Chapter Text
Akiko had always felt like an outsider in her own family.
Her father, a staunch believer in conformity, discouraged her from pursuing anything that deviated from what he deemed ‘ normal. ’ This rigid definition of normalcy dictated her life: go outside, socialize with friends, stay active, maintain good grades, and, above all, be happy. Each of these expectations felt like a weight pressing down on her, suffocating her spirit.
What if she didn’t want to go outside? What if she craved the solitude of her room, the thrill of immersing herself in video games? What if the thought of exercising felt like a chore, or if she dared to prioritize her passion for art over maintaining perfect grades?
Her mother, blissfully unaware of Akiko’s inner turmoil, often offered the same hollow reassurance: “ You’ll understand when you’re older. Your father just wants what's best for you. ” But Akiko never felt understood. It seemed like her feelings were overshadowed by their relentless focus on her future, leaving her to grapple with her present reality alone
She often wondered how her older brother managed to navigate the expectations of their parents. He was the epitome of their ideal child: an honor student, a magnet for invitations to competitions, and a social butterfly. In stark contrast, Akiko struggled to make even one genuine friend.
Yet, despite the constant comparisons that weighed down on them, her brother was the one person who truly listened. He understood her struggles, empathized with her frustrations, but was equally trapped in the same parental expectations. He had been molded into the ‘ best version ’ of himself, just as they wanted her to be.
It was in this stifling atmosphere that Akiko discovered a glimmer of hope: art. Seeking an escape from the pressures of the world around her, she picked up a pencil and began to draw.
[ Akiko’s Bedroom ]
Young Akiko: And… there!
With a triumphant flourish, Akiko lifts her pencil, signaling the completion of her latest drawing. She gazes at the artwork, her eyes tracing the intricate details she poured her heart into. A smile spreads across her face as she nods in satisfaction.
Young Akiko: This drawing is definitely better than the one I did last week. The lighting and shading turned out great…
But then, her gaze catches a small imperfection in the corner of the page. A hint of embarrassment washes over her, but she chuckles softly.
Young Akiko: I really need to practice making straight lines without a ruler.
Young Akiko: I guess I’ll look up some tips…
As she navigates through her screen, a video thumbnail catches her eye.
Young Akiko: ( ..? A song..? )
Intrigued, she clicks on it, and soon the room fills with music.
Young Akiko: (
..!
)
Young Akiko: (
This song…
)
Akiko's eyes widen, captivated by the melody.
Young Akiko: (
The instrumental feels powerful... and the vocals give off the desperate vibes for the song.
)
Young Akiko: (
If they were aiming to convey grief...
)
Young Akiko: (
They succeeded beautifully.
)
A smile forms as she immerses herself in the haunting notes, her thoughts swirling as the song carries her away.
Young Akiko: (
...
)
Young Akiko: Ah! I got distracted…
Young Akiko: (
...
)
Young Akiko: (
But still...
)
Young Akiko: (
The singer’s voice is so raw, so desperate... it’s as if they’re pleading for a reason to live despite the darkness closing in...
)
Young Akiko: ...Let's check the comments.
Curiosity ignited, she scrolls down to read the comments beneath the video.
Comment: [As expected, the emotion this song wants to convey is clear and it's hard to imagine it being anything else - the producer really knows how to get his message across.]
Comment: [I almost cried when I heard this. Hearing Miku-chan sing with such desperation makes me wish she was still alive. Not everyone can sing like this, so I respect the producer.]
Comment: [Although I can’t relate to it, the way this song is composed and performed is enough to make me want to live life to the fullest, just like Miku-chan in the PV, so that I have no regrets.]
Akiko continues to read through the comments, each one deepening her admiration for the song.
Young Akiko: (
...this song...
)
Young Akiko: (
...can truly change the way people live.
)
Her heart races at the thought, a spark igniting within her.
Young Akiko: (
Could I... do that too?
)
Young Akiko: (
Can I inspire others?
)
She places a hand over her chest, her pulse quickening.
Young Akiko: (
Well, I’ll never know unless I try.
)
Young Akiko: I’ll try to make music.
Young Akiko: I want to inspire people.
I want to give hope to others.
[A Few Years Later]
[On Call]
Akiko: I think I’ve hit my creative limit, so I’m going to take a quick break.
???: Sure! Take your time.
A warm smile spreads across Akiko's face.
Akiko: Thanks, Aiko. I’ll just rest my eyes and listen to some music for a bit.
Aiko: Yup! I guess it’s just you and me, huh, Kiyomi?
Kiyomi responds with a soft hum of confirmation, her presence a comforting backdrop.
Aiko: It’s been a while since we’ve talked alone...
With a gentle nod, Akiko mutes her mic and removes her headphones. She reaches for her phone, eager to play a song she recently downloaded. Just as she’s about to select her latest favorite track, her eyes catch an unfamiliar file labeled ‘ Untitled. ’
Akiko: Untitled? I don’t remember leaving any files unnamed... could it be Aiko’s?
Curiosity piqued, she taps on the mysterious file.
Akiko: ?! My phone just started flashing—
In an instant, the room is enveloped in a blinding light, and the familiar sounds of her surroundings fade into silence. The once vibrant bedroom becomes an eerie void, devoid of any life.
[???]
Akiko: Wh- Where am I..?
