Natsume arrived at the entrance of Yaotome Company. She walked in through the doors and saw someone familiar. It was the manager of TRIGGER, Kaori Anesagi. The pink-haired manager walked towards Natsume with a smile on her face.
The empress smiled back at her. It was a greeting they exchanged with each other.
"How are you, Hayabusa-chan?" Anesagi asked.
"I'm doing fine," Natsume replied. "I see that TRIGGER has come back."
Anesagi nodded happily. "I'm glad that they were able to bring back their loss. We will slowly get our sponsors back."
"Good luck. Anyways, should we go back and focus on what we were here for." The empress walked past Anesagi.
She gasped as she forgot about it. "Sorry. Let's go and meet the president."
They arrived at the president's office. There was Sosuke sitting on this chair behind the desk. He has his arms resting on the desk, glaring at Natsume.
The atmosphere in the room was getting awkward. Sosuke was about to speak until a knock on the door, interrupting his thoughts.
"Who's there?!" He replied, frowning.
The door opened. It appears to be Gaku walking into his father's office. Gaku sees Natsume in the office. He didn't know that his dad was having a visitor.
The empress smiled at him. It was a sign of her telling him that it's something personal. Gaku didn't understand what she was doing. Natsume sighed as she shook her head.
"What brings you here, Hayabusa-chan?" Gaku asked, changing the subject.
"What are you doing here?! Can't you see that I'm in a meeting with Hayabusa!" Sosuke shouted angrily.
"I don't mind having Gaku here. It would be best if he heard this." Natsume assured Sosuke.
The President of Yaotome Company didn't approve of this as he bit his lips, but he can't deny it. He needs this to get the President of Hayabusa Company's spousers. It was the only way TRIGGER could come back.
He sighed. "Fine. I can't argue against the strongest company in Japan."
"During your depressed time to raise up, you were wanting to get sponsors under my dad," Sosuke was getting a little nervous from Natsume's words. Anesagi was feeling chills on her spines. Gaku was waiting for Natsume to finish what she had to say to his dad. "My dad was a little disappointed in you, Mr. Yaotome for the choice you made, but he understands what you have to go through. He respects that. With his permission, he will grant it."
Anesagi smiled happily when she heard that. Sosuke sighed in relief. Gaku was surprised that President Hayabusa agreed to help.
"Amazing, your dad is willing to help us. I wish my dad was like that." Gaku said, knowing that his dad is here.
Natsume chuckled. "People are different, Gaku. Your dad wouldn't call for help from the Hayabusa Company, would he? You guys would be sitting ducks. Using our sponsors will boost TRIGGER up. Just be careful how you handle them. They can be harsh at times."
Gaku nodded his head. Some tips from the empress will help them get through the harsh sponsors.
"Wait, should the rest of them hear this?" Anesagi asked.
"You guys can tell them. I'm going to be busy after this. So, good luck." She replied as she headed to the door to leave.
Sosuke wiped his sweat. He didn't think the President of Hayabusa Company would accept to help them. If they didn't, then it would be difficult to come back. "Now, we got President Hayabusa to help us. We should use this chance wisely."
Anesagi nodded. "Right. Now, we can use the sponsors from the Hayabusa Company. This is TRIGGER's chance to come back."
The empress walked out of Yaotome's Company from the entrance. She sees Hayate waiting for her.
She walked to him and asked, "Did Tsukasa tell you to come here?"
"No. My insistence just wants me to come here." He replied bluntly.
Natsume chuckled. "You're a lazy and silly panda, Hayate. I didn't think you would come here."
Hayate just shrugged with a smile. "Let's get going. I don't hear Tsukumo's voice. It's disturbing."
"I know." Natsume walked past Hayate.
Hayate trailed behind her. He had something in his mind for a while. "Hey Natsume?"
"What is it?" She replied back with a question.
"Do you think Tsukumo is going to change?"
"If they change then they can do it to him too. It might take some time for Tsukumo to know the truth. They won't give up on him like you guys did to me."
