CHAPTER 5

The countdown scene between Otoya and Tokiya in this chapter was taken from a fan art (I think) that I happened to find in Google Image. Thank you for the owner of the image :D I seriously believe that kind of situation did happen between the roommates since yeah, Otoya has always been Otoya and the same goes with Tokiya. Sorry for the flaws in this chapter by the way :)

Time sure passed so fast in this current world which Haruka restarted as the future student of Saotome Academy. It was expected that she would feel that time would fly slowly given she would be prone to count the days for her to meet Otoya again.

She did search for Otoya's home which was the orphanage but she could not find it. She was positive that she remembered the place but after a while, her lack of direction sense had convinced her to give up.

That was why she decided to wait.

But, something surprising took place on the very next day.

Or so she felt. She was positive that it was only the second day since she was sent to the timeline.

Haruka might be spaced out a lot after she returned from the entrance exam but she was not that spaced out until she could not comprehend how on earth she ended up in her old dorm as soon as she woke up.

But sadly (?), that was what happened to the sweet composer. She and Tomochika were currently running around the room like citizens who just heard an announcement that Japan would be swallowed by the earth in ten seconds. That was their reaction after noticing what date was that day and how late they were.

"This can't be happening! We aren't supposed to be late for the entrance ceremony," Tomochika exclaimed. Her blazer which she just wore was left unbuttoned while her long hair was solely tied and without hairpins. "Waaaa, where did I put the leggings again? This is terrible!"

Unlike her roommate, Haruka could not hear nor think anything. She could not bring herself to comment on how absurd their situation was since this was what she hoped for.

Yesterday, she thought that waiting for April to see Otoya again was too long. It never crossed her mind that her wish would come true this soon.

"If this is really Cecil-san's doing, I will clobber him so that he will slow down a bit."

Ah, yes. Haruka agreed that this circumstance was too fast to the point of it was ridiculous. She did not mind it but for Tomochika who was dragged along with this 'fantasy' and did not have a deep affection for Otoya, she might find this situation a tad annoying.

Her body moved, swaying to the ray of sunshine which she would meet later.

She would meet her beloved man again.

Meanwhile in the boys' dorm...

Despite the time shown on the clock, a slender figure was standing quietly beside a bed which was not his. His blue eyes stared at a certain sleeping figure in disbelief. It was something utterly uncommon for the usually poker face to pull these particular reactions; widened eyes and tremulous inhale of breaths.

Tokiya knew he was not supposed to be this dramatic when he saw his roommate in his room or else they would not be called as roommates but...

Even he was one of Cecil's magic victims (most probably and he already called himself as one because of the current situation), he could not process the situation calmly. Why did he jump straight to the first day of their school when he still had a lot of things to prepare...

No, it was certainly not the physical things since all of his belongings were already in the room, much to his second shock. It was more to the preparation in terms of his emotion and mental. Was he supposed to expect that after this, he would not survive in this timeline day by day? Would it turn out so random that he might get a heart attack someday?

Aijima-san, if you can't give warnings beforehand since you're most probably a cat right now, finding ways so that you'll turn into a human as quickly as possible in the first place won't hurt though, he thought.

Refusing to be alone in this struggle even he was originally a reserved man, he went straight to his teammates' rooms which were next to each other. He mindlessly knocked on the doors while his eyes were still glued to his room which he had the door ajar. He looked like the main character in a horror movie who desperately sought for help after being tortured by a monster.

Logically speaking, if he was brought back from his adult timeline to this current year, the same thing would happen to his teammates, right? Tokiya believed Cecil would never cast the spell on him only even he was the one who met the Agnapolis prince and discussed this matter thoroughly.

It took a while for Masato (Tokiya expected the scion to show up first since he was an early bird) to open the door and when the pianist's and vocalist's eyes met, they had a confused and nervous look on their faces respectively.

"What is it, Ichinose? Why don't you wear your uniform already?" The scion asked as he was fixing his tie. From the inside of the room, Tokiya could hear the sound of perfume spraying which he assumed that the lazy bone Ren already took a bath and dressed up.

