WARNING: First, the author's note at the end of this chapter contains a spoiler. This might be weird but I think I have to mention it, just to be safe. Second, this chapter is the longest one since it's the last chapter. Hope you enjoy your reading despite the flaws:D

This chapter is dedicated to Aiyaltami :D Thank you sooo much for your support since from the very beginning. You've been the best friend that I've ever met here ^^

CHAPTER 40

It was the day before Tokiya's comeback concert when their last conversation took place in their house.

They waited for Eiichi the whole day until it was almost at night. They just finished their dinner when Eiichi's 'I am back' spiritless voice echoed. Van frantically called everyone to gather in the living room, making a serious and determined face.

"Remember, don't accidentally laugh," Van whispered for the last time as they could hear the sound of Eiichi taking off his shoes.

"Look who is talking," Nagi sneered back.

"Niisan, you're back," Eiji exclaimed. His sweet voice appeared slightly louder to grab Eiichi's attention.

"Yeah... already had dinner?" even Eiichi just casually pointed out, they immediately shared the guilt since they knew Eiichi loved to eat together.

"We're sorry, niisan. We couldn't reach you for the whole day so we thought..."

"It's okay, Eiji. I just want to make sure that you ate dinner," Eiichi said with a smile.

No, don't make us sympathize with you. We're supposed to pull a prank, Van said in his head. Worrying that others would suddenly change their minds due to Eiichi's caring demeanor, he added, "Got... got time to talk?"

"Yeah, sure," no more questions were needed when it comes to these people. Despite his emotionally and physically exhaustion for going to a lot of places and meeting people these days, Eiichi quickly took a seat, followed by others. "What's it?"

"Ac... actually, it's not only me. The others also want to talk too," Van said, eyeing Kira who knew where he would suit himself in this kind of situation.

"For some reason, we got offers to transfer to another company for good. As for me, I got four so far," Kira said.

"Me too," others echoed, not really in unison.

"Oh... then?" Eiichi asked back weakly.

"We thought that those offers are too good to decline so we would like to grab the opportunity. We won't stay in Raging Entertainment forever. Plus, don't you think it's time for us to start a solo career?" Nagi said, almost unable to suppress the urge to slap himself for being eloquent at the time like this.

Unbeknown to them, Eiichi felt like someone just dropped a bomb right on his spot.

These guys... they do want to start a solo career...

"Does the president know this?" the sudden question from their leader startled them. They looked at each other as no one was ready for the possible answer.

"No, he doesn't. We thought we want to let you know first," Kira supplied, sending others to secretly heave a relieved sigh.

Eiichi nodded.

"That's good, then. You deserve to choose your own career path," Eiichi commented. It was too collected that it did not sound like him at all. "And for your information, I have something to tell you too."

"Wh...what is it, niisan?" Eiji's asked nervously. It was not because his brother looked intimidating. Rather, he looked soulless. "Are you okay?"

"I am. Don't worry. I am just under the weather," he said. "Nevertheless, good job for the offers. I am sincerely cheering you. After all, you all have respective talents and charms. For example, you, Van," he looked at the oldest but the bubbliest member in the group.

"Y...Yes?"

"I can see you have a lot of potential in acting and modeling. No, you just don't have potential. You do have the charm and I bet they will give you a lot of those works. Prove to them that you still can survive alone without HEAVENS. I sincerely pray for that."

"Thank... thank you."

The situation turned out more depressing than they thought.

"Nagi, you... yeah, you're cute no matter how old you're. It's surprising that despite your cuteness, you have the most wrinkles among us," Eiichi chuckled at his own joke but the way he delivered his words sounded so saddening for them to laugh along. "You always complained that you didn't get to be a male lead despite your passion for acting. I understand your concern. It must be hurtful when they kept giving you the same role which was the male lead's younger brother. You even used to be Tokiya's younger brother a couple of times, right? I know it's frustrating but seeking more and more fans isn't always good. Instead, try to learn to appreciate those who keep cheering you since your debut. I bet you have a lot of them."

The purple eyes were diverted to the quietest guy in the group.

"Kira, you're the biggest supporter of the group. We have grown to learn that you have your own way to show how much you care about HEAVENS. You're strong. You just do what you want without a care in the world. When you sing, you shine a lot. It feels like you're not the Sumeragi Kira that we know when we laze away. After this, I only hope the best thing will happen to you. Thank you for assisting me when these kids were in their children mode..."

"Hey!" Van exclaimed.

"I might be cute but I am not a kid anymore!" Nagi retorted.

"You see how they are, right? After this, even you're no longer in the same group, I hope you can help me to check on these guys at times."

"Sure," Kira said before eyeing Van with his 'do you seriously want to continue with the prank? He looks serious, though?' look.

"And you, Otori... No, Eiji," Eiichi said, smiling at the man who had always been on his side since he was small. Their childhood memories begged to cloud his mind as he stared at the adorable face but he pushed them aside. "Don't waste your talent. Please choose the most suitable person when you work on your dream."

It was short but for some reason, knowing Eiichi for a long time had hinted them that something was wrong. Something would happen to them if they did not decide to change the agency.

Meanwhile, despite Otori's order, Eiichi had made a decision. His father was the one who decided to disband HEAVENS mercilessly so he should be the one who announced it right on their faces.

Not him who wished to stay with HEAVENS until he died.

"What happened exactly, niisan? Did Daddy tell you something?" Eiji gathered up his courage to ask. "You look sad, niisan. I never see you smile lately."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, you don't even shave this time," Nagi pointed out. "Gahhh, it's so frustrating! This is supposed to be a prank but your reaction is so depressing. You made us feel guilty."

