-Kuroi Romance Chapter 4-

By Ikuto-sama

Miki collapsed on her bed, sighing in exhaustion. It had been a ridiculously long day, but the big day…was tomorrow.

Miki wonders what it'll be like tomorrow, Miki thought wistfully as she squeezed her soft onigiri-shaped pillow.

Touma hadn't called or even texted since their "meeting"—well, Miki wasn't quite sure what to call it—and that had been almost a week ago. Miki had given up on him.

Touma-kun is just weird, Miki thought, shaking her head. Miki just doesn't know about him…

"Miki-chan, dinner's ready!" Miki's mother shouted.

"Nn…coming!" Miki called, although she couldn't even bring herself to sit up, let alone head downstairs. She just wanted to sleep. The past week had been incredibly busy, packed with lessons, show appearances, special promotion and even a couple of auditions. If there was an "Idol-With-The-Most-Hectic-Schedule" award, Miki would win hands-down.

"Miki-chan! Your food will get cold!" Miki's mother called.

"Ah…Miki will eat later, Mom!" Miki replied, slightly irritated.

Pi pi pi! Miki reached over lazily and grabbed her buzzing cell phone.

"Huh? Miki got a text from…Haruka-chan?" Miki yawned. "Miki wonders what Haruka-chan wants…"

To: Hoshii Miki

From: Amami Haruka

Subject: Good luck!

Good luck tomorrow, Miki-chan! We'll all be cheering for you!

Haruka

PS: Don't accept food from strangers.

"'Don't accept food from strangers?'" Miki laughed. "Haruka-chan sure is funny…"

Pi pi pi!

To: Hoshii Miki

From: Amami Haruka

What is your relationship with Amagase-san?

Haruka

Miki's eyes widened in surprise. What does Haruka-chan know about Touma-kun and Miki? Miki thought, alarmed.

To: Amami Haruka

From: Hoshii Miki

Miki thinks Touma-kun is kind of weird. But he's okay. Miki's not quite sure if Miki likes him or not. Why do you ask?

- Miki :3

Miki set her phone down and buried her face in her soft, lime green sheets. Touma. What did she see in him? Why was he so mean? And why did he kiss her? In Miki's mind, Touma could be described in one four-letter word that she didn't dare say—but she knew that deep down, he was a good person. But he was still her rival, and she had to beat him tomorrow. Not just for herself, but for all of the people she cared about, including Haruka. So why did she feel so…weird about it?

Every time Miki thinks about Touma-kun, Miki feels funny inside, Miki thought. Does Miki like Touma-kun? Or does Miki not like him? Not like, not hate, but…

Pi pi pi! Before Miki could finish that thought, she was interrupted by the beeping of her phone.

To: Hoshii Miki

From: Amami Haruka

Well, you should stay away from him. Producer-san wanted me to tell you, is all. But really, I wouldn't talk to any of those 961 guys either. Kuroi-san might be telling them to do things. And personally, I…never mind.

Anyways, good luck! (^o^)

Haruka

Maybe Haruka-chan is right. Kuroi-san can't be trusted. Even when Miki worked for 961, Kuroi-san told Miki to do things Miki sometimes didn't want to do, Miki thought, sighing. Maybe that's why Touma-kun acts so strange sometimes.

Pi pi pi! Miki picked up her phone again, and immediately felt her face grow hot upon seeing the number.

To: Hoshii Miki

From: Amagase Touma

Subject: Hey, you.

Good luck…although you're going to lose anyways.

-Touma

"What?" Miki gasped, fuming, hammering out a reply. "Miki will not lose to a meanie like Touma-kun! Miki will—Miki will—"

"Miki-chan, are you okay up there?" Miki's mother called. "Come and eat dinner!"

"Coming, Mom," Miki sighed.

Tomorrow…would be interesting.

The air at 765 Production was incredibly tense that morning, a rare occurrence at the usually laid-back production company.

"Good luck, Miki-chan," Ms. Kotori said, smiling, as Miki entered the lobby, Producer-san following closely behind.