"You guys are not... I mean..." Tokiya cleared his throat as his head was busy collecting his thoughts. Now that he had seen and met his friends, he found himself stuttering.

"What is it?" Masato asked patiently despite the scarily empty corridor strongly suggested that they were so late.

"Yo, Icchi," Ren's raspy voice interposed as he showed up behind his roommate. Tokiya could not care less about Ren's platonic wink when he had a lot of thoughts in his head.

"Who the heck... huh?" They turned as Syo was opening the door. His initial exclamation told everyone that he was annoyed with whoever had disturbed his chaotic morning. From the way his tie was not fully fixed and the way Natsuki's head popped out of the room with disheveled hair and puzzled look, it told Tokiya everything.

It was a sick coincidence that all of them who were STARISH members were late for the entrance ceremony. If there was an interview question highlighted which cheesy moment the STARISH members felt like they had the most tight-knit bond, all of them would not hesitantly state, 'the moment where we all were late for the entrance ceremony. It did give everyone a bad impression on us but we couldn't care less when it strengthened our bond.'

"Four of you, follow me," now that he realized he could not come up with more words, Tokiya left the corridor. His gesture alone was enough for everyone that he meant business and he expected everyone to follow him without further questions.

That was when an idea struck the four guys.

Could it be... he wanted us to see Ittoki/Otoya-kun/Otoya/Ikki...

"Come on. I bet he wanted to show Ikki to us," Ren remarked, echoing what everyone had in their minds.

They could hear their own heart beating fast as they made their ways in curiosity and excitement. The first sight that served them as soon as they went into the room was Tokiya's frame, standing next to a certain human-size bump under a red blanket which was not from the vocalist's bed.

Seconds passed and no one had enough words to utter as they were all overwhelmed and longed for the sight including the messy red hair from under the blanket.

It was Tokiya who managed to pull himself together and start to speak. He could feel the chill crawled down his spine as he blurted out the words that told him that his daily and bitter-sweet routine with his roommate had restarted.

"5... 4... 3... 2..."

"Waaaaahhh!" The sudden and pitchy wave of sound sent the others to scream in surprise except for Ren and Tokiya.

There he goes. The panicky but much younger Otoya was already exposed from the blanket. Still wearing his sleepwear which consisted of a pair of dark blue shorts and a light blue shirt, his sweaty face and harsh breath made his friends shrank in their thoughts.

Otoya... that Otoya who was brutally killed one month ago.

He was alive. He was alive in this timeline.

"Tokiya, is... is that you? Is that you who just did the countdown?" Otoya desperately and dramatically clung to the frozen Tokiya with his dear life.

"Yes... why?"

"Waaaah," another dramatic reaction from the redhead had shocked everyone but not for Tokiya who as his roommate, had encountered various kinds of Otoya's sleeping and waking habit. "I know you're good at everything but... do you know magic too? Did you use the countdown method to wake me up? How impressive you're, Tokiya!"

"That's what you are concerned about, Otoya? You should be saying something like you'll fix your sleeping and waking habits so that you won't be a pain for me."

Tokiya might sound flat but no words could describe how happy he was to encounter this circumstance again.

They were all given a second chance now and that was all that mattered.

The mini-drama of the roommates earned soft chuckles from others who shared the same emotions with Tokiya except for Ren who was laughing like a proud father.

"You have been like this since who knows when. What are you, Ikki? A child?" The scion remarked softly as he stroke the messy red hair. Out of them, he and Masato might be the people who could see the man on their entrance exam day but it did not distract the fact that he was overwhelmed with this encounter.

It was so pleasant to feel like this after the first and harsh tragedy hit them out of the blue like there was no tomorrow. His inside was battling each other as the melancholy and thrill engulfed him at once. He decided he would not react any weirder or else, it might confuse this high school Otoya.

Yet, Ren's thought was answered by Syo's reaction which immediately suggested that not all of them had shared the same thought as him.

"What? What do you mean, Ren? Who's Ikki? I am not a child..." before he could finish his words, Syo pounced on Otoya, sending them both to the bed.

