I do not own any of the songs. They belong to their respective artist(s).
Boys sing in BOLD
Girls sing in ITALICS
Both genders sing in BOTH
A month later (they'd graduated in the last week of July), Hikari eyed the falling leaves curiously. 'Shining must have invested in the mutated sakura trees. Kinda cool.'
"Kari!" The call made her turn around and she braced herself for Tomochika's hug. She returned the hug.
"Hey! It's good to see you." They let go, stepping away, but linking arms.
"You ready for this?" Tomochika asked her.
"Oh, yeah. The month away was way too long for me." Tomochika glanced at her, but didn't say anything about the sad smile.
"Sayumi-shishou said to take you to the agency first. I'll have to leave afterwards."
"That's fine. The walk to the dorms is just a straight path, right?"
"Yep. The system is easy once you get the hang of it. Well, outside the jobs, anyway."
They laughed as they walked, catching up.
-AA-
Earphones in, she bobbed her head to her cousin's newest single as she walked down the path. She mumbled along to it.
"We were caught up and lost in all of our vices
In your pose as the dust settled around us
And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above..."
A hand brushing her shoulder made her jump and shriek, arm swinging back. Verdant met red and she blushed darkly. "S-sorry, Otoya!" She blurted, tugging her earphones out and pausing the song.
He laughed and hugged her. "No harm, no foul."
They exchanged smiles. "You ready to start singing my songs again?"
Lighting up, he nodded exuberantly. "Oh, yeah! I like the new things we'll do, but i want to sing your songs again!"
"Well, you're in luck. Muse kept me up at times, so I've got tons of songs, not just for STARISH, but Tomo-chan, too."
"Too much free time?"
"Way too much."
He glanced at his phone then hugged her again. "I've got business at the agency. Let's meet up later with the others. See you."
She waved and began walking again, putting her earphones away. 'Maybe not listen to music till I'm in the dorms. That was a little heart stopping.'
The girl made her way quickly to the dorms, grinning when she saw Natsuki napping by a tree, but didn't have the heart to wake him up. When the door open, she blinked into aquamarine eyes. "Syo!"
Syo jerked in surprise, then grinned. "Kari, hey!" He moved to accept her hug.
"You look well," she said releasing him.
"You, too. How was your "Prince of Fighting" marathon?" He asked, moving to pick up a box.
"We lost a lot of popcorn to the villains," Hikari admitted shamelessly. "Chu-chan was happy enough to clean it up for us."
A laugh left him as she moved to widen the opening. They looked over at a yell and her bag pressed into her side as Natsuki hugged her, feet off the ground. "Natsuki," she began in a complaining tone as Syo flailed to catch his balance. "I can't hug you back like this."
He released her, dropping her, and she hugged him around the middle. "It's good to see you again, Kari-chan."
"You, too." He released her when Syo jabbed him in the side, pouting at the smaller blond.
"That hurt." Natsuki pouted.
Checking her phone, she cut off their bickering. "Hey, I gotta go to my room. Want to meet up in the practice room?"
"Sure," Syo answered after glancing at Natsuki.
Hugging them both, she waved and hurried to her dorm, following the signs. She had to spin when Tokiya came around the corner, just narrowly missing him. "Hey, Toki-Toki!"
An exasperated look came onto his face, but willingly accepted her hug with one arm. "Hello, Hikari."
"Just starting to move in?" She asked and he nodded. "Well, me, Otoya, Syo, and Natsuki are meeting in the practice room. I've got songs~!"
Tokiya nodded, lips quirking. "I'll make sure I have time. See you then."
"See you!" She moved on, picking up speed when she entered the women's dorms. Reaching her room, she whipped the door open fully and crowed. "My room!"
A screech left her when a dry voice spoke up. "I see you're louder than usual, Hikari."
"Seriously?!" She cried, flailing a bit before she moved to hug her friend, ignoring the apron. "First Otoya, now you. It's like it's scare Hikari day or something."
Doing the same as Tokiya, hugging her back with one arm, he moved away. "Sorry."
"What're you doing in my room? Cleaning?" She asked, looking around.
"Yes. The movers asked me to show them your room and it was so dirty, I could not help myself." Masato answered.
"Thank you." She took the apron and folded it while he removed his handkerchief from his head, tugging on his jacket. "I'm meeting the blond duo, Tokiya, and Otoya in the practice room to meet up. Join us?"
