Episode 15: Artists and Warriors

"I'm just saying, Tsubaki!" Nao's concerned voice said over the phone. "I've only ever heard Watari compliment your looks, your body, or something that's always along those lines! And the look he'd get in his eye when we were in our volleyball uniforms didn't sit right with me."

Tsubaki sighed. "Thank you for telling me about this, Nao. I'll talk to him about it soon, okay?"

"Thank you, Tsubaki," Nao said on the other end. "Have a good night."

Tsubaki clicked off the phone, and yawned as she sank into the cushions of the large, black recliner. The past forty-eight hours had been the most eventful of her life. Her and Watari's surprise visit to Kousei, having to hurry home on the subway upon announcement of the coming incursion, and then sitting in that cramped evacuation shelter for who knows how long before the all-clear signal was given.

But it was all over at last, and Tsubaki was grateful for the much-needed break. The TV was currently tuned in to a news channel reporting on the aftermath of the space battle, and Tsubaki's mother strolled in to check the updates.

"What was that call about?" Yua inquired to her daughter.

"Oh, just Nao asking me if I'm okay and to talk to Watari about some stuff," Tsubaki waved her hand dismissively. "Nothing major."

Just then, the sound of bagpipes chorused through the living room speakers, and Tsubaki's ears perked up.

"My goodness!" Yua exclaimed. "It seems the Scottish Military Band are the perfect messengers to send this Grand Admiral fellow a message of our gratitude!"

.....................................

Grand Admiral Thrawn, his guard detail behind him, stood straight and tall as his red eyes beheld the grand spectacle before him. Though this country he'd heard was called "Scotland" was very rainy this time of year, the spirit of the Scottish citizenry were far from dull. As the Scottish military's Marching Band paraded in front of his booth, the Admiral felt an odd sense of kinship with them. Their bright scarlet uniforms, adorned by their tall black hats which matched their black boots, painted a picture of excellence and prestige.

And that was not even the best part.

Every member of the band, whether they were on the bagpipes, drums, or other instrument, played their part of Scotland The Brave with expressive precision and gave off a demeanor of steeled confidence. The triumphant anthem augmented that aura with a show of strength and tradition. For the first time in a long time, Thrawn felt a smile come across his face. Despite their nation's small size, these men and women marched with great pride in their homeland. The Admiral was almost envious, really, for he saw this ensemble could teach the Royal Chiss Infantry Band a thing or two.

On Thrawn's right and left sat Captain Carter and Captain America, who he held in high regard after talking with them for only a couple hours. Super soldiers who fought for their world while maintaining noble humility? A commander of Thrawn's stature could not ask for better soldiers to be under his command. Had these powerhouses of combat not had obligations elsewhere, Thrawn would've recruited them into the Chiss Ascendency on the spot. As The Watcher had already emphasized, however, some things would have to remain the same.

"It's quite the spectacle, isn't it?" Carter's voice spoke up. "I've always been envious of those who can partake in such an artistic endeavor."

"Yes indeed it is, ma'am," Thrawn nodded. "Music is truly a unique force to be reckoned with, whether it is serving as a joyous shout of victory or a eulogy of mourning."

"This joyous shout of victory is well earned, Admiral," Captain America praised. "Your tactical ingenuity and your people's willingness to fight for us is a great assurance for us. When we come back, I will make sure the President has a memorial made in honor of the personnel you lost."

"Nothing overly flashy is required, but the gesture would be appreciated, Captain Rogers. Thank you."

Just then, Thrawn's holoprojector beeped, and he answered it to see the hologram of Major Soundler notifying him that he needed to return to the Honorable Squire at once.

"Thank you for notifying me, Major," Thrawn replied. "We are on our way."

As he pocketed the device, Thrawn informed Rogers and Carter that they needed to depart, and the three veterans made sure to bid proper farewell to the First Minister of Scotland who had invited Thrawn to the event. Soon enough, an orange portal sparked open in front of the team, and Thrawn stepped onto the Honorable Squire's bridge with his guard detail and both captains behind him.

Striding over to the adjacent Briefing Room, Thrawn surveyed the team of allies gathered around the large holoprojector table. The Guardians of the Multiverse, the two Jedi Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker, and four new guests who looked to be no older than fifteen. Two of them were boys dressed in black suits and ties, though one had short blond hair while the other had dark-hair and glasses over his blue eyes. The other two were girls, one with blond hair who wore a white dress and held a violin, while the other sported jet-black hair and a purple dress.

