CHAPTER 32

While resting in each other's arms on their bed was so pleasant for a certain couple, the husband instinctively knew what the wife was up to. Since he was no longer behind bars, she always wanted to be by his side including when she was supposed to do her works in her office. She became so clingy to the point of they had to at least have their arms brushed each other for her to be relieved.

"I am not going anywhere," Masato said, probably for the eighth time of the day. He already lost words in order to sound compelling because the moment the arms around his waist got tightened, he knew his wife did not buy any of them.

Well, she had a very solid reason to feel so since unlike his disability, Hijirikawa Masato was strong and brave enough to attack Shining Saotome in the midst of a news conference. He became the hot news for a few weeks straight, gaining gazillion of praises from people.

Yes, his decision and determination were fruitful but for his wife, her insight was way different than others. She was the most apprehensive about his constitution and the fact that they were separate and did not spend their days together were unthinkable for her.

"Sorry, honey. I won't trust you an inch," Haruka murmured, snuggling closer to his chest. "Your legs aren't really in a good condition but you still have the audacity to walk straight to the president and hit him. How am I supposed to believe you after this? Who knows you might jump from this room, burgle the prison and kill the president in his sleep."

She is getting brutal with her words and imagination, he thought. Even her voice was soft and lovely but as the husband who just committed a 'sin', it stung.

"Hey, that's impossible. My legs cannot carry me to do such a thing. Plus, he already got what he deserved so why would I take more revenge then?"

"You liar," she lifted her upper body, holding his eyes with her glower. "Do you think I didn't hear what you said every time the antagonists in your favorite dramas only got imprisoned? You said it's unfair, they should die slowly but painfully. That's what you want to happen to Saotome-san, isn't it?"

Congratulations, Masato. You got caught, he was positive that the 'old' him would pat his back while giggling at him had he been here, witnessing their sweet-but-intimidating moment.

"Hmm...Well..."

"I am someone who lives with you, Masato. You can't lie to me."

"But I don't think..."

"Hijirikawa Masato."

"I mean, dramas and real-life are separate matters. You can't mix them..."

"You do know that I love you so much, right?"

"Okay, I give up!" He exclaimed his loss under her sharp look and scary voice. This time, her 'I love you' did not sound romantic at all. "I do think that the verdict isn't fair compared to what those bastards had made Tokiya gone through. The worst part is that Saotome doesn't even apologize to him nor has the sense of regret so honestly, I am not that satisfied."

"Yeah, you got a point there," just when he thought Haruka would stop looking daggers at him and embrace him back, she continued fiercely, "But still..."

"I won't do anything, I swear!" he said, almost immediately. "Not with these legs. They don't even fully heal..."

"But you're attempting to make them stronger as soon as possible, right?" She said, sending him relieved that she did not sound so stern. "The girls said that you always practiced walking instead of reading a book."

"Oh, they told you?"

"Of course. They're worried that your legs would give way. You can't expect two small girls to catch you when you're about to collapse, right?"

"Of course not. I am a heavy burden anyway," the pianist said, chuckling at his own joke. He certainly was not trying to be cute or any sort but for Haruka, the sight of him smiling or looking overall delighted was her favorite sight and she wished to drink in it forever.

'Forever'. If only the word really existed in a real life...

"Yes, you're heavy but you're not a burden. Remember that," she said, love was cast from her eyes, only for him. His blue hair felt so silky along with her fingers.

Just when he thought the vibes between them turned sweet, she surprised him again with her stern expression.

"But you did make me worry when you got imprisoned for a while," she forced herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. "I miss you a lot, you know. It doesn't feel right to see your bedside empty. I don't have anyone to hug."

"You could just borrow Harumi's teddy bear for the time being, you know..."

"But it doesn't feel the same," she said, her voice was slightly unclear against his chest. "Your hug is the best place for me to sleep. I love to hear your heartbeat. I even woke up several times because you weren't here and I was worried about you."

