The trio has hopped into Kahaku's vehicle taking off towards the shopping district. The blonde glances back at Sho still sulking over the whole ordeal. "It won't be as bad as you think. Are you really okay with being withdrawn like this, or are you just not good at making friends?"
"...I don't know how to keep a conversation going with people. I'm just not good at talking to kids my age."
"I was the same way. If it wasn't for meeting Megumi after moving here, I would of most likely been left alone. It's not a good feeling."
"How did you and her become friends anyway?" Natsume turning back around to the driver now. "Did the two of you meet in school?"
"No actually, Megumi is two years older than me, so the time I was starting my senior year here she had already graduated. We met one day by chance not long after moving here. I had started taking singing lessons and that particular time it ended a little later than usual. I was still new to the city and didn't know my way around very well. I couldn't remember the route back to my cousin's home, so I tried asking around for directions. Though I wonded up more lost than before. It was getting later and I didn't have the money for a taxi. I knew how dangerous the streets could get at night."
"Why didn't you just call your cousin?"
"He was working late that evening and my cellphone was dead. I should've just asked to borrow someone else's, but I wasn't thinking. Instead I started panicking and that's when a certain female offered to help me. She was kind enough to take her time and excort me to my destination, so I wouldn't get lost again. We talked a little on the walk back and properly introduced ourselves before parting ways. The next time we saw each other was by coincidence downtown. After realizing she was the actress off my brother's favorite show we had more to chat about. We hung out that whole day and afterwards she suggested to exchange contact info to keep in touch. Have been friends now ever since."
Natsume who had listened quietly appears to be thinking something over. "So the real reason you befriended her is because she approached you? Otherwise you probably wouldn't be speaking today, right?"
Now that he points it out Megumi is the one who approached him on both occasions. Also offering to be his first friend when telling her how he just moved to the city recently and didn't know anyone. He has started talking to the triplets too, but that's only because Natsume introduced them first. His face slowly losing color at the realization on just how true that statement is. "S-So I'm not the best example to look at! This isn't about me but Sho. He's the one sitting in front of the TV everyday."
"Hmm, why don't you just tell people that you're friends with me? Bragging that you know someone famous isn't a privilege most kids get to have," he suggests, but Kahaku shakes his head.
"I'm sure that'll attract the wrong attention."
"People at my school already know Kahaku is my brother, so they ask me questions about Treasure all the time. It's honestly really bothersome and besides we aren't friends." Sho declares eyes still glued out the window.
Natsume freezes yet again at the cold harsh attack. "That almost hurt as bad as the first time you said it. Look, all you need is a change of environment. Somewhere you can can go and be yourself. That's exactly the type of place we're heading."
...
Reaching the mall as Natsume requested Kahaku parks the car. The blonde stopping to fetch a quick disguise first, so he'll be less noticable. Following Natsume down the crowded hallways the three go up the escalator. Kahaku has a pretty good idea on just where Natsume plans taking them. Surely enough they soon find themselves standing in front of a small arcade. Many young teens flood the place enjoying the variety of games they have to offer. "This is a major hangout spot for kids. Plus everyone here holds the same interest that you do, so go up and strike a conversation."
"W-What do I say?"
"Anything really. Just ask about the game they're playing." Sho slowly approaches the young boy Natsume is referring to, but after a minute he comes right back to them. "Back so soon. What happened?"
"I just asked him about the arcade game he was playing, and he told me he likes it." Sho simply explains having the two older males sweatdrop.
"That's all you said?"
"Okay, why don't we give you an example. Kahaku, you're up first."
"Why me? You suggested it!"
"You wanna help your brother, right? Truthfully I think you'd relate to them more than I would."
"And just what is that supposed to mean?"
"So you won't do it?" Sho mumbles and with that face he can't excatly say no.
"Fine, I'll go." If it'll help give Sho encouragement then he needs to do this. Searching the perimeter he spots a trio of boys gathered around some racing game. He'll try talking with the three of them first.
