Chapter 44

"Maybe I should've gotten Daichi to drive," Ren said as he glanced over at Misaki.

"Oh? I thought you wanted alone time?" Misaki smirked.

"I do, but I can't cuddle up to you while I'm driving, and you're in a dress, so I don't want to take my motorcycle. If Daichi were driving, we could've been snug in the back together."

"I suppose that's true, but I can still do this." When they stopped at a red light, she gave him a peck on the cheek.

"Oh! A bonus for sure, but that makes me want to hold you more, which would be dangerous since I'm driving. Love it, though." He winked at her.

Her cheeks flushed. Not even sure how I'm able to be forward at all today. Things only just changed, but I feel so different. It must be because it's him.

Wanting a distraction from her heated cheeks, she flicked on the radio. A song from Hayase played, and she smiled, singing along.

Ren couldn't help himself and joined in. "Car karaoke at its finest." He chuckled. "Hey... I know Daichi stepped over a line asking you to join Eclipse again, but is there any chance you do want to return to the spotlight? No pressure; it's your choice, but I'm curious, and as your boyfriend, I'd like to be the first to know."

Her body tingled at the word boyfriend. "I can't say I've decided. I love to sing and dance, and to create songs, but what if I get overwhelmed again? What if there's a scandal?"

"A scandal? Everyone will know about us; no scandal to be had."

"Not of my making, but people like to make things up and take things out of context."

"True, but we can fight all of that together." When they stopped at a red light, he gripped her hand in her lap.

Misaki bit her lip. "What do you think I should do?"

"Whatever you want, because I support you. I will say I personally hope you return to music in an official capacity... maybe under a Hayase label?" He glanced at her. "We've proven how much we do. We can make your album in our studio; no Eclipse involved. You decide if you want to tour, or if you want a manager again. I don't think Daichi can handle another one, but he officially works for Eclipse, so I can't suggest him, even if he's awesome most of the time."

"Well, I haven't decided what I want to do."

"And that's okay. I was just curious if you were leaning a specific way. I am a fan, after all." He winked at her.

Singing under Hayase's label? At least I know I can trust them. And they're already working with me... I wonder...

"What's up? I can see the wheels turning, but no words are reaching me," Ren said after a quick glance at her.

"What if I don't go all in like before? No solo tours... maybe an album. I don't know that I could stomach a full concert yet. What?" Misaki noticed him smirking.

"Just glad you're seriously thinking about getting back into it. You know, there's always the option of opening for Hayase. You could perform a song or even a few before we come out, then come back out to sing with us. It's an idea. That I'd love," he mumbled the last part.

"How would Shun feel about that? Do you guys normally have openers?"

"Sometimes, and do you think Shun would be against it? He'd probably help you record an album. So would I... maybe even lend my voice to yours this time."

Their voices on my music? She couldn't help but think about the piles of songs she had written for herself but never recorded. Could even record my one for Ren...

"Something to think about, at least. We're almost there, right?"

"Yup, almost home." Misaki took a deep breath.

"Nervous?"

"Yes."

"I thought that was my job as the boyfriend." He chuckled. "You're not too embarrassed by me, right?"

"Of course not, but I've never brought a boy home before... unless you count them meeting Aki, but that was as my manager..." Totally shouldn't have mentioned him. Misaki tensed.

"So, first official boyfriend introduction. I should be more nervous, but I'm just excited." He gripped the steering wheel tighter. "I need to make a good impression."

"Isn't that what the food you ordered is for?"

"Only partially. Part of me wanted to eat it, and part just for you. A combo, you know?"

"Makes sense." Something tells me it's more for the impression than the rest.

"I better not get lost now," he grumbled and stretched his neck as he looked for her parents' house.

"Just the next one over."

"Yeah, I should've noticed the car Shun would take to get here. Wasn't sure if he'd still be here, though." He parked behind him on the street. "Okay, I'll admit it was a bad idea for all of us to take different vehicles here."

