"Seiji, Seiji hey Seiji," I heard a voice I sighed and pulled my comforter closer to me. "Here watch this," I recognized Jirou's voice. I was drifting back to sleep when I felt something smooth and cool against my lips, cheek and then neck. I swatted at Jirou but jumped out of my bed. Only to get tangled in the blankets and fall flat on my face, laughter erupted around me and glared up at Jirou, Ichirou, Ryo, Ryuu, Michi.

We are a visual kei rock band, Black Avenue. We live in Kyoto and are known worldwide. All age groups, young and old listen our music... We are the height of our success but at our peak. Our lead guitarist, Jirou got sick from the stress forcing him to quit. So we had to "replace" his spot to be able to continue making music. We held so many auditions and despite everyone and everything against our decisions.

We went to the fans for our next member. Who we ended up with surprised us especially me. It seemed like a dream and still does to me at least. I couldn't understand at first why Jirou was leaving us. How could he get sick and abandon us? But blaming him for something he couldn't control was wrong. I wasn't going to turn my back on Jirou because he wouldn't do that to me. At least I hope he never would.

It was strange hearing those unwanted words.

I stumbled over to the table where Ryo, Ryuu, Michi and Ichirou were already sitting. Jirou had called us and asked us to meet at "Anzukko 杏っ子". I sat down and grabbed one of Ryuu's Gyoza dumplings. He smiled and said, "Yours taste better." I rolled my eyes what a suck up. I patted his shoulder and asked, "Where is Jirou?" I looked around the table when I didn't get an immediate reply. For a whole second I felt really sick until Ichirou said, "He is on his way here."

I exhaled in relief and sat more comfortably, "Do any of you know why we're here?" Everyone was silent again until Ichirou broke it, "No." Great, I frowned in annoyance and closed my eyes. "I hope Jirou has a good reason for doing this," I ranted Ichirou lightly placed his hand on top of mine. "I'm sure he does," I sometimes hated Ichirou he is always right, composed and wise. He is somebody that everybody can look up too.

"Do you think something is wrong? I haven't seen Jirou in a week. That is the longest I haven't seen him," Ryo asked. I pressed my lips together I hadn't seen Jirou in a while also. He always comes and visits me. He must be sick maybe he had the flu and didn't want us to worry about him. But how could we not? A small breeze ruffled my hair and I turned around.

Jirou walked in his expression all wrong. Worried and fatigued I had a feeling whatever; he had to say was not going to be good. He spotted us and his face went blank he came over and joined us. "Sorry to keep all of you waiting," he murmured I stared at him feeling more horrible than I did before. He took the seat next to mine and smiled feebly. "Hi everyone I'm glad you all could make it," I sighed and looked the opposite way.

"Can we skip past the pleasantries," I asked sharply. Jirou flinched lowering his head he gave a single nod. I caught Ichirou's gaze that wasn't too happy, to say at the least. I felt bad after words but still angry. How could Jirou try to be so humble after ditching us? "I came here because I have some very depressing news," Jirou continued "I can't be part of the band any longer."

"What?" I asked with everyone else, "Why?" Jirou covered his face and Ichirou rebuked, "Don't ask so many questions. Let Jirou get a chance to explain the situation." I brought my gaze back to Jirou who was fidgeting. "Why have you been avoiding us?" I asked Jirou's head flung up. He looked at me with sudden passion, "I haven't been avoiding you! I have just been too sick so I made a visit to my local doctor."

"What did Dr. Ajibana say?" Jirou seemed to be struggling to answer, "He said…" Jirou trailed off and didn't start again for a long time. "He said that I have a very bad illness that will prevent me from continuing to play with you guys." I sighed but patted Jirou's hand, "I suppose we can understand."

"You suppose? You don't know," Jirou, asked I smiled weakly and slowly nodded my head. Jirou looked even more worried. "You are angry" I frowned and replied, "No, no I am not angry I…" Jirou's expression grew skeptical. Jirou turned to Ichirou for help. "I understand if it is for your health," I snapped "I never said I didn't understand!"

Jirou seemed stunned by my sharpness. I felt bad instantly and wanted to take back the harshness of my reply. Jirou's eyes started to shine, "Seiji-kun…" I couldn't believe he was still blaming me for not understanding.

I closed my eyes in frustration and said, "I understand." Jirou closed his eyes and replied, "No you don't understand." I stood up and replied, "Fine if I don't understand then I'll be leaving." Jirou seemed crushed as I turned to leave Ichirou stopped me, "Please Seiji!" I ignored him and continued walking.

