Chapter Text
RESTRAINED EMOTIONS
A certain orange-haired boy stepped out of the shower, towel draped lazily over his neck. As always, he was the first one awake.
Humming softly under his breath, his eyes drifted to the dorm window, where the early morning light filtered through the swaying sakura branches outside. Petals fluttered through the air, carried gently by the breeze—like the wind itself was trying to steal them away.
"So pretty..." Mitsuki murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
After freshening up, he padded into the kitchen, tying his apron with practiced ease. The quiet clatter of pans and bowls echoed softly through the still dorm. He cracked a few eggs, his hands moving automatically.
"Omurice," he muttered to himself. "Gotta make it just right."
A gift. A little welcome-home surprise for the redhead who had always loved it the most.
Not long after, a soft rustle behind him announced another presence. A purple-haired figure entered the kitchen, equally composed.
"Ohayo, Mitsuki-kun."
"Ohayo, Sogo," Mitsuki replied, smiling without turning away from the pan.
Sogo leaned slightly against the counter, eyes flickering toward the prep. "What are you making?"
"Omurice." Mitsuki chuckled. "Figured we'd need it today."
Sogo's eyes softened with realization, a small knowing smile forming. "Ah... then we'll see someone bouncing up and down the hall in no time."
"Hmm-hmm. It'll be quite the sight." Mitsuki's grin widened slightly at the thought—Riku's gleaming eyes, his little hops, the way he'd clasp his hands with delight over something so simple. Like a child, easily contented. Pure-hearted.
Too precious.
None of them could imagine the group without him anymore.
And yet—he had been the one targeted. Hurt. Chosen as a pawn by someone who didn't even deserve to speak his name.
The smile slipped a little.
Mitsuki's hands stilled over the pan for a brief moment.
"Sogo... do you really think this plan with the joint concert will work out for us?"
Sogo's expression darkened. "I don't know."
The kitchen grew heavy with silence before his voice dropped low.
"But if anyone dares lay a hand on our members again... I won't let them get away with it."
A dark aura flickered around him. Calm, but deadly serious.
Mitsuki laughed quietly, shaking his head as he returned to stirring. "Yeah. I figured you'd say something like that. Everyone else probably would too."
He looked down at the egg mixture now just starting to set. But something in him still churned.
"Still..." he muttered, almost to himself. "It was really shocking."
.......................................................................
Flashback
The IDOLiSH7 dorm was unusually quiet.
Everyone sat scattered around the lounge, each trying to process the news they'd received just moments ago from the President. Everyone, that is—except for a certain raven-haired boy, who kept his face unreadable. Iori, of course, already knew. But he remained silent, watching the others react.
It had been only hours since he and Riku had returned to the dorm.
And now, they were told something unexpected—something borderline reckless.
A joint concert.
With Zool.
The very group they needed to be wary of. The very people aligned with Tsukumo Ryo.
The silence cracked under Yamato's voice, calm but sharp.
"Sachou... Even if this helps us keep an eye on Tsukumo, I think the risk is too high. Especially after they already hurt one of us."
He knew Iori had proposed the idea. But he still couldn't grasp why. What was the strategy behind it? Why had the President agreed?
"I agree with Yamato," Nagi said immediately, his expression darker than usual. "No matter what advantages this gives us, it's too dangerous. I can't guarantee I'll stay calm if I see them again—especially after what was said about Mitsuki... and Riku."
Nagi's voice dropped at the end. He didn't even want to speak Tsukumo Ryo's name. What had happened with TRIGGER was already unforgivable—and now this was personal.
"What happened with Nii-san?" Iori asked, cutting in with sharp concern. The others turned toward him, equally curious. The question had clearly been lingering on their minds too.
Mitsuki offered a lopsided smile, clearly trying not to worry them further.
"Nothing big. You remember the night before the fan meet? We went to help Ryuu... and ran into Tsukumo. That guy's tongue is just too spicy, that's all."
He said it lightly, but the others could hear the bitterness tucked behind his cheer.
Tamaki suddenly spoke, voice soft and uncertain.
"I... I don't want anyone to get hurt. I'm dumb, so I don't really get it all. But I think... Tsukocchi is a bad guy. I don't want Sou-chan, Rikkun, Mikki, Nagicchi, Yama-san, Iorin... I don't want any of you to get hurt."
His words were broken, but sincere. A hush fell over the group as their youngest member stared down at his hands.
"Tamaki..."
"Tama..."
"Tamaki-kun..."
They called out in gentle unison, their gazes softening. None of them wanted Tamaki to bear this weight, not when he already carried so much.
Iori sweatdropped slightly at the name.
"You still gave him a nickname even though you think he's a villain... How pure can you be?"
His eyes shifted to Riku, who looked equally troubled—brows creased in thought.
Sogo leaned forward slightly.
"Tamaki-kun... it's okay. Don't worry about him. Even if this concert happens, I'll protect you. Just like you said—we'll defeat him."
But that only made Tamaki panic.
"N-No! If Sou-chan gets angry, I'm more worried about Tsukocchi! He won't survive!"
He waved his arms, voice rising in earnest. "Y-You don't need to do anything! I'll defeat him! Just please don't kill him!"
The others paused.