"But I am already here so no need to be anxious anymore," he said, making his voice sounded drowsy when in fact...

His chest heaved when she mentioned his heartbeat.

How long it would beat for her? Would this marriage end up with him leaving his family soon? Was this disease fatal and not forgiving at all?

The fact that Haruka could not see his face was a blessing. He did not want her to see through his eyes how broken his heart was when he thought of his children, growing up without a father.

And also Haruka... when his bedside would be empty one day...

He never thought that she also shared the same feeling, snuggling closer because she did not want him to see her tears.

They were worried about the same thing; Masato's deteriorated health which meant the future for them.

I love you, Masato. Please don't leave me so soon. I still need you, she thought forlornly.

I love you, Haruka. If something happens to me, I hope I don't sadden you too much, he thought. He pecked her head before slowly closing his tired eyes.

The news conference which contained Tomochika and Eiichi's broken engagement was received dramatically. Their fans kicked up a fuss, flooding their social media with their dejection for the 'sad ending' of their relationship as if it would endanger the population.

"We believed that it's best for us to go our separate ways. Even so, we decided to be friends and we promise that our past relationship won't affect our professionalism. We'll never decline to work together in the future."

It was predictable that the reporters were discontented with their vague answers. They kept delving into the cause of their break-up until one of the reporters touched a nerve...

"Does this break-up have anything to do with Ichinose Tokiya? Since people claim that he has better chemistry with Tomochika on-screen, does it somehow affect your relationship?"

Tomochika's heart thumped fast at the blunt question. She expected that Eiichi would snap since he was more sensitive every time Tokiya was involved. She could spot that it took all for him to collect his coolness from the way he sighed deeply and he clenched his fists on his knees.

"No, our relationship wasn't affected by him. He's our great friend and just like the truth spoke for him lately, he's a decent guy. Plus, won't it be stupid to break up just because Tomochika looked like she had better chemistry with her co-worker? What mattered the most was she loved me, right? People can talk all they want but our feelings to each other are more important."

While Eiichi used a sarcastic but smart way to make those reporters and nosy fans zip their mouths and forget their absurd speculation, Tomochika was miserable about it. Eiichi realized that it was stupid to involve Tokiya in their relationship but he hit her a lot because of the same stupid reason. How ironic could it be?

If only he could convince himself to be rational before he hit her out of jealousy, their relationship would not end like this.

"So, that's what you meant by trusting your decision. When we asked you on that day, you guys were already on the verge of break-up," Haruka commented when she visited her best friend at her house. Tomochika had announced that she would take a break from working for a while so she was in her place most of the time. "What made you both decided the break-up, Tomo? I thought that you guys will get married for real."

"I am sorry, Haruka. I wish I could tell you but just like what we had declared during the news conference, the separation is the best choice for us," Tomochika said.

From the way Haruka kept staring at her, the idol knew that it was a sign of dissatisfaction. It must be upsetting for the composer when she gave the impression that she did not need help nor consolation from her own best friend.

It was not like she did not need it. Rather, she could not need it. There were hearts and situations that she had to consider and avoid.

"Don't worry about me. Of course I do feel sad about what happened but I will get over it."

She's definitely a person with a high ability to get over whatever 'it' she faced with, the composer thought. But this time, it was different because she spotted how Tomochika lost her bright smile for a long time. It felt like this time, her problem had swallowed all her vivacious demeanor and energy.

"Tomo, if you feel lonely or just want to clear your mind, just come to my house. You can talk to me or play with my children. I don't want to say this but after you dated Eiichi, you rarely came to my house. It felt like something restrained you from going there."

Tomochika was being careful of the fact that she was swallowing her saliva because she was anxious about how accurate Haruka's remark was.

You're right. Someone did restrain me. He forbade me from hanging out at your house because he's afraid I might flirt with your husband. Is that downright ridiculous, Haruka?

"No, who said something restrained me? I am just busy," she denied with a grin. "But now I don't have anything to do so I might drop by a few times."

