"Hey." He called, his voice echoing in the old abandoned church. Outside their sanctuary was a great storm, thunder boomed outside while the rain was so strong that it threatened to break the already worn-out ceiling. "Hey, I said." He repeated, this time slightly louder in case she didn't hear him.
The rosette was tuck-seated under the dusty old church piano. Her whole body was drenched because it took quite some time before they found shelter. She was trying hard to stifle her sobs, maybe he scared her off after seeing his rough display an hour ago. He wouldn't be surprised if she hated him right now. Heck, he was the reason why they got stuck in this situation in the first place! She refused to look at him in the face. Just when he thought they were warming up to each other after almost 3 days of staying together, everything changed after a visit from a person of his past.
Heeled leather boots clicked against the tiled floor, he walked towards her. He watched, that fiery red head started trembling really hard. He gritted his teeth, feeling annoyed at himself for causing such havoc. Clenching his damp jeans with flashy ornaments hanging on his belt, droplets fell on the red carpet. At last, he was in front of her and he wouldn't deny the fact that she obviously tensed up. She didn't bother to hide her voice, she cried loudly.
Stop crying. He thought to himself, guilt eating his conscience.
Her sobs grew louder by the second, dainty shoulders were shaking so horribly. The rock star just stood in front of her for a while, water continuously fell from his body.
With nothing else to do, he knelt down and sat beside her under the piano. She was about to raise her head when he grabbed her shoulder and pulled her to him. He closed his eyes, burying her face on his chest. "S-s-senpai…" The rosette called, but didn't say anything else. She slightly calmed down, but she was still shivering as she was before. Due to her rain-drenched clothes, her skin was cold as ice but you can't deny that at least she was in a better condition. What could he do to make her feel better? Remove his clothes and wrap it around her? Or just hug her even tighter than what he's doing now? He'll do absolutely anything for her, just to make her feel safe.
Even if the whole world was against them, he'll do everything in his power just to make sure she's safe.
Δ . Δ . Δ
Long lashes fluttered open, a soft yawn automatically escaped from her lips as she stretched out her arms, rising from the soft cottony bed. Once she was no longer feeling stupid, she looked around and observed her surroundings. Nanami Haruka was still staying at her senpai's flat. In fact, she's been here for 3 days already.
3 days… She thought absentmindedly.
Yes, 3 days have passed and they have yet to create even a melody.
That realization made her jump out of bed, searching frantically for the master of the apartment when she was greeted by the comfortable scent of homemade cooking. Her body automatically relaxed and she found herself swooning over the source of the nice smell. Unsurprisingly, it came from the kitchen, which was just a few steps away from the bed. She followed it and found the most admirable sights of the century: Kurosaki Ranmaru with a white bandana over his head and a strawberry-patterned apron draped over his body. Haruka couldn't help but smile.
"Hey."
"Good morning."
After a few minutes, they started preparing the table.
"Itadakimasu."
"So what are our plans for today?" He asked, serving her the miso soup, rice, and grilled fish that he cooked.
Haruka grabbed her chopsticks and started eating. "Maybe let's finish the song today. After all, today is my last stay here, in case you've forgotten."
Ranmaru choked on his rice, she immediately came to the rescue and handed him water. He did forget, it seems.
"You only tell me this now?" He demanded, his expression filled with disbelief. "You did start with something, right?"
She shrugged.
"Bloody. Hell." He set aside his chopsticks, burying his face on his palms.
"But we were so busy…!" Haruka reasoned out. "And… And…"
"And what?"
She pouted.
"What do you suggest we should do?"
He nibbled on his grilled fish. "There's this music studio I used to go back when…" He hesitated. "Before I was an idol." Haruka raised both her eyebrows but didn't say anything, instead she started eating along with him. "I haven't gone there for a long time so I'm not sure if it's still there but… It's worth a shot, yeah."
"You never told me about before you were an idol." Haruka pointed out.
"Later." He groaned. "Hungry."
She smiled and continued eating.
Δ . Δ . Δ
"So are you going to tell me now?" She said, exiting the apartment.
"God, I thought you already had a move on." Ranmaru locked the door behind him, removing the headphones from his ears. It seemed he assumed that Haruka won't converse with him along the way. Well, he's wrong. Time is literally money to them so they better use it wisely.
"Of course I won't, that's vital information that can help me compose your song!"
