CHAPTER 8

The magic did a good job which was what they approved and hoped for this time instead of transporting them to random occasions. It was a big relief that not only they went back to the latest moment they were before they ended up in their original timeline, Otoya was found on his bed with no injuries.

"Where am I? Am I still alive?" His innocent mumbles which was followed by his red eyes wandered to each of them sent them chuckled. According to two students who found and brought him to his room, he just passed out. So far, no one knew who was the attacker and where did he come from.

"You're in your room and yes, you're still alive, dude," Syo said, already sitting on the edge of the bed. He looked around and just like others, he could notice that Ren was not around.

Oh, yeah. That dude is not supposed to be here tonight. He's currently with his brother, he thought.

"What happened exactly? Did somebody try to attack you?" Masato asked. They had to use this chance as soon as possible to know the details or else, the magic might take them away from the timeline.

"I am not sure. The person kept following me when I was walking alone. Just when I turned to see the person, he already ran and pounced on me. Everything turned dark after that. I don't know what's his motive..."

"Do you notice anything stand out about him? Like... maybe the hair color, what kind of shoes...." Tokiya remarked after silently attempting to make himself calm down. If people believed that he never lost his coolness, they were wrong. This was one of the moments where it took all for him to tell himself that his roommate was alright and he did not need to make a fuss.

"It was... I am not sure. Is it brown or... orange?" Otoya said, looking at the ceiling as he tried hard to collect his memory. "But since it's dark, I can't be sure about that."

"Do you have enemies or someone who might hate you secretly?" The others started to shift uncomfortably with how direct or blunt Tokiya sounded. It did not sound like him at all.

"Tokiya-kun..." Natsuki exclaimed, putting his hand on the man's shoulder.

"Tell us right now. We're more than willing to protect you if we have to," ignoring Natsuki, Tokiya supplied. At this moment, Otoya knew that this occasion was more complicated than he expected.

"But, I don't know..."

"Do you really not have someone who might dislike you and..."

"Is it you then? You always glare at me or nag at me. Does it make you dislike me?" Otoya asked innocently but it just sent Tokiya to exhale angrily.

"Pull yourself together and don't include me when it's you who always make me annoyed in the first place. I mean, is there any other person..."

"Ichinose, stop it," Masato said as he stood between the two roommates.

"Now that you don't have any injury, I think we need to talk," still ignoring others, Tokiya already made up his mind which sent others to sigh heavily. "Something that I believe you're so curious to know but none of us had answered you properly."

This icy guy... no matter how many years have passed, he will follow his own head, Syo thought.

Still, Tokiya was right. No matter how ridiculous it might sound, it was the best for Otoya to know everything.

At this point, Otoya desperately hoped that his friends would return as a bunch of dorks with sunshine vibes because he had a bad feeling about what they were going to say. Judging from how Natsuki and Syo also did not curve in any smile that would reassure him that everything would be fine, he was scared.

He was curious but scared.

"Wait... what should I know about? Why are you guys talking like you're undercover agents or something..."

"Otoya-kun..." Natsuki started softly. Just a small smile from him and Otoya felt reassured right away. "Do you remember that you asked us why we all seemed like we're already close to each other when we barely started our school?"

Otoya nodded.

"Well, I know this sounds illogical but the truth is... we come from the future, ten years later from now on."

"What?"

Otoya might exclaim slowly but his brain felt like it was short-circuited. Sure, Natsuki always talked about fairy tale, cute dogs, cats and many more but...

There was no way Natsuki would tell him that they were all from future without being yelled or denied furiously by others like Syo or Tokiya. He looked at each of them, searching for the sign that one of them would shout cheerfully that it was a prank.

And then, balloons and a cake would appear with Ren who actually was not present earlier since he was assigned to buy those stuff. They would throw a party even though Otoya doubted if someone's birthday came up on that day.

But none of his random imaginations happened. Instead, all those worried faces flashed was the seriousness that he never encountered before.

"How is it possible..."

"Well, long story short, he's not supposed to be here right now but just so you know, our group consisted of seven members and the last member is Aijima Cecil. The reason why he's not here with us is because he joined us way later than the rest of us. Probably he's in his country right now, Agnapolis. He's a prince from foreign country who our principal had scouted for his talent. Thanks for his magic, we're transported to this timeline so that we can see you," Tokiya said, probably being oblivious that his story-telling was too direct and fast for a clueless guy like Otoya to comprehend.

