Chapter 78

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(Y/n)'s POV

The days had come and gone in a flash. I dedicated myself to work. I needed a big distraction and this proved to be the solution. It allowed me to ignore the heartache, the pain and betrayal but above all...Iori and Naomi.

And it just so happened that IDOLiSH7 were filming in a special location today with Naomi as the main star. I sat underneath a tree with large branches reaching out towards the sky and tiredly completed the paperwork.

I looked at the members as they acted. Yamato was the best but the others weren't far behind. I found myself longing to be with them. I longed to share their laughter and their sorrows...

Tsumugi brought me a cup of coffee, which I took after quietly thanking her. She joined me in the shade of the ancient tree. I scooted my bag over to make room for her and put on a nonchalant smile.

"Are you still going out with my brother? Or did my falling out with IDOLiSH7 ruin your chance?"
"(Y/n), I...no, I haven't seen him since then but I don't want to believe that it had anything to do with..." she answered softly.
"I see..."

Naomi began walking towards us with Iori's hand tightly grasped in hers. I gritted my teeth before flashing an innocent smile in mockery of her futile efforts. She held a hand out for Tsumugi to take, pointedly ignoring my presence.

"Let's go hang out somewhere else," she exclaimed.
"Hanging out in the middle of work? How irresponsible."
"You have no idea how hard I've worked to come here. I think I deserve a little break," she seethed.
"And who was it that got you the job?"
"(L/n)-san, that's enough," Iori warned.
"Alright, I'll leave you two royal highnesses to your well-deserved break. See you later, Tsumugi."
"(Y/n)-"

I gathered up my things and hurriedly left them for want of better or no company. An irritated sigh left my mouth as I took a new spot on a bench in the sun.

My eyes moved back to the three against my better judgement. My mouth turned into a thin line as I noticed Naomi hug Iori's arm before leaning on his shoulder. He flashed the quickest of smiles but it was soon replaced by an indifferent expression as soon as he saw me watching.

My phone rang at that moment. I picked it up, wanting to disappear from this life. Gaku-nii's voice immediately soothed my worries as I answered, hoping my anxiety didn't show.

"Yeah?"
"There's an event or function of some sort for new idols and currently popular artists. We're invited," he informed.
"So when is it?"
"In a few days. You're coming too."
"Huh? Why?"
"You're our assistant manager, aren't you? Believe it or not, you actually got an invite. Anesagi did too. I heard that IDOLiSH7 got invited as well. So will you be joining us?"

Either Trigger or IDOLiSH7, huh? I didn't want to take my chances.

"Of course I will be."
"Great. By the way, is everything okay?" he asked tentatively.
"Everything's fine."
"*sigh* That old man, I swear I'll kill him one day."
"I hope that was a joke."
"Who knows?"

I finally laughed. My brother always knew how to lift my spirits. I couldn't imagine him in prison, nor did I want to. Despite his lighthearted jest, I couldn't get the odd feeling out of my chest.

Gaku's POV

"Oi Gaku, where're you going?" Ryuu asked.
"Do you really need to ask?"
"*sigh* Don't cause any trouble."
"That's like asking for a miracle to happen," Tenn commented.

I ignored his mockery and headed out of the room. Nobody paid me any mind for it was our break and the sharp look on my face was most likely enough to make them stop in their tracks.

The walk to his office didn't take long, and by this time, I couldn't care less whether he was in an important meeting or not. Without knocking, I entered the area and found my heart drop a little as my eyes swept around, catching Momo's gaze for a split second.

"Oi, old man. We need to talk."
"What now? Can't you see that I'm busy?" he asked, subtly gesturing to the curious idol staring between the two of us.
"It can't wait," I growled.

His eyes told me that he already knew why I was here. I angrily stormed to him before grabbing the front of his shirt. He seemed unfazed by my behaviour yet I could detect a slight change in his expression.

"Why the hell do you keep threatening her? Huh?"
"She never listens. It's as simple as that," he replied matter-of-factly.
"You- stop it. Stop...I'll even get on my knees so stop..."

He shoved me aside and straightened his clothes. I gritted my teeth as he gestured for me to do as I had said, all the while adorning an arrogant smirk. He sure was enjoying this sweet revelation.

"W-whoa, hold it. I just remembered! Gaku promised to show me something! Sorry Mr Yaotome, can we do this another time?" Momo asked desperately.
"Tch, I guess there's nothing I can do about that," he replied.
"Great, thanks!"

I was left in shock as the male pulled me away from dad's office. He didn't stop until we were further down the corridor. I flashed him a look of confusion as he sported a cheeky grin.

"You're welcome," he exclaimed.
"Tch, I didn't ask for your help."
"Ne, what's happening between you and your dad?"
"...none of your business."
"Is (Y/n) involved?"
"It's nothing for you to worry about. By the way, are you going to that event thing?"
"Yep, Yuki and I got an invite. What about you?"
"Yeah, we're going."

I let a small sigh escape before leaning against the wall. Momo mimicked my action and so, we both stood there thinking; thinking about things...about what would be different if the circumstances could be changed.

I prayed for (Y/n)'s safety and exchanged smiles with Momo. His closed smile soon turned into a large grin. We both burst into laughter just as Tenn and Ryuu came across us.

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