Sweet Debauchery Chapter 9, a jujutsu kaisen/呪術廻戦 fanfic

Chapter 9

''Starting today you and Mei Mei shall be exclusive.''

Exclusive!

Exclusive?

The audio in Nanami's ears went faint. He no longer heard anything else Yaga said. All he could register was the white noise coming from the outside traffic. The loud motor engines, the chatter from the outside, and the rooms next door that housed another meeting. His mind went blank for a bit, like a white piece of paper, before he envisioned the words ''exclusive'' his name, and ''Mei Mei'' painted in black ink contrasting the pale color of the paper. What had he just heard? Mei Mei came into his vision as he saw her sit down with a small wicked smile, legs crossed staring at her fingernails. It was as if she knew something he didn't know. Yaga continued to talk not noticing the dilemma forming in Nanami.

Sound crashed back into Nanami's ears in one quick setting causing him to feel unbalanced from his usual put-together poised self.

''' Excuse me?'' Nanami spoke harshly, his face showered in confusion from what he'd just heard.

''Were you listening? That's so unlike you Nanami.'' Mei Mei chuckled as she continued to stare at her nails now picking at them. The dim grim red of Mei Mei's nails reflected the deceptive attitude of hers, it repulsed Nanami to his core. It was one of the reasons he decided to cut things short between the two, he didn't like that attribute in people. He gravitated toward those who were kind, warm, and purpose-filled. Thoughts of Tiana filled his mind helping to ease the rise of his blood pressure.

''I refuse.'' Nanami's lips were thin.

''It's not a matter of if you want to or not. You will.'' Yaga spoke casually as Nanami bit back at the anger roaring inside the depths of his gut.

''I'm sorry sir but my job is to sing, dance, perform, and make music under this label. Nothing more or less. Dating has nothing to do with that outside the 7-year dating ban. This proposal defeats that.'' Nanami spoke rationally but Yaga just focused on reading some documents in front of him, his eyes failed to meet Nanami's which only made Kento's frustration rise. Normally Yaga was strict and on the go, but right now he was acting too easy about this whole ordeal. This isn't what Nanami signed up for.

It was hypocritical for Kento to be mad about the rules being broken when he already broke the 7-year dating ban, but that was on his terms. He wanted to date Tiana. Here the situation was controlled.

Did Mei Mei put Yaga up to this? She seemed relaxed with the idea, raising no objections or concerns. Nanami knew she wanted to be with him as well, this whole proposal would benefit her in that regard.

Whatever the reason, Kento could not fake a relationship with Mei Mei. Even if Tiana was understanding he couldn't bear to do it. She was the only person he wanted a relationship with and the idea of entertaining a fake one could cause problems he didn't need. He'd never want Tiana to see him with another woman.

''This isn't about you or Mei Mei. It's bigger than that. To the fans, they love you both as a pair. Whenever you both are photographed due to overlapping schedules engagement is through the roof. We can test the waters with how the fans will engage a member dating someone they adore, we also believe we'd get huge revenue and more publicity from it so it's a win-win.'' Yaga explained

''Sweet Debauchery is already making a lot of revenue alone from our music, albums, and fan events. It's not like the company hasn't gotten back their investment in us. As I've mentioned, I never signed nor agreed to the company having autonomy over my love life or private matters.'' Nanami shot back

''You technically have Kento.'' Mei Mei interjected standing up with a lazy hand on her hips glaring with lax lilac-colored eyes. Nanami shot a piercing glare at her constructing what she was getting at but failed to come to a solid conclusion.

''I believed we had the dating ban to appeal to our fans is that not true? Unless you are insinuating something else? Despite that, I or my members agreed to this, we...''

Before Nanami could even finish his sentence Yaga placed a bundle of documents on his table motioning Nanami to come forward, it took Nanami some time to register that it was his contract. Seven hundred and three pages worth of legal jargon and clauses all bunched together, Nanami began to feel uneasy as he remembered only reading the first half of the contract. His members barely read three pages of it. Was there something he was unaware of? Immediately his eyes locked onto the highlighted mark of yellow under the following words ''The Ten Unbreachable rules'' and under clause 5 highlighted the following words.

''5. THE NAME, BRAND, MUSIC, AND IDENTITY OF YOUR ASSIGNED GROUP AND GROUP MEMBERS ALL BELONG TO JJK RECORDS''

''By law under contract, JJK Records owns the rights to your brand and identity Nanami. It's the same for you and all the members. Any ideas or marketing strategies we have regarding how we want to present you and the members are all under my and Gakuganji's direction.''