"What? It's just a prank?" Eiichi did get surprised but his weak response was worrisome for his teammate.

"Yes," they said, almost in chorus.

"Owh..." Eiichi exclaimed. He was supposed to be happy because they were loyal to HEAVENS but...

This rotten agency did not deserve precious people like them. They should move out before Otori could fire them.

That was why...

"But those offers are real, right?" He initiated back.

"Huh?" Nagi and Van responded.

"How do you know, niisan?" Eiji pointed out.

"Accept them and never turn back to where you've started. You deserve other agency than this one."

"What?" The others except Kira had their eyes sized up.

The most impossible thing they would expect from Eiichi was what Eiichi was doing right now.

"Tomorrow, all of you should go and meet the president at his office. He has something to tell you," Eiichi stood up, leaving the puzzled circle of men.

I did not spend my time walking around, convincing them to scout you guys for nothing. I don't want you guys to be a beggar in this industry. That's my job to prepare the best for you.

He continued heading to his bedroom, ignoring his teammates' calls.

Just wait a little longer. I believe, when I make Tokiya vanish from this industry, HEAVENS will be much better.

And now, I've done it. I had made him vanished, Eiichi smiled at his thought. But as soon as his mind immediately served the memory of the dead Masato, his smile faded away. He let out a heavy sigh.

The dying but stubborn Masato... He remembered the moment very clearly.

Of course he did since it just took place two weeks ago and all kinds of mass media were desperately covering about him. Instead of putting his pictures around for winning awards with HEAVENS members, Eiichi was alone this time. He did not even want to be a solo artist but he was famous alone these days due to his crime.

He was famous for murdering Hijirikawa Masato and kidnapping Ichinose Tokiya during Tokiya's comeback concert. They both happened to be the members of a band which was the toughest rival for his own band.

It's all Masato's fault. If only he believed in me and broke his friendship with Tokiya instantly, I would give him an easy ride, Eiichi thought. He chose his fate. He's the one who tested my patience so he deserved it.

Before Eiichi ordered his men to bring Haruka and Tokiya to the waiting room, he tried to manipulate Masato. He already knew it was close to impossible since the man was not gullible despite his handicaps but he was curious about the man's reaction once Eiichi fully revealed the dark truth that circulated around those three.

But just like how he predicted, Masato was frustrating. His loyalty to Tokiya and Haruka knew no boundaries.

Eiichi showed the man the pictures of Tokiya and Haruka sleeping together but it did not work out. It did not work out because Masato did not even spare a glance at it.

"Come on, look at themmm," Eiichi encouraged. "This is your wife's true color! She's not that innocent, Masato. She two-timed you with your twin."

"Get the pictures off me."

"Why? Are you starting to feel disgusted with your wife?"

The question sent the scion to scowl at him.

"I am disgusted with you."

"What?"

"Seriously, why on earth would you have this kind of thing? Obviously, you planned it, right? Trapping these two innocent people into your clichéd plan. Let me guess. You drugged them, right?"

Eiichi could feel his skin might peel off his face due to the anger and dejection that flowed in his frame.

This guy... He sure loves to pick a fight with me.

"You..."

"Don't give an excuse like Tokiya doesn't drink alcohol so there's no way you could drug him. My assumption is you might convince him to drink over and over again since it's your birthday party. You could request anything you want on that day and no one could refuse you. Don't you feel bad for yourself? You're supposed to celebrate the day with glory but instead, you made two long-time friends slept with each other so that you could get their pictures and show me. Poor you, Eiichi."

"Poor you, you dumbass!" He yelled, grabbing Masato's collar as a reflex action. It was tiring to deal with this man. He knew how to push his buttons. "Poor you since with your pathetic condition, your wife can just abandon you forever and choose Tokiya over you."

"And whose fault is that?"

"What?"

"You brought up how my wife would cheat on me owing to my condition. I think it's safe to say that you drugged me as well."

The fury started to get the better of Eiichi.

"I regained my memory, you idiot," Masato mocked. It was a white lie. He was not going to tell his enemy that the old him had kept a diary and how he ended up reading it. "You made me like this which answered another question. Since Saotome-san has also been drugged with the same kind of drug, your father is the culprit, right? Your father had drugged Saotome-san. You stole it from him, right?"

Eiichi slowly stood straight, smirking at the scion.

"Then, I guess I shouldn't keep anything for myself anymore, huh? You're way too sharp," he said, along with chuckles. "Yes, I did. All your assumptions are true. I did them because I hate Tokiya. He made my life difficult. I always wanted to destroy him but you've always become the stumbling block. You're way too nosy. So, just like a robber who would knock down the strong husband first in the house, I ended up ruining you first..."

"In other words, you're just a coward," Masato said. It was expressionless but his eyes spoke insults. "You knocked me down because you're afraid of me."

It was true. It was so true that it made Eiichi's eyes turned reddish.

"I understand. As the first heir of such a huge empire like Raging Entertainment, I know it'll be stressful. Given how despicable and similar his personality to that Saotome, I bet he gave yourself a hard time and high expectation. I have been there, Eiichi. As the only son, your childhood would never be normal. You have to be too mature for your age. I can empathize with you in that aspect but..." He sighed. "But that doesn't mean you have to take your revenge on someone innocent like Tokiya just because he has done better than you. You have a brain so you should decide either work harder to surpass him or just leave that shitty Raging Entertainment for good. As simple as that. No need to strangle him when he was hospitalized and using your movie as an excuse..."

"Shut up! Shut up I said!" He ended up grabbing the man's neck, vomiting the frustration for the incident in the hospital. "You and Tokiya are just the same! You guys don't need to lecture me when you're supposed to worry about yourself. Have you not been aware of what kind of situation are you in right now, huh!? Don't dare to pick a fight with me!"

