Sogo's birthday passed. Happy Birthday to Sogo. Minami's birthday is almost here. I'll be celebrating his birthday.
Natsume was still holding Toma's hand when they walked out of the dressing room. Torao had to interrupt her moment with Toma. She loves toying with her loyal dog. He was very obedient to his new master over his old master.
She took Toma to an empty room. Toma was still blushing from everything that happened. She places him in front of her and looks at him. She can't help but to chuckle. He was adorable when he was blushing.
"So, Toma. How long are you going to stay caged?" She asked.
Toma snapped out and replied, "I don't know. I know what Ryo-san is doing is wrong. I need to tell someone who can help us."
The empress started to think. She was about to tell her, but Toma doesn't know who she is aside from being undercover manager. There's one person who can help Toma. "Momo. He can help you. He's more experience with Tsukumo. You cannot tell your members and Tsukumo. They will have your head."
"How do you know Momo?" He was puzzled.
"It's best that I don't tell you. We don't know if they are listening to us. Especially Minami. That fortune of his is truly... promising. He is so gentle with his smile but it's not nice when you see the real devil. One of the most challenging person I ever met."
Toma was still confused. "What do you mean most challenging? Is Mina that difficult to deal with than most people you dealt with?"
She nodded. "Of course. Most people are easy to read like a book. That applies to you, Haruka, and Tora."
"Who are you, Natsu? You're no ordinary person when I followed you to your apartment. And who is Clash? What are they to you?" He asked so many questions to Natsume. There was a hint of jealousy in his voice. He tries to hide his jealousy.
"Sorry. I can't tell you that either. But there's something I want to tell you." She frowned.
"Do tell." He wanted to know who's Natsume. She isn't an innocent person. Tsukumo can be blind without seeing the truth with his own eyes.
Natsume grabbed both of Toma's wrists. He looks at her raising his brows up. She used her strength to push him back. He didn't resist her push, but was surprised. The strength of a tiger? Or is it the strength of her own? Natsume pushed Toma down with her strength on the floor. Toma was impressed that Natsume was able to push him down. This was an awkward position for Toma. The empress was on top of him while he was below her. He can't help but blush heavily. Of course, Toma isn't popular with girls like Torao and Minami. She sat on Toma with a serious look then leaned closer to his face.
"How long are you going to hold it? You can't hold it forever. You won't be able get that feeling again once you get thrown away. You need to muster up against your master. Not just you, all of ZOOL. They need to learn how to be a real group. If you can't do that, then everyone will hate you forever. Even me. Now, step up your game, Toma. Dreams can be crushed by one person. Respect everyone. No one can't control you and your dreams. Face the reality against your master and tell that to your members. No more dirty tricks. Make him realize the truth."
These words were digging into his mind. All of these were true. Natsume really wants to help Toma. She wants to see the old Toma back. He wants to stay with ZOOL as friends and members. They need to make Tsukumo know the truth of their strength without dirty tricks. ZOOL needs to change for everyone to love, not hate. Fearing people isn't what they want. It's what Tsukumo wants.
Natsume gets off of Toma as she stands on her legs. Toma used his arms to stand up. He didn't know what to say to her now. She reached her hands out for Toma. Natsume was offering to help Toma up. He looks at her for a few minutes and sighs lightly. Toma grabs her hand. The empress pulled Toma up to stand up on his feet.
"You're strong. I didn't think you were able to push me back using your strength."
"I have been training doing judo. It helps me against thieves and bullies who bothers me." Natsume shrugged.
Toma gave a sad look to Natsume. "But you are our manager. I have the right to be worried. Even if you are an undercover manager. I have someone who understands the situation and me."
Natsume sighed deeply. "You remind me of Tsukasa. He gets worried when I push myself a lot."
"Really? What type of person is Tsuka?" He tilted his head. "I'm curious to know about Clash. They seem to be an interesting group."
"You are a curious dog." He nodded. "Alright, but I'll introduce them to you. You already meet two from Clash."
Toma remembered who they were. "Shin and Tsuka. They were intimidating, but Tsuka's aura was warm and comfortable. I never felt that aura before. It was a welcoming and warm feeling. They are taller than me. How old are they?"
"They're both 18 like me." Natsume replied as she smiled.