Jirou called, "Seiji-kun, Seiji-kun, Seiji-kun!" I stomped out of the café and hurried to my car. My hand paused at the handle, "I can smell rain." Just as I finished saying this no sooner did a drop land on my nose. Finally rain I had always loved the rain. It helps clear my head and allows me to think clearly. I stood still for a while just thinking and thinking. Until eventually I felt a light tap on my shoulder.

I turned around and faced Jirou. He stared at me shocked as if he couldn't quite believe it was me. "You're all wet Seiji-kun," he stated I almost smiled and asked, "Well isn't that obvious?" But I already felt bad from my earlier rudeness. Jirou asked concerned, "Have you been standing here all this time? In the rain?"

I smiled timidly and nodded, "I like the rain. I hadn't even noticed it started to rain." Jirou laughed softly, "You are so unobservant when you're lost in thought." I smiled and agreed, "I do tend to forget my surroundings when I am in deep thought." Jirou snorted, "You say that like it only happens once or twice!"

I laughed but apologized, "Sorry about being rude earlier. I understand and accept that you can't continue playing with us. Some things just can't be helped. But how do we tell all of our fans?" Jirou seemed thoughtful but said, "Could we get out of the rain? I need a ride home" he opened my passenger's door.

He sat in with his umbrella outstretched and slowly closed it. I sighed and got in and started the engine. "My seats are going to be wet," I complained. Jirou sent me a strange look, "What?" Jirou smirked and brought his hand up like a salute but instead he did the peace sign.

"What are you doing?" I asked he laughed and said, "I forgive but as for our fans… I could simply post that I am leaving due to an illness." I didn't see anything wrong with that plan. "Suppose we should all prepare ourselves for the long interviews and interviewers." Jirou laughed, "The only thing bad about being famous!"

"Indeed," I looked over at Jirou and murmured, "Thanks for forgiving me. I felt so bad about how I acted. I should have been more mature about the situation. Plus I was already angry so I took out some of that anger on you. We hadn't seen you in a week and then you show up and tell us you're leaving."

Jirou replied, "I understand I would be annoyed, too." I smiled and focused more on the road. "Seiji-kun I know I didn't mention what exactly my illness was… I don't want to now… But I want you to promise me something… if you will?"

"What?" Jirou inhaled deeply and said, "No matter how sick or how much I change you'll always be my best friend, correct?" I nodded and asked, "Why do you feel the need to ask?" Jirou smiled and replied, "Don't worry you will understand in time."

I stopped in front of Jirou's home, "Well we're here." Jirou turned towards me and opened his mouth the shut it. I frowned I hated it when he did that. "Please just say it if you have anything to say" Jirou shook his head but blushed. "Bye Seiji-kun," he murmured I didn't like goodbyes. "See you later, Jirou-kun," I replied.

A month later… "So Seiji are the rumors true! Have you found a replacement for Jirou? How did you feel when he said he was leaving? And right before your tour to America." I avoided the woman who was all but attacking me. She kept bumping into me, "I have no comment at the moment."

It has been going on like this since Jirou released the information of our disbandment. We have already found a "replacement", Scarlett Infinity. She isn't Japanese, and she just recently moved into Japan. I originally disagreed with their choice. I couldn't understand why they wanted her so badly.

Even Jirou begged for her. "She is a amazing player," Michi whined "Yeah," Ryo and Ryuu said in unison. They just kept nagging me so I agreed. But I did have to admit one thing. Scarlett is a very attractive person… But I just don't see how she can really fit in with us. She dressed in a floral sundress. Her hair pined to the side, with a fresh red rose.

"I can't believe you guys haven't decided on somebody? The tour is coming up in a few months. Won't you need that time to teach the person the songs?" I sped up, what is wrong with people? Can't they take no for an answer? I asked, "Could you walk in closer?" She bowed her head slightly, "I'm sorry Mr. Choshi."

I escaped to my car and closed my door. Firmly locking me in and the reporters out, I started my car. I had to go out and pick up Auden from her house.

I stopped outside of Ichirou's house. Auden kept leering at me, "Take a picture it lasts longer." She blushed and hurried to get out. I yawned and slowly slid out and into the fresh air. The weather was perfect warm with a cool breeze. As if a bonus Ichirou loves flowers and has tons of rose bushes surrounding his home.

So their sugary smells waft to you as if in greetings. I walked up behind Auden who stood dumb-founded. I opened the door and gestured for to step inside. She bowed her head slightly and stepped in. Something about her reminded me of that reporter I met, earlier. Auden calls me "Choshi-san" and every time she says sorry she'll bow her head. I honestly don't care if somebody apologizes or not. As long as the problem never occurs, again…

I followed behind, "This way" I hurried ahead of her. I opened a door and peeked in. Everyone was there setting up the equipment. "Hey Seiji-kun, before we begin our practice would you like to release information about Auden-chan?"