"How so?"
"Well, if I get more—Hey, stop changing the topic, Ranmaru-senpai!"
The rockstar blushed upon hearing his name being uttered by those lips.
"I used to be a bassist, if it wasn't so obvious."
"What band?" Haruka asked.
"Many."
"Like…?"
He halted, the rosette accidentally bumping on his back.
"Do we really have to do this now?" He sighed in exasperation.
"I think it'll be more productive if we used our traveling time to also get information about you."
They were on their way to the music studio Ranmaru mentioned before. Thankfully, it was merely a few blocks away from his apartment so they need not to fear the reporters that are hot on their heels.
Yesterday, they finished filming the music video for the song entitled, 'Eien Hanabi' by Xiexie-P for the Otaku Project. It wasn't the first time Ranmaru had to act, of course. He had been in countless television dramas and movies throughout his idol career so he had plenty of experience, though he would admit that it was rather difficult since it wasn't really a movie/drama but a music video. Regardless, they were forced to memorize a script even though he was positively sure that only 80% of their speaking lines will be heard since most of the lines were covered by the song itself.
It was a fun experience, nonetheless. Surprisingly, Haruka was a decent actress. No, that was an understatement. He would've thought she was a professional actress if only he didn't know her as the flighty composer of his pesky kouhais. He wondered if she ever thought of trying out the acting industry, surely she'll become famous because of her unexpected prowess at the field. Though Ranmaru had to admit, he was absolutely sure that she kept failing the kissing scene so that she could have a taste of his lips again and again.
No doubt about it.
(You idiot, why would you assume that he's the one who purposely kept on making mistakes just so he can kiss her?) (That's atrocious!) (Why would you even have such notion in the first place?)
"I doubt you know them, though." He tried, maybe she'll give up on the subject. "I joined in some indie rock bands."
"Indie?" Golden eyes lightened up like a lightbulb that was turned on. "I like indie rock bands! Particularly, Keane, Franz Ferdinand, Foster the People, Imagine Dragons… Oh, and more recently, Bastille!"
He was genuinely taken aback. "You have a pretty good list right there..."
"Right?" Her eyes were basically sparkling with mirth. "I'm currently addicted to 'Pompeii' I mean—"
"It reminds me of that show…" Ramaru said. "That show with large cannibalistic naked giants with no genitalia."
"I can't believe you just said that." Haruka was caught in between two emotions: amusement and bewilderment. She chose the latter. "Oh, I didn't know you watched anime, Ranmaru-senpai."
He still can't help but turn a healthy shade of a bright tomato whenever he hears his name from her lips. "I don't." He said, trying to sound nonchalant. "But the singer of their OP songs are fucking godly."
"Linked Horizon! My God, I didn't know you know them! They have such amazing compositions. I would definitely like to go to their concerts one day."
"I would, too."
"Would you like to go together?" She offered.
He blushed again.
"Like a date?" He asked, unbeknownst to himself.
"Sure, why not?" Is she not aware of how blatantly surreal this situation is?
With such virility a man like him can muster, Ranmaru nodded shyly.
"Then a date it is." Haruka agreed, giggling.
"So do you like any other rock bands? Mainstream?" Getting uncomfortable with the subject, he changed the topic.
"National or international?" She inquired.
"Either."
"Oh, okay. Well, I like Flow. Whenever I listen to them, it feels like I'm listening to flowing waters."
"More like flowing waters used to generate hydroelectricity. Was that intended, by the way?"
"No pun intended." Haruka clarified. "Oh, and international… Well, I would say 'The Beatles' but you'd say I'm a pretentious wannabe rocker prick so I'll stick to 'Queen'."
"And I assume your favorite song of the band is—"
"—'Bohemian Rhapsody'." They said the same time.
"I mean, who wouldn't?" Haruka uncharacteristically rolled her eyes, which made him roll his eyes. "Mama~, just killed a man~" She started.
"Put a gun against his head~ pulled my trigger now he's dead~" Ranmaru joined.
The rosette smiled. "You know, I would definitely like to have a duet with one of the most famous idols of this generation and finish this magical song with you however, I just remembered something."
He gestured for her to continue so she did.
"I saw that—"
"Ranmaru?" A voice interrupted.
