In the conference room at Magicz agency Kahaku and Natsume sit side by side, with scribbled sheets of paper scattered about in front of them. Natsume taps his pencil on table though hand not moving to write an inch. "I've had to come up with songs in a short time frame before, but never under pressure like now. Just when I was sure I was out from my writers block this happens. No, it's not that I can't think of anything to put down. More so than all the ideas I do just doesn't seem good enough. Kahaku?" He calls in a questionable tone as the younger male is zoned out. Snapping out of thought when his name is called.
"Sorry, I know what you mean...Back when I heard One Star perform for the first time at the club I was mesmerized by their talent. But thinking on it wasn't just the singing or dancing alone that made the show so great. It was also the lyrics."
The tapping from the pencil stops as Natsume sits up straight. "The lyrics?"
"The song really reflected what One Star is all about. I believe if we're to win that's how ours need to be. Something that lets our fans know just how important Treasure is to us. If we don't express those feeling Saturday, I think it's a good chance we'll lose against them." Kahaku admits earnestly, turning to face the male next to him. He's a little afraid if they can come up with such a song. How important is their unit to Natsume truly? Though to his surprise the male sets his larger hand on top of his own, causing a scarlett blush to cross Kahaku's face.
"Let's bring just that then. Prove to everyone how special Treasure has become."
...
(Soma POV)
The night has arrived but the sky is a starless one as Soma scribbles away at his desk. A light knock coming from on the otherside of the door before cracking open slowly. Ryuga walking in with a cup in hand. "I figured you'd still be awake despite the hour."
"Takes one to know one. I have to make this song perfect. If it doesn't move the audience everything we worked for until this day will perish." Soma massaging his temples as his brother sets the mug down beside him.
"I understand that but don't try and carry the burden by yourself. You know the others are quite worried about you. I am as well."
Taking a moment to turn to his twin who has an anxious look written on his face. His mask must be dropping to have him so worried. "You don't need to be because I have everything under control...It's getting really late. Why don't you try and get some sleep." A statement rather than a question, though more out of concern than control. Ryuga seems as if he wants to protest, but falls silent making his way to the door.
"The coffee should help keep you awake. Do try to get some sleep yourself tonight, even if only a little." Slowly pulling up the door as he exits.
A heaved sigh escapes his lips soon as it closes, reaching for the cup brought in to him. Taking a small sip his tense muscles start to relax just a bit. "Thank you, Ryuga."
Gazing out the window across from him the empty black sky misses it luminary glow. His fingers clenching tightly unto the mug as he looks at the papers in front of him. "I refuse to have it end here for us, no matter what."
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(Kahaku POV)
Much preparation is done over the next several days. Between finishing the lyrics and dance routine along with it. As well as getting their costumes fitted and checking the stage out. They really don't have a breather until the day before the sing off.
After much discussion they decided to write their own lyrics to the music piece separately, only forming a bit of the main verses together. Out of all his running this could be no better way than to express just how he's been feeling for months now. They don't plan on listening to each others half until showtime.
Evening Kahaku and Sho are just cleaning up the kitchen after finishing dinner. Letting him wash the dishes as Kahaku sweeps up the floor in a peaceful silence. "I need to use the bath first today. I'm going to be heading the bed a little early to rest up for tomorrow."
"For the sing off against One Star."
"Yeah, oh and I don't mind if Chieko comes over while I'm gone. I heard she was supposed to be dropping by sometime this weekend. Just try not to make of mess of things though."
"She won't be here because I'm going to be busy then," Sho comments, switching over to rinsing the washed plates. Kahaku pauses in his sweeping surprised to hear his brother having plans of any kind.
"Busy doing what?"
"Watching you sing of course. I'll be there with Megumi and Kyou," he states as if this fact is obvious.
Kahaku can hardly believe what he's hearing. Usually Sho has no interest in his career whatsoever. Given the unwanted attention he receives at school figured that made him hate it even more. But for his brother to come support him, and without even having to ask puts a smile on his face.
He drops the broom wrapping his arms around the boy's shoulders and pulls him close. "Thanks, Sho! With everyone there supporting us it's no way we'll lose."
"O-Okay that's enough! I can't clean like this!"
...
(Natsume POV)
The blonde leans against the wall by his window as he gazes at the orange painted sky. The room is lacking a few items now though an usual one is sitting at the foot of his bed. The younger triplet letting out a sigh. "Jeez, she really swiped up all her things. Guess she's gone for good now?"
"Yeah, it's only a drop more stuff to pick up after the sing off." Taking a sip from the wine glass in hand.
"I see. How are things going between you and Kahaku?"
"Smooth enough, though we've really just been focusing on the show. Who's telling how things will be once it's over."
"You could just tell him the full story. I'm sure if you explained it something can be worked out. But are you really happy with the ways things are now? Of course not! That's why you should just tell him how you feel."
A silence falling in the room as Natsume breaks his sight from the skies. Him letting out an amused snort as he takes another sip. "My ears must be deceiving me. It's no way this kind of advice is coming from Yoshi."
"Hey, Toshi isn't the only one with words of wisdom! Aren't you just trying to divert the subject?"
