Charismatic Lie (Iori x reader)

Chapter 45

(Y/n)'s POV

The aroma of burning charcoal and ash rose into the air before disappearing. Ryuu turned the fish over, letting the fire cook it through. I slipped on the see-through shirt Tsumugi had brought me and leaned against Gaku-nii's shoulder.

The fire danced in the soft breeze, lighting its surroundings with fluorescent light. The buzz of crickets and mosquitoes filled the silence despite their unwarranted presence.

"Hey, if you don't mind me asking, why choose to be an assistant manager? You could've been, I don't know, a model?" Riku asked.
"Unfortunate circumstances, Riku."
"And you can't overcome those?"

Iori pinched his cheek, preventing him from asking anymore. Nagi immediately apologised for his inability to act like a gentleman, leaving me with nothing but an eruption of giggles.

Ryuu handed Riku a piece of fish, which he gratefully took and bit into. A happy smile spread on his face as he asked for more whilst still eating his piece. Tenn scolded the male for asking before anyone else had even had theirs.

Ryuu handed Gaku-nii the last piece he had finished cooking before preparing more. Tenn, Ryuu and I were the only ones that remained. Gaku-nii held the fish out for me to which I took a small bite.

The fresh aroma of the sea flowed into my mouth, along with a mixture of fresh herbs and seasoning. Despite the many times I've tasted Ryuu's fish, I could never get over how delicious it was.

My brother offered to share his piece, refusing to accept no as an answer. I obliged, knowing that arguing with him wouldn't make much of a difference. He took another bite before giving his whole piece to me.

"Hey-"
"Eat," was all he said.
"But-"
"Don't worry about me."
"Now, listen here. We're sharing and that's that. End of story."
"Geez, can't you be grateful for once in your life?"
"Here."

I handed the fish to him after cutting it in half with the knife I grabbed from Ryuu.

"You're really something, aren't you?" Gaku-nii exclaimed.
"(L/n)-san, I need to talk to you," said Iori.

The dark-haired male stood and began walking a little further away from the campfire. With a puzzled expression, I followed him to an area sectioned off from locals and the occasional night wanderer.

He slipped something out of his pocket, the moon's rays catching light as it hit the small item. The cool material felt smooth against my skin as he clasped the necklace on.

I felt a smile creep onto my face as I examined the beautiful piece of jewellery. It was the same one he was staring at today. He went back to buy this for me?... Warmth spread in my chest as I beamed at him.

"Thank you."
"You're...welcome..."

~The next day~

The cameramen caught the perfect angles. Each member's distinctive features were highlighted and glamourised as they smiled and followed the director's commands.

I stole glances every so often as I supervised the paperwork and other minor calls while Tsumugi stood with the director to discuss what was best for their new music video.

My hand reached up to touch the necklace dangling loosely from my neck. A smile played across my face as I reminisced the events from yesterday's little outing.

A staff member brought over a few more documents, drenching my fatigued mind with more exhaustion than it could hold. A practised grin graced my face as I took the folder.

My gaze ephemerally wandered over to the boys. Riku's secretive smile casted a golden glow across the room, his innocence melting the tension in my body.

"Perfect! Smile like that one more time!" said the director.
"Smile...how?" Riku asked, confused.
"You know, when you were..."

The director's turquoise eyes met mine as he followed the centre's gaze. I flashed a polite business smile his way, tilting my head forward as a simple greeting.

"You're their assistant manager, right?"
"Yes sir."
"How long have you been with them?"
"Just a few months."
"Interesting..."

Movement to my right caught my attention. I turned my head to see Mitsuki elbow his younger brother in the stomach as a knowing smirk plastered itself on his face.

Smothering a giggle, I turned back to face the director, who was thinking with his chin propped against his fingers. Seeing that I was no longer needed, I returned to the paperwork set out before me.

Suddenly, a hand was placed on my shoulder, startling me as I looked up to meet Tenn's gentle gaze. His eyes smiled bright, his gestures small as he sat down beside me. Nobody took notice of the masked man beside me, going about their business.

Neither of us spoke to each other as I filled out the paperwork and made short calls. He took a file from my untouched documents and scanned the details written in fine print. A small smile appeared on my face as he began helping with my work.

"Aren't you supposed to be practising with Trigger?"
"I'm just out for a little breather," he replied.
"I'd hardly count helping others with their work as a rest though."
"How's their music video shooting going?"
"Mmhmm, don't think I didn't notice you subtly changing the subject."
"*sigh* Your brother and I had a little disagreement on our choreography. I needed a break. That's all."

I frowned. He pulled his mask down, flashing a kind smile to dispel my worry. Iori immediately tugged his cap down to hide the male's face as a group of female staff walked by.

The dark-haired male went to sit on my other side. Tenn's eyes went from me to him and back to me again. I smacked his arm, annoyed by his indirect teasing and unasked question.

"Miss (L/n), are you done with the paperwork?" asked the director's assistant, who also happened to be his wife.
"Ah-"
"Yes, she is," Iori answered.

He handed her the documents, sending a wink my way before smiling at the middle-aged woman.

"I finished the last page while you were talking with Kujo-san," he explained.
"Eh?! I didn't even realise...but thank you."
"I better head back to practice. Ryuu's gonna die from stress if he's left alone with your irritated brother," Tenn exclaimed.
"Alright. Make up with him. You two better be on good terms when I go to the hotel."
"Sure thing, (Y/n)."