Nanami felt tricked. He agreed to something without his consent out of pure ignorance. That day he and the members were starry-eyed and hungry for a debut that they didn't even bother to check what they were getting into. It also didn't help that they had only a day to read over the contract, a red flag now that Nanami thought about it.

The issue of Geto's rejected music came across Nanami's mind. Despite their best attempts to get Geto's songs used in their upcoming album, his songs got either rewritten or had his name erased from the writing credits.

What was going on?

''What about my members? Will they know what about this 'proposal''' Nanami's tone returned stoically

''Yes. We won't leave them out of the dark about it. The plan is to get you both seen together enough to create speculation of a dating scandal. At first, we will let the media and fans ponder in speculation until near the date of Sweet Debauchery's debut album. Then we'd have you both exclusive.'' Yaga explained a shadow of excitement crept up on his mouth as if he was being entertained.

''Well, I'm all for this plan Yaga. I mean I can't be against it or I get sued. And that means money gone from my pockets. But…'' Mei Mei's eyes lured onto Nanami like a snake watching its prey. She never stopped her endeavor of being with Nanami, even though he had turned her down she planned to get him in whatever way she could. With Yaga's proposal, she uses it to trap Nanami in her web and lure him into her den.

''Getting to entertain Nanami would be good fun, wouldn't you agree Kento?''

Without another word, Nanami excused himself from leaving the room despite Yaga's protests. He'd deal with whatever punishment Yaga may give him for leaving the meeting, but right now he needed to cool off before acting out of turn.

—

''I miss Utahime.''

''I believed we had the dating ban to appeal to our fans is that not true? Unless you are insinuating something else? Despite that, I or my members agreed to this, we...''

''5. THE NAME, BRAND, MUSIC, AND IDENTITY OF YOUR ASSIGNED GROUP AND GROUP MEMBERS ALL BELONG TO JJK RECORDS''

What was going on?

''What about my members? Will they know what about this 'proposal''' Nanami's tone returned stoically

''Getting to entertain Nanami would be good fun, wouldn't you agree Kento?''

—

''I miss Utahime.''

''It's only been three days since her week off Satoru. We're seeing her this Friday for Takada's party. You're acting like she's dead or something?''

''I miss her too, she always checks if I've eaten during schedules.'' Choso chimed in

''Really Choso? I'd love it if she did that to me.'' Gojo fantasized about how that would be before an image of her cute angered face formed in his mind. A quick whack swatted Gojo's head before he turned to see Suguru's pointed face.

''I know you love teasing Utahime but we must focus and record this song. You can tease her as much as your heart's content at the party.''

Choso, Gojo, and Geto were in the recording room to record a new song Geto had written called 'Nothing'. The song is a love song about the emotional pain of loving someone unaware of your feelings and the fear of losing them to someone else. This song had been one of the many songs Geto had written about his feelings regarding Shoko, and the only one he'd let out in the light to let anyone else hear (except Satoru). Something about the song felt right to be used for Sweet Debauchery's debut album, the group liked the RnB feeling the song had, and even Sakuna and Toji were okay with the song being more vocal lead.

Nanami was to record his parts after his meeting, and Toji and Sukuna were on their way to record after completing an interview for a schedule they had done.

''Okay, so Geto you said I should try sounding more longing instead of emotional for this take?'' Choso asked speaking into the microphone, he wore a black cap that cast a shadow over his face and black sweats. He held onto the headphones as he anxiously awaited Geto's advice.

''Yes try to sound like you're yearning, but it's fine if you sound emotional too. The song is supposed to sound that way from the perspective of someone facing a dilemma. Also, I want you to sing this freely. Try and think about someone you love or care about when singing. You've got the first and fourth verse Is that okay?'' Geto clarified, he also was dressed down in a big white t-shirt and wide denim jean pants.

''That's good. Let's go.'' Choso smiled.

Geto pressed the record button and gave a thumbs-up along with Gojo.

A soft piano played against a sweet instrumental a few moments before Choso began singing.

''First of all, I'm happy that looked back at you, I'm happy that I looked back at you. If I told you the truth then maybe it would be me that's with you, oh, it'd be me that's with you.'' Choso's airy voice glided around as he sang sweetly, his tone was melodic with a hint of yearning.

