Backstage the loud performances are still raging on as it's going on midnight. It's a few people remaining with only one closing act still awaiting their turn. Kahaku is sitting down in the corner with his knees up to his chest. He managed to calm his emotions down, though doesn't want to begin to imagine how red and puffy his eyes must be. Snapping out of his deep thinking with a water bottle now in front of his face. None other than from Natsume suddenly leaning on the wall beside him. "Thank you..."
"So what did Soma do?"
"How did you know?"
"I talked with your brother when you went to bed yesterday. Asked him what was bothering you. At first he said he didn't know, but then he remembered something. After a group of men stopped through earlier in the week you we're acting different ever since. I told him to describe what they looked like and that's when I knew for sure."
"I see." Even Sho was able to pick up on that fact. He has to tell Natsume the full truth of what's going on. It's too late to go back at this point regardless. He blew the only opportunity he had. Taking a sip of water he starts from the beginning. "They wanted me to break up our unit and the 'relationship' along with it."
"I knew it had to be something like that. To order you to do it during a live performance to top it all off. They were making sure once it was out there was no going back...Why did you say something bad would happen to me if you didn't listen them?"
Of course this question would be to follow. Sighing softly he starts to explain everything over the incident with Ran. Including how they threaten to release this to the public if he didn't cooperate. Natsume's expression changes as he speaks though remains silent until he's finished.
"Well I'm not surprised Soma would stoop so low. I bet you feel I don't have room to talk, right? These are the types of things I never wanted you to find out about me. Terrible acts I did just to please that old greaser. I should of left Rising Up much sooner than I did." The last sentence sounding out more soft and looking up Kahaku can see the remorse in his green eyes.
"I don't think any less of you, Natsume. That was a long time ago. I know you'd never do anything like that now," he assures, and a small smile tugs at Natsume's lips.
"Well I'm glad you think so highly of me. Can't say it'll be the same for everyone else once this gets out." Kahaku's eyes widening as the blonde goes to gather his belongings.
"Wait we can't just let them go through with this. There has to be something we can do."
"Not anything that's going to prevent the news from reaching headlines this new year. Still I'll just have to own up to it. I had a feeling my past would come and haunt me one day, just a bit sooner than later. It'll die down at some point when the next gossip comes around, so don't worry about me." Placing a heavy hand on top of his head and ruffling his hair a bit.
Natsume talks in a confident tone yet his eyes don't match his words. It has to be a scary feeling having something you tried to keep secret for so long being exposed to the world. "...I've known you long enough to realize when you're lying too. You don't have to put up a brave front around me."
His friend is speechless for a moment before his lips curve into a bitter smile. "I'm not good of an actor as I thought. It is frustrating to say the least. I thought when I left Rising Up things would go much smoother. That I could leave that past behind and now..." His sentence trailing off running a hand through his hair.
Kahaku sighs only wishing there was something they could do. At that moment one idea comes to mind having him quickly grab the taller male to face him. "We can talk to her ourselves!"
"What? Talk to who?"
"To Ran and try to get her to stay quiet!"
"She'd never listen to me. Besides I don't even know where she stays now."
"But my friend Megumi will. She works with her so I'm sure she can give an address. If we go see her first thing in the morning, we might can get to her before Soma does!" Despite the terrific plan Natsume still looks a little unsure of it all. He has always been there in Kahaku's corner so this time it's his turn. "It doesn't hurt to try. Plus you can apologize to her in person for what happened, since you never could send that letter."
Without a doubt even today Natsume still holds some guilt. Now is the chance to finally get everything off his chest to her, regardless if she accepts the apology or not. Kahaku's violet eyes stare at his old friend pleading until he let's out a sigh of defeat. "Alright, let's do it."
🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤
"Uh, this should be it." Kahaku checking the address of the small house in front of them. Megumi was kind enough to tell him where she stays after hearing his reasons. He only hopes they can convince her to stay silent.
Ringing the doorbell there is no answer so he tries knocking instead. It's after seven in the morning and the only activity at this hour is kids heading off to school. "Maybe she's still sleep since it is her day off. I just really wanted us to get to her before One Star does."
