Um... The warning is directly involved with the plot so I'll write it in pig latin. c:

ARNINGWay: ARACTERCHay EATHDay

Haruka had made it clear by their second attempt to woo her- she had seen STARISH as nothing more than friends. She had never voiced this out of course, but you could tell - I could tell - by the glimmer in her eyes. She had seen them as stars in the ever vast sky, bright and powerful. She had seen herself as a mere human, only able to gaze with awe from a far distance.

I myself, admittedly, smirked inwardly as I watched my students slowly realize that they could not win her affections. I felt guilty, of course, but they could never understand the pain I felt when she asked me for advice on who to pick as her partner.

Now, you wouldn't understand why, of course, but let me emphasize this: who you pick as your partner when you graduate in Saotome Academy is ultimately the person who you will spend your entire idol career, and depending on your success, that could very well mean your whole life. You two would constantly be each other, spend the late hours of the night thinking of your new hit, some idols I know even go as far as to live with each other!

Do you understand now? She asked me who I think she should spend her whole life with. As a teacher, I knew I should help my students with a smile plastered on my face. As an Idol, I knew I should get rid of pesky newbies and fast. As man, I knew I just couldn't let the girl of my dreams get together with someone who isn't me without a fight.

There were three different sides of me fighting in my mind. Truth to be told, my "man" side almost won and I almost pushed her against the wall, ready to kiss her.

In the end, I couldn't handle the fighting within me and just sucked up my pride and just went neutral.

But one of my sides had gotten the better of me and accidentally slipped out another competitor.

At first I had thought it was my teacher side, if only because I had though that the other two sides would never let something like that slip. Deep inside me though, a voice whispered in my head.

"It wasn't because you're a teacher. It's because you wanted to throw her off balance, confuse her on who she should pick. You wanted her to be lost until the deadline where she'll just be a freelancer, then you could snatch her all for yourself!"

I had shoo'd the voice away, but I knew it was right. It had been proven when they played Maji Love 1000% for the president. I had been surprised that she had made a decision so quick, and more importantly a decision to spend her life with not one, but six men.

At that decision, I wasn't sure how to feel. Should I have been angry that she chose to live the rest of her life with six men, not one of them me? Or should I have been pleased that she wouldn't be able to pick a single one of them, if only to keep the band from falling apart?

I'd been pondering on the situation for so long that, before I knew it, they had graduated. I had sent them off with a smile, yes, but only because I knew I still had chances to see them, even if it wasn't as often as I'd like. I wouldn't be able to see them everyday, true, but they were going to go through the Master Course, so I still had a chance, however scarce it may be.

It took me a while to fully understand what this meant. When I did though, I shocked at my own stupidity.

It had been clear: I lost my chance.

I wasn't her teacher anymore. I had lost the only thing that kept me in her life. She no longer needed my guidance. She had STARISH and her new sempais to help her.

I'd be able to see her, but for what reason? I'd be delivering small errands for the President. That's it.

I berated myself. Why didn't I leave a stronger impact? Why didn't I work harder for her affections? Why was I so dumb?

I began to sink further in to the darkness with each passing day. I was careful though, I kept it only to myself. I kept everything bottled inside of me, made sure that my feelings wouldn't interfere with my work. Ryuuya almost found out, now that I think about it, after I had lost my cool on a particularly bad day. I had accidentally snapped at him using my real voice. I'd barely gotten away with it too, in fact, I don't even know how I'd gotten away with "We're going to do a fighting scene this week, so I'm getting all the practice I can get~" as an excuse.

Somewhere down the road, I somehow got better. I became generally happier and hell, even my acting improved. I suddenly got lots of praises about my work, more fan letters, more job offers. If I think I about it now, I don't know if I genuinely got better or if I just started appreciating the little things around me.

I was living in my perfect little world for who knows how long. I couldn't stay there forever, I knew that much, but I wanted to savor it for as long as I could.

As expected, my little bubble popped when the voice in my mind returned.

"You've been watching her, haven't you? Every little thing she does, you know. You know that she's falling for her sempai, don't you?"

I ignored it for as long as I could, but it was right.

Haruka was falling for someone.

Someone who isn't me.

I'd seen it in her eye when I was making my way to a job, her eyes filled with love for the man she was talking to. I watched from afar as the man told a joke and mad her laugh. As the man teased her and made her blush. As the man laughed at her pouting face.

That should be me.

I gritted my teeth and turned around. I was already late for the job, no use in going now.

That day was when I'd made the decision I should have regretted.

I became the opposite of my idol career.

I became a man.

I cut my hair off, burned all of my female clothes, destroyed my vanity table.

