Sora and I returned to the rooftop, I thought she would immediately try and chew me out for something, but instead, she just went up to the railing and faced the brightly lit city.
Silence would follow as she gazed out into the night sky, entranced by some unknown force in the stars. Or maybe more realistically, she wanted to gather her thoughts and was looking up to clear her mind. Either way, I would stand a few steps beside her in silence, awaiting the first words to come out her mouth.
I could've just started the conversation myself, but something told me that taking the lead would've just angered her, so I patiently kept my mouth shut.
Eventually, she did manage to gather her thoughts and let out a few words.
"So will it stop?"
"What will?"
"The attacks. Will they stop?"
If the antis were all bots then the answer would've been yes, but they weren't. Some of the attackers were still humans and humans are persistent.
"It will definitely lessen, but when does hate ever just go away?"
"...You're right."
A sad reality, but it was something she had known for some time. Hatred, especially from idol fans, never goes away so easily. At best, they only subside.
Regardless, we had achieved something grand and when I told Sora not to dwell on the negatives, she agreed and tossed her head back and let out a massive sigh of relief.
"I'm so glad that we pulled it off! I was so nervous."
"Were you? We all thought you sounded quite confident with your speech."
"Well I did practice what I was gonna say, but... I kept thinking the worst as I spoke."
Naturally, what she did was definitely non-idol-like. I wouldn't have been surprised if she had dipped a little in numbers.
But, I doubted that it would've tarnished her reputation. Hololive was quite down to earth and honest about their struggles in the idol world. If anything, that transparency was what allowed them to survive and thrive as strong individuals.
"While I will not guarantee your reputation staying the same as before. I can at least tell you, people will know that Hololive is taking the attacks seriously. If anything your speech served as the perfect glimpse into your world."
"I guess. So much for being a good idol."
Glancing over at Sora, I saw a small, sad smile formed on her contemplating expression.
"What do you mean?"
"An idol is someone who should always be positive, ever smiling and never frowning. But tonight, I couldn't even smile to the end and ended up pouring every ounce of anger in me on the audience. No idol should ever do that."
A mindset built on giving hope, joy and excitement. Idols were revered at the cost of realism and humanity. I had thought she never stuck to it, having been raised outside traditions. But then again, Hololive is diverse and their philosophies were never truly uniform. So maybe while Sora didn't believe in some ideas on what an idol should be, she still believed they were meant to make people love her, not fear her.
"That belief is why idols are treated the way they are you know."
"I know, but, the world doesn't need idols to also show them the bad side of reality. We're meant to be like an oasis for people, to let them unwind and give them positivity. I can't do that if I threaten people."
"Yet it is completely acceptable for them to break you apart and treat you like an object?"
"That's..."
"I understand what idols stand for. However, just because you stand behind a positive ideal, it does not mean it is not flawed."
Her expression soured, she bit her lip and turned away. She began to tremble and tried to push a retort back at me, yet she stuttered to even utter a single letter.
Perhaps I was too harsh, but, it was this very mindset that drove my sister's own career into the drain. As such, I had grown to loathe this philosophy.
"Would you still watch me?"
"What?"
"You said these ideals are flawed. So would you... would you still watch me?"
Her back was still turned to me, but I could tell she wore a rather anxious expression. I had a feeling if I didn't answer correctly, I would be struggling in the future.
"Of course. To me, an idol is still human, I expect flaws and faults. Because that is what humans are, flawed and faulty creatures.
"...I see."
She then turned back around and now a genuine smile was painted upon her face.
"Well, I guess I wasn't so wrong to do what I did then."
Seemed as though her pep had returned to her. We both then stared out into the city once more, relishing the twinkling lights of buildings, cars and lampposts.
Later on, we were both making our way back to the others, we had been gone for some time and it was better to show ourselves one last time, lest some rumours started to prop up.
With a comfortable silence between us, Sora followed closely behind as we walked along the halls of the offices.
Along the way we got to see how the rest of the employees celebrated the success of the stream: Some were crying tears of joy, others were dancing and singing, then some were committing to more... intimate forms of celebration.
We didn't call them out, thought it was best we left them alone.
"Wow, right here in the office?"
