26.4
Look Both Ways
Chapter 26: The First of Many
Part 4: Genius and Insanity
“I’d like Hikaru and Takaki to do this song with me,” Yamada said when they received the lyrics to the unit songs. “If it’s okay with everyone else.”
Takaki looked excited. “Oh, awesome! Thanks for bringing this up. I would have begged for the chance if you didn’t offer it.”
“No objections with that,” Kei was quick to say.
“Same sentiments,” Daiki said.
Hikaru blinked. He looked around, searching for his bottle of water and, after taking a full swig, proceeded to spit it out, as if caught by surprise. He needed the dramatic effect. “Eh?! Me?!”
“Oy, you better clean that up,” Yabu scolded.
Hikaru ignored him. “Right. I understand Takaki as a choice but this song sounds sexy as hell. Shouldn’t you get someone else who fits the bill better?”
“Hey, I’m sexy as hell,” Takaki pointed out a little defensively.
“That’s arguable,” Yabu said.
“Oy…”
“I meant me,” Hikaru said.
“Well, who do you have in mind?” Yamada wanted to know.
“Keito, for instance?” Hikaru suggested. “I don’t know if you’ve seen the muscles on him but kid’s fucking ripped.”
“Thank you, Hika,” Keito said with sincerity. “But I’m not doing that.”
Yamada agreed. “Frankly, I agree. I don’t think Keito is at that point yet. His form is good enough, sure, but he has to work on his confidence before he can do something like this. No offense, Keito.”
“None taken,” Keito lied, his ego reeling in after taking full offense.
“I can’t do sexy,” Hikaru said, exasperated.
“Your body is pretty nice, Hika,” Kei said helpfully. “And I mean that in a strict No Homo sense.”
"You have been doing weights since forever," Daiki added.
Hikaru tried to ignore that. “What about Yuto?” he tried again.
Yamada scrunched his nose. “Ehh… Not Yuto.”
“What’s wrong with Yuto?” Chinen wondered.
“Yeah, what’s wrong with me?” Yuto asked, laughing. But he understood where Yamada was getting at. In fact, everybody was. The only person who didn’t seem to was Hikaru.
“It might be better if you just spell it out for him,” Kei advised Yamada. “You won’t get anywhere trying to be subtle. Trust me, I’ve tried.”
“Obviously, but it didn’t hurt to hope.” Yamada sighed before turning back to Hikaru. “Aren’t you and Takaki the only ones among us who have anything remotely resembling a love life?”
“Hey, come on, don’t jinx it!” Takaki was quick to cry. “It’s still in its early fetal development!”
“Since when we were you smart?” Daiki demanded. “I’m pretty sure you normally don’t know terminology like that.”
“Don’t mess with me! I’m pretty smart!” Takaki snapped. “Besides, Kim took basic paramedic courses and wants to be a nurse. I pick things up from our conversations.”
“I thought she specifically said she didn’t want a relationship though?” Yuto asked.
“She doesn’t,” Takaki agreed. “At the moment. But she says she might be open to it, eventually. Look, I’m just really working on being a good friend, okay?” He pocketed his hands awkwardly. “Though I do think she kinda likes me… She blushes when I say anything remotely nice. There’s a good chance she’s a tsundere.”
Daiki and Kei tilted their heads to one side. “Isn’t this jinxing your own prospects?” they asked in unison.
“I’m just being hopeful!”
“Anyway,” Yabu interrupted, turning to look at Hikaru. “Don’t get your hopes up. No, we didn’t forget you.”
“Come on…” Hikaru groaned.
“Just take this as a major intervention, Hika,” Yabu said.
“Yeah. God knows you need it,” Chinen added cheekily.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence!” Hikaru exclaimed. “Seriously, though. I appreciate you all trying to look out for me but you guys ought to stop constantly butting into my relationship with Konako. I can handle this better than you like to think, okay?!”
Daiki didn’t look quite convinced. “Can you really though?”
“I guess we can’t really help it, Hika,” Yuto said.
“You do kind of look hopeless…” Keito admitted.
Yabu snorted. “Kind of? It’s like looking at a helpless fledgling trying to fend for itself.”
“Seriously,” Hikaru growled. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, guys. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome,” Yamada said, ignoring the heavy sarcasm dripping from Hikaru’s voice. “Now does that finally mean you’re taking the song?”
Hikaru scratched the back of his head aggressively in sheer frustration as the futility of his opposition began to sink in. “It’s not like I have a choice, is it..?”
“You don’t,” everyone was quick to agree.
“Unfortunately, I think you taught your kohais too well, Hika,” Kei told him. “Now face the consequences of all those years of manipulation.”
“On the contrary,” Hikaru said as he shook his head, laughing. “I can’t help but feel proud.”
----
In the aftermath of the concert, fans began filing out of the stadium with generally satisfied hearts.
“Woah, hey, where are you guys going?” Konako asked when she noticed her friends getting up and following suit. “Aren’t you guys coming?”
They grinned at her a little guiltily in reply.
“I think the point of sneaking in is to avoid getting caught,” Amiya said. “And you’ll have better luck doing that if you don’t have a lot of people with you.”
“But what about Kim?” Konako asked. “Surely, Takaki is waiting for you backstage too.”
Kim looked insulted. “If he thinks I’m running into his arms, overtaken by lustful longing, he’s got another thing coming!” she snapped. “I am not talking to him after that! That... that was horrifying!”
Divine started giggling. “Looks like Kim is a bit of a tsundere, after all.”
“Seriously, Divine, shut up!”
“Tell everyone we said hi though,” Suzu told Konako brightly, hugging her best friend tightly. “And tell Hikaru I’m officially a fan. Well, not of him particularly, of course, though I must say, he was pretty impressive too.”
“You guys can’t leave me alone!” Hana begged. “I’m the only one who hasn’t met them all before!”
“But you won’t be alone,” Suzu pointed out. “You’ve got your sister.”
“Yeah, nice to see you don’t count me as a person,” Konako said.
“You know what I mean..!” Hana groaned. “This is too embarrassing with just the two of us!”
“It will be fine!” Amiya assured her. “Are you really going to pass up on an opportunity to meet them? We’ve all met them and they’re really quite decent. And I guarantee you,” she said, nodding at her uchiwa. “Yuto is a lot more handsome up close.”
“Really?” Hana asked but knowing it in her heart to be true.
“Actually, they all are,” Divine said, sighing dreamily.
