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ravcnism · 7 months ago

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STRIKEOUT. ( PART 2 ) — KEN SATO x Male!Athlete READER

Summary: An after-party. A conversation-turned-confrontation. Kenji finally meets the esteemed Toyo Bullet and struggles to define the difference between anger, terror, and infatuation.

# # TAGS: Even More Tension, Kenji Has a Good Relationship with His Team, Intense First Encounter, Domestic Sato Family Shenanigans

# # WARNINGS: Mature Language, Alcohol Consumption, Nothing Too Crazy, No Beta Again We Die Like Onda

Note: Okay, here we go: the actual second part. Again, I am so sorry for accidentally publishing my draft earlier — I am ill with embarrassment. But I’m very happy to know that people look forward to it! If you read the false-post, then you’ve only read half of the chapter. This one has over 3000 words more! Enjoy.

“It was a nail-biter of a game here at the New Tokyo stadium tonight, folks. Right off the bat, both teams were going neck and neck, toe-to-toe. And it seemed like neither one was willing to give an inch! Our home team managed to pull off a narrow victory in the end, and by narrow, I mean narrow, Kiba.”

“That is absolutely right, Sasaki. I truly have never seen anything like it in my entire career. And you know- you know I know a lot of baseball. You know I’ve been doing this for many years, but wow! Just- insane.”

“Truly a close call. Eight additional innings? To break the tie? I cannot believe it. Let me tell you, neither the Hiroshima Toyo Carp nor the Yomiuri Giants wanted to lose today.”

“If you look at the crowd, It looks like everyone’s been wanting to go home.”

Exhausted was an understatement. Kenji hadn’t felt this drained after a game since, well, only months ago: when he was still juggling the responsibilities of raising a baby Kaiju, carrying the weight of being Ultraman, and maintaining his reputation as a well-known baseball player. All of these, on top of the sleepless nights, no longer hindered him from his work. He usually left the stadium feeling brand new every single time — regardless of whether they won or lost. He had grown and learned to lean on people, to ask for help, accept defeat. Which was good and all that, but the point was: he was exhausted from this game. You had him panting for air like an overworked dog.

Shimura had Kenji on the field for longer than he should have been. While his younger, more egotistical self might have loved his moment in the spotlight, running base to base for six innings in a row was unsurprisingly really tiring. The teams had hit a clean tie by the ninth inning, and the tie-breaker lasted for eight more. You were eating their rookies alive and having their journeymen for dessert. When Shimura realized that Sato was the only one batting your pitches, he had him play for every round after the tie. The only times Kenji wasn’t on the field was when you weren’t either. Which wasn’t a lot. It scared him how you looked like you could throw that ball for days.

“Hiroshima’s L/n is just- an absolute unit, isn’t he?”

“He certainly is, Kiba. He certainly is. I mean his performance was near inhuman tonight. Each pitch was a gem and we- he really wanted us to know that he’s here, he’s ready, and he’s willing to change Japanese baseball. He was a major force out there on the field.”

“I cannot agree with you more. But credit where credit is due, we all know that the only reason the Giants are coming home with tonight’s win is because of none other than Ken Sato himself.”

“That’s right, Sato really put up a fight. L/n was throwing him off balance every time, but he always found his footing. I think tonight might have been the hardest I’ve seen him work. You know he- he usually makes his plays look effortless — disregarding last season’s slump.”

“I say he held his own very, very impressively. The team was right to rely on him. I know we’ve spoken a lot about their tension, but I’d say it’s their dynamic that really drove the point home. They were like- mirrors of each other out there. When you put two equal forces together, they deflect. You know what I’m saying?”

Kenji’s hand shook with a weakness he wasn’t familiar with. He stared at his calloused palm and noticed his fingers twitching. Shit. It really was some game. He might have been hitting the ball, but he was barely getting it through the field. Not only were your pitches fast, but there was weight to them, too. He was witnessing the caliber of your capabilities; understanding why you were the talk of every city.

The rest of the Giants came walking into the locker room, jeering and laughing amongst themselves. “That L/n is a real piece of work, ain't he?” Shirakumo, number 24, sat himself next to Kenji, unlacing his shoe. “Never seen anything like it.”

“Did you see the look on Tateoka’s face?” Yuki laughed, smacking his thigh. “Dude was scared shitless!”

“Hey!” Tateoka frowned in reply, tugging his jersey off his arms. “You try standing in front of that guy and telling me you don't feel a little threatened.” He shuddered, remembering the look in your eyes. Dark and pointed and menacing. “He was staring me down like he was gonna—”

“Eat you alive?” Kenji scoffed.

The team went silent, then erupted into a cluster of teasing ‘oooh’s. God. It reminded him of highschool.

“Oohh, yeah.” Yamada, number 21, slid over to him with a teasing tone. He wrapped an arm around Kenji’s shoulder and squeezed him closer. “I don't think I've ever seen Sato so shaken!”

He laughed, playfully pushing him away. He was also actually really sore on that shoulder. Hell, he could already feel the pain he’d need to go through just to get up tomorrow. He was going to need another ice bath. The rest of the boys jumped in on the jokes.

“Did you see the way he was looking at you Ken?” Tokuda opened his locker, grabbing a shirt from the top shelf. He whistled. “Like he wanted your head on a plate.”

Tanaka chuckled. “He wanted you dead, man!”

Kenji rolled his eyes. “Alright, alright. Let's not get carried away. I never said I was shaken.”

“But that last bat was sweet as hell.” Yuki nodded. “I doubt any of us would've gotten through the guy if it weren't for Sato.”

“Well, duh.” Shirakumo shrugged. None of the Giants denied it. Ken was their star player. And tonight proved it more than ever. “We owe you for drinks, bud. Give us a date and we'll treat ya’ to someplace you like.” He slapped Ken’s back affectionately, which elicited a pained groan. “Shit, sorry.”

Kenji’s watch started beeping. He flinched at the sound, eyes widening slightly. “Uh, see you in a sec, guys. I gotta take this.”

He was there a moment, then gone the next. Kenji rushed himself out the hallways and into an empty locker room to answer Mina’s call. “Hey!” he greeted, anxiously. A screen projected itself from his watch and lit up his face. “Hey. Hi. What's wrong? Everyone alright? I know I said I'd be home soon, but the game took way longer than–”

He was interrupted by cheering. His father clapped and whooped with excitement as Emi occupied the background, screeching with glee. Kenji could see the ground shaking as she was jumping around and doing her special dance. One of Mina’s arms was protruding from the wall and waving celebratory flags. It immediately put a smile on his face, easing the tension from his shoulders. He was always happy to see everyone alright, and even happier to see them as their silly selves.

“Kenji!” cheered Hayao. “That was an incredible game! You were unstoppable!” The professor chuckled. Emi picked him up into a hug, slightly toppling the camera over. His legs swung like a ragdoll’s. “Okay, okay girl-”

Ken laughed, slightly shaking his head. “Easy, Emi. Put Grandpa down.”

“It was a very impressive game, Ken. Perhaps one of your bests.” Mina’s calculative yet affectionate voice echoed from his watch.

Hayao fell to the floor with an ‘oof’. “You didn't tell me you were playing against THEE Mets’ Bullet!” He scrambled to stand up, barely leaning on his cane. “I wasn’t even aware that he was signed into the Carp!”

Kenji’s smile immediately faded. “Okay.” He rolled his eyes. “He was alright, I guess. And we don’t actually know if he signed into it or if he was traded. We barely heard anything about him from the press.”

“Alright?” Professor Sato gasped, appalled. “Kenji, he was spectacular! He’s a lot like you, you know. I’ve always suspected that the both of you equalled in skill, but to see it in action? Phew.�� He wiped some pretend sweat off of his forehead. “What a show! Eight extra innings to break a tie? Unbelievable! I highly doubt that he was traded. Who in their right mind would purposely lose a player like that?”

Kenji scoffed. “He wasn’t that good.” His sore limbs would like to say otherwise.

“He had you chasing after his pitches like a dog!”

“I don’t like that analogy.”

“I ought’ to rewatch that documentary they made about him. You know they’ve done studies on the physics of his throws.”

“Dad.”

“And how fortunate for Hiroshima to have gotten him out of all teams! I can tell that this season is going to turn around really fast. Just today he’s already scored-”

“Dad!”

“Oh. Sorry.” Hayao chuckled. “I’m just very excited to see the both of you on the same field.” Kenji sighed, nodding his head. “Anyway, congratulations on the win, my boy. I’m so proud of you. I always am. Get home safe. It may be late, but we still have a lot of leftovers from dinner!” Emi made a noise that let him know she was waiting, too.

Going home sounded like heaven. Ken wanted nothing more but to rest. Maybe kick back and have a chocolate shake while he and his family watched cartoons to fall asleep. It was the perfect way to end his night. It had been an unexpectedly long day and he looked forward to tomorrow’s well-earned break. Eight extra innings might even win him a second day of rest. Or a third, if Shimura agreed not to schedule him for the next game. Which, he doubted, if it meant you’d be playing.

“I’m on my way.” He ended the call, and opted to take the fastest way out, desperate to avoid the press.

Ken collapsed onto the floor, snuggling into Emi’s arm. Having washed up and eaten his dinner, he felt the last remains of his adrenaline-fueled strength die out like a dwindling flame. He felt as if his limbs were about to fall off. “Ugh,” he groaned. “I’m going to be so sore tomorrow.” Emi didn’t much care. She seemed to be preoccupied by the new ( gigantic ) stacking blocks that Mina made for her. Ken sighed, sinking deeper into her arm. “She always smells so good after her baths.” The baby Kaiju’s warm and heavy grasp felt like a weighted blanket. It was a comfort that Ken would find nowhere else.

Professor Sato walked past them, chuckling into his coffee mug. “That, she does. You should have seen her earlier, you know. I’ve never seen her so invested in a game.”

Kenji hummed. “Is that right?” He rolled onto his stomach, facing Emi. “Hey. Baby.” He poked her cheek. “Is that true? Did you cheer for Daddy? I bet you did.” Giving into his cuteness aggression he rubbed at her cheeks. Emi expressed her annoyance through a small squeak. “God, that mean old Bullet had Daddy running laps, didn’t he? We hate him, don’t we?” Kenji pushed her cheeks up and down, leading her into a nod. “Yes we dooo.”

Professor Sato laughed. “Whatever happened to sportsmanship?”

“Whatever happened to loyalty?” He pouted. “My own father, rooting against me. I would never root against you, Emi.” Wanting to return to her blocks, Emi lifted Kenji up by his torso and placed him on her head. The batter laughed, laying on her with no protest.

“What!” The professor exclaimed. “I never said I was rooting against you. I was just— feeling enthusiastic, that’s all. For both teams.”

Mina entered the room, her mechanisms humming faintly. “Good evening, everyone.” The Sato’s greeted her accordingly. “I have a message for Ken.”

The mentioned Ken slumped into his daughter, rolling his eyes. “Here we go. I bet it’s the press.” He scoffed. “Let me guess, at least 30 emails asking for my statement. Or, better yet, it’s Shimura warning me not to miss the next game.” He raised his fist, mocking a reporter’s tone: “We’ve witnessed baseball history tonight, folks! Blah, blah, blah.”

“Actually, it’s an invitation for something else.” Mina hovered closer. “An event.”

This caught his attention. Kenji tilted his head. “For what?”

“A party, hosted by various sponsors.”

“Bit too early for an afterparty, don’t you think?” Ken sighed, resting his head on folded arms. “We’ve only won one game.”

“I suppose it’s to celebrate Mr. L/n as well.” Mina would shrug if she had the shoulders to do so. “His coming to Japan is quite a big deal.”

“Great.” Kenji was half-asleep by then, eyes already closed. “All the more reason for me not to go.” The professor had settled himself onto one of the desks, getting into some light reading. Emi had grown tired herself, and decided that she was not interested in the blocks anymore. Waddling to her spot, (with Kenji still on her head), she yawned, and opted for some much-needed sleep.

Mina’s light blinked. “I think you should go, Ken.”

The rightfielder cracked one eye open. “And why would I do that?”

“I think it would benefit you to interact with Mr. L/n more.”

“Mina, that’s literally the last thing I want.”

“Is it?”

Ken frowned. “What do you mean, ‘is it’? Of course it is.”

“Your vitals seemed to say otherwise earlier.”

Kenji scoffed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I was keeping careful watch of your vitals, as I always do. I have your daily status tracked and recorded.”

Kenji couldn't get rid of Mina’s voice in his head. Even amidst the warm crowd, with chatter swaying smoothly atop of light r&b music, he felt as if he could still hear her words ringing in the back of his mind. It remained vivid, though she had told it to him days ago. It was as clear as day. Like a broken record.

“Believe it or not, the heart beats differently for every emotion. There is a difference between fear, anxiety, excitement, and—”

Kenji stared at you from across the room, watching as you conversed with your team, nursing a glass of cold, hard whiskey. He watched as you bowed your head and smiled, listening for the faint, muffled sound of your laughter. He wondered what you were talking about; what joke might have made you grin that hard. He wondered why you seemed to illuminate a room, and why everyone seemed so drawn. His eyes were caught in the way the colorful lights sank into your hair.

“—Infatuation.”

You looked up, and your eyes met his. Kenji flinched. He felt his heart skip a beat. Shit, he thought. Mina was definitely going to catch that. She had probably already marked it down to tease him for it later. You held his gaze for longer than he could have standed and greeted him with that same annoying wink. The same one you gave him on the field. Confident, snarky, playful. You lifted your glass and took a sip, eyes still trained on his.

“What you may perceive as frustration for him might just be the opposite.”

Kenji's jaw clenched. Mina had no idea what she was talking about.

And he would prove her wrong tonight.

Like a soldier marching into battle, he waded through the party to make his way towards you. Was he intimidated? Yes. Unfortunately, he was. But he knew his way around a crowd, and his weapon-of-a-tongue knew all the right talk to make a conversation work. He was sociable like that. He was a poet, a wordsmith. If you weren't careful, one little exchange could have you wrapped around his finger. Some people called it his charisma, some blamed it on his irresistible good looks. Either way, Ken took it. He wasn't going to deny the fact that people loved talking to him — though he, admittedly, didn't really like talking to them in return. But he could do it. He could make it work.

Besides, how bad could you be?

With a newfound confidence, Ken dared to get closer. The distance between you and him lessened, and– oh, fuck, was that your cologne? He blinked. You smelled so good. Why did you smell so good? “Hey. Hi.” Shit. Abort mission. No, it's too late. Too awkward to back out. You were already looking at him. “L/n, yeah?” He spoke your name like he only just remembered you upon seeing you. When in truth, he hadn't stopped thinking about you since that damn first pitch. “Some game, huh?” Ken held his hand out for you to shake. ‘Fuck, I hope he doesn't notice how clammy it is.’

“Ken Sato.” It was the first time he heard your voice, as well as the first time he heard you say his name. He didn't like how his body reacted. There was a small shiver down his spine, a tingling flutter in his chest. You took his hand. Yours was cold. So cold. Kenji concluded that the icy glass of whiskey you had placed on the counter was to blame. He could feel your callouses against his. Your hands mirrored one another, marked with the battlescars of your sport. He was oddly sensitive to every detail. Touching you was.. a sensation.

You gave him a firm shake before promptly letting go.

“That's me,” he said, miraculously. Ken was oscillating between panic and confidence at a speed that likely wasn't normal. He was holding his own, though. Like the real champ he was. It was surreal to be standing in front of you without a ball to keep you apart. No bat, no competition. Just you, and a few shots of alcohol. “You adjusting into Japan alright?”

“As well as I can.” You shrugged. You had a tone to you; an elegant air of grace and self-assurance. You had no need to raise your voice because you knew he'd do his best to listen. It was pissing him off. “It's definitely different from the States.”

“I gotta say, I'm pretty surprised to see you here.” Ken usually knew what to say when it came to conversations. He never blanked out at interviews, nor left dead air hanging at conferences. But speaking with you made him feel like his vocabulary was on a limit. “After a game like that?” He whistled. “A lesser man would've taken a week off.”

“But we're not lesser men, are we, Ken?” A waitress passed by. Without the need to look, you had grabbed two shots of vodka from her tray. You handed the other one to him. “That's why you're here, too.”

He stared at you, brows furrowed slightly. “Exactly.” He took the shot from your hand and bumped the rim against yours. “Cheers.”

You grinned. “Cheers.”

Kenji tilted his head back, downing his drink, tasting the fire run down his throat. His face screwed up a little, but not enough for you to notice. You did the same, sighing the heat out of your nose. You allowed a small laugh to slip past your lips. “Japan’s liquor is surprisingly stronger.”

Kenji chuckled. “Yeah. If you know where to look.” The music felt like it was growing louder. He leaned in to speak to you better. “You know, I can't believe this is the first time we're meeting.”

You nodded. “Neither can I.”

“The Mets and Dodgers have always been at each other's throats, and yet—”

“Our schedules just never lined up.” You scoffed. “What are the odds of that, huh?”

It really was such a coincidence. If Ken had known that your interactions would've fired the press up as much as it did now, he would've fought to face you sooner. “When was it?” He snapped his fingers, trying to remember. “Playoffs. 2019, I think. The Mets were set to face the Dodgers.”

“2019,” you repeated, brows raised. “I was there.” Kenji took notice of the way your head slightly shifted to the side. Like you were trying to get a better look at him. He swallowed thickly. “I was there.” You shrugged. “You weren't.”

“I was overseas.” He was wanting another drink. But, speaking to you was surprisingly not horrible. “Didn't get back until 3 months in. And when I did—”

“I wasn't there,” you chuckled. “Alright. I remember. 2019, I was gone for half the season. Injury.”

“The world was in shambles.” Ken grinned at you. A second waiter passed by. He grabbed you another glass of whiskey. He took scotch for himself. “See what I mean? It's like– divine intervention.”

“Big word.” To say that fate had a hand to play in yours and his meeting was beyond your beliefs. You didn't place your trust in things like that. But to know that he had thought about it was charming.

“Hey.” Ken shrugged. “Ya’ never know.”

The music shifted, and so did the lights. There was a moment of quiet between the both of you, and in that time, you found a common interest in people-watching. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, nor the absence of something to talk about. The two of you merely agreed upon the minutes it took to watch the party unfold. A good number of the guests were already drunk. The dance floor was alight and occupied mostly by women. Ken rested his weight on one foot, sighing at his still-aching muscles. He wondered if you were any sore too.

“They love it, don't they?” You leaned your back against the counter, arms crossed over your chest. Ken took quick notice of the necklace worn loosely around your neck. A silver dogtag, similar to his. “The drama. The intensity. Even the things that go on beyond the field.”

Ken shrugged. “It's baseball. Who doesn't?”

“Exactly.” You smiled. “Which is why it's important to always let the home team win the first game.”

It took a moment for Kenji to process what you said. He was distracted by the colorful lights, his favorite song coming on, and a tray full of hors d'oeuvres. “Mhm.” He reached over to take one, before— “Wait.” His brows knitted together. “I'm sorry, what?”

“Hm?” You had your lips pressed together into a thin line. Your expression feigned innocence, a stark contrast to your bold statement. “I said it's important to let the home team win the first game.”

Kenji made a sound between a scoff and a laugh. He couldn't believe his ears. Had he been standing by the speakers for too long? “No, I heard what you said. What I'm asking is what you're saying.” It was a dare of a reply, with a tone that commanded: go on. Clarify.

Your smile refused to leave your face. Nearing the batter, ever so carefully, you whispered:

“I'm saying you won because I let you.”

Kenji blinked.

And there it was. He knew you were too good to be true. Goddammit, he knew it! Beneath your seemingly-perfect self was something cold and rotten and he called it. He fucking called it. How thrilled he was to be correct, and oh, how utterly terrified.

But this was good. This was absolutely good. He needed something to hold onto, something to keep himself afloat. The next time he found himself drowning in your eyes again, he'd only need to remember that you were a grade A asshole. That you had the audacity to claim that you were in full control of the game. Surely it would solve all his problems.

Kenji broke out into a laugh. It started out as a small cluster of sarcastic chuckles, but erupted into actual laughter. You were funny. So, so funny. Unbeknownst him, you were watching with amusement. “Because you let me!” Kenji repeated, smiling, but, exasperated. Two can play at that game. “Right. Of course. Totally not because you're an average pitcher and I can bat anything you throw.”

“If that helps you sleep at night.” You shrugged. Your attention wasn't on him anymore. You were watching the crowd, disinterested.

Kenji felt his eye twitch. “That's big talk coming from someone who got struck out by a rookie.” He was referring to the eighth inning, when Tateoka managed to bat your pitch into a homerun.

“That's right, Sato.” You laughed, low and sultry. “Batted by a rookie. How could I have struck you out at the last inning but be batted by a rookie?” You tilted your head at him, brows knitted together. You spoke in a sickeningly soft tone. Like you were helping a toddler understand something simple. “Doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, does it?”

Kenji was growing flustered. His face was warm and his fist was itching to meet your cheek. Nobody spoke to him this way. Sure guys had been mean to him before, but it was mostly because they were threatened by him. They'd tried to put him down and pick apart his flaws, but what you were doing was something different. You weren't claiming that he was weak, you were claiming that you were stronger. You didn't deny the amount of talent that Ken had in his body, but you were fully convinced that you had more. You were bigger, smarter, and better. And you had him under your control.

“Oh, c’mon. Seriously?” God, your voice. It infuriated him. It drove him insane. You leaned in, closer, whispering your words, as if hearing you through the party wasn't hard enough. He could smell the whiskey on your breath. It mingled with your cologne. It was intoxicating. “Are you blushing?”

He scoffed in disbelief. “No.” Except he totally was. He could feel the heat radiating off of his face. His breathing had gone shallow, his heartbeat rapid. “Why would I– Tch. You— You don't know what you're talking about.” Holy shit. He was a mess.

He wanted so desperately to blame it on the alcohol, but he knew damn well he wasn't drunk enough to be acting the way he was. He was stumbling over his words stone-cold sober.

You were smiling. He was dying, and you were smiling. “You amuse me, Sato.”

Ken took a cautious step back, knowing that being that close to you for too long was only going to make him worse. “Who the hell do you think you are, huh?” He had to retaliate somehow. Like a soldier fumbling for his sword, he had to get up and do something. “You don't think I don't know what this is? Where you're heading?”

You tilted your head. “Do enlighten me.”

He wrinkled his nose. “Sure. Celebrity-Athlete from America waltzes into Japan thinking he's the shit— that he can rule the world. He's a shiny new toy and everyone's just dying to catch a look. Nevermind that his old team traded him off, nevermind that he goes home to an empty penthouse. He's got the stats to prove his skills and he thinks he doesn't need anything else.” Ken dared to retake a step forward. He sort of regretted it when you didn't take a step back. “Well, guess what,” he continued. “I've been where you are. I know how you feel, what you're thinking.

Everything you're trying to be is a shadow of what I already was.”

There was a beat of silence. You weren't smiling anymore. You were staring at him, stone-faced, seemingly indifferent.

Kenji narrowed his eyes. “So don't go talking to me like you're any better.”

