Charismatic Lie (Iori x reader)

Chapter 40

(Y/n)'s POV

Tsumugi watched the boys as they practised their choreography. I positioned myself in a corner and went through their schedule again, engraving every detail into my mind.

I opened my messages to check the schedule Anesagi had sent over to me. Trigger would also be going to Okinawa for an appearance on a TV program as well as a fanmeet.

Either way, I would have to go. In other words, it was an escape of sorts...an escape from father's wrath. Both groups would spend around one week over there.

"Hey (Y/n)?"
"Yeah Tsumugi?"
"Would you be able to look after MEZZO during our time in Okinawa? I don't want them to handle everything by themselves," she exclaimed.
"Sure."
"Thank you."

As she continued to watch them practise, I felt my conscience seep deep into a different realm, detaching me from reality. Their song was almost finished, and I wanted to escape the awkwardness even if it was just for a brief moment.

Father hadn't called yet. Had Gaku-nii kept it hidden somehow? Or was he too busy to bother with a hopeless daughter like me? Once IDOLiSH7 gained more popularity and a commendable status, he wouldn't be able to touch me so easily.

Someone placed a hand on my shoulder, pulling me out of my moment of deep thinking. I quickly plastered a casual smile on my face, concealing my worries behind this invisible mask.

"Are you okay?" Tsumugi asked.
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"It's just...you look exhausted..."
"I'm fine-"

I pulled out my phone, mouthing an apology before heading outside to answer it. My lips formed a grim line, my eyes sharpened, my mouth went dry. Speak of the devil.

"What is it, father?"
"I'm sure you know why I'm calling you," he exclaimed.
"Yes, I know perfectly well."
"Next time, there will be a consequence."
"Sure thing, threaten me all you want."
"Just wait, you'll come begging when that new idol group of yours gets crushed. But using Trigger to get them publicity? How-"
"Very much like what you would do."
"Tch, don't you dare cause me any more trouble. I won't leave you alone."

I held my head, feeling a headache swell in my head. Shoving my phone back into my pocket, I walked back to the practice room, putting my hand on the doorknob. Tsumugi...might be right...I really did feel exhausted...

The door opened, surprising Iori as he nearly crashed into me. I managed to pull myself together and moved aside to let him pass. He didn't say a word as he went past.

My vision blurred slightly. My body wavered. Despite this, I willed myself to take a step forward. I wasn't an amateur. I couldn't faint now. I knew how to work...yet why did it feel so tempting to fall asleep in someone's warm arms right now?...

Iori's POV

"Oi, (Y/n)!"

I turned around. Tamaki had (Y/n) in his arms, shaking her slightly but she seemed to be unconscious. It was most likely due to exhaustion, seeing as how she barely reacted when I had almost bumped into her earlier.

Tamaki stood up, saying something to Tsumugi with (Y/n) still in his arms. Jealousy flared through my veins. This wasn't like me. It wasn't like me to get jealous about something so trivial.

I smothered the unusual feeling and noticed him gesture for me to follow him. With a suppressed sigh, I trailed after him, making sure to follow slightly behind.

"Manager said we could take her to our dorms. The others will join us later," he exclaimed.
"And why not the hospital?"
"Because she wouldn't want that. Besides, it's just exhaustion."
"I...see..."
"Did something happen between you two?"
"Why do you ask?"
"She acts somewhat awkward around you."
"Let me ask you something."
"Yeah?"
"Do you like her?"
"Hmm...yeah, I guess I do."
"You do?"
"But it's not what you're thinking. Ugh, how do I explain it?"
"You like her as a sister or close friend?"
"Yeah, that's it!"

A flash of sorrow swept across his eyes. That's right...he only became an idol to look for his sister. I immediately felt somewhat guilty for reminding him of such a sensitive matter.

I snuck a glance at the girl lying unconscious in his arms. She seemed to be having a nightmare as sweat formed on her forehead. Tamaki noticed it too before increasing his pace.

~At the dorms~

After some arguing, Tamaki had her placed in niisan's room, seeing as how his own was an absolute mess and would provide her with no rest whatsoever. My bed would be too hard to reach so we had decided to put her in niisan's room.

Tamaki went to the fridge for some king pudding, leaving me alone with (Y/n). I moved the hair away from her face, reaching for her hand but stopped. Nothing could start between us.

Her phone started ringing. In an attempt to turn it off, I reached for it only to unintentionally answer it. Her brother's voice greeted me as I said a simple hello.

"Where's (Y/n)?"
"She's sleeping. She fainted from exhaustion."
"That idiot..."
"Um...?"
"Is she having a nightmare?"
"Yeah."
"Sing."
"Excuse me?"
"Sing to her...or hum or play some music. It helps calm her down. I have to go but..."
"Don't worry, we'll look after her."

I scavenged around for some earphones before putting them in her ears. Choosing a song by Trigger, I pressed play. Like her brother said, she calmed down as the song progressed.

I could hear the front door opening before a loud voice announced their arrival. A small smile appeared on my face as niisan shushed the blonde-haired male.

A shiver ran through me as (Y/n) suddenly grasped my hand in her sleep. She turned, pulling me along with her until I was on the bed and towering over her.

A blush immediately formed on my cheeks, making my face appear bright red. Her face was so close to mine. I could barely breathe. My heartbeat thumped loudly in my ear.

She turned her head, connecting my lips with hers. My eyes widened. I immediately pulled away, forgetting that I wasn't supposed to disturb her as I broke free of her grasp and placed an arm against the wall to steady myself.

"I...ori...?"