The Chronicles Of Zero

(Guys, I think I just cracked the secret of the Dao of bullshit or maybe not you are judges here is your chapter enjoy.)

// Tokyo, Downtown, Sunday, Morning //

I successfully transformed Rias and her Peerage into warriors strong enough to beat Riser with 100% of success but at the cost of some after-effects here and there.

Now I head to the Live House CIRCLES one of the central locations of the whole Bang Dream universe with my guitar case on my back and my sweatshirt with an azure rose logo on it.

This venue was established to promote girl bands in the city of Tokyo. Roselia, Poppin' Party and other bands go there to rehearse or to do their live show.

I go there on Yukina's request, wanting my help for their rehearsal, to prepare the Bang Dream Challenge and the Over The Future Festival.

But I know deep down that she just wants an excuse to spend time with me like when it was just the three of us, me, Lisa and her, but will never admit it to me. Now that I think about it Lisa also had feelings for me in the past, I wonder if she has managed to move on.

As I walk past the giant screen at UTX High School where the joint concert by µ's and Aquour has just finished their first song on their dedicated stage at LuCiel HQ which is being broadcast nationwide to promote the School Idol Festival and many people are gathered in front of UTX which has one of the largest screens in the district to watch the show.

???: Whoa!

When I look at who I bump into, it's revealed to be Takasaki Yu and her childhood friend Uehara Ayumu who also happens to be the cousin of Afterglow's Uehara Himari.

I know this since I think I met them when Himari introduced them to me one day during the summer holidays when I was 8.

Zero: Oh, sorry! You all right?

Yu: I am, but... what's the crowd for? Is something happening?

Zero: µ's and Aquours are having a joint concert, and it's being broadcast all over the country! You two didn't come to see it?

Ayumu : µ's and Aquours ? Do you mean the school idols?

Zero: Yeah! look like you're lucky, This is the biggest screen you'll see them on, so watch if you've got time. You'll love it. I guarantee it!

Yu: R-Right...

Yu: Wow...

Ayumu: Hey, you all right?

Yu: Oh, sorry, I was just kind of... overwhelmed. Juste, the show, and everyone cheering, it was all so...

Zero: Ah I know how you're feeling, you've felt the feeling of unity that all these fans give for them, right?

Ayumu: Yeah, I know what you mean! it felt like we were all in it together.

Yu: I think I like school idols!

Zero: Oh, I understand your feeling, I was the same when I heard their songs for the first time.

{Nozomi}: So how'd we all like the µ's and Aquours show?

Yu: it was AMAZING

Ayumu: Sh-she's not gonna hear you through the screen.

Yu: Oh! Oh yeah. I just couldn't help myself. I mean, it was just so awesome to watch! So exciting! I had so much fun though I'd cry, and I've never felt that before! This is the first time I've seen a school idol live show, and I had no idea they were this awesome! What have I been doing with my life?! Know what I mean, Ayumu?

Ayumu: E-Er, ah, sure!

Zero: Wouha, she fell hard for the school idol. Even I wasn't this fanatic when I see my first school idol live show.

Ayumu: No way?

{Yoshiko}: So, my little demons... Are you ready to step through the School Idol Festival's gates?

Yu: School Idol Festival?

{Nico}: School idols and their fans love the festival! They're definitely going to be there!

{Ruby}: We're going to do our best to make it a great festival, so come and see us!

Ayumu: A big festival for idols, right? I didn't know that existed.

Zero: Well, It's the second biggest event for school idols after the Love Live competition and it's for school idol fans and enthusiasts so, normally, you haven't heard about it.

Yu: You seem to know a lot about it.

Zero: You could say it's in one of my areas of expertise.

Remembering something I look at the time on my watch

Zero: Damn, I'm running late, I would have liked to discuss school idols with you but I have a rehearsal waiting for me.

Ayumu notices my guitar case on my back

Ayumu: I'm sorry we kept you waiting.

Zero: You don't have to apologize, I have a feeling that our meeting was destined to happen, if you need help in the future here is my business card.

I'll give Yu my business card.

Yu: Thank you

I tell them then run my destination at full speed

Yu: Huh?!

Ayumu: Wait... Ah, he already left, how does he know our first names and especially our nicknames.

Yu: I wonder too, we didn't ask him his name... oh wait we have his card.

Yu turns the card over and sees what's on it.

Ayumu: Zero Muramasa Akatsuki, CEO of LuCiel...

Yu: ...Manager and Producer of Muse and Aquors, is that marked on it?

Ayumu: Zero...?!

Yu: ...Ro-Nii-chan ?!

Ayumu/ Yu : HEEEEEEEEHHHHHH ?!

(A/N: Flag raised)

// Timeskip //

After a few moments of run, I finally arrived in front of the Live House, and I have to admit that everything is just like in the game, the building with its sign arranged with a coffee.

Zero: Still I was surprised when I found out that the Live House was created by none other than my aunt Mikoto, either fate is good or my [Meta Luck] has something to do with it, although I remember the game doesn't say who exactly the owner is.