“Oy. Control your thirst, woman,” Kim said.
“Apart from drummer boy, I’m sure you’ve developed other crushes from just watching them today,” Divine told Hana. “Wouldn’t it be nice to meet them all? I mean, it’s fine. I had crushes on everyone in 7 and I had no idea they were idols then!”
Kim raised an eyebrow. “Had?”
“All right, have,” Divine corrected, raising her hands in defeat. “Anyway, point is, you basically have permission to swoon.”
“I guess I do kind of like the guy on keyboard too…” Hana admitted softly.
“You like Kei?” Konako asked, surprised.
“Oh Kei!” Suzu screamed. “Okay, but just a quick heads up: he’s pretty but kind of weird.”
Konako raised an eyebrow. “I’m pretty sure you liked him before.”
“I liked him as a bystander, I guess,” Suzu said, shrugging. “I mean, he is very pretty, which I understand makes him annoyingly appealing to our schoolmates, but he’s also very strange. Konako, you should have seen his groceries.”
“You’re judging him based on his groceries?”
“Well, not just on his groceries,” Suzu tried to explain. “I guess interacting with him just made the rose-colored glasses break?” In that moment, Konako was instantly reminded of that conversation she had with Hikaru and blushed despite herself. “It’s not really anything against him. I’m sure he’s a good friend and might even be a pretty decent boyfriend. Those luscious lips are definitely good for something.”
“Suzu!”
“He is quite known for his lips,” Amiya pointed out.
“See?” Suzu said. “Bottom line: I guess I’m just really into younger guys.”
“Girl, try saying that a little louder,” Kim said. “I don’t think the FBI heard you.”
“Okay, we’re digressing,” Konako said, turning to Kim. “What am I going to tell Takaki though? He’s bound to ask.”
Kim shrugged. “Make something up. Or better yet, tell him the truth. Make him uncomfortable. I trust you.”
“You’re giving me this responsibility?”
“Well, I’m not letting Hana do it.”
Hana whimpered at that. “So this really is goodbye then?”
“Oh, hey, don’t fret," Amiya said. "I’m sure we’ll have other opportunities to see each other."
“Next concert, perhaps?” Divine asked, jumping on the balls of her feet with excitement. “I’ll make sure to bring enough money to buy one of every item they have by then. Seriously, those mascots Hikaru designed are frickin' adorable.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Kim said. “This might be my last for me.”
“Hmm… I don’t think so,” Divine said thoughtfully. “Takaki is quite enamored by you. And I have a feeling he won’t give up so easily.”
“Think he can pull a Hikaru and wait for ten years though?” Suzu wondered.
“Stop it,” Konako whispered, turning as red as Yamada’s costumes.
“Takaki’s a little more straightforward than that, I think, so probably less than that,” Amiya said.
“Stop assuming things,” Kim told them. “He needs my approval first, remember?”
Divine rolled her eyes. “Sheez, you already like him. You’re just playing hard to get.”
“I’m not playing hard to get.”
“Oh, of course. You're right, I’m sorry, I forgot. Where are my manners? You are hard to get.”
“Is that supposed to be an insult?” Kim asked, folding her arms. “Because it’s flattering, actually.”
Amiya shook her head before deciding to change the topic by hugging Konako. “Hey, I know I already said this but congratulations on that precious love story.”
“Yeah, I was so surprised when she told me everything,” Hana said. “I was seriously wondering if there was a possibility she got the wrong guy. But those teeth..." She shook her head. "They are unmistakably his.”
“You should have seen me when she called me up,” Suzu said. “I was internally squealing.”
Konako gawked at her. “Internally?! You were outright screaming! Anyway, Kim’s right. You guys are getting way ahead of yourselves,” she muttered uncomfortably. “It’s not like we’re getting married or anything.”
“Not yet, anyway,” Amiya said, tapping Konako’s nose fondly. “You really think he’s going to let you go now? After everything that happened between you guys?”
Hana groaned. “Can’t I just go with you guys? I'm just going to be an awkward third wheel.”
“Absolutely not,” they replied.
“Don’t let this opportunity go to waste!” Divine cheered. “Remember: people would kill to be in your shoes.”
“Which is why it’s probably a good idea to keep the volume down,” Amiya reminded her.
“Right.”
“Oh, have fun, you guys!” Suzu said excitedly. “Give them our regards! Especially Chii and Keito. Tell them they did great.”
“Until the next concert!” Amiya sang.
“See you around then,” Kim said, nodding curtly and yet exuding a sort of warmth she normally didn’t reveal.
“Thanks for coming!” Konako said, hugging each of them in turn. “You guys stay safe.”
Hana waved at the departing girls sadly. “See you around…”
As soon as they were left alone, Konako pulled on her sister’s hand. “All right then,” she said. “Let’s do this.”
Hana groaned. “Do we have to..?”
“Yes. Now come on. We don’t know how many opportunities we’ll have to do this.”
Hana let out a snort but allowed her sister to lead her forward anyway. “You heard Amiya. You’re probably going to get married anyway. I’m probably going to have plenty more opportunities to meet them.”
“One, don’t even think about the getting married thing. It’s not safe to assume these things.”
“Right, I’m sorry, am I jinxing things?” Hana asked, her tone evidently lacking any signs of remorse.
“Two,” Konako continued, ignoring Hana’s statement. “Regarding these so-called numerous opportunities to meet them, we don’t know that for sure either. Hikaru’s been desperately trying to distance us from the rest of the group. Though unfortunately for him, they have been surprisingly clingy.”
“Exactly… Which is why I don’t think those opportunities will be running out anytime soon.”
“Three, are you actually giving him your blessing?” Konako asked incredulously.
“Not outwardly, no. I mean, he’s cool,” Hana admitted. “Definitely better than your first boyfriend but he’s also kind of annoying.”
“Hikaru can be quite annoying, sure, but you make it so easy. Anyway, are you sure you’re still not just pissed about him calling you the older sister?”
“Maybe,” Hana said in a tiny voice, puffing her cheeks out indignantly.
Konako couldn’t help but laugh then. “Come on. Let it go already…”
“Never. What else will I have against him?”
“Oh, I’m sure you can think of something else,” Konako said. “Now do you want to let it go or do you want me to sing it for you?”
“Hell no. After we dealt with that kid who wouldn’t stop playing it on the bus nonstop for 4 hours, I never want to listen to that song again.”