Slowly strolling over oh so casually as he stops right beside them. "Wow, that game looks like a lot of fun."
"Of course, it's one of the newer machines that was recently brought in. Drive Or Die five." The brunette replies fingers still jamming buttons.
"T-That's cool, I played the others but I didn't know there was a fifth one made."
All the boys groan as their friend gets his car wrecked and a game over appears on the screen. "Oh man, you were so close that time." Now with the show ended they turn their attention towards the male standing behind them.
"Hey, you wanna give it a go?" The previous player questions making his body stiffen. Kahaku definitely wasn't expecting they'd ask him to play. He never touches any games but if he turns them down now the conversation will probably end here. Glancing over at his brother still observing in anticipation.
I can't afford to go back like this. I want Sho to get confidence to put himself out there a little. I was a tone deaf singer and now I'm a growing idol. This is just some racing game so how hard can it be?
"Sure, I'll play. Though I warn you I haven't touched a Drive Or Die game in a while now," he answers, switching seats with the child.
"That's fine, the first few levels are pretty easy anyway. It doesn't really get challenging until you hit level fifteen."
"The mechanics are basically like the other games, though you can still go over them." The shorter boy futher explains. Kahaku tries to get an understanding of the controls before starting the game up.
The young idol isn't even ten minutes in as he desperately pushes on the gas trying to flee pursuers. The car swerving a bit as the amount of enemies multiply. At this rate he'll be lucky to survive the second level.
"What are you doing? You have to shoot those enemies down before they destroy your car!" The red head exclaims, as he quickly aims his gun back at the upcoming targets.
"Turn the wheel! Jeez, you nearly ran into that wall! Don't forget you're still driving!"
"You won't make it to the checkpoint in enough time at this rate. Are you even pressing the gas?!"
"Gah! I can't focus with you all shouting at me different instructions at onc-ah..." The same game over suddenly pops up on the screen. Honestly he thought it was supposed to be a simple racing game. Not an 'out drive the cops while shooting down the gangsters trying to steal your stolen money' scenario.
"That was much harder than I thought."
"What kind of playing was that! You only made it to level two!" The shorter stomping his foot to stress Kahaku's terrible effort.
"Yeah, haven't played in a while my butt. More like you never touched a game in your life!" The red head spats and he can't just sit through these kids lecture.
"Look, the real reason I only came over to talk to you was to set an example for my younger brother. I don't have an interest in video games at all."
"Younger brother? What type of excuse is that, and you don't even look that much older than us." The brunette says crossing his arms, and Kahaku can hardly grasp a response.
Wait just how old do they think I am?!
"Come on you guys, let's go!" Their leader taking off with the other two in tow. He could try another group but what would be the point? Kahaku shamefully makes his way back over to Sho and Natsume.
"I couldn't hear it all but it seems like your brother struck out. Guess it's my turn then." Natsume looking around for a minute before picking a pair that appears to be siblings. The two talking excitedly about some new PS4 release. "Hey did I hear you kids mention Frenzy? I never knew there was a squeal to that game. It's actually one of my favorites."
The sudden question putting a stop to their chatter as the girl drops her head. "Um, yes it just came out recently so..."
"Oh? How'd you two hear about it?"
"We just saw the trailer and played the demo." The boy answers as the siblings slowly edge backwards towards the exit. Though Natsume seems to completely fail to notice their tension. "Hey, isn't this the type of creepers that mom warned us be out at night?" He whispers in a hush tone and she quickly nods.
"Yeah, he's dressed like one of those strange men that tries to luwer away naive kids..."
"About the demo you two played, did you like it?" Startling them out of their private conversation as the boy throws his hands up in defense.
"Huh? W-What was that?!"
"I was thinking about purchasing the game so I was only asking, is it fun?" Leaning in for them to hear him better and their eyes grow wide in horror.
"P-Pervert!" The girl cries as her older brother kicks him where it hurts. Then grasping his sister's hand and running for the hallway.
"Stay away from us you creep!"
