CHAPTER 13

"Haru-chan..." Maybe that was the only thing that Ringo could mumble but it took all for the teacher to contain his surprise. His student, Nanami Haruka was not an ordinary girl. She was the exemplary student for composition course. Everyone admired her passion and talent. Her songs were mesmerizing and always achieved high scores for every test.

But, today, out of nowhere, she had revealed something that had been the reason why her health deteriorated. She had confessed the truth of why sometimes she was absent or had to rest in the sickbay.

It was because she had carried a child.

"Who is the father, Miss Nanami?" Saotome who were still on his seat had his hands clasped together. His eyes covered with black glasses was one thing but it was hard to guess what was he thinking when his hands also covered the lower half of his face.

Which made the principal's room felt cooler than usual for Haruka.

Ryuya from his other side also froze on his spot. As much as the girl was not from his class, he heard a lot about her. A soft-spoken girl who was modest but very enthusiastic with her studies.

"I am afraid I can't tell you who is the father. I am sorry," Haruka said before she bowed. "But I am aware that what I have committed was unforgivable and before you expel me, I am more than pleased to quit on my own. I am so sorry for causing trouble and wasting the opportunity that you had given me."

Haruka did not mean to diss anyone. She just simply told them what she had stored in her heart but it hurt deeply for Saotome.

It had evoked a painful memory between he and his ex-composer from a long time ago.

"Is he one of your close friends?" Saotome said after tormenting others with his silence.

"I am sorry but I can't answer that," Haruka replied, almost instantly. The thought of protecting Otoya alone was sufficient for her to be this blunt.

"Seeing that you insist on not telling us about the father, I strongly believe that the father is a student like you," Haruka flinched at the accurate guess. "What makes you think that protecting him is the best decision while you're about to get expelled? Are you in your right mind, Miss Nanami?"

"Yes, I am sound and it's entirely my fault. He's not the one who should I put the blame on."

"Haru-chan, please..." Ringo said. His softer tone broke her heart as she did not want to disappoint the teacher in the first place. "It's not that we don't understand how you feel when you're in love. We want the best for our partner but Haruka... you have a talent. I can see that you will have a bright future had you pursued your dream. It won't give you anything if you sacrifice everything just for him..."

"Haruka!" The door was slammed open out of blue, revealing Otoya who exhaled harshly from running as fast as he could to the principal's room.

"Oto-kun!?" With his angry tone and bigger eyes, it showed how exhausted Ringo was to deal with the drama that his students had caused. "How dare you barged in..."

"I am here to save Haruka. I don't think I need etiquette or sorts because if she leaves, I will leave as well."

It was thrilling for the redhead to see how shocked Ringo and Ryuya were. At this moment, he wished Saotome would not act too cool and behave like a normal human.

A normal human who would react strongly once somebody pushed their buttons.

"What are you talking about, Ittoki? Where did that come from?" Ryuya demanded.

"Otoya-kun, please leave. I will settle this matter on my own," Haruka said slowly. It was a desperate request; he knew it as much but he had a different idea in his head.

"Nanami..." he turned to look at the orange eyes that he had adored so much that it hurt to see the pain in them. "How could you... I thought I have already made it clear that I need you here. My debut won't be the same if you aren't with me. We're in a relationship so it's enough for me to prioritize you and not the stupid no-dating rule. I want both of you and the chance to debut."

"Re...relationship?" Haruka repeated in horror.

"And what makes you think that you can debut with that attitude of yours, Mr. Ittoki?" Saotome slowly stood up from his seat, sending Hyuga and Ringo terrified. They knew that this circumstance would not end well. Not with Otoya who was a daredevil and Haruka who was determined with her choice to leave the school alone. "You bluntly disobeyed my rule, Mr. Ittoki? What about the promise that you have made on the very first day that you will do 'better'? Do I need to remind you that you guys were almost expelled on your first day because you showed your irresponsibility by being late..."