"N-No way! They're taller than me but younger. What about the others?"
"Stop! You're asking too much, Toma!" She sighed lightly.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to stress you out." He apologized.
"Anyways, we should go back. ZOOL is going to Ainanight Studio along with Idolish7. Be careful what you say or I'll make it rough on you. If you like it rough." She licked her lips.
Toma waved his hands defensively as he blushed softly. "Rou... N-No thanks. I'm g-good. You are an erotic person, Natsu. What made you like this?"
"An empress never tells her secrets." She answered as she put her finger on her lips.
"I can never understand you."
"I mean Minami already know what I am."
The dark red-haired was surprised. "What? Is it Mina's fortune?"
She nodded. "Yes. I didn't know he does fortune telling. That fortune is more real than those fake ones. I'm shocked that he knew all of my traits."
Toma wanted to know her traits too. He feels jealous of Minami knowing Natsume's traits. He wants to be the first person to know her traits, not Minami. Natsume started to laugh. He was a silly person.
"What's so funny?" He raised his brows.
"You're a silly person, Toma."
"Silly?" He rubbed the back of his head. "I guess I am."
"Should I give you a treat before we go to Ainanight Studio?" She offered.
After all, Toma is a dog and he is being treated like one from her. He could refuse her offer, but he doesn't know what it is.
"Don't treat me like a dog."
"You don't want a treat from me?" Natsume started to give Toma the puppy face. "You're saying that Tsukumo is a better master than me?"
Toma saw the puppy face she made. It was making him want to hug Natsume from the cuteness. He couldn't resist the puppy face. He feels guilty for saying that.
"N-No. I didn't say that. I didn't want to be treated like a dog. I'm a human being like you." Toma stared at the floor.
The white empress shook her head. "I understand. You want everyone to see you as a human. You're perfectly fine with who you are, Toma." She reached her hand on Toma's cheek and caress.
Toma can feel the touch from Natsume's hand. It's warm and soft. It feels like he's drawn by the soft fur from a white tiger. He wants to touch her too, but it would be hard on Natsume. Was this the treat she was talking about?
"Is this what you were talking about?" He asked.
"Your treat? Of course. It's supposed to calm you down before you head out to Ainanight Studio." Natsume velvety softened her voice. Toma is getting drawn by her voice. He really wants to hug her. Natsume moved her hand away from Toma's cheek. "Shall we get going? Ainanight Studio is about to start."
He already missed Natsume caressing his cheek. "Yeah. Thanks for making me feel better, Natsu."
"Let's go. They are waiting." Natsume turned the door to leave the room.
Toma trailed behind Natsume. He can tell that Natsume is a strong character and willing to help anyone. This isn't the first time she has helped someone. She has a lot of experience with people who are struggling or having trouble understanding their emotions. He feels like he understands Natsume a little more. Still jealous of Minami knowing her traits with his fortune.
They arrived at Ainanight Studio, heading towards ZOOL's dressing room. They were waiting for Toma to return from whatever he was doing. They didn't think Toma would be with Natsume.
"Where were you, Inumaru-san?" Minami asked.
"We have been waiting for you." Haruka said, frowning.
"We can't start our job without you, Toma." Torao said.
"I know. I didn't forget." Toma walked up to his members.
The empress hoped that Toma doesn't tell too much, but since Toma is soft. He won't tell anyone. She is curious about ZOOL's past. What made them join with Ryo in the first place? Those answers are unknown to her. She needs to find out their past, but where can she start?
Torao adverted to Natsume. She was in thought. He was being suspicious towards her. Natsume noticed that Torao was watching her. This isn't the best time to think about that now when she is around with ZOOL. They're starting to be suspicious.
"Something the matter, Tora?" She asked, innocently.
"No. It's nothing." He answered.
Someone knocked on the door. Everyone turns to the door wondering who it is. Hopefully it is not Ryo.
"Come in." Toma called out.
The door opened. It was a staff member. "ZOOL get ready. It's about to start."
Toma nodded. "Yes." The staff member closes the door and leaves. ZOOL leave the dressing room to start their first appearance on tv.
The empress watched them leave the dressing room. This is a good opportunity to talk to Idolish7 while ZOOL are doing their interview. She leaves ZOOL's dressing room and heads towards Idolish7's dressing room.