A small smile from Haruka appeared almost unreadable for Tomochika. For the first time since she knew the woman, she felt it was tricky to know what the composer had in her mind.

Doesn't she believe what I said? She thought.

"That's good, then," Haruka remarked.

While Tomochika stated that she did not have anything to do, Eiichi spent his leisure time which was seldom and short by sprawling on his bed and close his eyes.

Only sprawling and closing his eyes. He could not sleep at all no matter how tired and drowsy he was. He only had Tomochika in his mind and heart. He missed her and no words could perfectly describe how much he wanted to hug her and wish the news conference was not about them separating. Rather, he wished that it was about them announcing the date of their wedding.

Their wedding... he wanted it to happen with his whole heart.

But...

"You're the worst choice that I've ever made in my life, Otori Eiichi."

He flinched at the heartbreaking memory.

" I regret to know you, to love you. I really regret them."

How could she say that after what we have gone through? She's the only woman that I treated special so how could she say that? He mentally remarked.

"That's why I want you to get diagnosed. That's why I encouraged you to see the doctor. You said you have childhood trauma and that's why I want you to be healthy again but you denied yourself. You refused to help yourself but you have time to stalk me, to accuse me."

I am not sick, Tomo! I am not sick! This is just a normal feeling when a man is afraid that he'll lose his girl to someone like Tokiya.

"Yes, I love him!! I've fallen in love with Tokiya and do you know who caused it? You, Eiichi! You! Your jealousy, your insults... You thought that I would cheat with every man in this world when in fact, I don't! No matter how many times I told you, you would hit me! What do you think I am, huh? A slut!? An animal!?"

That was when he felt like something snapped in his head. It was a familiar feeling every time the thought about Tokiya crossed his mind. The guy never needed to do anything to egg on his loathing. His very existence and the fact that he was still out there, living his glamorous but brand new life had become the biggest threat for Eiichi.

I guess that I just have to ruin his twin's life, right? That guy sure got a nerve to stand in my way. It'll be difficult as long as he's still around.

Just like eight years ago...

He rose from his bed, opening the closet to take out a big brown envelope with Masato's devastated face in his mind. Smiling at how the scion's misery would be the end for Tokiya, he marched out of his room, making his way downstairs.

Yet, he was astounded or 'saved' by the cheers of his teammates, who were already waiting in the living room with a lot of foods on the table.

"Attention! Our leader just rose from the dead!" Van teased, earning laughter from others except for Kira who flashed a relieved smile.

"Where do you want to go, niisan?" Eiji pointed out, spotting a car key and brown envelope in his hand.

"Nothing in particular. I just want to clear my mind," he said as he slowly hid the envelope from their sight.

"Oh, come on, Eiichi! You were melancholic alone in your bed and when you just proved that you're not dead, you already want to go out? What about us then!?" As much as Nagi's high-pitched voice pierced his ears as usual, Eiichi paid more attention to the overall atmosphere.

The food on the table... their relieved and anticipated smiles which were only for him...

They were worried about him. They wanted to do something to cheer him up.

He had this fact in his mind for a while but until now, he still believed that he did not deserve them.

"Yeah, what about us? We're lonely here," Van whined as if he could be as cute as Nagi when he hugged Eiichi's shoulder. "When our mother here is so sad with his break-up, we feel like a bunch of chicks that lost their hen. We wanted to be fed with worms from you, Eiichi!"

"Cut it out, Van! Why would you use such a disgusting analogy to describe what we felt?" Nagi remarked, folding his small arms over his chest.

"It's not disgusting, Nagi," Eiichi said softly, could not care less when Van's hug made his side felt heavy. "I did think that all of you like chicks at times."

"Just said we're adorable, then. No need to compare us with animals," Nagi said with a pout but for Eiichi, something immediately struck his mind like a flash of lightning.