Poor Natsume lays on the floor rolling around in pain. The small commotion definitely causing some unwanted attention. Sho is left speechless as Kahaku sweatdrops at the situation.
Given Natsume's tall built and the strange disguise he's wearing, they probably mistaken him for some kind of offender.
"W-Wait it's not...what it looks like-" Natsume slowly tries voicing to onlookers. Grimacing as he forces himself to stand up straight.
"Let's go!" Kahaku grabbing his arm and yanking him out the door. It'll be far too complicated for them to explain, and could look even worse if people recognized who he is now. The three run a far wase down the hall until finally stopping to catch their breath.
"Well...that didn't go...exactly as planned." Natsume comments with a chuckle and Kahaku makes a face.
"You don't say."
"Sorry I screwed up your chances, Sho. We can go somewhere else for you to mingle."
"Forget it. This is all pointless. I'm tired and just wanna go home." They exchange worried glances but what can they say to protest? Their poor attempts to set examples probably put more pressure on him.
Kahaku gives his brother a small pat on the shoulder heading towards the escalator. "That's alright, we can leave."
Though Sho follows after him the blonde is left standing in deep thought. Kahaku glances back when realizing he's not following. "Is something wrong?"
"Why didn't I think about this before. She's perfect! I have to get moving so I'll catch a taxi."
"You're going already? Who's this person you're talking about?"
"You'll see, just make sure you're both ready tomorrow evening. We'll drop by around then." With that response he takes off down the crowded stairway. Natsume left so quickly he didn't even get a chance to try and talk with him, though apparently he'll be back over tomorrow.
I wonder just what plan is up his sleeve this time?
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As agreed on the brothers wait in the living room as the sun has started to set. According to Natsume he should be here with the surprised guest really soon. Although he's beginning to question if he'll even show up. "I wonder what's taking them so long. Hmm, maybe I should cook something since it'll be close to dinner by the time they get here."
"What are you trying to do? Scare the guest away."
"My cooking isn't that terrible anymore! I've been improving so you know! Though...just to be on the safe side I'll order a pizza later." This could be the another opportunity for Sho to make a decent friend. He doesn't want to ruin his brother's chances by inflicting food poison on her first visit.
After another twenty minute wait there's a knock on the front door. Kahaku quickly leaps to answer it finding Natsume standing with a young girl on the other side. "Hey, sorry we're a little late."
"Who's this?" he questions letting the pair step in.
"This here is my younger cousin Chieko. She's from my father's side."
"Nice to meet you," she greets politely. The girl looks to be around Sho's age with long ginger hair in two pigtails. Sparkling blue eyes peering behind her pink framed glasses.
"She's also twelve but that's not their only similarities. When I was practicing my gaming it was on her system, plus she's a big fan of Earth Radiance too."
Kahaku never would've taken her for a gamer based on appearance. With her fancy dress and matching shoes makes her come off more of a bookworm.
Glancing at the couch Sho has perked up now compared to his uninterested attitude before. Waving him over so they can introduce themselves. "I'm Kahaku and this is my brother Sho."
"Natsume told me a lot about you. We sure have a lot in common. Oh, do you actually own Crossfire three?" She asks excitedly and Sho slowly nods.
"Yeah, my brother bought me it for Christmas."
"That's so cool! I always wanted to play that series, but my parents won't get it because of the rating."
"Really? Well...there's an extra controller here," Sho shyly suggests averting his gaze.
The girl quickly spinning around to her cousin with pleading eyes. "Can I please play, Natsume?"
"Sure, your secret is safe with me." Given permission the two dash to television and start setting up.
"Um, there's a co'op career mode we can do. Though you might want to practice first since you never played this title before."
"I'm sure I catch on fast enough! I might not look it but I'm a really good gamer."
Kahaku glances over at the blonde next to him clearing his throat. "Well, I could fix us both some tea?"
Preparing them both a cup they take a seat in the dinning room. The kids seem to be getting along well as they play together. "I never imagined that cousin you spoke of was around Sho's age. It looks like they're having fun."
