Wandering Witch: Penance of a thief

We all have idols, right? People we look up to, whether it's their talent, wisdom, or just because they have cooler hair than us.

You know the type. You could try to imitate them, but in the end, it's best to just be yourself.

Now, if you ask me who my idol is... Well, that's an interesting question.

Drumroll, please... My idol is... my father. And, uh, also that hero from those novels I used to read when I was a kid.

You know, the guy with the tragic backstory and mysterious powers? Yeah, that guy.

Kinda basic, I know.

But that's the truth. I'm not exactly the kind of person who just starts idolizing someone for no reason. It's gotta be earned.

Alright, enough with the deep thoughts. Let me tell you about the moment that really opened my eyes.

Wait, wait—almost spoiled it! Gotta build the suspense, right?

So, there I was, standing in line at this ridiculously packed restaurant. Apparently, they had some "special dish" that was only available today.

Naturally, my curiosity got the better of me, so I hopped in line.

One hour later, I was still standing there, regretting most of my life decisions.

Oh, you're probably wondering where Amnesia and Avilia are in all this, right? They're off doing their thing—taking a walk or something.

I, on the other hand, had a date with this so-called "special food."

"I really hope this food's worth it," I muttered to myself. "If it's not... I might just set the place on fire."

Kidding! ...Sort of. An hour in line makes you think desperate thoughts.

While I was trying not to lose my mind, I overheard the guys behind me talking.

"LoveStar's performing tonight!" one of them said, buzzing with excitement.

"Really? I can't wait to see Lyra perform!" said his friend, practically bouncing.

"Lyra? Nah, Alya's cuter, hands down," the first guy shot back.

"Maybe, but Vela's the best singer out of all of them," a third voice chimed in. This debate was clearly getting heated.

Lyra, Vela, Alya...? Who the heck are these people?

Curiosity got the best of me, and since I like to stay informed about cute women, I turned to them.

"Uh, who are you guys talking about?"

They stared at me like I had three heads.

"Wait, you don't know them?!" one of them exclaimed, eyes wide like I'd just admitted to living under a rock.

I shrugged. "Nope. I'm a wanderer."

That seemed to satisfy them, and they quickly launched into an enthusiastic explanation about this girl group, LoveStar.

It was a decent way to kill time while I waited for my food.

Meanwhile, Amnesia and Avilia were strolling through the city, glancing around at their surroundings.

"Arche still hasn't come back yet, huh?" Amnesia remarked, a bit puzzled.

Avilia shrugged, unimpressed.

"Well, that's his fault for wanting to join the queue."

Amnesia couldn't help but chuckle at that, but their laughter was cut short when they suddenly spotted three very familiar figures up ahead.

Can you guess who? Of course, you can.

Elaina, Saya, and Mina.

"Huh? Elaina?!" Amnesia called out, surprise lighting up her face.

Elaina froze in her tracks, hearing her name and turning toward them with a confused look that quickly melted into recognition. "Oh, it's you two!"

"Long time no see, Elaina! You too, Saya, Mina!" Amnesia greeted them, her enthusiasm bubbling over.

Elaina gave a small nod, her smile creeping back.

"Yeah, it has been a while. How've you all been?"

Saya and Mina waved as well, their faces brightening at the sight of familiar friends.

"Hello, Amnesia, Avilia,"

Saya said warmly.

"Yeah, it's nice running into you both again," Mina added, a rare smile forming.

"Are you guys out for a walk too?" Avilia asked, curious.

Elaina nodded.

"Yep, just exploring the city, really."

Saya chimed in, "We had nothing better to do. The weather's so nice today, though. Perfect day for a walk, don't you think?"

"That's right! Let's walk together!" Amnesia suggested, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Elaina glanced at Saya and Mina, a smile spreading across her face.

"Sure, why not? It'd be nice to catch up while we walk."

Saya and Mina exchanged looks and agreed in unison.

"Yeah, sounds like fun," Saya said.

"Let's make it a group walk!"

"Wait, what about Arche?" Avilia suddenly reminded them, glancing up at her sister.

"Ah, right," Amnesia paused, thinking for a moment.

Elaina and the others all turned toward Amnesia, clearly intrigued at the mention of my name.

Elaina tilted her head.

"Arche's here too?"

"Well, let me explain," Amnesia started, looking like she was about to launch into a wild story.

"He's currently... queuing for some limited-time food at a restaurant."

Elaina blinked, then smirked knowingly. "Queuing for limited food... of course he is."

"Should we wait for him?" Amnesia asked, though she didn't seem too hopeful.

Elaina waved it off.

"Nah, just leave him. He'll find us."

"Are you sure?" Amnesia pressed, sounding half-guilty.

Elaina raised an eyebrow, a smirk dancing on her lips.

"Oh, he's an expert at stalking. He'll track us down in no time."

"True..." Avilia muttered under her breath.

Amnesia shrugged.

"Alright, then. Let's go."

With that, the group started walking again, leaving me, the mighty food queue warrior, to fend for myself.

Meanwhile, I had just polished off the limited-time food special—an enormous parfait that could rival my own head!

I mean, we're talking about a dessert so big it had its own gravitational pull.

"Ah... I'm so full..." I sighed, leaning back against a wall, feeling like a victorious gladiator after a fierce battle against dessert.

Suddenly, a thought struck me like a rogue cupcake. "Oh no! I've kept Amnesia and Avilia waiting!"

In a moment of sheer brilliance—or maybe just a sugar rush—I decided to parkour my way onto the nearest roof.

Because, you know, nothing says "I'm sorry" like an acrobatic entrance.

"Hmm... where are they?" I muttered, scanning the streets below.

As I sprinted across the rooftop like a caffeinated squirrel, I noticed a few people staring at me with a mix of shock and awe.

Seriously, I'm not exaggerating! Some of them looked like they'd just seen a unicorn do a backflip.

While I was busy being a parkour superstar, I spotted a familiar group walking below—a veritable adventurer team.

"Ah... them!" Yes, you guessed it! It was Elaina and the others.

"I want to surprise them..." I thought, feeling like a ninja on a mission.

I carefully slid down the wall, landing as silently as a feather. Sneaking behind them, I crept along, determined to catch them completely off guard.

Amnesia, clearly buzzing with excitement about the day ahead, turned to the others. "So, any idea what we should do after this?"

"Do you have any ideas?" Elaina asked, looking thoughtful.

Amnesia's expression shifted to one of concentration. "Hmm... we could visit that new shop that just opened. I heard they have some pretty cool stuff."

"Oh, how about we see LoveStar?" I suggested, unable to contain my enthusiasm.

"LoveStar? What's that?" Elaina asked, intrigued, her curiosity piqued.

Just then, a collective gasp erupted from the group as they turned around to find me casually leaning against a lamppost like I owned the place.

"Arche! Where have you been?"

Amnesia blurted.

"Ah, and so the elusive Arche appears," Elaina quipped, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

"Arche! You surprised me!" Saya exclaimed, still recovering from the shock.

"How's it going, everyone?" I replied, puffing out my chest proudly.

"I'm doing great! Just finished off a parfait that was bigger than my head! I feel like a champion of dessert!"

"Parfait, huh? Sounds like a sugar overload," Elaina remarked, her eyebrow arched playfully as if she were a judge at a dessert competition.

"A parfait bigger than your head? That's quite a sight," Mina chimed in, her eyes sparkling with intrigue, as if picturing the culinary marvel in her mind.

"By the way, what is this LoveStar you mentioned earlier?" Avilia asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and eagerness, like a child waiting for the punchline of a joke.

"Ah, that? It's a singing group that dances on stage. I've heard they're really cute and pretty!" I replied, puffing out my chest a bit as if I were announcing my own royal decree.

The group leaned in, their expressions morphing into one of keen interest, as though I had just unveiled the secret to eternal happiness.

"A singing group, huh? That sounds fun!" Saya said, her eyes lighting up like fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Amnesia nodded in agreement, her enthusiasm palpable.

"And if they're really cute, it would definitely be a treat."

Elaina's smile took on a teasing quality.

"I get it. You're just eager to see these supposedly cute and pretty girls, right?"

"Hey, Elaina, you really know me!" I admitted, giving a mock salute, fully embracing the truth of her statement.

Elaina rolled her eyes dramatically.

"I knew it. Typical you."

Mina shook her head, clearly bemused, while Saya chimed in, "You're so predictable, Arche."

"So, when are they performing?" Avilia asked, tilting her head as if searching for answers in the clouds above.

