The Advisor

Natsumi was all ears during the dinner, when Kiki was getting emotional about the transmission. The older sister surprisingly felt at ease, like the ponderation about sending a message was just gone and she could forget about everything related to Kazuya or at least limit it to what it was before they met.

Meanwhile at the idol group's apartment there was a serious meeting in the kitchen. Kazuya’s phone was lying in the middle of the table and everyone was gathered around it. Sometimes there is nothing more interesting than someone else's life, so Kenny’s relationship status was number one of their entertainment list.

Sho was watching the owner of the phone closely and with some kind of disappointment, because just a few days earlier he didn't know why he wanted to meet with this girl and then was back being all smiles announcing that they are dating. The matter wasn't this situation itself, he was wishing Kazuya and the rest all the best in their love life, but the shadow made of worrying was getting bigger and stronger. However, the smile because of seeing them all together settled on his face, but he definitely wasn't going to take part in a discussion.

“Is this really all?” Rokuro couldn't believe it.

“Nothing more nothing less.” Nao decided to challenge a friend about who's gonna have the final word. “She must be a really reticent girl.”

“What a brilliant comment you made.” He of course accepted that, but Tadao hit the table with his fist.

“Don’t you even try to start your usual chaos going I don't have patience for that today.”

“You never have patience,” Nao pointed, but stopped, smashed under Tadao’s gaze and decided to move everyone’s attention to the topic, which also considered him. “How long do you have another phone?”

“A while,” Kazuya got a little embarrassed realizing how easy he let everyone discover the secret he was so bitterly protecting, but everything related to Natsumi switched his brain off.

“Good,” Tadao approved with a serious tone.

“I guess you have one extra yourself.” There wasn't a point in asking, knew Sho, it was just a fact he needed to say out loud. He was just getting tired of them all breaking the rules. Of course it was not part of his duties, but awareness of being the oldest and getting the role of the leader were weighing down his shoulders a lot. They were all grown ups, but the responsibilities he took care of now seemed too hard to let go, so thinking about himself felt like doing something wrong. “Don’t answer,” he reflected before anyone said more. “Just don’t, I don’t want to know actually.”

There was something undefinable in Sho’s voice that made the rest look at each other worryingly, but at the same time it included the ask for not dwelling on the matter. So everyone’s attention got back to Kazuya’s love life.

“What are you gonna tell her?” asked Rokuro.

“Like I would say a word to any of you.” Kenny hid the phone with a protective gesture. “I had to protect her from guys like you.”

“I feel offended.” Nao couldn’t resist commenting, in his heart a little fear was growing, the bond they all have could be shattered easily, so he tried to keep the conversation going even with unnecessary sentences. “You are just scared we would tell her all of your dirty secrets.”

“I don't have any.” Kazuya tried to sound proud, but everyone’s sight said: Yes, you do, a lot actually. “I am thinking if I should answer right away, but I am afraid I will sound desperate, especially after looking for her for so long. So maybe it will be good to wait a few days just in case not to scare her.” Tadao's fingers were tapping loudly with hidden messages, but the one who was supposed to get it understood it quickly. “I will decide the date and place and tell her right away.” Kenny said it in a more asking tone and his answer was approved with a slight nod.

“We got a true expert here.” Rokuro put hands on Tadao’s shoulders. “So any spot recommendations? I think we all could use this knowledge.”

“Forget it.”

The only one being in the real relationship had enough and just went to his room and soon after the rest did the same, leaving Kazuya with his problems. Looking for the answer was tiring and unsuccessful, so as a result the idol started to solve math problems from the textbook to soothe his mind. After a while Tadao showed up and was observing him for a moment trying to understand whatever Kenny was doing that time but gave up quickly as his hateress for math was still somewhere deep in his heart.

“Listen, it was not that I didn’t want to help, but talking about anything related to dating with you all around is making me uncomfortable.” Sakura’s boyfriend explained in a more calm tone than he was usually using. “And I didn’t want to take all the fun from you, preparing everything is part of it too.”

“You were talking with your girlfriend?” Kazuya smiled, charmed by the character of their relationship.

“Yeah. Anyway I wanted to give you advice that if you don’t know her yet just meet with her at a pretty neutral place, where you both would feel comfortable and safe, make sure there is a place to eat nearby just in case. Hurry up before we will be busy with another comeback. That’s all I wanted to say.” Tadao was ready to leave, but there was something still bothering him, and for a few seconds he was thinking if he should add one more thing. “You know, you got our support and I am happy I got yours, but… “ He sighed heavily. ”Don’t share anything more, the less we know, the better, then there is a little chance someone will slip out accidentally.”

Kazuya nodded, taking those words to his heart. He was thankful for Tadao’s advice and understood another hidden message to consider his and Natsumi’s safety. One more thing hit him harshly, that they all were so stupid and Tadao was lonely on that journey so far. The idol thought how hard it must have been for his friend, not to be able to share his worries, as any relationship has its ups and downs or happiness. To keep it a secret, no option to ask for covers while going out or help overall… The struggle was real, but couldn’t stop him, actually it gave him even stronger motivation. He took a phone and the message soon was sent.