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If my heart were made of diamonds,

You would be so easy to forget.

And if my heart were made of diamonds,

I would remain cool under your touch.

But, despite everything I wish, such metaphors can't be true.

There are no diamonds.

I am no Diamond.

And my heart beats the same, of flesh and blood.

Even more so…

…when I'm around you.

As you see right through me.

Under the heat of your embrace.

I crack.


"Really?! On the beach?" Kiku gasped, hundreds of others from the audience joining in with cheers and applause. I blushed, trying myself to compose myself from the crowd's reaction.

"Well," I managed to say in between my own laughs, "Sometimes your body wants one thing and it doesn't make sense where you are! You just need it. So, I hunted down the closest spaghetti I could find on the island and that's how this happened." I gestured up at the monitor behind us to a social media post of me eating pasta happily on the beach, decked out in nothing but my swimsuit and tomato sauce on my cheeks.

The crowd's laughed at the sight. Kiku, as well, enjoying the little story I shared about my time away in Alola. I smiled. Despite my fears, everything was going smoothly during the interview. The spaghetti story went off without a hitch, and according to my agent, was the perfect sendoff to introduce my time in Alola as nothing but carefree. Carefree…and happy.

Looking over my shoulder amidst the audience's laughter, I glanced up at the picture oversized on the screen. I remember that day I took the photo. I barely ate half of the plate in front of me before I threw it all up and back out into the sea.

"Well, it looks like Alola treated you amazingly well." Kiku said, breaking my thoughts and pulling me back into the crowd before me.

"For those in the studio who don't know, our dear Hikari-sama has been on what some may call quite the sabbatical in Alola-taking a break from modeling and enjoying the sun. But now it looks like you're back and have some exciting things in store for your career, is that right?" She inquired, leaning in.

I nodded with confidence. "Absolutely. Although I can't tell you everything right now, let's just say I have a few surprises in store for my fans." I winked towards to the crowd who cheered in response.

"Will these surprises include the secret to waking up like this?" Kiku teased as she gestured gussied up appearance. I blushed.

Hooting and hollering was heard from the audience as I playfully laughed along.

"Oh no it takes a village, that's for sure." I said, "There's no way I can just wake up like this."

Kiku clapped her hands in delight. "Well, that makes me feel a little bit better about someone like myself sitting next to someone like you."

"Well," I added, "I'm a strong advocate for all men and women to embrace their inner sexuality. I believe everyone has their own sense of sensuality that comes out of them …even when they wake up in bed every morning. Sometimes all I need to feel sexy is just a cup of Alolan-brewed coffee to start the day in nothing but my sweats."

A classic line one of my agents had me rehearse in preparation for this interview. Kudos to me for finding the right moment to sneak it in, and kudos to the Alola coffee corporation who paid my team and will surely make profits from my remark.

"Or in nothing at all." Kiku playfully baited as the audience hooted along. I, again, playfully snickered as the room felt a little hotter. Perhaps it was the studio lights, or perhaps it was the flustered gaze from the audience, hanging on to my every word. Now visualizing me sipping coffee naked on my balcony and thinking when they could get their next cup.

After all, if they couldn't have a naked supermodel why not get the next best thing in this perfectly crafted image?

"You always have such interesting perspectives, Hikari." Kiku's predatory mannerisms came back into play. Her tone teetering on the verge of other intentions. It took all it had in me to resist a gulp, because anyone who has been in this studio before knows that infamous Kiku Matsu look. The look of a media vulture…ready to land on its prey.

"Now tell me, as we all are curious, is there anyone special lately catching such glimpses of you sipping coffee in the morning?"

There it was. The question Kiku Matsu's team warned me about.

A dark sense of dread filled my stomach. My mornings? The memory of this morning came back to haunt me as a faint ringing danced along my ears, shaking each vicious recollection in a violent montage. The anxiety. The blood. Takeo. And now Shinji. If only they knew…

"In the morning?" I played along, "Or in the evening...or at lunchtime? I love coffee at any time of the day." The audience went crazy at the innuendo which reflected back on my smile towards the camera. At this point, we all knew we weren't talking about coffee. Wow, was even the cameraman blushing?

"Ooh," Kiku Matsu scooted closer in her seat, "I knew there was a special glow about you!"

