The English lyrics in this chapter are from utaprinosekai.wordpress.com, jpopasia.com, and  terracannon876.wordpress.com. The song in this chapter, 'Identity' is actually Mamoru Miyano's song. Two of Tokiya's lines in this chapter were taken from Kuroko no Basket and Lovely Complex. 

First of all, I know it has been a while since chapter 37 was published (is there anyone still waiting for this story? T_T). I apologize because I suffered from a major writer's block that made me frustrated the most. In fact, this is the most frustrating moment since I joined Utapri fandom as a fanfiction writer. Producing words for this chapter was so hard but I want to see this story ends no matter what because I already have the ending in my mind. So, I apologize if the writing for this chapter is stiff, full of errors or overall horrible (T_T) To be honest, I barely rechecked this chapter because my brain isn't so nice to me these days.

CHAPTER 38

All this time, he believed his wife with his whole heart. Due to his memory loss, he ended up like a newborn baby who had this unspoken and mysterious love towards his mother when it comes to Haruka. Despite his poor condition, he fell in love with her again and he was never surprised that it happened every time he lost his memory about her. Haruka was so amazing in his eyes that he thought, he did not deserve her. There was someone out there who could make her happy than him; a husband who was nothing but a millstone around her neck.

Yet, thanks to a certain encounter with Eiichi, Masato was struggling emotionally. He no longer could positively feel what he used to feel about his wife, Tokiya and...

Harumi.

And also the urge to snap at how despite coming back home too late from her meeting with Tokiya, she ended up receiving a call from him before she slept.

Not to mention, the topic itself was... suspicious.

"Yes, Masato is sleeping. What? No, don't worry about me. If we're really going to mention it, I am more worried about you, you know. It'll be way too risky for you, Tokiya."

They had a secret together. His wife and his friend.

His so-called twin and dear friend who used to snap at him about how much he loved Haruka and...

Ah, it made sense now, Masato thought.

After she was done with the conversation and carefully gave him a goodnight kiss, it was such a torture for the scion to continue pretending to sleep.

He felt his chest was hurt all night as his mind cruelly immersed itself in the thought of Haruka and Tokiya.

Haruka and Tokiya, together...

As for Haruka, she was oblivious of what her husband had gone through all night. During the next morning, her schedule was free so she spent her time at home, paying her fullest attention to Masato's welfare.

The massage around his legs did not manage to steal his interest despite it felt so good when Haruka pampered him like this. Instead, the blue eyes which hardly shone since the sudden encounter with Eiichi stared at the delighted face without a smile spread from his lips.

She was lovely like always but the words she blurted out were unpleasant for his ears.

"You know the new song that you said it should have more rock arrangement? Tokiya also thought so and as expected, he nailed it. He never admits it but I bet he always polishes his singing even when he's busy with his dramas and movies."

"I see," Masato replied slowly. It was not supposed to be an issue for him since Haruka worked as the said man's composer but...

Right now, it was downright suffocating and it took all for him not to lash out at his wife.

"I mean, his singing is so flawless and charming. No one can guess that with such excellent singing skills, he doesn't release an album or single for a long time. Do you know? Back then, when we were in school..."

"Haruka," before she could blurt out more stories about a guy who was the reason why she wanted to be a composer, Masato decided to interfere. It sounded sharp, unlike the usual him. "Instead of talking about other people, let's talk about us."

"Huh?"

Why is he talking like I just made him angry?

"Come here," he said, opening his arms to make her sitting on his lap.

"But, Masato... I am heavy..."

"It doesn't matter. This might be the last one," he said softly. A smile was there but it just made him looked weaker. The dark circles around his eyes were also not convincing to see.

"What do you mean?" She asked as she slowly let him wrapped his arms around her waist. Haruka was stiff on his thighs, as if any slight movement from her might break him.

Silence wrapped the air around them as they studied each other.

