Hello everyone~

Sorry for the delayed update, I was on vacation! :D So this one is slightly longer than the rest and I realized I might have made Ren slightly OOC in the last chapter so I deeply apologize for that hehe. I get carried away when I write about drunk people, it's so fun! So this chapter is another interactions one so I hope you like it! And there will be more STARISH/QN encounters with Mirai so expect that soon as well! Remember when I mentioned that the rating will go up? Expect that VERY soon. I know I said that awhile ago hah but soon! Promise! I don't own anything Uta-Pri and I hope you like it! Thank you again for all the views! Review!

augenblick(n.) lit. "in the blink of an eye": a 'decisive moment' in time that is fleeting, yet momentously eventful and incredibly significant

He really didn't know what he was doing.

Taking a sip from his drink Ranmaru watched passively at the drunken people dry humping each other. He was beginning to think this was a mistake. How stupid could be? Coming to this party on the whim of what? Seeing her? The bassist requested another drink before resting his eyes on the tightly packed square, an all too familiar shock of orange appeared in his vision as he sat frozen in place. His gaze was transfixed on Mirai as she swayed in time to the music and snaked her body against his pupil. His jaw tightened when Ren rested his head into the crook of her shoulder, her mouth parted in surprise and Ranmaru sat back in his chair relieved as Mirai hobbled off the dancefloor.

He watched silently as she neared the bar, she wore a tight sleeveless shirt that showed the tiniest sliver of her waist while a small plaid skirt showed off her long legs. Ranmaru had to admit; she looked devastating. From the other side of the bar he could tell her eyes were heavily dilated and swam in the light, Ranmaru narrowed his own as a young man struck up a conversation, he had noticed he wasn't the only one watching Mirai. However there was something off in the gleam of this man's eyes, something that wasn't all there.

He was mildly surprised when Mirai took out a lighter and took his cigarette which only proved his original assumption of her; naïve. As she stumbled off, presumably to find Ren, the young man looked after her with a lecherous smirk. He looked precariously around before departing, the ugly feeling only intensified as he stalked out the same door as Mirai. Ranmaru swiftly followed and was greeted with the biting air as he searched for Mirai in the darkness.

In the distance he heard the sound of trash cans being knocked over and dashed in its direction. As he turned into the nearby alley the scuffled grew clearer, "Fucker-" A sickening crack followed and Ranmaru sprinted towards the end to find Mirai pinned against the wall as the man began to slither his hand up her skirt. In the dim light he could see her shirt had been torn open and was stained with a dark substance, blinded by rage Ranmaru landed a shattering blow to the back of his head and the man crumpled to the floor. Unable to come to his senses he continued to ram his foot repeatedly into his side until the man wept and begged him to stop.

Mirai lost her ability to stand and trembled as a pair of strong arms helped her up. Ranmaru draped his coat around her and carried her to his car. Once he strapped her in and started the car Mirai slumped forward, "Hey," he shook her shoulder. She had passed out cold. He cursed under his breath and lowered his foot on the pedal and urged the car forward.

Ranmaru took deep steady breaths and tried to calm his raging nerves. If he ever saw that fucker again he might kill him. His knuckles went white against the steering wheel. What kind of sick fuck? He took a shaky breath before entering a familiar block, other than Reiji and Camus, Ranmaru owned a small apartment not too far from the company. Once he pulled into the building he hooked his arms around her body and carried her into his apartment. He noticed in the flickering hallway light the swelling underneath her eye and the small cut on her lip. His nostrils flared as he maneuvered through the apartment and set her gingerly onto his bed, she visibly softened and turned onto her side. He threw the comforter over her and snatched a pillow before staggering into the living area. He collapsed heavily onto the couch and immediately felt drowsy.

Thoughts flickered in his mind as sleep began to claim his conscious. The last sensation he felt was a familiar weight in his arms and her comforting scent.

Mirai woke with a start.

She bolted upright and clutched at her racing heartbeat. Her vision swam in a haze until a bile sensation welled up inside, she clasped a hand over her mouth and ran to the nearest bathroom.

Once she had vomited out what felt everything in her body, Mirai doused her face with cold water. As she dried her face she was met with a startling reflection. "What the fuck?" Her voice was hoarse as she ghosted her fingers against the pale violet shade underneath her eye and her scabbed lip. Suddenly she became very aware of her surroundings. This bathroom wasn't hers. She cautiously walked back into the room that wasn't hers. "What the fuck?" She fingered the dark splatters on her shirt and began to tremble.