Hayate nodded. "I guess you are right. Slow and steed wins the race."
The sounds of cars driving by them, the crowded footsteps on the sidewalks is making the atmosphere getting less quiet.
Natsume sighed lightly as she bit her lip. It was almost time for her to go to Northmare. A pleasant surprise for her and Nagi to meet up at the party. Maybe she can meet with Sakura when she arrives.
"I'll be leaving this afternoon to go to Northmare." She said.
"Be careful. Don't get sick." Hayate reminded her.
The empress waved her hand. "Yes, I know. Anyways, I need to get ready before I leave."
"You need help getting your stuff to the lobby?"
Natsume shook her head. "No, I'm just taking one piece of luggage. I won't be there long. 2 days in Northmare."
Hayate patted Natsume's head softly. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call us."
She smiled. "I will. Make everyone stay safe themselves."
The blonde-haired stopped patting the empress head. "I'll pass the message to them."
Natsume had one more job she needed to go before heading out to Northmare. She doesn't know if she wants to go. It would be another nightmare again.
Hayate noticed Natsume was in deep thought. He knows where she is going. He can't stop her from going there again.
"You're going back there?"
"I don't know why I am, but something is telling me to go back there." Natsume shrugged.
Hayate rubbed the back of his head as he sighed. "You're probably attracted to them. You have been watching for a while. The empress has to tame her animals"
Natsume chuckled lightly. "I guess you are right. Now then, I'll be going now."
She arrived at Arinastudio where ZOOL is there to be interviewed. The empress appeared backstage. The staff members were surprised at what was going on. They don't know what to do in that situation.
Natsume noticed the staff members were unstable. "Excuse me, what's going on?" she walked toward one of the staff members to ask a question.
The staff member turned to the empress. "Well," he turns back to ZOOL. Natsume turned towards the same direction. "I think they are in an argument. I do not know why they are. Someone should stop them."
Natsume smirked. "Leave it to me. After all, I'm supposed to be here as well. But they don't know. They'll surprise them." She placed her finger on her lips.
"Because I want to treasure you, I don't want you to become such losers. The world is unreasonable, unequal, irresponsible and full of things with bad intentions. And despite all that we still met. Now is our chance. Even people like us can try once again, We can come to love ourselves again! I don't care if it's a lame new song. I don't care if we're booed and get raw eggs thrown at us. As long as I can spend some serious time with you guys! I'm begging you. Please understand it." Toma wanted to be with his members. He doesn't want ZOOL to disband from all of this nonsense argument.
Natsume arrived at the scene as Toma was talking to his members. The interviewer was about to speak, but the empress placed her finger on her lips to tell him to be quiet. She was impressed. Toma has changed a lot. Natsume was happy to hear all of this even though everything was recorded.
Everyone in the room was silent.
"It's nice to see everyone is enjoying themselves here," Natsume said as she spoke up. ZOOL turned to the source of the voice. They were surprised to see the White Empress here. This is awkward for them. "Nice to meet you, ZOOL. I'm Natsume Hayabusa from the Hayabusa Company."
"Na-"
"Nice to meet you, Hayabusa-chan." Minami plays along as he cuts off Toma.
"Yeah. Nice to meet you." Haruka greets back.
"To think we're seeing the White Empress herself," Torao understood what was going on as he too played along. "What brings you here?"
Natsume blinked in confusion. "Huh? I thought they told you that I was going to be here to interview you guys."
Toma shook his head. "No. No one told us."
Natsume looked at the interviewer. He shrugged as he didn't know that she was supposed to be here. She nods at him.
He rubbed the back of his head as he sarcastically laughed. "Ye-Yes. The White Empress was scheduled to be here too. We got a little sidetrack."
The empress smirked. "I can tell. Are you guys still going to keep arguing like this forever? It is going nowhere. Use your emotions to tell each other how you really feel. This isn't about him. It's about you guys. Now, stop with this pointless arguing."
"Even adults are acting like kids." Haruka said as he agreed with her.
