A few days later early morning Kahaku and Natsume sit alone in the conference room. Ginko walks in followed by Tatsuya each carrying a large bag they set on the table in front of them. "Here is this month's fanmail."
"This bag is for me?!" Usually he only receives a small amount of letters that can easily be gone through, but ever since their unit formed it has increased tremendously. Tatsuya lets out a small chuckle at his reaction.
"Yup, you're making quite a name for yourself now. Treasure has gained many supporters."
Natsume casually goes through his pile while Kahaku is still only admiring his. It does feel nice to have so many fans compared to how things first started off. Picking up a purple envelope off the top with a small bag attached to it. He opens it reading the letter first to himself.
Dear Kahaku, I can't explain how excited I am while writing this! I've always been a big fan of yours ever since you started singing, and even more so now that you've become a unit with Natsume. Listening to your music helps lift my spirits up when I'm down, and I am the first in line to buy a ticket to every show. I hope this coming year we can all hear even more songs from you two. Love your biggest fan, Bunko. Ps. I sent a small gift I hope you like. Please wear it during your next performance if you can!
"It must be this." Opening the bag up next a black cat ears headband is lying inside. He's never received gifts through the mail like this until today. "She really bought this for me..."
"Yeah, fans tend to give you small presents here and there. It's just a way of them showing their appreciation so feel free to keep it," Natsume explains, and Kahaku eyes twinkle at the thought.
"Hehe, no one has ever done anything like this for me before. My first present." Sure it's something simple but that doesn't matter. More the fact someone actually took time out of their day to do this makes him happy.
"I use to be like you once. When you really start getting known by people it is exciting. Though there's far more to look forward to than just this."
"That indeed you're right about." Tatsuya's sudden remark grabbing their attention.
"What do you mean?" Kahaku asks.
"It's the reason why we called you in so late. We were both notified earlier this week but we wanted to keep this a surprise. Today we'll be taking you to your first autograph signing as a unit." Ginko reveals with a smile.
...
After the big news is made known they cover some things before heading out. Tatsuya drives them in his car to the building the signing will be held. Pulling up a huge swarm of people is already waiting outside. Some of the crowd is getting rowdy and trying to push their way through pass security. Kahaku watches the scene unfold from the window as Tatsuya parks in a free space. "It's so many people here."
Natsume sighs swinging open the car door. "Well it's going to be a busy night. Hold tight a second."
"Huh?" Though Kahaku doesn't get chance to question the blonde as he's already out the car. Coming around he opens his door up for him. The sudden action throwing Kahaku off a bit, forgetting they are currently in public eye. Most would expect he should've gotten use to this role by now, but in his position questions will it ever reach that point. Mumbling a thanks in reply as the group detours to the back entrance.
Following their agents inside there's even more security and several tables set around. Other groups from different agencies have gathered and are still getting ready. "I didn't know there'd be other idols than Magicz. Ah, it's really famous solo artist Kazuko Miyazaki! Oh, and Dark skies is here too!" he squeals and Natsume chuckles a bit.
"Hey you are an idol now too. You're supposed to be here signing autographs, not looking for theirs."
"I know, it's just a lot to take in. Ah, Shi Triplets!" Calling out to the brothers setting up at a table across from their own. Walking over Yoshi is the first to greet him.
"Hi, Kahaku! Didn't know you'd be here tonight."
"Is this your first autograph signing?" Toshi asks and he nods.
"Yeah, I'm really excited. Is...that your manager over there?" Pointing to the taller built man with a darker shade of short blue hair.
"Yup, that's our uncle Sojuro."
Kahaku can't help but be a little surprised by Makashi's answer. "Wait, your manager is your uncle!"
"He's the one who got us involved with showbiz actually. He has been working for Shimmer music industries for a long time now. After he heard us singing together back in middle school asked if we were interested in performing on stage," Yoshi explains, and the eldest nods glancing back at the spoken male.
"He warned us we had to be serious about pursuing a career as idols. We insisted and so in high school he set us up to debut. We've been singing ever since then."
Quietly lisetning to their story it must of been easier having connections to get a foot in the door. Though guesses he has no room to talk being in a unit alongside someone who's practically a professional.