A lost look returning to his face as his eyes go toward the ceiling. "...I actually plan on doing just that in my part of the song lyrics I wrote. I wonder is it too late..."
"Well you won't know for sure until tomorrow. Kahaku has his own special lyrics he's writing too. Should you be drinking before the performance though?" he asks, raising an eyebrow at the nearly empty glass.
"This is nothing. I've drank far more and survived. I wouldn't do anything to put us at stake to losing against them." A hint of irraition in his voice though the wave passes just as quickly. Being replaced with a small smirk on his lips. "Besides, you really just want a taste, don't you?"
"Please! The others don't even have to know!" Giving him puppy eyes but Natsume simply turns his head.
"Absolutely not. I said I'll take the three of you out drinking when you're of age next year."
Yoshi flopping back on the mattress with a whine. "Ugh, you're no fun Natsume! Well it's getting late so I better head home now. We'll all be there in the audience cheering for your foreseen victory!"
Saying goodbyes with the cheerful blue head as he makes his exit. Downing the last drop of wine and staring down in the empty cup. The main verse they came up with together already suggests a lot. However for the younger he isn't sure if they're relating to the past or the present. "Do you still feel the same love for me now as before, Kahaku?"
🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤
Snow flurries fall down as the moonlight lets off a breaktaking shine as they head inside the building. It reminds him of the night of the New Year's show, though the situation is much different this time around. The rows is already packed with people, more still swarming inside. Word got around after it was put online last week, and the turnout is better than anticipated. The larger the audience the more votes to be cast.
The pair finish getting preparing aready dressed in their newly designed purple and orange costumes. Once everything is done the blonde steals a peep from behind the curtain. "Looks like they're at the limit now, and isn't planning on letting any others inside. Literally every seat is occupied and the crowd in front is huge."
Kahaku ducks under him gazing out into the crowd. After squinting for a good minute he finally spots them all towards the middle. "Everyone made it!" Megumi, Kyou, the triplets, and even his younger brother all showed up to offer support. Seeing them out there helps set his heart as ease a bit.
"Oh, I knew the triplets would be here but I didn't know there was others. Even little Sho came out all this way. Seems like we definitely can't afford to lose now." Giving an encouraging smile and Kahaku nods.
"That's right. We'll win no matter what." After all everything is riding on this victory tonight.
"You showed up. I was for sure you'd get cold feet." The icy voice ruining the mood with none other than Soma addressing them. The rest of his unit ready standing behind him.
"We don't plan on losing to you," Kahaku states firmly, but Ryuga only adjusts his frames.
"We'll see how long that confidence lasts you. With the performance we have in store our win is practically guarantee."
"Now that we're all here lets get things moving then, shall we?" Tatsuya interrupting the small banter as he goes to talk with the hostess. After discussing a few things over she waves for the idols to follow her on stage.
The minute each group walks out the audience goes wild. Each holding up posters rooting for their favorite unit. Soma puts own his usual award winning smile and Ryuga his typical dignified look. Hachiro seems to be stoic as ever making Kahaku question if he even cares what's the outcome either way. Glancing at Kenshin he appears to be more tense, and even Itsuki isn't quite his cheerful self. A flicker of nervousness behind his green eyes.
She gives them a minute to cheer before holding up the mic up to speak.
"Hello all, I'll be your hostess Suzume! Is everyone excited for tonight?" More screaming being the only response to her obvious question. "It is a very important day as One Star from Rising up, and Treasure from Magicz will be battling it out! Now this is how things are going to work. Both units will be singing a never performed song they just created over the course of this week. While enjoying each performance contain your applause because..."
The female skips over to a screen towards the back. Displaying a huge meter that's completely still at the moment. "We'll score them with our famous cheer o meter! A sound activated device used in many competitions before. At the end of both songs to make things fair you'll cheer loudly for whichever performance you preferred the most.
Naturally the unit that scores the highest points will be victorious. As for the losing team they decided the punishment will be disbandment."
Whispers pass amongst the crowd some with positive responses to the stakes while others are completely against it. "With that being said make sure you all have great night and enjoy this show! Before we get started which luckily unit will be going first?"
Kahaku and Natsume exchange looks and nod the blonde stepping foward. "I think it's only fair if One Star sings first. They our the ones who proposed this in the first place, and the showstopper is supposed to be last," he finishes with a small smirk, and Soma's eyes narrow.
"Alright then, is that okay with you?"
"Very well. The crowd will be so memorized by our performance your own will be nothing but a haze." Soma replies coolly, and she gestures the pair backstage.
"We'll see you two in a bit then. Please everyone give it up for One Star!"
Girls squealing by the mention of their name alone, and Soma clears his throat to get their attention. "We all worked hard in preparing this song, and it's safe to say it turned out better than we expected. Presenting to you Hunger For Your Love!"
With that they all quickly get into position. Soma stands in front as Itzuki and Ryuga line up behind him. Kenshin and Hachiro move inwards at the very back. The starting formation resembling the star they aim to achieve.
The red head shooting a nervous look behind him Kenshin returns a gentle smile. Mouthing quick words of encouragement just before the music starts up.