He didn't know what to expect. You were quiet for such a long time that he thought you were going to snap. He partially expected a punch to the chin. But you were calm. There wasn't a trace of irritation on your face. Instead, you set your glass of whiskey — now empty — on the counter behind you. With a sigh, you shoved a hand in your pocket. “Are you done?”

Kenji blinked.

“Let me tell you something, Sato.” You raised a brow at him. Ken felt his heartbeat pick up again. Your once-approachable gaze shifted into something cold and commanding. He swallowed thickly. “There is a difference between you and me. And that difference is the fact that I don't settle.”

Kenji was glaring at you, brows fixed together.

A teammate called you from the other side of the room. You nodded at him, once, then returned your focus to the Yomiuri Prince. You placed a hand on his shoulder, tauntingly, smiling at him as if you'd known him your whole life. “I hope last season’s slump accustomed you to the feeling of losing those points.”

Kenji wanted to say something, but his lips refused to move. Somehow, the blaring music in the background had faded into a muffled blur. All he could hear was your voice. Like a moth to a flame.

You winked at him. Again. And like before, his body reacted in ways he didn't like. You squeezed his shoulder once, before leaving to go to your friend. With your back turned against him, Kenji released the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He clutched his chest, watching wide-eyed as you moved through the crowd. He could still smell your cologne. The last thing he heard from you was,

“I'll see you on the field.”

taglist: @fairy-lenaa @moonjellyfishie @witchygod — Thank you for your patience!

#kenji sato #ken sato x reader #x reader #ultraman rising #ken sato x male reader #kenji sato x male reader

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cosmiclily · 22 days ago

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.ᐟ chapter one: can you see me using everything to hold back?

wc: 1k

cw: talk about death of parents (literally one sentence)

the first time we met, the first thing I noticed about vi was her ridiculous haircut and how she had the most beautiful blue eyes i had ever seen (which wasn’t saying much, considering I was only 10). i instantly wanted to be her friend. but my mom had told me that she and powder were still adjusting and their situation was a little delicate since they had just lost their parents. so, i held myself back as much as I could.

three weeks later, when the adoption papers were signed by vander and they officially became his daughters, i was given the mission of helping the girls feel at home. they were very shy at first, but ekko and i helped them, and in no time, vander’s house had become their home. from then on, vi and I became the best of friends. i covered for her when she got into fights at school, we studied together, played together, we were basically inseparable.

i remember one afternoon not long after the adoption. vi was sitting on the roof, kicking her legs idly and staring at the stars. she looked lost in thought. I hesitated for a moment, not sure if i should bother her, but eventually, i walked over and sat beside her.

“what’re you doing out here all by yourself?” i asked, trying to sound casual.

“just thinking,” she said, her voice quiet. she didn’t look at me, but her hands fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. “it’s weird, you know? having a new home.”

i didn’t know what to say to that, so i just nodded. “yeah, I guess it would be.”

she finally looked at me, her gaze piercing but soft “do you think it’ll get easier?”

i smiled, trying to reassure her even though I wasn’t sure myself. “yeah, i think so. you’ve got vander now. and powder. and… me.”

she smiled for the first time that day. “you’re not too bad, I guess.”

i laughed. “not too bad? wow, thanks for the compliment.”

──────────────────────

life couldn’t have been better—until we got to high school and vi had a growth spurt and became insufferable. not only did she get taller and figure out how to manage her hair, but she also developed a sense of style and made it her mission to break every heart in zaun. Suddenly, every hallway we walked down was filled with girls trying to catch her attention, and she seemed to enjoy it.

one day, as we walked home together, i couldn’t help but tease her about it.

“you know, you’ve got a fan club now,” i said, smirking.

vi raised an eyebrow. “a fan club? what are you talking about?”

i gestured back towards the school. “those girls who basically tripped over themselves trying to say hi to you. pretty sure one of them nearly fainted when you smiled at her.”

she laughed, a confident sound that only made her more infuriating. “can i help it if people think i’m charming?”

i rolled my eyes. “charming? not so sure. annoying? definitely.”

she bumped her shoulder against mine, her grin widening. “admit it, you’d miss me if i wasn’t around.”

i looked away, trying to hide the flush on my cheeks. “yeah, right. you’re just my backup for when ekko’s busy.”

“liar,” she said, laughing again.

i shouldn’t have cared about any of that, but my brain decided it would be a fantastic idea to fall in love with her. so, every time she had a girl around—whether it was someone new she was flirting with or a girlfriend she brought home—i had to pretend life was great and that it didn’t affect me at all.

it got harder as time went on. every stolen glance at her became more unbearable, every casual touch felt like torture, and every time i saw her with someone else, it felt like a reminder that she’d never look at me the way I wanted her to. but i couldn’t show it, couldn’t let her or anyone else know how I felt. i was scared our friendship would suffer the consequences of my feelings, so i buried it deep, pretending that everything was fine.

which it was, it actually became second nature by the time we moved in together for college.

our apartment was small but comfortable, and vi's personality seemed to fill every corner. she had insisted on hanging a crooked poster of a rock band that jinx had gifted her—a band she loved—in the living room, despite all my protests.

“it’s not crooked,” she argued, stepping back and tilting her head. “it’s artistic.”

“it’s crooked,” i said, crossing my arms. “fix it or i’m taking it out.”

vi grinned at me. “if i fix it, where’s the fun in watching you suffer?”

“you’re impossible.”

“you love me,” she said casually, turning to grab her drink from the counter. my heart stuttered, and I quickly looked away before she could see my face.

“unfortunately” i said, but it came out without the bite intended.

──────────────────────

late one night, we were sitting on the balcony, watching the city lights. vi leaned back in her chair, her legs propped up on the railing, as she stared up at the sky.

“do you ever think about what’s next?” she asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.

“what do you mean?” i asked, sipping my coffee.

“like… after college. what we’re gonna do. where we’ll end up.” she looked at me then, her expression softer than usual. “do you think we’ll still be close?”

the question caught me off guard, and I had to force myself to answer without hesitating. “of course. Why wouldn’t we be?”

she shrugged, her gaze drifting back to the stars. “i don’t know. life happens. people drift apart.”

“not us,” i said firmly, surprising even myself. “we’ve been through too much. you’re stuck with me, violet.”

she smiled, her eyes catching the faint glow of the streetlights. “good. i like having you around.”

my chest tightened, and I looked away before she could see the way her words affected me. “someone’s gotta keep you out of trouble.”

“hey, I’m a model citizen,” she teased, laughing. “you’re the bad influence here.”

i laughed too, even though the ache in my heart lingered. she had no idea the effect she had on me.

──────────────────────

album - track 2

notes: chapter one heehee, english isn’t my first language so i’m sorry for any mistakes!! this is basically just an introduction for the characters not much plot going on but i hope you guys enjoyed either way !!

#vi x reader #vi x y/n #vi x you #vi arcane #arcane #arcane x female reader #arcane x y/n #arcane x you #arcane x reader #lily writes

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thorough-witness-enjoyer · 4 months ago

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(Small, frivolous rant incoming, apologies)

One thing I wish the Destiny fandom did more of was dabble in the utter horror this universe holds, especially when it comes to portraying the vile atrocities committed by many of the cosmic level characters.

Destiny‘s T rating holds it back so much in my opinion (but it still manages to lay down excellent foundations for horror and more mature themes!!) and I really wish there was more fan works that explored the unimaginable tragedies that occur in lore!!

When you really dwell on the scale of many of the disasters that happen in lore, it really dawns on you just how sinister and monstrous many of the larger villains are. Antagonists like Eramis are much more grounded, certainly not saints though, but some of the antagonists we have encounter are truly odious in their behaviors, even if they are deluded into thinking what they are doing is correct (like the Osmium siblings ravaging whole star systems in pursuit of the sword).

For example, it’s no secret that I LOATHE the Witness like no other. This wicked entity has me fighting bile at the mere thought of it and I truly think the way it delivers cruelty with such a sense of compassion and righteousness to be the most stomach wrenching form of being baneful. I could not think of an entitlement more deplorable than the Witness‘ and it’s existence is a travesty that has caused irreparable harm that spans EONS.

Yet, in my experience, I never see much content that taps into the horrors experienced by those touched by the Witness and its pawns, such as the Noesis and humanity during the collapse. There are INCREDIBLE artistic and written works that tap into the psychological horrors of exos and the unethical hell Clovis was putting people through, but not as many on the more cosmic horrors from what I have seen!!

This may just be a me thing and the personal reasons why I want the Witness put under a hydraulic press speaking, but I often see plenty of depictions of the Witness being uncharacteristically soft and having deeper feelings towards its disciples, but works about its vengeful rage, simple mindedness, violation of the autonomy of others, and predatory grooming are quite barren.

I wish to see just how HEINOUS it is displayed in all its turpitude and how it leaves a festering rot on everything and everyone it touches. I love the Witness because it is so evil in it‘s actions and my heart SINGS any time I see people tap into the trauma it causes, especially for characters like Rhulk or Savathûn!!

There is so much room for exploring just how vast the Destiny universe is when you decenter perpetrators in stories and focus on the incomprehensible number of victims.

Destiny genuinely has a character running around with the title „The Final God of Pain“ haunting people and refusing to permanently die, but there is only so much a T rated game can do and I feel like Destiny enjoyers can go beyond what’s in game in such creative ways!! Just thinking of the fall of Torobatl has me going „Wow, I’m actually so sick to my stomach, I need to honor Caiatl and really capture the pain of such an event!“

The latest lore on the Qugu? My chest HURTS.

Some of the hive experimentations? The hive in general? Hell is not hot enough for what the Witness lead them into.

But you know what they say, be the change you want to see in the world! Create the content you want to enjoy and promote the content you do enjoy!! I wish to dabble into the darker areas of lore, and of course, promote Witness hatred any chance I get!! Hopefully I get more time to write about these things and really value the work the Destiny writers have put into portraying such strong feelings of loss time and time again!!

And also!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read The Garden‘s Witness by Titanmaster_117 !!! ESPECIALLY THE FIRST CHAPTER, I COULD RANT ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF PROSE ALL DAY, IT GENUINELY MADE ME CRY!! PROMOTE THE CONTENT YOU ENJOY ALL DAY, EVERYDAY!!

But this is just something I’ve been thinking for some time now. This isn’t condemning anyone in the fandom or saying there is an issue, just a desire I would love to see (and hopefully fulfill if I ever get back into writing for Destiny!) If you guys have any recommendations for Destiny works that are horrific, focus on themes of loss and devastation, or hate on the Witness, feel free to mention them so other people can find them!!

Not enough Witness hate going around for my liking… this looks like a job for me.

#destiny 2 #destiny #destiny the game #d2 #the witness #destiny witness #destiny art #destiny fanart #destiny fanfiction #destiny eramis #eramis #nezarec destiny #nezarec #im just tagging whatever at this point #maybe it’s just me being from a group of people on the recieving end of a lot of the atrocities committed in destiny #witness haters where are you I NEED YOU #this is not to hate on anyone who makes any content in the destiny fandom btw!! I love you all so much #the destiny fandom can be so talented and creates AMAZING works #i wanna write and draw as good as some of the people in this fandom!! you guys are amazing!!!#if destiny was M and focused more on storytelling with some rpg elements I think I’d die happy #anyways make sure to blow up the witness with your mind whenever you can #i need that entity blown up into a million pieces NOW #destiny savathûn #savathûn #savathun #maybe one day I’ll write that fic from the perspective of someone who lost everything #someone who fought back against the Witness and was abused by it horribly

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seraphinitegames · 6 months ago

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The Wayhaven Chronicles—02/August/2024

Blimey, it’s been a hot one here this week in the UK! But it certainly has set the mood for Book Four, which has a lot of heat to it…in more ways than one! ;D

I will keep it a short one this week, because although it was a fantastic week where I was on a serious roll, there is the most important thing I want to mention:

Chapter Two of the Book Four demo will be up on Saturday for early access on Patreon to $5+ tiers!

The post will be out around 1:30pm-ish (UK time) :D

Public release will be some time late next week/end, I would think!

The new editing system seriously seems to be working! Although it means taking more time at the end of each chapter, there are WAY fewer issues coming back from the editor and readers, which in the long run will hopefully make Book Four’s writing and testing process go so much smoother, as well as a much quicker testing phase at the very end—which is always one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts!

But it was super nice to settle down to do the edits and comments from the readers and testers, only to end up looking at them and realizing there was hardly anything to adjust or edit!

Unfortunately, things always still manage to slip through (I’ve found a bug myself I will be fixing today before tomorrow’s demo release!) but it really is so much more polished at this point than where the books have been in the past.

Wow, after saying I was going to keep it short I still managed to write a longer update than planned, hehe! I’m just incredibly happy to feel like I’ve finally found a process for editing that actually works and will save so much time at the end, as well as making the books that much more clean and polished!

Next week, it’s social media days! So I'll be working on those before diving right back into writing! <3

#the wayhaven chronicles book 4 #the wayhaven chronicles #twc book 4 #patreon #twc book 4 demo #choice of games #hosted games #choicescript #interactive fiction #unit bravo #twc detective #romance #vampires #update

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rcveriees · 1 month ago

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episode one ; certified pr nightmare (🏁)

master list ༉‧₊˚. previous ༉‧₊˚. next

the backstage room was dimly lit, hours had passed and the entire event was over. hours of conversation with journalists, sponsors, VIP members, and team members had definitely taken a toll on you. there was the soft lighting and the quiet buzz of equipment being packed away.

you were glad the day was finally over, this event took everything from you not to lose your mind over the tiniest of things.

it’s a miracle you didn’t explode in front of the cameras — hell, in front of anyone for that matter —

the door creaked from behind you and you immediately knew exactly who it was.

“nice show you put out there, teammate.” sukuna drawled on, his voice full of mockery. “didn’t think you’d actually bite.”

you scowled, brows furrowing as you spun to look at him, face to face. “what the fuck is your problem, sukuna? you never grew up, did ya? couldn’t go one fucking interview without being childish, huh?”

sukuna simply shrugged, leaning against the wall as he scrolled through his phone, looking up for a split second before looking back at his phone. “truth woulda’ slipped out anyway. people had to know how ‘fun’ you are to work with.”

“you’re a joke.” you scoffed, stepping closer. “i have been putting up with you and your contestant ego trips for years, sukuna. one little comment won’t fuck with my head like it did years ago.”

he chuckled. chuckled. had the audacity to chuckle. “you’re a fuckin’ control freak, teammate.”

you lost it over that comment, scoffing loudly. “control freak? seriously?” crossing your arms over your chest, you continued. “i care about doing things correctly and not as some hotheaded maniac.”

sukuna straightened his posture, grin faltering ever so slightly. “hot headed? that’s rich coming from someone who threw her stuff all over just because of some comment. you’re the hotheaded childish one. trust me, sweetheart.”

before you could come up with some snarky remark, your team manager walked into your conversation, head shaking. “you two. we need to talk. now.”

sukuna mock pouted, his bottom lip quivering, “aw, boss, what did we do?”

your guys’ principal could’ve turned a man to stone with that glare. “you two are supposed to be teammates, and yet you’re acting like overgrown children. you two need to understand how to work together or else you’ll both find yourself replaced in the span of a millisecond.”

wow, he really took things seriously. how much you were missing suguru and your old team principal.

you nodded slowly, swallowing the lump in your throat. you weren’t going to risk your career to continue playing pretend war with sukuna. no way.

sukuna mock saluted, he was used to the threats he was given by the principal. these threats were all he’s heard after every scandal these past years, and look, he’s still here.

you watched sukuna walk off, that cocky swagger making your blood boil. the season had yet to start, and yet here you were, already counting the days until the season was over.

off the track:

— honeh you got a big storm coming 😂🤷‍♂️

— honestlyyy the amount of rewriting and replanning for this chapter was??? ugh i forgot how much fun it is to make smaus

— lemme know what you wish to see!!!

⍣ ೋ TAGLIST [ OPEN 27/50 ]

@qyuin @sukunawhores @definitelynotanalien @jinxiewritings @charlie-xo @clp-84 @aestheticallyvini @wxcuskly @frootloopscos @kunasthiast @stargirl-mayaa @ethereally-lyann @tillaboo @chososcamgirl @lauuriiiz @tibibibi123 @rriwyu @cupidsblonde @ur-average-simp @mayyhaps @augustsjournal @mmeerraa @sa4vvyyt @kunascutie @prized-jules @shephard17895 @moonchhu

those with crossed out users were unable to tag

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lemonade4wanda · 8 months ago

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Devotion

Final part of the craving you series

Dark! Wanda Maximoff x reader

Minors dni!! Masterlist°•☆

Summary-your living in Wandas house, she pays your wage and the bills, she takes care of you.. would it be so bad to step back and only be hers

Warnings- manipulation, dark! Wanda, obsessive Wanda, unhealthy obsession, potential Stockholm syndrome?, not proofread!!, snappy Wanda, coercion,

Wordcount - 1.3k

A/n- obviously this is the last chapter for the craving you story :( I rlly enjoyed writing smthng different for once and again I'm srry it took so long to get out :(( !! The main story is over but I will write drabbles or headcannons if anyone's interested <3

Wanda was finally at peace. A blissful weight off her shoulders she hadn't felt in months since meeting you. For the first time in what felt like her years she could sleep the whole night through without worrying about you, your whereabouts or who you could be with. This new found bliss was all because her plan to isolate and make you hers was finally falling into place like pieces of a puzzle, a satisfying finish. She had you in watching distance 24/7 and when she didn't, she wasn't more than twenty feet away. You slept with her, the guest rooms which had been under 'renovations' since you arrived in her home had to be completely redone again after she told you they found plenty of black mold inside them, just one of the many ways she'd managed to keep you close without making you suspicious. She'd even gone as far as to cut wires in your car so you'd both have to go in her car to work, she just wanted you safe after all.

After about a week at Wanda's your cats had somehow re appeared aswell, unscathed and well fed. You'd been heading out to her car for work when you'd seen the two lay together next to a hedge, Nixie protectively infront of Milo in a motherly sort of way. Obviously you were ecstatic and swept the two up quickly to show Wanda who did her best to look surprised at the re appearing cats.

"Wow.. how could they ever end up here?.." She knew you were stupid naive enough to fall for what she said even when she barely hid the truth from you. In actual fact the cats had been in the room next to you all this time you'd just never thought to question what could lie behind the other doors in Wanda's house.

To be honest you never really questioned her, not anymore atleast. It felt wrong to not do as she asked when she was letting you and your two cats stay rent free with her. I mean she was such a good person almost angelic in your view these days. You could barely remember the time where she'd had you on your knees begging for your job, all you could think off was the warmth, safety and comfort she provided to you without repayment.

Wanda had planned for this to happen. That by being around her so much you would begin to feel like you owed her, as if she saved your life. Which she did but she was also the reason it had needed saving to begin with. Oh, if it wasn't for her you'd still be living your lonely mundane life all alone. She took great pleasure in watching the change in your behaviour to her. From fear to adoration. The way you began to need her almost crave her presence in a way she had craved you. She saw the glint in your eye when it was time for bed and you knew you'd get to lie next to her the whole night. She saw the way you waited on her every need like a puppy trying to please its owner.

Though this was a good progress to making you hers. Her personal doll. It wasn't quite enough for Wanda. She wanted more. She wanted to make you see there was no point to work when you had no bills to pay. Get you to stop searching for a new place to stay and stop your income therefore making you further dependent and indebted to her. She wanted you to be a good little stay at home who waited by at the door for her and hated being separate from her. She needed you to become this. She also knew no job meant you wouldn't have any excuses to be out without her eyes on you at all time. It meant you couldn't find someone else to replace her. She should be the only person in your life.

She brought it up during dinner one night just to see how you'd react to such an idea.

"So darling, I've been thinking and wouldn't it be much less stressful for you if you didn't work? I mean its not like you have bills to pay." She played around with the steak on her plate aimlessly pushing it around as she asked you.

"Well.." You gulped unsure what to say. To not work is a dream really but you need money to find a new place and eventually pay back Wanda's kindness. "That sounds really nice but without a job I'd be under your feet forever." You miss the look of excitement which crosses her face at that prospect. If you next to her. Forever. "And I'd never be able to pay you back for your generosity."

Wanda's eye twitched ever so slightly at your response. Of course someone as sweet as you would unintentionally set her off course by wanting to be helpful. It was so cute that she was hardly bad but it had made it hard for her to make any further argument.

"You don't have to pay me back sweetheart. And property is much too expensive for someone like you right now. I mean I just want what's best for you after all." Her hand finds place over yours and gently rubs over your soft and delicate skin.

What she'd said had made your head hurt and all your thoughts go mushy in your brain. She just wanted what was best for you and obviously someone like Wanda knew a lot about what would be right. So maybe she was.. maybe her idea would be helpful for you.

"Uh.. I.. I mean I just don't want to be so... useless." As you uttered those words Wanda felt as though her heart could shatter. You were not useless. Especially not to her. You were her reason to breath. Her sigh of relief. Hers. Her saviour.

"Don't talk about yourself like that." Her voice snappy in a way which made you feel small under her hardening gaze which threatened your every move.

"I'm.. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.."

"I know you didn't. Don't apologise, just eat and stop troubling your little mind."

Dinner was fairly silent after that and so was the rest of the evening. You curled up in a chair near the fireplace and Wanda tapping away on her computer almost purposely avoiding looking at you. For you the opposite, you felt you couldn't look away from her beauty wanting to admire her. The pair of reading glasses perched on her nose that kept sliding off and her hair, oh her hair, the way she kept waving her hands through it everytime something annoyed her was so satisfying and hot?...

Night soon fell and you climbed into bed next to Wanda. An enjoyable time for the both of you and yet another moment where Wanda held all the control. Every night just as you fell asleep she made sure to turn down the thermostat so you'd have no choice but to curl into her body and snuggle into the heat that radiated off her. She was particularly fond of when you fell into a deep sleep, when she got to plant soft kisses against you and perhaps more? When she got to see you up close as peaceful as ever. When she'd whisper concerning sweet things into your ears without you even moving an inch.

"Your mine, aren't you sweet girl? Yeah that's it dont even question what I'm saying."

Tonight felt different to you, as you chambered into the left side of Wanda's four poster King sized bed you thought to yourself about what she'd said at dinner. Would it really be so bad to quit your job? Would it be so bad just to stay here with her and the cats? I mean her mansion did have everything you'd ever need so you could hardly even imagine becoming bored. And.. I mean Wanda suggested it so she mustn't mind the idea.. Hmmm she's probably right. She has been so far.

Taglist: @stayevildarling @reginassweetheart @alexawynters @your-my-mission @witchmaximoff @imjustvibingsworld

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emersonfreepress · 10 months ago

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help i'm alive

So! Long time, no see. 2023 was a whole goddamn lot lol

I don't have a demo update to share yet, but that's because I had to scrap nearly everything I managed to write during a very, very, very bad stint of writer's block last year. I hadn't even realized it had been a block like that until I went over my work so far last month and realized it was bad -- like, trust me; a slog to read that didn't even sound like me. It's been extremely frustrating but I've finally broken free of that and it's been easy and actually fun to write again for the first time in actual years. I just hate giving updates that have no actual news in them. And I really had nothing to share other than: I deleted thousands of words and feel so much better now 😅

Anyway, little about my demo plans have changed: I'm still putting out the Chapter 3 demos in Choicescript/on Dashingdon and then will be going dark to move things over to Twine. Where I am in the process right now is... feeling like 35% done with the overhauled version of this chapter and 50% done for the next demo update.