I smiled before shaking my head, "I hate to tell you, but you're wrong Kiku-sama. I have no one to thank but myself for this healthy glow!"

A wave of disappointment rushed over the studio. You could practically hear the disappointment from the crowds.

Kiku Matsu, however, had her curiosity still peaked. I carefully kept my eye on her. The interview format was going exactly as planned. Welcome my return, my time in Alola, tease about my sex life, then move on to discussing my next moves in the industry.

It was all perfectly mapped out, a conversational dance to make my way through, and I was just about halfway there. I just have to hold out through this smile a little bit longer…

"Well, you're saying there's no one special in your life at the moment?"

"Nope. No one." I spoke. Discreetly, my eyes drifted once more backstage to Kamitsure watching the interview. A sincere smile on her face. My heart grew heavy as Shinji came to mind once more, and I just couldn't shake this vague, sinking feeling.

"When Shinji was offered the position, he figured it might be with Kamitsure-san…"

I remembered Reiji's words. Why did…my heart suddenly hurt? I took in a deep breath.

"I see," Kiku nodded slowly. Was she disappointed? An act, for sure, she was briefed beforehand there was no one currently in my life.

"Well that is such a shame. But then again, someone like you Hikari-chan can have anyone you want! Am I right?" She gestured to the audience who returned a thunderous applause.

"I just had to help an old, dear friend."

Kamitsure's tone was so affectionate when she said that. What kind of relationship did she have with him?

"Neh neh, there just isn't enough time for romance when there's so many exciting things coming up in the fashion industry." I said blushing, waving at the statement.

One look at Kamitsure and my mind began to spiral.

"I thought I would work with someone else…"

At dinner last night…was Shinji referring to Kamitsure?

"Right you are! This is one of the busiest seasons I have seen yet." Kiku Matsu chimed in, "Any interesting projects that you can disclose for your fans?"

Did he only agree to Takeo's contract because he thought he could see her again?

"He was her lover."

Are you kidding me?

No.

Stop it, Hikari. Just stop.

Focus.

"Well, life has been crazy since I came back to Sinnoh." I began, reminiscing. "With photoshoots and runway planning, not the mention the Pokemon League Championship coming up, I haven't had much of a break…"

Pause.

Followed by a drop in the stomach.

Pause.

I caught my words by the dumbfounded look on Kiku Matsu's face. On Kamitsure's face. On the face of the audience…

W-What did I just say?

Did I really just say the Pokemon League?!

There was a prolonged silence as Kiku Matsu looked over at me, confused. Completely lost. Her expression and mine reflected back at us on the camera's lens.

As she should be, I interrupted the course of the conversation. Threw her off her rhythm and now we are off script. Why would someone like me be involved in the Pokemon League? A supermodel? With no supposed connections whatsoever?!

Unless…

Her gaze narrowed slightly and there it was, the gaze of a hawk.

This time, I gulped.

I'm royally fucked.

"Pokemon League?" Kiku Matsu raised an eyebrow, "I didn't know you took part in the pokemon world professionally."

I was on dangerous ground here. One wrong word, one slip up, and I spill everything. Absolutely everything. The photoshoot, working with Takeo, all it would take was one slip up and that man gets everything he wanted. No need for a contract when it's out in the open and live on the air.

But then…

"But he won't take another step closer to the Champion trophy if this is how he is going to treat people like me. I'll be sure of it!" Kiki's harsh words from backstage still echoed in the back of my mind.

Shinji….

I glanced over at Kamitsure once more who stood off stage, whose eyes urged me to speak on, and the look of her expression curdled my stomach even more. My mind couldn't help but race. Were her and Shinji still an item? Was she the one he expected to model with from the start? Am I not…good enough?

And…could Kamitsure possibly know about the photo shoot and that I am the reason why Shinji is not here?

'Well…" I began, very carefully. Stop it, Hikari. Just stop it. I looked over to the audience, who awaited my response with anticipation. My eyes paused as they landed on a group of fan girls sitting in the front row, fully decked out in Pokemon League apparel and small posters of Shinji.

His fans.

Fans that thought he would make an appearance this morning.

How did I not see them before?

