"So he still hasn't called you back?" Megumi asks, as the two of them loudge in his bedroom mid day. After the back to back performances Tresure had scheduled the day before he has today off. Even then Natsume was in such a rush they didn't get a chance to hardly speak.
"No, not yet. I don't really know what else left to do but wait." Kahaku figures he could be dealing through issues with Akira still. Though he really wants to know what's this promise he made with her.
"Where is Sho anyway? Shouldn't he have been home from school by now?"
"Oh, Sho isn't coming straight home today. He's going to the arcade with a friend of his."
"Sho actually made a friend? That's great! Is it someone he met in school?"
"No, it's Natsume's younger cousin Chieko. He just introduced them a few days ago."
"Wow, really. That's nice he finally has someone his age to hang out with." She says with a smile as a small frown crosses his own.
"Yeah, and it's all thanks to Natsume."
Megumi's own expression falls at his dower mood. Suddenly leaping off the bed she claps her hands getting his attention from the television. "Well, why don't we go somewhere since we both have the free time? We could go skating since it's been so long, or see a movie-"
The doorbell ringing cuts off her list of suggestions. They give each other a look as he slowy exits the room to answer it. He wasn't expecting any visitors and only one person likes to randomly show up unannounced.
"Could it be..." Swinging the door open he's even more shocked than who he assumed was on the otherside. "T-Toshi!"
"Hello, Kahaku."
"What are you doing here?"
"I know it's a little sudden of a visit. I should have called first." Allowing Toshi to step inside Megumi eyes grow wide who followed from down the hall.
"You...you're, oh my gosh!" Running up she throws Kahaku out of the way. Now bear hugging the blue haired male tightly. "I can't believe it! Toshi Narukami from the Shi Triplets! I listen to your guys music all the time!"
A awkward smile spreads across his face at the big reaction. "R-Really? I'm happy to hear that you're such a fan."
The strawberry blonde next picking her friend off the carpet floor. Wildly shaking him about. "How come you didn't tell me you knew the Shi triplets?!"
"I wasn't aware you liked them so much..." he mumbles in reply. That answer only seems to agrivate her further as the shaking intensifies.
"S-Sorry, I'm sorry Megumi!"
"First you keep your past with Natsume a secret, and now you've been hiding this! I never keep anything from you!" Just that quickly the rage vanishes as she removes her hands. His dizzy body collaping back onto the floor. The female frantically detours back towards his bedroom. Emerging with a pencil and paper in hand.
"Can I please have your autograph? Hey, your brother's aren't with you?"
Kahaku finally feeling a bit less lightheaded gets up on his feet. "Yeah, where is Yoshi and Makashi?"
"About that..."
The three move their conversation to the living room as Kahaku hands him something to drink. He didn't notice before with all the commotion, but Toshi looks a little down compared to his usual smile. "Did something happen? You seem upset."
"Yes, it is. The two of them got into a fight the other day, and they aren't speaking at the moment."
"Makashi and Yoshi you mean. That's not really surprising. The two do bicker sometimes though I never seen them not talking because of it."
"It honestly has me a little worried."
"But brother's fighting is natural. Sho and me get into it here and there."
He's sure Toshi must just be overreacting. Whatever it is would be all forgotten in due time. Despite the attempt to calm his anxiety that comment has his expression harder even more.
"It's true them arguing isn't unusual but it's never been like this."
A gasp escaping from her lips as Toshi isn't the only one on edge now. "Do you mean that...this could affect the fate of your career?!"
"Calm down, Megumi. I doubt it's that bad-"
"Honestly, I'm not sure anymore..."
"Wait, what are you talking about?" A hint of nervousness in his own voice. What could they be so upset about that would jeopardize them ever singing together again?
Toshi sighs scarlet eyes looking down at his reflection in the dark cup. "It all started earlier this week when Yoshi showed up late for rehearsal again. Makashi lectured him that he wasn't taking his job seriously. That was normal enough for them but then...the song Makashi was working on mysteriously went missing."
"What song?" Kahaku asks.
