It's time to start chapter 5. Finally, I have been lazy for typing my special chapter. I remembered what happened at the end of chapter 4. I think it's time for Natsume to meet with TRIGGER. She already met with IDOLiSH7. She already knew Re:vale for a long time. I'm going to hold that story further in the chapter.


Natsume was in Clash's apartment still upset at everything that happened yesterday. She didn't want to return back at all. ZOOL needs to understand that they are being brainwashed by Tsukumo. They wouldn't care about her return. They would be wondering where she went. The empress can't do it alone. She has to depend on Toma who cares about them.

"How long are you going to pout, Natsume?" Hayate asked, worried.

"Not long. I just need to calm down. Besides, Momo is so busy that I can't contact him." She replied as she stood up from the couch.

"What's next in your list?" Hayate was curious about Natsume's next plan. She did leave Ainastudio with a disappointed look.

"I'm going to meet with TRIGGER. I'm curious how they are going to come back. They ain't the type to give up on their fans. TRIGGER fans will be happy to see them back," Natsume walked to the door. She stopped as she remembered something. "It's almost time, Hayate. Make sure you warm yourself up before it starts. Tsukumo is going to hit us with everything."

Hayate sighed. "I know. Tsukumo is the reason why all of the uproar is causing everything to fall. I also heard that he's going to disband Re:vale too."

"After he is done with Re:vale, IDOLiSH7 is next. Then ZOOL will be done with their career." Natsume stared at the floor. She knows what Tsukumo is going through. "I understand what Tsukumo feels. I was in that same situation."

Hayate remembered. "You think he will return back to his normal self?"

"Who knows? They are the only one who can do it. If they start to change then they can do the same with him."

"Do you have confidence for them?"

"That's a job for the Leader of ZOOL to handle. I can't do anymore to help now. If they remembered something in the past that made them forget their role, maybe I might forgive them." Natsume said as she opened the door. "I'm going to go now. Don't act all lazy when I return, Hayate."

"You know me, Natsume. That's how pandas are. What can you expect from a lazy guy?" Hayate chuckled.

"A lazy guy who can turn into a hot sexy man to win the #1 sexiest man alive. You're no fool. You know how to operate yourself. You can take the spot from Tora, if you want too." The empress smiled. She knows Hayate too well to know everything.

"I mean I probably will because I can't control it. You were the one who trained us, Natsume. Maybe Tsukasa could be the 2nd sexist man, taking the spot from ZOOL."

"We just have to let the world choose their sexist man. Well, I'm heading out." The empress leaves Clash's apartment.

"Good luck!" Hayate said.


The white-haired empress arrived at a cafe to relax. She entered the cafe and saw something familiar in the cafe. This is the first time she saw them in a cafe. She walked up to them and greeted them.

"How are you guys today, TRIGGER?" Natsume bowed.

"Who are you?" Tenn asked.

"You look familiar. I don't remember where." The manager examined Natsume.

"Hayabusa, it has been a long time since I last saw you." The gray-haired said.

"You know her, Gaku?" The light brown-haired asked.

"We knew each other when we were young. How is your brother doing?"

"He's doing fine. Busy as usual," Natsume replied as she smiled. "What brings you guys here?"

"We're-"

"Wait," Tenn cut off Gaku. He looked at Natsume. "Are you the White Empress?"

Natsume nodded. " I am. How did you know, Tenn?"

"Kujo-san told me about the White Empress. I didn't think I would meet her in person." Tenn replied.

"I see. It has been a while since I last saw Kujo," Natsume remembered the last time she met him. "It wasn't a fun experience."

"Ah! I remembered! You were at the Black or White 4 years ago." The manager remembered.

"Yes. I was. You must be Kaoru Anesagi the manager of TRIGGER," Natsume smiled. She looked at the light brown-haired. "And you must be Ryunosuke Tsunashi?"

"I am. And you are?" Ryu asked.

"My name is Natsume Hayabusa. I'm working for Momo to be an undercover manager for ZOOL." She answered.

TRIGGER and Anesagi were confused. They have no context of what is going.

"Is there a reason behind it?" Gaku was dumbfounded.

"Momo wanted me to be an undercover manager for ZOOL to watch them and Tsukumo. I'm surprised that Tsukumo chose me immediately." Natsume sighed as she curved her forehead.