The studio lights grew hotter. Hotter than they ever were before. There's no way I can sign that contract. No way I can give in to Takeo's ploy or play his games. But after everything…absolutely everything…maybe this was my chance to make things right. As much as I hated to admit it, Shinji's absence today was my fault. It was all my fault.

But if there was a way that I could redeem him in front of Kiku Matsu.

In front of the public eye.

Maybe that would be enough.

To somehow make things right.

It would be just enough.

All eyes were on me as I took a deep breath, before smiling my usual smile.

It has to be enough.

"Not quite, but I have plenty of good friends that do." I said, "And as a friend, I always want to be there to support them." I turned to the crowd, "I'm sure you all can agree with me."

I rallied them along, and they responded with a steady applause.

The audience cheered along with my remark as I smiled back at them, noting how Shinji's face cheered louder than the rest. Kamitsure, too, clapped along from backstage.

Kiku Matsu cleared her throat. To the untrained eye she appeared casual, relaxed, but to the those who know her…one could tell she was ready to attack in the turn of conversation.

Then, finally, she spoke.

"My, my, Hikari-chan." She leaned forward, and as she did, it took everything from within me not to stiffen my shoulders. Kiku continued, her gaze piercing. "If my memory serves me correct, there is only one serious contender right now in the Sinnoh Pokemon League. Unless we are talking about the junior league and the traditional gym challenges-"

"We are not." I interrupted her, a bold move yet a newfound confidence surged within me. I fixed my posture in my seat, and sat up straight…before smiling again at the audience.

This felt right. I knew I had to do this.

"I think we all know I'm talking about my dear old friend, Shinji."

And just like that, the audience erupted into a collective gasp before cheering. All I could do was bear it and let it sink in. I would be lying if I said it wasn't a surprise to see the public's reaction to Shinji's name, and I also would be lying if I said it didn't make me smile.

The people of Sinnoh must really love him.

I don't know what's more shocking. The fact that Shinji became this renowned trainer that grabbed Sinnoh by its heartstrings, or that the sheer knowledge of that would have made me sick only a few days ago.

And now? I feel something different.

Something unexpected.

I can't quite place the feeling.

What I could place, however, was the stunned expression on talk show host's face. She grinned along with the audience, yet it was easy to spot the surprise glance she shot her producers and back at my way. The cheers from the audience only grew louder as they haven't recovered from this new information.

Kiku and I had no choice but to put on a smile as we waited out the wave of applause.

And behind my smile, I just couldn't believe I did it. Just a few moments ago Shinji was on her blacklist, an outcast who committed publicity suicide for quitting her show, and now here he is the center of conversation. His name broadcasted to every household in Sinnoh.

Thanks to me. The one who had no other choice but to remedy that and resurrect him from his social grave. And I also couldn't help but think…

What if he was watching?

There was a pull in my chest. An indescribable rise in feeling. Something light. Airy.

A thrill.

"Well," Kiku finally said as she gestured for the audience to calm down, "I must say that it is brand new information to me that you are friends with the Champion Competitor. I mean, look how informally you speak of him!"

I paused.

The audience's cheers softened as they eagerly waited for a response. A quick side glance to backstage and I could see Kamitsure looked curious as well. A soft smirk slowly pulled at my lips as my eyes met hers.

I then chose my next set of words carefully.

"You know…" I began, fully aware practically all of Sinnoh was tuning in at this very moment. "I think it is a wonderful thing that I grew up here in Sinnoh. Before I became a model, I got to travel the world with friends and meet all sorts of people. Shinji was one of those people I met along the way."

The audience awed. Kiku followed along and joined them.

"So let me get this straight. You are not just friends with the Champion Competitor, but childhood friends?"

I paused. In that moment, childhood seemed like yesterday. Travelling with Satoshi and Takeshi throughout Sinnoh…Shinji making appearances along the way…feelings of nostalgia came over me. Would it be right to classify Shinji as a childhood friend? To fit him in the same category as Satoshi, Takeshi, heck even Nozomi?

No…that didn't feel right.

"Yes, Shinji and I go way back." The words fell so effortlessly from my lips.

It felt like something different.

"We've met along his gym challenge back when he and another close friend of mine competed in the junior league, and we've kept in touch ever since."

