Hello everyone! This is a new chapter! Chapter 2! I hope everyone will enjoy this story! Without further ado, let's start!
Normal POV
After a few more days had passed, Kai had gotten used to Aichi's hectic schedule and would be by his side whenever he had somewhere to be.
" What's your schedule like for today?" Kai ask
" Tsubasa-san told me to have an off day today. I was thinking of writing and making some new songs." Aichi replied
" Then let's do it together." Kai said
" O-Okay..."
The two silently walked to the recording studio as Aichi opened the door and they sat inside.
" I also heard that the 77th Generation members have been selected. They'll be arriving tomorrow." Aichi said
" I see."
" I want to give them a good performance when they arrive." Aichi said
" Will you be able to do it in a day?" Kai ask
" Well, I am almost done with the instrumental piece. I just need to finish writing the lyrics and then record them together inside there." Aichi said
" I'll help."
" Okay..."
The two then started writing the lyrics while finishing up the instrumental piece as Aichi soon stepped into the studio after Kai was taught on how to use the controls in the room.
" Ready, Aichi?" Kai ask
" Yeah."
Kai then played the instrumental while recording Aichi's singing. Once it was over, Aichi went to listen to the recording and nodded.
" That should do." Aichi said
" You're good at this. You went through it at once." Kai said
" Thanks..." Aichi said while blushing
" But you'll only be using the instrumental piece tomorrow, right? Will this be put into a disc or something?" Kai ask
" Oh, I don't think there's such things here. With the technology here and all, the music would be broadcasted out in the televisions or devices." Aichi said
" When will this be releasing anyway?" Kai ask
" Tsubasa-san is encouraging me to make a mini album of songs or an entire album. I think for now, I can only settle with a mini album. With this, it's two songs down. I plan to have at least four to six songs in this." Aichi said
" I'll help if you need someone to." Kai said
" Thanks for the thought. There is a place I want to go to today. We finished up pretty quickly too, so we have plenty of time." Aichi said
" Where are we going?" Kai ask
" You'll see."
Aichi put on his hat and glasses before they exited the studio as he took Kai to a store full of devices.
" This is a store with communication devices. Like smartphones in our world but they are smaller and uses projection." Aichi said
" Okay..."
Aichi looked over to one of the cases and took it up.
" Excuse me. How much is this one?" Aichi ask
Aichi walked off to the employee while asking the question as Kai blinked. He soon came back with the device and handed it to Kai.
" Here. You'll need this if you're going to be here. It's an easier way to communicate. I've already put in my contacts inside." Aichi said
" ... You didn't have to." Kai said
" It's the least I can do here. I've always been busy and couldn't get you even more familiarised with this place. I'll teach you how to use it during dinner." Aichi said
Kai blinked again and looked at the device in his hand. It was a red circle shape with a mini dragon depicted on it.
" Let's continue exploring." Aichi said
" Yeah..."
The two continued exploring until dinner time as they ate while Aichi taught Kai to use the device before heading home for the day. In his apartment, Kai turned on his device as the hologram came up and he started looking through the news in Akibastar and songs in 00. He then hovered over a button as he clicked on it and played the new music Aichi made earlier in the day. He then relaxed and looked out of the window.
The next morning, Kai got up early and headed to Card Capital as he waited for Aichi again.
" Yo, Kai!"
" ... Fight me, Miwa." Kai said
" Okay, okay."
Miwa then noticed the device on Kai's wrist after he'd attached bracelet chains onto it as he looked up at him from his deck.
" Who gave you that? It's not your usual style." Miwa said
" ... No one. Hurry up." Kai said
" You're avoiding the topic. Lemme see that." Miwa said
Kai pulled his wrist away, hoping Miwa wouldn't accidentally activate the device.
" Miwa."
" Alright, alright. I'll hurry it up." Miwa said
They quickly started a fight as the others soon entered.
" You won't be going anywhere today, Brother Aichi?" Kamui ask
" I have arrangements in the late afternoon, so I'll be free until then." Aichi replied
" You've been oddly busy these days. Make sure you won't exhaust yourself." Misaki said
" Don't worry. I'll be fine." Aichi assured
" Then let's hurry and fight!" Kamui said
" Sure!"
" I wonder what he's been busy with these days... Aren't you curious too, Kai?" Miwa ask
" Why are you asking me? Nehalem attacks your Vanguard. Check the drive trigger. I got a critical trigger. I give all effects to my Vanguard." Kai declared
" Come on! Again?! I haven't even gotten to grade 3 yet!" Miwa exclaimed before getting glared at by Misaki, " Sorry..."
Aichi giggled softly before turning back to his fight with Kamui. Kai soon finished his fight with Miwa as he stood up while he was still whining about his loss. He looked towards Aichi and soon inwardly flinched when he saw his Kirara floating behind and about to fly around. Kai made a quick dash walk over and took it before hiding it in his jacket while Kamui and Misaki were distracted.