As far as asks, I'm... not really sure what to do?? I believe I've read them all (I love you guys), but so much time has passed since getting most of them that I'm not sure if it's, like... still pertinent??? To go back and answer them?? I suppose some of them like character asks could be, but all the nice messages of support -- that feels weird since I've practically ghosted this blog since August! Idk. Y'all tell me what to do with 'em and I'll do it. Maybe I should make a poll.

Uh... that's really all there is to say regarding the game! I've added some personal stuff after the cut, but if you're done here: Thanks for reading and sticking around. It means the world, for real.

So what has occupied my time all this time? Doctor, therapy, money, and friends. And improv! But especially the first two. There was a lot of non-writing related stuff fucking up my ability to focus and write, so hopefully with my mind and body both feeling a lot better, I can get back to being present and active with the game. I didn't realize how physically unwell I was until last year and it's been like... life-long issues I've been treating. It turns out it's not normal to feel exhausted enough to sleep at any given time, at all times, for your whole life! wow!!

I also uninstalled Tumblr from my phone back in February, so you could say I'm sort of generally focused on offline life. (And what an interesting coincidence that my writer's block dissipated shortly after that...) I also just moved!! The last two weekends have been so expensive and stressful -_- But I can't even compare the old place to the new. We're basically paying the same price for idek how much more space. The cats are so happy; which means the house humans get to be happy.

My schedule is finally freed up from constant medical shit (there was a 3-month stretch this winter with multiple doctor appointments literally every fucking week 🙃🙃🙃). My mental health is doing a lot better -- literally incomparably better compared to where I was this time last year. There's live comedy now (which I dabble in, to be clear lol), but I've finally found myself able to like... balance it all. The physical and creative energy that goes into it all, anyway. The lovely thing about improv is that you kinda just show up and do your thing -- it doesn't cut into my writing time so much as it costs energy. Unless I end up in this comedy debate show thing next month, which I am very excited to give up writing time for

So like... Life is life-ing and I'm just vibing. Or something? I'll be around.

Thank you all again so much for your interest, support, patience, and readership <3

#oh and if anyone knows where i can stream mob wives uncensored without paying any extra money i'd love you forever lol #that is unimportant- unless y'all find it important that i have access to all of my most influential pieces of media at all times IJSAYING!#jk jk ofc <3 thank you for reading #conspiracy in emerson #if cie #progress #cie ch 3

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cyberhughes · 2 months ago

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— 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐑𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐈 ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ jack hughes

chapter 4: happy birthday naomi!

last chapter | next chapter

*:･✧* 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: jack hughes x fem!oc

*:･✧* 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: swearing, WE ARE ON THE PRECIPICE OF ANGST… brief mention of weight gain,

𝓐𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻𝓼 𝓝𝓸𝓽𝓮: bit of a longer chapter!!

series masterlist + character intros

“trevor, for the last time. there will not be a keg at my birthday.” naomi pinched her nose in frustration at trevor not understanding her. “my family is going to be there for fucks sake.” the group was currently chilling at a mcdonalds after luke was pestering the groupchat the he was craving. “bummer.” trevor pouted before snatching one of cole’s fries. “dude what the fuck?”

“okay also, just so we’re on the same page and you guys don’t fuck anything up,” naomi paused, giving a stern look and pointing her finger at everyone. “i asked jack to pretend to be my boyfriend for the night because i don’t think i can spend another year being nagged about how i’m not wifed up yet.” every time that naomi’s family had gotten together it has, without fail, ended as an interrogation about her personal life. why she wasn’t dating anyone when her 16 year old cousins had been for years? why she wasn’t pursuing a career suitable to their standards, but who has time for med school?

yasmin gave the girl a weird look. “you and jack are gonna…pretend to be dating?” the two nodded. luke snorted, “as if you guys don’t do that already.” naomi rolled her eyes kicking him under the table, “you guys can’t spill it, i think i would have to kill myself.” her face fell in her hands, already dreading the night. there was no way that trevor or cole wouldn’t make some kind of joke or end up outing them. “i’m regretting this already.” she groaned. “are you kidding? i’m going to be the best fake boyfriend ever!” jack laughed. “fake boyfriend my ass.” quinn whispered to luke.

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

DING DONG

naomi made her way towards the door since her mom had been doing her preparations around the house. she wondered who it could be, since her mom had told everyone to arrive for 7:00 and it was only 5:30. swinging the door open, her eyes widened as she saw jack. he looked good. better than good, he had managed to tame his hair and have it free of a backwards cap, and he was wearing a pair of khaki pants paired with a white button down shirt. her face tinted with a shade of pink.

“why are you here so early?” she hadn’t even finished getting ready, hair in rollers and pyjamas still on. “wow not even a hello?” he stepped inside. “i was bored, thought i’d just come early.” he shrugged.

“naomi? who’s that?” her mom peeked around the corner, smile growing when she saw the boy at the door. “oh jack!” she came rushing and naomi sighed. “oh jack so good to see you,” she pulled him into a hug and he laughed. “good to see you too.” she took a step back, keeping her hands on his shoulders. “you know, i am so happy that the two of you are finally together. naomi, your father and i actually had a bet as to—“ naomi interrupted, taking jacks hands into her own and leading him away. “okay enough mom we’re going upstairs.” her mom just chuckled. “god i love those kids.”

as naomi led jack upstairs to her bedroom to continue getting ready, she hadn’t let go of his hand. entering her room there was dresses laid out on her bed, makeup scattered over her vanity, random things on the floor, and while most would find it messy, jack found it kind of endearing. she didn’t feel the need to hide or clean up for him, she could just be her natural self.

“she’s going to be devastated when we break up.” she let go of his hand, stepping to her vanity to finish her makeup. jack pursed his lips, forgetting that this was all fake in the first place. “yeah she will.” he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. she looked back at him giving a weird look, “so like are you gonna sit down or just stand there?”

after about 45 minutes naomi had finished getting ready and had locked her self in her bathroom, putting on her dress. “yasmin just texted, everyones on their way.” jack spoke as he laid on her bed as if it was his own. “okay!” she flattened her dress with her hands with her hands a few times, starting to feel a little nervous. her parents had always threw her the most extravagant parties, equivalent to those of emily and richard gilmore. and while she loved them to death and appreciated everything they did, it did feel a bit suffocating. her family was very high strung and she felt she couldn’t be herself around most. she gave herself one last look before stepping out of her washroom, into her bedroom.

“does this look okay?” she asked looking down adjusting the straps. jack looked up from his position, eyes widening. “holy shit.” she blushed at his reaction. “you look so good, do a little spin.” he got up off the bed. “i am not doing a little spin.” she laughed, walking to retrieve a necklace from her jewlery box. picking it up, she stretched her hands outwards to jack, signalling for him to help her put it on. “i’m serious naomi, you look beautiful.” he moved her hair to the side before putting the necklace on. goosebumps on her neck as she felt his cold fingers lightly graze her. she smiled, turning around to face him. “thank you boyfriend.” if only she could call him that for real.

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guests started piling in the house, the space soon becoming more and more crowded. cocktails and snacks in hands as everyone mingled.

“mom, how do we even know these people?” naomi whispered, eyeing some new faces. “your father and i’s work friends and their kids. now go on, go talk to some people!” her mom gently pushed on her back, gesturing for her to talk to her guests. naomi looked over to jack who was talking with their friends and gave him a signalling look with only her eyes. he walked over without hesitation. “what’s up?” he placed a hand on the small of her back. “my mom wants me to mingle…i guess that means it’s showtime?” she smiled sheepishly. “come on then m’lady.” they walked towards one of her aunts.

“naomi! happy birthday, you look gorgeous, just like your mother!” the woman pulled her in for a hug, naomi feeling crushed by the tight embrace, her aunts perfume overwhelming her nose. her aunt pulled away, turning her focus to the boy beside her, “and who might this young man be?” naomi snaked an arm around his back and placed one on his chest, “this is my boyfriend, jack.” his heartbeat increased at the words and naomi could feel it under her hand. “boyfriend?” her aunts grin grew and grew. “it’s very nice to meet you,” he extended a hand for a hand shake, but her aunt pulled him in for one of her bone crushing hugs, slightly pushing off naomi. “well i’ll be damned! this is great news! you are a very handsome boy!” naomi laughed as she watched jacks face scrunch at the smell of the perfume.

naomi and her aunt had chatted for a bit while jack had his arm wrapped loosely around her waist, fingers playing with the fabric of her dress. “well, i’ll leave you two to it! i’m going to find more of those hors d'oeuvres your mother has. god, that woman never fails to have the best food.” jack turned to face naomi, hand never leaving her waist, looking for words to say but the two just burst into laughter. “oh my god, we have to do this so many times tonight.” she rested her head onto his chest, giggling. “you know—“ she was cut off by a shrill voice, heart dropping to her ass.

“naomi dear!” they turned their attention to a tall woman adorned in the most expensive jewlery money could buy. elanore hearst, one of her fathers coworkers, a dreadful woman. “elanore, hi!�� jack stuffed his hands in his pockets, trying hide his laughter as he watched naomi put on a fake smile, looking somewhat pained as she approached the woman. “oh wow, gained a few i see” naomi frowned after pulling away from the hug. “i’m teasing, i’m teasing.” who is this lady? mother gothel? “naomi dear, let me introduce you to my nephew!” naomi’s eyes widened, “oh elanore that’s—“ “james! come over here!” she motioned a boy who had been talking with naomi’s father and he walked over. “this is james.” she places her hands on his shoulders, grinning. it was as if she was displaying him like a trophy. “he just graduated, going into business like your father! and he’s about your age too!” jack watched from a few steps back, feeling slightly annoyed for naomi. the lady hadn’t even wished her a happy birthday and is already trying to push her into this guy.

“happy birthday, naomi.” james smiled softly, a rosy tint on his cheeks. he was kind of cute naomi thought. he had brown silky hair, and deep brown eyes, somewhat resembling those of a puppy. “thank you.” she returned the smile before her aunt jumped right back in with her high voice. “so, dear i was thinking maybe james could accompany you for a bit,” james face grew redder and redder, feeling embarrassed by his aunt. not letting the woman finish her sentence, jack stepped forward, a small smile on his face. “i’m sorry to interrupt, naomi your mom is looking for you.” naomi felt a wash of relief over her body, making a mental note to thank jack later. “oh,” elanore looked back and forth between naomi and jack, eyes glancing down to their hands slowly intertwining. “who…who is this?” her face tinged with annoyance as naomi leaned her head onto his shoulder. “this is jack. my boyfriend.” she let go of his hand, only to wrap onto his arm. “oh, oh i see.” elanore nodded slowly before shaking her head and smiling again. “well, don’t let your mother wait! hopefully you and james can talk sometime later.” naomi’s eyes flickered towards james and he mouthed a “i’m so sorry.” and she had to suppress a giggle.

as naomi led jack away, he didn’t fail to notice the way james watched her as she walked away. not quite a sad expression on his face, but somewhat disappointed. oh well, james would have to wait.

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it was later into the night, and naomi was growing tired. needing a breath of air, she slipped through the patio door into the backyard. goosebumps covered her body as she embraced the cold. she had spent the last two hours having the same conversation with different people, receiving the same shocked reaction when they found out she had a boyfriend. well, fake boyfriend. it hurt her feelings a bit, the amount of shock that was received, as if they couldn’t believe she actually had a boyfriend after their years of nagging her.

“you okay?” startled, she whipped her head around the the voice. “sorry,” james stood there, rubbing a hand on his nape and smiling sheepishly. “i just saw you slip out and wanted to see if you were okay.” she nodded. “yeah, just needed some air.” she looked back down to her shoes. “i’m sorry about my aunt,” he stepped further outside towards her. “for the way she was practically prostituting me with your boyfriend right there.” naomi laughed at his comment. “well, he’s not actually my boyfriend.” she spoke without thinking, eyes widening at her own words. she had just given trevor and cole hell to keep their mouths shut about the situation yet here she was. “he uh… he’s just my best friend. i didn’t want to have another year where everyone shamed me for not being in a relationship yet.” she expected him to laugh in her face, but he just nodded. “yeah…i get that. with my aunt especially.” they locked eyes and naomi had felt her heartbeat pick up. she felt seen. the two had continued talking for a while, about random things mostly. experiences from their years in highschool, foods they liked and didn’t like, and embarrassing stories. the patio door slid open, naomi’s mom peeking her head out, she smiled gently, “cake time!” naomi nodded, heading in assuming james would follow behind but he had grabbed her hand. “uhm, seeing as jack isn’t really your boyfriend,” he began, cheeks turning pink. “would it be okay if i grabbed your number?” naomi pondered for a second before saying yes. a twinge of guilt in her stomach, but she didn’t know why she felt guilty. although, anyone else with a brain could tell her why.

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the night came to an end, guests filing out the door bidding goodbyes and ‘happy birthday’s.

jack was the last to leave, the pair stood at the front door chatting while naomis mom ushered her father into the kitchen to give the two some privacy. “so, on a scale of one to ten, how good of a boyfriend am i?” he smiled proudly and naomi smirked. “a solid 6.” she laughed as she watched the smile fall of his face. “i’m teasing. thank you for doing this.” she spoke sincerely.

“i have something for you,” he reached into his pocket taking out a tiny white box with an even smaller pink bow on top. “jack, you didn’t have to get me anything.” she took the box from his hands. he shrugged, “i wanted to.” he bit his lip in anticipation. “go ahead, open it.” she removed the lid of the box and her eyes softened at the gift. it was a heart shaped pandora charm with an infinity symbol in the center of it. she had been eyeing for a while, never failing to stop to look at it at the mall and saving countless pictures of it on her phone. yasmin always bugged her about why she didn’t just buy it, but she was glad that she never did. “jack…” her eyes became teary, not because of the gift itself but because jack knew her like the back of her hand. “i know it’s not super expensive but i’ve just seen you—“ she didnt let him finish his sentence and pulled him in for a hug. “it’s perfect.” she rested her cheek on his chest and he blushed, arms wrapping around her. he never wanted this to end. “anything for you.”

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liked by jackhughes and 9382 others…

naomihill got a lil older

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↳ yasminramirez: i’m gonna cry my baby i love you happiest birthday again🩷🩷

↳ naomihill: love you forever❣️

↳ trevorzegras: leave it to mrs hill to throw the most fire parties (happy birthday pookie)

↳ naomihill: she never ceases to amaze me (thank you pookie)

↳ quinnhughes: the cartier i’m SICKKK

↳ naomihill: as if you didn’t buy that bigass lake house

↳ lhughes_06: nahhh this a different type of rich

↳ colecaufield: cake was delicious, happy birthday bbg

↳ naomihill: thanks bbg😭😭

↳ jackhughes: prettiest bday girl

↳ naomihill: 🫶♾️

↳ jameshearst: happy birthday naomi :)

↳ naomihill: thank youuu

↳ user7228: who tf is this guy

A/N: THIS IS THE CHARM BTW!!! super cute i want it for myself lol

#jack hughes #jack hughes fanfic #jack hughes x reader #luke hughes #nhl fanfiction #nhl fic #quinn hughes #jack hughes fanfiction #nhl imagine #trevor zegras #cole caufield

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innorogers · 5 months ago

Text

Lucid

Steve Rogers x Dark Past Reader (You)

Summary: Steve finds out about your past. You're nothing as he thought you were. You are better.

Warning: Steve struggling / Past revelations / You don't have to read this: Chapter 1 - Insomnia, but it would enhance the experience if you did.

What do you do the night you meet the love of your life? You spend it with to him—talking, hugging, kissing, teetering on the edge of going further... but it doesn’t matter, because one day, you won’t recall the specifics. Years from now, future you will think back to this night and remember only the magic you felt, the moments your heart skipped a beat, and the wonder of it all.

In the present, as the first rays of sunlight rise from the east and touch your face, you can barely keep your eyes open, almost drifting off against Steve’s shoulder. Once he finds out you’ve just come off a 13-hour shift, he insists on walking you to your dorm. And though it seems to take every ounce of his willpower, he refuses your unspoken invitation to stay. Ever the gentleman.

After a shift that handed you five hours of overtime, you managed to get immediate compensation—and even figured out how to maximize your sleep: you'll shower later.

So, after Steve kisses you goodbye for the sixth time, you finally close the door and collapse into your pillow. Though, to be honest, you’d rather be falling asleep on his chest.

Captain America, on the other hand, was more awake than ever. The last time he felt this energized was when they thawed him from his popsicle state. It was like walking in sunlight, and he half-expected some cheesy background music to play as he moved through the halls.

But, as always, fate was waiting in the corner to throw a punch and kick his perfectly peach shaped ass.

You were still on his mind when he stepped into the Level 0 – Avengers Only common room. You hadn’t left his thoughts since he said goodbye to you... thirty minutes ago.

To his surprise, Natasha was already there – she was never up before 11 – typing something into a computer - she was also never on top of her paperwork -.

“Oh wow, this is rare.” Steve was in a mood—no, actually, "mood" wasn’t the right word. He was still wonderstruck, wrapped up in his own bubble of happiness because of meeting you.

“Haha, hilarious,” Natasha deadpanned without even glancing up. “Go ahead and laugh now, Rogers. One day, that ‘I’m from the 40s, I don’t know this shit’ lame excuse is not gonna to fly anymore, and you’ll actually have to do some of this.”

“Well... by then, hopefully our genius philanthropist will have invented something to take this torture off our hands,” Steve replied, handing her a cup of coffee.

Now he had her attention.

“Someone’s in a good mood…” She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Alright, spill.”

“Oh no, not a chance,” Steve shook his head, grinning. “Not happening.”

But after a pause, he added, “Hey, we have full access to everyone’s records here, right?”

“Yeah, Level 0 clearance,” Natasha replied, still focused on her typing. “You’ve got everything on your phone. Why?”

Steve glanced at your name in his phone and tried to sound casual. “What do you know about an engineer?” He wasn’t entirely sure if that was your title—you had mentioned it, but he had only been paying attention to the important stuff (like your favorite ice cream, song, hobbies, and what you wanted to do this Saturday night…).

“You’ll need to be more specific. I need an ID or at least a last name.”

“Illithya Lancaster,” he said softly, almost smiling as your name left his lips.

“Oh yeah,” Natasha responded immediately, “the one that goes by ‘Twelve,’ right?”

That got Steve’s full attention. He sat up straight, frowning. “‘Twelve’? Is that a nickname?”

“Code Name 12. Subject ID HE0012.” Natasha continued typing as though she were battling something. “You know what that means.”

“No.” Steve’s voice turned rigid. “I don’t.”

The typing finally stopped, and Natasha swiveled around in her chair to face him. “H for Hydra, E for experiment, number 12. She was one of Hydra’s experiments, Steve.”

That was a bucket of ice water he hadn’t expected. Right to the spine. Steve took a few seconds to find his voice.

“What?”

“There.” Natasha handed him an iPad with all the information: “See, here she is. Um… mission rescue R804, Siberia… Sokovia… yeah, she’s on Hydra's top confidential list, one of the few we’ve got. Stark moved mountains to save her from rotting in a federal prison for eternity.” She spoke quickly as she read, her voice unusually soft, full of compassion.

Steve paused for a moment, trying to recall if you’d mentioned anything about a nickname last night, but he didn’t think you had.

He could barely think. His voice, distant and faint, whispered: “‘Twelve’? What… happened to the other eleven?”

Swiping the iPad, Natasha didn’t even look up, just shrugged: “What do you think?” She didn’t notice Steve’s face go pale instantly.

“Illithya was the only survivor, barely. Used and discarded as anything Hydra could imagine… like something disposable.”

She sighed. “I’ve seen awful things, but this is one of the files I try to forget.”

Steve’s mind was in turmoil. He couldn’t think, and the pain in his chest seemed to crush every fiber of his being.

He couldn’t believe it. You, his treasured little secret, his enchanted, magical midsummer night, this beautiful, pure soulmate he’d fallen with—the one who told him a fairy would bring him all the stars—had been used, abused, treated like a guinea pig, nothing more than a lab rat?

He was beginning to understand the emotions rising within every cell of his body: a mix of uncontrollable anger, sadness, and fear.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, his voice wavered slightly: “...How… how long was she experimented on?”

Natasha set the file aside and looked him straight in the eye. There was empathy there. She knew Steve was shaken, so she softened her voice as much as she could, though her words remained honest.

“‘Till we got her? A lifetime. She was born and raised in captivity. Her entire existence was based on an experiment.”

Steve closed his eyes. It was more than he could bear. The pain he felt intensified with every word Nat spoke.

He clenched his fists, veins bulging with rage. How could they.

“How did you rescue her?” He found himself asking in a calm voice, as if inquiring about any other case.

“We didn’t. She escaped, and we found her. After you and Tony split in Siberia.” Nat pulled up the file again on the tablet and handed it to him, but Steve didn’t look. He wasn’t ready.

“So, until she got away…” Steve heard his voice, sounding unnervingly emotionless, and he hated it. “Was she under Hydra’s control her entire life?”

Black Widow didn’t respond at first. She nodded, just barely, while watching him. She was using the spy stare, reading everything beneath the surface, interpreting every unspoken word, every pause, every silence was a puzzle piece for her to figure out the entire picture.

“A lifetime under Hydra…” Steve whispered.

And he felt awful for saying it.

But there it was, a poisoned seed growing in the shadows of his mind. Steve wanted to bury it deep, but he couldn’t stop.

The doubt crept in, spreading like a toxin—the thought that everything you’d been through had changed you.

How could you ever purge Hydra’s venom from your veins? Was it still there, lurking in every dormant cell, slowly expanding like a plague, consuming all the good, the magic, the purity in you? Corrupting you?

“Stop,” Natasha suddenly said.

She gave him a look Steve recognized—she was about to ask something that would make him think, really think.

After a deep breath, she spoke: “If you’re asking about her, it’s because you’ve met her, right? So, what do you think? Did she seem like a…villain? Or was she different? Special, maybe?”

Steve leaned back into the chair at her words, the memory of you filling his mind again, your innocence, your weird yet adorable responses, your naivety, your smile…You.

The touch of your hand, the softness of your voice, the pureness of your soul. The way you’d clung to him, spoke to him, trusted him, kissed him. He exhaled slowly, a ghost smile on his face.

“No. I never thought of her as a villain. Or as any…negative. She was different, more than different. She was…she is…incredible…she’s wonderful…she’s…” Perfect.

Natasha remained in silence. Staring at him. Then she leaned up, her words like splashed ripples on the spring's surface. “Why do you trust Barnes, Steve?”

Her tone was calm and serene, yet it made Steve clench his fists. The question was unexpected, but not unanticipated—he knew she’d ask; she always pushed when she had that look.

“He was, or is, more Hydra than anyone we’ve ever rescued from those hellholes, yet you risked everything to save him.”

“That’s different. I know Bucky, he’s all I have left of my past. And he was brainwashed.” You weren’t. You acted, and you act by choice… don’t you? Steve panicked at the thought. Everything you did, you did with your heart… right? Everything that happened last night, was true…Right?

