As the evening winds down, Mitsunari walks Mizuha home, the two of them strolling side by side beneath the soft glow of the streetlights. Their conversation has quieted, replaced by a comfortable silence, the kind that only exists when two people feel safe around each other. When they finally reach her doorstep, Mitsunari rubs the back of his neck unsure of what to say next. "Thanks for coming out tonight," he offers, voice low but sincere. "I had a really good time." He's about to turn to leave when Mizuha steps forward as she gently grabs his sleeve. Without saying a word, she leans in and kisses him softly on the cheek.
Mitsunari freezes as his eyes wide and before he can even process it, Mizuha's already stepping back with a shy smile. "Thank you… for today," she says, voice just above a whisper. Then she turns and disappears inside leaving Mitsunari standing there, stunned and a little breathless. He touches his cheek where she kissed him, feeling the heat rising under his skin. His heart is racing just not from nerves this time but from something else entirely. It's an adrenaline rush that makes him feel alive. He doesn't even hesitate. Pulling out his phone, he calls Tao immediately. "Yo," Mitsunari says, his voice energized, "can I come to the studio right now?"
Tao, half-distracted on the other end of the call, perks up at the urgency in Mitsunari's tone. "Studio? Now? You've got something?" Mitsunari's already walking, heading away from Mizuha's place and toward the nearest train station. "Yeah," he says, his voice steadier now. "I've got lyrics in my head. I don't want to lose them. I think this needs to happen tonight." Tao doesn't need convincing. "I'll unlock the door. Get here." And just like that, instead of going home, Mitsunari chases the inspiration while his thoughts spins with lines, his heart still thudding from the kiss and a feeling that maybe something is starting, both in his music and in his life.
As Mitsunari steps into the studio, the familiar scent of soundproof foam and electronics immediately grounds him. Tao sitting behind the mixing desk, spins around in his chair and raises an eyebrow. "Alright, you called me out here in the middle of the night with this sudden burst of energy, what mood are we aiming for?" Mitsunari doesn't hesitate. "Upbeat. Something pop-driven, with space for both singing and rapping. I want it to feel fresh but personal. Something that hits but still has heart." Tao nods as he is already turning to his keyboard and equipment, fingers moving quickly as he starts layering sounds. Within minutes the beat starts to take shape with a vibrant rhythm and synth sparkles plus a warm bass sounding clean and infectious.
Mitsunari listens carefully, letting the beat wash over him. "That's it," he says with a confident nod, grabbing the notepad from his bag. The lyrics he started crafting during his walk from Mizuha's house are already forming solid lines in his mind. Without waiting, he steps into the booth, slipping the headphones on. The red-light glows, and the beat drops. He launches into the first verse with his rap sharp, rhythmic, and technically tight, painting emotions with precision. Then the hook comes in, and Mitsunari shifts effortlessly into singing. His voice softens but carries strength, asking the question that's been repeating in his mind: "Is this something more?"
The song flows with a balance that feels entirely new for him. The verses are personal but polished, a perfect blend of vulnerability and skill. The hook soars as it's catchy, heartfelt, and revealing just enough emotion without giving everything away. Tao watches from the booth while nodding along with an approving grin, already layering harmonies behind the vocals. After some back and forth edits, tweaks to ad-libs, and playing with vocal effects, the two finally sit back in their chairs, the track echoing through the studio speakers. Mitsunari leans back, the rush still alive in his chest. They title the track "Is This Something More," the question now immortalized in melody.
As the final mix renders, Tao turns to Mitsunari as curiosity lights his face. "So," he says, arms crossed with a sly grin, "what's this really about?" Mitsunari doesn't even try to dodge it. "It's about a girl I'm friends with; we've been through a lot and lately I've been asking myself if it's becoming something more." Tao raises his eyebrows at the honesty as a genuine laugh escapes him. "Damn. That's bold. I love it but" he adds, while sitting forward, voice more serious now, "once this drops, the media's going to go wild with theories. You're going to have to play it cool. Keep your answers vague or they'll start digging into every girl you've ever talked to."
Mitsunari nods understanding the game all too well. "I know. I'll be smart about it." Knowing in his heart, the song wasn't made for the media. It wasn't a PR stunt or a strategic drop, it was for her. For the moment they shared and the question neither of them had answered yet. Even if no one else knew the full story behind the lyrics, that was okay because he did so when the world hears it, they'd feel it too.
As the final mix of "Is This Something More" plays softly in the background, Tao spins in his chair to face Mitsunari with a look of strategy in his eyes. "It's already been a month since we dropped 'On Air,'" he says, tapping his pen against a notebook. "The timing's right to follow up with something new, especially something this strong." Mitsunari nods, feeling the energy settle into him again. Tao continues, "Floor7's got VIRE lined up to do a live performance of their album Awakening next week. All eyes will be on them… but if we wait two weeks and drop this track then, we'll pull the spotlight right back." He grins. "Let them take the stage. We'll take the charts."
Tao stands and starts jotting out a plan on the whiteboard. "We won't reveal the song title until the day of release, so it builds the mystery. I'll put together a teaser with you, the beat, no vocals. Just that question in the air. I'll drop it across socials and tease the vibe. Let people wonder what's coming." Mitsunari listens carefully, already envisioning the rollout. The mood of the song, the personal touch, it's different from anything he's done before. Tao sees the wheels turning and adds, "This one's yours, Mitsunari. It's time you stepped into the spotlight not as a feature, but as the main act."
Then with a mischievous glint in his eyes, Tao says, "And one more thing.. I want you to perform it live at the premiere. It'll be the first time anyone hears it in full, and I want it to hit hard. We'll invite press, fans, artists… and the girl, too. Bring her.. Let her see what she inspired." Mitsunari's heart skips at that last part. He doesn't say anything right away but a slow, nervous smile spreads across his face. The thought of her being there, hearing the song with everyone else, makes it all feel more real. "Alright," he says, his voice steady. "Let's do it."
Later that night, Mitsunari sits on the edge of his bed, phone in hand, typing carefully. "Hey, I wanted to ask… would you come to the live countdown premiere for my new song? I'm performing it live for the first time in front of thousands and it would really mean a lot if you were there." He hesitates, then adds, "I'll make sure you're in VIP seating somewhere private, so no one will see or bother you. Just a safe spot to watch." A few moments pass and across town Mizuha reads the message, her eyes widening slightly as her cheeks turn a soft pink. Her fingers hover over the screen before she finally types back, "I'll be there."