!" Kurogane turned and started walking, waving for everyone to follow with enthusiasm. "The place I picked is about ten minutes away!"

  They walked through the streets of Tokyo in the late afternoon.

  The city hummed with life around them. Cars passing in steady streams, the distant sound of construction, people moving along sidewalks with purpose or leisure. Shop windows displayed everything from electronics to fashion to elaborate desserts.

  "So where exactly are we going?" Haruto asked, falling into step beside Kurogane.

  Kurogane turned, walking backward for a few steps. "A place called 'Starlight Voices,'" he explained, gesturing ahead vaguely. "It's got private rooms and the sound system is pretty good. Plus they have unlimited drinks."

  Kazama's eyebrow rose. "Unlimited drinks? How much is this going to cost you?"

  Kurogane waved dismissively, his expression unconcerned. "Don't worry about it," he said confidently. "I saved up money from part-time work and I make decent cash from winning soccer tournaments." He puffed out his chest slightly, looking proud.

  "That's actually really thoughtful," Takemi said from behind them.

  Kurogane turned, walking backward again so he could see her. "See?" he said, pointing at himself with both thumbs. "I can be thoughtful! Sometimes. But I can be thoughtful!"

  "Don't let it go to your head, you moron," Kazama said dryly, his expression flat but his eyes holding the faintest hint of amusement.

  Everyone laughed, the sound light and easy, tension melting away in the afternoon sun.

  They arrived at Starlight Voices a few minutes later.

  The building stood out immediately with neon signs glowing even in the daylight, colorful lights framing the entrance in blues, pinks and purples. The exterior walls were painted with musical notes and silhouettes of singers mid-performance. Through the glass doors, the lobby was visibly decorated with framed photos of famous Japanese singers and international artists.

  "Whoa," Kiyomi said softly, her eyes widening as she looked up at the building with wonder.

  Kurogane pushed through the doors, holding them open with a flourish. "I know, right?" he said proudly, his chest puffing out. "I told you I picked a good place!"

  The lobby was spacious and modern with sleek furniture and soft lighting. A young woman at the reception desk greeted them with a smile. Kurogane checked them in confidently, confirming their reservation and they were led to a private room on the third floor.

  The hallway was dimly lit with more musical decorations and notes painted on the walls. Small spotlights embedded in the ceiling that slowly changed colors from blue to purple to pink.

  When they entered the room, even Kazama looked mildly impressed, his eyebrows rising slightly.

  The space was larger than expected with two long, plush couches facing each other across a low table. A massive TV screen dominated one wall, displaying the colorful karaoke menu with thousands of song options scrolling by. Two microphones sat on the table next to a tablet for song selection. The lighting was warm and inviting, set to a soft glow that made everything feel cozy.

  "Whoa, this is nice," Haruto said, his eyes wide as he looked around appreciatively. He immediately threw himself onto one of the couches, sinking deep into the cushions with a sigh.

  "Right?" Kurogane looked genuinely proud, his hands on his hips. "I told you I picked a good place!"

  Everyone settled in, claiming spots. Takemi and Kiyomi ended up sitting together on one couch, with Takemi taking the spot closer to the arm rest and Kiyomi beside her. The boys took the other one. Kurogane near the tablet, Haruto sprawled out in the middle and Kazama sitting properly on the end with his back straight.

  "Okay, so who's going first?" Kurogane asked, grabbing one of the microphones and spinning it in his hand with theatrical flair.

  Haruto stretched lazily on the couch, a grin on his face. "You're the host," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "You should go first."

  "Alright," Kurogane said. "But don't judge me too harshly." He scrolled through the song menu on the tablet, his finger swiping rapidly, his expression focused with exaggerated concentration.

  He selected a popular rock song. Something high-energy with heavy guitars and aggressive vocals. The opening chords blasted through the speakers and Kurogane's entire face lit up with excitement.

  He didn't just sing. He performed like he was on stage at a sold-out concert. He jumped around the small space, his movements wild and energetic. He used the microphone stand as an air guitar, strumming it dramatically. He pointed at different people during the chorus, his face intense and serious. At one point, he even attempted a slide across the floor, nearly knocking over the table.

  When he finished, breathing hard and grinning like a maniac, everyone erupted in laughter and applause.

  "That was..." Haruto paused, his expression struggling between amusement and disbelief. "Subtle."

  "That's one word for it," Takemi added, her hand covering her mouth as she tried unsuccessfully to hold back laughter.

