Hello, everyone.
It's been years since I started this particular story. Looking back, I have come far since I first started fanfiction. I hope to keep moving forward as I don't want it to lay dormant. Even more so on the month of Minami Kotori's Birthday.
Anyway, let's start again with the next chapter.
I don't own Love Live.
Gray.
That is the only word he could use to describe what he was seeing. Hotarou finds himself in an unknown place.
There was no light. No sounds. But most of all, no signs of life anywhere.
He felt intense pressure coming from above, so he lifted his head and saw an unknown figure shrouded in darkness.
In the center of the darkness was a ominous yellow glow swirling in the air, focusing its sights on him.
Despite how bleak the situation was, he was surprisingly calm and as he took a step towards the entity…
Hotarou: !
Hotarou finds himself staring at the ceiling with his hand in the air.
Hotarou: a dream?
He slowly lifts himself up from his bed and turned his head towards the windows, where he could hear the sounds of cars and people walking in the streets outside his apartment.
Hotarou:….
Although Hotarou was not sure when, but he started having that particular dream for some time now. At first, the mysterious presence was small and lacked a visible form, but it began to grow every time he saw that dream.
It has already been a year since all the craziness started with Hotarou.
He looked at the clock, which shows 9:00 am.
Hotarou: …I guess I better get ready.
With a sigh, he gets up from a bed and prepare for the morning.
[Otonokizaka Academy]
Hotarou: This is going to be troublesome.
At the moment, Hotarou was sitting in the School Idol Research Clubroom, looking at the documents relating to the engagement between him and the girls. He came by the school while the girls were attending their classes. There were many things about this arrangement that were troubling to him, from the way the language was set up to the conditions. His eyes were looking at a particular part of the contract that his parents apparently put him up to it:
Every party must agree to the conditions in order for the contract to be valid.
1. the person is not in an established relationship.
2. the engagement of this person takes effect after graduating from high school
As he leans against the chair behind him, Hotarou had to wonder about the circumstances that would have lead their families to set up such a bizarre contract.
Ah, you came.
Hotarou saw Honoka and the other girls enter the room. When everyone was seated….
Umi: I think we should set up some ground rules about our arrangement.
Hotarou: Oh? Like what?
Maki: Even though we are in this arrangement, this should not change anything what we have been doing and we want to keep it that way.
Nico: Also, we are going to be focusing with Love Live from here on out.
Hotarou: Not at all. If anything, I want to help out if possible.
Nozomi: Also, there shouldn't be any secrets between us.
Eli: We are on the same side, so I think we can be honest with one another.
Rin: So Hotarou-kun, do you have any other secrets we need to know, nya?
Hotarou: ….Well, if we are being honest….
Rather than explaining, Hotarou stood up from his chair, took off his jacket and started unbutton his white shirt, causing embarrassment and panic among the girls.
Umi: W-W-What are you doing?!
Hotarou: You did say to not keep any secrets from you girls.
Hanayo: B-But not like this!
However, their thoughts of shame were pushed aside when they saw multiple different scars that litter his upper body, to their shock and horror.
Eli: Harasho…
Korori: T-That looks painful.
Honoka: Uh, Hotaru-kun. How…
Hotarou: Let's just say that I had my share of misfortunes. There's no pain, but the scars have been gone away for some reason.
Nico: It sounds like you have been through a lot. She looked at him with an unreadable expression.
Hotarou: You have no idea.
After talking a little more, the girls decides to go to the rooftop for dance practice, leaving Hotarou in the clubroom.
A week has passed since Hotarou started living in the city and a few days after getting a job at Otonokizaka Academy as an administrative assistant. For the most part, his work involves handling paperwork as well as helping out with the girls with preparing for Love Live. During that time, the girls decided to do a training camp in the mountains in order to create a new song to perform for the first preliminary round of Love Live. Not surprisingly, Hotarou decided to stay behind.
A young man staying with a group of girls was inappropriate and Hotarou didn't want to interrupt their practice. That didn't stop the young man from listening to their music to get a feel of their unique style.
On one particular night, Hotarou was going through his computer when notices something that catches his eye.
Hotarou: !
After learning the identities of his fiancés, he had looked into their profiles to become familiar with them. Even so, he wanted to make sure.
The black-haired boy reached for his cellphone and dialed a number from his contacts. After a few rings, someone picked up.
Hotarou: Good evening, Honoka. I hope I am not bothering you.
Honoka: Oh! Hey Hotarou-kun. I wasn't doing anything right now. Ah! Actually, we were able to come up with a new song.
Hotarou: That's good to know. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something.
Honoka: Oh? What is it?
Hotarou: The thing is….