Δ . Δ . Δ
The idol tensed up upon hearing his name being called by a familiar voice. Mechanically, he turned around, eyes as wide as saucers as he saw the person's figure before him. Haruka eyed the guy curiously, wondering what his relations to her senpai was.
"Aw, man! I thought I'll never see you again!" He then proceeded to assault him with a manly hug, which Ranmaru reluctantly returned. "How've you been?"
"Fine." He replied, tersely.
"That's good, man! Oh, hey, I didn't really expect to see you here."
Haruka frowned, having no idea what the heck was going on. He was talking so fast and… They were speaking the same language but for some reason she couldn't understand a single thing he was blabbering. It's the same feeling she had when she was in middle school and was absent for a whole week, and when she returned to class the people there were saying things she doesn't know and couldn't get. It was the worst feeling she had as a child, how she couldn't catch she could get from listening to their conversation was that this man was abnormally pushy to the point you would've assumed he was a swindler or something the like. She also noticed how Ranmaru's mood tragically made a 180° flip out of nowhere. She wouldn't be surprised somehow if that was what this man is pulling off.
The stranger's eyes widened, surprised to see another person with Ranmaru. He studied her face for a second, a little hint of puzzlement tinted on his expression when he realized something. Probably the fact that she's a girl.
"Oh, hello there missy!" He flashed a wide grin but his eyes were screaming hostility. "The name's Sato. Ranmaru here and I used to be bandmates—"
"She doesn't care." Ranmaru growled. Haruka 'oh'-ed, finally realizing what the heck was going on. Well, bloody hell, speaking of the devil. "Look, good seeing you again, Sato but we really have to get going."
"Aw, man. Why are you so cold?" 'Sato' sounded disappointed. "Wait, man. I'll buy you a drink!" He offered desperately. "The club where we're currently playing has some really good vodkas and stuff. I know you like'em hard. Plus… Our bandmates would really like to see you again."
"What?" The silver-haired man furrowed his eyebrows.
Sato's eyes looked hopeful because of the sudden change in Ranmaru's voice. "We reformed the band just recently. We'd really like it if you, you know, played with us. Just one gig, like when we were young."
That was fast. Haruka swallowed the imaginary lump that was forming in her throat. The shame of this man! They only just met and he's already more or less recruiting senpai back to their band.
"I can't." Ranmaru answered in a strained voice, though it obviously pained him to deny him. "It's against our company's policy to perform in events not affiliated to—"
"'Policy'?" He repeated, "Ranmaru, didn't you say you'll live the way you want to be and no one can stop you? What are you going on about policy and stuff when you were eager to destroy them when we were young—"
"When we were young." He emphasized. "I have a career now, Sato. I won't throw it away—"
"You call that a career?" Sato was increasingly getting infuriated because he wasn't getting his way as quick as he imagined. "Last time I checked, you were tutoring that abhorrently disgusting and talentless group who calls themselves as a 'boy band' who knows nothing but thrusting their hips and BL-ing all over the stage."
Ranmaru was about to retort when he noticed that people were starting to stare at him. Because of Sato's loud voice, most likely. Just what they needed. He gritted his teeth, placing his headphones back to his head. With one last threatening glare, he walked away.
Δ . Δ . Δ
Days confusion ever free (Days confusion ever free)
come through my heart (come through my heart )
me o somukeru isshun e (Turn your eyes to the moment)
'RAGE ON' by OLDCODEX was blaring at his earphones right now. He raised the volume, letting the grunge beats take over his clouded mind. But even so, he could still here the hustle of the busy city. Or maybe it was his mind itself that was in turmoil right now.
Honestly, he doesn't know.
Sato… Sato used to be the vocalist of their band. Ranamaru's last one, the one that lasted the longest so he assumed that it was the band that will lead him to the bright lights. But just like any band he joined, they disbanded, because of a fellow bandmate's woman, nonetheless.
It happened every single time. When he thought the band was becoming stable, one of the members (it was often the vocalist or the guitarist) would bring their girlfriends during the practice and they couldn't control them when their bitches started to lust over one of them (sadly, it was always Ranmaru who was the source of it). Those harlots will push themselves all over him. Of course, he ignored all their advances because everyone knows how he hated women (except for the girls who liked him at least), which would offend them. So, as a form of revenge, they'll tell their boyfriends that Ranmaru allegedly 'fondled' them, or in worse scenarios, he 'raped' them or something. Idiots his so-called 'friends' were, they'll believe their innocent girlfriends rather than the scary bad wolf bassist of their band.