Okay well that was a lie. Not to mention I won't bring up that Satoshi, the infamous Kanto Pokemon Master, was the friend. I'm sure the superfans will dig that up on their own and have their minds blown on their own time. For now, I have to keep the focus on Shinji.

This is for him. At the very least…

"HIKARI!" Shinji screamed out for me as he gripped my arms tight. His body leaned out and over from the balcony, gripping me so tightly amidst the raging storm.

At the very least this is how I could thank him.

And…say I'm sorry.

"And you think he has a solid chance in beating Shirona-sama?" Kiku, nonetheless appearing interested, pressed on.

I didn't hesitate.

"Earning the Championship title has always been his dream, and it makes me so incredibly happy to see someone with such passion and dedication make it this far." I began, putting a hand over my heart in earnest. "I've not only seen him battle as a kid, but even as an adult, that passion is still there. And something more. He's grown with his pokemon and truly understands what it means to be a trainer."

The audience applauded in agreement as Kiku nodded her head. I smiled, thinking about the battle last night. There was something about Shinji's recent battles, from the night in the park to our match last night, that struck me Without fail, he was in sync with his pokemon like a beat to the drum and one could easily tell the deep bonds they share. He's matured and grown into himself as a trainer.

Anyone could see that…and now I do too.

Without even realizing it, I started smiling.

"I know Shirona-sama well, but knowing Shinji, I think he has a real shot at this."

The audience applauded once more. Kiku eyed me curiously as she examined my body language, and took a moment to compose herself as the audience's cheers died down. I found myself doing the same, controlling my breaths as I waited her next question.

Hopefully it ends at that. Anymore pushing and it'll be obvious that I'm promoting Shinji and his bid for Champion. That'll be all the press needs for the rumor mill to start…and any publicity involving Shinji and I would be too close to Takeo's agenda.

Too close for comfort.

Yet Kiku Matsu was relentless.

"It sounds like to me you care for him," She pushed, leaning forward. The audience quickly grew hush in surprise at the implication of her question.

I paused at the remark. Feeling it was one thing. Hearing someone else say it outright was another. And on live television no less. Care…for Shinji? If you would have told me the other day that I would care for that man, I would laugh and dismiss everything. But now?

"It's okay, you're okay, I have you."

I don't know. I simply do not know.

The heat from the studio lights beamed down on us as the world-renowned host posed her next question.

"Now here is what I find interesting," Kiku homed in, her eyes piercing like a hawk. "You implied that the Pokemon League has taken up your time, could we all then assume you've been spending time with Shinji?"

I looked out to the audience; their mouths fully agape with baited anticipation. Just waiting for the scoop of a lifetime. Would this be the latest scandal of the season? Suddenly, my heart began to race.

No. Not if I can help it.

I turned to Kiku Matsu playfully, laughing.

"Well, we're not drinking coffee as you put it. That's for sure." I laughed, leaning back into my seat.

The audience erupted in laughter at the implication of the inside joke, and faintly, I let out a sigh in relief. It worked. Kiku Matsu laughed along, but her gaze still remained focus on me. Hunting for any signals or hints that I may be giving her.

I defiantly gave her none.

"I see," She said with a smirk, taking a sip from her water glass. She gestured for the audience to hush as she once turned to me.

"Well then…let's move on. Why don't you share with us some details about your plans this season?"

The interview went on for another half hour after that, filled with supposed light chatter and hidden promotions for upcoming fashion brands. To the naked eye, it was a wonderful and lighthearted exchange. However, sitting in that seat, the tension in the studio was clear.

The audience wanted to know more about Shinji and I. Kiku Matsu, although she moved on, still was on edge from my comments. She knew there was a scoop. And she knew I wasn't giving it.

Great.

A huge sigh of relief washed over me once the interview wrapped and I made it back to the safety of backstage. Technicians scrambled to get my microphone off without disrupting my outfits, and as I watched them work, I couldn't help but think about what I just did.

I helped Shinji. I gave up time from my debut interview to help Shinji.

What was I doing?

What makes it even worse is that I didn't feel like I was lying. Everything I said was true to heart. Everything.

And that frightened me.

