Chapter 26

After talking to the cops, word had already spread that Akihiro had attacked someone in the studio, and the press flooded outside, hoping to get the story.

Misaki peeked out the window at the crowded entrance. "I can't go with you guys, or I'll be seen for sure..."

"It's not like I'm going to let you leave on your own," Ren huffed, pacing around the dressing room.

"And people will notice if we're not together, or even if Daichi isn't with us. They're perceptive like that." Shun leaned against the wall near the window next to Misaki.

"But it's not like it'd be the first time I snuck out separately," Ren complained. "So it's completely normal, right?"

"Not when something dangerous happened here. They'd expect us to be together."

"Tch. Can't she just blend in as one of the staff?"

"How about I leave out a different door and meet you down the street?" Misaki suggested. And hopefully my legs don't collapse on the way there.

"No."

"But Aki was taken away by the cops; my stalker is gone now." Glad it didn't last as long as last time.

"Do you really think you'll be okay walking alone right now after what just happened?" Ren asked, clenching his fists as he thought about it.

"I..." Misaki shoved her trembling hands into her hoodie pockets. "It's only a short walk..."

"I vote we bring her with us and say she's a part of our crew."

"But people might be able to tell she's the woman from the photo," Shun said. "Not that I'm against the idea of bringing her with us, but this could blow up, too."

"I'll just call someone else to pick her up." Daichi scrolled through his contacts. "That way we can leave, and she can join us later."

"But who can we trust—"

"Ren, please work with me here. I'm trying to help. I have friends in the industry who know how things work. They'll get her out of here safe and sound, without the press bothering her, since they'll be distracted by us."

"Are you okay with that, Misa?" Shun gave her head a light, familiar stroke.

"Y-yeah, I should be fine." Misaki nodded. "Let's go with that plan."

"But—"

"Ren, Misa already agreed; don't go against her decision," Shun warned him.

"Fine," he huffed and stood beside Misaki, his hand brushing up against hers.

She bit her lip, hesitating before grabbing his hand.

"Good. I'll be back when they're ready for you." Daichi left while talking on the phone.

Silence took over the room as they waited.

"I hope you knocked a tooth loose," Shun mumbled, wishing he could've taken a shot at Akihiro for everything he did to her.

"No idea, but I downed him with one shot," Ren said, his grip on Misaki's hand tightening.

Misaki tilted her head down, her hair hanging in her face to hide her smile.

"I know he was taken care of, but maybe you should learn to defend yourself," Shun suggested.

"You could stick close to me, and I'll keep you safe," Ren assured her.

"B-but..." Misaki swallowed hard. "That's the thing... I know self-defence because of the last time he went after me, but I froze. Fear seized me, and it was like I forgot all my training." I guess I freeze when it comes to everything now.

"Even more reason to stick around me, then," Ren shifted closer to her.

"I can't do that all the time. Besides, with the stalker gone, shouldn't I be moving back home?"

"Are you sure you're ready for that?" Shun asked. "It's no burden for you to live with us. If anything, it's helpful. You liven up the place, and it's easier to work on our music around our wonky schedules. We love having you there."

Ren nodded. "Definitely no reason to move out... ever... You're welcome to move in permanently, in my book."

Shun rolled his eyes and shook his head, wondering how Ren could say it out loud like that.

Permanently? Misaki's heart raced, and breath hitched. What in the world is he saying?!

"I mean, there's plenty of space. It's private and secure, and you've got both good friends and an awesome studio available to you here."

"Ren," Shun hissed. "Quit it."

"But I don't want her to leave, especially not after what just happened. She should be with friends after a horrible ordeal like that. Unless you're going to head back home to your parents, I think it's best as it currently is."

Misaki thought back to the first time she dealt with Akihiro stalking her. Even after he was caught, she stayed indoors for as long as possible, using delivery services for everything until she could step outside without having a panic attack.

Not permanently, but he has a point. It's too early to return home.

She nodded. "For now, I think I'll keep imposing on you."

"Not an imposition; a welcome continuation." Ren smiled and kissed the back of her hand. "Definitely puts my mind at ease to know you'll still be there," he muttered.