"I will. I'll leave you to unpack." Masato accepted the apron back and headed to the door. "See you later."
"Bye, Masato!"
He left, closing the door. Turning around, she sighed lightly. "So… much… stuff…" A groan left her and she dropped her bag on the table, moving to her bed stuff. 'At least I know better than to skip making my bed first. It was weird sleeping without a pillow and blanket that first day at the Academy.'
She moved quickly, wanting to get her music things out after her bed was made and at least a week's worth of clothes (even if it just consisted of pajamas - she had looked at her schedule and had nothing to do with the world outside the Agency, so, you know, pajama heaven). A knock on the door made her grumble, but she straightened up and headed over, swinging the door open dramatically only to still, puzzled. A bunch of red, orange, and yellow roses filled the hall. "Ren?"
A soft laugh came from the flowers and the strawberry blond slipped through easily, holding an orange rose. "That obvious?" He asked, holding his arms out.
Stepping into them, she giggled. "You're the only one to have flowers at all, cousin mine."
"Fair enough." Ren looked down at her. "You know you could have had more time off."
"Yeah…" She stepped away, touching the nearest bundle of yellow roses. "But I made my peace with Haruka dying years ago, as macabre as that sounds… the doctors had said it was a miracle to begin with since she lasted into puberty."
"She sounds stubborn," the male mused, tucking the rose into his own hair.
A lopsided smile formed. "All of us are. It's why the twins were so sure she wouldn't give in, along with auntie and uncle. I was the only one she told that she wouldn't last much longer, but wanted to know her 'Hayato-sama' was in safe hands."
"Yours," he concluded.
"Un."
The cousins fell silent then he leaned forward to kiss her head. "I'll meet you and the others in the practice room. See you, Little Flower."
"Ah… Hey wait! Ren, you can't just leave me with these! Ren!"
-AA-
Otoya leaned against the piano. "I'm so excited, just like our days at the Academy…"
"Our new life is beginning," Masato murmured.
"Under the same roof as the Little Flower," Ren added, voice odd.
A wide grin came over Otoya's face at the thought. 'No more Hikari coming through the window for the assignments! We can just hang out in the common areas! … I really hope she doesn't come into the guys area like in the Academy, that was a little terrifying, especially when she wore her brown bear onesie…'
A sharp "Otoya!" made him jump.
"What? What?!" He straightened, looking around worriedly.
"What were you just thinking about?" Ren asked, smirking a little mischievously.
"Kari doesn't have a reason to break into the guy's dorms anymore," Otoya said, eyeing the three. "Why?"
Ren pursed his lips in a slight pout and Masato chuckled softly. "I forgot she did that," the pianist said.
"You looked like you were thinking loving thoughts," Tokiya said.
He stared at the teen in confusion, not understanding where he was going when apprehension and he let out a horrified noise. "Wha- No! Not like that!" Otoya sort of screeched, reeling back and flailing. "Kari's like a sister! I was just thinking she wouldn't have to come into the guy's dorms for assignments like some kind of thief! Do you not remember the brown bear panic?"
The trio grimaced. "I never heard Ringo-sensei scream like that before," a voice said from the entry and they looked to see Syo and Natsuki, the smaller blond frowning.
A snicker left Ren. "But do you remember Ryuya-san's reaction? He ran out in a towel, prepared to fight."
Pursing his lips, Natsuki shook his head. "At least Hikari-chan can't scare him like that again, living with us and not near him."
"As long as she doesn't scare the other occupants," Tokiya said.
"Hey, you guys!" The sound of running feet made them look over and Syo grabbed Hikari before her sock-covered feet could slide her into falling. "Thanks, Syo. Gather round, I got presents!"
They accepted the sheets passed out to them, the girl bouncing with a grin.
"Are they all different?" Tokiya wondered.
"Six songs…" Masato muttered.
"You were twitchy, weren't you?" Ren asked her, smirking at her shrug.
"I'm an active person," she replied. "Not to mention, I was thinking of you lot during my break and lo and behold, songs." She wiggled her fingers.
"This is so cool, thank you!" Otoya said, grinning at her.
"We'll have to write worthy lyrics," Syo mused as he looked his song over.
"Thank you, Hikari-chan," Natsuki said, pulling her into a side hug.