The owner of CIRCLE is none other than one of my father's cousins Mikoto Akatsuki, she's a great musician but now goes by the name Mikoto Yamate after getting married, I remember she has a daughter a year younger named Kyoko.

Yep, it seems that I'm related to the Yamate Kyoko, leader of the DJ unit, Peaky P-key

From my memories, she and I have a good relationship similar to the one I have with Ayaka, Miyuki and Ruru although we haven't seen each other in the last year.

I also learned that Aunt Mikoto recently became the director of an academy called Yoba which is a school that promotes musical arts and especially DJing.

This tells me that something is going on and that I'm going to get caught up in it.

I enter the Live House

???: Welcome to the Live House CIRCLE.

I am greeted by the manager, Tsukishima Marina.

Marina has black hair with fringes neatly tucked to her right. She has a bobbed haircut down to her shoulder. She has fair skin and pinkish-red eyes. Her outfit consists of low-rise jeans, a white-blue horizontal shirt and a black cardigan.

Zero: Hi, I'm here to...

Marina: Let me guess, you're here for the part-time staff position, right?

Zero: Huh? No...

Marina: You're just in time, you know we're understaffed and I could use an extra pair of hands, the new owner is due to arrive any moment, I need to recruit staff and I need it fast.

Zero (thought): New owner?

Zero: Actually, I'm...

Marina: Although the work can be hard at first I swear the experience is worth it and the pay is good too.

Zero (thought): Isn't she doing what I think she's doing?

Marina: Come to think of it, I didn't introduce myself, I'm Tsukishima Marina.

Zero: Zero, Zero Akatsuki.

Marina: I see Akatsuki-kun...Akatsuki... Aka?... Eeeeeeeh???

Zero(thought): What's wrong with her all of a sudden?

Zero: What's wrong Tsukishima-san?

I ask her questioningly

Marina: You don't happen to know someone named Mikoto Yamate do you?

She asks me with drops of sweat on her forehead.

Zero: Of course I know her very well because she's my aunt.

Marina: So that means...

Zero: ...I am the nephew of the owner of this live house, yes I know.

At that moment the door of one of the studios opens which comes out Yukina who looks around to see me talking to Marina

Yukina: Zero ?!

Zero: Yes, it's me Yukina surprise by my new look.

Yukina: I almost didn't recognize you but I must say you look good

Zero: Thank

Yukina: So, what took you so long, you're 5 min late?

Zero: Sorry Yukina, I was talking to Tsukishima-san, I'll finish up quickly and then I'll be back for the rehearsal.

Yukina: I see well make it quick then, everyone is waiting for you.

She says to me before returning to the studio. At that very moment, Marina notices the guitar case on my back and my sweater with an azure rose logo on it and understands that I am an acquaintance of Roselia's and that I am here to rehearse with them and to top it all off, I am the nephew of the owner and therefore of her boss.

Marina: I'm sorry Akatsuki-kun for acting the way I did.

Zero: Don't worry about it Tsukishima-san, but what's wrong with you all of a sudden?

Marina: Huh?! But you're...

Dring Dring

Zero: Um wait a moment *beep*...hello? Zero here...Oh, how are you... Um... yes I know, I'm there right now... umu... what?... you can't be serious... but I have other obligations... Huuuuh... I got it I'll do it... What else?... Alright, I'll be there next week...I love you too.

*BEEP*

Zero: I hate my life sometimes.

Marina: Who was that?

Zero: My aunt.

Marina: Ms Yamate? What did she want?

Zero: You are looking at your new boss. From today I am the new owner of CIRCLE.

Marina: Hoh

Zero: You don't look surprised?

Marina: I only found out yesterday so...

Zero: ... Well since I can't do anything about it I might as well get to work doing the thing this live house needs the most.

Marina: Which is?

Zero: A good renovation and having competent and operational staff.

// A few minutes later //

I walk into the studio where Roselia is taking a light break and everyone turns to me and look surprised

Zero: Hi, sorry I'm late

Lisa: Zero it's you?

Zero: Yes It's me Lisa

Yukina: See I tell you, his look change.

Lisa: Yeah you did but you didn't tell me, he becomes a model hunk

Ako: Woh, Onii-chan, you look so cool like a...hum?

Rinko: ...A demon prince who descend from hell, Ako-chan.

Ako: This is it, you look so cool like a demon prince who descends from hell

Ako tell to me will giving me a hug

Zero: I see thank you for the compliment, my Necromancer princess.

I ask her as I stroke her head.

Ako: Heh heh, I've been praised.

Lisa: This is the first time I've seen Ako act like this with someone other than Tomoe or Rinko, she seems to like you, she's usually very suspicious around boys.

Zero: I used to play with Ako from time to time when I went to the Udagawa's house so we developed an almost brotherly bond with her, not as strong as the bond she has with Tomoe but still strong.

