WARNING: Get ready for the clumsy writing of this chapter.

And also thank you again for your response regarding my message before, @AiyaItami  ^^ I wish I can hug you for real since you've supported me for so long ><

CHAPTER 35

"It's... breathtaking," Masato exclaimed after spending more than five minutes making everyone in the room anticipated his response.

Relieved sighs echoed afterwards. Cecil, Otoya, and Syo threw themselves on the sofa as if they just joined a marathon while Natsuki and Ren who were typically much calmer shared a happy look at each other before taking a seat.

They were settling back in the foyer. It was one of Jinguuji Empire's building which was recently owned by Ren, thanks to his brother who supported his decision to start his own business. They spent the whole morning exploring the building to show Masato all rooms which consisted of a meeting room, practice room, studio and many more. They also brought their kids to spend the whole morning playing in a playroom which according to Ren, was provided for their future workers' children as well. The decoration might be too striking for a group of owners in their 30s since it used rainbow color as their main theme but Natsuki's justification that it would make STARISH's brand stood out made others nodded in agreement.

Plus, they went all-out to fight for the band name so when they won, they would ensure that they used it to the fullest.

"My doctor won't be pleased to see I am going out of my house today but if this means I am going to see STARISH company by myself, I would rather get scolded after this," Masato's blue eyes shimmered as it reflected the sunray. This sight of him was beautiful but it also made the others realized how paler he looked every time they met him. It was upsetting that he had to suffer alone but he was still able to smile. "Your reaction after I said this is amazing is also interesting to see. I don't get why you guys seemed like you're presenting a final year project to your professor."

"Definitely, you're the professor in this situation, Masa," Otoya said, chuckles escaped from his lips. "If you like it, Tokiya will probably like it. You guys are always on the same wavelength anyway."

"Oh, I see..." melodious exclamation from the scion suddenly raised tense among them. They knew each other way too well to understand what remarks or simple gestures would mean. "I think he'll like it more if he is here with us, right? Why can't it happen, though? Is there something wrong this time?"

The five men flinched at his softly questioning but intimidating tone. At this point, he knew they were accusing each other from the way they glared or stared nervously among them. They might be a team with a close-knit friendship but they still had the selfish tendency to save their own selves when the situation forced it.

"I thought you already called him?" Syo mumbled to Ren who immediately shook his head.

"No. Otoya's supposed to call him, right?"

"No, why should I?" Otoya exclaimed in horror.

"It's because you're his ex-roommate and probably his best friend," Cecil took this chance to put the blame on Otoya since the redhead was the easiest to be victimized.

"Oh, really? Since when we enforce the rule that only Tokiya's ex-roommate can call him? Out of situations, you guys have to choose now, don't you? And what's with the 'probably his best friend'? I am his best friend. Plus, all this time, Natsuki is always in charge of contacting or strengthening our relationship with Tokiya," apparently, Otoya just showed to everyone that he was not that gullible.

"Huh? Me?" Natsuki questioned back. As if he was absent-minded when he schemed Masato's sudden participation in Tokiya and Eiichi's interview and when he constantly disturbed Tokiya every time they bumped into each other in the middle of their works. "But, I... I thought Masato will inform him first."

"And why should I?" Masato who could not stand their mini argument eventually interposed, making them recoiled again. "It's not me who decided to establish a company just to have Tokiya as the first artist. It's yours so you should officially invite him on your own."

The pianist could see that they were hesitant about his remark.

"Well, actually..." Ren scratched his head. Everyone here knew how the scion would lose his smartness once he got intimidated by Masato. It was their strange bond that only two of them could accept and understand it no matter how many times Masato lost his memory. "All of us tried to call him but he did not pick up for some reason. He's bad at answering his phone lately."

That reminded them of what Himura told them after the gathering of celebration for Tokiya's freedom at Otoya's restaurant which was supposed to be the starting point of them wiping the slate clean.

"It'll take time but I promise it'll work out someday. He also took the time to be that comfortable with me. You do know how aloof he used to be, right? Look, I don't want to be mean but since your relationship with him had been strained for about 13 years, of course he would feel awkward when you guys literally came back by his side."

