It's the final chapter, guys (T_T) (O_O)

CHAPTER 10

Tokiya was proud to see Cecil. He began his journey in Master Course as a spoiled prince who was too naïve about idol world. Thanks to his first impression, everyone in STARISH literally disliked him while Camus did not bother to show how much he despised the prince. From slacking off too much because he could not understand the norm in idol world, he had grown up a lot and in a short time.

Cecil might be immature but he never wasted time. He would speak his mind out because he always believed that they needed to be said and pointed out. He avoided to be an idol at all cost at first because he did not understand. Yet, once he was charmed and fully understood what was the definition of being an idol, his time and energy were all served to all the related works. He joined STARISH's practices more and that was when Saotome had announced that even how inexperienced Cecil was, the prince was allowed to participate in Utapri Award.

And now, it was only Tokiya who had been uncertain with his teammates before he decided that it was the time. He should not waste the chance anymore.

When Tokiya showed up at the front door, his teammates were forming a circle. They scattered like dirty and wet clothes; inhaling and exhaling in exhaustion after practicing three hours straight for their song.

Their new song which was delicately composed by their beloved composer. It was fresh from Haruka who had overcome her anxiety and insecurity. It was so amazingly written that Otoya could not stop talking about it and had been hinted a few times to Tokiya that it would be more meaningful if his roommate would join them practising as soon as possible because he could not help it.

That might be why as soon as Cecil could spot Tokiya and exclaim his name, the other raised from their 'death' and stand up just to greet him properly.

"I... I am sorry I am late," he said awkwardly but it magically brought bright smiles from his friends.

Starting from that moment, Tokiya was very happy to live his life back as a STARISH member. He was not an outcast anymore.

But, everytime as soon as they ended their practice at night, Tokiya would wonder about something.

HAYATO no longer joined them whenever they gathered up to practice or eat together. He would disappear most of the days before someone caught him either talking to Haruka or being spacing out by the lake.

When Utapri award finally crossed their paths, as they waited for their turn to perform, Natsuki asked him.

"I wonder what's wrong with HAYATO-kun lately? Why did he keep disappearing? Normally he will join me when I bake cakes or cookies but now, it's so hard to bump into him anywhere."

"Yeah, I wonder about it too," Syo supplied. "Lately, he even refused to play soccer with me and Otoya while all this time, it's him who has always been excited about games."

"Not even soccer, he doesn't even join me and Rei-chan in anything. He will give any kind of excuse," Otoya said. "I wonder if I do something wrong."

Okay, that's strange, Tokiya thought as his arms were folded loosely over his chest. Now that everyone got used to HAYATO's antics and loud presence, it must be lonesome not to have him around. They must need his support at this critical moment.

"I sensed a very weird aura around him lately," Cecil confessed. "Normally, he's always all bubbly and move around but up until recently, he has been spaced out a lot. I mean, he is just spaced up but for some reason, he also looks happy. Is that possible?"

Spaced out but looks happy... could it be...

"I am going to the restroom," Tokiya said immediately. Without giving anyone a glance, he rushed outside before closing the door in hurry.

"Maybe it's the time," Masato remarked, drawing everyone's attention towards him.

I wonder where did he go. My head cannot find anywhere, Tokiya thought uneasily. In fact, he wandered anywhere that he could think of to find HAYATO but the lad disappeared like a thin air. It was hard because the only person he could ask about the guy's whereabouts was Haruka since he could not expect anyone else to be asked about a non-existent guy like HAYATO without being so surprised or claimed that Tokiya was insane.

He came here with us and even in the limo, he didn't talk much, Tokiya thought as he washed his hands for no reason.

He was absorbed into his deep thoughts that he did not notice there was no one else in the restroom except for him and...

"Are you looking for me?" HAYATO appeared suddenly next to him, sent Tokiya to...

"No, please don't scream. If anyone sees us together, it will bring more trouble to you," HAYATO said with a bright smile. "Better not to let my disguise as your manager going down the drain before your performance, okay?"

"Since... Since when you..." Tokiya's eyes still sized up as he stared at HAYATO in disbelief.