''I guess I should have known to give you all of me, but at that time I was afraid my love wasn't what you need. But now I'm here, losing all of my energy. Seeing you with someone else, I just need you here with me, I need you here with me girl.'' his voice began more stern and demanding but remained soft and poignant.

Geto stopped recording and shot another thumbs-up while Gojo smiled.

''You're vocals are improving Choso, you're teaching him well Suguru.'' Satoru complement

''I agree, Choso you sounded just right for that verse. The fans will love this. I hope Yaga doesn't change anything about this song.''

''He's an idiot if he does Suguru. This song is something and if it does come to that you just leak it out and let the fans decide if it's good. He'd never know you leaked it and he'd have to let us put it on our album.'' Gojo shot out as he slouched on the chair he sat on, he also was dressed down with a huge purple hoodie and black shorts.

''You know Gojo is right. You and Nanami have tried asking Yaga but he keeps changing every song you put forward. Even Sukuna's raps are being changed caused a huge argument between him and Yaga. I feel any song we put forward will be altered now. It's like everything changed after our EP mini album with how Yaga is directing things.'' Choso spoke through the microphone.

''I feel you both are right. But something just feels off. And I don't want us to get in trouble for leaking it. I dunno. Let's just continue focusing on recording. Satoru fo you want to record some of your lines and then we'd come back to Choso?'' Suguru asked

Suguru found it fun to have the members record together and alternate between takes to keep a rhythm.

''That's cool with me,'' Gojo said walking towards the booth he high-fived Choso as he was exiting.

Gojo stepped into the booth feeling nothing. He didn't have much on his mind, he only felt somewhat tired, but that was usual due to his schedule. It was ironic because the song is called Nothing but he had to feel something for the song. Right now Gojo didn't feel that. Also knowing the true meaning behind how it invoked Suguru's true feelings for Shoko made Gojo feel like he was intruding by singing it. The song is amazing and one of Geto's great works, but Gojo mulled over how it could sing it.

Standing in the recording booth Gojo fiddled with the microphone as he thought to himself as words from Suguru muffled in the background.

''Hey, blockhead what are you doing just standing there? '' Suguru laughed.

''It's nothing I'm ready to go,'' Gojo said giving a thumbs-up

''Great. Remember this song's about someone yearning for someone they can't be with. You've got the chorus so you've got to make it strong. I know it may be hard for you since every woman wants you, but try and think of a scenario where the perfect girl for you whom you want is with someone else.''

''Hey just because every woman wants me doesn't mean it's gonna be hard.'' Gojo joked before he bit his tongue forcing himself from speaking. He couldn't let Geto or Choso know what he was about to say.

''You're always joking around Gojo. Anyway, you gonna do great you always do.'' Choso laughed

Gojo nodded at his friend as he pulled on his black shorts, he placed the headphones over his ears, took a breath, and closed his eyes as he imagined the scenario Geto suggested in his mind as the instrumental played before he started to sing. However, his mind led elsewhere.

''It's worth it, worth it, see it's worth it. The way you make me feel I'm yearning, I'm yearning, can't you see I'm yearning. Why did it take me this long, to say how I felt all along? But now I know that you are worth it, it's worth it, see it's worth it.''

A confused brow formed on Geto's forehead, and his eyes squinted before he stopped the recording. Choso also had a questioning look on his face under his cap.

''Nice job with the vocal….but…you…you do sound…frather rustrated. But not in the way you normally are. There was a huge urge to your voice like you... '' Geto started but got tangled with words.

''Do you like Utahime?'' Choso asked quietly

Oh no.

Gojo felt nothing about this song before until Geto gave that stupid scenario of the perfect girl not wanting him, and now he couldn't get Utahime out of his stupid mind. He didn't mean to sound frustrated. Was he that easy to read?

''No! Why would you say that? I'm only doing what Suguru told me to.'' Gojo lied, he quickly reached inside the pocket of his shorts and pulled out his signature purple-tinted sunglasses to hide his eyes. A rush of heat spread to Gojo's cheeks.

''Let me guide you on how to sing it,'' Suguru spoke as he sang the chorus for Gojo to hear. His vocals were relaxed and controlled, low but stern as he swiftly changed pitch into a higher smooth rich tone. Geto always made singing look so effortless Satoru thought, he began to feel a little flustered & embarrassed about his attempt before so Gojo turned his back towards his members outside the booth.