“So if she wasn’t brainwashed, she’s guilty?” A slight ironic smile tugged at Nat’s lips. “Even though she never asked to be born into a Hydra experiment, or to live in captivity. Is she at fault, Steve? For not trying hard enough to escape?”

Steve froze at her words, realizing what she was getting at. You weren’t brainwashed, no, much worse, you’d grown up knowing nothing of life outside Hydra. You weren’t just a victim. No. He thought of you. You were a survivor. A fighter.

“That sounded a bit protective.” Steve looked at his fellow Avenger, studying her expression. “Was it just a rescue mission, Nat? You don’t usually…attach to people.”

Letting out a laugh, Natasha returned to her usual mysterious, lazy smile. “I’ll let you find out for yourself.”

She hesitated but finally spoke under Steve’s gaze: “She’s… different, Steve.”

A slight, warm smile crossed Black Widow’s face.

“She’s kind…and good. I don’t know how to explain it, but she’s innocent. Her heart… it’s pure.”

Steve raised an eyebrow at Nat’s words. He could hear the awe in her voice, and it made him think of you: The way you’d looked at him, the sparkle in your eyes. Tiny butterflies fluttered in his stomach as he remembered the way you’d laughed and how they took flight when he kissed you.

Without even realizing it, his voice became as tender as it could be: “Yes. She is all those things.”

“Like I said.” Natasha leaned back in her chair, her fingers returning to the keyboard. “I’ll let you find out for yourself.”

LAB 278—it had taken some time to find.

Steve silently thanked Jarvis for lighting the way as he stepped into your lab—your private, secluded lab, hidden almost a 20-minute walk from the central facilities. Steve hadn’t even known this place existed on campus.

He pushed open the door and saw you through the thick glass. He couldn’t help but marvel as he took in the entire space. Your lab looked like a greenhouse, with plants everywhere—on the desk, under the tables, on the floor, shelves, and windows. Long curtains of leaves hung down from the ceiling like rain falling through broken glass.

Large screens dominated the room, and then Steve’s eyes widened at what he saw next.

An armory. Their. Armory.

A bow being analyzed by lasers, prototypes of metal gauntlets, shattered helmets, and torn suits.

And then, he saw you.

You were cleaning his shield.

Everything fell into silence when his gaze rested on you. The whole place became a quiet green ocean, so still that Steve could almost hear the plants breathing. And his own heartbeat. That stopped when you lifted the shield and gently kissed it.

“Do a good job,” he heard you whisper to it. “Protect him. Keep him safe.”

Steve snapped out of it as those words echoed in his mind. He had a hundred questions, but they vanished in that instant. He wasn’t even thinking—he was reacting—as he stepped forward and opened the door.

The look on your face when you heard the noise and turned around was indescribable. All the tension in your expression softened, and the light in your eyes brightened.

Steve wondered, how he’d been so blind, so stupid, to believe some reports instead of trusting…you.

“Oh. Hi…” You smiled, joy sparkling in every corner of the room.

God, that smile. The happiness in your eyes at seeing him weakened his knees. He spoke, his voice softer than he’d expected.

“Hey...”

You almost run to him under instinc. Wanting to move closer, to take his hands, but…you weren’t sure. Was it too much? Too fast? What are you (or this) supposed to be? Are you even dating? Will he hate it? So, you blushed and stood still. “I…I um… I’m so glad you’re here.”

Steve noticed the way you flinched, the way you wanted to reach out but held yourself back. It made him feel…sad, like something was cracking in his chest. He wanted to reach out and take your hand. But he didn’t—not yet.

Instead, he stepped closer, his voice gentle as he smiled. “…And I’m very glad to be here.”

“Oh.” You weren’t sure if it was the lack of sleep or if you were just lost in his eyes, but your mind was racing, and you couldn’t stop yourself from blurting out something dumb, like really dumb.

“I missed you.”

Oh, what the hell. You wanted to bite your tongue. Especially when you saw Steve freeze. Okay, that was stupid as fuck, you thought, looking down, unsure of what to say next.

“I’ll take it back, I’m sorry, that was stu—” But before you could finish, you were pulled into a tight embrace.

Steve pulled you towards him, wrapping his arms around you in a tight, protective hold. As if he wanted you to melt within him.

He realized how absurd he had been for holding this back, how deeply he craved you. Like a primal longing, like a dying plant thirsting for a drop of dew, or desperate for air.

“Please…don’t be.” He whispered, pressing your head to his shoulder, inhaling the scent of your hair, his eyes closed as he sighed. “I missed you too.”

“Oh.” You awkwardly ran your hands along his back, fumbling at first, before simply giving in and hugging him tighter. You caressed his neck until he rested his forehead against yours, exhaling deeply.

And you smiled.

“So…you did find out, huh?”

He stood silently, with his chin in your shoulder. And after a while he said in a bitter tone: “How’d you know?”

“‘Cause you look exactly like Tony and Natasha did when they found out. And… because you’re in my lab. I mean, I don’t think this place is a hot spot, huh?” You laughed and broke the hug slightly, but he tightened his grip on your waist, unwilling to let you pull away.

You caressed his face, inhaling the warmth of his breath, and looked into his eyes.

"Steve, what happened to me isn’t a burden for you to carry, you know that, right?”

Steve froze.

Isn’t it?

Wasn’t it because he hadn’t destroyed Hydra when he had the chance?

Because they didn’t find out sooner?

Because… he wasn’t there?

You struggled to read people, especially someone you cared about, so when you saw the pale, stiff look on his face, you paralyzed.

Was that why he came? To tell you it was over? Well…to be honest, you wouldn’t blame him. After all… you were you, and he was… Steve Rogers. And you were…Hydra’s Frankenstein.

That thought must have shown on your face, because Steve noticed the change in your expression—fear and shame, like you were some kind of Quasimodo who had his mask ripped off.

The mere thought made Steve’s blood boil—the idea that he might reject you because of your past, as if you were to blame for things you couldn’t control. As you were…sinful and…bad.

He suddenly cupped your face and spoke firmly, the words echoing from his heart, the same words he should have said the moment Natasha told him the truth.

“Hey, hey… look at me. Look at me.” He stared straight into your eyes. "Don’t doubt me. Don’t doubt… us.” His voice was filled with protectiveness and anger. “I’m here, and I…” I’m falling for you.

“Do you regret it?” Your voice trembled. “Last night… do you regret… meeting me?”

“No.” His voice was steady and resilient, unwavering and unshakable: “Not in a million lifetimes.”

You held your breath for a moment, trying not to cry. Then spoke as you were telling a secret.

“I always wondered…What would I have been like if I were… normal? If I had normal parents—a father working in a bank, a mom as a teacher. I’d go to school, go to prom, fall in love… have friends… but…”

You pressed your fingers into his hand and smiled softly.

“… I wouldn’t change anything about my past, if that was the road I had to take, that leaded me…to finally meet you.”

Steve felt like he could’ve started crying at any moment.

Your past had left a crack in his heart, something he could never fix, something that would always hurt. And yet, you said it was all worth it? All the suffering, all the pain… just to meet him? How could he… how could he deserve you? He couldn’t speak, couldn’t move, couldn’t even breathe.

“God…” he murmured, his voice filled with pain. “How can you say that… how can you still be so…”

Kind. Good. Pure.

Natasha was damn right. You were everything she said, and more.

“Hmmm… Maybe…” You thought out loud. "Maybe I always knew I’d meet you someday, and I had to be good enough… to be… worthy.”

Steve exhaled, trying to calm the storm in his heart and mind.

The weight of your words hit him hard. He paused for a moment before he pulled you against him, his arms wrapping around you tightly, as if that could protect you from all the misfortune or pain that might come in the years ahead.

“Damn it…”

His voice broke as he whispered.

“I can’t believe I found you…”

“Well then,” you whispered, pressing a kiss to the back of his hand.

“Thank you for finding me.”

Time stilled for a moment, but before he could think, Steve’s body had already reacted, he pinned you against the workbench as his hand weaved through your hair, and his lips pressed yours in a deep kiss.

He couldn’t hold back anymore, he needed you, wanted you, to hold you as close as possible, without letting you go ever again.

All the composure he had been trying to maintain disappeared the moment he felt you.

Your lips, your tongue, your scent… Any sense of reason was hanging by a thread.

He lifted you onto the desk, sending pens and books scattering to the floor, but he didn’t give a damn. Not when your legs wrapped around his hips and you moaned his name as his hand tightened around your waist.

“Jesus…”

The way your voice sounded, the way you were looking at him, the way you were sitting with your legs around him, everything was driving him desperately crazy, struggling to keep control to not to tear your clothes off and make you his right there.

He broke the kiss before doing something reckless, but his body was tense, and his breathing panting.

“You’re driving me crazy…” He breathes heavily, leaving a deep kiss in your forehead.

“What?” Your mind was still spinning from his kiss, and you replied without thinking: “Well yeah, welcome to the club.”

Steve left out a laugh, All the intense revelations from earlier had nearly made him forget just how incredible your comebacks were.

He looks down and kisses you again, this time with more tenderness than passion, and he speaks as he continues.

“I’ve been thinking about this since I left you this morning…”

“Can you…” You could barely form a word without moaning: “Can you think…of taking this further?”

“…”

That made him stopped.

The suggestion sent a shiver down his spine. Oh you and your amazing comebacks. His mind suddenly flashed, imagining all the things he’d wanted to do to you, maybe in his room, in the bed, with you under him, moaning his name as you just did, only louder and louder…

Steve quickly shook the thought from his mind, trying to force himself back to reality.

“God… please don’t tempt me.” He could feel his body reacting to his own imagination, so he pressed his forehead against yours, clenching his fists, trying to regain some control.

“I…” You wanted to say, "I don’t mind," or even, 'I don’t give a damn if you take me right now...You know what, there’s actually a bed at the back of this lab.' But then his phone rang.

“What the hell…” He glanced at the caller ID and groaned, “For gods sake, what timing…” One hand reached for the phone while the other held you firmly. “I’m sorry, babe, give me a sec.”

Your heart skipped a beat at the sound of him calling you that for the first time, but before you could process it, Tony Stark’s voice echoed through the empty lab.

“I don’t know what you are doing there, Cap…And trust me, I don’t wanna know…but Jarvis just sent me a reminder, to remind you, that there are cameras everywhere in the working campus. Everywhere.”

You could tell there was a humorous tone in Iron man’s voice.

“Even in remotely located labs for top secret employees.”

End but TBC-

Continue to:

3: Reverie |

4: Nightmare |

5: Awakening |

6: Dusk |

7: Hypnagogia |

8: Lull |

9: Vigil |

10: Eclipse |

Alright, thanks for reading up to here. Hope you enjoyed it!! <3

So when I started writing Part 1, I was like, 'Oh, let's just write cute one-shots and short stuff.' And here I am with a complex OC and a struggling Steve. I'm so sorry for that :3 I just can't help myself!

Part 3 comes with 'the one night I made you mine and made you beg' thing I was hoping I'd finally get to. I promise! (Still have no idea how I'm writing that through my working shifts, tho.)

Okay, have a good one <3 Lmk if you liked it ? Report and everything is highly appreciated <3 :D

Love.,

Moon.

#steve rogers x you #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x ofc #captain america x you #captain america x reader #steve rogers x female reader #steve rogers fanfic #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers fluff

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notiddygothgf · 4 months ago

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11. Conflict of Interest

★ pairings: aki hayakawa x fem reader

★ ❝ You don't deserve this. ❞ ❝ You know I love you, troublemaker. ❞

★ c.w.: n/a. (more content warnings and tags)

★ a/n: Hi my darlingssss!!! SO as i said I've reached the end of prewritten chapters so updates will be coming a little slower. I'm full time at uni and I've been absolutely SWAMPED with exams this past week. Chem is the worst iykyk. Anyway!!! to make up for the delay (and future delays) i wanted to spoil yall with a lil long chapter. I HOPE YOU LOVE IT!!! i love YOU!! comment comment comment away i literally love reading them. give me smth to look forward too tee hee.

★ w.c: .9.5k

shameless ; chapter index

YOUR HEART DROPPED through your chest, the world around you slowing to a crawl as his words echoed in your mind. Tokyo. He’s coming here.

“What?” you breathed, barely managing the word, your throat tightening as reality hit you all at once.

“ Yeah ,” he continued, sounding almost excited, as if this was the best news in the world. “ My supervisor said they could really use the backup in Tokyo. I guess the team’s been stretched thin over there, so they’re sending me out .”

Your stomach lurched, twisting into a tight knot. Tokyo? Here? Now? It was as if the universe was playing a cruel joke on you.

“That’s… great,” you forced out, your voice shaky, trying desperately to mask the panic swelling inside. “Really.”

Aki’s eyes met yours from across the balcony, his gaze steady, calm. He couldn’t hear what was being said, but he watched you with a quiet curiosity, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside you. You could feel your face heating up under his gaze, the weight of everything pressing down on your shoulders. How am I going to hide this from him?

“How long will you be here?” you asked, feigning a casual tone, even though your hands were shaking, white-knuckled around the phone.

“ Not sure, ” he answered, still in that same oblivious tone. “I guess as long as you’re in Tokyo, I’ll be stationed there. My supervisor thinks it’ll be good for us to be close by for a while. ”

Your chest tightened further, breath hitching as you tried to process what he was saying. I’m screwed. This is it. I’m completely, utterly screwed.

“They’re booking me a suite. I asked to stay with you, and they said it was fine, ” He added.

“That’s... that’s amazing,” you said, forcing a hollow excitement into your voice. Your lips trembled into a smile that didn’t reach your eyes. “Wow, it’s going to be…” You swallowed. “Nice.”

The words were like acid on your tongue.

He chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. “Yeah, I thought you’d like that. We’ll finally be able to catch up on all the time we missed.”

“Yeah, finally,” you repeated quietly, feeling a wave of nausea roll through you. Your heart was pounding in your ears, so loud that you could barely hear his voice anymore. You were nodding along, saying whatever words you could muster, but your thoughts were spiraling. What the hell am I going to do?

“Well, I’ve got to finish up some paperwork before the move, but I’ll be there soon. Tonight, actually.”

You swallowed hard. That was no time at all. How am I supposed to prepare for this? Your brain was screaming, but outwardly, you nodded, forcing a tight smile he couldn’t see.

“That sounds... perfect,” you lied. “Really, I’m looking forward to it.”

“Alright, I’ll call you when I’ve got the final details. Love you.”

You opened your mouth, but the words stuck in your throat. For a split second, you hesitated, your eyes flickering to Aki, who had leaned back in the chair, watching you with a soft, curious gaze. The weight of your husband’s voice on the other end of the line crushed down on you.

“Love you too ,” you said, your voice barely more than a whisper before quickly hanging up.

The silence that followed was deafening. You stared at the phone in your hand, the cold, empty feeling creeping into your chest.

The cigarette, long forgotten, had burned down to a stub, the last ember smoldering weakly. You pressed it out in the ashtray, your fingers trembling, your breath coming in shallow, uneven bursts.

You gripped the edge of the balcony railing, trying to steady yourself, but the panic had already taken hold. Your heart raced, the world closing in around you as you fought to keep yourself from spiraling.

He’s coming. He’s really coming to Tokyo. What the hell am I going to do now?

Aki’s quiet presence was still there, grounding, but it didn’t stop the thoughts racing through your mind. You couldn’t let him see. Couldn’t let him know how badly this was shaking you. You were supposed to be fine. Everything was supposed to be fine.

But nothing was fine anymore.

You stared out over the city skyline, your chest rising and falling rapidly as you fought to regain control. But it was slipping. It was all slipping through your fingers, and for the first time in a long while, you felt powerless.

The panic was unbearable. Your chest felt like it was caving in, breath coming in short, sharp bursts as the reality of it settled over you. You had to get out—move, escape before the walls closed in completely. You pushed yourself off the balcony, your mind racing, limbs trembling.

Aki watched you stand abruptly, his brow furrowing as you moved quickly toward the door, your steps frantic, unsteady.

“Hey, where are you going?” he asked, his voice gentle but confused, rising from the chair to follow you. He reached out, catching your arm just as your hand grasped the door handle. “You okay?”

You froze under his touch, your heart hammering in your chest as his warmth anchored you. The panic swelled even more, your thoughts a blur. You could feel your throat tightening, the words struggling to come out. He’s coming. It was like a mantra, replaying over and over in your mind, suffocating you.

“He’s coming,” you choked out, your voice small and broken. You turned to face Aki, your eyes wide, brimming with tears that threatened to spill over. “My husband. He’s coming to Tokyo.”

Aki’s grip on your arm tightened slightly, concern clouding his face as he stepped closer. “What are you talking about?”

“It’s over.” The words came out on a sob, the reality of it crashing down on you. “He’s coming here, and it’s all over. He’s gonna ruin everything.”

The tears fell freely now, your body trembling under the weight of it all. Aki’s expression shifted from concern to something deeper, something protective. He pulled you gently into his arms, holding you close, his warmth a stark contrast to the cold fear clawing at your insides.

“What do you mean ‘it’s over’? What’s going on? Talk to me.”

You tried to catch your breath, tried to form words, but the memories hit you hard and fast. Every bruise, every cruel word, every moment in that house—it was suffocating you now. You clung to Aki, your fingers digging into his shirt as if he were the only thing keeping you from falling apart completely.

“He’ll find out,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “He’s going to find out about us. About me.”

Aki’s hand gently stroked your back, his voice low and soothing. “Hey, calm down. Why are you so upset? What’s wrong?”

You shook your head, pulling back slightly to meet his eyes, tears blurring your vision. “You don’t understand. You don’t know him.”

Aki frowned, his thumb brushing away a tear that trailed down your cheek. “Then tell me. Help me understand.”

The words caught in your throat, but something about the way he looked at you—steady, unwavering—made you feel safe. You swallowed hard and the dam inside you broke.

“My husband... he’s not... he’s…” you began, your voice shaking, the words tumbling out faster now. “He’s hurt me. For years. He’s been hurting me.”

Aki’s expression darkened, his body tensing, but he stayed quiet, giving you space to speak. His arms were still wrapped around you, grounding you.

“When we first got married, it wasn’t like this. He wasn’t like this. It started small—just words. He’d get angry over the smallest things, but then it got worse. He’d talk down to me, degrade me, then he hit me. At first, it was my fault. I made myself believe that. I thought if I just tried harder, if I didn’t mess up, maybe he’d stop. But he never did. He kept hitting me, and I’m scared that– that he’ll hurt me.”

Your voice cracked, the memories overwhelming, but you kept going, needing to let it out. “And now he’s coming here. He’ll see how happy I am, and he’ll take it all away. He always finds a way to make me pay.”

Aki’s jaw clenched, his hands trembling slightly as he held you. His voice was steady, “I would never let him do that.”

You wanted to believe him, wanted so desperately to let go of the fear that had gripped you for so long. But your husband had always found you. Always pulled you back. You weren’t free of him—not yet.

“But we can’t… see each other anymore,” you whispered, your voice breaking. “Not while he’s here. He’ll know, Aki. He’ll figure it out, and I can’t let… I just can’t.”

Aki’s eyes flashed with something like heartbreak, his grip on you tightening as if refusing to let you go. “We can figure something out. See each other in secret, maybe.”

You shook your head, tears streaming down your face. “We can’t. He’ll watch me, and if he finds out about us, he’ll hurt you. He’ll hurt both of us.”

Aki’s hand came up to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing away your tears as he leaned in, his forehead resting against yours. “I don’t care what he does to me. I don’t want him to take you away.”

But you could see the pain in his eyes, the uncertainty. You felt your own heart breaking, the weight of it all pressing down on you. You shook your head again, gently pulling away from his touch.

“I can’t take that risk.”

Aki’s breath hitched, his face falling. For a long, agonizing moment, he said nothing, just stared at you like he was trying to find the right words, trying to make you stay. But he knew. Deep down, he knew you were right.

“You want to stop seeing me, then?” he asked quietly, his voice barely more than a whisper. “We just stop? After everything? After the conversation we had less than 12 hours ago?”

You swallowed hard, the lump in your throat making it difficult to speak. “For now,” you managed, though the words felt like they were ripping you apart. “It’s the only way I can keep you safe. Depending on how long he stays, I’m sure we can find a way to sneak around, but for now…”

Aki looked away, blinking rapidly as if he was fighting back his own tears. He nodded slowly, his shoulders sagging as the reality of it sunk in.

“I understand,” he murmured, his voice tight with the pain of it. “I don’t like it, but I understand. I’ll stay away if it means you’re safe.”

It felt like your heart was shattering. You wanted to tell him you could find a way, that it didn’t have to be like this. But you knew better. You had to keep him safe. You had to protect him, even if it meant breaking both of your hearts in the process. Above all else, you didn’t want to give your husband a reason to put his hands on you again.

Damn him. He stole everything from you. Your freedom, your happiness, your youth, and now, this.

Aki opened his arms again, pulling you into a tight embrace, holding you like it was the last time. You buried your face in his chest, the sobs returning, harder now, your entire body trembling against him. His hands stroked your back, soothing, but it wasn’t enough to calm the storm raging inside you.

“But, just so you know,” He broke the silence, “You can still call me whenever you need me, okay? You have my number. Use it. I’ll be there faster than you can spell my name.”

Don’t tell me that, you thought. I’ll call you every single day that we’re apart.

You couldn’t breathe. Your chest was so tight, the weight of the decision crushing you. You had to protect yourself, had to let him go, but everything in you screamed that this was wrong. That you shouldn’t be doing this.

If this was the right thing—if this was truly to give Aki peace—then why did it feel so wrong? Why did it feel like your heart was being ripped out of your chest?

“I don’t want to say goodbye,” You sobbed, “You don’t deserve this.”

You clung to him, your sobs turning to gasps, your breath coming in ragged, desperate bursts. You couldn’t breathe. It hurt too much. But you didn’t let go. Neither of you did.

Because even though you both knew this was the end, neither of you was ready to say goodbye.

“You know I love you, troublemaker,” He cooed softly, kissing the top of your head.

This time, as the words left your lips, you felt yourself die a little, “I love you more.”

No stranger to the Tokyo train station, finding your husband’s train did not prove to be a difficult task. It rolled in at exactly 5:56 PM. Four minutes early. Your heart sank through your gut. Briefly, as the train doors slid open, you messed with your appearance – like you had done the whole time Aki had driven you up there in the passenger seat mirror, like he would be able to see the love bites you knew weren’t there, see remnants of your night with Aki all over your skin and face.

Then, holding a brown suitcase you remembered from your honeymoon, your husband finally stepped off of the train. His brown hair looked like it was freshly done, neatly trimmed around his ears and face. His eyes went wide the moment he saw you.

Had his nose always looked so… big?

“Tanimoto!” You called him, waving your arms around.

You swallowed hard, forcing a smile as you waved a little more frantically than you intended. Tanimoto beamed, but something about it felt off to you. The lopsided grin, which had once sent flutters through your chest, now seemed… worn. The lines around his mouth stretched awkwardly, and the dull sheen in his eyes made your stomach turn.