"If I'm not mistaken... tonight!" I exclaimed, the excitement bubbling in my chest, even though the sun was still high in the sky, mocking my anticipation.

The group exchanged glances, considering the ample time left in the day.

"Tonight, huh?" Elaina mused, her fingers tapping her chin.

"I suppose we have enough time to visit that new shop and then watch LoveStar."

"You guys want to go to a new store? Women do like shopping, huh?" I teased, reveling in the opportunity to throw a light jab at the age-old stereotype.

Elaina shot me an annoyed look,

"Hey, don't stereotype us like that!" she retorted, her voice filled with mock offense.

"Would you like to come with us, Arche?" Amnesia asked, her tone sweetening the deal, like a dessert topping that could make anything sound appealing.

"No, I don't want to disturb your ladies' time," I replied, waving my hand dismissively.

"Besides, since you guys have agreed, I'll buy the tickets."

Elaina, seemingly satisfied with my answer, nodded with a sly grin.

"Fair enough. We'll have fun shopping without you."

Mina, ever the peacemaker, added,

"You know, you don't have to buy the tickets for us. We can pay for ourselves."

"No need! My friend gave me quite a lot of money," I winked, remembering the bag of gold Arthur had gifted me just the day before.

The other members of the group exchanged skeptical looks, the kind that hinted they were trying to decipher a puzzle with too many pieces.

"Friend, huh?" Elaina muttered, her voice dripping with suspicion, as though she were a detective in a mystery novel.

"See you!" I called, a grin plastered on my face as I executed a flawless parkour move off the roof.

Mina blinked, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Did he just... parkour?"

"Yep, he really did," Avilia confirmed, shaking her head as if she were still trying to wrap her mind around the spectacle.

Amnesia smiled, a mix of admiration and exasperation on her face.

"He's so energetic."

"Energetic, yes. Reckless? Also yes," Saya added.

"But he's fun to be around," Amnesia chimed in, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "He brings a sense of excitement."

"And chaos," Elaina retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she rolled her eyes.

Elsewhere, I was busy purchasing six tickets for the LoveStar concert, and the price made my wallet cringe.

"When people like something, they will spend a lot of money, huh?" I mused, glancing back at the long queue of eager fans waiting behind me.

It was like a line for a theme park ride—everyone was buzzing with anticipation.

After finally buying the tickets, I stood there, contemplating my next move. "What should I do now...?"

In my infinite wisdom, I decided to learn more about LoveStar. Why not become the ultimate fan?

As night fell, I waited anxiously for my friends. "Where are they...? Women really do take a long time to get dressed, huh?"

I muttered to myself, picturing the endless deliberation over outfits and accessories.

Just then, Elaina approached, her expression a mix of annoyance and amusement.

"What were you saying about women taking too long to get dressed?" she asked, narrowing her eyes as if I were a suspect in an interrogation.

"Ah! You're here!" I blurted out, dodging the question with all the grace of a deer on ice. "Let's go in before the teacher comes!"

I was fully aware that we were just there to watch a concert, but dramatic flair never hurt anyone.

The others fell in step behind me as we entered the theater.

"So, LoveStar, huh?"

Saya said, glancing around with wide-eyed curiosity.

"I don't know what to expect, to be honest."

"Expect cuteness, talent, and maybe a bit of glitter," I replied, flashing a grin as we made our way to our seats.

"And possibly some of the worst choreography this side of the kingdom."

"Also, aren't you a bit insensitive, Arche?" Saya chimed in, crossing her arms with a frown.

"Huh? One of my talents is good reflexes, instincts, and intuition, you know?" I replied, genuinely confused about what Saya meant.

"As a man, you're supposed to compliment a woman's appearance,"

she explained, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I don't expect that from you anyway." She shot a glance at Elaina.

"At least I've been praised by Elainaa."

A playful smile spread across Elaina's face, and she nodded, feigning seriousness.

"That's right, Saya. You look good tonight." Then she turned her gaze to me, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Unlike our friend here."

I was just wearing simple clothes, and there was no denying it.

I could only remain silent, accepting those hurtful words like a well-trained puppy.

Elaina smirked at my silence, clearly enjoying this subtle victory.

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" she teased, leaning closer, her grin widening.

Before I could muster a comeback, the stage began to glow, and three female figures appeared, dazzling the audience. Honestly, they were stunning and cute.

The crowd erupted in cheers, shouting for their idols. Caught up in the excitement, I joined in, yelling,

"WHOOO! LYRA!!"

Elaina and the girls turned to me in surprise, their eyes wide.

"Lyra?" Elaina asked, her tone a mix of confusion and amusement.

"There are three members: Lyra, who I think is the most beautiful,"

I explained, gesturing animatedly.

"Then there's Alya—she's the cutest! Her behavior is just adorable!"

"Alya, huh?" Avilia raised an eyebrow, looking amused. "You sure seem to know a lot about these LoveStar members."

"And then there's Vela. She's the best singer of the bunch," I added, puffing out my chest with pride, having gleaned this info from my afternoon study session about the group.

As we settled in, the concert kicked into gear. The three idols danced and sang in perfect harmony, their movements fluid and synchronized.

It was clear they had been performing together for a long time, and the energy in the theater was electric.

"See? I told you it'd be fun!" I leaned over to Elaina, grinning ear to ear as the music filled the air.

She rolled her eyes, but the corners of her mouth betrayed her amusement.

"Just don't get too carried away, okay? We wouldn't want you shouting anything embarrassing."

I shot her a mock-serious look.

"Me? Embarrassing? Never!"

After the concert ended, we strolled down the street, animatedly discussing our favorite moments from the show.

"So, what did you guys think?" I asked, trying to gauge everyone's reaction.

"They were impressive," Saya remarked, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Amnesia nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I agree. Their coordination and stage presence were amazing."

"And those songs? Catchy enough to get stuck in my head for days!"

Elaina listened to the others' comments, her face carefully neutral.

After a moment of contemplation, she finally chimed in.

"They were… decent," she said, her tone betraying a hint of reluctance.

I blinked, confused about how to respond. Instead, I opted for the classic "deer in headlights" look and pretended not to hear her.

"I didn't think it would be that good," Avilia commented, a mix of surprise and genuine enthusiasm in her voice.

"Yes, they are indeed talented," Mina agreed, nodding appreciatively.

"Well, they certainly have talent," Elaina said again.

As we parted ways, I made my way back to my hotel while they returned to theirs. Once inside my room, I gazed up at the stars.

"I don't know why... but I have a good feeling about this," I murmured to myself, as if trying to convince the universe of my optimism.

Maybe I could actually go to bed early for once. "I haven't slept like this in a long time..." I whispered, yawning. With that thought in mind, I crashed onto my bed.

The next thing I knew, I woke up to the morning sun streaming through my window.

"I didn't think... I would sleep so early…" I groaned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

After shaking off the remnants of my slumber, I followed my usual morning routine—after all, it had been two weeks since I'd last taken a proper bath.

Once I emerged from the shower, smelling much fresher, I threw on some clean clothes and splashed on a bit of perfume.

"Ah, so refreshing…" I sighed, feeling like a new person.

With my morning activities complete, I decided to treat myself to breakfast at a nearby restaurant.

As I wandered outside, I noticed Elaina and the others were also out for a morning walk.

"Well, isn't this a delightful coincidence?" I thought, grinning to myself. "I want to surprise them again..."

With stealthy grace (or as graceful as I could manage), I snuck up behind them, ready to make my grand entrance.

"So, what should we do today?" Saya asked, stretching her arms in front of her like a cat that just woke up from a nap.

The group was chatting away, completely oblivious to my stealthy approach.

I moved in quietly, ready to strike with my latest "surprise attack."

But then, Elaina's eyes flicked back, catching me mid-sneak.

"Huh?" She turned her head fully, and in that split second, I knew the game was up.

"I failed..." I muttered, letting out a dramatic sigh.

The rest of them, deep in conversation, jumped at the sound of my voice suddenly coming from behind.

"ARCHE! You did it again?" Avilia exclaimed, her face was shocked

"Why do you always surprise us?" Mina scowled, clearly annoyed by my antics.

Elaina, on the other hand, remained unfazed. By now, she was far too used to my sudden entrances.

"You failed indeed," she said with a smirk, clearly enjoying my little defeat.

"Come on, everyone loves surprises, right?" I responded, still convinced I was doing them a favor.

But before anyone could respond, a middle-aged man walked over to us, his eyes locked onto the group.