"I'm not sure if that PR stunt was planned or not," Kiku's voice sharply interrupted my thoughts as she put her hand on my shoulder, shooing the stagehands away so that she could speak to me alone. "But I don't need charity cases on my show."

"…Charity?" I looked at, shocked. "Kiku-sama, what are you talking about? That was all sincere."

The host simply rolled her eyes.

"Please," She scoffed, "I've been in this business long enough to realize when someone is piggybacking off someone's success, or simply dropping names to help themselves or others."

"Kiku-sama, I'm not-" But she cut me off before I could even continue.

"Listen, darling, we have such a good relationship so let's not ruin it." She patted me on the head. "It can't be a coincidence that you brought Shinji up after I vocally dismissed him from my show. Did his PR team put you up to this?"

I looked at her, astonished. "Shinji doesn't have a PR team."

She shrugged off my response.

"I know you are leagues way above Shinji, and even though he is the hot ticket topic right now, that doesn't mean you have to brag about some vague connection you share with him just to boost yourself up. Or even help him. You're Hikari, remember? This is your return to the spotlight, not his."

I furrowed my brow.

"Shinji and I do not have just some vague connection." I said defensively, "We…"

I stopped myself…but it was too late. Kiku Matsu raised her eyebrow curiously, before slowly turning to a wicked grin.

"Oh." It was all she said, but it was enough. "So you were telling fibs on my show, after all."

I shook my head, "No, it's not like that."

She gave me a knowing look.

"It doesn't have to be, Hikari-chan." She grinned mischievously, "But it could be. I'll forgive Shinji for his absence today and together we can arrange another interview with just the two of you and-"

I stared back at her, incredulous at what she was insinuating.

"I am not-we are not-"

"All I am saying, dear, is if my show is the first lead to many speculations, and something does come from those speculations, it will go very well for me. In turn, also, very well for you too."

And then I was speechless. What…is she talking about?

"What do the youth call it when you want two people together romantically? A ship?" She tapped her lips in thought, "Well, if this ship perhaps sets sail, then maybe your little display today won't look so forced."

"Forced?"

"Hikari-chan, the cameras are off us now so we can be candid. Trust me when I say this, as someone who profits off other people's life stories, I call it like I see it. You are many things, a model, an actress, one hell of a beauty."

She then put her hands on my shoulders with a firm grip. An aged yet sincere smile on her intimidating face.

"But a liar you are not."


It wasn't long after that Kiku Matsu returned to the stage with another guest, her audience buzzing with excitement as I remained backstage to collect myself.

I had to get out of here. It didn't take long before I was back at my dressing room and desperately trying to gather my belongings.

And then, not a complete surprise at all, Paris was once again by my side as she watched me with that typical concerned expression. Sigh. Why couldn't she just stay out of it like the rest of the staff?

"Hikari-chan…" She tried to say something, but it failed to ease the pout off my lips.

"Was it really a bad thing that I took time to talk about Shinji?" I let it out as I gave in and turned to her in frustration.

Paris hesitated.

"Well," Paris began, "Some brands may be upset you didn't talk about them enough during the interview, and that's what you were contracted to do. But…I think you did the right thing." She then smiled.

"And I'm sure Shinji-sama will appreciate it as well." Her words were in earnest. The sincerity of them brought me to a pause, and my mind started to drift in the reality of it all.

I took a moment to stop what I was doing. Shinji. Will he appreciate what I did for him? Does he realize the extent of what I just did? No, I doubt it.

Kiku Matsu was no joke in the industry, and I practically derailed her show for the sake of some guy. What was I even thinking?

It's like…It's like…

"Everyone knew it. There was no official news, but it was clear…he was her lover."

I shook the thought from my head. It's like I was jealous or something, and trying to one up the competition! How ridiculous.

No matter what…I must press forward and forget about it. I don't plan to see Shinji ever again so I can care less about his reaction to all of this. I've done my good deed for a lifetime, and that was that. Once I clear this whole legal mess with Takeo we can finally move on.

For good.

"Oh, what a wonderful interview!" A bright and cheerful voice was suddenly heard, and before I knew it, Kamitsure was right along my side—buzzing with excitement. I couldn't help but jump at her sudden appearance.

Or so I thought.