"Wait, Syo! What just happened?" Otoya certainly was not concerned about hugs since he loved bonding with people. But when he could catch Syo's sniffle and others' warm gestures, the redhead wanted more and more answers.

First of all, why the way Tokiya looked at him was too different? It was not the typically chilling glare that he had to spend his time with since their first meeting, especially after he was scolded for trying on HAYATO's outfit.

Why the stern Masato and flamboyant Ren looked like they were lost in something emotional that he could not comprehend?

"Me too, Syo-chan!"

And Natsuki... why were two people hugging him and seeming in their melodramatic mode when all he did was getting panicky and suddenly complimented Tokiya's non-existent magic skills?

"Otoya-kun, you're alive!" Natsuki who was more honest than ever ended up saying what others silently thought out loud.

Otoya was alive. Yes, that was the reality that they wished it would continue for a long time. Unlike some idol groups who end up disbanding after they choosing to debut as a soloist, they had seriously discussed this matter and all of them would not leave the group. The decision was final and was accepted in happiness by everyone. Saotome even stated that he would invest a lot in the group's future activities.

That was what he said, shortly before Otoya's death. When the upsetting day struck, everyone was lost in their own misery that they did not even have space in their heads to think about what STARISH would offer without Otoya, their lead dancer, and unofficial leader.

"Natsuki, of course I am alive. No need to be so excited, though. Syo, what happened... wait, are you crying?" Otoya exclaimed but the fact that the manly Syo was sniffling was not weird for anybody except himself. When he received no answers from the chaotic roommates, he turned to the other three friends who were typically calm in their circle. "Guys, what's happening?"

Instead, they just smiled and shook their heads. With how they could not find Cecil anywhere, they were afraid to say anything that would ruin the spell or flow.

Instead, Syo replied, "Shut up and stay still. I just miss my twin and you just happened to look a lot like him."

That was an obvious lie. Syo's twin who looked exactly like Syo and Otoya did not look the same in any degree.

"Well, I don't mind if you do this kind of thing after school but... aren't we supposed to attend the entrance ceremony today? What time is it now?"

As everybody gasped in unison and loudly, no people needed to be a genius to tell that this was the first time they had been so scared for their dear life.

Which insanely made sense because, at the end of the day, they all ended up being summoned to the principal office together with Haruka and Tomochika.

"Now, let's see..." Shining Saotome, the founder of Saotome Academy was expected to wear his designated sunglasses which made them noticed that they never saw the man's eyes even once in their lives. He leaned casually in his chair, making eye contact with each student. "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight... eight students are late for the entrance ceremony. Quite brave, I must say. Normally students are trying their best to have the best look and attend the ceremony on time but here you go. I am currently 'entertaining' eight students who are brazen enough to break the tradition. Why? Is the term 'making a good impression of me' not cool and relevant anymore for you guys? Do you want the teachers and other students to have a bad impression of you that bad so that you'll be famous in less than 24 hours? You guys sure know how this industry works if we talk about the most cunning way..."

"No, principal. We're so sorry," as Otoya innocently answered which was followed by an apologetic bow, the others also did the same. For a second, they thought they were on a stage right before their performance. Otoya was also in charge of leading their group cheers and greeting the fans so even in this midst of tension, they could not help but reminisce about their old memories. "We're just caught up at the moment..."

"Caught up in what?" The principal interrupted right away. Apparently, the term interested him the most and they did not know why. "You better give me a very solid reason or else, you might get the scariest punishment that you have never thought you'll get as a fresh student."

"Well, we..." this time, they knew that Otoya was not the right person to talk. He was just caught up in 'victimized' in the middle of their emotional roller coaster. "I don't know how to explain it but... please don't expel us. It's been a big dream for me to study in this school and I... I really admire you, principal. I had your CDs since I was very young and your singing had inspired me to do the same. My aunt had told me a lot about how you're so phenomenal until now. To be trained in your academy is an honor and what I have been wished for a long time. I knew I was not the brightest talent in this world. In fact, I didn't know how I was chosen in the first place but I promise I will do better. I want to be like you, principal."