"Greetings to all of you," Grand Admiral Thrawn said with a nod of his head. "You all fought gallantly in the battle, and many of the soldiers under my command owe their lives to your cohesion and bravery."

The ten Guardians gave the Admiral a slight bow in reply. They hadn't succeeded without help after all. The Watcher had been wise to bring in Thrawn as an ally.

Thrawn then turned to the four new faces in the group. "And you are?"

Kousei's body tensed up as the high-ranking officer gazed at him, but he relaxed as he remembered that this warrior was an ally.

"Good day to you, Grand Admiral Thrawn," Kousei said with gentle confidence, and gestured to those on his right. "My name is Kousei Arima, and these are my fellow musicians Kaori Miyazono, Takeshi Aiza, and Emi Igawa. We've prepared music to perform at the conference Jedi Master Kenobi told us about."

"This dummy forgot to mention I'm his girlfriend," Kaori joked as Kousei gave her a flustered look.

"Not now, Kaori!" he hissed.

Thrawn's face and voice betrayed zero confusion as he asked Obi-Wan to clarify the situation.

"When we return to our timeline to give the Republic the good news, the part of the Republic allying with the Chiss Ascendency will still be somewhat rocky," Obi-Wan explained.

"In light of that, Strange Supreme has ordered we take these four young musicians with us," Anakin finished. "Says they have a performance planned that will help finish up the summit nicely as Interim Chancellor Organa brings forth the Republic's agreement to an alliance."

Thrawn mused over this information. It wasn't too drastic of a change in plans, no. Additionally, this Strange Supreme fellow who Thrawn guessed to be second-in-command of the Guardians possessed knowledge of things Thrawn had been ignorant of until now. If music would secure a better future for the Chiss citizenry back home, Thrawn decided to go along with it.

"Very well then, Master Jedi," Thrawn said, and gave a welcoming nod to the four musicians. "Welcome aboard the Honorable Squire, young musicians. I am eager to see what message you bring to the peace summit as your music leaves the stage."

"Thank you, sir," Takeshi said, raising his hand to salute.

"No salute required, Takeshi," Thrawn said. "You are not under my command."

"Admiral," Captain America spoke up. "I will be briefly coming with you to your timeline just to make sure everything finishes up well on that end. That way my team and I can know if we have to be prepared for any more threats from your world."

"After the crucial role you and your Avengers played in securing our victory, I will have no argument with that, Captain Rogers," Thrawn agreed. Then he nodded to Strange Supreme.

"For those of you who haven't had to endure space travel yet, find something to grab onto," Strange Supreme teased, moving his sling ring. "Watcher, we're ready to go!"

Outside the bridge's viewport, portals of orange sparks and blue light appeared in front of the Chiss Ascendency fleet.

"All warships, prepare to jump into hyperspace and return home!" Grand Admiral Thrawn announced over the central comm system. Kousei felt Kaori grab onto his arm, and he hugged her back. If he wasn't scared during the mission before, he was now!

But then, as quickly as it had begun, the journey was over as Kousei felt the mighty warship lurch to a halt. His stomach dropped, and Kousei felt he was surely going to hurl. However, as the seconds ticked by, Kousei felt his body calm down, and opened his eyes.

His heart skipped a beat; what he saw was truly a magnificent sight!

An enormous planet covered in circular patterns of city lights loomed before the Chiss Ascendancy fleet, and more starships flew across the dark expanses of space in numbers higher than the thousands! A few small satellites hung in orbit above the planetary metropolis, and Kousei guessed that they must be linked to a defense system of some kind. Kousei heard a wistful gasp to his left, and turned to see his girlfriend completely enthralled by the sight. Kousei just smiled at her and squeezed her hand. He didn't blame her for her reaction.

After all, they were in a whole different galaxy this time!

Eren, Reiner, and Mikasa, who'd never been off their home planet at all, were in awe as well.

"Hange would go absolutely crazy if she were seeing this right now!" Eren exclaimed.

"No kidding!" Reiner concurred.

"Commander Erwin would've loved to see this as well," Mikasa said with a forlorn expression.