"Do you love me?" He asked, eyes never left the composer's face.

It was too random that sent her chuckled.

"What's with the sudden question, huh?" She let her nose brushed his before her lips pecked it. "Of course I love you."

"Really?" The sharp tone from him stopped the composer from being playful. She froze on her lap, finally realizing that Masato was not going to be romantic nor clingy.

Instead, from the way he gazed at her seriously, she knew he meant business.

"Yes, why?"

"Am I your first love? It's because to me, you are," he said, bringing her soft hands to his lips. She heaved a relieved sigh when his expression softened. "I can't express how much I love you and our children. Every day, despite your sweet words, I feel angry at myself because I should be the one who supports you. Not the other way around."

"Masato, please... Not that again..."

"I know. You never see me as your burden but I promise that this will be the last time you hear this," he looked up and she could spot how upset he looked. "And since this will be the last time, can you be honest with me? Can you answer me frankly?"

Her heart beat fast and she did not like it at all. First, it was not because it was a cheesy feeling when they were affectionate with each other. Second, it was because she could feel by instinct that he was hinting something bad.

"Masato, what... what are you trying to say..."

"Please, Haruka. Be honest with me," Masato said. Even how much he wanted to conceal it, she could hear his voice cracked. "I am not your first love, right? There is someone who won your heart before me, right?"

The wife's mind was blank. Logically speaking, who was her first love should not be brought up because it was way in her past. She had built a new life with another man who had loved her sincerely. They even had a child together even she did not reciprocate his feeling right after she married him.

But now, he was everything for her and she wished they could spend their old times as long as God allowed them to.

So, why on earth he was curious about it? Not to mention the answer was Tokiya so it would be downright uncomfortable.

"Is it important? Now, I am your wife and you're the only one who matters to me," she said, hugging his neck.

"Sure, it will be uncomfortable for you to hear such a question because the answer is also uncomfortable for us to hear," she could not define either it was meant to be flat or sarcastic but she had a very bad feeling about this topic that initially did not have any direction.

"Masato, please... what are you implying..."

"Then, let me be direct and short," this time she could tell Masato was judging her. There was no sweet gaze from him. There was no love in the blue eyes.

But, wait... 'It's because to me, you are?' How does he know who is his first love? Does he remember something? The composer was getting scared of her own thought.

To date, Masato never raised his voice to her, nor scolded her. Despite his tendency to settle certain things physically and violently when he was not satisfied, he became the gentlest with his wife.

Now, all he did was just asking questions softly and staring right into her eyes but it was the most intimidating moment that Haruka had ever experienced when he was around.

"Masato..."

"You lied to me, didn't you?" A burning anger cast from his eyes. The hug around her waist was loosened, indicating that he could not bring himself to touch her anymore. "About Harumi... she is not my biological daughter, right?"

She knew it would not be an appropriate response for her to cry in a situation like this. Her husband needed an explanation, not her tears. More crying would disgust him and that was the last thing she wanted to happen.

"How could you, Haruka... out of all people..."

She ended up bursting into tears.

The cheers from the grand hall were deafening but it just created the atmosphere that they congratulated an artist who had been the subject of sexual attraction instead of his pure talent. His stage name which was also his full name was screamed in pure admiration. The lively vibes were not supposed to be a problem for Tokiya who had worked on a big stage since he was 13 years old but apart from his friends but now, he could not help but have butterflies in his stomach.

Back in his waiting room, the singer who would create history again in his career was fidgeting on his own while his palms rubbed each other. Tomochika who shared the same feeling showed up from outside, bringing him a water bottle.

"Are you okay?" She asked as he gulped down the drink.

"I am okay," he answered. As their gazes held each other, she turned away.

"What?" She asked back.

"Don't worry too much. There is no way it will get missing anywhere other than your house," Tokiya said softly. He could relate to her, though. Despite the unexpected pregnancy due to Eiichi's wrongdoing, any mother would be upset if the only memory of her dead child which was the ultrasound picture vanished off the face of the earth. She just realized it this morning which made things worse when she was supposed to focus on the concert.