-----
“Hika!” Konako screamed as soon as she saw him and the others coming out of a room she could only assume was the dressing area.
“Kona!” he screamed. In a second, he had dropped his duffel bag, which somehow clattered with a loud BANG before him, and ran towards her. He practically slammed into Konako but he was quick enough to wrap her in his arms and twirl her around. Then, realizing that he had an audience, he set her down, blushing. “Hey Hana.”
Hana gave him a brisk wave that was accompanied by a blank facial expression. “Hey.”
He turned back to Konako awkwardly. “So, um, how was it? Did you… Like it?” he asked feebly.
“What a question! I loved it!” Konako was bouncing with excitement. “It’s so much better than watching a DVD! The lights, the confetti, that energy! I had no idea going to concert was going to be so much fun!”
Hikaru let out a sigh of relief. “That’s great! I’m glad you enjoyed yourself! How about you, Hana? How are you doing?”
“Doing great, actually,” she admitted. “It was surprisingly fun! Though I have to say, it’s so weird seeing you on stage like that.”
“Didn’t expect me to be that handsome, did you?” Hikaru asked, wiggling his eyebrows comically.
“On second thought, you’re disgusting.”
“Konako!” Yabu greeted as the rest of the gang arrived. “Found your way back here, all right?”
“Yeah, it was pretty straightforward. This is my sister Hana, by the way,” she introduced. Hana gave the rest of the crew a shy wave.
“Her younger sister,” Hikaru was quick to add.
Yabu and Yamada raised an eyebrow at him. “She’s obviously younger,” they said.
“What is wrong with your eyes?” Kei reprimanded.
Takaki nodded at the sisters. “Hey. Thanks for coming.”
“Hello Hana,” Keito greeted warmly.
“Hi Hana!” Chinen said brightly.
Yuto was quick to notice the uchiwa she was holding and beamed at her with a combination of embarrassment and glee. “Hey..! Um. Thanks for supporting us!”
Hana quickly turned red as she tried to hide her uchiwa behind her. Noticing this strange exchange, Yamada nudged Yuto, staring at him for three solid seconds before eyeing the latter’s bag.
“Oh! Right, right,” Yuto said, remembering. “Hey Hana, I’ve got an extra Yujikku plush with me if you want.”
Nothing was registering in Hana. “Huh?”
“It’s the name of his mascot,” Konako explained softly.
That’s when Hana grew several shades redder. “Ehhh! No, it’s okay, really!”
“It’s fine!” Yuto insisted, a light blush building in his cheeks now. “I was going to give it to my little cousin but apparently, she already preordered one anyway.”
“I really think I should just buy one…” Hana mumbled.
“What, no! No way!”
“I mean it’s to support you guys…”
“Ehh… Seriously, it’s no problem!” Yuto actually grabbed her hand then, shoving the toy into her palms, before wrapping his hands around hers so she wouldn’t let go. Hana squeaked from both his touch and the proximity of their faces. Yuto stared earnestly into her eyes before bowing. “Please accept this gift as a sign of our gratitude! This is my thanks for supporting m- I mean, us.”
Yamada snorted, rolling his eyes.
“All right, now, Konako, be honest,” Daiki said as he wrapped an arm around Konako’s shoulders. “What did you really think of that performance?”
“Well, I thought for sure it wasn’t going to go better than your performance at the wedding but you guys proved me wrong.”
“Please. Konako,” Yamada said, raising his hands. “You’re insulting us.”
“It was awesome~” Hana offered softly.
“Thank you!” everyone said.
“Fair enough. Now, forget about Hika for a second,” Daiki told Konako. “Who did you really like best? In all honesty?”
“Oh! Um…”
“Oy, stop harassing her,” Hikaru growled, moving to pry Daiki off her. But Daiki was too fast and he danced around the other boy, dragging Konako with him.
“She hesitated though!” Daiki exclaimed, cackling away. “Which means it’s not you!”
“Stop it! You’re going to make her dizzy like that!”
“Hold on! Wait a second!” Takaki suddenly said, snapping into attention. He shoved Daiki away from Konako. “Where’s Kim?”
“She…” Konako swallowed self-consciously. “She said she had other things to attend to…”
At that, Takaki's jaw dropped, his shoulders following. “But she said she’d come backstage…”
“I guess she changed her mind..?” She turned to Hana but her sister could only stare at her helplessly. Konako really didn’t want to make an excuse up. Takaki looked so heartbroken already.
“Uh oh,” Chinen whispered. “You must have pissed her off.”
Takaki whipped his head at Yamada’s direction. “You told me it would be fine.”
But Yamada could only shrug apologetically. “Hey, man, I can’t guarantee everything…”
Takaki was shaking. “KIIIIIIM!!!” he screamed. He turned and was about to run out of there when he slipped and fell on his back: Yabu had pulled on the back of his collar, dragging him back.
“Oy, I wouldn’t do that!” Yabu said, hauling him back singlehandedly. “You’re going to upset a lot of fans if you go out, calling after her!”
“Excuse me, Konako,” Daiki said, bowing, before proceeding to provide Yabu with some much needed assistance, Yuto and Keito trailing closely.
Konako looked at Hikaru sheepishly. “I’m sorry. I wanted her to come but I didn’t want to impose.”
Hikaru shook his head, smiling at her sincerely. “Hey, it’s fine. That’s not your fault.” They eyed Takaki who was trying to crawl away despite the combined efforts of Yabu, Daiki, Yuto, and Keito. Hikaru turned to Kei. “I wasn’t this bad though, right?”
“Almost!” Daiki wheezed.
“What you lacked in strength, you made up for in ingenuity,” Kei told him. “Come on, do you seriously not realize how hard it was to keep you in check?!” Kei grinned at Hana who was ogling at the struggle, horrified. “Oh, don’t worry, Hana-chan. This is all normal behavior.”
“Clearly,” she breathed.
“Amiya, Suzu, and Divine all send their regards, by the way,” Konako informed them.
“Oh yeah, Suzu!” Kei asked, remembering the girl he had crashed into and inadvertently switched groceries with. “How is she?”
“She’s fine, actually. She wanted to tell you guys that you did great. Keito and Chinen, in particular.”
Keito, who was in the middle of wrestling Takaki's arms back, immediately froze, blushing. “O-oh. Thank you…”
Unfortunately, that one moment of hesitation was all Takaki needed. In an instant he had burst free and clambered out of there, screaming, “KIIIIIIIM!”
“Aw man, he got away,” Kei whined.
