There are a few notes that I want to say here even they are irrelevant to this story (please forgive me.). I just wan to ramble for some reason.

1) I was so slow in updating new chapters because my daily schedule literally 'killed' me. Everything is so demanding.

2) I was so slow in updating new chapters because I was distracted a lot. When I finally got free time, I ended up watching a new KDrama but lost interest after seventh episode. Heck, I shouldn't watch it in the first place (T_T)

3) I was distracted again by Psycho-Pass series or to be particular, after all this time, I just took an interest in one of the guys, Ginoza Nobuchika in the series (for some reason, this guy suddenly reminds me of Masato which might be one of the reasons why I grow to like him). I mean, a few years back, I did notice his character development and appearance change but I just went 'owh, not bad'. But, this time he totally and suddenly won my heart despite his lack of screen time in Season 3 and First Inspector movie. I ended up watching Psycho-Pass Season 1 again to see him and also Kougami Shinya who was originally my favorite character back then :P

4) This led to the last point; aside from Ichinose Tokiya, I added Ginoza as my second muse ^^. It means one thought of him will generate more and more fanfictions if I am motivated enough. I only write fanfictions when I wish certain parts of the anime can be written differently so it's the same case for Ginoza's story. I do have issues with his function and role in the series starting from season 1 so I wish I can see him as a male lead in other stories other than one of the movies which he led alongside Inspector Shimotsuki.

CHAPTER 14

Unlike usual meeting or gathering which they always thought would never be perfect unless all of them including Haruka were around, this time it was only four of them. That was upsetting since it indicated enough that their group was no longer close-knit like before. In fact, they would fall apart anytime since their doubt to Masato, Tokiya and Ren grew day by day that it hurt.

Now in Cecil's room, none of them would betray him. That was what Otoya believed. Four of them currently were sitting in circle, collecting thoughts so that they could complete what any kind of puzzle that Otoya was still confused about.

"Well, shall we start then? You seem like you have a lot of thoughts in your mind, Otoya," Syo initiated, vaguely eyeing Natsuki and Cecil for approval which was returned right away.

"Tokiya, Ren and Masato had indirectly stated that they hated me for being together with Haruka. I don't know how to feel. Rather, it's too hard to feel anything," Otoya said, restraining himself to look straight at his friends. Now, he needed to calm himself down or else, his easy-to-crack emotion would get the better of him. "It's insane. I am confused and I don't know what to do."

"Otoya..." Cecil exclaimed, loosely held his arm. "I know it's difficult to swallow but the reason I tried so hard to come into this timeline is because when I was staying in our original timeline, the police officers came to meet me and say something about those three."

"And what is it?"

"Tokiya, Masato and Ren... all of them had falsified their testimonies regarding your murder case and the police learned it after they checked the CCTV and asked witnesses around the shopping mall. Ren was never in the shopping mall on that day after all of us separated. As for Tokiya, unlike what he claimed, he was not with Masato. At this point, the police drew a conclusion right away that they schemed something on that day since Masato had protected Ren and Tokiya all the time."

"No wonder... that Hijirikawa..." Syo mumbled, balling his fists. It was not just the goosebump that his body could not stand at this moment. Rather, it was the feeling of being betrayed by Masato who he had looked up to all this time was way crazier. "No wonder he defended those two bastards. We almost punched each other on that day because of his stupid justification about them. I never thought that..."

"False testimonies don't directly mean that they were in cahoots but we have to be extra careful around them," Natsuki remarked bitterly. "My suspicion has been so strong the moment when Tokiya-kun quickly objected Otoya-kun's plan to let Haru-chan stayed in the orphanage. Masato-kun and Ren-kun were in the same boat as well. I can feel that they were up to something."

"I am sorry, guys," Otoya said suddenly as he looked at each of them. "Because of me, Haruka had said something harsh to you guys. I believe that she was just depressed that she had said something that she didn't mean to say but despite what happened, you guys were still willing to help."

The rest of them smiled genuinely.

"It's okay," Syo said. "I might explode like a child when Nanami suddenly lashed out at us before but come to think of it, Nanami was right. She needed space for herself. She shouldn't be overwhelmed by what we felt about her. Hence, Natsuki and I had sworn that from now on, we will never make Nanami feel uncomfortable with us. We must learn how to separate our personal and business relationship with her."

His words received a strong nod from Cecil and Natsuki.

Who knows what Otoya was thinking at this point especially after they had confessed what they had truly felt after Haruka decided to marry Otoya. 