A hologram of a middle-aged man with a black goatee, brown eyes, and dressed in regal robes materialized on the bridge. Obi-Wan and Anakin bowed their heads, while Thrawn came to attention and saluted. The four musicians exchanged a puzzled glance. Didn't this officer outrank everyone else in the fleet?

"At ease, Grand Admiral," the holographic man replied. "I see you and your forces have managed to return safely. Did you and the Jedi capture Darth Sidious and his accomplice?"

"Yes. We have successfully completed our objective, Chancellor Bail Organa." Thrawn reported.

"Lord Sidious and Dooku are locked away in the warship's brig, being kept unconscious and guarded by the Admiral's best warriors," Anakin added. "We would not have won the fight without his forces."

"Nor without these warriors," Obi-Wan smiled, gesturing behind him to the Guardians and squad of musicians. The fourteen allies bowed their heads to the Chancellor.

"I see," Chancellor Organa smiled. "Greetings, allies of the Jedi. We hope you find the Republic's capital planet of Coruscant to be welcoming. On that note, I will call for a session of the Senate this instant, Grand Admiral. The alliance will be solidified as promised."

"Thank you, Chancellor," Thrawn replied. He then began giving orders to the bridge crew.

"Guards, escort our guests to the appropriate shuttles in the hangar! Make sure we have adequate fighter escort on our flight down! Secure the Sith Lords in their restraints and bring them to the nearest Republic prison as soon as we land! This is the moment we've been fighting for; we must make it count!"

"YES SIR!" the bridge crew chorused, and Kousei clapped a hand over his mouth as he heard his lips utter the words instinctively.

Kaori giggled. "He just said we're not under his command, dummy."

"Not to worry, Kaori," Thrawn answered over his shoulder. "As a matter of fact, if your beloved desires to serve in the armed forces for a time, I'd be more than happy to confer with him after this summit."

"Of course he would!" Kaori said, shoving Kousei forward, to which Kousei whirled around with a panicked look on his face. Takeshi and Emi snickered.

"Alright now, folks, settle down," Aang chuckled as the fourteen allies began filing off the warship's bridge, escorted by the Royal Chiss Guards. Before he knew it, Kousei found himself strapped into the bulky seat of a Chiss Envoy Shuttle, and he gripped the black vinyl straps tightly as the spacecraft departed the hangar.

"I haven't even been on a plane before!" Kousei panicked inside.

"Just shut up and look at me."

Kousei felt a familiar hand squeeze his and turned to see Kaori's piercing indigo eyes gazing into his with their usual tenacious determination. Then she just smiled.

"Have some faith, Promoted Friend A," she encouraged. "We're about to bring our music to an entirely different universe! And make them happy!"

"Kaori, we're playing for a whole galaxy!" Kousei whispered under his breath. "What if we screw this up?! What do you even mean when you say have faith?"

Kaori thought about it for a moment, then turned back to Arima.

"Faith is holding on tight when the going gets windy!"

Kousei was perplexed at first, then he grinned. "That's more Charlie Brown isn't it?"

"Ah, I guess you're cultured after all!"

"Since when does the great Arima get nervous?" Takeshi joked, giving Kousei a fist bump. "We got this in the bag, Arima! And boy will my sister Nagi be jealous when I come home to tell her about this!"

"Of course you'd use this as an opportunity to brag," Emi rolled her eyes.

Avatar Korra turned around in her seat and gave Kousei a cheerful smile.

"You played phenomenally back on our first mission, Arima. And now with these friends of yours, I'm sure it will be even more unforgettable!"

Yet again, time seemed to fly by so fast as the shuttle landed and the fourteen allies debarked from the shuttle. Upon reuniting with Thrawn and the two Jedi, the Guardians were escorted into the giant, circular building that must've been able to hold millions of people. Many different life forms, a significant portion of them alien in appearance, roamed the Senate grounds, and Kousei could not stop looking around. Such a diverse assortment of beings! Just how big was this galaxy?!

"Dang, dad!" Kousei heard Invincible speak to Omni Man. "How many superheroes do you think are among this crowd?"

"Probably too many, son," Omni Man chuckled. "We'll have to save the exploration for another time."

"What a bummer!" Star Lord T'Challa shrugged. "I wonder who this galaxy has as it's Ravagers or Star Lord?"

"My guess is the Jedi probably already have that handled," Black Widow surmised. "I'm sure they're covered on this end now that Sidious is gone."

