An outdoor concert is about to begin. Hundreds of teenage fans flood the seats. The lighting team, sound crew and band are setting up on stage; all that's missing are the two leading ladies.
In the dressing room, everyone appears distressed.
"Just relax, Run. Now try it again," says the vocal coach. Run sits in a chair, all dressed up, wearing makeup, ready to perform. Except when she opens her mouth to sing, her voice comes off flat and hoarse. She's lost her voice.
"This can't be happening," panics Run. The vocal coach releases a sigh.
"Looks like allergy season's gotten to you, Run. I'm sorry, but you won't be able to sing for a while," says the vocal coach. Run, Kyouko, Ren, the makeup artists, the costume designers and the manager are all speechless. The manager clears his throat and speaks up.
"Okay, okay, everybody calm down. We can fix this. We've got thousands of recorded copies of Run's songs. Let's just play them during the show, and Run can lip sync as she performs. Is that alright, Run, sweetie?" says the manager. Run's body starts trembling.
"But I…" says Run.
"Apologies, everyone," pipes up Kyouko. "Could you give us the room for a moment?" she asks. Everyone nods, understanding. Before Ren leaves, he pats Run's shoulder. Then he vacates with the others, leaving Kyouko and Run alone. Kyouko kneels down in front of her friend.
"Don't worry, Run. We've done this a hundred times, and I'll help you anyway I can out there. The show's gonna be great," says Kyouko.
"Thanks, Kyouko," says Run as her eyes become misty. "But I asked Rito to come tonight. I promised him I would sing just for him. Now I can't even sing at all," she says. Kyouko dries the tears from Run's eyes.
"Hey, now, those girls spent hours on your makeup. Don't go ruining it over some allergies. Listen, voice or not, Rito's gonna love you up there. I'm sure he will," says Kyouko.
"He doesn't love me. At least not the way I love him. And the whole reason I became a pop idol was so that one day he could. I do enjoy singing, Kyouko. Especially with you. But I…I…" mumbles Run. Kyouko hugs Run before she starts crying again.
"It'll be okay. I promise," says Kyouko.
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Outside, an endless line of anxious fans wait their turn to get inside, including the principal.
"Let me in! I want to see those girls so badly, woo-hoo-hoo-hoo!" yells the perverted old man. His behavior gets so out of whack, two security guards are forced to seize him and drag him away from the event. "Wait, no! Let me see them, please! Ayeeeeee!" he yells as he's hauled off.
Over by the emergency exit door, Ren leans against the wall, waiting for someone.
"Hey, Ren," shouts a familiar voice. Ren turns to see Lala coming his way. He blushes and smiles. But before he can say anything to Lala, she pulls Rito into view. Ren drops his head, upset. Lala, Rito, Haruna, Mikan, Yami, Momo, Yui, Nana and Mea approach Ren, all wearing their VIP passes and lanyards around their necks.
"Hey, Lala, everyone. Thanks for coming. Come on, I'll show you around," says Ren. Then he opens the door, and leads the group through the backstage area. The crew carries on while the group take in the sights.
"Wow, this is incredible," beams Mikan.
"No kidding. I've never been backstage at a concert before," says Yui.
"Hmph. Not bad for a couple of earthlings," says Nana.
"Oh, Nana, behave yourself," quips Momo.
"They have taiyaki here too," says Yami, eating from her own bag of taiyaki.
"Ooh, and shaved ice as well," says Mea.
"Hey, Ren, where are Run and Kyouko?" asks Haruna.
"Oh, they're still in their dressing room getting ready for the show," says Ren.
"Ah, I wanted to see them before they performed. Could you take us to them, Ren? Please?" asks Lala.
"Uh, sorry, Lala. You'll have to wait until after the show," says Ren.
"Ah," pouts Lala.
"Hey, uh, Ren," asks Rito with a stupid look on his face.
"What?" replies Ren.
"Where's the restroom?" asks Rito.
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In the restroom, Rito washes his hands. He's alone. Until the door bursts opens and Ren stomps inside.
"Ren?" asks Rito. Suddenly, Ren grabs Rito by the collar and slams him against the wall.
"You're marrying Lala?" barks Ren, his eyes full of pain and betrayal.
Dammit, thinks Rito. Lala must've told him. Being the naïve girl she is, of course she did. Then again, it's not like I told her to keep it a secret. Rito looks Ren in the eye.