"Come on, we'll have to stop by later in the afternoon then." Natsume turning to leave and Kahaku sighs following after. Only for them to both hault when hearing a lock click. Both males spin around to find a young woman peeping through the crack.
"Ah, sorry to bother you so early! My name is Kahaku Yuiga," he introduces, quickly running up to greet her.
"Kahaku and...Natsume." Her eyes glaring at the blonde standing behind him.
"Please Ran, we just want to talk. I promise it won't be long," Kahaku says having her frown deepen.
"...You guys have ten minutes," she mutters, opening up the door to let them in. Getting a better look at her now she has the same shoulder length brown hair as on television. Rather short in height her skin is a dark complexion and has large gray eyes. She's still in pajamas which is natural given the time.
As for her home the place is nicely decorated with a white carpet floor and a dark pink living room set. Lots of flowers give the space color and a staircase leads to the second floor. He can tell with one look she must make more than himself.
Ran gestures for them to take a seat on the sofa, her sitting in a spot across from them. "So Megumi told where I live, huh?"
"You already know about me?"
"Yeah, Megumi talks about you all the time. Besides that Sho kid who's such a fanboy of the show is your brother, right?"
"Yes, he was really excited to get the opportunity to meet you and go behind the scenes. He wouldn't stop talking about it for weeks," Kahaku answers bringing a faint smile on her face. Sho would be stoked to hear he actually took a trip to Sai's house.
The small friendly banter lasts but a moment as Natsume clears the air. "I'm sure you also know why we're here. One Star wants you to come forward about everything that happened between us back then."
Ran's expression turns back sour eyes glued at her lap. "I could of spoken up sooner but I was going through a depression at the time. The first guy that I loved had completely stabbed me in the back. Besides, I didn't think anyone would take my word over yours..."
The pair exchanging glances Kahaku leans forward in his seat. "I can't pretend to understand what that must have felt like. I know Natsume did an awful thing, but he isn't that same guy anymore. If you tell about this now it could ruin his career."
"You mean just like he ruined mine? I never really wanted to go into acting. What I wanted was to sing and you destroyed that dream! You lied to me!" Jumping to her feet and he can tell the scars haven't been healed over time by the strain in her voice. Natsume remains silent and composed as she speaks. Like he's allowing her to get everything off her chest to him first. "So tell me why shouldn't I? Give me one good reason."
"I know you probably won't believe this but I truly am sorry. I never had the confidence to tell you before, and yes I'm aware words doesn't change anything. It can't get your old group back together, or restore your idol career anew. Even if the agency propped me to it there's still no excuse. I do deserve every bit of your hatred, but he doesn't."
"What..." His small speech causing the rage to leave her face as sits back down in her chair.
"If you put this out there now it could affect him as well. Give Kahaku a bad name simply because he's working with me. That we're together and I'm sure you wouldn't want that." Even now Natsume has his reputation in consideration also. Kahaku can't help but feel a bit touched he's thinking about his future too.
Ran appears to be in deep thought as not so much angry anymore than sad. She's clearly still indecisive but there's something else he needs to show her.
"Here you should read this. It's a little something Natsume wrote after the incident." His own eyes growing wide at the folded paper Kahaku pulls out. Handing her the same apology letter Natsume never sent. It's fortunate Ryuga let him hold onto this one after all. She reads the note to herself and her hazel eyes are tearful when finished.
"You really wrote this?"
"Yeah, not long after I broke our unit. I just...needed a way to let the guilt out somehow."
"This is the proof Ryuga said he had to back me up...I wasn't just blaming you for everything, I was mad at myself too. I sold my own friends out to work with some guy I hardly knew. When I tried to reform Sweet Escape the girls had went their separate ways. One off to do modeling, another went back to school, and the last left Kyoto behind. I had lost it all."
"Ran..." Natume mumbles his own frown deepening as she continues on.
"But no one can change the past regardless how much you wish to. It might of wasn't my first choice but I actually do enjoy acting. I have a lot of fun fighting magical battles with Megumi. I...won't tell anyone about what you did. I wouldn't want that to mess with Kahaku's image. Honestly though I was still pissed, I finally got to say what I needed now. Spiteful acts like this isn't me."
Kahaku eyes light up hardly believing what she just said. "Thank you so much!"
"We really appreciate it, Ran. I hope you find a new path for yourself."