"Can't believe I only thought to introduce them yesterday. Chieko is sweet kid furthermore real outspoken too. I'm sure that'll be good for him and as a bonus she has a few friends from school. Maybe one day she could introduce Sho to them."
"Yeah, that sounds great." An awkward silence falls between them. Kahaku painfully aware they still haven't talked about that night whatsoever. This is his opportunity to finally clear the air. "Hey, uh, about the kiss-"
"Man, it looks like Cheiko will be surpassing my level soon with how fast she's catching on. Wonder if she's gotten better at Zombie Apocalypse now." Natsume's gaze directed towards the other room and he's obviously trying to avoid the subject. Maybe it's best Kahaku just drops the matter too.
After so long of gaming he finally gets them to let the system cool down while they eat dinner. Chieko firstly picking the mushrooms off of her slice before taking a bite. Glancing over at Sho who has extra placed on his own. "Yuck, you like mushrooms on your pizza? I couldn't stand to eat something so slimy."
"Huh, pizza wouldn't be the same without them."
"I guess we don't have everything in common. It was fun playing games with you today. Natsume said how you were upset Earth Radiance is ending. I have the complete series of the previous seasons on DVD box set. Why don't we binge them the next time I come over?" She brightly suggests and Sho eyes grow wide.
"The...next time?"
"Yeah and we can beat that next level on Crossfire too. That's okay, right Natsume?"
"I already showed you what train to catch at the subway to get here. You guys really don't live that far from each other."
"Yeah, you're welcome here anytime," Kahaku insists.
"Thanks! Are you free this weekend?" She asks and the boy slowly nods in reply. "Great I'll be back Saturday then!"
Sho looks speechless almost as if he's questioning is this actually happening. Then being replaced by a warm smile spreading across his face. "I'll be waiting."
Natsume and Kahaku can't help but exchange grins of their own. By the time they finish eating the two leave out for the station. Kahaku fetching the broom to start cleaning up. "Natsume did a nice thing introducing you to Chieko, huh?"
"I...guess he isn't a pain all the time," he mumbles. Quickly collecting the paper plates into the kitchen.
He's glad Sho finally has someone he can call a friend now. Though his own relationship with Natsume is still far off. "I wonder will things ever truly go back to normal..."
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Kahaku is more than a little excited when the triplets in particular Toshi invites him to tag along today. The destination none other than to a Dark Skies performance singing live in a few hours. He nearly breaks his neck getting ready, making sure not to leave his disguise. Tatsuya informed it's best when Treasure is not in the public eye for him to start putting one on. He does get ambushed most times he leaves the house now. Kahaku's lucky he wasn't noticed during that mall trip. Throwing on some shades and a hat he hurries off out the door.
By the time he reaches the venue he seems to had beaten the brothers that still haven't arrived yet. "I haven't got a chance to see Dark Skies perform since that time at the club." How much things have changed from just a few months ago. Back when he was only just discovering his feelings for Natsume rather than acting on them. Not trying to bring down his own mood he shakes away the negative thoughts creeping in.
"Hey, look who's here early!" Yoshi greets with a wave with his brothers in tow.
"I was so excited that I couldn't wait. Thanks for inviting me, Toshi."
"No problem, I'm glad to hear you're such a big fan."
"Let's get moving before this place gets any more crowded." Following Makashi's advice they head on inside.
With Toshi's scored tickets they get in without any complications. The room is jammed pack with people as they're still setting up on stage. The youngest triplet bouncing a bit as they wait. "I love watching Dark Skies performances! It really helps us when we're stuck in a rut with our dance routines."
"Yeah, me too. I've been a big fan of theirs since high school days."
"About them, did you hear that they nearly disbanded a while back?" Makashi asks and Kahaku thinks a moment.
"Yes, I believe I heard a little about it on the news. I'm not too familiar with the details though..."