"Yes, I am. When I become king of Deviluke," he declares. Ren tightens his grip on Rito's collar, but Rito doesn't react. He takes it, preparing for whatever comes next. A few moments pass, and Ren releases Rito.
"I loved her. I loved her for a long time. But she always loved you," says Ren, hunched over the sink.
"I'm sorry, Ren," says Rito. Awkward silence fills the air, neither boy knowing what they should say. "Maybe we should get back to the others," says Rito, walking to the door.
"What about Run?" asks Ren, prompting Rito to stop. "She's loved you all this time too, you know? So what are you gonna tell her now that you've chosen Lala?" he asks. Rito turns around, faces Ren and looks like he's about to say something.
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On the stage, Run and Kyouko stare at the legions of fans from behind the curtains.
"Wow, we've drawn quite a crowd," says Kyouko. Run remains silent, still upset.
The lights illuminate, and smoke fills the stage. Kyouko gives Run a gentle nudge, encouraging her.
"Run, you got this," says Kyouko before strutting onto stage. Run takes a deep breath, then follows her out. The crowd goes wild as soon as they see the girls. Run stares at everyone. Although she's done this a million times, she suddenly feels nervous and overwhelmed. Without her voice, her legs start to shake.
"Run, Kyouko, good luck!" yells Lala. She stands with the other girls behind the curtain, cheering her heart out. Rito and Ren join them, finishing their discussion in the restroom.
The band starts to play. The crowd goes even wilder. Lala and the others start clapping to the beat. Kyouko starts dancing, and Run follows suit. Maybe it's the music or the party vibes, but no one notices Run's rigid dance movements; no one except Ren and Rito.
"You see it, don't you, Rito?" says Ren.
"What's wrong with her?" asks Rito.
"She's lost her voice," says Ren.
"What?" asks Rito. "Then why would she-"
"Because she really wanted to sing for you. That's my sister out there, Rito. What are you gonna do about this?" challenges Ren. Rito looks at him, and then stares at Run. He can tell by her eyes just how insecure and scared she feels, even if no one else does.
"Run!" yells Rito. She doesn't respond. "Run, you can do this!" he yells louder. She still can't hear him; the music and fans are too loud. Rito looks around, no idea what to do. Then he looks up, and the idea comes to him. He splits from the group. Ren watches him go, and gives the smallest of grateful smiles. Yui also notices Rito disappearing.
"Yuki? Where's he going?" asks Yui.
"To make something right," says Ren, cryptically.
Up in the sound booth, the crew struggles to get the recorded songs going.
"What's the problem?" asks the frantic manager.
"No idea. It was working just fine this morning," says the sound guy.
"Quickly! Get it fixed before her lyrics begin," says the manager, wiping his sweaty brow.
Back on stage, Kyouko belts out her lyrics. The crowd cheers and dances. Any second now, it'll be Run's turn to sing; with no voice to sing with. And, unbeknownst to her, no recorded songs to lip sync with either.
In the upper area of the stage, Rito climbs onto the catwalk.
"This has gotta be the eighth or ninth craziest thing I've ever done," mumbles Rito. "What am I supposed to-"
Suddenly, he trips on the catwalk, knocking one of the stage lights off its axis, and causing the beam to shine down directly onto Run. Caught under the beam, Run looks up in bewilderment, and her eyes meet with Rito's.
"Rito?" says Run.
And for a split second, everything goes silent. The crowd, the music, everything. It's as if the whole world just fades away. Rito stares at Run, and for the first time, he literally sees her in a different light. It's as if the beam has basked her in an angelic glow. He blushes by how radiant and divine she appears. And so, Rito does the only thing he can do; he smiles at Run, and gives her a thumbs-up.
Run's eyes beam with joy. That's right, she thinks to herself. How could I ever doubt it? As long as Rito's there, watching me, I can do anything. Rito, my love, this is for you.
The split second is over. Everything goes back to normal. Kyouko finishes her lyrics, and looks to Run; her turn to sing.
Back in the sound booth, the panicking manager loses it.
"No, no, no!" yells the manager, putting his hands over his head, bracing himself for the worst.
Back on stage, Run opens her mouth and sings. Her voice is perfect. Her energy, spirit and happiness echo throughout the entire concert hall. This is the best she's ever sounded. Kyouko is amazed. Everyone in the sound booth, including the manager, are speechless. Ren, Lala and the others are ecstatic. And as for Rito, he just watches and listens, mesmerized. But as loud as Run and the music are, there's another sound drowning them out. Rito puts his hand over his chest, and discovers the sound; his own heartbeat.