….
….
Honoka: Hm! We were actually going to do one this week at the school after we came back.
Hotarou: In that case….
He told Honoka about his idea.
Honoka: Okay! I will tell the others about it but are you sure it's ok with you?
Hotarou: I will handle it, so don't worry about me. Well, I better not keep you up. Have a good evening, Honoka.
Honoka: Ok. Good night!
Hotarou ended the call with Honoka and dialed a different number.
Hotarou: Hey, it's me, Hotarou. Listen, I wanted to ask you about something.
The next day, Hotarou walked out of a certain store, holding a bag of the things he needed.
[Two Day Later]
Honoka: So what did you want to talk to me about? Did something happen?
Earlier, Hotarou texted the second year to meet him alone in the park near the school. The girls had returned from their training camp.
Hotarou: Nothing like that. I wanted to give you this.
In his hand was a small box tied with an orange ribbon.
Honoka: Oh? For me? You didn't have to get me anything. She said bashfully as she receives the box. Um? Can I…
Hotarou: Go ahead.
Hesitantly, Honoka pull off the ribbon and open the box.
Honoka: This was…
Inside the box was a simple silver bracelet.
To her surprise, Honoka could see the icons of µ's engraved around the side of the bracelet as she took it out of the small box.
Hotarou: I'm sorry for giving this to you so late. I only found out about your birthday after learning about everyone and I didn't want to leave you out. He reaches behind to rub the back of his neck.
Honoka: This is beautiful. I have never seen anything like this from the merchandise for µ's.
Hotarou: I know someone who has a friend who does custom work and they showed me how to make my own.
Honoka: Wait. You made this?! but this looks so good. She looks at him with a surprised expression
Hotarou: I have many talents although not as skilled as the experts.
Honoka: So a jack of all trades?
Hotarou: In a sense. But seriously, I wanted to give you something to wish you a belated happy birthday, but also as a way to remind you don't have to face things alone.
Hearing about the challenges that Honoka has faced, the young man could relate with her.
Honoka: …..Thank you for the gift. Even though we got dragged into this together, I'm sure you wouldn't have a problem in finding someone.
Hotarou: I know of many people who would say otherwise. He showed a blank expression, getting a laugh from the second year.
As Hotarou gave her a gentle smile, his head suddenly begin to hurt, his heart pounding.
Hotarou: Why is this…
Everything around him seem to stop as cryptic words rush into his mind.
"Thou art I... And I am thou...
Thou hast established a new bond...
It brings thee closer to the truth...
Thou shalt be blessed when creating
Personas of the Strength Arcana..."
Between him and Honoka, an unknown card appear out of thin air shortly before disappearing into Hotarou's body.
Honoka: Hotarou-kun. Is there something wrong?
She was looking at him with worried eyes.
As expected, Honoka didn't seem to see what just happened as with the other times from before. To soothe the second year's worry, Hotarou shook his head.
Hotarou: It's nothing, my head was hurting a little.
Honoka: Oh, no. That's not good. You better take care of yourself, Ok?
Hotarou: …I will. It's getting late, so I should to get going. See you tomorrow? He said with a small smile.
Honoka: Ok! See you later. She waved at him before walking away from him.
With Honoka was out of his sight, Hotarou started to rush back to his place.
After entering his apartment, he locks the door behind and push his back against the door.
Hotarou:…. It's happening again. What is going on?
He puts both hands to his face and slid to the floor.
[Three Days Later]
Hotarou looks at his phone while scanning his surroundings. He was wearing casual clothes with a dark green T-shirt and a pair of blue jeans.
A light voice: Sorry about the wait.
Hotarou look at the direction of the voice to see the ash-gray haired girl towards him. The other day, he asked Kotori if she could come with him to look for new clothing.
Hotarou: Sorry for asking you to help me with this.
Kotori: It's no problem. So do you have an idea of what you want?
Hotarou: About that…
When Hotarou showed his phone to the younger girl, Kotori's face paled.
Kotori: GAHHHHH! Her scream startled not only Hotarou, but the people around them.
From his phone was a picture of middle school Hotarou's attempt at picking out clothes. Words couldn't describe the mess that he came up with.
Hotarou: Ever since that day, mom was very insistent in choosing my clothes, so I never had a chance to find my own style.
The younger girl look at him with a serious expression before grabbing his hand and pull him through the streets.
Kotori: Come with me.
Hotarou: Kotori?
Kotori: This is more serious than I thought. We are going to see if we can find something that would help.
Seeing that the younger girl was not backing down, Hotarou could only nod as he was dragged to a few clothing stores.
