The three young boys go through a routine in their bedroom. Two are on point though there is one in the middle clearly falling behind the others. When striking the final pose Toshi lost his balance falling foward. The two quickly took notice rushing to his sides.
"Are you alright?" The youngest questioned first and he slowly shook his head.
"No, I'm not. I'm never going to be able catch on! No matter how hard I practice I still keep forgetting the routine, or I stumble over my own feet like I did right now...Maybe I'm just not cut out to be an idol. I'd only end up slowing you guys down."
One looked surprised by his words as the other appeared more agitated. "That's not true at all! You might struggle with your dancing, though you have a great singing voice. So you need to just give yourself more time, but it won't be any fun if we aren't all together," Yoshi encouraged brightly.
Makashi who has been listening quietly finally spoke up. "Don't be stupid! You'd never hold us back. We made a promise that we'd become one of the best idol units in Japan. So don't even think about trying to flake on us now."
Both saying their piece they extended an arm out to help him on his feet. "Let's make our dream a reality!"
"Yoshi, Makashi..." He nodded happily grasping hold on each of their hands.
"I was ready to throw in the towel then, but because of their support I pushed through it. Our popularity has risen to a point we only dreamed possible. But what about that promise now? This one fight could destroy everything we worked so hard for..." Wearing a bitter smile at the possible future outcome of this all.
"Toshi..." Megumi mumbles, as silence fills the room once again.
Kahaku never knew much about their personal lives until now. Listening on how much they've been through together it can't possibly end here. Perhaps Toshi is feeling the same as he stands up. Washing away the nostalgia with determination in his scarlett eyes. "That's why I refuse to allow a silly argument let this happen. Yoshi said he believes Makashi tampered with the time on his interview papers. I want to see it for myself."
"Wait, we'll help you look!" Kahaku quickly following after as the male has already taken off upstairs. The three reenter the bedroom where Makashi has dozed off on his bed.
"Those papers have to be around here somewhere. Sorry for this, Yoshi." Going to Yoshi's corner of the room he starts rummaging through his belongings. The two of them helping out in the search.
After a while Kahaku pulls out wad papers crumbled up in a sack. "Are these them?"
The two peep over his shoulder as he opens up the crinkly pages. Reading the title at the top without a doubt it's what they're looking for. "It's from Scoop Central. This has to be it!" Quickly covering his mouth after hearing Makashi grunt with all the noise.
"Let's see outside so we don't wake him," Toshi whispers. Stepping out into the hallway and closing the door behind them. Handing it to Toshi he starts scanning the few sheets over.
"Hey, how did Makashi end up with his interview papers anyway?" Kahaku asks. He couldn't possibly have changed it if he didn't posses them some time or another.
"They were to be dropped off at the agency for Yoshi to pick up when he had the chance. It's basic information on what the interview would be covering, including the time it being held on Saturday. Since Makashi had left something and was going there anyway, Sojuro asked him to grab the papers for him."
Somewhere within that time period Yoshi assumes he did something to cause him to miss his appointment. Ever since he overheard Kenshin's name earlier he can't shake this bad feeling. Like One Star might play some hand in this.
"I found it." Toshi declares as both look at the time marked. However there's white out over the original print with a black pen writing over it instead. "Sorry we made a typo but your interview is actually at five sharp. Apologizes for the mishap."
"That's around when Yoshi was getting ready right? So he didn't mistake the time." Megumi states, and he's also sure it was around that point.
"But when he arrived they told Yoshi he was an hour late. That's what doesn't make any sense," Kahaku mumbles.
"This isn't Makashi's handwriting." Toshi's declaration alone almost solidifying his suspicions. So someone did change the time but Makashi is innocent.
"What do you mean?" Megumi taken aback by the revelation.
"I wouldn't mistake my brother's hand. Maybe Yoshi was just really frustrated so he didn't pay much attention, but I know for a fact this isn't his doing."
If he didn't write this, who did? Could One Star really had got a hold of his papers somehow? And if so does this mean they've trashed Makashi's song too?
"Let's go talk to my boyfriend Kyou. He works at Scoop Central and he should be on shift right now."
Kahaku nodding at her suggestion. "Good idea. He has to know something." With that in heart the three take off towards the subway station once again.