Run and Kyouko dance and sing together. They finish the song with fireworks exploding in the background. The crowd goes their wildest. Everyone in the sound booth, including the manager, applaud like crazy. On the stage, Run and Kyouko embrace, overjoyed.
"See? I told you you got this," says Kyouko.
"Thank you," replies Run, then she looks up and gives Rito a wave. Kyouko follows her gaze and sees Rito waving back.
"Wait, Rito?" asks Kyouko.
"I know, right?" says Run. Kyouko can't help but blush upon seeing Rito.
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"Rito, that had to be the eighth or ninth craziest thing you've ever done," scolds Mikan.
In the VIP green room, Rito and his friends gather for a post-show celebration. Snacks, fruit punch and smiles all around.
"Yeah, it was kinda dumb," says Rito, sheepish.
"Kind of? It was downright insane," scolds Yui.
"Of course, it was. Then again, what else should we expect from Rito?" snarks Nana.
"Hehe," says Rito. Then he feels someone behind him patting his shoulder.
"Well done," says Ren, then he leaves to grab a snack from the table. Rito grins, and decides to leave it at that. Just then, Lala hugs him from behind.
"Way to go, Rito! You completely saved the show!" says Lala. Rito chuckles, embarrassed and not sure if that's entirely true. But he notices Run chatting with everyone else; she looks happy, and that's all that matters.
"Hey, Lala, did you tell Ren about…well, about me marrying you?" whispers Rito.
"I sure did. When you went to the restroom, he wanted to talk to me in private so he could confess his love. But I turned him down, told him I loved you, and said you already proposed. He seemed sad at first, but I think he'll understand," says Lala.
"Okay. But from now on, could you please not tell anyone else about my decision? Not even your sisters?" asks Rito.
"Huh? But why?" asks Lala, innocently.
"Well, because it'll cause some misunderstandings. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ashamed of my decision. But for now, could you please just keep it a secret? For me?" asks Rito.
"For you? Of course. I'll do anything for you," says Lala.
"Thanks, Lala," says Rito.
"So...are you gonna confess to Run too or what?" asks Lala, causing Rito to blush. Then he looks over at Run once more, and makes up his mind.
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The concert's done for the night. Everyone except Rito starts heading home on the sidewalk.
"Woo, that was so much fun," says Lala.
"It sure was. Hey, Lala, you wanna help me bake Run's thank-you cake tomorrow?" asks Haruna.
"Yeah, I'd love to," says Lala.
"In that case, I think I'll bake one for Kyouko," says Mikan.
"That sounds wonderful, Mikan. Any chance I could assist you?" asks Yami.
"Uh, well..." says Mikan.
"I know I'm not as skilled at cooking as you, but I'd still like to help if possible," insists Yami.
"Of course. I'd love for you to help out, Yami," says Mikan.
"Thank you, Mikan," replies Yami.
"Geez, that beast is as clumsy as he is lecherous," says Nana.
"No kidding. He goes and messes up the lights, and now he has to help out with the cleanup duty. Serves him right," says Yui.
"I'm sure Rito would've helped out even if he wasn't being forced to, Lady Shameless," says Mea.
"Huh?! Mea! For the last time, I am not shameless!" says Yui, flushed with embarrassment.
"Uh-oh, I've gone and made Lady Shameless angry," jokes Mea.
"Why, you," says Yui.
"Now, now, you guys. Rito said it's no problem and we should go on ahead. I just hope he doesn't have to stay out too long," says Haruna.
"Don't worry, Haruna. Rito'll be back home before you know it. After all, he is our...you know," says Lala, mischievously.
"Yes, I suppose he is," says Haruna, blushing whilst smiling.
"Hey, now, what are you two talking about, Big Sis?" asks Nana.
"It's a secret, hmm," says Lala, leaving Nana and the others confused.
In any case, Mea's right, thinks Momo. Rito would stay and help even if he weren't asked to. That's just the kind of guy he is. She blushes, and looks ahead at Lala and Haruna. And to think, he'd actually, and finally, go through with Project Harem, and share it with Big Sis and Haruna. And now he's doing the same for Run. She stops and looks back at the concert hall, wondering how Rito's doing at the moment. Good luck, Rito. I hope you'll confess your love to me as well. And I hope sooner than later.
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The concert hall is empty. Everything's cleaned up, and everyone's gone home. The lights are off. Time to call it a night.
But not for Run.