"But I've looked for it everywhere, Tokiya," Tomochika replied weakly. "I never misplaced it. I always kept it in the same closet. I am just afraid that Eiichi might break into my house..."

"He'll make a fuss if he does find the ultrasound picture, you know. This is Eiichi we are talking about," Tokiya suggested calmly. "If he doesn't show up at your apartment with the picture, that means you just misplaced it. Don't let it bother you, okay? I promise I'll help you search for it."

Tomochika sighed as she closed her eyes to contemplate her boyfriend's words. "Yes, you're right. There's no use to be stressed out when I just can look for it after this. God, what a terrible girlfriend I am. I should be comforting you since you're going to sing in the crowd again. Not the other way around."

"Hey, that's okay," he said, hugging her shoulders. "You don't have any idea how great you're as my girlfriend."

But, I am still not great enough to replace Haruka in your heart, Tomochika mentally replied. She did not want it but the sight of Tokiya and Haruka together in the practice room still lingered in her mind.

Haruka was her best friend. She knew how special she was for all STARISH members. The composer was the reason how they found each other and she was the one who made them realized that they sounded the best when they performed together.

Since Haruka was her best friend, she could guess that the composer was in love with Tokiya. She tried to dig deep into it but Haruka denied it a lot as if she was threatened to do so. Tomochika stopped asking only when Haruka dated Masato.

But, she never thought that Tokiya and Masato loved the same woman. She never could imagine how hard it must be for Tokiya to suppress his feeling when his career was at the peak and his beloved woman married his own teammate.

Haruka is so lucky. She has two kind men who love her so much and treat her dearly. Unlike me, she thought.

Meanwhile, outside of the waiting room, every single crew was moving around, led by other STARISH members. As everyone could expect, all the crews were wearing the same shirt which was dark purple in order to match Tokiya's designated color in STARISH.

"I know this is random but I noticed all your staff members are big and..." it might be his eyes served him wrong but Masato was positive that some of them avoided his eyes anxiously as soon as he commented on their figures. "look similar."

"That's what I told him," Otoya replied from his back, glancing at Ren who was pushing Masato's wheelchair. Three of them were heading to Tokiya's waiting room, bumping into the crews who were busy but polite enough to greet them.

"In terms of security, we need buff guys to work with us. A heart-throb with crazy fangirls just made a comeback with his greatest talent. What else do you expect? Plus, they are here to protect you as well. It's Tokiya's request since he is more worried about you than himself," Ren remarked.

The friends did not notice how stiff Masato turned when his twin and his caring side were brought up.

"I see," he replied slowly.

"Seriously, Masato, you should stay at home..."

"My daughter is going to celebrate her birthday here when her own father cannot throw a party for her, Ren. This is the least I can do for her," he said, harsher than he meant to be. He could tell Ren flinched at his tone.

It was awkward and cold as Ren stopped walking, followed by Otoya who was slightly anxious at the sudden change of mood.

"Seriously, Masato..." Ren's stern voice sent Otoya's red eyes to size up. "It's not like you to be this moody when Tokiya's concert is literally what you want to see. Are you okay?"

Masato was looking straight ahead even his mind wandered to God-knew-where. Ren was right. He was not okay. He could not match the lively vibes of the backstage.

"Do you feel sick somewhere?" Otoya's soft voice followed which as always, could magically soothe anyone including the scion.

"No, I am okay," Masato turned, "I am sorry. I shouldn't behave this way."

"Hey, guys!" The sound of the opening door and Tomochika's chummy greeting ended the tense. "Come in. What makes you late?"

"Oh, we thought you want more privacy with your boyfriend," Ren remarked cheekily, sending the woman to blush.