"I hate to say this, but I have to agree with Haruka." Natsume chuckled.
Haruka grabbed the mic from the interviewer. "Minami is the new song lame."
Minami didn't respond for a while until he finally spoke. "No. The new song will have all of us singing as four of us."
"Torao, are you going to run away from the festival?"
"No way. I'll make my way to open it myself." Torao replied.
"Toma, will you sing earnestly?"
Toma sighed then smiled. "I'll sing."
"You guys are finally making a good face. You adults are so lame. Now, this is my answer. Everyone! ZOOL will give it their all until we die." Haruka was confident as he smiled.
"Now, that's a look I want to see from ZOOL. It's nice to have friends who are there for you." Natsume smiled.
"Aaaaand! CUT!" The staff member shouted.
ZOOL was in their dressing room. They were still surprised to see Natsume at the studio. How can they speak to the empress now?
Natsume arrived at their room. She sees them still confused and timid. She clapped her hands to get their attention. ZOOL turned to the empress.
"Still dumbfounded?" She asked.
"What are you doing here, Natsume?" Toma asked.
Natsume sighed. "My schedule was to come here to interview with ZOOL. Didn't Tsukumo tell you?"
"No. We're planning to go to Northmeir." Haruka said.
The empress was a little shocked. Knowing that she is going there. Torao knows that as well. Torao is good at keeping secrets.
"Is it because of Haruki? You guys are doing it for Minami's sake, right?" Natsume crossed her arms on her chest.
Minami walked up to the empress and replied, "I really miss him dearly. He was the only friend I have. And now, I'm worried about him. I don't know how long he is going to last in this world."
Natsume walked closer to Minami and hugged him. The rest of ZOOL watched as Minami and Natsume were having a moment. Minami was surprised that Natsume hugged him out of nowhere. It's not like it was the first time they touched.
"I understand. It's okay to cry Minami." Natsume saddened her voice.
"I'm not crying." Minami said.
"Maybe not now, but later on. You will. You won't be able to hold those emotions once-"
"Please. Don't." Minami turned his head away from the empress. As if he was about to cry.
She reached her hand to his cheeks then cupped it. "I'm sorry. I don't want to hurt you," Natsume lends away from Minami. "Anyways, time for me to go. I'll see you later."
The empress walked out of ZOOL's dressing room. They watched as the empress left the dressing room.
"Minami, are you sure you are okay?" Toma asked, worried.
"I'm fine." Minami responded.
The next day, Natsume arrived at Northmeir. The place was cold and yet it's a beautiful place. She walked into the hotel she was staying in. It was warmer inside than outside. The man at the entrance bowed to her.
'Welcome to Northmeir, Miss Hayabusa.' He said.
'Thank you. I hope everything in Northmeir is fine.' She smiled.
'Yes. I hope you enjoy your stay in Northmeir.'
Natsume walked towards the elevator to go to the top floor where only members of the family had access too. She arrived at the room and looked through the window. Everything was covered in snow. It was so beautiful to look at.
"I wonder where you are, Haruki. Maybe I should start going around and ask about Haruki." Natsume leaves the room to find answers about Haruki.
The empress went to the cafe where she met Haruki. The cafe is where she goes when she gets tea to drink. When she arrived, it was closed. It was rare to see this cafe closed.
'Oh, Natsume-chan. It's nice to see you." The Northmeirian man said.
She turned to the voice and smiled. 'It has been a while. I have been wondering about something.'
'What would that be?'
'Have you seen Haruki? I have been looking for him for a while.'
The Northmeirian man was sweating. 'Umm… I haven't seen him. I heard that he has been in a lot of trouble.'
Natsume can tell that the man isn't going to tell her anything. 'Oh, you don't mind telling me where he is.'
'No. I don't want to get involved in this mess.'
'Come on. It won't hurt to tell me. You won't get into this mess. I just need to know where he is.'
The Northmeirian sighed lightly. 'Alright. I'll tell you, but in private. I don't want to be in trouble doing this.'
The empress smiled. 'Thank you.'
