Kahaku's eyes flutter open to an unfamiliar sight. With just one glance he can already tell he's not in his own bedroom. Slowly sitting up a towel drops from his forehead onto his lap. A sneeze shaking his small frame letting a groan escape his lips. Body feeling sluggish he tries to recollect his scattered thoughts.
I was suppose to confess to Natsume after dinner but...what excatly happened when we left the restaurant? My head is still spinning and everything is such a blur...I must be at Natsume's house right now.
On cue the door cracks open as the blonde lets himself in. "Thought I heard you awake in here. You scared me half to death collapsing like that so suddenly."
"I...passed out?"
"You really don't remember?"
"No, I mean I recall us leaving the restaurant but it's all still so fuzzy."
"I see..." Natsume only mutters in response. What's with the bitter smile on his face? "You're running a high fever. Should of said before you weren't feeling well."
"Oh, that's what happened. I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble."
"I'm just glad you're alright. I took you to my place since it was closer by. You didn't eat much yesterday so I'll go fix you something."
"Yesterday?" He gazes out the window as Natsume leaves the room. Sure enough the sun has risen and birds are chirping. He can't believe he was actually out for the whole night. Exhaling he flops back down eyes spotting a pink handbag on the otherside of the room. He figures it must belong to Akira. Only then does everything that conspired last night come rushing back to him at once.
I kissed Natsume...and Akira saw it all. What was I thinking? I'm such an idiot! I was just supposed to tell him how I feel, not pull something like that! Does this mean him and her are through now? Did she even come back last night? Why couldn't it be some terrible dream I can wake up from...
He rolls around in frustration letting out a deep sigh. It's not long until Natsume comes back up with a tray of food in hand. He accepts it mumbling a thanks as Natsume takes a seat on the edge of the bed.
"Um, I was going to ask where exactly are my clothes?" Noticing he isn't wearing his original outfit so Natsume must of changed him while he was sleeping.
"You looked so hot and miserable I had to remove them, so I just gave you something of mine to wear."
Kahaku's face flushing a deeper red than it already is at his words. "D-Dont you think that's crossing boundaries?!"
"You half consented while I did and besides, I use to help you dress all the time when we were little."
"That's the thing, we aren't kids anymore." Kahaku's voice grim tightening his grip on the spoon. He absolutely hates this aching feeling in his chest.
Natsume laughs dryly eyes gazing up at the ceiling. "I guess you're right."
Really he has no right to get upset. It's all his fault their relationship is probably ruined now. He's the one who crossed boundaries not him.
The rest of the meal is eaten in mostly silence. When collecting the dishes Natsume reaches over placing a hand under his bangs. Kahaku's body stiffens at the sudden action. "Sorry, I don't have any thermometers. Feels like it went down from yesterday though you're still a bit warm. I think I have some medicine here I can give you."
"Natsume, wait!" The plead causing him to stop his movement towards the door. It's just like when he tried calling out to him last night before he collapsed. Kahaku acted so quickly he isn't even sure what he wants to say anymore, or how to put it into words. "What I did last night...I was just delirious and not in my right mind. Please don't pay much attention to it."
Natsume remains quiet exiting the room without so much as a glance. This wasn't the way things were supposed to go, but he can't possibly confess to him now. Heck he's sure at this point Natsume already knows. He pulls the covers over his head wishing the whole situation could just vanish. Though like Ran said it's impossible to go back in time and have a redo.
His possible ex friend now comes back in with a bottle of medicine. Pouring a cap he makes a face at the taste of the liquid going down his throat. "It's gross I know, but that's all I have available." A cellphone starts buzzing the sound coming from Kahaku's clothes pile. Natsume goes over to have a look. "It's your manager. We did have work this afternoon but you obviously can't go today. I'll let him know and say to pass the message on to Ginko also."
"Oh, thanks." Natsume stepping out the room to take the call. He can't hear what conversation is being spoken but faint mumbling. Only hoping he isn't talking to Tatsuya about anything more than him falling ill.