S: Another night on the prowl and not a good catch can be found.
R: Desperate girls drop at my feet. When did this stop being exciting?
K: Then I spot you over there. Acting as of you don't care.
I: I will make you mine. Can you last till the end of the night?
H: How long can you resist me?
Together: I'll cast a spell on you, knock down the walls you're hiding in. Playing hard to get, how long will you keep such innocence? I've found a new prey, a burning passion now awake. Until dawn you'll be whispering to me my name.
Continuing to watch the performance from backstage he can already tell they put a lot of effort into their song. The raging crowd is proof of that but he doesn't panic. Despite how well they're doing he knows Treasure has what it takes to win.
Finishing the performance ends with one final pose. The five try to catch their breathe as the audience goes wild. Suzume trying to quiet down their applause until the scoring. "That was so good! The lyrics and the dancing was flawless!" A girl squeals.
"I know, and Hachiro's whispering will be the death of me!" Another one gushes.
Yoshi looks around at the giggling girls a small frown forming on his face. "Jeez, I didn't think they'd pull a show like that with only a week to prepare."
"They could of been planning secretly for a month and just lied to them about it," Makashi grumbles, crossing his arms.
The strawberry blonde on the otherside of him sighs. "I really hope they can do enough to top them..."
"Kahaku and Natsume won't lose. My brother said so himself." The five turning to the boy standing in front of them, as the earlier tension begins to die down.
"Yeah, you're right, Sho. I've seen how they've grown while working alongside them. Treasure has what it takes to win." Kyou strongly second's as the group turns their attention back towards the stage.
"Such an amazing performance it made my heart race! Honestly you guys never fail to surprise me by your skills. And you've only all been singing together for a couple of months," Suzume compliments.
"Hard work and dedication is what has brought us this far," Soma replies and she nods.
"It will be hard to beat but Treasure still has a chance. Let's make some noise for the duo!" She shouts as the clapping is their cue.
"Are you ready?" Natsume asks, and he answers without hesitation.
"Of course I am. Let's do it!"
Natsume offers a hand and the younger happily accepts, both running out on stage once again. The blonde allowing Kahaku to do their introduction. "We're really excited to be singing for you all tonight. I could go into an explanation on what this song is about, but I don't feel I need to. Simply put this song is our hearts on a plate. Performing for the first time Two Sided Love!"
One Star quietly observes the two from behind the curtains, and everyone quiets down as they stand back to back. Kahaku calming his mind before starting to sing.
K: Through all the times that we shared, I thought we were the perfect pair. Those blissful days, it takes me back. Then over the years you simply disappeared. Left all alone, lost where to go. By fate you were brought back by my side. The burning emotions start to ignite. I force a smile, it's hard to pretend while my love grows more stronger like this.
Together: One sided love brings only pain. I try to conceal my feelings but I can't. A cross between a nightmare and sweet dream. Surely it's not just me that feels this way. The act we put on is simply too well played. So let's together end this show and finally let the curtains close!
N: Guilt stabbed at my heart, from the rift I created. If only time could reverse, why is life so complicated? Seeing you again I now understand how I felt back then. Tied by the promises I made I'm not quite sure which to break. Pressured in the middle I swallow all my emotions just the same.
K: If you can admit how you feel,
N: We can start over from there. Prove I'm not decieving myself,
K: That's all I need to hear...
Finishing the main verse once more the soft music cuts off. Kahaku's heart is beating out of his chest as he steals a glance at the male next to him. He wasn't prepared in hearing those lyrics for the first time while performing. Everything he said would prove a fact he never thought to be true. The loud cheers of the audience snaps him out of his trance. Screaming and hoots coming from every direction.
"They were amazing!" Megumi exclaims.
"We had no reason to be worried at all. This is their true potential," Toshi says with a grin.
"Their song was so sweet. It nearly brought me to tears!" A ginger chokes, the friend by her nodding.
"Yeah, I was planning on casting my support for my favorite which is One Star. But honestly Treasure is really making it difficult now!"
"You can practically feel the emotions as they sang. I really hope they win!"
Natsume and Kahaku exchange smiles as Suzume rejoin the pair. "Wow, that song was so moving and heartwarming at the same time! It's unbelievable you made that in a week's time."
"We wanted to show how important our unit is to everyone. Once we had that idea in mind the words came naturally," Natsume explains.
"Well, it's going to be a hard choice people but we can only have one winner. One Star come and join us on stage please." Calling back the five she goes and takes her stance by the cheer o meter. "The final hour for one unit is upon us. We'll have the meter set on a time limit and you'll raise as much noise as possible for whichever team you feel deserves win. Whoever gets the highest is victorious and on the event of a tie, we'll cross that bridge when we get there."
The crowd falls deathly quiet as the meter is turned on and glowing. Kahaku taking a breath to try an calm the anxiety rising in him. It's not only him as despite earlier arrogance One Star looks just as nervous. After all their hard work it's finally the moment of truth. At this point he can only hope for the best.
A/N Who do you think should win the sing off? Much more to be revealed in the coming chapter.