"People will always find a way to do absurd acts in public."
"I know that, but in the hall? They didn't even notice us."
"They were very into it. I am not surprised at all."
Though I said that, I honestly was a bit surprised to see two people making out like they were in heat in the halls. Furthermore, I was certain a janitor's closet was near them, so I doubt kissing was the farthest they would go.
"Well, it is a good night."
As we neared the studio, I could hear everyone still partying like it was the last day on Earth. I was suddenly struck with the feeling of not wanting to join in and it wasn't just me since Sora would then tugged on my sleeve and told me not to go further as she still wanted to spend some time away from the loud celebrations that were booming through the halls.
"Wanna go back to the roof?"
"I think they'll settle down soon, let's just sit here."
By here she meant the stairs that led up to the next floor.
"Alright, suit yourself."
The party that was going on inside the studio sounded like high schoolers in a karaoke, it would've been very awkward for us to just enter.
But it was awkward not talking about anything, so really, it was between a rock and a hard place.
"Hey Rio."
"Huh?"
"Can I ask you something?"
A bit sudden, but it was better than sitting in silence.
"Go ahead."
"When you left, did you not contact me because you thought I was weak?"
"Huh?"
What a sudden heavy question that was, I wasn't expecting her to ask something like that.
But not once had I ever thought that Sora was some weak girl. I left simply to pursue Takamura by myself, believing it would've been better that way. Her misunderstanding was definitely born from the fact I was too absorbed in my own head that I forgot she too was emotional at the time.
A blunder on my part and childish truth be told. Clearly, my sole pursuit led to nothing and only back to her.
"Of course, I never thought such a thing."
"I want to believe you, but whenever I look back on those days we were looking for your sister. I realise I never did anything to help you, so I keep thinking that maybe-"
"Let me stop you right there Sora. You are not a weak person, today proved that in spades. I left for the sake of wanting to pursue Takamura on my own. Also, I am quite sure I told you that I did not wish to drag you into danger because of my goals."
"I know, but I still felt like you said that just to get me out of your way because I was weak."
A bit of a stretch, but distress can cloud judgment in the moment and because I never cleared the air, such an idea stuck itself in her head.
"No, not once did I think such a thing."
"I see, but still, I wish you did call me at least."
"Sorry."
"It's ok. It's my fault as well for being hesitant and not chase after you that day."
I couldn't say anything back. I knew Sora was a caring person, but to care so much about something from so long ago. For me, it seemed pointless, but I couldn't just say that to her.
"You shouldn't worry so much about it, that was a long time ago now."
This wasn't the best answer either, but I needed her to realise it was never a personal thing.
"Maybe you're not worried, but to me, it's not that easy."
"And why is that?"
"Do you know that feeling? Seeing someone you care for leave you behind? It was horrible Rio, I felt so powerless. My legs refused to move and in the end, I could only watch you disappear from my life."
There was a lot of pain in those words, something she most likely carried with her always. An all too familiar feeling.
"Of course, I lost Yuki and her death is something I carry to this day."
Sora and I both lost something, but the way things unfolded was different. Maybe because while I was still alive, my sister wasn't, and so the way our losses affected us was not the same.
"I lost sis too, but I also lost you and I hated that."
"Sora."
"I hated that I couldn't do anything. I kept thinking and thinking about what I could do, but in the end, I never found out what I could do. At least you knew what you could do, but me? No, I could only live every day thinking I was never good enough, that I failed as a friend... and that ate me for years, Rio. For years."
Tears had now begun to drip down Sora's face as her voice began to break. Every word she uttered was heavy with sadness, guilt and frustration that I couldn't say a word back and only let her go on while I listened in earnest silence.
"I... I apologise."
What else could I say? The fault lay with me for selfishly going off on my own.
"You don't have to apologise. Honestly, this is all a bit childish of me."
She said through a forced smile while wiping her tears away.
"Not at all, we will be working more in the future, it is better for us to clear everything in our minds to be able to work as efficiently as possible."
"Still, I didn't want you to see me like this."
"You have a slight obsession with how you are perceived don't you?"
Sora giggled a little as her gaze dropped to the floor/
"I suppose you're right. I've always been worried about how you looked at me, even now."
