Chapter 40

Moment of truth. Misaki stared at the red swing dress sitting on her bed hours before the concert.

Knock, knock, knock. "Are you ready yet? You'd better not be backing out now. We've already got our ride to the concert, and they're waiting outside."

I don't know if I can do this...

"If you don't respond, I'm coming in," Emi huffed.

I locked the door this time.

The lock on her door started to turn.

"Emi, stop that!" Misaki complained and reached for her door as it opened.

"So easy to get through those." Emi snickered and froze. "You're not ready!" she said as she stood in full Hayase attire.

"Because I don't know if I should go."

"Why not?! From what you told me, he risked everything for you! Literally, if this album doesn't outdo their previous one, Ren will have to pay. Who knows what they'll do to him..." She sighed dramatically, hand over her heart.

I know! "What does that part have to do with this?"

"Is it really so bad to put yourself out there for someone willing to risk it all? I can only imagine the disappointment if he only saw me in the front." She shook her head.

"Don't guilt me into it."

Emi grabbed her Ren plush from Misaki's bed and held him up to her. "Are you telling me you can look into those gorgeous eyes of his and say no to a concert invitation? Besides, you've been moping around the house sighing for the past week, and it hasn't helped you figure things out one bit. It's time to change up the scenery."

"But what if people notice me?"

"Wouldn't be the first time you wore a mask with that dress." Emi shrugged. "If that's what's holding you back, just wear the mask. He'll notice you, regardless."

"That's not helping."

"You know, you should want him to notice you. It's obvious even to a teenager how you feel, so..." Emi tapped on her chin, frowning as she thought. "Do you want to see him?"

Yes. "Maybe."

"Well, that's a yes. Do you at least acknowledge that you have romantic feelings for him?"

Her heart thumped hard. Obviously. "I suppose."

"Another yes! Progress. Do you like the dress?"

"Yes." You already know that.

"Oh, so that one you give a straight answer." Emi sighed, shaking her head. "Then isn't it clear what you have to do? Put on that dress and come with me before I go on a rampage because you're making us late!" She stomped towards Misaki.

Oh geez. I'm getting in the way of her fandom. Danger zone. "Fine! I'll put it on."

"Good. You have two minutes, and I'll be back to help with your hair." Emi left, slamming the door shut behind her.

I'd better get dressed, or she might try to force it on me. Misaki quickly changed into the dress and stood in front of her full-length mirror.

"I'm here to do your hair!" Emi burst through her door with an armful of tools and supplies. "Sit." She motioned towards Misaki's makeup desk.

Not wanting to anger her further, Misaki sat down and let Emi work her magic with her bedhead.

In a few minutes, Misaki's hair was silky smooth with slight curls and small bits pulled back in a braid. Before she could move, Emi put light makeup on her.

"What do you think?" Emi asked. "Worth pursuing a career in hairdressing? Makeup artist? Both?"

Misaki's eyes widened, and her breath hitched as she examined herself in the mirror. "When did you learn to do this? And why are you going so far? I'm in the audience, not on stage." She pulled lightly on one of the curls.

"Isn't it obvious? Because Ren will spot you, and we want you looking your best, even if you cover it up with a mask." Emi grabbed Misaki's mask off the desk and let it dangle in front of her. "I'm betting he'll see you without it soon, even if it's not until after the concert."

"Do you hate having me home or something?"

"Of course not."

"Then why does it feel like you want to ship me off with him?"

"Because I want my Misaki back, and I think he helps bring her back out. At least, that's the way it seems to me." Emi pulled out her phone and opened the video of Misaki's dance with the Hayase brothers again.

She loves bringing this dance up...

"This is the Misaki I've always aspired to be like. She may have gotten lost along the way, but this is proof she's still right there. Now, let's go. It's time for the concert!" Emi cheered and ushered her downstairs to the matching set of shoes waiting at the door.

Outside, Sora awaited them with his sleek luxury vehicle.

"Transportation in style." Emi laughed and rushed up to him.

"Hello, Minase sisters." Sora bowed to them and opened the door. "Your chariot awaits, beautifuls." He winked at them.

Emi couldn't help but smile and giggle.

"Thank you," the girls said and hopped in the back.

"I'm so excited!" Emi bounced, rubbing her hands together. "This is going to be epic."

Misaki took a deep breath, gripping her hands in her lap as her stomach churned.

Let's hope nothing goes wrong.

They arrived at the concert venue after a short drive. Droves of people lined up outside the modern stadium with traditional Japanese architecture, surrounded by green space.

"So glad we have VIP tickets," Emi said as she got out. "Thank you, Sora!" She gave him a big hug, startling him.

He chuckled and lightly patted her back. "Of course. I'll be back after the concert is done for your ride," he said to Emi and turned to Misaki. "Don't let the opportunity pass you by."

Misaki tilted her head to the side. I'm already here; aren't I taking it?

Emi hooked her arm around Misaki's as she bounced around, unable to contain her excitement. "I'm sorry if I scream too loud... when I scream too loud," she said as they headed to the short line for the VIP entrance.

"I'm already expecting to be surrounded by screaming fans. In case you've forgotten, I've had a fair share of my own."

"Oh, I know, but it's been a while, Miss Hermit."

"I'll be fine." Misaki swallowed hard. I hope. "Just make sure you stay close by."

"I plan to. VIP seats, remember? We'll be right in front of them. Close enough to see sweat beading down them." Emi giggled, wriggling around.

She wants to see them sweat? Emi... seriously?

They reached the front, and Emi held out their tickets.

The tall man in a suit with 'Security' listed on his back lifted his sunglasses to double-check what he read. He waved to the person waiting by the door.

Uh-oh, did something go wrong?

"Right this way, Minase sisters; we've been waiting for you." The man at the door wearing a staff vest smiled and bowed before gesturing for them to follow him inside.

We weren't the only VIP, but he was waiting for us specifically? What's going on? Misaki's arm around Emi's tightened.

He led them past the backstage door, down a quiet hallway with a hustling stagehand, and out into the concert venue. The wide stage on one side with the dark green curtains closed, and dozens of rows of tiered seats on the other side leading up to more on the upper balcony.

This stadium is bigger than I remember.

He opened up the velvet rope blockade to let them through, closing it behind them, and led them past a group of VIP guests to the middle. Two seats waited for them, sectioned off from the rest of VIP and general admission, with two security guards in front of their barrier nearby.

The guards turned to them and bowed.

"Is this normal for VIP seats?" Emi asked as they sat down after picking up the glow sticks waiting for them on their seats. Emi played with her purple one for Shun and glanced at Misaki's red one for Ren.

"Not quite..." Misaki pointed to the rest of the VIP seats apart from theirs. "That's normal. This... this is..."

"Extra special treatment for his girl?" Emi winked at Misaki.

Misaki's heart skipped a beat, and she turned away from Emi, her face burning. She looked up at the stage and the lights shining down from above as the chatter nearby grew, with the seats filling fast.

Emi took her hand. "It's okay, Misa. Whatever happens, just trust the brothers and your feelings. Everything will work out."

Something's going to happen, isn't it? Emi... what do you know? Misaki glanced at her and gripped her hand tighter as her heart rate spiked.