"But I heard Tomochika and Himura-san don't have to go through the same thing," Masato said, referring to how Haruka told him that Tokiya was currently happy with his relationship with Tomochika. "I guess even after you guys tried hard to help him with the trial and whatnot, there isn't a lot of improvement, huh?"

As expected, they furrowed their foreheads funnily, making their own flashback about what happened after they succeeded their fight against Saotome and his underlings.

"I believe he's already forgiven us," Ren stated, calmly.

"I agree. At least now if we bump into each other, he won't avoid looking us directly in eyes," Otoya stated, eyes blinked hesitantly at his own statement. "Even I must say I really want to ask him to play badminton or soccer sometimes but knowing Tokiya, he must be enjoying his me-time right now."

"Yeah, me too. I want to invite him to our special episode for the children program but..." Natsuki initiated and to see the guy who was always bright and eloquent stuttered was weird.

"Well, I suppose the blame is on Tokiya as well," Masato concluded. "He is always awkward and stiff with us..."

"But not with you, though," Syo said, earning nods from Ren. "And also Himura-san. That guy even hugged Himura-san when they first met since Himura-san was fired. He even said something like he can't live without Himura-san. Man, at first glance, I thought HAYATO's ghost has possessed him."

"Wait, did... did Tokiya really do that?" Otoya exclaimed as if Syo just bragged to him that his height exceeded six feet in just one night. "With... Himura-san? Wait, did that guy even have that side?"

"Yeah. Ren and I just learned about it when three of us attended a variety show. You know, the one which they invited only S Class alumni to have fun," Syo said. "I thought it will be a good chance for us to make him loosened up but no! He's so lame and freaking allowed me to win every single game when we all know that he's very competitive. I don't know what he has in his mind but I really want to scream 'just tease my height instead, you scumbag!' instead of talking formally to us."

Even years passed, nobody's ears were thick enough to listen to Syo's dramatic and loud complaints.

"Well, if it goes to the point of Syo himself wanted Tokiya to tease his height, Tokiya's awkwardness must be in a critical state. Apparently, he's enjoying his semi-retirement too much so he doesn't need human communication" Masato said, holding his chin seriously. "The photo that you just posted on your social media was from the show, right?"

"Oh, do you mean the three of us with the host, the very lame one? Yes," Syo replied, oblivious of the perplexed look that Ren threw at Masato.

"Is that the only picture you took? I would like to see more if you have them," Masato said.

"Sure," the small guy took out his phone without hesitation but Ren observed it in horror as a guess about Masato's hidden agenda conveniently crossed his mind.

Making Syo as the scapegoat, huh? Indeed, it's a good idea as long as it's not me, Ren thought.

"Do you think he's going to agree with what we're going to offer to him?" Ren blurted out, distracting Syo since the small guy reacted the most when somebody brought up something nonsensical.

"We're reaching this far and you got a nerve for saying that? You should be saying that before you asked your brother's help."

"Yeah, sure," Ren said, ignoring the urge to laugh at Syo's face right away.

Considering Masato was secretly typing, most probably he would send the cheesiest and most embarrassing messages for Tokiya and pretending that they sincerely came from Syo.

"Here," Masato gave it back, pulling a poker face as convincing as he could.

Their conversation lasted for a while before Syo's phone rang with Tokiya's name on the screen.

"Tokiya? Why does he call me out of us?" His exclamation drew their attention.

"He probably misses you," Ren remarked lazily and that was when Syo got the picture. His glower shifted between the two scumbags who literally could make anyone in a panic once they were in collaborative mode.

"You turtles! How dare you make me your scapegoat!" Syo screamed while the other three were still puzzled with how fast the drama around them began.

"Oh, what a great way to swear, Syo! I bet Masato prefers you to use a very offensive swearing instead."

"Wait! Did you just try to swear, Syo?" The way the pianist sized up his eyes made Syo almost flipped the table.

"Shut up!"

Just then, the main door of the building which was opened from outside stopped their fight, revealing Tokiya who was holding his phone. He was looking at them questioningly especially at Syo.

"Tokiya!" Natsuki and Otoya immediately stood up, failing to conceive that they missed him a lot.

"Wait, who called him here? Is that you, Syo?" Masato asked calmly while pulling the most annoying face.

"I said, shut up."