"I feel sorry for you, Hayabusa-chan. You have to go through ZOOL's antics." Anesagi said as she was worried for Natsume.

She shook her head. "I'm fine. I've been used to antics since I was young."

"Are you going to be fine," Ryu asked. "They aren't nice towards anyone."

"I made it this far, but it's not going to last forever. They suspect me. I'm already tired playing innocent and dumb." The empress sighed deeply. "Momo told me to wait a little longer until the plan is over. Which makes you guys already have a plan. Are you planning to win MOP?"

Gaku nodded. "We are. We won't give up on our fans. They are still out there hoping for us to come back."

"Re:vale give us a gift to do our street performances. I hope this will work." Anesagi was worried if TRIGGER fans would come and watch them.

"I wish you luck. You and IDOLiSH7 will enjoy the rivalry at MOP. Tsukumo won't bother you guys." Natsume bowed.

"Be careful with ZOOL and Tsukumo. They might have plans for you too." Ryu was worried about Natsume.

Natsume chuckled. She's not a fool to fall for Tsukumo's plans. He's going to use her like a caged animal.

"Don't worry. Momo's plan is about to be over. Friends Day is almost there. It's time for me to go. I'll see you later, TRIGGER." The empress left the cafe.


Natsume sighed deeply. She doesn't know what to do now. It has been a couple of days since she didn't return. Going back to ZOOL and Tsukumo will be hell again. She decided to go to the mall to shop for some things. She arrived at the mall. Natsume was about to walk in a shop until she bumped into someone without paying attention.

"Sorry," Natsume looked up to see who it was. This is unexpected. She didn't think she would see him there. "It's you. Why are you here, Minami?"

"I was going to say the same thing." Minami said as he had his hand covering his mouth.

"I'm here to shop." She answered.

"That was straightforward." He laughed softly.

The empress never heard Minami laugh. She wanted to smile from his laugh. "At least, I'm able to hear your laugh, Minami."

Minami let it slide. "I'm here because of Ryo-san." He turned to Ryo and sighed. "He's looking at something on his phone."

Natsume looked behind Minami and saw Tsukumo on his phone. He is smiling about something. She doesn't know what he is planning. "He seems… to have fun." She curved her forehead.

"I don't know what he is doing." Minami said as he sighed.

"He looks like a stalker from every view."

Minami agreed. "He does. I hope no one catches him being like that. Ryo-san is a weird person."

"He's more like a tsundere if you tell me." The empress mumbled.

"Did you say something?" The platinum blond-haired adverted to Natsume. "It sounds like you know something about Ryo-san and ZOOL."

Natsume sighed lightly as she closed her eyes. Minami knows how to put pressure on others, but that isn't going to work on her. She has been through a lot of pressure in the past.

"What made you join up with Tsukumo? I hope it isn't for revenge."

"Fufu! You are a curious one. Who knows? Maybe I'm doing this for my entertainment. Besides I don't have any sort of revenge on anyone."

The white-haired empress can't read Minami's body language. He is truly a mysterious person. She examined him from top to bottom. There was nothing.

'I can't find anything. What a sly snake. If I follow what he said, I can tame him properly just like Toma. But how can I do it?' She thought.

Minami looked at Natsume suspiciously. "Is there something wrong? I hope there's no problem conversing with your personality."

"What was that?" Natsume looked at Minami with cold eyes.

"My my! Did I waken the beast," He looked at her eyes and smiled. Minami didn't expect to see her angry. This is the real Natsume. How can he tell Ryo about her? "Look at those eyes. The eye of a fierce tiger. Mido-san should take some notes from you."

She huffed. "How are you going to tell, Tsukumo? He thinks he caged me to show my beauty for the fans. He is wrong. Tsukumo has everything under his control."

Minami can tell that the empress was mocking Tsukumo. He could agree that Tsukumo has everything under control.

"So, you know about Ryo-san plans?" He asked as he stayed composed.

"Who knows? There are things I can't tell you." The empress replied as she shrugged.

Minami hesitated. There's nothing he can do. Tsukumo won't listen to him. He had one person he could ask. Maybe he can tell Minami the truth about Natsume. After all, he is closest to her.

"I see. I'm sorry for bothering you. Next time, I'll catch you inside a cage. You will tell me everything you know." He bowed.