The kids loved Haruka a lot. It took a short time for them to mingle with her given she was introduced beforehand that she was Otoya's girlfriend (which she was teased afterward for blushing at the remark). She was assigned as the temporary assistant teacher for the orphans which was a blessing for being surrounded by such pure and adorable souls.

It's so stress-relieving to see them. They are orphans but their lives look much more in bless than mine, sometimes Haruka could not help but think of such thing as she touched her flat stomach.

I know I shouldn't discriminate and talk like their lives are miserable just because they're orphans but I know there are no parents in this world will want their children to be an orphan in their early age.

The same goes to me... I am afraid with the future. The fact that I never know what kind of future holds me is scary because Otoya-kun can leave me anytime. That is what I will have to accept once I agree to use Cecil-san's magic as the last resort.

Even so, I don't want my child to grow without knowing their father. Otoya-kun should have known them.

"Haru-chan, there is a man asking for you. He said he's your friend," Kyoko said as Haruka was sitting alone in the kitchen to drink her tea.

"Thank you," guessing right away that the man was one of STARISH members, she hesitated to step out and meet whoever who was so forgiving to see her after she literally insulted them on that day.

She passed the corridor while smiling at those children who waved and exclaimed her name cutely. As she walked out of the main door, she gasped to see Masato, smiling genuinely as if their friendship was still the same without previous fracas. Still wearing his school uniform, the pianist could not conceal the relief that had clouded his system as he could see that Haruka was safe and sound.

"Hi. Let's talk inside, shall we?" That was the only thing that she could come up with before Masato could initiate the conversation in the midst of the awkwardness.

"No, it's okay. I can stay outside. How about at the playground?" Masato said as he pointed at the playground which was still in the orphanage's area.

"Sure," she said.

Usually, even when Otoya was not around, Haruka never had a problem to go out together with any of STARISH members. They were all her best friends.

Since when it felt awkward just to walk side by side with Masato who was one of the reasons how she regained her guts to be a pianist and composer after being used as the subject of criticism among her schoolmates back then? Since when she felt that heading together with her friend towards the playground which was so near from main door was torturing and heart-rending at the same time?

She hated this feeling. She was the one who declared that there would be some distance between them but now...

"Nanami, are you okay?" Masato's soft voice hit the air which made her recoiled. "Or... do you not feel comfortable to talk outside with me?"

"No, not at all. I am sorry," she exclaimed before literally walking as fast as she could to match his pace. This time, she suddenly felt relieved that she found her true self again; Haruka who was always concerned about her friends and would do anything not to hurt them friends including Masato. "I must be spaced out a lot lately."

"Are you really okay?" There he goes; the same warm voice that win any woman's heart. Little did she know, she was the only one who gained such special attention from Masato even after she married Otoya.

They were sitting on the bench and Haruka could see how Masato shifted so that they would not sit so close.

"I am. Thanks..."

"I see. Sorry for asking," Masato said. "I was about to ask about your baby but I guess I might look like a busybody, right? You have Ittoki with you after all."

He might be sincere but his flat reply torn her heart apart. Since when did Masato even apologize for being caring and compassionate for her? In fact, it did not make sense at all since he was still her friend.

Or... was he not anymore? The thought made her scared. It felt like a horror story if they did end up breaking up their friendship.

"Please don't say something like that, Hijirikawa-san. Why would you feel sorry..."

"You already draw the line between us and I have to respect that, Nanami," Masato emphasized which made Haruka almost wanted to scream at him so that he would stop reminding her of how cruel she was with them before. "In fact, your words on that day made me realized that I did make you feel uncomfortable somehow so..."

"No, Hijirikawa-san. You didn't, " Haruka said, unable to restrain her feeling anymore. "I mean... You have been such a good supporter for me. I am so sorry for being so mean..."

"No, don't make yourself apologize for something that you know you have a right to voice out. You shouldn't even apologize for something that you believe. It's the rest of us who should make ourselves understand you," Masato said. His blue eyes shimmered despite the dim light from the evening sun, making him so handsome. Not to mention the smile itself... Haruka knew how rare this guy smiled since it was always that way. He only smiled when he was truly happy. "Now we know how hard it's for you. It's even harder after what Jinguuji had done to you."

Haruka sighed. "He was drunk. I know it. As much as I was still traumatized by it and I found it hard to forgive him, you made it possible, Hijirikawa-san. It's all thanks to you that I can become strong again. I must say that I am fully in your debt forever, Hijirikawa-san. You have always been a good friend. You saved me on that day."

