The bed creaks as I suddenly bolt up in it. Sweat sticks to my skin in an uncomfortable way, but I ignore it. That was terrible. Why do these nightmares keep happening? I try to focus, to remember what the dream was about, but the final wisp of it slipped through my grasp. Sighing, I look around my moonlit room.

It's been a week since I overheard the conversation between Masato and Ren. I've been paying closer attention to Ren, in case he showed any sign that he wasn't okay, but he seems just fine. He looked uncomfortable during dinner last night, but when I asked him about it he said, "It's just a little warm in here, My Lady. You really need to stop worrying over me." I stand up and wander out onto the balcony.

"Wow, the sky is so clear tonight!" It won't hurt to just stay out here a little bit before going back to bed. Placing my hands on the smooth stone of the railing, I feel the cold seep into my palm, as I stare at the moon and the rabbit hidden inside. I sigh, "The fresh air is so nice." It doesn't compare to the air at grandma's house, but much it's better than the city. For a moment, the night seemed at peace, until something rustles in the bushes below.

I yelp before looking down below the balcony. Eh? Something in the bushes? I try to focus my vision on the ground below, the moonlight helping me. I'm not kept waiting for long before a shadow dashes out and runs to the far side of the building. Gasping, I take a few steps away from the railing. The shadow dashes around a corner and disappears from sight. It looked to be low to the ground so it was most likely an animal and thankfully not a burglar. A sigh of relief escapes my mouth. Still, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, we are close to a small acre of woods, and I've seen plenty of deer and a few stray cats that have come close to the building. A yawn escapes my mouth. I think that's enough stargazing. Closing the balcony doors, I move to lie back down in my bed, hoping the nightmare doesn't appear again as my eyes slowly close shut.


I wake up slowly, blinking the last of the sleep from my eyes. The birds were chirping loudly as the sunlight flowed into the room. Rolling over to get on my feet, I stretch out my muscles before moving to the closet to pick out my clothes for the day. I'll try to help with the breakfast this morning. I get dressed and clean before heading down the hall towards the kitchen. In the kitchen, I find Masato and Natsuki already cooking. They look up and give their usual cheerful 'good mornings'.

"Good morning! I was wondering if I could help with breakfast."

"Actually," Masato hands me a bowl of strawberries. "If you could please cut away the leaves, we would be grateful. I nod my head and pick up a small knife. Carefully, I cut away the green on each one before placing them in the sink and washing them off.

"Is Ren not helping with the cooking today?" I ask.

Masato shakes his head. "He wasn't in his bed this morning. I thought he might be in the kitchen but he wasn't here."

"That's strange, perhaps he went for a walk, or he could be in his room right now." Natsuki smiles at him. "I'll be sure to set a dish aside for him." Masato nods and they return back to cooking.

"I'll go set the table then." Grabbing the plates and silverware, I leave the kitchen.


"Sorry I'm late. I overslept." Ren walks to the table and takes his seat. His hair was messed up, a surprising look to see on him, and he looked dead tired.

"Long work day again, huh?" Syo ask, sipping the water in his glass.

"Yea…" Ren takes a bite of the bagel on his plate and chews it slowly. "Might be catching a fever, work is not usually hard for me."

"We all have those days; I don't think you'd be an exception." Tokiya looks up from the magazine in his hand. "You do look a bit under the weather though."

"I'm sure I'll bounce back quickly." Ren grins and takes another bite of his bagel. I look over to Masato. I thought he wasn't in his bed this morning? I wait for Masato to say something but he only gives Ren a side glance. Ren notices and responds with a side glance of his own...

I speak up, the awkward glances stop. "You have the day off today right, Ren?"

"You're right, Lady. And I hear you have a meeting to attend. I wish I could stay with you for the day, but it seems our schedules won't allow such a wonderful evening." Ren smirks at me before winking.

"Lucky for you," Masato stands up while grabbing his plate. "Aijima and I have the day off as well."

I pick up my plate as well, and offer to clean again, but Natsuki and Syo stop me and say that they can do it this time. After everyone has cleared from the dining room and went their separate ways, I decide to go to my room to grab a few things for the meeting.

"Why did you lie at breakfast?" Masato again?

"It's none of your concern." Ren. Turning to the door of their shared room, I take a hesitant step forward. No, I shouldn't eavesdrop on them and I have a meeting to get to. But my body refused to listen and leaned in closer to the wooden door.

"Ren, I've known you long enough to know when something is wrong and when you're lying. You haven't been yourself this whole week. In fact, you've already sneaked out five nights in a row only to come back late in the morning and looking like you've been dragged through Hell."

"Weren't you listening to me? I've told you everything is fine." Ren's voice has an edge to it.

"I'm just trying to make sure you're not getting into anythi-..."

"I told you, I'm fine!" Ren shouts at him, anger seeping from every word. Silence fills the room for a second before I hear the creaking of a bed.

"I'm sorry. I… I didn't mean to snap at you. It was wrong of me to do that." Ren sighs.

"It's fine. I shouldn't have pried you too much for answers." The bed creaks again and footsteps cross the room. I don't hear anyone speak for a second and I was about to walk away when Masato says something.

"But, may I ask you a question."

"..."

"It's nothing too prying, just a simple question."

"...Ok"

"Were you outside all night?" I notice their voices have gotten quieter and I strain my hearing to listen.

"...Yes…"

"That's good enough for me." I hear footsteps come closer to the door and I try to get away quickly and quietly, but Ren speaks up again.

"One more thing, before you go." All anger in his voice gone and replaced with a serious tone.

"Yes?"