Natsume was surprised that he was willing to catch her. She smirked as she's willing to take Minami's challenge.

"Is that a challenge? Or a bluff?"

"Oh. That's for you to know. I'm here for entertainment." He smiled bluntly.

She reached her hands on Minami's cheek. He hesitated when Natsume touched his cheek. Minami was confused about what she was doing.

"What are you doing?" Minami asked.

"Can't I look into your eyes, Minami? After all, it's the most beautiful eyes I seen." Natsume replied innocently. She removed her hands from Minami's cheek as she walked past him. "I'll see you later, Mina."

He watched as Natsume leaves. "She's truly a…" Minami stopped. "What am I talking about? No, there's no way. I wonder if she is."

The empress left the mall without buying anything, She never guessed that Minami and Tsukumo would be there. It would be cringe for her to talk to Tsukumo when Minami was there. She could have ignored him for being there with the President of Tsukumo Company. Natsume decided to return back to Clash's apartment for any news. She prays they have any good or bad news. Or maybe both.


She arrived at the hotel. There was someone waiting for her in the lobby. The red-haired Shinobu was waiting for the empress to return.

"How did it go?"

"Somewhat hard to deal with Minami," She replied as she sighed. "Let's go. I want to talk to the boys if you guys have anything to talk about." Natsume walked towards the elevator.

Shinobu turned to the window to see if anyone was following Natsume back home. He sees someone in the corner hiding in the pillar. It was crimson hair. He sighed.

"Natsume!?" He called out.

She stopped and turned to Shinobu. "What is it?"

"Was there someone following you?" Shinobu crossed his arms on his chest.

The empress did feel like she was being followed. There was only one person who would do that. He's really a lost dog.

She turned to the window and curved her forehead. "He's really a lost puppy. Bring him here, Shinobu."

"Are you sure? He might be a spy." Shinobu was being suspicious.

"It's fine. Toma wouldn't do that. He doesn't like how Tsukumo operates." Natsume assured. "I guess he doesn't like his master. I'm the better master than Tsukumo in his eyes."

Shinobu curved his forehead. "Gessh, Natsume. Can you calm down?"

"Heh. You know I can't do that. I can't turn down a lost puppy." She smirked.

There was nothing Shinobu could do to stop her. That's how she is. He rubbed the back of his head as he sighed. He walked out of the lobby to go out of the hotel.

Toma was still behind the pillar hiding from Natsume. He was still curious about Natsume's relationship with Clash. He can't hide forever. He looked at his hand and it was shaking a little. Toma took a deep breath to take away the shakiness to give him a boost.

"Hey! How long are you going to stay there?!"

The dark red-haired flinched as he heard a voice from behind. He turned around and it was Shinobu frowning. Toma was caught red handed. He didn't know what to say to Shinobu.

"Umm… why are you here, Shin?" Toma asked.

Shinobu dragged Toma out of his hiding spot and took him in the hotel. Toma was shocked that Shinobu dragged him. They entered the main lobby of the hotel. Toma was amazed to see how fancy the hotel was. The Leader of ZOOL sees Natsume standing there, smiling. It was like she knew he was hiding.

"You're really a lost puppy, Toma. How cute." Natsume said.

He flustered. She called him cute again. "Na-Natsu. H-How are you?"

"Well, shall we continue our fun from before?" Natsume licked her lips. Toma was redder than a tomato. He was getting hot from her seduced voice.

"Natsume, can you not. Let's go. They are waiting for us to return." Shinobu walked past the empress.

She whined. "You know how to ruin my fun, Shinobu," Natsume trailed behind. "Let's go, Toma. It won't be pleasant once you get there."

Toma was going to have that feeling when he was going to meet with Clash. They will probably lash him out. He can feel the shiver up on his spine.


They arrived at their destination floor and walked out of the elevator. Continuing walking through the halls, they arrive at the door. Natsume took out a key and unlocked the door. She opens the door and walks into the apartment. Shinobu closes the door from behind. They walk to the living room. They see the boys gathering the tv watching something. Natsume and Shinobu look at each other. He shrugs not knowing what is going on. Hayate turns around and sees Natsume and Shinobu.

Toma was dumbfounded by what was going on, but he was surprised to see how big Clash's apartment is. It's bigger than his apartment.

