Walking into the agency building Tuesday morning the pair make their way towards the conference room. Kahaku is a little nervous of the announcement today, not that he should be. He doesn't truly believe they'll receive a poor response. If anything this should work out in their favor.
Exiting the elevator his stomach has butterflies as Natsume suddenly grabs his hand. He's not use to these actions yet, even with all the time in front of the cameras. But that's only because the situation is much different now.
It's a slow day so far with very few people roaming the halls. Though a certain group of five approaching from the opposite direction has them stop in their tracks. "One Star."
"Kahaku, Natsume morning!" Itsuki greets brightly with a wave.
"I didn't think we'd run into you two today," Kenshin says.
"We have an early meeting though you're here for the same thing. Did you speak with the president yet?" Natsume asks and Ryuga nods.
"The discussion went by smoothly. Since we ended our contract with Rising Up we'll be official idols of Magicz as of next week."
"I'm so excited! I can't wait to start working here!" Itsuki squeals with a small bounce. They all generally look happy with news bringing a smile to his own face. He's glad they get the chance to have a fresh start.
"The gossip of Junbei is all over the news," Hachiro voices and it is true. Ever since the incident that's all everyone has been talking about lately. He imagines with everything that's been put to light it'll be this way for quite a while.
Natsume scoffs at the mention of his former president's name. "Serves him right. I hope the media shows him for who he truly is."
"Kyou told me Scoop Central has been getting some good coverage, so I'm sure he'll get what he deserves," Kahaku informs, and it's silence between them for a moment. Soma clears his throat shuffling his feet as if there is something he wants to say.
"...I suppose we should be thanking you. None of this would of been possible if you hadn't stepped in."
His words are surprisingly soft and it's the first time he's ever seen him so meek.
Kenshin also steps foward with a large grin. "Thank you, Kahaku. We can finally path a new future for ourselves."
The others also joining in and all the praise brings a light blush to his face. "I-I didn't do much only speak with the president on your behalf, but you're welcome. I hope you it enjoy here."
"Just when I thought I could escape you. Looks like we'll be seeing more of each other for now on," Natsume says with a smirk, an amused grunt coming from the silver haired man.
"That we will. You two might've won the sing off but we all have much more to offer. One Star will soon be ranked on top."
"Let's see you back it with results then. I hate when it's all talk." Natsume challenges and the air between them doesn't feel heavy like before. Perhaps they're getting over their past grudges.
"We should let them get to their meeting. We can chat more later," Ryuga says.
They say their goodbyes parting ways when the taller man stops. Glancing back at their hands one last time. "Good luck with your new relationship. I'm sure the president will agree with your decision."
The two are left speechless as Hachiro walks away. Kahaku looking up at the male next to him. "Wait does he know the truth about us? That should be impossible, right?" Hachiro speaks as if he knew it was originally a host from the start. Even with the song at the sing off he didn't think it would be so obvious.
"Well we're not being so discreet as before. They probably had their suspicions about us ever since they released the rumor. Still in his case he was right on the money."
I guess the quiet people are the most observant.
Sitting down around the table their managers listen quietly to everything they have to say. Practically giving off a long list on why they wish to remain as a unit. The biggest relevation being their newly started relationship. By the time the speech is done Tatsuya pushes up his frames closing his eyes. "So that's what you've decided then. In a sense I already expected this outcome."
"You did?"
"I could start to tell around the time of the New Year's mishap there was connection between you that wasn't an act."
"So you noticed it too. I hadn't known Natsume very long before this arrangement was made. Still even I could tell the change in personality as time went on. You both clearly stopped pretending a long time ago," Ginko states, and the two exchange glances. He hadn't realized they're true feelings were so easy to read.
"I don't imagine Haruhisa will have any problem with you staying a unit. You did work hard for this by winning the competition," Tatsuya assures, and all the nervousness that Kahaku felt slowly melts away.
"We'll speak on your behalf so why don't you two get started on practice for the day." The older woman instructs.
"Yes ma'am!"
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A few days later Kahaku rolls out of bed early morning. After stopping by the bathroom heads towards the kitchen to make some coffee. Only to be greeted by someone who catches him completely off guard. A small yelp coming from the younger as the older man chuckles. "Good morning, Kahaku. It's been quite a while."
