The sunlight is blocked off on this particular day with a gloomy atmosphere. Kahaku parks his car in a free space in the agency's parking lot, as he then makes his way to the entrance. He hardly moves two steps before hearing someone call out to him from behind. The tall blonde male greeting him with a small smile. "Good morning. The weather is pretty depressing today, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I guess it kinda is." They walk in silence side by side. Other than talking during work hours this is how things have stayed between the pair. After glancing at him for the third time, Kahaku has to speak up. He can't keep running away from confrontation forever. Time to finally tell Natsume what's been on his mind these past two weeks.
"How are things for you, with Akira I mean?..." He's fully aware on what conspired last time he brought her name up. Still they need to work past this-they have to. Otherwise their unit and friendship hangs in the balance.
It's silent as his pace slows down a bit. At first Kahaku wonders will he give him any response at all. Letting out a deep sigh, Natsume runs his fingers through his wavy hair. "She plans on moving out soon. Even going back to her family to escape me at this point. I...never wanted to hurt her or you." The last sentence coming out incredibly soft. Kahaku stops walking altogether, violet eyes trying to search his old friend for some kind of answer.
"I turned a blind eye to it before since I figured that was the right thing to do. Honestly I really love Akira, I always have," he continues, and though such feelings should've been expected, it still doesn't hurt any less. Kahaku feels his own chest tightening, starting to regret mentioning her to begin with.
"Though I never in my life have been in love with her." This statement causing Kahaku's gaze to meet his once again. What does that mean?
"B-But...if you weren't ever enamored with her then, why were you dating in the first place?...Does it have something to do with a promise?" He remembers the last words Natsume spoke over the phone before they stopped talking. He has always been wondering what this secret is.
"Yeah, actually it does. It's all very complicated," he mutters. Kahaku being able to hear the tiredness in his voice. So Natsume confirms that he made a promise with Akira, but what kind of deal did he agree to be stuck in a situation like this?
Before he can ask anything further, Natsume suddenly haults in his movements. Turning to face foward five men block entry of the front doors. Their unit name rolling off his tongue. "One Star..."
"What a surprise. It must be really something this time if you made the effort to come way out here." Natsume says exaggeratedly, though there is a hint of anger in his tone.
"You failed with your plan against the Shi Triplets. How long are you going to keep going like this? The truth of all the dirt you're doing will come to light eventually." Kahaku warns though none of them says a word. Actually something is different about their aura today. He can't put his finger on what but they don't feel as intimidating as usual. Kinda like the vibe he got from them back at his home once before. When they were threatening him to cut ties with Natsume.
"We didn't come all this way to discuss those Triplets. We came to propose a sing off." The silver hair declares having both males eyes grow wide.
"A sing off?" Kahaku mutters, and Ryuga pushes up his frames.
"Precisely. This fued between our two units has been dragging out for much too long. It's finally time now to put this all to rest."
"We would hold it this weekend in the Stellar concert hall at town square. We'll each write a new song and perform, then letting the audience decide who was better. If we win we want the two of you to end Treasure. As well as out of your own mouths reveal to everyone how fake this relationship really is."
Soma's harsh stakes has his body go numb. Not only would their unit be broken, but if the truth of the host relationship is made known at this point. They're be no recovering from that.
Natsume strokes his chin taking in the news rather calmly. "Interesting, and what happens if you lose to us?"
"In such a universe that ever occurred we would break up our unit. Also coming out with all the blackmail we have done to you till this point." His younger twin further explains. Itsuki's green eyes flicker at the mention of 'blackmail'. Still his head remains down not uttering a word.
Hearing them admit they'd split the unit, as well as come clean on all the crap they put them through hardly sounds believable. One Star has done nothing these past months but clearly prove their word means nothing. Just when thinking this the young blonde steps forward.
"I swear this song off will be genuine. No gimmicks and we'll stay true to the deal. This is...the best way to settle things between us," Kenshin mumbles, and Itsuki sad eyes gaze up at the male beside him.
"So do you accept our challenge?" Hachiro inquires.
The two exchange looks aware of the consequences. If they agree to do this there is no going back. Still they need some way to settle things for good, and right now is the perfect opportunity. He's scared about putting their unit's future on the line, but it's worth the risk. Seeming to understand their decision, Natsume extends out a hand. "Alright, we accept."