"Oh? Natsume, Shinobu, you're back," He said as he looked at Toma. "Oh, you must be Toma, am I right?" Toma nodded.

The empress nodded. "We are. So, what is going on?"

Tsukasa signals his head for her to watch the tv. She turns to the tv and watches to see what is going on. TRIGGER was on television. They have made their move to perform on the streets. It was pouring rain, a sign of good or bad luck with the audiences who are watching them. All of their fans are crying to see them sing and perform again.

Toma sees them watching TRIGGER on TV. He looked around at the room and saw Clash's sad faces. He didn't know what to say. It was his fault for causing this, but he didn't feel any emotions when he destroyed TRIGGER.

"They're singing their hardest as hard they can. They are doing everything they can for their fans," Takumi crossed his arms. "We all respect that. Not just as friends but rivals."

Akatsuki sighed. "It's sad to see them in this position. This rain is making it even sadder."

"At least they have the fans. They didn't give up hope." Minato spoons up a spoonful of king pudding and eats it.

Tsukasa can feel TRIGGER's pain. "I bet Tenn is crying. They are tears of joy. No one is perfect no matter if they break. They will come back to redeem themselves again once they raise up again. They will see each other once again from their last song here."

"I really want to punch the shit out of ZOOL for doing this. They are going to regret it." Shinobu hissed.

Toma flinched. He didn't know that Shinobu would be aggressive. He was sitting in the background just listening to Clash.

"Did you forget our plan, Shinobu?" Takumi asked.

He crossed his arms then smirked. "Of course not. The plan will be a success. They are our prey and the empress toys to play with."

"Prey? Empress?" Toma spoke up, all confused.

Clash turned to Toma. They weren't surprised that he was here. Of course, he is the prey. He is in their territory.

Tsukasa walked towards Toma menacingly. Toma walked backwards from Tsukasa's menacing walk. He hit the wall as he had nowhere to go. Tsukasa lended closer to Toma.

"You're lucky that Natsume won't let me hurt you, Toma. But I'm still disappointed for what you have done." He frowned.

Toma gulped. Tsukasa was definitely scary. He has never felt this pressure before. This is a new atmosphere.

"Don't scare him, Tsukasa. He's soft-hearted and a good boy. My taming is going to be better than Tsukumo. Unlike him, I'm going to make them feel a lot more comfortable towards me. He is mostly the easiest person to tame." Natsume smiled cheerfully.

Tsukasa chuckled. "Of course. Whatever you demand."

Akatsuki leans back on the sofa. "You have a nice taste, don't you, Natsume?" He smirks when he looks at the empress.

The Leader of ZOOL blushed deeply. Toma didn't think Natsume would think of him like that. He felt the warmth on his heart when she said that. It was making him happy inside.

"Of course! I tasted what I want to devour! A white tiger wants its toy to tease with." Natsume said, sitting on the rest arm of the sofa. She really wants to keep Toma to herself. Maybe more if she can get the taste of them.

"The White Empress is having her fun with ZOOL. I'm hoping they are going to listen to you. After all, you know Torao since you guys were kids, but despite his attitude. I doubt he would listen to his past life with you." Takumi picks up a water bottle from the table, opens the cap and drinks it.

Toma sighed deeply. He was saved by Natsume. He didn't know that Natsume is called The White Empress. Maybe there is a backstory to it.

Minato was dumbfounded. He doesn't understand what is going on. Of course, he is too young to understand the language they are using. He wants to be part of the conversation. He feels left out.

"What are you guys talking about?!" He asked, tilting his innocently. The young boy was eating king pudding listening to their... conversation.

Tsukasa went up to Minato, starting to pat his head. "You don't need to worry about it. You'll understand when you get older."

Minato pouted. "Kasa! That's not fair! Does Haya know what you guys are talking about?!" He envies Hayate.

Hayate nodded. "Of course, I do. Natsume is the one who told me everything about it. I don't know why she taught me all of those, but she told me things like that are going to happen to women if they act like that. So, Tsukasa is right, Minato. You're too young."

"Minato, you can attract fans with your cuteness. Don't worry about it. I'll tell you when you get older." Natsume smirked.

He smiled. "Okay!"

Shinobu sighed lightly as he rubbed the back of his head. "What a silly boy. Luckily, we didn't spoil him."