"You're not making any sense," Tomochika said. Deep inside, it was nice every time someone pointed out her relationship with Tokiya.

Yes, I am currently Tokiya's girlfriend. Haruka is just his past and Masato's wife. It's impossible to expect that something will bloom between these two, she mentally convinced herself.

"Just come in, won't you? I bet Tokiya needs his teammates and producers more than me," she supplied, giving some space for them to get in.

They were served with the sight of Tokiya rubbing his palms together, sitting on the sofa with a dissatisfied look.

"Who said I need them?" Tokiya exclaimed, folding his arms over his chest. As much as she loved the man, this was one of the moments where Tomochika wished she could smack the man for still being cold. "You can leave me alone. I am fine."

"Come on, Tokiya. No need to be so shy. I know you need some encouragement from us," Otoya who might have the power of teleportation suddenly found himself on the sofa, hugging Tokiya's shoulders. "You even asked Haruka to compose a new STARISH song so that we can sing together later. What a sweet thought you have here."

"Shut up!"

Everyone was too focused on Tokiya's embarrassed face to realize that Masato had a lot of things in his mind.

"Otoya, enough. You won't gain the answer that you want even when you try to kill him. Just wait after the concert and I bet all his fans will upload his smiling face later. Haa, I can't wait to see that," Ren said, ignoring Tokiya's death glower.

"I don't think all of us are close with everyone," Masato suddenly announced like a king who finally had decided to punish a criminal. All his teammates were all in the waiting room for Tokiya but everyone also knew that his opinion was directed to his three friends.

Tokiya looked at anything but Masato.

Cecil's green eyes wandered around before settling on Otoya. He lifted an eyebrow to Otoya but the redhead just whispered, 'don't pretend to be dumb.'

Meanwhile, Syo, the third 'culprit' was whistling incoherently.

"Yes, you guys who for some reason did not want to look me into the eyes," Masato said.

The trio turned their heads right away, did not even bother to check if they ended up straining their necks.

"Who said that? We... Get along pretty well, right, Cecil?" Syo nudged Cecil's arm.

"Huh? Yes, yes. He's right. We just get along pretty well," Cecil said, pulling Syo to hug his shoulder.

"Yeah, but not with Tokiya, right?" Masato said. His eyes pierced through Tokiya's slightly pale face.

"No. Who says that?"

"Me," Masato smiled. "I saw it, you know."

That was when Tokiya's childish quarrel with Syo when they bumped into each other at Masato's house was replayed in Tokiya's mind.

"What?" Syo asked. His fedora pulled back as he lifted his head, attempted to match Tokiya's eye level when it was impossible.

"Nothing. It's just that..." Tokiya lifted his hand before stroking Syo's head. An imaginary big nerve throbbed from the small head but he could not care less. "You are so small that... I might crush you."

"What!??" Syo who knew well enough which sports anime Tokiya tried to copy (even when he attempted to imitate SuzuKen's voice was terrible since it did not sound like the voice actor at all) since the blue head did it so many times literally screamed at the top of his lungs.

"I will curse you so that you will grow shorter 1 cm each day," the vocalist continued copying another anime character with his feminine voice. "In 161 days, you will disappear completely from this earth."

"What? You want me to vanish completely!?"

"Yeah. Glad you noticed it even you took so long."

"Ojichan, daddy, what are you guys doing?" Yuri, Syo's second twin who was coincidentally heading to the toilet turned out to be her father's savior.

'I am crushing your dad's self-esteem' was what Tokiya wanted to say.

"Nothing. Your dad almost stumbled so I am just helping him," Tokiya stroked Syo's not-so-wide back.

"Oh..."

Yet, right after Yuri left them with their strange drama, Tokiya moved on to his cheekiness.

"I am crushing your dad's self-esteem."

"What did you say!?" Syo's reaction was the funniest but most precious thing that Tokiya had ever seen.