"I'd advise you two enjoy the little time left you have as a unit. This week will be your last." Soma firmly shaking his hand.
"Cocky much but we don't plan on losing."
"Word will be put out of this battle by tonight. This weekend will prove which unit is meant to prevail." Ryuga's last words as the five take off.
He can hardly absorb the fact they'll really be singing off against One Star. It's so much to prepare for and they only have about a week to do it. "We have to get started on what song we'll sing! If we lose-" His rambling cut off when Natsume holds a finger to his lips.
"We won't fail. Definitely not to the likes of them. Though right now we have a bigger issue on our hands."
"Huh?" Kahaku a little confused on what could be more important than this.
...
Tatsuya slams his hands down on the conference room table in frustration. The action making Kahaku jump a bit though Natsume remains composed as ever with crossed arms. "I can't believe you'd do such thing without running it across us first!"
"We had no choice. Besides Treasure has what it takes to win," Natsume argues.
"T-That's right! If we turned them down their attacks might never stop." Kahaku adds and Ginko exhales deeply.
"Well, there's nothing we can do about it now. It'll look much worse if they back out. I didn't expect our face off with Rising Up would be so soon."
"How am I going to explain this to Haruhisa..." Tatsuya mutters massaging his temples, and as if his thoughts summoned him the spoken male walks in.
"No need for you to fret. I've gathered enough to understand what's going on." The smooth voice coming from the tall dark haired man. He's said to be in his middle thirties but looks much younger to Kahaku. His amethyst eyes sparkle as he is dressed in a fancy white suit and tie.
The minute the idols see him both quickly stand on their feet. Giving him a small bow for greeting.
"P-President, what brings you by here?" Ginko nervously questions and he chuckles.
"I was walking by when I overheard the commotion. A sing off against One Star this weekend. A lot seems to be at stake here."
"I apologize, Haruhisa. They agreed without our permission."
"No need to be so stiff, Tatsuya. I'm not going to chew you out. In fact I think this sing off is a wonderful idea." Those words a surprise to everyone's ears.
"You're actually on board?" his manager asks.
"Yes, Rising Up has been a thorn at our side and not just with their unit. It's time we show them how talented Magicz truly is. Worst case scenario you did lose, your unit shall be coming to a close soon regardless."
Kahaku now more shocked at this than the previous statement. How soon is 'soon' supposed to be? He knew this wouldn't last forever, but he doesn't want Treasure to stop just yet. "W-Wait, really?"
"You're popularity has grown tremendously, Kahaku. And Natsume has restored his former glory, so there's no need for Treasure to continue any longer. I was going to have you break the unit by next month." Haruhisa is correct in everything he just mentioned. Kahaku is well known now compared to months before. He even wears a disguise when going out in public not to be noticed. Natsume has also regained his earlier image, and won over even more fans. The job of the fake relationship is done. Yet part of him wishes he could think of some excuse to give. Anything to stop this perfect dream from ending.
"However revealing to everyone the true act you've been playing all along will not look good for the agency. Still, I have upmost faith in you both to bring a victory coming Saturday. You're allowed to drop any current assignments and focus only on the performance."
"Thank you, Sr. We won't let you down." Natsume says, as Haruhisa turns to make his exit.
"...Wait! Mr. Sato, there's something I'd like to discuss with you about the sing off." Kahaku suddenly calls out.
...
Kahaku lets out a sigh as he just finishes showering, and relaxes in front of the television. It's definitely going to be busy these next couple of days, so it's best if he hits the sack early. The sudden knock at the door given the time is unexpected. Peeping it open a crack someone he never imagined would be at his doorstep again stands on the other side. "Kenshin!"
"Good evening, Kahaku."
"What are you doing here?" Already on the defensive and quickly looking to see if there's any other members with him.
"You don't have to worry, it's just me. Can...I borrow a moment of your time?"
Letting him inside he takes a seat in the chair as Kahaku goes back to his place on the couch. With Kenshin by himself he doesn't feel as nervous as the last encounter, when the One Star members waltzed through here. Still his surprise visit is unusual and Kahaku wonders what purpose does he have in coming alone.
"The Shi Triplets put on a really good show the other day. I'm sure you had a hand in helping them straighten things out. I'm glad."