Natsume arrived at the Mido Hotel. She walked in and went to the front desk. She asked where Haruki was. The woman told her the room where he is. Natsume thanked the woman and left the front desk.
She arrives at the door and knocks it.
"Come on." A raspy voice responded.
Natsume opened the door and walked in the room. She sees someone laying on the bed. It was Haruki who is bedridden.
"So, your time is about to come." Natsume said.
Haruki glanced at the empress then smiled. "It has been a while, Natsume. And yes, it won't be long until I leave this world. So, how is he?"
"Somewhat troublesome, but he slowly realizes that you will no longer be in this world. I can see sadness in his eyes. He misses you dearly." She responded.
Haruki turned his head to the window. "I see. I'm sure that he will understand what love is. I'm sure you show him love."
Natsume curved her brows. "I tried, but he has no interest."
"Maybe, but when I'm gone. He has no one to go to. I'm leaving it to you. You probably can make him change."
Natsume crossed her arms on her chest. "Not just me. His members are also there for him too. They have each other to watch over."
"You are the White Empress. You know how to impress your favorite boys."
The empress blinked then chuckled. "Of course. Minami is on my list. I have more to play with."
"So what brings you here?" Haruki asked.
"My dad told me to come here to cover him for his highness party. It is the only time I will see you, Haruki." Natsume glanced at Haruki with a sad smile.
"Thank you." He started to cough.
Natsume flinched. "Can you make it before they see you go?"
"Only time will tell."
Natsume sighed lightly. "I shall take my lead. We will see each other when I bring Minami here."
Haruki nodded in response.
The empress leaves the room. She leaves the hotel. As she arrived outside, she looked up in the skies thinking about her mom.
Natsume was all dressed up for the party. She was wearing an all white dress with white gloves. She looked at herself in the mirror. It was stunning. Hopefully, she can meet with Nagi while she is there. It's a good time to talk with him. She wears a long white jacket to wear from the cold.
"It's time."
She walked out of the room and headed towards the car. The car drove off. Natsume glanced through the window.
The car arrived at the palace. The butler opened the car door. Natsume stepped out of the car then glanced at the palace. She steps forward to the stairs. As she entered inside, the place was already crowded. She saw some familiar faces from her dad's parties.
'Welcome to the party, Miss Hayabusa.' A voice said.
She turned the source of the voice then bows. 'Thank you. It's nice to meet you, Seto. How are you?'
'I'm doing fine. Where's your dad?'
'He's busy with work in Japan. That's why he wants me here. Is there something you want to speak to him about?'
Seto shook his head. 'No. I was curious.'
'I also heard that Prince Nagi has returned home. Where is he?' Natsume knows asking will get her in trouble. Royalty over priority.
Seto frowned. 'He is still in his room. He has been banned from doing anything idol related. No one isn't allow to meet him in those conditions.'
She knew this was going to happen. 'Don't worry. I was curious what he was doing at the moment.'
They both glanced at each other for a few minutes.
'Enjoy the party, Miss Hayabusa.' Seto leaves her be.
Natsume watches as Seth leaves. She sighed deeply as she walked toward the food table.
A few hours later, ZOOL arrived at the palace to talk to Prince Seto. Natsume was walking around the area and saw ZOOL with Seto. She was dumbfounded why ZOOL is here of all things. Not only that, they are talking to the prince of all things. She has a bad feeling about this, but she was curious what they were talking about. The empress watched them as she listened to them.
Then she heard Toma nervously speaking English to Seto. She couldn't help but laugh. He was cute talking like that. She can't wait to tease him for that.
Seto changed his mood. She wonders what changed his mood that quickly. Maybe ZOOL made him uninterested. Natsume decided to step in to help. How can she not help them?
"We need to do something." Torao hesitated.
"But what should we do?" Toma glanced at Minami.
Minami couldn't think of anything. He needs to think of something fast before it goes bad.
'Prince Seto.' Natsume stepped in behind ZOOL.