Once the group got inside the building, Chancellor Organa led them through the ornately decorated halls to a small doorway that opened up into an enormous rotunda. The seating inside this massive Senate Hall consisted of columns upon columns of circular seating platforms that reached from the central podium below all the way to the ceiling! After securing a more spacious platform for the Guardians, Chancellor Organa escorted Thrawn, his guard detail, Obi-Wan and Anakin to a separate seating platform. Kousei felt someone tap him on the shoulder, and turned to see Strange Supreme beckoning him, Kaori, Takeshi and Emi to follow him into the hallway.

"These four musicians have a performance lined up that will help solidify your message of peace with the Chiss Ascendency in the eyes of your delegates," Strange Supreme informed Chancellor Organa once they were outside. "If this facility of yours has a music room, would you please take us there?"

"Ah! This is somewhat unexpected of a development but of course!" Organa beamed. "Right this way!"

As it turned out, the place where the musical instruments were stored was right underneath the gargantuan Senate Chamber! On top of that, the musical machines before them looked nothing like regular pianos. Kousei gulped while Takeshi just cracked his knuckles. This was going to be fun!

"Those two platforms will be raised up into the chamber upon completion of my speech!" Organa explained, pointing to the two circles in the floor where the platforms were. "I look forward to your performances!"

And with that, Chancellor Organa summoned his top aides to stand by him as his central podium began ascending into the chamber. Strange Supreme then waved his hands over the two organ-like musical instruments. Both devices on both platforms transformed into Bosendorfer grand pianos instantly, and Strange smiled at the squad of musical students.

"Give them something to remember!" Strange said as he stepped through a sling ring portal and back onto the seating platform of the Guardians.

"You bet we will!" Emi said, high-fiving Kaori.

Kousei was still feeling jittery, but felt confidence refuel his tired body as his fingers registered the familiar feel of the ivory piano keys. The next thirty minutes felt like five, for suddenly the two platforms began rising into the chamber! In just a few seconds, Kousei found himself beholding the sight of the chamber not from above...but from the very bottom! He felt like an insect among giants; there really was an entire galaxy's worth of delegates here!

The four friends shared a glance of resolve; it was go time.

"And now, to conclude the remarks of myself and the esteemed Grand Admiral Thrawn, we close with an exquisite musical number done by these excellent musicians!"

The small hush of murmurs that rippled through the chamber might as well have been an opera performance. The acoustics of this chamber amplified even the tiniest noises.

Kousei felt the old fear beginning to creep up on him, then took a deep breath. His eyes locked with Kaori's as she raised the bow to her violin. Silence for one second...

Then the opening notes to the exquisite Celtic traditional song Irish Washerwoman began gracing the Senate chamber.

Some planetary delegations gasped, while others remained stoic. But as the song continued on, and the repeated theme from Kaori's violin augmented by Kousei's energetic accompaniment rang out across the room, there was one clap. Then two. Then three. And before long, the entire Galactic Senate was clapping and jumping in their seating platforms.

In the Guardians seating booth, Captain Carter smiled at her long-lost Steve Rogers.

"I'd say the rain check for that dance is long overdue, yes?"

"I thought you'd never ask," Captain America smiled as he and Carter walked into the hall with arms linked.

The rest of the Guardians, Aang most of all, were not immune to the jolliness emanating from the stage below. Eren and Reiner each had a dance with Mikasa, Star Lord T'Challa treated Black Widow to a dance, while Invincible paired up with Korra to show her some basic steps. Just as the audience thought the piece was coming to an end, Kousei and Kaori grinned at each other and began playing the opening notes of another Celtic traditional: The Rakes of Mallows-Ms. McLeod's Reel.

They hadn't just prepared one short duet...it was a Celtic medley!

The two songs combined lasted only seven minutes, but for once in his career Chancellor Organa beamed as the usually drab government building was transformed into a lively concert hall. Kousei didn't even pay any mind to the hovering camera drones as his fingers danced over the keys. Kaori's free-spirited playing was quick and skillful, yes, but so was his. At some parts, Kousei would even close his eyes and let his heart guide his fingers. Kaori was most impressed when she witnessed this. Gone was the dull robotic accuracy and in its place an unquenchable freedom.