"You thought that I would cheat with every man in this world when in fact, I don't! No matter how many times I told you, you would hit me! What do you think I am, huh? A slut!? An animal!?"

"Okay, then. You guys are like my brothers, not animals," he said. His expression might become way livelier than before since he could spot how their eyes lit up in unison. Except for Kira who preferred to just smile like a passer-by, they all hugged him from all directions.

"Waaaa, the world turned bright again! Eiichi is smiling again!" Nagi screamed dramatically, embracing his beloved leader from his right side. "Glad to see that you can smile back, Eiichi! We're so worried about you!"

"Niisan," Eiji who was way shorter than his brother looked up, holding Eiichi's puzzled eyes. "If you still feel sad with what happened and you need someone by your side, please tell us. You don't have to feel like you have to shoulder everything."

"Yes, he's right. You don't need a woman in your life after all, Eiichi. You have a brighter future in your career so you have to strive hard with us instead," Nagi supplied.

"Are you sure that you don't need a woman in your life? Who do you need then, Nagi?" Van widened his eyes. It was like his personal entertainment to annoy anyone who easily got annoyed like Nagi. "Me? No, not me, please. If it's not because of the no-dating rule, I would be the one who got married first out of us."

"Yeah, remember when that Hijirikawa almost killed you for flirting with his wife?" Nagi said with a smirk, sending the guy with Kansai accent to flinch at the terrible memory. "But the most important thing is that's not my point! What I want to say is Eiichi has us by his side! Losing a fiancée doesn't mean the end of his life."

"Yeah, yeah, Nagi. I know," Eiichi stroked the small pink head, attempting to resolve the squabble. "Thank you, guys. Thank you so much. I am sorry for ignoring you guys since the news conference. I just need me-time to think about what I am going to do after this."

"It's okay, niisan. All we want to see is for you to smile back. It's always you who will motivate us whenever we feel hopeless. If you aren't there, it's not meaningful for us to stay in HEAVENS," Eiji said and it was one of the most emotive things that he had ever heard in his life. It was probably because Eiji was his sibling so he instinctively knew the right thing to say. That was why no matter how many times Otori downgraded him and compared him to Eiji, he could not hate him. Eiji was so precious to him. "After all, it's not us who you should thank the most. It's Kira who planned to cheer you up."

"Oh, really?" Eiichi raised his eyebrow. It was not supposed to be surprising for him because the quiet guy tended to bump into him whenever he felt miserable after a sudden meeting with his father.

"That makes me wonder... why that guy doesn't join this group hug? Does he think he's too old to do this?" Van said, followed by a not-really intimidating glare.

"At least I know I am old," Kira said as he faked his cough. Eiichi swore he could see a hint of embarrassment from the usual poker face. "Unlike Nagi and Eiji, you look weird when you hug someone like that, Van. Just cut it out."

"Oh, what a great way to show how 'normal' you are. Great job, dude," Van said, rolling his eyes.

"Thank you, buddy. Now, can you guys stop suffocated Eiichi like that? Come here and eat!"

For now, he could put aside the insane sadness and anger on his shoulders. As long as Tokiya did not do anything unnecessary more and more, Eiichi still could endure the feeling of wanting to get rid of Masato as soon as possible.

To be honest, these guys are the only reason why I keep procrastinating to destroy both of you, Masato, Tokiya. I don't want to lose them for good this soon so you both should be thankful to them, the leader thought.

Tokiya and Eiichi were always in similar situations more than they could imagine. He also gained endless supports from those who cared about him including Himura who worked again with him despite he did not get any project yet.

When it was the first time they could meet each other again after Saotome fired Himura, the artist, and the manager unexpectedly greeted each other with a warm hug. Unlike with other STARISH members which the blue head accepted their help in a cool manner, Tokiya did not hesitate to show his childish side and how much he missed the man. The others were surprised to see such side of Tokiya, clinging to Himura like his biological brother.

"Waaaahh, to think that I will spend the rest of my life without you, Himura-san..."