"I don't see the need of being worried nor being afraid of you. Dying while thinking that you're scary is just pathetic."

"Then, take this."

The feeling of stabbing his first victim that night was an ecstasy. It made him slightly dizzy to see Masato's blood kept flowing from his side but at the same time, it was...

Delightful. It was downright thrilling to shut the big mouth by hurting Masato.

And now, speaking of hurting...

After parking his car, he headed towards his father's sumptuous house. His mind was clouded with the image of his next victim. With his crazy mind, he no longer could take their relationship into account.

All he wanted was to put a suitable ending for a cruel dictator like his father.

It was past midnight and everybody including the maids were already sleeping. The door lock password was predictable for him so he could easily allow himself into the house. He could hear Otori's angry voice from his office. Judging how the mass media also kept highlighting how he was the main suspect of Saotome's poor constitution, he probably sought for necessary backups before he was under arrest.

Without wasting any minute, Eiichi pulled the door open, revealing Otori who was making another phone call. Both pairs of purple eyes were holding each other. The first pair was full of shock while another pair was fulfilled with loathing.

"Eiichi..." The old man exclaimed as his son shut and locked the door.

"Nice to meet you again, Dad."

"You wish. What did you do with Tokiya!? Where did you take him!? It's because of you, everyone demanded the answers about what happened backstage and also what happened to Saotome. I had to sort out the mess because of you, you dumbass!" The yell was infuriating but Eiichi could not care less. Tonight would be the last time for him to have to listen to it anyway. "Now, tell me. What made you think you could steal the drug from me? And also, what did you do with Tokiya? Is he safe?"

"As if. I killed him," a scary smirk spread across his lips. "And also, I stole the drug because I wanted to."

"Wh...what?" The scariest chill flowed down the president's veins. That was when he realized that he did not fully know his own son.

His own son who he never treated as he deserved.

"I said I killed him," he repeated. There was no way he would not be proud of himself after what he had done. "He's just as annoying as that Masato. Too much lecture about being a noble guy or something..."

"How... how could you? Why did you kill him? You're insane, Eiichi!"

"And whose fault is that!?" He took out a knife from his long black sleeve, sending his father flinched. "Even in this kind of situation, you're still worried about Tokiya! He's a stranger, for crying out loud! I am your son but you never asked me why I am doing all these shits! Why I turned myself into a killer!? No matter what I did, you were never satisfied! All you want is Tokiya! Now I had killed Masato and him, I should condemn myself to hell after I finish you off too!"

"Wh...what?" Otori frantically moved to the wall behind his table. His legs could not carry him any further. It hurt his pride to admit it out loud but at this moment, he was scared of his own son. He was scared of how burning and different his eyes looked. He was crept out by how Eiichi slowly moved forward, squeezing his knife. "Don't be crazy, Eiichi... you don't want to kill me... I am your father..."

"Too late," he said. "Someone like you doesn't deserve to be a father, neither for me nor Eiji... If I let someone like you sashay in this world, you'll only make Eiji suffer. Eiji can't stay with you. Eiji can't work for someone heartless like you..."

"Eiji won't be happy if you kill me, Eiichi. He is looking for you everywhere. What do you think he will feel if he knows this?"

"You only show your consideration when you see your deathbed. How annoying," he said as he raised the knife. "No need to worry about him. I bet someday, he'll be grateful that I just remove you from his sight. Eiji deserves a way better life."

He did not need to hear any senseless remark from the father anymore. Just like his second victim who he blemished his beautiful frame with a lot of wounds due to being stabbed continuously, he wanted Otori to face the same destiny.

So, he stabbed his own father, right on his chest.

The most precious sight which when Otori coughed up more blood as his legs give way made Eiichi as happy as when the small him saw a rainbow with Eiji for the first time. He chuckled which turned into a big laugh as Otori grabbed his jeans to plead for his life.

"It hurt, doesn't it? That's how it hurt every time you hit me, Dad."

"Eiichi, please... spare me... I am sorry for what I have done..."

"That's how I begged you every time you didn't spare me, Dad... But you never listened to me..." he said before kicking the old man right on the face. "You're suffering, don't you? That's how I feel... every single time."

More blood appeared in his sight as two more stabs penetrated Otori's body. At this time, the old man tried to crawl. He wanted to escape from his son's insanity as soon as possible so he could not care less when his wet clothes due to his blood loss showed enough that he never could survive the torture from his own son.

"Help... somebody, help me..."

"Where are you going, Dad? I am not done with you..." Eiichi's unsteady voice followed his back. "Why would anyone help you? Why are you so desperate to live, Dad? The whole nation suspected that you drugged Saotome-san so you'll be behind bars soon."

"Please help me..."

"They'll help you for sure..." It was getting boring to continue watching his Dad suffering. He had another job to be done after this. "After I killed you."

With that said, more continuous stabs followed suit. It took two or three small movements until Otori did not breathe anymore. A pool of blood surrounded the body.

Seconds passed as Eiichi stared at his dead father, searching for his true feeling.

Did he really want to kill his father in the first place or was it just a plain threat so that Otori learned how his cruel demeanor affected his son?

He was also searching for either he still loved his father or not.

More seconds passed. He still froze on his spot before he found the answer.

He did not feel anything other than the revenge that he needed to settle its score and the happiness as he managed to end Otori's life without many difficulties.

Trust me, Eiji. I did this for you. I don't want you to suffer just like I did.