"I assure you it is nothing negative."
"Then can I ask what it is?"
"Huh?"
"You're view of me, what is it?"
"... A companion. A partner of sorts that is helping me pursue my target while saving her friends and company."
"That's it?"
She sounded a bit hurt by that, but yes, that is how I viewed her. We had been separated for so long that I couldn't call myself a friend to her anymore. But maybe she didn't see it that way.
"I see, so we're partners then... right."
"Sora?"
She then stood up and walked a few steps away from me. I could sense something was wrong, but before I could say anything Sora spoke.
"Right let's head on in, I think they're dying out."
She dismissed the conversation rather quickly, something was off.
"Sora is there-"
"Hey Rio. Thanks."
"... For what?"
"For helping me see."
"See what?"
"That I'm an idiot for clinging to the past."
Something about that didn't seem right. Not in the logic, but the way she said it. It sounded... bitter.
However, that was masked behind a smile when she turned back to me. A smile that only an idol could wear, one full of lies and deceit.
The air around her had changed, becoming menacing and even cold.
"So thanks for this talk Rio. You've given me a lot to think about."
I couldn't say a word back, only watch as she approached me with a sultry look on her face.
"But for now, let me show you where I stand."
What happened next felt unreal.
I recall the warm feeling of two soft lips on mine. The taste of strawberry lip balm as the kiss deepened. The heat that arose within my body as she pressed herself against me. And the sound of her heart beating rapidly as seconds passed us by.
I tried pushing her away at first, but her placing herself on my lap and then wrapping her arms around my neck... my strength departed, only leaving behind the feeling of lust within me.
Eventually, all I could was give in to her and let her finish what she was doing up to the moment we both lost our breaths.
"Haa... haa... Rio..."
Despite how hazy my vision had become, the image of her lustful face was still as clear as ever to me.
"Rio..."
Once again she hungrily pressed her lips against mine and we kept on indulging in each other's embrace for several minutes more.
In those moments, my mind was in a cloud of euphoria and confusion. Whether what I was going through was real or not, I couldn't tell.
But the feeling of her tongue wrapping against my own sent sparks surging through me. Never had I been more sensitive to her touch than in that moment and when she continued to deepen the kiss, I could feel the weight of her entire body, pushing me down. Then the feeling of her chest brushing against my own made the heat within rise even more, never had I indulged in such passionate exercises, so it was quite the mind-numbing trip.
What eventually stopped it all, was Sora finally being satisfied with herself. She looked down at me with a victorious gaze while wiping some saliva off the side of her mouth.
"Why did you-"
"Because I wanted to show you... who you are to me."
"Sora..."
She then chuckled before leaving my lap and turning her back to me. But before she walked away she turned her head and said:
"I'll see you later, Rio."
Sora then walked around the corner and I could hear the doors to the studio opening followed by some cheers that greeted her.
Meanwhile, I continued to sit on the steps, completely lost as to what had just transpired.
"I couldn't even fight back. Was that really Sora?"
The suddenness of it all was one thing, but her gaze, her air, it was all so different that I couldn't take it all in quick enough.
In those moments, locked in her embrace, lost in the taste of her lips and in the warmth of her body. I was powerless.
"I can see why Takamura would go down that route now. An idol like that... it's enchanting."
The next day, I was still somewhat mulling over what just transpired the night before. Just the feeling of her lips against mine still lived in my head and it confused me to no end.
I didn't consider any form of romantic relationship with Sora, nor did I plan to pursue one with her. That said, I couldn't say that little act didn't have an effect on me.
Truth be told, none of it made sense to me. Back when we were in school, she didn't show any form of romantic interest towards me, but maybe I missed the signs. Or did she just figure that out that night? There was that change in her demeanour to take into account as if something just clicked in her head.
That made me wonder, did she do that just to wrap me around her finger? Use seduction to make me do her bidding? Logical, but it didn't feel like it, in fact, Sora only kissed me, she didn't do anything more to seduce me.
"Maybe she just didn't know? No, she would. She's friends with A after all. So was she really not trying to seduce me?"
Too many uncertainties were scrambling in my head, so I decided not to let it consume my mind too much. Thinking about what could have been just a spur-of-the-moment event was distracting me from my goals, so I did everything in my power to push it away and get on with the next steps of the plan.