"Sean! M-Morning."
"Didn't you know I was coming back today?"
"Yeah, it just slipped my mind."
After grabbing a cup he takes a seat next to him on the couch. His cousin flicks through channels eventually stopping at the news report. "I don't know how you can drink that milk and sugar at this hour."
"It helps wake me up and it's no way I could take it black like you do."
"Actually I can't remember when's the last time you've gotten up so early..." he mumbles, rubbing his chin as if trying to recall such an ancient date.
Kahaku cheeks pucker at his cousin's teasing. "I don't always sleep in. Besides, I have plans later on this evening."
"A date huh? It is valentine's day."
"Something like that..." He wouldn't excatly call this a 'date'. Tonight he'll be going out to dinner with the man he loves, but the place won't be the most enjoyable. They finally got the chance to arrange a time to meet with his mother. Natsume wants them to come clean about his decision. Regardless of how she'll react it's something he need to do.
"I really wish it didn't have to be today of all days though..." he mutters, and Sean raises an eyebrow.
"What was that?"
"I-It's nothing."
...
(Natsume POV)
The female drags the last of her belongings down the stairs. Natsume following her to the bottom of the steps as she turns to face him. "I guess this is it. I really appreciate you letting me stay way beyond my welcome."
"Don't say that Akira, you're always welcome here...I need to apologize for all the crap I put you through. I should've been more honest and just faced this all sooner. I really am sorry. You've already been through so much..." After all she confronted him on several occasions. If he'd spoken up then things probably wouldn't taken this turn.
"...I should've walked away than played a blind eye to your real feelings. Until being left in a position where I couldn't run from the truth anymore. I was pushing the promise to make you feel guilty and that was wrong."
"We could just throw up our hands and pin this all on my mother. Frankly I think that's the easier option," Natsume suggests sarcastically, her letting out a small chuckle. His face falls a bit worried on her plans from this point. Lately she's been at a hotel but that can only last for so long. Asking her to remain here, given all he's put her through, would be even more selfish than his previous actions. "What are you going to do now?"
"I've decided to go back home and speak my mind. I wanna live my own life not get dragged into following their footsteps. I have a friend of mine from the university now, so I can stay with her if need be."
"I see, seems we both need to face our families head on..."
It's quiet between them as Akira puts on her coat then shoes. Opening the door she pauses before walking out. "I really do hope everything works out for you and Kahaku. I can see how important he is to you."
"Thanks and you know I'd do anything for you, Akira. All you have to do is ask." Regardless of everything that's one promise he would never break. With that final exchange she takes off on her way.
...
(Kahaku POV)
The evening sky is painted beautifully in orange hues as a car goes down the long road. Natsume at the wheel glances over at his lover staring out the window. Now nicely dressed and usual messy hair combed down neatly. "You look nice today."
The sudden remark grabbing his attention. Kahaku did take time finding clothes and even thinking on what to say. "I wanted to at least try and make a good impression."
"Everything will be okay. If she causes any kind of drama we'll just go. It's as simple as that."
Nodding his gaze drop down to his lap. Honestly he would be happy to see Mai after all of this time, but it's so different now knowing the truth about her. He's nervous though feels a bit as ease with him by his side.
A short time later Natsume pulls up to a small blue two story home. The males exit the vehicle after parking and Natsume rings the doorbell. It's a quick response with an aged yet familiar face standing on the otherside. "There you are, Natsume. You're twenty minutes late. The food is starting to get cold."
"What were you doing watching the clock? You can lecture me inside it's cold out here."
Mai looks at Kahaku speaking nothing as she steps aside to let the pair in. The home is decorated in a floral design with matching furniture and plants set around the room. It's a different style from the way he remembers their old living room though that's to be expected.
A man reading the paper gets up greeting them with a large smile. "Welcome home, Natsume. Oh, you must be Kahaku. It's nice to meet you. My name is Dylas Okazaki."
The younger accepts his hand giving it a shake as Mai has already disappeared into the kitchen. His boyfriend takes a seat on the couch, Kahaku sitting on cushion next to him. Natsume and Dylas start talking about random business catching up, while he gazes at the soap opera showing on television. It's not a long wait until Mai peeks her head in the living room. "You can come have a seat. I set up the table."