"Hey! You beautiful women over there!" he called out, his voice a little too eager.

Saya, noticing the man's gaze, turned her attention toward him, a look of mild confusion crossing her face. "Huh?"

The man, now standing uncomfortably close, looked the girls up and down with an unsettling intensity.

His eyes lingered in a way that made the entire group shift uneasily.

"I could see your beautiful faces from a distance," he said, his tone dripping with what he probably thought was charm but was really just... creepy.

"I was fascinated by you all right away!"

The atmosphere grew tense, and even I, for once, found myself speechless. I glanced at the others.

Saya and Mina exchanged looks of discomfort, while Elaina's expression turned colder by the second.

Great, I thought, this guy just ruined the vibe.

Elaina, sensing the shift, took a step forward, eyes narrowing at the man.

"Move along, please," she said coolly, her voice a warning more than a request.

I felt a surge of irritation rising as this man appeared out of nowhere, brazenly teasing the girls without a second thought, I stepped forward.

"Hey, old man, remember your age. Teasing these girls? That's criminal, you know." My voice was sharp, but I kept a smile, daring him to challenge me.

"Do I need to call the police? Oh no... maybe I should just beat you up right here."

The middle-aged man stared at me, caught off guard by my sudden, cold demeanor. His previous bravado evaporated.

Elaina and the others looked equally surprised by my sudden shift.

Amnesia, ever the pacifist, tried to calm things down.

"Hey, no need for fights," she said gently, though she was clearly surprised by my tone.

I leaned closer to the man, my voice dropping to a low, threatening whisper. "If you even think about touching them, I'll take you to hell myself."

The color drained from his face, and beads of sweat began forming on his forehead.

The fear was written all over him as he stumbled back a step.

"I'm sorry! I went too far!"

the man stammered, bowing repeatedly.

"I didn't mean to flirt with them, I swear!"

Elaina raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my uncharacteristically serious attitude, while the others watched the scene unfold with curiosity.

Amnesia, ever the voice of reason, frowned and shook her head, trying to defuse the situation. "It's alright. Just... be more careful next time, please."

The man nodded furiously, his fear palpable as he continued to apologize. "I'm sorry! I won't do it again!"

Then, in a surprising turn, Mina asked the question on all of our minds, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "So... what do you want?"

The man straightened up, trying to regain some composure.

"First, let me introduce myself,"

he said, adjusting his collar nervously.

"My name is Gustav. I'm the producer of LoveStar."

The entire group froze, eyes widening in shock.

"Huh? LoveStar's producer? Are you serious?" Saya asked, her disbelief obvious as she stared at him.

Gustav nodded, this time with more confidence. "Yes, I am. I've been scouting talents, and well... I want you all to be our new stars."

His words hung in the air, and we all stood there, trying to process what he had just said.

"You want us... to be idols?" Mina asked, still trying to make sense of it.

Gustav nodded eagerly.

"Exactly! I can offer you fame, fortune, and a chance to perform in front of thousands. Just imagine the possibilities!"

I glanced at the others, who were still too stunned to respond. Elaina, for once, was speechless, though her expression suggested she was already weighing the pros and cons.

"Wait, so you just harassed them and now you want to hire them?" I shot back, still not entirely trusting this guy. "That's... quite the career pitch."

We all moved to a more comfortable spot—the office of LoveStar. It felt odd, sitting in a place meant for idols, but here we were.

"So, can you explain why you want us to join LoveStar?" Amnesia asked, ever polite but direct.

Gustav sighed heavily.

"The truth is, our talents are... not in good condition."

"Lyra injured her face, Alya sprained her foot, and Vela... well, she ate expired food."

I tried hard to hold back my laughter, but it was tough.

"Beautiful but not exactly the brightest, huh?" I muttered, half under my breath, stifling a grin.

Amnesia scolded me immediately, her voice stern. "Arche! That was rude! Apologize."

"Sorry... couldn't help it," I said, still trying to suppress my amusement.

Amnesia turned back to Gustav, trying to keep the conversation on track.

"We understand, but what does that have to do with us?"

Gustav clasped his hands together as if begging. "You see, I believe you all have the looks, the charm—enough to replace our idols temporarily!"

"T-Temporarily?" Saya echoed, clearly not convinced.

Elaina, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow. "So, they're going to recover eventually, right?"

"Exactly!" Gustav exclaimed, pointing at Elaina, Saya, and Amnesia in turn.

"I want you three to be our temporary stars!"

Saya gasped, her eyes wide, while Amnesia seemed equally taken aback.

Elaina, however, wasn't having it. She crossed her arms, glaring at Gustav. "Hold on. We haven't agreed to anything yet."

"I'm begging you! You are my last hope!" Gustav dramatically fell to his knees, prostrating himself in front of us.

The others exchanged glances, clearly shocked by his over-the-top behavior. 

I, on the other hand, was completely unfazed. Prostrating only works if I care, I thought to myself.

Elaina, keeping her cool, raised an eyebrow. "How much are you paying?"

Gustav, seeing an opening, quickly pulled out three bags of gold. The sight of all that money caused all of us to gasp.

"Ah..." The girls were momentarily speechless.

The gleam of gold shifted their attitudes slightly, though Elaina still appeared reluctant.

"How temporary is temporary?" she asked, but I could tell even she was tempted by the coins.

"Until our talents recover," Gustav replied quickly.

Before anyone could process, I jumped in. "We accept!" I said, brimming with enthusiasm.

The group turned to me, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Wait, what? You answered without asking us first?" Elaina's tone was laced with both annoyance and confusion.

"Come on, this is a rare opportunity! And it's only temporary!" I shot back, trying to rally them behind me.

Saya and Amnesia, glancing at the gold again, finally gave in. Their faces showed a hint of excitement despite their initial reluctance.

Even Elaina, though not fully convinced, looked like she was seriously considering it. The money had worked its magic.

"I... I'll join," Saya finally said, a mix of hesitation and excitement in her voice.

"Sis, are you serious?!" Mina looked completely shocked.

"So will I," Amnesia chimed in, unable to hide her growing enthusiasm.

"You too, sis?!" Avilia was just as surprised.

"It looks fun," Amnesia answered simply, her usual smile returning.

Now all eyes were on Elaina. She stood there, arms crossed, her expression guarded as if she was still weighing her options.

"Hmph, you guys are so easily bribed," she muttered, then sighed.

"Fine, I'll join."

I grinned. Classic tsundere. Too cute.

Gustav, visibly relieved, clasped his hands together. "Thank you! Thank you very much!" He then continued, "And as for your managers..."

Soon, we were escorted to the practice room. Amnesia's manager was Avilia, Saya's was Mina, and—of course—Elaina's manager was me.

In the large room, Elaina shot me a look of annoyance."So, you're my manager now, huh?"

I gave her a confident nod, a smirk on my face. "Yup. What do you think? Pretty cool, right?"

She stared at me for a second before noticing my glasses. Her eyes widened slightly, but she quickly masked it with her usual aloofness.

"And what do you think about these glasses I'm wearing? Do I look smarter?" I asked, half-jokingly.

Elaina let out a sigh, shaking her head in disappointment. "No, you still look silly. Maybe even more so now."

I clutched my chest dramatically.

"Ouch, rude as always." I removed the glasses and slipped them back into my pocket.

"So, shall we start with some stretches?"

"Fine," she agreed, already moving into position. "But don't touch me."

"Wouldn't dream of it," I replied, keeping my distance but still mimicking her movements.

Having hit the gym regularly, stretching was second nature to me.

On the other side of the room, Saya couldn't help but glare in our direction as she stretched with Mina.

"I should have been Elaina's manager..."

Mina, noticing her sister's lack of focus, rolled her eyes. "Sis! Focus!"

Meanwhile, in their corner, Amnesia and Avilia seemed to be having a much smoother time.

"This is pretty fun, huh, Avilia?" Amnesia said cheerfully as she stretched.

Avilia, helping her sister with a stretch, nodded with a small smile.

"Yes, I suppose it is."

After we had all stretched and warmed up, a few instructors entered the room—professional dancers who would guide them through their choreography.

As managers, our job was to sit back and observe, preparing for the singing practice later.

Elaina paid close attention as the instructors demonstrated the dance moves, trying to replicate them with her usual focus.

Amnesia, ever the quick learner, picked up the steps with ease, her movements smooth and confident.

Saya, on the other hand, stumbled a bit at first but eventually got the hang of it after a few tries.