'Is this my…blood?'

Mirai felt her way down the foreign hallway until she arrived in the living area. Splayed across the couch a figure slept soundly with an arm thrown across his eyes. A hand flew to her mouth in shock as she fell against the wall, what the fuck was going on? There was no doubt about it, the silver mane and translucent skin.

It was Kurosaki Ranmaru.

She was at a loss.

As she began to inch away from the living room a loud beeping sounded, she froze as his body stirred. Ranmaru deftly sat up and scratched his head when their eyes locked. Time stopped. Hers were wide while his were still registering to the dim light. He ran a hand through his bedhead and motioned for her to join him on the couch. Her body moved on its own and found its way next to him, her eyes focused on anything but his as he stared at her. "Look at me," She faltered and only met up to his chin, his hand cupped her chin and she flinched in response.

"I'm not going to hurt you," he murmured. She met his gaze and was surprised to found a complete set of soft gray; he turned her head gently to her bruised eye. "Do you remember what happened last night?" She shook her head as words failed her. Something in Ranmaru ached, she looked tired. Her eyes were smudged and puffy, he never noticed before but beneath her right eye were two dark pinpricks side by side.

As he began to explain the events that transpired her face turned to stone. Once he finished she said nothing for a moment; did nothing. A trembling hand traced across her swollen eye as her voice faltered.

"And Ren? Is he alright?"

It took Ranmaru a moment to realize what she had said. "Ren, is he alright?" Her voice became firm as she looked at him with conviction. Remembering a taxi departing in the direction of the company he gave a curt nod. Her eyes slid close as she nodded along relieved, "I'm glad."

He masked his confusion as he silently watched her. She gave no thought about her wellbeing. 'Who is she?' She inhaled deeply and returned his gaze before giving a small hopeful smile, "Kurosaki-" He abruptly got up to his feet and headed to the kitchen, her eyes followed him as he began to start up something.

"Do you want coffee?"

Her mouth parted and she conceded. 'So this is Kurosaki Ranmaru.'

"I'd like that."

"I told you not to go."

STARISH clamored about in Ren and Masato's room over their haggard member. Ren sat groggily between everyone, his eyes drooped and wore an overall unpleasant appearance. The night came in flashes of lights and scents. In the recesses of his mind he heard the echoing bass and recalled a silvery laugh accompanied by the delicious sensation of skin beneath his fingers.

Despite this, he felt incredibly awful. His throat burned with every deep breath and every now and then the room would begin to shift. "Are you sure you're alright Ren?" A concerned Otoya came into his vision.

"Like hell," Ren murmured running a hand through his hair. "So what exactly happened?" Syo looked towards Masato and Tokiya in confusion. The darker haired idol began the first leg of the night as he explained the after party with Mirai. As soon as her name was mentioned Syo looked thunderously at Ren. The air around him crackled until Masato began his part of the ordeal. 'At an ungodly hour' a rapping was heard at the door and Masato found a stumbling disheveled Ren. He explained in disgust as Ren collapsed onto him and threw up all over his tatami mat, then he threw him into the cold shower and sent him to bed.

"Thank goodness Kurosaki wasn't here." He murmured relieved at their seniors' unusual absence.

Otoya listened on with mixed emotions. "Which is why she's bad news." The blue haired idol crossed his arms in a huff as he regarded everyone sternly. "Well when you think about it," Everyone turned to Cecil who had been silent the entire time. "If she truly is as bad as you say she is. Then how did Ren end up back home?" At that moment Ren remembered she has sent him home and came to her defense. "See? If she was bad then she wouldn't have looked out for Ren." The young prince offered a sympathetic grin, "Maybe she just likes to have a good time."

Tokiya looked between his fellow members in annoyance, "Whatever." With that he left the room right as Haruka passed by, "Ichinose-san!" her voice pitched as his face softened at her appearance before departing.

Syo called her in and brought her up to speed. "And Mirai is she alright?" Ren shrugged his shoulders, disappointed he didn't thank her properly for her kindness. Haruka pursed her lips in thought deciding to send her a call soon. "Please don't think badly of Mirai. She is very kind and thoughtful." She looked about their faces as Masato conceded with a sigh.