"How come? I mean... why? Why would you guys want to see me in this timeline? Did something happen in future?"

For a second, Otoya thought that he just crossed a line when he saw how miserable they looked when he could ask properly. What could go wrong with his questions?

"It's because..." Masato sighed, pondering on how shocked Otoya must be after this but while they were at it, he instinctively knew that others preferred for the redhead to know from A to Z. "Ten years from now, you're going to be killed. Someone shot you to death, Ittoki."

Others avoided the widened red eyes for a while. That was it. It was ridiculous and insane to tell somebody right on their face when and how would they die but the rest of them silently esteemed the pianist for being strong enough to break the news.

"Masa, are you serious..."

"Yes," Masato supplied softly. He might not express it much but he could not stand to see Otoya in despair and lost his smile. The incident of how Otoya went missing when the guy was supposed to come back from his duet project meeting with Eiichi had haunted all of them for a long time. "I am sorry for being blunt with it, Ittoki. But, the reason why we're here is because we want to find the culprit and avoid the murder at any cost. It's all for your sake and hope you're not afraid since we're all here for you."

Something pleasant like a flower had bloomed in the guitarist's heart as he could see their sincerity.

These guys... there's no way I want to lose them. I need them.

"Now, you know why Tokiya is suddenly nice with you. He learned from his mistake," Syo said, ignoring Tokiya's icy look.

"Waaaahh, Tokiya is caring about me! I know it! Tokiya is actually a good guy!" Otoya exclaimed as he raised from his bed out of the blue, sending the others to flinch in shock.

"Don't be so happy. I just want to know who's that cruel guy who shot you," Tokiya said, concealing his red face from their sight. "Stop giggling! That's not how you're supposed to react!"

"But, that doesn't change the fact that you're a good fried, Tokiya!" He exclaimed before turning to others. "May I ask what happened in the future before the murder happened?"

"Your dream to debut as part of Shining Agency came true but it's a band. All of us were included in a band called STARISH by the president... no, I mean by the principal after he listened to our singing. Haruka is the founder and since then, all of our songs are composed by her. It's safe to say that we became popular because of her songs," Syo said, deciding to follow Otoya's cheerful mood.

"Come to think of it, what makes you guys think that whoever 'killed' me in future could be in this timeline?"

"We're not sure either," Masato remarked. "So far, the magic kept transporting us to random days. For example, the first time we landed here was on the entrance exam day. For the second day, it transported us straight to the entrance ceremony. It's crazy, indeed."

When all of them abruptly stopped talking despite they were five of them, Otoya knew they gave him space and time to process everything.

They had to because in his head, it was full of twists. It was beyond surreal for him despite he just reacted cheerfully.

What should I do right now?

"You can talk to Haruka once you feel better. Just like us, she has something to tell you or else, she wouldn't react fearlessly once she saw you for the first time. She didn't randomly hug you on our first day for nothing, you know. She missed you because you were killed right in front of her," Tokiya remarked.

"She was traumatized. As your wife, she was the one who requested Cecil to help all of us to bring us here. She wanted to save you and she wanted to see you again, Otoya-kun," Natsuki supplied.

As if the fact that Haruka was his wife was not surprising enough.

Wait... did Natsuki just say that Haruka is my wife?

For sure, it made his heart skip a beat.

Sitting on the garden bench at the same night, waiting for each other to start the serious conversation which was encouraged by their friends was nerve-racking. The boy was tapping his fingers on his knee while his red eyes were looking around. As for Haruka, she was still adjusting with how cruel the destiny could it be when she thought all the time travel was just a dream. She was devastated over it for days before Tokiya contacted her, saying that he and others shared the same 'dream' with her. That was why the first thing she did as soon as she saw Otoya a while ago was cupping his face and repetitively asking about his condition. After realizing that they were in an awkwardly intimate circumstance, Otoya nervously pulled her arm so that they could take a sit calmly on the bench.

It was indeed fast but thanks to STARISH, she did not have to ponder on the best time for her to confess about everything to Otoya. Considering how they still could not find who on earth was the guy who tried to harm Otoya, it was bound to happen. They needed Otoya to share the same knowledge with them.

It was cold but the scenery of the shining lake was so beautiful and romantic (?) that it was not because of how they were still friends, Haruka would rest her head on his shoulder and hug his slender waist. They might be closer than the first time they met day by day but Haruka would remind herself every day to respect her husband's personal bubble. It would do no good to her nor their future relationship if she had been too bold.