"Hey," Tokiya softly exclaimed, eyes were on Masato most of the time but anybody could tell that he was avoiding to look at Syo.

"Hey," Masato replied, shaking hands with the guy. "Whats brings you here?"

"Harumi called me," everyone sighed softly as the name mentioned.

We should just ask Harumi to call Tokiya from the start, they knew their minds were echoing the same idea. Up until now, they thought that asking Tomochika and Himura to relay their messages to Tokiya was the last resort.

"She said Ren is starting a new company. What kind of company, Ren?"

Ren looked at Masato who immediately sighed in frustration.

For the love of God, they should just say what they want to say. What I am? A spokesperson?

"Nothing much. Just a new branch for his empire," Masato remarked, ignoring Ren's disappointed look as his childhood friend clearly wanted him to represent them in offering what they had in mind to Tokiya.

"I see. Then, I will be heading to Harumi," Tokiya's blue eyes were brought to the anxious Syo. "Come to think of it, did you eat something strange, Syo?"

"Masato wrote it! Not me!" The answer was not corresponding to Tokiya's question but Syo felt the most determined to declare that never in his life he would send a cheesy text message to his friends, especially Tokiya.

But the way Tokiya stared at him for a while before leaving the room said it all.

The vocalist got him right away but did not buy his words. It was one of the most slurring moments that he had gone through in his almost 33-years life.

"I swear that right now, I want to be hired as an assassin so that I have a reason to kill you both. Turtles!" Syo's statement sent them to laugh.

"I am sorry, Tokiya. I know I should apologize to you, hug you as I cry my eyes out. You're so amazing, beautiful and pure to forgive someone like me. If only we can turn back time, I wish I was the best friend for you. I wish I was someone who would shield you from all the typhoons, cyclones, and hurricanes of life, someone who would be the sun when you're cold from... pftt ... hahahaha!" Syo never knew when Cecil had taken his phone away because the sight of the foreign idol, Natsuki and Otoya laughing to read the controversial text message was the most aggravating now.

"What a bad metaphor but somehow it's enough to embarrass Syo. No wonder Tokiya looked disgusted," Otoya remarked happily. "Thumbs up, Masato!"

"Shut up!" Masato's hand which supposed to respond to Otoya's gesture ended up closing his ears due to Syo's exclamation.

"Ah, Tokiya, you are here!" Tomochika exclaimed, eyes brightened at the side of her boyfriend, looking for a playroom to see Harumi.

"Hey," Tokiya said, was not surprised much to see the woman in the place given she, who also had a lot of free time like him would end up hanging out with Harumi and Mitsuki.

They gave each other a light kiss on their cheeks before Tomochika slowly pushed his back to a certain direction.

"I want to show you something. Please move to this direction," the woman said before making Tokiya startled by a pair of hands, covering his eyes.

"Then, why are you covering my eyes? Am I supposed to see with my nose now?"

"It's a surprise, Tokiya! It's not fun if I show you right away. Come on, slowly," she encouraged, gently pushed Tokiya to walk along the corridor, heading to the company's playroom.

"Okay, then," he sighed. Why should Tomochika act like he had not seen Harumi and Mitsuki for years?

A lot of seconds passed and as soon as the thin hands left his eyes, Tokiya's blurry vision could spot an open door in front of him before...

"Hi, Tokiya ojichan!"

The next thing he realized was seven small figures suddenly threw themselves at him, screaming his name over and over again. Tokiya lost his balance right away and his body quickly met the floor. While groaning in pain, he could hear Tomochika and Haruka were desperately screaming to stop whatever they were from attacking him like a herd of elephants.

"Are you guys going to kill our uncle?" Harumi's fierce voice followed, silencing them almost immediately. "Ojichan, are you okay?"

"Yes, I guess," he sat up as Harumi pulled his arm. Before his vision and head could heal from the shock, another girl with strawberry blond hair hugged his neck tightly.

"Ojichan, I miss you!" Jinguuji Rena, Ren's only child exclaimed while beaming brightly.

"Haruka was the one who planned all of these. She thought it would be a great idea to let you meet them. They missed you after all," Tomochika explained. From the way she rolled her dark hair in a high bun while curving a tired smile, she must play with the children for too long before he came.

"Oh..." Tokiya turned to Haruka, nodding thankfully at her help. "Thank you."