The sounds of the desperate knocks from the guards and maids did not drag him away from the memory of his last conversation with Eiji. It was when he was in his car with his minions, with the miserable Tokiya beside him.

"Niisan, where are you? We need to talk."

"I am... I am on my way to our cabin."

"The cabin where we used to play a long time before?"

"Yeah, the one which is deep in the forest."

"What are you doing there, niisan? Let's get back home and talk. What's with the antidepressant in your bedroom? Are you not feeling well?"

"No, I just have trouble to sleep. Don't worry about me, Eiji. Like I said before, you should focus on your future. It's your dream to keep singing, right? I am doing my best to ensure you always have the chance for that."

It was always soothing to hear Eiji's voice. It was silky and innocent. It sounded as his brother did not have any worry in this world.

He sincerely hoped that Eiji never had one forever.

Next, he took out his phone, calling a certain set of numbers. He was too tired to run and hide any longer when his mission of destroying Tokiya's life was done.

"Hello. I am Otori Eiichi, the one who murdered Hijirikawa Masato, Raging Otori and Ichinose Tokiya."

That was the three reasons why Otori Eiichi was imprisoned.

That was what he originally thought until the day came when Haruka and Tomochika visited him. He took this chance to stare lovingly at Tomo who he missed the most but apparently, the women were there because of Haruka's suggestion. From the way his ex-fiancée never looked back at him nor glanced at him, it was clear that Tomochika was left with no choices other than following Haruka.

"After Tomo broke your engagement, Tokiya asked me to come over to Tomo's house at that night," Haruka initiated. Despite her late husband was one of Eiichi's victims, she did not seem to hate him. Her face did look slightly pale behind the transparent wall which separated the prisoner and his visitors.

Rather, it was hard for everyone to read what she had in mind. When she finally spoke, Tomochika apparently shared the same puzzlement as Eiichi.

"He asked me for a favor."

"Eiichi did what?" Haruka asked back, in chorus with her widening eyes. The sight of a lot of alcohol bottles in the living room broke her heart. Tokiya just told her all about Tomo's toxic relationship with Eiichi which was why she was devastated.

"You didn't mishear me, Haruka. Eiichi abused Tomo. All stuff about them being the sweet couple... it's all a lie."

"Then, why Tomo still stayed with him? Knowing how she is, there is no way she would let herself tormented like that."

"Saotome-san had exploited her too. It's just a different approach. In order to strengthen the so-called relationship with Raging Entertainment, Tomo had to stay with Eiichi. Plus, that manipulative Otori would make her suffer had she exposed his son's true color. She just dared to break off after she resigned from Shining Agency," Tokiya explained. "That being said, I need your help."

"What is it?"

"She's in a deep sleep. I bet she won't wake up given she was soo drunk," Tokiya reasoned out, trying to erase the sight of Tomochika almost lifted her blouse to show her bruises from his mind. "I need you to take pictures of her scars."

"What?"

"As the evidence to sue Eiichi for physical and sexual violence. Tomo had given up to sue that guy given Raging Otori wouldn't stay still. She is my friend and she was one of those people who helped me a lot for the trial so this is the least I can do for her justice," Tokiya supplied. "I bet you as her best friend also want the same thing for her, right?"

"Of course I do," she replied. "After what she had gone through and I was still oblivious of it. Don't worry, Tokiya. I will do my best to help. Which part of her bodies..."

"If I am not mistaken, it's around her neck, chest, and waist. I think you should check on her whole upper body first. She wore a button-down blouse so it should be convenient for you. After you're done, you keep the pictures until you hear the news that Raging Otori is... I don't know. Maybe after he gets killed or ends up in a condition where the public despises him. That's when you'll hand over the pictures to the police. For the time being, you should try your best to be clueless and keep asking Tomo about her condition. Just act as normal as possible."

"Wait, Tokiya... are you saying you will do something risky again? What's with this talk about Otori-san might get killed? That's enough, okay. The other guys won't be pleased to learn it."

"Then, please also make sure that the others won't learn about this."

His serene smile was saddening to see.

"But, Tokiya..."

"I am Tomo's friend, Haruka. I should do this much for her sake."

Tomochika did not hesitate to burst into tears.

How could she when she just learned that Tokiya silently fought for her? At this moment, her longing for him grew so much that it might explode in her heart. She really wanted to see him. She wanted to pull him into her arms and did not want to let him go. She wanted to create more sweet memories with him.

"I am sorry, Tomo. I did this because I agree with Tokiya. You deserve your justice too," Haruka said softly as she squeezed Tomochika's hand for comfort. She smiled to hear a slow 'it's okay' from Tomochika before turning to the unaffected Eiichi with her stern look, "While you, Eiichi... You really should learn from Tokiya how to treat your girl well. And also from my late husband. He wanted Tokiya to save me instead of sparing himself... you really should learn from them."

The only thing that grabbed Eiichi's attention was when his woman was touched by Tokiya's thoughtfulness. He could not care less with Haruka's words.

This bitch... she really loves hot guys like that bastard.

"What's your point exactly?" Eiichi asked before his hatred to see Tomochika's tears could send him to go berserk. "If you want to tell me off or curse at me for killing your husband, just do it!"

"No, I am not going to do that. Even I miss the time when I could greet him and nurse him every morning. Even how hard for me to sleep alone these days while missing his actual presence. Even it hurts every time my second daughter asks where her father went. Even I've gone through those things, I won't waste time to curse at you because you won't reflect and my husband won't be alive again. Of course it devastated me when it just took one night for me to lose him for good when I took care of him all this time, hoping that he would get better," she bit down her lips as the scary memory of Masato's death clouded her mind. "Instead, I am here because I just want to tell this thing to both of you and Tomochika so that you can see how your jealousy had destroyed your life. You're the reason why Tomo fell in love with Tokiya. Your complex about Tokiya had made you lost your sanity when the Eiichi we all know is someone who is gentle, loving and noble."

