King of Idols C7 Encounter

Lost in thought, Renji wandered towards Inokashira Park. Despite the late hour—the sun had long since dipped below the horizon—the park was still alive with activity.

Groups of young people lounged on picnic blankets, their laughter and chatter carrying on the gentle breeze. Adults strolled along the paths, their dogs trotting happily beside them.

And here and there, couples sat close together, exchanging intimate whispers and tender glances. One pair, in particular, caught Renji's eye—a young man and woman, cuddled up in a rowboat on the tranquil lake.

Though the park lacked the vibrant energy of its daytime hours, there was still a sense of life and vitality that permeated the air.

The cherry blossom trees that dotted the landscape only added to the enchanting atmosphere. Their delicate pink petals formed a stunning canopy, especially around the pond, creating a scene that seemed straight out of a fairytale.

Renji couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was something about this version of Inokashira Park that felt...different. More charming, more peaceful, more...perfect.

It was as if the park had sprung directly from the pages of "Reigning Superstars", but with an extra layer of magic that the manga could never quite capture.

And while Renji knew that the real Inokashira Park, the one from his previous life, was undeniably beautiful, it had always lacked this particular sense of wonder.

'Maybe it's because I know I'm living inside my favorite manga now,' Renji mused, a wry smile tugging at his lips. 'Everything just feels more...alive.'

Shaking his head, Renji continued his leisurely stroll, drinking in the sights and sounds around him.

'If I ever needed proof that I'm not in Kansas anymore, this is definitely it,' he thought, his earlier frustrations and doubts melting away like snow in the springtime. 'Funny how a change of scenery can work wonders on a sour mood.'

It was true—back in his old life, Renji had often sought solace in the tranquility of parks like this one. There was something about the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant laughter of children that never failed to soothe his troubled mind.

And here, in this world that blurred the line between fantasy and reality, that effect seemed magnified tenfold.

But as much as Renji was enjoying his impromptu nature therapy session, he had to admit that he had an ulterior motive for visiting the park this evening.

'I wonder if the Unique Trio has formed yet,' he pondered, his gaze sweeping the area for any sign of the eccentric group.

Ah yes, the Unique Trio—three incredibly talented individuals, each exceptional in their own right. Renji remembered their introduction in chapter 30 of the manga, when the protagonist, Haruto, had first met them through his classmate Rio, a gifted dancer and the trio's sole female member.

The group was known to frequent this very park, using its ample space to practice their respective crafts—dancing, singing, and painting.

'But the main storyline doesn't kick off for another year or so,' Renji reminded himself. 'Chances are, they haven't even found each other yet.'

Still, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement at the prospect of catching a glimpse of these characters. "Guess I'll have to make a habit of coming here," he murmured under his breath. "Never know when I might get lucky."

As the minutes ticked by and the park gradually emptied of its visitors, Renji remained, his eyes peeled for any sign of the elusive trio.

According to the manga, they often appeared later in the evening, when the crowds had thinned and they could practice in relative peace.

But as 7 PM came and went with no sign of the group, Renji finally had to concede defeat.

"Well, that's a bust," he sighed, pushing himself up from the bench he'd been occupying. "Suppose I should head back before the folks start to worry."

With a final, wistful glance around the park, Renji began the trek home, his mind already spinning with plans for his next visit.

'I'll find them eventually,' he vowed silently. 'And when I do...who knows? Maybe I'll even befriend them myself.'

A small, secret smile played on his lips as he walked, the warm glow of the streetlights guiding his way.

The more Renji thought about it, the more he liked the idea of meeting the trio. After all, they had always been some of his favorite characters in the manga—a lively, entertaining group that seemed like they'd be a blast to hang out with.

There was Toshi, the talented visual artist who loved to paint in the park. If Renji could befriend him, maybe he'd even design some album covers for him someday.

'Just like he did for Haruto's group and those other idol acts,' Renji mused, his mind whirling with possibilities.

So lost was he in his daydreams that he failed to notice the young woman approaching from the side. As he turned to head home, the two collided with a painful thud.

"Ow, ow..." the girl groaned, rubbing her forehead. Her bleached blonde hair, styled in the trendy gyaru fashion, framed a pretty face that bore just a hint of makeup.

Renji, too, winced in pain, his hand flying to his own head. But ever the gentleman, he quickly regained his composure and offered his hand to help her up. "Are you alright? I'm so sorry about that."

The girl scoffed, batting his hand away as she glared up at him, her blue contact lenses flashing with irritation. "Why don't you watch where you're going, huh?"

Renji bowed deeply, an apologetic grimace on his face. "I truly am sorry. It was an accident, I swear. I just didn't see you coming, and when I turned, we..."

His voice trailed off abruptly as realization dawned on him. 'That hair...that style...those eyes...' Renji's mind raced as he took in the girl's appearance. 'It can't be...but it has to be! There's no mistaking it! Even though she's flesh and blood, not ink and paper, I'd know her anywhere!'

His expression shifted, his eyes widening with a mix of excitement and disbelief. 'Rio! It's really her!'

Rio, still massaging her sore forehead, paused mid-motion as she caught the strange look on Renji's face. A chill ran down her spine. "Hey, what's with the creepy stare? You some kind of pervert or something?"

Renji quickly shook his head, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "No, no, you've got it all wrong, Rio! I'm not—"

Rio's eyes nearly bugged out of her head. "Hold up. How the hell do you know my name?" She jabbed an accusing finger at Renji, her voice rising with each word. "Are you stalking me, you freak?"

Renji's mind raced, desperate to come up with an explanation that wouldn't make him sound like a total psycho. But before he could utter a word, Rio was already backing away, her hands held up defensively.

"I'm warning you, pal. Don't even think about following me, or I'm calling the cops. Got it?"

And with that, she turned tail and fled, her hurried footsteps echoing in the quiet of the evening.

Renji could only stare after her, a mix of amusement and chagrin playing on his features. "Well, that could've gone better," he muttered, shaking his head. "Way to make a first impression, Renji."

He sighed, rubbing his temples as he tried to think of a way to salvage the situation. "Guess I'll have to come up with a believable story for how I knew her name. Maybe I can tell her I overheard it somewhere?"

As he resumed his walk home, an idea began to take shape. "Or...what if I impress her with my dancing skills? Show her I'm not just some random creep?"

He glanced down at the system panel, his eyes scanning the daily mission.

[Tomorrow's Daily Mission: Practice Dancing — 0/10. Reward: +1 Charm, +2 Stamina. (Note: If you practice dancing at the school's rooftop, it'll be +2 Charm, +3 Stamina.)]

'Huh. The only mission that boosts both charm and stamina,' Renji mused, his interest piqued. 'Could be useful...'

Shaking his head, he decided to table the idea for now. He had more pressing matters to attend to—like getting home before his parents really started to worry.

As he approached his front door, he was surprised to find a covered plate waiting for him, a note from his mother tucked underneath.

"Ren-chan, I saved some dinner for you. It's your favorite! Please eat up and feel better. Love, Mom."

A warm smile tugged at Renji's lips as he read the message, his earlier frustrations melting away in the face of his mother's simple, heartfelt gesture.

Picking up the plate, he slipped into his room, his mind already turning over the events of the day.

'Rio may have gotten the wrong idea about me,' he thought as he settled down to eat, 'but that doesn't mean I can't change her mind. I just have to show her the real me—the me that's going to take the idol world by storm.'

His smile widened, a glimmer of hope sparking in his eyes.

'And who knows? Maybe someday, we'll look back on this and laugh.'

With that comforting thought, Renji dug into his meal, his appetite suddenly restored.