"We have a composer Fasazane that writes our songs for us. Although there's times Makashi helps pitch in with the song writing. He really has a talent for it and Yoshi has always seemed a bit jealous because of that. This was the first one Makashi wrote the lyrics to entirely by himself. Not long after it was finished the papers just disappeared."
"So, Makashi thinks Yoshi did something to it?" Megumi trying to grasp all the details and he nods.
"It's what he claims however I don't believe that's true. Yoshi can be childish to do things and get back at Makashi when they're fighting. But no matter how mad he is Yoshi would never retaliate like this. Makashi knows that as much as I do."
"Do you think this is so bad that they'd want to break the unit?" Kahaku knows he's only looking at this situation outwardly, but feels like it's more to it than this.
"I don't know but he really is upset."
It's silence between them for a moment until Kahaku jumps up on his feet. Determination in his violet eyes. "I wanna talk to both of them!"
"Kahaku..."
"I need to see if there's anything I can do to help."
"Me too! I couldn't possibly sit around and the future of the triplets career is at stake." The female chimes in and the idea definitely seems to lift his mood some.
"Thank you both. It probably would be easier to talk with them in person then. They should still be back at the house."
...
After they get ready Toshi leads them to the subway station. One ride and short walk later they find themselves in front of a large yellow two story home. The neighborhood is nice and he can tell it must be costly to live here. "It looks great from the outside alone. Much bigger than my cousin's house."
"I can't believe I'm at the doorstep of the Shi Triplets residence! The privilege only paparazzi and strongly devoted fans get to see!" Megumi in fangirl mode a little too hard.
"Maybe you should conceal those thoughts to yourself." Kahaku suggests with a lopsided smile as Toshi opens the door.
Strolling inside a staircase is the first thing to greet them. To the left is the living room nicely furnished and dining area on the right. It looks like the kitchen goes around the back. He can already tell his uncle must make good money. Working as manager at a popular agency as Shimmer has to bring in the bucks. "I'm home! Oh, you're leaving out?"
Makashi who is just putting on his jacket and grabbing his shoes turns to greet them. "Toshi, and Kahaku is with you."
"I heard about what happened. Do you really think Yoshi would do something like that?"
"Doesn't matter what it seems like, that's what he did. I have nothing else left to say about it. I'm going to get some fresh air." Taking off before anyone can protest otherwise.
"He's so cold and collected just like on stage!" Megumi squeals, and he's questioning if she even remembers the important reason of their visit.
Going to the kitchen it's only a single person present that's not Yoshi. Their uncle who appears to be cleaning up.
"Sojuro, where is Yoshi?"
"Upstairs sulking in the bedroom still most likely." Turning to face them his eyes stop at Kahaku. "I wasn't expecting you to come back with guests."
"Yes, this is Kahaku and Megumi. They wanted to try help me resolve the issue."
"I recall seeing you at the autograph signing if I'm remembering correctly."
"Yes, Treasure was invited too. You're their uncle, right?"
"Yup, Sojuro Narukami. Nice to meet you both." Getting a better look at him they do favor a lot. Even if they're family some might mistaken the man to be their dad instead.
"Let's try talking to my brother and get down to the bottom of this."
"I wish you all good luck. Fasezane is having trouble creating a song in such short notice. I really don't want to have to end up canceling such an important gig. If Makashi would just help things would go much smoother but he's so stubborn," he mumbles, letting a sigh escape his lips. Toshi isn't the only one stressing out about this.
"We'll do what we can. Let's go," Kahaku says the two nodding in agreement.
They follow Toshi upstairs to their bedroom. Peeping inside the cracked door Yoshi is digging around through the closet. "Yoshi, mind if we talk a minute?"
"Yeah, sure." Inspecting the room the walls are painted a light orange color. Three single beds are all lined up against the left side of the wall. There's other belongings such as a bookshelf, outdoor equipment, and video game stack across from them. He can tell each triplet has their own person space and interests. Yoshi who is rummaging in the closet by the window glances back. "Kahaku, this is a surprise...and Mine!"
"Hi, my name is Megumi and I'm one of your biggest fans!" She greets, Yoshi instantly racing over to her.