"Ahhh," Tokiya exclaimed slowly as he finished doing his flashback. I got caught! Just how many Masato around me for crying out loud!?

"Don't 'ahhh' me!" Masato snapped, making everyone recoiled. "I know you love children but there is a limit of how much you can be childish like that. What a petty joke!"

"But... but, we get along, don't we?" To prove Masato, Tokiya pulled Cecil and Syo close to him. He shot a glare at Cecil as if anybody else was stupid enough to realize it.

"Hahhahaa! Yes! Hahahahhaa," Cecil and Syo exclaimed. Since it was a forced smile, they felt as if somebody just ripped their mouths to make them smiled.

After being lectured by Masato who gained full support from the other three, the scion suddenly asked Otoya to take their picture.

"I think it will be better if we put Tokiya in the middle this time," Otoya suggested. "He has to hug... oh, Syo to the right, Cecil to the left..."

'What!? No!? Are you crazy, Otoya!? No way in seven hells that I will hug these two cockroaches close to me! Never! I would rather eat fried chicken!' was what Tokiya wanted to express but since he still had a sense of maturity, he ended up swallowing the situation.

So he was swapped to the middle by Natsuki who instantly became Otoya's assistant. After being delighted with their position, the redhead held up a monopod which already had his phone to take their pictures.

"Okay, guys. Smile! Cecil, Tokiya, Syo, hold hands!"

"No!" Cecil, Tokiya, and Syo shouted. It had been for a while since the last time they had the same mind.

"Oh, come on. You guys look so cute together," Masato encouraged, causing Tokiya to look daggers at Syo.

"It's because of you that I look cute as you. Don't be short if you make the others look short too, you shorty!"

"Shut up, you hedgehog head! Masato is the one who called us cute so don't lash out at me!"

"Hey, don't fight," Masato interrupted, eyes were still on the phone. "Hold hands."

"Fine," Tokiya snatched their hands into his. It took all for him not squeeze their hands but...

"Auchh! Don't squeeze my hand, you hedgehog head!" Cecil swore.

Yet, his hands which surprisingly held a grudge against the two 'children' decided to squeeze them.

"That's my line, Cecil!"

"Tokiya, please... Don't use violence here," Masato said softly but it was intimidating and respectable enough for Tokiya to stop.

Ohhohhoho, so I am the bad guy here? Look how good the violent guy who hit his ex-president with a bottle talking.

"Okay, smile! 1...2...3..."

As soon as they were done with the photo session, the enemies-like friends did not waste their time to snatch their hands from each other and wiped them as if they just touched dusty furniture.

"Hey, don't wipe your hand on my clothes!" Cecil shrieked as Tokiya shamelessly wiped his hand with Cecil's white shirt.

"I just want to give your germs back."

"Remember, guys. No matter what happens, we only have each other," the innocent and calm words from Masato brought up the uneasiness among them.

What's with this guy? He has become so weird, Ren thought.

"How do you feel?" Haruka asked. Behind the purple curtain, she could see the big crowd with most of them held a purple light stick and colorful banners. She loved and thankful for being given the chance once again to witness one of her singers shone on stage.

Tokiya shrugged.

"I guess it means excited but nervous then," she said, along with her sweet chuckles.

"You have been my composer since... when? 17 years ago, right? You should probably know it more than anyone," he replied softly. "Plus, I've never been this far if it was not because of you."

Right now, their lively surroundings did not matter. They were standing opposite each other; as a composer and her artist with a complicated history and feeling. Yet, their minds right now were only focusing on how much the other person had changed their lives.

"That's my line, Tokiya," she said back. "It was your song that led me to come this far. It was you who inspired me to be a composer. Saying 'thank you' or sorts is not enough."

"Me too," he said. The sweet smile faded away which drew the composer's worry right away. "And also about 'that' thing too... thank you so much for being understanding and willing to help."

"You don't have to, Tokiya. If I were in your shoes, I would do the same too even..." The orange eyes stared into the serene blue eyes. "I am so worried about you."

