Charismatic Lie (Iori x reader)

Chapter 62

(Y/n)'s POV

"Hey, do you wanna eat dinner with us?" Yamato asked.

I glanced at the members of Trigger, who just shrugged as if they didn't care either way.

"Sure. We'd love to."
"Great, Naomi's mum invited us over. She said to bring you if you were okay with it."
"That's fine with me."

Gaku-nii stole a glance at Tsumugi, who silently went to his side. Tenn and I strayed to the back of the group as we made our way to Naomi's place.

His hand found mine, squeezing tight when my gaze lingered on Iori, although the male seemed not to notice me. A soft smile graced his face as he chatted with Tamaki and Riku about the delicious foods Naomi's mum would be making.

I unconsciously started swaying our arms a little, needing some kind of distraction. Nagi suddenly slowed down to match our pace, flashing a charming grin as a small greeting.

"You two not gonna talk to anyone?" he asked casually, just for small talk.
"*smiles* You're still as charming as ever, even after a day of work."
"Well, of course. I take very good care of my skin."
"Nagi, what do you think about being an idol?" asked Tenn.
"I like it. It's fun being with everyone."

He smiled, reminiscing the joyful times we had had with everyone. I loved everyone. They made my life joyous. I couldn't let a single obstacle get in the way of my life.

"(Y/n)-"

Mitsuki happily stepped between us, elbowing the blonde male. I let out a laugh, not forced yet not exactly heartfelt either. It was simply light...a little hollow. Nobody seemed to notice. I smiled.

"We're here," announced Riku.

Naomi immediately waved, a happy grin on her bright face. She gave me a side hug and a friendly greeting before rushing to Iori's side. Her face flushed a slight pink, her bashful gaze suddenly meeting mine. I held a thumbs up to which she replied with a smile.

I smothered the jealousy down into the back of my mind. Delicious aromas drifted through the air, almost making my mouth water. I dipped my head in greeting towards Naomi's mum, who offered a kind hello.

"Wow, this looks amazing!" Riku said.
"Please enjoy yourselves," she replied happily.
"Thank you for inviting us," Sogo exclaimed.
"Oh, it's no problem at all."

I took a seat beside Ryuu at the end of the table. Iori sat directly across from me with Naomi at his side. I made a point not to look at him, hoping to ease the ache in my disloyal heart.

With a subtle movement, I checked my phone under the table for any new messages from Anesagi. As expected, she had already sent me the details regarding tomorrow's schedule.

A sudden knock at the table interrupted me, making me look up to find Ryuu staring at me. He cleared his throat, to which I pouted and quietly put my phone away.

I noticed that there were already some pieces of food in my bowl before my eyes trailed to meet Ryuu's. He smiled gently as I gave his arm a thankful squeeze.

"Oi, you've already had five pieces! Give that to me!" Tamaki argued.
"I did not! This is only my second piece!" Riku replied.
"Guys, calm down," said Sogo, although his voice was drowned out by the loud chatter.
"Here, you can have mine," Naomi offered.

She passed her piece of tamagoyaki to Tamaki. He thanked her before digging in. Iori silently left his piece in her bowl as she turned her head away. I casually looked away when his gaze drifted upward.

They had gotten a lot closer than I had imagined...and it was weighing on my heart a lot more than I had anticipated. I quietly finished my bowl, listening to the others' conversations.

"You finished already?" Gaku-nii asked.
"Yeah-"

He raised an eyebrow and held his hand out. I simply stared at him, unsure of what he wanted me to do. He gestured towards my bowl, which I hesitantly handed over.

"Now eat some more," he said as he dumped the food from his own into mine.
"I'm full."
"Come on, (Y/n). You're already skinny enough," Naomi teased.
"I have no concerns about my weight. On the other hand, you're looking way too skinny. Now eat up."

I put my bowl down in front of her, barely escaping her outstretched fingers. Poking my tongue out, I hurried off to the lounge room, leaving the lively crowd behind.

The loneliness threatened to squeeze my heart tight. To be honest, I didn't want to stay there any longer. Although I knew social gatherings like this were meant for connecting, I got out my phone and called the necessary people in order to get started on Trigger's next concert.

"Hello, this is Trigger's assistant manager. I want to..."

The man happily agreed to my request. I smiled and ended the call. The tension left my bones as I finished yet another task on my list. Closing my eyes, I leaned my head back and simply waited for nothing.

Not a minute passed by before I felt someone's shadow fall over my body. I opened my eyes just as Tamaki reached out to pinch my cheeks. He grinned cheekily, and sat down beside me.

"They're eating dessert," he exclaimed.
"And you're not eating?"
"I did. I just wanted to tell you. Also, Mikki told me to tell you to loosen up and have fun."
"So he noticed..."
"Noticed what?"
"Nothing."
"Hey (Y/n), Tamaki," Ryuu greeted.

He handed me a plate of (favourite dessert). I gratefully thanked him as he sat down on the armchair.

"Ryuu-aniki, how can you dance so well? Tell me some tips," Tamaki said.
"Well, I don't have anything that I do in particular..."
"(Y/n)!"

Gaku-nii rushed in, his eyes frantic...not from worry but from shock. I stood up, sensing the tense mood he had created with his uncharacteristically hurried entrance.

"Dad's in the hospital. He was stabbed."