"I hope that too." Giving the first genuine smile since they walked in door. Saying goodbyes the two take their leave.
"I should be thanking you too, Kahaku. None of this would of been possible otherwise. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders now."
"I'm just grateful everything worked out okay," he insists before a small yawn escapes his lips.
"Probably didn't get a chance to sleep much considering how early we drove out here. I'll get you back home."
...
Later on that same evening the five with Kyou included are summoned to the conference room for another meeting. Considering his breakdown on stage last night this was to be expected. "Just what was that conversation about after the performance? This'll all go by much smoother if you both be honest," Tatsuya asks giving a stern gaze.
Kahaku glances at Natsume who decides to explain the situation. Both managers are definitely in shock at what is revealed to them. They have been left in the dark all this time. Tatsuya letting out a deep sigh pushing up his frames.
"So this was all because of another one of One Star's antics. Hopefully Ran stays true to her word. I know the president will be pleased they're still a unit, but I don't want anything with Natsume's past affecting my client."
"Tatsuya..." The man might come off stiff initially but he really does have Kahaku's best interest at heart.
"I never got the best impression of those guys, but I didn't think they'd play that dirty," Kyou says.
"The president already known of what type of history Natsume had at Rising Up. He still gave him a chance to work here for a reason. I'd hope no more problems like this ever arise again," Ginko says, and Natsume stands up both giving a small bow.
"I'll try not to cause anymore trouble."
"No, it's not your fault..." Kahaku mumbles and his own manager crosses his arms.
"Well let's just put this whole incident behind us for now. There's a few other things we'd like to cover before you head out." Kahaku is relieved Tatsuya decides to let this go. He definitely doesn't want him going to the president to try and call off things for Treasure. "Kyou, we'd like to see if you can publish an article of last night events. Just say Kahaku was falling a bit behind and was worried their unit might suffer because of it. It was all a misunderstanding and that everything is okay now."
"That's what you want me to write? I could put the truth about them you know?"
"Yes, but doing such an act will officially declare war between Magicz and Rising Up. We're just not ready for that risk yet," Ginko explains, and the ginger slowly nods.
"Alrighty, I'll see what I can do." With that topic fully covered the meeting moves on to the next course of business.
...
When the meeting is over Kahaku hops in his car after parting ways with Natsume. He has a few errands to run rather than heading straight for home. Stopping at a few stores he buys some much needed households items. The third stop completing everything off his list. A chill runs down his spine the minute he steps foot from the heat inside the building. He really should've dressed warmer but it wasn't snowing like this earlier. "Hey, Kahaku."
Turning around from loading bags in the trunk a certain trio stops by to greet him. "Yoshi, Toshi, Makashi. I didn't expect to see you tonight."
"Hehe, looks like you got our names right this time." The youngest says with a smile. Kahaku surprised himself being able to tell them apart even with their disguises on today. Like Natsume said it's getting easier to make difference since he knows the brothers better.
"What's with all the bags?" Makashi peering at the several small bags stacked neatly in the back.
"Just got done with a little shopping for the house."
"Well if you're free why don't you hang out with us for a bit? We're going over to Suramoni for dinner." Taking Toshi up on his offer he locks the car and follows them to a nearby restaurant. He's been in Kyoto for sometime now but he's never once ate at this place.
"It smells good in here."
"Of course, this is one of the best restaurants in the city. A single trip will leave you coming back for more."
"Makashi really loves this place," Toshi explains as they all take a free booth in the corner.
Picking up a menu there's such a large variety he has no idea what to choose. Eventually deciding on a dish and after the waiter takes their orders Makashi clears his throat.
"Look did those One Star jerks do something to you? We heard about what happened at the show yesterday."
"Yeah kinda..." Really he doesn't want to talk about it anymore. No sense in worrying them of the details anyway. "Everything worked out okay now. It's just been a long week."
"Well with good company and delicious food you'll forget about those guys in no time!" Yoshi says brightly returning a smile to his face. He's glad they decide to drop the subject. Sure enough talking and joking with them definitely helps lift his spirits.
Soon their food is nearly finished up as the younger triplet gets done telling another old story. "All of that really happened during your first show?" Kahaku asks trying to stifle back a laugh.