After a good minute he comes back glancing at the digital clock on his shelf. "I have some errands I need to run so why don't you rest here for a while? I'll drop you off at home when I'm done."
"Okay...uh, about Akira...did she-I mean last night she saw-" Before he can even get his question out properly, Kahaku's suddenly pushed back on the mattress. Natsume leans over him emerald eyes piecing right into his violet ones.
"What is it you want to say? You told me the only reason for the kiss was because your fever was at fault, so there's nothing else left to discuss. Akira is my problem to deal with."
He's not yelling yet his voice is clearly agitated. Natsume never really got angry towards him often. Even back then he was always quick to apologize when snapping in the least. It's understandable why he's so upset right now. "That's true...it's not any of my business," he murmurs, and Natsume stands up with a sigh.
"I'll be back in a bit," he declares before quickly moving out the bedroom. Once he does a lonely painful silence surrounds the place. Sniffling tears threaten to spill but he won't allow that. Kahaku did this to himself after all. He could turn on the television or try to vent to Megumi, but he doesn't have the energy to do either of those things. Instead simply curling up into a ball as he allows the time to pass him by.
A phone going off wakes him out of his slumber. Almost forgetting for a second where he is. At some point in drowning in his self pity he must have feel asleep. Absent mindedly reaching for the cellphone on the dresser. It could be Toshi checking up on the outcome, but he honestly doesn't want to talk right now. "Hello-"
"Natsume, why haven't you been answering your phone? If it was an emergency you'd never know dodging me."
"Huh?" Kahaku was planning on letting the caller go quickly. Surprised for a woman's voice to have cut him off instead. Did she just call him Natsume? Glancing down at the cellphone sure enough it's not his own. Holding a red iPhone displaying an recognizable number on the screen. Natsume must have left his cell here by mistake.
"Who is this?" The woman seeming to already realized he isn't who she was calling for.
"Um, is this perhaps Mai?"
"How do you know my name?"
"It sounded like you. Not sure if you remember me but I'm Kahaku Yuiga. I use to be good friends with your son..." It has been over five years so she could've forgotten about him by this point.
"Yes, you're Sean's oldest nephew..." She mutters hardly audible for him to catch. Mai's quiet for a moment before clearing her throat. "Where is Natsume right now?"
"He went to run some errands so he's not here."
"I assume Akira isn't home either?"
"No, she isn't..." Another awkward silence falling between the two. Him trying to think up any lame excuse to let her go.
"Very well, I'll try calling back a bit later then. Goodbye." Not even giving him chance to reply before hanging up. Honestly they should of had a nice chat given how long it's been. Mai was always so sweet he thought it would be nice to speak with her again. Though for some reason she came off with a slight attitude in her tone. Being so cold and direct isn't the Mai he remembers. It could be because Natsume hasn't made time to answer her calls. Their relationship still seems to remain on nails ever since what she did. Perhaps the affair changed the old version of her he once knew.
Glancing at the clock it's late evening. Kahaku doesn't feel so drained as before, and he's sure his fever has gone down. He can muster enough strength to get dressed, since Natsume should be coming back very soon.
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A few days have passed since the incident as the pair finishes up work for the evening. Ever since Natsume took Kahaku home the two haven't been speaking unless it's at the agency. He wants to apologize but can't get the nerve to bring up the topic. Missing an opportunity yet again as Natsume leaves the room once they're done. His arm reaches out but doesn't allow himself to grab hold like he did that night.
Kahaku sighs starting to pack his own belongings away as Tatsuya walks in. "Done with practice already?"
"Yeah, there wasn't much to go over today."
"Kahaku...there isn't anything going on between you and Natsume, is it?"
"W-What are you talking about?" His question definitely throwing him off guard. It's that obvious where his manager notices too. Could Natsume really had mentioned something to him during that phone call? His gaze remains glued to the sack as he packs things away even quicker.
"I just mean it seemed a bit tense between the two of you lately. I thought something may of happened."
"Everything is fine. We've both just been a little busy," he answers, hopefully sounding believable. Glancing over at the older male who has a worried look on his face.
