Chapter 5

"Can we leave?" Hiroki whispered urgently, his eyes darting towards the stage where Akihiko had just taken his seat.

Nowaki turned to him, a bit surprised by the request. "Why? What's wrong?"

"I don't want to see him any longer than necessary," Hiroki muttered, his gaze fixed firmly on Akihiko.

Nowaki blinked in confusion. If anyone should want to leave, it should be him. He wasn't exactly fond of Akihiko—at least not initially—but he had learned to tolerate the man. After all, Akihiko was Hiroki's oldest friend, even if he was a bit... overwhelming at times.

"Why are you so eager to go?" Nowaki asked, genuinely curious.

Hiroki sighed, running a hand through his hair like he always did when he was stressed. "I've been ignoring his calls," he admitted. "He probably wants me to help edit something for him, but I haven't had the time. I don't want him to rope me into anything, especially not now. You've been planning this trip for ages, and I want to enjoy it."

Nowaki couldn't help but smile at that. The fact that Hiroki had been looking forward to their trip so much made his heart swell with affection. "I get it," he said softly. "But if we leave now, it'll cause a scene, and he'll notice. If we sit tight and stay through the talk, we can leave with everyone else and get lost in the crowd."

Hiroki knew Nowaki was right—he usually was—but the urge to sink into his chair and somehow melt out of the room was strong. He glanced at Nowaki, his expression conflicted. "If he sees us, we're bound to get dragged into one of his schemes," he muttered, half to himself. "I just wanted to spend the weekend with you."

Nowaki felt a rush of warmth at those words. Hiroki wasn't usually so open about his feelings, and this was something he'd cherish. He made a mental note to store this moment in his "Hiro-san memory bank," as he liked to call it. Beaming, he squeezed Hiroki's hand reassuringly. "I'm sure we can politely decline if he tries anything."

Hiroki didn't look convinced. "I'm not so sure…" he grumbled, his gaze drifting back to the stage where Akihiko was preparing to speak.

As Akihiko began to speak, his voice filled the room—deep, smooth, and almost hypnotic. Hiroki could practically feel the collective swoon from the female members of the audience. He rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to snort. It was almost comical how they sighed and gazed at Akihiko as if he were some refined gentleman. If only they knew the truth.

"Why do they fall for that act?" Hiroki muttered under his breath, leaning closer to Nowaki so only he could hear.

Nowaki smiled knowingly. "He's got that elegance down to a science. The way he carries himself, the tone of his voice—it's all very convincing. But you know him better than anyone. You see behind the mask."

"Yeah, and I'm not impressed," Hiroki grumbled. He crossed his arms, sinking lower into his seat as if that could make him invisible. Akihiko might be able to fool everyone else with his polished public persona, but Hiroki knew better. The real Akihiko was anything but the perfect gentleman he presented.

Akihiko's talk was mercifully brief, a few well-chosen words about the significance of literature in contemporary society, delivered with all the poise of a seasoned orator. Hiroki couldn't help but notice how the women in the audience hung on every word, their eyes wide with admiration. He stifled another groan.

"And now," Akihiko continued, a small, practised smile playing on his lips, "I'm pleased to announce that my latest novel, Whispers of the Forgotten—" Hiroki rolled his eyes at the pretentious title, "—which will officially go on sale next month, will be available this weekend in a limited edition, signed by yours truly."

The crowd erupted into excited chatter; the anticipation palpable. Hiroki could feel Nowaki's amused gaze on him, but he refused to make eye contact.

"It's ridiculous how easily he manipulates them," Hiroki muttered.

"He is very good at what he does," Nowaki replied gently, though his voice had a hint of amusement. "And to be fair, he's an excellent writer. That part isn't an act."

Hiroki made a noncommittal noise. Nowaki was right, but that didn't make it any less annoying.

Akihiko wrapped up his announcement, giving directions to the eager audience. "You can purchase the signed copies at the Marukawa stand in the main hall, where Professor Ueda's works are also available. I'll be there for a short time to sign books and meet readers. Thank you all for your support."

The room erupted in a frenzy as the crowd surged toward the exits, desperate to be the first in line. Hiroki watched them go, feeling a mix of relief and dread. At least Akihiko hadn't noticed them—yet. But their escape would be impossible if they didn't get lost in that crowd.

"Let's leave quickly," Nowaki suggested, sensing Hiroki's hesitation.

Hiroki nodded, though his nerves were still on edge. "I just want to get out of here without being dragged into anything."

"Don't worry," Nowaki said, giving him a reassuring smile. "We'll slip out unnoticed. Just stick close to me."

Hiroki couldn't help but feel a little calmer at Nowaki's confidence. As the crowd continued to filter out of the room, they finally stood to leave. But just as they were about to step outside, Hiroki's worst fear materialised.