Idolish7 was watching ZOOL from their dressing room. They feel unsettled listening to their wicked tongues. The door knocks from their dressing room. They turn around to the door curious to know who it is.
"Come in." Mitsuki called out to the door.
The door opened. The white empress appears at their door. Some of them were shocked to see her and some weren't. Sogo was surprised to see her again. He was happy to see her again.
"Is that you, Natsume?" Sogo asked.
She turns to Sogo then smiles. "Oh, Sogo. It has been a long time since I saw you. How are you?"
"I'm doing fine. And you?"
"Fine." Natsume was wondering what made Sogo an idol. He is with Idolish7. "So, when did you become an idol?"
"It's a long story. I'll tell you some other time. So, what have you been doing as of lately?"
"Being a manager of ZOOL and such."
Idolish7 all gasped even their manager.
"You?"
"A?"
"Manager?"
"Of?"
"ZOOL?"
Natsume curved her forehead. "I don't like it either, but I'm doing this for Momo."
"What do you mean?" Riku asked.
"Wait!? How can we trust you? You are the manager of ZOOL. Don't be doing any dirty tricks!" Iori said suspiciously. He can't tell if Natsume is a spy for ZOOL and is planning to do dirty tricks on them.
She knew this was going to happen. It would be a long explanation to tell them. "It's a long story. I'll tell the details later. For now, we need to act like we are enemies."
"But we are enemies. You're with ZOOL."
"Iori." Mitsuki called his younger brother.
He turned to Mitsuki, confusedly. "Nii-san?"
Mitsuki adverted to Natsume. "Last night, were you at the Zero Arena, right," she nods. Mitsuki put his hand on his chin, remembering something. "Momo-san said she is a friend of his and Yuki-san."
"That's right. Mr. Momo did say that." The blond-haired remembered.
The dark green-haired nodded. "That's what Momo-san said. If he knows her then we should be fine."
"If you guys don't mind introducing yourself. I would like to know who you guys are." Natsume said, smiling.
Mitsuki felt something hit his heart when he saw Natsume's smile. He doesn't know what it was. He felt strange like he was about to blush.
"I'm Yamato Nikaido, the leader here." Yamato introduced himself.
"Why hello there. My name is Nagi Rokuya." Nagi grabbed the empress hand. Natsume stared at Nagi. She felt like she heard that name somewhere before. Nagi looks at her dumbfounded. "Is there something wrong?"
She closed her eyes. "No. It's nothing." Nagi tilts his head.
"Nice to meet you, Hayabusa-chan. I'm Mitsuki Izumi." Mitsuki bowed to her.
"Oh, you're Mitsuki. Momo told me about you. He was right about you too." Natsume smirked mischievously.
Mitsuki started to blush softly. He didn't want to show it to anyone that he was being embarrassed, "Th-Thank you."
"Why should I introduce myself to her?!" The light blue-haired exclaimed.
"Tamaki-kun, calm down." Sogo said, calmly down Tamaki.
"No. She was messing with you, So-chan. I don't want her to take you away from me. You're mine partner."
"You got it all wrong. She's an old friend of mine. We have known each other since we were kids." Sogo explained to Tamaki.
"Are you sure?" Tamaki frowned.
"Yes." Sogo said as he nodded.
Tamaki rubbed the back of his head. "Alright. If you say so, So-chan. Tamaki Yotsuba, Natsumin."
Sogo flinched when Tamaki gave Natsume a nickname. "Tamaki-kun!?"
"It's okay. I'm used to having nicknames." Natsume waved her hand back and forth.
"Hello. I'm Iori Izumi. I still don't trust you." Iori said.
The empress rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I know. You don't have to remind me a second time."
"Hello. I'm Riku Nanase," Riku introduced himself. "Can you do something for me?"
Natsume raised her brows. "What would that be?" She was dumbfounded by what Riku wants. Could it be for ZOOL?
Everyone in the room was dumbfounded as well. Mitsuki and Yamato looked at each other and Yamato shrugs.
"Can you tell Toma-san to sing seriously? I want him to sing seriously. I don't think he is all that bad." Riku said as he was serious.
The empress agreed with Riku. Someday, Toma will realize that he wants to sing seriously. As of now, he's going to deny Riku's request. Deep down he does want to sing to the fans.