"Seriously, what are you so anxious about? You were so worried you wouldn't find me that you didn't even notice I just got here when you washed your hand?"

Wait, really?

"Yeah, really. I even used the stall," HAYATO said, pointing vaguely at one of toilet stalls. "Don't worry. I won't go anywhere. Not before you perform. Today is a big day for you, Tokiya. I want to watch it."

The words were delivered cheerfully but Tokiya could not describe what he felt at this time.

Melancholy... longing....

But, why?

When in fact, he did not even need a question. He already knew what to expect.

"Today is a big day for us. For you, me, Nanami-san and the guys," he said, concealing the spiral of feelings, inside of him with a calm voice. "I bet others need you in the waiting room to support them. You have been there with them when they all needed help with their works."

"I refuse," HAYATO said instantly. He did not even bother to think that it just made him sound extremely cold even with the wide smile. "You're happy with them. You will beat the upcoming obstacles of your career with them. I can't be there."

"What? What do you mean?"

Instead of answering, the other lad continued beaming before washing his hands. "It's strange to have this kind of conversation in a restroom. It reminded me of the first day we met each other. But compared to today, your reaction looked much more hideous back then haha."

Following HAYATO's eyes which talked to his reflection, Tokiya was instanly brought to their first meeting. At that time, he thought it was a deranged guy who wanted to pull a sick prank on him. The high voice, which belonged to him, which he thought was creepy at that time kept calling him to go out of his bathroom stall while knocking on the door desperately. As he went outside, he really thought that he jut saw his nightmare right in his eyes instead of in his dream.

It was totally chaotic and ridiculous at that time. Too chaotic and ridiculous that Tokiya could not control his body temperature. He collapsed from a fever which caused HAYATO to substitute him for the day's schedule. That was the beginning of the mess of his well-organized life.

But now, when HAYATO reminded him of the chaotic and absurd days, all Tokiya wished that the lad would stop talking.

"I am really proud of you, Tokiya," HAYATO said, patting his shoulder chummily. "HEAVENS will do anything to defeat all of you but I believe in you. HEAVENS is not a match for you at all."

No, he could not stand with this farewell-esque speech anymore.

"Regardless, please show up at the waiting room even just for seconds. Others want to talk to you," Tokiya said before leaving the toilet.

As he made his way towards STARISH's waiting room, he could spot three individuals, standing at the doorway.

HEAVENS? What are they doing here?

Even as cliched as it could be, he could guess what was the reason, enough from the way one of the members, Nagi spoke arrogantly.

"We'll make sure that your composer will be ours and you guys will be crushed by our performance. Just wait and see," he said, much to Tokiya's chagrin.

Crushed and got Nanami-san stolen? As if!

"Excuse me," Tokiya exclaimed, sending those three members from HEAVENS; the leader, Otori Eiichi, the cute (most of the compliments were self-proclaimed) Mikado Nagi and the quiet Sumeragi Kira.

"Huh, there he's. The most experienced member in STARISH," Eiichi stated. He just spoke those words and it made clear for Tokiya that it would be hard for him to get along with this guy even in fact, he did not need to. "As expected. The others are nervous while you look so calm. I bet a grand stage like this is just a piece of cake for someone who debuted as a child actor like you, right, Ichinose? I still remember when Shining Saotome announced your second debut, people got ecstatic about it. It's obvious that he and everyone relied on you to make the band get popular faster."

"Your debut song is amazing," Kira stated blankly. He meant it or not, Tokiya did not know.

"But, the performance is still lame because you guys were the one who performed. If only it's us, it would be more and more outstanding," Nagi said, almost sending Syo from inside of the room to pounce on him before Natsuki stopped him.

No matter how much they dissed STARISH, Tokiya whom everyone was expecting reaction from only chuckled sarcastically. His blue eyes looked at the three guys like they were pathetic trash.

"What... what's so funny, you doofus!?" Nagi exclaimed loudly.

You're right, HAYATO. STARISH can beat these weaklings and I believe in it.

"STARISH will defeat you. I believe in our band and I can't ask for better teammates. They're the stars that will shine the most tonight. They will shine so bright that they will make you blind."

