You hesitated for a moment before stepping back, allowing your emotions to slip into your expression as you raised both hands, shooting him both middle fingers as you mouthed the words ‘fuck off’. You didn’t bother with sticking around to gauge his reaction, yanking out of the panicked hands of the people working backstage and striding down the corridors, thinking that anywhere would be better than being on that stage with Kou. Did that delusional prick actually think you would step out onto that stage so he could publicly humiliate you, as well as paint a massive target onto your back in the eyes of his rabid little fanbase. No way in hell; you had played along with all his little ploys and games, but you drew a line at being exposed to the world. Plus, who knew where any photos may end up? Sure social media wasn’t as big a thing in this world, but tabloids still existed and people still gossiped relentlessly. There was no telling whether this wouldn’t get around to the Sakamakis. Kou only wanted one thing - to prove to you that you had no power - and protecting you was clearly the last thing on his mind.
“Oh my god, what the hell was that chick thinking back there?” You stopped walking as voices made their way to your ears, disbelief heavy in their tones.
“I know! As if anyone could actually pass up a chance to appear onstage with Kou Mukami! Utter garbage; I don’t care how bad your stage fright is you would do it anyway!” A group of girls rounded the corner up ahead and they froze as their eyes landed on you. One of them stepped forward, a grimace forming on her face.
“I saw you in the limo with Kou-kun earlier.” She said flatly, eyes narrowed. “You’re the girl who was supposed to go onstage, aren’t you?”
“So what if I am?”
“Kou-kun is very precious to us. If you’re just using him for fame or money then―”
“Woah woah, who said anything about using him? We aren’t a couple!” She blinked, apparently taken aback by this information.
“You’re...not?”
“No! That’s why I didn’t want to go out onstage! I knew how misleading it would seem, and quite frankly I didn’t want to upset my actual partner. Kou and I are just friends; I came as emotional support since he was feeling more on edge than usual.”
“Oh! That’s so nice of you! I’m so glad Kou-kun has such a great friend in his corner. Please continue to support him, for all of us.” She gave you a respectful bow, the others following suite before they all walked on, waving happily over their shoulders.
“What an expert liar you are, M neko-chan.” Kou’s voice came from directly behind you, cold and hard. “You ran from me.” You turned slowly to see his expression was one of fury, his mouth turned down in dissatisfaction.
“What did I lie about? We aren’t a couple,” you pointed out. “Did you really think I would let you drag me out there so you could turn me into some sort of spectacle? Then I’d come across your fans and they’d attack me over taking you from them or some ridiculous bullshit like that? No thanks.” He glared at you and you smiled in response, reaching up and patting his right cheek, thumb skimming underneath his eye. “Am I lying to you, Kou? Is that why you’re so angry?”
“I think we both know that’s not why I’m angry!” His voice raised to a shout as he shoved you back against the wall, pulling his hand back as if to hit you. However, right as he swung his fist voices echoed down the hallway toward you, sounding like dozens of his fans were approaching. He scowled down at you before yanking you to him, the world blurring around you until your body slammed into cold metal. You slid down the side of the limousine with a gasp, ribs aching ferociously. He leaned down and got hold of a fistful of hair, pulling you to your feet and pushing you onto the car bonnet, looming over you with a hateful smile. “I’m cashing in on that IOU, M neko-chan...with interest.” He tore the collar of your dress right off, leaning down and nibbling teasingly at your skin, not quite breaking it.