"Stop that! People will misunderstand, you moron!" Himura exclaimed and that was when he could spot the bitterness written over others' faces.

How Tokiya reacted around them compared to Himura... it was way different. All the vocalist knew to do was being awkward and stiff with his own teammates.

So, since he was way too comfortable with Himura, he also did not dither over showing his naïve side no matter how readable Himura's response after that.

"Then, what should I say to them?" He asked one day when they chatted in Tokiya's house. It was supposed to be a casual moment where Himura just wanted to know his condition after being free of Saotome's exploitative contract.

It was until Himura brought up how Tokiya should meet his assaulters in the prison.

"Obviously demand apologies. They ruined your life and until now, you still sought therapy when it wasn't your fault that Saotome 'sold' you to those perverts so you should make them beseech your forgiveness. Let them feel what did you feel when you begged not to hurt your friends."

Tokiya blinked. He reminded Himura of a porcelain doll who randomly being chosen as a mascot for a tea brand since he was frozen in his seat while holding a cup of tea. "Is that really necessary?"

What the hell is wrong with your brain, Tokiya? Why can't you use your smartness when the situation really needs it? Himura thought, massaging his forehead in annoyance.

"Yes, you idiot," when Tokiya showed his typical sign of rebellion for being called an idiot, Himura supplied, "Despite they were all imprisoned, they did not show any sign of regret. That's unfair for you."

"I think it's fair, though," Tokiya said, calmly. "The fact that they were imprisoned is fair enough. They can't victimize other people as free as they can."

"Oh. My. God," Himura was so frustrated that he ended up messing his brown hair. "With this kind of logic, I bet The Saint like Masato would also curse you had he been here right now. Why can't you just understand that..."

"I understand what's your point, Himura-san," the poker face was slowly masked with a thankful smile. In contrast, Himura had grown to hate it because the smile did not always mean they were agreeing to each other. "When you guys said you wanted to fight for my justice, it also included the apologies from the culprits. I really appreciate it but I don't think I need the apologies."

"Why?" The manager did not simply lift an eyebrow. Instead, if the guy was really the Ichinose Tokiya who had been his artist since 11 years ago, he would get the message right away. He demanded a very sound explanation.

"It's because of Masato's words," he said, much to the manager's bewilderment. "When he stated that his happiness is when I am happy, I don't know. It feels wonderful... to learn how much I mean in someone's life. He said that I deserve to be happy, I will get married, I will have my own family. Even not all of them will become true, I want to do my best to be happy, to live a life without revenge, anger or sorts. I just want to lead my life as much as I want, Himura-san."

It was not always or every day that the father of a son could hear the true feeling from Tokiya since the guy was reserved.

But, when he did get sincere and open, instead of opening more options and opportunities for Himura to help him, Tokiya always ended up making him more worried and confused. "It's nice to hear that you want to start over but what do you mean by 'even not all of them will become true?' Why not all? Do you mean you won't get married?"

Tokiya nodded. Himura was too angry to realize that the blue head meant something else, completely different from what had crossed his mind.

"Don't make me laugh! Since the trial, you had received so many confessions and dinner invitations," as he said it, Tokiya's phone which was on the table rang, almost instantly. "Look! It's Kitahara Mei! I bet she wants to invite you somewhere again. Come on, give her a chance to win your heart. I bet Harumi will be glad since she can play with your children as soon as possible. You want your first child to be a girl, right? It'll be perfect for Masato's daughters."

"Nah, no need. Someday, if I want an inheritor, I will adopt someone from an orphanage. I am sure Otoya can recommend me one," he said nonchalantly, did not bother to pick up a call from the famous actress.

"Then, how about Tomochika?" Himura said, without being aware of the fact once the girl's name was turned into their subject, it felt like somebody just switched on Tokiya's memory, reminding him of the woman's drunken confession on that day. "I know I shouldn't say this but I strongly believe that she likes you more than as a friend. The way she looked at you, the way she cared about you... it's just the same as when she used to look at Eiichi."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tokiya asked, trying his best to play his role; being the oblivious jerk.