''Yo, sorry we are running a bit late, that stupid traffic took time to get through.''

''I'm beyond tired as hell, like get this up and done with Geto. The sooner the better!''

Just great, Sukuna and Toji had to arrive now, Gojo thought as he tried to calm the rising heat in himself down.

''It's all good Satoru just recording now but once he's done we can pass it over to either of you to do your raps. You good to go Satoru?''

''You know what, I'm going to take a break and you both take the floor. I'm good with that.'' Gojo quickly removed his headphones and exited the booth for Sukuna to walk in.

Geto stared at his best friend curiously, for every recording session he'd never acted like that. Something was off.

''Sukuna I know your part has rapping but for this song I need you to sound emotive to keep up with the theme of the song,'' Geto suggested

''Screw that! I'm not the softy lover type of guy that's trash. Listen the song is dope but I'm gonna rap in my usual style.'' Sukuna yelled, Geto groaned deciding to let it go. Sukuna could be a handful.

Gojo sat back on the chair he was slouching off prior, but now Toji was next to him. Choso sat with Geto who was overseeing the recordings.

''You seem very distracted. You okay man.'' Toji asks with a sly smile.

''I'm surprised you cared so much about my well-being Toji'' Gojo gasped fakely. He was grateful that his flustered state had gone now. He wouldn't be able to bear Toji and Sukuna's teases if they had noticed. Especially if they guessed it was about Utahime. No one could know

''Anyway, how was the schedule?'' Gojo asked

''It went fine. The interview was great but the crowd was crazy though. We couldn't even speak without them screaming half the time. We had Nita accompany us but she wasn't as efficient as Utahime.'' Toji replied

''Yeah, I get what you mean. For my schedule I did with Chanel on Monday my outfit came late to the shoot. I'm guessing it's not her fault since she's covering for Utahime and doing her job at the same time.''

''True. But you're the one who suggested Utahime go on break. Anyway, Utahime told me she's resting well so that's good.''

Huh?

''She told you what. '' Gojo's eyes split open underneath his sunglasses.

Did he hear Toji right?

''Utahime's resting well. We spoke on the phone. After I helped her in the elevator it seems she's warmed up to me somehow. She even sent me a thank-you gift. It was nice.''

How unfair! Gojo had gotten Utahime a whole week off, took care of her when she fainted, and had been attentive and nice to her but all he got was a tiny smile from her. Toji does one good measly act getting her out of an elevator and he gets a phone call & a gift?

Did Utahime like…Toji?

Gojo felt his chest sting.

''I didn't know Utahime was cool with you. What did she even get you?'' Gojo rushed out.

''I'd rather keep it a secret. Now hush we should be overlooking the recording session'' Toji winked leaving Gojo frustrated again.

''Remember the days you begged me to stay, huh, funny how that changed to you going away now. Nope, I can't watch get with folks who ain't me! Cuz what I need is healing! And in the end, if I don't take a chance I'm left bleeding. Now I'm on the ground bleeding out and you don't care. Rub your fingers through a person's hair. But I better keep in mind I feel like I'm nothing other than a mindset.'' Sukuna rapped swiftly in a harsh melodic rhythm as he emphasized each word.

''Nice! Despite sounding harsh and rough, this contrast helps bring another feeling to the song. It works. This take is fine with me, but if you want to do another that's cool too.'' Geto directed

''I'mma do one more but with cursing. I don't care what that old man Yaga says these censored raps I have to do are ass cheeks!'' Sukuna yelled into the microphone.

''Sukuna'' Geto breathed, ''How many times do we have to go through this? You know…''

A small creek came from the door as it opened to reveal Nanami at the opening. His stoic face was pale and whitewashed as if he was a ghost of himself. Nanami loomed at the door for a few seconds before walking in slowly as he stood near Gojo and Toji giving a small nod to them and everyone else.

There was a shift in the tone of the atmosphere as soon as Kento arrived, it went from a chilled recording session to fragments of gloom. Immediately everyone knew something was off. Nanami was always composed, calm, and poised, you'd rarely see him out of it. It was not a good sign for the leader to be off his game.

''Nanami? Man, you look so out of it. Are you okay?''