"I can't believe Mine is a supporter of our music! I'm Mine and I'm Sai-"
"And we'll put and end to you!" Them marking the signature back to back pose. These two seem to be hitting it off well. That could work in their favor. "Your theme is so catchy. How did you meet her anyways?"
"Actually she's a friend of Kahaku's."
"I didn't know you were a fan of the show, Yoshi. I thought my younger brother was their biggest one." Kahaku's jokes, the younger brother's cheeks turning pink.
"Well, I wouldn't say it like that. I just watch it every so often when nothing else is on..."
"So you don't ask me to wake you up on our days off not to miss it then? I must be remembering wrong." Toshi further teases having his face go even redder.
"H-Hey, didn't you say there was something you wanted to talk about!"
The cheerful mood dying back down and Toshi nods. "You didn't really do anything to the song he wrote, did you?"
"Of course not! No matter how mad I get I wouldn't ever pull something so low. I at least expected you not to doubt me."
"I'm sorry, it was a stupid question."
"Do you have any idea on what could of happened then? Maybe it was thrown away by mistake?" Kahaku suggests and he sighs sitting on the edge of a bed.
"I don't know. The last place they were seen is in Fasezane's room at the agency. When he went there this morning Makashi said the folder was there but the papers were gone."
"That can rule them getting tossed out then, but if you didn't take them who did?" Kahaku thinks aloud as Yoshi makes his way to the door.
"Sorry to kick you out like this but I have an interview I need to finish getting ready for."
"You're getting interviewed?"
"Yeah, someone at Scoop Central said they wanted to do an article on me. Can you believe that?" he answers with a bright smile. Getting an inclusive interview from them must be exciting.
"Oh, right that was today. Well, we'll let you prepare then." Toshi taking his leave first as they follow after. The trio sighs not having made any progress in solving this ordeal.
"What should we now? We didn't even get the chance to speak with Makashi." He glances over at Megumi abouting to ask her opinion. Only to find his best friend's head stuck in the clouds.
"Yoshi is a fan of my show!"
"Megumi, we have to stay focused! If we don't figure out something soon they might have to cancel their performance Saturday."
"Why don't we check the agency? That's the last place Yoshi said the papers was at."
Actually her suggestion isn't a bad one. Maybe she was listening more than he thought. Toshi seems to also like the idea nodding in agreement. "Yes, I haven't been there myself since it went missing. It's definitely worth taking a look. The song could of just been misplaced."
...
Arriving at the agency Kahaku and Megumi tail behind Toshi in awe. It's the first time he has been to Shimmer's building before. It's not as large as Magicz but still really decked out on the inside. He guides them to the second floor to Faresene's workplace which is quite messy. There's things scattered all about on the desk and shelves. "I don't know how it's this untidy and we just cleaned up earlier this week. Anyway let's try searching for a bit."
Splitting up they each cover different areas of the room, only to be coming out empty handed. Toshi opens up a lower drawer pulling out a bright red folder. "This is where his song was supposed to be. We looked about everywhere but it just isn't here."
"I really was hoping we'd luck up and find it. Guess this was a wasted trip," Megumi mumbles.
Though Kahaku can't put his finger on it something definitely feels amiss about this whole situation.
"Come on, we should get going. Makashi is probably home by now so we can talk to him."
Heading back towards the entrance a female at reception giggles alongside another young woman she talking with. "Yes, I was so shocked when he popped up here the otherday. Told me he was visiting to see some friend. He even gave me his autograph!"
"I can't believe you got a chance to meet Kenshin! You're so lucky." The burnette squeals.
That one particular name clearly stands out. Could they mean that Kenshin from One Star? But what business would any of them have here? A bad feeling starting to form in his stomach as he tries listening in a little more, but Megumi's calling brings him back to reality.
"Quit dragging your feet and let's go!"
"I'm coming!" Only giving one final glance before taking off out the doors.
...
Strolling inside the home a wiff of various ingredients is the first thing that hits him. Kahaku can't put his finger on what they are, but it's making his stomach growl. "It smells good in here."
"Oh, you guys are back. Why don't the two of you stay for dinner? I fixed more than enough."
