CHAPTER 26

About half an hour ago...

Boring days were the worst things for Tokiya. It was bad enough since he who normally did not read any comment from his fans about him ended up reading most of them after seeing 'ToTo couple' hashtag by accident. Most of them mentioned how Tokiya had sweeter chemistry with Tomochika despite his role in the last movie was the antagonist. They compared his acting to Eiichi's which was claimed to be way better than the guy's. Yet, what was the worst of the worst part was...

'Tomo should date Tokiya. Even their names also show their chemistry.'

'I support ToTo couple more. They really look good together. If only they date each other in real life, my ship will sail.'

'Tomo should choose Tokiya over Eiichi. He doesn't have anyone in the industry but he managed to stand on his own two feet. But Eiichi? Heh! His father spoils him but he still can't get it right.'

They sure knew how to give him a mini heart attack.

"What's with this ToTo couple hashtag? Can't they be any cheesier?" Tokiya muttered as his eyes narrowed at the nickname which was too 'adorable' for their ages.

Nowadays, not only students but adults were still uncouth with their words. Tokiya himself had encountered so many rude comments comparing him with Masato so the blue head empathized with Eiichi the most.

"Eiichi won't see this, right? I bet he's too busy to read these kinds of things. Unlike me," Tokiya heaved a heavy sigh before leaning against the headboard. He wished he could be discharged soon but to see how they strictly monitored his constitution, he bet he would stay in the hospital longer.

He was spaced out when the door was opened, revealing the latest person that clouded his mind.

He was Otori Eiichi who strangely smiled while bringing a shopping bag.

It was strange because if his memory served him right, it had been a while since the last time the big guy smiled at him. It seemed like he had a lot of things to bother other than greeting him.

"Hi, Tokiya."

"Hi," Tokiya straightened his back as he placed his tablet to his bedside.

"I am so sorry for this late visit. Our group's schedule was very hectic," the familiar and friendly smile soothed Tokiya right away. The warm Eiichi who he knew had returned and it made him comfortable instead of being unsure of what the guy had in his mind. "Here, a present for you. I know you're bored and since you passed out on that day because you worked too hard, I bet Himura-san asked you to rest properly, right?"

"Rather than 'asking', he literally forced me to rest," Tokiya replied with light chuckles as he took the black shopping bag from Eiichi. His eyes lightened as they could spot two thriller novels in it. "Thank you so much, Eiichi. They're perfect for my condition."

"Why? Are you saying you won't be discharged any sooner?"

"Yes. This morning, they said I passed out when they noticed I slept for too long. Maybe that's actually a sign that I am going to die because of sudden illness or something," the blue head remarked with a bright smile. Despite his words, the feeling of like being knotted around his chest was not there. It was like a breath of fresh air when finally, he got to talk with someone other than other STARISH members. With them, he felt suffocated even they did not pester him to sue his assaulters anymore.

Little did he know, every second in this room was chilling for Eiichi. His eyes pierced a genuine-like concern and care but his heart repeated the same and dark wish.

No, you're going to die because I kill you, Tokiya. If it's not because of HEAVENS, you would be finished a long time ago.

Yes, he'll die because you'll kill him, Eiichi. Just look at him. He's sick, Eiichi.

Again, another voice started to crawl in his mind, trying to control him and eclipse his rationality.

"Hey, don't say that. Our country will lose such a big star like you and it'll be a shame," Eiichi exclaimed, trying his hardest to ignore the voice. With his state of mind, he did not hesitate to kill Masato or Tokiya at all. They were already in his death list but it was not this soon.

And this easier.

"At least, comparing to 'Stripper' title, the fact that I will be the example of how being an idol will ruin your health sounds much better, right?" Tokiya remarked, leaning more against his pillow. That was when the sight of his pale neck reached Eiichi's sight.

His neck looks interesting, right? Don't you want to choke it to death? After reading those bastards' comments about him and your fiancée, don't you want to end his life before anything really happens between them?

"That makes me afraid to reach your level," Eiichi answered. His hands were shaking on his thighs and he could not fathom either because they were afraid of the creepy voice or...

They were excited to strangle Tokiya.

"Why are you afraid when you already reached that level? Yours might be higher than mine."