"Still was a lot of hard work though. Even if he is our uncle he wasn't going to just carry us along. We had to prove to the agency we deserved to be there. After three long years we've finally made it big." Makashi finishes having a nostalgic tone in his voice. Sojuro never carried his nephews weight but their own efforts brought them here. Kahaku shouldn't been so quick to judge.
"Succeeding in a field like this takes time. I guess I understand now why Natsume said I should be more patient," he mumbles when Tatsuya suddenly calls for him. Kahaku got so distracted chatting with them he lost track of time.
"It'll be starting in a few minutes." Toshi glancing at his watch.
"We better finish getting ready then. Hope you have fun!" Yoshi exclaims, as they head back to their corner of the room.
Returning to his own table they're already done now, him taking a seat next to Natsume. "Sorry, I should of been helping prepare."
"Oh, it's fine. It wasn't much to do anyway..." he mumbles, eyes glaring daggers over his head. Kahaku turning around stiffening at the group right beside them.
"One Star..." Of course they'd be here too. Just the way to place a damper on his happy mood. Sighing softly Natsume's hand pats his back gently.
"Don't focus on them. I won't let Soma put his hands on you again."
"Natsume..."
"Best be ready. They're letting them in now." Just as his manager says the doors swing open. People swarming inside as workers fail to calm the ecstatic fans down. Many of all ages start forming lines at tables carrying CD covers, posters, and other items to be signed. Kahaku feels butterflies in his stomach as a line begins to form at their table. A young teen girl up next bows smiling brightly at him.
"Hello, I'm Nanami and I am such a huge fan of Treasure! Can you sign down at the bottom please?"
"Of course, thanks for your support." Taking the t-shirt with their unit name printed on the front of it. He glances at Natsume signing his name quickly in a pretty cursive style. Only now realizing he doesn't exactly have a cool signature like most artists. He tries his best to at least write decent and not sloppy. "Here you go."
"Thanks so much!" Her moving on to the blonde next to him for the same. Everything goes smoothly so far as their line starts to slow over time. That giving them an opportunity to take a small breather. Kahaku peeps ahead at the Shi Triplets table who's still surrounded by females.
"We appreciate your continuous encouragement." They all say in unison as they begin signing the next deal of items. A shy teen girl approaches nervously holding out a CD case for Toshi to sign.
"H-Hello, um, can you please sign right here?"
"Sure, would like me to write our unit name or my own signature?" he asks with a gentle smile.
"Y-Your name please."
"No pro-hic!" The sudden interruption seems to have surprised himself as the two glance at their brother in the middle. It's only a short wait before same sound comes from the eldest triple again, Yoshi chuckling at the sight.
"Hiccups at a time like this."
"S-Sorry, they came out of nowhere." He apologizes before Makashi snorts grabbing him by the chin, and bringing his face closer to his own.
"If we weren't occupied at the moment, I'd have an easy solution to get rid of those troublesome hiccups." These words attracting the attention of fan girls way towards the back, all tuning into the scene in front of them. Even the shy female nerves seems to no longer be an issue. Eyes glued to the trio in anticipation along with the rest of the females.
A light blush spreads across Toshi's face as he averts his gaze. "Don't say stuff like that! You know it makes Yoshi jealous."
The other triplet now jumping on his feet. Pulling Toshi free from Makashi's grasp. "You can't leave me out of all the fun just because I'm the youngest! Hey, why don't we have a sleepover tonight since it's been a while? Well as long as you don't keep me awake like you did last time. We don't have time to play games and it's another early day tomorrow," Yoshi adds in a teasing tone and he shoots him a look.
"I told you not to talk about that!"
"Oops, it honestly slipped." Waving his hands in defense as girls are simply giggling away at their show. He has no idea how they manage to pull off acts on a whim like that. Though thinking about it makes him wonder will girls expect them to do the same. They're supposed to be dating so some could be waiting for more since that kiss.
Now the sensation of that blissful moment returning to him once again. Just after he got it image out his mind too. Groaning Kahaku completely fails to notice the young woman standing in front of him. "Um, excuse me?"
"Wha? Oh, I apologize! What do you want me to sign?" She passes over a poster with a picture from their last photoshoot. Kahaku signs his name at the bottom, thanking her as the next duo walks up to the table. Two girls that look to be in high school eyes sparkle upon making contact with him.
