Natsume arrived at the butler cafe Toma mentioned yesterday. There was ZOOL at the table. Toma was happy to see Natsume here. The other ZOOL members were dumbfounded why she is here, They gave a disapproving look on their face. She can feel the disapproved pressure from the others.
"Na-Natsu! You're here!" Toma smiled.
Natsume didn't want to be here. She ignored the pressure in the air, took a deep breath to calm down. "Glad to be here. I didn't think you guys would come to a place like this."
Torao frowned. He didn't want to be here. "Why are we in a butler cafe?"
"The butler gave me coupons. He asked me to come. I couldn't deny his request." Toma explained.
Minami sighed deeply. "To think that Inumaru-san can't resist anything. He is too soft hearted. He can't even talk aggressively to our enemies and avoid any conflict. You will never reject anything from a TV show offer. I have to say that I loathe some secrets." He glanced at Natsume.
"What is the reason to bring us here?" Torao demanded answers.
Toma was confident that this would work. "Today is our day free. I thought we could get to know each other and bond closer as members."
Torao didn't like the idea from Toma. Instead he just scoffed thinking this is a joke.
Minami sighed deeply. "You could have said that earlier. I'm out of here. Talking to people isn't my thing." He stood up and left the cafe.
"I'll stay for the sweets." Haruka said.
Toma was shocked. He thought this would bond them together. "Wait! Aren't we supposed to bond as members? Why do we have to be immediate to each other?"
"I only show my aggressiveness on the bed." Torao said.
Natsume facepalmed. "That is unusual for you to say that, Tora. But that is disgusting to say when someone is the youngest member."
Haruka didn't understand what they were talking about. He just shrugged and carried on his he ordered.
Torao glanced at the empress. "OH! Do you have something to say?"
"I haven't anything to say about your playthings. You're never like this when we were young." Natsume didn't care about what Torao does. She cares what happened to him.
Torao growled. "Forget the past! I have changed! Everyone changed from the past!"
"That is true, but that doesn't explain why you are like this. I'm worried about you." Natsume was afraid what would happen to Torao when this is all over. "You know he thinks he can do everything, but he can't do everything by himself. That's why he needs you. You are the only one who can socialite with other companies. Not just you. Everyone in ZOOL. I know you're not the only one who feels like that,"
The oldest member didn't want to speak then left the cafe. Toma and Haruka were surprised to hear the conversation between Natsume and Torao. They didn't know that she was worried for him. How did they meet? They looked at each other and Toma shrugged.
"Can I have some pancakes?!" Haruka asked innocently.
"Of course! You can have as many as you want!" Toma smiled.
Haruka ordered his pancakes. Toma glanced at Natsume to see if she was upset. The empress didn't look upset. It was more a frustrated look.
"Those two do have problems." Natsume said.
Haruka ate a piece of his pancake. He was enjoying his food. "There's nothing you can do. No one cares about this group."
Natsume frowned. "What was the point of making this group in the first place?"
"Don't ask me. Ask Ryo-san. He was the one who created ZOOL. I want him to notice me, but he only cares about Nanase."
"Ooh. I think I'll keep that in mind."
Toma glanced at Haruka. "Why did you become an idol, Haru?"
"To destroy Tenn Kujo! After that, I'll surpass Zero and rub it against my fans." Haruka answered.
Toma was getting worried. "What will you do afterwards?"
The youngest member didn't think about that. "I haven't thought of anything beyond that."
The empress crossed her arms. "If you continue that path, then you will end with a dead end. You will regret what you did. You should forget the past and go forward with the present. If you don't, your life will never end with hate."
Haruka took the information and started to think. He didn't know what to do when he is done with everything. Toma sighed that his idea failed. Natsume watched them being all dug up as failures.
"Natsu, how do you know Torao?" Toma asked.
The empress stood up and left the cafe. She didn't want to speak from what happened. Toma glanced at her. The suspense was rising up from the conversation.
Natsume arrived at the Sweetshot Cafe. Minato turned around to see who arrived at the cafe. He smiled to see a familiar face. The maids bowed from her arrival.
"Natsu! You're here!" Minato shouted.
"Hello, Minato," she sat down on the stool, resting her arm on the table and placing her chin on her hand. "You don't mind, I get the usual."
Minato nodded. "Coming right up!" He goes to the kitchen to make Natsume's sweets.