"Alright, maybe she isn't so bad."

Once they dispersed and Ren was left to nurse his hangover, Otoya caught up with Haruka on their way to the practice room. "Nanami, have you heard anything?" She shook her head slowly as her grip tightened against the music sheets. "I haven't, I hope she's alright." He noticed her distressed and tried to alleviate her worry, "I'm sure she's fine. Mirai is tough; I know she could take me anytime." Haruka laughed at the thought and his heart swelled.

"Also," he began unsurely as he scratched the back of his head, "I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to the orphanage again. I was going to mention it to Mirai as well so we could put on a little show or something." His words tumbled out as he finished slightly out of breath. Her angelic face stretched in a delighted smile as she expressed how lovely that would be. He laughed sheepishly as a blush dusted his cheeks as she began to detail decorations.

He found himself falling deeper and deeper into the bliss Haruka provided.

They drank in silence.

Mirai noticed his tightened jaw and strained neck muscles as she crossed her legs. "The coffee is great." He nodded and the silence stretched out for another minute. She smiled demurely into her cup and settled her gaze onto a resting bass in the corner. "That's a nice bass." Her efforts were rewarded as he followed her eyes to his treasure. "I've had it for a long time." She nodded and thought it was a start.

"I was never really good at it." He was mildly intrigued at this, "You play?" She waved him off, "Hardly, but I fill in parts sometime." The silence settled once again. For Ranmaru things were escalating quite quickly. The woman that haunted him with the scent and feel of her skin not only slept in his bed but was attempting to make small talk. "Do you have work today?" She nodded as she took another swig of her drink. "I'll drive you home then." Her heart palpitated at his suggestion but laughed him off, wordlessly he stood up and left for his room.

'Is he this desperate to get rid of me?'

He returned with an interesting assortment of accessories. "I have a gig soon as well." Suddenly she felt burdened, "You should have mentioned it sooner, I'm sorry if I was keeping you." He shook his head and handed her a pair of sunglasses and a black hoodie along with a beanie. "Fans camp out of the building." He offered as he reached for his keys.

"Ah." Suddenly things were beginning to make sense. She slipped on the beanie and secured the glasses before slipping on the comfortable hoodie. "Ready?" he regarded her appearance and she gave a small nod.

She followed close behind as he took long purposeful strides towards the parking lot. A crowd formed as fans were taken surprise by the woman so close to their idol. Their pace quickened as they left the lobby and fans hurried behind them. Hovering paparazzi caught wind of the situation and the dizzying flash of cameras added to the chaos, Ranmaru quickly helped Mirai into the passenger seat as he became swarmed.

"Ranmaru! Who was that? Is that your girlfriend? Ranmaru!" He said nothing as the cameras flashed and slammed the car door behind them and sped off.

Once they had cleared the general vicinity Mirai relaxed against the black leather. She directed him to her apartment and he sped through the vacant streets seeing as it was still early in the morning. As he pulled up to her place she handed him back his things.

"I've caused you so much trouble-"

"Take care of yourself."

Her throat closed up as he still held his head forward. "Take care of yourself Mirai." Her heart leapt of her chest as her name left his lips. "I'll see you around." He regarded her with a side glance and raised the side of his mouth slightly. With trembling hands she gulped softly and nodded, they locked eyes once more before he sped off.

His name left her lips in a murmur and he felt his skin prick.

"Mirai have you heard the news?"

The young guitarist feigned interest at the radio host.

Dodging Abe-san proved more difficult than not. She tried to play off her bruises but she knew he was onto her. Nonetheless, her makeup artist skillfully covered any blemishes and the radio program was going off without a hitch.

Until Kurosaki Ranmaru became the main topic.

"It seems your fellow idol has a pretty 'companion'?" She smiled knowingly, "Is that so?"

They showed her already printed pictures of Kurosaki helping a woman in black into his sleek car. "What are your thoughts on this?"

She tapped a finger to lips, "Contrary to popular belief he is quite kind so it makes sense I suppose." The host was taken aback, "People are calling her his 'Mystery Beauty'. Do you think they'll last? It seems quite serious if she spent the night with him." She absolutely loved this, "Only time will tell as they say. Dating as an idol is difficult but whatever happens between them I wish them happiness."

"Well said…"

A rare smile graced his lips.

