One Step with Music to Life

Step 7: Her Enemy

"Amu-chan, don't move!" Instructed Miki as she lightly powdered my nose, making me twitch at the touch.

I sighed but followed her order. I remained still like a sculpture and observed the hectic studio as Miki and the other frantic make-up artists flew around the room, brushing make-up onto the other rookies' faces.

Want to know what's going on?

- 1 Week Ago –

"Ehhh!" I gasped at the words that flowed out of Mitsuki's mouth, making my heart pound and the weights on my shoulders lift.

"I'm telling you, everyone loves you!" Mitsuki cheerfully said as she patted me on the back. I stayed still as I gobbled up this moment and could feel happiness eat me up.

"Well done Amu-chan!" Ran smiled and ran up to me, giving me a big bear hug.

Weeks had passed after Easter had announced XFigure's new female member. The company had let out posters fling around the streets of Tokyo and aired advertisements on TV and radio stations. It was crazy! To think Easter would go all out for a puny person like me.

So now, the members of XFigure, Mitsuki, Aoran and the crew, were all seated inside the studio while enjoying Su's tasty apple pie.

I was really worried about what the media thought. It was eating me up this whole week. I kept wondering and wondering what people thought about me. And how questionable it was for a newbie like me to have joined XFigure. XFigure itself was a rookie band, but they had released an album and debuted 6 months ago. And don't get me wrong, the members are indeed handsome. Each person all has different characteristics. Fan girls are their main crowd because of the guys' charming auras that shoot the targets for girls. And now some pink fluff had stumbled along and ruined the magnificent image.

"This is great, Hinamori!" Kukai said as I felt him slap my back. That got me out of my thoughts.

"Woo!" I nervously said, fisting my arms up in a victorious motion. Kukai followed along as we both stared each other and broke into laughter.

"That's enough, guys. I have another important announcement to make. In one week, Easter is preparing a party for all rookie bands that have been selected for this year's entertainment award. And lucky for you, you're all attending," Aoran informed as Nagihiko groaned, followed by Kukai's dreadful moan.

"This will be a great way for you to meet your rivals," Aoran finished off with a grin and this caught my attention.

Rivals?

"Done!" smiled Miki as she wiped invisible sweat off her forehead. So there I was, sitting on the same chair that was offered the other day as Miki had done my make-up and hair. I was getting ready for the major party but I didn't understand why we all had to look that good.

"The media will be trailing along and hunting for stories," Miki suddenly said. It was as though she could read my mind and directly answered my question.

"That means cameras?" I asked nervously, remembering the time when I was taken to the photo shoot and was kept inside the plain room for hours with cameras blinding my eyes.

"Yes, cameras," Miki said as she packed away her make-up tools. I pouted at the thought but hastily got up from my seat.

"Off you go. Just have fun," Miki said again before moving over to the next person who was waiting impatiently.

"I'll try," I mumbled, slouching my eyebrows in boredom. It wasn't an appealing sight, but my face spoke my thoughts.

Heaving a heavy sigh, I exited the room and began to walk outside the building.

"Where the hell do I go?" I asked as I wandered around Easter's building and realized I was lost.

'Oh no.,' I thought worriedly until I heard a familiar voice ring in my ears.

"Found her!" Shouted Kukai as I spun around and saw his usual dashing figure.

"'Sup, Hinamori? We thought we lost you the-" he stopped as he stared at my appearances. "WOW," he gasped with his mouth wide open as my face turned bright red.

Suddenly, trailing behind Kukai, I noticed Ikuto with an annoyed face.

"… Stop running off like that," Ikuto scolded with an irritated expression. His face began to smooth as he noticed my attire.

I was wearing a hand-made, deep violet dress that was perfectly made for my figure as it emphasized my curves, making my waist appear smaller. Purple tulle frills touched the side of my chest and was wrapped onto my left shoulder and down my back. The dress met my lower thighs, where it thickened with tulle underneath, creating fullness to the dress and making my legs appear longer. I had my pink locks of hair pinned into a bun and I wore a gold chain wrapped with black leather headband. The final touch were these black heels which had a black rose decorating the top of the heel.

I was met with silence as I watched the two men stare.

"H-Hinamori, you look good," Kukai complimented as I blushed two shades of pink. "Thanks," I replied quickly as my eyes stumbled to the floor, embarrassed. I then turned to Ikuto and saw that usual poker face. I pursed my lips together.

"Anyways, the party is upstairs!" Kukai suddenly said as he grabbed hold of me.

"Let's show everyone our new member." Kukai smiled as I smiled along.

"Yeah," I said as I followed along.

As we waited at the elevator that would take us up, the door began to open and Kukai walked in. I was suddenly grabbed by the arm and was pulled away from the door and before I could make another movement, the elevator door suddenly closed and I saw Kukai's disappearing figure, looking confused.