Natsume took out her phone and looked through social media. Everyone was talking about TRIGGER. The bell rang from the entrance. Someone walked in the cafe. The maid bowed at the customer who came in. She turned around to the entrance.
"Mitsuki? Why are you here?" She asked.
Mitsuki rubbed the back of his head nervously. "You look lonely in here. It looks like you need someone to talk too. You don't mind if I join you?"
The empress chuckled. "Sure. I don't mind."
Mitsuki walked up to the stool and sat beside Natsume. "So, you're The White Empress. I'm surprised to meet her like this. Not everyone has a chance to talk to you."
"Momo told you about me."
The young MC nodded. "Yeah, he did. You're an amazing person. He told me everything about you. I'm shocked that you are the manager for ZOOL. You must be carrying that weight on you."
Natsume sighed lightly. She put down her phone on the table. "It's fine. I'm used to it. I have been through a lot in the past."
"I'm sorry, but I'm glad that you met Re:vale. How long did you know Re:vale?" Mitsuki was curious.
"I met Re:vale 5 years ago during BoW."
Minato returned with vanilla oreo ice cream cake. He sees Natsume talking with Mitsuki. He placed the bowl of ice cream in front of Natsume and leaves. Mitsuki looked at the ice cream. He has never seen it before.
The white haired empress picked up her spoon, scoped up ice cream and ate it. She glanced at Mitsuki. "Are you curious what this is?"
"Yeah. It looks interesting."
Natsume licked her lips. "You want me to feed you?"
Mitsuki blushed lightly. "Umm… I can do it myself. Excuse me!"
Minato returned back and smiled at Mitsuki. "Hello there! Welcome Sweetshot Cafe! What can I get you?"
"I want the same thing as Hayabusa-chan." Mitsuki replied.
"Of course." Minato went back to the kitchen.
"You know that I can feed you, Mitsuki. You don't need to be afraid." Natsume smirked as she took another bite of her ice cream cake.
Mitsuki shook his head. "Momo-san was right about you. You are eroctic. You catch people that interest you."
"Re:vale is planning to have TRIGGER dance for their next song in FSC. All there is left is for Mr. Shimooka to post something on the media." Natsume ate another ice cream cake.
"Yes. This will bring TRIGGER back thanks to Re:vale. The fans will appreciate them being back," Minato brought the ice cream cake to Mitsuki and quickly left them alone. Mitsuki starts to eat the ice cream cake. He was amazed how delicious this ice cream tasted. "Wow! This is amazing! I've never had this kind of ice cream before. It has that cake taste too."
"It's called ice cream cake. One of the best sweets ever, I like them well," Natsume finished her ice cream. She wiped her mouth with a napkin then yawned. "Friends Day is almost here. It will be over. I'm tired of being their manager."
"You can work with IDOLiSH7. We don't mind having an extra arm. We will welcome you dearly like family." Mitsuki offers Natsume if she wants to join part of IDOLiSH7.
"Thanks for the offer, but I'm good. I have something I have to do after Friends Day. Momo is going to help with it." Natsume glanced at Mitsuki as she smiled.
The orange haired blushed lightly when he saw her smiles. Her smile was beautiful to him. "You're too beautiful to keep my eyes off. You're indeed The White Empress. Your attractiveness is catching me off guard."
Natsume booped Mitsuki's nose. Mitsuki stopped being nervous which helped him. He smiled to think that Natsume isn't just attracted. She also helps people be happy.
"Thank you, Hayabusa-chan."
"You're welcome," She gets off of the stool and walks halfway. Natsume turned back around. "Thank you, Mitsuki. I appreciated the company."
"No problem, Hayabusa-chan. I'm glad that I was able to keep you company." Mitsuki smiled.
The empress arrived at Tsukumo's Company. She walked inside the company to talk to Tsukumo. Tsukumo might think that she is walking into a lion den. Natsume isn't a fool to lose to another king of the land.
She arrives in front of the door then knocks on it, waiting for a voice to be called. There was no voice calling through the office. It was surprising not to hear Tsukumo's voice. She opened the door, shockingly that it was open. She walked into his office and saw that it was empty.
This was the perfect chance to look around his office for information. She started with his desk. The most perfect spot for information. She opened the drawer and saw something interesting. She grabbed the folder and opened it up, starting to read it.
"Oh? So, that's what it is. This would be good information. Momo will be happy about this." She put the folder down back where it was. She needs to get out of here before Tsukumo comes back.
She quickly leaves Tsukumo's office. As she got out, a voice called.
