Several weeks has passed since the sing off and Kahaku finishes cooking another dish on the stove. Now under a brand new home from his cousin with many boxes still left unpacked. He gives it a quick taste before nodding in approval. "That should do it! I just managed to get done in enough time. They'll be arriving here any minute."
Hearing the doorbell as if on cue he quickly turns off the stove and removes his apron. Walking down the short hallway to reach the living room. Standing on the otherside is none other than Kyou and Megumi. "Hey Kahaku, I hope we aren't late. We had lost track of time."
He shakes his head at her response letting the two inside. "Nope you're actually the first to get here."
Ever since Kahaku had saved up enough money he started looking for a place. Luckily it didn't take as long to find a nice apartment as he thought. His cousin was even nice enough to let him take his old living room set, since he plans on buying a new one. All his friends have been pitching in with the move for the past two weeks. Finally as of yesterday everything is done, other than the last few boxes to unload. He wanted to prepare a meal as a way of thanks. He invited Sean to come along too, though he said he wouldn't feel right around all those young people. Kahaku assured it was fine but he insisted on just sending some food in instead.
"It smells pretty good in here," Kyou says, as the scent is still lingering from down the hall.
"I just got finished so everything is good and hot. We should wait for the others to get here before sitting down though." Again there's another ring of the doorbell as the next guests have arrived. This time being a certain trio of brothers. "Triplets come on in."
"The house looks more put together now. You're about done unpacking right?" Makashi asks, looking around and he nods.
"Just a little more left to go. You can all have a seat in here while I set up the table."
"I could give you hand?"
Kahaku appreciates Toshi's offer but he's doing this as a way to repay them. He wants him to be able to sit back and relax. "Thanks but I got it."
Fetching the spare fold up table he pushes it against his dinning room one. Now it'll be enough space for everyone to sit, without anyone having to stand around and eat. He starts slowly carrying a few dishes to the tables at a time. Not wanting any of the food he slaved over to go to waste.
Kahaku hears a knock at the door but before he can half move somebody answers it. The deep charming voice that rings can only belong to one person. "Natsume's here."
Quickly setting down the rest of the glasses and plates he rejoins the group. Sure enough the last two guests Natsume and Sho have arrived.
"There you are. I stopped by to pick up Sho on my way over here."
The younger boy makes a face averting his gaze. "I said I was perfectly fine catching the train. Anyway, you told us to come with an appetite."
"Yup, the table is set so you can all eat now." Him leading the small crowd into the dining room where several dishes are lined up across the table. "I cooked more than enough so get as much as you want."
"Is this...Takoyaki!" The triplets exclaim, scarlett eyes lighting up.
Kahaku can't help but smile at their reaction. "You said it was your favorite. I tried fixing a little of what everyone would like."
"Yes, Takoyaki is the best!" Yoshi celebrates loudly. Though the brothers look happy about the food, he can't say the same for the rest of his friends.
"W-Wait he cooked this himself. Kahaku made it sound like he was just going to order something." Kyou mutters, face turning a deathly pale.
His girlfriend examines the food with a worried expression on her face. "The food seems good but looks can be deceiving..."
"I thought he was trying to reward us whereas this feels more like a punishment." Sho adds, and they really aren't making any efforts to whisper.
"I can hear you! The food is perfectly fine. I went exactly by the recipes and I even taste tested it all." Crossing his arms he glances at Natsume for support. To Kahaku's surprise his boyfriend face goes blank.
"Well in any case we've been warned before hand."
"That's so mean, Natsume!" he cries, and the blonde waves his hands in defense.
"Sorry but I've been through this enough times to know it never has a happy ending."
"Is Kahaku's cooking bad?" Toshi asks innocently, and his little brother eyes narrow.
"Bad is speaking kindly. I've been bedridden before from consumption."
"I've honestly been practicing!" Jeez the reaction he gets for going through all this trouble to surprise them. Now that he thinks about it...
That's why Sean didn't want to come here! He was just dodging my cooking! I can't believe this...
Kahaku's face darkening he mopes over towards the fridge. "Fine. I can just throw it all in here and order sushi or something. You'd clearly all prefer that much better."
"Come on, he did do all of this work. The least you can do is taste it." Makashi argues causing his head to shoot up.
"Makashi is so appreciative!"
"Well from someone oblivious that's subjective, but I guess he has a point guys. It has been a minute since I last tried any of your food. Maybe you have grown." Natsume being the first to take a seat. The others all find a spot as well and Kahaku lets out a sigh of relief.
Everyone gathering all they desire on their plates the dinner finally commences. "Thanks for the food!" Digging into their dishes the earlier complaints are long forgotten now replaced with praise.
"This is delicious! I still can't believe you actually made all of this." Megumi humming softly as she continues to chow down.
"It's really good. If I wasn't here I wouldn't of believed you fixed it myself," Kyou follows up.
I know they're trying to be nice and all, but their compliments are coming off like insults.
"I had been cooking all day since early this morning, so it wasn't exactly easy. Still I wanted a way to thank you guys for all your help with the move."
