After the shocking news has been revealed Kahaku sits silently as Ryuga fiddles around on his phone. Apparently needing to show him something that relates to this 'dirt' they have on Natsume. He feels as if his heart is pulsating out of his chest, but tries not let his thoughts get away from him just yet. After a minute the younger twin shows him the picture of a single female he recognizes immediately. "Do you know who this woman is?"
"Yes, that's Sai! My brother watches her show all the time."
"True she may be known to many as Sai now, but are you aware of who she was before that?"
"No, I've never saw her other than on that program..."
Ryuga tucks the cellphone away and Soma leans foward in his seat. "That young lady is named Ran and she was the leader of an all girls group called Sweet Escape. The four of them were alfulrated with Shimmer music industries and rising in popularity by the day back then. When suddenly their group fell apart and Natsume was the cause of it."
A pit starts forming in his stomach he's a little nervous to hear on what exactly happened. Still he has no choice but to listen as Hachiro who mostly stayed silent takes over. "Natsume reached out to her online one day saying he was really amazed by her talent. Hearing such praise encouraged her further since she was a huge fan of his for a long time."
"The two formed a close friendship that soon turned into something more. Then not long after Natsume offered Ran to leave her unit behind and form a duo with himself. Of course being infatuated with him as she was the choice was simple. She left that agency and joined Natsume at Rising up. With the other females not harbouring the talent to succeed on their own the group fell apart. Do you know what happened next?" Soma's golden eye daring him to guess and Kahaku slowly shakes his head.
"He dropped her just like that. Their first song hadn't even been released when he cut all contact with her," Kenshin mumbles, eyes glued to his half filled glass. By his tone of voice it doesn't sound like he's lying. Even so every fiber of Kahaku's being wants to deny that any of this is true. There just has to be some other explanation.
"That can't be...Natsume would never-"
"It was all a set up. Sweet Escape was a threat and he did what need be to get rid of them. The story always remained that both of them came to an agreement the 'relationship' wasn't working out. He broke that poor woman and now she's stuck acting on a kids show. Their idol careers are all over because of him." Soma's words driving deep into his mind. As much as he would rather stay in denial it won't change anything. They couldn't pull off such an exaggerated fib.
"We've got in touch with Ran and she's finally ready to let the truth come to light. We also have another proof to back up her claims. Read it for yourself." Ryuga pulling out a folded note from his pocket. Kahaku hesitantly grasp it as his stomach curls into more knots. Opening the crinkled paper up it appears to be a letter of some sorts. The very first thing that stands out to him is the handwriting. It's the excat style from the autograph signing so it's no way forged. This is without a doubt the hand of Natsume Reiji. He takes a breath trying to calm his nerves before reading silently to himself.
Ran
I'm writing this letter to inform unfortunate news. The unit we formed isn't going to work out. Actually it never was from the very beginning. This whole friendship was nothing but a lie, or at least it was supposed to be. I'm sorry I don't answer when you call. That I played with your emotions. That I ruined you career. I'm well aware that I am a heartless person who will step on others just to get ahead in life. There's no way in denying it now. I also know that you're never going to read this. If only there was some way I could make up for what I done...
Kahaku's throat feels tight as his hands shake ever so slightly. "Where did you find this?" The question hardly audible of a whisper.
"Amongst other junk he left behind at the agency when he transferred. Clearly he never meant for anyone to see this. Prehaps he kept it for some sentimental reason as if he actually planned to send it to her someday. He would of been much better off if he had thrown it out," Soma answers with a uninterested sigh.
Kahaku's mind goes blank as everyone in the room slowly fades away. The anxiety of the situation fully begins to take toll on just what this means. As much as he wishes this is all some bad dream, it isn't. Because of Natsume's dark past he is the one left in a predicament right now. If he doesn't agree to their terms this goes public, and if that happens...
"...It'll destroy Natsume's career." Fingers clenching the thin paper so tightly it nearly rips. Why did this have to happen now? After things were going so well for them.
Soma for one isn't bothered in the least by his reaction crossing his arms. "Now you finally understand the situation. Feel free to keep the letter as a reminder. My brother made copies before we got here. So since you're all caught up to speed we'll tell you again. We want you to end things with Natsume after the New Year's performance next week."
"At the show but I-I couldn't..."
Soma's irritated sigh cuts off any further stammering as he is the first to take a stand. His cold gaze glaring down at him shows no signs of sympathy. "Let me make it perfectly clear to you that this is an ultimatum. By refusing to go through with this in turn are sealing Natsume's fate. You have until that night to decide what it is you want to do." With that last piece he turns for the door as Ryuga goes to follow behind.
"Oh, and make sure not to tell anybody about our discussion, or his career won't be the only one in jeopardy."
"Thanks for the water." The taller setting down the empty glass before heading out after the others. Kenshin is the only person remaining of them. The glass still half empty as he sets it down on the table with a sigh. Stopping in the doorway he finally looks straight at him since he first arrived here.