Thank you, Nanami. But you really don't have any idea that when you call me your friend, it saddened me so much.

It hurt me whenever I think of the guy who won your heart instead of the rest of us who you call friends.

It could be anyone. It could be Shinomiya. It could be Kurusu but why would you choose Ittoki?

"Just so you know, at that night, I was supposed to confess my feeling to you. That's why I was around and happened to save you when Jinguuji almost raped you," Masato said which earned a shocked look from her. "No, don't give me that look. You don't have to feel sorry. I actually know from the start that you aren't going to be mine. We weren't meant for each other, Nanami."

Tears started to well up in her eyes. She shifted, closing the distance between them before grabbing his arm which earned a gasp from him. It was not only because of the guilt for not noticing and reciprocating the guy's long-term love for her.

It was also because she could feel his sincerity but she could not do anything about it.

"Hijirikawa-san, I am sorry. I am so sorry," her tears dropped so fast which some of them landed on his arm as she blinked and talked at the same time.

"Don't cry, Nanami. Please," Masato removed his arm which Haruka desperately clung. For a second, the gesture which initially suggested a rejection from him made her felt something hit her chest viciously before he vaguely patted her shoulder for comfort. "Since you say that you are in my debt forever, I would like to ask something that you need to do it for me forever."

Haruka lifted her head in puzzlement, sending their eyes to lock each other.

"You have to be strong no matter what will happen after this. You might hate me for saying this again but trust me, Nanami. The rest of us love you so much and we only want the best for you. We didn't go through so many things till this point so that we can see you cry again, Nanami. If you fall apart, it will be the death of us."

"Hijirikawa-san..."

Why... why did he say 'the rest of us'? For some reason, it sounds strange.

Haruka was forever in Masato's debt; that was what they both knew and acknowledged. In fact, his wishes only revolved around her well-being and none of them was for himself.

Haruka was that important to Masato. He was positive that the others also were in the same boat with him including Ren who never forgave himself for almost raping the girl before.

As Haruka went inside after Masato gave excuse that he had to leave quickly, Masato was still standing opposite the main door as his blue eyes cast his unrequited love to her.

I love you, Nanami. For you, I am more than willing to give my life to you as long as you can survive from him.

Little did he know, a pair of eyes were staring at him in rage.

What a nuisance!

"Haru-chan..." the mellow voice from Kyoko brought Haruka back from recalling continuously on how each of Masato's words hit her heart. The woman took a seat beside her, drinking in the sight of the mini garden from the backyard. "How's your day? Did the kids give you a hard time?"

"No, not at all. They are all cute and quite well-behaved. I enjoy working here so much," she said sincerely with a smile which quickly faded away as the thought of leaving the orphanage soon crossed her mind. "In fact, it'll be much appreciated if I can work here longer, Kyoko-san."

Maybe it was her but she could sense that Kyoko was not pleased with the idea. The only good thing about it was how she reacted by only sizing her eyes instead of snorting or glaring at her. In fact, this was the only thing that slightly bothered Haruka since she was assigned as a part-time helper.

Like how Kyoko always reacted awkwardly whenever Otoya cheerfully said something about Haruka. It was not the normal acknowledgement and response that a typical old lady and teacher would give.

"Well, you can come here anytime. I promise you'll have fun here, Haru-chan," she said with a bright smile. "Say, Haru-chan. I am sorry but I am just curious about you and Otoya-kun's relationship. Have you ever known Otoya-kun for a long time? Because this is actually the first time he brought back his friend from school."

For a second, Haruka could feel her heart skipped a beat at the question.

"Well, I..."

Explaining it will be a headache for Kyoko-san. There is no way I can tell her directly that I was transported from the future to rescue Otoya-kun from being killed. She might send me to the mental hospital instead.

So, to save the situation, I should react normally.

"We happened to meet on the entrance exam day. Otoya-kun saved me from being disqualified since I was late due to an emergency. We met second time and became friends after that. We're classmates on top of that."

Kyoko only stared at her, seemingly studying her.

"I see. But that doesn't explain how you get pregnant..."

For a second, Haruka forgot to breathe.

"Wh... what?" The orange eyes sized up in horror. She thought she had acted normally all this time.

"Haru-chan, please don't get me wrong. I don't mean to embarrass or insult you. In fact, I love it when you're here. This is a safe place for you if only Otoya-kun is not around."

"What?"