  "Right?" Kurogane was still breathing hard, his face flushed with exertion and excitement. "Your turn, Haruto!" Without warning, he tossed the microphone across the space.

  Haruto caught it reflexively, his eyes widening in alarm. "Wait, I didn't volunteer….."

  But Kurogane had already queued up a song. A notoriously fast rap track, the kind where the lyrics appeared on screen and disappeared almost immediately.

  Haruto's face fell, his expression turning to horror. "You're an evil man! You know that?"

  Kurogane's grin was unrepentant. "I try to be the good guy," he said cheerfully, settling back onto the couch to watch.

  The song started and Haruto did his best. His eyes widened as he tried to keep up with the rapid-fire lyrics, his mouth moving frantically. He managed maybe sixty percent of the verses, stumbling over words, his face growing increasingly red. By the end, he was bent over, hands on his knees, gasping for breath and sweat beading on his forehead.

  "Not bad, Haruto-kun," Kiyomi said encouragingly when the music finally stopped.

  "Thanks," Haruto gasped, collapsing back onto the couch. His ears had turned bright red and he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand.

  "Kazama," Kurogane declared, pointing dramatically at him. "You're up."

  "Pass," Kazama said immediately, his tone flat and final. He didn't even look up.

  "Oh come on!" Kurogane's voice rose with exaggerated desperation. "Everyone has to sing at least once. That's the rule!" He gestured emphatically, his expression pleading.

  Kazama finally looked up with one eyebrow raised. "What rule?" His tone was skeptical and unimpressed.

  "The rule that I just made up five seconds ago," Kurogane said without shame. "Now get up there."

  Kazama looked around the room slowly. Four pairs of eyes stared back at him expectantly. Haruto with an amused grin, Kurogane with pleading eagerness, Kiyomi with encouraging curiosity and Takemi with... something he couldn't quite read. He realized with quiet resignation that he wasn't going to win this argument.

  He stood up with a heavy sigh, his expression resigned. "Fine," he muttered, taking the microphone from Kurogane's outstretched hand.

  He scrolled through the song list carefully, taking his time, his expression thoughtful. Eventually he selected something quieter. A melodic ballad with a steady rhythm. Nothing flashy or dramatic.

  When he started singing, the room went quiet.

  His voice was steady, controlled and surprisingly good. He didn't move around or perform. He just stood there with perfect posture and sang. His eyes were half-closed, focused inward and there was something almost vulnerable in the way he let the words flow.

  He's good at this too, Takemi thought, unable to take her eyes off him. Of course he is.

  When Kazama finished, there was genuine applause. Not the playful or teasing kind they had given Kurogane and Haruto but real, sincere appreciation.

  "Okay, that was actually really good," Kiyomi said, her eyes wide with genuine surprise and admiration.

  "Hidden talent," Haruto agreed, nodding approvingly, his expression impressed.

  "Whatever," Kazama muttered, his ears turning slightly pink. He handed the microphone off quickly to Kurogane and returned to his seat.

  "Alright, ladies!" Kurogane said enthusiastically, turning his attention to the other couch. "Your turn!" He offered the microphone to Takemi and Kiyomi with a flourish.

  The two girls looked at each other.

  "You go first," Takemi said, her smile polite but her eyes slightly worried.

  "No, you go first," Kiyomi countered, shaking her head quickly. "You're definitely better than me."

  "Rock paper scissors?" Takemi suggested, holding up her fist with a slight grin.

  "Deal," Kiyomi agreed immediately, relief crossing her face.

  They played, their hands moving in sync. Takemi threw paper. Kiyomi threw scissors.

  "Ugh..." Takemi groaned, her head tilting back dramatically. "Alright." She stood up slowly, taking the microphone with reluctant acceptance.

  She scrolled through the songs and selected something relatively new. A popular track from a well-known Japanese idol group, upbeat and catchy with a memorable chorus.

  When she started singing, her voice was clear and bright, perfectly on pitch. She knew every word by heart. She even did some of the hand gestures from the music video, which made everyone cheer and clap along. Kazama had a slower and quieter clap but he had a small smile along his face throughout the song.

  "That was great, Tachibana-san!" Kurogane said enthusiastically when she finished, clapping loudly. His face was lit up with genuine appreciation.

  Haruto showed a thumbs up sign.

  "You have a really nice voice," Kiyomi added sincerely while quickly holding Takemi’s hands.

  "Thank you," Takemi said, sitting back down. A slight blush colored her cheeks and she looked down at her hands, pleased but embarrassed by the attention.

  “That was really good”, Kazama said with a small smile across his face.