That's nice of you, Tokiya. To say such a thing to me, Eiichi thought. He knew that every single compliment from Tokiya was never sugar-coated but he did not feel happy or honored at all.

Instead, the more sincere Tokiya was, the more his loathing crawled into his veins. It became one of his personality traits that had been 'shaped up' since the day when his father believed that hitting him for being below Tokiya was a good education for him.

He looks so innocent, right? He still sees you as a friend so don't you think this is a good chance, Eiichi? You know, for you to kill him as soon as possible? Just imagine how your life will turn out had you finished him earlier?

"Don't be ridiculous. You're way more popular than me, Tokiya," Eiichi said, shifting uncomfortably on his chair. "But, you see. Ryota- san has given me a very good script which he claimed it can raise my fame."

Which was from his father's recommendation, much to his chagrin. More recommendations meant more smacks from Otori had he failed to satisfy the geezer.

"Really? That's very lucky of you. You know that when he comes to you, it means you're going to work for a masterpiece. He's a very experienced director after all."

"Yeah but his credibility scares me since it gives me pressure in order to fulfill his expectation. When I studied the script, I wish I can rest like you instead. I can't believe that the character is very hard for me to portray," Eiichi said, exaggerating his gestures.

"I see. What kind of..."

"A serial killer," Eiichi cut him short. "So, I was thinking, instead of struggling on my own, why don't I learn from you instead? You had acted a couple of times as an antagonist when you co-starred with Masato, right? I still remember how all my bandmates exclaimed 'woaahhh' when you hit Masato's face with the whiskey bottle in 'Intertwined'. You look so evil, unlike this gentle Tokiya. No wonder the episode got the best rating."

Well, what I felt behind the scene was not really an act, Eiichi, Tokiya thought. He never wanted to talk about such deeper and darker fact with other people so all he did was forming a bitter smile.

"Well, it's a rather old movie but I can give an honest opinion on your acting if you want," Tokiya could see how bright Eiichi's purple eyes turned out. It was the most excited expression that he ever saw from the usually-calm Eiichi. "I miss my works so much so the fact that you want my opinion on your acting really makes me happy."

Good. I am also very happy, Tokiya. Like... very happy.

"Okay, you may start now," Tokiya said, given for some reason Eiichi only stared at him with an unreadable expression.

"Oh, yeah, I will start now," the leader of HEAVENS almost slapped himself when he almost dropped his sincere and friendly mask. His frank side urged him to smirk at the blue head before pouncing at him, strangling him mercilessly. He stood up, eyes were glancing at Tokiya's neck. "Thank you so much, Tokiya. For some reason, this makes me nervous."

Because your neck looks enchanting, Tokiya. I wonder how suffered you'll look like if I...

"Why should you? It's only me."

Yes, I am nervous because it's you, Tokiya.

His hands reacted faster than his mind could organize. They encircled Tokiya's neck right away, much to the idol's surprise.

"Len, you know what? Ah, sorry. I forgot to explain the scenario. It's about my character, Suoh wants to kill his best friend, Len. He believes that Len steals everything from him especially his girlfriend. Since he's resolute to kill Len, may I pretend to strangle you?"

"Sure."

"Okay," Eiichi heaved a heavy breath, concealing his happiness when it felt like his target was walking straight into his trap. "Len, you're so naive. Do you really think that we're friends? No, you're wrong, dumbass. We're still friends because I want to kill you."

Tokiya's expression did not change. That was typical of him. His blue eyes fixed Eiichi with a gaze, seriously evaluating the guy's acting skill.

He said that my acting looked real. What that makes him then? It looks like he used to kill a person before.

"Just so you know, I can't stay still if you stay alive, Len," his big hands slightly squeezed Tokiya's neck. "Because of you, I have to suffer. It's because of you, I live like trash!"

It happened so fast. The pressure around his neck was increasing, much to Tokiya's alarm. His hands struggled to push Eiichi. While his eyes bulged in terror, he had no idea how crazy Eiichi's laugh sounded in his mind.

It feels like my dream comes true.

"Eiichi, stop it... It's too much..."

Does it hurt? Really!? Should I torture you more?