"No, I have never forgotten about that. I never forget that I want to be like you and you inspired me to be a singer," he said. At this time, the red eyes no longer cast the usual bubbly demeanor. Rather, they highlighted mockery and rebellion. "But it doesn't mean that my definition of 'better' is the same with you. Our definition of 'better' is way different, principal. I won't abandon someone I love just because my future career and the management can't accept our relationship. I am not like some people I know."

Everyone was too tense to realize how Saotome's face hardened at the last statement from the redhead. His heart skipped a beat and at this moment, there was only one scary question had clouded his mind.

Does he know about it?

"Oto-kun, what are you talking about?"

"I am sorry, Ringo-sensei. I always caused trouble and made you worried but there is no way I will abandon Haruka when we love each other."

"What?"

"Yes, Ringo-sensei," he held her hand, which earning a soft gasp from her. "I am in love with her and she's carrying my child."

The silence was torturing but it was even more terrifying for Haruka when Otoya blurted out such words. No one needed to be a genius to predict what kind of ending would wait for them.

"You can't be serious, Ittoki..." it was Hyuga who restored his calmness first. "This is not something to joke about. You're still young..."

"I love her and I am not joking, Hyuga-sensei. Thanks for your concern," Otoya interposed. "Things just happened and I slept with her because I love her. There was no way I would abandon her when I chose to sleep with her. It's so low to abandon a girl who you made pregnant."

It was amazing when Otoya did not even blush at his own words. There was this fiery determination in his red eyes. Something that Haruka never saw before.

"Saotome, say something," Hyuga supplied when there was no reaction whatsoever from the principal. It was strange for Saotome who was typically was typically direct and strict.

"You left me with no choices, Mr. Ittoki," the principal finally remarked after collecting his thought. "Miss Nanami had made her choice and I guess you're definite with your decision as well. I give you two three days to pack up your things and you may leave this school forever. We'll see how far you can go with your so-called love."

Much to the others' shock, Otoya replied with a smirk. "We'll see."

When the couple left with their hands still holding each other, it took a few seconds for Ringo and Hyuga to process everything.

Ittoki Otoya... the sweetest boy in the school just declared that he disobeyed the no-dating rule and even slept with his lover.

Nanami Haruka... the most promising composer-to-be with innocent and demure personality just bravely confessed that she was pregnant and ready to quit her studies.

The teachers turned to each other.

"Why do I have a feeling that Oto-kun was being sarcastic just now?" Ringo remarked.

"That makes two of us, Ringo."

"The orphanage?" Syo exclaimed, followed by others' shocked and dissatisfied face. Two girls and seven boys gathered in circle during recess, attempting to help Haruka and Otoya.

"Yes. It's comfortable and perfect for Nanami's condition. Mingling with kids can make her less stressful and I tell you what. The kids over there are..."

"No," Tokiya said instantly. He could not care less to show how petty Otoya's opinion was for him. "I don't think she should stay there."

"Huh? Why not?" Otoya exclaimed, could not contain his surprise when clearly his words did not carry any harm for Haruka's pregnancy. "Why can't she stay there? The place is safe for her. She can be a teacher for the time being and teaches them music..."

"I have my own house that my late father gave me. I rarely stay there but I do have maids who take care of everything in the house. I suggest Lady can stay there without other people questioning her pregnancy..."

"No," Haruka's stern voice emerged in the midst of pressure, flustering the others. She grabbed Otoya's hand suddenly before squeezing it hard. All eyes were on the sudden skin contact but the most noticeable glare was from Ren whose suggestion was brushed off quickly by Haruka. "I will follow Otoya-kun. I'll trust him for this one."

"Why? Does that mean you don't believe in the rest of us then?" As expected, when Ren could still contain his shock and anger by sighing heavily, Syo was more outspoken.

The question was simple but sharp. All of them knew it when Haruka could not find words to make her answer more soothing.