I wasn't doing this out of rage, and neither was I doing this out of love.

I was doing this for my pride.

I needed to prove to myself that I can be manly, I can win the girl that I love.

The next day, everyone was looking at me, I knew that. Females whispered to each other, wondering who the "new" male was, males groaned as they complained about how they already had too much competition, producers looked at me with greedy eyes.

I was walking to my office when someone stopped my path.

"Who the hell are you?"

I smirked, looking at my co-worker and long time friend. I put on my "normal" voice and spoke. "Aww~ Don't you recognize me, Ryuuya~? It's me, Rin-chan!" I watched as his eyes widened. I smirked and cleared my throat, reverting it to my real voice. "Don't look so surprised, Ryuuya. Wasn't it you who told me that it's a shame that I'm a man?"

I felt proud that I managed to leave everyone speechless, but I also felt disappointed at how shocked they were at my sudden transformation. It wasn't that hard to believe, was it?

Sighing inwardly, I made my way to Haruka.

She had been with STARISH at the time, so I had to think of a plausible way of stealing her without looking suspicious.

Well, that was frankly impossible, seeing as they probably won't even recognize me. With that sentiment in mind, I shrugged and decided to wing it.

"Yo," I had greeted as I entered the room.

The boys turned to me with questioning, some irritable, glances.

"Who are you?" One of them asked. I made my way to Haruka, ignoring the question.

"You don't mind me stealing Haruka, do you?" I asked, not really interested in their answer.

"Of course we min-!" Ignoring them once more, I had picked up Haruka bridal style and hastily made my way out.

Upon reaching the door, I turned to see them frozen, still processing what had just happened. "Oh, and for that first question," I paused, letting them come to their senses a bit more. "It's me, Tsukimiya Ringo."

I was already out of the building by the time I heard them scream a rather loud, "EHHHHHHHHH?!"

I looked down as I felt Haruka gripping my shirt. I slowed down to stop by somewhere and put her down. "I'm sorry, Haru-chan," I spoke gently. "You must be surprised by all of this."

"N-No!" She said hurriedly. "It's just that- um..." She looked up to face me. "Why did you take me?"

I paused at her question. Why did I steal her? "No particular reason, really," I said sheepishly. "I guess I just wanted to spend a day with you?"

Haruka flushed visibly. "W-with me?"

I leaned closer to her face. "Yes, with you, silly." I teased.

"W-why?" She asked, stepping back slightly. I noticed her discomfort and smiled apologetically. I don't want to force myself upon her, not yet. I walked forward and whistled, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Maybe I like you?" I watched her from the corner of my eye as she flushed even more. I was stopped from walking when she suddenly grabbed my hand.

Now it was my turn to flush. I, believe it or not, don't have much experience with women. "D-do you really mean that?"

I leaned closer to her face again. "Do you want me to?"

"U-um..." She fidgeted. "I'd appreciate your feelings and all..." She looked at the ground. "B-but I'm n-not sure I like you in that way, not q-quite yet."

I quieted to muse at her words. "I see." I shrugged, "Well, no matter," I held out my hand. "Let's enjoy the rest of our date, shall we?"

She was shocked, to say the least, when I had brought her to the amusement park. "Wh-what are we doing here?"

I tilted my head. "Do you not like amusement parks?"

She shook her head. "N-no! I l-like amusement parks! I-it's just that..." She looked at the entrance with awe. "Tomo-chan told me that this one just opened a week ago and th-that they're booked for the next two months... H-how do you have tickets to this place?"

I laughed lightly at how awe-struck she was. "Coincidence, that's all. One of my co-workers said that she was packed today, so she gave me her tickets instead." I winked at her. "Now how 'bout we go inside?" She nodded fervently as we made our way to the gate. A young woman greeted us there, smiling. I presented her the tickets and she happily let us in.

"I hope you enjoy, lovebirds!" She had called out. Haruka blushed, as I called back a reply.

We had spent the day riding rollercosters, merry-go-rounds, ferris wheels, everything! I had enjoyed all of the rides, but Haruka's smiling face made it all the better.

The day came to a close much too quickly. I really, really did not want it to end. I wanted to for one, just stay close to Haruka, and I had wanted to avoid an earful from my manager.

But, as they say, all things must come to an end. I walked with Haruka back to her dorm, tired and sore from the excitement. "I really do hope you enjoyed yourself." I spoke, trying to muster my energy. "I know I did."

"I-I enjoyed myself very much." She bowed. "Th-thank you for taking me out today." Chuckling, I ruffled her hair.