If it wasn't Ranmaru they were pinning on then it's somebody else in the band. As you know, men are weak to the devil of pleasure so they'll easily give in. But then the boyfriend of that wench will find out sooner or later then, boom. Same outcome whether it was Ranmaru or not.
But now… Sato was asking him to go back. Join the band. Recreate the dream that died along with him the day he joined Shining Agency. It… was all Ranmaru every wanted. And he was this close from attaining it, fulfilling it. If it was any other day, he would've said yes in a blink of an eye. But he saw the puzzled expression on Haruka's eyes as they conversed, when they were talking about his past, his past where she had no involvement. And the sheer look of disappointment in her face when Sato introduced himself as his former bandmate, how quickly she took a grasp of the situation, how those golden eyes melted in sadness.
Did she honestly think Ranmaru would join him?
Was Ranmaru planning to join him?
A growling sound erupted from his throat as he sneered at the memory, increasing the volume of his music once more until he was sure he was going deaf.
Did he really think of abandoning the agency? Shining Saotome, even though he was a crazy weirdo, he was the one who scouted Ranmaru and pulled him out of the dirty streets of poverty. If it weren't for the president, he would still be juggling 10 part-time jobs a day just to pay for family's debts. He would still be a nobody. True, this wasn't what he had in mind, his ticket to the industry. But Shining never forced him to do things that were completely out of his comfort zone (excluding the Otaku Project, but then again he did manage to do it so it was probably within the boundaries) and he also got some job related to rock music so he could pursue his passion, albeit with much more additional performances rather than merely playing the bass.
Shining was the closest thing to a father to him now… And he almost threw it away if it weren't for Haruka.
Haruka…
Ranmaru stopped walking, eyeing the sky above.
This idol job, it didn't restrain him because of its policies. That was bullshit.
He never felt so free in his life.
A hand wrapped around his wrist, bringing the rock star out of his train of thoughts. He spun around, only to be greeted by topaz.
"I've finally caught up to you."
Haruka smiled.
Δ . Δ . Δ
Before Ranmaru could reacted, she continued walking, pulling him along with her.
"Someone's following us." Haruka whispered, her speed increasing.
"Sato?"
She shook her head. "Reporters, I assume. After Sato-san started shouting at you, it got other people's attention. Just our luck, one of those people seem to be from the press."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive." She nodded. "He's been following me for a while since you walked out on us. By the way, why did you leave me there?"
He choked on nothing in particular. "Sorry…" That's what all he could say. He can't honestly tell her that he assumed that she'll just automatically follow him like a dog and it didn't occur to him that he left her behind, right?
She didn't say anything and continued walking.
"How many?" Ranmaru couldn't help but ask.
"I don't know." She said. "I didn't try to look back after the first time I did and I noticed that—He's there."
"How—"
"Look at the shop windows." Haruka answered impatiently. "It's reflecting—Ah, and—"
"Oh, look! Everyone! It's Kurosaki Ranmaru!" A voice shouted loudly, intentionally. Heterochromatic eyes widened, he turned around and saw Sato with vengeance on his face. He must've realized the predicament they were facing when Ranmaru didn't fight back (which was against his nature). And now, he's out to get them. "And oh! Is that Nanami Haruka, STARISH's composer, the one who challenged Shining Saotome in a duel? That's why you looked awfully familiar!"
And with that, most of the by-standers started staring at them, murmurs made the street louder, electronic devices were being taken out. Ranmaru clicked his tongue, looking back to Haruka. His restraint shattered when he saw how pale she was, gripping her chest for dear life.
"Run." He said.
Haruka didn't need to be told twice.
Δ . Δ . Δ
Within seconds, he was swarmed by reporters.
Since Sato more or less announced where the duo was, they needn't to hide their presence and stalk them from the shadows.
The luck he had.
The only thing he could do now to protect Haruka is to redirect the attention of the crowd to him, which should've been easy.
Hopefully.
"What are you talking about?" Ranmaru barked, making sure his voice resounded and all eyes were on him. "I'm alone. And by the way, you'd rather wish that the world is ending than me being spotted with a woman."
There were voices of agreement. His misogynic comments after all made rounds to the media and had him nearly fired by Shining a few times already. He might be scorned by a lot of feminazis but so be it. If their hatred can be the reason why Haruka's safety is assured, then he'll bet being slapped by random women every day.