"Natsu?!"
Natsume turned to the source of the voice. "Why are you here, Toma?"
"I was going to talk to Ryo-san in his office." He answered.
"He isn't in his office. I don't know where he went."
"I see. What brings you here?"
"I was going to talk to Tsukumo, but he wasn't here. I'm going back home."
Toma glanced at her. "Do you want to hang out, Natsu?"
She smiled sadly. "Not today. I have something to take care of. Thanks for the offer, Toma."
The Leader of ZOOL felt sad when she said that. "Oh… I see."
"Are you still upset from this morning?" She felt sorry for Toma that she turned him down.
Toma sighed lightly. "Yeah."
"Come with me. There's something I want to show you." Natsume walked past him.
Toma perked up then trailed behind her. He was curious to know what she is going to show him.
They arrived at Hayabusa's Company entrance. Toma opened his jaw when he saw how huge the company is. They walked in the entrance. Toma glanced around the lobby. The lobby was clean and neat. There was a fountain in the center. They walked past the desk. The woman welcomed them with a bow.
They arrived at the practice room. Natsume opened the door and walked in with Toma behind her. Takumi and Aktsuki were the only one here. The two of them turned to the door to see who it was.
"Oh? Natsume, why are you here?" Takumi asked as he glanced at Toma.
"Don't worry about Toma, Takumi. The reason I'm here is to show Toma something, but the others aren't here. I know that Minato works at Sweetshot Cafe." Natsume replied. She thought all of Clash were supposed to be here.
Akatsuki chuckled softly. "Did you forget that today is Tesshiro-san and Rokuji-san day off. Fukito-san and Ariga-san are working at a different job. Shiroto-san and I are here to practice our dance. We haven't been doing anything for the past few months."
The empress curved her brows, "I'm sorry. You have to wait a little longer."
He sighed. "I know. It is almost here."
Toma glanced at Natsume. "You mean that you will leave ZOOL." He was sad that Natsume was going to leave them.
"I promised Momo on Friends Day that I'll leave and revealed myself to Tsukumo and the others. After that is all over, Tsukumo is going to go after me too."
The dark red-haired played with his fingers. "Are we still going to see each other?" He was worried that he won't be able to see her again.
"Why are you talking like that? We always run into each other like its faith or something." She curved her brows.
"That isn't easy when Ryo-san is watching me."
"He's never watching you unless he sees you with Momo. He's too busy simping for Riku. He wanted to talk to Riku during our conversation last time."
"Ryo-san has been talking about Riku all the time."
"You can protect Riku from Ryo-san. I know that you don't like people picking on the weak." Natsume smiled.
"He is going to threaten me with the deal we made," Toma wanted to defend Riku from Tsukumo. The empress sighed deeply then walked up to him, pinched his cheeks. Toma placed his hand on his cheek where she pinched it. "Ow, what was that for?"
"Why do you care what Tsukumo does? He's doing his own thing. He's not going to do it. It's just scaring you with words." She scolded.
Takumi facepalmed. "There she goes. Scolding people."
Akatsuki laughed softly. "That's the empress for you. Hayabusa-chan will bite you if you don't play your cards right."
Toma heard the conversation from Takumi and Akatsuki. It was true. Natsume knows how to scold people well, but it's not Minami.
"Do you understand?!" Natsume demands an answer.
Toma nodded. "I understand."
"Good boy," as she patted his head. Toma blushed as she patted him. "I forgot what we were here for."
Takumi sighed. "How about you two love birds leave? Akatsuki and I are practicing."
The empress glanced at Takumi. "Shut your mouth, Takumi. Go clean the bathroom."
"Eww! I'm not getting close to public restrooms! They are gross!" Takumi made a disgusted face.
Akatsuki sighed. "Shiroto-san, please. Stop complaining."
Natsume huffed. "I'm going to leave now. Takumi will continue ranting about cleanliness. Have fun watching him, Akatsuki. Let's go, Toma."
She turned around to leave the practice room. Toma trailed behind.
They arrived at a ramen restaurant. They were eating ramen. Natsume already ate 4 bowls of ramen. Toma was surprised to see Natsume eat that much bowl of ramen. She finished her 5 bowls of ramen while Toma was still on his first bowl.
"Amazing, Natsu. I didn't know you have an appetite." Toma was still shocked.
She glanced at Toma then smiled. "Thanks. I got it from my mom. She has a big appetite."
