The Afterparty Surprise ( London City, Early May 2017)
The air inside the private lounge was thick with champagne, smoke, and money. W?F’s New York concert had been a success—another sold-out night, another flawless performance, another reminder that they were still untouchable. The industry people who mattered were here, circling like sharks in designer suits, calculating the next move before the night even ended.
Mamoru stood near the bar, watching Hideki out of the corner of his eye.
His twin was in his element. Glass in hand, laughing too easily, leaning into conversations with executives and models alike. The energy around him was magnetic—effortless charm, rockstar arrogance, and the kind of presence that made people forget he wasn’t untouchable.
Mamoru didn’t forget.
His fingers tightened around his own drink—whiskey, barely touched. He’d kept an eye on everything tonight: Hideki’s movements, his breathing, how much water he had. Nothing too obvious. Just enough to be sure.
He looked fine.
For now.
The feeling of relief should have settled in. It didn’t.
Then—a shift in the room.
A flicker of movement. A whisper. A glance.
And then— Hideki turned around and looked straight at him ,no past him.
“You didn’t need to come all the way from Tokyo. You’re very busy now, aren’t you?”
Mamoru stiffened before looking over his shoulder.
Anna stood just inside the doorway, bathed in low golden light, her coat draped over one arm, eyes sharp and unreadable.
A perfectly timed entrance.
Mamoru watched as Hideki’s smirk faltered for just a second—so quick most people wouldn’t catch it.
“Yano,” she continued smoothly, stepping forward. Her eyes swept over him, deliberately slow, from head to toe. “I was worried. You look so tired lately—especially when you don’t have tons of concealer and foundation on.”
Silence. A moment too long.
Then Hideki laughed. Casual. Loose. Like this was a game he was happy to play.
“You always did have an eye for detail,” he said smoothly, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Should I be flattered or insulted?”
“Both,” Anna replied, lips curving as she took a glass from a passing waiter.
– The Business of Illusions (machester , Mid-May 2017
After london, W?F had flown straight to Manchester for another round of shows, interviews, and industry negotiations. The machine never stopped.
And right now, Mamoru was stuck in another corporate nightmare with Mimmi.
They sat at a sleek conference table in a high-rise overlooking the city, with label executives on the other side. The topic? The upcoming Scandinavia expansion deal.
Takao was there too. He wasn’t supposed to be. But he had invited himself, his legal background giving him just enough leverage to force his way into these conversations.
Mamoru would have been annoyed—except Takao’s presence was useful. He asked the kind of questions that Mamoru couldn’t. The ones that made executives uncomfortable.
“W?F is already stretched to capacity,” Takao was saying, arms crossed, his tone flat. “This schedule isn’t sustainable. If you keep overloading them, what happens when one of them can’t perform?”
Mamoru didn’t flinch. Didn’t react.
But he saw it—the subtle flicker in Mimmi’s eyes.
She was about to lie.
“We have contingency plans,” she said smoothly. “We always do.”
Takao wasn’t satisfied. “And if one of those contingencies involves Hideki needing medical treatment? Then what?”
Mamoru’s stomach twisted.
This was dangerous territory.
Mimmi’s lips barely moved. “Are you a doctor now, Suzuki?”
“No,” Takao shot back, “but I know a contract loophole when I see one.”
One of the executives cleared his throat. “We’ve been made aware of the potential health concerns, and from what we understand, there’s no official diagnosis confirming anything serious.”
Mamoru’s jaw tightened. Aplastic Anemia. The reason for this meeting in the first place.
Takao exhaled sharply. “A bone marrow disorder isn’t serious?”
The room was silent for half a second too long.
Mimmi spoke first, voice calm, unshaken. “Hideki is perfectly capable of performing.”
A beat.
“For now look I know Hideki wants this too however-” Takao said.
Mimmi tilted her head. “Then he will continue to do so.”
Takao’s expression darkened, but he didn’t push further. Not yet.
Mamoru stayed silent. He couldn’t say anything. Not here. Not now.
– The Off-Day Glasgow Scotland 2017
The band had one free day before heading to skandina . One day.
They were in glascow now, staying in a penthouse that overlooked the water.
Mamoru had expected Hideki to sleep in. Instead, he found him in the kitchen at 7 AM, pouring a glass of cold brew like nothing was wrong.
Mamoru frowned. “Seriously?”
Hideki raised an eyebrow. “Morning to you too.”
Mamoru leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “You’re drinking too much caffeine again.”
“And?” Hideki took a sip, completely unbothered. “I like it. It keeps me sharp.”
Mamoru exhaled slowly, keeping his voice even. “It also fucks with your blood pressure.”
Hideki hummed in mock thoughtfulness. “You know what else does? Stress. And you are, by far, the most stressful person in my life, Mamo.”
Mamoru’s fingers curled slightly, but he forced himself to let it go. This wasn’t the time.
Instead, he changed the subject.
“You saw Anna last night.”
Hideki smirked. “Did I?”
Mamoru narrowed his eyes. “She came all the way from Japan. You’re not even slightly concerned?”
Hideki took another sip of coffee. “She just misses me, finds me interesting, fascinating . Can not blame her, I am adorable”
“ I checked the tour schedule and she suddenly her name is on here!”
“Wow a girl likes me? Scandal!” Hideki mock gasped smirking.
Mamoru exhaled through his nose. “ I smell trouble, she did this deliberately “
“Tomato, tomayto” He chuckled unbothered .
Mamoru rolled his eyes “You gotta be kidding me”
The Departure glascow International Airport, May 31, 2017
The terminal was full of cameras.
W?F’s departure for the skandinavian leg of the tour was major news. Fans lined the airport entrance, security trying to keep the chaos under control.
Anna was there too.
She stood beside Hideki, perfectly poised, her hand resting lightly on his arm as they made their way through the flashing lights.
She looked like she belonged there. Like she had always been part of this world.
Mamoru watched them, walking slightly behind.
Something wasn’t right.
Something had shifted.
And for the first time in years, Mamoru had no idea what game Hideki was playing.
Glascow Hotel Suite, Late Night, May 2017
The air inside the suite was heavy, thick with the lingering scent of expensive perfume and cigarette smoke. Outside, the city stretched into the night, golden lights from the candles they had on the window still , everything too far away to touch.
Inside, Anna was curled up beside him on the hotel bed, a wine glass in her hand, her silk robe draped loosely over her shoulders.
Hideki lay back against the pillows, one arm tucked behind his head, watching the ceiling through half-lidded eyes. His cigarette burned between his fingers, smoke curling lazily into the air.
It should’ve been a perfect moment.
Quiet. Easy.
“ you know, you really shouldn’t smoke.” She pointed out playfully. It was if she suddenly remembered something awful and her eyes widened a second.
then—softly, like it wasn’t meant to be heard—
“I’m scared of dying.”
Hideki’s fingers stopped tapping against his stomach.
His head turned slightly.
Anna wasn’t looking at him.
She was staring into her wine glass, swirling the deep red liquid absently, her expression unreadable.
It wasn’t a performance.
Not this time.
For a second, he didn’t know how to respond.
Anna never talked about things like this. She wasn’t fragile, wasn’t human in the way most people were. She was always playing the long game, always two moves ahead.
But this?
This was real.
“Isn’t that funny?” She let out a small, bitter laugh, tilting her head slightly. “Me, of all people.”
Hideki exhaled, the cigarette dangling loosely between his fingers. “Why?”
Anna’s grip on the glass tightened. “Because it’s the one thing I can’t control.”
Hideki watched her. His pulse was a fraction too fast.
And then—before he could stop himself, before he could even think—
“If you die first, I’ll follow close after.”
The words just… slipped out.
Anna’s head snapped toward him.
Hideki froze.
His own voice still echoed in his head, like a fucking misfire.
Anna’s breath hitched. “You—what?”
He didn’t answer.
Because he didn’t even know why he’d said it.
She searched his face, something wide and open in her expression—something too raw, too familiar. Like that boy all those years ago , parentless and scared.
“You’re serious,” she whispered. A unsertenty not usually following her words clinging to her voice. Noticing how the words stumbled out she cleared her throat.
Hideki seemed at loss at the what had stumbled out and swallowed. His mouth felt dry.
“No.” He forced a smirk, masking the tightness in his chest. “That voice of yours, Anna. It’s dangerous.”
Anna blinked. “What?”
“You always sound like you’re casting a spell,” Hideki murmured, tilting his head, letting his voice dip just enough to sound lazy. “Maybe I got caught in it for a second.”
Anna stared at him. Like she was trying to decide if he was lying.
Like she wanted—needed—to believe something.
But Hideki didn’t give her the chance.
He leaned back against the headboard, exhaling smoke toward the ceiling.
“Go to sleep, Anna.”
She didn’t.
Not for a long time.
The nekst morning Hideki woke to the scent of cigarettes and the faint hum of traffic outside.
Anna was already up.
She stood by the window, her robe slipping slightly off one shoulder, a cigarette between her fingers. The morning sun cut through the curtains, turning the edges of her hair gold.