“Sorry,” Keito mumbled sheepishly. “That was my bad.”
“Hey, dude, it’s not your fault,” Yuto told him. “That guy is just as bad as Hika.”
“Almost as bad,” Hikaru corrected.
“That’s not exactly something to be proud of, dingus,” Kei said.
Yabu sighed. “Well, I’m not running after him.”
“Neither am I,” Daiki said, huffing. “I’m already bushed.”
“At this point, I think we can all agree that we did our best,” Yuto said.
“I hope he doesn’t get too crazy…” Chinen murmured.
“So anyway, moving on, what did the rest of your company think?” Hikaru asked Konako.
It took Konako a while to realize what Hikaru was talking about. “Oh! Well, Amiya enjoyed it. Though not as much as Divine, probably. She was the loudest.”
“As to be expected,” Chinen noted.
“She had 5 different uchiwas altogether,” Konako said.
“She would have bought the whole set if she had enough money,” Hana said.
“Oh, and she’d scream every time Yama-chan did anything,” Konako added.
Yamada gave a slow bow. “Well, naturally. But all the same, she has my thanks.”
“Hey, is nobody else worried that Takaki really ran out to chase after Kim?” Chinen interrupted.
“Does anybody actually have the energy to run after him though?” Yabu wondered.
“Frankly, I’m a little terrified for him,” Chinen said.
“Oh, do we have to?” Yuto asked, whining.
Yamada sighed. “I suppose we do…”
“Do you see how much we spoil you?” Daiki asked Hikaru then. “We normally don’t argue like this with you. It’s always a matter of 'how do we get your ungrateful ass out of your mess?'”
“Thank you for your undying patronage,” Hikaru responded flatly.
“How are you gals going back home, by the way?” Yabu suddenly thought to ask.
“Oh, just by commuting,” Hana replied.
Konako laughed as soon as she saw Hikaru’s reaction to that. “Yes, Hika, we’ll be fine.”
Hikaru frowned at her guiltily. “I’m sorry I can’t bring you home.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m not expecting a free ride.”
“I know. I just wanted to apologize anyway.”
“This is exactly what I meant about not being silly.”
“I’ll see you later?” he asked, hopeful.
“I’ll see you later,” she promised.
“It was nice meeting you,” Hana told the group.
“Nice meeting you,” Yuto immediately echoed.
Hikaru raised an eyebrow. And then a curious thought bloomed in the garden of his thoughts. “Oh yeah, do you want a picture?” he asked her.
“Uh…”
“Come on,” Yamada said, smiling his most amiable smile. “Why not, right? We’re missing a member but it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”
“Yeah, Hana. Come here.” Konako gestured. “I want a shot with them too.”
Yamada grabbed Yuto, placing him squarely by the empty spot next to Konako. Yuto looked surprised but welcomed the action, anyway. He smiled warmly at Hana.
“Stop being shy already…” Hikaru told Hana, practically shoving her. “Just get in the shot.”
----
“I didn’t know Konako had a sister,” Yuto remarked later on that night.
“Well, neither did we,” Keito said as he slurped at his ramen ravenously. “I don’t think she mentioned it.”
“To be fair, we don’t exactly mention a lot of things to her either,” Chinen pointed out. “These type of information come in passing.”
“True,” Yamada said as he practically gulped down his dumplings. “This isn’t a slam book.”
“Yeah… But Hikaru is so weird though,” Yuto continued somewhat distractedly. “I mean, how could he mistake her as older?”
“That might have arisen from her colder demeanor, I suppose,” Chinen said midchew. “Konako-chan is a little bubblier.”
“What? But Hana’s got such a cute energy to her!”
At that point, Keito dropped his chopsticks and looked at Yuto suspiciously. “You’re flattered she bought your uchiwa...”
“Wouldn’t you be?” Yuto asked. “You were pretty happy when Suzu complimented you.”
“I didn’t develop a crush on her.”
“Hey, Hikaru fell in love with his first fan.”
“Hikaru’s case was different and you know it.”
“Did you just admit that you like Konako’s sister?” Chinen asked in disbelief.
Yuto practically flew back at the accusation. “No!” he sputtered, blood quickly flooding into his face.
Yamada shook his head. “Sheez, for an actor, you’re not very good at hiding your own feelings, are you? You were totally fumbling around when you gave her your plushie.”
Yuto gawked at him. “You told me to give her the plushie!”
“I didn’t tell you to be so obvious with your feelings.”
“I wasn’t that obvious!”
“There you go, gentlemen,” Yamada said, satisfied. “An indirect confession.”
“Hey!" Yuto cried, growing scarlet. "I didn’t say anything!”
“Yeah, what part of ‘indirect’ do you not understand?”
“Sheez…” Chinen whistled.
“Honestly, if this wasn’t so entertaining, I would be terrified of Yamada’s manipulation skills,” Keito said. “First you corner Hikaru and Takaki with that unit formation and now, Yuto? It’s like Hikaru had given birth to a monster.”
“What, you only noticed now that Yama-chan’s just been biding his time for the ripe opportunity to wreck emotional havoc?” Chinen asked as he helped himself to some egg. “You know if he wasn’t an idol, he would be plotting to take over the world.”
“Pretty sure he’s planning to do the same with the entertainment industry,” Keito muttered.
“Please,” Yamada said, a smirk playing in his lips. “Hikaru will never be half as cunning and you know it. And hey, that dork took at least a month to get one kiss in and even longer to confess the truth of their past. I think we can all agree that he needed some kind of intervention, divine or otherwise, to push the boundaries of his relationship. In fact, you’d be damn sure that if I was the deity they prayed for, I’d be basking myself in the chaos of my own making.”
“Wouldn’t it be funny if that happened to be the case though?” Keito mused.
“Given all the trouble he’s been through and the fact that he somehow survives every single one of them with only minor injuries, it certainly sounds eerily plausible,” Chinen said as he sipped on his soup.
“Also, you’re welcome,” Yamada told Yuto. “She definitely likes you more already.”
“What about Takaki?” Yuto asked, his efforts to stop blushing proving futile. “I mean, I doubt Kim would be ready for that kind of activity. They’re not even together.”
“Oh, that one was just for fun.”
Chinen let out a loud laugh. “Fuck, you’re really on a roll here, aren’t you?”
“You’re freaking insane, that’s what you are,” Keito said.
Yamada shrugged. “Well, you know what they say: genius is just one of the many forms of insanity.”