"They had to put in a lot of work to pull it off. Considering their original song was stolen by you guys."
Kenshin faces falls as he drops his gaze. "It's true we're the ones that stole it. I distracted the receptionist while the others went searching for anything to use against the triplets. It wasn't just them either. Soma and Ryuga also sent that hate mail to Canna of Dark Skies that resurfaced her conquered stage fright. Of course, there is plenty we have done to the two of you as well. First the rumor on Chidori's show and then the blackmail."
Though he has always been aware they've done all of these acts, it's odd to hear Kenshin openly confess to him. "You didn't come all this way just to admit to that, right?"
The blonde closing his eyes as if to gather his thoughts before starting to explain his real reasoning. "I've never agreed with any one of these things, but we were told do them by Junbei Takashima."
This is a name Kahaku doesn't recognize and it's only one person he can think up he's referring to. "Is that the name of your president at Rising Up?"
Kenshin nods at his guess. "Yes, that old man has been running the place for many years now. A couple months back he was the one who assigned us together to work as a unit. Before then we were all failing miserably at succeeding on our own. I've actually known Itsuki since high school, and he's a really precious friend of mine. We met during my first year when Itsuki, who was a senior, was assigned to tutor me on some subjects I was falling behind in..."
Inside a busy high school Kenshin made his way down the hall stopping at a classroom. He checked the room number he took a peep inside to find a single person sitting on one of the desks. 'Hmm, this should be the classroom. This kid looks to be a first year like myself. Maybe he's here for tutoring too."
Walking over the red head turned around to face him. "Hey, are you here waiting on the tutor? I want to make sure I have the right room."
"Ah, so you're Kenshin Nishimura! I'm your tutor Itsuki Yamamoto. Nice to meet you."
"Wait, you're a third year! Sorry, I didn't realize..."
"It's okay, I get that reaction all the time. Which out of the two subject are you struggling with the most?"
"Math..."
"We'll start there then. Exams are just around the corner." The two took a seat and cracked open the textbook.
From then on the two of us started studying together twice a week. We chatted a bit during those periods too. Honestly he's the first friend I had made since transferring to that school. One day Itsuki suggested we hold our session on the rooftop instead.
Reaching the destination the cheerful red head is nowhere in sight. Kenshin let out a sigh as he gazed at the view from the fence. "Guess I got here before him."
A few minutes alone he began to sing softly to himself. It's one of the newer releases from his favorite idol group, and the song had been stuck in his head all day long. Kenshin's voice harmonized with the gentle wind blowing. Though such a performance is completely cut off when he heard the door swing open. He quickly span around to find the shorter male smilingly brightly. "I-Itsuki senpai!"
"I told you a million times you don't have to be so formal. Are you ready to get started?"
"Yeah..." With that the pair got to work on their assignments. Studying for some time before Itsuki suggested a break. The blonde pulled out some snacks much to his excitement.
"Wow, Kenshin you're the best!"
"Given all the help I received it's the least I can do. Why'd you say for us to meet here anyway?"
"I thought it would be nice to get out of those stuffy classrooms for once...Hey, do you like the group Moonlight Eclipse?" He asked innocently, having Kenshin's whole face burn bright red.
"I-I knew you heard me singing and you were just playing it off!"
"Eh, you don't have to get so upset! I really like them too. You have a nice voice."
"My singing is only average really."
"Are you interested in becoming a singer?"
"Huh?" The question was thrown out of nowhere. Quite honestly he'd love such a career but that would be wishful thinking for him. His blue eyes dropped down to his lap. "Maybe, but I'd never succeed. There's far more talented people out there, and I can hardly sing in front of a small crowd. It's more reasonable to go after a job I can actually handle..."
"...That's kinda sad." Those words had his eyes widden though he refused to meet his gaze.
"I want to be a singer too! A lot of people tell me to shoot for something more practical given how 'smart' I am, but this is my dream. I wanna sing to bring joy to others, so no matter what they're going through they can force a smile." Getting up Itsuki walked over to the fence looking towards the sky. "I know this path won't be an easy one, still it'll be worth it in the end. Of course I'm afraid but not trying at all and I'll constantly think what if. I rather take the risk of disappoint than that."
