The Revenge

Sho was getting stressed again, leaving as the last one a week later after the rehearsal. Kazuya started to be so distinct from his usual self from a year ago, everyone already got used to, but they noticed and the leader was seeing in their eyes silent questions or assumptions, what had happened to change him so drastically. “Sure.”, “No problem.” “Of course I will do it.”, “I will try harder!” were not something Kenny would say with a wide smile on his face. Soon the headache came and Sho just wanted to go home, take some medicine and lie down. Since Kazuya met that girl it happened more and more often. Why do I have to be the oldest one?, he gave vent to his bitterness, and was surprised when he saw Tadao waiting for him before the building, and venting just went on its own.

“He is so obvious, don’t you think?”

“Kazuya? Absolutely,” agreed Tadao. “Like it’s so obvious that you are worried.”

“How could I not? I am worried about him, this girl actually too, even if I haven’t met her, about all of us…” Sho sounded overwhelmed, so friend patted him on the shoulder and then put some pressure on it.

“You should stop.” Tadao announced firmly, meeting the shocked reaction from his interlocutor. “I wanted to tell you a long time ago but I guess it’s the right time now. We are all grown ups and we all can and should make some mistakes, we can learn from, including you if it didn't reach you clearly enough.” Sho looked at him with a silent question that is he really has this kind of privilege. “If we will have to deal with consequences as a group we will go through this because we are friends. I know you took the role of the leader so seriously and I respect you for that, you are an amazing one, but you don’t need to take care of us or be worried any more than a friend would be. Just focus on yourself.”

“When did you get so smart,” the leader threw a punch on a friend's shoulder just to hide how much it moved him, almost to the point of tears, feeling like finally he could stand upright.

“Someone has to be, when the oldest one is lacking wisdom,” Tadao said snappily.

“You are just two months younger!” And Sho fell in the trap. “But I admit it sounded so mature. Are we that old already?”

“I had to start being an adult. Right after we finish this show, I am buying a house, getting married and starting a family. We both dream about having a big one.”

“I hope you will get there eventually and be happy. Just invite us for your wedding and forget about free babysitting.”

“Not I would leave my future kid with any of you, I don't trust you that much.”

They were teasing each other for a moment, meanwhile Kazuya was trying not to get late for the long awaited date. He really tried to be on time, but when you most care about not being late, then the world reminds you that it's nothing you can have control over.

Natsumi had more time to be nervous, not because she had to wait a bit, but because going on dates was not part of her daily basis. Also Kazuya’s being famous was not a problem itself, but she got a little disappointed with herself that breaking one of her rules went so smoothly and without much effort from the idol's part. She knew how painful relationships like that might be and wanted to protect them both from something her parents went through. However she couldn't deny that long conversations on the phone with Kazuya made her days and sweet messages melted her heart. It was hard to tell if these kinds of actions were part of his strategy or her having a soft spot for someone who truly got invested into knowing her, when she had to neglect herself for years.

Kiki for the time being believed the older sister was going to meet again a friend from school as they decided to renew their friendship. She didn't know yet how brightly Natsumi’s face lightened up, when she saw Kazuya running to her.

“I am so sorry for keeping you waiting,” he tried to catch his breath, hating the mask on his face even more than usual.

Natsumi looked up and smiled, reaching her hand out and trying to catch at least one of the snowflakes. It was the first time that winter.

“But you brought the snow with you. You are already forgiven.”

She was still so amazed by nature's spectacle, that she didn't realize Kazuya took the opportunity to hold her hand and something took his attention.

“What happened?” His voice was full of worrying. He took her other hand looking at more blisters hiding cuts and burns.

“I wasn't focused enough at work today and we got a big, unexpected order from one of our regulars and as always no one asked the kitchen if we actually can deal with it.” She explained bitterly and hid her hands behind her back.

“The reason behind this lack of focus, could it be me?”

“Maybe.” Natsumi's cheeks got all red and she let Kazuya see her hands again as he hurried her to do so.

“It makes me happy that you think of me.” He smiled comfortingly. “But please don't, if you can get hurt because of that. I won't forgive myself. Does it hurt? Should I bring you something? New blisters?”

“Stop. It's okay, it's happening all the time actually and this time I am the only one to blame.”

Natsumi was a bit overwhelmed with that much caring from someone other than Kiki, Haruki and the neighbor granny. She was ready to take her hands back, but Kazuya didn't let that happen, holding one even tighter. “If you don't mind.” The girl didn't reject this gesture, just smiled shyly. “So for who is the present we are gonna look for?”

“Kiki. I am sorry for proposing shopping as a date, but this time of the year is also busy at work, so I won't have time to do it properly.”

“Don't worry about this. Dating is about spending time together, activity is not so important.” Kazuya reminded her with a smile, she couldn't even see, but his eyes couldn't lie.

They were walking in the direction of the shopping mall, when the sudden blow of the wind surprised Natsumi. It was strong enough to make her unwillingly take a step or two and found herself in front of Kazuya. Again eyes met and the rest of the world stopped existing except for one intrusive character with a bunch of luck, sharp eyes, but a dead battery in a camera.

“I want to steal another kiss from you.” Kazuya tried to cease his enthusiasm but soon he will easily become a serial criminal. Natsumi was faster, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him shortly but certainly, as she wanted to convince herself it was a good decision.

“Now. We are quits with each other.”