"...How bad is it when Sogo, Sou, or Osaka-san get angry?" they all thought in quiet horror.
Sogo blinked in surprise as Tamaki patted him on the arm like he was the one needing comfort. Before anyone could respond, a quiet laugh broke the tension.
"I just love how childish but reliable you are, Tamaki."
Riku's gentle voice carried through the room as he smiled at Mezzo's antics. The warmth in his tone eased the tension immediately.
"I don't know what the consequences will be... but maybe this concert can help us solve things too. The fans would be happy. And more than anything... I want Touma-san to sing earnestly again. I want to help them. Just like TRIGGER helped us. Tenn-ni too."
The brightness in his voice felt like spring sunlight—soft, sincere, and somehow unshakeable.
Everyone stared at their Center, their expressions softening.
"Has this guy even killed a single ant in his life...?" Yamato sighed as he ruffled Riku's crimson hair.
Nagi patted his back. Tamaki, newly inspired by his adopted little brother, nodded brightly.
"Then I wanna help too! I wanna help Isumin and Ryuu-aniki!"
"Guess it can't be helped." Yamato gave a reluctant smile.
"We can't ignore such innocent requests." Nagi nodded in agreement.
"You both..." Mitsuki whispered, eyes tender as he watched the younger ones.
Sogo, embraced once again by Tamaki, felt a fierce resolve burn quietly in his heart.
"I want to protect them. Always."
At the edge of the room, the managers exchanged glances and smiled quietly. Takanashi Sachou's own lips curved slightly.
And in the back, a quiet observer sat, eyes unreadable.
"So this is what you meant... Kujo-san..."
Iori's gaze lingered on Riku, who now giggled as Tamaki clung to him again.
"A small puppy, huh."
............................................................................
"Ohayo, Sou, Mitsu," came a lazy drawl as a familiar figure stepped into the living room.
"Oh? Ossan, you're up early today!" Mitsuki teased, flashing a grin.
Yamato gave a half-hearted nod, too tired to retort with his usual sass.
"I actually think you're unusually early too, Yamato-san," Sogo added politely, though his tone held a trace of hesitation.
"Hmm... was thinking about the upcoming program all night... yawn... couldn't really sleep," Yamato mumbled, slumping onto the couch. The dark bags under his eyes confirmed his words.
"Ohh, sasuga Leader~" Mitsuki cheered with a playful salute.
Sogo nodded in agreement. "You always work so hard behind the scenes."
Yamato let out another yawn and rubbed his face.
"By the way... where are Ichi and Riku? They're usually the first ones up with you two."
His eyes drifted to the empty kitchen table, where two chairs usually sat occupied by the punctual duo.
"They must be tired," Sogo said with a calm smile. "Let's just let them rest a bit longer. I'll go wake up Tamaki-kun and Nagi-kun."
He left the kitchen and headed down the hall toward the bedrooms.
Just outside the living room, he paused—because right there, half-awake and blinking slowly, stood Iori. The raven-haired boy rubbed one eye with a slight pout, clearly not yet fully conscious.
Sogo held back a squeal.
Too precious.
It was rare to see Iori this off-guard. The contrast to his usual composed self was almost overwhelmingly cute.
"Good morning, Iori-kun," Sogo greeted warmly, a smile tugging at his lips.
Iori mumbled a reply, still stuck in the hazy world between dreams and reality.
Sogo continued on, reaching Tamaki's door. He knocked gently—once, twice, three times.
No answer.
"Tamaki-kun... okite," he called softly, then louder with each repetition. "Tamaki-kun, it's morning."
Still no response.
A familiar sense of dread filled him. Sogo began knocking harder, practically banging the door.
A strange aura began to swirl faintly around him—the kind that usually sent their poor leader running for cover.
Meanwhile, inside the room...
A certain blue-haired boy lay tangled in his sheets, hugging his pillow like it was a lifeline. His face was peaceful, slack with bliss.
Dreaming of—
"The world's biggest Osama Pudding..."
Rest in peace, Tamaki Yotsuba.
Because once Sogo opens that door...
Well.
There's no saving him.
The sound of persistent knocking echoed through the hallway, loud enough to rouse a certain redhead from his sleep.
Still groggy, Riku stumbled out of his room, his eyelids barely open as he trudged into the living room. His bed hair was in full bloom, and his steps were slow and uneven.
"At least open your eyes properly, Nanase-san," came Iori's familiar scolding tone, arms crossed as he spotted the half-asleep boy. "You'll trip and fall like that."
"Hai... Kaa...san..." Riku mumbled softly, barely conscious of what he was saying. Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—everyone else heard it loud and clear.
There was a beat of silence before Yamato let out a wheeze, and Mitsuki burst into giggles.
"Ahh, the flyaway sub-unit strikes again," Yamato muttered under his breath.
Iori's eye twitched as he turned sharply on his heel and made his way to the washroom. "Unbelievable."
Meanwhile, Riku plopped himself onto the couch, eyes still stubbornly closed. His limbs felt like jelly, and he had no idea when he'd dozed off again. All he knew was the warm couch felt like heaven right now.
Yamato and Mitsuki watched in fond amusement as Riku slowly melted into the cushions like a sleepy cat. Mitsuki, of course, pulled out his phone with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"For memories," he whispered conspiratorially to Yamato as he snapped a few pictures.