"Ran can you change the station?" Kurosaki regarded the older brunette with a glare through the rearview mirror. He had listened in anticipation for her segment and thankfully caught the last of it, she was a wry one alright.

"It's no fair, usually I'm the one that's the star when it comes to variety shows but now all the attention is going to be on boring you." From the backseat Reiji crossed his arms and feigned annoyance, it was one of those odd whims Saotome dealt out capriciously that he and Reiji would run a variety program. He answered with silence and failed to notice a devilish smirk on the brunettes face.

The show went as expected. Most jokes were pointed at his 'Mystery Beauty' but it wasn't until Reiji picked up on it did Ranmaru become concerned. "Good work today Ran!" After they finished shooting the bassist agreed to drive him to his next gig. "You know," He knew that tone; whatever was to follow would be either the dirtiest gossip or something utterly stupid or both. Ranmaru sent him a cautious glance from the driver's seat, "Seeing as well live close by each other I couldn't help but hear the sweet harmonious music. It's actually quite wonderful, you two fit perfectly."

He was filled with absolute dread. "I like to see it as the sun and the moon; two sides of the same coin, Ying and Yang if you will. It's kind of poetic when you think about it. The bassist and the-"

"Enough." He ended his tirade with a vicious snarl. "You know?"

Reiji scoffed, "Of course I know it was so obvious, I know everything." Ranmaru groaned, "Don't worry I won't tell a soul, I think she's a nice person. Why she's wasting her time on you is beyond me though." He sent his a warning glare, "It's not like that. There's nothing between Mirai and I, you wouldn't understand anyway."

The older of the two smiled gleefully thoroughly enjoying himself seeing as he tricked him into spilling who it was. Sending him a triumphantly smug look, Ranmaru ignored him the rest of the drive utterly fed up with his antics.

"It's you isn't it?"

Mirai started with a jump from the passenger seat. Abe sighed heavily as he readjusted his grip on the steering wheel. "Of course it's you, what was I thinking." She looked on in confusion as he gave her a stern look. It dissipated and was replaced with his usual bored appearance, "You're the woman that was with Kurosaki aren't you?" The gig was up, she was surprised he caught on this fast. She crossed her arms and heaved a sigh of defeat, "Thought I wouldn't find out eh? You give me no credit Mirai." She pursed her lips and tried to find the right words, "That's fine."

Her eyebrows disappeared into her hairline at his nonchalance, "You're old enough to do that kind of stuff I guess. As long as you take care of yourself, did you use a con-"

"No! Abe-san!" She became livid and embarrassed at where the conversation was going, "I did not! We did not!" She sputtered and shook his shoulder exasperated, "Alright, alright whatever you say. That still doesn't explain where you got those." She knew what he was talking about and calmed down, she fudged the truth slightly saying she got into a fight at the club and that he helped her afterwards. It wasn't wrong exactly.

He listened on quietly and bought it for now. "He's smart I'll give him that. You might think that he made you wear those things to protect his image but I think it's the other way around." His serious tone attracted her attention, "When it comes to male idols it's not so much a scandal but when it's the girl, her whole career goes caput. Do you remember what happened to-?"

"Yes," She cut him off trying to forget those awful memories of the poor young girl that lost her dreams for being caught leaving her boyfriend's apartment. "So you think he did that to protect me?" Abe shrugged his shoulders, "Who knows. Maybe I'm looking into it too much. All I know is that you need to be aware of these things." With that he said no more and left Mirai to her thoughts.

He dropped her off at her place and gave a lazy wave before speeding off into the night. Mirai felt numb, everything that happened today was beginning to overwhelm her. Once she reached her floor and jerked open her door she quickly went to charge her dead phone. Immediately it began to vibrate with missed calls from both Haruka and Otoya.

'Mirai~ When you get this message call me back I want to ask you something important!'

Otoya's cheerful voice brought a smile to her face as she immediately redialed.

"Oh! Mirai! How are you! I listened to your radio program, it was great!"

They caught up on a few things and she laughed when he explained what a foul mood Ren was today. Then he shyly began to ask her if she would accompany him to the orphanage, "You see uh, Nanami can't come since she has to work on composing so it would just be us. If you can't go I completely understand though!" He rushed the last part, "I'd love to go. However kids can get kind of scared of me," He assured her that they wouldn't and they arranged a time for tomorrow.

"I'll see you soon then,"

"Take care!"