She hadn’t noticed him wake up it seemed.
That was rare.
Hideki propped himself up on one elbow, watching her. She was deep in thought, lips parted slightly, her gaze distant.
Last night hadn’t left her.
Good.
Smirking, Hideki’s voice came out low, still rough from sleep. “Thinking about me, sweetheart?”
Anna didn’t startle. She glanced over her shoulder, exhaling a slow stream of smoke. “Always.”
Hideki chuckled. “Liar.”
Anna turned fully this time, watching him.
“Do you ever think about it?” she asked.
Hideki arched a brow. “What?”
“Death.”
The word lingered between them, weighty.
Hideki reached for his pack of cigarettes, tapping one out before lighting it. He exhaled slowly, gaze flicking to her.
“I don’t waste time on things that are inevitable,” he said finally.
Anna hummed, unconvinced. “You said if I die you’d follow close after.”
A pause.
Hideki didn’t react immediately.
Didn’t let his expression shift.
Then, slowly, he smirked. “You still on that?”
Anna narrowed her eyes slightly.
“You meant it,” she murmured.
Hideki shrugged, taking another drag. “Maybe I just like fucking with you.”
Her lips parted slightly, her jaw tensing for half a second.
There.
The tiniest crack.
Hideki’s smirk deepened.
Anna wasn’t as unreadable as she liked to pretend.
And this—whatever they were doing—was still a game to him.
He dragged his gaze over her, slow, deliberate. “You really want me to promise I’ll cry at your funeral?”
Anna didn’t laugh.
She stepped closer, stopping just at the edge of the bed.
“You don’t get it,” she said quietly.
Hideki tilted his head. “Then explain it to me, Mitsuki.”
Anna inhaled sharply.
The name landed.
It wasn’t supposed to.
Not here.
Not yet.
But Hideki saw it—the flicker in her eyes, the way her fingers twitched.
And just like that, everything fell into place.
He had been right.
The realization curled inside him, slow and satisfying.
Anna swallowed. Recovered.
“You don’t get to say that name,” she said, voice quieter now.
Hideki exhaled a slow breath of smoke. “Sure I do. You are like my moon, m(y)i Tsu ki”
She didn’t move.
Didn’t react.
But she didn’t deny it either.
And that was confirmation enough.
He could end this now.
Tell her he knew. Watch her shatter in real-time.
But where was the fun in that?
Instead, Hideki leaned forward, pressing the cigarette out in the ashtray. His voice was smooth, easy.
“Come back to bed, sweetheart.”
Anna hesitated.
Then, slowly, she climbed in beside him.
Still watching.
Still waiting.
Hideki just smiled. Thinking to himself his was going to be fun.
They had just landed in Denmark from Glaskow Scandinavia, June 2017
The press room was packed.
Cameras flashed. Recorders clicked on. The industry’s biggest journalists had gathered for Well of Fortune’s Scandinavian tour launch event, eager to get their next viral headline.
Hideki was seated between Mamoru and Takao, legs crossed lazily, microphone balanced between his fingers. Mimmi sat a few seats away, watching the crowd like a queen surveying her court.
And then—Anna.
She was exactly where she wasn’t supposed to be.
Dressed in white, her hair curly set up in her signature pigtails,but not an ounce of her former idol sweetness left, she sat perfectly poised beside a group of high-profile executives, her presence an unspoken challenge.
Mamoru didn’t like this. He didn’t like this at all.
Takao noticed too. His eyes flicked to Mamoru, questioning. Mamoru stayed still, unreadable. This wasn’t the time.
Then, the question came.
“Yano-san,” a journalist said, voice smooth, deceptively casual. “The fans have been talking a lot about your recent interactions with Anna Hoshikaze. Some are even calling you two Japan’s next power couple. Do you have anything to say about that?”
Mamoru turned to Hideki immediately.
This was a trap.
If Hideki denied it too strongly, it would look like he was covering something up.
If he played along, it would give Anna control over the narrative.
And Anna knew it.
She smiled at the journalist, then at Hideki, tilting her head just slightly.
“Oh, Hideki and I have always understood each other. Isn’t that right, darling?”
Silence.
Mamoru saw it—the way Hideki’s fingers tightened slightly around the microphone, the way his smirk didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Anna had just turned the entire game in her favor.
For the first time in the press circuit, Hideki didn’t have an immediate answer.
He could feel the journalists waiting, leaning in, smelling blood in the water.
Then, finally, Hideki tilted his head, smirking just enough to pretend he was unbothered.
“Oh?” he said, voice smooth as ever. “I didn’t realize we were exclusive, sweetheart.”
Anna’s smile didn’t waver. But Mamoru—he saw it.
The smallest flicker. The momentary pause before she responded.
“That’s what makes you so charming, Hideki,” she purred, swirling the drink in her glass. “You always keep people guessing.”
Another perfect deflection.
But it was too late.
The headlines had already written themselves.
Mamoru exhaled through his nose. The power balance had shifted—and for the first time in years, Hideki wasn’t the one holding the strings.
He didn’t like this.
Not one damn bit.
The Private Showdown Scandinavian Hotel Room, Midnight, June 2017
The hotel suite was dark except for the faint glow of city lights spilling through the curtains.
Hideki was already inside, sitting on the edge of the bed, cigarette in hand. He had been waiting.
The door clicked open. Anna stepped inside.
She wasn’t smiling this time.
She walked in slowly, heels silent against the carpet. Hideki didn’t look up—he took another drag, exhaled smoke toward the ceiling, and finally glanced at her through half-lidded eyes.
“You were bold today,” he murmured. “I almost fell for it.”
Anna didn’t respond.
Instead, she walked to the minibar, poured herself a drink, and downed it in one smooth motion. A rare show of emotion.
Then she turned.
And stepped closer.
“Why did you say that name yesterday?”
Her voice was too quiet.
Hideki tapped the cigarette against the ashtray, watching the embers fall. He knew what she meant.
“Mitsuki,” he said, testing the name on his tongue.
Anna exhaled sharply—like he had punched her in the gut.
That reaction.
That one second where her mask cracked.
It was all Hideki needed to confirm it.
Anna wasn’t just here to play games anymore. She was unraveling.
Slowly, deliberately, Hideki stood. He took another drag of his cigarette before leaning in just enough to invade her space.
“I was right, wasn’t I?” he murmured. “You didn’t expect me to figure it out.”
Anna didn’t move.
Didn’t blink.
But her fingers curled slightly, knuckles turning pale against the glass in her hand.
Then—softer, almost dangerous—
“If you were anyone else, you’d already be dead.”
There it was.
Hideki’s smirk deepened. His pulse was faster than he’d like.
She was dangerous.
But so was he.
Instead of responding, he crushed the cigarette out in the ashtray, then slowly casually, like none of this mattered turned away and walked toward the bed.
“Come back to bed, sweetheart.”
Anna didn’t move.
She stood there, watching him, breathing just a little too sharply.
But eventually, she followed...
The Month of june, another press conference Takao had complained they had too many but Mimmi didn’t care.
The conference was going exactly as Hideki expected.
Journalists were circling like sharks, asking about the tour, his health, and his future projects.
Hideki was handling them with ease—dodging, redirecting, spinning every question into something meaningless.
Then, it happened.
The journalist from before—the one who had baited him about Anna—leaned forward again, voice smooth and full of hidden sharp edges.
“Yano-san, about your relationship with Anna Hoshikaze—”
Hideki already had his answer ready.
He was going to deflect, downplay, maybe even throw in a joke to shift the focus.
But before he could open his mouth—
Anna moved.
She leaned forward slightly, adjusting her microphone, tilting her head just enough to make it look effortless.
“Oh?” she said, voice silk and steel. “You haven’t heard?”
A pause.
Hideki’s smirk froze—just slightly.
His grip on the microphone tightened.
The journalist blinked. “Heard what?”
Anna’s smile deepened.
And then—slowly, dramatically—she raised her left hand.
A diamond ring glinted under the press lights.
The entire room erupted.
Flashes. Gasps. Whispers turning into full-blown chaos.
Anna tilted her head, completely unfazed.
“Hideki and I are engaged. So I will retire from the entertainment scene ”
Silence.
Hideki felt his mind stall.
He was good at this.
He was always good at this.
But this?
This was not in the script.
His pulse kicked up.
Not from shock. Not from anger.
From pure, breathless realization.
She outplayed me.
Mamoru stiffened beside him.
Takao’s eyebrows shot up.
Mimmi—for once—looked mildly amused.
And the journalists?
They were losing their minds.
One of them shouted over the chaos.
“Hoshikaze-san! Is this true? When did he propose?”
Mamoru stiffened beside him.
Takao’s eyebrows shot up.
Mimmi—for once—looked mildly amused.
And the journalists?
They were losing their minds.
Anna let out the softest laugh.
Then—the final nail in the coffin.
“Oh, Hideki didn’t propose.”
“I did.”
Hideki othe other hand shifted effortlessly, slipping into performance mode, adjusting in real time like a master tactician in a battle he hadn’t seen coming.A slow, lazy smirk spread across his face.