As he approached, dragging the familiar brown suitcase along the platform, you felt a pang of regret—of guilt—and something else you couldn’t quite place. His footsteps were slightly heavier than you remembered, his posture just a touch more hunched. It was like seeing him with new eyes, like you'd forgotten these details about him and were seeing them for the first time.

Your mind flashed back to Aki’s car, to the stolen glances in the rearview mirror, to the easy, careless laughter.

"Hey!" Tanimoto’s voice snapped you back to the moment. His arms reached out, and before you could stop yourself, you were in his embrace. You stiffened as his lips pressed a quick kiss on the top of your head, his breath warm against your scalp. It was a gesture that should’ve made you feel safe, but it didn’t. Instead, it made your skin itch.

“You got here early,” you said, stepping back as casually as possible. The scent of his cologne—familiar yet distant—lingered in the air between you. His brown eyes searched your face, but you avoided meeting them for too long, afraid of what he might see.

“I did,” he chuckled, “but looks like you were ready for me, huh?”

You forced another smile. “Of course.”

He took your hand, his fingers wrapping around yours with a tenderness that once made your heart race. Now, it just felt like a weight. He said something. You weren’t really listening. Instead, you found yourself hyper-focused on little things: the way his coat hung awkwardly off his frame, how his nose suddenly seemed far too large for his face.

Had he… always been like this? Or had you just... forgotten?

He squeezed your hand, and your mind flashed back to the feel of Aki’s hands, rougher, warmer, and somehow more real.

Tanimoto tugged you closer, placing a soft kiss on your forehead. "It's good to be back," he murmured, his lips lingering for a moment longer than you expected.

“Yeah,” you said, barely above a whisper. “Let’s call the cab.”

It had been a week since you last saw Aki, but it felt like a lifetime. His absence gnawed at you, leaving you restless and hollow, like a piece of you had gone missing.

You hadn't expected to miss him like this—hadn’t expected the nights to feel so long or the mornings so cold. Your mind kept drifting back to him, replaying every moment of that night over and over until it was almost too much to bear.

Who knew you would be craving him again like some sort of addict after only a week apart? Briefly, you couldn’t help but wonder if he felt the same way.

Now, sitting in a dimly lit restaurant, waiting for someone who wasn’t him, your fingers drummed anxiously on the table. The room was warm, cozy even, with soft candlelight flickering on polished wood and the low hum of conversations around you. The clinking of glasses and silverware provided a backdrop that should’ve been soothing, but instead, it only made your anxiety worse.

You checked your phone for the fifth time, willing time to move faster. He wouldn’t text. You told him not to. You knew that. But still.

"Sorry I’m late," A feminine voice said, surprisingly soft. Himeno adjusted her coat, smoothing it down, though her gaze barely met yours.

Across from you, she sat down with a sigh, finally breaking the tension that had been swirling in your chest. Her long, dark hair was a little longer than it had been the last time you saw her. Her eyes were tired but still held that edge – well, eye.

You offered a tight smile, feeling the awkwardness settle back between you like an old habit. "Thanks for coming out tonight, Himeno, I appreciate it."

"No, it’s fine," she replied with a sigh, finally lifting her gaze to meet yours. There was something different in it—less accusatory, more resigned. "I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about you."

"About?" you asked, though the answer was painfully obvious.

"And you-know-who," she said, her lips pressed into a thin line. Her nails tapped on the table as she spoke. "I shouldn’t have acted so mean. I was upset and catty, and I didn’t realize how badly I had taken the whole thing until I saw how upset he was about it."

Your heart skipped. "Upset?"

Himeno exhaled sharply, shaking her head as if still processing it all. "He asked me why you and I stopped talking. I told him I was upset that the two of you were sneaking around. He said I was acting like a spoiled child, that I had no right to be mad."

You couldn’t help it—a laugh escaped you, a short, bitter sound. "That sounds like him. I don’t think—"

The waiter arrived, momentarily cutting the conversation short. You ordered a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and two glasses – with which he returned after only a moment. As soon as he left, the air grew thick again.

Himeno poured the wine with practiced ease, the rich red liquid swirling as it filled your glasses. "No, he’s right," she said, handing you a glass before picking up her own. "I have no right to be upset about who he’s sleeping with."

Your throat tightened, and your pulse quickened. You grasped the glass, but it felt like lead in your hand. "We didn’t…"

Himeno’s laugh was dry. She raised an eyebrow and gave you a look that made you squirm. "You don’t have to lie to me," she said, her voice lower, calmer than you expected. "I didn’t hear anything solid—just petty rumors—but I can see it. His whole demeanor is different now. He cares about you, married or not. Something happened between you two, didn’t it?"

You felt the weight of her words pressing down on you, and the guilt you’d been pushing down for days rose to the surface. You stared at the wine swirling in your glass, then finally let out a long, tired sigh. “You can’t tell anyone.”

You haven’t told your husband yet?” Himeno asked, taking a long sip of her wine. The question hung heavy in the air between you, the weight of everything unsaid pressing down.

You shook your head, the words spilling out before you could stop them. “He’s a tricky situation for me. He’s abusive, a real piece of shit, and I just… I was too scared to divorce him because I knew it would be bad.” You had sighed, rubbing your hands together under the table. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m scared of him.”

Himeno’s expression had softened. Her face, usually sharp and guarded, had seemed to lose some of its edge as she had looked at you, really looked at you. The tension between you had shifted, not completely gone but different, more subdued.

“And Aki had just…” you hesitated, feeling your chest tighten, “He’s been so kind to me from the start. He pursued me with a passion I hadn’t even known existed. He had made me feel things I hadn’t felt in years.” You had paused, trying to collect your thoughts, but it had all spilled out too fast. “I was vulnerable, and I wanted to do something for myself for once. But it wasn’t… a one-time thing.”

Himeno’s eye had widened slightly, her glass hovering mid-air – stuck somewhere between her hand and her mouth.

“It would have been easier to tell him if it had been just a stupid one-night stand,” You continued, your voice barely above a whisper. “But it hadn’t been. I kept hanging around him, and I felt like I couldn’t stay away. Before I knew it, I felt something change.”

You had stopped for a moment, needing a breath. “And, Himeno, I felt horrible for what I had done that night, you have to understand. It really wasn’t my intention, but… he was persistent . And I realized I wanted something more from him. So we kept seeing each other, in secret, and now—” Your voice cracked, and you quickly swallowed the lump in your throat. “Now, I don’t know why, but I feel like I would die without him. He’s the first good thing that has come into my life in years.”

Himeno blinked, her mouth slightly open in shock, her wine glass still in hand. The pink flush of alcohol—or maybe embarrassment—had crept across her cheeks.

“But,” you had added quickly, trying to regain some control of the conversation, “You’ll be happy to know we've never been official. I told him we couldn’t see each other until my husband left Tokyo. I don’t want to lose him and a friend. You were right, Himeno. I shouldn’t have dragged Aki into my crazy, fucked-up marriage. In fact, I wish I could pretend none of this ever happened.”

You trailed off, staring into the half-empty wine glass in front of you, feeling the exhaustion settle deep into your bones. It had felt like confessing everything should have made you lighter, but instead, it had just made you feel… heavy.

Himeno had still been staring at you, frozen, her wide eye fixed on your face. “Oh my god,” She whispered, her voice barely audible over the low murmur of the restaurant. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips parted in shock. “You’re in love with him.”

There had been a pause, and you fumbled for the right words, the right way to explain this away. “Yeah, I mean, I was—I am—but it’s over now! I told him we had to stop seeing each other. It’s better that he’s with someone like you who can actually be there for him. I’m going to go back to Kyoto, divorce my husband, and then—therapy, probably. And then I’ll think about—”

“He’s hot, sure, but I don’t want him anymore. Besides, it won’t make a difference,” Himeno cut you off, her voice flat. “You might think you’d be able to move on, but Aki won’t. I can’t just steal him back from you.”

“Why not?” you asked, a little too quickly. “That’s what I did.”

Himeno shook her head, a dry laugh escaping her. “He’s got a big heart. It’s different. I was only upset because I didn’t know your intentions with him, at first. I thought you were going to take advantage of him,” She said, her voice softening. “But you love him. And I think he loves you, too. He was never mine to begin with, and he sure as hell won’t be mine now that he’s gotten a taste of you. That’s something I had to come to terms with a while ago.” Her lips had curled into a small smile. “As far as I’m concerned, that’s your man. He’s not mine to keep – he’s been yours since the moment you got off that damn train. You won, fair and square.”

You shook your head, the weight of her words pressing on your chest. “It’s not a competition, Himeno.”

“It’s not, you’re right.” She shrugged, her voice casual, but her gaze was kind and imploring, almost a little bittersweet – as if she couldn’t help but feel the slightest pang of sadness that he hadn’t been with her instead. “That kid is fucking crazy about you. He’s become insufferable ever since you left him. You can’t just walk away from it like that.”

“It’s not like I wanted to.” The words had come out as a sigh, heavy and tired. “I wish there could be some sort of happy ending for us, I really do. But I know my husband. At least for now, I have to stay away from him. It would be good for both of us.”

“God, you really are a mess.” Himeno leaned back in her chair, running a hand through her hair. “Hopeless idiots, the both of you. Sounds like a whole bunch of mukka-lukka about shit that doesn’t even really matter.” She rolled her eyes, but there had been something affectionate in her tone, like she had resigned herself to the chaos of it all.

“It matters—” you had started, but Himeno cut you off before you could finish.

“No, it doesn’t,” she had said firmly, leaning in slightly. “What matters is that you two have something special. You don’t want to walk away from it, do you?”

You hesitated, fingers curling around the stem of your wine glass. “No, not really, but—”

“There is no but ,” Himeno interrupted, her voice sharp but not unkind. “If you’re gonna steal my handsome partner away from me, you better ride that train to the last stop. You make each other happy. It’ll work itself out.”

You chewed on her words, the truth of them settling in your gut like a slow burn. “I guess you’re right. After everything’s said and done, though, I’m not really sure he’ll be there for me to come back to.”

“He will,” Himeno sighed, leaning back in her chair with an exasperated look. “That’s the issue. Stop being stupid and go get your man. I’m sick of watching him mope around like a sad little child.”

You huffed, conflicted. “I don’t know. Should I? It doesn’t feel right.”

Himeno raised an eyebrow. “You said you’re divorcing him anyway, right?”

“Yeah, but I don’t—” You took a deep breath, the weight of it all pressing down on you. “I don’t want him to hurt me or Aki.”

“Then don’t let him find out,” Himeno snapped, her voice sharp like a whip. “Aki’s strong enough to protect the both of you, anyway.”

“What if it’s out of my control?” you asked, feeling the panic rise in your throat. “People talk.”

“It’s all just background noise,” Himeno sighed, leaning back in her chair, the dim light catching the faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “For the record, I never said anything to anyone. I know you’re thinking it.”

You bit back your instinctive retort, swallowing hard. “I don’t—” You paused, eyes narrowing, your tone softer now. “I don’t know why you didn’t.”

“Why would I want to shatter his image?” she replied, her voice calm, though there had been something sad lurking beneath her casual tone. “I care about him, you know. You’re an extension of him, now. You can’t keep living in fear of your husband. You’re not powerless. It’s the twentieth century.”

The weight of those words settled in your chest, heavier than you had expected. You didn’t know what to say, the relief tinged with the sharp edge of guilt. “He’d kill me if he found out through someone else.”

Himeno raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “He doesn’t have to know. For now,” she said, her voice laced with mischief. A little firmer, she offered, “Just because your husband’s in Tokyo, doesn’t mean you can’t talk to the kid. You can behave, can’t you? Just for a while? Just long enough to see him?”

The thought of seeing Akitwisted something deep inside of you, and you weren’t able to help but pout, your voice low. “I do wanna see him, just… not to talk.”

Himeno’s laugh had been sudden and bright, cutting through the heaviness in the air – a sound you didn’t realize you had missed until now. “Naughty girl! God, I missed you,” she teased, slapping your arm lightly, her grin wide and mischievous. Then, her demeanor had shifted, softened. She had reached across the table, extending her hand toward you. “Start over? You and me? What do you say?”

For a moment, you just stared at her, mind spinning, trying to process what she was offering. The tension that had sat between the two of you for so long had felt like it was starting to unravel. You blinked, your lips parting in surprise.

“I could really use a girlfriend,” Himeno added, her smile tinged with something a little more vulnerable now. “It’s hard to talk to other women my age. Most of ‘em don’t live that long..”

Her words hit you harder than you’d expected, a strange warmth spreading through your chest. The walls you’d both built had started to crumble, and for the first time, you felt the potential for something more than this guarded, awkward rivalry. Something like friendship. Maybe even understanding.

A small smile tugged at your lips as you nodded. “Okay, yeah… let’s start over.”

Her hand was warm when you shook on it, and when your glasses clinked together in a quiet toast, it felt like a truce—fragile, but real.

For a beat, there had been peace.

But then, Himeno grinned, that playful spark dancing in her eyes. She took a slow sip of her wine, setting the glass down deliberately before leaning forward with that all-too-familiar wicked grin.

“So,” She began, her voice dripping with curiosity, “Tell me, as your friend and not as Aki’s partner. How’s the sex?”

You had choked, sputtering on your wine. “ Himeno. ”

“What? I wanna know!” Himeno leaned forward with a whine, her eye practically sparkling with curiosity. “Now that I’m not interested in experiencing it for myself, I need all the juicy details.”

You rolled your eyes, but the smirk that had played at your lips had betrayed you. Despite the absurdity of the conversation, it had felt like a release, an unburdening of something you’d kept bottled up for far too long. With a cheeky tilt of your head, you decided to indulge her for a while, “Absolutely divine .”

“Groundbreaking?” Himeno’s eyebrow arched, her grin widening as she leaned closer, elbows resting on the table.

“ Bed -breaking,” You shot back without hesitation, a soft laugh escaping your lips. It felt good—better than you’d expected—to finally share this with someone, to let the secret of your affair slip into the open, even if only between the two of you. You felt the weight lifting from your chest as the words spilled out. “He’s a fiend. Totally different from that buttoned-up, serious Captain you see at work. He’s so… passionate and considerate. Like, ridiculously attentive. And… insatiable.”

Himeno’s eyes flashed with interest, her lips curling into an amused smile. “But is he good , though?” Her voice lowered conspiratorially, as if you were two schoolgirls gossiping about a secret crush.

You couldn’t help the flush that crept up your neck. The memories had hit you hard—the way Aki had touched you, the way his breath had felt against your skin, his intensity, his need for you. You let out a deep, satisfied sigh, almost involuntarily.

" Yes ," you had whispered, your voice dipping low as the heat of the memory overtook you. " God,yes."

Your eyes practically shut for a moment as the flashbacks played out in your mind. The ghost of his touch lingered on your skin, sliding up your thighs, pressing a kiss to your heat – His hands, his lips, the way his eyes fluttered shut when he slid inside of you for the first time, like it took everything he had to hold on, like you were the only woman in the entire world.

God, you missed him.

You dropped your voice, as if sharing a precious secret. “Can’t get enough of it, really.”

Himeno’s grin spread wide across her face, and her laughter came easily, as if the revelation had been exactly what she’d expected. "So he’s got you dick-whipped , huh?" She hummed, the words rolling off her tongue with wicked delight.

"For lack of a better word… yes," You admitted, but you couldn’t stop the smile pulling at your lips. The embarrassment had risen in your chest, but so had the thrill of confessing it aloud for the first time.

Himeno’s playful teasing had felt like a release, like she was giving you permission to laugh at the absurdity of your situation.

Himeno, still grinning, raised an eyebrow knowingly. "Denji said he saw you limp into the kitchen the other day."

Your eyes widened, a mixture of horror and exasperation flooding your face. "Did he?" You groaned, pressing your fingers to your temples as if you could will away the embarrassment. "Aki made him swear he wouldn’t tell anyone."

Himeno snickered, clearly relishing the story. "I’m not just anyone ." Her tone had been smug, and she had gestured with her hands, mimicking a measurement as if to add insult to injury, spreading her two pointer fingers further apart with each word. "And between me and you, girl – Congratulations ."

Your face burned, and you buried it in your hands, trying to suppress the laughter bubbling up inside you. "Oh my God ," you muttered through your fingers, voice muffled but laced with laughter. “Quiet down before someone overhears!"

Back at the hotel, you were just about ready to call it a night. Donning a waffle-print robe, you watched a pay-per-view on the television screen. Your husband was rummaging around the hotel room the two of you had been sharing for the past week.

He flopped down onto the bed next to you

Without warning, he turned off the TV and slid closer, straddling you. His lips pressed gently against your neck, his kisses tender but insistent.

“Baby, stop,” you laughed, trying to push him away with a half-hearted shove.

He didn’t relent, his lips trailing from your neck to your ear. You tried again, “Stop it, seriously.”

But he was persistent, his kisses becoming more insistent. You shifted under him, more firmly this time. “No, seriously—stop it. I’m not in the mood.”

He pulled back slightly, a sigh escaping his lips as he rolled off you, laying down beside you with a resigned thud. “You’re never in the mood. I thought after being apart, you’d want to make up for lost time.”

You were silent for a moment, trying to gather your thoughts. “I’m just tired,” you finally said, rubbing your eyes. “It’s been a long day. Himeno and I had a lot to drink. I’d really rather just go to sleep. Can we talk about this tomorrow?”

He turned his head, looking at you with a mixture of frustration and hurt. “It was tomorrow yesterday, and the day before that, and every night for the past week,” he retorted.

His words stung, hitting closer to home than you wanted to admit. You knew he was right, but you didn’t want to confront it. “I said I was sorry,” he continued, his voice a mix of anger and desperation. “What, do you want me to beg?”

You scoffed, feeling the guilt mix with your exhaustion. “What? No, I just… I’m not mad at you. I’m just tired. Can’t we just let it be for tonight?”

He stared at you, his expression a mixture of hurt and resignation. “You’re punishing me for what happened before you left, aren’t you?”

You didn’t say anything, your silence a tacit admission. The room was heavy with unspoken words and unresolved issues.

He sighed deeply, rolling onto his back and staring up at the ceiling. “I don’t know how to fix this if you keep shutting me out.”

You felt a pang of regret. “It’s not about shutting you out,” you murmured. “I just need some rest. Tomorrow, I promise. We can talk then.”

He didn’t respond, the silence between you thick with tension. You reached over, resting a hand on his arm, but the gesture felt too little, too late. Quickly, you withdrew your hand.

“I said I was sorry,” he said, his voice edged with frustration. “What, do you want me to beg?”

You scoffed, already pissed the hell off about the entire conversation so far. “What? No, I just… I’m not mad at you. I’m just tired. It had been a long day. Himeno and I had drunk more than we probably should have. I’d really rather just go to sleep. Can we talk about this tomorrow?”

He rolled his eyes, his irritation palpable. “It was tomorrow yesterday, and the day before that, and every night for the past week.”

You tried to explain, though your voice lacked the conviction you wished it had. “I just haven’t been feeling good.”

Truthfully, you couldn’t imagine a worse idea. The thought of another man’s touch filled you with revulsion. You felt a peculiar sense of loyalty to Aki, as though the mere notion of being with anyone else was a betrayal of your own beliefs. It was as if Aki had imprinted himself on you in such a way that being with another man seemed not just unappealing, but downright wrong .

He had huffed, settling heavily into the bed. “Sure,” he sighed. “Well, then let’s sleep.”

He’s giving up that easily? You furrowed your brows. “What?”

“That’s what you wanted, right?” Ge said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Sorry for thinking my wife missed me. Goodnight.”

You had tossed the blankets aside, your anger bubbling over as you rolled out of the bed. “Oh, don’t fucking act like that.”

“You’re one to talk – you’ve been acting distant ever since you left for Tokyo. It’s like you’re not even happy to see me .”

Feeling trapped and overwhelmed, you had grabbed a robe and slipped on your outdoor slippers, reaching for the hotel room key. The cool metal felt oddly comforting against your palm.

“I’m not doing this,” you had said, your voice heavy with resignation. “Goodnight, Tanimoto.”

“Where are you going?” he had asked, a note of panic creeping into his voice.

“To the gas station, or somewhere. I don’t know,” you had replied, your hand already on the door. “I’m going crazy in here with you. I need a break. I’m going to get a snack.”

You walked out the door, clicking the door shut behind you. Then, you turned your back on him and walked – walked away until you reached the stairs, until you reached the first floor, until you reached the empty lobby, where you collapsed on one of the complimentary sofas. The air carried that distinct aroma that only hotels seemed to carry.

With a stressed sigh, you rubbed your hands over your face.

Pulling out your phone, you stared at the screen, the weight of Himeno’s words still heavy in your mind.

“Just because your husband’s in Tokyo, doesn’t mean you can’t talk to the kid. You can behave, can’t you? Just for a while? Just long enough to see him?”

“You can’t keep living in fear of your husband. You’re not powerless. It’s the twentieth century.”

And, in a moment of weakness, you dialed that damn number – the one you knew you shouldn’t have been calling. You dialed it and held your breath as the line rang once, twice–

“Hey,” Aki answered on the second ring. His voice was warm and familiar and immediately concerned – you missed him so badly. “You okay?”

You nearly broke down crying at the mere sound of him. It felt as if it had been so long since you had heard his voice, seen his face, felt his lips on yours. A week away, and it felt as if you had shot yourself through the heart.

“I wanna see you,” You gnawed on your lip, trying to keep your voice steady, “Can you come get me?”

“It’s 11 at night,” He chuckled softly, though his voice didn’t hold an ounce of malice. “I thought you said we couldn’t see each other?”

“I wanna go for a drive,” You answered. You could cry. You wanted him to come get you – to rescue you from this Hell you created for yourself, to hold you close and tell you everything was going to be alright, that he missed you as much as you missed him. “ Please?”

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, as if he were taking a moment to deliberate, before he released a long, tired sigh, “You still at the Hilton?”

I love you.

“Yeah,” A smile graced your face at the thought of seeing him again.

It felt an awful lot like you had just returned from war to him.

In the background of the call, you heard him rustling around. Then there was the distinct, reassuring jingle of a keychain, “ Alright. Be there in ten.”

“I’ll be waiting in the lobby,” Your grin only widened – you felt a burst of excitement, as if you were a schoolgirl all over again.

Only he had the power to make you feel that way.

You hung up and leaned back into the chair, letting the couch cradle you.

The next ten minutes seemed to drag by. You tried to burn some time by walking around the lobby, then by flipping through the entire stack of magazines next to your couch – all while your eyes never strayed from the clock above the door.

You were restless. So much so, in fact, that the moment it hit 11:12, exactly ten minutes after you had hung up, you felt your heart begin to flutter with uncertainty. Would he come? Was he running late? Did he get into an accident?

Did he still love you?

Just as you had begun to worry, you heard it – that telltale honk of a car horn outside.

Immediately, you bolted for the door, your robe flaring around you and slippers slapping against the polished floor. Your heart pounded as you spotted his sedan parked against the side of the building, away from the windows. Without a second thought, you hurried towards the car, barely noticing the cool night air against your bare legs – holding your robe tight around your chest as if that would calm the unsteady beating of your heart.