Suddenly, a loud voice pierced the peace:
"MIKKKIIII!"
Tamaki's distressed scream echoed through the hallway, accompanied by the sound of rapid footsteps. His face was pale, panic written all over it, and he launched himself toward Mitsuki for safety.
"Shhh!" Mitsuki hissed, throwing a hand over Tamaki's mouth and gesturing urgently at the couch.
Tamaki blinked and followed his line of sight—only to see Riku, fast asleep, a tiny groan escaping his lips as he stirred.
Understanding dawned immediately.
Tamaki gasped, then nodded furiously. Just then, Sogo arrived, looking both tired and intimidating—his morning wrath clearly having been awakened by a certain someone's refusal to get out of bed.
Before he could say a word, Tamaki turned and gently placed a finger against Sogo's lips.
"Shhh..." he whispered with exaggerated seriousness, pointing again to the slumbering Riku.
Sogo blinked.
Tamaki tiptoed toward the couch and gently lowered himself beside Riku. Carefully, he repositioned Riku's head onto his shoulder, cradling him with surprising tenderness. The redhead instinctively leaned into the warmth, sighing softly.
Tamaki beamed like a proud big brother.
"Ore wa... otouto," he murmured with a giant grin plastered on his face.
The others couldn't help but smile.
Mitsuki and Yamato exchanged a glance, their eyes glistening just a little.
"Our babies are too cute," Mitsuki sniffled, wiping away a nonexistent tear.
"Seriously," Yamato agreed, already framing the moment for his mental scrapbook.
Then—the doorbell rang.
Everyone tensed slightly.
Riku shifted, brow furrowing, but instead of waking up, he snuggled even closer into Tamaki's side.
Tamaki froze, not daring to move an inch.
"He's like a puppy..." Mitsuki whispered, heart melting.
"The clingy type," Yamato added with a smirk.
"No loud moves," Sogo warned softly. "Whoever it is, they better be quiet."
The peaceful morning might've been interrupted—but at the center of it was a warm cocoon of comfort and affection that no one wanted to disturb.
Sogo opened the door quietly, expecting maybe a delivery or a neighbor.
Instead, he found Trigger and Re:vale standing there in full.
His inner fanboy short-circuited.
Sogo could practically hear his own heartbeat spike, but he forced a calm smile, stuffing the urge to scream deep into his soul. He had declared himself Riku's older brother, and that came with responsibilities—like not waking said younger brother from his rare peaceful sleep.
"O-Ohayo, Trigger... Re:vale... D-Dozo," he greeted in the softest whisper possible, gesturing them inside while mentally praying Riku remained unconscious.
He was not prepared for what came next.
"Ohayo, Sogo-kun! Osaka-san! Osaka~! My sweet kouhai~!" the six of them chorused—enthusiastically and loudly.
Sogo died inside.
'No no no no no—be quiet!!' he screamed internally, panicking as he waved his hands frantically at them like a mime in crisis. Was he being rude?! Should he have explained?! Should he scold them or apologize?! His brain was spiraling as he just stood at the entrance, glitching like a broken robot.
Meanwhile, Gaku had already stepped into the living room.
"Yo! Ohayo, IDOLiSH7!" he called out.
"Shhh!!" came the unanimous response from Mitsuki, Yamato, and Tamaki as they jumped in alarm.
Gaku paused, blinking at the sea of "shushes" and shocked Pikachu faces. He raised a brow. What was this?
Momo followed next, full of energy. "GOOD MORNING—"
"SHHHHHH!"
Now even Re:vale was confused.
The Trigger and Re:vale members exchanged glances, utterly lost. Had they walked into a silent movie shoot? A surprise party?
But then—a soft groan broke the confusion.
All eyes turned to the couch.
A mop of crimson hair peeked out. Everyone hushed instantly as Riku stirred in his sleep, shifting slightly. Tamaki, still beside him, turned toward the new arrivals. The blue-haired idol blinked lazily and whispered:
"Oh... ohayo, Tenten... Ryuu-aniki... Gakkun... Yukirin... Momorin..."
Soft gasps of relief rippled through the visitors as they stepped closer, spotting the redhead peacefully curled up against Tamaki's shoulder.
Tenn's gaze softened.
He was relieved—so relieved—to see his little brother safe and sleeping soundly. But beneath the calm smile, a flicker of jealousy sparked in his chest as he watched Riku snuggle even closer into Tamaki's side.
The room tensed as that aura subtly shifted.
"...Brocon power..." someone whispered under their breath.
Everyone else nodded in solemn agreement.
Momo's eyes sparkled. "He's too cute—I can't resist!" he gasped. With gentle fingers, he poked Riku's cheek.
The redhead mumbled something unintelligible and buried his face deeper into Tamaki's shoulder.
Tamaki, smiling like a proud older sibling, began stroking Riku's hair.
It was too much for Re:vale.
Momo turned to Yuki. Their eyes met, and an unspoken signal passed between them. The couple's telepathy activated.
Mini-photoshoot mode: ON.
Phones out. Poses ready. Stealth 100.
Meanwhile, Gaku leaned toward Ryunosuke, muttering under his breath:
"Hard to believe that kid's really Nanase's twin."
