In a free room at the agency the two are practicing through another dance rehearsal. Kahaku just stumbles after finishing off a step sequence. They've been going at this for a while so he should be picking up on it by now. Natsume can probably sense his frustration as he gives him a pat on the head. "Just take a deep breath. Don't rush it. This is a little more advanced moves you're learning now, so it'll take some time."
"I know that. I guess I'm just a little impatient with myself."
"You'll get this down soon enough but rushing rather than pacing yourself won't solve anything. Now let's go through it one more time. It's getting late and Ginko told me they want us to have a short meeting before leaving."
Starting again he tries to match Natsume's movements as they dance. His body glides so quick with ease practically flowing through the routine. He has been dancing for years but it's still impressive. "Forward, back, side to side. I know you're focusing on perfecting the sequence which is good, but loosen up a little. The audience won't really notice if you miss a step or two. However they can pick up when you're moving stiff, and don't seem like you're enjoying the performance."
"Okay...I'll try...to keep that in mind," he says within panting as they finish.
"Alright. That's enough, you look beat. We'll pick this up again tomorrow." Him tossing over a water bottle he fumbles to catch.
After resting a minute they head to the conference room across the hall. The managers already waiting alongside one special guest. "Kyou?! What are you doing here?"
"Hey, Kahaku."
"There you two are. Please have a seat, this meeting will be quick. As you know Kyou Nijima here works for Scoop Central magazine, and I got him to agree to have coverage for the two of you in his articles. We already explained to him the arrangement."
"Huh? How did you get in touch with him firstly?" Kahaku questions his manager who adjusts his glasses.
"You did say he was dating Megumi, correct? I got his contact info from her." Did he ever mention that to him? He wonders at times where Tatsuya gets his information from, but there is bigger things to worry about right now.
"Wait, you want Kyou to lie? That's why you told him the truth?"
"It's easier to work with someone we can confine this to rather than others who can expose us." Ginko puts simply.
"I trust you wouldn't do anything to hurt the career of your girlfriend's best friend?"
"Of course not! Leave this to me," he answers Tatsuya with a sure smile. Natsume remains silent as Kahaku slowly shakes his head.
"I don't like this. I don't want him lying for us." What if someone was to find out? What would that mean for Kyou's own job? He knows it has to be risky getting help now, given what happened at Chidori's show but still.
"Kahaku writers lie all the time. I'm sure now is no different for him." Everyone falls awkwardly quiet at Tatsuya's direct answer.
"Uh, there might be a little truth to that but I believe we have some standards at Scoop Central. Anyway they gave me the option and I agreed to do this. I know you guys aren't lying to hurt anyone, and this arrangement could be big for the both of us."
If he agrees to this there isn't much room for him to protest. "Alright..."
"Special coverage by one of the most popular magazines in Kyoto. This should help news get around fast," Natsume says and Ginko nods.
"We'll see how this goes. That's all we wanted to discuss for today. See you all tomorrow."
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A few days past since the big revelation that Kyou would be working with them. Now they all take a seat in the conference room to start another meeting late evening. "Your single is getting released today. All your hard work is paying off." Tatsuya congratulates with a small smile, and Ginko gives a nod in agreement.
"It should be a hit with how crazy the girls have been over you two lately."
"Sounds like everything is going according to plan," Kyou says, leaning back in his chair.
"That might be true but now is no time to slack off. There's actually a show that'll be held the night of Christmas Eve at the Yungikawa district we'd like to sing at." Tatsuya calmly explains and Kahaku can't help but let out a small grunt. So that's what this meeting is about. Only Tatsuya would imply for someone to work the day before Christmas.
"Of course because who isn't busy the day before Christmas. But the two of you already agreed for us to perform, didn't you?"
"Actually no, you're growing as an idol now. You'll have to start making your own decisions, rather than me forcing you to do so. The president believes that's the only way to reach your true potential." His straightforward answer isn't what the boy is expecting at all. Now regretting his earlier sarcasm. It's not like he really has any plans for Christmas Eve, and if this would be good for Treasure perhaps they should perform.
"I don't really mind singing. This would be good for us with our single and all..."
"If he doesn't mind it than neither do I." Natsume follows and Tatsuya grins with satisfaction.
"Good, that's all we have to cover today."
Ginko turns to the ginger heading for the door. "Don't forget to get some nice photos of them during the show."
"Will do!" he replies before walking out.
Like usual Natsume and Kahaku head towards the elevator together. "So it's finally time for the single to be released..." Natsume starts off.
"Hmm, are you sure you don't mind working Christmas Eve?"
"I hardly look at it as work. This is what I live for. Besides I'm not really thrilled about going to my mother's house for Christmas. This gives me an excuse not to go."
"I see..." He knows ever since the divorce back then Natsume has never been on good terms with his mother. Though after all these years is their relationship still that sour?
Natsume holds the door open as they both step outside the building. "What about Sho? Won't he mind you being out?" he questions, but Kahaku only shrugs.