"I think she's in love with you," Himura said, deciding that Tokiya was like a robot; needed a direct answer instead of beating around the bush. "I mean yeah, she did look like she had a great time with Eiichi but for some reason, I am not surprised if they break off. There were a lot of famous and happy couples who suddenly broke off, right? It turned out they did have issues with each other."

Tokiya averted his gaze, pretending to contemplate Himura's remark.

"Perhaps, do you know why did they break up?" Himura asked.

The blue head could not blame Himura for being nosy. No, he was not exactly nosy. He was just curious because he was also close to Tomochika.

"I don't know," he said, as believable as possible. "If we are going to assume something clichéd, perhaps they are busy so they can't commit to each other?"

"Or... maybe it's just an arranged relationship by Otori-san and Saotome," Himura said. "I believe Tomochika is the easiest target. She is charming so no men would decline her. Her relationships with her previous boyfriends were also arranged for Shining Agency's profits so I am not surprised if her engagement with Eiichi also had the same goal."

Yeah, please convince yourself with the idea, Himura-san. It'll be easier for me then, the blue head thought.

"If that's their choice, we just have to respect it but what about you then? Should you do something to improve your life? You live alone for too long, you know."

"You worry too much, Himura-san. It makes me feel honored," Tokiya said followed by melodious chuckles.

"It's because you always do something that makes me worried," the manager said sternly.

"Then, if something happens to me one day, I hope that you can find another artist as soon as possible to replace me. Someone who is more convenient than me, someone who doesn't worry you every single time. I wish it will happen to you, Himura-san. I really do."

"What? What's that supposed to mean? Stop being cheesy without reasons, you idiot!" Himura said. The fact that he could not stand his artist's flowery words was one thing but...

What made Tokiya suddenly say that? Was he in a danger?

"Enough with the poetic lines! Just pick up the call for crying out loud!"

"Okayyy," Tokiya took his phone with him, leaving Himura for a while.

That was just how they were regularly. They cared about each other like siblings but with their not-so-young age, it was typically hard to say what they had in their minds.

Just what's with this uneasy feeling? Why do I feel like Tokiya is hinting at something?

After his cough slowly showed a sign to stop, Masato stroked his chest with the hope that it would soothe the growing pain in that area. It was hard for him when he did not want to make his friends worried but at the same time, his body constantly wanted to give way. As if it wanted to scream at them that he was in a pain.

"Well, you coughed more frequent, I guess," Cecil stated as if it was not obvious enough but everybody knew how concerned he was.

"Yeah, it got irritating each day," Masato confirmed, clearing his throat which also stung his system. "By the way, since all of you are here, don't you have any work to do? How's the new company that you guys are talking about?"

"Yeah, of course we have. But how are we supposed to focus on the new company if Haruka said that you vomited blood this morning?" Syo whined right away, followed by others' sad faces.

"It's just blood and its function is to transfer oxygen for crying out loud," Masato said. He would rather crack a lame joke rather than making them more worried. He just could not take it.

"Is it true that the doctor said that your body has become weaker?" Otoya asked, his voice weighed down by the sadness that he did not want it to be written over his face. He was sensitive and easily moved or cried but he did not want his weakness would make Masato miserable. Anyone who was in the scion's situation would need more words of encouragement from people around him.

Masato smiled. It was not just the response alone that made their hearts sank and shifted looks to each other. Instead, the fact that he had to take a deep breath while putting his hand over his chest disturbed them. If only they could share his pain...

"I guess that we disturbed your rest, right? Want me to help you to lie on your bed, Masato?" Natsuki pointed out, already standing up but the scion weakly shook his head.

"It's okay, Natsuki. I'll be fine. I think I will become sicker if I stay alone in my bed. You guys should be happy so that I can be happy too," Masato said with a small smile. "And also, so that Tokiya can be happy too."