Now that we had finished cleaning the anti and bot problem, Hololive was good to return to its normal operations. But that didn't mean we had won, Takamura was sure to take his own measures to fight back so we needed to push ahead while he had the advantage.
The first step to achieving this was meeting with Raya Glass, who said she had the perfect way to level the playing field.
So before heading to the office, I headed to a family restaurant where Raya Glass planned to meet me and Sora.
When I arrived, Sora was already there hacing a nice chat with Raya Glass.
Considering how out of it I was when I woke up, I had to take a moment to steel myself before approaching the two.
Once I got closer the girls turned to me, but Sora then immediately turned away with brightened cheeks.
"Looks like she came to her senses as well."
I took a deep breath and sat beside her, to which she then began to fidget about and scoot slightly away from me while also avoiding eye contact, only this time it wasn't because she was mad at me.
Raya Glass of course noticed the change in atmosphere and judging from the grin she wore, had an idea of what had transpired between me and Sora.
"Is there something you two would like to share?"
Sora and I gave her a firm no, which really only seemed to drive it home for Raya Glass, who proceeded to prod us for the next 5 minutes before eventually giving up on account of Sora leaning over the table and covering the Virtuo member's mouth and requesting for her to drop it.
"Ahem, well that was amusing. But let's put that aside for now and get on with the topic at hand. What's happening next Mr. Kanzaki?"
"The next part to work on is getting a level playing field with Takamura. We managed to buy ourselves some time by getting rid of his servers and the rest of the antis but who knows how long it'll take before he can get things running again. It is best we strike now while the iron is hot."
"I agree, but how are you planning on levelling the playing field?"
"Our best bet would be this."
I pulled out my phone and showed them the online flier for the upcoming Virtual music festival. Something both have heard of on account they were both virtual performers.
"The music festival? How will this level the playing field?"
"This is the levelled playing field. Everyone who joins this festival gets judged by the audience, the plan is to win against Takamura."
"How is this going to expose him and his crimes?!"
"By showing the people. I have chased after Takamura for years, I have more than enough dirt and ways to find dirt on him to end his career in one go, but of course, without the proper platform and audience, it had no use."
"And what makes you think that the people will just believe that?"
"People are fickle, they will believe anything so long as you can provide a tidbit of evidence. Takamura has abused this aspect of the idol world and fed hungry journalist scandals from the smallest of crumbs. Here I am giving an entire loaf, he will not be getting away."
Raya Glass sat back and wondered about the plan, she didn't seem very confident in my proposal.
"Something the matter?"
"It's just that... I feel like this would be too good to be true. How can we guarantee he can't just erase the rumours by paying people off."
"Ah, then do not worry I have a plan for that too."
"You do?"
I nodded before telling her about Shoji, whom I planned to give the information to as an anonymous tip. By doing so, it would prompt an investigation on Takamura which I plan to use during the festival alongside the public exposure.
Once I explained all that to Raya Glass she seemed more confident in my plan and was willing to work on it as well by sharing any information she thought was incriminating.
"That would definitely add more credibility and solidify the crimes. If it is not too much, please compile a list and I will give it to Shoji."
"Alright, but what about Sora, where does she fit into all this?"
We both turned to Sora who had been silently listening to us the entire time while sipping her glass of iced tea.
"At this point there is very little to do other than be the highlight of the festival. After all, even though the true enemy is Takamura, Virtuo is still an enemy of Hololive."
"I guess that's true. What do you think Sora?"
Sora stopped drinking and told Raya Glass she was fine with it since her goal was essentially fulfilled when we banned all the bots and antis.
"Is there anything else for us to discuss?"
"Well there is the topic of you two."
"You can interrogate Sora if you wish, I have to go to the office to explain this plan to the boss as well. I shall see you both later."
Without even waiting for a reply, I stood up from my share and sped to the exit, leaving the Raya Glass and panicked Sora on their lonesome at the restaurant.
I somewhat felt guilty for leaving Sora there, but I really didn't wish to recall something like that to a girl, it was embarrassing.
"Sorry Sora, I'll treat you next time."