Fortunately, they were able to find several pieces of clothing that satisfy the younger girl's standards.
As it was almost noon by the time they finished, the two decided to get lunch at a nearby cafe.
Kotori: You didn't have to treat me. You paid for the clothes.
Hotarou: I want to since you helped out a lot. Also, I brought enough that I don't have to worry about getting new clothes for awhile.
Kotori: To be fair, I am not as familiar with men's clothing, but I supposed it's good to get some practice.
Hotarou: You did tell me before that you wanted to be a fashion designer. If you are willing to help, then I don't mind being a model.
Kotori: Well, I may have to take you on that. She looked excited at the idea.
After that, they talked about different topics, when the question about family came up.
Hotarou: I have a younger sister and brother. Thankfully, they don't have the same situation as mine as far as I know.
Kotori: Wow, I am an only child, so it must be nice have a little brother or sister. You know, I only met your mom from that time, but I was wondering why you dad was not with her.
At the mention of his dad, Hotarou expression became a mixture of anger and melancholy.
Hotarou: …I don't know.
Kotori: Eh? What you mean you don't know?
Hotarou: That's because… I have not seen my dad in years.
Kotori: Oh no. Did something happen to your dad? The younger girl looked concerned, but Hotarou shook his head.
Hotarou: I don't really know. All I know is that he went out and hadn't come back. My mom seems to know something, but she didn't say why. Right now, it's just the four of us, so I would help out with things around the home. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he was involved with setting up this fiancé agreement.
Kotori: Why do you say that?
Hotarou: My mom is a lot of things, but even she wouldn't do something this extreme. Not when it comes to me and my siblings.
Kotori: I am sorry that you are dealing with that. It must be hard. My Oto-san died when I am younger.
Hotarou: …You don't need to apologize and I'm sorry about what happened with your dad.
Kotori: Don't be. It happened years ago. I don't really remember much about it though.
A beeping sound from Kotori's phone alerted the two.
Kotori: Oh, Honoka-chan wants us to come to the school. She was looking at the message sent to her.
After paying the bill, Kotori and Hotaru heads towards the school. As it was the weekend, the school was closed and empty, but the girls have access to the room and rooftop with the principal's permission.
Kotori: Honoka said to come to the club room. The two went up the second floor.
When she open the door into the seemingly dark clubroom.
Pop!
POP!
Kotori: Kya!
SURPRISE!
As the lights of the room turned on, everyone from u's come out of their hiding place and gather near at the entrance.
Kotori: Minna!
Hanayo: Happy Birthday! Kotori-chan!
Umi: Happy Birthday, Kotori.
Kotori: So you were all planning a surprise party for me? I was wondering why everyone said they were busy today.
Honoka: Actually, Hotarou-kun did a good job in keeping you away from here so we could set up everything.
Kotori: Eh? Is that true, Hotarou-kun? She looked at him with an incredulous look.
Hotarou: I wasn't lying about not being good with fashion and wanting to get to know everyone.
Rin: Good job, nya!
Nico: Ok! Make way for the cake!
Nico brought out a two-layer cheesecake decorated with green ribbons with candles. There was also other foods prepared on the table.
Kotori: Wa! it looks so pretty!
Nico: Of course! I made it myself.
After blowing candles, everyone enjoyed the cake and food. Finishing before the others, Hotarou quietly step out of the room as he gets his present that he hid in his work locker. By the time he return to the room, Kotori had receive presents from everyone and it was his turn.
Hotarou: Here is my present although it's not much.
He presented an odd shape object wrapped in green wrapping paper.
Kotori: Oh, Thank you, Hotarou-kun.
The ash-gray haired girl torn away the wrapper, revealing a rather large snow white sheep plushie made of yarn.
Kotori: Wah! It's so cute! She hugs the plushie that was close to Kotori's height.
Hanayo: And so soft! The first year joined to embrace the plushie.
Nico: And big. Her expression was in disbelief.
Hotarou: I am glad you liked it. It took some time to get the pattern right.
Kotori: Did you make this yourself? She looked at him with surprise.
Hotarou hesitantly nodded.
The younger girl lets Hanayo hold the plushie and went to give the older man a hug.
Kotori: Thank you so much!
As she was shorter, her head rested on her chest.
As he gingerly move his arms around the younger girl without completely hugging her and lightly pat her on the back..
Hotarou: It's no trouble. It's your birthday after all. He said in a calm voice.
Before he could say anymore, his head begin to throb, Time stood still again as the words appear in his head.
"Thou art I... And I am thou...
Thou hast established a new bond...
It brings thee closer to the truth...
Thou shalt be blessed when creating
Personas of the Lovers Arcana..."