"That's what friends are for." Yoshi insists happily taking another bite of the Takoyaki.
Megumi suddenly stops eating holding up her glass, then giving it a light tap to gather everyone's attention. "Oh, I actually have a tiny announcement to make. I got cast the role as Erina for Showmasters Academy!"
"Really, you got the job? That's great!" Kahaku is happy her audition went so well. She was stuck in a rut with no work since Earth Radiance had ended, but now that's no longer the case.
"I think I've heard that name before. Isn't it based off a light novel series?" Natsume questions and she nods.
"Yeah, they're making a show now since the books are so popular."
"You should give it a watch, Sho. They say it's suppose to be well liked by teens. It could be the new Earth Radiance for you," Kyou suggests.
Sho looks hesitant though with Megumi's pleading eyes he sighs in defeat. "I doubt that but I guess I'll give it a try."
Kyou grinning before clearing his throat. "I have some interesting news myself. It seems Rising Up has sank real low ever since the sing off. Apparently other idol units were fed up with his orders and walked out. Junbei's trying to lie in the media pinning the blame on One Star alone. But us at Scoop Central plan on delivering the truth! He's been losing more supporters by the day."
"It's such a big story they've been speaking of it on the news too," Toshi says, and his middle brother only snorts.
"Serves them right. That guy done it to himself."
"Mentioning One Star isn't your cross unit show tomorrow?" Yoshi asks.
"Yeah, that's the big day. Never did I imagine I would be performing on the same stage as Soma." Natsume replies and he has to agree.
"Neither did I but I'm glad we're doing this now. It's the perfect way to start a clean slate between us." The president is the one who suggested it, and both parties had no reason to refuse. Working with them like this helps him see the five in a new light.
"Well since I'm done I hope you don't mind me helping myself to some dessert!"
"Go right ahead." Kahaku consents as Yoshi gets a slice of pie. Taking a single bite his face turns an abnormally blue the minute it goes down his throat. The fork drops first then him falling backwards off his chair, hitting the floor with a loud thud. His brothers are the first to run by his side.
"Y-Yoshi, what's wrong?" Toshi nervousnesly asks, though pained moans is his only response.
Makashi inspects his condition with a frown. "What the hell did you put in that thing? I thought you said you followed the recipes?"
"Uh, I was so distracted I forgot to try the pie. I really thought it turned out okay by its looks. Though I had to substitute one or two minor ingredients since I ran out..."
"That's NOT following the recipe at all!" Makashi snaps and Natsume heaves a sigh.
"The first time is always the hardest. He'll be fine if he makes it through the night." Natsume giving Toshi a small pat on the shoulder, and the triplets face turns a shade darker.
"I'm sorry Yoshi. Still that was a noteworthy sacrifice for us all." Megumi wiping away her crocodile tears.
"H-He'll feel better if he just has some water!" Kahaku speedily grabbing the empty glass to refill as his brothers study try to wake him up. Kyou and Sho simply exchange a wry smile at the commotion that's started up.
Kahaku didn't picture his life being nearly this much of a rollercoaster when first coming to Kyoto. Now he wouldn't have it any other way.
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The next afternoon both idol units are backstage getting ready for the show. Many stage hands run around setting up mics and doing the last finishing touches with their hair. The red head done first surprising Kahaku as he throws an arm around him. "It's finally time for our performance! Felt like Saturday couldn't of gotten here any slower."
"Yeah, I'm excited too."
"Just try and make sure you don't slow us down out there." Natsume flashing Soma a competitive smirk.
The silver haired male only scoffs in amusement. "If you can keep up and not be blinded by our light."
"Nevertheless we've practiced more than enough. Everyone has been talking of this show all week long. We don't need to disappoint the crowd." His younger twin advices everyone giving a sure nod.
With the last of the prep taken care of they start setting up the lighting as a crew hand waves them over. "That's our cue," Hachiro announces.
"Let's go give it our all out there!" Kenshin says brightly, the squad of six follow his lead out on stage.
The cherry blossoms are in season giving a nice touch to the outdoor scenery. Treasure hasn't preformed outside like this since the incident at New Year's. Crazy how drastically things have changed for them since that date. As the audience settles down Kahaku is the one to speak up. "Thank you everyone for coming today. I can tell you're all hyped for the show. You know a lot of events has happened over the course of these past several months. But despite it all we're still standing here in front of you today. Spring means for new beginnings and we want to express that feeling with our cross unit song-Blossomed Recreations!"
His small speech results in another round of applause, as all idols quickly get into position before the music starts up. Singing and dancing alongside them proves to everyone just how far they've come. With the audience loving the performance he can't deny it's a little enjoyable for himself too. When finishing the song loud cheers and screams are an immediate reaction to their ears. Soma and Kahaku both exchanging a small smile as the clapping continues. He truly hopes to grow even more as idol, making tons of memories similar to this one.
A/N Here is the Epilogue of the story. Anyone who has made it to the end I'm very grateful😄 There is one last fun two part bonus chapter that will be the final updates!