But Elaina—oh Elaina—was having a rough time. Her movements were stiff, not quite as fluid as the others.

She was clearly struggling to adapt to the upbeat, energetic style of the dance, more accustomed to the grace of ballroom dancing.

I watched her closely, analyzing what could be improved, deep in thought. That's when Mina's voice interrupted me.

"Arche, you look like a pervert, you know that?"

I blinked and turned to her. "What?"

"You're staring at Elaina like you're planning something," she teased, smirking.

Before I could respond, Avilia chimed in. "Yeah, you definitely look suspicious right now."

"Hey! I'm trying to do my job here!" I defended myself, shaking my head at the two of them.

Back on the floor, Elaina was still trying her best, but the instructors were beginning to notice her struggles.

The stiffness in her dancing was hard to ignore, and even Amnesia and Saya were throwing worried glances her way.

Feeling it was time to step in, I stopped the music and approached Elaina, offering her some pointers on how to loosen up her movements.

"Try relaxing your shoulders and move with the rhythm. You're overthinking it," I said, keeping my tone direct but supportive.

Despite my advice, she still looked frustrated.

Her movements were a bit better, but the fluidity just wasn't there.

It didn't help that tomorrow was singing practice, and her dancing still wasn't up to par. I could see the irritation building.

After a while, I walked over to her as she took a break. Sweat dripped down her face, and she was clearly worn out, gulping down water in an attempt to cool off.

"Elaina," I said, standing in front of her. "You're going to have to stay here longer."

She sighed, leaning back against the wall. "Yes... I know what you mean," she admitted between breaths.

I nodded, keeping my tone matter-of-fact. "Your dancing is still stiff, and you're struggling in some areas. You need to loosen up."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, clearly not thrilled by my bluntness.

"I'm trying my best, alright?" she snapped, a hint of frustration in her voice.

I met her gaze, knowing she didn't like hearing it, but also knowing she appreciated honesty when it came to improvement.

"I know. But if you want to nail this, you need to push yourself harder."

Elaina didn't respond right away, still catching her breath, but I could tell she was listening.

Seeing Elaina's determination, I couldn't help but continue trying to lighten the mood.

"Don't worry," I said, smirking slightly, "I'll make sure you shine the brightest among the others."

Her annoyed expression softened just a bit, but the sarcasm in her reply was sharp as ever.

"And how exactly do you plan to accomplish that?"

Without missing a beat, I grinned.

"I'll ask them to put a ton of lights on your clothes."

She let out a deep, irritated sigh, clearly aware that I was messing with her.

Before the conversation could continue, Saya and Amnesia approached us, their curiosity evident.

"Hey, are you two done chatting?" Saya asked, her tone a little clipped, maybe from jealousy.

"Yeah, we're done," Elaina responded nonchalantly.

"What were you talking about?" Amnesia asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Just small talk," I replied, standing up and brushing off my pants as if it was nothing.

Elaina nodded, stretching her arms as she got ready to continue the dance practice.

"Nothing important," she added, brushing off the conversation like it wasn't worth explaining.

Saya seemed like she wanted to dig deeper, but before she could say anything, the dance instructor called out, "Alright, everyone, let's get back to practice!"

And with that, the girls resumed their dance training, focusing hard on getting their moves right.

While they worked, Avilia, Mina, and I left the room to buy food for everyone.

Back in the practice room, Elaina was in the zone, determined to improve her dancing before tomorrow's singing practice.

The hours flew by, and soon enough, the long day of rehearsal was over.

Saya collapsed on the floor dramatically, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "Ahh! Finally done…" she groaned, taking a deep breath.

Amnesia grinned at Elaina. "Let's head back, Elaina!"

But Elaina shook her head, clearly still unsatisfied with her performance.

"You all go on ahead. I need to practice a little more," she said, her voice filled with determination.

Saya frowned, clearly upset. "You don't need to push yourself so hard, Elaina. You did great today."

"Yeah, Saya's right," Amnesia chimed in, sharing the same concern.

But Elaina, stubborn as always, shook her head. "I can do better. I'll practice a bit more and catch up with you all later."

Mina gently patted Saya's shoulder. "Just let her be, sis."

But Saya wasn't having it.

"Then I'll stay and keep you company!" she insisted, her expression stubborn.

Mina sighed. "Sis, you've trained hard too. You should rest."

Saya looked torn, but before she could protest further, Elaina stepped in, her voice soft yet firm.

"Saya, it's okay. I can manage on my own. You should go and get some rest. I won't overdo it."

Amnesia added her voice to the mix. "Don't push yourself too hard, Elaina."

Avilia, standing behind Amnesia, gently nudged her sister. "Sis, it's time to go."

Elaina smiled slightly and gave them a reassuring nod. "I promise I'll be careful. I just need a bit more time."

Saya finally gave in, her concern lingering in her eyes, but she smiled at Elaina. "Alright, just… be careful. We'll wait for you at the hotel."

After they left, I crept out from my hiding spot and walked up behind Elaina. "They're really worried about you, huh, Elaina?" I said, smirking a little.

Elaina barely nodded, sensing my presence. "Yeah... they care about me," she replied, her voice soft but filled with appreciation.

"Alright then, let's get back to it! Time to make sure you shine tomorrow," I said, full of excitement at the idea of helping her improve.

Elaina looked a little surprised, clearly not expecting me to stick around, but she sighed in resignation, ready to continue. "Fine, let's do it," she said, taking a deep breath.

We got to work, and I could see her concentration tighten as I adjusted her posture.

"Your footwork's still off, Elaina," I said, stepping up behind her. I lifted her arms slightly. "Raise your hands like this."

She followed my guidance, though her uncertainty was clear. "Like this?" she asked.

"Yeah, but your legs are still pretty stiff," I pointed out.

She frowned, visibly frustrated. "Stiff?"

"Yep, gotta loosen up. You're dancing like a tree trunk," I teased.

Gradually, though, her moves became more natural.

The stiffness faded away, and before long, Elaina's footwork became smoother, more in sync with the music.

Her body started moving as though it finally understood the rhythm.

I could see it in her eyes, that spark of accomplishment as the dance began to feel less forced.

"You're doing great, Elaina! Honestly, your moves are better than Saya and Amnesia's now," I said, praising her.

She blinked in disbelief, but a smile crept onto her face. "Really?" There was a proud gleam in her eyes, clearly thrilled to hear that she was outshining the others.

Caught up in the moment, I reached out and patted her head.

"You've worked hard, Elaina."

She immediately swatted my hand away, her expression souring.

"Don't act like you had nothing to do with it. You're the one who's been training me."

I chuckled, stepping back. "Fair enough. But now you should go. They're waiting for you back at the hotel." I handed her a water bottle.

Elaina took it, drinking a few gulps before sighing. "Yeah, I should head back. They'll be worried."

"See you tomorrow," I said as she headed toward the door.

"See you tomorrow," she replied before leaving the room.

Once she was gone, I let out a tired sigh and slumped down against the wall. "I'm so tired..."

Gustav suddenly appeared, walking towards me. "You've worked hard today, haven't you? Thank you for your effort," he said with his usual calm demeanor.

I shot him a sarcastic look. "Ah, the guy who did absolutely nothing has arrived."

Without missing a beat, Gustav replied, "Actually, I came to invite you for dinner."

Without hesitation, I jumped up.

"Alright! Take me, old man!" I grinned, and Gustav chuckled as he led the way.

The next day, during their rehearsal, Elaina's performance blew everyone away.

Her dancing had improved so much that even Saya and Amnesia couldn't hide their shock.

The instructor, too, looked utterly impressed by her sudden progress.

Mina and Avilia both turned to me with suspicion written all over their faces. "Is this your doing, Arche?" Mina asked.

I shrugged casually, smirking. "Just doing my job as a manager."

Mina raised an eyebrow, clearly doubtful. "Just doing your job, huh?"

I simply shrugged again, the smirk still playing on my lips.

"What can I say? I'm just that good."

After finishing their dance, Saya and Amnesia praised Elaina's improved dancing skills, admiring how effortlessly she had nailed the routine.

Their compliments brought a faint smile to Elaina's face, though she tried to remain humble.

Just as they were catching their breath, three familiar figures appeared: Lyra, Vela, and Alya.

Lyra had a bandage on her forehead, Alya walked with the help of a cane, and Vela, though seemingly fine, looked weary.

"Hey, you all!" Lyra called out, a smile on her face despite her injuries.

The girls were taken aback by their sudden arrival, especially given what they had heard about their condition.