He leaned back in his chair, completely unbothered.
“You weren’t supposed to tell them yet, sweetheart.”
More chaos.
Mamoru felt his nails press against the table.
What the hell was Hideki doing?
Anna, of course, was already prepared.
She let out a soft, almost playful laugh, tilting her chin in his direction.
“Well, darling, I thought we should get ahead of the rumors.”
She was doubling down.
And Hideki? He let her.
Instead of calling her bluff, instead of denying it outright, he reached across the table—and took her hand. Lifted it up to his lips and kissed softly.
Journalists screamed.
The industry execs looked like they had won the lottery.
Anna’s fingers were cool and steady.
Hideki squeezed them just slightly.
A silent message.
A warning.
She squeezed back.
He smiled.
Checkmate.
Mid-conference brake Hideki had dragged Anna to the female bathroom and into one of the stalls.
The door clicked shut behind her.
She didn’t look smug.
She didn’t look triumphant.
She just looked calm.
Too calm.
“Well?” Hideki said not with anger but with a slight irritation .
She looked him dead in the eyes
“Did you enjoy the show?”
Hideki grimaced you could tell by looking at him his puls where spiking.
“You bought yourself a diamond ring.”
“Mm. 1 carat one”
“You told the entire industry we’re engaged.”
“Correct.”
A beat.
Then Hideki chuckled.
Low. Sharp. Razor sharp.
“You know what’s funny?” he murmured, , stepping even closer in the small stall.
“You’re actually starting to make me like you again.”
Anna’s expression didn’t flicker.
“That’s not funny at all.”
Hideki tilted his head. “No?”
Then, without warning—he closed the space between them.
Too close.
Anna didn’t move.
“Tell me something, sweetheart,” Hideki murmured. “Are you actually insane? Or did you just get bored?”
“Why? Are you scared?”
A slow smirk.
“Not even a little.”
Silence.
Then softly, dangerously—Anna whispered:
“This isn’t a game anymore, Hideki.”
For the first time, Hideki didn’t laugh. Eyes widening in response.
His cigarette burned to the filter, smoke curling toward the ceiling.
The game was no longer just about winning.
Now, it was about survival.
.
Hotel Room, Midnight, June 2017
The door to the hotel suite slammed shut.
Hideki stood in the middle of the room, fingers clenched.
Anna, unbothered, walked to the minibar, poured herself a drink, and took a sip like nothing had happened.
“That was fun,” she said, swirling the glass.
Hideki let out a slow breath.
“You’re fucking insane.”
Anna hummed. “You say that like it’s news.”
Hideki took three slow steps forward.
Anna didn’t move.
“You put a fucking ring on your own hand,” he said, voice too calm, too quiet.
“And you told the entire world I proposed.”
Anna raised an eyebrow. “Are you mad because I lied? Or because you didn’t think of it first?”
Hideki exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “What’s your play, Anna?”
Anna just smiled.
“Why do you think I’m playing?”
Hideki laughed—but it was sharp. Mean. Tense.
“You don’t get to play the victim, sweetheart.”
“Then stop treating me like the villain.”
A beat.
A dangerous silence settled between them.
Anna set down her glass. Walked toward him slowly, deliberately.
“You went along with it,” she murmured.
“I didn’t have a choice.”
“You always have a choice, Hideki.”
She reached for the collar of his shirt, smoothing it with perfect precision.
Too close.
Too steady.
She wasn’t scared of him.
“So tell me,” she whispered, eyes searching his. “Why didn’t you call my bluff?”
Hideki’s pulse jumped.
He didn’t answer.
He didn’t know the answer.
Anna leaned in just slightly.
Then—a whisper, right against his ear:
“Maybe it’s because you don’t actually want me to be lying.”
That was the moment.
The first time in years Anna had ever actually shaken him.
Because—
Because for a split second, he wasn’t sure if she was wrong.
Anna pulled back, watching his face, searching for the tiniest flicker of emotion.
She found it.
And then—she smiled.
“Goodnight, fiancé.”
She turned, walking toward the bedroom, the silk of her dress brushing past his arm.
Hideki stood there. Silent.Somewhere, somehow—he had lost a move in this game. And he didn’t like it.
Denmark – Radisson Collection Hotel Royal, Copenhagen
The moment Hideki walked in, the air changed.
It wasn’t just because he was late—it was how he entered. Effortless, smug, entirely unaffected. Like he hadn’t just blown up Well of Fortune’s entire PR strategy in a single night.
Nachi, sprawled out on the couch, had been mid-rant about Hideki’s disappearance, but the second the door swung open, he stopped.
Click.
The TV shut off. Nachi turned to face him.
Rustle.
Mamoru closed his book, spine creaking under the force of his grip.
Clink.
Takao, standing by the marble island, set down his glass of orange juice, eyebrows raised.
Soft footsteps.
Mimmi, who had been on a call with label executives, stepped in from the veranda, phone still in hand.
Every single person in the room was watching him now.
Waiting.
And Hideki? He just smiled.
The Interrogation
Mamoru’s voice was quiet, but furious. He took a step forward, expression carefully controlled. But Hideki knew better.
Mamoru: “What the f was that?”
Hideki raised an eyebrow, unbuttoning his black burbury trench coat like he hadn’t just walked into an ambush.
Hideki (casually): “What?”
Mamoru: “You know exactly what.”
From the kitchen, Takao crossed his arms, equally unimpressed.
Takao (flatly): “You should’ve denied it.”
Hideki sighed, dramatically adjusting his cuffs.
Hideki: “Denied what? That I spent the night in Copenhagen’s most luxurious suite? That I’m apparently engaged?” He tilted his head, voice light. “Sounds like a PR win to me.”
Mamoru exhaled sharply.
Mamoru: “A PR—Hideki, she trapped you. You just let the entire world think you’re engaged to her.”
Hideki: “Mm. And?”
Mamoru’s hands curled into fists.
Mamoru: “And? Are you actually insane?”
Takao shook his head, his expression unreadable.
Takao: “You should’ve shut it down immediately.”
Hideki hummed, thoughtful.
Hideki: “Oh? And say what? ‘No, I’m not engaged, she’s delusional’?” He gave a mocking shrug. “That would’ve made me look like an asshole. And last time I checked—” he gestured vaguely toward himself, “I’m still Japan’s sweetheart.”
Mamoru’s eyes flashed.
Mamoru: “You don’t get to joke about this.”
For a split second, the smirk wavered. Not enough for anyone to catch—except Mamoru.
Mamoru: “Do you have any idea what you just signed yourself up for?”
Oh, Hideki knew.
He had seen it happening in real-time.
- The label would run with it.
- Sponsorships.
- Magazine covers.
- Endorsements.
- The world would expect a wedding.
Anna had trapped him in a narrative he couldn’t escape without consequences.
And he had let her.
Still, Hideki just shrugged, still smirking.
Hideki: “It’s fine.”
Mamoru’s control snapped.
Mamoru: “No, it’s not.” His voice was sharp, almost desperate. “Do you even understand what this means? If you go back on it now, you’ll look like you’re using her. If you don’t, the industry will turn this into an actual wedding. Either way, she wins.”
Hideki didn’t flinch.
Instead, he grinned, just slightly.
Hideki: “Then I guess I’ll just have to win harder.”
Mamoru stared at him.
For the first time in a long time… Hideki wasn’t in control of the game.
And Mamoru?
He hated it.
The Label’s Response – The PR Storm Hits
Scandinavian Hotel Suite, Late Night, June 2017
Mamoru was sitting on the hotel couch, arms crossed, staring at his phone.
The engagement bombshell had gone viral in under an hour.
- #YanoHoshikazeEngagement was trending worldwide.
- News outlets were already publishing articles.
- Major brands were reaching out for sponsorship deals.
- Even the label’s official account had posted:
Congratulations to Hideki Yano & Anna Hoshikaze on their engagement!
The wedding of the decade is coming. Stay tuned.
Mamoru clenched his jaw.
This was out of control.
Then—the worst part.
Mimmi entered the room Mamoru yelled at her, voice sharp. “This isn’t happening.”
Mimmi’s voice was infuriatingly calm. “Oh, but it is, love.”
Mamoru pressed two fingers to his temple. “You’re not actually going to let this happen.”
“Mamoru, the engagement announcement alone just made us millions. Do you think I’d pass that up?”
“Mimmi.”
“Darling, the international fans love a romance.”
Mamoru’s grip on the phone tightened.
“Hideki doesn’t love her.”
“That’s irrelevant.”
Silence.
Mimmi’s voice turned syrupy sweet.
“Now, be a good big brother and make sure your twin doesn’t mess this up. We have a wedding to plan. “ She walked out .
Mamoru stared at the phone.
For the first time in years, he actually felt sick.
He was losing control of this.
Hideki was losing control of this.
And worst of all—Anna knew it.
Copenhagen villa Suite, Midnight, June 2017
Hideki was waiting for her.