Please be safe. He prayed silently, saying insults out loud. Please.
Δ . Δ . Δ
Run.
Run like Meros she did. *[Hashire, Merosu! Reference]
Haruka was never the runner-type. No, she wasn't an athlete in general. God forsakes her, she can't do anything but compose. That's all her worth is, to be honest. But now isn't the right time to be nitpicking about her lack of running skills, all that matters now is that she goes far as her legs can take her.
It seemed it wasn't very far.
Her lungs felt like it was on fire, leg muscles felt like jelly. Her vision was tainted with black spots, the gust of wind sounded like explosions to her ear. Haruka used to be a sickly child but not because her health lightened up when she grew older doesn't mean she can finally do strenuous activities. Regardless of what she can or can't do now, she needs to run, hide. Make sure Ranmaru's sacrifice wasn't in vain. She knows exactly what he was doing, for Tomo-chan and STARISH did it for her a few times already since the Second Ordeal began. They'd act as a distraction while she runs away to God knows where.
Muffled voices came from the background. The distance between them is abnormally close. With one desperate move, she slipped inside a small alley and hid behind a disgusting large metal trash bin. The footsteps slowly became quiet and she found herself slumping on the cold, disgusting floor.
She inhaled, trying to get air but her lungs refused to process it. And the stench of the trash bin was absolutely not helping right now. Eyes burned with all the heat rising up to her face, moistening up and soon water was trailing down her cheeks. It seemed like she was having a panic attack. Guess she had too much excitement for today. Once more, she tried deeply to exhale. She was calming up a bit, but her lungs felt like it literally bore a hole and it hurts so terribly. The only cure for this is a large gulp of water.
Mind getting light-headed, she stumbled over the walls and desperately looked for a vending machine nearby. Conveniently, there was. But then again, she looked around where she managed to hide herself and realized she was in the shady part of Tokyo. Eyes returned to the vending machine and noticed how heavily vandalized it was. The transparent glass appeared to be smashed by a strong heavy object, most likely a baseball bat, and most of its contents were more or less stolen. Feeling guilty, she crouched over the ground and took a single remaining bottle of mineral water. On the side, she saw 'Eat my cock, you bitch' written using aerosol spray paint.
"Not today." Haruka popped the cap open, drinking like a lost man in the desert who's finally found an oasis.
Cold drops of sky tears fell on her body. She looked up and saw that the sky wasn't the friendly tone it was before, now it was the same shade as Ranmaru's hair. Soon, she was standing in the middle of the unsanitary alley like a wet kitten.
Feeling slightly better but undoubtedly wetter (Ooooh, that came out wrong.)(Or did it?), the rosette continued walking, searching for a safer hideout until she did.
After 20 long minutes under the rain that gradually evolved into a storm, she found an old abandoned church. Or maybe it wasn't Sabbath day that's why there was no one there. But it was very unkempt and you can literally draw something on the stained glass windows because of the thick layer of dust. So she just assumed it was abandoned. It was old though, that's for sure.
As you all know, Japan is a country that doesn't really believe in religion. Shintoism was no longer treated like a religion to most, but a tradition. Meaning, they practice it but don't really believe it or they have completely forgotten about the main reason why they started this ritual/practice in the first place. Christianity, along with the other religions that isn't Shintoism and Buddhism, are part of the minority group. They don't ridicule the minority, unlike in other countries where they treat you like trash just because you don't share the same belief. The Japanese people prefer to just not get involve with religious shit if they're not committed to the religion.
In other words, the paparazzi wouldn't bother to give this place a second glance.
Haruka will be completely safe.
Unless they're Christians.
She doubts it.
Haruka sighed in relief, wobbling her aching feet towards the entrance.
And then someone grabbed her from behind.
Δ . Δ . Δ
SLAP.
Ranmaru blinked repeatedly, trying to process the stinging sensation on his cheek.
Did she just bitch slap him?
Haruka looked horrified, covering her mouth with both hands.
She did, didn't she?
The idol looked away, making sure that she didn't see the tears welling up in his eyes.
"I'm—"
Before she could finish her sentence, footsteps and voices echoed at the nearby corner. Ranmaru clicked his tongue, looking at both directions to make sure they were safe before pushing Haruka inside the building. Her throbbing feet got caught on the dusty rug, making her stumble on the floor face-first like an idiot.