Ding!

I turned around to find the culprit who pulled me away, and had forgotten that Ikuto was beside me. What was surprising was that his hand was the one that had stopped me.

I blinked in surprise and stared at Ikuto. His mysterious cobalt eyes were hidden because of his bangs. Silence consumed the space between us as we ignored our surroundings and listened to each other breathing and the sound of my heart thumping.

"Ikuto?" I asked. The sound of my voice triggered him to suddenly pull his hold away. This made my excitement drop.

Suddenly, Ikuto began to walk forward, which made me feel uncomfortable with the lack of space between us. I took a step back whereas he took another step forward. I took another step back but was suddenly met with the wall. Even though I couldn't see Ikuto's eyes, I saw that usual smirk of his appear. He came close and placed one hand beside my face so it touched the wall, caging me. His other hand slid around my waist and I flinched at the sudden touch.

"W-what are you doing?" I stuttered.

Suddenly, his face gotten even closer than before and I could hear this breath against my ear. He whispered, "You look beautiful tonight."

My eyes widened at the compliment and could hear fireworks going off in my head and my heart thumping against my rib cage. Was I dreaming? Did I really hear those words come from Ikuto's mouth?

I did not utter a word until I heard him chuckle. I turned my gaze to him. His amused expression was back in place.

"Were you enchanted by me there, Amu?" He teased, which made me turn bright red. He stepped back and moved his hand away from my waist to press the button of the elevator to open behind my back.

"I sure did get you there," Ikuto teased as I grew more annoyed, wanting to knock that blue head.

"As if!" I huffed and crossed my arms.

"Who would want to get close with you?" I complained again and walked inside the empty elevator room that had opened a few moments ago.

"I think everyone does," Ikuto said as he playfully winked at me.

"Gross," I snorted, looking away and seeing the reflection of myself in the mirror. My face was strawberry pink and I realized I found myself looking different every time I was with Ikuto. I realized that Ikuto was sneaking through my cool and spicy look and was turning me into a blushing fool!

Growing irritated, "Arg! Ikuto you idiot!" I yelled and smacked his shoulder for no apparent reason. He gave me a confused look but still held that smirk of amusement.

"You poor girl. Are you going through your period or something?" Ikuto bluntly asked as I grew even more furious because he had guessed right.

"I'll hurt you," I threatened, giving him a glare.

"You already have," he teased.

"Arg! You're impossible!" I screamed, hectically throwing my arms up as I gave up talking to him.

Before I could hear another comment from him, the doors suddenly separated open as I watched the surroundings begin to play like a celebrity on the red carpet. Cameras immediately flashed at the sight of us and I saw a row of people holding cameras and some holding note books and pens. I watched as Ikuto took my hand and began to lead me out of the door.

"Hinamori Amu! Are you willingly to answer some question?"

"How do you feel about getting chosen to be the female singer of the male group?"

"What's your true intention of joining their group?"

"What kind of relationship do you have with the following members of the X Group?"

I was attacked with questions that didn't even make sense in my head since I was too occupied by the camera lights hurting my eyes again.

"Don't worry about them. Just walk ahead," Ikuto whispered as his grip grew tight. I rubbed my lips together but followed Ikuto. His words sounded so comforting that I didn't want to be released from his hold.

We were met with a white door that had golden prints of rose vines decorating the door. I gulped at the invisible rock that was launched in my throat. Ikuto opened the door and I was met with beautiful people, luxurious food sitting in the center of the room, and a massive chocolate fountain. I watched as the people took notice of the massive door opening and the sight of Ikuto and me.

Suddenly, I saw a few heads bobbing closer to our direction and noticed it was Kukai, Kairi and Nagihiko heading towards us.

"About time you arrived," Nagihiko sighed.

"The party has begun," noted Kairi. I looked around the place and noticed the people were either around my age or older and were wearing luxurious clothing, but I couldn't shake off the dirty looks they were sending at me. Was it because of my appearance, or was it just me?

Wait… who were all of these people?

I wet my already dried lips as I took a big step inside and saw lights dancing on the floor.

"Oh my, look what we've got here," I heard a very familiar, piercing voice. I turned around and allowed the intruding gasp to get sucked out of me like a vacuum. I felt my whole body grow numb and the rate of my heart slumping down to zero.

Those ruby red eyes taunted my golden ones. My mind grew blank at the sight of him and knew exactly who this was.

It was none other, but my first lover and enemy.

Hotori Tadase.


Authors Note: Special thanks to my beta-reader and my beautiful readers who commented on my last chapter. Very appreciated ! :) Stay tune for the next chapter. Til now, bye bye !