It was a mistake.
Tenn, who had heard everything, stepped on Gaku's foot with practiced precision.
"ITEEEEE!!" Gaku yelped, hopping on one leg.
Every single person in the room turned to glare.
"Demon brat..." Gaku muttered, now massaging his foot.
"What was that?" Tenn hissed back.
"N-Nothing! Nothing at all!" Gaku backpedaled as Ryuu placed himself between them like a weary teacher breaking up a fight.
But the damage had been done.
The noise reached a critical threshold.
Riku stirred.
Then his eyes fluttered open. The first thing he saw was—
Momo's face. Inches from his. Holding a camera.
"UWAHHHH!" Riku shrieked, jolting upright and flailing backward off the sofa. He landed in a tangled heap of blanket and embarrassment.
Everyone froze.
The crimson-haired idol blinked furiously, eyes scanning the room—Trigger. Re:vale. IDOLiSH7. Everyone. Everyone was here.
Realization hit him like a truck.
"O-Ohayou... M-Min'na-san... G-Gomen..." he stuttered, voice high and cheeks turning a deep, tomato red. His hair almost blended into his face at this point.
Half the room was trying not to laugh.
The other half was filming.
Then, a calm, composed voice entered the room:
"Ohayo gozaimasu."
Iori stepped in, freshened up and composed as always. His gaze swept across the now-crowded living room, then settled on his red-faced best friend.
"...You look like a tomato," he said bluntly.
Riku squeaked and tried to hide behind the couch.
The crimson-haired idol was too mortified to say a single word. His mouth opened, then closed like a panicked goldfish.
But when Iori entered the room, calm and collected, Riku lit up internally like someone rescued by their prince on a white horse.
'Thank god... Iori...'
Riku's eyes then flicked to the blue-haired boy sitting beside the now-empty sofa. Tamaki was visibly sulking, fiddling with the corner of the blanket Riku had been wrapped in. Something in Riku's mind clicked.
"Tamaki... did I... did I fall asleep on you?" he asked, blinking in realization.
Tamaki shook his head furiously, cheeks puffing up like a proud cat.
"Iie, Rikkun~ You were already asleep when I sat. But then you snuggled into me on your own~ Rikkun, kawaiiii~!" he beamed.
The entire room collectively froze.
Tenn's eye twitched.
Hard.
For years, he had been the only one who got to see that adorably sleepy side of his twin. Now here Tamaki was—declaring it to the whole room like a badge of honor. Tenn couldn't tell if he was feeling irrational or just exposed, but a pang of something sharp and sour twisted in his chest.
Meanwhile, Riku let out a muffled groan and buried his face in his hands, blushing furiously again.
"So embarrassing..." he muttered.
Iori, who had been watching silently, caught the expression. His eyes softened for a brief moment. Without thinking, the words slipped out of his mouth—quiet, but clear:
"Kawaii hito da na..."
(What a cute person...)
Every head snapped toward him.
GASPS.
Even Yuki blinked.
Yamato and Mitsuki's grins turned devilish.
"Oho~?" Yamato teased.
"My, my~" added Mitsuki, clearly delighted.
Iori, realizing what he had just said aloud, stiffened like a cat dunked in water.
"...Nothing," he muttered, trying to retreat behind his usual cool tone, but the faint red on his ears betrayed him.
Straightening his posture, Iori adjusted his collar like nothing happened.
"Nanase-san. I suggest you freshen up," he said, brisk and proper, directing his gaze to the flustered redhead.
"Uhh—Hai! Arigatou, Iori!" Riku yelped as he gratefully took the excuse and practically bolted from the room.
Iori followed after him, steady and composed. But to some in the room—especially one person—it felt like a private, coded gesture.
Tenn's jaw tightened.
Momo, who had been silently observing with sparkly eyes, caught the shift immediately and let out a tiny snort of amusement.
Tenn, not even thinking, blurted out:
"Why is he following him?"
A beat of silence.
Too loud. Too late. Everyone turned to look at Tenn.
Yuki arched an eyebrow. Mitsuki's mouth fell open in a gleeful "Oho~!" Gaku chuckled under his breath. Tamaki tilted his head innocently.
Re:vale and Trigger shared knowing smirks.
"...Jealousy, thy name is kujo" Momo whispered theatrically into his mic-less hand.
Tenn immediately turned his face to the side, arms crossed in defiance.
"I'm not jealous," he said.
No one believed him.
"Ohh, that's because Ichi is being a good babysitter," Mitsuki announced with a grin, arms folded smugly.
The other IDOLiSH7 members nodded in agreement like a synchronized choir, clearly used to this logic.
Re:vale and Trigger tilted their heads in confusion, expressions varying from baffled to amused.
"Uhh, etto..." Sogo stepped in, noticing their puzzled stares. "Riku-kun still needs help with his bandages. He can't use his hands much right now."
"So Iorin just wants Rikkun for himself."
Tamaki huffed, arms crossed like a sulking child denied candy.
Tenn's eye twitched again. Harder this time.
Some of the older members coughed or chuckled behind their hands.
"That's how it is, huh?" murmured Yamato, smirking.
Momo exchanged glances with Yuki, both positively sparkling with curiosity now.