The moment she walked into his suite, he was already leaning against the desk, cigarette between his fingers, watching her like a predator watching its prey.
Anna closed the door behind her slowly, deliberately.
Then—without hesitation—she took off the ring and tossed it onto the table.
It landed with a soft clink against the wood.
“You’re mad,” she said, voice almost amused.
Hideki took a slow drag of his cigarette.
“You really want to test that theory?”
Anna tilted her head, studying him.
“You didn’t have to go along with it.”
Hideki exhaled smoke, tapping the ashtray. “You knew I didn’t have a choice.”
Anna hummed, stepping closer. “You didn’t fight me. That’s interesting.”
Hideki watched her, expression unreadable.
Then just to throw her off—he smirked.
“Sweetheart, if you wanted to marry me, you could’ve just asked.”
Anna actually laughed.
Laughed.
Like this was just another round of their usual talks.
But Hideki wasn’t playing anymore.
He stepped forward, too close, voice dropping to a low, quiet threat.
“You’re going to regret this.”
Anna held her ground.
“No, darling.”
“I think you are.”
Silence.
Then—a challenge.
“Then make me.”
The air between them stretched too thin.
Too much history.
Too much tension.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
Too much everything.
Anna was the first to break.
She exhaled, brushing past him toward the minibar, pouring herself a drink.
“You can be mad all you want, Hideki,” she murmured. “But the industry already decided. We’re getting married.”
Hideki let out a slow, sharp laugh. “Over my dead body.”
Anna smiled. “Exactly.”
Then—a pause.
Her eyes flickered over him, searching for something.
Then, softer, like it wasn’t meant to be heard—
“Why didn’t you fight me?”
For a second, Hideki didn’t know the answer.
For a second, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to.
But he didn’t let that thought linger.
Instead, he crushed the cigarette into the ashtray, turning away.
“Go to bed, Anna.”
She didn’t.
Not for a long time.
Scene 1: Rehearsals in Denmark – The Morning After the Engagement Bombshell
The rehearsal hall was massive, with sleek acoustics and a high ceiling designed to carry sound flawlessly.
The air was thick with the scent of stage dust, coffee, and tension.
Well of Fortune had a sold-out concert in Copenhagen in two days.
Which meant today was rehearsals.
Which meant they were all supposed to be focused.
But nobody was thinking about music.
Takao was the first to arrive. He walked onto the empty stage, bass strapped to his back, checking his phone for updates.
He wasn’t really expecting anything.
Then he saw it.
A message from Nachi.
[7:04 AM] Natsuhiko Yamaoka:
I thought Mamoru was smarter than this.
[7:05 AM] Natsuhiko Yamaoka:
Or did he finally give up on babysitting?
Takao frowned.
He looked up just as Mamoru walked in.
Alone.
No Hideki.
Takao stared at him for a second. Then—incredulously:
“Wait.” His eyebrows furrowed. “You let Hideki stay alone in a hotel. With her?”
Mamoru said nothing.
Just kept walking toward the stage.
Takao turned, glancing over at Nachi, who had just strolled in, coffee in hand, looking wildly unimpressed.
“Oh, yeah, Mamoru totally planned that,” Nachi said dryly. “I’m sure he tucked them in with warm milk and a bedtime story too.”
Takao let out a short, disbelieving laugh.
“So what? You just—left him with her? Seriously?”
Mamoru didn’t answer.
Didn’t stop walking.
Didn’t even glance at them.
Just kept moving straight toward the center of the stage, where his keyboard was waiting.
Nachi and Takao exchanged one quick look.
Something was off.
Mamoru was calm. Too calm.
And that?
That was more unsettling than any explosion.
Takao let out a slow breath, shaking his head.
“Okay, what the hell is your plan here, then?”
“We have rehearsals,” Mamoru said simply.
And that was it.
No arguments.
No explanations.
No ‘I know what I’m doing’ speech.
He just sat down at the keyboard, adjusted his in-ear monitors, and started playing.
Like nothing had happened.
Like he hadn’t left Hideki in a hotel room with the most predatory person he knew.
Like this wasn’t the single most reckless thing Mamoru had ever done.
Nachi exhaled through his nose, muttering under his breath.
“You know, I’d almost rather he screamed at us. This is worse.”
Takao frowned. “So what, you’re just letting this play out?”
Mamoru didn’t answer.
Didn’t even look up.
The sound of piano filled the empty rehearsal hall.
Nachi stared at him for a second longer, then sighed.
“Welp. Guess we’re all gonna die.”
He walked over to his mic stand, stretching one arm over his shoulder.
Takao?
Takao didn’t move.
He just stood there, watching Mamoru, waiting for some kind of crack.
Some kind of tell.
But Mamoru?
Mamoru just kept playing.
And for the first time in a long, long time—
Takao realized.
Mamoru wasn’t going to stop this.
Mamoru was waiting for Hideki to handle it himself.
The rehearsal hall was too quiet.
It wasn’t supposed to be.
Well of Fortune had a sold-out concert in Copenhagen in two days. They were supposed to be going over setlists, adjusting stage cues, fixing last-minute arrangements.
Instead, the band was standing on stage, waiting.
Waiting for Hideki.
Waiting for the fallout.
“So… we’re just pretending this is normal?”
Mamoru said nothing.
Just kept his hands on the keyboard, adjusting settings like nothing was wrong.
Nachi let out a short breath, adjusting his tambourine on the drum set.
“Oh yeah. Totally normal. Hideki getting fake-engaged on live TV? The label turning it into a circus? Mamoru just… walking away? Nothing weird at all.”
Takao exhaled. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“I cope with humor.”
Takao muttered, “We’re all gonna die.”
“Glad we’re on the same page.”
Nachi rolled his shoulders, then turned, watching Mamoru carefully.
“So, uh… Mamo. Buddy. Just for clarification.”
“Mm.”
“You’re seriously not gonna do anything about this?”
Mamoru kept playing.
Didn’t look up. Didn’t acknowledge them.
Nachi and Takao exchanged one quick glance.
Then—before Nachi could press further—
The door swung open.
And Hideki finally walked in.
The energy shifted immediately.
Hideki stepped onto the stage, wearing sunglasses indoors, a cigarette hanging from his lips, coffee in one hand.
Looking completely unbothered..
Like he hadn’t just shaken the entire industry overnight.
Like this was just another morning.
Takao stared at him, absolutely dumbfounded.
“You’re late.”
Hideki pulled off his sunglasses with a lazy smirk.
“You’re observant.”
Takao’s jaw clenched. Nachi, meanwhile, was already rubbing his temples.
“Okay, can we just—can we just acknowledge the fact that this is insane?”
Hideki raised an eyebrow.
“What’s insane?”
Nachi laughed once, dry and disbelieving.
“Oh, I don’t know, Hideki. Maybe the fact that you’re ‘engaged’ to a woman you nearly know? Maybe the fact that you’re acting like this is fine?”
Hideki took a slow sip of coffee.
“Maybe I just have excellent taste.”
“I hate you so much.”
Nachi turned to Mamoru, gesturing wildly. “Mamo, back me up here.”
Silence.
Mamoru didn’t even look at Hideki.
Didn’t react. Didn’t say a single word.
Just kept playing the keyboard, adjusting sound levels, focused entirely on the rehearsal.
Takao noticed it immediately.
He narrowed his eyes, glancing between the twins.
“Alright. What the hell is going on?”
Hideki’s smirk faltered—for just a fraction of a second.
Then he covered it effortlessly, turning away and grabbing his mic.
“We gonna rehearse, or what?”
Mamoru still didn’t look at him.
“Start from the top,” he said, voice unreadable.
And that was it.
No scolding.
No arguments.
No ‘You’re being reckless’ speech.
Just rehearsal.
(After Rehearsals, Green Room – Afternoon, June 2017)
The second they wrapped up, Hideki turned to leave.
He didn’t get far.
Nachi caught his sleeve.
“Oh, no. You’re not walking away from this.”
Hideki sighed. “Nachi.”
“Nope. We’re doing this now.”
Nachi pushed him toward the empty green room, locking the door behind them.
Hideki rolled his eyes, but he stayed.
Fine. If Nachi wanted a moment, he’d give him one.
Nachi crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. No jokes. No sarcasm.
“What the fuck are you doing?”
Hideki smirked.
“Living my best life.”
Nachi didn’t laugh.
Didn’t react at all.
“I need to know you’re not completely out of your mind.”
Hideki exhaled through his nose. “I’m fine, Nachi.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“Then ask a better question.”
“Alright.” Nachi’s voice was quiet, razor-sharp. “Do you actually have a plan? Or are you just walking straight into whatever game she’s playing?”
Hideki’s smirk flickered.
For one second, Nachi saw it.
The doubt. The hesitation.
Then—it was gone.
“I always have a plan.”
Nachi studied him for a long moment.
Then he shook his head, stepping back.
“No. You don’t.”
“Excuse me?”
Nachi exhaled, running a hand through his hair.
“You’re acting like this is a game, but Hideki—this isn’t one of your fucking mind battles anymore.”