Ever since she had cut her hair encounters with children were far from pleasant. With her many ear piercings and lanky build, children would hide from her with tears in their eyes. She rustled through her drawers and came across something she never thought she would see again.

"God," She ran a hand down her face and set it aside for tomorrow. Turning off all the lights she wrapped herself up in a blanket and turned on the television, Kurosaki's face appeared and she felt her insides squirm at his strong appearance. Lulled by the tenor of his voice she drifted off and fell asleep soundly on her couch.

The next day rolled in pleasantly, the swelling and violet color of Mirai's eye had gone down considerably and all was left of her lip was a light mark. She was free to enjoy her day until she had to depart on a midnight show in the city. Yawning loudly she reached for the ceiling and smacked her dry lips together, she looked about and realized she had to meet Ittoki soon.

Outside of the orphanage Otoya waited nervously for Mirai. It has been awhile since he had seen her and his nerves were getting the best of him. From down the sidewalk a figure waved towards him and he waved back enthusiastically, as the figure came closer the idol froze.

This is not Mirai.

His eyes traveled from her billowing mori kei dress to the thin headband on her combed hair. Her makeup was soft and gave her a natural appearance while the usual jangle of her earrings was utterly gone. "M-m-mirai!" His voice came out in a hoarse whimper.

"I know, I know. I look ridiculous. I just didn't want to scare the kids." She readjusted the strap of her guitar so that it rested on her back, "It's been so long eh Ittoki?" Her characteristic smirk brought him back to a familiar sense and he chuckled regaining his composure. She held up her fist and he bumped it clumsily, "Ready?" He gave a curt nod and showed her in.

The kids immediately took a liking to Mirai, however they chastised Otoya for not bringing his girlfriend. "His girlfriend?" Mirai echoed as she turned to the perplexed young man, "Her name is Nanami! She's very cute and kind, I'm sorry Mi-chan you're nice too."

"She's not my girlfriend!" he barked but sighed as they all began to giggle at his heated cheeks. "Poor Ittoki, don't tease him too much minna. Here," Mira situated herself on the play mat as the kids formed a semi-circle around her, she turned her guitar around and drummed experimentally. "Mi-chan, is it true you're a rock star? You don't look like one, also why are there so many holes in your ear," She chuckled at their incessant questions as Otoya calmed them down. She answered nonetheless and began strumming a soothing melody, she hummed along and the kids watched enraptured.

As Otoya prepared the snacks he watched from the corner of his eye. She looked at ease with them, and they all received her ceremoniously. He smiled genuinely, Mirai was truly a good friend. Once she finished she played a few games with the children until they grew restless, "Oi! Are you ready?" Otoya sprang out with oversized glasses and a tie secured around his forehead. Mirai couldn't help but chuckle at his appearance as they children cheered exuberantly, he began ramping out melodies on his own guitar and beckoned for her to join in. With a sly look she matched his beat and lost herself in his lively sound.

Once they finished her forehead was misty and she bowed along with him much to the cheers of the kids. Suddenly a few of them latched onto her knees and hugged tightly, her heart softened at the tender gesture. She fell to her knees and hugged them back ardently; Otoya looked on fondly as he hoisted one of them up on his shoulders.

After another hour or so everyone said their teary goodbyes, "Mi-chan! Come back soon!" They all clamored about at the entrance and waved them off. "They're so sweet." He smiled gleefully, "You think so? They're a handful sometimes." He laced his hands behind his head and whistled as they turned the corner, they shared a moment in silence before Otoya began softly, "You don't have any siblings do you?"

She shook her head slowly mildly surprised he picked up on it, "My parents had me when they were quite old." She offered in the same tone. He nodded along and brightened up at a thought, "Do you want some ice cream? There's a place nearby," She returned his smile and agreed adamantly.

As they finished their ice cream Otoya offered a ride back to her place, at first she declined but he insisted. Suddenly an all too familiar sleek car pulled up and a cheerful brunette waved from the passenger seat as she spotted him in the driver's seat.

Her soul left her body.

Why him, why now of all places, why when she was like this?!

There you have it!

For those of you that follow the J-POP scene I was referring to when Minami from AKB48 had that 'scandal'. Jeez do you remember that? That was so awful...

If you liked it please leave a review! I'd love to hear what you'd have to say whether it be suggestions or criticisms! Thank you all so much and take care! See you soon!