Charismatic Lie (Iori x reader)

Chapter 70

(Y/n)'s POV

I avoided the busy staff as they hurriedly made last minute checkups on the stage and rearranging equipment. I felt helpless. Although I was supposed to be here, Tsumugi had offered me no work.

People were shouting orders, others rushing to complete minor tasks. Tsumugi was on the other side, speaking to other staff members. The members of IDOLiSH7 were most likely still in the dressing room, getting ready for their mini concert.

I turned, unaware that someone was rushing past. My feet clumsily tripped over themselves before a pair of strong arms kept me from falling to the ground as I looked up to meet a pair of familiar eyes.

"(Y/n)-chan, you're back," Tamaki exclaimed.
"Yep."
"How're you doing?" Yamato asked from behind.
"Great. It feels good to be back."
"Make sure to cheer for us," Mitsuki added.
"*laughs* I will."

The others gathered around, a smile immediately appearing on my face. An intern suddenly came up to me, her words melding into one long nonsensical sentence as I struggled to understand her.

"Hold on, slow down. You're waiting on a...?"
"A rookie model. She's stuck in traffic but there's no time! I asked Takanashi-san if she knew anyone and she recommended you so um..."
"I'm sorry, I'm not a model. I'm just their assistant manager."
"Oh, really?...I'm sorry to have bothered you."
"I can help with that if you need."

We turned around at the sound of the sudden voice. Naomi flashed a kind smile my way before following the still talking intern to the waiting stylists and makeup artists.

"...why didn't you take the offer?" Iori asked.
"I'm not in a position to do it. Naomi's a great actress anyway, her career's promising. This'll help with her promotion. Come on, smile a little. Your girlfriend's gonna become a celebrity."
"Oh, but don't you help with Trigger?" asked Nagi.
"That's because we don't have an other replacement, and besides, it'll just cause unnecessary rumours if people found out."
"But-" Sogo began.
"You guys are on in ten minutes. Even though this is a short concert, I'm still expecting the best. Now give me your best shot. Each performance only happens once after all."
"You can count on us!" Tamaki replied.

They were ushered to get final preparations done before my sudden change in tone and subject could be pointed out. Pain gripped my heart in a tightening clench. This was a necessary step.

Tsumugi waved and came to stand by my side as we watched IDOLiSH7 take the stage. My heart pounded in anticipation. Without so much as a thought, I clasped my hands together.

"You haven't seen them perform for a while, have you?" Tsumugi asked.
"No, that's why I'm excited."

The lights dimmed before a single spotlight shone down on Riku. He began filling the arena with a sweet melody. The fans cheered, the crowds roaring with long-awaited support.

The spotlight switched from one member to another as the lyrics flowed smoothly together. I felt a smile creep onto my face as the song carried through without a hitch.

Until the spotlight shone on an empty spot. It was supposed to be Riku's turn. The audience couldn't see him, but I could. He had his hand over his mouth whilst bending down.

Tsumugi and I exchanged worried glances. Iori quickly took his place, gracefully stepping into the light as if it was his turn. Mitsuki surreptitiously gripped Riku's shoulder before joining his brother as the two sang the part together.

Tsumugi let out a sigh in relief. I rushed to the lighting room, where all the cameras and lighting on stage was directed. Hurriedly putting on a headset, I instructed the spotlight to follow Iori and Mitsuki.

"Now direct it to Yamato and Nagi. During the next verse, light up on Sogo and Tamaki."
"Miss, there's a problem with the white spotlight," exclaimed a staff member.
"That's fine. Use a light coloured tone to match their outfits."

I took a deep breath, hoping desperately...knowing that he had to be ready.

"Ease onto Riku. Slowly light up the whole stage as they sing the chorus."

Relief took over my body as he began singing, the pain from before seeming to have vanished into thin air. I clutched the chair in front of me, watching with anticipation. Fans roared and cheered as the members took formation and began their choreography.

I finally let myself breathe when the concert finished. A standing ovation...huh? The stage went dark as I rushed back to Tsumugi's side to congratulate them.

Yamato and I caught Riku as he fell. His breathing was unsteady, sweat drenching his body. Tsumugi was already dialling the ambulance as we eased Riku into a better position.

"You have to head to a photoshoot for a magazine in an hour. I'll accompany Riku to the hospital. Tsumugi-"
"Delay his shoot till last, right?"
"*smiles* Yep. Great work on the concert, guys. Iori, Mitsuki, good job filling in. You guys have really improved."
"Thanks (Y/n)!" Mitsuki replied happily.
"Naomi must still be..." Tsumugi started.
"I'll go check on her," said Iori.
"Make sure to be ready to leave soon."
"Alright."

I avoided his gaze as he hurriedly walked past. Riku's hand suddenly bumped against my arm, unnoticed words slipping past his lips before he drifted back into unconsciousness. Everything'll be fine.

The paramedics came and pulled him onto a stretcher. I waved goodbye to the others and followed after Riku. Whilst heading towards the hospital, I stared at the male's face, swirling his words around in my mind.

He needed to worry about himself. What would Tenn say if he saw his brother like this?... Most likely sprout harsh words only to disguise the worry underneath. I wondered about their past, about Tenn's refusal to talk to him.

"Are you his guardian?"
"Yes."
"Please fill out this form."

I put myself down as his guardian. His identification details also required filling out. He needed another emergency contact. A small smile edged onto my face as I wrote down his name before I could change my mind.

Name: Kujo Tenn
Affiliation to patient: Older brother