"You're Nanami Haruka, the student who always topped the composition exam and is guaranteed by Shining Saotome that you'll be a promising composer someday, right?" The wrinkled hand slowly reached hers, stroking it like how her grandmother would do every time she struggled with her poor health. "I know it. Otoya-kun has been so determined to be together with you since he learned that you're Shining Saotome's beloved student. If he brought you here, it means that he has schemed something so that he would ruin the man by using you as his girlfriend."

Haruka could only shake her head in horror. She did not want to easily believe in Kyoko but the desperation in her eyes had convinced her otherwise.

"Do you seriously think this is the best decision for you guys? Won't you regret your choice, principal?" Tokiya asked, probably for the third time. His voice was cool like how he usually sounded but it did not fully conceal the concern for his principal.

His principal, president, mentor and one of the colleagues during his HAYATO era. They developed a relationship that was enough for them to share their trust and concern to each other. Everyone else had only known Saotome as an extravagant but strict principal and president.

But there was other side of him that only Tokiya knew.

To put in correctly, Tokiya accidentally knew about Saotome's secret about having a love child with his ex-composer. If it was not about the coincidence, Saotome would bring his secret to the grave.

"As a pro who had struggled so much in order to be a superstar, you should be the person who understands me the most, Mr. Ichinose," Saotome replied with a smirk but it only drew a heavy sigh from the vocalist who could not contain his disbelief in the man's nonchalant answer.

"Unfortunately, after being one of STARISH member, I cannot be that person anymore. Instead, I believe that..."

On the spur of the moment, the intense knocks on the door caused a heavy sigh from both of them.

So much for using this privacy to have a serious discussion...

"Come in," Saotome said, straightening up his posture while Tokiya simply looking ahead. His eyes wandered everywhere despite at this rate, he already could tell every furniture, picture frames, vases and many more in the room. That told everyone how often he was summoned to the office.

He was summoned for a lot of reasons.

Tokiya only turned since the person or people who was supposed to distract their discussion did not show a sign to express what they wanted to talk to Saotome,

It was the rest of STARISH members except Otoya and Masato.

"What are you guys doing here?" Tokiya asked, unable to fully conceal his shock. Was it the time to...

Noticing how anxious Ren looked, Tokiya knew he could not excuse himself just like that. From the way Cecil, Syo and Natsuki looked serious, he knew it meant business.

"First of all, we would like to apologize for this sudden interruption. I know this is rude but we would like to talk to you about Otoya, principal," Cecil said. "And you too, Tokiya."

Here we go.

"Sure, why not? I don't have any schedule today after all," his answer sent others to nod.

"I bet it's not like you're that busy from the very beginning, right? Or else, we will get to watch some works from HAYATO. I forgot when was the last time that dude showed up on TV," Syo said nonchalantly.

Despite the sarcasm, Tokiya did not even bother to flinch.

Just let them be. They will know the truth anyway.

"How can I help you, Mr. Aijima?" Saotome interposed which made Cecil to heave a deep breath and clear his throat.

"Principal, I have something peculiar but crucial to confess to you," Cecil said. "It's important for you to know since we need to protect Otoya from someone or maybe some people."

Ren was about to say something with a glare but everyone else could see how Tokiya eyed him, indirectly convincing him to let Cecil talk first.

"And what is it?"

"The truth is all of us are from the future. I believe when you decided to scout me despite I don't take the entrance exam and the fact that I am a foreigner, you also believe in my magic, right? So, please trust me on this one, principal. We were transported here because... we want to search for Otoya's killer. When he reached 26 years old, someone shot him on the day when you launched your shopping mall."

It was expected that the principal would not show much expression. Unless he was up to something crazy, it was hard for anyone to tell what he felt.

"He was... shot?"

"Yes. The police still could not trace who was the killer but..." Cecil turned to see Tokiya and Ren. This time, he could not restrain himself from eyeing them like trash. All his respect to the talented members of STARISH had vanished the moment he investigated deep and found what would help Otoya at this point. "They found that Tokiya, Ren and Masato had falsified their testimony."

"What!?" The calmest duo in the group reacted way stronger than they had expected. It was not the typical shock that anybody would expect from those people who had done a sin. Rather, it was the disbelief as if they had done nothing wrong so they felt insulted when Cecil clearly wanted to interrogate them.

"Wait, wait... are you kidding me right now? How did it turn into something like this?" Ren remarked but he started to emit the dangerous aura that only for those people who were familiar with him knew. "First, you dragged me all here like I am some cows and now you claimed something stupid like that? This is getting out of hand, Cesshi. You're not making any sense and you're not funny at all."