"Oh? It runs in your family?" Toma never spoke to her about her family.
"Not really. I'm the only one who has it out of my other siblings." Natsume remembered.
"How many siblings do you have?" Toma was curious what siblings she has.
"I have an older and younger brother." She replied as she glanced at Toma. Natsume tilted her head, wondering what Toma was thinking. "Is there something wrong?"
"No," as he shook his head. 'Maybe I shouldn't talk about her family.'
"So, what do you want to do today? You got denied by your members in the butler cafe."
He sighed. "I don't know what to do today. Where did you go when you left the cafe?"
"I went to another cafe called Sweetshot Cafe. Then Mitsuki came over and had a conversation. It was an interesting conversation. I enjoy the talk and teasing him." She smiled.
Toma didn't know if he was supposed to be jealous or not. He doesn't know how to talk to girls properly like Natsume. But his body just has butterflies in his stomach. It wasn't nervousness. He didn't like when she mentioned other guys' names.
"I see…" He said with a sad smile.
The empress poked his cheeks. "Don't give me that sad smile."
"I'm sorry. To be honest, I… I can't say it. I feel like there's a hole stuck in my heart." He felt like he got stuck between two walls.
"Are you saying that you are stuck behind two walls?" Natsume asked as she noticed what Toma was getting into.
The dark red-haired flinched. "How did you know?"
"I have been through those kinds of things as a child. I know how you feel, Toma." Natsume stood up from her chair as she placed her cash on the table. "I'm going to head out. If I stay longer, you wouldn't be able to focus on anything. I won't get closer to you. Focus on what you need to do, Toma. I can't help you anymore."
Toma glanced at her as if she was saying goodbye already. Maybe she is right. He needs to focus on what he wants for his members. He can't rely on her all the time.
Natsume walked to her apartment until she got a call. She picked up her phone and answered it. "Hello?"
"Natsume! My daughter! How are you doing?!"
"This isn't the time, Dad."
"I know, but I just want to know how you are doing!" Her dad sobbed in tears.
Natsume rolled her eyes. "Get to the point. What did you call me for?" She wanted to know why he called her for.
Her dad cleared his throat. "You want to go to Northmare for me."
"What for?" She asked.
"His highness is having a party next month. I can't go. I'm too busy. You have to take my spot." He answered.
She didn't think she would be the one to go to Northmare again. "What about Sosuke?"
"He's too busy with his work too. You are the only one who can go." Her dad was serious.
"Alright. I'll go. Besides, I have something to do in Northmare." She can meet up with Haruki there. "I have to tell them that I'll be gone next month."
"They will be fine. They know what to do." Her dad assured.
"I know. Is there anything else?" She was wondering if there is more.
"Is my daughter eating all healthy? Are you taking care of yourself? Are the boys bothering you? Let me pi-"
Natsume ended the call then sighed. "I shouldn't ask. Well, I can tell everything to him when I go back there. I wonder if he will be still smiling on bedridden."
A few days later, Natsume arrived for Friends Day to get ready to reveal to Tsukumo and the world about her existence. No one hasn't seen the empress for a long time. She has been hiding in secret from the world. Some people know her secrets besides Clash, her family, Toma, and somewhat Minami. She was wearing white gloves, sleeveless dress featuring black ribbons, a design shared by the rose corsage on the hat.
She hasn't been seeing Toma lately. Maybe what she said to him made Toma understand what he needs to do.
Re:vale arrived at her dressing room. Momo patted her on the back and smiled. Yuki gave Natsume a gentle smile.
"Are you ready for this Natsume-chan," Momo asked if she is ready to reveal herself. "This will change everything once you reveal yourself to Tsukumo."
She nodded. "I'm ready for anything from Tsukumo. He won't appreciate it. Minami tried to convince him, but Tsukumo is too busy with Riku and his toys."
"You think they will attack you after you leave?" Yuki asked.
Natsume shrugged. "Maybe. They are ferocious animals besides Toma. He's a soft hearted boy."
"Do you want me to soften him for you?" Yuki was willing to rough up Toma.
The empress shook her head. "No. He is fine the way he is."
The staff member arrived in the dressing room. "Momo! Yuki! Natsume! We are ready to go when you are ready."
Re:vale and Natsume glanced at each other then nodded. They are ready to show Tsukumo not to mess with them.
"Let's go, Natsume-chan!" Momo said.
"Right."