"Thanks," Miki replied, making an effort to smile back.

Although Miki was the only one performing today, Haruka, Hibiki, and Takane were following in support. The remaining idols were already glued to the TV, although Azusa, Iori, Ami, and newly-minted producer Ritsuko were nowhere to be found.

"Don't worry, Miki-chan, you're the best idol out of all of us," Haruka said warmly, patting Miki on the back. "I'm sure you'll win."

She paused, then whispered, "Just stay away from those guys and don't accept food from anyone else."

"Um…okay," Miki nodded, confused. What was with the food thing?

Miki hopes Miki can do well, Miki thought morosely.

"All right, girls, let's get in the car and head out," Producer-san said.

"Good luck, Miki-chan! Go for it!" Yayoi, Yukiho, Makoto, Chihaya, Mami, and Ms. Kotori cheered as the group exited.

"Y—yes! Miki will do Miki's best!" Miki called, flicking her hand away in a pistol shape.

Miki hopes so, Miki thought, gazing down, as the car pulled away from the 765pro building.

For some reason, she felt that her fellow idols wouldn't act so friendly when she returned.

"Whoa," Hibiki gasped. "Th—there are more male idols than I thought!"

"This is actually the first co-Idol Ultimate ever," Producer-san said. "Production companies from all over have sent their idols to compete. Including 961."

Although Miki had competed in numerous Idol Ultimates, for some reason she felt out of place. Her lime green 765 Productions warm-up suit stood out too much among the other idols' plainer, more conservative-colored ones. All of the other idols were accompanied by only their producer and sometimes a stylist, while she had an entourage of also-famous idols. There was also an unusual amount of male idols, almost outnumbering the female idols in the room.

Numerous hanging screens scattered around the room buzzed to life, blaring one of Haruka's songs, "I Want." Haruka blushed. She had won the previous Idol Ultimate, and they were re-running her tape while the groups of competing idols were shown on screen.

ROUND ONE GROUP ONE: Performing at 11:30am

1. 765 Productions – Hoshii Miki

2. BNG Productions – Kagane Ren

3. 456 Productions – Cute!

4. A&C Angels Productions – Miharu Natsuki

5. 681 Productions – Fukuyama Jun

6. 961 Productions – Amagase Touma

"Looks like we're in the first group," Producer-san said, nodding. "We have an hour and a half until we're due on stage. Let's get you ready, Miki."

Miki headed for the dressing room and quickly got changed. The stylist was late and Miki had no time to wait, so Haruka, Hibiki, and Takane helped do her makeup and fix her hair. Not that it mattered much anyways—Miki was naturally stunning and the judges paid little attention to what the idols wore anyways. Sometimes Miki even competed in her warm-up suit, but today she was expected to look as nice as possible.

"You look cute as always, Miki-chan," Hibiki said, smiling.

"I think we did an even better job than the stylist would have," Takane added.

"Thanks, guys. Miki likes it a lot," Miki said graciously.

Miki had gotten a ton of new outfits made since she was the one who would lead the competition with Jupiter. The outfit she wore now was a springy yellow, green, and white dress with a flower petal-like design. The top was white with green straps and cut off into a yellow, flared, piece-y skirt, made to look like tropical flower petals. With it she wore a white beaded necklace and white boots that cut off just below the knee. The outfit reminded Miki of spring; of new flowers waiting to bloom.

"Do you know if you'll be performing Furu Furu Future or Relations today?" Haruka asked quizzically. Furu Furu Future and Relations were Miki's default songs for competitions.

"No," Miki giggled, remembering Touma's ringtone. She immediately stopped, realizing her mistake, and tried to block him from her mind. She didn't want to think about him today.

"Is it…Overmaster?" Takane asked softly.

"No, of course not. Honey would never let Miki," Miki replied. "Miki will be performing 'Day of the Future.'"

"A new song?" Hibiki asked, cocking her head to the side.