You flung open the passenger door and slipped inside, the familiar scent of him enveloping you. Then, when you were settled in, he peered down at you with those pretty blue eyes of his – lovingly, adoringly, for the first time in a week (and then some, though it had felt like a decade).

All traces of the word ‘Behave’ disappeared from your mind the moment you laid eyes on him. He was wearing a pair of plaid pajama pants and an oversized blue sweater. His hair was down – a little frizzy, like he had just woken up.

“ Aki –” You sighed after all of one second, throwing your arms around him and pulling him in for a kiss that was both urgent and fervent.

You pressed yourself against him, your body seeking the familiar warmth of his presence. As your lips met his, the kiss started gently, a tender brush of connection that soon deepened with longing. His lips were soft and slightly cool, a contrast to the heat that surged between you. You parted them slightly, your tongue tentatively exploring the contours of his mouth, seeking the taste that had become so familiar and intoxicating.

Aki responded with a quiet moan, his hands sliding up to cradle your face. His fingers were warm and rough against your skin, a grounding presence that made your pulse quicken even more. He smelled like him , like home.

You felt his breath hitch as you pressed closer, desperately. His hands roamed to your shoulders, pulling you closer.

When you finally broke apart, your foreheads rested against each other, breaths mingling in the small space between you. Your eyes fluttered open to meet his, and the gaze you shared was filled with a mix of relief, desire, and a touch of vulnerability. You could see the same raw emotion reflected in his eyes.

He laughed a little breathlessly, then, cheeks tinted with pink, “Hey, troublemaker.”

You couldn’t help but giggle back – like you weren’t hunched over the console of his car, making out with him in the hotel parking lot while your husband went to bed, “I missed you.”

“I can see that,” He smiled timidly, gently, handsomely and – Ugh!!

“I can’t keep living like this,” You breathed out, cupping his face, feeling the contours of his jaw. It felt as if he would disappear again the moment you let him go. “Not seeing you. Not knowing when I’ll see you again. It’s driving me crazy.”

“Me, too. I’ve barely slept,” He replied, “I’ve been worried sick about you.”

“In secret, then,” You nodded, licking your lips, “We’ll see each other, still, just… in secret.”

“I don’t want to keep being your secret,” He answered with a sigh. His brows furrowed. “I wanna bewith you.”

“I’ll leave him–” You begged him. Anything – Anything to make him stay. You would do anything for him. “I’ll leave him, I swear. As soon as we’re done with this fucking– with this position in Tokyo, I’ll see an attorney. I’ll get the papers, and–”

“You don’t have to worry about all of that right now,” He smoothed his hand over your arm, over the fabric of your robe.

“But it’s not fair to you,” You raised your voice ever-so-slightly, desperately, “I can’t keep leading you on like this. You deserve my everything , not just… being on the side. I wanna be with you and only you, all of you. I wanna leave and start over with you, start a new life with you, and a new apartment, and–”

Aki’s actions spoke much louder than his words. Gently, he reached for your head, pulling it close enough to cradle it to his chest. You buried your nose in his neck.

“I feel so trapped , Aki– it’s like I can’t even breathe when I’m not around you. I don’t know what it means, but it feels as if–” Before you knew it, your eyes were watering, and your voice trembled with that weakness you hated so much, “It feels as if I shot myself right through the heart.”

“Hey,” He spoke up, calm and collected, as he typically was. “What’s wrong? Did something happen? Did he hurt you?”

“Not physically,” You cried. “I just– I can’t take it anymore– I need to leave.”

“Then let’s leave,” He commented. His hand twitched towards the gear shift. Still, he didn’t move the car just yet, letting you make the next move. “Where do you wanna go?”

“I wanna go home with you, Aki,” You wiped your tears away with the back of your hand. Sitting straight up in your seat, you looked up at him, “Please, I can’t– I don’t wanna go back in that room with him.”

“You know you can’t come home with me, baby,” He smiled softly – like the fucking angel he was. “I don’t want you to get in trouble. Not tonight.”

“I don’t even fucking care anymore,” You snapped, “I love you , Aki. I need you.”

And he leaned down, nose brushing against yours, touching the side of your face so gently that you thought he was a dream. “I need you, too,” He pressed a gentle kiss to your lips, “I love you, too,” Another, and then he sighed, “Don’t tempt me. I’m trying to keep you out of trouble.”

“Take me away from here,” You pleaded. You felt so weak . Your husband made you weak. You were weak for Aki, too.

Home wasn’t in Kyoto. Home was wherever his arms were.

“I will,” He answered. Sitting back, he finally shifted the car into gear – his blue eyes seemed to focus on the tear that made its way down your cheek. “Where to? Wanna go to the gas station and get a snack? A slushy?”

After a momentary pause, you nodded, wiping your tears away.

“It’s okay,” He cooed, softly, patiently. “He can’t hurt you. You’re safe. We’re gonna get you a nice snack and then you’re gonna feel better, and you’re gonna tell me what happened.”

You only nodded again. Then, you let him drive you off into the night, leaving your clueless husband in the dust – leaving that damned hotel behind. And, for the first time since you had left his apartment a week or so ago, you felt a little better.

Aki pulled the car into the gas station, the warm glow of the neon signs casting a soft light over the hood. You glanced at him as the car came to a stop, and it struck you, as it always did, just how effortlessly attractive he was. Off the clock, away from the neat suits and crisp shirts, Aki looked so different, yet somehow even better. His sweatshirt hung from him just right, showcasing the broad line of his shoulders and the lean strength in his arms. His sweatpants were comfortably worn, soft at the edges, and hung low on his hips. His hair, usually slicked back for work, now fell loosely around his face in a tousled mess that made him look younger, more relaxed.

“I’ll be right back,” he said, giving you a quick, easy smile before stepping out of the car. You watched him walk into the store, his movements casual, unhurried, like he wasn’t weighed down by anything—not by you, not by tonight, not by the storm brewing inside you.

You stared out the window, trying to steady your racing thoughts. The air between you and Aki always seemed charged, even when nothing was happening. You wanted to believe this was all harmless—a gas station run, some time away—but there was something more, and you both knew it.

A few minutes later, the door clicked open, and Aki slid back into the driver’s seat. He handed you a slushy and a small bag of donuts, the sugary scent filling the car. “I remember you telling me you liked these,” he said, his tone so casual, but the weight of the small gesture felt heavy.

Your heart did a small, involuntary flip. That he’d remembered something so small—so inconsequential—made your chest tighten. You smiled softly, the warmth of the moment settling over you. “Thank you,” you whispered, taking the bag from him.

You turned to him, taking a sip of your slushy before speaking. “I don’t think we can do that again.”

Aki glanced at you, sipping on his slushy. “Do what?” he mumbled through a full mouth.

“Break up,” you said, wiping the condensation off your cup. “I was messed up the whole week. Thought it’d be easier, I dunno.”

Aki paused, sipping thoughtfully. “Break up?” He raised an eyebrow, then took another bite. “Is that what it was?”

“Kinda,” you admitted with a small smile, picking at the edge of your donut. “At least, it sure felt like one.”

He nodded, taking a long sip from his slushy. “I agree.” A beat passed, and then, with a teasing grin, he asked, “So… are we un-broken up?”

You snorted, shaking your head. “You mean seeing each other again?”

Aki shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. “If you insist.”

“It was more like a break, really,” you shot back, laughing. “We knew we’d be together again someday. Does that count?”

Aki plucked a donut from the bag you had propped open in your lap. “Someday, huh?” he replied, pretending to be offended as he polished it off in two bites. “I think we both knew you wouldn’t be gone long.”

You rolled your eyes, grabbing another donut. “Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night.” Then your voice softened, and you glanced at him seriously. “But really, Aki, I don’t wanna live without you. I need you.”

He turned toward you, the playful banter giving way to something more real. “Yeah,” he said quietly, his blue eyes softening. “I need you too.”

He started the car again, the low hum of the engine filling the silence as you both sat back. You sipped your slushy while Aki took small, deliberate pulls from his own, his eyes focused on the road ahead. You smacked on the donuts, savoring the sweetness as if it could distract you from the heaviness of everything else.

After a few quiet moments, you couldn’t hold it in anymore. “He kept talking tonight,” you began, your voice low, almost as if you were ashamed to bring it up. “Saying I don’t seem excited to see him. That I never… touch him anymore.” You swallowed hard, staring out the window as you spoke, afraid to meet Aki’s gaze. “It’s like he doesn’t get it. He really doesn’t know what he did wrong.”

Aki didn’t say anything right away. He just kept driving, his hands steady on the wheel, his slushy untouched in the cup holder now. But you knew he was listening, really listening. You had to admire his patience – lord knew that you would not be able to sit before him as composed as he was if it were him talking about his wife.

“I just need to take my mind off of everything for a while,” you admitted, your voice soft, almost pleading. You felt drained, like you were holding on to too much for too long.

The thought of Aki belonging to anyone else, selfishly enough, made your skin crawl.

Did you have a right?

“I can help,” Aki said, and the shift in his voice was unmistakable. The air between you seemed to change, thickening with something unspoken but undeniably real.

You glanced over at him, and the look on his face made your heart skip. His jaw was set, strong and sharp in the dim light from the dashboard, but there was something else in his eyes—something teasing, a little dangerous. His lips quirked up at the corners, a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, and his gaze dropped to your mouth for just a second before flicking back to the road.

Your mouth ran dry. The heat between you was rising, the tension humming louder now. “With what?” you asked, the words catching in your throat as your pulse quickened.

He glanced at you again, slower this time, eyes lingering on you before returning to the road. “Taking your mind off of it,” he added, voice low, each word deliberate, as if he knew exactly what he was doing.

Your breath caught in your chest, and the weight of the moment hung heavy between you, pressing down until it felt like the only thing in the world that mattered was whatever Aki had in mind next.

“How?” you asked, your voice soft but edged with curiosity, your heart racing in your chest.

Aki’s eyes darted toward you for just a second, a slow, knowing smile tugging at his lips. He nodded toward the back seat, where the fogged windows and dim light hinted at the kind of escape you both knew so well. The implication was clear, and your pulse quickened, excitement threading through your veins.

You knew you should refuse. You knew you should just say, not tonight , go back to your hotel room, and leave Aki with the weight of everything you'd already asked of him. It would have been the right thing to do, the smart thing. But that gnawing pull toward him, the heat between you, made it impossible to walk away.

You couldn’t suppress the smile that spread across your face, playful and just a little dangerous. “What happened to seeing each other in private?” you teased.

He raised a brow, smirk widening as he leaned closer. “You never said anything about fuckingeach other in private,” He countered, his tone low and teasing, the words hanging heavy in the space between you.

You exhaled a shocked little laugh, the tension between you both electric. “We’re not hooking up, Aki,” you sighed, biting your lip. Your heart raced as you leaned into him, the heat of his body pulling you in.

“What’s a better way to celebrate getting over a break-up –” He teased, “Than makeup sex?”

“Not happening. Don’t start,” you retorted before closing the gap, your lips pressing a tender kiss into his.

But, for the record, you wound up crawling back into bed with your husband an hour later like nothing had happened.

a/n: I WANTED TO MAKE THIS MORE OF A SLOW BURN. but i absolutely HATED making them so miserable. they cant live without eachother. also aki's sigh of "be there in 10?" UGHSFHFDHFGHFG!!! i was so geeked up writing this. the next chapter coming will be full of that sweet goodness you all know and love (and know imma give you every time). stay tuned! lmk what yall thought of that long ass chapter, and what you wanna see happen in future ones!!! Mama loves yall. Make sure you're taking your meds, drinking water, and doing your homework. Muah! x

credits: UNKOWN ATM. I found the cover pic on pinterest unfortch. If you know the artist, please let me know, so I can credit them properly for their work!!! This is NOT MY BEAUTIFUL DRAWINGGG. I obviously do not own csm or anything related to it. please do not reproduce, copy, or translate my works anywhere. dont fk w me im a bruja.

also: come find me on my wattpad if u wanna interact more!

taglist: @mitsuyeahhh , @sleepysnk , @enneadec , @noaabean , @em1e , @drakensdarling , @bertholdts--butt , @satanlovesusall666 , @mitsuwuyaa , @noctifule , @scaraphobia , @ask-the-insect-hashira , @lovingranchturkeyweasel , @bontensbabygirl , @slvdsjjk , @novacrystalli , @hanmastattoos , @kodzuksn , @hqtiny , @ohmaiscool15 , @redlittlequeen , @leivane , @goldeneagles-posts , @yeahblahlame , @no-oneelsebutnsu , @cookiesandcreammy , @cawwn , @the-haitani-baton , @littlelovebug98 , @armani78 , @mindurownbussines , @kokos-property , @violetmatcha , @hp-simp505 , @acethebrave , @mitsuyeahhh , @sleepysnk , @enneadec , @noaabean , @em1e , @drakensdarling , @bertholdts--butt , @satanlovesusall666 , @mitsuwuyaa , @noctifule , @scaraphobia , @ask-the-insect-hashira , @lovingranchturkeyweasel , @bontensbabygirl , @slvdsjjk , @novacrystalli , @hanmastattoos , @kodzuksn , @hqtiny , @ohmaiscool15 , @redlittlequeen , @leivane , @goldeneagles-posts , @yeahblahlame , @no-oneelsebutnsu , @cookiesandcreammy , @cawwn , @the-haitani-baton , @littlelovebug98 , @armani78 , @mindurownbussines , @kokos-property , @violetmatcha , @hp-simp505

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sevenboarproductions · 4 months ago

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[IDOLiSH7] [Part 6] Chapter 13: Towards the Promised Hour

6.13.1. - Those days passed by

Takanashi Tsumugi: And thus the day of “Black or White Live Showdown” has come.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Good morning, everyone.

Nanase Riku: Good morning, manager.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Morning!

Rokuya Nagi: Good morning! It’s finally the long-awaited morning, isn’t it?

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yes! Today, it will finally be time for “Black or White Live Showdown”.

Nikaidou Yamato: Yeah.

Izumi Mitsuki: That’s true.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Ever since I learnt about “New Black or White” until now…

Takanashi Tsumugi: There was no time when I didn’t think about this day.

Takanashi Tsumugi: I was wondering if everyone else actually felt like that, too. How is it for you?

Ousaka Sougo: That’s true… For me, it was especially about the new song. In the back of my mind, I was always thinking about it.

Izumi Mitsuki: Aah, I get that. Even while going about my life, I’d be like, “Aah, that idea just now might be nice”.

Izumi Mitsuki: I was thinking “I might be able to use that in the live” a lot.

Nanase Riku: I was imagining it before I went to sleep, too! In my head, I’ve done this year’s Black or White about seven times already!

Rokuya Nagi: Me, too! We won and everyone congratulated us!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Me, too, me, too! Sometimes, the setlist changes too.

Izumi Iori: Please don’t change it for no reason.

Nikaidou Yamato: You’re worried because the time where you can’t change it anymore has come. Like “Is this setlist fine…?”

Ousaka Sougo: I get that. I changed up the order in my head and did some trial and error…

Izumi Iori: It’s a perfect setlist. It’ll be fine.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Riku-san, Tamaki-san, please try to recall the stage the two of you imagined.

Nanase Riku: Uhm…

Yotsuba Tamaki: Like this?

Takanashi Tsumugi: Tonight, IDOLiSH7 will be on a stage that’s even more wonderful than that one.

Nanase Riku: Manager…

Takanashi Tsumugi: That special stage performance that everyone took their time to create…

Takanashi Tsumugi: I’m sure it will be a live that reaches the fans’ hearts!

Takanashi Tsumugi: To everyone who’s been attending our lives with so much love and enthusiasm…

Takanashi Tsumugi: I am so grateful!

Takanashi Tsumugi: The real event is today, but the days leading up to it were a very precious time to me, like an irreplaceable treasure.

Takanashi Tsumugi: I learned a lot from being able to create a live from scratch together with everyone.

Takanashi Tsumugi: More than anything, it was really fun and I’m so happy we were able to do this!

Rokuya Nagi: OH… Me, too. I am very, very happy.

Nikaidou Yamato: Me, too. Coming up with everything from the theme of the live to the setlist together was fun.

Nikaidou Yamato: It might be an exaggeration since the competition hasn’t been decided yet, but I have the feeling that we are creating the culmination of who we are.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yamato-san…

Nikaidou Yamato: I remember how we got started.

Nikaidou Yamato: When I heard it was gonna be an audition, I was planning to walk out that door.

Izumi Mitsuki: That’s right… You tried to leave as if you were just letting us pass.

Nikaidou Yamato: I didn’t want to become an idol… But it’s different now.

Nikaidou Yamato: Thanks for stopping me, manager.

Nikaidou Yamato: I should be thanking you, but…

Nikaidou Yamato: Tonight, I’ll make these guys win.

Takanashi Tsumugi: …Yamato-san…

Nanase Riku＆Yotsuba Tamaki: Waaah…！

Rokuya Nagi: Oh my god…

Ousaka Sougo: Wow, Yamato-san’s cool…!

Nikaidou Yamato: Now, now, don’t get too excited.

Izumi Mitsuki: This old man finally said it.

Izumi Iori: Seems like he is finally realizing his role as the leader.

Nikaidou Yamato: Please be a bit nicer, Izumi brothers. Well then, getting back to the point…

Nikaidou Yamato: I’ll show you how the idols you, as our manager, named IDOLiSH7 become the number one in Japan.

Nikaidou Yamato: Thank you for putting all your effort into planning and preparing for the live despite being so busy.

Nikaidou Yamato: Once we go on stage, it’s our job. Leave it to onii-san.

Takanashi Tsumugi: …Yes…!

Takanashi Tsumugi: From the bottom of my heart, I am proud to celebrate this day together with everyone!

Nanase Riku: Manager! Give us your support until the end!

Nanase Riku: The one who first told us to do our best was our manager, right?

Nanase Riku: Please cheer us on like you did back then!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yes… I will!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Iori-san!

Izumi Iori: Yes.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yamato-san!

Nikaidou Yamato: Yeah.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Mitsuki-san!

Izumi Mitsuki: Yeah!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Tamaki-san!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Yo!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Sougo-san!

Ousaka Sougo: Yes!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Nagi-san!

Rokuya Nagi: Yes!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Nanase-san!

Nanase Riku: Yeah!

Takanashi Tsumugi: I love IDOLiSH7 more than anything in the world! Please do your best…!

IDOLiSH7: Yeah…!!

–

Woman: Waa… So many people…! Aah…. So that’s what it feels like at a live?…

Woman: This is not the time to be impressed! I wonder if I can still get live goods…

Woman: Ah, that person might be a fan of Riku-kun. And that one seems to be a ŹOOḼ fan!

Woman: Everyone is smiling… Everyone looks really happy! …I’m getting excited as well!

Woman: I decided on it on a whim, but I’m glad I applied for tickets and got to come here…

Passerby A: I’m glad I could come today~! I’m looking forward to it so much I could die!

Passerby B: I’ve kinda been too nervous to sleep for a week!

Passerby A: Ahaha! For a week!

Woman: Fufu… Everyone’s saying the same thing. I’m kind of relieved.

Woman: We like the same things and we’re looking forward to the same thing; it’s like everyone here is friends.

Woman: Alright! Let’s have lots of fun! I hope everyone else does, too…!

Woman: So that everyone here moves toward the most happy new year!

Mage Takara: Haa… I couldn’t sleep…

Mage Takara: Thinking that TRIGGER is going to sing the song I wrote today…

Mage Takara: Oh my god… I said it… Even though it’s top secret information…! I gotta stop breathing!!

Mage Takara: …Waah… I almost died…. Kujou Tenn…

Mage Takara: Yaotome Gaku… Tsunashi Ryuunosuke… Okay, I calmed down…

Mage Takara: When I’m nervous, saying TRIGGER’s names is the best… Oh my god… I might die…

Older Sister: Oh my god, I might die… Do you think ŹOOḼ will win today!? Torao-kun is so cool!

Girl: Are you okay, onee-chan!? The one who will win is IDOLiSH7! I’m glad I get to see Riku-kun…!

Mage Takara: …Those sisters are amazing… They’re able to hold a conversation on the edge of that line…

Nervous Man: I feel kind of bad… Even though you invited me…

Sunohara Ruri: You’re fine, you’re fine! Please support your future brother-in-law! I want to introduce you later.

Nervous Man: W-we can do it another time. Since it’ll be right after a big job.

Sunohara Ruri: But Yuki-san wanted to meet you as well.

Nervous Man: I’m a stranger to Yuki-san, so why…

Sunohara Ruri: I’m looking forward to Re:vale-san’s live! I hope they can stay Japan’s number one!

Mage Takara: …They have matching rings… I’m a fan of Re:vale as a couple…

Mage Takara: It would’ve been nice if I could’ve brought my girlfriend. I don’t have one, though.

Mage Takara: Ah… a beautiful blonde IDOLiSH7 fan. Maybe a RabbiTuber…

Thorvald: ＜Well then, Prince Seto. Until I enter the venue, I will continue to provide live coverage.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Yeah. I’ll leave it to you.＞

Thorvald: ＜This is the venue where today’s “New Black or White” will be held. There’s a takoyaki shop over there.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Oh. Is there a any connection between lives and takoyaki?＞

Thorvald: ＜There isn’t- This is the live t-shirt. Later on, I’ll show you how it looks when it’s worn.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜This is a beautiful design. I appreciate it.＞

Thorvald: ＜Thank you very much. On behalf of the merchandise production team, I would like to express my gratitude.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Yes.＞

Thorvald: ＜This an item used to cheer people on. It lights up when you bend it, but I will not do that yet. ＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I know that one. It’s because the light slowly starts to fade, right?＞

Thorvald: ＜That is correct. By the way, Prince Nagi’s color is yellow.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I know that, too. For his next birthday, I’m planning to give him a yellow sports car.＞

Thorvald: ＜That’s wonderful. I’m sure His Highness Nagi will be very pleased as well. The next thing I’d like to introduce to you is an uchiwa fan…＞

Mage Takara: He’s showcasing the live goods… What a way to spread word about IDOLiSH7 to the world!

Passerby C: Aah, my heart’s pounding! Since I have a great seat today, maybe ŹOOḼ will notice me!?

Passerby D: They’ll notice you for sure! I mean, you talked to them before, right?

Passerby C: Yeah! I even gave them a letter directly…!

Mage Takara: …Directly!? That’s amazing. But to take it properly from them, ŹOOḼ must be surprisingly serious…

Mage Takara: Ah… I wonder if the tough-looking old men over there are idol fans, too…?

Passerby E: But it’s surprising~! Didn’t expect big bro Kuma to be interested in idols!

Passerby F: Yeah! My oshi is the reason why I rediscovered myself as an illustrator!

Mage Takara: Ah, an illustrator, huh? You shouldn’t judge people by their appearance.

Mage Takara: A lot of people are here. Ah, oh my god, my heart is pounding… My song will be sung in front of everyone…

Mage Takara: What do I do… If Kujou Tenn suddenly said that he will dedicate this song to Magechon…

Mage Takara: …No, I offered it. Calm down, come to your senses… Aah, I can’t stop imagining stuff like that…

Mage Takara: Start quickly!

Mage Takara: No! Don’t start yet!

Mage Takara: Even though it feels like the best right now, even better things are still coming up…!