The group paused as a familiar laugh sounded out and the lone girl drooped against Natsuki. "I thought I scared him off," she grumbled. A snicker escaped him before he could help it, hand covering his mouth when she grinned wickedly at him.
"Happy idols share pure love!" Saotome boomed, falling down on ribbons, pulling off some rather flashy moves for a middle aged man.
"Hey, oyabun!" Hikari called out, giggling when the man's landing faltered.
He rallied himself quickly, still moving. "Boys, welcome to the Master Course. Your debut concert was wonderful."
"Thank you very much," Otoya said automatically, sweating at how the man was looming into his and Syo's space.
"But!" He stole Syo's hat. "The reality is, many bloom splendidly and fade like fireworks. Only the devoted can become actual stars in the night sky. Allow me… to introduce you to someone essential to helping you accomplish that!"
A purple screen fell from the ceiling.
"Show yourselves," Saotome said, arm raising dramatically and Otoya could feel excitement bubbling, wondering who they were going to see or meet. "Pioneering princes!"
Four people appeared on screen and STARISH fell silent, sharing glances with Hikari, who seemed a bit puzzled.
"Give in to temptation
My promise to you
I'll rock you hard
With my deep emotion
Listen to my voice…
Let your hair fly…
Ah… This lesson of the night
Slowly, slowly
Gently, your left hand
Entwined with my right,
Searching for
Love's destination
Now, pretend you can't see the clock
Come just as you are
Try putting your ear against my chest
The distance between you and my heartbeats
Feeling, feeling, feeling… Ah…
I want to be driven insane with the love of a poison kiss
Rocking hard, rocking hard
A bewitching poison kiss
More and more…and
An eternal poison kiss
Ah… As my heart is,
I'll give you a poison kiss
Feel this love!
Burn with this love!
Believe this love!
Love is all! QUARTET NIGHT
On your upper lip
The pain left behind
I'll rewrite it over and over
This game is just starting
Next, with everything I've got,
I'll really test your limits
There's no logic
In this passion
There's no need for words
Discover it with your heart
A sigh-filled love song… Eyes blurred by tears
I want to hear your song
Ready? Ready? Ready? Ah…
A poison kiss just like this
Wanna be you, wanna be you
A poison-soaked kiss
Ride on, ride on
An even greater poison kiss
Ah… As my entire body trembles,
Throughout this poison kiss
Feel this love!
Burn with this love!
Believe this love!
Love is all! QUARTET NIGHT
Go wild, on your instincts alone, it's all right!
Just like I taught you, now hurry!
Exposed in our midnight dance
As I sing into your ear
A-ga-in…
I want to be driven insane with the love of a poison kiss
Rocking hard, rocking hard
A bewitching poison kiss
More and more…and
An eternal poison kiss
Ah… There's no need to kneel
I'll give you a poison kiss
Feel this love!
Burn with this love!
Believe this love!
Love is all! QUARTET NIGHT!"
"They're real?!" He couldn't help squawking out as the screen suddenly vanished and three of the males were there. His bandmates were just as startled, Hikari making a small noise.
"Anyway, I must prepare for the entrance ceremony. Work hard, thank you!" The man fled. There was no other word for it after seeing Saotome shoot Hikari a wary look.
"I think you traumatized him," Tokiya murmured and she snickered.
"Good."
They looked at each other in exasperation before a voice made them look up.
"Thanks for waiting, everyone!" Ringo said, beaming from atop a lowering, glittery stage.
"You guys are shiny!" Otoya noted in mild surprise, wondering if they'd been hit by one of Hikari's glitter bombs.
"It's a shame you're a man," Ren sighed, letting out a grunt when Hikari elbowed him.
"Even Ryuya-sensei," Syo mumbled, obviously taking a picture and sending it to Shiori.
"You're horrible," Hikari laughed.
Ryuya cleared his throat, making him look over with the others as the two teachers came closer. The two were quick to explain what was going on. Otoya noted Kotobuki seemed cheerful while Mikaze and Kurosaki were rather disinterested.
"By the way, Kari-chan. Where are you going?" Ringo questioned, batting his eyes as he looked at the girl.
Said girl was smiling nervously and walking backwards to the exit. A shaky laugh left her. "Ahaha, well, uh, I just remembered. I've got something of my grandfather's to send out, you know. To, uh, reassure him I'm okay."