"I never say that I try to make anyone laugh because this is not a joke at all. Three of you have been so suspicious all this time and you even falsified your testimony about your location when the murder took place. Now, I don't want to drag this thing any longer and you have to confess right now."

"Aijima-san, what exactly are you talking about? I don't understand," for the first time, they could see the desperation in Tokiya's blue eyes. At this rate, Natsuki who was sharp could not help but felt that something was definitely off.

They really don't look like they have something up their sleeves, do they?

"Exactly. Where did the false testimonies come from? Do you think someone like us would do something like that? To our own friend on top of that," Ren remarked. His tone was way higher, could not care less when they were currently arguing in the principal's room.

"Trust me, guys. It's hard for me to swallow all of the truths. I don't even know what to feel because I was frustrated in myself. I am frustrated in myself because I doubted you three who I respected the most. You guys are like reliable brothers for me. As if being alone in our original timeline is not sufferable enough, those cops had to find me and say that you guys falsified the testimonies. I have heard everything. You have a plan. You want to get rid of Otoya, right?"

Instead of being panicky and coming up with excuses like anyone would expect from suspects like them, Ren and Tokiya threw a disappointed and knowing look. Their reactions were much calmer which was clearly not because of how their amazing acting skill.

"Icchi, this is the time. I don't think we should keep it any longer," Ren remarked.

"Yes, I agree," the blue head replied.

In just a second, they thought they just saw how Ren and Tokiya returned to themselves. The brother figure who they had respected so much instead of someone who would make their hands dirty by murdering their own friend.

"Guys, we are sorry that lately, we had caused unnecessary suspicion. We don't mean to but that's the only choice we have," Tokiya said. "In fact, just like you, we're frustrated with ourselves as well because we already know something unbelievable. It doesn't matter if it affects us. But, it will affect Nanami-san in so many ways. She will fall apart if she knows the truth."

As expected, Syo was the one who lost his patience first.

"What the hell are you talking about? What truth?"

"Yes, Ren-kun, Tokiya-kun. Since Haru-chan is not here, you need to let us know now. I don't think taking more time will solve whatever issue that you talk about."

Tokiya nodded. "Okay, then. I will start by confessing that yes, it's true that three of us are 'in cahoots' for something. We have a secret that we aren't ready to tell you guys yet because we need to gather the proof and we need time. For your information, I met the principal today because we already knew everything that we need to know. At this point, I must say that it's all thanks to your magic, Aijima-san. You're doing a great job here."

This time, the rest did not bother to mutter a word. Instead, their ears were all for the duo.

"Apparently, your magic wasn't only capable to transport all of us to the past and present. It can transport some of us or... only one of us," Ren supplied. His voice turned husky as it weighed the reality that none of them had ever thought until now. "Given Icchi is the one who can disappear by using his excuse of doing HAYATO job without making anyone suspicious, it's bound to happen that he was the one who was transported the most. When I said a lot, it means a lot of time."

Some of them blinked as they tried processing those words.

"That's why HAYATO rarely shows up in TV nowadays," Natsuki mumbled, which Tokiya nodded right away.

"Yes. I actually had the principal settled everything with my old agency right from the start. Since this time, I could surpass the principal's 'singing with heart' condition, it's easier for me to quit as HAYATO. We all agreed that we don't want to announce HAYATO's retirement yet. Not before we can solve Otoya's murder case."

"Wh... what? No, wait..." Cecil exclaimed at last. This was overwhelming and for a second, he thought Ren and Tokiya were so smart to gather up proof without causing unnecessary panic in the process. "Are you guys serious? I don't like where this is heading."

"We neither. Trust me. It took all for us to let you guys know everything," Ren replied. "Everything including how all this time, Ikki had fooled us. He's not the victim. Rather, he's the perpetrator himself."

Syo could not contain his gasp while Natsuki's eyes sized up. 

"Just so you know, I met Otori Eiichi recently. Did that ring a bell?" 

It did not take too long for Syo, Natsuki and Cecil processed what Tokiya tried to deliver. 

Next Door... 

Meanwhile, in the orphanage...

"What... what do you mean, Kyoko-san? There is no way..."

"Yes, Haru-chan. I am sorry but do you know that Otoya-kun is obsessed with Shining Saotome for a long time?"

The MasaHaru scene might be unnecessary but I think, as I play Shining Live sometimes, I do miss the guy lol. What happened to him in Beautiful Affection also contributed in the reason why I chose him out of the guys to visit Haruka in the orphanage. Plus, he always suffers from unrequited love in all my stories so I just want to give him way to shine and portray just how much he loves Haruka :D