“And what do you think it is?”
“A disaster waiting to happen.”
Silence.
For a long time, neither of them spoke.
Then, finally, Nachi shrugged, heading toward the door.
“If Mamoru’s not stopping you, then I won’t either.”
Hideki arched an eyebrow. “That easy?”
Nachi smirked. “Oh, I never said it’d be easy.”
He opened the door, stepping out. But before he left, he glanced back over his shoulder.
“Just don’t expect me to cry at your funeral.”
The door shut behind him.
Hideki exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders.
“Noted.” : Anna Makes Another Move
(Later That Night – Denmark, Hotel Suite, June 2017)
When he opened the door and saw Anna leaning against the frame, wearing his shirt, smirking up at him like she owned the entire world—
Something in his chest tightened.
“Miss me, fiancé?”
Hideki exhaled sharply, leaning against the doorframe.
“Can’t get enough of me, huh?”
Anna just smiled, stepping into the room, brushing past him.
“I like watching you squirm.”
Hideki smirked. “Oh? And how’s that working out for you?”
Anna stopped.
Turned.
Then—a quiet whisper:
“You’re still playing along.”
Silence.
Hideki didn’t answer.
Didn’t deny it.
And Anna?
She just smiled.
“Good boy.”
She kissed his cheek mocking, slow then stepped back.
“Sleep well, darling.”
And then, just like that, she was gone.
Leaving Hideki standing there
(Denmark Hotel, Late Night, June 2017)
The hotel hallway was quiet, except for the sound of Hideki’s footsteps.
His cigarette burned low between his fingers as he walked, letting the nicotine settle in his veins.
He was tired.
Not just physically—this was mental exhaustion.
Anna was pushing him further than expected.
Nachi was watching him like a funeral was coming.
Takao was already preparing damage control.
And Mamoru?
Mamoru hadn’t said a single word to him all day.
Which is why Hideki wasn’t surprised to find him waiting.
Mamoru was standing outside his hotel room door, arms crossed, glasses reflecting the dim hallway light.
Hideki sighed. “Finally ready to lecture me?”
Mamoru’s expression didn’t change.
“No.”
Hideki arched an eyebrow. “No?”
“I’m done trying.”
Something in Hideki’s stomach twisted.
“Oh? That easy?”
“You don’t want my help, Hideki.”
“Help with what?” Hideki exhaled smoke, feigning amusement. “My upcoming wedding? You’re my best man, by the way. Surprise.”
Mamoru didn’t blink.
“I’m not joking.”
“Neither am I.”
Silence.
Then, quieter, sharper:
“Why are you doing this?”
Hideki smirked. “Because it’s fun.”
“Lie better.”
Hideki didn’t answer.
Mamoru took a slow step forward, voice lowering.
“You know what she’s doing. You know exactly how this ends.”
Hideki tilted his head. “Do I?”
“Yes.”
“And yet, here I am.”
Mamoru’s jaw clenched.
Then—something broke.
“You’re going to fucking die, Hideki.”
Hideki stilled.
His cigarette froze halfway to his lips.
Mamoru never raised his voice.
Never lost control.
But right now?
His eyes were sharp, his breath unsteady, his entire body coiled with something barely restrained.
“You’re going to push this too far. And when you do, no one is going to save you.”
Silence.
Stepped forward.
Too close.
His smirk was still there—but it was dangerous now.
“You’re wrong.”
Mamoru narrowed his eyes.
“Am I?”
“Yeah.” Hideki’s voice was low. “Because you’ll save me.”
Mamoru exhaled sharply.
Then—he turned away.
“Not this time.”
And then he walked down the hall, leaving Hideki standing there.
For the first time, completely alone.
Anna’s Next Move – Pushing Hideki Further
(Denmark Hotel Room, Later That Night, June 2017)
The suite was too quiet.
Hideki was still thinking about Mamoru.
Which is why he didn’t notice Anna had propped herself nekst to him on the bed.
She was already sitting there, one leg crossed over the other, holding a wine glass.
Watching him.
Hideki sighed. “You know, normal people knock.”
Anna smirked. “You don’t like normal people.”
Fair enough.
He sat down across from her, grabbing a cigarette from the table.
Anna tilted her head. “Rough night?”
“What do you think?”
Anna hummed, swirling her wine. “Your brother’s upset with you.”
Hideki arched a brow.
“You keeping tabs on me, sweetheart?”
Anna’s lips curled. “Always.”
Silence.
Then, softly—
“Are you tired yet?”
Hideki’s cigarette paused at his lips. “Of what?”
“Of fighting me.”
The question hung between them.
Then—Anna stood.
Walked toward him slowly, deliberately.
Stopped just in front of him.
“Because I’m not tired of fighting you.”
She reached out—not to touch him, but to take the cigarette from his lips, pressing it out in the ashtray.
Slow. Deliberate
(Denmark Hote radisson
l, 3 AM, June 2017 – Mamoru’s Room)
Mamoru wasn’t asleep.
Of course he wasn’t.
He was sitting in the glowing blue light of his laptop screen, head resting on one hand, scrolling through the latest news articles.
? “Japan’s Power Couple: The Unstoppable Engagement of Hideki Yano & Anna Hoshikaze”
? “Inside the Industry’s Most Shocking Love Story”
? “Are We Finally Getting a Rockstar Wedding?”
Mamoru exhaled slowly.
Of course, the label was eating this up.
Of course, the media was all over it.
And Hideki?
Hideki was playing along.
Mamoru had one option left.
He had to make Hideki feel what it was like to lose him.
For the first time in their lives, Mamoru was going to be the one to walk away.
The Next morning
(Denmark Rehearsal Hall, June 2017)
The band was setting up again.
Nachi was quiet.
Takao was tense.
Hideki was acting normal.
And Mamoru?
Mamoru was still ignoring him.
Not coldly.
Not angrily.
Just… indifferently.
And Hideki noticed immediately.
At first, he ignored it.
But then—he started testing it.
? During soundcheck, Hideki made a mistake on purpose.
Mamoru didn’t react.
? During a break, Hideki made some offhand comment, trying to bait him.
Mamoru didn’t even look at him.
? After rehearsal, Hideki walked past Mamoru and lightly shoved his shoulder.
Mamoru kept walking.
Hideki was getting annoyed now.
“Mamoru.”
Mamoru kept walking.
“hey. Mamo.”
No answer.
“Tch.” Hideki gritted his teeth. “So, what? You’re ghosting me now?”
Mamoru finally turned.
His expression was flat.
“I don’t care.”
Hideki stilled.
For a second just a second his smirk flickered.
“You don’t care?”
“No.”
Mamoru adjusted his glasses, looking through him, not at him.
“Do whatever you want, Hideki. I don’t care anymore.”
Then he turned away again.
And Hideki?
He stood there.
Frozen.
Because for the first time in his life—Mamoru wasn’t trying to stop him.
And somehow, that was worse than anything else.
(Denmark Hotel Suite, Late Night, June 2017)
The cigarette burned low between Hideki’s fingers.
He wasn’t even smoking it—just letting it sit there, letting the smoke curl in the dim light of the hotel suite.
Anna was at the vanity, brushing her hair, watching him through the mirror.
“You seem tense.”
Hideki didn’t respond.
Anna turned slightly, eyes sharp, unreadable.
“Let me guess. Mamoru’s still ignoring you.”
Hideki exhaled slowly, controlled. “He’s not ignoring me. He’s just busy.”
Anna hummed. “Busy pretending you don’t exist?”
Silence.
Hideki took a drag from the cigarette, then handed it to her.
She took it effortlessly, fingers brushing his as she brought it to her lips.
“I told you, darling,” she murmured, exhaling smoke. “You’re all alone now.”
Hideki leaned back against the headboard, smirking. “Tch. Thanks for the support, sweetheart.”
Anna stepped closer.
Too close.
“I mean it.”
She sat on the edge of the bed, one leg crossing over the other, watching him.
“You can keep fighting me if you want. But let’s be honest, Hideki—”
She took another slow drag from the cigarette, then handed it back to him.
“Who else is here?”
Hideki didn’t answer.
Didn’t need to.
Because they both knew the truth.
Mamoru was gone.
Nachi was watching from a distance.
Takao was waiting for the inevitable disaster.
And Hideki?
Hideki was here. With her.
Alone.
Anna smiled like she had already won.
“Get some sleep, fiancé.”
And just like that, she stood, walking toward the bathroom.
Leaving Hideki sitting there.
Staring at the cigarette.
Wondering why he wasn’t fighting harder.
Denmark Concert Venue, Post-Rehearsal, June 2017 the nekst day
Hideki was fine.
Completely, totally fine.
Which is why, when Mamoru walked past him again without so much as a glance, Hideki didn’t react.
At first.
Then?
Then he snapped.
“hey.”
Mamoru kept walking.
Hideki grabbed his wrist.
The room went silent.
“Enough.”
Mamoru finally looked at him.
Expression calm, unreadable.
“Let go.”
“You can stop now. It’s getting old.”