"I see, I misinterpreted then. Please if something is troubling you, you can always talk to me. It's a managers job to make sure the emotional state of his client is steady as well."
Deep down he truly wishes he could tell Tatsuya what's troubling him, but this is something too complicated to explain. Who's telling how his manager would react. "Thanks, but I'm okay honestly."
"...Alright. You did just collapse a few days prior, so be careful not to overwork yourself."
"I won't. I'll see you tomorrow."
...
Later on that same evening the brothers watch television together in the living room. A sudden ring at the doorbell snaps Kahaku out of his trance as he goes to answer it. Only to find a very unexpected pair standing on the otherside. "Megumi and...Ran!"
As soon as their names leave his mouth Sho shoots over to his side. "It really is you!"
"Hi, I know this surprise visit is a little sudden. Mind if we step in?" Megumi asks brightly.
Letting the girls inside to have a seat Sho excitedly takes a spot next to Ran. "I didn't think we'd ever meet again after the tour of the set. Do you...still remember me?" He questions a bit timidly and she giggles in response.
"Of course I do, Sho. You are Earth Radiance's biggest fan...Wow, you have quite the gaming collection." Her eyes going to the stack of games piled underneath the stand.
"I love to play them when I'm not watching the show. Are you good at games?"
"Me? Not some much but they're still fun to try."
"They should make a game based off you guys. I'm sure everyone would love to play it."
"We should have a match then! Why don't you pick out a game you want us to play?" Megumi doesn't have to repeat herself as he speedily searches for more than just one game to be put in.
"We can start with this one first. It's something with more simple controls for novice players. Oh, and we have to play this racing game too." The three all gather around the television as Kahaku goes to fetch some refreshments from the kitchen. He's happy to see Sho so giddy but wonders what propped the visit? Megumi never mentioned before they would be stopping by. So far Ran has kept true to her word as none of Natsume's past has been leaked. Besides they don't give off the impression it's anything serious to that extent. Still feels like they're hiding something though.
Leaving the snacks on the table he decides to watch them for a while with nothing else better to do. Playing a wide range of different games between puzzles games and shooter types. Soon takeling a good chunk of the mountain Sho picked out for them. It's nice to see his little brother having so much fun, but worries if he doesn't stop him will have the girls stay here all night. "Okay Sho, you should really let them get going after this last round. It's getting late."
"Alright..." Eyes not leaving the screen as he continues to smash buttons on the controller. One last combo takes out Ran's character having him win another match against her.
"You're super good! Sorry I'm not much of a competitor."
"No, it's been a lot fun playing with you today!"
"Good, I'm glad to hear it."
Sho starts to put his stuff away and the women exchange looks. "Hey Sho, we didn't just come here to surprise you and all. There's also something we wanted to talk to you about."
Maybe noticing Megumi's firm tone causes him to stop what he's doing. Slowly retaking his seat back on the couch. "What is it?"
"You see our show has been going on for a long time, and they told us recently that this season we're finishing up...will be the last one."
Both Yuiga's eyes grow wide at her unexpected news. Kahaku knew they were keeping quiet about something, but didn't think it would be anything like this. After all these years they're finally putting an end to the series. "Well it has been going on for a long time now..."
"No, that can't be true! They can't just end it!"
"They'll have an official ending and everything so it won't be left off on a cliffhanger. But like your brother said Earth Radiance has been on the air many years and we're getting older. I mean, I for one have been doing this show since high school days. They're just ready to move on and try something different." Megumi softly explains.
"Well I'm not!" Giving nobody a chance to reply Sho dashes off down the hall. Slamming his bedroom door shut with a loud thud.
"Sho! Man this is worse than I imagined." The strawberry blonde mumbles running fingers through her long hair.
"I'll go talk to him. I'm sure he just needs some time to digest it. Was nice for you to come all this way and hangout with him," he says to the other female. After everything that happened he's suprised Ran would stop through here.
"It wasn't any trouble. Your brother is really sweet."
"What about you, Kahaku? How are you holding up?" Megumi questions clear concern in her voice.