No matter how much he would cringe at his words right after the event ended, the fact that his teammates looked so delighted and motivated was more than enough for him.

He could cringe later.

"Ah, it's going to begin, HAYATO-kun!" Haruka exclaimed from the backstage, clasping her hands together as STARISH was announced by the emcee to perform. Her eyes shimmered with the colors of light sticks that the fans had brought for STARISH, consisted of seven colors.

She was oblivious of how intently the way HAYATO stared at her.

"You must be nervous, aren't you, Haruka-chan?" Like a switch, the composer flustered at the comment.

"Huh? Is that obvious?" She said with wide eyes which grew even wider when the guy nodded. "Hm, yes. I am nervous. I don't want STARISH to disband. Or else, I don't find the enjoyment in writing songs. Because of them, I can write songs for fun so if they disband, I will just treat it solely like a career."

"You treasure them dearly, right?" HAYATO asked, eyes locked on the sight of anticipating fans. If he was going to be honest, he missed the days where he performed, having fun on stages before Tokiya no longer had the 'heart' in his singing.

"Yes, so much. They have supported me so much when I was struggling during my academy days so that's why I want the best for them too."

"You love STARISH, arent't you?"

"Yes."

"You love Tokiya, right?"

"Ye... Huh, what!?" The blush grew too dark that she looked so funny and endearing in HAYATO's eyes. "HAYATO-kun, you shouldn't ask..."

"I am sorry. It's just a joke," HAYATO burst out laughing. He could not help it. Seconds passed as he was still laughing while Haruka pouted at him. "Really, I didn't mean it."

HAYATO patted his cheeks to stop laughing before they met eyes. "Thank you so much, Haruka-chan."

"Huh? For what?"

"For being there for Tokiya. For existing in Tokiya's new life. With someone amazing like you with him, I feel so relieved."

This is weird, she thought. Why did he suddenly say something like this? Normally, HAYATO-kun is so cheeful and...

"It's me who should thank you, HAYATO-kun," Haruka said, fingers playing with each other. It was embarrassing for her idol to know what she kept deep inside of her heart but her mouth betrayed her. "You're the reason why I am here. If not because of how beautiful and sincere you sang on that day, I don't think I would find a dream yet. I was so lost at that time that I thought I couldn't do anything with my illness."

Typical HAYATO; he could not stand awkwardness or dramatic vibes so he said, "then, let me kiss your hand as a simple gift for you as my fan."

"Huh?" The blush appeared again but this time, HAYATO did not have time to stare at Haruka any longer.

"I am sorry. I cannot buy you a gift since yeah, I am broke and I feel bad to use Tokiya's money," he said, slowly reaching out for Haruka's delicate hand. "And I will never kiss your forehead if I do want to. It'll be an insult for you and Tokiya."

"Huh?"

Haruka froze on her spot as HAYATO lowered his lips, planting a soft kiss on her hand.

Why do I feel sad when he says, this is a gift?

"Wish the best of luck of you, my princess."

Just like a switch, the way he delivered his words with his sweet voice was not the only thing that made Haruka's heart skip a beat.

It was dramatic on the stage, thanks to HEAVENS and their founder, Raging Otori who could not accept the fact that STARISH won Utapri Award.

The president of Raging Entertainment shamelessly, in front of the gazillions of fans, demanded the judges and voters to be fair in their decisions to vote STARISH. He yelled at everyone to open their eyes widely and realize that HEAVENS deserved to win the award.

Thanks to Saotome's speech about Raging who had not understood the concept of making the songs that made people happy instead of the unbeatable one, followed by STARISH's kindness in begging Raging not to disband HEAVENS, the drama was settled with a happy note.

After they sang the encore with their fans, Tokiya quickly rushed to the backstage. Instead of the victory, his heart still had a bad feeling.

He saw Haruka right away, leaning against the wall with an empty expression. Her big eyes were red.

Wait, something is off...

"Nanami-san," he exclaimed which sent the composer to stand straight and wipe her tears.

"Ichinose-san, congratulations," she said and like someone just shouted a cue, they made a high five.

"Thank you."

When Tokiya looked around, obviously to find someone, Haruka wished that she could avoid from answering the next question from Tokiya.