Chapter 26: The First of Many
Part 4: Genius and Insanity
“I’d like Hikaru and Takaki to do this song with me,” Yamada said when they received the lyrics to the unit songs. “If it’s okay with everyone else.”
Takaki looked excited. “Oh, awesome! Thanks for bringing this up. I would have begged for the chance if you didn’t offer it.”
“No objections with that,” Kei was quick to say.
“Same sentiments,” Daiki said.
Hikaru blinked. He looked around, searching for his bottle of water and, after taking a full swig, proceeded to spit it out, as if caught by surprise. He needed the dramatic effect. “Eh?! Me?!”
“Oy, you better clean that up,” Yabu scolded.
Hikaru ignored him. “Right. I understand Takaki as a choice but this song sounds sexy as hell. Shouldn’t you get someone else who fits the bill better?”
“Hey, I’m sexy as hell,” Takaki pointed out a little defensively.
“That’s arguable,” Yabu said.
“Oy…”
“I meant me,” Hikaru said.
“Well, who do you have in mind?” Yamada wanted to know.
“Keito, for instance?” Hikaru suggested. “I don’t know if you’ve seen the muscles on him but kid’s fucking ripped.”
“Thank you, Hika,” Keito said with sincerity. “But I’m not doing that.”
Yamada agreed. “Frankly, I agree. I don’t think Keito is at that point yet. His form is good enough, sure, but he has to work on his confidence before he can do something like this. No offense, Keito.”
“None taken,” Keito lied, his ego reeling in after taking full offense.
“I can’t do sexy,” Hikaru said, exasperated.
“Your body is pretty nice, Hika,” Kei said helpfully. “And I mean that in a strict No Homo sense.”
"You have been doing weights since forever," Daiki added.
Hikaru tried to ignore that. “What about Yuto?” he tried again.
Yamada scrunched his nose. “Ehh… Not Yuto.”
“What’s wrong with Yuto?” Chinen wondered.
“Yeah, what’s wrong with me?” Yuto asked, laughing. But he understood where Yamada was getting at. In fact, everybody was. The only person who didn’t seem to was Hikaru.
“It might be better if you just spell it out for him,” Kei advised Yamada. “You won’t get anywhere trying to be subtle. Trust me, I’ve tried.”
“Obviously, but it didn’t hurt to hope.” Yamada sighed before turning back to Hikaru. “Aren’t you and Takaki the only ones among us who have anything remotely resembling a love life?”
“Hey, come on, don’t jinx it!” Takaki was quick to cry. “It’s still in its early fetal development!”
“Since when we were you smart?” Daiki demanded. “I’m pretty sure you normally don’t know terminology like that.”
“Don’t mess with me! I’m pretty smart!” Takaki snapped. “Besides, Kim took basic paramedic courses and wants to be a nurse. I pick things up from our conversations.”
“I thought she specifically said she didn’t want a relationship though?” Yuto asked.
“She doesn’t,” Takaki agreed. “At the moment. But she says she might be open to it, eventually. Look, I’m just really working on being a good friend, okay?” He pocketed his hands awkwardly. “Though I do think she kinda likes me… She blushes when I say anything remotely nice. There’s a good chance she’s a tsundere.”
Daiki and Kei tilted their heads to one side. “Isn’t this jinxing your own prospects?” they asked in unison.
“I’m just being hopeful!”
“Anyway,” Yabu interrupted, turning to look at Hikaru. “Don’t get your hopes up. No, we didn’t forget you.”
“Come on…” Hikaru groaned.
“Just take this as a major intervention, Hika,” Yabu said.
“Yeah. God knows you need it,” Chinen added cheekily.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence!” Hikaru exclaimed. “Seriously, though. I appreciate you all trying to look out for me but you guys ought to stop constantly butting into my relationship with Konako. I can handle this better than you like to think, okay?!”
Daiki didn’t look quite convinced. “Can you really though?”
“I guess we can’t really help it, Hika,” Yuto said.
“You do kind of look hopeless…” Keito admitted.
Yabu snorted. “Kind of? It’s like looking at a helpless fledgling trying to fend for itself.”
“Seriously,” Hikaru growled. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, guys. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome,” Yamada said, ignoring the heavy sarcasm dripping from Hikaru’s voice. “Now does that finally mean you’re taking the song?”
Hikaru scratched the back of his head aggressively in sheer frustration as the futility of his opposition began to sink in. “It’s not like I have a choice, is it..?”
“You don’t,” everyone was quick to agree.
“Unfortunately, I think you taught your kohais too well, Hika,” Kei told him. “Now face the consequences of all those years of manipulation.”
“On the contrary,” Hikaru said as he shook his head, laughing. “I can’t help but feel proud.”
----
In the aftermath of the concert, fans began filing out of the stadium with generally satisfied hearts.
“Woah, hey, where are you guys going?” Konako asked when she noticed her friends getting up and following suit. “Aren’t you guys coming?”
They grinned at her a little guiltily in reply.
“I think the point of sneaking in is to avoid getting caught,” Amiya said. “And you’ll have better luck doing that if you don’t have a lot of people with you.”
“But what about Kim?” Konako asked. “Surely, Takaki is waiting for you backstage too.”
Kim looked insulted. “If he thinks I’m running into his arms, overtaken by lustful longing, he’s got another thing coming!” she snapped. “I am not talking to him after that! That... that was horrifying!”
Divine started giggling. “Looks like Kim is a bit of a tsundere, after all.”
“Seriously, Divine, shut up!”
“Tell everyone we said hi though,” Suzu told Konako brightly, hugging her best friend tightly. “And tell Hikaru I’m officially a fan. Well, not of him particularly, of course, though I must say, he was pretty impressive too.”
“You guys can’t leave me alone!” Hana begged. “I’m the only one who hasn’t met them all before!”
“But you won’t be alone,” Suzu pointed out. “You’ve got your sister.”
“Yeah, nice to see you don’t count me as a person,” Konako said.
“You know what I mean..!” Hana groaned. “This is too embarrassing with just the two of us!”
“It will be fine!” Amiya assured her. “Are you really going to pass up on an opportunity to meet them? We’ve all met them and they’re really quite decent. And I guarantee you,” she said, nodding at her uchiwa. “Yuto is a lot more handsome up close.”
“Really?” Hana asked but knowing it in her heart to be true.
“Actually, they all are,” Divine said, sighing dreamily.