"You were so rude when you yelled at Natsuki before but now, you're silent when I asked you something that you should know the answer. Does that mean you have an issue with the rest of us, Nanami?"

"Syo-chan, please..." Natsuki held Syo's arm but he knew it was no use.

"Why would you bring up that thing out of nowhere, Kurusu? Nanami's future should be our priority now," Masato said. Unlike before when Masato and Syo was always on the same side, this time everyone could see that they would be at each other's throats any time.

"It's because Nanami has treated the rest of us like monsters lately. Who founded STARISH in the first place? Who said that we sound the best when we're all together then? She shouldn't treat the rest of us like shits in the first place if she's going to..."

"I established STARISH because you guys do sound great together and not because you can make me uncomfortable and disgusted with your flirting and touching," Haruka said, emphasizing her point as she stared at each of them. "I am done with how you guys treated me."

She could spot how each of them conveyed their surprise in their own way. Only Tomochika shook her head while her purple eyes desperately asked her to cut them some slack.

"Haruka," the girl initiated, "I think you're a bit harsh..."

"You say that they all have feelings to me and that's the answer for those unnecessary skin contacts. I just want to make it clear that from now on, I draw the line and I am going to trust Otoya-kun the most."

"Wait, Haruka... what's the meaning of this? What do you mean?" As for Otoya who had been oblivious of how the conflicts among his friends had gradually risen like virus, he looked around the circle. He did not know where to start and ask when there were a lot of questions which wanted to be pushed out of his mouth in unison.

Out of people in this world, none of them ever thought that their feelings were exposed right on their faces like this. They admitted and were aware that there were always tension among them whenever someone flirted with Haruka. Before Cecil's arrival, they were all triggered by how flirtatious Ren was and how free Natsuki was when it comes to hug or treat the girl like the most beautiful princess in the world. Had it Syo become flirtatious, it would become super weird because the boy had always been tough and manly. Had Tokiya suddenly embraced the girl and exclaimed how cute she was, he would be a laughing stock for a year considering Tokiya was reserved and did not touch others a lot.

That was why when Cecil suddenly appeared as part of Master Course and directly stated that he loved Haruka and almost kissed her, it was like a world war for others. Even Masato, Tokiya and Ren who had always been the most mature among them also could lose their minds and protect Haruka from Cecil. At that time, Cecil never understood why. He was clueless about how idol world worked so he kept flirting with Haruka. In the process, he did not only grow to love to be an idol, he also learned more sides of his teammates.

He eventually learned why despite Masato had learned from the start that imagining Haruka as the heroine had promised him to succeed the movie audition, he never confessed to her. Cecil finally realized the truth of why despite Syo had risked his life to save Haruka from falling in his movie set, at the end he just stated that he could not imagine how his life would be without her. The prince from Agnapolis finally drew his own conclusion on why the stoic Tokiya went all around to cheer her up when it eventually caused him to almost get beaten up by his teammates for keeping them waiting at the night when they were supposed to watch firework together.

It was all because they were restrained by no-dating rule. While they understood the rule, they felt tortured. The girl who they loved was always around for them but they could not let her knew just how much they loved her. They were not stupid or oblivious. They were all boys who had spent the most of their time among themselves so they could literally read others' minds. They all loved Haruka; they all knew the fact as much but being professional and rational as them, they kept it safe. They did not want their love would bloom nothing but suffer for the girl who might be attacked by their fans.

But now, it was all exposed in a single blow. In a sudden and painful blow from none other than Haruka herself. The worst thing was the way she said it as if they all just spitted on her face.

She clearly showed that their feelings for her was unforgivable and forbidden.

"Okay, then. I understand, Nanami-san. I can understand it from your situation that much," Tokiya said. It was too collected for someone whose feeling was outright rejected. "You are currently struggling with a lot of things that we as the guys don't fully understand them. It's natural that you believe in your 'husband' the most when the rest of us didn't do anything wrong."

