"Haru-chan disappeared?"

"Left," Syo corrected, "For the week."

"Is it for work? How come she didn't mention it before? Haru-chan always leaves a note."

When Syo only stared at the ground, Natsuki shifted his focus across the room. Otoya was leaning against the wall, stone-faced. It wasn't the face of someone upset but the empty look wasn't one that belonged on Otoya's face. Beside him, Cecil was the personification of distress – brows furrowed and fists clenched. Ren was even worse. He had his head bent between his knees, covering his expression. Sitting opposite, Masato was slowly drinking his tea. Perhaps a little too slowly, as if he wasn't drinking but merely wetting his lips. Tokiya sat next to him but kept his eyes trained on the corner of the coffee table instead.

"Shining said she asked for time off because she was struggling to write music," Syo hesitated, "If she can't… recover, she'll quit the agency."

"What?" Natsuki exclaimed, "Do you think she's alright? We should go after her."

"She didn't say where she went," Ren uttered, "We only found out when Otoyan had his meeting cancelled."

"But we should still go after her," Cecil persisted. His frown only deepened when silence seized the group once more.

"I'm sure Nanami-san has a good reason for doing this; she isn't the type to act rashly. If she did not leave us a message then we ought to respect her decision," Masato answered, ever the voice of reason. But even Natsuki could distinguish the uncertainty of his comforting.

"Hijirikawa-san is right," Tokiya agreed, standing up, "What we should be doing is working hard. She wouldn't want to come back to this. It would upset her. We have an interview soon. You'll have to excuse us."

Then he grabbed Otoya on his way out. At least Otoya snapped out of his stupor to yelp in surprise. Slowly, the others offered their own excuses to leave.

Syo placed a reassuring hand on Natsuki's shoulders. "She'll come back. You need to believe in her."

"I do. I just can't stop worrying. She's never done anything like this before. What if she doesn't come back? I never even noticed she was feeling down."

Syo bit his lip. "We're all thinking that, I'm sure. I need to go to practice now. Don't overthink it. We ought to listen to Hijirikawa. We need to give her space and make sure she has a good place to return to."

Natsuki nodded and waved Syo off with a peppy smile. Once his childhood friend was out of sight, he allowed himself to delve into his thoughts.

What could possibly make Haruka so… depressed that she couldn't compose? Was it his fault? Was it Starish? Was it pressure? There were so many unanswered questions.

Natsuki, like the others, knew she had her own problems. Composing was under-appreciated and it was no less work than being an idol. But Haruka was so unbelievably strong. She would fight her way through each time without his help. It came to a point where maybe he stopped offering it. And every time he hit a wall, Natsuki would rely on Haruka.

He sighed. When was even the last time they held proper conversation? Last week?

"Haru-chan, I made these cookies following a new recipe," Natsuki grinned, revealing his proud creation. They were a unique indigo colour. The book had said they darken when allowed to rest – that must be the reason. It couldn't possibly be Natsuki's cookery skills.

"W-wow," Haruka smiled politely, putting down her book, "These looks… special."

"I made them for you. I wanted you to taste them first," Natsuki prompted her, holding out the platter. He waited patiently, watching Haruka's eyes flicker. Then it clicked. "Have you just eaten?"

"Y-yes," she answered somewhat nervously, "With Tomo-chan. I'd like to try some later though. Thank you so much, Shinomiya-san. You're so kind."

Natsuki basked in the glow of gratitude. It felt amazing to make Haruka happy, strained as it seemed. It was rare enough that they had quality time together. Both of them were so busy.

"Maybe next time I'll make a chiffon cake. Those are really cute."

"They are," Haruka perked up, "I've seen these rainbow chiffon cakes online. They really match Starish, don't they?"

He nodded, "I'd love to try and make one."

"Don't push yourself too hard…"

"If Starish is a chiffon cake, Haru-chan, you would be the oven," Natsuki stated gleefully.

But Haruka didn't seem amused. In fact, her eyes remained downcast.

"Haru-chan?"

"I better go back to work then. Have a nice day, Shinomiya-san."

After that, she politely excused herself and wandered aimlessly back to the dormitory.

Maybe she didn't like the metaphor. Natsuki knew sometimes he could be a little weird but perhaps he offended her in some way, unintentionally. He would hate to be the reason for Haruka's disappearance or cause her any distress.

But it was likely that music was the problem.

It contradicted Nanami's character. She thrived on music. What would she be without music?

Natsuki thought back to the days before international tours and glittering stages. He thought to the crumbling music rooms and crammed cafeterias. Life was so much simpler at Saotome. Natsuki remember first meeting Haruka, Satsuki's first meeting with Haruka.

It wasn't just her music that drew him to her. It was her compassion and her kindness. Being with her was truly like basking in the sun. He could relax and enjoy her company.

Even though she knew about the dark side to him, she never hesitated to get close. She never hesitated to accept him, like anybody else. She wasn't terrified. And for that, Natsuki could never thank her enough.

Even if she could never compose again (as horrid as that thought was), Natsuki wanted to see her. He still wanted to be with her, even if he couldn't sing her songs again. It was selfish but it was the only conclusion he could come to.

Natsuki picked himself up.

Instead of moping around, he should be thinking about how to comfort Haruka. She must be trying her best and Natsuki couldn't slack off while she was.

He wanted to protect her smile. She was always protecting him. He could only hope to do the same for her.

"A rainbow chiffon," he declared, "I'm going to practice making a chiffon cake. Then I'm going to find her."

He headed off in the direction of the kitchen with newfound determination. Regardless of what the others deemed the correct option, Natsuki had to see Haruka. He wanted to be there for her. And when he saw her, he'd give her the chiffon cake. He would say directly: it doesn't matter if you want to stop composing, as long as you're smiling.

And he would protect her. No matter what, he would definitely protect her. And what else would you call that but love?