"I'll pass him the message. After all, he needs it."
"You don't think Toma is a bad person?"
"No, but the others will be a little rude." She replied.
The manager of Idolish7 gasped. "I forgot to introduce myself," she bows. "My name is Tsumugi Takanashi. I'm the manager of Idolish7. Nice to meet you."
"Takanashi," Natsume heard that name somewhere then it popped. "Oh, you must be Otoharu Takanashi daughter," Tsumugi nods. "Nice to meet you. I'm Natsume Hayabusa.
Yamato adverted to Sogo. "How did the two of you know each other?"
"We were business partners for a few months before Natsume had something important to do. I'm interested to know where you go, Natsume." Sogo said, curiously thought she left for oversea business.
"I don't think that's the ri-"
She was interrupted by the opening door. Everyone turned to the door to see who opened the door to Idolish7 dressing room. It was none other than ZOOL. Haruka looked around the dressing room. Of course, they see Natsume in the Idolish7 dressing room. They were curious why she was in their dressing room. It was hard to tell if she told them anything, but on second thought. They think she doesn't know anything about their plans.
"The center of the prestigious ZOOL has come to greet you, Idolish7. This room is small for 7 people. I'm shocked that we all fit here. You are the performers of the show. I can't believe you guys got this far after a year's debut." Haruka said, falsely smiling towards Idolish7 debut from BoW.
Yamato kept his composure. Haruka was insulting them for having a small dressing room just for the 7 of them, well 12 of them. He smiled at Haruka. "'The Impolite Center Entered The Dressing Room.' I didn't know. Wow, I don't feel angry. It's nice to meet you, Isumi-kun. Do you want sit here?" Yamato invited him with open arms.
Haruka was dumbfounded. He thought they would be angry at him for saying that. "What the hell? Why are you being so friendly?!"
"The former heir of the FSC is here. Let's talk about Japanese economics together." Torao said.
"An Old Acquaintance Is Unwelcome." Sogo said, smiling bluntly.
"This Guy Is Being Intimate With My Partner." Tamaki said.
"Let's have some fun together."
Natsume couldn't help but laugh. Idolish7 isn't going to go down against ZOOL. They need some savage for what they have been doing. ZOOL are still wild animals being untamed at the moment. Ryo is probably something rumoring around doing his thing as usual.
Toma sees Natsume next to Sogo. He felt his chest stings. He doesn't know what his feelings are, but watching Natsume being with another boy is making him feel jealous.
"Toma-san! It's been a while." Riku runs up to Toma, smiling.
Iori curved his forehead. "It seems 'Our Center Is Greeting the Leader of ZOOL Of His Own Free Will.'"
Toma didn't know what to say to Riku. Natsume was there watching. The predator is stalking its prey. He can't deny Riku's approach. "Don't get too attached to me! You didn't forgive the day of our debut, Riku?!"
"I remembered. I haven't accepted what you said. But you helped me out, Toma-kun."
It caught the empress interested. 'Really? That is interesting.' She continues to observe them.
"I don't like how Tsukumo is operating! The things he did to TRIGGER. I won't forgive him. You're different, Toma-kun. You're not a bad person. Please sing seriously." Riku wanted to hear Toma sing with all of his heart and soul out.
He couldn't contain the words from Riku's mouth. It was giving him the chills. He wants to sing seriously to the fans, but with the other members. They don't. Riku was giving a hard time to ease. "Riku." He softened up.
"It's been a while, Nikaido-san. It's sad that your father is retiring." Minami said, smiling bluntly.
Yamamto knew what Minami was doing. "It was nothing too bad," he adverted to Nagi. "I'll introduce you, Nagi. This is Minami Natsume. The both of us are in the same movie. He also studied in Northmare."
Natsume frowned.
Nagi was surprised that someone studied in Northmare. "Really?! Did you like Northmare? What did you study?"
"I studied music. I compose music for ZOOL." Minami replied. "I'm looking for our recording today. Let's do our best."
Mitsuki was impressed. "Wow... they look really friendly?"
"That's for now. You'll see." Yamato disapproved.