As Akiko’s eyes adjust to her surroundings, she finds herself in an expansive library. Towering shelves filled with countless books stretch into the distance, each one a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. Soft, golden light filters through large, arched windows, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden floors. The air is tinged with the comforting scent of aged paper and ink, creating an atmosphere that feels both inviting and mysterious.
Suddenly, a voice pierces through her observations.
???: Ahh!! Finally someone has come!
Startled, Akiko turns around to see a short blonde girl, around the age of fourteen, bounding towards her. She wears a crisp white shirt adorned with a black tie, layered beneath a vibrant yellow jacket with white cuffs. A whimsical yellow skirt, embellished with accents of black and white, flares out as she moves. Long white socks and polished black shoes complete her outfit, while a delicate white ribbon perched atop her head adds a playful touch. If Akiko didn’t know better, she might have assumed this girl was just an ordinary person. But she did know better, and the girl before her was unmistakably...
Akiko: Kagamine Rin?!
Rin: Hello!
With a bright smile and an enthusiastic wave, Rin exudes an infectious energy.
Rin: You’re Akiko-san, right? Yes, yes!
Akiko sweatdrops, feeling a mix of confusion and intrigue.
Akiko: Um... hello..?
???: Rin-chan, I told you not to run away anywhere.
Akiko glances past Rin to see a boy who mirrors her appearance in a striking way. He wears a white shirt and black tie under a yellow jacket with matching white cuffs, complemented by long black pants cinched with a golden clock belt. Short white socks peek out above his black shoes, giving him a polished look.
Rin: But Len-kun... a visitor came!
She points excitedly at Akiko, causing Len to sweatdrop.
Len: Yes, yes, but don’t get too excited. Look how awkward Akiko-san is.
Rin studies Akiko for a moment, her eyes widening in realization.
Rin: Ah!! Sorry!
Akiko: No, no, it’s okay. Um…
Akiko: Aren't you guys virtual singers?
Rin nods enthusiastically.
Rin: Yes! We want to convey our feelings to the world through our songs!
Akiko tilts her head, trying to grasp the concept.
Akiko: Share... feelings?
Len: I’m sure you feel the same way, Akiko-san.
Len: I’m sure you’re not the only one who feels the same way. I’m sure everyone feels the same way.
Akiko: Huh..? Sorry, I don’t really understand what you’re trying to say…
Rin: Ah, we’re out of time!
Akiko: ..?
Rin: Make sure you bring the rest here! You know how to do that!
Len: Let's meet again.
Akiko: —! Hold on, what's going on?
[Akiko’s Bedroom]
Akiko: ..!
Akiko jolts awake, her eyes fluttering open to the comforting familiarity of her bedroom. Moonlight filters through the curtains, casting soft patterns on the walls adorned with posters of her favorite bands and artwork. Her desk, cluttered with sketchbooks and half-finished compositions, feels like a sanctuary of creativity. The faint hum of her computer fills the air, blending with the gentle rustle of leaves outside.
Akiko: Did I fall asleep? Huh...
She glances down at her phone, still resting in her hand, and checks for any signs of activity from when she dozed off.
Akiko: Huh... I guess I was just really sleepy.
Akiko: Although, what was that dream about..?
Her gaze shifts to the computer monitor, where her unfinished composition waits patiently.
Akiko: Right, I should get back to composing.
With renewed determination, she swivels her chair towards the screen, dons her headphones, and unmutes herself.
Akiko: Hi guys, I’m back!
Aiko: Already? That was quick!
Akiko: I took a quick nap, and now I feel refreshed enough to continue the composition.
Aiko: Okay! Also, Kiyomi, I’ll send you the story I made right... now!
Kiyomi: Sure. I’ll check it out.
Akiko: Oh, Aiko, you wrote a new story?
Aiko: Yeah, it’s about a murder that happens in an abandoned mall.
Aiko: But I’m not showing it to you, if that’s what you were getting at.
Akiko: Whaaaat? Why?
Aiko laughs, a light-hearted sound that brightens the mood.
Aiko: It’s a surprise! Kiyomi is my beloved beta reader who has the privileges to access my story.
Kiyomi: It's nice so far.
Aiko: Thanks!
Akiko: Aw, now I wanna read it!
Akiko pouts playfully, her smile returning. As she settles back into her chair, a fleeting thought crosses her mind.
Akiko: (
...although that dream was kinda weird...
)
Akiko: (
...no, I’m sure it was nothing.
)
Akiko: (
Plus, I gotta concentrate on the moment at hand.
)
[ Could I... do that too? ]
[ Yes! We want to convey our feelings to the world through our songs! ]
[ It’s been a while since we’ve talked alone... ]
[ I'll text you when I get home. ]
[ Sure. I’ll check it out. ]
[ We're doing this for... ]
[ F U T U R E | H O P E ]
Rewards:
- Crystals x100
- Music Cards x2
- [ Akiko Coral ] Interests Comes First | 1* Cool
- [ Aiko Amethyst ] Be Open-Minded but Have Reservations | 1* Mysterious
- [ Kiyomi Diamond ] Quiet But Honest | 1* Cute
- [ Hiroshi Emerald ] Having Free Will | 1* Pure
- [ Rin Kagamine ] Future Hope | 2* Pure
- [ Len Kagamine ] Future Hope | 2* Happy