"Ah, Hiroki!" Akihiko's voice called out, smooth and commanding, cutting through the remaining chatter like a knife.

Hiroki froze, every muscle tensing as he slowly turned around to see Akihiko striding toward them, that all-too-familiar smirk on his face. "I was hoping to catch you two before you left," Akihiko said, his tone dripping with charm, though Hiroki could hear the sly undertone that made his stomach churn.

How could he have possibly spotted us? Hiroki thought, mentally kicking himself for thinking they could slip away unnoticed. But before he could dwell on it further, Akihiko answered his unspoken question with a purr in his voice. "I saw your giant sitting back there," Akihiko said, his eyes glinting with amusement, "and I knew you would be close by."

Of course, Hiroki thought with a pang of frustration. Nowaki is so damn tall, he always stands out. It was stupid to think we could sneak out. He inwardly cursed his own naivety. They should have known better—Akihiko always had a knack for finding them, especially when Hiroki was trying to avoid him.

"And besides," Akihiko continued smoothly, his smirk widening, "I figured you'd be here. This seems like the kind of event you'd love."

Hiroki bristled at Akihiko's words, feeling the familiar irritation bubbling up, but before he could retort, Nowaki calmly interjected, his hand subtly squeezing Hiroki's in support. "Akihiko-san, congratulations on the new book," Nowaki said, his voice steady and polite, easing the tension.

Hiroki felt a wave of relief at Nowaki's interruption, grateful that he could always rely on him to diffuse the situation. Akihiko's smirk faltered just slightly as he turned his attention to Nowaki, but Hiroki could tell that he was up to something – he always was.

Akihiko gave Nowaki a gracious nod. "Thank you. I appreciate it." He then turned his attention to Hiroki with a knowing smile. "Unfortunately, I have to run. My editor is calling, and she'll have my balls for earrings if I don't hurry."

Hiroki couldn't help but wince at the crude remark, noting the awkward shift in the atmosphere among the men nearby. Seriously, Akihiko? Couldn't you tone it down just once? Hiroki thought, trying to mask his discomfort.

But before he could dwell on it further, Akihiko's charm was back in full force. "You know, Hiroki, since it's your birthday today, Misaki and I were planning to have dinner at the hotel. You and Nowaki should join us."

Nowaki raised an eyebrow, glancing at Hiroki with a hint of concern. "Akihiko-san, we had planned to have a quiet dinner just the two of us."

Hiroki nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we were looking forward to spending the evening alone."

Akihiko's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in slightly. "Alone." He scoffed, "You live together, alone; how often do friends get together and celebrate? Consider it my treat for your birthday."

Hiroki's heart sank. Of course, he would find a way to intrude. He glanced at Nowaki, who looked equally resigned but supportive.

Akihiko flashed a grin, seemingly ignoring their protests. "It's settled then. I'll see you both at the hotel restaurant at 8 pm. Happy Birthday, old man!" He handed Hiroki a brown paper bag that felt surprisingly heavy, and with a final wave, he turned and strode away, leaving Hiroki and Nowaki in disbelief and frustration.

As Akihiko disappeared into the crowd, Hiroki sighed deeply and opened the bag, hoping for some semblance of relief. Inside, he found a signed copy of Akihiko's latest novel, a copy of Professor Ueda's new book, and a journal of poems. Along with them were various pieces of Marukawa merchandise—keychains, tote bags, and a stack of bookmarks. Hiroki rolled his eyes, unable to suppress a wry smile.

"Well, at least we don't have to wait in that massive queue," Hiroki said, holding up the items with a half-hearted laugh.

Nowaki chuckled, the tension easing as he took in the sight of Hiroki's exasperation. "I suppose that's one small benefit."

Hiroki shook his head, still grinning despite himself. "I think I need a drink after that. Something stronger than coffee."

Nowaki raised an eyebrow playfully. "Well, lucky for you, I know just the place."

As they began to make their way toward the hotel's lobby bar on the ground floor, Hiroki felt a mix of resignation and relief. "Thanks for rolling with this," he said, his smile softening. "I really appreciate it."

"Of course," Nowaki replied warmly. "It's your birthday, after all. We'll make it a good one, even if it wasn't what we originally planned."

With that, they headed out, Hiroki's spirits lifting as he looked forward to a well-deserved drink or two, and a chance to unwind from the unexpected turn of events.
AN – Ahh! He spotted them! Surprisingly, I've enjoyed writing Akihiko. I'm going to have some fun with his character! Dinner chapter coming next! Let the double date commence. I'm very excited for this!

I hope you enjoyed this, as much as I did – if you did let me know, if you didn't let me know. Either way, let me know!
Those Akihiko fans – he may seem a tad OC, but this is how I am writing him for this story. Lets roll with it – I'm an egoist girl not a romantica :D
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