"Don't worry about me, Haruka. I can take care of myself."

"Mr. Ichinose," the call from one of the crews had them turned to him in unison. They knew it. The concert would start now.

"Well, it's all set now," Haruka remarked, a bright smile that had been one of Tokiya's favorite features of her was spread over the lips.

How beautiful, he thought. I wish you know that I'll trade anything just for the smile.

"Yeah, I'll go to the stage now," he replied, vaguely pointing out at the stage direction.

"Good luck. I believe in you, Tokiya."

The singer smiled back. It was charming but it just made her heart beat faster in worry. Tokiya was her friend and she knew him well. Once he made up his mind, no one could convince him to do the opposite.

This is strange. Why I feel sad when he's smiling like this? It feels like...

Tokiya left her with the same smile with the same sentence in his head that he always wanted to say since 17 years ago every time Haruka was there before his performance.

The precious words that he had yearned to say but he had to suppress it in order to protect her from Saotome back then...

The confession that he ended up putting it aside when Haruka chose Masato...

I love you, Haruka, his heart whispered. He smiled more when he finally reached the stage which drew louder cheers from his fans.

At the same time, he was oblivious that two women had their hearts ached because of him.

It feels like this will be the last time I can see his smile, Haruka thought. She did not want it but tears started to stream down her face.

Tomochika who had been there since her boyfriend and the composer talked to each other was struggling to maintain her composure.

That's how he really looks like when he is truly in love, she thought. It hurt, to be honest.

Masato was skimming all the lyrics for Tokiya's songs curiously. He was left alone in the idol's waiting room, accompanied by Tokiya's voice which matched the cheers from his fans from the television. Sometimes, small smiles spread over his lips as his ears felt blessed with how charming and sweet his friend's voice despite it had been years since he was active as a singer.

"He shines more as a singer. No wonder he's the vocalist," he mumbled as he watched Tokiya's performance intently. The constant smile from the idol was precious; something that normally hard to be seen from the cool idol. "He looks so happy when he sings."

As the song 'Identity' ended, the concert was continued with Tokiya's newest song which would be promoted as the main piece for the concert, 'Target is You'. It was special since it was different from Tokiya's typical genre.

That was when Masato's mind decided to digest every single word of the lyrics.

Whatever storms I face, these feelings will never change.

Because behind the clouds, I see the stars.

Yes, I will do anything to get it.

True ! If I have to escort...

(Jewel in the Jail)There's no one else but you.

It was just lyrics. Masato did not need to be a genius to tell himself the fact. Writing impactful lyrics was one of the idol's jobs but...

Just where does he get inspiration when Haruka is the only...

I want to snatch that love.

Masato could feel his ears burnt at the next line.

He wants to snatch... what?

(Jewel in the Jail) Even though it's forbidden to do.

Right now, in his chest, it was hectic. It was chaotic with the unnecessary jealousy that kept stabbing his heart.

Even though it's forbidden to do?

With a deep sigh, he reread all the lyrics in his hand.

He learned immediately that curiosity did kill the cat. In his case, the lyrics of 'Identity' that sounded so deep and came out from the bottom of his friend's heart had killed him inside.

No matter what I lose
Even though it is a wish that will never reach (you)
(I) cannot stop; (I) will not turn back anymore
I never got over you
Till this body and this heart becomes exhausted
(I) will keep loving you
Because that is the proof that I'm alive
Love you now and forever

The next song was My Little Little Girl.

If I could even tell a billionth of you
"Thank you," frank and true, then I would surely
Stop putting on a strong front, abandon this birdcage, and fly to the distant future.
These orange-stained days. Halt the darkening dusk, and let's continue to sketch the dream that is "you."

It was obvious to whom Tokiya sang the song.

The door was opened suddenly. Masato was expecting one of his friends but a familiar voice who sounded rather authoritative to the crews outside sent chill down to his spine.