"Oh, really?" Ryuya said coolly and the teens moved to get out of his way. "That wouldn't happen to be the glitter bombs from the faculty areas, would it?"
Hikari froze, then bolted without trying to defend herself.
"Nanami, get back here!" Ryuya shot off after her.
"No! You're going to hit me!" She shrieked back.
"Ren." The sober tone made them look at the remaining teacher. His brows were furrowed in concern. "How is she?"
The three Seniors were clearly curious, but went unheeded. STARISH had been informed via Ren and Tomochika. The strawberry blond sighed, glancing after his cousin. "She's okay," he answered slowly. "Hikari has some moments when she goes distant, but that's all."
Ringo crossed his arms, pursing his lips. "And she isn't willing to take more time off… Shiny has people watching her from the cameras just in case, since he's a worrywart."
The younger group nodded in understanding. "We'll watch out, too, but we have no way of knowing since she probably won't say a word to us," Tokiya said.
"Tomo-chan mentioned she would when Syo-chan and I saw her this morning." Natsuki added, looking at the smaller blond when he nodded in confirmation.
"Shiori-senpai invited me to join her on the action programs she'd be attending since she knew we'd be worrying about the family." The tiny blond shrugged. "Senpai said she'd also pass on any news so we could calm our worrying."
"Sorry to interrupt, but is something wrong with your composer?" Kotobuki interjected, looking concerned.
Sharing wordless looks, Tokiya answered. "Hikari's cousin died a day after our debut and we're worried, that's all."
Kotobuki blinked, but nodded hesitantly. They looked back at the entry at the sound of running and Hikari blurred through, Ryuya still chasing her through the halls.
"I think she'll be fine," Masato said after a moment. "But please keep this private in the event Hikari still has her glitter bombs."
"A-ah…" Kotobuki uttered.
"You don't think she's hidden any in our rooms, do you?" Syo abruptly asked, turning to them with a wary look.
"She did take a while in meeting us…" Ren said slowly.
They stared at each other for a moment and bolted, forever wary of their friend when got impish.
-AA-
"So what's it like here?" Hikari asked, back in her room with Tomochika helping her unpack (the other girl was mainly dealing with the flowers).
"It's so hard! My seniors are strict and I've got my own work to deal with. Every day makes my head spin!" Tomochika answered, a bright smile on her lips.
"Thanks again for the help."
"You helped me move, too. Ah, I wish we could live together again but I was assigned to the Seniors apartment." The two shared pouts and moved to hug each other after noticing the time.
"Let's work hard, together!" Hikari exclaimed.
"Let's!"
-AA-
After Tomochika had left, she changed into her night time clothes. Shifting her hoodie, Hikari moved to the box holding her desk pictures. Her eyes landed on the picture of her and Haruka, smiling gently at the gleeful faces as they stood in the cherry blossom tunnel, Kai and Shiori on either side of them as they held up fallen petals. The girl knew her friends were worried, but she'd told Ren the truth - when her and Haruka had heard the news, they'd gone to the old shed where Hikari had thrown a tantrum, mourning with Haruka the future loss of her cousin who was all but her sister. That was the only reason Hikari was not as broken hearted as the rest of her family. Her eyes shifted to the Lunaria flower she'd pressed and framed. Finger running over both frames, she sighed.
"Miss you, Ruka…"
A low, echoing meow drew her attention to her balcony, making her blink in bemusement. She headed outside, wondering if that meant Cecil was there. Fireflies could be seen near the trees and headed out to them, trailing after the bugs to the gazebo.
"Cecil?" She stared at the teen as he hopped out of the gazebo, moving closer and kneeling, catching her hand in his to kiss it. Her heart flailed for a moment.
He smiled sweetly up at her. "I'm glad to see you again, my princess."
Starting S2. Wish me luck with Cecil if you please. Also I was looking over my previous chapters, namely number 11 where I have a mistype, but don't want to change it - I said Hikari was 14 when Haruka had her heart attack. It was actually meant to be 15, since they're both May babies and the Shibazakura festival is from April to May (from chapter 12, dream scene). S2 may or may not be a bit longer since I'll be trying to bounce between Hikari and STARISH, not to mention her family if it fits into the main storyline.
Second song is "Poison Kiss" from the episode (1) and the first is "Pompeii" by Bastille.
P. S. if something doesn't make sense here, let me know. I kinda jumped from piece to piece here.