"You guys settle down," Mitsuki declared as he stood up, clapping his hands. "I'll go wake Nagi before he buries himself under ten anime blankets again."
Sogo sweatdropped.
"Ah... I forgot about him..."
No sooner had he spoken than a high-pitched wail echoed from one of the dorm rooms.
"MITSUUUUUU!! DON'T THROW MY KOKONAAAAA! MY KOKONA DESUUU!! NO SHIT DESUUUUUU!! MY LIMITED EDITION KOKONAA BLANKETTT!!"
The room collectively sighed.
"Nagicchi, don't die..." Tamaki muttered with concern.
"Mikki kowai..."
"Is every morning this chaotic?" Gaku asked, raising an eyebrow.
Yamato nodded solemnly, as though remembering a war he barely survived.
"You've seen nothing. Mitsu's wrath is not for the weak at heart."
Meanwhile, Yuki turned back toward the group, face softening slightly.
"How's Riku-kun now? Any issues?"
Yamato exhaled, ruffling his own hair.
"He's stable, thankfully. But his hands'll take time. The swelling's going down slowly. Still can't grip anything properly."
His voice dropped a little.
"Damn that ossan."
Momo clenched his fists. The playful glint in his eye disappeared.
"Ryo-san has crossed the line this time."
Tenn, who had remained silent up till now, stared down at the floor.
He had wanted to ask the same thing—how Riku was really doing. Not just the surface level, but the quiet details. The kind you don't say aloud unless someone asks.
But he hadn't.
Why hadn't he?
He remembered the call. The chaos. The stillness in his chest that came the moment he heard his brother's name, followed by "injured."
He remembered the panic. The helplessness. The rage.
All of it coiled like a vice in his ribs.
He hadn't shown it. Couldn't show it. Not as Tenn of Trigger.
But he had nearly lost it when he heard Riku had been taken to the hospital.
'I should've been there... I should've protected him.'
He sighed softly, catching himself before he spiraled. His gaze lingered on the hallway where Riku had disappeared with Iori.
His brother was here now. Safe. Healing.
But still fragile.
Still hurt.
And Tenn hated it.
Not because he was angry at Riku—but because he couldn't bear to see the one person he loved most in the world bruised and broken again.
And what stung more than anything?
He wasn't the one Riku clung to when he woke up.
Tenn exhaled slowly and forced the tightness from his shoulders.
............................................................................
Trigger was in the middle of a tense discussion with Sasuke Yaotome when the office door slammed open.
Anesagi barged in, her expression pale and breath short.
"Please, turn on the television. Now."
Confused, Gaku grabbed the remote and switched to the news channel.
The headlines blared across the screen.
IDOLiSH7 CENTER NANASE RIKU ATTACKED DURING A FAN MEET!
BREAKING: NANASE RIKU ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL FOLLOWING SUDDEN ATTACK!
"What the hell?!" Gaku shouted, shooting up from his seat.
"Is Riku-kun okay?!" Ryuu added, brows furrowed in disbelief.
Tenn stood abruptly, gaze fixed, unmoving, as the news coverage continued.
News Reporter:
"We now bring you voices from fans present during the attack."
Random Fan 1:
"Riku-kun was smiling so brightly... then suddenly—something exploded in his hands. We couldn't see much after the guards stepped in, but Iori-kun... I could hear him screaming."
Random Fan 2:
"I—I saw blood. It was pouring from Riku-kun's hands..."
Random Fan 3:
"I saw Iori-san carrying him to the ambulance. He looked terrified, but he didn't waste a second. I just hope Riku-san gets better soon. We'll wait for you...!"
News Reporter:
"This tragedy occurred due to IDOLiSH7's center recklessly opening an unverified gift. The carelessness caused chaos at the venue. Takanashi Productions has yet to provide a formal statement."
Ryuu's fingers were already dialing. The other two hovered near.
Tsumugi answered the call quickly, her voice calm but weary.
"He's stable now. Still unconscious, but the doctors are monitoring him closely."
The three men exhaled in collective relief.
But Tenn—
Tenn stood frozen.
'Unconscious...?'
He swallowed, gaze flickering down. His fingers twitched slightly. His heart wouldn't stop racing. He wanted to ask. He wanted to go. But—
"Even if any of your members, your brother, or even I die—do not budge. You cannot let anything distract you. You are the next Zero."
Kujo's words echoed sharply in his mind.
Tenn didn't care about surpassing Zero. Never had. But he owed Kujo more than he could explain.
And still—Riku...
Gaku's voice snapped him out of his daze.
"Oi, brat. You sure you don't want to check on him? Ask how he's really doing?"
Tenn hesitated. Every part of him screamed yes.
But his lips moved without permission.
"You already asked. He's stable, right? Besides, he brought this on himself by being reckless."
The words left a bitter taste in his mouth. His chest twisted painfully.
"You little—!" Gaku snarled, grabbing Tenn's collar and yanking him forward.
"He's your otouto!"
Tenn didn't resist. He just stared at the floor and let Gaku shake him.
"Calm down, Gaku," Ryuu interjected gently. "Look at his face—he's pale as a ghost. He's clearly worried too."
Gaku clicked his tongue and let go, shoving Tenn lightly in frustration.
Tenn didn't respond. He didn't know how.
