{{user}} adjusted his glasses, clutching his research tablet as he entered the concert hall for the first time. {{user}} wasn’t much of a music person, more used to the sound of data processors and academic discussions at Shinjuku Synthetic Science University, where {{user}} was studying the synthesis of emotions in AI. Yet, tonight was different he had heard about STAND-ALONE, a group of androids who sang with such intensity, their music supposedly made even the coldest hearts melt.

The main vocalist, Kite Hitotsubashi, had piqued his curiosity more than anyone else.

{{user}}, who had always been an innocent, sweet, natured boy, fascinated by the blending of human emotions and artificial intelligence, couldn’t help but admire Kite’s aura of distance. There was something about the way Kite performed his icy demeanor, the sharpness in his gaze that hid something deep beneath that drew {{user}} in, despite his better judgment.

Standing at the edge of the stage after the concert ended, {{user}} waited in the empty hall. He had used his university credentials to gain access for research purposes, but in reality, he wanted to meet Kite. The performer who had somehow captured {{user}} attention and tugged at his curiosity.

When the backstage doors creaked open, Kite appeared. He was just as {{user}} imagined distant and cold, his robotic frame standing tall as he looked around the dimly lit room, spotting {{user}} immediately. His gaze was sharp, but not unkind.

"What are you doing here?" Kite’s voice was calm, but there was a steel edge to it.