"I'll be okay. I think I just need some time too..." Ran appears to be a little lost by their exchange but keeps quiet. Probably figuring it isn't any of her business to ask. If only he could learn to have the same attitude. "Oh, I appreciate you keeping your promise."
"Thank you too. I really needed to move on from the past, and now I was finally able to let go...Well, I should probably be getting out here."
"So should I. Tell Sho I'll see him later, kay?" He nods seeing the ladies off out the house.
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"No, stop, that's off Kahaku. We need to take that part again. You got a minute to rest before we start this back up." The few workers stepping out the room and Kahaku is sure they're getting frustrated. They've been recording for hours at the studio, but he just keeps on making mistakes. It's an awkward silence for a moment before Natsume clears his throat.
"What's with you today? You seem distracted."
"I guess I am. I just keep thinking about my brother."
"Why, what happened with Sho?"
"Megumi and Ran told him that Earth Radiance is ending yesterday. Since then he's trapped himself in his room. He didn't want to eat last night or this morning either. Plus he hasn't even touched any video games."
"Now we know it's serious. That kid would still push to play if he was sick with the flu. I didn't realize he was that hardcore of a fan."
"...I think it's more to it than that. Kinda like he's more lonely now."
"Lonely?" It might be just a show for most but it was more than that to his brother. Sho doesn't have much else to look forward to, given the shut-in lifestyle he lives. Besides games that was something always there for him no matter what. Everyday coming on at the set time and now it'll be gone forever. Having similar struggles when growing up Kahaku knows the feeling.
"Yeah, he doesn't have any friends you know? It was one of the few hobbies he had."
"I see...Why don't I stop by for a quick visit after work? Maybe I can get him to cheer up a bit."
"S-Sure that sounds good." This'll be Natsume's the first time at his house in over a week now, even if it's not for him. Perhaps afterwards they can talk things out too.
"Alright, let's get this recording finished up then." Luckily after their chat recording goes by much more smoothly. Not taking too long to complete the day's work. Kahaku drives Natsume to his place turning on the radio to avoid another silent ride.
...
When walking inside Sho is sitting on the couch blankly staring at the television. Still no games seem to have been touched at all.
"Hey Sho, want to do some gaming?" Natsume greets for once without a jumpscare. Even a prankster such as himself knows when to drawl the line.
"I'm not in the mood," he mutters.
"Do you get bored sitting at home by yourself? Don't you have any friends to hang out with?" The blonde taking a seat by the boy on the armrest.
"Not really and I do have friends."
"If you're talking about Megumi she doesn't count," Kahaku clearly states.
"No, I mean players online."
"That doesn't really apply either. Do you ever chat with these people besides just gaming? Even know their real names or only the user ones?" Sho bites his lip at Natsume's question. Turquoise eyes dropping down to his lap. That alone is answer enough.
"Exactly. That's because they don't qualify as true friends. Why don't you join a club at school? It could help you meet some new kids your age?"
"I don't wanna," Sho answers without a second thought. Not that Kahaku didn't expect the immediate refusal. He's tried to push his younger brother to do that for years now, but he's just so stubborn.
"Come on, easier now than in high school right? Megumi is really your brother's friend and I can't be your only one."
This comment causing Sho to make a face. "You aren't my friend. We just game together sometimes so you're a playing buddy."
The blonde body stiffening at his direct words and Kahaku smiles wryly. Natsume did say that and Sho is known for being awfully blunt at times. "Not gonna lie...that one kinda hurt. Okay, I've made my decision! I'm going to help you make your first friend."
"W-What?"
"Just trust me and get ready. Or would you rather I come back here pestering you everyday until you agree?"
Sho eyes widen shooting his elder sibling a pleading gaze. Usually in these kind of situation Kahaku would stick up for him but not today. "I think you could really use a friend to get out the house with. If he's offering to help I have no objections over it."
Sho growls lowly at his response as Natsume grins from ear to ear. Giving the kid a small pat on the back. "You heard him! Now go and get changed. We're taking a trip to the mall."
A/N Just how will thier quest go? Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter. Feedback is always appreciated!