Mamoru tilted his head slightly. “What is?”
“This. The cold shoulder, the silent treatment—”
Mamoru yanked his arm free.
“I’m not treating you any way, Hideki. I just don’t care.”
Something in Hideki cracked.
“Bullshit.”
“Think whatever you want.”
Mamoru turned away.
Hideki’s temper flared.
“Fine. You don’t care? Guess I’ll go back to Anna’s then.”
That?
That made Mamoru pause.
Not much. Just a fraction of a second.
But Hideki caught it.
And for the first time in days—he grinned.
“Ah, there it is.”
Mamoru’s jaw tightened.
Then, without a word, he walked away.
Leaving Hideki standing there.
Grinning. But feeling sick.
Because for the first time, he wasn’t sure if Mamoru would actually come back.
The band was fracturing.
Nachi could feel it. He where tiered of it , so when he saw Mamoru stood off to the side, eyes locked on his phone. He wasn’t texting. Wasn’t reading. Just watching the fluctuating numbers on the screen. Hideki’s heart rate. The data streamed from the smartwatch he refused to take off, feeding Mamoru the one thing he could control.
Nachi grabbed his arm and dragged him out of earshot.
“You’re seriously not talking to him?” His voice was low, strained. “What if he strokes out from skipping his meds?”
Mamoru didn’t even blink. “I am talking to him.”
Nachi’s eyes narrowed. “The hell does that mean?”
Mamoru turned the phone screen toward him. The heart rate graph was stable. A little high, but within limits.
“I’m tracking his vitals. He comes back to take his meds. Eventually.”
Nachi exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair. “Mamoru, he’s not a damn Tamagotchi. You can’t just monitor him like he’s a stock market crash and hope he doesn’t die.”
“It’s worked so far.”
“That’s not a plan.”
Mamoru’s eyes flicked up, calm, detached. “It’s the only plan that works.”
Nachi looked between them, exasperated. The tension hung in the air, unspoken but suffocating. In the corner, Takao was adjusting his bass strap, pretending not to watch. The silence stretched until Hideki clapped his hands together, deliberately breaking it.
“Alright, then.” He grinned, stepping toward the mic stand. “One more time? Let’s play.”
They all moved into position, instruments ready, setlists scattered on the floor. But the moment Mamoru glanced at his phone again, something in his expression flickered. Just for a second.
The numbers on the screen had changed.
Takao was watching. Waiting. Calculating.
He caught Mamoru just before he left the venue, grabbing his sleeve.
“You’re not actually going to let this happen, are you?”
Mamoru stilled.
Didn’t answer.
Didn’t even look at him.
“You know what’s going on,” Takao pressed. “You know what she’s doing to him.”
Mamoru exhaled slowly.
“He made his choice.”
Takao scoffed. “So that’s it? You’re done?”
Mamoru finally turned.
Expression calm. Cold.
“Tell me, Suzuki. What exactly do you think I should do?”
Takao narrowed his eyes. “Stop him.”
Mamoru’s lips curled, mocking, bitter.
“I have been stopping him. For years. What good has it done?”
Silence.
Takao had no answer.
Mamoru pulled his sleeve free, walking past him.
And Takao?
Takao watched him go.
Then—he turned the other way.
Heading straight for Hideki.
Denmark Hotel, Anna’s Suite, Late Night
Anna was already pouring wine when Hideki walked in.
“Busy day?” she murmured.
Hideki didn’t answer.
Didn’t even look at her.
He went straight for the cigarettes, lighting one without thinking.
Anna smiled.
“That bad?”
“Shut up, Anna.”
Her smile widened.
“Oh? Tense, are we?”
Hideki took a slow, sharp inhale.
“Mamoru’s still ignoring you, huh?”
“Drop it.”
Anna leaned against the table, tilting her head.
“So you ran back here instead.”
Hideki’s grip tightened on the cigarette.
“I said, drop it.”
“Oh, but it’s fascinating, darling.”
She stepped closer. Too close.
“The great Hideki Yano, the one who always wins—”
She plucked the cigarette from his lips, exhaling smoke.
”—and yet, here you are, completely and utterly losing.”
Hideki’s jaw clenched.
“You sure about that?”
Anna smirked.
“Oh, sweetheart. We both know I’m right.”
Silence.
Then—his phone buzzed.
He checked the screen.
Takao.
He let it ring.
Let it ring again.
Then—finally—he picked up.
“What?”
Takao’s voice was dead serious.
“Mamoru’s waiting for you. At the pier.”
Copenhagen Pier, Later same Night, June 2017
The air was cold. Sharp.
Mamoru was waiting by the railing, hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on the dark waves below.
Hideki approached slowly, cigarette still burning in his fingers.
“You called me all the way out here for this?”
Mamoru didn’t turn.
“You’re still smoking.”
Hideki exhaled. “Only with her.”
Mamoru’s jaw clenched.
Finally, he turned—expression unreadable.
“Why?”
Hideki smirked. “Why not?”
“No. Why are you doing this?”
Hideki’s grip tightened around the cigarette.
“You mean, why am I not in my bed, waiting for you to fix everything like always?”
Mamoru’s expression darkened.
“I’m not fixing this.”
Silence.
Then, Hideki scoffed, flicking the cigarette away.
“So that’s what this is about? You’re finally tired of babysitting?”
Mamoru’s voice was quiet. Cold.
“No. I’m tired of watching you destroy yourself.”
Something in Hideki’s chest tightened.
But his smirk didn’t slip.
“So what, you finally giving up on me?”
Mamoru stepped closer.
“I already told you, Hideki. Do whatever you want.”
Hideki’s pulse spiked.
“Tch. Bullshit.”
Mamoru didn’t react.
Didn’t move.
Didn’t do anything.
Just watched him.
And for the first time in Hideki’s life, he felt it.
The distance.
The space where Mamoru used to be.
“You think ignoring me is gonna make me crawl back?” Hideki laughed, sharp, bitter. “You think I need you that bad?”
Mamoru’s voice was barely above a whisper.
“Yes.”
Silence.
Hideki’s breath caught.
Mamoru stepped forward, voice steady.
“I’m the only one who actually cares if you live or die.”
“Oh? And what about her?”
“Anna?”
Mamoru scoffed.
“She’s just waiting to watch you burn.”
Silence.
Then—Hideki snapped.
“And what if I want to burn?”
Mamoru froze.
Just for a second.
Then—he grabbed Hideki’s collar, yanking him forward.
“Then do it without me.”
With that Mamoru let go. Stepped back.
Turned away.
And Hideki?
Hideki just stood there.
Jaw tight.
Hands shaking.
Watching Mamoru walk away.
And for the first time in his life—
He realized he might actually lose him.
Denmark Hotel Suite, Morning, June 2017
Anna woke up slowly, stretching against the sheets.
Hideki was still in bed, propped up on one elbow, cigarette dangling loosely between his fingers.
He was watching her.
Not in any particularly romantic way. Just curious. Thoughtful. Calculating.
“What?” she murmured, reaching for the cigarette and taking a slow drag.
“Nothing.”
That was a lie.
Anna smirked, exhaling smoke.
“That’s a first.”
Hideki huffed a quiet laugh. “Tch. Don’t get used to it.”
She sat up, letting the sheets slip slightly off her shoulder, watching him.
He looked relaxed, but she knew better.
This wasn’t peace.
This was exhaustion.
“Thinking about him?”
Hideki froze.
Just for a fraction of a second.
Then, smoothly, he reached for the cigarette, plucking it from her fingers.
“Who?”
Anna’s smirk widened.
“Mm. Good boy.”
She leaned in, lips just barely brushing his jaw.
“Forget about him.”
And for a few hours—he allmoust did
Band Suite, Denmark Hotel, June 2017 – Later That Night
Mamoru was watching.
Not obviously.
Not directly.
But he was tracking everything.
And Hideki?
Hideki was different.
? Still loud, still laughing, still performing like nothing was wrong.
? Still making jokes at Takao’s expense.
? Still pretending he was untouchable.
But something was off.
Something wrong.
Mamoru saw it in the way Hideki carried himself.
In the way he barely looked in his direction anymore.
He was pulling away.
Not just from Mamoru—from all of them.
And Mamoru wasn’t stupid.
He knew exactly where Hideki was spending his nights.
Exactly who he was with.
Exactly what was happening.
But the real problem?
Hideki didn’t even realize what he was walking into.
And Mamoru?
Mamoru wasn’t going to stop him.
Not yet.
(Hotel Bar, June 2017 – The Next Day)
Takao watched as Hideki dropped into the seat next to him, stealing his whiskey without asking.
“You look like shit,” Takao noted.
Hideki smirked. “Yeah? That’s just my natural glow.”
Takao rolled his eyes.
“I don’t care what you do in your free time.”
Hideki hummed. “Sounds fake, but okay.”
“But I do care when it starts affecting business.”
Silence.
Hideki’s smirk didn’t waver.
But Takao saw it.
The split-second flicker of something else.
“You’re spiraling, Yano.”
