It's a snowy afternoon day as Kahaku just gets done dressing. With all the stress this week concerning the sing off he should've been out the minute he stepped through the door last night. Though so much is weighing on his mind he hardly got any rest.
Walking out into the living room the house is empty, since Sho left with Chieko for a mall trip earlier. He heads to the kitchen to fix a cup of coffee glancing at the reminder he placed on the fridge. "That's right, Sean will be coming home later this week. I better make sure this place is clean for when he gets back."
Finishing his drink Kahaku takes another look at the time. "I should head out now if I don't want to keep Natsume waiting. He said to meet at Nijiki park."
After the competition is over Ginko suggested for One Star to meet with Haruhisa and get things sorted out on Tuesday. People begin to take their leave though a certain pair remained backstage. It's a very long silence between the two until Natsume finally spoke up. "You never fail to surprise me. Whispering something like that out there."
"I know it was sudden. I've been planning to confess for a long time now, but the timing never seemed right. When hearing your lyrics it made me happy to at least know this feeling isn't one sided after all. You mentioned your situation is very complicated...What is the promise you made to Akira?" Creating this song together cleared up the tension that was between them for so long. However they didn't get much chance for talking during that period, and now he was only left with more questions.
His violet eyes stared into his green ones awaiting a response. Regardless of what situation Natsume is in they could work through it if he'd just open up to him.
"I honestly don't want this to end just as much as you, but like I said before things were problematic...I want you to meet me at the park around three tomorrow. There I'll tell you everything about Akira...and the situation with my mother too."
There is many things with Akira that need some explanation, but what does his mother have to do with any of this? Grabbing a coat he slips on his shoes and makes way towards the destination.
...
Arriving at the grassy field it's the same location that autumn festival was held. Actually Kahaku hasn't even stepped foot here since their first fake date several months ago. It's a peaceful atmosphere with only a few adults hanging around and the soft cool winter air blowing. The blonde is already waiting on a bench green eyes glued to the lake in front of him.
"Hey there."
"Oh, Kahaku you're here."
Scooting over he takes a seat next to him watching the water flow along with the gentle breeze. "This reminds me of all the good times we had back then."
"It really does. Wasn't much to do out there like here in the city, but we always managed to have fun as long we were together. I never would of predicted sitting by your side today like this."
"Nor would of I."
"...First off I should tell you about the promise. I never mentioned this before but I was friends with Akira back then. Actually I knew her before I met you."
"It was that long ago?" He figured they had past history but for him to had been childhood friends with her also.
"She had a tight living situation and had ran away from home. My grandmother found her and took Akira in with open arms. It was obvious she was getting abused physically probably mentally too. After she had healed she was supposed to see her over to the authorities, but in that short time she got attached to the girl. My grandfather had died leaving my grandmother alone. I think having her around really helped lifted up her spirits. Akira had a liking to her as well, so in the end she just decided to keep her." Natsume explains, as Kahaku quietly listens to his story. He would have never guessed Akira went through all that when she was little.
"I met her and the two of us started playing together. We got along well enough and became fast friends. Though that didn't last when my grandmother fell ill, and it was made clear she wasn't going to recover."
Twelve years ago on the hospital bed lays a elderly woman with two kids on both sides of her. The boy's face was downcast and the girl had been sobbing since she arrived. "Haven't you cried enough child?"
"B-But there's so many other things I want us to do together, so you can't die! You just can't leave me all alone."
"I've truly enjoyed everyday to the fullest since I taken you into my home two years ago. It made my golden years memorable, so I want you to look back on those happy times and smile. Can you do that for me, Akira?"
She asked tenderly, and her sobbing let up slowly nodded in reply.
"That's my girl. Could you please step outside for just a moment? There is something private I want to talk with Natsume about."
Nodding once more she exited the room and his grandmother patted her bed for him to come closer. Obeying her command he sat on the edge facing her. "...What is it you want to talk about?"
"Not you too now. I want to see your smiling faces for a peaceful dream as I go."
The boy rubbed his eyes before tears can threaten to spill, forcing a smile. "I know, I'm sorry. I have to stay strong for Akira's sake too."
"About Akira, there is something I need you to do for me."
"What is it?"
"I want you to see Akira off. I was hoping I could be around longer to watch as she got on her feet, but now it's clear that just wasn't meant to be. She's had a hard life and I want nothing more than for her to find happiness. That's why I wish for you to one day make her your future wife."
"Y-You mean you want me to marry her?!" Not being able to control the surprise in his voice and she let out a small chuckle.