—--

Utahime lunged forward in force as she swung her baseball bat in full power landing as she watched it float in the air before landing a strike. It had been months since she had a baseball bat in her grip since she stood on the field and smelt the warm scent of grass. The weather was sunny with a hint of breeze, and the element of spring was creeping which Utahime was glad for. Though she wouldn't admit it Utahime felt super grateful to Gojo for this week off, for the last couple of days she slept in, was able to catch up on all the animes she currently was watching, call her parents to update them on her life, and catch up on domestic work/chores at her apartment. It was after the work day and Shoko came to hang out with Utahime at the baseball park around the city she relocated to.

''Nice one! But remember to take it slow because of your shoulder.'' Shoko lectured sitting in the bleachers covered away from the rays of the sun as if she were a vampire escaping the light.

''I know, I know. But I feel so much better, my shoulder isn't hurting as much since I've rested. I feel I can still train again soon if I just keep saving I can afford to go back as a trainee by mid-summer.'' Utahime spoke as she ran to fill up the baseball pitching machine.

''That's all good and all, but what about your job Utahime? How are you gonna train for baseball and be a personal assistant for Sweet Debauchery? Also, can you still go back to training after taking an absence for so long?'' Shoko fanned herself waiting for the breeze to hit her face.

''I'll find a way. I can start looking for another job that's part-time that pays enough to look after my family regarding the bills. Once I do and I have enough to pay for training I can quit.'' Shoko crackled up causing a startled Utahime to drop a pack of baseballs. She'd never heard Shoko laugh before like that, was her idea that funny?

''I don't think that you're gonna be able to quit that easily.'' Shoko decrypted

''What do you mean?''' Utahime asked walking over to her friend.

''You really think Satoru Gojo will let you quit? Also, Choso adores you, Nanami, Geto, and Toji take a liking to you as well. And I don't know about Sukuna, he just seems crazy.'' Shoko detected

''Gojo? He can't stop me from doing anything. I know he's eccentric and all but he's not gonna go as far as to kidnap me or something so I won't leave. Right?'' Utahime crackled but Shoko showed no avail to her response staring at her deadpanned expression.

''You got to be kidding me? Is the guy that insane?''

''Yes. I've known Satoru for years since a child, he is very curious about you. More than I've seen him be with anyone aside from Suguru. But it's in a different way than it is with you. And once he's curious about something he doesn't stop focusing on it. He's a psycho in a way.''

''What do you mean?'' Utahime raised a brow.

''The guy is down bad for you Utahime. He's always looking at you and trying to get your attention whenever I see you guys. Also, he's been asking me questions about you and what you are like since I'm your friend, I told him he needs to get to know you better on his own. But he says he's struggling.''

Now Utahime was the one laughing. She couldn't believe what she'd heard. Gojo didn't like her, he just loved teasing her for his own satisfaction for whatever weird reason. He's a famous singer in a J Pop group with a billion fangirls and admires, so it made zero sense for him to like an average girl like herself. And she didn't want him to.

''But why me? There's no logical reason for him to be interested if he was, I still believe he's just joking around. And anyway I'm not interested in him. So he's wasting his time.''

''Well it's not just him who's interested, it seems Toji is too since he called to check up on you. What do you think about that?'' Shoko asked wiping off beats of sweat off of her forehead, Utahime had now sat next to her tugging at her basketball cap as she mulled over the question.

''I don't know. He seems nice but I can't make a read on him. But that time in the elevator really gave me some perspective. And it was nice of him to check up on me on my time off.''

''And you did send him that fruit basket to show your thanks.''

''I was just showing my gratitude.''

''But you didn't have to. Right?''

''You're starting to sound like Gojo with the teasing,'' Utahime whined leaning her head on Shoko's shoulder as the two began to laugh for a moment before a pregnant pause took place.

''Hey! You're teasing about Toji but you told me you always buy gifts for Geto and Gojo. But that doesn't mean you like them romantically since you are engaged.'' Utahime spoke

''That's different they are my childhood friends. I've known those knuckleheads forever. I'd never date Satoru if he was the man standing.'' Shoko moved forward gagging a little as she rubbed under her purple eye bags. It had been a workday dealing with many patients.

''Well, what about Geto?''

''Huh? I mentioned him and Satoru. Didn't you hear me?''

''No, you only mentioned Gojo or 'Satoru' like you call him.'' Utahime shuddered, Shoko didn't say anything only standing up to stretch her body before answering Utahime.

''I'd never date both of them. They are family to me. Like brothers. I do hope Hiromi can get close to them, it would be nice if that was the cause'' Shoko said looking forward to the grass on the ground.