Everyone turned to the source of the voice. ZOOL were shocked to see the empress here besides Torao who already knew.
Toma started blushing lightly. He never saw Natsume in a dress. It was beautiful. It was attractive. Haruka glanced at Natsume wondering why she was here. Minami glared at the empress. She just nodded. Minami understood what she was doing.
'Who are these people?' She asked.
'They are supposed to be entertainers, but I have become uninterested in what they are doing.' Seto replied.
'Wait. We have something that might interest you, your highness.' Minami hesitated.
Seto was still uninterested. He turned around and saw flashing lights. "Hmm. There are lights flashing. Something isn't right here.'
"Uh oh. We need to stop him." Torao said.
"Umm…" Toma said.
Haruka started to sing.
Seto stopped as he heard Haruka sing. He was impressed.
'Oh. How impressive. Let's hear the rest in my room.' The prince led the way to his room.
Minami sighed in relief. "Close one."
"Just in time." Torao said.
"Nice one, Haru." Toma said. "Now, your best IDOLiSH7."
ZOOL followed Seto to his room. Natsume crossed her arms as she watched them leave.
She sighed lightly. "I hope they don't do anything stupid to upset the prince. He is known for locking people up."
Natsume decided to go to the courtyard. She saw lights when she was in the ballroom. Toma did mention IDOLiSH7. That means they are here for Nagi.
She knew that they would be here, but ZOOL here in Northmeir was more shocking. Maybe Minami is looking for Haruki, but they can't find him.
There she sees IDOLiSH7 finishing their performances. She didn't want to interrupt them.
Seto came to the courtyard. He looked furious as he saw Nagi with his friends. Although, Natsume couldn't hear them. ZOOL didn't stall the prince long enough.
ZOOL ran by her as they arrived at the courtyard. She had a bad feeling about what was going to happen. She quickly followed them behind.
'Guards! Lock up these people! They tricked me to stall time!' Seto ordered.
Before the guards siege on ZOOL. Natsume spoke up.
'Wait, Prince Seto.'
He turned around to the empress. IDOLiSH7 was surprised to see Natsume here. They were going to ask her questions, but she ignored them.
'What do you want, Miss Hayabusa?' Seto frowned.
'Let me take them.' She replied as she was sweaty.
'Why? They stall me for Nagi to be with his friends.'
Natsume was a little nervous and scared. 'They interest me. You know that I too am interested in music. I'm sure they won't cause you any trouble. You have my promise.'
Seto stared at Natsume like a lion taking its place as king. ZOOL felt sorry for Natsume taking all the blame for them.
'Fine. Do you know what happens when someone breaks promises?'
'I know. I'm willing to take the risk and punishment as you see fit.'
'Then leave! They are not allowed to leave after the ceremony is over! I will deal with them after the ceremony! Is that understood?!'
'Of course. We will take our leave,' She bowed to apologize. She turned to ZOOL. "Let's go. Before you guys make it worse." She frowned.
"Wait. I need to talk to Rokuya." Minami walked towards Nagi and whispered something to him.
"Minami!" Natsume was getting angry.
Minami stepped away from Nagi then bowed. "Sorry. We can leave."
She leaves the courtyard as she leaves. ZOOL looked at each other. Minami nodded. He followed Natsume from behind. The others did the same.
ZOOL was locked in the Mido hotel. They aren't allowed to leave the hotel after the ceremony. They were silent. They were lucky Natsume saved them from getting in trouble any further. Who knows what Prince Seto will do to them. Natsume arrived in the room. She wasn't wearing her dress. She was wearing winter clothing to keep her warm from the cold in Northmeir. This was a perfect time to talk to her. They want to know why she is here.
"What brings you here in Northmeir, Natsu?" Toma asked.
"Yeah. Why are you here?" Haruka asked.
"I was curious myself. Is it because of Sakura-san?" Minami asked.
The empress knew this was going to happen. It was a good thing that Torao didn't tell them. She took a deep breath.
She glanced over to Torao. "How was RedFes?"
"We won." Torao replied.