"Yes, and I'm aware that marriage means nothing to you now. You're only nine years old but it definitely will in the distant future. I want you to be the one to stay by her side and protect her always. I believe you will be a good match for each other. I only wish I could of lived to see the love someday blossom between you two. So, can you make to me this last promise?" She asked, setting her hand on top of his own.
"...Of course! I promise I will marry her when we grow up, and stay with her so she's never lonely. You don't have anything to worry about."
"Thank you, Natsume."
At the time I didn't know what love truly felt like, or how much of an impact marriage actually is. To me it was just a promise that meant Akira and me would always stay friends. Plus my grandmother did so much for me. I wanted to do something that could bring her joy before passed.
Stepping out the room he was about to call Akira inside, only to found her stumbling back from having her ear pressed against the door. "N-Natsume!"
"Akira, were you eavesdropping?"
"I'm really sorry. I just got curious on what she wanted to talk to you about."
The two stood side by side against the wall in silence for some time. Finally the brunette sat her hands on her knees, peering up to look at the emerald eyes glued at the floor. "Is what you said in there true? Do you really plan on marrying me when we get older, or did you just promise that to make her smile one last time?"
"No, I would never make an empty promise to her! I know that we will get married someday. Then you'll have nothing to fear because I'll always be with you." He insisted with a sweet smile, making a blush come across her face. She held out the pinky finger on her right hand up to him.
"Pinky swear?"
"Pinky swear." Looping his with her own they gave it a firm shake.
Natsume eyes seem so distance as he speaks. Alomst like he's retelling someone else's story rather than his own. "My grandmother died in her sleep that very night. Not long after Akira was forced into social services. I begged my parents to take her in so she wouldn't have to leave. Though my father didn't mind my mother was completely against it. She didn't want a second child to raise, so we said are goodbyes before she moved away."
Kahaku can't form much of a response with all that he is taking in. He felt bad when Natsume moved away, but their situation was much more unfortunate. "That's so sad. You were both so young too..."
"I told her by fate we'd see each other again one day. Which to my surprise we did but things weren't the same, because by that point I had already met you..."
Ten years ago a family of three headed next door to meet the new neighbors. Walking up to the small home on the corner his mother rang the doorbell. Natsume's father sat a hand on his son's shoulder. "Now remember Natsume, we've heard the boys are going through a rough time because they just lost their parents. Try to be kind and not bring that up around them."
"Alright."
"Oh, good morning." A middle aged man greeted them holding a small child as he opened the door. "Visitors have been stopping by all week long. It's definitely a way to make a person feel welcome."
"We live right next door. Would of dropped by sooner, but we wanted to give you the chance to settle in first. Anyway I'm Mai and this is my husband Rin, and our son Natsume." Gesturing to them both as they gave a small bow.
"It's really nice to meet all of you. Kahaku! Can you come here a minute?" A few seconds later a short young boy ran up to the man's side.
"My name's Matsuda and these are my nephews. Kahaku and the little one here is Sho."
Natsume stared curiously at the boy peering at them silently, hiding behind his uncle's legs. The young toddler was dozing off in the man's arms.
"It's nice meeting you both," Rin said kindly, and the boy only gave a small nod.
"Here we brought this house warming gift for you. One of my best recipes." Mai handed over to him a covered dish.
"It smells delicious. Thanks, we can't wait to try it."
"Well we don't want to keep you. Just stopped by to introduce ourselves. It's a little too quiet for some but this is nice town, and we hope you enjoy staying here. Need anything don't be afraid to ask." His father told him as they turned to go.
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind. You three have a good day."
With the short exchange they headed for home. Natsume didn't want to leave that soon, but understood they needed time to adjust.
A few days later Natsume walked down the rocky road just finished up running some errands for his parents. Now
pondered how to spend the rest of his free time when a voice called out to him.
"Hello again. You're Natsume, right?" The man being that new neighbor they met before. He seemed to be doing some cleaning outside his home.
"Yeah, that's me."
"What are you up to?"
"Nothing much really, just walking around."
"Haha, I guess there isn't much excitement around here, is it?"
"Not many kids stay here and my other friends are all busy..."
"Sulking is no way to spend a bright Sunday afternoon. Oh, why don't you try giving Kahaku a little tour then? I want him to be able to learn his way around, and it could give you something to do. Maybe even make a new friend in the process. I'm sure with all that boy has been through he could use one."
"Sure, I don't mind."
"I'll go get him then. Be right back." Disappearing inside the house and soon emerged with the young boy along with him. "Now Natsume is going to show you around a little bit, okay? Don't go wandering to far from him. I don't want you getting lost but you could use some sunlight. Have fun." Giving him a light push Kahaku slowly dragged his feet over to him.