“Oy. Control your thirst, woman,” Kim said.
“Apart from drummer boy, I’m sure you’ve developed other crushes from just watching them today,” Divine told Hana. “Wouldn’t it be nice to meet them all? I mean, it’s fine. I had crushes on everyone in 7 and I had no idea they were idols then!”
Kim raised an eyebrow. “Had?”
“All right, have,” Divine corrected, raising her hands in defeat. “Anyway, point is, you basically have permission to swoon.”
“I guess I do kind of like the guy on keyboard too…” Hana admitted softly.
“You like Kei?” Konako asked, surprised.
“Oh Kei!” Suzu screamed. “Okay, but just a quick heads up: he’s pretty but kind of weird.”
Konako raised an eyebrow. “I’m pretty sure you liked him before.”
“I liked him as a bystander, I guess,” Suzu said, shrugging. “I mean, he is very pretty, which I understand makes him annoyingly appealing to our schoolmates, but he’s also very strange. Konako, you should have seen his groceries.”
“You’re judging him based on his groceries?”
“Well, not just on his groceries,” Suzu tried to explain. “I guess interacting with him just made the rose-colored glasses break?” In that moment, Konako was instantly reminded of that conversation she had with Hikaru and blushed despite herself. “It’s not really anything against him. I’m sure he’s a good friend and might even be a pretty decent boyfriend. Those luscious lips are definitely good for something.”
“Suzu!”
“He is quite known for his lips,” Amiya pointed out.
“See?” Suzu said. “Bottom line: I guess I’m just really into younger guys.”
“Girl, try saying that a little louder,” Kim said. “I don’t think the FBI heard you.”
“Okay, we’re digressing,” Konako said, turning to Kim. “What am I going to tell Takaki though? He’s bound to ask.”
Kim shrugged. “Make something up. Or better yet, tell him the truth. Make him uncomfortable. I trust you.”
“You’re giving me this responsibility?”
“Well, I’m not letting Hana do it.”
Hana whimpered at that. “So this really is goodbye then?”
“Oh, hey, don’t fret," Amiya said. "I’m sure we’ll have other opportunities to see each other."
“Next concert, perhaps?” Divine asked, jumping on the balls of her feet with excitement. “I’ll make sure to bring enough money to buy one of every item they have by then. Seriously, those mascots Hikaru designed are frickin' adorable.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Kim said. “This might be my last for me.”
“Hmm… I don’t think so,” Divine said thoughtfully. “Takaki is quite enamored by you. And I have a feeling he won’t give up so easily.”
“Think he can pull a Hikaru and wait for ten years though?” Suzu wondered.
“Stop it,” Konako whispered, turning as red as Yamada’s costumes.
“Takaki’s a little more straightforward than that, I think, so probably less than that,” Amiya said.
“Stop assuming things,” Kim told them. “He needs my approval first, remember?”
Divine rolled her eyes. “Sheez, you already like him. You’re just playing hard to get.”
“I’m not playing hard to get.”
“Oh, of course. You're right, I’m sorry, I forgot. Where are my manners? You are hard to get.”
“Is that supposed to be an insult?” Kim asked, folding her arms. “Because it’s flattering, actually.”
Amiya shook her head before deciding to change the topic by hugging Konako. “Hey, I know I already said this but congratulations on that precious love story.”
“Yeah, I was so surprised when she told me everything,” Hana said. “I was seriously wondering if there was a possibility she got the wrong guy. But those teeth..." She shook her head. "They are unmistakably his.”
“You should have seen me when she called me up,” Suzu said. “I was internally squealing.”
Konako gawked at her. “Internally?! You were outright screaming! Anyway, Kim’s right. You guys are getting way ahead of yourselves,” she muttered uncomfortably. “It’s not like we’re getting married or anything.”
“Not yet, anyway,” Amiya said, tapping Konako’s nose fondly. “You really think he’s going to let you go now? After everything that happened between you guys?”
Hana groaned. “Can’t I just go with you guys? I'm just going to be an awkward third wheel.”
“Absolutely not,” they replied.
“Don’t let this opportunity go to waste!” Divine cheered. “Remember: people would kill to be in your shoes.”
“Which is why it’s probably a good idea to keep the volume down,” Amiya reminded her.
“Right.”
“Oh, have fun, you guys!” Suzu said excitedly. “Give them our regards! Especially Chii and Keito. Tell them they did great.”
“Until the next concert!” Amiya sang.
“See you around then,” Kim said, nodding curtly and yet exuding a sort of warmth she normally didn’t reveal.
“Thanks for coming!” Konako said, hugging each of them in turn. “You guys stay safe.”
Hana waved at the departing girls sadly. “See you around…”
As soon as they were left alone, Konako pulled on her sister’s hand. “All right then,” she said. “Let’s do this.”
Hana groaned. “Do we have to..?”
“Yes. Now come on. We don’t know how many opportunities we’ll have to do this.”
Hana let out a snort but allowed her sister to lead her forward anyway. “You heard Amiya. You’re probably going to get married anyway. I’m probably going to have plenty more opportunities to meet them.”
“One, don’t even think about the getting married thing. It’s not safe to assume these things.”
“Right, I’m sorry, am I jinxing things?” Hana asked, her tone evidently lacking any signs of remorse.
“Two,” Konako continued, ignoring Hana’s statement. “Regarding these so-called numerous opportunities to meet them, we don’t know that for sure either. Hikaru’s been desperately trying to distance us from the rest of the group. Though unfortunately for him, they have been surprisingly clingy.”
“Exactly… Which is why I don’t think those opportunities will be running out anytime soon.”
“Three, are you actually giving him your blessing?” Konako asked incredulously.
“Not outwardly, no. I mean, he’s cool,” Hana admitted. “Definitely better than your first boyfriend but he’s also kind of annoying.”
“Hikaru can be quite annoying, sure, but you make it so easy. Anyway, are you sure you’re still not just pissed about him calling you the older sister?”
“Maybe,” Hana said in a tiny voice, puffing her cheeks out indignantly.
Konako couldn’t help but laugh then. “Come on. Let it go already…”
“Never. What else will I have against him?”
“Oh, I’m sure you can think of something else,” Konako said. “Now do you want to let it go or do you want me to sing it for you?”
“Hell no. After we dealt with that kid who wouldn’t stop playing it on the bus nonstop for 4 hours, I never want to listen to that song again.”
-----
“Hika!” Konako screamed as soon as she saw him and the others coming out of a room she could only assume was the dressing area.