Ako: Indeed, Onii-chan and the best Onii-chan in the world, he's the one who inspired me and Onee-chan to play the drums.

Rinko: I see... I understand why Ako-chan... looks up to you so much.

Zero: You give me too much credit Shirokane-senpai, I'm just trying to be a role model for others.

Rinko: You can call me Rinko...if you want...I don't mind.

Zero: If you're okay with that, I understand Rinko-sempai.

Calling Rinko by her first name makes her blush and smile

Yukina: What were you talking about with Tsukishima-san?

Zero: About that, Marina-san was trying to recruit me to work here at CIRCLE...

Lisa: Ah, I can see the scenario she has to manage CIRCLE almost all by herself with the few staff especially during the live shows.

Sayo: What did you say to her?

Zero: I was originally going to refuse because I'm already fully occupied with other responsibilities but then I got a call from my aunt who is the owner of CIRCLE by the way.

Lisa: Heh, I didn't know your aunt was the owner, let me guess she made you the new owner, hahaha just kidding.

Zero: She did indeed just leave me the whole Live House.

Roselia: Eh?

Lisa: Really?

Zero: So as of today I'm the new owner of CIRCLE, I wonder what she was thinking, I already have my hands full with managing LuCiel, managing RAS and my school Idols not to mention the school.

Yukina: Wait a moment, did you say managing LuCiel? The new entertainment company that's rising in popularity.

Zero: I'm the founder and CEO of LuCiel.

Rinko: So that means most of the music you produce is your original music?

Zero: That's right.

Lisa: And I also understand that you manage school idols?

Zero: I manage two school idol groups that are quite popular at the moment to promote Luciel's products and in return, I sponsor them by providing them with a stage, a space for training and rehearsals.

Ako: Oh, but It must have cost you a lot of money?

Zero: Not really I own the entire building so.

Roselia: ... (Why are we sensing a Kokoro-san/Tsurumaki-san type of vibe from him)

Lisa: You seem to have a lot on your plate, but how does it feel to be the owner of an establishment with lots of pretty girls.

Lisa asks me with a teasing smile

Zero: I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy, but if it means I get to see you all more often it's worth it.

I reply to Lisa while giving her the famous sincere smile that has brought down more than one victim for me to the members of Roselia, which does not fail to make them blush.

Lisa: Yaa~ this is embarrassing

Sayo: Please don't say such embarrassing things

Yukina: Baka

Rinko: ...*blushes like a tomato*

Ako: Awawa.

Zero: Oya Oya who would have thought that little me would have managed to make the two serious girls in the group blush and a piece of advice Lisa if you want to tease me next time you'll have to do better than that because I'm not the kind of guy you can easily make blush.

Lisa: Wait and see.

Zero: I'm waiting to see that, well as much as I want to tease you some more, let's get on with what I'm here for.

I tell them, switching in my Teacher mode while putting on an expression that says I'm not going to go easy on them.

Zero: You will each play a piece of music so that I can judge your level and see what needs to be improved and then we will decide what to do next.

Roselia: Understood

After listening to each member I give my verdict to everyone and tell them their faults and what they need to work on.

When it was Sayo's turn I decided to discuss with her in private, to see if I can do something about her relationship with Hina, if I succeed it will allow her to improve and maybe help her find her way.

Sayo: Why did you want us to talk away from the others, Akatsuki-san?

Zero: Because what we're about to talk about is quite s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e so I thought we should talk about it in private.

Sayo looks at me suspiciously but decides to trust me for some unknown reason.

Sayo: I see, I'm listening then.

Zero: I think you might have noticed but when you play, the sound your guitar makes is lifeless isn't it?

Sayo was surprised for a second

Sayo: Indeed, did you see that?

Zero: Yukina asked me to help the band and I don't like to do things in a half-ass manner, and I was in the same situation so I can help you.

Sayo: I see, like you said my notes are lifeless and no matter how many times I rehearse and practice, I can't make them more lively, especially as lively as hers, and that frustrates me a lot.

Sayo serves her points, just seeing that tells me who she's thinking of right now making me let out a sigh.

Zero: It's because you're missing something very important.

Sayo: Am I missing something?

Zero: A personal goal to achieve.

Sayo: A personal goal.

Zero: Tell me Hikawa-sempai why did you decide to play the guitar?

Sayo starts to look funny but answers me.

Sayo: I started playing guitar because it was the only thing Hina didn't do, that's why I worked hard to get where I am today and then one day Hina wanted to copy me and started playing it too and passed me in no time and that's when I noticed that her music is more alive than mine, it's always been like that no matter what she does she's always better than me.

When Sayo talks about Hina I can feel that she has a serious inferiority complex towards her twin.

Zero: I see, I get the crux of your problem.

Sayo: What do you mean by that?

Zero: You feel inferior to your twin sister because she is a genius who is good at everything she does, and it didn't get any better growing up, I guess she wanted to do the same hobbies as you but because of her genius Hina was better at it than you were and that fueled a complex towards her that made you give up the hobby to the point that you started to hate her and wish she was out of your life, right?