"Not really. Especially when he opens the new game he's been dying for the next morning."
Out in the parking lot they find Kyou still there on his phone. "Congrats on your single's release. I'll make sure I take great shots at the show."
"We appreciate you going through all this trouble."
"Yeah, we'll be counting on you." Natsume follows up then turning to the younger. "Kahaku, if you aren't busy why don't we do something Christmas night?"
The question is out of the blue and it takes him a moment to get his thoughts together. They really haven't been hanging out too much since the incident. The last thing he wants to do is blow him off on Christmas. "Um, sure that sounds great."
"Having a date on Christmas now, are we? I have to write an article about this. It'll be good coverage for you two."
Kahaku can't help but ponder why he asked so suddenly. He assumed him and his girlfriend would spend the day together, unless she's still upset about the interview.
"You can pick wherever you want us to go. Surprise me," Natsume insists.
"Alright, but I'll probably be spending the morning with Sho. Since I have plans with Megumi in the evening it'll have to be a little late."
"That's fine. There's some friends of mine I'm meeting up with early too, so we can discuss it more later. I'll see you," he replies, before taking off towards his vehicle.
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Most days is spent preparing for the show which finally arrives. On Christmas Eve Kahaku just finishes getting his hair done by the stylist with a few minutes to spare. The venue is all decked out in Christmas decorations between garland, ornaments, and even a small tree towards the back of the stage. Much fancier than the places he use to perform at. Holiday songs are the theme for everyone singing here tonight.
He walks up to join Natsume looking at One Star dancing on stage. A lot of groups is scheduled to perform tonight, so it's no surprise they are one of them. The crowd goes wild as they execute thier final pose. "That's all we have time for today everyone!" Kenshin says breathlessly into the mic with Itsuki jumping over by his side.
"Thanks for being such a good audience! Until next time!"
"Everyone's going crazy for them..." Kahaku mutters to himself. Treasure has been progressing at good rate since their unit was first formed, but it's still not quite on the same level as them.
As One Star comes around backstage Natsume closes his eyes, and Soma's typical cold exterior washes over the moment he's out of fans sight. Kahaku can feel the tenseness between the two as One Star heads for the exit, but before they can reach the door the blonde glances back at them. "You could at least speak. It's been a long time since we last talked, Soma. That Chidori girl...she's a friend of yours, isn't she?"
"And if she was? Just what are you implying?"
"You don't have play dumb. I'm simply asking you a question."
Ryuga simply lets out an amused grunt. "Accusing us just like Kahaku."
"She's only an acquaintance, not that it's any of your business." His sharp glare turns to Kahaku who has been silently watching the whole time. "You honestly expect people to believe that you're really dating? Everything about you two seemed off during the entire interview. When Chidori started asking you questions towards the end you could barely keep up with answers. Going on a whim I'd say this relationship is nothing but a cheap publicity stunt."
It's like he sees right through their act and Kahaku's aware it's probably his fault. He couldn't think straight when she went asking all of those out of the line questions. Still he should of been prepared for anything instead of his mind going blank, just like it is right now. Kahaku tries to keep his composure firm not to let them see any reaction that'll prove his statement true.
"Soma that's-" Kenshin starts but is cut off as their leader walks right up to him. He grabs the younger male forcefully by the chin. Lifting up his previously glued eyes at the floor to meet directly with his face.
"You point the finger at us but you're the ones truly lying. So, are you ready to end this silly surade?"
"I-I..." With his fixated gaze he can't seem to form together any words. In just seconds a hand slaps Soma's away from Kahaku's face. Natsume wraps his arm around him pulling the shorter male close. Giving Soma such a cold glare it sends chills down his spine.
"Don't lay your filthy hands on him." The blonde growls and this little outburst definitely sparked the attention of others. People now staring at them curiously.
"Soma!" Itsuki shouts, running over to check his hand that is a little red from the action. Soma however seems completely unfazed.
"I'm fine." He turns to look at Kahaku once more. "You'll be suprised to learn just how much dirt I'm sure Natsume has on his hands to get to where he is today." With that Soma takes off ahead and while leaving Hachiro who hasn't spoken the entire time glances at him.
"Working with him will be your downfall." He states before disappearing out of sight. Kenshin appears to be distraught but after a minute follows behind the others.
Once they've all cleared out Natsume's clenched fists lossen as he lets Kahaku free from his grasp. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah..."
"Their reaction proves our managers was right about them. We need to watch out for them in the future."
Kahaku falls into a daze as Soma's final words keep going through his head.
He said dirt on his hands. What does he mean by that excatly? Natsume wouldn't do wrong to anyone for the sake of his career, right? But it's been so long now and he's changed a lot. As much as I hope he wouldn't of I can't completely rule out the possibility...
"Kahaku?" His violet eyes blink just realizing Natsume has been calling his name. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, it's just you told Soma it'd been a long time. Did the two of you first meet at the old agency?" Natsume is quiet for a good minute. It's a simple question that shouldn't take much time to answer, unless he's thinking on how he wants to go about responding to this.
