Chapter 9

Misaki went through her wardrobe a few times over until she settled on a white floral sundress. She stood in front of her full-length mirror, admiring the dress, and froze.

What am I doing? This isn't a date. She looked at the piles of clothes sitting all around her room and sighed. Business attire is too formal. Joggers feel a bit far.

She glanced at her watch. "Where'd the time go?! Dammit." She grabbed a hoodie and threw it on. "Half and half, I guess." She put on her usual disguise and took off, rushing to the bus stop in time for the next bus to arrive.

With a huff and aching legs, she sat down and stared out the window. Why did I even agree to this? We should've waited until his studio was free. Wait, he'll probably try to get me to eat sweets again! Misaki face-palmed. I don't think I can take another workout session—I shouldn't need it if we keep it small.

"Is something wrong with her?" Whispers started around her.

"Just ignore her."

I've got to stop bringing attention to myself.

As soon as the bus got to her stop, she slipped out the door, and her legs shook, her ankle buckling.

"Whoa there." A hand reached out to grab her arm, steadying her before she could fall.

"I'm fine. Sorry." Misaki stood straight, ready to back away, until she noticed who it was, in a similar disguise to her. "Ren?"

"The one and only, though I wonder if I should have a nickname."

"We'll mostly be at your place, right?" Misaki could already feel the stares they were getting from passersby. He stands out even more than I do.

"Well, we're friends, so I was hoping to check out a few places together... but work will be mostly at home. Let's go in before someone notices."

Assuming they haven't already.

He led her into Kaouri Kafe, opening the door for her. The scent of coffee and baked goods permeated the air of the cozy cafe. Wanting to stay away from the small crowd, he got her to sit in a booth at the back. "I'll grab us some drinks and dessert."

Misaki made sure to sit with her back facing the others, with only a sliver of a window beside her to look through. Guess I have to. She took her mask off and waited, taking a few deep breaths. When's the last time I went to a cafe?

Ren slid in beside her in the booth with their drinks and one slice of cheesecake.

"A sugar substitute hazelnut latte to drink." He set a cup in front of her with a heart made of foam. "Uh, I didn't tell them to do that. I think they do it for everyone."

Or they wanted to give it to him.

"And a slice of yuzu cheesecake to share. After all those cookies last night, I was warned to be good." Ren sighed, wishing there were more cookies at home to devour.

Misaki took a sip of her warm latte. "Mmm... It's sweet and nutty." She glanced at his cappuccino with extra cream on top and a drizzle of chocolate. Sure, he's going light...

"This looks good." Ren rubbed his hands together and licked the cream from the top of his drink.

"Ha—" Misaki cut off her own laugh, covering her mouth. "What are you doing? You're supposed to sip cappuccinos."

"I bought it; I can enjoy it however I like. Besides, I didn't want to get any foam on my nose."

"Um, you somehow still managed to."

"Oops." He wiped his nose off. "Better?"

"Yup."

He leaned back, arm across the backing behind her as he cut a piece of the cheesecake. "You first." He held it up to her.

"Best we don't chance something like that." She took the fork from him and ate it. Her eyes widened. "Oh, this is so good. Tangy, creamy, and refreshing." She ate another bite before setting the fork down. "Best cheesecake I've ever had." Not that I've tried many.

"Means I chose well." He took the same fork to eat.

"Wait, shouldn't we get..." she trailed off as he ate. Guess it doesn't bother him. "So, how do we get started? Are you planning to have a theme for your next album?" Misaki pulled out her phone to take notes.

"Already onto business?" He took another big bite of cheesecake and sat up straight. "Okay, well, I was talking to Shun, and he said we're at the point where we could make a timeline of songs. Like starting with our dream—"

"Is that why you wanted the song? I don't think it matches the beginning, though."

"No, it fits more in the middle, where you might've missed it, that we had our own struggles with the spotlight."

"You, too? I thought you loved it."

"I do, but I think everyone hits that wall at least once, where things go wrong, and you question your entire career. Next thing you know, you're on the brink of a mental breakdown."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know." She sipped her drink.

"Thankfully, we made it past that, but your song really struck a note with me. I was reminded of how had I felt back then. If it weren't for Shun, I doubt I'd still be a singer. Honestly, I was on the brink of going down the same road as you, but he pulled me back."

"Somehow, it's hard to imagine you turning into a shut-in."

"It could happen to anyone." He stabbed the last bit of cheesecake. "Want anymore?"

"I'm good, thanks."

"I was thinking that outside the album, I want to surprise Shun with a tribute song. A thank you to my big brother for all he's done."

That's sweet of him. Misaki smiled.

"Unless you're only working on the album... I didn't read the contract that Daichi set up," Ren admitted.

"No, nothing like that. And I'd love to help with it, too." Might be a chance to slip in a thanks for my younger self to Shun after all he did for me, even if he doesn't remember it.

"Still light up at the mention of Shun," Ren mumbled to himself.

"What was that?"

"I had started that song, but got stuck. I have a melody I like, but the lyrics aren't flowing."

"If you show me what you have, maybe I can help it flow."

"Really wish we could use my house right now. I'm not sure I'd want to use Haruka's piano, since we'd have an audience." Ren sighed.

"E-excuse me." A preteen girl approached Ren, her cheeks red, and a magazine and pen in her hand. "A-are you Ren from Hayase?"

Crap. Misaki automatically put her mask and hat back on. Knew it wouldn't be safe here.

Ren winked at her and held his finger up to his lips. "Yes, but keep it a secret that I'm here, please."

She nodded rapidly, biting her lip as she held back a squeal.

Ren took the magazine from her and signed it. "What's your name?"

"Shina Ryou." She clasped her hands together in front of her as she bobbed, waiting for his autograph.

"Thank you for being a fan, Shina." Ren handed her the magazine back and winked at her.

"Oh my." Shina hugged the magazine to her chest, tears in her eyes. "Thank you so much. I'll be your fan forever," she whispered and rushed back over to her mother, waiting in line.

"And we're back to this not working." Misaki sighed and pulled her mask down to finish her drink. "Thank you for the food and drink, but I should head home."

Ren put his mask back on, slid out of the booth, and held his hand out to her. "Yeah, I'm sorry about that, but at least it was one lovely fan. I don't think we have to worry about it."

Only one that we know of. Misaki held back from taking his hand and stood, her legs still shaky.

"Hey, you have a keyboard or a piano at home, right?" Ren asked as they left the cafe.

"Yeah..." Not sure I like where he's going with this.

"Mind if I come over and play it for you? Sometimes music is the best way to spur on lyrics."

"Umm..." He's right about that.

"Unless you don't want me coming over." He held his hand over his heart. "Promise I have no ulterior motives."

"I didn't think you did. It's just that I've never invited someone over there."

"Oh. Is it messy? I don't mind a bit of mess."

His place was spotless, but that might've been because of Shun. "Well... I guess it's okay."

"Great, that means I can also give you a ride in my new... I mean old vehicle." Ren led her to the parking lot, where he had a different car parked with a bit of rust and in need of a paint job.

"Based on what happened in the cafe, it's best I go home on my own..." Misaki stared up into his soft brown eyes, pleading with her. "You bought this just to drive me around, didn't you?"

Ren nodded. "I thought it'd come in handy, eventually. I'll have the windows tinted soon, too."

That was quick. When'd he even have time for that?

Ren opened the passenger door. "It's okay now, right?"

"For now, I suppose." Who knows down the line, though?

Ren smiled and nodded to himself before hopping in.

He's definitely an unstoppable whirlwind.