Sayo: ... How?

Zero: I saw right, Hikawa-sempai I'll be direct with you, due to Hina's gift you unconsciously started to reject your bond as a twin and separate yourself from her because deep down you only felt envious of Hina

Sayo: I was never envious of Hina

Sayo denies what I said

Zero: You can deny the truth all you want but it won't bring you inner peace.

Sayo: Like you know how I fell

Zero: Oh I know how you feel I've met people who were like you before since I was at the same spot as Hina.

Sayo: Huh ?!

Zero: From what I've noticed Hina is a very cheerful and carefree girl, I would even add that she is also very frank, always honest and self-confident although she is sometimes more direct than honest. With this kind of relaxed state of mind, she is unable to understand the emotions of others, so she doesn't notice when some of her words are hurtful or even insulting, right?

Sayo: Yes it is, but how can you know all that?

Zero: Because I used to be like Hina but compared to her I realized pretty quickly that I had hurt people, I even broke the careers of several a.d.u.l.ts because of my gift even though I unconsciously thought I was doing the right thing, being a genius is a blessing but also a curse I was lucky to have a family that helped me adapt and taught me how to live normally with my gift so I wouldn't repeat the same mistakes.

Sayo looks at me with a surprised look on her face, learning what I was before

Zero: Hikawa-sempai, no, Sayo the first step you have to take is to get rid of your inferiority complex towards Hina, by talking with her heart to heart and make peace with her and also with yourself.

Sayo started to blush when I called her by her first name

Sayo: How can I talk to Hina after all the things I have said to her all these years?

Zero: Sayo, you and Hina are identical twins, even though your personalities are different and conflict, it won't change anything because even after all these years of trying to keep Hina away from you, she loves you just as much and you know why?

Sayo: ...

Zero: Because you are her beloved big sister, her role model, her anchor if the world comes against you she will be the first person to be there for you no matter what. So as her big sister you have to respond to her feelings, you should take pride to have a sister like her.

At this moment it's like Sayo gained an epiphany then suddenly start to shed tears then I take her in my arm then she starts to cry at full blow, asking for forgiveness from Hina, letting all her negativity out of her system. After a moment she calms herself still clunch to me.

Sayo: Why are you doing all this, you're not involved in this, why are you trying to make me and Hina up

Zero: Roselia is like my family even though I am no longer a member it's my job to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and can grow without worrying and also because I want to see you smile

Sayo: You're such a strange boy, but thanks for helping, I'll try to talk to Hina

Sayo says with a bright smile that makes her more attractive

// Timeskip //

After a few hours of intense training to put my advice into practice, the members of Roselia are all collapsed on the floor tired.

Zero: Well I guess we can take a break

Ako: Waaaa I can't feel my arms.

Zero: You shouldn't complain Ako-chan that was only level 1 of my program.

Ako: Ehhhhh, that was only level 1, I thought it was the max level.

Zero: Sorry to disappoint you, well I'll go get some refreshments

I'm leaving the studio

Yukina: I haven't felt so tired but satisfied after a rehearsal for a long time.

Sayo: Indeed, I feel like I've taken a step in my guitar mastery that I didn't think I could achieve

Lisa: Um, I haven't enjoyed playing bass guitar for a long time since I started playing it

Rinko: It's really weird just following Zero's instructions, I'm having an easier time with some parts than before

Each exchanges the benefits they received

Sayo: I have to admit that Akatsuki-san is a strange boy

Lisa: What about him?

Sayo: When we went to talk with him earlier he managed to find the cause of my problem with Hina by asking me only one question, while I didn't tell him anything. He talked about Hina and me as if he had known us for years

Rinko: I had the same impression when he gave me advice, he spoke to me calmly and patiently and with the right words, being in his presence gives a feeling of security

Ako: Right? Also, Onii-chan's hugs are warm and comfortable.

Yukina: Zero has always been someone who is willing to help others and has always had this ease of making friends with others.

Sayo: I see, he's different from our male fans

Lisa: It seems like Zero has won everyone's approval

Yukina: I would expect nothing less from him

When all of a sudden the door to the studio opens to reveal Zero carrying a tray of drinks and cake

Sayo: Cake?

Rinko: It smells good... where did you buy it?

Zero: I made it.

Sayo: Really?

Lisa: It doesn't look like it but Zero is a great cook, his father is also a famous chef.

Rinko: Heh... that's impressive...

Yukina: I don't remember you bringing one.

Zero: That's one of my many secrets.

Ako: Let's not waste time and taste this cake

Yukina: You're right, it's been a long time since I've tasted Zero's cooking.

Yukina says with a twinkle in her eye and a smile

Sayo: Minato-san?

Zero: Don't worry Sayo-sempai it's normal for her to be like that especially when it comes to my cooking.

I explain to her while I give each of them a slice and a cup of tea from my concoction which has a relaxing effect and boosts the person's understanding for a few days

Lisa: Since when do you call Sayo by her first name, Zero?