"Well let's start where the shopping center is first." Natsume taking the lead as he followed behind. He showed him to the few hotspots they have around there. Though he was the only one doing any talking. Kahaku simply gave a small nod or shake of the head as response. Running out of ideas on where to go he was about to just have them head back. That's when a certain hideout came to mind. "Come on, I have one last stop before we go home."
He lead him to a beautiful grassy field with a small dock and lake. Colorful flowers aroma feels the air and small critters made peaceful noises. "This is my favorite hangout spot. I just find it really relaxing here, you know? Never get tired of looking at the view since I moved here a few months ago. My mother got a job opportunity so we had to move closer by her new work. I had a lot of good memories in my old house though..."
He couldn't help but think back on all the good times with his old friends, his grandmother, and Akira too. He glanced over at the boy who still hadn't said a word. Gazing at the water tears had filled up in his violet eyes. It took Natsume a minute to fully register what was going on, though the sudden realization makes him cringe at his actions. 'Why on earth would I bring up my past around him? I'm sure I just made him think about his parents again! I have to think of a way to change the subject...'
Kahaku tried to quickly blink the tears away as Natsume picked up a small rock off the ground. Drawling his hand back before skipping it into the water. The rock did three hops before sinking down within. "I've gotten pretty good at this now."
He looked over at Kahaku who was no longer crying but stared at him amazement. "Do you want me to teach you how?"
He nodded slowly once more then blonde found another rock, and instructed the boy on how to throw. Though his first attempt was a fail as the rock sunk immediately after hitting the water. His shoulders slouching a bit Natsume gave him a pat on the back. "That's expected. It was only your first time. Let's try it again."
They stayed like that for a while losing track of the time. Kahaku threw yet again and now managed to have the rock skip once. His eyes lit up at the sight and Natsume gave him a small clap of applause. "See, I said you just needed practice. You catch on faster than I did."
"That was so cool!" Kahaku exclaimed with a bright smile. The older boy taken aback since that had been the first he spoken to him all day.
"You'll get even better than that over time. How old are you anyway?" As he wanted an excuse to have him talk some more.
"E-Eight years old."
"I'm eleven so that's three years over you. A lot of teens stay here so it's not often kids under me in age. Well this is a pretty boring town but I still hope you like it. If you ever want play sometimes I'm usually here when I'm not at home."
"...You really mean that?"
"Yeah, we're friends now after all." Natsume flashed him a kind smile and caused a small grin to form on the younger's face. From then on the two always hung out together. Rather playing by the lake, going bike riding, or hanging at the house they were inseparable. Until the day Natsume had to move away to the city...
"I can still recall the day we met so clearly, but in the end I broke my promise shortly after moving here," he mumbles, watching a few young kids run down the path. Happily playing alongside one another.
"When did you meet Akira again?" It was obviously some time prior Natsume and himself being reunited.
"That would be a little over a year ago. We ran into each other in town completely by chance, or some would even say by fate. It was just like how we met when we were kids. She had ran away from home and had nowhere to go, so I took her to my house for us to catch up. Apparently she had been adopted a few years back by a rich family that lived in here in Kyoto. They provided her and all but was also very strict. They wanted to raise someone that could take over their company in the future. The couple was older in age and the wife couldn't bare children. Naturally the two put a lot of pressure on Akira's grades and image. Even forced her to take up business as her college major, refusing to pay the toll otherwise."
"That must of been a lot of stress on her," Kahaku replies softly and Natsume sighs.
"Yeah, that's why she tried to escape it all by staying with me. I offered my home to her until she could figure something out. Down the line our promise was brought up, and I was surprised she still remembered it too. Of course we were older now and understood how important marriage is, but Akira wanted us to date and see how things would go. I had no reason to refuse her so I agreed to give it a shot. That's when things started to change though. She was forever so suspicious and uptight with me. My fans made her feel insure, especially since she wanted the relationship to stay secret. Her accusing me of acts I didn't commit led to countless arguments. Soon I was paired to be an attention grabbing couple with you. I was shocked but happy I finally had an excuse to see you again. At the beginning I didn't think of our act as anything but work. Until we hung out Christmas eve I realized it was much more than that."
Kahaku listens quietly as Natsume continues to tell his story. Ears perking up at the last sentence. "You mean when we went to the rink?"
He nods staring off at the clear skies. "When you voiced your feelings about back then, but was still able to forgive me after what happened. How much fun I was having-that I always have when I'm with you. How cute you always look."
Kahaku never hears him talk straightforward like this, unless they're in public so it's unnatural. A light blush coloring his cheeks as Natsume smiles to himself. "That's when I knew just how I felt about you, and the love I felt for Akira wasn't the same. She was more like a little sister to me now. Heck we never even slept togther with all the months she's been staying at my place. Despite all that I couldn't get myself to call things off with her. I was aware how she felt for me and..."