“Kona!” he screamed. In a second, he had dropped his duffel bag, which somehow clattered with a loud BANG before him, and ran towards her. He practically slammed into Konako but he was quick enough to wrap her in his arms and twirl her around. Then, realizing that he had an audience, he set her down, blushing. “Hey Hana.”
Hana gave him a brisk wave that was accompanied by a blank facial expression. “Hey.”
He turned back to Konako awkwardly. “So, um, how was it? Did you… Like it?” he asked feebly.
“What a question! I loved it!” Konako was bouncing with excitement. “It’s so much better than watching a DVD! The lights, the confetti, that energy! I had no idea going to concert was going to be so much fun!”
Hikaru let out a sigh of relief. “That’s great! I’m glad you enjoyed yourself! How about you, Hana? How are you doing?”
“Doing great, actually,” she admitted. “It was surprisingly fun! Though I have to say, it’s so weird seeing you on stage like that.”
“Didn’t expect me to be that handsome, did you?” Hikaru asked, wiggling his eyebrows comically.
“On second thought, you’re disgusting.”
“Konako!” Yabu greeted as the rest of the gang arrived. “Found your way back here, all right?”
“Yeah, it was pretty straightforward. This is my sister Hana, by the way,” she introduced. Hana gave the rest of the crew a shy wave.
“Her younger sister,” Hikaru was quick to add.
Yabu and Yamada raised an eyebrow at him. “She’s obviously younger,” they said.
“What is wrong with your eyes?” Kei reprimanded.
Takaki nodded at the sisters. “Hey. Thanks for coming.”
“Hello Hana,” Keito greeted warmly.
“Hi Hana!” Chinen said brightly.
Yuto was quick to notice the uchiwa she was holding and beamed at her with a combination of embarrassment and glee. “Hey..! Um. Thanks for supporting us!”
Hana quickly turned red as she tried to hide her uchiwa behind her. Noticing this strange exchange, Yamada nudged Yuto, staring at him for three solid seconds before eyeing the latter’s bag.
“Oh! Right, right,” Yuto said, remembering. “Hey Hana, I’ve got an extra Yujikku plush with me if you want.”
Nothing was registering in Hana. “Huh?”
“It’s the name of his mascot,” Konako explained softly.
That’s when Hana grew several shades redder. “Ehhh! No, it’s okay, really!”
“It’s fine!” Yuto insisted, a light blush building in his cheeks now. “I was going to give it to my little cousin but apparently, she already preordered one anyway.”
“I really think I should just buy one…” Hana mumbled.
“What, no! No way!”
“I mean it’s to support you guys…”
“Ehh… Seriously, it’s no problem!” Yuto actually grabbed her hand then, shoving the toy into her palms, before wrapping his hands around hers so she wouldn’t let go. Hana squeaked from both his touch and the proximity of their faces. Yuto stared earnestly into her eyes before bowing. “Please accept this gift as a sign of our gratitude! This is my thanks for supporting m- I mean, us.”
Yamada snorted, rolling his eyes.
“All right, now, Konako, be honest,” Daiki said as he wrapped an arm around Konako’s shoulders. “What did you really think of that performance?”
“Well, I thought for sure it wasn’t going to go better than your performance at the wedding but you guys proved me wrong.”
“Please. Konako,” Yamada said, raising his hands. “You’re insulting us.”
“It was awesome~” Hana offered softly.
“Thank you!” everyone said.
“Fair enough. Now, forget about Hika for a second,” Daiki told Konako. “Who did you really like best? In all honesty?”
“Oh! Um…”
“Oy, stop harassing her,” Hikaru growled, moving to pry Daiki off her. But Daiki was too fast and he danced around the other boy, dragging Konako with him.
“She hesitated though!” Daiki exclaimed, cackling away. “Which means it’s not you!”
“Stop it! You’re going to make her dizzy like that!”
“Hold on! Wait a second!” Takaki suddenly said, snapping into attention. He shoved Daiki away from Konako. “Where’s Kim?”
“She…” Konako swallowed self-consciously. “She said she had other things to attend to…”
At that, Takaki's jaw dropped, his shoulders following. “But she said she’d come backstage…”
“I guess she changed her mind..?” She turned to Hana but her sister could only stare at her helplessly. Konako really didn’t want to make an excuse up. Takaki looked so heartbroken already.
“Uh oh,” Chinen whispered. “You must have pissed her off.”
Takaki whipped his head at Yamada’s direction. “You told me it would be fine.”
But Yamada could only shrug apologetically. “Hey, man, I can’t guarantee everything…”
Takaki was shaking. “KIIIIIIM!!!” he screamed. He turned and was about to run out of there when he slipped and fell on his back: Yabu had pulled on the back of his collar, dragging him back.
“Oy, I wouldn’t do that!” Yabu said, hauling him back singlehandedly. “You’re going to upset a lot of fans if you go out, calling after her!”
“Excuse me, Konako,” Daiki said, bowing, before proceeding to provide Yabu with some much needed assistance, Yuto and Keito trailing closely.
Konako looked at Hikaru sheepishly. “I’m sorry. I wanted her to come but I didn’t want to impose.”
Hikaru shook his head, smiling at her sincerely. “Hey, it’s fine. That’s not your fault.” They eyed Takaki who was trying to crawl away despite the combined efforts of Yabu, Daiki, Yuto, and Keito. Hikaru turned to Kei. “I wasn’t this bad though, right?”
“Almost!” Daiki wheezed.
“What you lacked in strength, you made up for in ingenuity,” Kei told him. “Come on, do you seriously not realize how hard it was to keep you in check?!” Kei grinned at Hana who was ogling at the struggle, horrified. “Oh, don’t worry, Hana-chan. This is all normal behavior.”
“Clearly,” she breathed.
“Amiya, Suzu, and Divine all send their regards, by the way,” Konako informed them.
“Oh yeah, Suzu!” Kei asked, remembering the girl he had crashed into and inadvertently switched groceries with. “How is she?”
“She’s fine, actually. She wanted to tell you guys that you did great. Keito and Chinen, in particular.”
Keito, who was in the middle of wrestling Takaki's arms back, immediately froze, blushing. “O-oh. Thank you…”
Unfortunately, that one moment of hesitation was all Takaki needed. In an instant he had burst free and clambered out of there, screaming, “KIIIIIIIM!”
“Aw man, he got away,” Kei whined.