"I'm sorry this happened to you, Kahaku," he apologizes softly as he quietly closes the door behind him. Even with them gone it takes several minutes for Kahaku to simply move. His mind can hardly wrap around everything that just conspired.
They really expect me to break my unit and relationship with Natsume after our performance on New Year's eve. If I don't they'll have the truth with Ran made known to everyone. What do I do? What can I do?
Asking for advice isn't exactly an option, not even from Megumi. It's no telling how she'd react and he absolutely can't take any risks because Soma definitely won't hesitate. Running his fingers through his black hair trying to ponder on what step to take. He knew One Star would strike but he didn't expect it to be like this.
"Wait they said Ran worked with Shimmer music industries..." That's the same agency the Shi Triplets mentioned they're at the other day. Perhaps he can learn more about the incident from them. It's a chance they are stretching the truth just to blackmail Kahaku into doing what they want. Quickly pulling out his cell scrolls under contacts. Luckily the three of them exchanged numbers with him not too long ago. He never expected to form a friendship with the brothers. Only wishes his first call was during better circumstances. Deciding to try Makashi first and after the third ring he picks up.
"Hello?" The voice coming off half sleep like he just woke up from taking a nap.
"Hi, it's Kahaku. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."
"No, we just had a long day recording at the studio so I was resting for a bit. What's up?" Now sounding a little more awake.
"Did someone named Ran work at your agency before? She was with an idol group called Sweet Escape."
"Ran?...Oh, that's right. Yeah, those girls were there for a while but that was a long time ago."
"Are you aware of what happened exactly? I heard Ran left her unit because she agreed to sing with Natsume."
It's silence on the other end for a minute before Makashi clears his throat. "I...don't really remember much about it."
"That's a lie, isnt it? Fine, I'll just see if one of your brothers will tell me since you aren't willing to talk."
"Wait!" Grabbing his attention before Kahaku can hang up the call. The triplet is quiet a moment more, then letting out a deep sigh.
"It's true Sweet Escape was at Shimmer around the same time we were just starting out. The girls popularity grew fast after only working for a few months. Then Ran decided to leave them and go off to Rising Up with Natsume. I don't know much details but not long after she left news got out they separated. Natsume said to the media their ideas was just too different to be compatible singing together. This also had affected their relationship, so the two decided it was best to go separate ways. Ran never spoke out for or against his claims. Still Sweet Escape never reformed after the incident. We weren't friends with Natsume at the time, so this was all we could gather looking at it from an outside perspective. He never mentioned the topic around us to tell you anything else."
The story is practically identical of that One Star told him. No matter how many times Kahaku hears this it doesn't make it any easier to digest. So much for him finding some loophole.
"Why do you want to know about this all of a sudden? Did Natsume bring this up to you?" Makashi turning the tables around on him now. He would be curious after the integration Kahaku just gave him, but no one can know the truth about this.
"No! I mean I heard about it from a friend of mine. I was just curious if it was all true or not. Please don't tell him I ever asked you about this," he pleades, and thankfully Makashi promises not to. Ending the call with him shortly after.
Soma really wasn't lying whatsoever. Even like that rumor they're speaking the truth. Will the New Year's performance really be their last show together? It was only supposed to be temporary from the start. He shouldn't gotten so attached to begin with.
I act like it's a complicated decision but the right option is clear. I can't have his career ruined for my own selfish desires. I know what I have to do next week. I guess this dream of ours is ending a little earlier than I thought.
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Days have passed now only the night before the show. The whole time literally feels like a blur to him. They didn't have any work today giving them the chance to rest up for show. It's late evening as Kahaku watches anime from the floor of his bedroom. Really he's just been binging series from his collection all day long. Not having the motivation to do anything else with his day, and it's a way to keep his mind busy from tomorrow.
He stares blankly at the screen as the female finally confesses her love for her childhood friend. The girl suprised to find he accepts them feeling the same way. This use to be one of his favorites back then, but now his stomach is left sour from it. "If life were only that easy..."
He hears a faint knocking on the front door from down the hall. Sighing Kahaku stretches going to answer but his brother beats him to it. "Who is it?"
"I don't know. Nobody's here." Sho peeping for a minute then attempting to close the door. A sudden tall figure pops out from the bushes on the side. His brother yelps stumbling back as a familiar laughter rings in the air.
"I can't believe you fell for it." Natsume brushing the few leaves off his clothes and letting himself inside. The boy glares hard at the blonde prior stomping over to the couch.
"Um, what are you doing here?" Kahaku asks softly walking into the living room.
"I just stopped by to have a little match with your brother again." Though Sho continues to play as if Natsume hasn't spoke at all. Removing his jacket he flops down on the otherside of him. "Oh come on, I'm sorry for scaring you. I heard Kahaku got you a new game for Christmas."
"Yeah, but that game isn't for amateurs who haven't played the first two."
"I'll be the judge of that." Natsume fetching the other controller and Kahaku's relieved he stopped by to visit his brother and not himself. He has been avoiding him not having the strength to put on a facade. It's enough already having to see his charming face at work. Anymore than that and he may just end up cracking.