"You'd be breaking the promise to your grandmother, right?" Kahaku finishes for him. Sure enough the blonde doesn't deny his guess. Still isn't he missing her true intentions of that promise? "I can only speak on what you've told me, but I believe your grandmother really wished for you to look out for her. Wanting to know she'd always have someone in her corner. It didn't have to be in marriage."
"Yeah, I know that now. I should of just ended it before I caused you both so much pain. But that promise wasn't the only thing stopping me from being with you. My mother also played a big factor into this."
"Was is it about your mother? What did she do?" Kahaku asks desperately wanting answers. He can still recall how she acted on the phone that brief time they spoke. Did he do something to make her upset with him? Natsume's expression darkens a bit crossing his arms.
"You remember how my mother and your uncle didn't get along with each other, right? After the promotion incident."
"Yes, my uncle had told me a little about it. They were both working at the same company and higher position opened up. Despite your mother working there longer and having more experience my uncle was offered the job. Most believe his gender played a role in their decision. He was going to turn them down but he really needed the extra money. It was hard having two children mouths to feed."
"That's exactly the story and even knowing his reasoning my mother was bitter. Because of the grudge against Matsuda she held it against you too. Never liked that I was still hanging out with you after that. Only because of my dad we were able to stay be friends."
This is definitely news to him. Sure Mai was pretty upset after what happened, but Kahaku had no idea she even spited him as well. "She always treated me so kindly I honestly had no idea."
"That's why I never cared for us hanging much at my house. Though her hatred truly increased when Matsuda told my father she was cheating on him with another man."
"My...uncle told him that?" His eyes widening at this revelation more shocking than the first.
"Yup, Matsuda and Rin was pretty close. He didn't want to ruin their marriage but he felt my father had the right to know. After that the arguments begun and then he wanted a divorce."
"I can't believe it. He never mentioned that to me..."
"Well Mai blamed him for losing her husband. You remember at the time I pointed my finger at Dylas. Now though I see my mother did it to herself. He treated her like a queen and she always took it for granted. She didn't deserve him." A low hit of anger can be heard in his strained voice.
A lot has been cleared up but the question not fully answered. Fumbling with his hands Kahaku hesitantly asks what's on the back of his mind. "Does your mother...still despite me?"
"...Yes till this day. Even after I told her that your uncle passed away her mind hasn't changed. She believes that you're just as cold hearted as he 'was'. She's the main one who tried to guilt trip me into staying with Akira. Sputting all this nonsense about how terrible it would be to break my vow to her. Was I so selfish to abandon her after all she's been through."
Some of that sounds questionable given what Natusme told him before. "Didn't she not want to take Akira in back then? Why does she care now?"
"It's only about the money. She knows Akira was adopted by a rich family, and wants us to stay close because of it. That's the main reason she supported me in becoming an idol. She doesn't even want me to have anything to do with you over a stupid grudge from years ago. Mai even threatened to cut me off from the rest of the family, if I didn't break all ties from you after our act was through. That's just the type of person she is."
A silence has fell between them once more as Natsume runs fingers through his hair. Kahaku wasn't aware on how terrible Natsume's mother really was. Toying with her son's emotions for her own benefit. It honestly all sickening to his stomach.
"I'm not afraid anymore." His violet eyes lock into his emerald pair that's no longer wavering like before. "Frankly I don't care what she does at this point. If she never speaks to me again. The twins confessing about their past troubles made me realize the toxicity in my own family. That's why I choose you and now I need your answer."
"W-What?" he stammers, as Natsume places his right hand on the benches opposite end. Leaning in close where they're noses are nearly touching. Kahaku holds his breath at the sudden gesture as his body freezes up.
"I've told you everything now but a lot has changed since back then. The incident with Ran being clear proof of that. There's different sides to me you haven't seen, so is this really what you want?"
"Yes, I accept you and any baggage that you carry. Even if you've changed some my feelings for you haven't. They've only continued to grow stronger these past months," he answers with no hesitation whatsoever. That response causing a small smile to spread on Natsume's face.
"I hope you choose wisely because there's no going back now," he whispers in a teasing and devious tone. Then closing the distance by locking his lips with the younger male without warning. The kiss is one hundred times sweeter than those other times for the camera. He can feel a passion in Natsume that was always absent before. Kahaku's tense body slowly relaxes as Natsume moves his arm to around his waist. Breaking away he smiles a familiar way like the very day they first met. "I love you, Kahaku."
A/N That concludes another chapter! Sweet ending note, no? A lot of flashbacks I know but this is the last of them. Final chapter will be coming soon enough:)