" Huh? What's wrong, Kai-kun?" Aichi ask
" It's nothing..." Kai replied
Aichi blinked in confusion but shook the thought off before continuing his fight. A few hours later, it was time for him to go as Aichi said his goodbyes to his friends before leaving. Kai waited a few minutes before packing up and leaving as well. He quickly caught up with Aichi as they entered the portal to Akibastar. Kai released his sigh of relief as Aichi tilted his head in confusion.
" Here."
Kai took out Aichi's Kirara from his jacket as Aichi frantically searched his bag to see it empty and thanked Kai while taking his Kirara back.
" Kirara! I told you not to wander around in my world! What if someone had seen you?!" Aichi chided
His Kirara floated around him happily as he sighed.
" Honestly... Thank you again, Kai-kun. I really didn't notice." Aichi said
" It's fine." Kai said
" I have to do my best today. The understudies are coming after all. Also... I won't be able to keep up with the schedule soon when school starts." Aichi said
" Don't overwork yourself. You still have two months left. Don't worry about school yet." Kai said
" I know."
" I'll be watching you as usual today. Don't get nervous." Kai said
" It's a new song, so I am a little worried..." Aichi said
" You'll be fine. Just give it your best, like you always do." Kai said
" Okay!"
They arrived at the concert hall as Aichi changed into his stage outfit while Kai waited and stood behind the spectators.
" Oh? You actually stayed?" Tsubasa ask
Kai noticed the group of girls behind her as he turned back to Tsubasa.
" Yeah. These girls must be the new understudies." Kai said
" News travel fast." Tsubasa said
" Aichi told me." Kai said
" I'm not surprised. This is Toshiki Kai. He's a personal friend of Aichi's." Tsubasa introduced
" Hello!"
" ... Same here." Kai greeted
" Are you really that Aichi-san's friend? That's amazing!" The dark pink haired girl exclaimed
" Ever he had debut as an idol, his popularity across the galaxy had skyrocket immediately. It's no surprise. He has such talent in this industry after all." The green haired girl said
" So I heard." Kai said
" Alright, girls. Settle down. You can introduce yourselves later. After this concert, we'll head backstage." Tsubasa said
" Okay!"
" The show's about to start." Tsubasa said
The spotlight in front of them focused on Kanata and Mimori after that as they ran to the center.
" Hello, everyone! We'll be opening for today's performance!" Kanata said
" We're the 75th generation understudies!" Mimori said
" The 75th generation understudies?" The dark pink haired girl ask
" Just the two of them?" The light blue haired girl ask
" Listen to our song." Kanata said
" 'The Lemon Season'." Mimori said
The music started playing as the two sang.
" The 75th generation understudies are known as the 'Cursed Generation'." Tsubasa explained
" The 'Cursed Generation'?"
" So many failed or quit. Only those two remain. Neither has been able to become a successor. It's been two years." Tsubasa said
" Two whole years?!" The yellow haired girl exclaimed
" But... they're performing so well..." The dark pink haired girl said
" Even so..."
" ... Is it just me, or is the crowd not feeling it?" The light blue haired girl ask
" I see what you mean..."
Suddenly, the youngest girl started cheering for Kanata as she became slightly flustered before composing herself with Mimori's help. The two quickly finished their song and ran off the stage. While the successors took over on stage and performed, Kai leaned on the wall.
" Waiting for Aichi?" Tsubasa ask
Kai turned his head away as she sighed a little.
" He'll take awhile to come up. He usually does the closing performance. Doesn't he have good news today?" Tsubasa ask
" You knew?" Kai ask
" He sent a recording to me after he finished it. I allowed him to perform it today." Tsubasa said
" ... He had trouble picking a title for it." Kai said
" I'm sure he'll have one before he comes up. His first song that you heard that day was called 'Kimi no Namae'*. He said that he created it from thinking about someone who helped him when he was down in the depths. Who knows what he was talking about." Tsubasa said
Kai thought about Tsubasa's words after that as time quickly passed.
" Everyone! Today's closing performance will be sang by Aichi! He has a special surprise for everyone today! Let's have him up here to announce it!" Yuuko announced
The crowd cheered as Aichi came up on stage while Yuuko handed him the mic and left the stage.
" Hello, everyone! I want to thank everyone for always cheering me and supporting me! So, for today's closing performance, I have new song for everyone to hear!" Aichi announced
The crowd's cheer became louder as Aichi smiled.
" Please listen to it! 'Atashi ga Tonari Iru Uchi Ni'*." Aichi announced
The music started playing as Aichi got himself ready.
- Atashi ga Tonari Iru Uchi Ni music start-
Kayoi nareta itsumo no michi
Misugoshisou na hana ga yurete
Atarimae to omoikomi dore dake
Taisetsu na mono ni kizukazu ni itan darou
Itsuka awa no you ni atashi mo anata mo
Kirei ni kiete nakunaru no
Semete sono hi made wagamama wo kiite
Demo ienai ya iesou ni nai ya
Atashi ga tonari ni iru uchi ni
Ai wo motto atashi ni kudasai
Yokubari de gomen nasai
Anata no ai ni oboretai
Atashi ga tonari ni iru uchi ni
Ai wo motto atashi ni kudasai
Afureru you na omoi de
Anata wo tsutsumikomitai no
- Atashi ga Tonari Iru Uchi Ni music end-
" Thank you very much for coming today! I hope to see everyone again!" Aichi announced
The crowd continued to cheer as Aichi left the stage. Kai followed Tsubasa and the girls to the backstage as he immediately went into Aichi's room while he was changing.