He hoped his ears just misheard but his eyes quickly served him the sight of Otori Eiichi, wearing all black and smirking at him. Strangely, he and the other two staff approached him uninvited while the one who was supposed to guard the room from outside quickly closed the door and locked it.

Wait... what are they doing? Masato could feel his heart beat so fast that it hurt his eardrums as well.

"What are you doing here? What's the meaning of these?" Masato said, looking daggers at two of the staff who suspiciously stood by each of his sides.

It looked like they were ready to attack him in case his violent side kicked in.

"You..." Eiichi took a seat, staring at him with both awe and anger. "You're a tough nut to crack, you know that? You even pointed out how these staffs look similar."

No words could describe how scared Masato felt inside. His hands shook but this was not the best time to show how he felt intimidated by Eiichi.

Not when three pairs of eyes were observing him like lions who were ready to butcher him.

"Of course they're similar and all big because they're my minions. They're here for me. I need them so that I can ruin Tokiya's concert."

There was no response from the scion but it was entertaining. Eiichi preferred this kind of expression rather than the bold Masato.

"Yes, they worked for me. Who paid the highest will own them and I defeated Ren for this aspect," he explained which caused the quivering blue eyes sized up.

That was when Eiichi's first order to the staff clouded his mind back.

"First of all, get rid of Jinguuji Ren. If we don't get rid of him first, we'll be in trouble. That guy is sharp and has a lot of resources. It'll be troublesome if we put him and others in the same place."

At that time, even he did not know where was Ren, Eiichi could imagine how the scion was hit on his head by one of his minions and separated from others.

He smiled at the thought before his eyes served the sight of Tokiya's lyrics on Masato's lap.

"Oh, did you read the lyrics? They're suspicious, right? How come someone single and cold like Tokiya could come up with such lyrics? I bet Haruka inspired him a lot."

Masato flinched at his comment which led him to believe that the scion just shared the same thought.

You're finished tonight, Tokiya. This will be the end of you.

40 minutes later...

"Daddy! Daddy!" Two cute voices echoed along the corridor, followed by two running girls. Harumi was holding Mitsuki's hand, accompanied by a staff. They looked more stunning with their matching dress and pearl necklaces around their necks.

They could not see Haruka anywhere so they were heading to Masato first. Harumi was excited after a surprise celebration for her birthday on the stage.

"Daddy! Are you there?" Harumi said, knocking on the door after realizing that the door was locked. "Daddy!"

"Ha... Harumi?"

"Yes, it's me and Mitsuki! Why you locked the door, Daddy? I want to see you!"

"I just changed my clothes. Just wait a second, okay?" Masato's voice did not sound right for Harumi. It was weak which made her leaned her ear against the door.

She could spot another voice beside her father's.

"Uncle, is there somebody helping Daddy inside?" the curious girl asked the staff who had been standing next to the door.

"Yeah, your Daddy isn't comfortable so my friend is helping him," the staff said, faking his friendliness. His smile grew wider as he spotted how the always cheerful Mitsuki looked at him blankly while Harumi eyed him confusedly.

"Oh... is Daddy sick? He doesn't sound good," the first child pointed out.

Luckily for the man, the door was opened from inside. It saved him from more questions since Harumi and Mitsuki immediately ran towards their father without sparing any glance towards a staff who abruptly left the room before closing the door.

"Daddy!" The two children ran into Masato's arms.

It took all for Masato not to let out a groan from their sudden contact.

"Hi, girls," Their hugs were warm. Everything involved them was so warm that it might drive him to tears anytime.

If only Eiichi was not in the same room with them, watching every move with a knife in his hand...

This would be perfect for the father. Perfect for his last moment if Eiichi decided to end his life tonight.

"Daddy, did you just change your clothes? Wait, why are you sweating?" Harumi asked. The room was cold enough so she could not understand where did the sweat come from. "Are you hot?"

