Tokyo Exorcism Diary

The Japanese cuisine plan ultimately fell through—not because there wasn’t a single open spot in all the restaurants along the bustling shopping street, but rather because the few places Hoshino Gen approved of were all completely booked.

The trio ended up having dinner at a Western restaurant with windows overlooking Tokyo Bay.

The restaurant was immaculate, its decor opulent yet understated. At the center stood a beautiful grand piano, where a young man in a tailcoat played Chopin’s Nocturne in F minor. The soft melody seemed to gently stir the emerald waters of the bay outside, basking in the fading sunset.

Under the warm yellow glow of crystal chandeliers, diners conversed in hushed tones.

A server in a black-and-white uniform approached their table and leaned in to discreetly address Hoshino Rin, who was focused on her steak.

“Pardon me, miss. Are you Hoshino Rin, also known as tky02?”

Hoshino Rin blinked in surprise. “Yes, that’s me. Is there something you need?”

The server’s face lit up with an enthusiastic smile. “Our owner would like to discuss something with you. If it’s convenient, could you please come upstairs for a moment?”

The server subtly gestured toward the mezzanine level of the duplex restaurant. Hoshino Rin followed his gaze and spotted a sophisticatedly dressed woman, who waved at her with a polite smile.

Hoshino Rin blinked again, then instinctively glanced across the table at Hoshino Gen. However, her brother was too busy twirling pasta around his fork to pay her any attention.

Pouting slightly, Hoshino Rin set down her knife and fork, excused herself to Hoshino Gen and Liz, and followed the server upstairs.

It wasn’t long before Hoshino Rin returned downstairs, though not directly to her seat. Instead, under the server’s guidance, she made her way to the piano at the restaurant’s center. After a brief exchange with the pianist, he graciously vacated his spot for her.

Smoothing out the pleats of her skirt, Hoshino Rin sat at the piano, her knees modestly pressed together, clad in over-the-knee white socks and leather ankle boots. She took a small breath, placed her hands above the keys, and then—

Her ten slender fingers burst into motion, unleashing a rapid and tempestuous melody that instantly filled the previously serene restaurant.

Every diner’s gaze was drawn to the center of the room, including Hoshino Gen’s, even as he had just taken a mouthful of spaghetti.

The restaurant’s chandeliers dimmed suddenly, save for the central crystal chandelier, which cast a bright and gentle spotlight on Hoshino Rin.

With her delicate figure, flawless features, and distinctive looks, many patrons immediately recognized her and let out hushed exclamations. Even those unfamiliar with the entertainment world were awestruck by her beauty.

No one seemed annoyed by the abrupt performance. Instead, it felt like a delightful surprise—an unexpected bonus for their evening.

The music, rich with Islamic influences, flowed throughout the restaurant. The tempo shifted from fast to slow, transitioning seamlessly from an intense prelude into a soulful andante filled with emotional nuance.

As the audience basked in the soothing middle section, the music subtly escalated again. The rhythm quickened, growing fierce and tumultuous. With a furious allegro and layer upon layer of advancing harmonies, the piece reached its climactic peak—then stopped abruptly.

For a moment, everyone remained immersed in the lingering intensity of the music. Then, the applause began, first from a single diner, then spreading until the entire restaurant resounded with claps. It felt less like dinner and more like attending an elegant concert.

After all, Hoshino Rin had just performed “Islamey,” one of the most challenging piano pieces in the world—a piece many professional pianists considered a formidable trial. Witnessing a live solo of this caliber during dinner was a rare treat, and the patrons expressed their admiration with fervent applause.

Beads of sweat glistened on Hoshino Rin’s smooth forehead as she caught her breath and bowed in acknowledgment.

As the chandeliers brightened again, Hoshino Rin returned to her seat amidst the diners’ gazes.

Meanwhile, from behind the mezzanine railing, the restaurant owner watched Hoshino Rin with a satisfied look before slipping away quietly.

“Rin! That was amazing!” Liz’s eyes sparkled like stars, her expression that of a fangirl meeting her idol.

Hoshino Rin grinned at her before looking smugly at Hoshino Gen. “Well? How was that, Brother? Am I impressive or what?”

Hoshino Gen’s eyes carried a hint of surprise as he looked at his sister. Though he wasn’t an expert on piano music, he enjoyed it enough to understand its basics. To play “Islamey” so proficiently was no small feat, especially considering howHoshino  Rin usually lounged around gaming all day.

“You’re indeed impressive,” Hoshino Gen admitted with a faint smile.

“Ehehe!” Hoshino Rin’s eyes curved into crescents as she beamed, feeling as if her heart had been dipped in honey. The applause earlier couldn’t compare to the joy of earning her brother’s praise.

She then explained what had transpired upstairs.

It was simple: the restaurant owner had recognized her as a popular idol and spontaneously asked her to perform a solo. In return, their dinner would be on the house, and she’d also receive a VIP card granting a 50% discount on future visits.

Hoshino Rin didn’t need the free meal or discounts, but the idea of playing piano again after so long—combined with a small desire to show off in front of her brother—had prompted her to accept.

Hoshino Gen had no strong feelings about the matter. His sister’s talent was impressive, sure, but it didn’t impact him much. Or so he thought.

What Hoshino Gen hadn’t anticipated was how Hoshino Rin’s impromptu performance would disrupt the remainder of their dinner. Fans kept approaching for autographs and photos, turning the meal into a chaotic ordeal.

They hastily finished their dinner and left the restaurant.

On their way home, a paparazzo who had caught wind of their presence tried to snap some candid shots. Instead of avoiding him, Hoshino Rin cheerfully clung to Hoshino Gen’s arm and posed with a playful peace sign over her eye, leaving the photographer to capture the scene to his heart’s content.

Before parting ways, Hoshino Rin mischievously reminded the overjoyed paparazzo, “Make sure your report is accurate—this is my twin brother, my biological twin brother~”