  “Thanks, Kazama-kun”, Takemi replied with a smile of her own while brushing a few strands of her hair aside.

  "Your turn, Kiyomi!" Kurogane said, offering her the microphone with an encouraging smile and quickly breaking the little moment that Kazama and Takemi had with that exchange.

  Kiyomi stood up nervously, accepting it with trembling hands. She browsed through the songs for a long time, her finger hovering over several options. Finally, she selected something older. A classic ballad, soft and emotional. The kind of song that required feeling more than technical skill.

  When she started singing, everyone fell quiet again.

  Her voice was gentle, sweet and sincere. It wasn't powerful or technically perfect but it carried emotion that made you want to keep listening. It was the kind of voice that felt like a warm hug, comforting and genuine. The vulnerability in her performance was almost tangible.

  "Wow, Kiyomi-san, that was beautiful," Haruto said when she finished.

  "Really?" Kiyomi's eyes widened, her hands clasping the microphone tightly. "I always think I sound weird." Her voice was quiet, uncertain, as if she genuinely didn't believe the compliment.

  "No way," Kurogane said firmly, shaking his head with emphasis. "That was really good. Really. I was in awe the entire time!"

  Two hours passed in a blur of laughter, music and terrible song choices.

  They rotated through songs. Some serious, mostly ridiculous. They sang duets that dissolved into laughter when one person forgot the words. They ordered drinks and snacks that kept appearing on the table. They argued playfully about song choices with Kurogane insisting on another rock song while Haruto lobbied for more rap. They forgot for those precious hours about qualifiers and exams and expectations.

  They were just teenagers having fun. Eventually, their time ran out.

  They filed out of the building into the early evening air.

  "That was great, Kurogane!" Takemi said enthusiastically, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. Her face was flushed with happiness, her smile genuine and unguarded. "I had way more fun than I thought I would have. Even without Kana-chan and Sakura."

  "It was nothing," Kurogane said with a smile. "And it was great hanging out with you." His voice softened, becoming more nostalgic. "Like, we used to play and hang out a lot together when we were kids, so it was good that we could still have fun, you know?"

  "Yeah," Takemi agreed, her smile turning softer, warmer, touched with memory. "It was."

  "Hey!" Kiyomi stepped forward excitedly, her eyes bright. "We should do this more often!"

  "Yeah, sure," Takemi said, nodding enthusiastically. "After the next round of qualifiers, maybe?"

  "We can definitely do that," Kurogane agreed while nodding.

  Kazama and Haruto emerged from the building last, having settled the bill among the three of them at the counter despite Kurogane's loud protests.

  "Can't believe this guy actually threw such an enjoyable treat," Haruto said, nudging Kurogane with his elbow.

  "Yeah," Kazama added quietly, his tone sincere. "It was fun."

  "So what are you guys up to this weekend?" Kurogane asked, addressing the group with renewed energy. "We could do a regular meetup. Aquarium visit, mall, a fair or something like that?"

  "I'm free," Haruto said immediately, raising his hand.

  "Me too," Kiyomi added, her smile bright.

  "I might have some errands to run," Takemi said thoughtfully, her expression considering. "But most likely I'll be free."

  "What about you, Kazama?" Kurogane asked, turning to face him directly.

  Kazama's expression remained neutral, unchanged. "I'll be busy," he said flatly. "Some relatives are coming over this weekend, so maybe next weekend."

  "Then let's do it next weekend," Takemi said quickly, her eyes flicking briefly to Kazama before looking away, a faint color touching her cheeks.

  "Cool," Kurogane said, grinning and nodding.

  They said their goodbyes, splitting off in different directions toward their respective homes. Their voices gradually faded as they disappeared into the evening crowds.

  Kazama walked alone with hands buried deep in his pockets, still reminiscing about the karaoke outing.

  This weekend. I have another meeting with the mafia.

  The thought sat heavy in his chest.

  But the amount of fun I had today... with these guys...

  He remembered Kurogane's ridiculous performance. Haruto's breathless rapping, his face red with effort. The sound of Takemi's laughter, clear and genuine. Kiyomi's gentle voice. The comfortable atmosphere in that small room, where for a few hours everything had felt... normal.

  Is it the right path? The question gnawed at him, persistent and uncomfortable. Should I really be doing this? Fighting the mafia at night? Running after the truth? Fighting against the system?

  The question had no easy answer. It never did.

  He kept walking, the streetlights flickering on one by one as darkness slowly claimed the sky and the weight of his double life settled back onto his shoulders like a familiar, heavy coat.