Zero: Since the moment that the person did not reject the fact that I call her that.

I look at Sayo who blushes a little and avoids my gaze.

Sayo: Baka

Lisa look suspiciously at Sayo before looking at me

Lisa: Say Zero do you have a girlfriend right now?

The question was surprising but not unexpected, all the members of Roselia looked at me curious about my answer

Zero: I do...

Lisa: Oh

Lisa, Yukina and Sayo look at me with a sad look

Zero: Factually it is fair to say that I have several girlfriends.

Lisa/Yukina/Sayo: Eh?!

Yukina: What do you mean by that?

Zero: What it means is ...I am in a relationship with several girls.

Ako: Eeeeeeeh?!

Rinko: Really?

Zero: Uhm

Sayo: I didn't think you were that kind of man, Akatsuki-kun.

Sayo says to me with her cold expression, I can see that she must feel a little betrayed because I managed to break through her defences and left a strong impression on her.

Zero: Sorry to disappoint you Sayo-sempai, but that's the kind of guy I am and I'm not ashamed of who I am.

I say to Sayo with a smile which takes her and everyone by surprise again

Lisa: And who are they? If you don't mind me asking?

Zero: I can show you, here, look.

I show them pictures I took with my harem where everyone is smiling in each picture, everyone notices that each girl in the picture is a beauty, I introduce each of them.

Lisa: Wow they are all beauties I see, but I don't remember you were the kind of guy who wanted multiple girls.

Zero: People change, Lisa.

Yukina: And how long have you been in this type of relationship?

Zero: With Luciela my first girlfriend we've been together for 6 months and with the other girls it's only been 1 or 2 months.

Lisa: ...

Sayo: How is that possible? I mean all of them can't agree to share the same man.

Zero: In love as in war, there are no rules. We can try to follow manuals, to control our heart, to have a strategy of behaviour, but it is useless. It is the heart that decides, and what it decides is the law. I only accepted the one who, from the bottom of their heart, wanted to be in a relationship with me, knowing that there will be other girls, that's all, and no matter what the others think, I don't intend to abandon any of them.

Sayo: You really greedy and from a legal point of view?

Zero: Oh don't worry about that, there happens to be a law that allows me to have multiple wives I think you've heard of the Hare-Kon.

Sayo: Yes, I've heard of it.

Sayo (thought): That means I can... no, Sayo, don't let his words manipulate you

Rinko: It's hard to believe that several girls agreed to share the same man. I've only seen that in fiction books.

Zero: I have to say that it came to this when my first girlfriend agreed to share me with other girls and there is also me who doesn't reject the confessions of the one I'm interested in and who is sincere with their feelings because I know what it feels like to not have your first love reciprocated

The girl looks at me a little surprised at my sentence

Sayo: I wonder what was going through both of your minds at that time?

Zero: At first it was because she knew that because of my personality and my looks I would attract the attention of any girl and she couldn't have me to herself so she decided to only allow the girls who passed her assessment to be with me, but that evolved into another reason

Yukina: Which is?

Zero: I prefer not to say it out loud and Ako is here I don't want Tomoe to come at me later.

Yukina: I want to know.

Ako: I want to know too, I'm a high schooler now, I promise I'll not going to tell to Onee-chan

Zero: Ok, the reason I have so many girlfriends is more of a necessity because I have a high libido and Luciela alone can't satisfy me because she is so exhausted

My statement makes everyone blush, even Ako's face is red

Yukina: Aren't you ashamed to say that?

Zero: Not in the least, and I remind you that you are the one who wanted to know

Lisa: Aaah now I regret not confessing my feelings for you 3 years ago, because I was afraid you would reject me, but now that I hear what you just said I feel like a fool for not doing it

Zero: I don't think so.

Lisa: What do you mean by that?

Zero: Remember when I mentioned that I was in an unstable condition?

Lisa nods her head

Zero: One of the reasons for my condition was that I was already dating someone at the time but the girl I was dating turned out to be only interested in using me and my skills for her interests and for a purpose that went against my morale using my unconditional love for her, learning this news had broken my heart.

My words shocked everyone especially Lisa

Zero: It was only after meeting Luciela who was as broken as I was because she was betrayed by the people she had trusted. It after we healed the wounds of each other, that I was able to open my heart to others to love again. So I think you did the right thing not to confess to me at that time or I would have probably rejected you on the spot and our relationship would have been different today.

Lisa: I see.

Zero: I have to say I was a real jerk for not seeing your and Yukina's feelings for me instead, if I had chosen either of you maybe things would have been different for me.

*sniff**sniff*

Then all of a sudden I hear a sound of sobbing to see that everyone has tears in their eyes

Zero(thought): Well done Zero you made everyone cry because of your story, well done.

Ako: I didn't know you had suffered so much, Onii-chan

Sayo: I'm sorry for what happened to you Akatsuki-san, and also for what I said before, I didn't think that your heart was broken.