"Lyra, Alya, Vela… you guys are okay?" Saya asked with genuine concern, noticing their bandages and walking aid.

"Yes, we're fine," Lyra reassured them. The three then bowed deeply toward Elaina, Saya, and Amnesia.

"Thank you very much for replacing us."

The unexpected gesture made the girls freeze. Elaina, never one for awkward situations, hesitated before replying, "Uh, well, it's fine.

"We were happy to help." She tried to sound casual but couldn't hide the slight awkwardness.

"We want to repay your kindness," Vela spoke up, her eyes warm with gratitude. "We'll teach you the song you'll be performing."

Alya nodded in agreement. "Yes, think of it as our way of saying thanks for stepping in when we couldn't."

"Even though we're not fully recovered, we can still help out," Lyra added, sounding determined despite her bandage.

There was a sense of seniority in their voices, almost like older sisters looking after their juniors.

"Thank you," Amnesia said, clearly touched by their offer. "We'd appreciate that a lot."

Saya, ever the curious one, chimed in, "By the way, what's the song about? Your songs usually have deep meanings, right?"

Vela smiled softly. "The song is called Falling Into You."

"It's about someone who slowly falls in love but refuses to admit their feelings until they realize it's true."

The moment those words left her mouth, I felt like someone had just shot me with an arrow. "I don't know why, but I feel personally attacked right now…"

Avilia, ever the tease, grinned.

"Right on target, huh?"

"Arche, you're so easy to read," Avilia added, a mocking tone in her voice.

"I don't like her, okay?!" I blurted out without thinking, my face heating up.

"I just admire her!" As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized what I had just implied. Oh crap.

Avilia didn't miss a beat.

"Ah, so you really do like someone, huh?" she teased with a wicked grin.

"Who do you like, Arche?" Mina asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

The pressure from their teasing was unbearable, and I was sure my face had turned as red as a tomato.

"Stop... shut up, both of you..." I muttered, hoping the ground would swallow me whole.

Meanwhile, Elaina, who had been listening to the conversation about the song, noticed the sudden shift in tone when Mina and Avilia began teasing me.

Her curiosity piqued, she glanced over at me. The moment our eyes met, I quickly turned my face away, feeling a rush of panic.

What the hell is happening to me?! I screamed internally.

Mina, always observant, seemed to catch on to what was happening.

She subtly turned my head even more, making it clear to Elaina what was going on.

"Ah… I see…" Mina whispered, amused.

The others, who had been watching the exchange, seemed to understand the situation and chatted amongst themselves, trying not to laugh too much.

Lyra, noticing the interaction, approached us.

"You're their manager, right?" she asked, addressing me directly.

"Yes, I am," I replied, trying to regain my composure.

Lyra smiled warmly.

"Ah! Then—" She began to bow to introduce herself, but I quickly waved her off.

"No need for formalities! After all, you're my favorite in LoveStar," I said with a grin, trying to ease the tension.

Lyra blinked, taken aback by the compliment but pleased. I then gestured toward Mina and Avilia.

"We should be the ones introducing ourselves. I'm Arche, Elaina's manager."

"This is Mina, Saya's younger sister and also her manager, and this is Avilia, who manages Amnesia."

Mina and Avilia both stood up straight and gave a polite bow. "Pleased to meet you," Mina said.

"We're pleased to meet you too," Lyra responded politely.

As I noticed Lyra's face, I stepped closer and gave her a friendly smirk.

"Is your face okay?" Avilia asked, concerned.

"Yes, it's my fault, I was careless," Lyra replied with a soft smile, downplaying her injury.

"Even so, you're still beautiful, aren't you? A beautiful woman is still beautiful, even when injured," I said, getting a bit too close.

"But you should be more careful. If your face ends up completely covered in bandages, it'd be a waste, you know?"

Lyra blushed slightly, clearly a bit flustered by my sudden closeness.

"Ah, yes... Thank you for your concern," she replied, her smile now a little awkward.

Unable to resist, I leaned in just a bit more. "A pretty girl who's a little careless… I read about women like that in novels."

I paused for dramatic effect, then added, "I think they're cute."

Lyra's face turned even redder, and she stammered,

"N-No, please don't say that…" She was clearly flattered, but also uncomfortable with the sudden attention.

Before I could continue my teasing, I felt a sharp smack on the back of my head. "Ouch!" I yelped, rubbing the spot where I'd been hit.

I turned to see Elaina standing behind me, her hand still raised.

"You deserved that," she said flatly, shaking her head in exasperation.

"Why? Are you jealous?" I grinned, unable to help myself. "If you're jealous, just say so."

Elaina rolled her eyes in frustration, clearly irritated by my comment.

"Jealous? You really need to get your head checked if you think that's the reason," she snapped back, her voice sharp.

With that, the girls turned back to practicing with their seniors, and I went off to handle other tasks with Mina and Avilia.

Tomorrow's schedule was packed, and we had to be ready.

"So, we just need to do this, huh?" I said, glancing over the paper that detailed tomorrow's activities.

Mina and Avilia often looked to me for guidance since I was the oldest.

"Arche, tomorrow's the costume try-on, right?" Avilia asked.

"Yep," I confirmed. "They'll be wearing the seniors' costumes, but they'll need to adjust them to fit better."

Mina, always the practical one, furrowed her brow. "Can they really get it done in such a short time? We've only got five days left before the performance."

"They're professionals. I'm sure they'll manage," I reassured her, and we continued working through the details.

During a break, I glanced around and realized someone was missing.

"Avilia, where's your big sister?"

Avilia looked around, surprised.

"Hm? Eh? Where is she?" She scanned the room but didn't spot her sister.

"I'll go look for her."

After a few minutes, Avilia found Amnesia outside, sitting quietly and drinking water, lost in thought. She sat down next to her.

"What are you doing out here, Sis?" Avilia asked softly.

Amnesia snapped out of her daydream and turned to her sister.

"Ah, sorry for disappearing. You must've been worried, right?"

she said apologetically.

"I just… I have a few things on my mind."

Avilia tilted her head curiously.

"What's wrong?"

Amnesia sighed, glancing back at the practice room.

"I see how quickly Elaina is improving with her dancing… and Saya looks so confident up there too."

Her voice softened, and she looked down at her hands.

"I'm worried I'll be a burden to them…"

Avilia's eyes widened, and she immediately shook her head.

"Of course not, Sis! You've been doing your best too, and I know you can match them!" she said firmly.

"And your voice is amazing when you sing!"

Avilia's enthusiasm was contagious, and she added with a big grin,

"I'm sure you'll have tons of fans cheering for you!"

Amnesia looked at her, surprised. "R-Really?"

"Hm! And I'll be your first fan!" Avilia declared proudly, standing up and extending her hand to her sister.

"Come on, Big Sis, let's go back!"

Amnesia smiled, her confidence returning as she took Avilia's hand.

"Yes, you're right. We've kept them waiting long enough."

As they headed back inside, I watched from a distance, a smile on my face. Seeing Avilia cheer up her big sister like that filled me with a sense of warmth.

It was clear that, no matter the challenges, they were going to be just fine.

I stared at the schedule in front of me and noticed the date. "So, there's a party coming up in that kingdom soon, huh?" I muttered to myself.

"Guess I'll be invited... well, as long as I can eat for free, I don't mind." I sighed, thinking of the potential feast.

Meanwhile, the girls returned to their singing practice. Honestly, I was pretty impressed by their voices.

It struck me how different it sounds when women and men sing—there's something unique about their harmonies.

After an entire day of practice, it was finally time to wrap up.

Elaina, Amnesia, and Saya were getting ready to leave, while Mina, Avilia, and I had to stay back to prepare for tomorrow's activities.

"Sorry, Sis, you all go ahead," Mina said. "We still have things to take care of."

Amnesia and Saya both nodded. "Alright, see you tomorrow," Saya said.

As they were about to head out, Elaina glanced over at me.

I was fully absorbed in the schedule, scribbling notes and muttering under my breath.

I didn't notice her gaze, but Elaina seemed a bit curious about what had me so focused.

Then Lyra, Vela, and Alya walked up to me. "You said you wanted to ask us something, right?" Vela reminded me.

"Hm... yeah, I'm curious," I responded, before launching into a flurry of questions about improving their singing and dancing techniques.

Mina and Avilia quickly joined in, wanting to hear the advice too.

The three girls—Lyra, Vela, and Alya—were a bit taken aback.

They seemed surprised that I was asking so seriously, without my usual joking or playful demeanor.