"Well, we wish such thing too," Natsuki added. "Even it's sad to say that compared to us, you contributed more to his life, though. You might be reckless with the attack but at least, since a long time ago, you supported him through thick and thin. Unlike us."

"Yeah, Natsuki is right. Sometimes we couldn't help but think that as his friends, we're stupid and useless. Unlike you, Masato," Ren said.

"Which that's why even after what happened, Tokiya still looks awkward with us," Otoya supplied.

"No, don't say that. Your support for him is great. Don't ever think of such thing," Masato said, smiling at others. "You guys are sincere when you wanted to help him. Sure, you mistreated him before but you tried your best to apologize and help him to gain his justice back. Because of you guys, people had seen him in a good way now. Don't worry, it'll be fine. I believe if it's still not enough, someday you guys will have the opportunity to be the place where he will find comfort. I am currently praying for that. I really hope that when something happens, you guys will rely on each other. I also hope that his depression won't get severe after this."

It was not surprising for him to suddenly offer some words of wisdom. It was really Masato-esque but...

When tears suddenly streamed down his face, panic engulfed the bedroom. Natsuki and Otoya immediately reached Masato's sides, comforting him.

"Masato, what happened? Is there something bothering you?" Otoya said softly as if Masato would break more due to a louder voice. "Or does it hurt anywhere? Should we call your doctor?"

"No, it's okay. I don't feel hurt anywhere," Masato said. "I... I am sorry. Maybe I don't want to make Haruka upset so I end up..."

"It's okay, Masato. We're here for you," Natsuki said softly, stroking the smaller shoulder. "We understand that you don't want to make your wife worried so if you have something that you want to share, we are here for you."

"You heard him, Masato," Syo supplied, already leaned forward to hint that he was all ears for the pianist.

It took a few seconds for Masato to collect his thoughts.

"I might sound paranoid if I said that I am worried about Tokiya and my family but..." Masato said. "I don't know. Whenever I see Otori Eiichi, I have a very bad feeling. It's... it's the same as when someone used to ruin your life and you're scared that he will do it again. And do you know what probably proved me right? Previously, I caught Eiichi strangled Tokiya when he was still in the hospital."

Gasps immediately floated in the room. All eyes sized up, focusing on him as he continued.

"They said it was a practice for Eiichi's movie but for some reason, I can't believe that guy anymore. He looked insane and pleased when Tokiya begged him to stop. I think he did appear in my memory but it's quite vague. I will try to figure it out somehow," when he stabilized his anxious breathing, his pleading eyes met them. "That's why, after this, please do your best to save Tokiya from him. He seems dangerous and... I am afraid that he will make Tokiya suffered... especially when they went public with Tokiya's mental illnesses."

They could feel the chill crawled to their veins.

I really had fun with this chapter because I just downloaded a bunch of Utapri songs (several QUARTET NIGHT's songs that I grew to like since I played Shining Live and a few songs from their movie) and I listened to them while writing this chapter. The moodS of those songs don't exactly suit this chapter but it's fun. It makes me feel lucky to be Utapri fan since I love listening and exploring new music so being Utapri fan is an amazing experience for me. They kept composing catchy songs that made me go 'waaahhh' O_O It's hard to choose which one is my favorite song but I recently fell in love with Ai wo Sasageyo _The Secret Shangri-La (HEAVENS), Fly to the Future (QUARTET NIGHT), Souai Traumerei (Kira, Ren, and Reiji) and Ultra Blast (STARISH). They're so amazing and I keep listening to them. I found that Ren's voice is especially attractive in Souai Traumerei (well, I do have a soft spot for him sometimes).

Okay, so back to this chapter... As usual, please let me know if you have something to say about this chapter, okay? Oh, and one more thing. Writing Masato and Haruka's sweet moment is sooo hard for me so I apologize if it looked awkward or strange. :D