She sits alone on the stage, taking in her surroundings. The crescent moon radiates in the night sky, bathing her in a gentle light.
Rito appears behind the curtains. He sees Run, takes a deep breath and walks out onto the stage. Alerted by his footsteps, Run turns and stands up, happy to see him.
"Hey, Rito. Did you finish already?" asks Run.
"Yeah. Though I had to apologize to the staff a thousand times, but they came around and let me off the hook," says Rito, scratching his head.
"That's great. I'd hate for them to ban you from my next show," says Run.
"No kidding," laughs Rito. Run laughs with him.
Up above on the catwalk, Kyouko watches them. She thinks to herself. What am I doing here? This is Run's big moment. I should leave them be.
Rito and Run stop laughing. Then they twiddle their thumbs and shuffle their feet, both nervous and unsure of what to say. Rito takes another breath.
"Listen, Run," starts Rito.
"Yes?" says Run.
"You were incredible tonight," says Rito, making Run blush. "I've never seen you so happy before. No, not just happy. It's more like you were...alive. Your voice was so passionate; it was as if I could see your heart pouring out. And that's why I'm here. To tell you something important," he continues.
"What is it?" says Run, on the edge. This is it. The moment's she's waited so long for.
"Run, I…I'm in love with you," says Rito, blushing. Up above, Kyouko covers her mouth to quell her surprise. On the stage, Run stands frozen. Tears of joy fill her eyes.
"Oh, Rito," says Run.
"You told me so many times that you loved me, but I kept shutting you down. It's not that I didn't like you. It's just...mmmm...well, half of it was Ren. You were right; you and him sharing a body did make it difficult for me to see you as just a girl. But that was never your fault; it's just how you were both born. And even though you guys eventually separated, I never should've treated you that way in the first place. I'm so sorry," says Rito.
Up above, Kyouko remains where she is, fascinated by the scene below; she couldn't leave now even if she wanted to.
"And like I said, that was half of it," says Rito. "The other half was that I wasn't sure if you actually loved me. I thought you only felt that way because Ren and I accidentally kissed. But as I started spending more time with you, I realized how genuine your feelings were. Even so, I dismissed them because I didn't believe I deserved you. I figured you'd be happier off with someone else. But the truth is...the thought of you being with another guy...it makes me hurt. Right here," he continues, touching his heart. "I don't want you to be with some other guy, Run; I want you to be with me, because I want to be with you," he finishes.
"Rito, I..." says Run, walking towards him. But then, he raises his hand.
"Wait. Sorry, but before you say anything, there's one more thing you need to know," says Rito.
A few moments pass by as Rito explains everything to her; his goal to become king of Deviluke, the harem plan, his decision to marry Lala, his love for her and Haruna, and the other girls in his life who he might love as well. Run listens to every word. Up above, Kyouko eavesdrops in earnest.
"And that's about it," finishes Rito. He closes his eyes and hangs his head, bracing himself for Run's response. For a moment, nothing happens. "Please say something," begs Rito. "Scream at me, pummel me, just please do-"
He's cut off when he feels Run's lips slam against his own. She wraps her arms around his neck, and holds him tighter than she ever has. A few seconds pass, and she breaks away from the kiss.
"You'll marry me?" asks Run. Rito smiles, and wraps his arms around her waist.
"Yes, if you'll have me," says Rito.
"I don't plan on losing to anyone, especially Lala. So marry as many wives as you want. I'll show them all who's the best," says Run.
"Uh," says Rito. While not exactly the answer he was looking for, it's good enough. "I'm sure you will. I love you, Run," he says.
"And I love you, Rito. So very much. Now YOU kiss ME, and never let me go," says Run with joyful tears sliding down her face.
Rito brings his face closer to Run's, and their lips collide.
Up above, Kyouko watches them, her expression a mixture of happiness and uncertainty. Then she walks away. I'm so happy for you, Run, she ponders. But...a harem plan? Does that mean I could marry Rito too? Wait, what? Why am I thinking such a thing? It's not like I'm in love with him too. Right? And besides...how does he even feel about me?
In the sky, one of Stem's black probes flies over the concert hall, searching for Rito.
Author's Note: Another challenge, because Run once said she wanted Rito all to herself and would never share him. I also wanted Rito and Ren to make peace while also foreshadowing Kyouko's romance. And finally, I wanted girls like Lala, Haruna and Run to be confessed to first, because they'd be the easiest for Rito to start with. From here on out, things will get a lot tougher for him. And that's without even mentioning Stem.