All four sit around the small square table set in the middle of the kitchen. Kahaku and Natsume on one side while Mai and Dylas take the other. It's an awkward silence eating as nobody seems to want to bring up the issue on why they came in the first place.
"So, where is Akira staying now?" Mai finally asks, that question alone seeming to get under her son's skin.
"I already told you she decided to go back home."
"Just because you're no longer together doesn't mean to throw the girl out on the street. You know how her family is."
"Yet you had no interest in giving her your roof back then. Akira choose to leave of her own accord," Natsume retaliates, both their sharp glares deepening.
The tension is already building up and Kahaku can tell this will be repeat on what conspired with the triplets. The thought of being stuck in another uncomfortable meal causes him to lose his appetite. More playing with his food as Mai shakes her head letting out a deep sigh.
"I can't believe you're going to break that one promise to your grandmother. She just wanted what was best for you."
"Look, I won't sit here while you bring up that promise again."
"Please calm down you two. You can discuss this after we eat." Dylas trying to ease the growing tension. Nothing else is spoken on the matter, still it doesn't make the dinner exactly pleasant.
"Kahaku, how did you like the food? I fixed it myself," Dylas asks, starting to gather empty plates to carry to the sink.
"Oh, it was all really delicious."
"I'm relieved. I only found out we'd be having company on such short notice. I didn't know any of your preferences either," He says kindly, and Kahaku can see why Dylas isn't that bad of a guy.
However Mai's hard gaze continues to stare down her son until Natsume lets out a sigh. "What is it now?"
"I'd like to speak with you in private." Her voice low taking a quick glance at the shorter male standing beside him.
Natsume shakes his head suddenly grasping Kahaku by the waist and pulling him close to him. "N-Natsume?"
"No, whatever you wanna talk about can be spoken in front of them too. So go ahead and pitch your case," Natsume taunts.
All eyes planted on her now Mai's frown deepens. Then running a hand through her short blonde hair. "I can't believe out of all people you chose to date Yuiga. You know what kind of history I've had with their family. Was it like this from the beginning? That publicity stunt only a cover up for you two?"
"So now you're calling me a liar to top it all off? That's rich but you'd know who I got that quality from, right? Sean has passed on and I can't understand why you're still holding this pointless grudge against them!"
"Natsume please calm down." Kahaku rubbing the back soothingly of his agitated boyfriend. Turning to face the once kind woman though the facade is gone, with nothing but resentment in her eyes.
"Back then I use to enjoy coming over to your place. You were always so nice it felt as if I had a second home. I lost my parents at an early age, and being around you was like having another mother figure in my life. Yet to find out you really hated my presence this whole time..." Feeling a sting in his heart at the reality of it all. He shouldn't be suprised by her behavior given everything Natsume shared with him, still the truth does hurt.
A silence falls once again and Mai bites her lip slowly shaking her head. "I...I can't deal with this right now."
Storming off upstairs her son attempts to call out for her, though it falling on deaf ears. Natsume then grasping his hand firmly and pulls him towards the exit. "Let's just leave, Kahaku. It was a mistake coming here."
"Wait a moment, Natsume. At least allow me to talk to your mother first." Dylas counters blocking their way.
Natsume glances down as if asking is that what he wants. Kahaku gives a weak nod of approval and he lets out a deep sigh. "We're not waiting here long, alright?"
Dylas hurries up the steps as they retake a seat on the couch. It's hard to fully make out what's being said, but can manage to hear faint discussion between them.
(Dylas POV)
In their bedroom Mai frustratedly paces as Dylas closes the door behind himself. "When are you going to let this go? The two of them came all this way and for what? For you to reject him right to his face?"
"Do you understand how difficult this is for me? What it reminds me of everytime I see that boy?"
"Are you saying you haven't let go of the past? Do you perhaps wish Rin never had found out?" He questions seriously, and her walking comes to a hault.
"...You know that's not how I meant it. I should've been the one to tell him and he robbed me of that chance. Made things so complicated for us all."
"I'm aware how bad your relationship was with Sean, but we all made mistakes back then. Natsume was forgiving enough to accept me, the man that came in between his parents marriage. Regardless on how you feel of Sean he's no longer among us, and you don't need to hold that against that poor young man. Do you honestly want to lose your son again?"