Yukina: It's my fault I should have been there for you instead of just focusing on my goal, I'm sorry.

Zero: Yukina I already told you not to blame yourself for what happened to me, okay

I tell her as I wipe the tears from her eyes.

Lisa: Say Zero

Zero: What?

Lisa: Do you love me?

Yukina: Lisa?!

Sayo: Imai-san?!

Ako: Lisa-nee?!

Rinko: Lisa-san?!

I look at Lisa then without saying anything I get up from my stool and approach Lisa removes my glasses exposing my face of handsome to the eyes of the girls, which make them blush instantly even Sayo and Yukina seems to have fallen under the charm, releasing in the process a little of my pheromones which spreads in all the studio which acts as an aphrodisiac but also as an inhibitor.

Then I put one of my hands on Lisa's face and she looked at me with a surprised and infatuated look before kissing her on the lips

Lisa was shocked for a second by my action before letting herself be carried away by the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e of the kiss by putting her arms around my neck, this did not fail to agitate the other members of Roselia who felt the effects of my aphrodisiac.

After a long kiss, I separate from Lisa.

Zero: So? does that answer your question?

Lisa wraps her arms around me and puts her head against my c.h.e.s.t

Lisa: Yes, now I'm sure, I love you, just as much as before and even more and just from this kiss I know you love me just as much, that's all I need, but since I have competition I'm not going to let it happen.

She says confidently at the same time Yukina is staring at us, which does not escape Lisa

Lisa: Jealous, Yukina?

Yukina: No. Like I'm going to be jealous because you were kissed by Zero.

Zero: Hey, so does that mean you don't want me to kiss you then?

I say teasingly

Yukina: No I didn't say...

My question made her react immediately but she stopped realizing that she fell into my trap making Yukina blush and say nothing.

Zero (thought): ... Kawai

I walk up to Yukina and she looks me straight in the eyes and kisses her.

Zero: I'm sorry I made you wait for 3 years, Yukina

Yukina: I hope you are because this time I won't let you leave me again

Zero: I plan to do the same.

Then all of a sudden something pulls me by the collar of my sweatshirt and the person responsible is Sayo

Zero: Sayo-sempai?

Sayo: You have a lot of nerve kissing Imai-san and Minato-san like that in front of me, this all needs to be punished.

Zero: Huh?! Sayo-sempai?

Without me saying a word Sayo gives me a chaste kiss.

Sayo: You better take responsibility for making me like this.

She says while blushing

Zero: ...*blink**blink*...*blink**blink*

Sayo: Your answer?

Zero: Don't worry, I'll take responsibility.

Sayo: Good

And she releases my collar then I turn to Lisa and Yukina who look at me with a surprised look at Sayo's sudden action

Not having time to breathe I feel something tugging at my sweater, and it's Ako who's face is all red and I can see that her eyes are emitting a feeling, pure love.

Ako: Muh, don't forget about Ako.

Zero: Ako-chan

Zero (thought): I am the worst bastard ever.

I take Ako in my arms and patting her head with tenderness when Rinko's face appears in my peripheral vision I can see envy towards Ako, then an idea comes to my mind, I lightly tap the point of my shoe on the ground and suddenly from a golden portal appears a golden throne, which surprises everyone.

I sit on it while sitting Ako on one of my l.a.p.s when she comes to her senses she looks at me with her eyes shining

Rinko: This is... kyaa

Not giving Rinko time to finish her sentence I snap my fingers and she finds herself teleported on my other l.a.p.s.

Rinko looks around to see that she is sitting on my l.a.p.s

Rinko: Zero-san?! What just happen...?!

Zero: Rinko-sempai if you want my attention just ask me, you know?

Rinko: Huh?! I don't know what you mean?

I pinch Rinko's silky cheeks with both hands

Rinko: Zero-san...don't pinch my cheeks

Zero: What I mean is that my arms are always wide open for all of you so there's no jealousy, so don't hesitate to ask me. I'm spoiling Ako but don't feel left out, okay.

Rinko starts to blush before smiling at me.

Rinko: Thank you

Zero: Well I think we should eat and then resume our rehearsal.

Everyone nods before eating the cake which conquered all the girls who couldn't help but food o.r.g.a.s.m. Making them completely forget about the throne and Rinko's teleportation.

While the girls finish eating I send a message to Lu confirming Roselia's conquest.

Then we resume the rehearsal.

// Timeskip //

I'm currently walking around the city centre after spending the morning rehearsing with Roselia

After rehearsal, the girls were reluctant to part with me so we exchanged contacts to keep in touch with each other. I even got a kiss on the lips from everyone, even Rinko and a kiss on the cheek from Ako

I gave Marina a few days holiday with a raise to thank her for the work she did, giving me time to renovate the whole Live House to make some additions

After a few moments of walking a tantalizing smell comes to my nose

Zero: That's... ...the smell of bread?

I follow the smell of bread with my sense of smell to arrive in front of a bakery

Zero: Yamabuki Bakery? Oh, that must be Saya's family bakery.