"Nah, don't mention it."

He did miss these children as well after all.

"It's been a long time since I met you. Don't you miss me, ojichan? Why didn't you come to my house?" Rena inquired as her pout became more visible.

"I am sorry, dear. I wish I could but..."

"Hey, Jinguuji! That's disrespectful for you to hug ojichan like that! You should let him recover from his pain first!" Harumi interrupted. Both her hands were placed on her waist while her blue eyes literally shot a laser at Ren's daughter.

"You are also rude, Hijirikawa! You didn't even let ojichan answered me properly," With her hands still hugged Tokiya's neck, Rena retorted. Unlike her cool father, she easily snapped to defend herself and when she met the strict Harumi, they would fight as if there was no tomorrow.

Like fathers, like daughters, Tomochika, Haruka and Tokiya were utterly positive that their minds flooded with the same thought.

"Hey, girls..." Tokiya who still had his head heavy from the ambush did not know where he should start.

"This is my ojichan! You should stay away from him!" Rena hugged her beloved uncle close to her face.

"Hey, that's not fair! Tokiya ojichan is my ojichan!" Harumi insisted, pulling the dizzy Tokiya to her.

'They made it sound like I am two-timing them' was written over the vocalist's face. He tried to ask for Tomochika's or Haruka's help but the ladies were so busy watching the girls' soup opera.

It was so weird that Haruka did not decide to stop her own daughter from bickering... yet.

"You might look like ojichan since Masato ojichan and he are twins but I bet Tokiya ojichan loves me more! Right, ojichan?"

"Wait..."

"Ojichan, who do you love the most? Me or this girl?" Harumi clenched her teeth while looking daggers at Rena. "I'll make sure this battle becomes fair and square."

"You guys are the ones who is not fair and square! He's our ojichan and he loves everyone!" Another voice spoke up, reminding Tokiya that he had another five kids including Mitsuki to greet. The voice belonged to Syo's twin, Tatsumi.

"We also want to greet him. Back off!" Syo's younger twin, Yuri told the girls off before pulling Rena away. She and her brothers embraced Tokiya in unison.

"How are you, ojichan? It's been a long time," Tatsumi said, as mature as how his father tried to be normally. It took a while for Tokiya to answer since a pair of redheads suddenly sneaked up and jumped into his arms.

They were the seven-years-old Ittoki Riku and four-years-old Ittoki Daichi, Otoya's sons. After greeting him, the hugs did not last long since they were too energetic and ended up running around the playroom as quickly as they appeared.

"As expected from a heart-throb. You are even popular among kids," Tomochika commented, earning a shrug from Tokiya.

Well, it's his dream to travel and spend time for children anyway, Haruka thought, immersing herself with the memory of their conversation a lot of time ago. He said he will do it if he decides that his job kills him. It's safe to say that he still loves to sing or act so he most probably will...

Wait, speaking of which, did the others already say a word to Tokiya about the concert? Why's he in this area, though?

Haruka could not blurt out her curiosity as Tokiya was too busy with the children. After stopping Harumi and Rena from fighting about everything, his attention focused on Syo's twins.

Yuri and Tatsumi had Syo's blond hair while the rest of them were from their mother, Risa. Yet, Yuri preferred to be a bit boyish and had the same short haircut as her brother which made them so identical if it was not because of their different height.

"How come you are shorter than your sister, Tatsumi?"

"That's Yuri, ojichan! Tatsumi is here!"

"Wait, Tokiya! Didn't the guys say anything about your comeback concert?" At last Tomochika pointed it out, making all eyes were staring at the puzzled Tokiya in curiosity.

"What? What concert?" He stood up from the group of children, staring back at his girlfriend.

"Didn't the guys say anything?" The woman asked back, furrowing her brow.

"Say what?" He was not sure when this question game would last until a pair of cute hands held his hand. He looked down, meeting orange eyes which were taken after Haruka.

"Ojichan, sing," Mitsuki said brightly. It was the spontaneous reaction of Tokiya to caress her cheek no matter how confused he was. "Want to see you sing."

"Yeah, ojichan. Please sing for us," Harumi said cutely while clasping her hands together. Including Riku and Daichi, they all followed her lead, expressing their wish out loud.