No, don't listen to him, Eiichi! In fact, just finish him off! Don't you forget already? 'Tomochika and Tokiya look good together.' 'Eiichi is a frigging loser. He doesn't deserve the sweet Tomochika. She should be with Tokiya'. That's what they said, Eiichi!

"Eiichi..."

Yes, continue to feel such a way, Tokiya. Feel it. This is what I want you to feel!

More, Eiichi. More!

"Eiichi, stop it!" As Tokiya managed to push him which caused him almost lost his balance, Eiichi could feel a few heavy objects whacked his head. He immediately turned, only to meet a much angrier look than his.

It was Masato, of course on his wheelchair. He was holding a plastic bag with half of them was occupied by fruits. Just then, Eiichi realized what attacked him just now when a few apples rolled around his feet. He and Tokiya were so absorbed in their situation that they did not notice Masato's sudden presence.

"What do you think you're doing?" With shaky breath and about-to-bulge blue eyes, Masato was looking daggers at Eiichi. "Are you trying to kill Tokiya, you bastard!?"

More fruits flew which caused both Tokiya and Eiichi screamed.

"Wait... Masato! Wait, that's not how it looked like!" Tokiya said, waving his hands in panic. It was unpleasant when he had to raise his voice and cough at the same time.

"Then, what else are you guys doing!? Break-dancing? Don't give me that crap!"

"We're just acting!" Eiichi and Tokiya yelled in unison which made Masato stop himself from victimizing the last fruit from his plastic bag.

"What?" The blue eyes stared at them as if they just grew another head.

"Eiichi just... asked me to critique his acting for a new movie," Tokiya remarked, stroking his chest.

"Really? If it's just a practice, do you really have to strangle my friend that hard, Otori-san? His neck is all red and he's still coughing," Masato said, glancing at his friend. His voice emphasized how he did not approve the so-called practice at all given it looked so violent.

Which later he would learn that there was a reason why his heart did not feel good to see Eiichi and Tokiya in such a circumstance.

What a killjoy, the scary voice whispered in Eiichi's head. This bastard always ruined your plan, right, Eiichi?

"You made me feel scared when you called me Otori-san instead of Eiichi, Masato," Eiichi said. This time, the way his heart thumped just warned him something.

Unlike Tokiya, Masato's suspicion grew.

"You should feel like that if you pull that kind of stunt again," Masato said softly but he did not smile at all in order to match Eiichi's jokes. "Please bear in your mind that it's a gentle reminder from me, Eiichi."

The gentle reminder without any sign of apology for the misunderstanding indirectly told Eiichi that Masato did not fully believe in him.

"I am so sorry, okay? I did not mean to hurt him at all. Tokiya, I am sorry."

"That's okay! Really," while glancing anxiously at Masato, Tokiya exclaimed. "I know how you feel. You're just way too engrossed, right?"

"Yeah but it seems like your twin is still doubting me," Eiichi said, awkward chuckles escaped in chorus.

"Of course. Twins must protect each other," while Tokiya was trying to soothe this awkward but nerve-racking atmosphere, Masato seemed like he enjoyed being sarcastic.

You're really his twin, Masato. I should have killed you eight years ago, the HEAVENS's leader echoed.

After that, Tokiya had spent other minutes to convince Haruka who came together with Masato and two security guards which the composer called that whatever violent thing that Eiichi tried to do, it was only acting.

After that, as soon as Eiichi left them for urgent business, the first line from Masato made Tokiya almost choked on his drink while Haruka quickly grabbed her husband's arm.

"I am so sorry for your poor apples but I can't help but think that he's a psychopath."

"Masato," Haruka exclaimed, obliquely telling the man that he was way too blunt.

"Wh...what? A psychopath?" While stroking his chest, Tokiya stared at his friend. "Don't you think it's too harsh?"

"But can you see from the way he looked at you while strangling you? He's insane. I don't think he acted. I bet he just used his new movie as an excuse to torture you," Masato said. He straightened his back, making him resembled a king from historical drama yet again.

"Come on, Masato. Why would he want to torture me? We're not enemies, for heaven's sake."

