Meanwhile...

Otori and Hiragi met up back in the meeting room to 'talk' about Otori's date. Hiragi stared at Otori, "Otori, who is your date?"

Otori just smiles. "It's a long story."

"We have time." 'Tsubasa, punctual and right to the point as always.'

Flashback

The day before yesterday, Otori got a message from Hoshitani saying to meet him on the outdoor stage to talk. He stood on the outdoor stage, Hoshitani in front of him, looking upset.

"I got your message, Hoshitani. What's the matter?" Otori was concerned since he'd never seen him so upset.

"I figured it out, Otori-senpai." Hoshitani looked at him, a small smile on his face.

"Figured what out?"

"That you're the one I've been looking for this whole time, the high schooler I've wanted to meet for the last two years. How long have you known?" Hoshitani was serious.

Otori was stunned by this. He didn't know what to say, so he said what was on his mind.

"I...I've known for awhile now, actually. I got a hint during your audition day, but I never knew you were looking for me until you said it the day I left the Kao Council."

Hoshitani was furious and red, "Why didn't you say anything?!"

"I wanted you to figure it out on your own."

"Well, you got your wish." Hoshitani stormed off, angry at Otori for not saying anything, angry at himself for not realizing it sooner. He decided to get a run in before he got too out of control of his emotions.

"O-Oi, Hoshitani! Wait!" Otori tried to catch up to him, but it was a futile effort. Hoshitani was simply too fast. Panting, he decided to let Hoshitani blow off steam. Hopefully by tomorrow, they can talk again.

Yesterday, during practice, Hoshitani was completely ignoring him. The others were concerned, but Otori told them to leave it alone. After practice, Otori messaged Hoshitani to talk again on the outdoor stage. Otori got there early, hoping Hoshitani would show up. Hoshitani did show up near sunset.

"What do you want, Otori-senpai?" Hoshitani was annoyed that he even came here.

"I just wanted to talk..." Sighing, Otori spoke, "The reason why I didn't tell you was..."

"For me to figure it out on my own. I know."

"It's also because I'm not fit to play prince charming," Otori said a bit disappointingly. However, that just got Hoshitani angry.

"'Not fit to play prince charming'...what's with that? I never asked you to do that! I-I just wanted to see you again, to dance with you on the same stage. That's all I wanted." Hoshitani had tears threatening to pour down his cheeks. Otori's eyes softened as he looked at him.

"Hoshitani...Ever since you let me go, I've had the feeling that you really did abandon me, that you didn't need me anymore. It felt more like a break-up then a student flying beyond his teacher. I didn't want to feel like that again, didn't want you to lose your smile, so..."

"Otori..." Hoshitani eyes widened in shock by Otori's words. 'Does this mean that he...'

"I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I'll do anything." Otori bowed his head. Hoshitani was a bit shocked by this, and started panicking a little.

"U-um...then, please go out with me!" Otori lifted his head, shocked at what Hoshitani just said. Hoshitani was blushing bright red, eyes closed, bracing himself for a rejection. Otori laughs, amused by the sight of Hoshitani trying to ask him out.

"Alright. I'll go out with you. You can choose where to go. How does Saturday at 14:00 sound?" Opening his eyes, Hoshitani was stunned for a moment before answering.

"OK!" Hoshitani beamed up at Otori brightly, Otori smiling back. Then, the two walked their separate ways back to their rooms to plan, and mentally prepare for their date.

End of Flashback

"And that's what happened." Otori smiled sheepishly. Hiragi was silent for awhile. Sighing at his brother's explanation, "I understand. Please take good care of your kohai then. Make sure this doesn't interfere with school, practice, or performances either." 'I'll accept him, if only to make you happy, Itsuki-niisan.'

"Thanks for listening, Tsubasa." Otori smiled gratefully.

"Anytime." Hiragi let a small smile slip before become stoic again. With that, Otori left for his own room to sleep, hoping that his date with Hoshitani will be alright.