"I have something to tell you guys, but that can hold it later," Natsume said. Clash nodded. "Well, I'm heading back to my apartment. I'll see you guys later. Let's go, Toma."

Toma trailed behind Natsume. They leave Clash's apartment. Toma couldn't believe how close Clash are. Maybe someday, ZOOL can get closer to each other like Clash.

Akatsuki looked at Tsukasa. "Is it okay for Hayabusa-chan to be with Inumaru-san?"

Tsukasa doesn't like it either, but he has to trust Natsume. "For now, but if he does anything to hurt the empress then he will regret it."


Natsume and Toma arrived at her apartment. The dark red-haired started to blush. He was going to be alone with the empress. This is his first time going to her apartment. He started to think some erotic things.

"...ma! Toma! TOMMAA," Natsume shouted. Toma snapped out of his thinking and looked at Natsume. "I've been calling you."

"Oh?! Sorry! I was thinking about something." He apologized.

The empress caught on what Toma was talking about. "Oooh!? Were you thinking about that?" She licked her lips as she smirked.

Toma was shocked and embarrassed. She turned into a entire different person when she is erotic. He was too embarrassed to speak back.

"Na-Natsu, please. I can't. I-I don't know how to han-handle this." Toma covered his face with his hands.

Natsume laughed softly. "You are adorable when you blush, Toma."

"Stop. Please." He begged.

"Alright. I'll stop for now." Natsume took out her key to her apartment. She unlocked the door with the key, turned the handle to open the door.

They walked in the apartment. Toma looked around Natsume's apartment. It looks like a normal apartment. It was smaller than Clash's apartment. He remembered what he was here for. He got sidetracked from Clash's talk.

"Umm… Natsu?" He called her. Suddenly, Toma's stomach started to growl. He blushed in embarrassment.

"It is almost lunchtime. Why don't you sit down and relax? I'll go make some lunch." She started heading towards the kitchen.

"You don't need any help?" Toma was willing to help her cook.

"I'm good. Just sit down and wait until food is done."

Toma sat down on the couch and waited for Natsume to call him when she is done cooking. Like a dog waiting for his master to call him.


Lunch was served on the dinner table. Toma was amazed by all of the food on the table. He didn't know Natsume could cook. He never saw her cooking before. He was curious to know how it tastes. He never tastes her food.

"Amazing. I didn't know you could cook, Natsu. It looks delicious!"

Natsume sat on the chair and looked at Toma. "What are you waiting for? Dig in."

Toma picked up the chopsticks on the table and grabbed the food from the plate. He was amazed at how the food tasted. "Delicious! This is the best food I ever tasted!"

"Really? You don't cook for yourself?"

"I do, but it's not that good like yours."

"Oh, what did you want to ask, Toma?" She asked.

Toma remembered. "Oh, yeah. I have a lot of questions to ask."

"Great. A wave of questions incoming." Natsume rolled her eyes.

"I'm sorry, but I want to know more about you and Clash. Just who are you? Tsuka called you The White Empress. Who's Clash? How do you know so much about idol life?"

The empress picked her bowl of rice and ate. Toma waits for her to swallow her food to speak.

"It all started with my mom. She was the one who inspired me to be an idol. I love her voice and singing, but she passed away from an illness. That was when I started to become an idol. My mom was known as The White Princess. The other companies wanted to use me, because of my mom's inheritance. Of course, my dad didn't allow that. I'm the only one who looks like my mom. I entered an award called 'Children Sing Award' or CSA. I won the award for my talent, but people think I won because of my mom. That's how I got the title The White Empress." Natsume explained her past, but there was more to tell.

Toma was amazed and shocked at the same time. He feels sorry for letting Natsume bring up about her mom. He didn't have any words to say. "So, you were in the same position as ZOOL in the past? Sorry. You must be lonely without your mom."

"Don't worry. I'm not alone."

Toma was dumbfounded. "What do you mean?"

"I have Clash. They are always with me. No matter where I am. They were the ones who opened me up. Thanks to them. I have the motivation to continue my career." Natsume smiled.

"I'm glad they helped you. You wouldn't be here if they didn't do it." He smiled.

"You're right. After all, I did create Clash for a reason."

The Leader of ZOOL was shocked. "What?! You created Clash?!"