Adding insult to the wound.
Δ . Δ . Δ
And this was how they got into their current situation.
Though Haruka has considerably calmed down, she was still crying. Ranmaru was absolutely helpless in this kind of situation, he didn't know how to comfort people. It's just not his style, you know?
And because he didn't know what to do and was only good at one thing: being Ranmaru, he did what a usual calloused Ranmaru would do. He cupped her cheeks and mashed their lips together, pushing his tongue inside. That made her stop. Golden eyes widened, completely shocked at the sudden intrusion in her mouth. Soon enough, she melted under the administration. Closing her eyes, she responded willingly.
At last, they needed to part to take their much needed dose of oxygen.
"That's a protection charm."
Haruka quirked an eyebrow.
"That's a protection charm," He repeated, with as much dignity as a man wiping a trail of saliva off his face could. "It protects a girl crying with so much anxiety… from more anxiety."
"You're making that up."
"…But it worked didn't it?"
Haruka lowered her head, hiding the smile on her face.
"… Shall we do it again?" He asked. "To make sure the spell is twice as effective?"
Δ . Δ . Δ
"I'm sorry." Ranmaru whispered, holding her close to his chest. The rosette inhaled deeply, taking as much of his scent as possible. "I'm sorry… It's my fault."
"Why are you apologizing…? It should be me who should say sorry for slapping you out-of-nowhere…" She raised her hand, tracing the slap mark on his face with her dainty fingers.
He looked startled. "So you aren't mad at me?"
"I'm not." She turned a little red. "I'm mad at myself for being such a numpty!"
"That's good." He sighed in relief. "That's good." He repeated.
Haruka looked up to him, admiring his relaxed face. Her lips formed a soft curve, wrapping her arms around his waist as she snuggled closer.
He peeked at her through one eye lid, not minding the closure in the least bit.
Δ . Δ . Δ
"What's that song?"
She stopped humming. "Never heard of it?"
Ranmaru shook his head.
"It's 'Fix You' by Coldplay." Haruka said. "Lovely song."
"It is." He agreed. "I'd like to listen to it some time."
The rosette suddenly rose up, hitting her head on the piano. Why were they hiding under it again? "Would you like me to play it? Right now?"
"Now?" He repeated. "Are you serious?"
"No, I'm Snape." The rock star deadpanned. "Ranmaru-senpai, the rain is rather pouring quite hard. I've assumed that they've given up on us an hour ago. Also, the thunder will completely mask out the sound of the organ."
"This isn't a piano?"
"Senpai."
He threw his hands up in the air in defeat.
Haruka looked excited.
The idol crawled away from the so-called 'organ' and sat on the church long benches instead. He watched Haruka comfortably position herself in front of the instrument. When those delicate fingers started moving and when an angelic soothing voice danced out of those plump lips, he was sure, absolutely sure, that he was caught in a trance that seemed more like magic than anything else.
When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse
When the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
I will try to fix you
When the song finished, his face felt slightly damp.
"That was beautiful." Ranmaru wiped the tears off his face before she could turn around.
"I know." Haruka chuckled. "I thought the song was perfect for you."
He raised a perfectly bleached eyebrow but didn't say anything.
Δ . Δ . Δ
"Let's finish the song. Right now."
Haruka didn't need to be told twice.
Δ . Δ . Δ
They're been stranded at the church for 3 hours already and the rain has only cleared up recently. Though not completely, their clothes are somewhat dry meaning they could finally go out.
"Are you sure they're not waiting for us outside?" Haruka peeked through the window. "It's better to be safe than be sorry."
He stared at the door with a straight face. She shook her head in dismissal and continued.
"I wish we don't need to open this door." She said, melancholic. "This door… separates us from the outside world. Separates us from what's truly happening in our lives." She turned towards him, smiling. "Don't you think… this is our own door of unreality?"
Instead of answering, Ranmaru blatantly opened the termite-devoured door without any damn signal.
She was blinded by the sudden flash of bright light, involuntarily looking away to avoid the sudden exposure. When her eyes finally didn't feel like a thousand needles were stabbing it, she turned around to face him, scolding him for being an utter arsehole. But she stopped right on her tracks when she saw the look on his face.
Utter trademark Kurosaki Ranmaru smugness.