"Did they bother you about my whereabouts?"
"No. They thought you were busy with other things. Although, Minami and Toma have been bugging me about our conversation."
Toma and Minami looked at each other. They didn't know they were bugging Torao about Natsume and his conversation. They thought he was talking to his girlfriend.
Natsume chuckled. "They were so worried about me. What? They thought you were talking to your girlfriend or something?"
"They never believe when I talk to someone on the phone."
"Of course," she turned to the others to answer their question. "Anyways, I'm here on business to cover my dad. He is busy with other work that he is unable to come."
They were surprised.
"So, you told Mido-san about it. You don't trust us." Minami said, giving a sad smile.
Natsume feels bad about all of this, but they didn't trust her. Minami was still a bit aware of her. Now, he feels eager to meet Haruki. She shrugged. "You didn't trust me. How can I not trust you?"
Minami bit his lips. It was true. He didn't trust when she asked him about the hidden lyrics within Sakura Message. Maybe he could apologize for everything he did to her. "I'm sorry."
She chuckled. "Don't worry about it."
"The ceremony is today. Will they let us go after the ceremony? Not only that, I heard that IDOLiSH7 met Sakura Haruki, Mina." Toma glanced over Minami.
"It's alright. As long Rokuya-san was able to meet him. Naturally, I won't be able to see him." Minami looked at his hands thinking about the past when he was with Haruki.
"I tried to ask earlier but they said that Seto is a busy person." Haruka said.
Minami gives a light smile. "It's alright. I'm glad this isn't a prison."
"Don't smile like that. I know you want to meet him again." Toma said. He was willing to do anything for his members.
Natsume can see it all over Minami's face. He does want to see Haruki again, but they aren't allowed to go anywhere until the ceremony is over. "Do you want to see him?"
Minami turned to Natsume. For some reason, his body moves on his own as he walks towards her. "Are you willing to take us to him knowing the danger from the prince?"
"Of course. I do anything to help anyone. It makes me feel guilty for everything. After all, I am the one who is watching over you all."
Toma stood up and asked, "Do you know where he is?"
The empress nodded. "We need to hurry. His condition is… critical."
Minami widens his eyes. "Sakura-san."
"We need to hurry. Let's go." Haruka said.
They were running to get to Sakura Haruki's room. They arrived in the lobby. Haruka saw someone familiar in the lobby. He was shocked to see them here.
"Aychan!?"
Aya saw Haruka. She was too surprised to see him. "Haru-chan?"
Everyone was surprised to hear that name from Aya. They thought it was cute.
"Haru-chan?!" They said in sync.
Kujo appeared behind Aya. He sees Haruka with his members. "Haruka."
"What are you doing here? Sakura Haruki is in critical condition. You should go and visit him."
"Let's go, Haru. We don't have a lot of time left." Toma reminded him.
"Right."
They left the lobby and headed towards Haruki's room. Kujo watched as ZOOL left. Aya glanced at him.
"Kujo-san." She whispered.
"Haruki." Kujo mumbled.
ZOOL arrived at Haruki's room. They see Haruki bedridden. Minami sees his condition. He was horrified to see his one friend leaving. He walked up to Haruki's bed. Everyone watches as Minami was in tears.
"Sakura-san." Minami said as he started to cry.
"This is Sakura Haruki." Toma said as he looked at the dying man.
Haruki opens his eyes and sees Minami. "Minami, it's nice to see your face. Let out those tears."
Natsume walked up to the bed. "Haruki, can you do something for me?"
Haruki smiled. "What would that be, Natsume?"
"Can you say hello to my mom? I'm sure you will be telling her stories about me."
ZOOL was surprised to hear that. Torao already knew. Haruki gave a small smile.
"Of course. The White Princess will be proud of her daughter." His voice was hoarse.
"Thank you. I will keep your promise to watch over him."
"Please do. You are the only one who can watch over him."
Minami was confused about the conversation. "What do you mean?"
