The morning halls of Symphonia Academy were already alive with sound.
Pianos echoed faintly from practice rooms, a vocal warm-up floated down the corridor, and somewhere upstairs, a group was arguing passionately over choreography counts. For Mio Hanabira, this familiar chaos usually brought comfort.
Today, it only made her more aware of the weight in her chest.
She adjusted her academy jacket and stepped into the classroom, instinctively scanning the room.
Hina was there.
She sat by the window, humming softly as she reviewed sheet music, her fingers tapping the rhythm against her desk. When she noticed Mio, she looked up—and smiled.
Mio exhaled, a tension she hadn't realized she was holding finally easing.
She's okay. We're okay.
They'd barely spoken about what happened since that night. About magic. About fear. About the light now resting quietly at Hina's chest beneath her uniform. Somehow, being here—surrounded by music—made it easier to pretend things were normal.
The bell rang.
Their instructor, Ms. Kanzaki, entered with an unusual brightness in her expression.
"Good morning, everyone," she said. "Before we begin, I have an announcement."
The class stirred immediately.
"As part of this year's academy showcase schedule, Symphonia Academy will be participating in the Pop Star Festival."
The reaction was instant.
Gasps. Excited whispers. A few barely contained squeals.
Mio stiffened.
"The Pop Star Festival is a district-wide idol duo competition," Ms. Kanzaki continued. "Each participating academy will nominate rookie pairs to perform original or arranged pieces. Judges will be evaluating vocal harmony, emotional connection, and stage presence."
She paused, smiling knowingly.
"This year's theme is Dreams in Harmony."
Mio's fingers curled around the edge of her desk.
Harmony.
She felt Hina glance at her.
"The selected duos," Ms. Kanzaki added, "will perform on a professional stage. Scouts will be present."
That did it. The room erupted.
After class, the hallway buzzed louder than any rehearsal room. Students clustered together, already debating partners, styles, and song choices.
Mio walked quietly beside Hina, her thoughts tangled.
"We should… probably think about it," Hina said softly.
Mio nodded, though her heart was racing. "Yeah."
They stopped in front of a bulletin board already plastered with bright posters:
✨ POP STAR FESTIVAL ✨
Rookie Duo Auditions — Sing Your Dreams
Hina studied it for a long moment.
"Mio," she said gently, "you've always been strongest in duets. When I saw you singing with Rika for the first time… I could tell."
Mio flinched slightly. "You think so?"
"Yes. I do."
Hina turned fully toward her. "Don't be scared. I'll sing with you."
Mio looked at her.
"Would you… want to try?" Hina asked. "Together, I mean."
Mio's breath caught.
Before she could answer, a familiar presence leaned casually against the nearby railing.
"I was wondering when you'd notice."
Ren.
He watched them with his usual unreadable smile. "You two make sense as a duo."
Mio frowned. "You don't even know how we sound together."
Ren's eyes flickered with quiet certainty. "I know harmony when I see it."
From down the corridor, Rika passed by, earbuds in, gaze sharp. She slowed just slightly, eyes flicking toward the poster… then to Mio and Hina standing together.
She said nothing.
But she noticed.
Later that afternoon, Mio and Hina stood in one of the empty practice rooms.
The mirrors reflected two rookie idols—still uncertain, still unfinished.
Hina took a breath. "We don't have to win."
Mio looked at her.
"We just have to sing honestly," Hina continued. "That's what Symphonia teaches us, right?"
Mio closed her eyes.
She thought of the light they shared.
Of standing back-to-back in fear.
Of choosing not to run.
"…Okay," she said quietly.
Hina's face brightened. "Really?"
"Really," Mio nodded. "Let's audition."
They stood there for a moment, the future trembling just ahead of them.
Somewhere beyond the walls of the academy, shadows stirred.
But for now—
Two rookie idols had chosen to sing together.
And that choice would change everything.