Announcing he's going to hop in the shower while the two start to play. Taking long as possible they still haven't moved in inch the time he gets out. "...I'm going to be heading to bed now. Make sure you lock up after Natsume leaves."
"Wait a minute." Quickly pausing the game having Kahaku stop dead in his tracks. He refuses to turn around as the taller man speaks. "It's a little early to hit the sack already. Why don't you watch us play for a while?"
"No thanks."
"...Kahaku, what's the deal?"
"Nothing..."
"I didn't ask if something was wrong I asked what was." Suddenly grabbing the younger by the wrist, forcing him to turn around and meet his gaze. Natsume looks serious but there's also a glint of worry in his green eyes. "I thought we use to tell each other everything, so why are you keeping secrets from me?"
Kahaku's head hangs low trying his best not to breakdown right then and there. "I'm honestly fine...I'm just really tired and I want to rest up for the show tomorrow."
Natsume's expression is unreadable and after a minute the grip on his wrist lossens. "Well if that's the excuse you want to go with then good night." With those words Natsume heads back to the living room. Sho watching a little confused from the couch quickly turns his attention towards the television. Part of him wants to reach out and stop Natsume but he resists the urge. Instead simply retreating to his room for the night though no sleep comes to him.
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The moon is high in the sky as the New Year's show has begun. The audience is jammed pack fuller than he anticipated, making him all the more anxious. A female idol trio is currently performing on stage and they're up next. The stylist just finishes Kahaku's hair wishing him luck before carrying on his business. Kahaku pulls out the cat ears headband he brought along from his bag. He wants to be able to wear it during his next show like his fan asked, though wishes it was for a happier occasion. Hearing footsteps approach right behind him he turns to be greeted by Natsume.
"We're up in a few minutes. It's a lot more people here compared to the show on Christmas eve. Are you nervous?"
"No, I'm fine." Of course he's actually a mess of different emotions right now, but not because of the crowd.
"Look, Kahaku-"
"I'm going to go through the routine one more time." Cutting him off before Natsume can even attempt to question him again. Fortunately he doesn't stop him as Kahaku goes to use practice for distraction until their turn comes up.
After the girls finish up their last two songs the trio takes their exit. On cue Natsume and Kahaku walk out and the audience goes wild in cheer. One Star watches from backstage having already done their own performance. Kahaku knows they're only sticking around to see what he's going to do. If he doesn't go through with it tonight there won't be a second chance.
"Sounds like everyone is excited tonight! Now we'll be starting off with our newest song, Rhythm Of My Soul!" Natsume shouts and the screaming intensifies. If he wasn't so preoccupied with everything else going on the size of this crowd would've definitely gave him the gitters.
They get into position and begin once the music starts up. The performance going through smoothly enough. Kahaku tries to lift his spirits up but just can't seem to get into it considering what's following after. As their second song ends a round of applause fills his ears. Hushed whispers start passing around among the girls in the audience.
"The show was good and all but Kahaku just seemed off today."
"Yeah, he wasn't upbeat as usual. I hope everything's alright..."
Light snowflakes begin to fall down as Kahaku's eyes gaze at the night sky. Heart pounding out of his chest and his hands feel clammy.
It's now or never. I have to end this all for Natsume's sake. Even if everyone hates me for it that doesn't matter. This was his dream before mine. Besides these are the kind of sacrifices you make for someone you...
"Natsume...there's something I have to tell you." The older male stops waving to the fans and turns to face him. He never even rehearsed how he was going to say this, but it doesn't really matter in the end. Struggling to force the dreaded words together his fists clench up tightly in frustration. "I...I think we should-!"
"You don't have to do this."
"Huh?" Kahaku's previously squinched eyes slowly opening. Natsume is wearing the same calm grin on his face.
"Whatever situation you feel like you're trapped in we'll work through together. So don't load the pressure all on yourself."
His voice sounds so genuine and soothing. Making Kahaku's heart flutter as he walks over to him. Natsume known something was wrong from the start. Still he doesn't understand the consequences he'll suffer if they don't go through with this. "B-But I don't have a choice. Something really bad will happen to you otherwise..."
"Then that's my problem to deal with, not yours." Natsume arms wrap around his smaller frame pulling him into a tight hug. Just being in his embrace has all his earlier anxiety begin to melt away. "Everything will be okay so don't worry too much. You trust me, right?"
"Natsume..." One tear falls down followed by another. Finally everything he's been holding in all week long comes flooding out. Getting his arms to move and clutching unto the older male. He probably should be embarrassed about sobbing on stage like a child. Though right now nothing else matters but the man in front of him.
"Whatever it was seems like Natsume helped him through it." A girl says and the red head next to her nods.
"Though seeing him cry is going to make me start too."
"Katsume!" Fans squeal and Soma's expression turns sour as all five of them turn to leave.
A/N Heartwarming end but what will One Star do now? Find out in the next update.