“Oh? And here I thought I was thriving.”
Takao leaned forward, resting his elbows on the bar.
“I don’t need to be Mamoru to see where this is going.”
Hideki tapped the side of his glass. “And where’s that?”
Takao took a slow sip of whiskey.
“Nowhere good.”
Silence.
Then—Hideki laughed.
Too sharp. Too forced.
“Damn, Suzuki. I didn’t know you cared.”
Takao sighed, setting his glass down.
“I don’t. But I know how this industry works.”
“Good for you.”
Takao studied him for a long moment.
Then, calmly, carefully—he spoke the words Hideki had been avoiding.
“She’s setting you up.”
Hideki’s smirk finally slipped.
For just a second.
Then—he covered it.
“You’re paranoid.”
“Am I?”
Takao watched as Hideki lifted the whiskey to his lips, taking a slow sip.
And for the first time since this whole mess started—Hideki didn’t have a comeback.
Nachi Starts Setting Up a Safety Net
(Band Suite, Denmark Hotel, Late Night, June 2017)
Nachi sat on the couch, idly flipping through a magazine.
Mamoru was across from him, silent, still, completely unreadable.
“So that’s it, huh?” Nachi said, voice low. “You’re really leaving him to sink?”
Mamoru didn’t answer.
Nachi scoffed.
“Yeah. Thought so.”
He plucked a few strings on his guitar. Kept his tone casual.
“Hope you’re ready, Mamo.”
Mamoru finally looked at him.
“For what?”
Nachi smirked.
“For when he finally breaks.”
Mamoru’s fingers curled against his knee.
Just slightly.
And Nachi?
Nachi saw it.
And that’s when he knew.
Mamoru was scared too.
(Denmark Hotel Suite, Midnight, June 2017)
Anna waited until Hideki was asleep.
Until his breathing had evened out, his body completely still against the sheets.
Then, slowly, carefully, she slid out of bed.
She walked to the window, lighting a cigarette, exhaling smoke soft and slow.
She wasn’t in a hurry.
She had all the time in the world.
Because Hideki?
Hideki was already trapped.
He just didn’t know it yet.
She smiled, taking another drag.
August wasn’t far away.
And when the time came?
She’d make sure he never walked away from her again.
(June 2017 – Copenhagen, Odense, and Aarhus – 3 Concerts & Sightseeing)
(Copenhagen, Nyhavn District – June 2017, Post-Concert)
The afterparty was in Nyhavn, the famous waterfront district, where neon lights reflected off the canal, turning the water into a swirl of colors. The entire VIP section of a high-end jazz bar had been rented out—an intimate, exclusive setting for industry elites, label execs, and the band.
The concert had been flawless. Another sold-out night. The energy of the fans still buzzed in their ears.
But none of that mattered now.
Because something was wrong.
Anna was here.
Still.
Still.
She hadn’t left since they touched down in Scandinavia.
No one had questioned it before—not when she showed up in London, not even when she reappeared in Manchester—but now? Now it was obvious.
And the worst part?
She wasn’t just lingering.
She was clinging to Hideki.
Like a fox locking its jaws around its prey.
Mimmi sipped her drink, watching Anna drape herself across Hideki’s arm like she belonged there.
She didn’t.
Takao and Nachi had noticed too.
Even the crew was starting to whisper.
“You’re letting her tag along?” Mimmi finally asked, voice cool, measured.
Hideki—leaning back in a velvet lounge chair, leg crossed, looking too comfortable then smirked.
“She’s in love with me,” he said smoothly.
Mimmi tilted her head. “That’s not normal, Hideki. Even for you.”
“Tch. What’s normal, boss? Being lonely?”
Takao exhaled sharply, arms crossed.
“She’s not here for the concerts, Yano. She’s here for you.”
Nachi huffed, shaking his head.
“Yeah, it’s weird, man. Even for a groupie.”
Silence.
Everyone was waiting for Mamoru to say something.
Anything.
But Mamoru just sat there, untouched drink in front of him, eyes half-lidded, saying nothing.
Not agreeing.
Not disagreeing.
Just watching.
(Denmark, June 2017 – Between Concerts, A Day Off in Odense)
Their tour bus arrived in Odense, Denmark’s fairytale capital.
The label had arranged a private tour through the H.C. Andersen Museum—the legendary author of “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.”
Fans would have killed to be here.
Hideki?
He barely looked up from his phone.
The band was supposed to be having a moment—absorbing the literary history, appreciating the carefully curated exhibits about Andersen’s tragic genius.
Instead—
Anna was glued to Hideki’s side.
Mimmi noticed.
Takao noticed.
Even the museum curator was visibly confused by the way Anna lingered, leaning against Hideki as he skimmed through an exhibit on Andersen’s lost love letters.
Mamoru was silent.
Nachi made a joke about what Hideki would write in a love letter.
Takao muttered, “He wouldn’t. He’d ghost them instead.”
Hideki just smirked.
But the tension never left the room.
And when Anna casually slipped her fingers into Hideki’s hand—
Mamoru turned and walked out of the museum.
(Aarhus, Ceres Park Arena – June 2017, Third & Final Denmark Concert)
The concert was supposed to be seamless.
And for the first half, it was.
Hideki was on fire. Every note hit perfectly. The crowd hung on his every move.
And then, midway through the set—
A fan near the barricade held up a massive sign.
A simple, handwritten message in English:
“IS ANNA HERE? WE LOVE YOU!”
The crowd cheered.
The cameras caught it instantly.
The entire venue was waiting for Hideki’s reaction.
And Hideki?
He paused.
For just a fraction of a second.
Then—he smirked.
And instead of ignoring it—he fed it.
“You’ll have to ask my fiancée that one.”
The arena erupted.
Mamoru’s grip tightened on his keyboard.
Takao muttered a curse under his breath.
Mimmi, from side-stage, visibly stiffened.
Anna, watching from VIP, smirked like she had already won.
And Hideki?
(Backstage, Post-Concert – June 2017)
The second they stepped off stage, the tension exploded.
Mimmi was furious.
Takao was gritting his teeth.
Even Nachi had nothing to say.
But Mamoru?
Mamoru just stood there.
Watching.
Waiting.
And Hideki—Hideki knew.
Knew this was different.
He turned toward Mamoru, expecting a lecture.
Expecting anything.
Instead—
Mamoru walked right past him.
Didn’t even look at him.
Didn’t even acknowledge him.
(June 2017 – Stockholm, Gothenburg, & Malm? – 3 Concerts & Sightseeing Avicii Arena, Stockholm – June 2017, First of Three Sweden Concerts)
From the outside, nothing was wrong.
The Avicii Arena pulsed with energy, 16,000 fans screaming his name. The lights, the cameras, the stage—it was everything Hideki had trained himself to own.
And for the first few songs, he did.
? Every note hit perfectly.
? Every movement looked effortless.
? Every smirk, every sharp glance at the camera, had the audience eating out of his hand.
Except—
His hands weren’t steady.
It wasn’t noticeable at first. Not even to him.
Just a fraction of a delay between thought and action. A microsecond of hesitation before his fingers obeyed.
Then, by the fifth song, the first real problem.
He shifted too fast, and the stage lagged beneath him.
Not actually. But that’s what it felt like.
A brief flicker of weightlessness, like stepping onto an escalator that wasn’t moving.
He forced himself still.
Kept singing. Kept playing. Kept pretending.
By the end of the show, the audience had no idea anything was off expect his twin.
(Gothenburg, Sweden – June 2017, Second Tour Stop, A Free Day Before the Show)
The band had the day off before the Gothenburg concert, and the label had set up a private tour of the Gothenburg Opera House and a meeting with Swedish music historians.
? Gothenburg is one of Sweden’s music capitals.
? It’s home to famous metal bands, classical composers, and underground jazz movements.
? A perfect blend of Hideki’s and Mamoru’s interests.
And Hideki?
He could not have cared less.
He was present but barely engaged.
At the concert hall, the guide explained how Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra was Sweden’s oldest, how its music had shaped the industry—
But Hideki’s eyes were half-lidded, his fingers twitching in his lap.
At the historical music exhibit, the guide spoke about Sweden’s post-punk scene, how it blurred into electronic influences—
But Hideki was glancing at his phone, barely processing a word.
Takao noticed.
Nachi noticed.
Even the museum curator looked confused at how distant he was.
But Anna?
Anna just smiled, slipping a cigarette between his fingers, pressing close as they walked.
“They don’t get it, do they?” she murmured.
Hideki smirked, inhaling slow.
“Not even close.”
And from across the room, Mamoru watched.
Saying nothing.
(Scandinavium, Gothenburg – June 2017, Second Concert in Sweden)
The venue was massive.
Over 14,000 fans packed into the Scandinavium, chanting, screaming, raising their hands toward the stage.
The band was on fire.
The first half of the show was flawless.
Then, midway through the set—
A shift.
It was subtle.
Not a collapse.
Not something the audience would notice.
Not even something he could name.
Just—
A sudden weight in his chest.
Like someone had turned up the gravity, like his own body was working against him.