Though Sojuro's offer does sound tempting enough he doesn't want to intrude with all the drama going on. "Thanks, but maybe it's best if we just headed home. I'm sure you have your hands full already."
"It's honestly no trouble at all."
"Hhmm, I'd prefer if you stayed as well. I rather not have to sit through this awkward tension by myself." Toshi adds with a wry smile. Since neither of them minding the extra company it's no reason for them to refuse.
"Alright, thanks for having us."
"I can't believe I'm even having dinner with the triplets!" Megumi gushes as Toshi goes to give a hand in the kitchen.
They're instructed being guests to sit tight in the living room until it's time. Relaxing a bit it is a short wait before the front door swings open. Toshi glances up from finishing setting the table. "Yoshi, you're back already. How'd the interview go?"
"There wasn't one." The curt reply he receives only has him push futher.
"What do you mean?"
"They said I was an hour late and couldn't be fit in their busy schedule. But I know what time it said on the paper. Whatever, I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up," he grumbles, hanging up his jacket.
Toshi's face falls and Sojuro walks in placing the last dish on the table. "I'm sorry to hear it didn't work out for you, Yoshi. Some of my signature hotpot will cheer you right up. Toshi, can you let Makashi know dinner is ready? He's upstairs."
He nods going to fetch his brother. Taking their seats at the table Megumi choses the chair left of Yoshi. Kahaku taking the one on the otherside of him. Sojuro takes his seat at the opposite end by the kitchen. After a minute the two come down to join them. Makashi gives Yoshi a glare as he sits across from him. Toshi taking the last available space next to him. "Alright, I invited Kahaku and Megumi to have dinner with us tonight. Feel free to get as much as you like."
Saying thanks for the meal everyone starts grabbing what they want to eat. There's several different options to take from inside the pot. He doesn't care much for hot foods but the variety of spices added do work well together. "You're a good cook. I envy such talent."
"Aw, don't flatter me. I'm glad you like it though. I might of would've been a chef if I hadn't went into managment."
"You definitely have the skills for it," Megumi agrees.
A silence stretches with the boiling of the pot being the only noise. Yoshi glances at Makashi for the hundredth time though vocalizing nothing. Soon they both go for the pot at the same time. Their chopsticks hitting and Yoshi's tofu slips out of grasp. The piece sinking deep down into the dish. Kahaku feels the act was deliberate just to pick a fight. "Maybe you should be more careful. We don't have food to waste," Yoshi snaps.
"That's rich coming from the one that devours most of it. Look, I'm not blind you know. What is it you want to say to me?"
"Did you do something to the interview papers? They said I had the time wrong?"
"No, I delivered them the way it was. You probably mixed the time up and ended up late. Just like you are with everything else."
"Not this again, I said I was sorry."
"Sorry doesn't cut it. The last show wasn't as good as it should have been. That's because you're always late to practice then it's just the two of us."
"You're always coming down on me. Like you're oh-so-perfect." The agitation clearly building in the younger triplet's voice.
"Yoshi, please." Though Toshi's pleading falls on deaf ears as a coy grin forms across Makashi's lips.
"I might not be perfect but I still have my act together ten times better than you do. You won't even admit you trashed my song out of jealously." That remark being the one to stop him from eating altogether. The tension is hanging so thickly in the air it can be felt. Kahaku wishes he could do something to calm them down, but at this point sure they won't listen regardless of what he says.
"I won't admit to something I didn't do! If anything you're the one who is jealous of me! I seen the way you had been acting ever since I got the interview."
"I could care less about your stupid interview." Makashi sitting back crossing his arms.
"For all I know you could've put the wrong time on purpose. Payback for trashing your song which I had nothing to do with!"
"Don't stoop me down to your level. Yoshi the one who pulls crap whenever he don't get his way. Just
because you're the 'youngest' doesn't give you the obligation to do whatever the hell you want. Frankly our unit would be much better off without you in it!" He snaps hands slamming down on the table.
Everyone freezes the room falling deadly silent at his harsh words. Never would Kahaku imagined for him to utter something so cruel. Yoshi has gone mute the chopsticks in his hands broken in two.