"Don't worry 'bout it." I grinned at her. I watched her as different emotions passed through her all at once. After settling down on one emotion, she had went on her tippy-toes and kissed my cheek. After doing so, she ran inside her dorm, face flushed red.

I'd been stuck in front of her dorm for a couple of moments before I realized what had happened. I made my way to my own dorm, my face stuck on a grin. The moment I reached my dorm, I screamed in joy and did a happy dance.

There was a reason why didn't regret my choice to become a man: this was it.

Haruka.

Days, weeks and months flew by me, and I didn't even care. I spent my time focusing on three things: teaching, my idol career and Haruka. I'd been questioned by the President several times, but I knew what I was getting into. The first time I was scared, true, but President only made several things clear: I was allowed to keep being an idol, just as long as I had no scandals of any sort, my emotions never interfered with work and I could handle having a relationship, being a teacher, and being an idol all at once. I wasn't allowed to distract Haruka from her work or STARISH's work, either. I had to keep my relationship a secret from everyone, save for those who are directly involved.

I had agreed on those terms, they weren't that hard.

Just as I was leaving, President stopped me in my tracks.

"Ringo." He had said. "The most important thing is love. No matter what happens, do not ever let anyone or anything get in the way of your love with Ms. Nanami. Remember that and your idol career will continue to prosper. Understand?" I had nodded numbly, not because of his serious tone, but because of how often he used it.

This is only the second time I heard it.

I left his office with questions on my mind. Was this why he forbid love? Because he let the love of his life go? Did he forbid love from his idols not to torture them, but to protect them?

If that was the case, then it made perfect sense.

Aside from that, I took Haruka on a few more dates before she finally agreed to be my girlfriend. Ryuuya better be thankful that all our rooms our sound-proof, because the night she agreed...

Well, I'll leave that to your imagination.

My idol career also boomed after I cut my hair. The press ate up my new look, and I got even more jobs than before. I, of couse, flaunted this fact to my manager who said, and I quote, "You'll never get any jobs looking like that!"

But enough with the past, let's talk about the future, shall we?

I was wearing a tuxedo, not really my style, but today was an exception.

In my hand held a small box, which in turn, held a silver ring with a ruby embedded in the middle.

I was going to propose.

The thought alone made me grin with madness, but the thought of everything after marriage... That made me want to do a happy dance.

What could you possibly hate? First, we'd have a fancy wedding, I'd see my beloved in a stunning dress, our lives would forever be held together. After, we'd spend every waking moment near each other's presence, and be comforted by the rings on our fingers of each other's love. Haruka would birth children, our own bundles of joy, then we'd watch them grow up, have children of their own.

My eyes wandered off and landed on the clock. It was almost time. I gingerly placed the box in my pocket and headed my way to her room. I knocked a few times and waited. The door was opened by Haruka's roommate Tomochika, who ushered me inside.

"Haruka's almost ready, just wait here and I'll go fetch her." She said, glancing at my outfit. I almost panicked, thinking that I must've looked odd. "You look nice in that." She complimented. I sighed inwardly. So I did look fine.

"Ringo?" My ears perked up as I heard Haruka's sweet voice. I turned to look at her and was left speechless.

She was stunning.

She wore a white dress that reached a little below her knees. Her hair was in a messy bun and she wore very light makeup.

"I- you... You look perfect." I stuttered.

She blushed. "Th-thank you... You look very dashing yourself."

There was an awkward silence between us, and Tomochika, sensing it, shoo'd us out.

"C'mon! If you don't go now, you're going to be late on your reservation!"

While I could have gotten a car for us to use, it was a beautiful night out. The sky was clear of the usual smoke and the moon was out. I walked with her hand in hand to the restaurant. Time flew by the moment we sat down. I was so entranced by her beauty, the whole world just... disappeared and all I could see was Haruka and only Haruka. She was sparkling.

We were already out of the building when I snapped out of my trance.

It was then I noticed my mistake:

I forgot to propose.

What. How the hell did I forget?!

My free hand moved to the box, making sure it was still there.

Better late than never, right?

"Haru-" I was interrupted when a man pushed me to the ground and ran, pulling Haruka with him. I landed on the ground harshly, creating a loud bumping sound. I flinched from pain before forcing myself to run after them.

A plan flashed in my mind: The project I'm working on revolved around a detective, a prosecutor and an attorney. If I could somehow trick the kidnapper in to thinking I was a cop...

I stopped behind a corner and played some sirens on my phone.

"Stop!" I said, shifting my voice to resemble a cop.

The man cursed and dropped Haruka. "Shit! Who the fuck called the cops?" He ran away hastily, thinking that there were real cops following him.