"Ichinose-san..." that was when something saddening grown in her heart. Tokiya's words made her feel understood but at the same time, she felt like the guilt that she had repressed all this time surfaced again.

She loved the rest of them as her best friends. She cared about them and wanted the best of them. So, why would she treat them so harsh lately when it was them who encouraged, helped and protected her all this time?

It was all because of Otoya. She wanted to be loyal to the guy.

"I admit you're a bit harsh but it's great you're vocal about what you feel this time. You don't want to be invaded in terms of your personal space. You grow stronger this time. I hope you continue to feel so after this," it was the sincere smile made everyone lost their words to question, protest and more. But for Masato and Ren who were the only one understood what was concealed behind Tokiya's seemingly harmless words, Cecil could spot how hard for them to conceal how restless they were.

Cecil who had a suspicion to the trio could not help but paid the most heed to their every single movement or facial expression since they could mean anything. He did not realize that Syo and Natsuki also felt the same. Unbeknown to others, the two best friends had shared what they thought about the trio and they also believed that Tokiya, Masato and Ren had a secret.

"Well, then. I guess this discussion is over. Let's go, Otoya-kun. You guys should go back to your class. I don't want to keep you guys around when this is solely our problem."

At that time, Haruka lost the sight of all of them which were their broken state as Haruka left them.

Haruka, the source of light and hope that they relied on just left them with Otoya.

Otoya's orphanage was peaceful and warm. That was Haruka's first impression right after they were greeted by the head, Kyoko. Her appearance as a typical middle-aged woman reminded Haruka of her grandmother.

Her grandmother, her parents... once again, the guilt felt suffocating in her heart. She never regretted her choice to stay with Otoya but she knew what currently happened to her would not be the pleasant news for them.

"This is... this is... Nanami Haruka, my... my..."

"Oh, this is the one who..."

"She's my girlfriend, Kyoko-san," he said instantly. Just like that, the couple' faces blushed at his declaration. The Otoya who was so determined to prove their principal that no-dating rule should be lifted for the idols returned back to the originally adorable Otoya. "Nanami Haruka."

Were they really dating right now? She did not mind it and Haruka desperately hoped that this was not a dream that would pull her back to the malicious reality.

But for Kyoko, their linked hands were enough to prove their new relationship.

"I see. She's... adorable, just like you," the woman said with a tired smile.

Well, Haruka did not expect her to compliment her look because she herself knew more than everyone that she was generally very ordinary. But, Kyoko sounded hesitant for a second.

"You see, Kyoko-san... Do you still have the available vacancy for part-time teacher? She has a situation regarding her family so it would be helpful if she can work and live here until she finds a place."

"Work? Live here?" The woman shifted looks between the couple suspiciously.

"Actually, we both took a leave from school and she needs extra money for her expense."

"Well, sure. If Otoya-kun is the one who recommends, I can allow that as much. Come inside."

For Haruka, there was no other thing that she could describe about the guardians and teachers in the orphanage given that Otoya just gave them a brief introduction and brought her straight to his room.

This was when the moment between them got juicy.

"Wait... what? I... I am going to use your room?" If it was true that they were dating, this had been too fast for her. "I mean..."

"I know it's embarrassing..." Otoya scratched his head as he curved in an awkward smile. "But for now, we don't have choices. I am sorry, Haruka. Unlike Ren, I am not that capable to provide you a comfortable house. Unlike Ren, I am..."

"Unlike Ren, you never try to take advantage of me," she mumbled. It was not like it was incoherent for his ears but...

He needed her to restate it so that he could be convinced that his hearing was true.

Ren... took advantage on... who?

"What did you say?" She flinched at his question. Just like that, the awkwardness that surfaced around them had faded away. They were reminded by how tense their previous conversation with STARISH.

He remembered how blunt and outspoken Haruka was and he had no idea that Haruka could go to that extent.