"Really?" I blinked at her, "I don't know…Kiku Matsu seemed kind of beat up from it."

Kamitsure scoffed as she dismissed the thought her hand.

"Don't let Matsy intimidate you. She got something out of that interview that she never anticipated, she got a thrill, and you can bet it's going to get good views. I mean, did you hear that crowd cheer? Their applause made me tingle!"

Paris's phone started to beep as Kamitsure continued talking, and with a quick nod, she dismissed herself from the conversation.

"And plus," Kamitsure added, "It's wonderful to know Shinji has more friends in this industry. It makes me happy to know he has someone like you to rely on."

I caught my breath. Suddenly, I felt my heart begin to pulse as I looked on at Kamitsure's smile. She didn't seemed phased one bit at the implications Kiku threw out there about me and Shinji. Almost as if she was genuinely happy her supposed lover had someone else in his life.

The somersaults in my stomach were back at full force. I could practically feel the blood rush to my gut.

What was the truth behind all of this? Despite wishing to move on from Shinji and all his drama, I couldn't deny it, I needed to mind was consumed once more. Were they together? What was their relationship?

Was he still fucking her?

"Um…Kamitsure-chan?" My voice wavered. Great, not off to a good start. My dear friend looked back at me contently.

"Hm? What is it, Hikari-chan?"

I braced myself. C'mon Hikari, just ask. Do it.

"I'm just curious…" I began, "Since I was in Alola for the past year, I missed out on so much. I heard a little rumor that you and Shinji…were together?"

There it is. I spat it out. Hopefully the electric gym leader didn't see the strain in my tone, but if she did, she of course didn't show it. She only gave me that infamous Kamitsure gaze that so many rookie models dare to achieve.

And right now, it made me sick.

"Perhaps," She shrugged with a giggle, before looking at me mischievously like we were sharing an inside joke. "If you wanted to call it that."

I have her an inquiring look, urging her to not leave me hanging. To her, I probably just seemed like a gossiping friend anxious to hear all the juicy details. In reality, I was unhinged. I needed to know.

Kamitsure smiled fondly in remembrance as she thought back.

"We crossed paths many times, but only reconnected about a year ago when he had a brief run as Tobari City's acting gym leader. That was when I was back in Sinnoh for a bit and we met at a regional gym leader conference. After a few training sessions…well…" Her voice trailed off dangerously low.

My stomach dropped. It took everything from within me to smile along. Why did I…feel so bothered?

"But…Sumomo-chan is the gym leader for Tobari." I said, trying to piece it all together. "Why would Shinji be acting as gym leader if he's training to be the Sinnoh Champion?"

Kamitsure frowned, before dropping down to a whisper. So no one else would hear what she would say next.

"Poor Sumomo-chan. She's never had it easy with her pregnancies, but her most recent one was the worst. Her and her husband, Shinji's brother, were constantly making trips to the hospital. Their poor baby was born premature, and well, he wasn't doing too good. Shinji had to stop his training to cover for her while she was away."

Suddenly, I recalled every moment Shinji stepped away from our conversation to answer his cell. Whether it be Reiji or Sumomo, he dropped everything to speak to them. To find out how their baby was doing. Their baby…his nephew…I remember what Shinji said at dinner.

"He's only a couple months old but this isn't the first time he has been sick."

His nephew was sick, and from what I am now gathering, it seemed more serious than what Shinji was letting on. Without even thinking, my hands fell to my sides and drifted to my stomach as I suddenly felt ill.

No.

Don't think about that now, Hikari.

I was quick to dismiss the thought when Kamitsure kept talking.

"Before I even knew it, I kept finding myself in his company while he led the gym. Unova's league was in its off-season so I lingered in Sinnoh probably more than I should have. Sumomo-chan wasn't around to teach him the ropes so I showed him what I knew. It took a while for him to find a suitable management style that challenged young trainers, but eventually he came around."

"…And?" I found myself pushing for more. Every ounce of common sense within me was screaming to just drop it, to just let it go. But I had to know more. It wasn't just my curiosity peaking. It was something else. Something else that I can't quite place.

Were they still…?

The Unovan gym leader raised her eyebrows playfully, catching on to my intrigue. However, she then waved her hand in dismissal.