"You have more confidence than me. I could never have an outlook like that."
"It isn't that I'm more brave I'm just willing to take a step forward that you aren't. Would it be so scary if we took that leap together though?" He asked, his green eyes starred at his intensely.
"Are you implying...that we sing as a unit?"
"It would be fun, right! I'm sure if we work together we'll both accomplish our dreams. So what do you say?"
The gentle wind slowed down as the sun shined a bit brighter. Normally Kenshin would had never even considered such an idea, but something about his smile sparked a fight inside him. "Yeah, let's do it."
From that day on we worked hard towards our goals. We didn't really begin taking off until after I had graduated. Unfortunately our dreams were short lived as we weren't growing much at all in popularity. It's like something was lacking that was stopping us from success. The two of us were close to throwing in the towel altogether when Mr. Takashima offered us to work at his agency. There we were paried with twin brothers and another older solo artist. Given the new unit named One Star.
In the agency main office the five males stand in front of the president's front desk. "I've heard you boys have potential, so I'm giving you the opportunity to prove your worth by working here at my agency. Before you seemed to be all wasting your talent. Now you have the chance to raise to stardom as you so desire, but wishes come with sacrifice. Those who don't produce results are dropped. I hope you five do not disappoint me."
"We'll do our best." They all answer in union, and Itsuki happily tugs at Kenshin's side as they leave.
"Isn't this great, Shin? We get to keep singing together now!"
"Ah! Y-Yeah, we do..." The blonde mind deep elsewhere.
"I never felt right about the words he spoke that day. I hadn't know we'd be getting our hands dirty like this. I wanted to break away but couldn't go through with it." His fist bawling up tightly as he blue eyes flicker of past regrets. "Truth be told I was scared. Afraid that if I left I'd never accomplish my wishes as an idol."
"I had no idea..." This whole time Kahaku has been judging them, but in reality he doesn't know anything about their past. "Is that what your song was referring to? Light Up The Sky?"
"You noticed that? It was the very first song we wrote after debuting together. Can't begin to explain how accurate it is. This is the first time in months were doing something the right way. That's why this sing off is so important." He looks up to face the younger with a small smile. Speaking more genuinely than he ever has to this point. "We can finally end things fair and square. I understand what's all at stake, but I still wish you the best of luck."
Kenshin really came all this way to smooth things over between them. He can't help but return the smile. "You too. Thanks for opening up a bit to me, Kenshin."
As the blonde excuses himself to head for home Kahaku is now more determined than ever to win. For both of their sakes.
🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤
(Soma POV)
In the president's office a familiar five line up in front of his desk. The old man continues through his paperwork without giving them a simple glance. "So, did you put word out of the sing off?"
"Yes, everything is in order. We're just getting the song together," Ryuga answers.
"We'll face off with Magicz this weekend. It's time I showed Haruhisa how little his agency is worth." He pauses in his writing cold gaze locking with Soma's eyes. "I expect nothing but a victory against Treasure. Only the best resign at Rising Up and if you can't beat a novice unit such as theirs you have no place here. Your idol careers will be through if I let you go. Don't make me regret giving you boys another chance."
"We understand completely. We won't be losing against the likes of them."
"That's all I wanted to discuss. You're dismissed."
Leaving into the hallway Itsuki lets out a groan as soon as they're out of earshot. "I always feel nervous when going in there."
"So do I. His harsh lectures aren't exactly something you get use to," Kenshin agrees.
"A lot is riding on this. We need to finish the song soon as possible, so we can start working on the routine." Hachiro calmly points out, and Ryuga adjusts his frames.
"Well we're almost done, just touching up the lyrics a bit. We do need to make haste but rushing too quickly can result in error. We don't have any room for mistakes."
"I'll have it finished so we can start practicing by tomorrow. Just focus on resting up for tonight." Their leader instructs quickly taking off ahead down the stairs. Ryuga goes to follow after his brother leaving the three standing alone in the empty hallway.
"Soma seems pretty stressed ever since yesterday. I guess the pressure is getting to him," Itsuki mumbles.
Kenshin looks down setting a hand on the red head's shoulder. "Everything will be okay. We just have to support him the best we can."
"Yeah, lets give it our all this week." He says with a small smile but it's nowhere near as bright as usual.