Mage Takara: It’s the last day of December, but it’s not cold at all!

Mage Takara: “New Black or White” is the best…!!

~ to be continued ~

6.13.2. - To that place we longed for

Isumi Haruka: Haa…

Isumi Haruka: Finally, it’s time for “New Black or White”...

Inumaru Touma: Don’t be nervous, don’t be nervous!

Natsume Minami: You’re the one who’s too tense, Inumaru-san, your shoulders are too stiff.

Midou Torao: Even Minami is blinking a lot.

Isumi Haruka: And Torao is looking at the clock too much.

Utsugi Shirou: It’ll be fine. Everyone, please relax.

Isumi Haruka: What will be fine?

Midou Torao: How can you know that?

Inumaru Touma: Relax…

Natsume Minami: I would if it was that easy.

Utsugi Shirou: It is difficult, isn’t it… First, let’s go with a smile. Try smiling, please. 3, 2, 1…

ŹOOḼ: …Haha…

Utsugi Shirou: …That’s fine! Okay, this is the waiting room.

Isumi Haruka: Wah… look at all those flowers!

Natsume Minami: There’s enough to fill the room…!

Inumaru Touma: We also received some from the “BLAST” team and music programs, but most of the flowers in this dressing room are…

Midou Torao: They’re from Moonlight Ichirou…

Inumaru Touma & Natsume Minami & Isumi Haruka: …

Isumi Haruka: …Ahaha! Ryou-san, you’re overdoing it!

Natsume Minami: All the flowers look expensive. It seems like a thing Ryou-san would do.

Inumaru Touma: Ahaha! That sure is a surprise, but they’re pretty. What’s up with this Moonlight guy…

Inumaru Touma: …A lot of things happened, but if that guy hadn’t been there, we wouldn’t be here right now.

Inumaru Touma: I hope he’s watching us from somewhere tonight.

Isumi Haruka: I’m sure he’s watching. He’s calling our names.

Natsume Minami: That’s true… Let’s deliver our victory all the long way to that person.

Natsume Minami: We had enough defeats. We won’t lose again.

Midou Torao: Yeah. …That’s true. Should we at least take a photo and send it to Ryou-san? Utsugi-san, will you do it?

Utsugi Shirou: Of course. Everyone, please gather around here.

Isumi Haruka: Got it. How do we do it? Do we glare at the camera?

Inumaru Touma: No, it’s not a work shoot, isn’t it fine if we smile?

Midou Torao: That’s true. Since we only might be smiling for now…

Natsume Minami: Please stop. With the negative talk, I mean. We will be smiling in the new year, too.

Midou Torao: Surely. There’s no way I’d lose, after all.

Isumi Haruka: We will win for sure! Yay!

Inumaru Touma: Oh, that’s nice! Ryou-san, we will win!

Utsugi Shirou: Let’s go, one, two…

(click)

Utsugi Shirou: I think I got a good shot.

Natsume Minami: Thank you very much.

Utsugi Shirou: Even though he couldn’t come here, Ryou-kun did a good job. He made everyone smile.

Isumi Haruka: Haha… That’s right.

Isumi Haruka: When we stand on stage, we have to make the fans waiting in the audience seats smile, too.

Isumi Haruka: We will give ourselves our own applause and flower bouquets. We’ll swallow both wins and losses alone. I am prepared for that. But…

Isumi Haruka: When we stand on stage, I want to see dazzling smiles and cheers.

Inumaru Touma: Haha… You’ve changed. The old Haru never cared about the fans…

Isumi Haruka: I wanted to be acknowledged by Kujou. I wanted him to praise me, I wanted to be told I was amazing.

Isumi Haruka: After my affection for him ran out, I was singing to stick it to Kujou Tenn. But since both of those things are gone now...

Isumi Haruka: The ones in front of me as I sang were our fans.

Isumi Haruka: Even though I don’t like it all, and I don’t care. Obsessively calling my name…

Isumi Haruka: You’d fall in love with that, right? Saying thank you, thank you, you’d want to reward that, right?

Inumaru Touma: …That’s true…

Inumaru Touma: I was happy that they smiled in front of me… That’s why, when they turned their backs, I was anxious and sad, and I couldn’t do it.

Inumaru Touma: I was scared of being abandoned. But… That is a small matter.

Inumaru Touma: It’s not about me being thrown away. Rather, I won’t abandon anyone. Not you guys, not the fans, not this dream.

Inumaru Touma: I will love everyone who loved me, even if it was just for a moment. Even if it’s unrequited love, I won’t throw it away.

Natsume Minami: Easy for you to say, ‘unrequited love’. Aren’t you the one who made us feel that, Inumaru-san?

Inumaru Touma: Uhm, when?

Natsume Minami: Are you saying you don’t know?

Utsugi Shirou: Can he be that dense…

Midou Torao: See, that’s the kind of guy you are. Even though you didn’t notice, there might have been people who had feelings for you.

Midou Torao: Even when NO_MAD ended, there may have been fans who would continue to always think of you.

Midou Torao: Maybe even now.

Inumaru Touma: That’s crazy… That’s almost an eternity already. Even if I lost my form, they still love me.

Natsume Minami: Even if we lose our form, the feelings remain forever. As long as this unforgettable scenery remains in our hearts, we will not lose anything.

Natsume Minami: Sakura-san was who I admired. Even when I couldn’t meet him, even when were far apart, I thought about him and admired him.

Natsume Minami: And if that’s the case, isn’t it the same now? Even if he was in North Meir, even if he’s in heaven…

Natsume Minami: A slightly wicked old man I admire, I support, and don’t see very often.

Natsume Minami: It’s because I was able to meet Sakura-san, that I am here tonight.

Natsume Minami: Hey, I… This year, I want the Black or White trophy.

Midou Torao: I’ll listen to your request. We’ll take it away and make it ŹOOḼ’s.

Inumaru Touma: That’s right! This time, it’s our turn to win!

Isumi Haruka: We’ll win for sure! That’s what we came this far for! Let’s do this!

Midou Torao & Inumaru Touma＆ Natsume Minami: Yeah!

Utsugi Shirou: You can definitely win. Here’s one last thing before the big showdown: let’s do image training.

Isumi Haruka: Image training?

Utsugi Shirou: Yes.

Utsugi Shirou: ŹOOḼ, congratulations for winning today’s “Black or White Showdown”!

Inumaru Touma: Image training for winning!? Even though we just arrived at the venue!?

Utsugi Shirou: Although it’s presumptuous, I’ll lead with three cheers for you. ŹOOḼ, hurray!

Midou Torao: We’re doing this to the point of the cheer!?

Natsume Minami: If someone hears us from outside, won’t people think it's a provocation!?

Utsugi Shirou: Of course it’s a provocation. Let’s go to the point of no return.

Utsugi Shirou: Because it was our company that was at fault, over the past year, I was busy bowing my head to the other agencies to apologize.

Utsugi Shirou: I think it’s natural, I feel how big of a responsibility that is. However…

Utsugi Shirou: On the last day of the year, with your victory, please let me feel some relief.

ŹOOḼ: …

ŹOOḼ: Hurray!

Utsugi Shirou: Hurray!

Everyone: ŹOOĻ, hurray!

Okazaki Rintarou: They’re doing three cheers for ŹOOḼ… They’re really provoking us, huh?

Yuki: We won’t lose to something like provocation, though? Should we do something, too, Momo?

Momo: …

Okazaki Rintarou: What’s wrong? Are you scared, maybe?

Okazaki Rinto: Hey, president…! Momo-kun can be quite delicate to the point of losing his voice, okay!

Okazaki Rintarou: That’s not it! He won’t provoke them! I just thought it was rare.

Yuki: Momo, are you okay?

Momo: I’m okay…

Momo: I’m okay, I’m okay, I’m okay. I’m okay, I’m okay. Invincible, invincible, invincible, invincible, invincible.

Yuki: …Are you really okay?

Momo: Yeah. No, aah… Ha—...

Momo: This is bad, I’m so nervous. What should I do? Aah, I shouldn’t think that. I shouldn’t, I shouldn’t…

Yuki: It’s not bad. I’m here. I’ll make you relax.

Momo: How… how will you?

Yuki: An old story.

Yuki: Actually, there was a time I thought about quitting music and no longer going on stage.

Momo: …That’s about Ban-san, isn’t it?

Yuki: Wrong. It’s like… When things didn’t go well…

Yuki: I was anxious and wondering if my music is really reaching anyone.

Momo: Something like that happened to Yuki…

Yuki: But during that time, I received a certain letter and got back on my feet.

Momo: A certain letter? What kind of letter…?

Yuki: That’s right…

Yuki: It’s embarrassing, so I won’t tell after all…

Momo: Eeeeeh!? Now that I’ve heard this much, I wanna know…!! What is that certain letter!?

Yuki: Next time.

Momo: Haaaa!? I feel jealous when I hear such a special story, though!?

Okazaki Rinto: Ah, Momo-san started to feel better.

Yuki: I’m glad.

Okazaki Rintarou: The letter that brought Yuki back to his feet. Maybe it has something to do with me?

Yuki: It doesn’t.

Okazaki Rintarou: Actually, I wrote it. I’m the type of person who writes well.

Yuki: Don’t think so.

Momo: I’m super curious…!! Yuki, if we win, tell me! Who the letter was from!

Yuki: …

Yuki: Haa… Fine…

Momo: Why are you so shy!? Aah, this is definitely Ban-san’s! Momo-chan’s jealousy is erupting!!

Yuki: Momo erupting from jealousy, that’s cute.

Momo: It’s not cute! Sorry, IDOLiSH7!! I’ll definitely beat you!!

Yuki: Nice. With that momentum, we’ll beat TRIGGER and ŹOOḼ as well.

Momo: Of course! Re:vale are the eternal champions!!

Okazaki Rinto: Haha, that’s reassuring!

Okazaki Rintarou: Losing is fine, too. As long as you show us your stage, that is enough.

Re:vale: We’re saying we'll win!

Okazaki Rintarou: I get it, I get it. I said it to relax you.

Okazaki Rinto: Yuki-kun, Momo-kun. Re:vale continuing to win until now wasn’t a coincidence.

Okazaki Rinto: Because it was the two of you, you were able to keep winning. Re:vale is the best duo. In the past, present and forever in the future.

Momo: Okarin…

Okazaki Rinto: IDOLiSH7, TRIGGER and ŹOOḼ are aiming to defeat Re:vale…

Okazaki Rinto: Doesn’t that sound king-like? Please be prepared to make a stand.

Okazaki Rinto: Only you two know the pain of constant victory.

Okazaki Rinto: The confusion of your adored kouhai becoming formidable rivals, too.

Okazaki Rinto: However, you are being attacked by tremendous obstacles, rivals and pressure…

Okazaki Rinto: And re:vale will definitely enjoy it and overcome it.

Re:vale: …

Okazaki Rinto: Leave the role of taking stomach medicine to me.

Okazaki Rinto: Enjoy what lies beyond that stage, whether it’s heaven or hell.

Okazaki Rinto: Please show me your coolest Re:vale.

Yuki: Haha… Because Okarin likes us being cool.

Momo: Then… Let’s show you our cool parts, shall we.

Momo: Thank you, Okarin.

Okazaki Rinto: No, right back at you.

(knock knock)

Okazaki Rinto: Ah… Seems like someone came to check on us. I’ll go and check.

Okazaki Rinto: Ah…You are…

Yuki: Ah…

~ to be continued ~

6.13.3. - With each step closer

Anesagi Kaoru: Well then, you guys! The long-awaited “New Black or White” is here!

Anesagi Kaoru: Don’t get too nervous, but do give us your best performance! I know you three can do it!

Anesagi Kaoru: After all, you came all the way back here using your own strength,

Kujou Tenn: Anesagi-san…

Anesagi Kaoru: I know you were told this before… That we’re in uncertain times right now, so people choose safe things to love.

Anesagi Kaoru: That they don’t even look at those who are hurt. That they are scared of getting hurt themselves, so they let go of them.

Anesagi Kaoru: But that is wrong.

Anesagi Kaoru: There was an incredible number of people who never let go of you and kept cheering you on.

Anesagi Kaoru: It’s because you guys were the real deal. Even the people who were shaken by doubts and anxiety believed in TRIGGER and came back.

Anesagi Kaoru: You were born in the light, then swallowed by the darkness… And once again, you have obtained the light.

Anesagi Kaoru: You are the only idols like that.

Anesagi Kaoru: Ryuunosuke.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Yes.

Anesagi Kaoru: On that stage at the Tokyo International Music Festival, you didn’t run away and sang by yourself.

Anesagi Kaoru: Because you sang there, TRIGGER exists as it is today.

Anesagi Kaoru: Everyone’s hearts were moved by your courage and resolve then, by you saying that you wouldn’t ever let this go to waste.

Anesagi Kaoru: They felt like as you connected from there to the future, there was nothing to be afraid of.

Anesagi Kaoru: It was an amazing performance. You did a good job.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: …Thank you so much.

Anesagi Kaoru: Tenn.

Kujou Tenn: Yes.

Anesagi Kaoru: Even now, I clearly remember the street performance on that rainy day. I was crying out of frustration.

Anesagi Kaoru: But as you sung in that hell-like rain, you smiled and told your fans this:

Anesagi Kaoru: “I’m glad I sang this song.” I still remember your face, your voice that day.

Kujou Tenn: …This is embarrassing.

Anesagi Kaoru: There's nothing to be embarrassed about. At that time, I was thinking I will definitely take you back to that dazzling stage again.

Anesagi Kaoru: An idol who says he’s glad he sang, even while singing in hell.

Anesagi Kaoru: It felt so wrong that a kid like that couldn’t stand on stage in this world.

Anesagi Kaoru: It was like your crying face lit a fire within my and the fans’ hearts. We decided to start a revolution.

Anesagi Kaoru: It’s like the tears of that day are connected to the present.

Kujou Tenn: Thank you very much. Anesagi-san…

Anesagi Kaoru: Gaku. You did a good job on both “Crescent Wolf” and “Zero”.

Anesagi Kaoru: Regarding what happened to you guys, you must have been the one who was the most frustrated and hurt.

Anesagi Kaoru: You’re straightforward, you have a lot of pride, and get agitated easily, after all.

Anesagi Kaoru: Even though you were the one who was against Yaotome Productions’ aggressive sales tactics the most, you became a victim of that promotion.

Anesagi Kaoru: We made you go through a hard time.

Yaotome Gaku: That goes for you as well. You must’ve had a hard time, too, Anesagi.

Yaotome Gaku: But no matter what, there was no giving up.

Anesagi Kaoru: That’s true. You never gave up. Even though you were hurt head-on, you didn’t avert your eyes; you just kept looking straight ahead.

Anesagi Kaoru: Whether in an agency or independently, your strong pride and your competitive spirit never changed.

Anesagi Kaoru: You’ve always been the real thing. Even when you were hurt and beaten down, there was never a moment of misery.

Anesagi Kaoru: Seeing you unchanged, everyone started believing in TRIGGER once more. It was what made them want to come back.

Anesagi Kaoru: Tonight… Lead TRIGGER to victory. You’re the leader.

Yaotome Gaku: Of course. Together with these guys, I’ll definitely win!

Yaotome Gaku: I’ll hold up a huge trophy and show it to the fans who came with us…!

Anesagi Kaoru: That’s the spirit! This era belongs to TRIGGER!

Anesagi Kaoru: Idols who know both the top and the depths of hell. That’s you guys!

Anesagi Kaoru: Before long, people will start saying that idols who only know what’s in the light are outdated.

Anesagi Kaoru: TRIGGER can reach for glory already! Go ahead and do it to your heart’s content…!

Kujou Tenn: Yes!

Yaotome Gaku: Yeah!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I’ll sing as best as I can!

(door opens)

Yaotome Sousuke: How are you guys doing?

Anesagi Kaoru: My, it’s the President!

Yaotome Gaku: Dad…

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: President, you came!

Yaotome Sousuke: TRIGGER will be joining the battle for the top spot, after all.

Yaotome Sousuke: I’ve never seen Black or White at the venue, but I felt like I wanted to be there today and cheer you on.

Yaotome Sousuke: I will witness the moment history changes in person.

Yaotome Gaku: Yeah, leave it to me!

Yaotome Sousuke: And also…

(door opens)

Kujou Takamasa: Hey.

Kujou Tenn: Kujou-san…

Kujou Takamasa: I’m looking forward to seeing you guys on stage. Do your best.

Yaotome Sousuke: Originally, Kujou-san was supposed to be the head judge. But he declined.

Yaotome Gaku: So that’s why the special judging system was removed.

Kujou Tenn: Why did you refuse?

Kujou Takamasa: Because I am biased and I would end up voting for TRIGGER.

Kujou Tenn: …

Yaotome Gaku: Seriously? Even though you called us second-rate.

Kujou Takamasa: That was my mistake. I apologize. I am very sorry. I just didn’t want to lose Tenn.

Kujou Takamasa: You’re all first-rate idols. You sincerely love your fans, never stopping to improve yourselves, and you sincerely believe in both yourself and your teammates.

Kujou Takamasa: You’re a great team. To the point where I am jealous.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: …Thank you very much. Hearing that the creator of the Zero era is jealous is the greatest compliment.

Kujou Takamasa: Likewise. Since I am a TRIGGER fan, too.

Kujou Takamasa: More than anything I am just happy to see your new live tonight. I’m looking forward to it.

Kujou Takamasa: May you three be left with no regrets. Winning or losing can come after. Do your best.

Kujou Tenn: Yes… Thank you very much. I’m glad you came to show your face.

Kujou Takamasa: Yaotome-kun invited me. I assume it was difficult for him to come to the dressing room by himself.

Yaotome Sousuke: Wha—… That is not true. It is because you said you had free time during the New Year holidays.

Kujou Takamasa: You invited me.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: It’s heartwarming to see how well the old guys get along.

Kujou Tenn: Do they?

Yaotome Gaku: Really?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: You don’t think so…?

Anesagi Kaoru: Anyway! The president and Kujou-san both came to cheer you on!

Anesagi Kaoru: Give it your all in your own way and enjoy yourself to the fullest!

TRIGGER: Yes…

Nanase Riku: Ha…

Izumi Iori: Are you okay, Nanase-san?

Nanase Riku: I’m fine. I ended up being really nervous, after all…

Izumi Iori: You probably didn’t get much sleep, did you? You woke up several times last night.

Nanase Riku: If you know that, Iori, that means you couldn’t sleep either.

Izumi Iori: Well…

Nikaidou Yamato: I always end up wide awake before a live. Especially since it’s “New Black or White”...

Izumi Mitsuki: Don’t worry, don’t worry! Let’s overcome this with enthusiasm!

Rokuya Nagi: Are you ready!?

IDOLiSH7: Yay!!

Yotsuba Tamaki: King!

IDOLiSH7: Pudding!

Izumi Mitsuki: We can do this, we can do this, we can do this!

Ousaka Sougo: Forget about the sleep deprivation and pretend you’re in your best condition!

Izumi Iori: I assume the other groups are similar to this, too. ŹOOḼ in particular are the type who can’t sleep in this kind of situation.

Ousaka Sougo: TRIGGER seem to be the type who sleep properly. The kind who gets up early so they can sleep well.

Nikaidou Yamato: Re:vale are probably used to this kind of thing, after all.

Izumi Iori: Speaking of which, Momo-san seems to be really motivated this year.

Nanase Riku: A Momo-san who’s this motivated seems like trouble! Aah, stop scaring me!

Izumi Iori: No. Change your way of thinking.

Izumi Iori: There is no doubt Momo-san is a formidable opponent, but it is because he felt we were formidable opponents that he was fired up and took lessons.

Rokuya Nagi＆Izumi Mitsuki＆Nanase Riku＆Nikaidou Yamato＆Ousaka Sougo＆Yotsuba

Tamaki: …

Izumi Iori: We are the ones scaring Re:vale.

Yotsuba Tamaki: …A-Aren’t we kinda cool…!?

Nanase Riku: We are!! They think we’re tough!

Izumi Mitsuki: Alright! We can do this, we can do this, we can do this!

Rokuya Nagi: Burning! Our fighting spirits are burning!

Ousaka Sougo: I think I’m feeling more confident!

Izumi Iori: Nikaidou-san, please tie things up cleanly as our leader.

Nikaidou Yamato: R-Right… Alright!

Nikaidou Yamato: Listen, you guys!

Rokuya Nagi＆Izumi Mitsuki＆Izumi Iori＆Nanase Riku＆Ousaka Sougo＆Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah…!

(door opens)

Yuki: Yamato-kun. I brought Shizuo-san…

Nikaidou Yamato: Let’s beat Re:vale and have IDOLiSH7 take over the world!

Rokuya Nagi＆Izumi Mitsuki＆Izumi Iori＆Nanase Riku＆Ousaka Sougo＆Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah…

Izumi Mitsuki: Ah, Yamato-san, behind you…

Nikaidou Yamato: Your voice is too quiet!

Izumi Mitsuki: Sorry.

Nikaidou Yamato: Are you listening!? We’ll crush Re:vale and get the whole world to call for IDOLiSH7…!

Rokuya Nagi＆Izumi Mitsuki＆Izumi Iori＆Nanase Riku＆Ousaka Sougo＆Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah…

Nikaidou Yamato: What’s that “Yeah…”? Put your energy into it like last time and say, “Yeaaah!”...

Yuki: Yamato-kun.

Nikaidou Yamato: Whaaaaat!?

Chiba Shizuo: That you, Yamato, would want the world to call IDOLiSH7’s name…

Nikaidou Yamato: Whaaaaat!? What are you doing here!?

Rokuya Nagi: OH! Chiba Shizuo!!

Izumi Mitsuki: Hey, hey, hey! You’re Chiba-san, right?! H-hello.

Chiba Shizuo: Nice to meet you. I am Chiba Shizuo.

Izumi Iori: I am Izumi Iori.

Izumi Mitsuki: I’m his older brother, Mitsuki.

Yotsuba Tamaki: I’m Yotsuba Tamaki.

Ousaka Sougo: I am Ousaka Sougo.

Rokuya Nagi: My name is Rokuya Nagi! I am your fan! Nice to meet you!

Nanase Riku: I’m Nanase Riku! Yamato-san is a great leader to us!

Chiba Shizuo: Likewise, you have also been a great help to Yamato. I’m sorry for how sudden this is. Yuki-kun brought me here…

Yuki: Look at you talk. Wasn’t that your intention?

Yuki: You came to Re:vale’s dressing room, so we brought you here. Come on, Yamato-kun.

Nikaidou Yamato: What…

Yuki: He’s your dad.

Nikaidou Yamato: I know…

Chiba Shizuo: No, I’m sorry for bothering you before such an important event. I think it’s time for the older people to leave.

Nikaidou Yamato: Ah, sorry. It’s just… It’s not that I don’t like that you came. I was just surprised, so…

Chiba Shizuo: I know. Yamato…

Nikaidou Yamato: …

Chiba Shizuo: Please take over the world with IDOLiSH7. And make them call your name.

Nikaidou Yamato: Please forget that I said that.

Yuki: I’m glad I didn’t bring Momo. You said you were going to crush Re:vale.