"Aside from Daichi, it's different timing."

"Thanks for giving me an excuse." He took a deep breath. "Okay, let's do this." He got out and rushed to her side, but her door had already opened.

"You don't need to get my door every time."

"I know, but I like to." He held his arm out to her.

She smiled and took his arm. They walked up to the house together, and the door opened before Misaki could unlock it.

"Misa-nee!" Emi tackled her for a hug, making her stumble into Ren. She backed off. "You brought him with you! Does this mean what I think it does?" Emi wiggled her eyebrows.

"Yes," Ren answered right away. "And I'm hoping for an official introduction to the family."

"Great! Shun's already been introduced. I know, I know, not in the same way, but still..." Emi trailed off when she noticed the frown from Misaki. "Right, I shouldn't keep you waiting out here. Come on in! Our parents are in the kitchen having tea with Shun."

Another car pulled up. "Wait for me!" Daichi rushed up to them. "Hello again, little one," he greeted Emi and flooded in with the others.

"Oh, hi!"

With their shoes off, Ren and Misaki headed into the kitchen with the others right behind them.

"Hello!" Ren waved. "I'm Ren Hayase, your daughter's new boyfriend." He bowed to them. "I hope you'll accept me, and the food to be delivered soon."

"Oh! Aren't you another charmer," Mrs. Minase said, gesturing for him to join them at the table. "We've actually been hearing about you from your brother here."

Shun turned and gave him a short wave.

Ren swallowed hard. "Nothing bad, I hope."

"Oh no, of course not. He speaks quite well of you, though there have been a few funny stories."

Ren glared at Shun, who smiled at him. "Should've gotten here sooner if you didn't want me to share with them. Come sit." Shun pulled out the empty chair next to him.

"Honey." She rushed up to Misaki. "You picked quite the handsome young man," her mother whispered. "Good job. I hope he treats you well."

"Exceedingly so."

"Perfect."

Her mother sat her down next to Ren, with Daichi taking an extra chair next to Shun.

The stocky older man with grey hair, her father, sat up straight across from him. "So, you're the man who's captured my precious daughter's heart?"

"To be fair, she stole mine a long time ago." Ren smiled widely and held his hand out. "It's nice to meet you."

Her father shook his hand and nodded, glad for a firm handshake. "Is that so?"

"Yup. You have no idea how happy I am that she literally ran into me that day at Haruka's Diner. My life has been enriched, and I no longer feel stuck." Ren held her hand under the table.

"And what have you done for her?"

"I think it's better she answer that on her own." Ren glanced at Misaki.

Emi giggled, swaying side-to-side as she sat across from Shun. "Opened her heart again to love!" Emi made a heart symbol with her hands. "Helped her find her voice again, and her confidence!"

"Emi, that was for Misaki to answer," her father said.

"I know, but... I'm just so happy I can't contain it!" Emi clapped. "Misaki performed again! And you were so amazing, Misa-nee!" She sniffled, tears in her eyes as she thought about how long she'd waited for Misaki to return to the stage. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Emi." Misaki's grip on Ren tightened as her cheeks burned.

Ding-dong.

Emi shot to her feet. "I'll get it!"

"Or I should, since it should be the food I ordered." Ren was about to get up when Shun pushed his shoulder back down.

"I'll get it. You stay." Shun followed Emi over, dragging Daichi with him.

"You know, I've been so worried about Misaki staying at home alone all the time that your presence is such a relief," her mom said, her hand over her heart as she took a deep breath. "I have to ask, are you the reason she fled back home?"

"Mom!" Misaki cried out.

"Sadly, yes. She fled from me to take time to think things over."

"Well, I'm glad things worked out in the end," her mom said.

"Me too."

"How much food did you order?" Shun complained as they all came back with several bags. "I'm not sure there's enough table space for all of it."

"I wasn't sure what everyone liked." Ren rubbed the back of his neck. "Better to cover all the bases. Let's dig in!"