"We did meet at Rising Up. I was working there with them for about a month before the transfer. He always had this arrogant persona to him, and we never got along with each other. That's all there is to it." His hard expression definitely implies there is more to this, but his firm tone leaves no room for debate. "Come on, let's warm up. We're the next ones to go."
After successfully performing their version of Silver bells the crowd applauds as they make their way backstage. Now running into a familiar trio that's just arrived there. "Hey Natsume, Kahaku." Toshi being the first to greet.
"So you guys are singing tonight too. They sure went all out this year," Natsume comments while removing his microphone.
"I gave a warning we plan on surpassing you." A small smirk on Makashi's lips and he lets out a dry laugh.
"You do seem to be making quite the name for yourselves. Though it isn't just me you have to worry about." Now glancing down at the male beside him.
"You're including me?"
"Naturally, we are in a unit now. The more our popularity continues to increase, the bigger competition you'll be."
"Yeah, that's true. We don't plan on losing to you either, Kahaku," Toshi says. He can't even imagine himself being close to their level yet. Nevertheless if they really do see him as a rival it makes him happy.
"Looks like One Star isn't the only one you have to worry about!" Yoshi exclaims.
"About them...weren't they supposed to be singing also?" Toshi redirecting the conversation.
"They already went." The coldness coming back into Natsume's voice.
"Everything about them pisses me off," Makashi mumbles and Natsume exhales deeply.
"We're sure the crap that went off during Chidori's show was their doing. It's only a matter of time before they set something else off."
The eldest triplet looks over at Kahaku who's lost in deep thought once again. "You're awfully quiet."
"Um, it's nothing! I'm just wondering what they'll try and pull next."
"Whatever it is I'm sure you guys can handle it. Just like you did during the interview." Kahaku appreciates Yoshi's encourament, even if Natsume was the real one who dealt with the situation. He's lucky if his actions doesn't jepodaize them.
"I'm suprised to see you here on Christmas Eve. Neither of you had any plans?" Toshi asks now changing the subject.
"No, but we're planning to do something tomorrow night after our other arrangements," Natsume answers, a faint smirk coming across Yoshi's face.
"Ah, I see. Another date, huh?" Natsume rolling his eyes as Kahaku face goes red at his teasing. Both brothers this time shooting the younger a look.
A stylist suddenly calls for the three and Makashi gives a quick nod. "We have to start getting ready."
"Okay, good luck." Kahaku tells them as the three go off to prepare.
Deciding to watch some of their performance before they go it's better than the last time he saw them. Treasure isn't anywhere near that point and the downfall is himself.
Natsume who's practically a professional has been singing for years, compared to him which only started a few months ago. Maybe the pout is visible on his face as Natsume suddenly pokes his cheek. "Don't look like that. We've been doing good too."
"I know but my dancing still needs a lot of work. You might of been better off paired with someone who has more experience than me."
"Enough. I don't want to hear stuff like that coming out of your mouth. If we weren't going to make it as a unit, the president wouldn't of bothered putting us together. Besides you're doing much better than me when I was first starting out. Even the triplets know you're a future threat."
"Right, you're right. I just lose sight of that sometimes." Hearing him say these words of praise is uplifting. After all he wouldn't had the growth he's made without his guidance.
With the song ending Natsume goes for the exit. "I'll be heading home now. Don't forget to decide on a place for Christmas." He reminds before leaving the building.
(Natsume's P.O.V)
Night has fallen as a tensed Natsume sits in the living room running a hand through his wavy hair. Akira continues to pace back and forth, which she has been doing for a good time now. Finally her feet comes to a hault right in front of him. "You really aren't going to go with me?"
"I can't, I'm sorry."
"It's because of Kahaku, isn't it?" The mixture of hurt and anger can be heard in her strained voice.
"What? Look, if you would of asked me sooner..."
"You never answered my question." She states firmly crossing her arms causing Natsume to let out a frustrated sigh. This isn't any different than her usual behavior. If anything she's been even more uptight since the beginning of his fake relationship.
"Yes, but not for the reason you think..." This response only has her shaking her head as the pacing starts back up.
"What am I supposed to think, Natsume? We have been dating for over a year now and I can't even get you to spend the most important holiday with me. All because you're putting him first!"
"I'm not trying to put him before you. It's just we have an article that'll be wrote while we're out tomorrow. This will be good for Treasure so I can't just back out. Why can't we enjoy the time we have now?" He's aware she doesn't have much to do tomorrow. Going home definitely isn't an option for her. If work wasn't keeping him so busy lately he could of thought of an activity that didn't require a three hour drive.
Unfortunately his proposal falls on deaf ears. Akira snatching her jacket and quickly slipping on shoes by the front door. "I just need time to myself now. Don't follow me."
He gets up to say something else in defense but she slams the door on her way out. Natsume groans not bothering to give chase as he storms off upstairs.
End of another chapter! Any favorite character so far or least liked? Will be updating soon^^