Tsukumo was ready to see IDOLiSH7 faces. He can taste victory coming to him. Reading Momo's Rabbitchat was the right thing to do. Now, he has to wait for IDOLiSH7 to arrive on the wrong stage.
"Ryo-san, why are you into Riku?" Toma asked, curiously.
Tsukumo responded, "Because I like him. Why? You like him too, Toma? Too bad! You're too late for that." He shrugged.
As Toma told Tsukumo that this is all of a trap. Ryo was shocked to fall into such a trap. He feels insulted by all of this. He needs to wait to see if Re:vale is going to show up at this stage.
Natsume walked on stage with a smile on her. They were all surprised to see Natsume on stage. Toma didn't think that Friends Day would be the day when she leaves.
Ryo wasn't happy. "What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here!" He hissed.
"You finally decided to reveal yourself, Hayabusa-chan. You are one cruel empress." Minami frowned.
Tsukumo glanced at Minami. "What do you mean, Minami?"
The empress walked closer to them. "Just like Minami said. I'm sure that you heard about The White Empress."
"The White Empress was a young girl. She was successful everyday. One day, she leaves without a trace. No one knows where she went. It has been 9 years since she was gone," Tsukumo started to think. Then it was coming into pieces. "You can't be The White Empress, Natsume-chan!?"
She licked her lips then smirked. "I am. I'm shocked that you didn't know you have the White Empress with you. You thought I was some weak manager who doesn't understand anything. Thanks to Momo's plan. Everyday is under control."
"You!? You were working with Momo this whole time!?" Tsukumo hissed.
"Of course. All of this was Momo's plan. Do you know who I am?"
Tsukumo didn't know what else she was. Torao was the one who spoke to tell him.
"She's the daughter of the President from the Hayabusa Company. A company you shouldn't mess with." Torao said.
"Hayabusa? You mean Reo Hayabusa! Maybe I should have used you more than I expected."
Natsume chuckled. "If you did, dad would have your head. He would strip you from your company."
"You think he would take away my company just because he has a lot of power. If I can do the same with TRIGGER then I can do it to him."
"I don't think you should do that. Dad is no fool to fall for your trap, Tsukumo. Acting all high and mighty." She frowned.
He smirked. "You better know your place."
She took a couple of steps back as she smug. "Oh, I do know my place," she tapped her feet on the stage floor. "I'm standing on it."
That made Tsukumo angry. "Watch your mouth! You will regret that!"
Natsume licked her lips. "Oh? Show me all your tricks, Tsukumo."
"I didn't know you were an idol, Natsume. That's why you know so much. To think that you were able to succeed then leave as an idol. Just like Zero." Haruka scolded as he frowned.
"Unlike Zero, I'm here revealing my true self to you guys and the world. Zero disappeared 15 years ago then reappeared himself. He's truly a mysterious man."
Re:vale appeared on stage alongside Natsume. Tsukumo glanced at Momo for his tricks.
"Hi there, Ryo-san." Momo waved.
"How do you feel, young president? Are you disappointed?" Yuki smiled.
Tsukumo can feel the rage in his body. He was outplayed by Re:vale and Natsume. He pointed at Natsume with rage.
"I won't forget what you have done. You told Momo everything. Now, I'm going to destroy you and make everyone forget about your existence!"
The empress smirked as she reached her hands to Tsukumo. "I accepted your challenge, President Tsukumo. Hit me with everything you got. I won't back down on your tricks. But I won't be alone."
Tsukumo thought she was lying. "You? Have backup? Where are they? I don't see them. They are afraid of me! They don't want to show their faces to me!"
"Maybe that loud mouth of yours will fit on those train whistles." A voice from behind Tsukumo and ZOOL.
They turned around. ZOOL was surprised to familiar faces. Toma knows the secret between Clash and Natsume, but their appearance is what makes him fear them.
"Oh. This is your backup, Natsume-chan. I didn't think they would be a bunch of children." Tsukumo glanced at them with a devilish smile.
Tsukasa reached his hand to Tsukumo's collar then pulled him up from the ground. Everyone was surprised to see someone with an amazing strength. Clash couldn't do anything, because Tsukumo made Tsukasa angry. ZOOL was feared from Tsukasa strength. Re:vale was amazing to see Tsukasa's strength in person.
"If you start talking like that to my members and Natsume, you will regret messing with us." Tsukasa tightens his grip on Tsukumo's suit.
"Let him go. He lost this round. Next time, we will be prepared. Later Tsukumo. ZOOL." The white-haired empress walked off the stage.
