His Bodyguard: Beyond the Spotlight

Chapter 21

Kenji's decision to remove Eclipse from her bodyguard duties blindsided everyone. Despite her proven ability to separate her professional responsibilities from her personal feelings, the manager insisted that it was in the best interest of the band.

The band members, especially Taka, were outraged. They knew Eclipse was the best at what she did, and they trusted her implicitly.

"We need to talk," Taka demanded, storming into Kenji's office with Toru, Ryota, and Tomoya close behind.

Kenji looked up, feigning surprise. "What's this about?"

"You know exactly what this is about," Taka snapped. "Why are you taking Eclipse off the team? She's the best bodyguard we've ever had."

Kenji leaned back in his chair, his expression calculating. "It's not about her skills. It's about maintaining a professional environment. Her relationship with you compromises that."

"That's bullshit, and you know it," Toru interjected. "She saved us all during the concert. She proved she can handle it."

"Decisions like this aren't made lightly," Kenji replied smoothly. "It's for your safety."

Frustrated and feeling helpless, the band left Kenji's office, more determined than ever to get to the bottom of this. Meanwhile, Eclipse was packing her things, her heart heavy with disappointment and anger.

Taka found her in her room, her expression a mix of determination and sadness. "Eclipse, we're going to fight this. We won't let him do this to you."

Eclipse shook her head. "I appreciate it, but you need to stay safe. That's my job. Besides, I have a feeling there's more to this than Kenji is letting on."

She handed him a small USB drive. "I've been keeping an eye on things, and I've noticed some suspicious activity. I don't have time to go through it all, but maybe you can."

Taka took the drive, his mind racing. "What are you going to do?"

Eclipse gave a small, determined smile. "I'm going to find out the truth."

As Eclipse left the house, Taka gathered the rest of the band. They huddled around a laptop, opening the files on the USB drive. What they found shocked them to the core.

The drive contained detailed plans, including encrypted emails and suspicious transactions, all pointing to a conspiracy to harm the band. And the most damning evidence pointed directly at Kenji.

"We need to take this to the police," Ryota said, his voice tense with urgency.

Taka nodded. "And we need to warn Eclipse. She could be in danger."

They tried calling her, but she didn't answer. Growing more worried by the minute, Taka and the others decided to follow her, using a tracking app she had shared with them for emergencies.

Meanwhile, Eclipse had made her way to a warehouse on the outskirts of the city, following a hunch. She moved stealthily, her senses on high alert. She found a side door and slipped inside, her gun drawn.

Inside, she saw Kenji talking to a group of men. Their conversation confirmed her worst fears.

"It's all set. The next concert will be the perfect opportunity," Kenji was saying. "Make sure it looks like an accident. We can't afford any loose ends."

Eclipse's heart pounded as she recorded the conversation on her phone. But as she moved to leave, she tripped a silent alarm.

Kenji turned, his eyes narrowing. "Well, well, look who we have here. Thought you could outsmart me, did you?"

Eclipse fired a warning shot, but the men quickly surrounded her, disarming her. Kenji approached, a sinister smile on his face. "You're too late, Eclipse. The plan is already in motion. And now, you'll be out of the way permanently."

Just then, a loud crash echoed through the warehouse. Taka, Toru, Ryota, and Tomoya burst in, armed with makeshift weapons.

"Eclipse!" Taka shouted, his eyes blazing with determination.

A fierce battle ensued. Eclipse, freed from her captors by the surprise attack, joined the fray. Her training and skills shone as she fought alongside the band members, their bond and trust evident in their coordinated efforts.

Amidst the chaos, Kenji tried to flee, but Taka intercepted him. "You're not getting away with this," he growled, tackling Kenji to the ground.

Police sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder as they approached. Eclipse, breathing heavily, managed to secure Kenji just as the officers stormed in, arresting him and his accomplices.

As the dust settled, Taka turned to Eclipse, his eyes filled with relief and admiration. "Are you okay?"

Eclipse nodded, a slight smile on her lips. "Thanks to you guys."

Toru clapped Taka on the back. "Looks like we make a pretty good team, huh?"

Eclipse's eyes softened as she looked at them. "Yeah, we do. Now let's go make sure this never happens again."

With Kenji in custody and the conspiracy unveiled, Eclipse and the band could finally breathe a sigh of relief. They knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to face it together, their bond stronger than ever.