...
Heading inside the small office building Megumi goes straight to the receptionist. Exchanging a friendly greeting before waving them over to follow her. She guides them to Kyou's work desk, who is just getting off the phone from a call. "Hey, Kyou."
"Megumi! I didn't expect you'd be dropping by tonight." Standing up to give her a quick peck on the lips. Then turning to face the other two standing behind her. "Kahaku and here's a new face. Wait, you're one of those triplets, aren't you?"
"Yes, my name is Toshi Narukami. My brother had interview today with one of your colleagues."
"That's what we wanted to talk to you about. When Yoshi got here they said he was an hour late and missed the appointment. But that doesn't match the time given on the paper."
"Ah, that's right. Zani did mention an interview with him earlier this week. Let me see the paper."
Toshi hands over the asked item and Kyou eyes scan the page. Immediately frowning at what he is seeing. "This isn't accurate. I'm sure Zani said the interview was supposed to be at four not five."
"You don't believe she made those changes then?" Kahaku asks grimly and he shakes his head.
"Yes, I'm sure of it. I would ask her about it now, but she went home already. I can take this to my boss and see what he has to say about it. I'll call you later when I get this sorted out."
"Thanks, you're the best," Megumi says, and after a little more chat they take their leave.
Kahaku processes everything they've learned between the mixed time and missing papers. He is finally starting to connect the dots together to one reasonable conclusion. "I'm sure I know just who's at fault with all of this."
"Really, who? she asks.
"Firstly when we went to the agency to look for Makashi's song papers, you said it was unbelievably messy. It shouldn't have gotten so trashed if you just recently cleaned."
"True, it doesn't get like that usually," Toshi admits.
"So, what does that have to do with anything? Do you think we overlooked it or something?" Megumi questions raising an eyebrow.
"No, actually if my gut is right it definitely isn't in there. The papers are long gone but not because of Yoshi. When we were leaving earlier I overheard the receptionist talking about Kenshin stopping through there. I'm almost certain she was referring to the member from One Star."
Those last words causing the other two bodies to tense up. "Wait, One Star stopped through the agency when?" Megumi mumbles.
"Apparently sometime yesterday. That was also the last time Makashi's papers was seen. I believe One Star snuck into Faresene's room and swiped them. If it had been Yoshi he would have already known where the song was, so it wouldn't been in such a state."
"You make a good a point. Do you think they had some hand in Yoshi missing his interview too?" Toshi inquires and he nods.
"I'm almost sure of it. If his papers was still on the desk before Makashi grabbed them, then they could have easily changed the time while they were there."
It's farfetched yes, but it actually makes perfect sense. Much more so than the brothers hurting each other like this. Megumi's fist bawl up tight her practically shaking in rage. "I can't believe them! That means this entire fight is their fault!"
"But they never targeted us before..."
"Yeah, I thought the same thing but with all they've done to Natsume and me I wouldn't put it pass them. You said this was a really big show for you, right? That could be a reason for them to sabotage." Still messing with Treasure is one thing. Now they're even attacking at his friends and those guys have taken things too far. Kahaku speeds walking towards the station with the two hurriedly tailing behind him.
"What do you plan on doing?" Clear concern in Toshi's voice but he's had enough.
"I just want to confront them about this. They've taken it too far this time."
"I want to give them a piece of my mind too! Let's stop by their agency." Megumi agrees, pumping a fist in the air.
...
(Soma POV)
In the usual meeting room the four sit quietly around the table, as an old man continues on with his neverending lecture. "You couldn't even stop Dark Skies from performing that night. Now their popularity has risen higher than before."
Ryuga pushes up his rectangular frames. "We deeply apologize for that, but we assure you the Shi Triplets will not be singing at the Limelight this weekend."
"Hmf, you best hope you start to show results. I'm the one who took you under my wing when you had nowhere else to go, and I can drop you just as easily. Best keep that in mind," he grumbles, storming out the room past Itsuki waiting patiently in the hall. Following behind the other males make thier exit, and the red head greets them with a small smile.
"Is the meeting over now?"
"Yeah, we can head home." Soma answers rather dryly, running a hand through his silver hair.