Oh, geez. He's not going to back down from this, is he? She bit her lip, the warmth from his hand stealing her focus. But do I want him to? He's not Aki; he wouldn't betray me every which way from Sunday and blame me for everything. But can I even keep up with him? He's such a bright, shining star. Compared to him, I'm...

The door opened. "Your ride is here, Misaki." Daichi walked in alongside a man with short black hair, wearing a black suit and sunglasses.

"Sora Ito." The man bowed. "Former idol, current manager, here to assist."

"It's Sora." Ren sighed, his shoulders relaxing. "Good guy. We'll see you at home."

Misaki nodded and moved towards Sora as Ren reluctantly let go.

Once the door shut, Shun turned to Ren. "What in the world were you thinking?"

"What?" Ren raised an eyebrow.

"Are you trying to pressure her into staying or something? She doesn't need that."

Ren pouted, his whole expression dropping. "I wasn't trying to. My thoughts were coming out like word vomit, but it's not like any of it was a lie. We both..." Ren glanced at Daichi. "I think all of us know how I feel by now, and it's getting harder to hold it in. You know how I am."

"Yes, but I also know that Misa is going through a lot right now, and I don't think it's a good idea to make a move yet."

"I beg to differ. What if a relationship with someone who genuinely cares about her and wants her to thrive is exactly what she needs? What if it could help her move on? Instil confidence, like you said before."

"I'm not sure things are quite that simple..."

Daichi stared at Ren flatly. "Can I deal with one problem at a time?"

"Is there another problem? Not that I think my feelings are a problem," Ren said, pointing to both of them.

"It's already spread about you taking down a criminal." Daichi held up his phone to show a news article 'Ren Hayase Takes Criminal Down'. "I don't know how these things come out so fast." Daichi sighed, shaking his head. "It's next to impossible to keep things a secret these days."

"Let's just head home." Shun sighed. "I'm tired, and we've been here for far too long."

Sora stayed right beside Misaki as he escorted her out the back door. A few people were waiting nearby, but when they realized it wasn't either of the Hayase brothers, they backed down.

They headed into the parking lot, and he opened the door to the back seat of his black SUV for her.

"Thank you," Misaki said and sat in the back, the door shutting behind her.

Everything will be fine. She took a deep breath and clasped her hands in her lap.

"No worries, Miss Minase; I'll get you home safely in no time," he assured her as he drove off.

Come together, but leave separately... Misaki sighed as she watched the passing scenery of colourful buildings lined with posters of singers and movies.

They stopped next to a poster for Hayase, with Ren and Shun posing back-to-back.

It's crazy how much has changed lately. She took a deep breath, her eyes lingering on the Ren in the picture.

Is it wrong to crush on Shun for so long, only for Ren to steal all the attention?

"How are you holding up back there?" Sora asked. "It's been a while, but I personally know how overwhelming it can be to live the life of an idol."

"I'm a former idol, too," Misaki said.

"Oh? Daichi made it sound like a temporary hiatus."

"It's been years, and I can't even sing a full song in front of a crowd anymore." Misaki laughed awkwardly, wondering why she was sharing too much.

"Misaki Minase... I remember you, back when you were an up-and-coming star. Loved your music. A shame how things went. I'm sure if you want to grace the spotlight with your presence again, you will. Maybe start with just singing in front of a couple of friends. I knew someone who did that. They're singing to sold out stadiums these days. You never know how things will go."

Doubt they have scandals like mine hanging over their heads, though.

They pulled onto Hayase's street surrounded by trees, and the gates opened right away, the security guard waving them in.

Guess they were already informed.

"And you're home, safe and sound, Miss Minase." He got out and opened the door for her.

"Thank you." She bowed to him and gazed up at Hayase's house. Guess I'm home for now.

"They'll be home soon, too. Would you like me to wait with you?"

"Thank you, but I'll be fine." She gestured towards the security guard at the front door. "They'll let me in."

"Okay." Sora bowed to her and held out a card. "Should you need my assistance again, feel free to contact me."

"Oh, thank you!" She accepted his card.

He turned to leave and stopped. "And Misaki, you have a lovely voice, and it'd be a shame to keep it locked away forever." He winked at her and got back into his vehicle, waving as he drove off.

Misaki lightly touched her throat as she thought about it.