For a second, his knee didn’t respond right.
The microphone almost slipped from his grip.
The stage lights were too sharp, too bright.
And then—just as quickly—it was gone.
His body snapped back into sync.
His hands moved without hesitation.
The crowd never noticed. He smiled to show he where okay but when he looked over at his bassist
Takao was already fucking furious.
(Malm?, Sweden – The Night Before the Final Sweden Concert, Hotel Bar & Private Lounge)
? Mamoru had ignored Hideki for weeks.
? Hideki had ignored Mamoru right back.
? And now, they had finally reached the point where ignoring wasn’t an option.
Because Hideki wasn’t just reckless anymore.
He was actively self-destructing.
? He had been drinking more.
? He had been smoking constantly.
? He had barely eaten anything normal in days.
And tonight?
Tonight was the worst yet.
The afterparty was in a private lounge at the hotel, filled with industry executives, models, and Swedish media reps.
And Hideki?
Hideki was on his third drink.
Which wasn’t normal.
Because Hideki never drank this much unless he was making a point.
Mamoru finally moved.
Finally stepped in.
He grabbed Hideki’s wrist, yanking the glass out of his hand.
The entire room went quiet.
Hideki blinked.
Mamoru’s grip was tight. Too tight.
“Are you fucking serious right now?” Mamoru’s voice was low. Dangerous.
Hideki tilted his head, smirking.
“Tch. And here I thought you were done babysitting me.”
Mamoru shoved the glass onto the bar.
“I was. But if you’re trying to kill yourself, at least be fucking original.”
The words landed.
And for the first time in weeks—Hideki faltered.
Just for a second.
Then?
Then he laughed.
“Come on, Mamoru. What’s wrong? Afraid you won’t have anything left to control?”
Mamoru’s expression darkened.
“You think this is about control?”
Hideki leaned in, voice low.
“Isn’t it?”
Mamoru snapped.
“No, you selfish piece of shit. It’s about the fact that you’re a fucking idiot who doesn’t know when to stop.”
Hideki froze.
The entire room was watching.
Anna was watching.
Takao and Nachi were watching.
And for the first time—Hideki had nothing to say.
Mamoru let go of his wrist, stepping back.
“Drink yourself to death if you want.”
Mamoru turned.
“But don’t pretend I’m the one making you do it.”
Then he walked away.
And this time—Hideki didn’t chase after him.
(Malm?, Hotel Suite, June 2017 – The Day of the Final Sweden Concert)
Hideki woke up with a headache and a mouthful of regret.
He barely remembered leaving the party.
Barely remembered what he had said.
But he remembered Mamoru.
The look on his face.
The way he had walked away.
The wat Mamoru hadn’t checked on him since.
Anna, beside him in bed, smirked.
“You had fun last night.”
Hideki groaned, rubbing his temples.
“Tch. Sure. Let’s call it that.”
Anna sat up, reaching for a cigarette.
“You know he’s coming back, right?”
Hideki exhaled slowly.
And for the first time—
He wasn’t sure.
.
Oslo, Norway – First Concert at Telenor Arena, June 2017
The first concert in Norway was massive.
23,000 people.
One of the biggest venues in Scandinavia.
A test.
And Hideki wasn’t ready for it.
The first song started strong. The lights hit just right.
? The crowd screamed, deafening.
But then—
A single note.
Just one.
? Held a fraction too long.
? A crack—not enough for the crowd to notice.
? But enough for the band to hear.
Mamoru’s hands froze over the keys.
Takao’s head snapped up.
Nachi’s foot faltered against the bass pedal.
Hideki kept going.
But the damage was already done.
His voice had finally, for the first time, wavered.
Backstage – The Fight Everyone Saw Coming
The second they were offstage, Mamoru exploded.
? No pretense. No patience.
? The silent treatment was over.
? He wasn’t watching anymore—he was stepping in.
“What the fuck was that?”
Hideki toweled off his face, smirking.
“A show. You’re welcome.”
Mamoru slammed a hand against the wall.
“Your voice cracked.”
Hideki shrugged.
“Happens.”
“No, it fucking doesn’t.”
Takao was pacing, hands on his hips. Nachi was gripping a water bottle so tightly it might break.Anna was watching from the corner, completely at ease.
“It’s fine, Mamoru.” Hideki’s voice was low, slow, controlled. “I can handle it.”
Mamoru laughed once. A sharp, humorless sound.
“You can’t even handle your own fucking body.”
Silence.
“If you’re trying to destroy yourself, just say it,” Mamoru spat. “At least have the fucking balls to admit it.”
Hideki’s jaw tightened.
“Tch. Maybe I would if you’d stop trying to do it for me.”
And Mamoru—for the first time—didn’t have a response.
Because that was the real truth.
Mamoru wasn’t just watching Hideki die.
He was trying to stop it.
And he was failing.
(Hotel Suite, Late Night, Oslo – After the First Norway Concert)
Mamoru didn’t come back to the hotel room that night.
Takao and Nachi stayed in their own rooms.Anna? She stayed.
They were on the private balcony, the city stretching out below them, empty wine glasses on the table.
“You know,” Anna said, tilting her head, “if you keep pushing him away, you might actually lose him.”
Hideki exhaled smoke, gaze unfocused.
“Maybe that’s the point.”
Anna watched him carefully.
“And if he stops coming back?”
Hideki didn’t answer.
Telenor Arena, Oslo – June 2017, Last Show Before Finland.
The dressing room was silent.
Takao sat on the couch, arms crossed, watching.Nachi was fixing his drumsticks, saying nothing. Mamoru hadn’t looked at Hideki once.
Anna was sitting in the corner, legs crossed, smirking like she already knew how this would end.
No one spoke.
Not even Mimmi.
Because they all knew.
This was going to be bad.
The Telenor Arena was packed.
23,000 fans screaming, ready.
The lights hit, the music surged, and Hideki stepped onto the stage like nothing was wrong.
? The first song went smoothly.
? The second was a little rough, but manageable.
? The third—his throat felt dry.
But the crowd didn’t notice.
He pushed through.
? Every movement was sharp.
? Every smirk was calculated.
? Every glance at the camera was perfect.
Except—
His voice was just a little off.
? The higher notes weren’t as strong.
? The sustain wasn’t as effortless.
? His breathing wasn’t as controlled.
Takao shifted closer, sensing it.
Mamoru’s hands hovered over his keyboard, waiting.
Nachi’s rhythm stayed aggressive, steady—trying to keep Hideki on track.
But by the seventh song—
The cracks started showing.
? The tenth song.
? The bridge.
? The one note that mattered.
He hit it.
But just barely.
? It came out weaker than usual.
? The vibrato wavered.
? The audience didn’t notice—but the band did.
Mamoru’s fingers froze on the keys.
Takao’s grip tightened on his bass.
Nachi missed a beat.
And Hideki?
He pretended he didn’t hear it.
Kept going.
Pushed through.
Because if he stopped now—he wasn’t sure he’d get back up.
The setlist was almost over.
? The crowd was still wild, feeding off the energy.
? The cameras were rolling.
? No one outside this stage knew he was drowning.
But Mamoru knew.
And Mamoru wasn’t waiting anymore.
The last chorus came up—one of the hardest notes of the night.
Mamoru stepped closer, just out of the audience’s view.
Takao was tense, ready.
And Hideki—he barely made it through.
? The note wavered.
? His breath caught for a second.
? He disguised it as a vocal run—but Mamoru knew better.
The song ended.
The crowd roared.
And Hideki—he smiled, waved, played the role.
But the second they were offstage—
He almost collapsed.
(Backstage, Immediately After the Show)
The moment they stepped behind the curtain—
? Mamoru caught his arm.
? Takao swore under his breath.
? Nachi exhaled hard, running a hand through his hair.
Mamoru’s voice was sharp.
“You’re done.”
Hideki jerked his arm free, scowling.
“Tch. Like hell I am.”
Mamoru stepped closer.
“I heard it, Hideki.”
“The strain, The breathlessness.The crack in your voice,you think you can hide it.”
Mamoru’s voice dropped lower.
“How much longer are you going to pretend?”
Hideki laughed—light, dismissive.
“As long as it takes.”
Takao looked away, biting the inside of his cheek. Nachi ran a hand over his face, muttering something under his breath. Anna? She just watched.
Because she knew—
This was only going to get worse.
(Hotel Room, Oslo – Hours After the Show)
The suite was quiet. Mamoru wasn’t speaking to him. He could never get used to it
? Takao had locked himself in his room.
? Nachi had gone drinking alone.
And Hideki?
He was on the balcony, smoking, staring at the city.
“Well,” Anna’s voice came from behind him. “That was interesting.”
Hideki exhaled slowly.
“Which part?”
“The part where you almost passed out backstage. Or the part where you’re still pretending everything is fine.”
Hideki smirked.
“Tch. You’re dramatic.”
Anna leaned against the railing, watching him.
“And you’re dying.”
Silence.
She wasn’t joking.
She wasn’t playing.
She meant it.