He knew the president wasn't going to be pleased about their last shortcoming. Dark Skies might've suffered for a while but now they've recovered better than ever. Including all the crap with Treasure's popularity sky rocking is only making things worse.
"What did he want? Why couldn't I be in there when he spoke to you?"
"It wasn't anything like that. Just one of his usual long speeches. I'm sure it would have put you right to sleep." Though Kenshin's gentle response doesn't seem to satisfy him, as they make their way for the stairs.
"That's what you always say! I'm apart of this unit too but it's really starting not to feel like it!"
"Itsuki..." Kenshin at a lost for words as everyone pauses from their movement. The situation with Itsuki is quite complicated, and all of these lies is hurting the two of them the most. All of this was to protect his smile, but it seems it's only making things worse.
Hachiro pats his back offering the younger a rare smile. Holding up his hand to emphasize a point. "Of course you're one of us. A star couldn't be formed without five points. We're not excluding you out of anything, alright?"
"But..." his voice trails off, and Soma takes this chance to back him up.
"You have nothing to worry about but your energy is the main source that keeps us all going. If you were that much of a pain I would of had you replaced a long time ago." A small smirk forming on his lips, causing the red head to let out a grunt.
"Why'd you have to say it like that!"
Kenshin letting out a small chuckle the heavy air fades away. The conversation moving to a different topic.
(Kahaku POV)
The agency interior is twice as large as Magiz and laid out in darker colors of red, white, and black. It looks so fancy with the crystal glass floors, he wonders just how much this room alone is worth.
It's a possibility they aren't even working today, or was and went for home given the time. Still adrenaline drove them here so they can at least check after coming all this way.
"We should talk with the-" But whatever suggestion Megumi was about to make is cut off. Following her gaze to the five individuals standing directly across from them. The men look appalled by their presence at first before approaching the three head on.
"Just what are all of you doing in here?" Soma cold voice shows he already has very little patience.
"We could ask you the same thing. Why were you at Shimmer music industries yesterday?" Megumi placing her hands on her hips, not intimated in the least. Soma gaze pinned at the strawberry blonde, then muttering something Kahaku can't quite make out.
Ryuga simply lets out a snort. "We have no idea what you're talking about."
"We know you were there. I overheard the receptionist mention your name, Kenshin." Kahaku turning to confront the blonde and his face goes pale. He's quiet for a few seconds as if trying to think up an excuse.
"I was just there to see a friend..."
"But you never came there before. All of a sudden Makashi's song papers were stolen, and Yoshi's interview printout were tampered with. Both which we believe was you're doing." Toshi declares stepping foward. His calm eyes holding an unusual anger inside of them. "This act isn't just messing up our unit but their relationship too! Is it so important for you to get ahead that you'll step on anyone who posses a threat?"
"Where's your proof? Don't come here speading false accusations with nothing to back you up," Hachiro says in his typical monotone voice.
"Excatly, try not to get so ahead of yourself. You're still nowhere near our level," Ryuga retorts.
"If that's the case why'd you do all those things to Tresure then? If you're so desperate to become the best but lack the confidence for succeeding by normal measures, maybe you should just quit singing altogether." The words tumbling out his mouth before Kahaku can stop them. It's not like he came here in mind telling them to quit. Still his frustration just can't bite his tongue around them anymore either.
Their expressions hardening they glance back at the shorter male who's completely mute for once. Usually Itsuki would deny any claims against them, but this time he isn't saying anything at all.
Soma eyes close possibly collecting his thoughts until they reopen a sharper gaze than normal. "Say what you will about us. Regardless if we did what you accuse us of or not, it has nothing to do with them fighting. They started that all by themselves. And if something as petty as this gets them to stop speaking, then their relationship wasn't strong as you pretend it to be. Your unit was doomed to fail from the beginning." With that final remark they storm pass them out the doors.
"Toshi..." Megumi mumbles, his friend now wearing a crumbled expression.
"Don't let them get to you! We know what they did so all we have to do is explain that to your brothers. I'm sure they'll understand and this whole thing will be over," Kahaku assures, and has faith in what he speaks.
The blue haired male slowly nods forcing a smile. "Yes, they'll definitely make up then. I'm going to text them both for us all to meet. We can see where to go from there."
...
