The current & the ex

Part 12

Saturday comes again. It means Inoo and Hikaru will be on-air for their radio show this evening. Inoo feels calm whenever Hikaru is with him. Because he does not have to pretend or hide his feelings just to impress others. Hikaru knows all his flaws and yet, the man stays by his side.

The awkwardness being around members is still there. Inoo finds it hard to mingle with Yamada these days- perhaps Daiki told his bestfriend about what happened between them at Takaki's apartment that night. Of course Yamada will side his bestfriend in this matter. Inoo is not that close to Yamada to begin with, so he does not mind it that much.

Yuto and Chinen on the other hand seem to be neutral. They will sit next to him during group activities now and then, however will avoid any topic related to Daiki as much as they could. Perhaps they are already warned by Hikaru to not touch on the topic.

Daiki? Inoo hasn't speak to him since that night, which was a week ago. They attended group activities as usual, but avoided each other as much as they could. Takaki too, has been eerily silent in JUMP's group-chat. He no longer shares beautiful beach photos like he used to. 

Yabu live up to his name as their 'leader', keeping everyone calm and professional. Though Inoo knows, the dispute within the group breaks Yabu's heart the most.

Apart from Hikaru, there is another person that constantly keeps him company.

Keito.

They become closer since Inoo's trip to New York. Keito is never tired to cheer him up in his own way, sharing some personal videos of him rehearsing in class and photos of the wierd faces he made when he fails. Inoo starts his day with inspirational messages Keito sent him and catches up with him again later that night via video call. He feels comfortable talking to Keito. The boy's advices regarding his relationship with Daiki are mature and non-judgmental. Inoo feels like he can tell Keito everything in his mind.

And often his words are thought provoking.

"The reason why we can't let go of someone is because deep inside we still have hope."

Inoo is amazed- and embarrassed- that Keito senses his true desire, the one Inoo himself often denies- hoping that Takaki will somehow screw up and Daiki will return to him again. 

It never happens. Takaki stayed committed to Daiki.

Unfortunately, no matter how much Inoo tried to distance himself, he still misses Daiki with all his heart.

Let's just confront him for the last time- Inoo thought.

Hence Inoo does what he did. He insisted on sending Daiki's meal that night, aware that Takaki will be home too.

Did he regret it? A little bit. Because Inoo knows Daiki has been crying non-stop since that night, as evident by the boy's swollen eyes. Seeing his beloved Daiki being in so much pain makes him feel like an awful person.

Daiki will never forgive me.

"Kei, are you all right?" Hikaru taps on the boy's shoulder.

"Just spacing off... is it our turn yet?"

"We still have few more minutes. Want some coffee?" Hikaru approaches the coffee table.

"No thanks... but I'll take milk though."

"What are you? A cat?"

"Well, they call me Inyan-Kei. NYAN!!" Inoo makes the cute 'cat-pose' like he usually did on his variety shows.

Hikaru laughs. "All right Inyan-Kei, here's your milk."

"Thanks," Inoo opens his milk carton with huge smile.