"So, I want to..."

Their mouths were sealed as they realized how they initiated the conversation with the same words in unison.

"You first," she said immediately but his cute smile followed, in unison with his hand pointed at her.

"It's okay. You first. We're here to hear your explanation anyway," he remarked.

"Okay, then," she said before inhaling a deep sigh. "I believe you already heard everything from others, right? About the time travel, magic..."

"Yes, the guys had already told me everything," he said before looking down sheepishly. That was when Haruka recalled how Tomochika was so excited to tell her, 'look at how he blushed, Haruka. OMG, I know it! He's in love with you!' after they watched the broadcast of Otoya's Brand New Melody recording again.

One thing she regretted was she was too dense to realize how Otoya was in love with her way earlier than the day when he asked her out. She was too dense and part of the reasons was she was just too focused on Tokiya and his HAYATO melancholy that she never realized that Otoya was always supportive for her.

"When it comes to our relationship, they said that it's best for me to hear it from you."

Oh... I know they're just being supportive but can't they tell that it's embarrassing for me!? Haruka thought.

"Well..." She braced herself as she collected her thought. "Shall we start with what do you want to know?"

"Everything. Now, when everyone has just revealed a lot of things, I want to know everything. I can't help myself when it comes to you, Nanami."

He stared at her despite his red cheeks but for her, it was just safer for her to turn away. It was not good for her heart condition to be immersed in the beautiful red eyes.

"Don't say such thing, Ittoki-kun. I am flattered, you know."

"It's better than to see you sad, Nanami. I am willing to make you feel flattered every single day if it stops you from wearing the sad face all the time."

She smiled. "This is why I love you, Otoya-kun."

All of sudden, the serene and calm wind around him felt so chilling to his skin.

Wow, that was... fast.

"Wh... what?"

Instead of answering him, she shifted so that she could face him. Unbeknown to her, Otoya was desperately hoping that she would go back to her original position so that she could not see and feel how hot he felt.

I don't listen to things out of nowhere, right?

"I am sorry. I know you're shocked but I don't want to hold back anymore. Since the day I lost you," she bit her lips, internally tell herself to fight back her tears, "And when I finally can see you here again, I want you to know that every single day, every second, every minute, you're always in my mind. I wonder what you're doing. I want to know what makes you nervous, what makes you happy at the moment. I want to know how's your life in the orphanage. Everything about you... I want to be part of it, Otoya... I am sorry. I mean Ittoki..."

"Otoya or Otoya-kun is fine," he said as he patted her head, sending her love to him bloomed more in her heart. "If that what makes you comfortable, you can call me that."

She smiled.

"But, there is one thing that might change your mind instantly, Ittoki-kun."

Noticing how she insisted to call his family name despite his permission, it made him felt unsettled.

"And what is it?" As soon as he inquired, her hand which was rested on her side suddenly held her stomach.

"I am currently pregnant with your child."

A... a child?

"What did you say?"

"Your child from the future... I am currently carrying them," she said, smiling sadly. "Three weeks."

"What?"

How is it possible?

"I know. It's ridiculous, right?" she said, chuckling bitterly while still caressing her stomach. "I myself can't believe it either. I thought that it won't be brought back to this timeline. I guess my time in this academy won't be long either. Once the administration knows, it'll be the end for me. I'll get expelled."

She did not notice it. Otoya was swallowing the lump in his throat as she mentioned that she would not have all the time in the world to stay in the academy longer had her secret did not stay hidden.

"I won't expect you to take the responsibility for this child. I won't destroy your youth and dream to debut as an idol for Shining Agency. After all, Otoya-kun from the future also didn't learn about it. No, he never learnt it since I just found out after he died."

"I don't understand this," he said. "Idols aren't allowed to date, right? So, how come..."

"The rule was lifted when we were 25. That's when we announced our relationship to public."

He nodded.

"I am sorry, Nanami," he supplied and she could smell the rejection right away. "It's all too much right now. We're in a very risky spot. I know you never want to lose your chance to be here, right? Sure, you already know that you will be a composer but still, it's risky. I need time to think wisely."

Haruka encouraged herself to caressed his cheek as she smiled lovingly at him. It was probably for the last time since Otoya might decide to stay away from her after this.