The conversation turned darker.
"This can't be a coincidence," Gaku muttered. "Trigger gets slammed with scandal... and now IDOLiSH7's center is hurt?"
Sasuke Yaotome nodded grimly.
"It's possible. This could be a message. A warning."
His eyes locked with Tenn's.
"They might be using Riku... to get to you."
The room fell silent.
Tenn clenched his fists.
He had always protected Riku by staying away.
By letting him live his own life, by being cold. Distant.
But this—this crossed the line.
If they had dared to hurt Riku to reach him...
Then Kujo's orders be damned.
Tenn would destroy Tsukumo Productions himself.
.......................................................................
The raven-haired boy sat silently beside the redhead, gently unwrapping the bandages around his partner's fingers. As the cloth came off, bruised skin and torn knuckles came into view. Iori's heart clenched at the sight. He could only treat the wounds — not erase the pain behind them.
Suddenly, Riku spoke, his soft voice breaking the quiet.
"Hey, Iori... did you do something so that the concert would be held in my hometown?"
Iori blinked, startled by the question.
"I wanted to ask you yesterday," Riku continued, eyes still focused on him, "but you looked really tired... so I waited. But can you tell me now?"
Iori looked away for a moment before answering, voice careful.
"Of course not. How could I possibly pull strings like that? It was just a coincidence. Besides... isn't it a great opportunity for you?"
Riku nodded slowly, but his gaze didn't waver.
"Hmm... you're right. But, I don't know, I feel like you're hiding something. Just a feeling. Still—" he smiled gently, "I know you'd never do anything that would hurt us."
Iori's face flushed faintly at the honesty in Riku's voice. He looked away again, this time flustered.
"How can you say such embarrassing things so easily, Nanase-san..." he muttered under his breath.
But Riku heard it, lips twitching into a playful frown.
"Hmph. I'm praising you and that's how you react?" he grumbled, crossing his arms slightly, a pout threatening to form.
Iori chuckled under his breath at the sulking.
The warm air between them turned serious again as Riku glanced at his hands, voice softening.
"Hey, Iori... don't you think if Tsukumo finds out about my family's situation... he might try to use it against Tenn-ni?"
That caught Iori off guard.
"...So you can think seriously when it's about your brother," he said, his tone teasing but thoughtful.
He let the moment settle before answering seriously.
"It's possible. Tsukumo might try something like that."
Riku looked at him, lips pressing together anxiously.
"But," Iori added, eyes now fixed on his friend, "he can't do much if an idol fulfills the wish of a fan."
Riku blinked, confused.
"Eh?"
But as the words sank in, realization lit his expression like sunrise.
His crimson eyes widened with sudden clarity — and sparkled with excitement.
"Oh...!" he gasped. A huge smile broke out on his face.
He looked like a child who had just discovered a hidden treasure, or a fan who had met their favorite idol. Iori couldn't help but chuckle.
That expression was so Riku — a kind of light that made you forget the darkness.
Then something stirred in Iori's memory.
"Nanase-san," he said suddenly, his voice softer now, "about my third question from yesterday..."
"Why I was scared of Tou-san, right?" Riku finished before he could.
Iori nodded silently, eyes gently urging the answer.
Riku stared at the floor for a moment.
"I was planning to tell everyone — all of I7 — before our concert in Miyagi." He looked up, gaze firm but tinged with sadness. "But since you asked first, I'll tell you tonight."
He stood slowly, legs a bit stiff, and walked toward the door.
"Till then," he added, pausing just before he stepped out, "all I can say is..."
"Desperate movements of wings don't break the cage... but the wings themselves."
And then he was gone.
Iori sat frozen, the bandages still in his hand, the weight of Riku's words echoing in his chest like a fading note after a performance.
..........................................................................
Soon after, the redhead emerged from the washroom, freshly changed. His steps were slow but sure, and he greeted everyone in the room with a small smile. His gaze lingered on one person.
Tenn.
He hesitated. Then, gathering his courage, he stepped forward and called out softly,
"T-Tenn-ni..."
The older twin turned his head slightly, pink bangs brushing his cheek as he looked at him.
Riku swallowed, nerves prickling under his skin.
"Um... Are you okay? After everything that happened? I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to call you..."
His voice was tentative, searching.
"And, um... after what happened to Trigger... how did Kujo-san react? I mean—are you okay?"
For a moment, there was silence.
The question seemed to hang in the air, heavier than expected.
The other members — IDOLiSH7, Re:vale, even Gaku and Ryuu — turned, startled by the unspoken implication.
Kujo Takamasa.
The man behind Tenn. Behind so many of their struggles.
No one had asked this yet — not out loud.
Tenn smirked. But it wasn't amusement that glinted in his eyes. It was something sharper. Sadder.
"You're asking me if I'm okay?" he repeated, voice low.
Riku nodded, eyes sincere despite the unease swirling in them.
Tenn stood slowly, his gaze locking onto his younger twin's.
"Before you start worrying about me, Riku..."
His voice grew harder.
"...why don't you think about your own recklessness?"
The words hit like a slap.
Riku froze, shoulders stiffening.
Tenn didn't stop.
"You made your teammates panic. Your fans cried. You almost got yourself killed — for what?"
His tone rose.