A card showing a different image appear in front of them before disappearing.
Kotori: What's wrong, Hotarou-kun?
The other girls must have saw the uncomfortable look on his face.
Hotarou: Yeah, my head is acting up again.
Maki: Really? Walking forward, she puts her right palm to his forehead. You don't have a fever.
Eli: Does this happen often?
Hotarou: Only when I try to do too much.
Honoka: It has been a busy day.
Hanayo: Don't overwork yourself.
Umi: I agree with Hanayo.
Nozomi: Since we are almost done with this party. Why don't you leave before us?
Hotarou: ….Are you sure you don't want me to help clean up?
Nico: We have handled messes bigger than this, so it's no problem.
Rin: Let us know when you get home, nya!
Hotarou: Don't worry. I will.
It was almost sunset when Hotarou was walking to return home, living a few blocks from the school.
Hotarou: Maybe I should send some pictures to mom.
As he was thinking about something that Kotori said and showing the clothes from his fashion excursion to his mom, Hotarou noticed a butterfly with blue wings flying in front of him.
For anyone else, they wouldn't think much of the sight, but that was not the case for Hotarou.
Hotarou follows the butterfly to an empty alleyway, where it lands in front of a mysterious looking, but familiar blue door.
Without hesitation, Hotarou reaches out to grab the door knob and open the door.
A white light comes out that forces him to close his eyes.
When he open his eyes a few seconds later, he finds himself in a vast library blanketed in a blue light, with endless shelves filled with books.
In the center of the library was a wooden desk, where Hotarou was walking to.
Mysterious voice: Welcome Back to the Velvet Room, my wandering guest.
Sitting behind the desk was an older man wearing an intricate butterfly mask that cover the first half of his face.
Hotarou: Virgil….
The person before Hotarou was someone who was there when he first started his journey, when everything started that day. It's been awhile since he had seen the mysterious man, not since the last incident.
Normally, he would meet Virgil through his dreams and through the door that mysteriously appeared in his hometown.
Strangely enough, nobody in town noticed the new door except him.
"Virgil: Do not worry. The door is only visible for those who are involved with your journey."
Remembering the words from before, Hotarou looks at Virgil with a calm expression.
Virgil: I am sure you are wondering about why you were called to this place.
Hotarou remained silent.
Virgil: Since the start of your journey, you have formed many bonds and unlocked new skills.
The person placed a book that had Hotarou's full name as the title that opens up by itself until it reaches the middle of the book. From the book, several cards with different illustrations came from the pages and started moving in a circle, including the ones that were created this month.
Virgil: I have come to tell that you have reached a very important turning point in your story that will determine not only your fate, but the fates of those around you. To find the answers that you are seeking, you will have to come face to face with the truths of the world and make a critical choice in the future. But do not fret as you won't face your destiny alone.
The man explained as the cards returned back into the book.
Hotarou:…
A hollow bell sound ran throughout the library.
Virgil: I believe our time is up for now, but we will meet again. For as long as you are continue on your journey, you are always welcomed as a guest in the Velvet Room.
Seeing as he is not going to get any more answers, Hotarou walks back to the entrance and reach for the door.
His vision went white and before he knew it, Hotarou finds himself back at the alleyway, facing the blue door.
Hotarou: Just when I thought I was done with this. The eyebrows furrowed before shaking his head. Then again, when has my life ever been 'boring'?
Unbeknownst to him, someone saw him leaving out of the Velvet Room.
…..What is that?
Hiding behind the corner was Nozomi with a perplexed expression as Hotarou was returning to his apartment.
[One Week Later]
Three young men were walking down on the side amidst a busy street. One of them was holding directions to a certain location while another one was looking around the city.
Curious person: Woowww. The city is sure big.
A man with light brown hair was viewing the sights of the city with his green eyes.
Relaxed person: It's has been awhile since we came to this kind of place.
Another short dark gray-haired man with brown eyes shows a small smile while clasping on the strap of his backpack with both hands.
Stotic person: You two. Don't forget what we came here for.
A black-haired man, who was the tallest of the three, addressed his concerns to his two friends as he looked at a piece of paper in his hand with his light purple eyes.
Curious person: Yeah. Man, I can't wait to see the look on Hotarou's face when he sees us.
Who are the new visitors and what is their connection with Hotarou?
A rather rushed chapter, but I wanted to get the momentum going. That said, it's going to take awhile before I post again, both because I am working on multiple projects, but also catching up on the Love Live timeline and more research is needed.
Moreover, I was trying to RPG format for this story, but I can't seem to get the structure to work well for the story.
Stay tuned for the next update.
Reviews, comments, and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you for reading.