"Just one more question, if you don't mind . . ."
Eiri fought back a growl as the interviewer asked his petite lover about . . . something. It probably had to do with Shuichi's latest accomplishment. Eiri could not say. He found he no longer cared to listen to the mock conversation anymore. It had gone on longer than planned, something that never would have happened if K still managed Bad Luck . . . if Bad Luck still existed.
A soft sigh escaped the novelist. If Bad Luck had never disbanded, he would not be waiting for Shuichi to graciously end an interview about his career change. If Bad Luck had remained together, Shuichi would be on tour right now, supporting a new album. They would be filming videos and conducting meaningless interviews and generally having the time of their lives, but that had not happened. K had suddenly resigned as the band's manager and without warning, allowing Reiji to step in once more.
That had been Bad Luck's downfall, allowing the American woman to return. Reiji had not really cared about the band itself, just Shuichi and his abilities, and her obsession had created a rift between the trio. That rift had grown by leaps and bounds in the short time she reigned over Bad Luck, causing damage no amount of time could ever heal. The former vocalist still had not forgiven her for driving that wedge between him, Hiro, and Suguru. All anyone had to do was mention her name and Shuichi's anger boiled out. Last Eiri knew, Hiro still was not speaking with Shuichi, despite the youth's attempts to smooth things over. In truth, it was not Shuichi's fault. He loved Bad Luck, and he would have done anything and everything in his power to keep the trio together. Hell, Shuichi had tried, but it failed miserably. In the end, the three men went their separate ways with Shuichi still trying to maintain friendships. It disheartened the vocalist and each time Hiro rebuffed him, a small piece of the vocalist died. When that happened, a small piece of Eiri died as well.
Still, Shuichi was not the type to give up. Eiri knew as much. His lover was too diligent. Shuichi did not know how to quit. Their relationship was proof of that.
'And for that, I'm happy,' he thought, smiling as the younger man finally walked towards him. 'In more ways than one.' Eiri just hoped Shuichi would not push too hard and drive Hiro further away from him.
"Ready?" he asked. His fingers itched to retrieve his cigarettes from his pocket.
"Yeah," Shuichi murmured, smiling back. "I'm ready. Let's go."
As they left the building, the former singer let out a soft sigh.
"I don't know how you do it, Eiri. I never thought being a novelist would be so demanding."
To that, Eiri snorted.
"Welcome to my world."