"Apparently their lead singer Canna had a meltdown. A lot of hate mail was coming in her inbox the past few months about how terrible of a singer she was. It really triggered her past anxiety attacks and she was losing motivation to sing," Toshi informs.
"No way, but she's so talented. Who would do something like that?"
Makashi sighs gazing up at the stage. The spoken female in much better spirits now. "I don't know but her group helped her through it. All the drama set them a bit behind though."
Hearing such things about his idols makes his chest hurt. Of course it'll always be negatively but just how terrible were those letters she read? The lights dimming down snaps him out of thought as they get ready to begin their first song.
Singing along and laughing with the triplets is just the positive boast he needed. Leaving the venue still smiling from ear to ear. "That was awesome! That last song is going to be stuck in my head all night long."
"Well I wouldn't say all of that but their music is pretty catchy," Makashi agrees. If Kahaku recalls correctly he basically knew all the words to every song they sang, but the newest one. Still he keeps that little observation to himself.
"I see you're wearing a disguise like the rest of us now. You're popularity has really risen from all of this, huh?" Yoshi asks with a grin.
"Oh, yeah, I guess so."
"...I really am sorry about what happened, Kahaku. That's why I wanted to invite you out and make it up to you." Toshi's sudden confession causes his walking to slow.
"Wait, what are you talking about?"
The three exchanging glances as Yoshi decides to answer his question. "Natsume, told us the other day about the incident."
Kahaku doesn't need anymore of an explanation than that. It's not like he can be surprised he told them. Natsume was originally friends with them first so of course they talk. This does make him curious on what all he said, despite the fact he has no business in prying. "So you already know everything...Did Natsume seem upset with me?"
"No...I can't exactly explain it but he didn't come off that way when we spoke." Yoshi answers, and it doesn't seem like he's lying. However it doesn't mean he is telling the full truth either.
I don't get it. If Yoshi is right about Natsume not being mad, why is things so awkward between us still? Is it really one sided?
"I'm sorry, Kahaku. I'm the one who said you should confess." The guilt clearly written on Toshi's face, but he absolutely did nothing wrong.
"No, don't apologize. This hole I'm stuck in I dug myself. I think...I'm going to call him tonight. I want the chance to actually own up to my actions. Despite the result I do appreciate you giving that push, Toshi." He insists earnestly as his downcast face is lifted with a small smile.
"Well if that's what you set your mind to do you shouldn't waver."
"You can come to us whenever you need. Don't just bottle everything up until you explode." Thanking Makashi for the encouragement he parts ways with them. More determined than ever to finally makes things right between them.
...
Later that same day Kahaku gazes out his bedroom window at the starless sky. It's nothing like the beautiful one they witnessed on the rooftop that night. Snagging his cellphone off the bed he flops down calling his number.
Natsume paces back and forth in his own bedroom with his cellphone to his ear. Letting out a tiresome sigh as the other free hand massages his droopy eyes. "I have to put my career first, you know that already...It wasn't like that at all! This isn't...Please don't bring that up right now. Hold on, another call is coming through."
Since his line is busy Kahaku's tempted to hang up and try again, when suddenly he clicks over. "Oh evening, Natsume."
"Kahaku, I wasn't expecting you to be calling at this hour."
"It won't be long. I just really need to talk you about something."
"Just a minute, Akira is on the other line." That declaration causing his courage to plummet in the snap of a finger. So the two of them are talking again then. If everything is all worked out now it should be no reason for their awkwardness to remain.
Laying back Kahaku swings his feet as he patiently waits for him to return. Only to hear him utter something he's sure that wasn't meant for him. "...That promise was a long time ago. Are you going to keep using that against me too?"
"...Natsume?"
"What, Kahaku?! Damnit the call must of got disconnected. Look we can talk later, alright? I need to call her back." Without waiting for a reply the phone hangs up. The silence stretches on with nothing but those particular words left floating through his head.
He made a promise with Akira too?
A/N What promise do you think Natsume and Akira made? Plan to update real soon.