"Haruka..." Otoya already sat on his bed, tapping his side. "I believe there is one thing that I need to confirm from you."

She did not look at him in the eyes as usual but she slowly took a seat beside him. All she could do was locking her eyes to her linked fingers, waiting for him to finish his words.

"I am sorry but I need to know what just happened between you and the guys. Why do you seem like you're not as chummy as you were? Something happened?"

"Something did happen from the start, Otoya-kun," she said softly. "I might look like I was ignorant all the time but I am aware about what others in the school had thought about me. They thought that it's unacceptable that I got to hang out with you guys when I am just a plain girl. I am not as beautiful as Tomo-chan so I don't deserve to be close with STARISH. I thought I just could brush it off as long as I have you guys but it all changed when Cecil-san and Tomo-chan told me the truth. Something that I should have noticed had I not been too dense."

"And what is it?"

"They... they like me more than just a friend," no matter how soft her voice was, it did not leave another truth that she carried along with her. "In the original timeline, they kept saying something sweet or hugging me. And... Jinguuji-san had ever tried to... to rape me once when he was drunk."

His heart thumped fast. He knew Ren. The guy might be an eyes-rolling sweet talker but Otoya never thought for a second that the guy would cross the line. Sure, he always had girls around but everyone could tell that it was Haruka who had gained his endless attention.

"How about Cecil then? Do you believe in Cecil that easily when it's others who you've known longer? He seems like he flirts with you all the time..."

"Unlike Cecil-san, others had been beating around the bush a lot without intending to mean what they really say. I am more afraid with them, honestly. Not to mention that..." she shifted her looks towards Otoya. "Cecil-san had met the polices from the future and they said that Ichinose-san, Jinguuji-san and Hijirikawa-san had made a false testimony. Jinguuji-san wasn't even in the boutique like he said while Ichinose-san had never been in the bookstore with Hijirikawa-san. It made sense that Hijirikawa-san is an accomplice when he insisted on Jinguuji-san and Ichinose-san's whereabouts."

"Wait, Masa... no, it can't be..." no matter how calm and collected Haruka sounded, it did not soothe the redhead. Instead, he found no words to describe how his life turned into a horror in just a few seconds. "Masa is a nice guy. There is no way he would betray me. He was the one who was always there beside me. And Tokiya..."

That was when something conveniently but scarily crossed his mind.

"Tokiya... he is definitely different nowadays. He looks like he hates me so much. I thought that he's just stressed out for living a double life but... it can't be, right? We can't just assume that they are the one who murdered me just because they lied..."

But, for sure, there is no reason for them to do such things that would complicate the murder investigation unless they want to cover up something.

"Otoya-kun..." she cupped his face, looking directly at her. "Don't worry. We're going to go through this together, okay? You have me and I'll always be there for you. Don't be afraid."

It was for a temporary comfort. He knew it but he never pondered on how the comfort that he received from Haruka would be quickly washed away by the coldness that he soon encountered from a certain corridor. Otoya was on his way to his dorm to pack his belongings and that was when he saw Tokiya, Masato and Ren. They were seriously discussing about him and Haruka. He was positive that they almost finished talking since the only words that he had caught were;

"Is it okay for her to be there with him? I don't have a good feeling if Nanami doesn't stay here with us," Masato said.

"We don't have a choice apparently. I hate to see them together. We must make a plan so that Nanami-san will leave him as soon as possible," Tokiya replied.

Wow, they did not even refer him as Otoya anymore. How spiteful he was in their eyes now?

He could only look at them in distance before someone softly held his shoulder.

It was Cecil, who had the similar smile as him. The bitter one.

Strange enough, even without words, they knew they got each other back just from their staring contest.

"Cecil..."

"I guess we have to go to my room. I bet you have a lot of things to ask."

All Otoya could do was nodding at the prince. Everything in him froze at how surprising his teammates could be.