"Yup, Toshi is really clumsy so it took a lot of work to get his dancing to where it is now. It wasn't many people there but everyone was speechless when he fell."
"Jeez, haven't you shared enough stories about me!" The oldest pouts, Yoshi insisting that it's his last one. Though hearing these makes him a little less humiliated with what happened during the New Year's show.
"Wow Maka, you really can pack away a lot of food. Eating like that will slow you down on stage." Yoshi glancing at his nearly empty plate.
"I don't wanna hear that talk coming from the person who ate twice as much as me. You like the food?" he questions, now looking at Kahaku.
"Yeah, it was really good. I can see why you like this place so much."
"So you have good taste then."
Kahaku glances at his watch realizing just how much time has passed. "I should be heading home now. It's getting late. Thanks, for inviting me to tag along. I'll see you guys later." Paying his portion of the bill before taking off out the door.
...
Walking out the bathroom to his bedroom Kahaku lets out a sigh of relief. He was practically an ice sicle the time he got home, so a hot showed is just what he needed.
Flopping down on the bed when his cellphone starts to buzz. He grabs it off the nightstand face lighting up when he sees who's calling. "Hello, Natsume."
"Hey, sorry I'm calling so late. Though sounds like I didn't interrupt your sleep."
"Nope, I was out later today so I just got back not too long ago."
"I wanted to take you on a little treat tomorrow as a way of saying thanks for your help." He must be talking about the Ran incident again, but he doesn't have to keep thanking him.
"That's what friends do and besides you've been helping me grow as an idol so we're even...Though of course if you're offering to treat me to a free meal I won't pass that up." In actuality he'd never turn down an invitation from him.
A hearty laughs rings through the other end. "Alright, it's a date then. I also have somewhere else I think you'll like to see after, but that's a secret. How about we meet at Bevington plaza around...six?"
"Sure, that'll work. I'll meet you there." Hanging up Kahaku's excited knowing the two of them our hanging out tomorrow. Can't help but wondering what surprise is he talking about. Not feeling particularly sleepy he decides to text Toshi instead and see if he's still awake.
Thanks for inviting
me to eat with you
guys^^
No problem:)
Makashi said
he thinks work
was causing
stress and that you
could use a break
Surprisingly enough he gets an immediate reply. If Makashi mentioned that it must of been because of the phone call they had earlier. He's happy it doesn't seem like he told anyone about what they discussed.
I'm glad u had fun.
Please do try to forget
all the stories
Yoshi said though
I can't make any
promises😈
What's on your
agenda tomorrow?
Just work, wbu?
Plans with Natsume
actually. I can hardly
wait😇
...
Hey Kahaku I
know this is
kinda sudden
but do u love
Natsume?
Kahaku's heart nearly stops when reading his next text. What type of love does he mean? Good friends or something more than that? Of course he has to be referring to the later, but how should he respond? Should he just tell him the truth?
...
Please don't tell
anyone this...but
I felt that way
for a while now.
I see, ever
considered telling
him how you
feel?
I could never do
that! He's already
seeing someone and
...I don't want to ruin
what we have now.
Maybe but it can't
be easy for you.
Getting that off
your chest is the
only way to move
forward. Plus I
always thought the
feelings were mutual.
You...honestly
believe that?
...
That's just what it
seemed like to me.
Regardless you should
confess to him when
you're ready. I was just
worried how it must
feel for you. I better
head 4 bed now.
Goodnight😴
Yeah, night
...Maybe I'll take
up that advice
tomorrow.
Kahaku could barely get himself to send that text further yet tell Natsume in person. Even Toshi could pick up the signs and he does have a point. Just like what Megumi had told him before. He's only going to get himself hurt in the end if things keep going like this. How nice it would be if he really did feel the same way. They wouldn't be pretending anymore but be an actual couple. Though this could go the opposite direction and cause their unit and friendship both to crumble. After all the stress he's been through to keep them together. At least in this case it would be by his own actions and not by Soma's hand.
I need to tell him how I feel for my own heart's sake. And tomorrow is the perfect opportunity for me to do so.
A/N End of another chapter! Hope you like and comment if you enjoyed. Will Kahaku really take the risk and confess to Natsume? Find out in the next update!