"Is that what it means to be a professional?"
Riku's lips parted, but no sound came. He lowered his eyes.
Tenn took a step closer.
"Is this how you want me to watch your concert?" he asked, voice almost trembling.
"Worried sick whether I'll have to buy tickets to your memorial next?"
That struck deep.
Riku's hands trembled as he curled them into fists.
His lungs tightened — not from his condition, but from the pain those words carved into his heart. He'd already been drowning in guilt. But Tenn's voice... it twisted the knife.
He lowered his head further, trying to breathe through the ache.
"Tch... not again, thought Iori as he approached the crimson mane. The other Ainana members looked furious as well. Yuki and Momo were just as worried about the twins. Gaku opened his mouth, ready to shout at his center, but Ryuu interrupted him.
"Tenn, calm down... you don't need to be so harsh on him."
Tenn hissed in reply, "Hnn... as if. He's an idol—taking care of his own safety is his responsibility. And opening something before getting it checked? How naive are you?"
Riku felt his heart pounding, tears welling in his eyes. He bit his lips hard to stop them from falling. With shaky breaths, he stuttered, "G... gomen..."
Suddenly, Iori pulled back the crimson mane and stood firmly in front of him. Tenn wanted to protest but couldn't muster the courage to speak.
"What do you want now, Izumi Iori?" Tenn asked, voice stern and gaze fierce. But Iori didn't budge.
While Tamaki embraced Riku from behind, Iori still held the red mane's wrist as he spoke, "Kujo-san, don't pester our center and fill him with unnecessary thoughts."
"That's right. Tenn Nanase is still recovering, and of course it isn't his fault he wasn't aware this would happen," said Gaku, obviously agreeing with Iori.
"That's right, Kujoshi. It wasn't Riku's fault. We'll be more careful next time," said Nagi, who never liked seeing the twins fight but still wanted to defend the redhead.
"Don't scream at him, Kujo. He just came back yesterday, and all of this is Tsukumo's fault," said Yamato with a sigh. He had expected this to happen. Tenn tsked at that name — of course, it was all because of that old man.
"T... that's right, Kujo-san. It wasn't Riku-kun's fault, and yet he still feels sorry," said Sogo softly.
"Yes, that's right. Riku is pure and innocent — of course he wouldn't think someone could have such malicious thoughts," said Mitsuki, while the other Ainana members nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Tenten, don't be rude to Rikkun. If I were in his place, I'd have done the same thing," said Tamaki, still faithfully embracing Riku. The others just sweatdropped, thinking, That's not really what you're supposed to say...
Tenn, hearing all the IDOLiSH7 members, cursed under his breath. He knew they were the reason Riku felt comfortable in the entertainment world, but he also knew the day they left his side, Riku would break into pieces.
"Tsk... Are you planning to hide behind them your entire life, Riku? As they protect you... Hnnn... One day, they'll see you as a hindrance and just throw you away," Tenn said fiercely, his gaze locking onto the Ainana members.
The IDOLiSH7 members' eyes twitched at his words. Iori felt a slight tug at his back and immediately knew who it was.
"Oii, Tenn, you're crossing the line. He was just asking about your well-being," Gaku said, honestly confused whenever Tenn acted so harshly toward his own brother.
Ryuu panicked too, holding Tenn back as his fury clearly grew.
"Don't be childish, Kujo-san. We're not like you who'd just leave him alone. I, Izumi Iori, will forever stay by his side," Iori declared.
Tenn raised an eyebrow at the statement. "Who do you think you are to him, hnn? I'm his twin. If you don't even know why I left, don't interfere," he hissed, clearly annoyed by Iori's claim. He knew they were close, but he always felt irritated by how Iori constantly acted like Riku belonged to him.
"That's because you refuse to tell him, Kujo-san, even though you promised," Iori said flatly, tightening his grip on the crimson mane.
"Because it isn't important for him to know," Tenn replied, trying to break free from Ryuu's hold on him.
Iori's voice grew sharper. "Hnn, how can you say that, Kujo-san? You can't decide that for him. This guy,"—he gestured toward Riku—"came all the way here just to find you, just to learn the truth. Do you know how much his life depends on this?" His last words were almost a shout, charged with frustration. He knew how much Riku had struggled just to uncover a single truth.
Tenn grumbled in annoyance. Of course, he was well aware of all that. But why did this raven-haired man talk as if he knew everything about his own younger brother? Tenn was the one who stood by Riku's side when he almost died. He was the one who held his hand, reassured him, and yes—he was the one who left. But everything he did was for his younger brother's sake. Still, he couldn't say it out loud yet. If he did, all the effort he'd made to keep Riku at a distance would be undone.
He took a deep breath to calm himself before saying coldly, "That doesn't concern me."
Iori bit his lip, frustrated. No matter how hard he tried to get Tenn to open up—so his partner could finally move forward—Kujo remained stubbornly closed off.
Riku, meanwhile, knew his members had always been there for him. When they defended him, he felt overwhelmed. He wasn't sure whether to apologize for the trouble he'd caused or to thank them for their loyalty. But deep down, he was still terrified—afraid that one day, those who stood by his side would turn away, leaving him grasping for hands he couldn't reach.