"I've heard about enough out of both of you! It's ridiculous for you two to be arguing like this." Sojuro's firm voice leaving no room for debate. Though the damage has already been done.
Toshi's gaze moves to the brother standing beside him. "You didn't mean that, Makashi. Take it back!"
However he doesn't but instead storms upstairs to their room slamming the door shut. The shock seems to have finally settled in for Yoshi shakily getting on his feet.
"I've lost my appetite." The declaration an hardly audible whisper. Leaving the house after grabbing his jacket and shoes. This fight is way more serious than he assumed, and nothing else is spoken for the rest of the meal.
The sun has now started to set as Sojuro and Toshi are busy cleaning up the kitchen. Kahaku stares at the television blankly as Megumi paces around the room. Frankly they're at a lost on what action to take now. The problem isn't fixing this before the show anymore, but getting them to make up entirely.
"Hey, look at this." Megumi grabbing his attention he joins her at the shelf. Her holding a photo cube filled with old memories. The pictures vary but mostly of the brothers at different ages.
"Wow, with their bangs cut exactly the same then, who could tell them apart?"
"I'm sure it must've been fun fooling people. Aw, look at this newborn picture here. They're so tiny." Her pointing to another one with a giggle. They're such a small size it looks as if one could fit into just a hand.
"That's because we were born prematurely." Toshi walking over to them gazes at the baby photo. "It's not unusual when giving birth to multiples."
"Really? How early was it?" She questions.
"Twenty five weeks mark if I'm not mistaken."
"Being born that soon can cause complications," Kahaku mumbles. Luckily it seems that wasn't the case for the three.
"Well it did actually. Let me tell you both a short story." Sojuro corrects joining the conversation. The three make their way back over to the couch as he begins. "I'm their uncle because my younger sister is their mother. Now when the triplets were born they couldn't take them home right away. Instead they all had to stay hospitalized to be put on a ventilator for breathing. Now overtime Makashi and Yoshi's condition recovered and was able to be sent home. But as for Toshi he was still having complications, and couldn't live without the oxygen."
"That must of been stressful for new parents..." Kahaku mumbles and he nods.
"They were worried for him while still trying their best to look after the two at home. Every time the boys was set to bed they would wake up randomly crying in the middle of the night. Naturally they checked on them to see what was wrong, but all their needs was met. They weren't hungry or needing a changing, still the crying wouldn't seize. The two only settled down after they had been rocked back to sleep. This happened every single night and soon the young couple went to the hospital. Fearing something was seriously wrong with them. The doctors examined the babies throughly finding both completely healthy."
"If all their needs was meant and nothing was found wrong, then why were they crying?" Megumi asks.
A softer smile spreads across Sojuro's face as he continues on. "Well, a few weeks later Toshi was finally healthy enough to be released. Despite the fact he still needed the machine for the time being. Once their brother arrived home safe was the first night the two didn't cry since being brought back from the hospital. They slept peacefully the whole night together in the crib."
He's shocked by the heartwarming story and wonders if what he's thinking is true. "Do you really believe it was because of Toshi?"
"My sister and her husband say that they were missing their brother. Even if they were too young to fully realize. A sixth sense in them just knew something was wrong. Soon Toshi was able to breathe on his own fully, and they've been inseparable ever since."
"I remember my parents telling me that story before."
Kahaku is a little afraid to ask on that topic. Not sure what type of answer he'll receive, still he can't help but be curious. "...Where are your parents now anyway?"
"Back at home. They live in the city next over. After graduation we moved into our uncle's guest room, since it was easier to go to work from here. Have been staying here for about a year and a half now." Toshi leans over to the strawberry blonde. Spinning the cube around that's still in her hands, and stopping at a particular picture. The three of them are a little older in this one. Lined up and smiling brightly in a backstage area.
"When was this taken?"
"At the end of our first performance after we debuted. It's hard to imagine but I probably would've given in if it wasn't for them..." Being able to recall the incident as if it happened yesterday. The two sit back to hear Toshi share a past memory this time.
A/N The end of another chapter. Who do you think is most at fault with this fight? Will they make up in enough time for the show? Sorry for the awkward cliffhanger the chapter was getting too long😅