"To be honest, I agree with Masato, Tokiya," Haruka remarked, concern glistened in her eyes. "I know actors tend to be too engrossed when they work but just now, the way Eiichi acted made me feel uneasy. You have to be careful. Plus, your neck..."

"Yeah, Haruka. I do admit that his stranglehold was quite strong but as you said, that normally happens when you are too engrossed. Plus, Eiichi's character hates mine so that's bound to happen."

"And what if he really ended up killing you just now? He only stopped just because you pushed him, right?"

"As I said, maybe he's just..."

"Ah, so you're this kind of person. Now I know it," while pointing at Tokiya's confused face, Masato's sarcasm got the best of him. He could not hide his anger at how absurd Tokiya's opinion was anymore.

"Excuse me?"

"You're a really selectively caring person. Once you care, you care too much to the point of you sacrificed your body to the perverts just for your friends' sake. But once you ignore, you are like Walking Ice. For example like just now, you're surprisingly optimistic when it comes to other people but until now, you still can't forgive your own friends."

It immediately raised a quiet and tense atmosphere. Masato only realized how frustrated he was to the point of blurting whatever his mind had echoed when he felt Haruka squeezed his hand. His eyes shifted from the nervous Haruka to the speechless Tokiya.

Seconds passed.

"I am sorry," both the blue heads said in unison.

"For what?" Tokiya asked first.

"For saying something insensitive like that. I should mind my words when I know you are hurt for a long time," Masato replied sincerely. Sometimes, he wished that he would just shut up given his memory did not recover yet but he could not help it. It felt like the old he slowly took over his mind. "What about you, then? What are you sorry for?"

"Sorry for not forgiving them yet and making things complicated," Tokiya said.

Okay, this is going to a strange direction. Just what are they up to? Haruka thought. Her sight shifted from her husband to Tokiya while being the sole watcher of their melodrama.

"Ah, come to think of it, we have something to tell you, Tokiya," Haruka interposed, sizing her eyes up in order to distract the men from the current situation. "Now, Masato took fifteen steps when he tried to walk. Even the doctor is surprised to see his recovery."

"Really?" Tokiya's eyes brightened up, looking straight at the said guy. "That's good to hear. Should I help you walk today? It has been a while."

Yeah, my legs might be stronger but for the other parts... I am not sure, Tokiya, Masato thought.

"You don't mind?" Masato asked as he furrowed his brow. "I mean yeah, it doesn't sound right for a patient to help his sick visitor..."

"That's okay. I am bored anyway," it also did not sound right for Tokiya to be this fired up. "You guys don't have any idea how bored I am since Himura-san always confiscated my gadgets. Even Tomochika frequently visited me, we can't even talk about our latest project. I am not surprised if I die due to boredom instead of poor constitution."

His reason sent the couple chuckled.

"Well, you got yourself a very good manager," Masato remarked.

"I guess so," Tokiya said as he slowly stood up opposite Masato. "Hold my arms and I will help you stand up."

"Are you really okay with this, Tokiya?" Masato asked again, carefully observing Tokiya's tall figure.

"Is your body in a good condition? Your doctor told us that you passed out this morning," Haruka supplied.

The warm feeling when he only received care from other people this much... it clouded his heart again.

"Ah, I feel like I am just talking with my parents. Well, not really since my own parents are not this thoughtful," he said casually but little did he know, each of his words tore their hearts apart. "Come on, Masato. Just ignore the doctor. I am more than willing to help you. Just imagine how happy your family will be if you can walk normally. Do you know what Harumi said to me before? Once she knew that you couldn't walk anymore, she wished she could grow up faster so that she could let you hold her arms and walk together."

A smile formed on his thin lips as the husband and wife kept gazing at him.

"But since it took so many years for her to grow up, I promised her that I would help you walk in place of her. So, your job here is to be healthier so that the others will be happy. If you're healthier, I will also become healthier. We're twins after all."

This was such a roller coaster. From the fuss that Eiichi had caused a while ago, now it was the couple's turn to feel the sincerity from Tokiya.

They proceeded with more casual conversation as Tokiya carefully supported Masato to walk. The couple was right. The man had improved and he did not struggle so much to stand still.

The moment was enjoyable until Masato broke it.