Arriving at the destination Toshi chose they stroll inside an abandoned building. A stage is placed in the middle with several rectangular tables and bar never to be used again. "Where exactly are we?" Kahaku questions, while continuing to examine the place.
Megumi thinks for a minute then clapping her hands suddenly. "I remember now! This use to be a club for young teens, but when business got low it was shut down."
"That's right! From the picture we saw backstage on the photo cube."
Toshi nodding at their observations with a soft smile. "It wasn't anything but a small club, but back then we were all ecstatic to be performing here. That was such a long time ago...This has kinda been a special spot for us. Even after it was closed down we all still snuck inside of here. When things got hard it was a nice way to remind us just how far we come. And a secret hangout of ours no one had known anything about, until you two that is."
Toshi mentioning hangout makes him think about Natsume once more. Kahaku has been so distracted with everything going on he hadn't thought about him much today. Now all the events that have conspired over the pass few weeks flooding back into memory, though it isn't the time to be thinking on such things.
"So, do you believe they'll show up?" Megumi breaking the silence and Toshi nods without hesitation.
"Yes, I know they will."
The waiting game begins as they all take a seat at the edge of the stage. Engaging in small talk to past the time. After Toshi glancing at his wrist watch for the fourth time the door finally creaks open. Yoshi being the first one to arrive there. "Hey, sorry for the wait. I had to travel way across town to get here."
Slowing walking over to join them his eyes dart around the room. Clear who he must be searching for. "So, what's this all about?"
"It's probably best if we hold off for Makashi before I explain anything." Toshi says, and the other frowns at the mention of his name.
"Do you honestly believe he'll really-"
Before Yoshi can finish his sentence the door swings open. The middle brother making his appearance. "I got your text. I would of came sooner but I just woke up not long ago." His eyes lock with the younger and the previous awkward tension yet again fills the air. Luckily the two seem through arguing as neither utters a word, and Toshi clears his throat.
"There's something I need to tell you both. The three of us has have been doing our own investigation, and realized the culprits truly responsible for all of this."
The two quietly listening as Toshi begins to explain everything that happened. Between them sneaking into their agency with Kenshin's distraction, and their own confrontation with One Star not long ago. Needless to say Yohi and Makashi are completely speechless at his story. The middle triplet recovers first and the earlier shock now replaced with fuming rage. "The hell! The jerks were behind it all!"
"They're really attacking us too. I can't believe they went as far as sneaking into the agency building..." Yoshi mumbles in disbelief.
"We know for a fact they're the ones that stole your song, and messed up Yoshi's interview time," Kahaku insists.
The tension is no longer there moreover awkwardness still remains. Yoshi opens to speak only to snap shut with no words being released. Seeming to struggle in figuring out what he wants to say. "Makashi I-"
"Stop. Let me go first...I never really thought you trashed my song. I just wanted you to be the one jealous of me for once. In reality I'm the one who's jealous. The person this group could do without..." he mumbles, dropping his head as he continues on. "I'm not like the two of you. The short tempered aloof triplet that's easily forgettable. You're the ones who brings in all the attention. That song was so important because it's one of the first things I felt I was actually contributing to this unit." His voice is a suprisingly weak pitch Kahaku has never heard him use before.
Both brothers are left standing shocked and conflicted. Toshi goes to speak however Yoshi suddenly grasp the other by the shoulders. Forcing Makashi's dropped gaze to look right at him. "That's not true! I'm sure our fans feel the exact same way. Your personality is what makes you Makashi. People admire you even if you don't realize it."
"Yoshi..."
"You know when you were lecturing me earlier about constantly showing up late? I only got so defensive because I knew it was true. I'm not always taking my job as seriously as I should. It made me think maybe I really am dragging us down..." Yoshi bawling his fist up tight in frustration. Makashi steps foward closing the gap left between them.
"Idiot." Wrapping arms around his brother Yoshi body stiffens. "I didn't mean it. All of us have things we need to improve on, not just you. I let my jealous anger get the best of me, but even that's no excuse. I'm sorry."
A light blush comes across Yoshi's face after the straight forward apology. Later followed by an awkward chuckle. "Haha, this isn't like you at all, Maka...I'm sorry too."
The three exchanging smiles as they watch everything unfold. Yoshi lets out an exaggerated sigh as Makashi pulls away. "Glad that's finally over! Fighting like that is exhausting."