Tsukasa lets go of Tsukumo. "Pathetic! And you self absorbed animals." He said as he walked past him.
ZOOL watched them leave the stage. Tsukumo choked from the grip from Tsukasa. Toma watched as Natsume left ZOOL. He feels lonely without her by his side.
A few weeks later, Natsume revealed herself as The White Empress to everyone and Clash arrived in Japan. Everyone was excited to see Clash back. They were shocked to see the White Empress to make an appearance once again. The rise of population on Clash was skyrocketing.
Natsume was done with her work. She was exhausted since she revealed herself. Her phone started ringing from a text message. She grabbed her phone and read the message. The empress frowned from the message.
"Oh. It's time to meet Momo and…. Toma." She got herself ready.
She left her dressing room to meet up with them. It will be risky for her and Momo to talk to Toma alone. Anyone can appear out of nowhere and reveal Toma has been a traitor to Tsukumo.
Natsume arrived at the cafe searching for Momo. She finds Momo, walks up to him, sits down next to him. He smiles as he sees Natsume. Now, they have to wait for Toma to arrive. They don't know what Toma will say to them once he arrives.
"We don't know when he is going to stop. That is going to hurt your reputation." He was worried.
"What do you mean? I can go to shows with Re:vale, TRIGGER, or IDOLiSH7. Of course, Tsukumo is going to do everything to make my day horrible." Natsume sighed lightly. "It reminds me of back in the days."
Momo grinned. "Luckily, they helped you. I'm glad they did. If they didn't then you and Tsukumo would have been besties."
The empress made a disgusting face. "Gross. Rather die than be with him."
Momo laughed. "Well, we have to wait for Toma to arrive. He's taking a while to come over here."
As on cue, Toma arrived at the cafe. Natsume and Momo looked at each other and chuckled. Toma sees Momo and... Natsume? He was surprised to see her in the cafe. Did she run into Momo in the cafe? Or what? Toma doesn't have time. He walked up to them and sat across from them.
"Sorry for not arriving earlier. It was hard to get Ryo-san out of my sight." He said. Toma turned to Natsume. "What brings you here?"
Natsume responded. "I'm part of this situation. Momo and I have been talking about Tsukumo since I came to Japan. It has been a nuisance. He has been asking the Hayabusa Company to help him. Of course, my dad declined his offer. He is no fool. Hayabusa is a powerful family and company. There's no way Tsukumo will get the Hayabusa's on his side. But he does have the Mido's Family on his side thanks to Tora. What a numb skull he is."
"How much do you know about Tora, Natsu?" Toma asked curiously.
"Since we were young. Well, Tora is 3 years older than me. He has changed since the last time I came back. Whatever changed him... this isn't right. He used to be a cute boy."
"Do you remember what he liked?"
Natsume was shocked that Toma asked about Torao. "Are you curious about him, Toma? Do you have a thing with Tora?"
Toma blushed lightly. "N-No! It's not like I like him! He's like an older brother!"
She pouted. "So, I'm nothing to you. You like him more than me."
Toma was shocked and dumbfounded. He starts to hesitate when Natsume pouts while still blushing. "N-No! You're nice and umm...!"
Momo laughed. "You're teasing him too much, Natsume-chan."
The empress laughed. "I'm sorry, Toma. I didn't mean to tease you like that. You're just fun to tease with." She smiles.
He waved his hands defensively. "No! You're fine. I didn't know you enjoy doing this."
Natsume turned her smile into a frown. "Since you are here, tell us what brings you here?"
Toma nodded and told them everything that Tsukumo was going to expose. Tsukumo is going to tell everyone that Tenn and Riku are twin brothers. Momo and Natsume wouldn't have thought that Tsukumo would go so far to expose such a secret.
"I thought Tsukumo liked Riku as a fan, but this is extreme from him." Natsume sighed lightly.
"Not a lot of people know that Tenn and Riku are twins. This is going to be bad if this goes out in public." Momo glanced at Natsume.
The empress nodded turns to Toma, smiling. "You are really a good boy, Toma."
The Leader of ZOOL felt happy from the inside. He was able to make Natsume proud for what he has done. This will gain her trust. He could wag his tail happily. It was making him blush softly.
"D-Don't treat me like I'm a kid." He jumped as he saw a familiar figure. He turns pale.
Momo and Natsume were confused.
"Is there something wrong?"
