Charismatic Lie (Iori x reader)

Chapter 39

(Y/n)'s POV

"Oh, that Gaku lookalike isn't here," commented Riku.
"Guess his shift isn't today," Tamaki replied.
"There's this guy that looks exactly like you," Mitsuki exclaimed.
"Ahaha, really?..." Gaku-nii said nervously.
"Oh, Gaku, (Y/n), you're here. Haven't seen you guys in a while," a staff member exclaimed.
"Hey Kaito."
"You guys look like you're having a fun night. I'll close up shop early if you want."
"Eh? No, it's fine, really."
"We don't have many customers right now so don't worry. Enjoy your night."

I flashed a grateful smile towards the male, who simply returned the gesture with a playful wink and a slight blush staining his cheeks. Gaku-nii thanked Kaito before he left us alone.

The others made their orders as my brother ordered for the both of us. I looked at everyone's cheerful expressions before settling on Iori. Hiding the awkwardness behind a mask of politeness, I gave a small smile.

The male returned it with the same indifference, although the flash of sorrow couldn't escape my observant eyes. An arm was thrown around my shoulder, surprising me as I turned to elbow my brother.

"Don't drink too much, okay?"

He simply gave a thumbs up as a reply. I rolled my eyes, knowing that he wouldn't be listening to me tonight. Someone suddenly took my hand under the table. Tenn flashed a smile, drawing on my palm.

'Let's go outside,' he wrote.

I shook my head but he refused to budge. He began writing again: You're not yourself. Something's wrong. I couldn't help but crack a smile before he tugged at my hand and stood up.

"Sorry, we're just gonna get some air," Tenn exclaimed.

The others hummed in response, seemingly paying no mind to our leaving. I followed the male outside before we sat down beneath a blossoming tree. He stared at our hands, his over mine.

"Is that thing from before still bothering you?" he asked.
"...yeah, I guess so..."
"Do you...no, nevermind. Have you ever been in love?"
"No, not seriously."
"I see."

No one's POV

Tenn made a guess that (Y/n) was simply confused. Anything hinting towards the concept of romance and her involvement with the unfamiliar word would throw her off balance. She had believed she wouldn't need such a relationship, relying solely on unbreakable family bonds.

Tenn worried for her. Of course, he understood why Iori had to do that...but he couldn't help but wonder if there was a better way to do it. If he could do it without confusing her fragile heart...

While the two sat in each other's company, the food had begun to come. Both Gaku and Yamato were happily drinking away without a care in the world, ignoring the others' warnings to stop.

"Are Tenn and (Y/n) dating?" Nagi asked.

This simple question undoubtedly caught everyone's attention. Gaku almost choked on the sake as he took the time to let the question sink in. Ryuu's eyes widened in surprise, taken slightly aback.

Mitsuki noticed the slight change in his brother's posture. Nobody noticed except for him. Iori was interested, too interested and Mitsuki only had his own assumptions as to why Iori cared so much about this.

"Why the hell would they be?" Gaku asked.
"What he means to say is no. They're simply friends," Ryuu replied more calmly.
"They seem close," commented Sogo.
"She seems close with everyone," muttered Gaku.
"Well, we're like her family. She knows when to draw a line between friendliness and politeness, but we've never had such a problem," Ryuu explained.

The two came back as everyone turned their heads to stare at them. Tenn coughed awkwardly as (Y/n) flashed a menacing smile towards the men, making them look away almost immediately.

"Right, any more absurd speculations and that'll be the end of these fun nights," she said.
"What? No-"
"No? Then perhaps you would all prefer a different punishment."
"S-sorry!"

(Y/n)'s POV

~The next day~

The three members of Trigger stared at me as I hurriedly pulled on my laced boots. Hearing Gaku-nii yell 'bag', I turned around from outside the door and ran back in to grab it from his outstretched hand.

"You sure you're okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I just slept in a little."
"How much sleep did you get last night?" Tenn asked.
"Not enough."

Waving goodbye, I headed to the bus stop and impatiently waited for my bus to come. I immediately hopped on as soon as it came and slumped down in a seat. That was cutting it close.

Minutes went by, leaving me with some time to settle my thoughts. Pushing aside the pestering questions regarding Iori and his feelings towards me, I focused on the work I had finished over the night.

All the paperwork was done. Sacrificing my sleep was worth it. I wouldn't have to leave these till later. The bus pulled to a stop. I got off and rushed inside Takanashi Productions.

Smoothing down my hair, I stepped inside Mr Takanashi's office and handed him the documents regarding IDOLiSH7's collaboration with Trigger and Re:vale.

"You completed all of this in one night?" he asked.
"Yes sir."
"That's great. Oh and here's the boys' schedule."

I thanked him before going to their practice room. They were to shoot their new music video in Okinawa as well as hold a concert there. MEZZO have also been offered to make an appearance in a TV program featuring local foods.

I opened the door to see everyone practising their new song with Tsumugi watching from the corner. They continued until the very end, panting heavily as they took a break.

"You're still as charming as ever," Tamaki exclaimed.
"Eh?"
"Tell me your secret. Even when you look dead, you still have that charismatic aura around you."
"Uh...thanks?"
"Tamaki, you're scaring her," Sogo scolded.
"*laughs* No, it's fine."
"Did you get any sleep?"
"Yeah, don't worry."
"How many hours?" Yamato asked.
"Enough to keep myself functioning for the day."
"No, that won't do. Your skin will wither and you'll look bad. You have to sleep well!" Nagi said.
"Do you sleep well then?"
"Of course I do-"
"Actually, he sometimes stays up watching anime," Yamato replied.
"Yamato...I thought you were my dear friend..."

I laughed, finding myself relax in this peaceful atmosphere. Yet I knew that nothing came without a price...I would have to savour this moment in case it never came again.