" K-Kai-kun! G-Give me a minute!" Aichi exclaimed as he blushed while Kai hurriedly shut the door and turned to the wall
" My bad... I wasn't expecting you to be changing so soon..." Kai said
" I-It's okay..." Aichi stuttered
" You sang well today..." Kai said
" T-Thank you..."
" I just want to know something though... Your first song was called 'Kimi no Namae'... I vaguely remember that part of your lyrics were saying that you were calling someone's name... So... Whose name were you calling?" Kai ask
" ... D-Did Tsubasa-san tell you how I managed to make that song...?" Aichi ask
" Yeah..."
" T-Then I don't need to tell you who it is..." Aichi said
" I just want to hear from your own mouth. Tell me, Aichi. Whose name were you calling?" Kai ask
" ... Y... Yours... It was you who saved me when I fell to Psyqualia... It was also you who guided me back at the Asia Circuit when I was unsure of what to do with the Gold Paladin clan when I was lost about losing my Royal Paladin..." Aichi said
" And today's song... Whose love did you want to embrace you?" Kai ask
Aichi flinched as he panicked a little and looked around.
" Be honest with me, Aichi. Both of your songs were for someone. So what about your second song?" Kai ask
Aichi closed his eyes and immediately hugged Kai from behind as Kai's eyes widened a little before softening. He then placed his hand above Aichi's before he slowly let go.
" Will you wait until we head back? I promise to give you an answer." Kai said
" ... O... Okay..."
Aichi finished changing as the two silently ate dinner and got ready to head back home.
" Could you open a portal to a place?" Kai ask
" Huh? Where do you want to go?" Aichi ask
Kai told Aichi the location as they got out of the portal and Aichi looked around.
" Why did you pick the park?" Aichi ask
" It was where we first met. You also love to be near that pond whenever you feel down to stare at your reflection." Kai said
" So... why here?" Aichi ask
Kai turned and walked over to Aichi as he carefully circled his arms around him to hug him.
" You wanted my answer, right? I just wanted to answer your feelings in our special place." Kai said
" Kai-kun... You..."
" You used songs to send me your feelings. I've received them now. It wasn't a coincidence that I found that portal that day. It was your song that guided me to you." Kai said
" ... I was worried... What would I do if you didn't like these feelings I have? But... But I..." Aichi muttered
" You didn't have anything to be worried about. I love you, Aichi. Thank you for enduring until now." Kai said
" I love you too..."
" Don't cry. I'd be in trouble if anyone from Akibastar found out that I made their legendary idol cry." Kai said as he wiped Aichi's tears
" They won't... I'll make sure they won't..." Aichi said as he smiled
" That's the face I want to see. No matter what you do from now on, I'll be there to support you." Kai said
" I sure hope you're not loving me because I'm an idol and you've been star-struck." Aichi joked
" Are you kidding me? I've always loved you ever since I met you. But it's thanks to you for being an idol that made me realize that feeling sooner." Kai said
" Then I should hurry and make new songs for you." Aichi said
" Hold up. It'll disappoint your fans if you just create those sad romantic songs. Have something fun and bubbly for once." Kai said
" They are not sad romantics!" Aichi pouted
" Well, they sound like it to me. I'll be waiting for your third song." Kai said
" ... Yeah! You'll help me too, right?" Aichi ask
" Of course."
Aichi smiled after that. Kai sent him back home and waved goodbye as he walked back home. Once he arrived back at his apartment, he settled down and took a shower before seeing that he just received a message from Aichi on his phone.
Aichi: 'Thank you for today, Kai-kun. I'm sorry we couldn't talk a little longer.'
Kai: 'It's fine. Your little sister will get worried too if you didn't get home soon. Get some rest, You need it.'
Aichi: 'It was only one song. I'm not that tired. I want to chat with you a little longer.'
Kai: 'No excuses. Your practices had been hard too, so you need lots of rest. I'll see you tomorrow anyway.'
Aichi: 'Okay...'
Kai: 'That's a good boy. Also... Could you called me 'Toshiki' from now on?'
Aichi: 'Huh?! That's so sudden! I-I don't think I can... What if the others find out...?!'
Kai:'Miwa might figure it out anyway. Besides, I don't think anyone will mind.'
Aichi: 'O-Okay... I'll try... G-Goodnight then, T-Toshiki-kun.'
Kai: 'Goodnight, Aichi. I love you.'
Aichi: 'I-I love you too! I'll see you tomorrow!'
Kai: 'See you tomorrow.'
Kai then locked his phone as it went blank as he smiled a little. That was when his device started blinking a little as he opened the message he received.
Tsubasa: 'I'm Tsubasa. I got your contact from Aichi. This is about an important matter. Are you free to call me for awhile?'
And that's the end of this chapter! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and I'll see everyone in the next chapter!