''I'm sure they will in due time. Gojo and Geto seem very friendly too, it just takes time.''

''You're right. It's just I could sense Suguru had a little animosity towards Hiromi for some reason.'' Shoko pressed on, her eyes began to squint in thought.

''Maybe you're looking into it a little too much? You told me they only met your fiance once, like you said it may take more time to bond with him.'' Utahime suggested.

''That's true. But I feel the need to talk to Suguru too. I haven't really spoken to him for a while either, he doesn't call as much as Satoru does.''

''Well, that sounds like a plan.''

—--

''You have to do what!?'' Gojo yelled

''That wasn't in our contracts was it?'' Choso questioned meekly

''Could he request us to do the same? I don't want to fake date someone.'' Geto asked

''Something seems super fishy. Anyway, I'm not a man they can just control, and neither are you Nanami. You need to fight back'' Toji loomed with a dark grin

''Exactly! To hell, with Yaga, I'm gonna tear him a new one the next time and leave him bloody the next I see him.'' Sukuna cracked his knuckles harshly and gripped onto his fists ready for any action coming his way.

''No Sukuna. You know what happened the last time you did that? You beat Yaga up and got put on suspension for three weeks. We can't have that again unless you want to get kicked out of this group.'' Nanami lectured rubbing his fingers into his forehead.

''I don't care. If he kicks me out I aint leaving! To hell with what he thinks.''

Nanami drew a long breath. This wasn't what he needed right now. He knew his members would react this way once he told them about this awful proposal. All he wanted was some counsel right now, and comfort from Tiana but she wasn't picking up his calls. He began to feel worried about her. How was she doing? The smile in her voice, her cheeky laugh, and her warm tone. The feeling was very absent in his life which he hated.

The group's recording session was paused to discuss the occurring events.

''Look Nanami. What would the repercussions be if you don't go through with this proposal? You'd get suspended for some weeks and be back in no time. He can't kick you out. Yaga says we are bound by contract but is he even willing to help you in this case? I thought he was all for us and this group?'' Gojo asked seriously. Since debut Yaga had been there for Sweet Debauchery and even told all the members he had their best interest. This sudden proposal left Gojo in the blue.

''I could be sued for that. A whole lawsuit could happen. And I'm under contract for 7 years, we all are.'' Nanami spoke in frustration.

''I don't know Satoru…remember I've been questioning why the songs I write for the group keep getting re-written? My name being removed from the songwriting credits? Yaga hasn't done anything about that. It may not be him that's in control but it doesn't seem like he's helping.'' Geto spoke

''I think the smartest thing to do is to get a lawyer to read our contract. It's so long that we didn't even read everything when we signed it. There still could be some crap we don't know about that we're bound to do.'' Toji interjected Geto and Choso nodded in agreement.

''Isn't Shoko's fiance a lawyer Gojo? You mentioned that to me. We can get him to help.'' Choso suggested.

''We barely know the man Choso, we can't just ask him for help.''

''Shoko does you idiot! Get her to ask him. Why are you acting dumb as hell?'' Sukuna yelled, Geto just rolled his eyes trying his best to ignore him.

''He's probably busy with his own work, I don't think we should involve him. We can always our lawyer.''

''But Sato represents JJK and us. His best interest would be for the company over us since we're just signed under it. It makes no sense to go to him. Let's just go with whoever this guy is.'' Toji spoke but got interrupted by Nanami's phone which began to ring from his pocket, he reached inside and saw Tiana's name appear on the screen. He quickly hid his phone away and rushed out to take the call lying the call was from his grandfather.

As Nanami left the room, Gojo took Geto away to the side to speak with him regarding Higuruma.

''I know it feels awkward to call for Higuruma for help, but he seems like a nice guy who can help us out. He seemed fine with it too when we mentioned this at dinner with Shoko." Gojo whispers

"I don't have a problem with him. I'd just rather use someone else. We can get Utahime to look for an entertainment lawyer for us."

"She's already overworked. I don't want her coming back from the break to face that task." Gojo pushed back

"Choso was right, you do like Utahime." Geto pointed at him forcing Gojo to shush his friend as he dragged him out of the recording room.

"I don't like her! But if you don't let us use Higuruma, I will tell Shoko you've been madly in love with her. Trust me I'll rat you out.'' Gojo held onto Geto's arms clutching him back and forward to emphasize his threat. Geto laughed mocking his friend's plea.