"Where is HAYATO?" As he asked, the rest of STARISH members just arrived.

"I guess he's not around anymore after seeing you so happy and even won the award. I have looked for him everywhere," Haruka said, sending others to gasp in shock.

HAYATO... is not here...

Tokiya mindlessly storming out of the space despite Otoya's and Syo's desperate calls. People around him congratulated him but he could not focus nor have time to spare on them.

No, this is fast. I still want to see him after the performance...

It's okay, Tokiya. From now on, I will be forever with you, in you. I won't cause you troubles again. I am still you, remember? Don't be so dramatic and look for me like I am a lost kitten.

He did not know if he was going insane but...

With the words and HAYATO's voice that suddenly echoed in his head, his head felt light and relieved.

"Yeah, I guess I am being too dramatic."

It was two months after Utapri Award and Saotome who had been so thrilled with STARISH's success had cut them some slack. He gave them less works as their long break and reward so all of them and Haruka also returned to their hometowns.

"Spend your break wisely this time because after this, who knows when will you get a break," none of them could forget how scary Saotome's smile looked. As if he would throw them into a shark pit after their long break. "Remember, you guys are sought-after right now but I still think that you deserve some rewards for your hard work. It's an honor for me as your president, really. Especially with the fact that your senior, QUARTET NIGHT never wins the award once."

When the president himself pointed it out, I feel so much better for some reason, Masato thought.

That makes our success much more meaningful, president, Ren thought.

The childhood friends had to conceal their smirks as they were instantly reminded of Ranmaru's reactions as they returned to their room. Something for them to give kudos to the senior was despite he did insult STARISH before, unlike his, Natsuki and Eiichi's future song title, Ranmaru was not egoistic enough to ignore them all days. Instead, he congratulated and complimented them in his own tsundere way.

And today, just like others, Haruka returned from her grandmother's house with a clear mind. Despite being ordered by Saotome to be fully rested, the inspiration was always nice to her. She ended up writing more songs and could not wait to show them to Saotome.

Haruka made her way towards her room with a more motivated version of her. She would announce the new songs herself to them but...

She did not make it to her room yet and she already bumped into six of them.

She could not even say a word because they were too excited and busy talking to her in their classic ways.

Otoya with a story about his new guitar...

Natsuki with him talking about a cute flower from a tall tree before holding her so that she could see it clearly...

Ren with his flirtatious remarks...

Cecil with a story about his Japanese lesson...

Syo who has suddenly practising his romantic lines from his movie with her...

Masato who was playing a piano and suddenly exclaimed that he thought she was the illusion from his heart when he saw her...

And the last person...

To be honest, she was curious about the guy. Frequent calls to each other during their long break were proved not enough. Her thought was drawn to him before she bumped into something that was definitely not as hard as a wall but still managed to make her lose her legs balance before...

No, that 'something' or rather someone managed to catch her before she could meet the floor. She looked up, being curious to know whose hand holding her shoulder gently.

"Ichinose-san..."

She was grateful that her reaction when she could see the warm blue eyes again was much calmer.

"Again, you're so clumsy..."

Again, you blamed me. Who is in the right mind will stand in the middle of the corridor like he owns the space?

"Why can't you be more careful?" He closed the distance between their faces, sending her to blush while her hand clutched his dark blue shirt for support.

For a support or else, she would collapse for real due to their position.

"I... I am sorry."

That's so close, she thought.

He released his hold as he said, "I had a feeling I'd meet you here, so I was keeping an eye out."

"I see."

Like a paused video, Tokiya stopped as his eyes locked on her small hand which still clutched his shirt. The confused her followed suit before she screamed in her head.

Oh, no... what's wrong with me!?

She immediately released her hold. Eyes locked on the floor, unable to conceal her embarrassment. When she could catch him chuckling melodiously, then only she could lift her head.

"Don't," he said.

"Huh?"

"Don't bump into anyone but me."

Wh... what? How's that even possible? I live with everyone here.

She was going to ask naively but Tokiya already turned his heels to leave her before remarking, "be careful."