"Wait..."

"Please!!"

The blue head lost his words.

"Yes, for you," as Ren admitted softly, Tokiya's heart beat fast while the blue eyes slowly sized up. He turned as Tomochika slowly grabbed his hand, squeezing it as the sign of encouragement and congratulatory.

His heart always beat fast given his life was always unpredictable and tiring but this time, he knew it was because he loved what Masato told him in a short sentence.

They wanted to organize a comeback concert for him. They established a new company because they wanted to scout him as the first artist. They wanted to help him clean his image and gave him a golden opportunity to create his own career path.

He was going to cry. He felt to cry, expressing how much he loved this opportunity. How much he wanted to hug each of them and said how lucky he was to have them as his friends.

There were so many feelings bottled inside him that he felt like he choked on a lump in his throat. He felt choked because, behind this very great and sweet opportunity, he knew it would not last long.

The horrendous fact hit him on his face.

"We want to support you for your comeback, Tokiya. We want you to sing again, to achieve your dream again." as Natsuki enveloped his frame with his affectionate smile with a few pats on his back, followed by others' warm gesture and stares, his heart already burst into tears.

"I have a lot of songs to give to you, Tokiya. I wrote them so that no one can sing them the best except you," Haruka remarked, showing a lot of music sheets to him.

This is too much. I can't take it.

It was certain that staring at the bright blue sky did not do much for his tangled feeling. He did not feel anything but it was two times better than having to watch the view of the city which never escaped from hustle and bustle. At the balcony of STARISH Entertainment headquarters, he tried to find his peace, thanks to the previously surprise from his friends.

He agreed on the comeback concert (luckily no one asked him back about their offer to scout him. Maybe they wanted him to consider it carefully) which meant they already started with the preparation. The concert would become a reality.

He was supposed to feel thrilled. He would sing again. He would leave the offensive title forever. He would build a brand new career.

As long as he had the time, he would grab it. No matter how short the time was.

"Hey," Himura's voice echoed, inviting himself to take a seat next to his artist. "Are you tired already with the singing practice after so long?"

"It has been a long time," Tokiya said.

"Are you excited?" Himura said with widening eyes, trying to draw more ecstatic expression from the artist.

"Yeah," Tokiya said softly. A bitter smile spread over his lips.

"You even got awards for The Best Actor but you still can't express how excited you're, huh? That's pathetic, Tokiya," Himura did not manage to spot how sad Tokiya looked. "Which brings me back to this question. I already filtered out those projects which suit your standard. There are four and they all aim you to be the male lead. Since you're going to spend more time at this concert, I have to meet the director to rearrange the schedule..."

"I am sorry but can you tell them that I reject all of them?" Tokiya said, much to the man's confusion. "I am sorry for the trouble, Himura-san. I promise I'll pay you double in place of your effort."

"No, I don't mind about the payment but..." the manager stared at his face carefully and this was when he could see the blue eyes. Dull but trying hard to be bright. "Why, Tokiya? Do you think you can't handle it? I thought you love it when you can juggle two or three jobs at the same time."

"No, it doesn't matter anymore. The truth is, after this concert, I want to take a vacation," he said, smiling as he thought of the vacation.

"Oh, really?" As expected, Himura could not care less if his lips were going to rip from his sudden smile. God knew how much the manager wanted to see Tokiya having proper rest. "That sounds good. Finally, you will be on vacation. I know this is normal but in your case, I thought I will die first before I can see you rest properly haha."

He had no idea that it took all for the blue head to respond to his joke.

"But where are you going? How long? Ohh, do you want to go with Tomo..."

"No, I don't bring anyone. Just me alone and I don't know for how long."

But Himura was getting chatty as he could not shield his excitement.

"Hey, don't be shy. It's not wrong if you want to bring her along. This is the right time to have some privacy with your girlfriend," Himura nudged his shoulder. Just like Haruka, he supported Tokiya and Tomo's relationship. They suited each other well and given how they always tried to improve themselves, they could bring positive energy to each other.

Tokiya just smiled. He was glad that Himura did not bring up again where was his destination for the vacation.

Himura did not need to know. No one should know.

"This is great. This jacket will suit him the most," Tomochika mumbled as she finished sketching a full of set of clothes.