"Yes. Miki's new song will debut today," Miki yawned. "Afu! Miki is sorry. Anyways, Honey told Miki this is Miki's new song for competitions, and Miki will be performing it instead of Furu Furu Future or Relations. Honey says it will wow the judges much more than Alice or Guilty."

"Cool. Well, we can't wait to hear it, Miki," Hibiki said. Just then, Producer-san popped in.

"Miki, they've requested for all the idols to report to the lobby," Producer-san said. "Haruka, Takane, Hibiki, you all follow along too."

"Okay!" Miki cheered with a burst of enthusiasm, although deep down, she could feel a sense of foreboding welling up in the pit of her stomach.

Miki felt all eyes turn on her as she entered the lobby, some staring in awe, others glancing and quickly looking away, and one glaring at her with poison. Idols, stylists, producers…and him. His brown almond-shaped eyes glared coldly at her, cutting her up like icy knives.

If looks could kill, Miki would be dead! Miki thought, shuddering.

Touma leaned over and whispered something to a tall blonde-haired boy, likely Hokuto, and they started laughing. Miki stuck her tongue out at them, and Touma rolled his eyes.

"Miki, ignore them," Producer-san chided. "We don't want to get Kuroi-san over here, or—"

"Wow, your pitiful production company was actually put into the same group with my glorious idol?" a familiar voice sneered. "I give you fools credit for trying, but I hope you realize you won't be going home winning."

"I wouldn't keep my nose up in the air for long, Kuroi-san," Producer-san replied coolly. "You might run into a pole on your way out."

"Humph. Well, well, well, it's been awhile, hasn't it, Miki-chan, Takane-chan, Hibiki-chan? Just think, if you'd have won that Idol Ultimate, you might still be with the strong side. If only you hadn't chosen to go soft," Kuroi-san smirked, then motioned toward Haruka. "And you also brought…this one. I never bothered to memorize her name, but I know she's the klutzy one with the obnoxious voice. These girls aren't idols, they're just…baggage."

"I'll let you know that moving to 765 Productions was the best decision I've ever made in my life," Hibiki snapped. "And sure, maybe we don't always win, but at least we pour our hearts into what we do."

"And because Miki puts her heart into what she does, Miki will win today. Something Touma-kun and the rest of Project Jupiter doesn't," Miki added.

"Touma-kun?" Kuroi cackled. "You dare refer to my superior idol so casually? Pfft, Touma-kun…what are you two, going out or something? Is that why you decided to run down to my production office and make a fool of yourself a few weeks ago?"

"Miki is not—" Miki tried to argue, but Producer-san stopped her.

"Come Miki, let's go grab a bite to eat before you perform," Producer-san said. "You too, Haruka, Takane, Hibiki. We have no time for these people."

"O—okay," Miki nodded, obediently taking the hand of Producer-san and following him out. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw roll his eyes, and she stuck her tongue out again.

"There's a small café right outside of the lobby. I'm not sure what they have, but it should be enough to give you some energy," Producer-san said. "Why don't we—"

"Excuse me," a small voice piped up. Miki and Producer-san turned around to face a young boy who looked to be about fourteen years old, wearing baggy clothing and a hat. Miki could barely see his face, but it looked like he had green hair. He looked slightly familiar, but Miki wasn't sure where she'd seen him before. In his hands he held four wrapped bento boxes.

"Sorry for eavesdropping, but this is for you," the boy said, smiling. "It's just some onigiri, but it's complementary for each idol."

"Ooh, how did you know Miki liked onigiri?" Miki laughed, taking one of the boxes. "Thank you!"

"Here are some for your friends too," the boy said, passing one each to Haruka, Hibiki, and Takane. "Sorry, Mr. Producer, we didn't have enough…"

"Ah, that's okay," Producer-san laughed. "Thank you very much. Miki, Haruka, Hibiki, Takane, I'm going to grab something at the café, so go ahead and find someplace to sit down."

The girls settled on sitting in a corner to eat their lunches. Just as Miki was about to dig in, Haruka stopped her.