I sighed in relief and made my way to Haruka. She was lying on the floor with her eyes closed and her body limp.

The bastard must've knocked her out. Tch.

I mean, that's the only possible reason, right?

Right.

I shook her slightly, rubbing the dirt of her beautiful face. "Haruka..." I cooed gently. "It's okay, I've driven away the bad guy..." I stroked her face comfortingly when I noticed something wrong.

Why was her body becoming cold?

I don't remember exactly what happened after that, but I do know that some mean cops forced me to separate from my Haruka.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked the cops. I shifted my gaze to the window, only to see some weird people in white clothes take her to a van. "Where are you taking Haruka?"

The smaller one looked at the taller one with worry. He forced a smile on - why is he forcing a smile on? - and spoke gently.

I don't remember his words.

I don't remember the ride.

All I remember was the destination.

I remember they brought me to this big building with long white hallways.

I remember was the white suited men brought Haruka down one of the hallways.

"Move! She inhaled too much chlorine!"

I remember trying to follow Haruka, but then being forbidden.

"Sir! You can't go inside the Emergency Room!"

I remember even more white suited men talk in hushed tones.

"It's hopeless."

I remember the police man asking me about phone numbers.

"Is there anyone who is directly involved with, erm, Haruka?"

I remember STARISH appearing a few minutes later looking all tired.

"Wh... What happened to Nanami?"

I remember being pushed to the wall.

"You bastard! Why didn't you save her?"

I remember smiling and asking what he meant.

"I don't understand what you mean. Haruka was knocked out, right?"

I remember one of them pointing to the floor.

"Kurusu, stop. Look. He was planning to propose."

I remember diving for the box, holding it by my heart.

"He's in shock. He doesn't know what happened."

I remember trying to go to Haruka once more.

"You... really don't know, do you?"

I remember me tilting my head, asking him what he meant.

"Haruka's... dead. Her kidnapper gave her an overdose of chlorine."

I remember smiling and telling him the truth.

"What? She's just asleep, silly!"

I remember being punched.

"Stop lying to yourself! She's dead, just accept the truth!"

...

I don't remember anything.

She's dead.

No, she's not!

She's dead.

No, she's waiting for me in her room, wearing her pretty white dress!

She's dead.

No, she's no-

She's dead.

No, she-

She's dead.

N-

She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead. She's dead.

"SHE'S NOT DEAD! SHE CAN'T BE DEAD!"

"Tsukimi-"

She's dead.

I fell to my knees.

"She's dead..."

I was too selfish.

You have always been too selfish.

I lost my chance.

You never had one to begin with.

Epilogue:

Ringo awoke suddenly, tears falling down his face. He looked to the other side of his bed, empty and cold.

"She's dead...?" He whispered, tears falling at at an even faster pace.

He sat in his bed, crying for who knows how long, until he felt something light crawl his back. He choose to ignore it, his mind still filled with depressing thoughts.

She's dead.

The thing crawling his back made its way to his face, and promptly slapped it, causing him to fall back on his bed.

"Wha-?"

He opened his eyes once more, only to be met with sparkling gold eyes.

Haruka's eyes.

The smell of pancakes entered the room as the child with golden eyes began to speak.

"Dada, mamma shay it bweakfasht time."

"Hanato...?" He whispered. His own blue eyes brightened and he rubbed the tears out of his face. He grinned at the child as he moved to the bathroom to change.

"Dada? Mamma shay she no like whaitin'."

"I'm just changing, I'll be out in no time!" He replied to the child.

"Otay."

After changing, he made his way downstairs, the child laughing giddily on his neck.

"Wheeee!" The child squealed as they reached the kitchen.

"Hanato!" The world stopped as he heard her sweet, angelic voice call out.

"Mamma!" The child reached out, signaling her to carry him. Haruka happily abided and took Hanato from his shoulders, spinning him around. After putting the child down, she went back to humming and cooking.

Snapping out of his trance, he hugged her from behind, surprising her.

"Haruka." He whispered tenderly in her ear. He chuckled as her ears turned red in no time. "I love you, you know that, don't you? I will always protect you from every and any dangers that come our way. No matter what happens, I will love you and only you."

Haruka turned redder and redder with each word he said. She wiggled out of his grasp and turned to him, pointing the spatula accusingly. "I-I kn-know! C-come on! D-did you have to m-make me bl-blush th-this early in the morning?"

Ringo blinked slowly before chuckling. He almost thought she hated him.

Almost.

He ruffled her hair before stealing a quick kiss from her, making her become even redder.

"Yes."