I open the door of the bakery to be greeted by the sound of a bell, I enter the bakery to see a wide variety of bread and pastries

???: Welcome to Yamabuki Bakery.

A woman in her forties almost resembling Saya appears from the backroom

???: What would you like to eat, dear customer?

Zero: This is my first time here, what do you recommend?

Ms Yamabuki: I recommend our flagship product, the Choco Cone and Melon Bread.

She said, showing me where each bread is located, I took a tray with a clip and took some choco cornet and some melon pan, then went to the cashier

Ms Yamabuki: Tell me, young man, have we met before, you look familiar

Zero: I don't think so and this is the first time I'm coming to your shop although I used to live here many years ago and used to come and shop with my parents in this shopping street or visit Hazama café.

Ms Yamabuki: I see, you don't live here anymore?

Zero: Now I live in Kuoh but I have my business and a house here so I am only here once in a while when I come to visit my friends, rehearse with my band and for work.

Ms Yamabuki: Oh you have your own business at your age that's remarkable what business are you in?

Zero: I run an entertainment company in Akiba called LuCiel.

Ms Yamabuki: LuCiel, by any chance you're the famous high school student who started his own entertainment company from scratch, right?

Zero: I didn't know I was so famous here?

Ms Yamabuki: Some of my customers keep talking about it.

Zero: I see, if you don't mind my asking, you're Saya's mother, right?

Ms Yamabuki: You know my daughter?

Zero: Yes, I'm friends with her and the members of Poppin' Party.

Ms Yamabuki: I see, now that I think about it I didn't ask your name, I'm Yumine Yamabuki

Zero: Zero Akatsuki, nice to meet you Ms Yamabuki.

Ms Yamabuki: 'So that's the one Saya was telling me about, he's indeed a very handsome boy' Likewise, and take good care of my daughter okay, Zero-kun

Zero: I always take care of my friends.

Ms Yamabuki: That'll be 1000 Yen

I give her the change before giving me a paper bag with my pastries when all of a sudden Mrs Yamabuki starts to hold her head and seems to get dizzy then all of a sudden she falls to the ground, making me jump over the counter to see her condition

Zero: Ms Yamabuki are you okay?

Ms Yamabuki: No I'm fine don't worry about me

I take her pulse

Zero: You're not feeling well at all, you should rest, isn't there anyone to take your place?

Mrs Yamabuki: My husband is on delivery and won't be back for a few hours, as for Saya she must be rehearsing with her friends

I notice when Mrs Yamabuki talks about Saya she seems troubled. I look at her and let out a sigh

Zero: I'll help you run the shop for you until your husband or Saya comes back.

Mrs Yamabuki: I can't ask that of a customer.

Zero: As a doctor, I can't leave you alone like this.

Mrs Yamabuki: What do you mean by that?

Zero: I don't look like it but I have a lot of knowledge about modern and traditional medicine and I can see from the outward symptoms that you are suffering from a serious form of anaemia.

Ms Yamabuki looks at me with a really surprised look

Mrs Yamabuki: How?

Zero: My mother is a doctor I learned by watching her most of the time. But coming back to you, I think because of your illness your family had to adjust to avoid you making too much effort, and Saya being the kind, empathetic and hardworking person who cares deeply about her friends and family she had to suffer the most from this situation putting you ahead of her own life and you don't want that to cost her happiness of being with her friends and doing what she loves, do you?

Ms Yamabuki: You're right, Saya has always put her hobbies and friends on the back burner to take care of me and the house. But thanks to Kasumi-chan she let go of some of that burden and do what she loves.

Zero: Like mother, like daughter you care for each other.

Ms Yamabuki: You are right.

Zero: Tell me Ms Yamabuki, what would you say if I told you that I could cure you?

Ms Yamabuki looks at me with her eyes wide open

Ms Yamabuki: Huh?! You're kidding, right?

Zero: Although I say it like that, it sounds like one but it's not, I can cure you and remove the burden this disease has on your family.

The woman looks me in the eye seeing that I am completely serious

Ms Yamabuki: Zero-kun... Who are you?

Zero: I'm just a simple "miracle worker" who wants to be useful and what kind of person would I be if I can't help my friends and their families when they are in need. That's why I'm asking you Ms Yamabuki what your wish is and I will make it come true.

I tell her while unfolding an angel wing and a demon wing while my eyes turn azure blue.

// Timeskip //

// Saya POV //

The members of Poppin' Party and I have just finished rehearsing in Arisa's attic because surprisingly CIRCLE seems to be closed for a few days for renovation and now we're heading to my place to relax over some good pastries.

Kasumi: I can't wait to eat pastries from Yamabuki Bakery

Arisa: Stop repeating that every two minutes Kasumi *gurgles* There, I'm getting hungry because of you.

Tae: Are you going to eat Kasumi?

Arisa: I never said that

Rimi: I'm craving some Choco Coronet

Saya: How can you be so energetic even after all those hours of rehearsal.