They turned behind them. It was Tsukumo. He wasn't too happy to see Toma with Momo and Natsume. He starts to give a false smile to them. "It looks like you guys are having fun with each other, Toma. I'm shocked to see someone betray me," he grabbed a chair and sat on the edge of the table. "Let us have a nice conversation."
"N-No, Ryo-san... I-I just... this isn't..." Toma couldn't think up anything. He was scared of Ryo.
Momo started to fake laugh. "He lacks the guts. I blackmail him a bit... so he can spill everything." Natsume nodded.
Tsukumo wasn't surprised. He kept his straight face. "Momo, Natsume-chan, blackmailing Toma?"
"You think you have some dirty tricks, but I also have some of my dirty tactics. His expression was impressive to watch," Momo turned to Toma. "You can go, Toma."
"Is it that...?"
"I have no use of you is what I'm saying."
"I agree with Momo. Let's enjoy our night together," Tsukumo got an idea of where to go. "How about we go to your place? I'll bring some friends over as well. They aren't polite. You can join as well, Natsume-chan."
Momo and Natsume stay silent. They know Tsukumo is up to his dirty tricks again. They have to stay aware.
Toma noticed that Ryo is planning to do something with them. "W-wai... R-Ryo-san-"
Tsukumo glared at Toma. "Don't tell anyone about this. If your mouth slips out, your family and band members might encounter some unfortunate accidents... you will end up hurting them."
Toma stopped. He was scared of Tsukumo. Natsume sees that a dog is following his master orders by threatening heavily. He has put his tail between his legs. He hasn't learned how to bite his master. Natsume looked at Toma giving him a message. He sees that the empress was sending him a message. He looks pitiful. It was a sign that he can't do anything to stop it. Toma leaves the cafe while Momo, Natsume, and Tsukumo stare at each other.
Momo, Natsume, and Ryo arrived at Momo's apartment. Natsume tries to look around for his followers, but there was no sign for them. Ryo walk-in Momo's apartment, noticing the mess in his room. Momo told him to stay outside so he can clean. Ryo laughed.
That laugh was signed that his followers are here. Natsume and Momo stay on guard while Ryo's friends arrive. His friends have arrived at Momo's apartment. They were more like serious friends than friendly.
Ryo started to search for Momo's and Natsume's phone. He was able to find it and take it away to prevent them from calling for help. Ryo told his 'friends' to handcuff Natsume and Momo once they are done with them.
Momo asked Ryo why he hates idols so much. Ryo explained why he hates idols. Natsume was surprised to hear Ryo's story. She didn't know what to respond to. Momo starts to laugh. He starts telling Ryo that he should have kept going to get Zero attention, but he gives up all of that because he is protecting his pride from what he liked.
The empress agreed with Momo. "Momo is right. If you loved it so much then why hate it. Everyone has gone through a lot of pain and suffering. It reflects them that it hurts them more than their fans. But begin scared of what is making you hurt yourself from what you want the most. No one can't be happy being like that!"
Momo never heard Natsume being sad for the one time. She was reflecting on her past to Ryo. Ryo wasn't fazed at all instead he shouted.
"SHUT UP! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING," Natsume and Momo didn't say a single word. "You guys left me with one option. Gather all of the alcohol. We'll make them drunk until they pass out. We can toss them out. The more you drink, you may think you'll fall from the earth with the moon gazing with all of the alcohol. This will end the both of you. It makes me sad to see this happen."
"Is this what you think? Leaving trails can lead to..." She was interrupted.
"Let's start with you, Natsume. Let's have a drink together!" He changed the subject.
"Wait! Let Natsume-chan go! I'll take all of it!" Momo wanted to prevent the empress from drinking despite her age.
"No can do. She's also part of this. So, she needs to be punished," Ryo turned to his friends. "Now, feed her. Don't let Momo interfere." His friends started to open a bottle of champagne then laughed.
Momo was choking and coughing from being forced to drink. Natsume was already passed out on the floor. Momo and Ryo were having a conversation with each other. After the long talk, Ryo leaves Momo's apartment, leaving his friends to finish the job.
Momo struggled to release himself from the shady peoples. He apologizes as they start to force Momo to drink more. He did save the twins from Ryo and Natsume from drinking too much.
We can get started with part 4. I'm happy to reveal more things in the next coming chapters. Look forward to it! Also it's not Gaku's Dad. This is Sosuke that Natsume mentions is her older brother.