It was too sudden for Otoya to conclude that the principal would expel them but as someone who had spent years with the redhead, they knew where the desperation came from. To be a singer was just not a career which allowed Otoya to have a better life than as an orphanage. Being a singer was a pure promise to his late aunt who the only family member he had and remembered. Being a singer was a comfort he wanted to embrace for the rest of his life.

His determination which they swore they could see from his watery eyes had torn their hearts. The boys mentally scolded themselves. They should control themselves in the dorm and Otoya would not end up in this scary situation.

As for Haruka, Otoya's pleading reminded her of the dream which she had before she woke up in the hospital and learned her husband's death. The sight of the child version of Otoya saddened her more and she did not want to see it again from this Otoya as well.

"We had some unexplained issues last night so we happened to wake up later than the rest of the students," Tokiya added, which might sound strange for other people that such a vague explanation could convince the strict Saotome but now when it happened again, they knew it instantly.

Saotome was lenient with Tokiya because he knew Tokiya was HAYATO. He might be late because he worked all night and that was true. It contributed to the reason why the blue head's body felt weirdly heavy.

Seconds passed and the others decided to convince the principal more.

"We're so sorry, principal. We promise it won't happen again," Ren said.

"It's such a shame that this happened on our first day. Whatever punishment you want to make us endure, we'll accept it. But like Ittoki said, please don't expel us," Masato supplied.

"Please, principal. Please give us a second chance," Haruka almost burst into tears when...

Saotome suddenly laughed, much to everyone's relief. When he was back to his eccentric and loud demeanor, they knew what to expect.

"You guys are quite sly when you talk too. It's quite scary, I tell you," the legendary singer stood up, eyeing each of them with a wide grin before adding, "Well, being late is being late. It might be unfair for other students who were on time if I decided to cut you some slack so... starting for today, for two weeks, all of you would be in detention."

"Detention?" Unexpectedly, there was a certain lovely voice exclaimed happily and that was how everyone's nervous eyes had drawn to her.

It was Haruka who everyone knew that she was staring at a certain redhead since forever. She found it hard to pay her attention to Saotome's intimidating lecture when Otoya's sight could drive her crazily in love.

That was why she was happy to be in detention. She could spend more time looking at him.

"Haruka," Tomochika who was next to her whispered anxiously.

Well, good job, Haruka. What a bad timing to immerse in your romantic memory, the composer thought.

"Yes, Miss..."

"Ittoki. My name is Ittoki Haruka," Haruka said spontaneously given it had been a big part of her life. That was when she could feel more eyes stared nervously at her.

"It's Nanami, Nanami," Syo spoke between his lips from her other side. "I know you're happy but please don't be like us. We ended up here because we're all so excited to see Otoya in the dorm."

"I... I am sorry. I mean.... My name is Nanami Haruka," Haruka said, biting her lips as if the action would restrain her from doing or saying something that might jeopardize her more. She could sense how Otoya's red eyes widened as he heard her.

"Nanami Haruka. I'll remember you," the old man said, gazing at composer which sent a chill to everyone's spines. "I guess you're still grateful to this gentleman over here for what happened on the exam day that you won't stop staring at him while I am talking."

"I... I am sorry. I don't mean to be rude..."

"What's your name, gentleman?" Saotome turned to the flustered Otoya.

"Ittoki... Ittoki Otoya," the redhead answered.

"Mr. Ittoki, Miss Ittoki... no, Miss Nanami," the way he casually pointed at the boy and girl had brought up the tense in the room again. "What a beautiful coincidence to say his family name first instead of yours, huh?"

Love was forbidden in the academy. Even the rule existed, they knew Haruka and Otoya would madly fall in love with each other but the last thing they wanted to happen when they were in this timeline was for the couple to be caught for dating each other and getting expelled.

Haruka did not have time to compose herself because Otoya already next to her as they all made their way to their classes.

"I see that you also passed the exam. Congratulations! Which class are you?"