"You should take a good look at them first," she said. "You never know, someone could have slipped something into them. That boy seemed a bit shady to me."

"Oh, Haruka-chan, they should be fine," Hibiki said, waving her hand. She was already halfway done with hers. "I mean, my voice doesn't sound raspy and I'm not rolling on the floor dying, so obviously they're okay."

"And the boy said that each of the idols got the same-type lunches. I'm sure they'll be okay," Takane added. "Haven't you started eating yours too, Haruka-san?"

"Oh…yeah," Haruka sighed. She'd already finished one onigiri. "Well, maybe they're okay. But just be careful, Miki-chan."

"Miki will," Miki laughed, remembered how Haruka had constantly told her not to accept food from strangers. Although it wasn't common, sometimes some idols would cheat and give out special food or candies made to clog the other idols' vocal chords so they'd mess up. Luckily, this had never happened to any of the 765 idols, but Haruka was always especially vigilant since she was the one to beat in most competitions.

"Mmm, that was delicious," Miki yawned after they'd finished their meal. "Should we go find Honey? It's 11 o'clock."

Miki noticed nothing wrong with the onigiri. They were just normal onigiri, Miki thought. Heehee. Haruka-chan just worries too much.

"Ah, Miki! I finally found you!" Just in time, Producer-san came running over. "They've requested for all of the idols to report to backstage. Are you ready?"

"Yes," Miki said, nodding. Ready as Miki will ever be, she thought forebodingly.

"I guess that means we'll go sit in the audience to cheer you on," Hibiki said, surrounding Miki in a tight hug. "Crush those stupid guys!"

"We know you'll do well, Miki-san," Takane said softly, joining in.

"Good luck!" Haruka said, managing to wrap herself in the group hug.

"Thanks, guys," Miki said, winking.

"All right, Miki, let's go," Producer-san said.

"See ya!" Miki said, flicking her hand away in a pistol shape.

For some reason, she felt as if she was being whisked away from her friends to be sacrificed into a volcano.

Miki hopes Miki will do well, Miki thought. Miki's song is 'Day of the Future,' but if Miki loses, what future is left?

"…First, from 765 Productions here in Tokyo, we have…Miss Miki Hoshii!"

"Go for it, Miki!" Producer-san said, giving Miki a gentle pat on the back.

Miki bounded onto the stage, waving at the judges and the audience, and there was a roar of cheers. Although the audience was mainly made up of other idols and producers who would be competing in the later groups, Miki treated them as if they were audience members in a concert. The visual judge smiled at her, examining her up and down, while the dance and vocal judges clapped politely. Producer-san had given her a long pep talk before she was due on stage, telling her that there was no pressure and that even if she lost, it was okay as long as she did her best. However, Miki felt completely the opposite.

"Miki, you don't need to work. We have plenty of money. You're set for life; just take it easy." Miki's mother's words replayed in her head again and again. Although Miki is just an idol for fun, Miki must win otherwise Haruka-chan, Hibiki-chan, Takane-chan, Honey, and the others…they won't be able to realize their dreams, Miki thought, a surge of confidence pulsing through her. Miki will be—

"…And lastly, from 961 Productions, also based in Tokyo, we have…Mr. Touma Amagase!" Before Miki could finish her thought, she was met with deafening cheers for her rival.

Why? Miki thought, her heart skipping a beat. That strange feeling…why does Miki feel it again? It's not as if Miki is afraid of competing with Touma-kun. Touma-kun isn't even wearing anything fancy! But Touma-kun must have a lot of fans for that kind of cheer…

Miki felt her heart sink as she noticed the judges were clapping much more excitedly than they had when she entered the stage.

"GO MIKI!" Miki heard a familiar voice scream enthusiastically, probably Hibiki.

"First up performing is Miki Hoshii with 'Day of the Future,'" the announcer said. "At this time, we ask for all other idols to exit the stage."