Natsume watched as Idolish7 and ZOOL stared at each other. She can't do anything to stop it. It would cause a ruckus. They are rivals, but not in a friendly term. She remembered what Momo said. Mitsuki can understand the atmosphere depending on the situation. Not only that, he can change topic if the conversation isn't part or out of topic. She prays that he can do it.
In the backstage, Natsume and Tsumugi are watching them doing the show. It seems that Minami is having a lot of fun talking about Idolish7 personalities. Minami isn't afraid to tell what they are. ZOOL isn't the one to hold back.
Tsumugi adverted to Natsume. She was worried about her. "Umm… Hayabusa-chan?" She called softly.
The empress turned to Tsumugi, giving her a frown look. "Is there something wrong?"
The Idolish7 manager flinched. Natsume's voice was merciless. Her lips were sealed. Tsumugi couldn't say anything to her.
"So, wh-what is it like to work with them?" She asked nervously.
"To be honest, I want to help them," Tsumugi was surprised. She didn't know Natsume wanted to save ZOOL. "But they're being suspicious of me. They ain't afraid to tell Tsukumo everything. They hate me. I can't do anything to help, but one person can. He is the only one who can change them."
Tsumugi can feel Natsume's suffering. What can she do to help? She doesn't know ZOOL like Natsume does.
"You think he can do it?"
Natsume sighed deeply. "Who knows. It might take a long time to open their mind. I just fear what will happen to them once they disburse."
Tsumugi was confused as she tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"That's something for them to do for themselves. I can't do it. They don't trust me." Natsume crossed his arms.
"I'm sorry." Tsumugi apologized.
The empress shook her head. "You don't have to apologize. I want to save them. I pray for Toma to make them understand."
"I hope you do make them understand. I'll pray for your success, Hayabusa-chan." Tsumugi smiled.
"Thank you. I wish for your success for IDOLiSH7 as well. It won't be long for them to get bullied." Natsume smirked as she licked her lips.
Tsumugi tilted her head in confusion. She doesn't know what Natsume meant. The empress was full of mystery. Not much to talk about her.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
Natsume laughed. "Don't worry. You will see."
"Of course."
The managers returned to listen to the idols talk about school. Haruka was being teased by his members. He didn't care if he didn't have any friends. They are nothing to him.
Now, they are talking about Tenn Kujo all of the sudden. Natsume didn't expect the topic to change from school to Tenn. How does Haruka care about Tenn?
Natsume was surprised to hear that Tenn has a twin brother. That was news to her. She didn't know that Tenn has a younger twin. She starts to get upset at Toma for being rude to Riku. He's playing the predator as Riku is the victim.
The staff called for a short break. Everyone was being hostile to each other.
The empress sighed. She can't believe what is happening now. Toma looked at Natsume who was upset. He forgot that she was watching them. He got distracted. What can he do now? Natsume will probably scold him or be mad.
"Riku," he called. "Can you turn around?"
Riku adverted to Toma. "What do you want?!"
Toma examined Riku top to bottom. He couldn't see the differences between Tenn and Riku. "I can't see the resembles. I don't know where to start looking."
Natsume walked up to Riku. Riku sees Natsume coming towards him. He tilts his head in confusion. She examines him then she chuckles. The center of IDOLiSH7 flinched when she laughed. Iori walks up to Riku to protect him.
"What's so funny?" Iori asked defensively.
"How can people can't see the similarities? I can see it." Natsume stared at Riku.
Tamaki was surprised. "Amazing! You can see it?!"
"How?" Mitsuki asked.
The empress put her finger on her lips. "I'm sorry. I don't tell any of my secrets."
"You know how to hide things." Toma said.
Riku got upset. "People badmouth a lot. Someone had to write an article saying they sold us to talent agencies. That made my mom depressed."
"What are you doing? Don't give them any information." Iori said.
Riku shut his mouth. He forgot that he wasn't supposed to spread any information to ZOOL. "Sorry."
"Toma, you didn't need to act like that. Don't push people around like they are the victims." Natsume frowned. She was disappointed with what Toma did during the show.
Toma flinched. He never heard her be disappointed in him. He feels guilty for doing all of that, but he has to do this for revenge. He didn't respond to anything from Natsume. She sighs lightly.
"I would appreciate it if you guys don't spread the information." Iori frowned.
"I never tell anyone about that. Take care of your mom, Riku." Natsume smiled.