"But there is still one problem that remains." Makashi firmly states and Yoshi eyes widden in horror.
"The show is two days and we have absolutely nothing prepared!"
"I guess we could always sing an old song, but we'd be going back on the performance we promised," Toshi mumbles in defeat.
"No, we can't give up! I want to rewrite the song for us to sing. The process could go much smoother if I had some help?" Makashi hints, both brothers grinning with a nod.
"Are you sure you can pull this off in enough time?" Kahaku is inspired by their newly found enthusiasm, but this seem like biting off more than they can chew.
Makashi simply scoffs at worry. "We have worked under way stricter circumstances than this."
"Yeah, we'll pull an all nighter if we have to!" Yoshi seconds with a smile.
"Why don't you come see the show? We'll work things out so you both won't need any tickets?" Toshi offers.
"Yeah, it's also because you two we were able to sort this out in the first place. You absolutely have to come!" Yoshi pleads.
"The performance we'll give will be one you wouldn't want to miss." Makashi follows up. With all of them pushing there is only one acceptable answer they can give.
π€ π€ π€ π€ π€ π€ π€ π€ π€ π€ π€ π€ π€
The night of the show many has arrived at the Limelight to watch their performance. Kahaku and Megumi getting a close up spot for viewing thanks to the triplets. The strawberry blonde squealing in excitement. "I can't believe I get to see the Shi Triplets sing like this!"
"It has been a while since I've viewed one of their performances from the audience," Kahaku says. The lighting dimming down as the spoken brothers come out on stage. The crowd goes wild as they wait a moment for the momentum to die down.
"Hello everyone! We're really excited to be singing here at the Limelight for the first time," Toshi says.
"We prepared a special song to perform tonight at the last minute. Honestly Makashi had a song prepared he wrote all on his own without our composer, but because of unfortunate circumstances that song is lost forever." Yoshi explains, Makashi taking over.
"Yeah, by a certain star group of five that's been causing a lot of trouble lately. Not just for us but a friend unit of ours Treasure and probably others too."
Whispers being exchanged on who the perpetrators could be, but Toshi lifts the mood back up with a smile. "But that's not important right now. Tonight we've all pitched in to write a better song, and we couldn't did it without Makashi's guidance."
The middle triplet freezing at the sudden praise as Yoshi slings an arm around his shoulders. "That's right, Maka here is a gifted writer!"
Again hushed voices being passed around. Though more out of amazement than in worry as before. Makashi cheeks turning red at their comments averting his gaze. "Y-You're both making a big deal out of nothing. It's not that hard throwing some lyrics together..."
"This is a change of pace today. Usually Toshi is the one getting teased with, though him being a song writer is really neat!" A girl exclaims.
"I wonder what new song they planned now. And don't you love it how Makashi is super cool but really has a cute awkward side too?" The red head says with a giggle.
"I know right. I love all the triplets!"
"We actually just gone through a ruff fight a few nights ago. If anything this incident has helped us pull stronger together in the end. We present to you Light Up The Fire!" Makashi announces, and the audience cheers loudly. As soon as the three get into position the music starts up on cue.
Y: I'm tired of these strict rules, protocol confining me, to the point I cannot breathe.
T: I'm sick of these heavy chains, I cannot pull the weight, friendly gestures thrown at my face.
M: This time we're breaking free. Some things can't be solved peacefully. We'll start a riot and call you out right now.
T+Y: Start the fire!
Y: We'll burn you down.
M+T Start the fire!
T: We'll stand our ground.
T+Y: Start the fire!
Together: The rebellion will take our lead. Simple revenge isn't what we seek. But our fire can't get put out, until we seal off your cursed sound.
Listening to their song it has the whole place immersed, and Megumi roots happily as they dance. Kahaku takes back any foolish thoughts of earlier doubt. They managed to pull off a great performance. However listening closely to the lyrics he can feel the frustration behind them. Like a song to let off the anger on what One Star had done. The group of five is aiming their shot at anyone in jeopardy of surpassing them. Like their song expresses they can't just sit back and take this anymore.
If they went this far with the triplets who knows what they'll pull next. We need to find a way to end this, once and for all...