Arisa: I wonder where Kasumi gets all that energy from.

Kasumi: Heheh, huh?! *sniff sniff*

Arisa: What are you doing now?

Kasumi: There's a nice smell of freshly baked pastry in the air.

Saya: For once it's not coming from me, but now that you mention it I can smell good baking too *sniff* and I'd say I've never smelled better.

Rimi: It seems to be coming from Saya-san's house.

Tae: It's true

Kasumi: Let's go and see

Kasumi says as she starts to run

Arisa: Wait Kasumi

Tae: I'm coming too

Tae goes after Kasumi, followed by Arisa Rimi and me.

...

Arriving at the bakery I open the shop door

???: Welcome to Yamabuki Bakery.

I hear a voice that I don't recognize at all, when I look at the counter I notice a young man the same age as us, handsome face, white skin, long and white smooth hair with black ends in a horsetail, amber-coloured eyes and wears a pair of glasses.

Kasumi: Are? Saya, you didn't tell us you had a part-timer

Saya: I don't think we had one, maybe it only started today?

???: Although I wouldn't mind working here Saya, I'm only filling in for your mother for a few hours until you or your father gets back.

Saya (pensée) : Heh ?! How he know my name ?

Arisa: Wow, who is this guy?! why he talks to Saya like he knows her.

Saya: Huh? Who are you?

???: Oops I forgot that with my new look nobody will recognize me immediately, it's me Zero or rather CIEL from Raise A Suillen

When he says that I look closer at his face and an image of the boy we met during Chu²'s invitation to Galaxy is superimposed on the boy in front of me.

Saya: Z-zero-kun?!

Poppin' Party: Heh?! Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeh !!!!!

Saya (thinking): Oh my God, how did he get so handsome?

My heart starts beating fast and I feel like I have butterflies in my stomach.

Saya (thought): This feeling?! am I falling in love with him?

Zero: Glad you remember me.

I say smile at me

Saya(thought) : Kyaaaaaaaaa

Rimi: You look more handsome than the last time you looked like a different person.

Zero: Thanks for the compliment, Rimirin.

Rimi: Heh ?! Rimirin ?!

Rimi look at him with a blushing face

Zero: Oh sorry, I call you like that without thinking.

Rimi: No... you can call me like this if you want, I was just surprised

Rimi smile at him

Zero: I see, then I take your offer in exchange you can call me whatever you want.

Rimi: You're sure?

Zero: I don't have a second word

Rimi: Then can I call you Onii-chan?

She responds shyly will blushing

Zero looks at Rimi surprised before he displays a doting smile, which makes me a bit jealous that Zero seems to treat Rimi better than before, that she calls him that.

Zero: It's ok if you want then you can call me like that

Tae: Oh, Rimi is red as a tomato.

Rimi: Don't say that O-Tae-chan.

Zero: Don't tease Rimirin like that Hana-chan~

Tae: That nickname...how?

Now it's O-Tae turn to blush a little

Zero: This how Rei call you right?

He must be close of LAYER to call her by her first name.

O-Tae: Hum, but why did you call me like that?

Zero: Rei talks to me about you a lot, using this nickname so it's kind of stuck in my mind, do you mind?

O-Tae: No, I don't mind.

Arisa: Putting that aside, why are you behind the counter?

Zero: I'm temporarily running the shop for Aunt Yumine.

Why did he call my mother, Aunt?

Saya: Oh you said something about replacing my mum, why?

I'm asking him a little unsettle that something may happen to her

Zero: That you should ask her, yourself. She must be in the kitchen looking after the oven.

before I could ask more Kasumi came before him

Kasumi: Say Zero, we smelled something appetizing coming from here, what is it?

Zero: Oh you smell this from outside? Wait a moment, it will be ready soon.

Kasumi: Huh? I want to know, please?

Zero: How about... no.

Kasumi: Please.

Zero: Then be one of my girlfriends.

Kasumi: Okay.

Zero smirked.

Arisa/Rimi/Saya: Kasumi? !!!!

Kasumi: Huh? what's up everyone?

Arisa: There's no "what's up everyone?" think about what you just agreed to.

Kasumi: I said I'm okay to become...

Kasumi's voice gets softer and softer and then she starts to blush completely from head to toe.

Zero: Look at that, our little Kasumi is embarrassed.

Tae: I want to be Zero's girlfriend too.

I look at Tae, seeing that she's talking with an airheaded expression

Zero: Hana-chan, just to be sure, did you understand what I asked Kasumi.

Tae: To be your girlfriend, right?

Zero: In what sense?

Tae: A friend who is a girl.

Zero: ... Arisa

Arisa: What?

Zero: You have my respect for holding your own with those two.

Arisa: What's that supposed to mean?

Kasumi: Ano, Zero-san...

Kasumi calls out to Zero with her face still reddening

Zero: Nani, Kasumi.

Kasumi: What do you mean one of my girlfriends?

// To be continue //