"No matter what, do not go outside tonight. Under no circumstances should you go outside."

"Is there a reason as to why?"

"So that you'll stay safe..."

I hear nothing after that, because I was already down the hall and running towards my room. Something isn't right here today, but I can't dwell on the matter now.


Orange rays of sunlight fell onto the smooth pavement as I make my way to the entrance of the Master Course rooms. The thought of going up to Ren and Masato about their conversation crossed my mind, but if I were to ask them about it, they would quickly realize I was eavesdropping on them. Curiosity killed the cat I suppose. I walk up the stairs and down the hall to my room. As my heels echo in the hall, my thoughts can't help but drift to the conversation the two idols had. Ren hardly ever snaps at anyone. And he would never snap at a childhood friend like that. When I opened the door of my room, I was immediately hugged. Looking up, I see Cecil's smiling face.

"Cecil?! What are you doing here?" I blush furiously and turn my face away.

"I've been waiting Haruka! I was hoping you and I would be able to talk before dinner." Cecil's smile widens and I attempt to move away from his grasp.

"How long have you been here?! And how did you get here?" I finally free myself and take a step back.

He gestures to the slightly open balcony doors before moving to close them. "I actually just got here." He turns to me as his smile softens. "So, about that talk."

"Of course, just let me put my stuff down." I remove the paper work from my bag before placing the bag on the floor next to my desk. "What did you have to speak with me so urgently about?"

Cecil frowns and furrows his brows. He opens his mouth to say something but closes it again and sits down on my bed. He raises his hands to his mouth, clearly deep in thought. "I… I think something is… off with Ren… I mean, he seems a bit different now."

I freeze. There's no way Cecil knows what's going on with him. Cecil doesn't seem like the one to eavesdrop, but he could still find out in a different way right? "W-what do you mean?"

"Something… Something is different with Ren's heart." He looks down sorrowfully and runs a hand through his hair. "It's like something's happened to him. He seems like a completely different person."

"How do you know so much about this?" I try to avoid Cecil's gaze, so that he won't be able to learn anything, but I couldn't help but look at him. Cecil might have the answer to what's going on.

"Just like before, his eyes tell me everything. That's how I know something isn't right with him. There's something missing from his eyes and it worries me to see such a drastic change in them." He lies down and glares at the ceiling before he crosses his arms behind his head.

"I don't think we need to worry too much about him right? R-Ren can take care of himself." I take a step closer to him. "Even if there was a problem, I'm sure he can handle it right?"

Cecil sits up and looks me straight in the eyes. I debate whether or not to look away, but before I can decide, he wraps his arms around my waist and stares more intensely at me. "Do you know anything Haruka?"

I gulp audibly and the stare starts to look more like a glare. "I-I honestly don't know what's going on." A blush of embarrassment starts to rise up in my cheeks. But then, Cecil's smile softens.

"I'm sorry for frightening you. You don't know what's going on and I shouldn't have bothered you by asking." He lets go of my waist and gets up off my bed. "I'll see you at dinner Haruka!" He smiles and leaves through the door, closing it quietly.

A heavy sigh escapes my lips. I was worried something might have happened. Maybe I'll talk to him about it later.


"Is Ren not eating tonight?" I stare at Masato, a glass of water in his hand.

"No, he said he wasn't hungry." He replies coolly.

"You know something seems off with him." Otoya speaks up. "Should we check on him after dinner? He could be getting sick."

Before I can say anything, Masato slightly raises his hand. "I'll check on him myself." We all nod at the suggestion. Masato grabs his plate and starts walking towards the kitchen.

As he leaves, Otoya shouts to him. "Be sure to tell us what's wrong with him." Masato nods and closes the huge doors behind him.


I really shouldn't be here, body pressed against the door, willing myself to listen more closely. I should be going to bed and getting a good night sleep. But no matter how many times I tell myself no, my body refuses to listen to my brain. I press my ear closer to the door.

"Not hungry, huh?" Masato.

"I don't have much of an appetite right now..." Ren's voice seems more serious, the playful tone he usually has was gone. I hear the slight sound of a dart hitting a board.

"Hm…" The room fills with silence. I wait and wait but not another sound comes from within.

Until Ren ask, "You're still wondering about me aren't you?"

"... I need an excuse to give the others when they ask tomorrow. They're worried too you know."

"Just tell them I'm not feeling well. That I'm catching a cold or something." Another dart hits the board.

"That doesn't change the fact that they're still worried… You're going out tonight right, anywhere specific?"

"Yes I am. And I'm not going very far. Just a short walk is all. And remember what I said earlier." I hear footsteps come closer to the door. I start to back away slowly.

"Yes, I know. 'No going outside under any circumstances.' I understand." Masato sighs and the door knob starts to turn. I quickly speed down a nearby hallway and hide behind the corner. I peek out around the corner and see Ren standing in the doorway.

"I'll tell you everything as soon as I'm able." He waves and closes the door before going down the opposite end of the hallway, clearly rushing to get somewhere. A few moments of silence go by as Ren rounds a corner out of sight. I was going to head to my room but then the door to Masato and Ren's opens again. The blue haired idol steps out slowly and walks down the same way as Ren. He stops and quickly turns around, and I just barely escape his gaze as I dart upstairs to my room.

As soon as I'm inside, I close the door and lean against it with all my weight. There's no use in talking to either of them, they'll find out I was spying and our friendship would be in jeopardy. The only thing I can do is wait for them to tell me.


Thanks to all the people who read and reviewed the story, it means a lot to me! I realize it's only been a few days after the first chapter, but I've been so excited over this story that I had to update it. I hope you all look forward to the next chapter!