They both stopped as Haruka turned to face the boy with a loving stare.

He's just right here, in front of me.

All the intimidating vibes that she received from Saotome were instantly put aside. She would be more careful in the future but it would not stop her from loving Otoya eternally.

"I... I am..."

"Is it A Class?"

"Yes, yes. A Class."

He's in the same class as me.

"Wow, what a coincidence! High five," he lifted his palm and just like she was hit by a supportive force, she lifted her hand and as well and making their hands as one for a second. "Now that we both are here, let's get along and be friends, Nanami!"

He clearly stated that they would be friends but she had heard something more affectionate.

'Let's get married and love each other forever, Nanami!'

It was his proposal.

I don't just want to get along with you. I miss you so much, Otoya-kun.

"It's Nanami, right? I mean your last name," he blushed and knowing him, it was a good sign for their relationship. "When I heard you said Ittoki Haruka, I was so... I mean, I was shocked. Just shocked. I don't mean anything weird by that."

Ittoki has become my last name right when I am officially yours, Otoya-kun.

Despite his comments, the composer continued to stare at him.

"Why, Nanami? Is there something wrong?"

I miss you. I love you so much that it always hurt whenever I thought that we're not going to see each other again.

But now, you're here, right in front of me... I can touch you again, I can see your smile again. I can be in the same world with you again.

Just so you know, even though I am frail but I want to protect you, Otoya-kun. Whoever that wants to kill you... I will protect you with all my life.

I promise...

She knew it was sudden and might cause them to have their detention extended had any teacher seen them but she could not help it. Haruka was tired from the pain of losing her husband that when she was here again, in the same world with him, she could not help but enjoyed it to the fullest. As her thin arms wrapped his frame close to hers, it felt like everything around them was stopped.

It felt like there were only two of them in this world and nothing would hurt Otoya anymore. She desperately hoped for that.

At that moment, Haruka was too oblivious of everything around her since her happiness was all she could feel. She could hear Otoya's gasp as she closed the platonic distance between them. She could feel that his body was stiff from the sudden contact but she could not care less when this was what she had been waiting for. She knew Otoya. He would not push her. He would not reject her hug.

Haruka was too oblivious that there were still her friends including Tomochika were still around, looking at the couple's second reunion since the entrance exam day with sweet looks.

Haruka, these kind men are all in love with you. Whoever you choose, I know you'll end up being happy. Just like how you're now, Tomochika thought. Tears glistened in her eyes, silently celebrating the moment for her best friend.

At the same time, she was anxious about what kind of future that waited for them.

What's going to happen after this? Is this real? Is this an illusion or just a plain cruel dream that will bring all of us to our world back?

That was when her purple eyes decided to turn to the other guys. Their reactions to seeing her boldly hugged Otoya suggested certain things.

They loved to see her smile again. They were satisfied to see how Haruka could be together with her husband again.

They did have all those lovely and warm feelings but...

Why at the same time, Tomochika thought that not all of them enjoyed seeing the beautiful and loving couple? Why there were jealousy vibes from them?

She knew not all of them saw her as their friend, unlike Haruka. She was just Haruka's best friend. She was just a female student who Haruka would end up and room with when they had activities that required them to separate by gender. She was just like a shadow that followed Haruka around.

She stayed like that for years. From the first day since Natsuki, Masato and Otoya took an interest in her best friend, she knew all STARISH members loved the composer. The girlish side of her did feel upset when they all had their eyes on Haruka but they could understand them. Haruka was precious, even for her as her best friend. Spending years as an observer and was not really counted as a part of their group had made her developed her opinion regarding STARISH members' friendship.

But, maybe she had just misread them. She was an observer who was always with Haruka but she could never tell what the guys always had in their minds.

I think I might make Tomochika more significant than how I intended her to be. She won't be only written as Haruka's friend who was just around so that Haruka did not look like an outcast among female students. I tended to write her in that way for other stories too because I want more important female characters who I can relate to rather than only Haruka. Last but not least, see you in the next chapter and feel free to let me know what do you think :D