Charismatic Lie (Iori x reader)

Chapter 22

(Y/n)'s POV

"Bye guys!"
"Oi, you forgot your phone!" Gaku-nii yelled from the lounge room.
"Thanks."

I rushed back to the front door, slipping on my shoes before running to the bus stop just a few blocks away. My hair was slightly dishevelled and my heart was pounding from the adrenaline and fear of arriving late.

Apparently father had acted sooner than expected. All night I was dealing with his demands to leave IDOLiSH7 or face the consequences. Anesagi had also called, announcing her displeasure from yesterday's occurrence.

Tsumugi had sent a text, saying that she was going over to apologise. It would be best for me to be with the group so that baseless speculation did not arise. And due to some unfortunate circumstances, I had not had a good night's sleep and now was on the verge of running late.

Without a second's delay, I pushed through the doors and headed for the stairs. As I stood outside, I attempted to flatten my wind-blown hair but did so to no vail. Sighing impatiently, I went inside.

"Hey (Y/n)," Nagi greeted.
"Hey."
"Your hair's all over the place," commented Riku.
"Yeah, I noticed."
"Would you like some help?" Sogo asked.
"Help?"

He gestured toward a seat to which I went and sat down. His fingers were gentle as they pried apart knotted hair. I allowed myself to relax as he styled my hair into a loose braid.

"Thank you."
"You can do hair?" Iori asked.
"Somewhat. Just some things I watched on the internet when I was bored," Sogo replied nonchalantly.
"Has Tsumugi already left?"
"Yeah, she left with Nikaido-san just a few minutes before you came," said Iori.
"(Y/n)-chan, come with me for a sec."

Tamaki pulled me along before I could even get a word in. The tall male shut the door and dragged me outside the building, away from the others and any other eavesdroppers.

My pulse quickened as I caught sight of his face, confused and slightly tortured, like someone...had told him a terrible lie. Hiding my worry behind a smile, I asked what was wrong.

"(Y/n)-chan, who's your brother?" he asked.
"What makes you so curious about him all of a sudden? He's-"
"I think I saw you in Yaotome Gaku's car."
"Oh? When?"
"Is he..."

He trailed off, unable to say the next few words, but he didn't need to. I sat down on the bench, unintentionally pulling him down as he was still holding onto my arm.

"Do you believe it?"
"Huh?"
"That he's my brother."
"There's nothing to stop me from believing it. I mean, Riku told us that Trigger's Kujo Tenn was his twin so..."
"What?"
"Oh, you weren't there, were you? They're twin brothers."

So I was right after all. Tamaki tugged at my sleeve as I let out a heavy sigh and nodded ever so softly. He dropped his hand, resting his chin against his hand as he stared at me.

"Well, now that you know, please keep it a secret from the others."
"Why?" he asked.
"Because it's not something I want the whole world to know. It's not a good thing advertising my blood relation to a famous idol...and there're certain things I'd rather be kept hidden."

He heaved a deep sigh in relief. I jumped slightly when I felt something on my shoulder. Tamaki laid with his eyes closed, looking more like an innocent child than an anxious teenager.

"Um...thanks for telling me, (Y/n)-chan," he exclaimed.
"You're welcome."
"It took a whole lot off my chest..."

His breathing soon became steady and relaxed as his arm fell gently to his side. The sun beat warmly onto our bodies, stripping me of my energy. No wonder he fell asleep...it was very tempting...

Nails bit into my flesh as I clenched my fists to keep myself awake. My eyelids fluttered between consciousness and deep slumber as I struggled to keep the fight to a minimal.

An unexpected shadow fell over us. I felt my head being pushed against someone's shoulder, careful not to disturb Tamaki. Iori met my half-lidded gaze.

"Although unacceptable to sleep in the middle of your job, I guess I have no choice but to make sure you don't get kidnapped in your sleep. Yotsuba-san should also know better than to fall asleep in public," he said, although a blush stained his cheeks.
"Thank you..."

Iori's POV

When (Y/n) went to talk to him, I felt slightly annoyed. When he had sat down next to her, his face unbearably close to her own although she did not seem to realise...it irritated me. When she had no problem letting him lean against her shoulder as he slept...I felt...jealous...

She wasn't mine nor would she ever be. I had no intention of taking her for myself. I should've had no feelings for her... This undeniable irritation was most likely just my logicality speaking.

Sleeping in such a public place was dangerous. I was simply keeping an eye out for these two absentminded people. With that resolve set in my mind, I felt myself relax.

Yamato and our manager spotted us on the bench as they came back. The male pulled out his phone, seemingly texting a quick reply before snapping a shot of the three of us. Annoyed, I stood up, realising my mistake a second too late.

"Iori!" he yelled.

I caught (Y/n)'s head in one arm and her body in the other as Tamaki's head slid down to rest on her lap. A deep breath of relief escaped my mouth before I knew it.

"Hmm? Where am I again?" Tamaki asked as he sat up and rubbed his eyes.
"Outside Takanashi Productions."
"Did I fall asleep?"
"*sigh* Yes, you did."
"Oh, (Y/n)-chan fell asleep too. Why are you holding her like that? Isn't it uncomfortable? Let's go inside."

He hoisted her up into his arms before taking her inside. Fingers tightened around my arm, making me jump despite my wanting to hold it back.

"Tough love, isn't it?" commented Nagi.
"What are you talking about? And when did you come out here anyway?"
"Picture, check. Love triangle, check. Now, time for a fierce fight to win (Y/n)'s love-"
"Please refrain from making such absurd statements."
"But Iori..."
"And delete the photo."
"Yamato sent it to everyone."
"And I'm assuming you told him to?"
"No, it was Riku."
"Riku, huh?"
"No, Iori! You mustn't!"
"No, I must."
"No, you can't kill him!"
"*smiles innocently* Who said anything about killing?"