Walking to the office was quite peaceful, normally I had many things on my mind, but after attaining victory over Takamura, I felt somewhat at ease and it wasn't every day I would allow myself to feel such satisfaction.
However, my bright morning would quickly be filled with anxiety when someone called out to me from a car.
"Hmm, excuse me, young man, are you not Ms Tokino's bodyguard?"
"Huh?"
I felt my heart nearly leap out of my chest when I turned my head and noticed the blonde man who had called to me.
"Do you remember me? It is me, Shuu Takamura."
So much for a good morning. Right now I was face to face with my enemy and if I was any dumber I would have attacked then and there, but I wasn't an idiot, I was in public and there was a good chance his driver also served as a bodyguard, showing aggression was nothing more than a one-way ticket to the afterlife.
So composure was of the utmost importance.
"Of course, I remember Mr Takamura, we thank you for your hospitality and for taking time out of your day to communicate with Ms Tokino."
"Oh it was nothing, are you on your way to work, why don't I give you a ride?"
"Oh no, I could never-"
"Never mind, come on hop in."
I wish I could refuse, but a mere bodyguard refusing a CEO wasn't exactly a good look for me. So I had no choice but to take his offer.
Slipping into his limo, I sat facing the man who killed my sister with the most calm expression I could muster.
Takamura then told the driver to go before he struck a conversation with me. The topic of interest? Sora's re-debut stream.
"I was impressed with what Hololive produced for the re-debut. Truly a spectacular return."
"Yes, the team worked hard in ensuring it was to come to life."
"I could see that. Though to be honest, I wasn't expecting it, I had thought Ms Tokino wished to join my group, so to see her on a stage for a re-debut was a bit of a shocker."
"I believe she was convinced by both her peers and other members of staff to stay as they believed they could make things better."
"And do you think they did?"
"... I believe they have taken the necessary steps to ensure the talent's safe return."
"Hmm?"
Takamura leaned back and brought his fingers together as he pondered on my words for a few moments before speaking once again.
"Let me ask, do you believe that Hololive can produce good idols as they are?"
"Excuse me?"
"As far as I am aware, very few of the Hololive members follow the rules of the idol world. The majority seems to be fine with turning themselves into clowns. So I ask, do you believe your company can create good idols?"
Was he trying to see if I had knowledge of the business side of Hololive? Could he have realised that I was the one behind the mass ban of antis and his bots?
No, it couldn't have been, Koyori said she never left a footprint on the servers and computers, there was no way to get caught.
"Young man?"
Regardless, I needed to answer this man in a way that wouldn't bring suspicion to me.
"I would not know sir, I am not involved in any of the management in Hololive."
"I see, I suppose that is true, you are only a bodyguard after all."
I looked out the window and noticed that I was nearing the office so I politely asked Takamura if I could depart from where we were.
Seeing as he wasn't getting any good info out of me, Takamura stopped the car in front of the office building and allowed me to leave. But before I could fully exit the vehicle he decided to ask for my name.
"My name?"
"Yes, I'd like to know your name young man."
"... Rio Kanzaki."
"Kanzaki? I feel like I have heard of that name before."
"Oh no."
"Hmm... I cannot seem to remember. Oh well, best of luck to you and Ms Tokino."
"Uh... thank you sir."
I finally exited the vehicle and was making my to the door but once again Takamura spoke up and what he said this time was a lot more ominous.
"Young man!"
"Huh?"
"Let me give you some advice. Make sure that the team you are in are winners because in this world, the weak fizzle out and only the strong remain. You look like a promising young man, I would hate to see you sink to the bottom of nothingness."
That last bit seemed like a threat, but that didn't faze me. I merely bowed to Takamura and thanked him for the advice before I lifted my head and locked straight into his eyes.
"I assure you sir, I know which teams will triumph..."
I then turned away from him and under my breath, I finished what I had truly wished to say to him.
"... Because I will make sure we win."
I had to rewrite how that kiss happened, the first version was far more emotional to the point it felt off so I came up with a less intense scene. Is it better? I don't know but it makes better sense than what I started with.
Anywho that's all from me this week, thank you all for reading, hope you all enjoyed it and I'll see you next week. Bye Bye!