"This bitch loves hot guys! That's why she got stuck to him like a slut..."

"If you love her, you won't simply call her such offensive names, Eiichi. That's not how you love someone. You should treat her with care and you should believe in her. You aren't supposed to force yourself on her. That's not how you do it..." Tears finally streamed down the composer's face as she recalled how her life and Tomochika's turned upside down because of this prisoner. "Take Tokiya and Masato as examples. Back then, Tokiya enslaved himself every time Saotome threatened to sell me to his clients. As for Masato, even he knew from the start that Harumi was not his daughter since he never touched me before our marriage, he loved her like his own. He tried to be the best man for me and the girls. That's how you love someone, Eiichi. She has to feel loved, not to be scared by your sole presence."

"I don't want to learn anything from those dead bastards anymore so pipe down, won't you?"

"You might say that, Eiichi. But in fact, you need to learn it from them so that you won't victimize the wrong person again" Haruka said. "Just like what you have done for your second victim. You ended up killing another innocent person instead of who you wished to kill all this time. You have murdered your own brother, Eiichi."

"Shut up!" It certainly pushed his buttons and also like a switch which told him to wake up and face the most insane reality in his life. Tears welled up in his eyes as the scary image of his other family member's lifeless body appeared in his mind. It took all for him to forget that he just killed a wrong person but Haruka sure had a cruel way to bring it up again. "Don't you ever talk about..."

"Then..." The composer took out an ultrasound picture from her bag. It made Tomochika's eyes sized up as she recognized it right away. "Should you both talk about this?"

"Whose child is that? Tokiya's?"

Haruka shook her head in disbelief while Tomochika closed her eyes, suppressing the need to slap Eiichi if she could do so. Frustration quickly welled up in Haruka's heart as she handed the picture to Tomochika.

"On behalf of Tokiya, I apologize for stealing the picture, Tomo. It is just Tokiya's plan to let Eiichi knew once he is imprisoned."

"It's okay," Tomochika mumbled, stroking the picture lovingly before kissing it in relief.

"I bet you both as the parents have a lot to talk. I'll leave it to you and wait outside."

Haruka did not look at Eiichi before she left but she knew, the man finally managed to put two and two together.

"Tomo, Tomo! She lied, right? That child is not mine, right?" Eiichi said, more tears welled up in his eyes.

"Then, whose!? Tokiya never touched me and that's what we promised each other before we dated. Unlike him, you raped me whenever you went berserk," Tomo snapped. "You hit me so many times that you didn't even realize that you just killed your own child."

"Tomo, I..." Here he goes, putting on the face that Tomochika used to fall with over and over again before she reached her breaking point. "I... I am sorry. I am so sorry. You should tell me earlier. How am I supposed to know that I caused my child to..."

"You shouldn't hit me whenever you're jealous in the first place. You should reflect on that first, Eiichi," Tomochika said, sternly.

"Tomo, please..."

"And one more thing..." she said as she stood up, getting ready to leave. "From now on, stop referring my late child as yours. It disgusted me to have a killer as the father of my child. Like I said before, you're the worst choice that I have ever made in my life. Because of you, I have faced so much guilt to Haruka and others for making them losing Masato and Tokiya."

"But, I still love you, Tomo..."

"I only have Tokiya in my heart. Just accept the fact," she cut him short before leaving the space as soon as possible.

There was no way she would meet the criminal again.

Three years later...

"The album still topped the chart. Actually, all projects regarding Tokiya's so-called tribute gained high demands so we're currently finalizing them before we can present a full report to you," Himura described, eyes locked at the papers on the meeting table.

"Okay, good," Ren replied. It had been his habit since three years ago not to talk much every time Himura or other STARISH members brought up any project regarding Tokiya.

"People were still overwhelmed with how great Otoya's acting in 'Tears of The Star'. They demanded the sequel since you know... the cliffhanger..."

"Given the main inspiration for the movie vanished off the face of the earth, that's bound to happen, right? Obviously, Natsuki can't think of the right ending," Ren commented, ignoring Himura's concerned look.

"We need to find him in order to give the drama a better ending, right?" Himura continued, curving in a bitter smile so that Ren had not been so miserable.

Ren chuckled.

A better ending, huh?

"It will be bliss if he does get a better ending. As his friend, not only I will throw a party for him, I'll also put his image on posters, boards... everywhere..." Ren said. "Even it sounds embarrassing for him, I bet Masato will share the same opinion about this had he still been here."

Himura cleared his throat as he finally made up his mind to throw a sudden question.

"Do you miss both of them?"

"Yeah... a lot," Ren said, finally turned to look at Himura who was currently his assistant.

"Want to talk about it?"

Ren could spot the sincerity from the man who was nine years older than him. It was always like this whenever Himura could spot any anxiety or grief from any STARISH member. He had become like a loyal brother to them whenever they did not have the heart to share their pain with one another.

"Is it okay? You've been a great listener for me since three years ago."

"That's my job as your assistant, Ren. Plus..." Himura said before letting out a heavy sigh. "I miss both of them too. They're the great guys but destiny chose to be opposite to them. It pains me whenever my son, Kakeru said he misses Tokiya a lot. I have to encourage him to be strong so when I am outside of the house, I need someone to share my pain too."

Ren nodded.

"I can relate to you, Himura-san. Not only my daughter, but other children also said the same thing. They miss both Tokiya and Masato," Ren supplied. "But it pains me more whenever I thought of Tokiya. At least, even Masato died in such a way, we still have his grave to go to whenever we miss him but Tokiya..."