Kousei reluctantly ceased playing as his fingers hit the last chord. For the first time, he found himself wanting more! These Celtic duets Kaori had found were so wild, so amazing! He gasped for breath and looked into Kaori's sparkling eyes as the Senate chamber resounded with applause. Kaori just smiled back at her beloved accompanist.

"See? I told you it would be okay!" her eyes voiced.

Chancellor Organa had to give a gentle reminder for the senators to quiet down as Takeshi and Emi sat down at their piano for their duet. Kousei gave them a thumbs-up; it was their turn to shine.

And shine they did as Kousei's former rivals began to play Claude Debussy's Petite Suite for Four Piano Hands!

Now it was Kousei and Kaori's turn to be amazed! Though this piano duet was one of Debussy's greatest, Takeshi and Emi had mastered it in the short practice time they'd had back at the Sanctum! The transition from Celtic duets to a classical icon was only somewhat jarring, as the senators once again began to whoop and cheer for the young duet. Takeshi and Emi exchanged a competitive yet friendly glance as their hands ascended, descended, and crossed over each other playing the elegant duet.

"Looks like we're easily on Arima's level after all!" Takeshi's eyes told Emi.

In their booth, the other Guardians were equally swept away by Takeshi and Emi's follow-up performance. Eren and Reiner gave each other an energetic fist bump while Star Lord T'Challa, for his part, couldn't help but get a snippet of their performance on his portable recorder. Aang smiled longingly, wishing he had Katara in his arms to dance with her. He'd be sure to tell her and the children about this spectacular performance one he was back home.

Obi-Wan, Anakin, and everyone else watching the performance were undeniably impressed at the skill level of these young musicians. Most importantly, so was Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Once again, the flow of the beautiful piano duet made up for its length; every minute was enjoyed by the senator's up until the final notes of the last movement. Takeshi and Emi were drenched with sweat, and Takeshi's hair, though much shorter now, still stood up on end. Once again, a momentary silence filled the Senate chamber before a thunderous chorus of applause usurped it. Different alien delegates shouted things such as "Bravo!" in their native tongues, and Kousei and Kaori clapped as well. Takeshi and Emi high-fived each other, and waved at their audience. Same as before, Chancellor Organa had to remind the crowd to quiet down when he stepped up to speak.

"It is with this music I seal my deal with the Chiss Ascendency!" the Chancellor declared. "As a symbol of our gratitude for their assistance in helping us destroy Sidious's schemes, they shall be granted status as an ally of the Republic! Let it be known that an attack against the Chiss Ascendency is an attack against us all! To PEACE!"

"TO PEACE!" the delegates chorused.

As their performance platforms descended back down and out of sight of the delegates, the four musicians hugged and high-fived each other, with Kaori suddenly turning Kousei around and peppering his face with kisses.

"Hey hey come on now!" Kousei laughed, somewhat embarrassed. "Not in front of all those hovering cameras."

"Oh we're out of their sight already!" Kaori giggled back. "But alright."

The squad of musicians heard an orange portal crackling behind them, and turned to see Strange Supreme beckoning them to step through into the Guardian's booth. As they did so, all four musicians were showered by congratulations, praise, and admiration from the other guardians.

"Thanks for giving Captain Carter and I a good dance!" Captain America applauded.

Takeshi dared to suggest that his and Emi's performance had been superior, to which Kaori shot him a vicious death glare.

"Hey hey, calm down! I was just kidding!" Takeshi said, hands raised in the air.

"Sorry Takeshi!" Kousei shrugged. "You made the most fatal mistake of saying you play better than Kaori!"

Outside in the hall, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Obi-Wan and Anakin stood with the Chiss guard detail and smiled at the young performers.

"Most eloquent performance," Thrawn complimented in his formal tone. "It was so...artistically done."

Kousei and the others bowed to the Admiral. "Thank you, sir."

"Sorcerer Supreme, I'd like to briefly confer with these musicians aboard the Honorable Squire before you all return to your respective universes?"

"A little more time together won't be detrimental," Strange nodded. "But we best make our way back before some unsavory actors start asking too many questions."

"Most impressive playing!" Anakin said, shaking all four of their hands. "Have a safe trip back!"

"Tell all your parents Hello There from our universe!" Obi-Wan added.

The flight back to the Honorable Squire was much more energetic than the flight down as the other Guardians peppered the four musicians with questions about rehearsal time, why they'd selected those pieces, and what their plans for studying music were. Kousei made Kaori blush upon answering he didn't care where he studied music as long as he studied with her.