"I still can't believe we actually get to meet you guys! Me and my friend here absolutely adore Tresure! I was already a fan of your music and was so stoked when hearing you were forming a unit together." The red head squeals.
"I'm happy to see we have so much support."
"Treasure has even better things planned for next year, so you girls best look foward to it." Natsume letting himself into the conversation.
"We can't wait! I think it's so cool the relationship you both maintain. You make such a great pair on stage and off!" The shorter female exclaims. As if that being a sign to prove just how much chemistry they really have together.
Usually in these cases Natsume would utter sweet nothings that make his heart skip a beat. Though their scenes may not stay believable if he's always the one that acts first. No matter what emotions Kahaku's suppressing he has to learn to do his part for this to work. If anything he shouldn't need to try so hard to fool them.
Glancing over at his crush he can already tell he's about to say something. Not giving him the opportunity Kahaku cuts him off before he can speak. "It's true for most working together might not be compatible when dating, but I feel even closer to him this way. Getting to see his handsome face everyday motivates me to give it my all."
Without warning Kahaku leans over kissing the male on the cheek. Natsume letting out a small sound of suprise, probably taken aback by the sudden change of roles. This wasn't excatly planned but Tatsuya basically advised they should try being more affectionate in public. Kahaku could have easily mistaken where he placed this kissed, though his emotions definitely would've taken over. The last thing he wants is Natsume finding out how he truly feels.
Sitting back down the girls are gushing in delight, so it seems he was able to please them. Glancing over at Natsume once more their eyes lock. The look on his face leaves Kahaku more speechless than during the interview. The older male's cheeks are unmistakably painted a light shade of red. After all his violet eyes can't be decieving what's right in front of his face. Still Natsume hardly ever got embarrassed even when they were kids, so why on earth is he blushing now?! Was it actually because of something he did? Such a thought seems impossible yet there isn't any other explanation.
The girls break the awkward tension getting a picture taken before heading to the next table. With no line at the moment he feels he should say something to clear the air. "Sorry, I know that was a bit sudden. I just figured I should contribute sometimes than leaving you to do all the improb."
"No, I mean I have no room to talk after what I did at the late show. Don't worry about it." Even with that remark it doesn't hold the same confident tone but tumbles out more awkwardly. Perhaps Natsume isn't always as calm and collected as he comes off?
In view next over One Star still has many people at their table. Soma handing back another poster with a charming smile. "Here you are. Don't forget our New Year's performance approaching."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world!" She squeals before taking off with a bounce in her step. They did sing for the Christmas eve gig a couple days ago, so it's no surprise they'll be performing at this next event too.
Glancing at the other members Kenshin is making small conversation with the ladies. Perhaps he's pretty popular with them like the Shi Triplets said. Itsuki who is on the opposite side of him hands back another signed item. "Thanks so much for all your love! We promise to give you even better hit performances next year."
"Hehe, Itsuki is always energetic. He's too cute." A girl gushes to her friend as they head for the exit. Even Hachiro is speaking much more than Kahaku has ever seen him. They don't appear to be putting up some kind of front and genuinely look happy. Maybe they aren't the most pleasant to them, but they still take their job to heart.
After a few long hours the place finally clears out. Kahaku releasing a sigh of relief as Natsume stands up and stretches. "So you managed to survive. How does it feel to really start reaching fame?" The weirdness long gone as the blonde seems to be back to his normal self.
"Fun but a little tiring honestly." His hand has started to cramp with all the writing, and legs falling asleep from the constant sitting.
"Better rest up because we have more practice tomorrow morning. The New Year's show at Jabara station is coming up. Let's make sure we pull off another solid performance just like on Christmas."
"Yeah, I'll definitely be ready." Kahaku always enjoyed singing and ever since being paired with Natsume has become that much more special to him. Not only has he been growing at a steady rate, but it's just not the same spark when you're a solo artist.
Some groups start leaving, One Star also heading for the door after gathering their belongings. There isn't anyone else with the five making him wonder if they even have a manager. Cutting past their table only Itsuki gives a small wave as the unit walks out. He can't shake this feeling that the rumor will soon be the least of their problems. With the vibe they're giving Soma has to have more cards up his sleeve. It's just a matter of when he will play them, and what hand will they possess to deal back.
"Kahaku your head's in the clouds again. We're getting ready to leave now." His manager snapping him out of thought as he quickly gathers his stuff to go.
🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤
The sun is setting as Kahaku swings open the door. He's just now getting home after another long day in the studio. It can't be helped with the new songs they're working on, and the next show right around the corner. With such an exhausting day of practice all he wants to do is kick back and relax.
Hearing the water running while taking off his shoes Sho must be in the shower right now. So he can finally have the television to himself for once. Flopping on the couch he lazily reaches for the remote and quickly starts flicking through the channels. That only last a minute before there's a sudden knock at the door. Giving a small grunt Kahaku forces his tired body up once again. Begrudgingly going to answer the surprise visit that's most likely Megumi. He warned her he'd be very busy this week, so why is she dropping by today? Swinging it open prepared to give his friend a lecture sees something he doesn't expect. Four certain individuals are standing on the other side. "One Star?! Why-I mean how do you even know where I stay?"
"It was a simple matter of tailing your car here from work. You should be more careful of your surroundings while you're driving in the future." Ryuga explains smugly while pushing his glasses up higher. He can't believe they staked outside his agency just to follow him home. That falls into the category of stalking but there's other things to worry about at the moment.
"Isn't it rude for you to not even invite us in to have a seat?" Kahaku glaring daggers at the silver haired male, but steps aside to let them inside. The four all sit down around the living room as he closes the door behind them. Just now noticing that Itsuki's hyper presence is the only one absent.
"Do you want something to drink?" Kahaku asks flatly. Just because he is showing hospitality doesn't mean he is going to act cheery about it.
"I'll take some water then," Hachiro deep voice requests.
"I'll have one too please," Kenshin adds, eyes still glued to the floor. He's noticed the blonde never really seems to make eye contact with him. Is he just shy?
Going into the kitchen he fills two glasses with cold water from the fridge. When coming back in Sho has slowly crept up from down the hall.
"Um, Kahaku, who are they?" he questions quietly, as Kahaku hands the two each a glass.
"...Acquaintances of mine. We shouldn't be too long so you'll have to play your games a little later." The boy nods running back off towards his room.
"That's your younger brother I presume?" Ryuga asks as Kahaku takes a seat on the other side of the couch.
"Yeah, that's Sho. I know this is direct but why exactly are you here?"
Exchanging glances it's silence for a minute and their leader decides to speak up first. "The reason is quite simple. We want you to end your relationship with Natsume as well as the unit."
"Y-You what! I'd never do something like that!" He knew if they went to these lengths just to talk with him in private it wasn't anything good.
There's no way they'd go this far just to demand me to cut all ties with Natsume. It's something else they aren't saying...
"You don't possible believe I'd consent because you asked nicely. Why is it so important for you to break Treasure apart? We never did anything to you!" This is the single unit that has been targeting them from the start. Sure Treasure has been getting tons of publicity lately, but they're not the only threat. Besides is it that important for them to be number one? They seem popular enough still according to the many fans at the signing yesterday.
"It's more complicated than you could ever understand..." Soma mutters running his fingers through his silver hair. He actually loses his typical cold demeanor for a second looking more fragile. A mixture between sadness, anger, and maybe even a hint of worry? Though just as fast he replaces it with his usual calm composure. "People deserve to know the truth about you two. That you're only doing this to attract fame. I'm sure you'll split up once your act brings enough attention."
Kahaku bites his lip fist balling up tightly at the true words he speaks. He doesn't want to picture the day their fake relationship comes to an end, and Treasure is gone forever. It's easier to simply enjoy the fantasy than think about the possibly near future. "You can say what you want. Regardless if we are lying or not, it has nothing to do with you. Whatever other rumors you threaten to spread doesn't matter...I'm not going through this!" Trying to sound as sincere as possible.
The men exchange glances once again before Hachiro clears his throat. "If you don't want Natsume's reputation to be ruined you'll reconsider that decision."
"Natsume's reputation..."
"There's a lot of dirt Natsume has buried that we dug up, and we're ready to release this to public eye. After we share this information perhaps then you'll have a change of heart." Soma's harsh words has his body go numb. The one thing he never wanted to believe might just be proven otherwise.
What type of cruel things could Natsume had done for the sake of his career?
A/N Here's an update after I'm afraid to think of how many months. But alas I'm finally starting to type once more hopefully for good this time. Please vote, comment, and share if you like.