The deep voice cracked but Himura still waited for him to finish his words patiently.

"I am worried about him, Himura-san."

"Me too."

"Even 13 years ago, when Masato would show up suddenly to save him, even when we're around, he still attempted to commit suicide. He struggled on his own when he protected us, when he believed that we're safe. I don't want to imagine how he's doing right now when nobody was around to check on him."

"I agree, Ren."

"If he did die, the only thing I wish is for us to find his body. This is ridiculous. For three years, we looked for him. We attempted a lot of things but they never worked out. No one knew where he is. I hope if he really wants to disappear, it's not because he thought that Masato died because of him. I want him to know that no one blamed him for Masato's death. I bet Masato doesn't want Tokiya to suffer too. Anyone would freak out if they're forced to choose between their friend and the woman they love just to get killed first."

"Yes. Knowing Masato's personality, he won't let this matter slide. On that day before he died, Masato even asked Tokiya not to let whatever happened on that day affected him. But, also... knowing Tokiya's personality, he must be shouldering the guilt for the rest of his life. He shouldn't do that, though. He still has friends here so he needs to rely on you guys more. He already forgave you guys so..."

"In fact, if he doesn't forgive us yet, it's understandable, Himura-san. We can wait for him forever since what he had done to him was unforgivable. It was so unforgivable that I started to feel that this is also like a punishment for the five of us."

"Ren, don't say that..." Himura remarked, resting his hand on the scion's shoulder.

"I can't help it, Himura-san," as Ren emphasized his point, he could feel Himura squeezed his broad shoulder more, wordlessly asking him to calm down. "With these demands that we got for Tokiya's tribute and Otoya's movie which was partly inspired by Tokiya's life... it felt like somebody punished us and scoffed 'take this, the popularity that you thought you deserved more than the Stripper' right at our faces. STARISH got more popular even without Tokiya now but I am not happy with it. In fact, it feels like a curse. A curse for wishing Tokiya to withdraw from STARISH years ago and now, our company can survive due to what happened to him three years ago."

"Don't talk like that, Ren. Tokiya didn't sacrifice a lot for you guys to mourn like this. Instead, he always wanted to see you guys doing what you guys always want to do. I know, if he is still out there, he might pray every day for this company to be successful."

Ren nodded, smiling at Himura's words.

"Thank you, Himura-san. Thank you so much. You should spread the positivity to others too. They do not express a lot but I know they're broken and shocked. I bet Cecil and Syo still barge into Tokiya's house from time to time, finding any clue about Tokiya's whereabouts while reminiscing about our memories together."

Ren was right. Both Cecil and Syo were sitting on Tokiya's bed, torturing themselves by reading the man's diary. This was the third time they bumped into each other, entering the place with the same goal in mind.

There were a lot of Tokiya's confessions in the diary that tore their hearts. They could not choose which one was the most painful one.

They're crazy. Had I refused to give in, they would send Haruka or Syo instead.

They all had fun swimming. I can't though. Not with these hickeys. It's not worse than when Cecil snapped at me for being a wet blanket. He called me a cold bastard. Fine, then. His words were nothing as long as I know he is safe.

It hurts every single time. Please... help me... Help me to decide which method will make me die faster without Masato interrupting every single time.

Today, I snapped at Syo, Cecil, and Otoya for objecting me from moving out. I couldn't help it. Leaving the dorm while the fight was still unsolved hurt me but I didn't have choices. Had they learned that I have mental disorders, they wouldn't stay still. Who knows what the president might do. I don't even want to imagine.

Today, I had a huge fight with Syo. It turned out that everyone is frustrated with me. It seems to me that only Masato has been neutral but that's not enough. The others ganged up on me, saying that I ruined things among us. Ren even said that my attitude suffocated them. I am stuck-up. I whined about everything.

If only they knew... it's not my obsession. It's not mine. I just played the role because I want everyone to escape from the president's evil plan as soon as possible.

I never regret my decision to protect them. Not only once but... the way they glared at me...They hate me. I am disgusting to them. I don't want them to hate me.

It's Natsuki and Syo's birthday party. I decided to pass the gifts to Masato when in fact, I really wanted to attend the party. Masato is right. It's a birthday party. There is nothing to fight about. I do want to see everyone. It's been too long since I talked to them. I really want to see everyone. I really, really do.

"Found anything?" Syo asked. His lips became a thin line in order to suppress the need to scream at how unfair the situation had turned for Tokiya.

The man deserved happiness. He did not need to disappear like the earth had swallowed him for good.

"No, I can't focus," Cecil said. "Not when he only had this diary to vent on what he felt when we were supposed to know what he had gone through."

"As if it took just one night to lose Masato was not enough," Syo said, voice quivering at the thought of how Masato died at the merciless night. "We shouldn't organize the concert. If it didn't happen, Masato and Tokiya would still be around."

"I agree."

As the previous visits, they would take their time to leave the apartment. Indeed, the air around them was depressing given the owner was nowhere to be found. Still, it did not stop them from coming over. If they could find the time, all of them would clean the apartment, hoping that the house owner would not be worried about a dusty place.

But, three years passed. If he really wanted to return, he should do so by now. They all missed him.

The fan meeting had been smooth. It was fulfilled with the cheers, fans calling out their names in endearing ways, cute questions from the floor and many more.

Both Otoya and Natsuki as the main actor and screenwriter-director for drama 'Tears of The Star' had been smiling the whole time. Those were the smiles that were enough to show how they were grateful for the supports.