When he heard his twin's harsh words, tears rolled down his cheeks. Hindrance... throw you... The phrases echoed over and over in his mind. Then, he looked at the back of a certain raven-haired head and remembered the gentle embrace, the promise whispered softly: I won't leave you ever.
He tugged on Iori's arm, letting go of Tamaki's embrace. When Iori declared he would stay by his side forever, a confusing mix of happiness and sadness washed over him, and more tears spilled down his face. He finally knew for certain he would always find his partner.
Then his gaze fell on the baby pink mane—his brother—who refused to reveal the reason for his departure. Was he not worth knowing? Was it truly all his fault?
His hope of reconciliation with Tenn began to shatter when his brother coldly said, That doesn't concern me.
Was he really a hindrance to his baby pink brother all these years? That his existence meant nothing?
He had proudly declared he would make his brother notice him—but what if Tenn had never even considered him?
The more he thought about it, the harder the tears came. He felt the same self-disgust he thought he had overcome... or so he had believed.
The Ainana members were caught in a storm of sadness, fury, and disappointment—emotions they themselves could hardly untangle. They saw their center in tears, and the sight filled them with a deep, aching hatred for the situation. Tamaki's fists clenched tightly; he wanted nothing more than to punch Tenn then and there, but Sogo's calm hand on his shoulder stopped him. Tamaki loathed it when Sou-chan held him back at such critical moments.
Yamato, as the leader, hated seeing any member cornered—especially their center. Though he knew this was a deeply personal matter, he silently vowed that if this pain affected their center further, he would never forgive Kujo.
Mitsuki, acting as an elder brother figure, struggled to comprehend the harshness in Tenn's words. He could never imagine speaking so coldly to Iori, even when the latter had been a bit reckless in his youth. Mitsuki had never known the full circumstances, but he empathized with Tenn—the weight of being forced to despise one's own brother.
Nagi, disappointed in Kujo, thought bitterly that whatever the problem was, it could have been solved if only Tenn had trusted his younger brother even a little. Tears slipped down his cheeks as he was still sheltered behind Iori.
Sogo wanted to say something—anything—but he felt it was a personal matter beyond his place to interfere. Yet, like the others, he hated to see those crimson eyes fill with tears.
Meanwhile, Trigger was visibly upset by their center's broken spirit. Re:vale members watched silently, sensing the tension had crossed a line—now was the time to step in.
Tenn's gaze fell upon the tears tracing paths down the red beads. He cursed himself—again and again—for hurting the one person he cherished most. But he felt trapped behind a facade he could not yet break. Not until the day he succeeded in making Riku leave the entertainment world.
Without a word, Tenn walked to the dining table, sat down heavily, and laid his head on the cold surface. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to hold back the tears. Not yet. Not now.
Riku's gaze followed Tenn as he moved away, his voice barely above a whisper, "Tenn-ni..." — words only the raven mane could hear. Iori sensed the silent tears slipping down his partner's cheeks.
Slowly, he loosened his grip on the red mane's wrist and turned around, meeting those crimson eyes glistening with tears. Without hesitation, Iori wrapped his arms around Riku from behind, pulling him close. His hands moved gently in soothing circles along Riku's back, rocking him back and forth.
It hasn't been long, Iori thought quietly, and yet here he is, crying again. I shouldn't have let things escalate like this.
His voice softened to a gentle murmur. "Shhh... it's okay... remember, I said we're here. You don't need to carry it all alone... shhh."
Riku's trembling body nodded against Iori's shoulder, seeking comfort in the embrace. Iori's lips parted unconsciously, and a soft, teasing murmur escaped him—words that immediately drew the attention of the others nearby:
"You're quite cute when you're obedient, Nanase-san."
Riku didn't realize what had been said. All he knew was that, clinging to Iori, he wished desperately for his tears to stop. He didn't want to cry in front of everyone, but the weight of it all was too much to hold in.
"Ohh, Ichii, you've been into those kinds of things, huh?" smirked Yamato, shifting the mood with a playful grin.
"Not good, junior Izumi! You're underage," Yuki chimed in with a mock scolding, joining the teasing.
"Iori, you've really grown up... but please, remember to use protection!" Mitsuki cried out, half-serious, half-joking.
Momo blinked rapidly, clearly surprised. "I never knew you had such a weird kink, Iorin."
"Ohhhhh, so it's you and Nanase, huh?" Gaku joined in, grinning mischievously.
Ryuu turned partially red and said, "I think I shouldn't have heard that..."
From the corner, Tenn's gaze darkened as the teasing hit a nerve. He snapped back to reality, restraining himself from pulling Riku away from Iori's arms.
"Iori-kun, I don't remember giving you permission just yet," Sogo said calmly, clearly understanding Tenn's tension.
Tamaki opened his mouth to say something supportive, but was quickly cut off by a blushing Iori, who raised his voice, "That's not what I meant!" His sudden outburst made the crimson mane in his arms flinch.
Noticing this, Iori softened his touch, stroking Riku's hair and gently rubbing his back to soothe him.
Feeling calmer now, the redhead excused himself quietly and exited the living room.
As he left, his eyes met those of the baby pink mane, who looked hurt and distant. Tenn's thoughts spiraled again: Tenn-ni, don't confuse me more... it's unfair...