"Oh, I'm sure you can put two and two together on how the rest went." But then, she gave me a mischievous look.

"Although, let me tell you," She leaned in and whispered, "I tingle with excitement just thinking about it sometimes. All those late nights in the gym…but alas, it was nothing serious."

Kamitsure got a kick out of the shocked expression on my face.

"Nothing serious? So you two aren't together?"

Kamitsure scoffed.

"Oh no, not at all. I really do feel sorry for turning him down, but I have my own gym to run in another region plus so many more obligations. I would not be able to handle a relationship right now."

"R-Relationship?" I said, "He wanted to date you?"

Now that I couldn't believe!

"Hm yes. I think even he was surprised about it. After all, he didn't seem like the relationship type at all…and rightfully so with so much on his plate."

She then paused.

"But it looks like he couldn't break that mold even if he wanted to because it was not something I could give. I care for him but only as a good friend. We both live very different lives, after all." Kamitsure sighed, "I only wish him the best."

So that was it. It was nothing more than a brief fling that led to a series of hook ups. I felt my heart drift at ease. We're all adults now, we can be mature about these type of things. I mean…it's not like I-

"Hikari-chan?" Kamitsure smiled at me before going in for a hug, squeezing me fondly. However, before she parted, she spoke softly into my ear.

"Without the pressure of Kiku Matsu, or anyone else, I think you would be good for Shinji."

Electricity shot down my spine.

And with that, she let me go and waved goodbye. Ready to do her own interview with Kiku Matsu and leave me with her words.

I didn't know what to say. How to act. How to respond. She said she cared for Shinji, and Kamitsure is such a genuine soul…so why…?

"Hikari-chan?" Paris came back to the room and approached me. I turned to face her, and noticed her phone still in hand.

"Yes?"

'Hikari-chan, that was Nozomi-san on the phone. She said she didn't back when she called your cell, perhaps your battery is dead? She said to meet her at Contact Plaza when you are finished and that your pokemon are with her."

Just when this morning couldn't add more stress, there it is. My heart grew heavy as I nodded, grabbing my bag.

"Of course. Could you text her that I am on my way?"

"Tres bien. No problem."

I moved towards the door, pausing at its handle. Everything was just so fucked, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. The lawsuit. Takeo. Shinji. How could everything stand so strong, only for it to fall apart in just a few short days? My gripped tightened on the handle. What will I do if Takeo sues me and makes everything public? What will happen to me? But if I go back to Takeo…I ask again…what will happen to me?

He's successfully managed to put a crack in everything I worked so hard for, and he'll stop at nothing until he gets what he wants. Shinji is just collateral damage to him, and at this point, everyone is a pawn. All to get to me. Even my driver…Yoshitaka-san…

Oh, that's right.

My driver left me. Once more, Takeo so easily plucked something of mine away. I bit my lip in frustration before turning back around, facing Paris.

"Paris?"

"Oui?"

"…Would you be able to give me a ride there?"

She agreed without hesitation as we made our way to her car. I kept my head low, dodging members of the paparazzi that lingered on the street corners. To all of them, this was just a game. And after an interview like that? Well, I wouldn't blame them for trying to catch the latest scoop.

It wasn't until I made it to the safety of Paris's backseat that I checked my phone. The battery was low, dangerously low, that I wasn't able to hear it go off whenever Nozomi tried to call. One missed call. Two missed calls. I stared aimlessly at the screen as Paris drove off, letting the vehicle take me away as I tried to process everything in front of me.

As the phone's battery dwindled dangerously to less than one percent, I felt numb as I watched the screen slowly blinked and began to shut down. And in that moment, as the power depleted to nothing, one more message slipped through and flashed on my screen.

Just one word.

Just for a second.

Before the screen went black and my wide eyes stared back at me.

Hey.

-Shinji


I will be working on cross posting this story to AO3 in addition to FFN! Please bear with me as I rewrite some of the earlier chapters from my middle school days and make the writing style more current to what I can do now. No worries though, the story will not change, just the grammar and style :)

As always, I love hearing your thoughts! Please feel free to follow me on tumblr, dollibelle, because sometimes I like to post news about upcoming updates and what not. ^_^ Again, so sorry for the long wait :') I am not dead.

Until next time!