"Cheesy compliments again, huh?" Kaori said, and everyone laughed.

Once the group was back on board the warship, Thrawn pulled Kousei, Kaori and their friends aside as Strange Supreme began sending everyone back to their respective universes. Captain Carter was most grieved to have to leave her beloved Steve Rogers again, but he assured everything would be alright.

"8 o'clock sharp again next week?" Captain America winked as the two released their embrace.

"Yes. Don't you dare be late," Captain Carter said as she stepped back into her universe.

Kousei was curious as to where the Grand Admiral was taking him and his compatriots, and for a split-second thought this would be a scheme to trap him in an enlistment! But as the four musicians stepped through the automatic door and into Thrawn's personal office, they saw no guards, no weapons, not even any suits of armor.

They saw art.

Lots of it!

"Where did you get all of this?" Emi exclaimed.

"From my various campaigns against different planets, back when I was only a Captain," Thrawn recalled fondly. "I may not look like it, but before I was a warrior I was an artist. Not a performing artist, no. But I enjoyed my time as one nevertheless."

"No way!" Takeshi gasped.

The four friends walked about the room, inquiring to Thrawn about the individual pieces of art. Some were simple clay constructs from primitive cultures while others were entire mosaics that revealed a key aspect of the culture from whence it had come.

"I've always studied art from the lens of wanting to know more about the enemy I faced," Thrawn said. "But you've all taught me something new today."

Kousei was confused. "What's that?"

"That there is more to art than just secrets of the enemy. There is beauty. There is life. There is peace."

The Grand Admiral then looked at Kousei and Kaori.

"And of course, love."

Eventually, their time aboard the ship came to an end, and the Grand Admiral bid the students a safe journey home. Strange Supreme guided the four friends into the portal, and upon opening his eyes Kousei found himself in the front yard of his new home.

"Don't worry, I'll get you all home as well," Strange Supreme assured the other three, waving his sling ring. Takeshi and Emi bade Kousei good night as they stepped through the portals into their own homes, while Kaori gave Kousei a goodnight kiss before stepping through the portal to her home. Before Kousei stepped inside his house, The Watcher briefly appeared and congratulated Kousei on a stellar performance.

"Well done, young Arima," the Watcher smiled. "I knew I was right to put you on the team."

"Thank you. Both of you," Kousei bowed to both of them, waving goodnight as Strange Supreme returned to his designated post at the Watcher's side. Upon stepping back inside, Kousei was greeted with a hug from his dad, Hiroko and a squeeze on the leg from Koharu.

Along with a fist bump from someone he didn't expect to see.

"Watari? Why are you back so soon?"

Watari shrugged sheepishly, holding up his phone. "Left my phone here when the evacuation order was sounded. Sorry about that. I'll take the subway home though, no biggie."

"Hiroko and I are going to make some quick snacks," Takahiko informed the boys. "You especially must be hungry, son! Let us know if you two need anything!"

As Hiroko and Takahiko stepped into the kitchen with Koharu, Watari asked Kousei to hold onto his phone while he used the restroom one last time before leaving the house.

"No problem!" Kousei said as Watari went into the restroom.

While Watari was still in the restroom, his phone rang, and Kousei informed him it was his parents. Answering it upon Watari's request, Kousei informed Watari's mother that her son had recovered his phone and would be en route home soon. Watari's mother thanked Kousei and bid him goodnight as she hung up the phone.

Then, Kousei felt Watari's phone vibrate again. He figured it was most likely just a worried text from Tsubaki, and clicked the pop-up notification.

That was when Kousei's blood ran cold.

He wanted to deny it.

He wanted to find an explanation as to why he'd seen what he'd just seen on his best friend's phone.

But Kousei couldn't do either of those things.

The words on the loathsome site's advertisement were there, clear as day.

Why wait when you can have the satisfaction now? Click here for the latest videos.

Even in this universe...the evils of the porn industry still preyed upon the most impressionable minds.

Kousei heard another person walk in, and looked up from the phone to see Watari's horrified and guilty face. The two best friends locked eyes, though Watari's gaze was much less confident than Kousei's.

"Kousei...please!" Watari pleaded. "It's not what it looks like! I can explain!"

But Kousei was not about to have any of it.

"Watari...how could you?!"