With a grin that showed his canines, he turned around and walked towards the bright lights. With his face aback, he spoke.
"Come follow me."
Δ . Δ . Δ
Uh… Woh, Yeah
GURANJI BĪTO no BORYŪMU motto agete (Cranking up the volume of the grunge beats,)
(Wanna Forget The Past)
machi no NOIZU o kakikeshite hashitta (I ran, trying to drown out the noise of the town)
(The Sky Above, It Was So Beautiful)
futo furikaereba omae ga (As I suddenly looked back, you were there)
(You Flashed A Gentle Smile)
ya na MEMORĪ goto (Overwriting)
uwagaki suru kurai (The awful memories,)
warukunai Our Dream (Our dream's not bad)
donna (Hey) [Whichever]
katachi no ikikata demo (Look Into My Heart) [State I live my life,]
Not Bad sore ga ore no ikisama (Not bad! That's my way of life)
(Hey) tamashii ga sakenderu[My soul screams]
(Look Into My Soul)
yoku kike yo nidoto wa iwanai ze (Listen well, cuz I won't say it again!)
…ore ni tsuite koi (…Come follow me)
tabun jibun ga kizu tsukanai youni to (So I might not get hurt,)
(I Was Hiding My Heart)
ai o hitei shite iiwake ni shitakatta (I wanted to make excuses to deny it was love)
(I Knew It Was A Very Big Mistake)
tsutawaru ka? kono omoi ga (Do you get it? These feelings)
(Girl, Don't Misunderstand)
uzukikawaita HĀTO (My aching, thirsting heart)
omae janakya subete (Unless it's you, everything)
umerareyashinai (Will be buried)
Say, Hey(Hey)
teppen ni todoku made (Look Into My Heart) [Until I reach the top, ]
Not Bad ikou ore no PORISHĪ (Not bad! I'll keep following my policy!)
(Hey) massugu ore dake o miro (Only look straight at me!)
(Look Into My Soul)
itsuka omae ga fuan ni naita hi wa (Someday, when you cry with anxiety,)
…KUCHIDZUKE de fusagu (…I'll stop it with a kiss)
mada minu yume no hate ni wa (At the end of a dream still unseen ,)
(What World Awaits Us Now?)
higenjitsu no tobira (Before we open)
hiraita saki ni aru (The door of unreality, it's there!)
mada minai Our Song (Our song still unseen!)
donna (Hey) [Whichever]
katachi no ikikata demo (Look Into My Heart) [State I live my life,]
Not Bad sore ga ore no ikisama (Not bad! That's my way of life)
(Hey) tamashii ga sakenderu[My soul screams]
(Look Into My Soul)
yoku kike yo nidoto wa iwanai ze (Listen well, cuz I won't say it again!)
…ore ni tsuite koi (…Come follow me)
Δ . Δ . Δ
On the day of the Second Ordeal Concert…
The crowd went mad, waving their glow sticks in the air to show how much they loved the song.
"And that is the first performance from the Shining Agency's side, by Kurosaki Ranmaru from QUARTET NIGHT!" Tsukimiya Ringo, who was the emcee in this event, drawled. With a feminine sway of her hips, she walked towards Ranmaru, who was looking exhausted from performing such an amazing song. "So, Ran-Ran… what's the-"
"Not Bad," Ranmaru interrupted, smirking at the fans. They swooned upon seeing that sexy expression that was highlighted by the monitor that was placed everywhere in the concert dome.
"Er?" Ringo looked confused. "The title is…?"
The idol eyed the VIP seats where Haruka was sitting. She waved cheerfully at him, which he responded by smiling. Again, the people in the dome cheered and fangasmed. With one last smug look, Ranmaru repeated the title.
'Not Bad'
Chapter 6:
Kurosaki Ranmaru: Day 3
Beta's Notes: Hello :-) Sir Callum here. Threya-sama is currently unavailable because she is busy taking care of her future college life so I am updating this chapter instead. Additional changes will be made when she returns. For now, enjoy :-)
*Updated* (May 3, 2016) Author's Notes: Hey guys! Threya here! thank you to my beta who updated this chapter for me because my net died down and I had to go to the capital city in order for me to enroll on my senior high of choice. Well, now I'm officially a Tomasian! And I'm on 11HA-4 :) In case we're classmates, don't hesitate to contact me because the more people I know the better!
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