That last sentence finally getting a reaction from the woman. Mai's body tensing up hand gripping at her chest as he continues on. "You nearly did once after the divorce. If you force Natsume away this time you may never get him back. Remember that."
Saying his piece Dylas goes ahead downstairs. The pair stand up when hearing him and surprisingly Mai follows behind.
(Kahaku POV)
Walking over to her son Mai's gray eyes seem more tired than before. "Look Natsume, you know how I am. I'm not the best mother and I am painfully aware of that fact. I've done plenty of things I wish could be erased, but it can't. Perhaps me aiming that hatred towards Sean was a way to cope with the many things I put you and your father through...I'm still unsure how I feel about this, though that doesn't matter. All that matters is you're happy, and I don't want to lose you a second time."
"Are you saying you fully accept that I'm no longer with Akira? That I'm dating Sean's nephew?"
"I realized I wanted you with that girl for the wrong reasons. As for the two of you I'll try to be supportive. That's the most I can promise right now." It's not the best outcome but she is trying to make an effort for change. Opening her arms Natsume leans in accepting the small gesture. Shockingly afterwards she gives Kahaku a quick hug also. With that wrappped up they take their leave though not towards home just yet. Natsume explaining they still have other plans to celebrate the holiday.
...
The next events completely takes his mind off of what conspired earlier. Simply enjoying the night with the one he loves most. Going to the theater amongst other activities soon it's well past midnight. Hoping in the car usually Kahaku would be drained around this hour, but now sleep is far from his mind. "I had a lot of fun tonight. I'm also glad that meeting is finally over. It could of went by smoother but I'm relieved Mai's not sticking to her earlier threats."
"Yeah, I guess that alone is a start. I'm happy you enjoyed yourself though we should probably be calling it a day. Not much left for us to go with how late it's getting."
"Well I have a request for one final stop," Kahaku says with a grin, the blonde raising an eyebrow.
...
The two carefully make their way up the long ladder to Natsume's special hangout on the rooftop. The sky is covered in stars making a gorgeous setting. It feels so nostalgic being up there, even if it wasn't that long ago.
"So why did you wanna come here all of a sudden?" Natsume asks curiously. It must be a little of a shocker considering what happened last time they were up here. That's exactly why he wants to replace the incident with a joyful memory.
"There's something I wanted to give to you." Pulling out a small bag from his coat pocket he holds out to him. Natsume slowly taking the gift in surprise.
"What is this?"
"A valentine's day present. I came across it the other day I couldn't help myself," he explains with a large smile, and his emerald eyes sparkle for a second. Only lasting a moment before turning to a downcast expression.
"I...don't have anything for you."
"That's fine, I'm not expecting anything in return. Now open it." Repeating the words he once spoke to him on Christmas night. A small grin tugging at his lips he opens the bag to find two matching bracelets inside. They're both beaded and the white has a heart lock charm, while the black contains a matching key.
"This is...you were able to afford these?"
"It wasn't so bad since we're making more money now." Assiting him Kahaku pulls them both out. Putting the white one on himself, then placing the black on Natsume's wrist. "I just thought they looked really cute. Now...if there ever comes a time we're apart for any reason, we always have something to remember our promise by."
Kahaku feels a little embarrassed realizing just how cheesy that sounds. Shyly gazing up at him for a hopefully positive response from the older male. The blonde looks into his eyes before bending down and pulling him into a kiss. He's still not use to him doing such acts so suddenly. Though this time the surprise lasts but a moment, wrapping his arms around Natsume's neck. A small giggle escaping him as they soon pull away. "I'm guessing you like them then?"
"I don't just like it, I love them. Things will be different this time around. I'm sure I'll make mistakes and we'll face hardships, but I do vow to try my best and keep you happy. Making sure that you're not ever left alone again."
"That's more than enough for me," Kahaku mummers, burying his face into the chest of his significant other. He wonders how different it will be performing together? How will people react seeing Treasure without the front? Whatever surprises come their way good or bad they'll face them together.
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A/N A sweet ending but the story is not quite over yet. An epliouge still coming plus a fun little bonus chapter I thought up. Please vote, comment, and share if you liked this book!