The second story in the Phoenix trilogy, Phoenix Ascendant, begins 6 months after the end of Phoenix Book IV. Ranko and Akane have their own apartment, as both resume their academic careers. Ranko's pursuit of music takes a huge leap forward, and Ranko and Akane further cement their relationship. A secret Akane insists on keeping threatens to tear them apart. As Ranko's second original song shakes up their lives, the pair must navigate being a gay couple in 1990's Tokyo when one of them is a budding celebrity. Features more than TWENTY original songs!