"A bit but don't worry. I am fine," Masato said. The throbbing pain from his side had been malicious but he had to act as nothing happened for the sake of his daughters.

His daughter and Tokiya's daughter.

"Really?"

"Yes, I am fine," Masato replied, eyes were on both his daughters like they had separated for years. His arms were still around them and how he wished they could stay like this forever.

What a cruel destiny, isn't it, Harumi? All this time, I am always proud to see you and Mitsuki. Mitsuki resembles your mother a lot so I thought you also resemble me a lot. Your blue hair, your eyes, your face...

"If you say so, please take a look at this present," Harumi said, showing Masato her pearl necklace. "Tokiya ojichan gave them to us. Pretty, isn't it?"

"Pretty," Mitsuki exclaimed, also showing her pearl necklace.

"Yes, pretty," Masato said, his voice almost cracked from the ache he felt in his chest.

But it turned out you're not mine, Harumi. Biologically, you might not be mine but...

"Daddy, are you sure you're okay? You look pale," Harumi's small hand was placed on his cheek. From his glance, he could see the edge of Eiichi's knife. It was shining behind the long black curtain from his side.

At this time, only the word 'Daddy' from Harumi could temporarily 'cure' him.

"I am fine, honey. Don't worry," in order to avoid the children from being suspicious which led Eiichi to harm them, Masato turned Harumi to her back. "Take your gift. It's on the sofa."

"From Daddy?" Harumi's eyes brightened which Masato could not help but smile bitterly as a response.

You might not be mine but I love you. So much.

"Waahh, prettyyy," Mitsuki exclaimed again. The orange eyes sized up to see the content of the pink box.

"Wahhh, it's the younger sister, Mitsuki!" Harumi already took out the princess doll from the box with amazement. "Now it makes the complete set! Thank you, Daddy!"

"You're welcome. You love it?"

"Yes, of course! Did Tokiya ojichan tell you that I just don't have the younger sister?"

"Yes," the scion replied. The pain from his side was getting more malicious. He needed to rush things so that they would not see that he was in pain which was why he sweated.

Not to mention Eiichi would attack any of the children had he said or did something unnecessarily...

So, he pulled them into his hug again. This time, he was being careful so that Harumi would not touch the spot which hurt him the most.

This time, it would be short but the most meaningful for him.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart. And also you, Mitsuki," he stroked their silky hair, feeling his tears started to well up in his eyes. "For your upcoming birthday."

"Daddy?" The children exclaimed in unison, sending him to chuckle at the cuteness.

"Please remember what Daddy is going to say to you. You two are my children. No matter what happens, no matter how much things have changed, no matter where I am, Daddy will always love you. Daddy loves every moment with you. Daddy loves it when you both wake me up every morning. Daddy loves to play with your hair. Daddy loves when you feed Daddy when it should be the other way around. Thank you so much for being patient with me and thank you so much for accepting me as your father despite my disability. All I wish is for you both to grow healthily and to be a good daughter for Mommy. Can you do that for me? Promise me you'll do that."

"Yeah, we promise," Harumi said. "Don't worry, Daddy. We love you too and we'll be good to Mommy."

A sudden but loving kiss on both his cheeks from each daughter was the peak.

God knew how much he wanted to scream at this moment. Eiichi was ready to kill him so he could not risk the children's life. He needed to get them out of the room before Eiichi changed his mind.

It took time but he managed to convince the sisters to find Haruka outside instead of staying with him.

His choice was wise. As soon as the girls left the room, Eiichi did not waste time to attack him again from his back. His free arm encircled his neck while the other hand poked his waist with his bloody knife.

"Let's get down to our business, shall we?"

As Eiichi whispered into his ears, Masato's blood from the stab on his waist dripping on the floor.

As usual, feel free to let me know what do you think about this chapter, okay? :D See you (hopefully) soon.