Yet, after the event ended, with both of them decided to hang out together in Otoya's hotel room, they realized that they were more tired than they thought.

It was in terms of emotions rather than their physicals.

The success of the drama which was partially based on Tokiya's struggle to fight his depression was not expected. Natsuki had learned a lot as the staff for their company that he decided that he wanted to try to be a director scriptwriter. It was fully supported by others including Ren, saying that Natsuki was perceptive enough to try both jobs.

After a long-term learning process, Natsuki was brave enough to present his first script to everyone. Much to Otoya's shock, Natsuki chose him as the male lead for a lot of reasons.

Otoya had a baby-liked and loveable face despite his age so his presence was enough to make the audience invested in the dramas as his role was supposed to be sympathized with. Plus, Otoya was Tokiya's roommate. He knew the most how a depression survivor fought his illness.

Both of them did not expect such a remarkable outcome. It was just like their hobby to share their talents to the fans who had been asking when the STARISH members would make a comeback in acting. The fans went crazy with how detailed and heart-rending Otoya's acting while Natsuki was highly praised for his directing and writing skills.

They discovered their true talent through Tokiya's sufferings. That was the fact that they could not agree more.

Which was why they could not truly celebrate their success. They just put a mask to everyone that they really enjoyed their current popularity.

In fact, every time they had fan meetings, interviews, and promotions around the world, expecting to meet their beloved fans was the third priority. The first one would be hiring a private investigator when they were still around so that they could look for Tokiya. If the man was still alive, there was still a hope.

Which led to the second priority. They both could not help but looking around whenever they attended events. Tokiya must be in disguise to avoid anyone to recognize him. Plus, he might have a lot of scars all over his body for being abused by Eiichi during two weeks he had been abducted. That added to the reasons why they paid special attention to those people who were the same height as the man and to those who wore a lot of clothing and a face mask.

But so far, they could not find any trace of the man. As if they were currently living in a world where Ichinose Tokiya just disappeared for good.

Or the world where Ichinose Tokiya never existed in the first place.

"Still couldn't find him, huh?" Otoya concluded, his body leaned up against the side of his bed. They were sitting on the floor, relaxing from the excited crowd.

"Nope. As usual," Natsuki replied, gulping down his soft drink.

"Do you think that he already..." Otoya asked carefully. He expected Natsuki to continue his words because he did not have the heart to put the rest of his thoughts into words.

"I hate to say this but with how we couldn't find any trace of him and the police had already closed the case since it has been three years..." Natsuki said. "He might be dead somewhere while he tried to escape from Eiichi."

"That makes it saddening... even more," Otoya supplied. His chest hurt every time the mystery of his best friend's whereabouts was brought up. "At least we can arrange the funeral had we found his body. Remember the police and that culprit said? Tokiya had been abused. Even in the cabin, they found Tokiya's DNA from the bloodstain. It's a relief if he did survive from the injury but what if he didn't? I don't want him to die when..."

"When we still want to do everything with him, to repent of those wasted 13 years, right?" Natsuki added. He knew Otoya too well. The guy was soft-hearted. He could not survive a deep and emotional talk without bursting into tears.

"Of course we do."

Then, it was the silence that lingered in the air and also Otoya's slow sobs. It was a normal sight of everyone since Tokiya had gone from their life. Natsuki would be spaced out, letting his worry and despondency towered over his system.

Just where are you, Tokiya? If Eiichi had not taken you away from us, I am more than willing to look after you until you can move on from Masato's death. I know it's hard for you, Natsuki thought.

The orange eyes slowly opened themselves. A soft smile followed as the sight of the empty space next to her body was served. Her late husband's pillow was still in her arms as her nose slowly cherished the faint scene of Masato while her body always felt protected every time she wore Masato's shirt as her sleepwear.

"Good morning, honey," she softly said, eyes closed back. It might be generally pointless because the 'honey' who she referred to was no longer next to her.

Yet, it became her habit every time she missed Masato. It was satisfying and warm.

"I'll go and meet you today. Wait for me, okay?"

Ignoring her cruel longing to hear his soft voice replying to her which later would make her crying, she dragged her tired body to the bathroom.

She had to get ready for the day.

Tomochika arrived earlier to help her prepare her daughters for the day. Everyone had been given their best support since Masato's death but Tomochika had been helping her out the most especially when it comes to her daughters' welfare. The woman had been bursting into tears before including during Masato's funeral, apologizing that it was her fault that they lost both Masato and Tokiya. It was her fault that Eiichi went berserk at that night and killed Masato.

Yet, no one could agree with her. Tomochika had done the right thing; escaping herself from a monster like Eiichi which was not everyone had the guts like her given Eiichi had a strong backup like his father. What happened to Masato and Tokiya was solely the culprits' faults. It was Saotome's, Otori's and Eiichi's faults. If anything, Haruka also felt sorry to Tomochika that the woman just learned who was Harumi for Tokiya and what kind of sin had both of them committed eight years ago. Their friendship had grown closer after they had a deep conversation, talking about their regret.

Now, they were standing in front of Masato's grave. Silence passed as they all stared at Masato's smiling picture, etched on the stone. Mixed feelings filled their hearts.

This man did not deserve his death.

It was better for this man to die because of his illness rather than being killed by a monster for being protective of his dear friend and wife. It was unfair to him even at the same time, they were proud of him because of his heroic death.

"Harumi, Mitsuki, say hi to Daddy," she said lovingly, being replied by a bright smile by the girls.

It was always a relief for her to see them smiled like that. It was probably because they were not there when Masato's body was still covered with blood. Instead, they only met their father only when his body was clean from all the stains.

"Hi, Daddy!" they said in unison.