She would be the stumbling block for his dream so maybe she should give up on him. After all, her husband was not ready to expect a child so whatever happened after this due to her pregnancy, it was all on her. She would not drag Otoya down to the pits with her.

Days passed and there were no signs that other STARISH members would be transported to their original timeline. They were cautious while still focusing on living their life as a student. Tokiya was still juggling with HAYATO job. Ren was still acting like he cared enough about his fangirls when in fact he left his ladies man life a long ago, with the intention to win Haruka's heart and prove to her that he was serious about her. Even it did not work since she chose Otoya, Ren never had intention to change. He still loved her unconditionally.

In terms of their love to Haruka, Ren knew it was the same case for others. He could tell that Masato was still deeply in love with the girl. Natsuki and Syo might be bubbly all the time but they had shared the struggle to move on from their feelings to Haruka.

As for Cecil, he was always childish so no one could figure out what he exactly felt about Otoya and Haruka's marriage. Even with the way he suddenly appeared in Master Course back then and constantly flirted with Haruka which had touched everyone's nerve, Ren could say that if he did feel upset, he would show it right away.

As for Otoya, apart from training course, he had a hard time to look at Haruka in the same way. When it was the first time he was convinced that he loved Haruka, he did not have a hard time to be around her. It was just a rare occasion that when she said something sweet and sincere to him that it would send him his cheeks to be as red as his hair.

But now, the sight of her drove him crazy. He felt contented enough to see her smiled. He felt his day was meaningful once he could see her. When she headed anywhere, he would make sure that she was safe in case she would meet a mishap which would harm her baby.

Her baby... our baby...

As someone who was only 16 years old, loved jumping around, playing football and dancing, still talking in his sleep, loving his guitar more than anything and grew up without his family members, him having a child was hard to comprehend. Sure, he was not against marriage but...

To see Haruka who sometimes looked pale but still smiling brightly, his heart ached. It was not the same with how his heart was broken every time he encountered a new child who was forcefully sent to his orphanage after being abandoned by their own guardians.

It was different when it comes to Haruka.

He loved the way the girl called his name. Each day, with how sweet she called him, he wanted her to know that the day when she was allowed to call him 'Otoya-kun', it was the starter of everything.

Everything of how she could rely on him for everything. He had promised once that he would be the shoulder for her.

So one day, as typical as he was who did not take a lot of time to think and only react based on his instinct, he wanted to see Haruka so bad.

In the evening, she was walking alone from the library when he was running as fast as his legs could carry him. Her small hands which looked so beautiful no matter when she was playing piano or closing her mouth as she was laughing was his focus right now.

As he softly grabbed her hand, Haruka gasped is shock. The widened orange eyes slowly turned softer as she saw him.

"You surprised me, Otoya-kun!" Her other hand rested on her chest. It was crazy. She just closed her eyes for a second but it took all for Otoya not to kiss her. "What is it? Where are you heading from?"

"I..."

No, this is not the time to be embarrassed, Otoya! Focus, focus! Just imagine that Tokiya will scold you if you also lose focus in this special moment...

He held her hand tightly. Their skin brushed to each other and it was one of the most intimate moments that Haruka loved the most once she became Otoya's.

But, what was it? What was this Otoya trying to say to her?

The heat from their hands lingered each other, just like how their hearts were each day.

Little did they know, a figure was watching them in rage.

"You will regret it, Otoya," the guy whispered behind one of the poles. "The moment you still choose to be with her, you'll regret it."

Current timeline...

Aijima Cecil never thought that taking a career break would almost drive him insane. With no jobs waiting for his touch and no audience to anticipate his performance, he felt empty. His job and him had an irresistible love that it took all for him to call Saotome and ask him to cancel his career break.

Yet, as much as he felt bored which allowed him to go back to Agnapolis to meet his father, he had to stay in Japan as long as they could to solve Otoya's death case.

Today, he learned that his decision to stay in Japan without others around would break him the most bewildering news ever.

It was all started with how one of the police officers had asked him.

"Do you know where are other STARISH members? We have to interrogate some of them again."

"I am afraid I don't know where they are right now. We are all separate after the career break. Why, officer?"

"Okay, then. Can we talk to you a bit? It's because we have found something strange regarding Ittoki-san's case."

"Something strange? What is it, officer?"

"These members from STARISH..." The officers pushed the pictures of the said members. "We found that they gave us false testimony."

Yeayy, it's done. Feel free to share your thought about this chapter, okay? See ya :D