They could see I was truly focused on getting the details.

As they answered my questions, doing their best to explain clearly, I realized they were staring at me.

Maybe I was being too serious for once.

"You all should head home already! Or do you want to practice until midnight?" I teased, trying to break the tension.

Amnesia, who had been watching quietly, chuckled. "Well... we should probably go home. It's getting late."

Saya nodded. "Yeah, we've practiced enough for today."

Elaina, who hadn't said much until now, finally spoke up. "Yeah, let's head out."

Once they were gone, the three of us—Mina, Avilia, and I—went back to work.

We still had a lot to plan, and we were determined to do everything we could to help improve their skills.

Time was ticking, and the performance date loomed closer.

The next day, I woke up to the sound of whispers and snickers. Apparently, the girls were surprised to find me sprawled out on the floor, a snoring mess.

Mina and Avilia had returned home, but clearly, I had decided to become one with the floor.

Saya tiptoed over, her eyes narrowed with a mixture of concern and amusement.

"Hey... Hey, Arche? Are you asleep?" She carefully poked my side with her foot.

"Huh? What's he doing?" Amnesia blinked a few times, as if trying to confirm whether I was a living being or just a pile of laundry.

"Why is he sleeping on the floor?" Elaina whispered to the other girls, her tone dripping with incredulity.

As if on cue, I started to wake up, rubbing my eyes like a sleepy bear emerging from hibernation.

When I finally opened my eyes, I was greeted by three pairs of amused eyes staring down at me.

"Hmm...? I don't remember us having a slumber party," I mumbled, still delirious.

Saya shook her head disapprovingly.

"No, we didn't hold any slumber party," she said firmly, crossing her arms like a disappointed parent.

Amnesia giggled, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "You were sleeping on the floor, Arche," she said, a small smile dancing on her lips.

"Why are you sleeping on the floor? You were here all night?" Elaina asked, raising an eyebrow as if I were a particularly troublesome pet.

Suddenly, memories of the previous night rushed back.

"I was drunk last night..." I confessed, earning surprised gasps from the three girls.

"You were drunk?" Saya repeated, her voice a mix of shock and incredulity.

Amnesia's eyes widened. "How much did you drink?"

"Um... Six..?" I replied, feeling slightly sheepish.

The three girls were aghast.

"Six? As in, six bottles?" Elaina's tone was incredulous, as if I had just admitted to wrestling a bear.

Just then, Mina and Avilia joined the scene, their expressions shifting from confusion to amusement as they took in the sight of me leaning against the wall like a disheveled hero from a bad romance novel.

"What happened?" Avilia asked, half-smirking.

"It seems like we missed something..." Mina added, clearly intrigued by the chaos.

Saya quickly filled them in.

"Arche was here all night last night, but he was sleeping on the floor."

"Because he's drunk," Amnesia chimed in with a cheeky grin.

Mina and Avilia exchanged glances, their eyes wide with disbelief. "Really?" Mina asked, her tone carrying genuine surprise.

"Aren't you—" Mina began, but I quickly gestured for her to stop.

She seemed to get the message and held her tongue, though the curious glint in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Hey, come on! Where's your morning spirit!" I exclaimed, attempting to stand up with as much enthusiasm as I could muster, despite my sleepy face and an uncontrollable yawn escaping me.

The three girls watched me, Elaina rolling her eyes. "Morning spirit? Are you serious right now?" she asked, her skepticism palpable.

Amnesia seemed thoroughly entertained by my antics, her cheerful expression making it hard for me to stay serious.

Just then, the LoveStar staff strutted in, arms laden with three colorful costumes that looked like they had exploded from a rainbow.

"Ah, so the stage outfits have arrived," I declared dramatically, trying to salvage my dignity as I leaned against the wall for support, still half-asleep and very much in need of coffee.

"...We have to use this?" Elaina's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the colorful costumes.

I couldn't help but picture Elaina in one of those outfits, and it took every ounce of restraint not to burst out laughing.

"...Yeah," I managed to choke out, fighting to keep a straight face.

Elaina continued to scrutinize the costumes, her expression shifting from curiosity to outright dread.

"Uh..." She bit her lip, clearly uncomfortable at the thought of wearing something so vibrant in front of a crowd.

Saya, standing beside her, shared a similar sentiment. Her brow furrowed slightly as she muttered,

"This outfit is a little too big for me.."

Amnesia, however, was all sunshine and rainbows. "Oooh!" she squealed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she twirled in place. "I can't wait to wear it!"

I couldn't help but approach Elaina from behind and pat her shoulder, still stifling my laughter. "Don't worry, Elaina... you'll look cute!"

Her glare could have melted steel.

"Who are you kidding? I will look ridiculous!" she snapped back, her annoyance radiating like a sunburn.

But like it or not, there was no escaping it—fitting time was upon us. They were called to have their bodies measured, and Elaina sighed irritably.

"I feel like I'm in a torture chamber," she complained, rolling her eyes dramatically, as if I were forcing her to walk the plank instead of just trying on some silly costumes.

Saya was visibly torn. She wanted to support Elaina but couldn't hide her discomfort at the thought of her friend parading around in such garish outfits.

Meanwhile, Amnesia was in her element. "This is so interesting!" she exclaimed, bouncing slightly on her feet as she watched the measuring tape snake around Elaina's waist.

"Maybe I should just wear a paper bag over my head instead," Elaina muttered under her breath, shooting a glance in my direction that clearly said, "This is your fault."

"Don't worry, Elaina! If you look ridiculous, I'll look ridiculous right alongside you!" I shot back, my grin widening.

"Great, just what I need—more people to join me in the circus," she huffed, crossing her arms but unable to hide a hint of a smile.

As the measuring continued, I could see her resolve weakening, the corners of her mouth twitching up.

After they finished measuring, Saya plopped down next to her sister, scrutinizing the schedule she was holding like it contained the secrets of the universe. 

"We have to practice again tomorrow, huh? It's so tiring..." she groaned, dramatically flopping her head onto her sister's shoulder.

"You have to be more enthusiastic, Sis!" Mina chimed in, clearly trying to channel some sort of cheerleader energy.

Saya shot her an annoyed look.

"I get annoyed when I see Arche getting close to Elaina," she muttered, her eyes narrowing.

Mina shrugged, trying to see the silver lining. "Hmph, even so, I have to admit, Arche is a hard worker."

"Did you know, Sis? Actually, Arche wasn't drunk before," Mina continued, a hint of mischief in her tone.

"He stayed up late taking care of Elaina's schedule, and he also helped me and Avilia."

"He even chatted with the LoveStar staff about things like costumes and stuff," she added, her voice dripping with pride.

"He's really serious about his job as a manager. Works continuously until midnight."

Saya's expression shifted from annoyance to surprise.

"He, he did that?" she said, processing the new information.

The realization that maybe she'd misjudged me after all flickered across her face.

I happened to be eavesdropping on their conversation, and I couldn't help but smile faintly.

"She told her, huh...? Seriously... she can't keep a secret."

I sauntered over, pretending not to have heard a thing. "Oh? What are you guys talking about?" I asked innocently.

"None of your business," Mina shot back without missing a beat.

"Then let's go!" I exclaimed, trying to maintain my enthusiasm, even though I was still a bit groggy from last night.

"Arche..." Saya stood up, her eyes suddenly fierce.

"Hmm?" I turned to her, bracing for whatever was coming next.

"I won't lose to you!" she declared, pointing a finger at me like a dramatic theater villain.

I blinked in surprise. "Wow, where's all this energy coming from?"

She then marched over to where Elaina and Amnesia had just finished their measurements.

"You can't keep a secret, can you, Mina?"

Mina stood up, crossing her arms defiantly. "I knew you were eavesdropping."

Just then, Avilia approached the two of us, her brow furrowed in curiosity.

"Oh? What are you guys talking about?"

"Are you eavesdropping too?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, since I recognized her line from earlier.

"Huh? Of course not! Why do you think like that?" Avilia shot back, her expression a mix of annoyance and innocence.

"It's nothing..." I turned my face away, feeling a bit guilty for eavesdropping in the first place. "Rather than that..."

"Let's get to work!" I declared, trying to change the subject and redirect our energy.

We then dove into our roles as managers, while the girls practiced dancing and singing.

They took a photo together and then turned it into a vibrant poster, plastering it around town to attract an audience for the concert.

I even sent invitations to the folks who introduced me to LoveStar, hoping they'd swing by to support us.