"I know you still need time but I really wish you can patch up with others, Tokiya," Masato initiated. "It will make me the happiest if all of you can get along like before. You know... before something happens to me."

Tokiya's smile faded from his face. He spontaneously held Haruka's eyes and just for two seconds, he knew they shared the same feeling.

The bad feeling that they wished it never happened.

He knew it from the start.

Kurusu Syo was ready for any risk once all of them decided to confront Saotome and leave the hellish agency. His idol was not the old man anyway so he did not feel really affected other than the fact that the president of Shining Agency had tormented his teammate for years.

But now, when his own idol and inspiration, Hyuga Ryuya himself decided to betray and ruin his life, it was bound for him to freeze on his spot. His eyes did not leave Hyuga's poker face at all since they desperately searched for some clues that showed that this man just pulled a lame joke. It was humiliating enough to be fired right in front of his juniors as if Hyuga really wanted to hurt his pride but the most important thing was...

Why? Why he was fired out of the blue when Hyuga frequently acknowledged him as the best stunt coordinator in his academy? It did not make any sense.

"This is not funny, Hyuga-san," he initiated even his mind was about to explode out of shock. "Suddenly sacking me after thirteen years working with you is not funny, Hyuga-san."

"I know," the man said, crossing his arms over his muscular chest. "But I am not pulling a joke, Syo. The decision is final. Thank you for always working hard all this time. We won't forget you."

"If you know that I am always working hard, why the hell are you talking shit like this? I need to know what is the reason."

The other stuntmen started to pay heed to their confrontation instead of their practice but Syo could not care less when Hyuga just stopped him from doing something that he really loved. As if they anticipated a small guy like him to have a fist fight with someone buff like Hyuga.

"This. I am talking about your attitude, Kurusu Syo," Hyuga pointed at his face. "Why the hell did you and your friends threaten Saotome? And what? You even wanted to bring him to court? What's gotten into you guys, huh?"

"So, I got fired because of that son of a bitch, huh?" Syo's foul language sent the others gasped while Hyuga looked pissed off. It was not surprising for them since the STARISH member swore a lot but he never cussed someone respectable like Shining Saotome. "I thought that this academy is fully yours, Hyuga-san."

"Yes, this place is fully mine but I don't think I can work with someone who is not only ungrateful but also dared to sue his own president."

"That bastard is not my freaking..." Syo stopped himself when he observed how the others looked at him.

Normally, their eyes were full of admiration. Even sometimes most of them asked him about Tokiya (much to his annoyance but it was maybe because Tokiya was still single), they respected him so much. All of them expressed how he inspired them to work hard in order to achieve their dream but now...

They lost their respect for him. Syo could see that. Knowing Saotome, the only guess that penetrated his mind was the old man must brainwash them and maybe...

He spread a false and insulting rumor about STARISH.

No words could describe how much he wanted to tell Hyuga that he did not know the guy anymore. After Tokiya's secret got unfolded, he wanted to confront Hyuga right away. He wanted to attack the man Ringo for being Saotome's accomplices but he was immediately stopped by others especially Natsuki.

"Don't, Syo. I believe when we're controlled by our anger or when we turn violent, that's when Saotome-san will find a way to trap us. Just wait until we can collect more solid evidence," was what the big guy said.

You're right, Natsuki, Syo thought. Judging from how his juniors eyed him, it was obvious that they were expecting the hot-tempered him to attack Hyuga which gave them a chance to spread a scandal about him.

"Then, if you say so, I have no right to oppose. Thank you for giving me a chance to work with you. I have learned a lot," he bowed to Hyuga before immediately leaving the practice hall.

At a single glance, he could spot how much they were shocked to see his calmness. Something that no one would expect from a hot-blooded man like him.

Those guys won't believe me if I tell them. Or worse, they will laugh at me for being so out of character, he chuckled at his thought. He stopped in the middle of the corridor before fishing out his phone from his pocket. He intended to ask anyone to hang out before it rang right away.

"It's Otoya," he muttered before pressing the 'answer' button. "Hello, Otoya."

Otoya immediately cut him short, talking with a trembly voice and short pants.

Syo's eyes widened in horror.

"Your children... what?"

As usual, if you have something to say, feel free to share your thought, okay? Bye ~