She had nothing to say or comment on Tokiya's randomness. She continued to look at his slender figure, making his way before he disappearing from her sight.

I bumped into everyone. What a strange night, she thought as she walked straight to her room. Her steps felt light and her heart thumped in a fast but happy tempo, thanks to the last encounter.

No matter how random it is, I am happy, even just for seconds. Couldn't ask for a better moment. HAYATO-kun, just like I promise you, as long as I am here, I will support Tokiya-kun on behalf of you.

Minutes after STARISH members were sure that Haruka was in her room...

All of them were in the corridor where Tokiya left Haruka and seemed to be in a tense mood.

Syo : You idiot! (pushing Tokiya's head)

Tokiya: Huh!? What's the meaning of this!?

Otoya: We didn't ask you to be the last person to wait for her for nothing, Tokiya! Why are you so dense!?

Tokiya: Wait, what?

Ren: Yeah, you have a lot to improve, Icchi. Even Ikki is way better so you have no right to criticize what he does for his life.

Cecil: Tokiya, what's that 'don't bump into anyone but me' supposed to mean? Do you literally mean it or is that Japanese idiom?

Tokiya: Is that really a question or an insult, Aijima-san?

Masato: Better be an insult because there is no Japanese idiom like that, Aijima.

Tokiya: Huh, it's still better than 'I thought you're an illusion from my heart'.

Masato: Wait, are you evesdropping on me, Ichinose!?

Tokiya: Of course! My turn is just next to you. I was bored because she took too long to meet me and I knew it! It's all because of the rest of you! You guys are no better than me. If you want me to be good with my words, just don't wait for her in line so that I can spend more time with her.

Syo: Do you think it's because all of us want it!? Who knows who put us in line like that just so we can greet her absurdly when we can just meet her tomorrow properly?

Cecil: Yeah. For some reason, I felt like I was scripted. That's why I found myself studying Japanese on the tree when she bumped into me.

Tokiya: Wait, wait. What are you guys on about?

Meanwhile, unbeknown to them, QUARTET NIGHT members were also forming a meeting circle in the middle of another corridor.

Ranmaru: Where the hell is she!? (grabbed Reiji's collar in anger)

Reiji: I don't know! I was positive that she would bump into everyone tonight since yeah, she always takes a very long route whenever she wants to go to her room.

Ranmaru: Do you know how absurd I look like; sleeping in the corridor where I can just sleep in my room because I live here!? This is all your fault, Reiji! You with your stupid game!

Camus: Not as stupid as your hair, though.

Ranmaru: What was that!?

Ai: According to what Reiji had said before, we were supposed to greet Haruka in the middle of corridor because we want to greet her properly and give her a nice impression. She's going to be our main composer too from now on so we should make her comfortable with us.

Reiji: Yes, yes! Thank you, Ai-Ai!

Ai: But, considering Tokiya is the last person of STARISH who she bumped into, I believe that we have lost to Tokiya already.

Everyone: (Silence)

Camus: Well, maybe they never consider us the main characters. If they do, they will make Tokiya wait for her after four of us.

Just like that, their ridiculous meeting ended. That was just one of the moments that promised Haruka that there were always ups and downs in her life as a composer for STARISH and QUARTET NIGHT.

There were a lot of things that waited for her, with Tokiya on her side.

THE END

Yeahhh, it's finished, guys! (><) I really can't believe it! After suffering from a long-term writer's block even I have the whole plot in my head for a long time, I finally finished with this story. It's the fifth story that I completed and I am so relieved and happy! I took a glance at the update of the timeline for this story and... it's pathetic and embarrassing (-_-) The first chapter was published on 27 July 2018. I only updated once in 2019 and none in 2020. When I published the first chapter, I was in the phase of when I have a lot of ideas and got greedy. Without even considering that publishing more than one story will give me unnecessary workloads, I decided to publish this story. I do feel guilty that I update this story too slowly. And now that it's finished (since my brain is very nice to me today), I would like to thank you very much if you still wait around for this story. I am so sorry for the inconsistent and slow updates, guys ^^ Hope you enjoy your reading and please drop me a comment if you have any. Sayonara and stay safe, guys ~~