She nodded. "Of course. They are my boys. I have known them for 8 years."

Toma jaws dropped. "8 years!? That long. Clash is a whole new level than Re:vale. They were able to succeed as a group unlike with my previous one."

"You're thinking too much, Toma. It's all in the past. You can make it up for ZOOL, but you must apologize to TRIGGER."

"I can't. They deserved it." He hissed.

Natsume crossed her arms as she frowned. "I guess I can't change your mind about TRIGGER. You don't know the relationship between them. Don't worry, my boys will teach you a lesson."

Toma doesn't know how Clash works. They have been idols for 8 years. The pressure from Clash was insane.

"Am I supposed to be scared of them?" He asked as sweat was running down from his cheek. He was nervous.

The empress sighed deeply. She was getting tired. Natsume continued to eat her food. "The food will get cold if you don't eat."

Toma was surprised. He didn't expect for her to dodge his question. He ate his lunch silently. It was awkward for him for not having a conversation with Natsume.


They finished eating lunch. Natsume was washing dishes in the kitchen while Toma was sitting in the main room. He was thinking why Natsume stopped talking when he said that. Maybe it was because of him not going to apologize to TRIGGER. Natsume has a lot of experience of being an idol.

The empress arrives at the main room and sees Toma thinking. She walks toward Toma and sits down next to him.

"How long are you going sulk, Toma?" She asked.

Toma turned to Natsume and sighed lightly. "I'm sorry. I was thinking only for myself."

"That was me back then. I didn't understand anything back then when I was young." Natsume stared at the floor. Toma hesitated. "Sometimes it will be like that. Tsukumo is doing the same thing as me back then."

The Leader of ZOOL was dumbfounded. "It seems you went through a lot in the past. I want to fix my mistakes." Toma gave her a sad smile. "Sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" She asked. Toma didn't know what to say next. He stood there silently. Natsume stares at the Leader of ZOOL and sees what is going. "You're afraid of Tsukumo, are you?"

Toma flinched. He is afraid of the President of Tsukumo Company, but he doesn't know what he can do. "The things he promised me. He agreed to help me to get rid of TRIGGER under some circumstances."

"You don't need to hide it. You have to show him what you want. Not what he wants," she points at his chest. "This is what you need to use." she smiles.

Toma stared at her smile. He can't help but to stare. He looked away from her and focused on what she said. "My heart?"

Natsume nodded. "Listen to your heart. It tells you what you need to say. Your heart will never lie to your emotions."

Toma started to think what his heart was telling him. He sighs as it is impossible to figure out what his heart wants. "I can't. It's all mixed feelings."

"You need to think inside the box, not the outside." Natsume leans on Toma's shoulder. Toma was surprised by Natsume leaning on him. Some reason it feels comfortable and warm. "Sorry. I need to lean on something."

Toma didn't deny her for what she was doing. "You're fine. It doesn't bother me."

"So, what is important to you, Toma?" she asked softly.

"What do you mean?" he questioned back.

"That's probably what is hiding your emotions and feelings."

Toma started to think about what is important to him then it finally hit him. He figures out what it was. His heart is pouring out his emotions from what he cares the most. He smiles. "Thank you, Natsume. I think I know what my emotions are telling me."

"Good. Now, be a good boy and stay still." She demanded as she yawns. Toma blushed lightly. "I'm sleepy from everything today."

"But it's still afternoon." He said.

Natsume was already asleep. Like a tiger taking its afternoon nap while the dog is there to keep it company. Toma watched her sleep peacefully. He never saw someone sleep this peacefully. He wanted to caress her cheeks, but it would be wrong for him to do that. Unlike Torao. Toma wants to slow down the relationship and understand what he can fix. Thanks to the empress help. He understands now. He feels more closer to her now.

Toma can't help but smile as Natsume was sleeping. She is the only person who understands his feelings. He wishes he can do more than just be like this. There were still more questions he didn't ask, but that can wait.

He also yawned. He too was getting sleepy. Slowly, Toma leaned his head on top of Natsume's and closed his eyes. The two of them are now sleeping together. This is something he can remember forever if they were in a relationship.


Phew! I'm done with this chapter. This one took me a while to think. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I was able to get TRIGGER in this chapter, but it was short. Be curious in future chapters. See you guys in the next chapter!