Days passed, and Elaina, Amnesia, and Saya practiced tirelessly until the fateful day of the concert arrived.

Backstage, I watched them prepare in their dazzling stage outfits. Elaina looked like a bundle of nerves, adjusting her costume for the umpteenth time and checking that every sequined detail was in place.

Amnesia, on the other hand, was stationed in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection as if it held the key to her confidence.

"I can do this... I can do this," she murmured to herself, trying to pep-talk her way into feeling ready.

Saya, meanwhile, was busy studying Elaina's outfit.

"Elaina, you really look cute!" she chirped, trying to lift the tension in the air.

"Thank you, you guys look adorable too" Elaina replied, her voice tinged with nerves as she turned to smile at Saya and Amnesia.

"Elaina!" I called out, waving her over. "Can you come here for a moment?"

Elaina nodded and made her way over.

As she approached, I couldn't help but admire how the bright colors of her outfit complemented her features.

"You know, if you trip out there, just do a dramatic roll and play it off as part of the act," I said with a grin.

Elaina raised an eyebrow at me, half-amused and half-exasperated.

"Very funny, Arche."

"What do you really want to talk about?" Elaina asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"I just want to remind you not to take things too seriously and to have fun," I replied, noticing her slightly awkward demeanor.

"I'll be right here in the standing area, cheering you on!"

Elaina listened, her tension easing a bit. "Yeah, you're right... Thank you," she said, a small smile breaking through her nerves.

Meanwhile, Mina was in full cheerleader mode, bouncing around Amnesia.

"Sis! You can do it!"

"Yes! I know I can!" Saya echoed, her enthusiasm growing by the second.

Avilia looked over at Amnesia with a hint of concern. "Sis, are you worried?"

"Ah... not anymore! Seeing them excited makes me excited too!" Amnesia replied, her confidence bolstered.

I couldn't resist chiming in.

"Do I need to call you 'Sis' too?"

Elaina shot me a slightly annoyed look. "Why would you call me 'Sis'?"

she retorted, her brow furrowing.

"Aren't you older than me?"

I chuckled, waving my hands in mock surrender. "Hey, just trying to keep the spirits up!"

"By the way, why are you, Mina, and Avilia wearing jackets?"

Elaina asked, glancing at their outfits.

"It's not too cold outside."

"Just for style!" Avilia replied.

"Exactly!" I added, laughing. "Its Showtime!"

With that, I followed Mina and Avilia as we made our way to the standing area to catch the concert.

The lights dimmed dramatically, casting an electrifying atmosphere over the crowd.

As Elaina, Saya, and Amnesia stepped onto the stage, the audience erupted into a wave of cheers, loud and filled with anticipation.

The energy was palpable, and I could feel my heart racing in sync with the crowd.

Elaina looked radiant, her earlier nerves replaced by an electrifying confidence.

Saya waved enthusiastically to the crowd, while Amnesia bounced on her feet, soaking up the excitement.

I couldn't help but shout,

"Go, Elaina! Show them what you've got!"

A few heads turned, and I noticed some amused glances thrown my way. I gave a sheepish grin, realizing I might have been a bit too loud, but who cares? 

It was showtime, and I was ready to support my friends, even if it meant being a little embarrassing in the process!

From my perspective, the atmosphere of the concert was electrifying.

The crowd roared as Elaina, Amnesia, and Saya stepped onto the stage with undeniable confidence.

They donned colorful stage outfits, and the spotlight illuminated them like the stars they were.

Their exuberance seemed to mesmerize everyone, including me, Mina, and Avilia.

As the music began to swell, they danced in perfectly coordinated steps. I couldn't help but be captivated.

Elaina led with graceful movements, followed by Amnesia and Saya, who showcased their charm on stage.

With every passing second, the lyrics flowed gently into our ears, stirring emotions deep within our hearts.

"I see you every day, but I look away~

Pretend like I don't care, like it's just okay~

My heart skips a beat when you're close to me~

But I play it cool, yeah, like I don't see~"

Elaina's voice, typically cold and sarcastic, now sounded sweet and cheerful.

Amnesia and Saya harmonized beautifully alongside her, enchanting the audience further.

Yet, something felt slightly off. Elaina's movements appeared a bit stiff as the song progressed.

Some spectators began to whisper, perhaps questioning why she seemed less than fully engaged.

I caught a glimpse of Mina glancing at me, her face reflecting the same concern I felt.

In that moment, I knew I had to do something.

I stared at the shirt I had made—an image of Elaina in her stage outfit.

Without hesitation, I pulled off the jacket I was wearing and proudly displayed my creation.

"Let's cheer them on!" I shouted, surprising Mina and Avilia.

Mina, initially shy, finally revealed her shirt featuring Saya, showing her support. Her face flushed, but her spirit shone through.

Next to her, Avilia also showcased her shirt with Amnesia's image, and that moment felt wonderfully joyous.

Elaina, Saya, and Amnesia turned to us. Their faces were filled with surprise.

Elaina looked momentarily bashful, her eyes widening before she refocused on the audience.

Seeing this, their movements became more relaxed, as if they had regained their confidence.

"But I can't stop thinking 'bout you (thinking 'bout you)~

Every time you smile, I fall right through (falling for you)~

I'm trying to deny it, but it's no use~

Now I know it's true, I'm falling into you~"

"I laugh when you joke, but then turn away~

Don't wanna let you in, don't wanna say~

But I can't escape these thoughts in my mind~

Guess I've been running from what I've yet to find~"

The lyrics poured from Elaina's lips with newfound strength.

Amnesia and Saya blended into the performance, their voices harmonizing with Elaina, creating an unforgettable moment.

Our enthusiasm soared, and the entire audience erupted in cheers, clapping in rhythm with the song.

Amidst the crowd, for some reason, my gaze was drawn to Elaina. Her graceful movements, radiant smile, and undeniable charm captivated me.

Watching her stand there, singing the lyrics, made my heart flutter.

Her voice flowed softly through the air.

In those moments, I began to recall all the times I had denied my own feelings. Time and again, I told myself that this was merely admiration.

Yet, with each of Elaina's smiles and glances, all those lies began to fade away.

It was becoming increasingly difficult to conceal the truth that resided within my heart.

The lyrics continued, each word striking my thoughts like arrows.

"All the little moments, all the things you do~

It's getting harder now, to hide the truth~

Why can't I just say it, what I feel inside?~

Afraid of what might happen if I cross that line~"

All the feelings I had bottled up, all the racing heartbeats, finally shattered the walls I had built.

"But I can't stop thinking 'bout you (thinking 'bout you)~

Every time you smile, I fall right through (falling for you)~

I'm trying to deny it, but it's no use~

Now I know it's true, I'm falling into you~"

As those lyrics escaped her lips, I realized my true feelings. With every movement and every smile she offered, I fell deeper.

This was not merely attraction, but something profound—something that had been within me for a long time.

As Elaina continued, her face glowing with passion, I felt entranced by her beauty.

"I was scared to let it show~

But now I can't hold it back anymore~

You're the one I've been waiting for~

I see it now, I see it now~"

My heart raced, and in that moment, it felt as if only she and I existed in the world.

"I can't stop thinking 'bout you (thinking 'bout you)~

Every time you smile, I fall right through (falling for you)~

I'm done denying, it's clear as the moon~

Now I know it's true, I'm falling into you~"

All the doubts that had cloaked me now vanished, and when Elaina looked my way, I felt a deeper connection between us.

She was the star that had filled my nights with light, and now I knew—I could no longer pretend.

"Now I know it's true, I'm falling into you~ 

I'm falling into you, yeah, it's always been you~"

With those final lyrics, my heart raced wildly. This was a moment that would forever be etched in my memory, the moment I realized my true feelings.

That I had fallen in love with her.

Suddenly, I heard my name called by someone next to me.

"Arche! Why are you daydreaming?" It was Avilia, her brow slightly furrowed in concern.

"Uh... I'm just amazed that they can show something like that. Our hard work wasn't in vain," I replied, taking a deep breath to shake off the daze.

"You didn't stay up late in vain, huh?" Mina chimed in, a teasing smile on her face.

Just then, three familiar faces appeared. It was Lyra, Vela, and Alya—looking vibrant and full of energy. They had fully recovered!

"Hello, everyone! Did you miss us?" Vela shouted at the audience, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

"Wow, their performance was really great, wasn't it? We taught them, you know!" Lyra declared with a proud grin.

"And now! We're going to sing the same song! But with six people now!" Alya added, her excitement contagious.