“Sorry,” Keito mumbled sheepishly. “That was my bad.”
“Hey, dude, it’s not your fault,” Yuto told him. “That guy is just as bad as Hika.”
“Almost as bad,” Hikaru corrected.
“That’s not exactly something to be proud of, dingus,” Kei said.
Yabu sighed. “Well, I’m not running after him.”
“Neither am I,” Daiki said, huffing. “I’m already bushed.”
“At this point, I think we can all agree that we did our best,” Yuto said.
“I hope he doesn’t get too crazy…” Chinen murmured.
“So anyway, moving on, what did the rest of your company think?” Hikaru asked Konako.
It took Konako a while to realize what Hikaru was talking about. “Oh! Well, Amiya enjoyed it. Though not as much as Divine, probably. She was the loudest.”
“As to be expected,” Chinen noted.
“She had 5 different uchiwas altogether,” Konako said.
“She would have bought the whole set if she had enough money,” Hana said.
“Oh, and she’d scream every time Yama-chan did anything,” Konako added.
Yamada gave a slow bow. “Well, naturally. But all the same, she has my thanks.”
“Hey, is nobody else worried that Takaki really ran out to chase after Kim?” Chinen interrupted.
“Does anybody actually have the energy to run after him though?” Yabu wondered.
“Frankly, I’m a little terrified for him,” Chinen said.
“Oh, do we have to?” Yuto asked, whining.
Yamada sighed. “I suppose we do…”
“Do you see how much we spoil you?” Daiki asked Hikaru then. “We normally don’t argue like this with you. It’s always a matter of 'how do we get your ungrateful ass out of your mess?'”
“Thank you for your undying patronage,” Hikaru responded flatly.
“How are you gals going back home, by the way?” Yabu suddenly thought to ask.
“Oh, just by commuting,” Hana replied.
Konako laughed as soon as she saw Hikaru’s reaction to that. “Yes, Hika, we’ll be fine.”
Hikaru frowned at her guiltily. “I’m sorry I can’t bring you home.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m not expecting a free ride.”
“I know. I just wanted to apologize anyway.”
“This is exactly what I meant about not being silly.”
“I’ll see you later?” he asked, hopeful.
“I’ll see you later,” she promised.
“It was nice meeting you,” Hana told the group.
“Nice meeting you,” Yuto immediately echoed.
Hikaru raised an eyebrow. And then a curious thought bloomed in the garden of his thoughts. “Oh yeah, do you want a picture?” he asked her.
“Uh…”
“Come on,” Yamada said, smiling his most amiable smile. “Why not, right? We’re missing a member but it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”
“Yeah, Hana. Come here.” Konako gestured. “I want a shot with them too.”
Yamada grabbed Yuto, placing him squarely by the empty spot next to Konako. Yuto looked surprised but welcomed the action, anyway. He smiled warmly at Hana.
“Stop being shy already…” Hikaru told Hana, practically shoving her. “Just get in the shot.”
----
“I didn’t know Konako had a sister,” Yuto remarked later on that night.
“Well, neither did we,” Keito said as he slurped at his ramen ravenously. “I don’t think she mentioned it.”
“To be fair, we don’t exactly mention a lot of things to her either,” Chinen pointed out. “These type of information come in passing.”
“True,” Yamada said as he practically gulped down his dumplings. “This isn’t a slam book.”
“Yeah… But Hikaru is so weird though,” Yuto continued somewhat distractedly. “I mean, how could he mistake her as older?”
“That might have arisen from her colder demeanor, I suppose,” Chinen said midchew. “Konako-chan is a little bubblier.”
“What? But Hana’s got such a cute energy to her!”
At that point, Keito dropped his chopsticks and looked at Yuto suspiciously. “You’re flattered she bought your uchiwa...”
“Wouldn’t you be?” Yuto asked. “You were pretty happy when Suzu complimented you.”
“I didn’t develop a crush on her.”
“Hey, Hikaru fell in love with his first fan.”
“Hikaru’s case was different and you know it.”
“Did you just admit that you like Konako’s sister?” Chinen asked in disbelief.
Yuto practically flew back at the accusation. “No!” he sputtered, blood quickly flooding into his face.
Yamada shook his head. “Sheez, for an actor, you’re not very good at hiding your own feelings, are you? You were totally fumbling around when you gave her your plushie.”
Yuto gawked at him. “You told me to give her the plushie!”
“I didn’t tell you to be so obvious with your feelings.”
“I wasn’t that obvious!”
“There you go, gentlemen,” Yamada said, satisfied. “An indirect confession.”
“Hey!" Yuto cried, growing scarlet. "I didn’t say anything!”
“Yeah, what part of ‘indirect’ do you not understand?”
“Sheez…” Chinen whistled.
“Honestly, if this wasn’t so entertaining, I would be terrified of Yamada’s manipulation skills,” Keito said. “First you corner Hikaru and Takaki with that unit formation and now, Yuto? It’s like Hikaru had given birth to a monster.”
“What, you only noticed now that Yama-chan’s just been biding his time for the ripe opportunity to wreck emotional havoc?” Chinen asked as he helped himself to some egg. “You know if he wasn’t an idol, he would be plotting to take over the world.”
“Pretty sure he’s planning to do the same with the entertainment industry,” Keito muttered.
“Please,” Yamada said, a smirk playing in his lips. “Hikaru will never be half as cunning and you know it. And hey, that dork took at least a month to get one kiss in and even longer to confess the truth of their past. I think we can all agree that he needed some kind of intervention, divine or otherwise, to push the boundaries of his relationship. In fact, you’d be damn sure that if I was the deity they prayed for, I’d be basking myself in the chaos of my own making.”
“Wouldn’t it be funny if that happened to be the case though?” Keito mused.
“Given all the trouble he’s been through and the fact that he somehow survives every single one of them with only minor injuries, it certainly sounds eerily plausible,” Chinen said as he sipped on his soup.
“Also, you’re welcome,” Yamada told Yuto. “She definitely likes you more already.”
“What about Takaki?” Yuto asked, his efforts to stop blushing proving futile. “I mean, I doubt Kim would be ready for that kind of activity. They’re not even together.”
“Oh, that one was just for fun.”
Chinen let out a loud laugh. “Fuck, you’re really on a roll here, aren’t you?”
“You’re freaking insane, that’s what you are,” Keito said.
Yamada shrugged. “Well, you know what they say: genius is just one of the many forms of insanity.”