edelweiss - &team

1

A thousand years later

"And here we have, the one and only Koga Yudai! As we all know, he is currently promoting his latest film, The Howling, which has boasted terrific reviews. Yudai, how does it feel being back in the limelight after your hiatus?" A middle-aged show host with messily dyed white hair and a glaring silver suit spun energetically as spotlights flashed onto a young man. He was well-groomed, hair stylishly sprayed and smart blue suit bearing a silver flower brooch.

They were on the site of a filming studio, the props and scene behind them were flashy and bright, before them were dozens of staff, cameras and equipment. Yudai raised his eyes from a dirty spot on the white floor and allowed a natural smile to melt away the boredom on his face.

He laughed good-naturedly, gazing into the camera as he answered, "It's been wonderful to take a break from acting, but I've been itching to get back on the big screen and see all my fans." He blew a smooth kiss to the camera, one that was sure to have the fan girls clutching at their chests.

"Oh-ho! That's music to my ears. It's also good to hear your younger brother might be planning to join the film industry as well! What are your thoughts on this, especially due to his...ah, turbulent past?"

Yudai's expression soured ever so slightly, but as the charming actor he was, his features melted into a carefree smile as he laughed, "That boy is still so young, I'm not sure if he's thought everything through. Of course, I will support him no matter what."

As the host blabbered on and on about dating and commercials, Yudai made a mental note to beat up a certain someone later on.

-

Yudai returned to his three-story house past midnight, and could only manage a sigh as he noted all three floors glowing with blinding light. "Well, he sure saved me the trouble," Yudai grumbled under his breath, slamming his car door shut and slipping through the front door.

The exact person he expected was lounging on his pristine white sofa, dirty sneakers hanging off the frame, a bag of chips on his stomach. He had his phone before him, watching something that made annoying high-pitched noises.

Yudai stood there for a second, wondering if he should just plunge a dagger through the other man.

"If you're gonna watch something so loud, might as well use the tv," He nagged, dropping a tote bag on the floor at the foot of a wide spiral staircase.

"You're back," The other man, dressed in an unkempt school uniform, said without tearing his eyes from his phone screen, "I watched your show yesterday , it was okay. Could be better. I saw twenty three comments saying you should get your nose done-"

In three swift steps, Yudai snatched the bag of chips off the other's body and swiped his feet off the sofa, hissing, "I'd appreciate it if you tell me in advance when you're coming. You're lucky if the paps didn't snap a thousand pictures of you, Maki."

Maki shrugged, "Pity. I turned on all the lights for a reason."

Speechless, Yudai made his way to the open dining room, where he dumped the bag of chips on his kitchen counter with a sigh. As he combed his hand through a tangle in his hair, his sleeve slipped to reveal a thin circlet of black at his wrist. "Do you seriously want to join the film industry?" He asked, seriously.

Maki flicked his eyes away from the screen, puzzled, before connecting a few dots and chuckling, "Ah, it was such an off-hand comment, who would have known they'd take it so serious? Fret not, I'll leave you alone."

Yudai glared at the back of Maki's head, as if willing the other to face him. Then, he turned and asked, "Any news from Riki? He's someone I wouldn't mind crashing unexpectedly."

Maki wrinkled his nose, "That guy's probably sleeping out on the streets now. You should know that. Also-" He jumped up to his feet, brushing chip fragments onto the fluffy carpet, making Yudai wince. "-Harua texted me recently. It was so strange. He asked me how I've been, but he didn't say anything after I replied."

Yudai straightened, a deep frown on his face, "Haura? That's sudden. He's been off the radar for...what, three years now?"

Maki laughed, his eyes shining with reflected light from the surroundings, "Three? Gosh, you've sure been caught up with everything. It's been seven."

Pausing, Yudai's hands dropped to his side as he pondered. "He usually updates us every fifty years, doesn't he," Koga muttered.

Maki nodded, walking over to retrieve his chips and plopping down on an uncomfortable steel chair at the dining table, "He's forty three years early. Do you think..." Maki trailed off, intently watching Koga's expression.

With another big sigh, Yudai dropped his head to his chest as he leaned against the counter, hands over his face. "I hope it's a false alarm, like the last time," He mumbled through his fingers, "But just in case, get a hold of Riki and Jo. I'll contact the other four."

Nodding solemnly, Maki hopped off his chair with a chip in his mouth, before he laughed, "If this is a false alarm, Fuma's gonna cuss us out so bad."

Shaking his head, Yudai walked around, switching off all the lamps and lights Maki had mischievously turned on, "You should rest here for tonight. If any tabloids tomorrow accuse me of abusing my 'brother'..." He trailed off as he slowly rose up the stairs. "Do you have school tomorrow?"

Crumpling up his chip bag, Maki cheekily grinned, crumbs dusting his dimples, "And detention. Bail me out, won't you?"