Elaina, Amnesia, and Saya turned to each other in surprise, their eyes wide as they processed the news.

"Let's go one more time!" Vela, Lyra, and Alya shouted, their enthusiasm lighting up the room.

"Come on, let's do it, junior!" Lyra encouraged, looking at the trio.

After a moment of shared glances, Elaina, Amnesia, and Saya nodded in agreement, ready to dive back into the performance.

As they started again, I felt a surge of excitement coursing through me. This time, I couldn't hold back my cheers and shouts, fully immersing myself in the moment.

The energy was infectious, and the audience echoed our enthusiasm, clapping and dancing along.

After the lively concert, I followed Mina and Avilia into the break room, still buzzing from the exhilarating experience.

The atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter as everyone celebrated the successful show.

"Did you see how they lit up the stage?" Avilia exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

"Yeah, and Elaina seemed so much more at ease that time!" I responded.

"I think our support really made a difference," Mina added, her voice filled with pride.

As we settled into the break room, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment, surrounded by friends and the thrill of our shared passion.

But the moment I opened the door, Elaina bolted toward me and landed a swift punch to my stomach.

"Gah!"

"Ouch..." I groaned, clutching my midsection. I had anticipated this reaction, yet it didn't make it any less painful.

She was definitely upset about the shirt I had made—an image of her in her stage outfit plastered across the front.

"What the hell were you thinking?! Making a shirt like that?! Are you really serious?!"

Elaina shouted, irritation etched across her features, her body language radiating indignation.

In the corner of the room, Amnesia and Saya sat on the couch, sipping water and watching the scene unfold with amused expressions.

"And no words of thanks..." I muttered, still attempting to regain my composure.

Elaina crossed her arms, glaring at me with a mix of annoyance and disbelief.

"Thanks for what?! For making a ridiculous shirt with my face on it?!" Her voice crescendoed with each syllable, the frustration spilling over.

"It's not just the face, though..." I managed to stand upright again, still nursing my stomach.

"Come on, it cost me a lot of money to make this shirt!"

Mina and Avilia, who had been observing the drama, dashed over to their sister.

"Traitor!"

I shouted at them in annoyance

Elaina gritted her teeth, her glare unwavering. Yet, she took a deep breath, attempting to rein in her temper and refrain from yelling again.

Saya, still perched on the sofa, couldn't contain her laughter at the escalating absurdity of the situation.

Amnesia struggled to hold back her amusement, but it was a losing battle—her laughter rang out, echoing through the break room like a melodic chime.

"I mean, what's wrong with wearing a shirt with a picture of my favorite idol on it?" I shot back, a teasing smile tugging at my lips as I pointed at her.

"It's embarrassing! How can you not understand that?!" Elaina shot back, her glare intensifying.

Saya, leaning forward with a playful smirk, asked her sister,

"So, Arche asked you to wear that?"

"Yeah... at first I didn't want to," Mina admitted, a hint of reluctance in her voice.

"I'm surprised he can make a shirt like this," Avilia added, her curiosity piqued as she examined the design.

"He spent his free time making this, so you could say he doesn't have any free time," Mina chimed in, a hint of admiration in her tone.

"Really? Why would he do this just to cheer us up?" Amnesia wondered aloud, her brow furrowing in genuine confusion.

Just then, someone strode into the room, commanding attention.

"Attention, please!" Gustav announced, his voice echoing off the walls. Instantly, all eyes turned toward him.

"Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation!"

He paused for effect, a grin spreading across his face. "To celebrate our success, let's have a party!"

His words were met with an eruption of cheers from the girls, even Amnesia and Saya, who still looked somewhat fatigued.

"Let's party!" I yelled, seized by the energy of the moment. Without a second thought, I sprinted away, hoping to escape while leaving Elaina behind.

But Elaina wasn't about to let that happen. Upon realizing I was making a break for it, she bolted after me, her voice echoing, "Hey! Come back here!"

As she chased me, I felt something small drop from my pocket. I didn't notice until she called out, "Wait! What's this?"

Curiosity piqued, Elaina leaned down to inspect the object—a ticket of some sort. She halted her pursuit, reaching down to pick it up.

As she examined the ticket, her expression shifted. The words "VIP" printed boldly on the ticket caught her attention, and I could see surprise flicker in her eyes, mingling with irritation.

"VIP... This guy," she muttered under her breath, her tone a mix of disbelief and annoyance.

Without a moment's hesitation, she tucked the ticket into her pocket before turning back to rejoin the others.

The party atmosphere was electric, the lights dimmed to create a cozy ambiance, and vibrant decorations hung from the walls.

The scent of delicious food wafted through the air, mingling with the soft strains of music playing in the background.

Elaina and the others quickly immersed themselves in the lively scene, laughter and chatter filling the space.

As the night wore on and we made our way back to the hotel, I felt a sense of responsibility wash over me.

It was already past midnight, and as the only man among them, I felt obligated to ensure they returned safely.

"You don't need to accompany us, Arche," Mina said, her tone dismissive but friendly.

I shook my head firmly, my resolve unshaken. "I don't feel comfortable leaving you guys alone in a public place."

Saya frowned at my insistence, a flicker of irritation crossing her face.

"We can take care of ourselves, you know."

"I know," I replied, meeting her gaze. "But it's my job to make sure you all get back safely."

As we walked, I could sense Elaina glancing at me out of the corner of her eye, her expression a mixture of exasperation and gratitude.

"Besides," I added with a grin, "who else will make sure you don't get lost in the city at this hour?"

Elaina sighed, her annoyance fading as she stepped closer to the group.

"Fine. But don't think this means I owe you anything for babysitting us," she said, a playful challenge lacing her words.

"I just want to be a good person, you know..." I complained.

Amnesia chuckled beside me.

"You're troubling yourself, Arche."

"You're not that kind, and you know it," Elaina chimed in.

"Elaina has a point," Avilia added, nodding in agreement, her expression so serious it was almost comical.

"Okay... I'll be the villain then," I sighed, dramatically rolling my eyes and taking a deep breath.

"You already are," Elaina quipped, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

As we finally arrived at the hotel, I threw my arms out wide.

"Alright, a hero's job is done!"

Elaina shook her head at my self-proclaimed heroism, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Hero? You're far from it."

"Okay, let's go in," Saya said, eager to escape the ridiculousness.

"Ah! You guys wait a minute; I want to talk to Arche for a moment," Elaina called, her voice firm as she walked a few steps away from the group. Naturally, I followed her, curiosity piqued.

"So, do you want to confess your feelings?" I asked, teasingly leaning closer with a mischievous grin.

"Confess my feelings? Confess which feelings? Frustration? Aggravation? Or perhaps both?" she shot back.

As she pulled out the invitation ticket from her pocket. "I saw this fall out of your pocket earlier. What is this?"

I was surprised the sight of the VIP invitation ticket.

"Where did you get that?!"

I exclaimed.

Elaina held the ticket firmly in her hand, determined not to let it go.

"I saw it fall out of your pocket earlier," she replied with a touch of attitude, arms crossed defiantly.

"Ah... actually, it's an invitation to celebrate a party in a kingdom called Havenvale," I explained.

"Havenvale? I've never heard of it," she confessed, skepticism etched across her features as she tried to recall anything about the place.

"It's a kingdom led by a young king, the same age as me, you know," I added, unable to hide the pride in my voice.

With a hint of surprise, Elaina leaned in closer, intrigued.

"And... you're invited to this party?"

"Yes! I have friends in that kingdom, which is why I have this VIP invitation ticket." I fished out the second VIP ticket from my pocket.

"What? Two invitation tickets?" Elaina asked, raising an eyebrow and trying to process this unexpected development.

Then, a light bulb flickered to life above my head. If I gave the invitation ticket to Elaina, I could see her again!

"Then, you can keep it," I said, stepping forward with a conspiratorial grin.

"Huh? Are you serious?" she replied, confusion and surprise mingling in her tone, her eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Just for you," I whispered in her ear, I backed away triumphantly, feeling like I'd just won a great battle.

Elaina stood frozen, clutching the invitation ticket in her hand, her expression a delightful mix of confusion and anticipation.

"Damn, I'm so cool!" I said to myself as I walked away, feeling like a triumphant hero—if only in my own mind.

As I strolled back to my hotel room, my thoughts drifted back to the moments of the past few days.

"She is very beautiful..." I murmured, letting the weight of my feelings wash over me.

Love is the only flower that grows and blossoms without the aid of the seasons.