Izumi Iori: But that is certainly not a lie, because we will do it for sure.

Yuki: You just declared war politely, huh.

Yuki: We won’t lose, either. Since Momo would be sad if we lost. And I don’t want to make Momo sad.

Nanase Riku: We won’t lose, either! So we can become the greatest IDOLiSH7!

Nanase Riku: Isn’t that right, Yamato-san!

Nikaidou Yamato: Ye… Yeah!

Rokuya Nagi & Izumi Mitsuki & Izumi Iori & Nanase Riku & Ousaka Sougo & Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah…!

Nikaidou Yamato: We are the ones who will stand at the top!

Rokuya Nagi & Izumi Mitsuki & Izumi Iori & Nanase Riku & Ousaka Sougo & Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah…!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Yama-san, you’re so cool!!

Rokuya Nagi: Yamato! You’re the hottest!

Yuki: Oh? I’ll be sure to remember that.

Chiba Shizuo: You’ve become an adult… Win or lose, you’ve grown up splendidly.

Yuki: Shizuo-san. Please cheer me on as well. We’re friends, right?

Chiba Shizuo: Of course, I want both of you to win. Yuki-kun, do your best. Yamato, do your best.

Rokuya Nagi: Good ahead and enjoy it! Here’s a penlight with Yamato’s color.

Chiba Shizuo: Thank you. Looks like I could use that to strike someone down.

Nikaidou Yamato: Stop making that kind of joke!

Nanase Riku: Ahaha! Chiba-san is funny as well!

Nanase Riku: It’s 12 o’clock… The venue opens in seven hours, huh…

Nanase Riku: A new music festival, “Black or White Live Show Down”, begins!

Nanase Riku: Please make it so we can put on a performance we won’t have regr… (coughs)

Nanase Riku: We won’t have regrets with!

Rokuya Nagi & Izumi Mitsuki & Izumi Iori & Nikaidou Yamato & Ousaka Sougo & Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeaaah…!

Izumi Iori: …

~ to be continued ~

6.13.4. - With our unwavering hearts

Mr. Shimooka: “Backyard MAGIC”.

Mr. Shimooka: I had to do the title call by myself because Mitsuki-kun isn’t here, how lonely~!

Mr. Shimooka: Now, time to pull myself together… Everyone! There’s only a little time left this year!

Mr. Shimooka: Everyone knows the reason why Mitsuki-kun isn’t here, right?

Mr. Shimooka: The long-awaited “Black or White Live Showdown”. The male idol division finals!! It starts in one hour!!

Mr. Shimooka: In this program, we will be showing you the real faces of the idols who will be competing!

Mr. Shimooka: Everyone, thank you!

(clapping)

Mr. Shimooka: Wow, this is so exciting. Re:vale, TRIGGER, IDOLiSH7, ŹOOḼ are all really fired up.

Mr. Shimooka: Mitsuki-kun should be at the venue right now, too. Good luck, everyone~! Then again, they probably don’t have the time to watch this?

Mr. Shimooka: Well then! In this program, we would like to give you some advance information so that you can “Black or White” to the fullest!

Mr. Shimooka: Here's the one who will give the explanation!

Mr. Shimooka: It’s Producer Matsunaga, the producer of this show and the person who started "New Black or White"!

Producer Matsunaga: Thank you for having me.

Mr. Shimooka: Well then, let's get started! Can you tell us about the rest of today's schedule?

Producer Matsunaga: Yes. Since you will be the host, Mr. Shimooka-san, I'm sure you already know…

Producer Matsunaga: The show and streaming will begin at 7 P.M.. The opening ceremony for "Black or White Live Showdown" will then begin.

Mr. Shimooka: The opening ceremony! I'm looking forward to it! It looks like it's going to be very exciting!

Producer Matsunaga: Yes! Please be sure to check out the idols' performances as well.

Producer Matsunaga: And then the mini lives begin. The mini lives consist of four songs. Please pay attention to the stage set and costumes.

Mr. Shimooka: The set list is still a secret, but the order in which each group will sing…

Producer Matsunaga: Has already been decided. It was decided by drawing lots the other day. There is also a video of that.

Mr. Shimooka: Ooh, let's take a look!

–

Staff: Inside are sticks with numbers from 1 to 4 written on them, please draw one.

Kujou Tenn: Understood.

Nikaidou Yamato: Who’s going to represent us?

Nanase Riku: Someone who’s lucky should go! Someone who drew a great fortune this year!*

Nikaidou Yamato: Eeh!? I don't remember anything about the beginning of the year, though.

Izumi Mitsuki: Leader, leader, go!

Nikaidou Yamato: No, at times like this, I end up being the last one to perform…

Rokuya Nagi: Tamaki, you had great luck in the gacha the other day!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Right! I did a 10-pull and got 3 SSRs! Isn’t that amazing!?

Ousaka Sougo: How amazing is that?

Yotsuba Tamaki: It’s an amazing probability! Almost as amazing as winning the lottery!

Izumi Iori: I wish I would win the lottery…

Rokuya Nagi: Tamaki, you're my angel!

Ousaka Sougo: Riku-kun, didn't you win the convenience store lottery?

Nanase Riku: I did! I won an Usamimi Friends pencil case!

Nikaidou Yamato: So it's Riku or Tama. You’ll play rock-paper-scissors and whoever wins can go.

Nanase Riku＆Yotsuba Tamaki: Rock, paper, scissors!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Which one of us is going?

Kujou Tenn: Isn’t Gaku fine for that? He seems like an auspicious guy.

Yaotome Gaku: Alright. Leave it to me.

Kujou Tenn: You didn’t ask "Why?" or anything.

Yaotome Gaku: I also think I'm an auspicious guy.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: You’re so dependable! Let’s put our hands together.

Yaotome Gaku: Hahaha. Looks like a jizo!*

Yuki: Momo, you can be the one to draw the straw.

Momo: U-Understood. Yuki, which one do you like best?

Yuki: The final act.

IDOLiSH7＆TRIGGER＆ŹOOĻ＆Momo: Ooooh…

Yuki: I don't like being first because I don't think I'll be mentally prepared in time.

Isumi Haruka: I don’t wanna be the first either… I’ll definitely be nervous…

Inumaru Touma: Let’s aim for anything other than going first! Who’s going?

Natsume Minami: Wouldn't Midou-san be a good choice?

Midou Torao: Why?

Natsume Minami: Somehow, I sensed an aura similar to that of an animal mascot beloved by the New Year deity once every 12 years from Midou-san ...

Natsume Minami: I think it might be Midou-san this year.

Midou Torao: I’m not sure, but if Minami who’s into fortune telling says it, I’ll draw the straw.

Staff: Then, please.

Nanase Riku: Here I go! Then, this one!

Yaotome Gaku: I’ll take this one.

Momo: That one!

Midou Torao: That one! Please!　

Staff: We’ll pull after I say “go”. Ready… go.

Nanase Riku: …Second…！

Yaotome Gaku: Third!

Momo: Whoaaaaa! We’re the final act!　

Midou Torao: Whoaaaaa! We’re first!　

Isumi Haruka: That makes us the opening act…!

Yuki: Good job, Momo.

Nanase Riku: Second! Second is just right!!!

Izumi Mitsuki: Just right, just right!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Isn't being third nice! We're three, after all!

Izumi Iori: Ah… It's in order of who debuted last, from the newest, ŹOOĻ-san, up to Re:vale-san.

Ousaka Sougo: That might be true… It's like the idol eras are going backwards.

Natsume Minami: That might be interesting, it's like following the feeling of history.

Isumi Haruka: But we're first…

Inumaru Touma: Don't worry! It’s when the audience is the most pumped up! And you can just go out with a bang!

Nanase Riku: I'm sure the audience will be all warmed up after ŹOOḼ, so things will be easy, thank you!

Inumaru Touma: Y-Yeah.

Yaotome Gaku: Perfect, we're in the right distance to pull the trigger on the champions. This year, we'll take the win.

Yuki: Fufu. We won't let you have it.

Momo: We definitely won't lose!!

Yotsuba Tamaki: We won't lose, either!!

Producer Matsunaga: …That's the result of it.

Mr. Shimooka: Oooh! I see!

Mr. Shimooka: There will be mini-lives with four songs each in the order of ŹOOḼ, IDOLiSH7, TRIGGER and then Re:vale; it'll be the best singing contest of all time!

Mr. Shimooka: Isn't that right, Matsunaga-san?!

Producer Matsunaga: Indeed. For the specific times, please look at this.

Mr. Shimooka: From 7 p.m., the opening ceremony begins. ŹOOḼ’s live is at 8 p.m.. IDOLiSH7’s live is at 9 p.m…

Mr. Shimooka: TRIGGER’s live is at 10 p.m... Re:vale’s live is at 11 p.m…. And at 11:45 p.m., results will be announced!

Mr. Shimooka: It seems like it will become an unforgettable New Year's Eve!

Producer Matsunaga: Before the lives, there will be a video message from each group.

Producer Matsunaga: Everyone at the venue, everyone in front of their TV, everyone watching this show; please feel free to listen to the idols’ enthusiasm!

Mr. Shimooka: This is the first time and all, but seriously, I really cannot imagine which group will win!

Producer Matsunaga: That's true. Every group has the skills deserving of winning.

Mr. Shimooka: I will explain how the winner is decided once more!

Mr. Shimooka: There are three ways to vote! You can use the special “New Black or White” app to vote! You can vote via your TV menu!

Mr. Shimooka: And you can vote by dialing our dedicated phone line!

Mr. Shimooka: From now on, there will be no special votes by the judges, right?

Producer Matsunaga: That's true.

Producer Matsunaga: I considered having them, but the person I was considering for the position of head judge rejected, and….

Producer Matsunaga: He said that if we are judging the live itself, all people who have seen the live should have an equal right to do so.

Producer Matsunaga: It is as he said. They came this far because they treasured the perspective of the viewers; the perspective of the audience the most.

Mr. Shimooka: A new era of Black or White… It's a very “Black or White Live Showdown”-like initiative!

Mr. Shimooka: Well then, before we show you the messages from the idols…

Mr. Shimooka: We are showing you a message from the people involved in the lives!

Mr. Shimooka: Behind the beautiful stage, there are many people, many talents sparkling just as much as the idols!

Mr. Shimooka: Built up by many people, today we finally have this stage!

Mr. Shimooka: So that even more people will love this stage!

Mr. Shimooka: Let's take a look at the backyard of “Black or White”! There you go!

Concert Promoter: Congratulations on the "Black or White Live Showdown"!

Concert Promoter: The idols on stage, the audience at the venue, and everyone watching via live stream…

Concert Promoter: From the bottom of their hearts, all of our staff will work together to do our best to provide you with the best possible experience!

Concert Promoter: So many talented people have come together with the honest aim of making someone happy and inspire them.

Concert Promoter: It will be the best New Year ever. You definitely won't regret it! Look forward to it!

Re:vale Costume Designer: Congratulations to everyone on the "Black or White Live Showdown.”

Re:vale Costume Designer: I am really happy to have the opportunity to be involved in this huge festival as Re:vale's costume designer.

Re:vale Costume Designer: I'm a bit worried about whether I did a perfect job, but they really liked my costumes…

Re:vale Costume Designer: How can I put it.... I think Re:vale wearing my costumes is the coolest thing in the world.

Re:vale Costume Designer: Ah, I'm getting too cocky. Fufu…

Re:vale Costume Designer: We've been making adjustments to match the atmosphere of the song and the choreography, so please look forward to it.

Momo: Please look forward to it!

Re:vale Costume Designer: Ah, Momo-san.

Momo: Ahaha! Sorry, I was listening there!

Re:vale Costume Designer: It's super embarrassing….

Momo: Not at all! You're so handsome! Ah, after Yuki, that is!

Re:vale Costume Designer: Fufu, I know.

TRIGGER Stage Designer: Well… Congratulations on the "Black or White Live Showdown.”

TRIGGER Stage Designer: Looking at the set design, the set design... What can I say in one word? I shouldn't give away any spoilers, right?

TRIGGER Stage Designer: ...That's difficult…

TRIGGER Stage Designer: This time there are four songs… That is less than 30 minutes long. And what's more, they have to perform within that short time.

TRIGGER Stage Designer: So I tried to create a sense of immersion and a worldview that was on par with what you'd get from watching a two-hour movie or a three-hour play.

TRIGGER Stage Designer: I think we were able to create a stage worthy of TRIGGER. Please look forward to it.

TRIGGER Stage Designer: ...Hmm? Who will I root for? TRIGGER, of course.

TRIGGER Stage Designer: Ahahaha!

ŹOOḼ choreographer: Congratulations on the "Black or White Live Showdown”—!

ŹOOḼ choreographer: Wow, it's quite exciting... I want ŹOOḼ to win, but even just entering the competition is impressive.

ŹOOḼ choreographer: That alone is enough… No, I really want them to win after all!

ŹOOḼ choreographer: Everyone at ŹOOḼ has strong fundamental skills, is clever and highly technical... And what's more, they're not afraid of challenges.

ŹOOḼ choreographer: It's an honor to work with them! I'm sure tonight will be another great night!

ŹOOḼ choreographer: ŹOOḼ! Do your best！

Inumaru Touma: Wah, what are you doing？

ŹOOḼ choreographer: Touma-san！

Inumaru Touma: I just heard you tell me to do my best.

ŹOOḼ choreographer: The interview! The BackMagic one!

Inumaru Touma: Ah! Thanks for your work.

ŹOOḼ choreographer: Do your best at winning Black or White! ŹOOḼ! Do your best!

Inumaru Touma: Yeah. I'll do my best.

IDOLiSH7 producer: Congratulations on the "Black or White Live Showdown”!

IDOLiSH7 producer: I'm very happy to be able to take part in this wonderful stage with lots of tradition.

IDOLiSH7 producer: And the members of IDOLiSH7, whose stage production our team was able to support…

IDOLiSH7 producer: As well as TRIGGER, Re:vale, and ŹOOḼ are all truly wonderful people who love and are loved by so many people.

IDOLiSH7 producer: Tonight, I believe that the greatest stars will bring their best smiles and their best sparkle to see your smiling faces.

IDOLiSH7 producer: Let's keep this miracle-like sparkle in this world just a little longer, stronger…

IDOLiSH7 producer: I will do my best to make sure that many people can see it and that these wonderful people receive more love.

IDOLiSH7 producer: Please, please, look forward to it…!

Oogami Banri: The opening ceremony is about to start in 30 minutes. Is everyone ready?

IDOLiSH7: Yes!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Do your best!

Takanashi Otoharu: Everyone, do your best!

Izumi Mitsuki: Yes! Everyone, we’ll do it!　

Yotsuba Tamaki: Whoaa！Let's do this!

Rokuya Nagi: Let's enjoy the best New Year's party!

Nikaidou Yamato: That's right! Let's forget about winning or losing for a moment and let's entertain the people watching!

Nanase Riku: Yes! I'll do my best…!

Ousaka Sougo: …

Izumi Iori: Ousaka-san, what's wrong?

Ousaka Sougo: Ah, no…

Oogami Banri: Sougo-kun, can I talk to you for a second?

Ousaka Sougo: Yes…

Oogami Banri: I just checked the seats, and there's no one there in the ones reserved for your parents.

Ousaka Sougo: …Is that so…

Oogami Banri: I thought it would be bad if you got upset when you get on stage. If anything changes, I'll let you know.

Ousaka Sougo: No, it's okay… I don't think they'll come.

Oogami Banri: Sougo-kun…

Ousaka Sougo: It's better this way. Thank you for letting me know. Thanks to that, I feel better now.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Sou-chan, are you alright?

Ousaka Sougo: Yeah. Let's do our best, everyone!

IDOLiSH7: Yeah…！

~ to be continued ~

6.13.5. - Up on that stage

Woman: …It's about to start…

Takara Mage: …My heart is pounding…

Kujou Takamasa: …

Kujou Aya: …Kujou-san…

Kujou Takamasa: Aya… I thought you wouldn't come.

Kujou Aya: I was hesitant, but… It's my big brothers' big day.

Kujou Takamasa: That's right. It would be a shame to miss it.

Kujou Takamasa: We are witnessing the beginning of a new tradition, after all.

Audience: Kyaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Welcome to “Black or White Live Showdown”...!!

Audience: Kyaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: The renewed monster show has powered up and descended upon the country tonight!!

Mr. Shimooka: I'm your host, Mr. Shimooka! I’ll be in your care!

Audience: Kyaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: As you all probably know, this is the venue where the top male idols will compete!

Mr. Shimooka: It's up to you all to decide who will be the winner...! Please cheer as much as you can so that there will be no regrets!

Audience: Kyaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Are you ready!?

Audience: Kyaaaaah...…

Mr. Shimooka: Ready!?

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: So, let's invite them in! The four groups aiming for the throne! First off...

Mr. Shimooka: ŹOOḼ……！！

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Here they are, ŹOOḼ! They're appearing in the costumes they wore for "Poisonous Gangster," their stunning debut song!

Isumi Haruka:: …

Audience: Haruka! I love you…!

Inumaru Touma: …

Audience: Touma! I'll always cheer you on!

Natsume Minami: …

Audience: Minami-kun, you look cool...!

Midou Torao: …

Audience: Torao-kun, you're the best...!

Mr. Shimooka: The event started with some intense music! The opening dance performance!

Mr. Shimooka: Perhaps with their debut song in mind, they've done some intense dancing with a gangster-like story! Cool, isn’t it...!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Audience B: ŹOOḼ's dance is so cool...! I wonder if we'll be able to see all the other groups too!?

Audience A: Oh my god!　I’m about to cry…！

Audience A: Everyone at ŹOOḼ… Even though you're surrounded by amazing idols, don't be intimidated, just do your best in your own way...!

Audience A: So cool and gangster...! ŹOOḼ, I love you...!

Inumaru Touma: …Ha…

Inumaru Touma: ŹOOḼ！We’re in your care!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Thank you to everyone at ŹOOḼ! The next group to appear is...

Mr. Shimooka: IDOLiSH7！

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: IDOLiSH7 appear in the costumes, which they wore when they won in their first Black or White competition as challengers singing “MEMORiES MELODiES”!

Nanase Riku: …

Audience: Riku-kun…！Riku-kun, I love you…!

Izumi Iori: …

Audience: Iori~! Do your best~!

Nikaidou Yamato: …

Audience: Yamato-san...! He’s cool...!

Izumi Mitsuki: …

Audience: Mitsuki~！　I love you…！

Yotsuba Tamaki: …

Audience: Tamaki...!! He’s the best...!

Ousaka Sougo: …

Audience: Sougo-san...! I love you...!

Rokuya Nagi: …

Audience: Nagi-kun! I love you...!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: A dance performance by IDOLiSH7!

Mr. Shimooka: A refreshingly prince-like, poppy, light-hearted dance to go with the aristocrat-like costumes!

Woman: ...It’s R-Riku-kun.... I finally got to meet the real Riku-kun...

Woman: ...That's amazing, so amazing.... We're in the same space right now... I was so happy that tears came to my eyes...

Woman: I'm glad I got to know Riku-kun. I'm glad I could come here today.... I'm glad I did my best up until today...!

Woman: I was anxious and confused, but all that was blown away! I made a decision and it was great!

Woman: I love Riku and everyone else...! I love everything I can see right now...

Nikaidou Yamato: …Ha…

Nikaidou Yamato: We’re IDOLiSH7! We’re in your care…!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Audience: Yamato...! I love you...!

Audience: Nagi-kun! I love you...!

Mr. Shimooka: Wow, the cheers show no signs of dying down! Thank you to everyone in IDOLiSH7...!

Mr. Shimooka: Now, next up is this group!

Mr. Shimooka: TRIGGER！

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: TRIGGER will be appearing in the costumes from their shocking debut song "DIAMOND FUSION" that shook all of Japan!

Yaotome Gaku: …

Audience: Gaku-kun…! You’re the best…!!

Kujou Tenn: …

Audience: Tenn-kun！I came to see you...!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: …

Audience: Tsunashi-san！I will always, unchangingly love you...!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah…

Mr. Shimooka: A dance performance by TRIGGER!

Mr. Shimooka: TRIGGER's sexy and mysterious dance feels like an invitation to a secret evening party!

Takara Mage: Whoaaa……！TRIGGER is so cool...!!

Takara Mage: I think I just made eye contact with Ryuunosuke...!

Nearby Woman: Oh my god! I think I just made eye contact with Ryuunosuke-san...!

Takara Mage: …

Nearby Woman: …

Takara Mage: Whoooooa…!

Nearby Woman: Kyaaaaah…!

Yaotome Gaku: …Ha…

Yaotome Gaku: We’re TRIGGER! Let's enjoy the last hours of the year!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: A thunderous cheer...! Thank you to everyone at TRIGGER...!

Mr. Shimooka: Next up is this group!

Mr. Shimooka: Re:vale！

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Re:vale are dressed in costumes from “SILVER SKY,” an anniversary song released on the 5th anniversary of their debut!

Momo: …

Audience: Momo-chan, do your best...!

Yuki: …

Audience: Yuki-san, you're the best!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Re:vale's dance performance!

Mr. Shimooka: From stillness to motion, these are stunning entertainers! After a stunning debut, they quickly rose to the throne, showing off his charisma!

Sunohara Ruri: Kyah…！Momo! Do your best...!

Sunohara Ruri: Yuki-kun, do your best, too! Re:vale will definitely win again this year...!

Man: Do your best, please—...!

Momo: …Ha…

Momo: We’re Re:vale! Everyone, we’re in your care~!

Audience: Kyaaaah…!

Mr. Shimooka: Thank you to the two of you from Re:vale!

Mr. Shimooka: Now, at last, all the young people competing for the crown are gathered! Who will the goddess of victory smile upon?

Mr. Shimooka: Is it ŹOOḼ!?

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: IDOLiSH7!?

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: TRIGGER!?

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Or Re:vale!?

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah…

Mr. Shimooka: We'll find out the answer tonight!

Mr. Shimooka: "Black or White Live Showdown", Male Idol Division, Opening!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: The first act begins at 8 p.m., which is when ŹOOḼ's live will start!

Mr. Shimooka: While we set up the stage, please enjoy a video message from ŹOOḼ!

Mr. Shimooka: Well then, everyone! Let's enjoy the hottest New Year's Eve in the world!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

~ to be continued ~

TL notes:

* Riku is talking about getting “great fortune” in the omikuji you got during hatsumoude * This is a jizo, a common statue. Hello, it's mod Riku again!

This was a long one... and the next one will be even longer (6 sub-chapters), so don't expect it for a while, haha. On the plus side, it is the last one, and we will finish this year unless I literally get hit by a bus! ᴴᵃʳᵘᵏᵃ⁻ᵏᵘⁿ ʸᵒᵘ ᵍᵒᵗᵗᵃ ᶠⁱⁿⁱˢʰ ⁱᵗ ⁱᶠ ᴵ ᵍᵉᵗ ᵇʸ ᵃ ᵇᵘˢ ˢᵒʳʳʸ

First TL note courtesy of Haruka-kun btw, thanks for that!

#idolish7 #idolish7 part 6 #idolish7 spoilers #idolish7 translations #idolish7 translation #i7 translation

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