Miki watched the other idols exit down the stairs leading off of the stage and sit in the front row of the audience with their own producers. Miki glanced over to where Touma, Hokuto, and Kuroi were sitting, along with—the green-haired boy?

Wait, that must be Shouta-kun, Miki thought. He sure looks like the boy who gave me the onigiri, though!

Kuroi smirked and Miki rolled her eyes, only for the vocal judge to clear her throat, obviously irritated. Miki bowed to the judges and stood in the middle of the stage. The song began to play and she started to dance, trying to impress the judges as much as possible, but all except the visual judge looked unimpressed.

"Future star ima wa mada michi no yume

Dore dake no sekai ga hirogaru

Future hope kibou to hikari ga tsumugu

Watashi wa sou hashiridasu mirai…

Itsumademo iranai wa

Kowareta kizuna

Atarashii sutaato wo kiru…

Good-bye memories kono omoide

Harukaze mau hidamari no

Kimi to sugoshita miracle

Koeteyuku…

Good-bye daily life itsuka sugiyuku

Omoi no KAKERA tachi

Hashiri tsuzukete iru no wa

Tsuyoku aritsu zukeru tame… "

Halfway done now, Miki thought. Much to her surprise, the audience boomed with cheers and the judges were writing comments on their boards—even the grumpy vocal judge was beginning to show a smile. Touma sat there watching, a blank look on his face, while Kuroi frowned.

"Itsumade mo kagayaku

Hibi no naka de

Mitsukari hajimeru yo

Kimi no koe ga kikoeru…

Good-bye memories kono omoide

Haru kaze mau hidamari no

Kimi to sugo shita miracle

Koete yuku

Good-bye daily life itsuka sugi yuku

Omoi no KAKERA tachi

Hashiri tsuzukete iru no wa

Tsuyoku aritsu—"

Miki began violently coughing. She felt as if something hard was stuck in her throat. The audience gasped, and out of the corner of her eye—was that Kuroi smirking?

Oh no! Miki thought frantically. Miki can't—why…

"Zukeru tame…" Miki croaked, trying to finish the song, but the damage was already done. The judges were scribbling notes down on their clipboards, likely not the positive ones they'd been writing earlier. The song finished and the audience clapped politely. Miki bowed, and not even waiting to hear her score, ran off the stage.

"Here's some water," one of the stage workers said, handing Miki a bottle. Miki snatched it and continued to run—anything to get her as far away from the stage as possible.

"Miki! Where are you?" Miki could hear Producer-san calling her, but she didn't dare answer.

"Miki-chan! Miki-chan!" The familiar voices of Takane, Haruka, and Hibiki rang through the air, echoing Producer-san's frantic shouts.

Miki hid in a crawlspace off of one of the hallways that led to backstage.

Why…what happened? Miki thought. She tried not to cry, but she could barely see through the tears. Why…Miki was doing perfectly, but then Miki's throat just felt weird!

Miki was shaking. She was upset and angry at herself, and had a sinking feeling of what would happen next. What if Producer-san was mad at her? Would she end up coming in last because of her mistake? What would happen to 765pro and all of the other idols? Her friends…they probably had seen her mess up live on television. She could never live it down.

"Miki shouldn't have even decided to be an idol in the first place. If Miki hadn't become an idol, none of this would have happened," Miki sobbed softly. "Miki is a failure of an idol. Miki is…Miki is…"

"You're not a failure, Miki."

Miki couldn't believe the voice she was hearing. She looked up slowly and met the face of Touma, the last person she wanted to see.

"Wh—what is Touma-kun doing here? Touma-kun should be in the audience, getting ready for his performance," Miki snapped, looking away.

"It was Shouta," Touma said softly. "Shouta's the one who put something in the onigiri that messed up your vocal chords. It almost didn't work, until the end."

"You asked him to put something in Miki's onigiri?" Miki asked accusingly, her eyes widening in shock. "Why, Touma-kun, why?" She tried to wriggle out so she could strangle Touma, but then remembered she was trying to hide.