''That's good. If you do that I'll just date Utahime. I've been considering it and I also see Toji's interested in her as well. More competition for you I guess. Something foreign to you am I right?'' Geto held his hand up.

Suguru knew how to play dirty, it was one of the things that got under Satoru's skin when it came to his best friend.

''If you don't want to use Higuruma so badly we won't use him okay? Like I said I don't like Utahime, I'm not interested and I'm not gonna get in trouble again dating our assistant.'' Gojo lied through his teeth. He knew it was impossible to deceive Suguru as the two had known each other for so long, but he had to try and be persistent.

''But just know with this Shoko thing, you either need to support her marrying Higuruma, or tell her how you feel. Avoiding her and writing songs about it only digs a hole. Pick a lane. ''

''I'm not avoiding her…''

''Yes, you are. Pass me your phone for a sec I left mine in the recording room.'' Gojo asked casually

Suguru groaned tossing his black iPhone to Satoru as he mulled over their conversation, he really felt between a rock and a hard place on what to do. For a few moments, he saw Satoru meddling around with his phone as a cheeky grin grew on his face. He knew that face.

What was he planning?

''Satoru Gojo! Give me my phone. Now!'' Satoru demanded like a parent, and Satoru began to run away.

''I just texted Shoko to meet up with you for lunch this Friday! Sorry buddy!''

''Satoru! You dimwit!''

—--

''My love, I've missed you. It's been forever since we've talked.''

Kento Nanami sat in the front seat of his black Bugatti Centodeci car parked in the parking lot outside of the company building. The car park had security wardens and surveillance cameras scanning the area, therefore Nanami felt safe but he made sure to be careful of anything. Although he finally got to talk to Tiana feelings of worry and anxiety bit at Nanami, it was a foreign feeling but this proposal had him feeling stressed. Would he comply? Would he resist and face the consequences? Should he tell his members of his relationship with Tiana? Should he tell Tiana about this proposal? What would happen to their relationship, he didn't want to lose her, she was his heart.

Kento stopped listening as Tiana spoke causing her to detect something was off.

''Honey, you seem distracted. Are you okay?'' Tiana asked warmly

''I'm okay. Just tired from schedules is all. Anyway, where have you been? I've been trying to get in contact with you, I wanted to know how you liked the gift I sent you.'' Nanami had put a lot of effort into the gift box he'd sent weeks ago, he was grateful the fake pen name S.J went undetected by Tiana's guard men and that the gift got to her in one piece.

''I loved it Kento. The poem was incredible. You sent all my favourite things, it was such a surprise.''

''And what about the picture? Did you like it?'' Nanami whispered with a smile

An image of Kento in a close-up photo on a bed completely shirtless popped up in Tiana's head. Messy blond hair, ripped veiny arms, glowing fair skin, a flustered Tiana recalled her reaction to it at lunch with her best friend Lottie.

''What photo…I don't know what you're talking about.'' Tiana's tone became sly as she laughed sweetly. She currently was on break from her duties visiting run-down orphanages, providing donations, food, clothes, and clean water to the unfortunate kids. Tiana sat on her lavish bed in her bedroom draped in warm mint earthy tones and crisp yellows.

''Really? Ok, do you want me to take one for you right now?''

''I dare you.'' Tiana flirted before Nanami let out a little low laugh. She was happy to hear him laughing, but at the back of her mind, she still felt he wasn't okay. Also, Tiana had yet to him about the proposal she got from Prince Naveen to court her. At first attempt, she tried to turn it down but her parents persisted she'd give him a chance, but she couldn't tell them she already was involved with Kento since it had to be a secret because he's a famous celebrity who couldn't date.

Tiana went quiet mulling over how to tell her boyfriend the news.

What would she do if she were forced to marry him? It wouldn't be worth entertaining this just to keep up the lie for Nanami's sake. Sometimes Tiana wished there wasn't the need to hide their relationship

''Tiana…Listen..I'' Nanami started slowly

''... I have something to tell you…'' Tiana spoke at the same time.

Whatever courage Kento had to tell Tiana was gone. He knew she'd be understanding about it but he didn't want her to feel hurt seeing him play apart dating another woman for media play, especially as she was aware of his past with Mei Mei.

Things could turn ugly for the worse.

But that wasn't the only problem as it seemed Tiana had something important to say.

Nanami just hoped it wasn't bad news.