Ensemble Stars! One Shots

Jun Sazanami - Confession

"I like you."

You paused, having your arms positioned at his wrists where you corrected his movement. Clearing your throat, you returned to what you were doing.

"Okay, Sazanami-kun. Let's continue. After all, you're the one who asked for a special practice lesson."

"I'm being serious here."

You looked up and your breath caught in your throat as your eyes met striking yellow ones. At those words, you paused to think about what he really meant.

[ It's true that this time didn't have his usual sarcastic tone to it. "You look so nervous and you're not even the one dancing." That's more along the lines of his usual banter during practice. ]

[ But if he's being serious then- ]

You felt your cheeks become warm as you looked away.

"What's your answer, Anzu?"

"I... "

Of course you shared his feelings. You had spent too much time around him not to.

Though he kept up appearances in public, he was always casual around you. Every time he helped you out or made a playful remark at you, you buried those uneasy feelings away deep inside your heart. After all, he acted the same way to his other friends in Eden.

But now you were facing his bold confession with nowhere to hide. With your heart beating a mile a minute, you could hardly think straight. But one thing stood out in your mind as you firmly met his eyes. You steeled your heart as you tried to talk as confidently as possible.

"We can't. A relationship between an idol and producer is extremely taboo in the industry. This could ruin Eden's reputation-"

"Geez...I don't care about that."

"Huh?"

"Could you not make it sound like I don't care about other things too?" He clenched his hand into a fist. "Being an idol is important... and my public image is too... But for now, this is just a little more important."

His indigo hair fluttered as he edged closer, his gaze never leaving you.

"I want to know your answer. Your true answer."

Your fingers nervously clutched at your other sleeve.

[ My answer... Is it really okay? ]

Admitting it felt like giving in to the punishment that the agencies would inevitably bring forth. Admitting it felt like there was no turning back from the uncertainties and trouble that those feelings would cause. And yet...

You looked up at him in determination, trying to calm your racing heart. Your voice barely a whisper, you gave him your answer.

"I like you too, Sazanami-kun."

His eyes narrowed with affection and he showed a gentle smile. "That's all I needed to hear ♪"

With a few more steps forward, he began to close the distance between you and him. His warm hand cupped your cheek and his face approached yours.

[ Wait! This is all happening so fast! This is- ]

With barely any time to think, you closed your eyes in anticipation as he drew closer.

"...Tch."

Without warning, he suddenly dropped his hand and moved away, refusing to look at you.

"Sazanami-kun...?"

"Jun-kun!"

You jumped in surprise as a familiar voice rang out into the practice room. Hiyori pushed aside a lock of blonde hair from his face as he made his way inside.

"I'm hungry. Can we have lunch now?"

Jun sighed before addressing him. "I'm in the middle of practice, Ohii-san."

"Oh, boohoo! Anzu-chan's been hogging you for so long, it's my turn! Terrible weather!" Hiyori huffily turned to you. Then, his eyes widened as he saw your expression.

"Producer, your face is all red."

"H-Huh?! Oh-"

"Don't worry about her. She's just way too hard working. Probably got a fever or something."

Jun interjected before Hiyori could make any more observations. But the latter was already smirking as his eyes darted between you two.

"Producer, how would you like to join us for lunch?"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course! Besides, it looks like Jun-kun won't come with me if you're still here."

Hiyori gracefully left the room as fast as he came in, continuing to talk nonsense while expecting you to follow him. You heard a deep sigh come from beside you.

"Sorry. I didn't expect him to show up so suddenly."

"That's okay. He looked excited."

"Too excited. I guess we probably shouldn't keep him waiting."

Jun began to leave, but suddenly turned to look at you, flashing a playful grin.

"We'll continue this some other time."