"It was Kuroi-Shachou. I had no part in it," Touma replied. "I told one of your friends—is it Haruka-san? The clumsy one, right? She was supposed to warn you."

"She didn't—" Miki stopped, remembering that Haruka had been nagging her to "not accept food from strangers" ever since yesterday. "Wait, Miki's wrong. Haruka-chan did. But she was too subtle about it!"

"Maybe you should have listened to her better," Touma sighed. "Anyways, I'm sorry, but it was all Kuroi-Shachou's idea. I wasn't supposed to tell anyone, but I tried to get Haruka-san to warn you since I wanted a fair match. Kuroi-Shachou plays dirty. He even said it's required I act like an asshole towards you. It's in my contract. That's why last week when we went to the café…I was kind of acting weird. He had a microphone on me, and that's how I learned your favorite food was onigiri, and I told them…"

"It's still your fault," Miki huffed. "Miki might not be able to perform again because of this. If Miki loses the Idol Ultimate…765pro might close down."

"I'm sorry," Touma said.

"Don't be. It's what Kuroi-Shachou has always wanted anyway, right? Miki knows you're happy. Congratulations on crushing Miki's friend's dreams," Miki sighed, burying her face in her hands. "Miki doesn't have any dreams left."

"Miki, I'm sorry," Touma said. "I'll walk you to your dressing room, okay? You're a mess. And besides, this doesn't mean that this is the end of your career. The top three spots will advance, and I'm sure you're one of them." Touma held out his hand, a soft smile on his lips. Miki reluctantly took it.

"Miki doesn't know anymore," Miki said as they started to walk. Touma's hand was surprisingly warm, and it comforted her a bit. "But don't call Miki 'Miki.' Miki doesn't understand why you decide to act so mean to Miki, then all of a sudden nice. It makes no sense. Just make up your mind already."

They walked in silence until they reached the door that said Hoshii Miki, 765 Productions.

"See you later, Mi—I mean, Hoshii-san," Touma said, giving a slight wave. Miki didn't even bother to reply.

"Who were you talking to, Miki-chan?" Miki was surprised to see Haruka sitting by the mirror. "I'll call Producer-san and tell him you're back. But who were you talking to?"

"Don't call him yet. Miki wants to be alone for a while," Miki sighed. "And it's none of your business."

"It sounded like a guy," Haruka said. "Was it—"

"Just shut up, Haruka," Miki spat.

"I know you've been talking to him," Haruka continued. "And I think that he l—"

"Shut up, Haruka," Miki hissed. "Just…just leave!"

"Don't call me 'Haruka.' You could have at least been a bit more polite," Haruka said harshly.

"Well, you could have told Miki that they put something in Miki's food that messed up Miki's voice!" Miki snapped. "But instead, you kept telling Miki 'don't accept food from strangers,' so how was Miki supposed to know? You could have been more specific!"

"Well, maybe it's because I should have been competing in the Idol Ultimate instead of you," Haruka smirked. "I wouldn't have made such stupid mistakes. At least I don't eat anything that's thrown at me and I don't fraternize with the enemy."

"What on earth are you talking about? Touma-kun said he told you to tell Miki about the food thing!" Miki shouted. "Or wait—did you want Miki to mess up so you could compete in the next Idol Ultimate? Besides, Miki thought Chihaya-chan would—"

"Forget Chihaya, I'm competing next time," Haruka laughed. "Even Chihaya knows that Producer-san will choose me."

"Haruka-chan, Miki thought you were different than this," Miki said, shaking her head. "Why? Miki thought that you…were Miki's friend."

"We're both aiming for top idol, Miki-chan. Of course there will be some situations in which we can't treat each other as friends," Haruka said. "And when you stand in the way of a girl in love…I'm just going to have to run you over."

Miki paused. "Wait…in love?" she asked quizzically.

"I know you like Touma-san," Haruka said, her voice lowering. "But guess what? I do too."

~KUROI ROMANCE CHAPTER 4 – END~

© 2011 Ikuto-sama