Not only possessing various talents that a versatile idol needed, but she also had a huge interest in fashion design. She was dubbed as a fashion queen since she debuted until now and her own clothing line had become a huge hit. As for now, she would use her expertise for her boyfriend's wardrobe for the concert. She believed her collaboration with Syo who was also a fashion lover like her would make Tokiya more breathtaking.

"Ringo-san said that someone like Tokiya will fit more in..."

She paused as she unconsciously mentioned the name. Just like how the S class trio, Ren, Syo and Tokiya had felt after discovering the dark truth of Hyuga, she shared the same feeling. It was sad that someone talented and amazing like Ringo chose the most insulting path like Saotome's.

The most recent news she heard about Ringo was he was discharged after being violently attacked by his inmates. Tomochika had visited her mentor a few times and she could tell how much he had regretted to ruin Tokiya's life.

"I know I shouldn't say something like this considering I was one of the reasons why his life was destroyed but Tomo, please... take care of Tokiya. Love him sincerely. Trust me. His affection is very precious. It's hard to find a guy like that. He sacrificed everything so that we wouldn't ruin his friends."

I do, Ringo-san. I love him earnestly and I am willing to do anything for his sake, her heart whispered. Now, when her mind was attracted to her boyfriend, she could feel her cheek turn red. She felt it cheesy but she could not help it. She still had a hard time to believe that Tokiya was hers now.

The doorbell rang, dragged her to reality. She was a bit hesitant, praying that it was not Eiichi who was still persistent to meet and beg for her forgiveness. She recently blocked his number and still pondered on reporting the first son of Raging Otori to the police for making her feel unsafe.

But it would be hard as long as Raging Otori still existed to protect his so-called good name. There was no way Tomochika would win against the owner of Raging Entertainment.

She sighed in relief as Tokiya appeared on the door intercom.

It feels like he knows I was thinking about him, she thought. With a sheepish smile, she pulled the door open. Her smile faded away as she could spot Tokiya's poker face.

A poker face which suggested that he was in deep pain. It was bitterly different compared to how he normally looked.

"Hey," she initiated.

"Hi. Am I intruding?"

"No, not at all. What brings you here? Not that I mind when you're my boyfriend..."

"Can I get in?" he said, a helpless expectation shimmered in the sad blue eyes.

She brought her hands to cup his face. His eyes slowly closed at the warm touch. His eyelashes looked so beautiful as they fluttered against her touch.

"You don't look good. Come in," she said, pulling him inside. "I was thinking about you just now."

She brought him to the sofa. No words escaped as he followed her like a child who desperately needed his mother by his side.

"I will bring a drink. Do you want something cold or hot?" She said as she stood up but yelping as he pulled her back to his side.

She gasped as he rested his head on her shoulder. His arms encircled her body, bringing her closer.

"Please... stay with me," the voice was low but painful. "I need you."

Her heart thumped fast. She hugged him back, stroking his silky hair. She was there for him and she never left him.

"What happens, Tokiya? Something wrong?"

"I've wanted to cry since this morning but I couldn't do it when the others were around."

He referred to the moment when his bandmates offered the comeback concert to him.

This was the first time for her to see the very vulnerable side of him. The Ichinose Tokiya she knew was a strong guy who was so reserved. Even his manager never saw how he cracked.

At this point, she was more than happy and honored to be trusted by him. She learned that this was one of the advantages when they were in a romantic relationship.

But, still... why though? Why would he look so sad after he was given the opportunity to sing again? Tokiya was supposed to be happy.

"It's okay. You can cry when I am around," she said, massaging his neck. She curved in a small smile when he let out a relieved sigh. "I won't ask you anything. Just cry and we'll talk about it after you're ready, okay?"

"Thank you," he murmured, tightening the hug.

"Don't mention it. I do this because I love you. I only want the best for you, Tokiya," she said.

"Me too," he remarked.

She wondered if he meant to say 'I love you too' or just 'I only want the best for you too' but she swallowed the urge to be selfish. Tokiya's situation was more important.

She would wait for the day when Tokiya reciprocated her feeling patiently. She would not demand anything.

This was uploaded later that I originally planned. I am so sorry for that (T_T) As usual, feel free to drop a comment ^^