Toma scoffed. "I won't say anything. Take care of your mom."
Riku smiled when he said that. "I will!"
Haruka was shouting at Tamaki for calling out him for not having any friends. Tamaki offered to eat lunch together at school.
Natsume sighed. She can't believe that she is hearing. It's like she is listening to a bunch of kids arguing.
"What did I do to scare you, Natsume?" Yamato asked Minami.
"Fufu. I'm timid at heart." He replied.
"Ah. I'm sorry for not noticing. My bad for scaring you. But if you keep joking like that, I'm going to be terrified of you next time."
Natsume was amazed. She didn't think Yamato would say that to Minami. Minami is a scary person behind the mask of his. You don't want to awaken that side of him.
"You always speak in that tone. How scary." Minami said, acting horny when Yamato threatened him.
The empress rolled her eyes. Minami is acting like this to get attention. She has to disapprove of this act from Minami. Minami looked at Natsume and smirked. Natsume frowns as she looks at him.
Minami sent her a message by eye contact. Natsume understood what Minami said from his eyes. She sent him a message back. He chuckles with confidence. She can't believe he would say that.
"What's wrong, Minami. Is this old man bothering you?" Haruka asked.
"Whoa now, senpai…" Torao said.
"Hey! Don't be mean to Mina. He's nice. He also lent his handkerchief to wipe your hands." Toma said, being defensively.
"How to get fooled by a snake." Natsume mumbled.
Mitsuki heard Natsume mumbling. "Did you say something, Hayabusa-chan?"
"No. Not really." She responded.
"You looked disappointed. Something isn't right. Are you sure you're alright?"
Natsume crossed her arms on her chest. "If you don't see the truth, they will strike without fear. But they won't understand unless they see it with their own eyes. People will turn around and never forget them. Don't do bad things. They will know the meaning once they find someone who acknowledges them." She whispered.
Mitsuki was confused. He didn't know what Natsume was talking about. It was worrying what those mean.
"I thought we'd be able to have an interesting chat. That's too bad, right Rokuya-san?" Minami said, smirking on the side of his lip .
Nagi was confused why Minami called him. "Yes?"
"I've wanted to tell you this for a while. Your performance suits "Sakura Message" exceptionally well." Minami was being sarcastic.
"Oh, thanks!"
"It sounds like you're his fan. You shouldn't say anything that will cause an uproar, Minami." Now, she is being sarcastic to Minami.
"Oh, no. I was simply my highest possible degree of sarcasm," Minami turned to Natsume. He felt something behind that sarcasm. "My, you're the scariest one. I'm sorry for making you upset." He half hearted apologized.
IDOLiSH7 and ZOOL were starting to get dumbfounded. They don't know what's the relationship between Natsume and Minami. It's like they're at each other's heads.
Toma wanted to stop them from fighting amongst each other. They are friends, right? That was silly of Toma to think that. There was no way Minami and Natsume were getting along. Not how they are acting hostile to one other.
The empress scoffed. "Is that the effort to apologize? Don't make me laugh. You didn't even try to apologize to him properly."
Minami knew that Natsume was going to be a treat to Ryo and ZOOL. He hesitated about what she said. Curiously, how does she know about him? What's the backstory between her and him?
The atmosphere was getting insane. No one didn't know what to do to break up the air. Toma suddenly went between Natsume and Minami. He didn't want the two of them to continue this back and forth argument.
"Alright, you two. We should calm down. We're still in the middle of the Ainanight studio." Toma said, calm down the two people bashing each other.
Natsume turned her head. She didn't want to talk any further to Minami. It was making her upset.
"Do whatever. I don't care anymore." The empress leaves IDOLiSH7 dressing room. She didn't want to be there.
Toma couldn't do anything to help Natsume. All he can do is watch. Tsukumo is watching him. He doesn't feel safe anywhere. He can feel his heart splitting in twos. The throbbing on his chest hurts too much to bear. Natsume can't trust Toma anymore. She can't believe that she was close to trusting him. How can ZOOL move toward that attitude? She can't do anything to change them. There's one option she can do, but she has to hold on a little longer.
Phew! I'm done with this chapter. I watched Riku's and Tenn's RabbiTube. It was cute and blessed.
I have nothing else to say. I'll see you guys in the next chapter.