Natsume turned to Minami. "Haruki told me to watch over you. He knew that you were going to be lonely when he was gone. Not only that, he knows that he made you upset when you return back to Japan. That is why when I returned back to Japan, that was when I became your manager."
Minami glanced over to Haruki who was still smiling. "Is that true?"
Haruki nodded. "Well, my time is almost up."
"Sakura-san hold on. The ceremony is about to start. I'm sure Rokuya-san wants you to hear your song."
Tears were coming out of Minami's eyes. He was holding Haruki's hand. Natsume went to comfort Minami. He didn't mind her comfort. Toma turned on the television to watch IDOLiSH7 sing in the ceremony. They listen to Haruki's song. Minami leans on Natsume as they listen to the song. It was amazing. The song ended.
Haruki smiled as he heard his song being sung. "That was beautiful. I can rest in peace."
Kujo and Aya arrived at the room. Everyone turned to the door. Kujo and Haruki started to talk to each other.
Natsume paid no attention to it. She was comforting Minami as he tried to hold his tears. She leaned closer to him. It was telling him that she is here for him, but not just her. ZOOL are here too. Minami didn't pay any attention to his surroundings besides Natsume and Haruki.
A few minutes later, IDOLiSH7 arrived Nagi walked up to Haruki holding his hand.
Everyone was in sorrow. Watching Haruki bedridden. Haruki said his last words. The doctor said that he has passed away.
Everyone in the room was showing their tears. Minami was crying uncontrollably. Natsume hugged him. Minami hugged her back desperately, hiding his face on her shoulder.
The next day, Haruki federal was over. Everyone split up when the federal was done. IDOLiSH7 are going back to Japan with Nagi coming back. ZOOL are aimlessly walking in the market in Northmeir. Minami was still feeling out of air. Everyone was worried about him.
"Wanna something to drink?" Toma asked.
"We can stay another night." Torao suggested.
"Wanna play another game? Or not?" Haruka asked.
Minami turned to his members as he laughed softly. "You don't have to be careful around me."
"It's not like we're…" Toma stopped then readjusted the wording. "We just don't want to burden you anymore than necessary, Mina. I don't know what to do. So if there's something you want, please say it. I want to hear it."
Minami blinked in surprise. "Anything?"
Toma nodded. "Anything."
"So, is it okay for me to be spoiled?"
"Of course. Tell us." Torao said.
"What do you wanna do?" Haruka asked.
Minami took a deep breath. "Let us negotiate with Ryo-san together to stop putting pressure on TRIGGER and the industry," everyone didn't speak as Minami continued. "I want to fight with my song and our true selves. So, let us start over once more."
Everyone agreed with Minami. They want to stop Ryo. They want to grow as a group. They want to start over. They want to see their real selves. They want the fans to see them grow. Not only that, they remembered what Natsume told them. They can show the empress how much they can change and grow.
"I'm on." Haruka smiled.
"Same here," Torao turned to his leader. "Toma."
"No need to ask me. I'm ready." Toma agreed.
Natsume smiled. "It is nice to see you guys finally change. So, going back to Japan?"
ZOOL nodded.
"Do you want to come back and be our manager, Natsu?" Toma missed having her as their manager.
Natsume blinked in surprise as she tilted her head. "Is there a reason?"
"You were the one who helped us. You gave us advice when we needed it."
The empress sighed lightly. "Tsukumo would have my head instead of yours. But I also heard that he has been liking Riku. My guess is that he won't care about you guys at all. Overall, he is still going to use you guys."
"That is why we are going to do anything we can to stop him. We want him to know that we want to change. We don't want to hurt anyone anymore." Minami said.
The empress chuckled. "I'll work behind the scenes. I don't want to interrupt. That's on you guys to do. Tsukumo is the one who created ZOOL. I'll be cheering you guys on."
"Thank you, Natsu." Toma smiled. "Let's go back home. Back to Japan."
Sorry for the long time. I have return. I miss this story. I don't want to leave it hanging.
Natsume can speak Northmarian. She knows 6 languages. English, Northmarian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Germany.