"Daddy, I got the first place in my grade. I got full marks for all subjects. I am smart, am I? Mommy said it's because I took after you," Harumi said.

"Oneechan is smart," Mitsuki added. "Me too. Now, I can play the piano with Mommy."

"Playing piano sure is fun, Daddy. It seems hard to learn it by ear but Mitsuki nailed it. Mommy said Mitsuki is just like her when Mommy was small," Harumi supplied. "Don't worry about us, Daddy. We're doing fine. No one ever asks again why I don't style my hair like before. I love it untied like this since you died. No one can style my hair better than you, Daddy."

"Oneechan's hair is so beautiful," Mitsuki praised like a fangirl, along with her big gestures.

"However, Tokiya ojichan doesn't come back yet, Daddy," Harumi added, much to the women's despondency. "It's been three years, Daddy. I miss him just how much I miss you. I wonder why he hasn't come back. Previously, if he couldn't meet us frequently, at least he would call me or I could call him back. But now, I used to try to call him every day but he never answered. Maybe he already changed his number. It's sad, Daddy."

Tomochika stroked the long blue hair, comforting the girl. After they were done, she took the girls, heading to her car. It was an unspoken exchange between Haruka and her. She would take the girls away so that Haruka could talk to her late husband in private.

She would tell him what the children were not supposed to know.

Now, when the girls and Tomochika left her, she slowly took a seat. She ran her fingers along the black surface, imagining that she was touching Masato.

"Hi, honey," she initiated. "I am doing fine. I have to even though I miss you every single day. You never leave my mind. I think of you every single time. I used to hug Harumi's teddy bear when I miss you so much... just like you had suggested," she said with a bitter smile. "But as expected, of course it won't be the same. Your warmth eases me, your love, your affection... I will trade anything just to get them back but still..."

At this moment, she was proud of herself because she was no longer a crybaby like three years ago. Being strong for her daughters' sakes was so tiring that she would spend her night crying which led her to compose sad music in her studio. Spending her melancholy in her bedroom would make it worse since she would see Masato everywhere.

But now, she did not shed any tears and she was sure Masato was thrilled with it had he seen her.

"I know they will remain as the most precious memories. I feel honored to be your wife. Even it isn't that long but those times when we were dating and marrying each other... they remain in my heart because you're the best choice that I've ever made in my life. In fact, just like Harumi said, we're doing fine. We're all recovering from what happened at the concert except for..."

Her eyes closed as a handsome face that resembled her late husband crossed her mind.

"Yeah, Tokiya's whereabouts... we're still working on it. It still remains as a mystery since Eiichi abducted him. It's strange, right? We found the kidnapper since he surrendered himself to the police but as for the victim... he vanished just like that. Our worry isn't a big deal. We just want to know how is he doing. Especially about this scary assumption about Tokiya..."

She heaved a heavy sigh since it hurt to continue but it had become a must for her to tell the late Masato everything.

"We thought of it since we found out that Eiichi killed Eiji when we all know how much Eiichi loves his brother. Even other HEAVENS members also could not accept it but just like I told you before, it was validated that the body that he buried deep in the forest was Eiji's. Since Eiichi was also diagnosed with Schizophrenia, he no longer could distinguish between Eiji and Tokiya. But, honey, what concerned us the most... what if Tokiya was the one who manipulated Eiichi to kill his own brother in order to avenge your death? Most probably he already assumed that Eiji would come to see and convince Eiichi to surrender given Eiichi did tell Eiji where he took Tokiya. He might just want some comfort from his brother. Of course, we... we don't want to think negatively about Tokiya but... it does have the logic, honey. Tokiya and Eiichi somehow can relate to each other at times so we're afraid that Tokiya did manipulate Eiichi."

As she talked, she could feel her heart pounded so hard that it hurt her chest and ears.

"I know just like us, you want Tokiya to return to us safe and sound, right? You don't want him to die nor turn into what we just assumed too, right? We all believe that Tokiya can't be that cruel."

THE END

This is a long author's note. Feel free to skip it if you aren't up to read any longer :)

So, that's the endddd hahhaha. People's preferences are different. I know someone among you guys loves a not-so-happy ending while there are people who don't enjoy such a horrible ending. Nevertheless, do ask me if you don't understand anything like, 'Is there a sequel? It seems like a cliffhanger to me,' or 'Perla, why are you always terrible at giving the ending for your story?' Lol, for the second question, I don't know either. I am not a big fan of such an ending but I'll decide it based on my instinct and belief. It's hard to explain but if you want to read my upcoming stories, it still has a possibility for the ending to be the very happy one. 

I am not shedding tears but if my brain can cry, I know it'll be crying because it no longer has to suffer from thinking about this story so much T_T I admit, unlike other complete stories, this one felt like chores at times. Sometimes I enjoyed writing it because I wanted to write how the villains eventually reached the last straw and how those innocent people were affected by the villains' crimes but it would be chores when I suffered from English block which means I don't know how to describe the scene with my limited English. Ideas for this story always overflowed in my head. I even have a few possible endings before I decided to choose the one you read in this chapter. 

I apologize for the flaws of this story. It's supposed to be a light story which is about a love triangle that ended up with Haruka and Tokiya lived happily ever after since I made Tomochika evil in You Should Die Instead. Eiichi didn't exist and Saotome wasn't evil at all in the first draft but now yeah... I apologized for their OOCness too :) Thank you for the reads, votes, and comments and as usual, feel free to drop a comment like... what do you think about what happened to Tokiya? Can you guess either he died or just went missing? What kind of ending do you prefer for this story? Again, thank you so much for spending your precious time on this story, guys! :D